U.S. patent application number 11/460501 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-25 for dynamic device and method for dispensing machines.
This patent application is currently assigned to NOVUS Partners LLC. Invention is credited to Scott D. Wampler.
Application Number | 20070018972 11/460501 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33298357 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070018972 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wampler; Scott D. |
January 25, 2007 |
DYNAMIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING MACHINES
Abstract
The present invention relates, in general, to dispensing
machines and methods and, more particularly, to dispensing machines
capable of dynamic-content presentation and methods of using
dispensing machines capable of dynamic-content presentation. The
dispensing machine includes a content display unit that
communicates with a display controller, visually displaying
dynamic-content. The controller may comprise a timing means,
altering the visual display as a function of the timing means. The
display controller adapted to receive, store, and display
dynamic-content from a plurality of servers, comprising a
hierarchical control scheme to select dynamic-content from one
server of the plurality of servers for display. The device may
comprise a plurality of display controllers, each display
controller having a type identifier, wherein each selects
dynamic-content for display on its content display unit as a
function of the type identifier.
Inventors: |
Wampler; Scott D.; (Wester
Chester, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FROST BROWN TODD, LLC
2200 PNC CENTER
201 E. FIFTH STREET
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Assignee: |
NOVUS Partners LLC
|
Family ID: |
33298357 |
Appl. No.: |
11/460501 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10412539 |
Apr 11, 2003 |
7088352 |
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|
11460501 |
Jul 27, 2006 |
|
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|
10175057 |
Jun 19, 2002 |
7015875 |
|
|
10412539 |
Apr 11, 2003 |
|
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60302093 |
Jun 29, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/204 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/147 20130101;
G07F 9/02 20130101; G09F 27/00 20130101; G06F 3/1446 20130101; G09F
9/372 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/204 |
International
Class: |
G09G 5/00 20060101
G09G005/00 |
Claims
1. A dispensing machine device comprising: a server; a display
controller, wherein said display controller is adapted to receive
and display dynamic-content from said server; and at least one
passive content display unit in communication with said display
controller, wherein said at least one passive content display unit
visually displays the information from said dynamic-content.
2. The dispensing machine device of claim 1, wherein said passive
content-display unit comprises GYRICON.
3. The dispensing machine device of claim 1, wherein said passive
content-display unit comprises E-INK.
4. The dispensing machine device of claim 1, wherein said display
controller comprises a timing means, said display controller
altering the visual display of said at least one passive content
display unit as a function of the time from said timing means.
5. The dispensing machine device of claim 1, wherein said display
controller is adapted to receive, store, and display
dynamic-content from a plurality of servers, wherein said display
controller comprises a hierarchical control scheme, said
hierarchical control scheme adapted to select dynamic-content from
one server of said plurality of servers for display on said content
display unit.
6. The dispensing machine device of claim 4, wherein said display
controller is adapted to receive, store, and display
dynamic-content from a plurality of servers, wherein said display
controller comprises a hierarchical control scheme, said
hierarchical control scheme adapted to select dynamic-content from
one server of said plurality of servers for display on said content
display unit.
7. The dispensing machine device of claim 4 comprising a plurality
of display controllers in communication with a plurality of content
display units, each display controller from said plurality of
display controllers having a type identifier, wherein each said
display controller selects dynamic-content for display on its
content display unit as a function of said type identifier.
8. The dispensing machine device of claim 6 comprising a plurality
of display controllers in communication with a plurality of content
display units, each display controller from said plurality of
display controllers having a type identifier, wherein each said
display controller selects dynamic-content for display on its
content display unit as a function of said type identifier.
9. The dispensing machine device of claim 6, wherein at least one
of said content-display units comprises GYRICON.
10. The dispensing machine device of claim 6, wherein at least one
of said content-display units comprises E-INK.
11. The dispensing machine device of claim 7, wherein at least one
of said content-display units comprises GYRICON.
12. The dispensing machine device of claim 7, wherein at least one
of said content-display units comprises E-INK.
13. The dispensing machine device of claim 8, wherein at least one
of said content-display units comprises GYRICON.
14. The dispensing machine device of claim 8, wherein at least one
of said content-display units comprises E-INK.
15. A dispensing machine device comprising: a display controller,
wherein said display controller is adapted to receive and display
dynamic-content; and at least one passive content display unit in
communication with said display controller, wherein said at least
one passive content display unit visually displays the information
from said dynamic-content.
16. The dispensing machine device of claim 15, wherein said display
controller is adapted to receive, store, and display
dynamic-content from a plurality of sources, wherein said display
controller comprises a hierarchical control scheme, said
hierarchical control scheme adapted to select dynamic-content from
one source of said plurality of sources for display on said content
display unit.
