11111111111111011111101011111111111110111119,!1111111111111111111111111110111111
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0021269 Al
`Jan. 25, 2007
`Shum (cid:9)
`(43) Pub. Date: (cid:9)
`
`(54) INTERFACES AND SYSTEMS FOR
`DISPLAYING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
`INFORMATION ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES
`
`(75) Inventor: Albert Shum, Portland, OR (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`BANNER & WITCOFF
`1001 G STREET N W
`SUITE 1100
`WASHINGTON, DC 20001 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Nike, Inc., Beaverton, OR
`
`(21) Appl. No.: (cid:9)
`
`11/188,112
`
`(22) Filed: (cid:9)
`
`Jul. 25, 2005
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`A 63B 71/00 (cid:9)
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. (cid:9)
`
`482/8
`
`(57) (cid:9)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Athletic performance monitoring systems include compo-
`nents for sensing performance data and/or displaying desired
`information to users. Electronic interface systems facilitate
`transfer of the data from the performance sensing system to
`a display device, e.g., to enable the display of athletic
`performance data on an electronic display device, including
`conventional electronic display devices that are known and
`commercially available (e.g., cellular telephones, PDAs,
`pagers, beepers, MP3 or other audio players, radios, portable
`televisions, portable DVD players, other video playing
`devices, watches, etc.). The sensing systems, as well as any
`data transfer systems associated therewith, may be included
`as part of an article of footwear, an article of clothing, a
`piece of athletic equipment, or the like, or even included as
`part of the interface device.
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1011, Page 1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jan. 25, 2007 Sheet 1 of 8 (cid:9)
`
`US 2007/0021269 Al
`
`FIG. 1
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1011, Page 2
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 25, 2007 Sheet 2 of 8 (cid:9)
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 25, 2007 Sheet 3 of 8 (cid:9)
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`NIKE, Exhibit 1011, Page 4
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`NIKE, Exhibit 1011, Page 7
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 25, 2007 Sheet 7 of 8
`
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`NIKE, Exhibit 1011, Page 8
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 25, 2007 Sheet 8 of 8 (cid:9)
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`NIKE, Exhibit 1011, Page 9
`
`

`

`US 2007/0021269 Al (cid:9)
`
`Jan. 25, 2007
`
`1
`
`INTERFACES AND SYSTEMS FOR DISPLAYING
`ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE INFORMATION ON
`ELECTRONIC DEVICES
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] This invention relates generally to athletic perfor-
`mance monitoring systems. Such systems may include com-
`ponents for sensing athletic performance data and/or for
`displaying desired information to the user. Electronic inter-
`face systems in accordance with at least some aspects of this
`invention facilitate transfer of athletic performance data
`from the performance sensing system to a processing system
`and/or a display device, e.g., to enable data input, storage,
`analysis, and/or display on or by an electronic display
`device, including on or by conventional electronic display
`devices that are known and commercially available (e.g.,
`devices that are not typically designed and adapted for
`displaying athletic performance data).
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] Modern technology has given rise to a wide variety
`of different electronic and/or communication devices that
`keep users in touch with one another, entertained, and
`informed. A wide variety of portable electronic devices are
`available for these purposes, such as cellular telephones;
`personal digital assistants ("PDAs"); pagers; beepers; MP3
`or other audio players; radios; portable televisions, DVD
`players, or other video playing devices; watches; GPS
`systems; etc. Many people like to carry one or more of these
`types of devices with them when they exercise and/or
`participate in athletic events, for example, to keep them in
`contact with others (e.g., in case of inclement weather,
`injuries, emergencies, to contact coaches or trainers, etc.), to
`keep them entertained, to provide information (e.g., time,
`direction, location, etc.), and the like.
