Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A method for evaluating geo-environment by treatment of primary data for measuring sustainability index value for a mine operating in any specific geography, ecology, and scale of operation, the method of treatment comprising:
collecting primary data by stakeholders;
receiving a user-defined instruction for execution by a processor;
selecting a barycentric triangle for interpolation to perform a data manipulation, a data processing and data mining by a primary data;
plotting the primary data on a barycentric triangle by drawing normal on a three arms of the barycentric triangle representing selected data;
analyzing the primary data by the processor to establish dimensions of sustainability with selected parameters of Economy, Ecology and Society based on the primary data to prepare a structural model;
applying a triple triangle approach on said structural model;
evaluating a sustainability index value to evaluate geo-environment by dimensions of sustainability with two layers of galvanization; and
displaying a sustainability index value by a display unit.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein galvanizing parameters of sustainability on two layers of data set are selected from a group comprising conservation, accountability, carrying capacity with topping of gender equity, diversity and democratic aligned in a manner to develop a sustainability index and render a sustainable framework for mining.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein three arms of the barycentric triangle are representing Ecology, Economy, and Society.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structural model to generate the primary data represents topography and geomorphology as indicated below:
[Ecology + {Carrying capacity} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)]
[Ecology + {Conservation} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)]
[Ecology + {Accountability} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)]
[Society + {Carrying capacity} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)]
[Society + {Conservation} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)]
[Society + {Accountability} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)]
[Economy + {Carrying capacity} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)]
[Economy + {Conservation} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)]
[Economy + {Accountability} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)].
, Description:A METHOD TO EVALUATE SUSTAINABILITY INDEX OF A MINING PROJECT
FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to a method for evaluating geo-environmental bearing capability of a mine operating in any specific geography, ecology, and scale of operation. More particularly, the present invention provides the method for treatment of primary data generated through stakeholders by three dimensions of sustainability, viz. ecology, economy, and society for measuring an index of sustainability to ensure its economic viability, social acceptance, eco-services assessment for restoration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] The world of mining has been observed to be lost in its own world of productivity and profitability enhancement ignoring other principal stakeholders. The measurable metrics for mining business so far have been highly skewed towards financial concerns at the cost of the all-pervasive ecosystems and the societal dimension in which they operate. This has been in practice since decades and as a result the foremost challenges faced by Mining industry today are mostly of type non-mining; such as:
Land, Stakeholders-PAPs)
CSR / R&R
Environment and Forest Clearances
Environment and Forest Conservation
Socio-economic issues
Ecosystem services etc.
[004] The miners’ perception in the eyes of its common stakeholders’ is cascading down and the industry is considered chief culprit causing sabotage to: (in that order)
Forest
Land
Water
Air
Sound/Noise
Light
Aesthetics
Culture
Heritage
Ethnicity
Diversity
Externality issues

[005] Developmental projects have so far been evaluated on ‘economic’ scale alone giving a backseat to ecological and societal concerns. As a result, it is generally perceived to be in confrontation with socio-ecological concerns. Hence, any developmental project proposed invariably faces an initial opposition on ecological & societal counts despite its high potential economic viability.
[006] Developmental projects are evaluated in terms of an internal rate of return (IRR), to assess project viability. Had this also been evaluated on some sustainable parameters of concern, situation would have been different and an industry friendly business ecosystem would have existed by now.
[007] Under this backdrop, this invention has the novelty to bring to surface the concerns of ecology and society on decision board for project viability providing an equal footing to its economical counterpart. This demands for quantification of qualitative attributes for ecological and societal dimensions, that is attempted in this novel work and instruments have been developed to generate primary data towards its quantification on ecological and societal counts.
[008] The information disclosed in this background of the subject matter section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[009] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0010] The principal object of the present invention is to provide a method for introducing a concept of inclusivity while conducting mining business and provide a method of treatment of primary data generated through stakeholders on its three dimensions of sustainability, viz. ecology, economy, and society.
