U.S. patent application number 09/733586 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-27 for analog controls housed with electronic displays for voice recorders.
Invention is credited to Armstrong, Brad A..
Application Number | 20010024210 09/733586 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46257297 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010024210 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Armstrong, Brad A. |
September 27, 2001 |
Analog controls housed with electronic displays for voice
recorders
Abstract
In an electronic device, a combination of an electronic visual
display on a housing, electronic circuitry in the housing, the
housing having at least one human user depressible surface with
associated analog pressure-sensitive element for output of a signal
of variable value utilized by the circuitry to control or
manipulate one or more functions of the device. The at least one
analog pressure-sensitive element receives pressure applied by a
user's finger or thumb to the depressible surface, varied pressure
applied by the user determines varied value of the signal. The
resultant control manipulation from the analog variable value is in
some manner indicated, displayed or made visually detectable on the
display at least at the time of manipulation so that the user
receives visual feedback allowing termination, increase or
decrease, if needed or desired, of finger pressure on the
depressible surface of the analog sensor.
Inventors: |
Armstrong, Brad A.; (Carson
City, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
David B. Waller
11404 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 104
San Diego
CA
92121
US
|
Family ID: |
46257297 |
Appl. No.: |
09/733586 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09733586 |
Dec 8, 2000 |
|
|
|
08942450 |
Oct 1, 1997 |
|
|
|
6102802 |
|
|
|
|
60133682 |
May 11, 1999 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/701 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 13/702 20130101;
G06F 3/0489 20130101; G06F 3/0338 20130101; H01H 2215/004 20130101;
H01H 2231/008 20130101; A63F 13/285 20140902; H01H 2201/036
20130101; G06F 3/0485 20130101; G06F 2200/1612 20130101; G06F
3/03548 20130101; H01H 2215/006 20130101; H01H 2221/012 20130101;
G06F 1/1601 20130101; G06F 3/03549 20130101; G04G 21/08 20130101;
A63F 13/92 20140902; G06F 3/04847 20130101; A63F 13/218 20140902;
G06F 1/1626 20130101; G06F 3/03 20130101; A63F 2300/10 20130101;
H01H 2221/018 20130101; H01H 2237/002 20130101; A63F 2300/1056
20130101; H01H 13/70 20130101; G05B 2219/23033 20130101; H01H
13/785 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/701 |
International
Class: |
G09G 005/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An electronic device, comprising: a housing; electronic
circuitry in said housing; a display structured with said housing,
said display being operatively connected to said circuitry; at
least one depressible surface structured with said housing, said at
least one depressible surface operatively connected to at least one
analog pressure-sensitive element, said pressure-sensitive element
for inputting a signal to said circuitry, said signal having
variable value depending on an amount of pressure applied by a user
to said at least one depressible surface; said circuitry structured
to receive said signal and to cause said display to provide visual
feedback, said visual feedback at least in-part representing the
amount of pressure applied by the user to said at least one
depressible surface.
2. An electronic device according to claim 1 wherein said at least
one depressible surface is a first depressible surface, said
electronic device also includes a second depressible surface
structured with said housing, said second depressible surface
operatively connected to a second analog pressure-sensitive
element, said second pressure-sensitive element for inputting a
second signal to said circuitry, said second signal having variable
value depending on an amount of pressure applied by a user to said
second depressible surface; said circuitry structured to receive
said second signal and to cause said display to provide visual
feedback, said visual feedback at least in-part representing the
amount of pressure applied by the user to said second depressible
surface.
3. An electronic device according to claim 2 wherein said display
is a numeric display.
4. An electronic device according to claim 3 wherein depression of
said first depressible surface causes said numeric display to
provide ascending numbers; and depression of said second
depressible surface causes said numeric display to provide
descending numbers as visual feedback.
5. An electronic device according to claim 3 wherein said numeric
display comprises at least one seven-segment numeric display
element.
6. An electronic device according to claim 2 wherein said display
is a general image display.
7. An electronic device according to claim 1 wherein said
electronic device has at least two of the depressible surfaces,
structured as a 2-way rocker operatively connected to two of the
analog pressure-sensitive elements.