`
`[0003] Athletic performance monitoring systems also
`have benefited from recent advancements in electronic
`device technology. Electronic performance monitoring
`devices enable easy and convenient monitoring of many
`physical or physiological characteristics associated with
`exercise or other athletic performances, including, for
`example: speed and distance data, altitude data, GPS data,
`heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure data, body temperature,
`etc. While such data can be collected during an athletic
`performance, providing this information to a user during the
`performance and/or enabling user use of and interaction with
`the data and/or sensors during the performance can be more
`problematic. For example, requiring the user to carry an
`additional display device during the athletic performance
`can be undesirable due to the weight, clumsiness, confusion,
`and inconvenience of carrying such devices, because users
`often already have one or more other portable electronic
`devices that they like to carry (e.g., of the types described
`above), etc. Moreover, substantial costs may be involved in
`providing a dedicated athletic performance monitor and/or
`display device.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0004] Aspects of this invention relate to athletic perfor-
`mance monitoring systems. Such systems may include com-
`ponents for measuring or sensing athletic performance data
`and/or for displaying desired information associated with the
`
`athletic performance to the user (or others). An electronic
`interface system or device may be provided to facilitate
`transfer of the athletic performance data from the sensing
`system to the display device, e.g., to enable the display of
`athletic performance data on any electronic display device,
`including conventional electronic display devices that are
`known and commercially available (e.g., cellular tele-
`phones, PDAs, pagers, beepers, MP3 or other audio players,
`radios, portable televisions, portable DVD players, other
`video playing devices, watches, etc.).
`[0005] Aspects of this invention may include electronic
`interface devices of the types described above as well as
`systems and methods in which they are used. Such systems
`and methods may include: (a) a sensing device for sensing
`physical and/or physiological data associated with exercise
`or an athletic performance; (b) a data transfer system in
`communication with the sensing device for transmitting
`performance data, wherein the performance data includes at
`least some portion of the physical or physiological data or
`data derived, at least in part, from at least some portion of
`the physical or physiological data; (c) an electronic interface
`device; and/or (d) a portable display device releasable
`connected to the interface device, wherein the electronic
`interface device provides display data to the portable display
`device, and wherein the display data includes at least some
`portion of the performance data or data derived, at least in
`part, from at least some portion of the performance data. The
`electronic interface device may include, for example: an
`input system in communication with and adapted to receive
`the performance data from the data transfer system and an
`output system having a connection system that includes at
`least one connection element for physically connecting to
`the display device. The connection element of the electronic
`interface device may physically plug into an existing port or
`jack (such as a universal serial bus port, a parallel port, or
`other data or power/recharger input port) provided in the
`display device, including in conventional input ports known
`and used in commercially available electronic display
`devices.
`[0006] If desired, the athletic performance data sensing
`devices, as well as any data transfer systems associated
`therewith, may be mounted on (e.g., via a clip, clamp,
`hook-and-loop fasteners, other fasteners or mechanical
`structures, adhesives, etc.) and/or included as part of an
`article of footwear (e.g., integrally formed in or as part of an
`article of athletic footwear, such as in the sole member), an
`article of clothing, a piece of athletic equipment, etc. Also,
`the sensing device and its associated data transfer system, if
`any, may be included as part of a single overall structure or
`component, e.g., mounted in a common housing or on a
`single board, connected or bonded to one another, etc.,
`optionally while sharing a common power source, connec-
`tors, and the like, in accordance with at least some examples
`of this invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`[0007] A more complete understanding of the present
`invention and at least some features and advantages thereof
`may be acquired by referring to the following description
`and the accompanying drawings, in which like reference
`numbers indicate like features throughout, and wherein:
`[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates example systems and an example
`environment in which various aspects and features of the
`invention may be used;
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1011, Page 10
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`US 2007/0021269 Al (cid:9)
`
`Jan. 25, 2007
`
`2
`
`[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates an example electronic interface/
`display device combination in accordance with at least some
`examples of this invention;
`
`[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram showing
`components provided in one example of an electronic inter-
`face device in accordance with this invention;
`
`[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram showing
`components provided in one example of an athletic perfor-
`mance monitoring system in accordance with this invention;
`
`[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an athletic perfor-
`mance monitoring system in accordance with this invention
`in which the athletic performance data sensor or collection
`device is mounted in an article of footwear;
`
`[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an athletic perfor-
`mance monitoring system in accordance with this invention
`in which the athletic performance data sensor or collection
`device is mounted in an article of apparel;
`
`[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram showing
`components provided in another example of an electronic
`interface device in accordance with this invention;
`
`[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates an example system and an
`example environment in which various aspects and features
`of the electronic interface device of FIG. 7 may be used; and
`
`[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an athletic perfor-
`mance monitoring system in accordance with this invention
`in which the athletic performance data collection system is
`mounted on a piece of athletic equipment.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0017] In the following description of various examples of
`the present invention, reference is made to the accompany-
`ing drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are
`shown by way of illustration various structures, embodi-
`ments, and examples in which aspects of the invention may
`be used and practiced. It is to be understood that other
`embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional
`modifications may be made without departing from the
`scope of the present invention.