[0011] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a method having an index of sustainability measure that ensures its economic viability, social acceptance, eco-services assessment for restoration.
[0012] Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide a method implementing sustainability index of developmental project rendering an equal footing to all critical concerns of sustainability as a holistic measure of sustainable development.
[0013] These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Solution to one or more drawbacks of existing technology, and additional advantages are provided through the present subject matter. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present subject matter. Other embodiments and aspects of the subject matter are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed subject matter.
[0015] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a method for treatment of primary data for measuring sustainability index value for a mine operating in any specific geography, ecology, and scale of operation. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0016] The concept of sustainability index has been conceived and an instrument that gives the sustainability index (SI) value for a mine operating in any specific geography, ecology, and scale of operation.
[0017] Based on the data generated from stakeholders, the sustainability index can be rendered for any specific mine for a given economical and socio-ecological set up.
[0018] The data can be plotted on a barycentric triangle and by drawing normal on its three arms representing Ecology, Economy & Society; the value for sustainability index of the project can be obtained.
[0019] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for treatment of primary data for measuring sustainability index value for a mine operating in any specific geography, ecology, and scale of operation.
[0020] In an aspect, the parameters of ecology, economy and society have been galvanized on two layers of data set as carrying capacity, accountability, conservation and further on gender equity, diversity, democratic.
[0021] In an aspect, the treatment process is executed by a processor.
[0022] In an aspect, a triple triangle approach in alignment with nature is used for sustainability metrics measurement.
[0023] In an aspect, the triangle for barycentric interpolation based on a primary data that is used to perform data manipulation, data processing or data mining.
[0024] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0026] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary sustainability barycentric triangle describing three dimensions of sustainability by its three arms, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] Fig. 2 shows a resultant triangle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] Fig. 3 show an image displayed in screen showing triangle and its values in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0029] Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of an exemplary method, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0031] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0032] The present invention relates to a visioning phase to evaluate an opportunity for savings expected for a mining sector and to develop a framework along with an associated method capable of being implemented realistically. In particular, the visioning phase develops a business case for mining sector. This business case then provides a basis for implementing the benefits realization and performance-monitoring program. Thus, the business case is developed, and then, implemented using a processor to ensure that the benefits are actually delivered to the mining sector work. In this way, the mining sector processes are aligned to meet the goals established for the sustainable framework.
[0033] The present invention provides a mining sector sustainable framework method for treatment of primary data for measuring sustainability index value for a operating mine. The method that offers an unparalleled approach for addressing very specific needs of mining sector organizations combining development of the business case with technology implementation program and integrating a sustainable long-term benefits realizations program.
Non-limiting Definitions
[0034] In the disclosure hereinafter, one or more terms are used to describe various aspects of the present disclosure. In view of this, few definitions are provided herein for better understanding of the present disclosure.
[0035] Economy: It is the financial concerns and economic viability of the proposed project.
[0036] Ecology: It is the study of interactions among biotic and abiotic components due to project and its effect on ecosystem services.
[0037] Society: It represents societal and anthropological pattern of life and livelihood before, during and post-project.
[0038] Carrying Capacity: It is the potential limiting ability to withstand intervention without developing an irreparable damage/shift in the pristine pattern. It is that threshold limit of pollution load beyond which ecosystem services start manifesting irreparable degradation.
[0039] Gender Equity: It is used to ensuring appropriate and proportionate participation of all the participant.
[0040] Diversity: It is the essence of resilience in the system.
[0041] Conservation: It is the conscious consumption of resources limited to its carrying capacity.
[0042] Accountability: It is used in keeping accounts of obligations over its consumption pattern and sustainable use.
[0043] Democratic: It means inclusive involvement of all its stake holders.
[0044] Special to Economical dimension, the following metrics have been rechristened to make it lucid and help stakeholders in perception rating:
[0045] Carrying Capacity: It used to Extant economic activity undisturbed there-with. Additional avenues leading to enhanced socio-economic activities on commencement of business activities at site.