8. An electronic device according to claim 1 wherein said
electronic device has at least four of the depressible surfaces,
structured as a 4-way rocker operatively connected to four of the
analog pressure-sensitive elements.
9. An electronic device according to claim 8 wherein said at least
four of said depressible surfaces are structured as a 4-way rocker
operatively connected to a first and a second analog
pressure-sensitive elements depression of said first depressible
surface causes an image display to scroll vertically upward; and
depression of said second depressible surface causes said image
display to scroll vertically downward as visual feedback and a
third and a forth analog pressure-sensitive elements depression of
said third depressible surface causes said image display to scroll
horizontally to the right; and depression of said second
depressible surface causes said image display to scroll
horizontally to the left as visual feedback.
10. An electronic device according to claim 6 wherein said device
is a voice recorder.
11. A method of manipulating visual information on a electronic
display of an electronic device comprising; providing at least one
depressible surface structured with said electronic device for
manipulating said visual information, said at least one depressible
surface operatively connected to at least one analog
pressure-sensitive element, said pressure-sensitive element for
inputting a signal to the circuitry of said electronic device, said
signal having variable value depending on an amount of pressure
applied by a user to said at least one depressible surface; said
circuitry structured to receive said signal and to cause said
display to provide visual feedback, said visual feedback at least
in-part representing the amount of pressure applied by the user to
said at least one depressible surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part patent
application of provisional patent application No. 60/133,682 filed
May 11, 1999 which is a Rule 1.53(b) continuation-in-part of
pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/942,450 filed Oct. 1,
1997.
[0002] A claim is hereby made to the benefits of the earlier filing
dates of my following applications: pending U.S. Non-Provisional
application Ser. No. 08/942,450 filed Oct. 1, 1997, titled GAME
CONTROLLER WITH ANALOG PRESSURE SENSOR(S), now U.S. Pat. No.
6,102,802; pending U.S. Provisional application No. 60/133,682
filed May 11, 1999, titled ANALOG CONTROLS HOUSED WITH ELECTRONIC
DISPLAYS; pending U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.
09/122,269 filed Jul. 24, 1998, titled VARIABLE-CONDUCTANCE SENSOR
WITH ELASTOMERIC DOME-CAP, now U.S. Pat. No. ______ (to be filled
in later); pending U.S. Provisional application No. 60/135,085
filed May 20, 1999, titled KEYBOARD WITH DEPRESSIBLE ANALOG SCROLL
CONTROL, and the pending U.S. Non-Provisional application version
thereof, application Ser. No. ______ (to be filled in later) filed
May 2, 2000 also titled KEYBOARD WITH DEPRESSIBLE ANALOG SCROLL
CONTROL; pending U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.
09/167,314 filed Oct. 6, 1998 and entitled MOUSE WITH ANALOG
BUTTONS.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention involves an electronic device
including a combination of a electronic visual display in or on a
housing, electronic circuitry in the housing, and at least one
analog sensor comprising a finger or thumb depressible surface with
associated analog pressure-sensitive element. The analog
pressure-sensitive element is for output of a signal of variable
value utilized by the circuitry to control or manipulate one or
more functions of the electronic device. The resultant control
manipulation from the analog sensor is in some manner indicated or
displayed on the display at least at the time the user is pressing
the depressible surface, thereby the human user is provided data
related to a new state or setting brought about, or in the process
of being brought about, by manipulating the variable value of the
analog sensor through controlled varied amounts of finger pressure
applied to the depressible surface of the analog sensor. Based upon
the feedback on the display, the user may terminate, increase or
decrease the finger pressure on the depressible surface of the
analog sensor.