`
`I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ASPECTS OF
`THE INVENTION
`
`[0018] Aspects of the present invention relate generally to
`systems and devices used for athletic performance monitor-
`ing, e.g., to measure, process, store, and/or display physical
`and/or physiological data associated with an athletic event,
`an exercise routine, or other physical or athletic performance
`(the term "athletic performance" is used in this specification
`to generically refer to any type of athletic event, exercise,
`training, routine, or the like). Some more specific aspects of
`this invention relate to systems and methods for providing
`athletic performance data to display devices, to enable
`display, further processing, and/or storage of the athletic
`performance information and/or data. In accordance with at
`least some examples of this invention, the display device
`may be a conventional and commercially available elec-
`tronic audio, video, and/or alphanumeric display device
`(such as a cellular telephone, watch, PDA, pager, MP3
`player, audio player, radio, portable television, portable
`DVD player, video playing device, or the like). At least some
`examples of the invention may include an "adapter" or other
`
`interface system or device: (a) for receiving the data from an
`athletic performance sensing system and (b) for transmitting
`data to the display device, optionally with some intervening
`processing to place the data in a desired form or format, e.g.,
`for immediate display on the display device, storage, etc.
`The interface system or device may physically plug into an
`existing port or jack (such as a universal serial bus port, a
`serial port, a parallel port, or other data or power/recharger
`input port) provided in the display device, including in
`conventional input ports known and used in commercially
`available electronic display devices. This optional feature
`has advantages in that it provides owners of conventional
`electronic display devices (e.g., of the types described
`above) the ability to display, store, and/or retransmit physi-
`cal or physiological data collected during an athletic per-
`formance (e.g., during walking, running, biking, rowing,
`etc., a user could view performance data (e.g., speed, dis-
`tance, heart rate, etc.) on a cellular telephone display and/or
`receive audio information via headphones connected to the
`cellular telephone or other device with audio capabilities, or
`the like).
`
`[0019] More specific examples of aspects of the invention
`follow.
`
`[0020] A. Electronic Interface Devices
`
`[0021] A first aspect of this invention relates to electronic
`interface devices, e.g., suitable for physical connection to an
`electronic display device, such as the various conventional
`and commercially available electronic display devices
`described above. Such interface devices may include, for
`example: (a) a housing system; (b) an input system at least
`partially engaged with the housing system, wherein the input
`system is adapted to receive input data from one or more
`external data sources, wherein the input data includes and/or
`is derived from physical and/or physiological data collected
`during exercise or an athletic performance; and (c) an output
`system at least partially engaged with the housing system,
`wherein the output system includes a connection system that
`includes at least one connection element for physically and
`releasably engaging an input port of a portable external
`electronic device, wherein the output system is adapted to
`provide output data to the portable external electronic
`device, and wherein the output data includes at least some
`portion of the input data or data derived, at least in part, from
`at least some portion of the input data.
`
`[0022] Various other elements or components may be
`included with electronic interface devices, if desired, in
`accordance with at least some examples of this invention.