[0046] Gender Equity: It describe the participation of all (genders) in economic activities. It shows the effect of commencement of mining/business activity.
[0047] Diversity: It describes the portfolio of economic activity.
[0048] Conservation: It describes consumption pattern of wealth/resources by the community and skewness therein.
[0049] Accountability: It describes the accounts of Organizational initiatives towards preserving/restoring extant economic activity.
[0050] Democratic: It means inclusive involvement of all. It shows that avenues of economic activities render equal opportunity to all.
[0051] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary sustainability barycentric triangle describing three dimensions of sustainability by its three arms, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The three dimensions of sustainability viz. Economy, Ecology and Society are addressed with two layers of galvanization. Parameters such as conservation, accountability, carrying capacity with topping of gender equity, diversity and democratic are taken for being in alignment with nature to develop a sustainability index by means of a processor in order to render a sustainable framework for mining sector. The data collection done using questionnaires which were circulated among the Project Affected Persons (PAPs) / stakeholders. Then collected responses were analyzed to evaluate the sustainability index value for a geo-environment using a user defined instruction by the processor.
[0052] Fig. 2 shows a resultant triangle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure following a principle as discussed with reference to Fig. 1. In one embodiment the factors taken into consideration are economy represents is the financial concerns and economic viability of the proposed project. Ecology represents interactions among biotic and abiotic components due to project and its effect on ecosystem services. Society: represents societal and anthropological pattern of life and livelihood before, during and after the project. Carrying Capacity represents potential limiting ability of nature to withstand anthropogenic intervention without developing an irreparable damage in pristine ecological pattern. It is at threshold limit of pollution load beyond which ecosystem services start manifesting/exhibiting noticeable degradation. Conservation represents conscious consumption of resources limited to its carrying capacity. Accountability represents accounts of obligations (on resource trustees, operators/users), about its consumption pattern and sustainable use. Gender equity represents ensuring proportionately appropriate participation of all stakeholders. Diversity represents the essence of resilience in the system. It renders tolerance between adaptability and vulnerability of its stake holders. Democratic represents inclusive involvement and participation of one and all. The perspective scale for primary data generation is shown in below table (Table 1).
Ecology CC GE DI D Accountability GE DI D Conservation GE DI D
70 15 5 5 5 15 5 5 5 15 5 5 5

Economy CC GE DI D Accountability GE DI D Conservation GE DI D
70 15 5 5 5 15 5 5 5 15 5 5 5

Society CC GE DI D Accountability GE DI D Conservation GE DI D
70 15 5 5 5 15 5 5 5 15 5 5 5
Table 1: The perspective scale for primary data generation

[0053] Fig. 3 show an image displayed in screen showing triangle and its values in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment the screen may be a graphical user interface (GUI) with perspective scale for primary data generation has been completely backed by physical preparation for the same. This is followed by receiving a user-defined instruction for execution by a processor and generating primary data from stakeholders. The primary data generated is fed into a software tool that is used to help a mining sector manage sustainability framework. The user-defined instruction are modules are hardware component.
[0054] Fig. 4 represents an exemplary flow diagram of an exemplary method, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The method (400) comprises the following steps. Step 402: the process is initiated. Step 404, Enter the value for l =300, step 406: Enter the value of ecology, economy, and society (a, b, c) respectively. Step 408: Check side l >a, b, c if yes move to the step 410 or move to step 416 and stop the process. In the step: 410, area is formed by intersection of perpendicular draw on the sides of the barycentric triangle from the points at distance of a, b, c respectively. Step 412: submit. Step 414: Display area of resultant triangle as measure of sustainability index and then step the process at the step 416.