[0005] 2. Brief Description of Related Prior Art
[0006] Displays, housings, electronics and analog output buttons do
exist in the prior art. The present invention, however, does not
exist in the prior art and is of significant and substantial value
as will become fully appreciated with continued reading.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention, at least from one viewpoint, is an
electronic device, which may take many forms as herein disclosed,
but all including a combination of a electronic visual display in
or on a housing, electronic circuitry in the housing, and including
at least one human user depressible surface with associated analog
pressure-sensitive element for output of a signal of variable value
utilized by the circuitry to control or manipulate a function(s) of
the device. The at least one analog pressure-sensitive element
receives pressure applied by a user's finger (the word finger or
fingers or digit can be herein used to include the thumb) to the
depressible surface, varied pressure applied by the user determines
varied value of the signal, and this allows the user to select
rates of change, the rate of change in some way being displayed on
the display to allow the user to choose more or less pressure, or
to terminate pressure on the finger depressible surface. The
resultant control manipulation from the analog variable value is in
some manner indicated or made visually detectable as feedback on
the display at least at the time the analog sensor is being
depressed, and this to allow the intelligent application of finger
pressure by the user to the analog sensor. Some examples of
functions which can be manipulated, controlled or changed, and at
variable rates dependant upon user applied pressure, include menus
or lists displayed on telephones, television program menus and the
like, numeric settings such as related to time, temperature or
number of units, such as number of copies to be made by a photocopy
machine for example. Some additional examples of electronic devices
described in accordance with the invention include desktop
displays, hand-held game systems, personal digital assistants
(PDA), electronic books, wireless web browsers, time display
clocks/watches, cooking ovens, pagers, remote controller such as
used with TVs stereos, etc., and coffee makers all with displays.
The displays can be CRT, non-CRT, LCD, LED or any other suitable
type and in many applications are seven-element numeric displays
such as are commonly used to display number of units or time.
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an
electronic device including a combination of an electronic visual
display in or on a housing, electronic circuitry in the housing,
and at least one analog sensor comprising a finger or thumb
depressible surface with associated analog pressure-sensitive
element for output of a signal of variable value utilized by the
circuitry to manipulate one or more functions of the electronic
device at varied rates, the manipulation in some manner indicated
on the display at least at the time the user is pressing the
depressible surface, thereby the human user is provided data
allowing the intelligent increase, decrease or termination of the
finger pressure to effect a rate of change.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a 2-way analog rocker as
may be employed with the invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a 4-way analog rocker as
may be employed with the invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram in accordance with the
invention having a general image display.
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram in accordance with the
invention having a two digit seven segment numeric display.
[0013] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram in accordance with the
invention having a three digit seven segment numeric time
display.
[0014] FIG. 6 shows a voice recorder in accordance with the present
invention having a housing, an electronic display and two 2-way
analog rocker buttons.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Herein incorporated by reference is my pending U.S.
Provisional application No. 60/133,682 filed May 11, 1999 titled
ANALOG CONTROLS HOUSED WITH ELECTRONIC DISPLAYS for the teachings
of the present invention therein.
[0016] Also herein incorporated by reference is my pending U.S.
Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 08/942,450 filed Oct. 1, 1997,
title GAME CONTROLLER WITH ANALOG PRESSURE SENSOR(S), now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,102,802; this disclosure incorporated by reference primarily
for the positive teachings therein of structuring and methods of
use and the reading of analog sensors such as elastomeric dome-cap
style positioned in end-use for depression directly or in-directly
by a human digit with varying degrees of force. Additionally, 4-way
analog rockers, 2-way analog rocker buttons and individual analog
push buttons are described in detail in my disclosure titled GAME
CONTROLLER WITH ANALOG PRESSURE SENSOR(S).
[0017] Also herein incorporated by reference is my pending U.S.
Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 09/122,269 filed Jul. 24,
1998, titled VARIABLE-CONDUCTANCE SENSOR WITH ELASTOMERIC DOME-CAP,
now U.S. Pat. No. ______ (to be filled in later); this disclosure
incorporated by reference primarily for the positive teachings
therein of structuring and methods of use and the reading of analog
sensors such as elastomeric dome-cap sensors positioned in end-use
for depression directly or indirectly by a human digit with varying
degrees of force, and for data related to possible digital bit
assigning to various states or levels of conductivity of the analog
sensors wherein the differing bit assignment can be used indicative
of differing pressures applied by the human user to the analog or
pressure-sensitive variable-conductance sensor(s).