`For example, electronic interface devices according to at
`least some examples of the invention further may include a
`processing system, optionally at least partially located
`within or engaged with the housing system, for receiving the
`input data and/or for supplying the output data to the output
`system (optionally after converting the data into another
`form or other data processing). Electronic interface devices
`in accordance with at least some examples of this invention
`further may include a memory system, optionally at least
`partially located in or engaged with the housing system, for
`storing at least some portion of the input data or data
`derived, at least in part, from at least some portion of the
`input data. If desired, data may be stored in the electronic
`interface device and made available for later analysis (e.g.,
`for post exercise analysis), optionally after download or
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1011, Page 11
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`Jan. 25, 2007
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`3
`
`transmission to a computer or other processing system. As
`still another example, if desired, electronic interface devices
`according to at least some examples of this invention further
`may include a separate power supply, at least partially within
`or engaged with the housing system, for providing power to
`at least one of the output system or the input system (e.g., a
`rechargeable battery system, a battery power supply, and/or
`an AC/DC power supply input).
`
`[0023] B. Athletic Performance Monitoring Systems
`Including a Performance Sensor and an Electronic Interface
`Device
`
`[0024] Another aspect of this invention relates to athletic
`performance monitoring systems that include a sensor for
`sensing athletic performance data and an electronic interface
`device, e.g., of the types generally described above. Such
`athletic performance monitoring systems may include, for
`example: (a) a sensing device for sensing physical or physi-
`ological data associated with an athletic performance; (b) a
`data transfer system in communication with the sensing
`device for transmitting performance data, wherein the per-
`formance data includes at least some portion of the physical
`or physiological data or data derived, at least in part, from
`at least some portion of the physical or physiological data;
`and (c) an electronic interface device. The electronic inter-
`face device of this example system may include, for
`example: an input system in communication with the data
`transfer system for receiving the performance data; and an
`output system having a connection system that includes at
`least one connection element for physically and releasably
`engaging an input port of a portable electronic display
`device, wherein the output system is adapted to provide
`display data to the portable electronic display device, and
`wherein the display data includes at least some portion of the
`performance data or data derived, at least in part, from the
`performance data.
`
`[0025] Other athletic performance monitoring systems
`according to at least some examples of the invention include
`a sensing device within and/or as part of the same compo-
`nent as the electronic interface device. Such athletic perfor-
`mance monitoring systems may include, for example: (a) a
`housing system; (b) a sensing device at least partially
`included in or on or otherwise engaged with the housing
`system for sensing physical or physiological data associated
`with an athletic performance; (c) a data transfer system in
`communication with the sensing device for transmitting
`performance data, wherein the performance data includes at
`least some portion of the physical or physiological data or
`data derived, at least in part, from at least some portion of
`the physical or physiological data; and (d) an output system
`at least partially engaged with the housing system, wherein
`the output system includes a connection system that includes
`at least one connection element for physically and releasably
`engaging an input port of a portable electronic display
`device, wherein the output system is adapted to provide
`display data to the portable electronic display device, and
`wherein the display data includes at least some portion of the
`performance data or data derived, at least in part, from the
`performance data.
`
`[0026] Any type of athletic performance data may be
`sensed and transferred to the electronic interface device,
`optionally in any form or format, without departing from this
`invention. As more specific examples, athletic performance
`
`monitoring systems in accordance with at least some
`examples of this invention may sense and/or transmit: user
`speed data; user distance data; GPS data; altitude data; route
`data; user step count data; contact surface impact force data;
`ambient temperature data; ambient humidity data; baromet-
`ric pressure data; sole member compression data; jump
`height data; pulse rate data; heart rate data; blood pressure
`data; body temperature data; air intake rate or volume data;
`air expel rate or volume data; EKG data; EEG data; blood
`gas data; and the like. Additionally, if desired, multiple
`different types of data may be sensed and/or transmitted to
`the electronic interface device including, for example, com-
`binations of the various different types of data described
`above. Optionally, the electronic interface device may
`receive performance data from multiple data sensors or
`sources, optionally with some sources independent of the
`electronic interface device and/or other sources included
`with or as part of the electronic interface device.