[0055] In one embodiment the method uses the parameters of economy, ecology and society. In one embodiment the method is implemented for treatment of primary data for measuring sustainability index value for a mine operating in any specific geography, ecology, and scale of operation. Further for the method of mining treatment continually demands a situation of dynamic equilibrium for being sustainable that is observed among the three aspects of sustainability. For example: Ecology, Economy and Society is scored out of 70 points while Carrying Capacity, Conservation and Accountability; out of 15 and Diversity, Democratic, Gender Equity out of 5, as illustrated below:
Ecologic considerations:
[Ecology + {Carrying capacity} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)]…………… (i)
[Ecology + {Conservation} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)]……………….. (ii)
[Ecology + {Accountability} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)].……………. (iii)
Economic considerations:
[Economy + {Carrying capacity} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)]…………(iv)
[Economy + {Conservation} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)]……………….(v)
[Economy + {Accountability} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)]…………….(vi)
Societal concerns:
[Society + {Carrying capacity} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)]……………(vii)
[Society + {Conservation} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)]……………….(viii)
[Society + {Accountability} + (Democratic+ Diversity+ Gender equity)]………………(ix)
On addition:
eq. (i), (ii), & (iii) the rating for Ecology is; [70+15+5+5+5] *3= out of 300………………(x)
eq. (iv), (v), & (vi) the rating for Economy is; [70+15+5+5+5] *3= out of 300…………..(xi)
eq.(vii), (viii), & (ix) the rating for ecology is; [70+15+5+5+5] *3= out of 300……………(xii)

[0056] In one embodiment stakeholder analysis is carried out. In an example, 109 stakeholders were engaged in the exercise conducted for a span of 6 months in 2020 in coalfields of Chhattisgarh and primary data is generated as under:
Sl. No. Ecology Economy Society
1. 188 189.6 188.8
2. 175.525 173.825 200.6
3. 173.46 172.62 173.46
4. 177 154.125 177
5. 194.7 195.525 170.3625
6. 193.52 169.33 169.33
7. 159.005 158.235 159.005
8. 170.045 168.27 145.905
9. 165.2 188.8 164.4
10. 106.86 107.38 107.38
11. 210.93 210.04 183.785
12. 169.33 210.74 193.52
13. 177.59 203.82 177.59
14. 210.93 183.785 183.785
15. 179.655 179.655 179.655
16. 202.96 176.73 202.96
17. 186.44 163.135 163.135
18. 191.16 167.265 191.16
19. 184.08 184.86 138.06
20. 179.655 205.32 179.655
21. 170.565 171.395 171.395
22. 174.675 201.45 199.75
23. 181.72 180.84 181.72
24. 200.6 201.45 175.525
25. 174.675 200.6 201.45
26. 175.525 200.6 175.525
27. 175.525 201.45 175.525
28. 208.56 180.84 208.56
29. 208.56 181.72 181.72
30. 187.23 162.345 163.135
31. 184.86 184.86 160.29
32. 185.85 185.85 213.3
33. 170.64 148.68 170.64
34. 142.485 163.53 162.84
35. 156.94 156.94 180.12
36. 170.565 171.395 196.71
37. 165.2 189.6 189.6
38. 173.46 199.08 172.62
39. 191.97 167.265 168.885
40. 173.46 199.08 172.62
41. 174.675 175.525 201.45
42. 177.75 177.75 177.75
43. 194.34 168.51 194.34
44. 121.245 139.83 139.83
45. 132.16 151.68 132.16
46. 187.915 187.915 187.915
47. 237 237 237
48. 168.075 190.35 191.97
49. 215.67 187.915 187.915
50. 158.235 159.005 185.185
51. 197.56 174.24 206.36
52. 184.09 168.51 186.55
53. 191.9475 174.8475 191.52
54. 225.5 207 219
55. 179.2 187.6 182.8
56. 198.5 211.7 222.5
57. 216.03 228.095 212.61
58. 186.3 186.3 188.73
59. 141.41 176.96 159.975
60. 155.064 164.346 192.426
61. 207 228.5 218.5
62. 194.91 203.365 202.475
63. 188.32 219.56 219.56
64. 205.47 215.73 209.97
65. 158.36 166.13 184.482
66. 137.764 144.522 145.576
67. 216.69 192.045 211.575
68. 160.3 146.3 162.75
69. 167.58 157.29 167.2125
70. 159.48 149.04 126.72
71. 167.45 190.4 195.5
72. 169.1 193.325 214.225
73. 153.43 154.435 169.51
74. 171.68 184.26 187.59
75. 46.475 60.45 84.5
76. 173.04 191.94 194.04
77. 144.585 127.575 146.16
78. 125.775 119.275 139.1
79. 164.82 196.718 194.422
80. 93.5 104.5 107
81. 94.77 113.805 79.38
82. 76.86 65.52 68.88
83. 82.41 87.74 113.16
84. 173.01 148.915 164.32
85. 65.205 201.69 166.455
86. 72.6 216.48 85.36
87. 249.9 145.53 163.17
88. 45.87 54.285 61.215
89. 105.85 134.32 154.395
90. 137.27 159.84 165.39