[0018] Also herein incorporated by reference is my U.S. Pat. No.
5,999,084 issued Dec. 7, 1999 titled VARIABLE-CONDUCTANCE SENSOR;
this patent incorporated by reference primarily for the positive
teachings therein of structuring and methods of use and the reading
of analog sensors as with my packaged type such as with a
conductive dome providing a tactile feedback, circuit elements and
pressure-sensitive variable-conductance material engaged or
engagable with the circuit elements to provide analog output or the
like; the sensor positioned in end-use for depression directly or
in-directly such as by a human digit with varying degrees of force.
This sensor provides tactile feedback at approximate activation and
deactivation of the analog pressure sensitive material, the
disclosure describing the benefits, which can be gained with an
analog sensor providing bi- or uni-directional tactile
feedback.
[0019] Also herein incorporated by reference is my pending U.S.
Provisional application No. 60/135,085 filed May 20, 1999 titled
KEYBOARD WITH DEPRESSIBLE ANALOG SCROLL CONTROL. This provisional
disclosure also includes a modified USB software code on 3.5"
floppy which although specifically directed to my Mouse With Analog
Buttons of application Ser. No. 09/167,314, it can clearly be
readily modified to operate with the present invention, although
those skilled in the art will agree numerous suitable software
codes can be readily applied with little modification to interface
between the hardware of a keyboard in accordance with the invention
and software, ROM, hardware, etc. of a computer to be manipulated
by the present keyboard. The modified code is one which includes a
bit assignment for each scroll direction and associated with each
button associated with that direction, and which is arranged along
with electronics to repeat the direction-identifying code at a
variable rate of repeat when the user is depressing the associated
button, the rate of repeat (scrolling) indicative of the read value
of the analog sensor, i.e., pressure-sensitive variable-conductance
material and the amount of depressive force the human user is
applying thereto. Greater details of this Variable-Rate On/Off
Messaging System are provided in my pending U.S. Provisional
application filed May 10, 1999, application No. 60/133,319 and
herein incorporated by reference, and this for the teaching of the
varied "ON" or "OFF" signal rate of sending, the rate of the simple
message being dependant or resultant of the amount of pressure
applied or the varied value single of a pressure-sensitive analog
element. Certainly other suitable codes and the like can be
utilized within the scope of the invention. For more data regarding
software or firmware codes, go to cypress.com on the World Wide
Web. Also incorporated herein is my pending U.S. Non-Provisional
application version of the Provisional application 60/135,085 filed
May 20, 1999 titled KEYBOARD WITH DEPRESSIBLE ANALOG SCROLL
CONTROL, the Non-Provisional application No. ______ (to be filled
in later) filed May 2, 2000 also titled KEYBOARD WITH DEPRESSIBLE
ANALOG SCROLL CONTROL.
[0020] Also herein incorporated by reference is my pending U.S.
Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 08/677,378 filed Jul. 5, 1996
titled IMAGE CONTROLLERS AND SENSORS (as amended) particularly, but
not exclusively, for the pressure-sensitive membrane analog sensors
with tactile feedback described therein.
[0021] Also herein incorporated by reference is my pending U.S.
Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 09/148,806 filed Sep. 4, 1998,
title REMOTE CONTROLLER WITH ANALOG BUTTON(S). This disclosure
incorporated by reference primarily for the positive teachings
therein of structuring and methods for dual-purpose sensors capable
of both analog and On/Off modes.
[0022] Also herein incorporated by reference is U.S. Pat. No.
4,314,227 issued Feb. 2, 1982, this patent incorporated only for
its positive teachings of membrane or sheet based analog
sensors.
[0023] With reference now to the drawings for a more detailed
description.