`
`[0027] C. Athletic Performance Monitoring Systems
`Including an Electronic Interface Device and a Display
`Device
`
`[0028] Another aspect of this invention relates to athletic
`performance monitoring systems that include electronic
`interface devices, e.g., of the types generally described
`above, in combination with (e.g., physically connected to)
`electronic display devices. Such systems may include, for
`example: (a) an electronic interface device including: (i) an
`input system adapted to receive performance data from one
`or more external data sources, wherein the performance data
`includes or is derived from physical or physiological data
`collected during an athletic performance; and (ii) an output
`system that includes a connection system having at least one
`physical connection element; and (b) a portable display
`device releasable connected to the connection element,
`wherein the output system provides display data to the
`portable display device via the connection system, and
`wherein the display data includes at least some portion of the
`performance data or data derived, at least in part, from at
`least some portion of the performance data. The perfor-
`mance data or data derived at least in part from the perfor-
`mance data may be displayed on the display device, if
`desired, in real time as the athletic performance continues
`and/or stored (in the interface device or the display device)
`for later download, use, processing, and/or analysis.
`
`[0029] If desired, in accordance with at least some
`examples of this invention, the processing system of the
`display device may be used to control operations of the
`electronic interface device or even the performance data
`sensing systems, such as the data transfer system (from the
`sensor to the interface device), the data receiving system,
`data transfer to the display device for display, data storage
`(e.g., in memory on board the display device and/or the
`electronic interface device), interfacing with the user, data
`demands or requests, etc. The display device may include
`software, e.g., downloaded thereto, to enable control of the
`various features and/or functions of the electronic interface
`device (alternatively, if desired, the software and/or control
`functions may be driven by processing capabilities pos-
`sessed by the electronic interface device, such as a process-
`ing system provided with the interface device). As a more
`specific example, if desired, the software may constitute a
`Java application that ships with the display device or the
`interface device and/or is downloaded thereto at a later time.
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1011, Page 12
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`As additional examples, a user may purchase an interface
`device of the types described above and obtain software
`(e.g., as a disk purchased with the interface device, down-
`loaded from a remote or external source, etc.) to format the
`interface device to properly interact with one or more
`electronic devices used by the user (e.g., the software may
`be designed to enable the interface device to format its
`output to match the requirements of the specific cell phone,
`PDA, MP3 player, etc. models used by the user). Also, if
`desired, commands sent from the display device to the
`electronic interface device may be used, for example, to
`power the interface device on and off, to set up radio
`transceiver parameters and controls, to set up other functions
`or controls (such as display preferences, data collection
`preferences, data update, refresh, or report rates, etc.), and
`the like. The display device may be capable of receiving data
`from the electronic interface device synchronously or asyn-
`chronously.
`
`[0030] As noted above, aspects of this invention may be
`practiced with any type of display device without departing
`from the invention including, for example, conventional
`display devices known and commercially available (also
`called "off the shelf' audio or video communication or
`display devices herein). More specific examples of suitable
`display devices include: electronic devices with a display
`screen, such as an LED, LCD, or plasma display screen;
`watches; portable audio devices, such as radios, tape play-
`ers, CD players, MP3 players, and the like; alphanumeric
`display devices such as beepers, pagers, and the like; por-
`table video or audio/video display devices, such as televi-
`sions, DVD players, and the like; portable communication
`devices, such as cellular telephones, radios, and the like;
`portable computing systems, such as personal digital assis-
`tants, handtop or palm top computing systems, and the like.
`
`[0031] D. Athletic Performance Monitoring Systems
`Including a Sensing Device, an Electronic Interface Device,
`and a Display Device
`
`[0032] Still another aspect of this invention relates to
`systems for athletic performance monitoring that include
`components both for sensing the athletic performance data
`and for displaying desired information to the user (or
`others). Such systems may include: (a) a sensing device for
`sensing physical or physiological data associated with an
`athletic performance; (b) a data transfer system in commu-
`nication with the sensing device for transmitting perfor-
`mance data, wherein the performance data includes at least
`some portion of the physical or physiological data or data
`derived, at least in part, from at least some portion of the
`physical or physiological data; (c) an electronic interface
`device; and (d) a portable display device physically and
`releasably connected to the interface device, wherein the
`electronic interface device provides display data to the
`portable display device, and wherein the display data
`includes at least some portion of the performance data or
`data derived, at least in part, from at least some portion of
`the performance data. The electronic interface device further
`may include: an input system in communication with and
`adapted to receive the performance data from the data
`transfer system and an output system having a connection
`system that includes at least one physical connection ele-
`ment for connecting to the display device.