91. 97.6 110.105 127.185
92. 97.98 113.245 128.865
93. 82.62 140.42 137.02
94. 113.16 133.4 132.48
95. 109.725 174.79 111.265
96. 158.24 194.36 172
97. 113.71 119.935 122.01
98. 96.48 81.07 69.68
99. 92.48 118.66 129.88
100. 92.925 108.675 121.59
101. 121.77 121.77 132.43
102. 83.19 102.955 115.05
103. 90.304 87.808 95.552
104. 100.122 103.008 106.93
105. 124.745 143.35 124.745
106. 167.56 145.195 168.27
107. 139.74 137.7 139.06
108. 216.2 188.14 189.06
109. 180.95 157.465 182.49
Mean 159.639922 165.3453624 165.8497064
Std. dev. 42.71791481 37.60645778 36.85007056

[0057] In one embodiment after the stakeholder assessment, stakeholder’s response data is fed into the processor, the area of sustainable triangle was found approximately as 268.25 sq. units on a scale of 300 units each for Ecology, Economy and Society, respectively. Had the values obtained as 150 each, the value of resultant sustainability triangle resulted in zero, which is a utopian proposition. In order to achieve sustainability, the project should be minimizing the area of the resultant sustainable triangle, tending to zero.
[0058] In one embodiment selecting a triangle for barycentric interpolation based on the primary data to perform data manipulation, data processing or data mining, plotting primary data on a barycentric triangle by drawing normal on three arms of the barycentric triangle representing selected data, addressing dimensions of sustainability with selected parameters of Economy, Ecology and Society based on the primary data. Introducing a triple triangle approach in alignment with nature followed by addressing dimensions of sustainability with two layers of galvanization; and displaying the sustainability index value.
[0059] In one embodiment for carrying out the study, data is collected using questionnaires circulated among the Project Affected Persons (PAPs) / stakeholders. Then collected responses are analyzed and using the processor. The processor has been fetched by data prepared in HTML platform and the data is scheduled to run through it on a system.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment the hardware selected is Raspberry pi customized hardware, processor embedded with specifications of 1.4 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A72.The various operations of methods described above may be performed by any suitable means capable of performing the corresponding functions. The means may include various hardware component(s) and/or module(s), including, but not limited to a circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or processor. Generally, where there are operations illustrated in figures, those operations may have corresponding counterpart means-plus-function components with similar numbering.
[0061] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, units and circuits described in connection with the present disclosure may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device (PLD), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general- purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any commercially available processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A hardware processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. If implemented in hardware, an example hardware configuration may comprise a processing system in a physical or wireless node. Hardware units store technical instructions, data or any combination thereof that, when executed by an apparatus such as a processor which alone or in combination with other hardware components, cause the processing system to perform various technical functions.
[0062] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0063] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a",” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the tennis “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0064] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0065] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0066] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0067] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations.
[0068] However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).
[0069] Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).
[0070] It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0071] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.