[0024] FIGS. 3-5 show various diagrams of general image displays
that may be utilized with a variety of consumer electronic devices,
such as a telephone, and having a housing 11, a display 22
associated with housing 11, i.e. mounted on or in the housing 11,
and at least one analog sensor 26 having a depressible surface area
associated with the display. Analog sensors 26 can be ganged in
2-way and 4-way units such as rockers 14, 16 and 18, or can be in
single button or surface form such as shown at 19 in some of the
drawings. The analog sensor 26 in a preferred structure has a
pressure-sensitive variable-conductance material for providing a
variable signal varying with differing amounts of user finger
applied pressure, however, the associated circuitry can be
structured to additionally read a rapid press and release on the
sensor as a momentary-On used to supply a single increment signal,
e.g., single step numeric increase/decrease or scroll up/down. As
the user's finger depresses the sensor material, its conductivity
is read by associated circuitry, such as a microcontroller, reading
the time of charge or discharge of a capacitor as determined by the
conductivity of the analog sensor material. The devices that may be
utilized with the present invention already have internal
microcontrollers or even more complex circuitry, and one of average
skill in the art can readily apply the analog
buttons/sensors/analog rockers/analog membrane sensors to the
indicated art with an understanding of this disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a 2-way analog rocker 14 or
16 as may be employed in embodiments of the invention as an analog
sensor 26. Shown is a circuit board 40 with exposed interdigitated
circuit traces 44 as a common, 42, 46 as outs or switch legs; two
"pills" or disks of pressure-sensitive variable-conductance
material 38; two rubber-dome caps 36 positioned beneath a 2-way
rocker member 30. The 2-way rocker member 30 has a first
depressible surface 32 and a second depressible surface 34. Each
finger depressible surface 32, 34 for functioning by depression
with the shown respective dome-caps 36, pills 38 and the circuit
traces 42, 44, 46. It does not require a rocker to electrically
achieve that which is accomplished with a 2-way or 4-way, 14, 16,
18 rocker, as two separate or four separate depressible buttons or
surfaces (see FIG. 2) can be used although I prefer the rocker
format for ease of locating desired direction oriented depressible
surfaces simply by feel without having to look.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a 4-way analog rocker 18 as
may be employed in the embodiments of the current invention. Shown
is a circuit board 40 with exposed circuit traces indicated at 62
for four sensors 26. Also shown are four pressure-sensitive
variable-conductance pills or elements 38; a 4-way rubber-dome cap
unit 56 with each of the 4 dome caps 60 support by base 58 over a
"pill" or disk of pressure-sensitive variable-conductance material
38; and a 4-way rocker member having a first surface 48, a second
surface 50, and third surface 52, and a fourth depressible surface
54. Each surface for functioning by depression with the shown
respective dome-caps 60, pills 38 and circuitry 62 of the board 40.
This disclosure discloses that which can be viewed from numerous
points, but clearly herein described are improved methods,
structures, and also methods of manufacturing in accordance with
the present invention.
[0027] FIGS. 3-5 show block diagrams in accordance with the
invention. Illustrated is a housing 11 containing two sensors 26,
one sensor 26 having depressible surface 80 and the other sensor 26
having depressible surface 82. The sensors 26 are connected to
circuitry 53 connected to a display 22. Also illustrated is a box
representing a human user 72 with the user's eye 74 receiving
visual feedback from display 22. The visual feedback received by
the eye 74 at least in part influences the depressive pressure
exerted by the user's finger 76 against sensor 26 which in turn is
read by circuitry 53 which controls the visual feedback displayed
on display 22, thus a closed loop feedback system is established in
which the user 72 receives immediate feedback concerning the
control of the electronic device according to the invention. The
state of circuitry 53, as controlled by the user, can control other
functions 78 of the electronic device.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows display 22 as a general image display. The
general image display 22 includes an upper area and a lower area,
thus a user may scroll data at varying rates from the lower area to
the upper area by pressing surface 80, and from the upper area to
the lower area by pressing surface 82.
[0029] FIG. 4 shows display 22 having two seven segment numeric
displays 28, thus the user may select numbers at a variable rate by
varying depression on sensors 26. For example, such selection may
be for number of copies to be made by a photocopy machine,
temperature setting of a thermostat, channel number on a television
and the like. Depression of surface 80 is arranged in this example
to cause a variable rate of ascending numbers according to the
level of depressive pressure applied to surface 80. Depression of
surface 82 is arranged in this example to cause a variable rate of
descending numbers according to the level of depressive pressure
applied to surface 82.