17. The dispensing machine device of claim 15 comprising a
plurality of display controllers in communication with a plurality
of content display units, each display controller from said
plurality of display controllers having a type identifier, wherein
each said display controller selects dynamic-content for display on
its content display unit as a function of said type identifier.
18. The dispensing machine device of claim 16 comprising a
plurality of display controllers in communication with a plurality
of content display units, each display controller from said
plurality of display controllers having a type identifier, wherein
each said display controller selects dynamic-content for display on
its content display unit as a function of said type identifier.
19. The dispensing machine device of claim 16, wherein at least one
of said content-display units comprises GYRICON.
20. The dispensing machine device of claim 16, wherein at least one
of said content-display units comprises E-INK.
21.-37. (canceled)
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of prior, co-pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/412,539, filed Apr. 11, 2003, which
is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/175,057 filed Jun. 19, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,015,875, which
claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No.
60/302,093, filed Jun. 29, 2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to dispensing
machines and, more particularly, to dispensing machines capable of
dynamic-content presentation and methods of using dynamic-content
presentation on dispensing machines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Dispensing machines are used to display various messages
typically consisting of a combination of text and graphics.
Traditionally, the message has been provided by way of fixed sheets
that are attached to a backing or molded into structural
components. This traditional approach suffers from the inability to
quickly change the displayed message, because it requires the use
of a crew to change the message, or replace an entire machine for
upgrading.
[0004] Electronic billboards are known that include the dot matrix
type utilizing many individual bulbs or Light Emitting Diodes
(LED's). Within stadiums, arenas and auditoriums there presently
are electronic dot matrix display devices used for instant replays,
advertising and customer information.
[0005] Loban et al. disclose a video billboard including a remote
computer control with radio communications to the billboard display
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,741 ('741). The '741 patent discloses that
display information is communicated from a master computer to a
receiver in the billboard housing which, in turn, controls the
light valve display of the '741 invention. Commands may also be
communicated via shared or dedicated landlines. The '741 billboard
is capable of providing complex video graphics with high contrast
ratios. It can provide message changes on command through landline,
cellular phone, satellite relay or other wireless communication
links. Within the commercial advertising billboard industry it will
allow the use of computer video control to change graphics easily
and quickly, as desired. Information displays, public service
announcements or traffic conditions can be displayed in near real
time from remote locations since images can be downloaded via the
communication links and displayed at pre-programmed time slots, if
desired.
[0006] Gofman et al. disclose a system and method for serving local
and global media content in PCT publication WO 00/52935 ('52935).
The '52935 publication discloses a system and method for combining
broadcast media content with additional content at a local site
according to at least one locally determined characteristic of the
audience to which the combined content is served. The '52935
publication discloses a template containing information concerning
the type of data objects to be displayed, their size and location
on the display, as well as the timing of display and transitions to
the display, such that the template describes how to process and
display the data.
[0007] New display materials are being developed that have the
potential to expand advertising display technology, such as, for
example, GYRICON a trade name of Xerox Corporation, Palo Alto
Research Center, Palo Alto Calif. These new materials have the
potential to expand the capabilities of dispensing machines.
Another new material for displays is E-INK, a trade name of E Ink
Corporation 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, Mass. GYRICON technology
is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,854. E-INK
technology is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.
6,120,588.
[0008] It would therefore be advantageous to provide an improved
method of dispensing machine advertising that reduces the effort
necessary to manage dynamic dispensing machine displays. It would
further be advantageous to provide methods of controlling
dispensing machines that include content-display units. It would
also be advantageous to provide easily manageable dynamic-content
displays on dispensing machines. It would further be advantageous
to provide a system capable of time shared display output for
dispensing machines from a hierarchical control structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A dynamic device and methods for dispensing machine displays
are disclosed. A dispensing machine device in accordance with the
present invention comprises a display controller adapted to receive
and display dynamic-content. At least one content display unit is
in communication with the display controller, wherein the content
display unit visually displays the information from the
dynamic-content. The dispensing machine display controller may also
comprise a timing means, the display controller altering the visual
display of the content display unit as a function of a signal from
the timing means. The display controller may be adapted to receive,
store, and display dynamic-content from a plurality of servers,
wherein the display controller comprises a hierarchical control
scheme, the hierarchical control scheme adapted to select
dynamic-content from one server of the plurality of servers for
display on the content display unit. The dispensing machine device
may also comprise a plurality of display controllers in
communication with a plurality of content display unit devices,
each display controller from the plurality of display controllers
having a type identifier, wherein each of the display controllers
selects dynamic-content for display on its content display unit as
a function of the type identifier.