`
`[0033] E. Other Features and Aspects of the Invention
`
`[0034] Many other features and characteristics may be
`provided in accordance with the various example aspects of
`the invention described above. For example, the connection
`system included as part of the electronic interface device
`may take on various forms and/or shapes without departing
`from the invention. As more specific examples, the connec-
`tion system may include a plug or other element designed so
`as to be received in or engaged with a conventional data or
`power input port of conventional electronic devices, e.g., of
`the types described above. Such input ports may include
`serial ports, parallel ports, universal serial bus ports, power
`supply/battery recharging ports, data input ports, and the
`like. If desired, the connection system also may include one
`or more power supply connectors so that the power source
`(e.g., the battery, etc.) from the portable display device also
`may be relied upon to operate the various devices in the
`electronic interface device. In such systems, the electronic
`interface device need not include its own independent power
`supply, thereby enabling reductions in the size, weight, and
`expense of the electronic interface devices.
`
`[0035] Any type of input system to the electronic interface
`device also may be provided without departing from this
`invention. As more specific examples, the input system may
`include a wireless data receiving system for receiving input
`data from at least one external data source (e.g., from the
`sensing device(s) that sense the athletic performance data,
`from a computer or network, etc.), a wire or other physical
`connection system (optionally with one or more connection
`elements provided on the sensing device for plugging the
`external data source into the interface device), etc. Interface
`device formatting data (e.g., for formatting the output for
`delivery to specific electronic display devices, etc.) and
`other data, if any, may be received by the interface device
`via the same input system that allows it to receive the
`physical or physiological data, or through another input
`system, if desired. The electronic interface device addition-
`ally or alternatively may include a user input system, option-
`ally at least partially in or on a housing system for the
`interface device. User input may be received at the interface
`device for any desired purpose, such as for inputting
`requests for certain display information, requests for certain
`sensed information, display or sensor control information,
`requests for data or information from other sources, etc., and
`for providing formatting information (e.g., identifying target
`electronic display devices to enable providing output data in
`formats that will work with the specific display device(s),
`etc.) or other information, etc. Examples of the user input
`systems may include buttons (hard or soft), voice command
`input systems, stylus input command systems, touch screen
`input command systems, slide or switch systems, and the
`like.
`
`[0036] The sensing systems for sensing the athletic per-
`formance data (e.g., the detected physical or physiological
`data associated with the athletic performance) may be pro-
`vided in any desired form or structure and/or for measuring
`any desired data or parameter without departing from this
`invention. As more specific examples, if desired, the sensing
`system and/or devices, as well as any data transfer systems
`associated therewith, may be mounted on (e.g., via a clip,
`clamp, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other fasteners or
`mechanical structures, adhesives, etc.) and/or included as
`part of an article of footwear (e.g., integrally formed in or as
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1011, Page 13
`
`

`

`US 2007/0021269 Al (cid:9)
`
`Jan. 25, 2007
`
`5
`
`part of an article of athletic footwear), an article of clothing
`or apparel, a piece of athletic equipment, etc. If desired, the
`sensing devices and any associated data transfer systems
`may be included as part of a single structure, e.g., mounted
`in a common housing, connected to one another, etc.
`
`II. SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION
`[0037] While aspects of the invention generally have been
`described above, the following detailed description, in con-
`junction with FIGS. 1-9, provides even more detailed
`examples of electronic interface devices and athletic perfor-
`mance monitoring systems and methods in accordance with
`examples of this invention. Those skilled in the art should
`understand, of course, that the following description consti-
`tutes descriptions of examples of the invention and should
`not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.
`
`[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates example systems and an environ-
`ment in which various aspects of the present invention