[0030] FIG. 5 shows display 22 having three seven segment numeric
displays 28 as are commonly used in time displays. Thus the user
may select at a variable rate, numbers representing timing, by
varying depression on sensors 26. In FIG. 5, depression of surface
80 is arranged in this example to cause a variable rate of
ascending numbers representing time according to the level of
depressive pressure applied to surface 80, and depression of
surface 82 is arranged in this example to cause a variable rate of
descending numbers according to the level of depressive pressure
applied to surface 82, or surfaces 80 and 82 can be arranged to
control hours and minutes individually. Clearly a clock can be
greatly advantaged by ascending and descending sensors 26 for both
hours and minutes adjustments.
[0031] FIG. 6 shows a voice recorder in accordance with the present
invention. U.S. Class 345 contains many prior art patents
describing Non-CRT displays for those wishing more information
thereon. U.S. Class 346 contains many prior art patents describing
recorders for those wishing more information thereon. Shown in FIG.
6 is a housing 11 and a display 22 mounted within the housing. At
the center of the front of housing 11 just below the electronic
display is shown two 2-way analog rockers, 14 and 16. Shown just to
the right of the center of the housing is a 2-way analog rocker 16,
which can serve as an X-axis, horizontal control or scroller. Shown
just to the left of the center of the housing is a 2-way analog
rocker 14, which can serve as a Y-axis, vertical control or
scroller. For example the 2-way analog rocker 16 may be utilized to
scroll at variable speed through the voice recording to desired
locations in the recording for review. This may be performed in
conjunction with a digital counter provided with or on the voice
recorder or via a digital display counter appearing on the
electronic display. Correspondingly, the 2-way analog rocker 14 may
be utilized to scroll through at variable speed the control
commands that may appear on the electronic display.
[0032] The present electronic devices utilize analog sensors and
circuitry for reading at least three readable states, analog values
or conductance levels of each of the analog sensors; the states,
values, levels or the like may be or can be varied voltages or
currents (example only), and are varied dependant upon depressive
pressure applied to a finger depressible button associated with
each analog sensor. Button may be herein treated as the finger
depressible area of a rocker member such as a 2-way or 4-way or the
like. The associated circuitry is structured to read an immediate,
instant or current state or value of the analog sensors and to
communicate representative control signals. The at least three
states of the active element (analog sensor) can represent at
least: 1) no pressure, 2) low pressure, and 3) high pressure
applied to the depressible surface by the human user's finger or
thumb (digit), the 3 level equating to rates of change. The analog
sensor and circuitry arrangement can be employed in a manner
wherein not just three but many states are read, thus ensuring high
resolution reading of a variably changing depressive button
pressure input. Preferably, many different user determinable rates
(many different states rate by the circuitry) are provided between
low and high pressure on the associated button so that the user is
provided, for example, very slow, slow, medium, fast and very fast
change rates. With the analog sensors, the user is provided
variable change rate control dependant upon the degree of
depressive pressure he or she applies to the button associated with
the analog sensor(s) which is indicated or made visually detectable
on the display at least at the time the analog sensor is being
depressed, and this to allow the intelligent application of finger
pressure by the user to the analog sensor. Based on the information
shown on the associated display, the user can choose to increase,
decrease or terminate finger pressure on the analog sensor. Such an
arrangement provides the user vastly improved control by allowing
the user to apply low pressure to have a slow rate of change, or to
apply high pressure to initiate very rapid change, and then to
reduce the applied pressure to the button to reduce the rate of
change in order to stop easily and precisely on a desired target or
within a desired area, such precise control is clearly advantageous
and desirable.
[0033] The invention can be viewed or defined in numerous ways
including structure and methods as those skilled in the art will
realize upon a reading of this disclosure presented to exemplify
rather than limit the invention. Thus, the invention should be
defined by the broadest possible interpretation of the claims.
* * * * *