[0010] A method for dispensing machine advertising in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention includes the following
steps:
A) providing a dispensing machine, wherein the dispensing machine
comprises:
[0011] a display controller, wherein the display controller is
adapted to receive, store, and display dynamic-content; and [0012]
a content-display unit in communication with the display
controller, wherein the content-display unit visually displays the
information from the dynamic-content; B) receiving information from
a source; and C) displaying the information on the content-display
unit. A method in accordance with the present invention may also
include one or more of the steps of: D) In step C, the displaying
step may be divided into a plurality of time segments, allowing the
step of: displaying a first information display during a first time
segment and displaying a second information display during a second
time segment. E) segmenting a plurality of content-display units
into a plurality of groups, each group from the plurality of groups
identified with a characteristic; F) selecting a group from the
plurality of groups to display dynamic-content on the plurality of
content-display units having the group characteristic.
[0013] A method for dispensing machine advertising in accordance
with an alternate embodiment of the present invention may include
some or all of the following steps:
A) providing a dispensing machine, wherein the dispensing machine
comprises:
[0014] at least one server; [0015] at least one display controller,
wherein the display controller is adapted to receive, store, and
display dynamic-content from the server; and [0016] at least one
content display unit in communication with the display controller,
wherein the content display unit visually displays the information
from the dynamic-content; B) receiving information from a source;
C) communicating the information as dynamic-content from the server
to the display controller; D) displaying the information on the
content display unit. In step D, the displaying step may be divided
into a plurality of time segments, allowing the step of: displaying
a first information display during a first time segment and
displaying a second information display during a second time
segment. E) segmenting a plurality of content display units into a
plurality of groups, each group from the plurality of groups
identified with a characteristic; F) selecting a group from the
plurality of groups to display dynamic-content on the plurality of
content display units having the group characteristic.
[0017] In step A, a plurality of servers may be provided, and the
method may further comprise:
G) selecting a hierarchy, the hierarchy defining a prioritization
of the plurality of servers to at least one of the display
controllers such that the display controller selects one server
from the plurality of servers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The novel features of the invention are set forth with
particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself,
however, both as to organization and methods of operation, together
with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood
by reference to the following description, taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine system in
accordance with the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine system
including a plurality of content-display units in accordance with
the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine device in
accordance with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine system
with a hierarchical control in accordance with the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of dispensing
machine information display in accordance with the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a method in accordance with the present
invention where a client selects content-display units for their
information via the Internet;
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a plurality of dispensing machines in
accordance with the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates a plurality of dispensing machines in
accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates a plurality of dispensing machines in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The present invention relates, in general, to dispensing
machines and, more particularly, to dispensing machines capable of
dynamic-content presentation and methods of using dynamic-content
presentation on dispensing machines.
[0029] Content-display units are herein defined to include any
visual display or portion of display on a dispensing machine
capable of displaying information from dynamic-content such as, for
example, video billboards, GYRICON, E-Ink, computer monitors, and
other forms of electronic paper. Content display units are divided
into two types, active content-display units and passive
content-display units. Active content-display units are displays
that only display dynamic-content when they are actively being
addressed or written on, such as, for example, computer monitors,
movie-theater screens, and L.E.D. displays. Passive content-display
units are displays that, when not being actively written to or
addressed, retain a viewable image such as, for example, GYRICON
and E-INK.
[0030] A suitable material for a passive content-display media
would be, for example, SMARTPAPER (Trademark of Gyricon Inc. Palo
Alto, Calif.) technology using an array of tiny (100 micron
diameter or smaller) solid beads with one hemisphere of each bead
one color (e.g. white) and the other a different color (e.g.
black). These beads are embedded in a flexible plastic sheet in
small cavities surrounded by a liquid. Each bead carries an
electrical charge. When an external electric field is applied the
bead rotates or gyrates. Adhesive forces between each bead and
cavity wall require an electrical threshold be exceeded before it
will rotate. This makes an image electrically "printed" onto the
material stable and unchanging until "erased" by another
transmission. Electrical signals can be applied to the SMARTPAPER
sheets through fixed surface electrodes or a moving stylus. A
networked programmable sign will run for up to 2 years on 3 AA
batteries, with the power almost completely used by the
communications and processing systems. SMARTPAPER itself requires
just a capacitance or voltage (about 100 volts), not a power
current. Unlike other types of electronic displays, SMARTPAPER has
a wide viewing angle identical to traditional printed signs. This
allows SMARTPAPER to be viewed like paper, from all angles and
without added backlighting. Images can currently be displayed on
SMARTPAPER with resolution over 100 dpi. Applying electrical fields
to the display surface changes the image on SMARTPAPER. For
purposes herein, GYRICON and SMARTPAPER are synonymous.
[0031] Dynamic-content is herein defined as information or data to
be visually displayed that is updateable or changeable by
electronic control such as, for example, pixel data for an image,
analog beam modulation information for a cathode ray tube (CRT),
streaming video, and ASCII or other codes.
[0032] Display-time is herein defined as the actual display of
dynamic-content on a content-display unit.
[0033] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine system 20
in accordance with the present invention. Dispensing machine system
20 comprises a server 40 and a display controller 30 adapted to
receive, store, and display a dynamic-content from the server 40.
Display controller 30 includes at least one content display unit
25, a receiver 36, storage means 33, and may include a timing means
31. Dynamic-content is transmitted from server 40 on a transmission
path 45, through transmission media 50, and on receiving path 55 to
display controller 30. Transmission path 45, transmission media 50,
and receiving path 55 may be any one or combination of data
transfer such as, for example, telephone wire, internet link, radio
communication, cellular telephony, microwave link, local area
network, and satellite broadcast. Receiver 36 receives the
dynamic-content where it is either stored in storage means 33, or
displayed on content display unit 25. Storage means 33 may be, for
example, dynamic RAM in a computer, video tape, display memory, and
computer hard disk.
[0034] The content display unit 25 visually displays the
information from the dynamic-content. The timing means 31 may be,
for example, a clock, a Global Positioning System (GPS), timing
trigger, or other means of detecting a timing event. The display
controller 30 alters the visual display of the content display unit
25 as a function of the time or position from the timing means 31.
For example, if content display unit 25 is located near a
restaurant visible to customers, it may be desirable to display a
first message on content display unit 25 during lunch hours, and to
display a second different message on content display unit 25 at
other times.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of dispensing machine system 20
including a plurality of content display units 25 in accordance
with the present invention. The dispensing machine system 20 may
also comprise a plurality of display controllers 26, 27, 28, 29 in
communication with a plurality of content display units 25, each
one from the plurality of display controllers 26, 27, 28, 29 having
a type identifier, wherein each of the display controllers 26, 27,
28, 29 selects dynamic-content for display on its content display
unit 25 as a function of its type identifier. For example, display
controller 26 may have a type identifier of highway rest-area
dispensing machine, display controller 27 may have a type
identifier of shopping mall dispensing machine, display controller
28 may have a type identifier of the first machine in a series of
dispensing machines, and display controller 29 may have a type
identifier of a dispensing machine in Butler County in the state of
Ohio in the United States of America.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a content display unit 25 in
accordance with the present invention. Content display unit 25 may
display dynamic-content that changes over time such as, for
example, video, image morphing, sequential messages, or discrete
time periods of static image. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of
discrete time periods of static image. An image 81 may be displayed
on content-display unit 25 during the overnight period of a day, an
image 82 may be displayed on content-display unit 25 during the
morning period of a day, an image 83 may be displayed on
content-display unit 25 during the afternoon period of a day, and
an image 84 may be displayed on content-display unit 25 during the
evening period of a day.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine system 20
with a hierarchical control in accordance with the present
invention. The display controller 30 may be adapted to receive,
store, and display dynamic-content from a plurality of servers
illustrated in FIG. 4 as server 40, a second server 41, and a third
server 42. Display controller 30 comprises a hierarchical control
scheme, the hierarchical control scheme adapted to select
dynamic-content from one server of the plurality of servers for
display on the content display unit 25. The hierarchical control
scheme may be prioritized or heuristic. For example, server 40 may
be a national host computer at a highest priority, second server 41
may be a regional host computer at a middle priority, and third
server 42 may be a local host computer at a low priority. Since any
or all servers may be transmitting dynamic-content at any time or
simultaneously, the hierarchical control scheme will select which
dynamic-content is displayed on content display unit 25 at any
time.
[0038] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method 21 of
dispensing machine advertising in accordance with the present
invention. The method 21 for dispensing machine advertising
illustrated in FIG. 5 includes the following steps:
A) providing a dispensing machine, wherein the dispensing machine
comprises:
[0039] at least one display controller, wherein the display
controller is adapted to receive, store, and display
dynamic-content; and [0040] at least one content-display unit in
communication with the display controller, wherein the
content-display unit visually displays the information from the
dynamic-content; (illustrated as step 61) B) receiving information
from a source; (illustrated as step 62) C) displaying the
information on the content-display unit. (illustrated as step 64)
In step C, the displaying step may be divided into a plurality of
time segments, allowing the step of: D) displaying a first
information display during a first time segment and displaying a
second information display during a second time segment.
(illustrated as step 65) E) segmenting a plurality of
content-display units into a plurality of groups, each group from
the plurality of groups identified with a characteristic;
(illustrated as step 66) F) selecting a group from the plurality of
groups to display dynamic-content on the plurality of
content-display units having the group characteristic. (illustrated
as step 67)
[0041] Further, one or more servers may be provided, each in
communication with one or more content-display units. A plurality
of servers may be provided, and the method may further
comprise:
G) selecting a hierarchy, the hierarchy defining a prioritization
of the plurality of servers to at least one of the display
controllers such that the display controller selects one server
from the plurality of servers. (illustrated as step 68)
[0042] Illustrations of method steps, such as, for example, the
steps illustrated in FIG. 5, show steps sequentially and in a
particular order. There is no need to perform the steps in the
order illustrated. Deviating from the illustrated order for some or
all of the steps is contemplated by the inventor, and does not
depart from the scope of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates a method in accordance with the present
invention where a client selects content-display units 25 for their
information display via the Internet. An order 607 to display
dynamic-content on one or more content-display units 25 is placed
by a purchaser at a client system 601 and received by a server
system 602. The server system 602 receives purchaser information
including identification of the purchaser, payment information, and
dynamic-content location information from the client system 601.
The server system then assigns a client identifier 603 to the
client system 601 and associates the assigned client identifier 603
with the received purchaser information. The server system 602
sends to the client system 601 the assigned client identifier 603
and an HTML document 604 identifying the content-display units 25
and including an order button 605. The client system 601 receives
and stores the assigned client identifier 603 and receives and
displays the HTML document 604. In response to the selection of the
order button 605, the client system 601 sends to the server system
602 a request 606 to purchase display-time on the content-display
units 25. The server system 602 receives the request 606 and
combines the purchaser information associated with the client
identifier 603 of the client system 601 to generate the order 607
to display the dynamic-content on the content-display units 25 in
accordance with the billing information, whereby the purchaser
orders the display-time by selection of the order button 605.
Server system 602 sends dynamic content 608 to content-display unit
25 for display-time according to order 607. Content-display units
25 such as, for example, a roadside dispensing machine, may have a
camera 704 accessible via the Internet for viewing the dispensing
machine and its surroundings, to verify display-time or for service
and quality control purposes.
[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates a plurality of dispensing machines 708 in
accordance with the present invention. A storefront display 700
includes a first dispensing machine 701, a second dispensing
machine 702, a third dispensing machine 703, a fourth dispensing
machine 704, a fifth dispensing machine 705 and a sixth dispensing
machine 706 positioned at a storefront 708 having a door 707. Each
of dispensing machines 701 through 706 has a display 709 through
714 respectively.
[0045] First dispensing machine 701 may have a type identifier of
first-machine-of-six, second dispensing machine may have a type
identifier of second-machine-of-six, through sixth dispensing
machine with a type identifier of sixth-machine-of-six. Dynamic
content may be created to span all six displays, creating a
larger-scale presentation for storefront 708. Alternately, dynamic
content may span 2 or more dispensing machines, and may move across
storefront 708 over time, traveling from display 709 to display 714
over time.
[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates a plurality of dispensing machines in
accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
First dispensing machine 701 through sixth dispensing machine 706
have a first image portion 801 through a sixth image portion 806
respectively, illustrating that a plurality of dispensing machines
may perform as a single display or an advertising billboard 800. It
is contemplated by the inventor that the dynamic content on the
advertising billboard 800 may be totally unrelated to the contents
of the dispensing machines, and may be used for emergency messages
or other public service applications as well as commercial
uses.
[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates a plurality of dispensing machines in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. A
geographical area 900 is segmented into a first segment 910 and a
second segment 920. Dispensing machines 901 in the first segment
910 may have a type identifier of first segment 910, as well as one
or more other type identifier. Likewise, dispensing machines 902 in
second segment 920 may have a type identifier of second segment
920, as well as one or more other type identifiers. Dispensing
machines 901 may differ from dispensing machines 902 only by their
geographical location type identifiers, and have all other type
identifiers equal, and through a hierarchical control structure,
alter their displays based on location.
[0048] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any
accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), may be replaced by
alternative features having the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features. In addition, it
should be understood that every structure described above has a
function and such structure can be referred to as a means for
performing that function.
[0049] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those
skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of
example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will
be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be
limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *