U.S. patent application number 11/593143 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-02 for video game controller with expansion panel.
Invention is credited to Michael Andrews, Mark Barthold, Kip Pohlman.
Application Number | 20070178966 11/593143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38322785 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070178966 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pohlman; Kip ; et
al. |
August 2, 2007 |
Video game controller with expansion panel
Abstract
A video game controller is provided to be used with a video
gaming system. The controller may include at least one body segment
with control inputs, and an expansion panel with additional control
inputs. The controller may have an open position and a closed
position, with the expansion panel accessible only when the
controller is in the open position. Moving the controller between
open and closed positions may switch video game execution between a
play mode and a configuration mode. In the configuration mode, the
user may set programming values or change the configuration of the
video game being played. Moving the controller between open and
closed positions may instead or in addition provide the user more
resources to play the game. The user's character may get additional
powers or the user may be provided a clue or hint to pursue game
play.
Inventors: |
Pohlman; Kip; (Hickory,
NC) ; Andrews; Michael; (Los Angeles, CA) ;
Barthold; Mark; (Torrance, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KOLISCH HARTWELL, P.C.
200 PACIFIC BUILDING
520 SW YAMHILL STREET
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Family ID: |
38322785 |
Appl. No.: |
11/593143 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60733376 |
Nov 3, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2300/1006 20130101;
A63F 2300/1043 20130101; A63F 13/06 20130101; A63F 13/26 20140902;
A63F 2300/609 20130101; A63F 13/24 20140902; A63F 13/69 20140902;
A63F 2300/1018 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/036 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A remote game device to be used with a game processor executing
video game software comprising: a first body segment including a
first body control input; and a panel slidably connected to and
retained by the first body segment including an expansion panel
control input; the remote game device configured to allow manual
movement of the panel relative to the body between: a first
position where the panel control input is covered by the first body
segment and inaccessible to a user; and a second position where the
panel control input is uncovered and accessible to the user.
2. The remote game device of claim 1 further comprising a second
body segment where the panel is slidably connected to and retained
by the second body segment in addition to the first body
segment.
3. The remote game device of claim 2 wherein in the first closed
position panel control input is covered by one or both of the first
body segment and the second body segment.
4. The remote game device of claim 1 wherein in response to moving
the remote game device to the first position, game execution
switches to a first mode, and in response to moving the remote game
device to the second position, game execution switches to a second
mode.
5. The remote game device of claim 1 wherein with the remote game
device in the second position, game execution switches to a second
mode in response to user input at the panel control inputs.
6. The remote game device of claim 4 wherein the first mode of game
execution is a game play mode and the second mode of game execution
is a configuration mode.
7. The remote game device of claim 4 wherein the second mode of
game execution provides additional game play resources to the user
or game avatar than the resources available to the user or game
avatar in the first mode of game execution.
8. The remote game device of claim 1 wherein the remote device
responds to signals transmitted from a game assembly that includes
a game processor.
9. A video game system comprising: a remote game device including:
a body including at least one body control input; and a sliding
panel, connected to and retained by the body, and including at
least one expansion panel control input; a game assembly including:
a manually removable memory element with game commands and
audiovisual content; a display including a speaker; a game
processor including a microprocessor and means to access the memory
element, the game processor configured to: respond to remote game
device control inputs; and execute game commands stored on the
memory element.
10. The video game system of claim 9 wherein the sliding panel
slidably moves relative to the body between a first position with
the panel control input uncovered and a second position with the
panel control input covered by the body.
11. The video game system of claim 10 wherein the game is executed
in a first mode in response to moving the remote game device to the
first position and the game is executed in a second mode in
response to moving the remote game device to the second
position.
12. The video game system of claim 10 wherein the game is executed
in a second mode in response to user input at the panel control
inputs with the remote game device in the first position.
13. The video game system of claim 10 wherein the body includes a
first segment and a second segment, the first segment slidably
connected to a first end of the panel and the second segment
slidably connected to a second end of the panel and where in the
second position, both the first body segment and the second body
segment cover the panel control inputs and the first and second
body segments are proximate to each other.
14. The remote game device of claim 9 wherein the remote device
responds to command signals transmitted from the game assembly.
15. A method of video game play using a remote game device with a
sliding panel including expansion panel control inputs and with
open and closed positions, the method comprising: providing a
portable memory device including game instructions and audiovisual
content; accessing and executing the game instructions and
audiovisual content stored on the memory device at a game
processor; in response to moving the remote game device to a closed
position, executing the game instructions on the game processor in
a first mode of game execution; in response to moving the remote
game device to an open position and accessing the panel control
inputs, executing the game instructions on the game processor in a
second mode of game execution.
16. The method of video game play of claim 15 wherein in the first
mode of game execution the game is played and in the second mode of
game execution game parameters are configured.
17. The method of video game play of claim 15 wherein execution of
game instructions in the second mode provides to at least one
player additional resources for game play.
18. The method of video game play of claim 15 wherein execution of
game instructions in the second mode provides a game avatar
additional resources for game play.
19. The method of video game play of claim 15 wherein accessing
panel control inputs includes user input to the game processor at
panel control inputs.
20. The method of video game play of claim 15 further comprising
transmitting from the game processor an electronic signal;
converting the transmitted electronic signal to a sonic signal at a
display; receiving the sonic signal at the remote game device;
selecting data related to game play from a memory on the remote
game device in response to the received sonic signal; and
displaying the selected data on the remote game device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/733,376, filed Nov. 3, 2005, and entitled
"Video Game Controller with Expansion Panel," and U.S. Utility
application Ser. No. 11/383,124 filed on May 12, 2006 and entitled
"Remote Game Device for DVD Gaming Systems," incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to video game
controllers to be used with video game systems, and more
specifically to controllers for use with user-reprogrammable video
games that may facilitate rapid switching between a play mode and a
programming mode during use.
[0003] Examples of user-reprogrammable video games include "Dark
Basic" and "FPSCreator" by GameCreators Ltd. Examples of video game
controllers are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,518,164; 5,375,831;
5,667,220; 5,781,180; 5,820,462; 5,919,092; 6,327,459; 6,475,083;
6,512,511; 6,524,188; 6,752,719; 6,773,349; 6,786,826 6,811,491
6,966,837, U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2003/0220142; 2004/0224763;
2004/0229695; 2005/0187024; 2005/0288098 and G.B. Patent
Application GB 2,310,481. Examples of user-reprogrammable video
games are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,306,036; and 6,582,308. The
complete disclosures of the above patents and applications are
herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.
SUMMARY
[0004] A video game controller is provided for use with a video
game system. The game system may include a display and a game
processor configured to execute game software. The controller may
include a main body having at least one body segment with control
inputs and an expansion panel with additional control inputs. The
controller may move between open and closed positions. In the open
position, the expansion panel may be visible with controls on the
panel available to the user. In the closed position, the panel may
be obscured or covered by the body segment with panel control
inputs not available to the user.
[0005] With the video game controller in a first closed position
during game play, the user may control game flow and decision
making using body control inputs. The user may manipulate and move
characters or avatars in the game environment and/or select options
at decision points presented during game play. Body control inputs
may include conventional joystick, push-button, slider and/or
knobs.
[0006] Moving the game controller to a second open position may
provide access to additional modes of game execution. The game may
switch between configuration mode and game play mode in response to
accessing the panel. Configuration modes made available by
extending the panel may allow the player to reconfigure a game
character or reconfigure how the game is played.
[0007] Alternatively, moving the panel to the open position may
cause the game to switch to a second of two game play modes.
Multiple game play modes associated with opening and closing the
controller may provide alternate methods of game play during game
execution. Extending the panel may provide additional tools for use
by the game avatar, such as defensive weapons or skills that can
only be utilized when the expansion panel is extended.
[0008] Moving the controller to a closed position may shift game
execution or game play back to a first mode. Closing the controller
may also serve as an access control to ensure that modifications
are not accidentally made to the game environment.
[0009] In moving the controller to a closed position, the expansion
panel may slide and retract into controller body segments. The
expansion panel may slide and retract into the controller body, or
it may slide and retract behind one or more body segments.
[0010] The expansion panel may have a video screen and tactile
and/or speaker outputs and may respond to signals from the game
processor. The expansion panel video screen may display information
originating at the game processor. The controller screen may show
hints to answering a game question that one or more players have
access to without other players seeing the hints.
[0011] The advantages of the present invention will be understood
more readily after a consideration of the drawings and the detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a video game system in use
including a game processor, a display, a first video game
controller shown in an extended position and a second video game
controller shown in a retracted position.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary video game
controller in a retracted position showing body control inputs.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the video game controller of
FIG. 2 in an extended position showing the sliding expansion panel,
expansion panel control inputs and body control inputs.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an exemplary video game
controller showing a first body segment, a second body segment, a
sliding expansion panel and body and expansion panel control
inputs.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the video game
controller of FIG. 4, showing the controller in a retracted
position, with the sliding expansion panel retracted into the first
body segment as indicated by dotted lines, and the extended
position of the first body segment indicated by dotted lines.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a video game controller
in a retracted position, showing the expansion panel retracted into
the first and second segments as indicated by dotted lines, and
extended positions of the first and second body segments indicated
by dotted lines.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of an exemplary video game
controller, with a first body segment and an expansion panel in an
extended position.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the video game
controller of FIG. 7, with the expansion panel shown retracted
inside the first body segment with retracted portions indicated by
dotted lines.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a bottom elevation view of the video game
controller of FIG. 7, with the sliding expansion panel shown
retracted inside the first body segment with retracted portions
indicated by dotted lines.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a bottom elevation view of another example of the
video game controller of FIG. 7, with the sliding expansion panel
shown in a retracted position on the back of and external to the
first body segment.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a bottom elevation view of another example of a
video game controller, similar to the controller shown in FIG. 4,
with the sliding expansion panel shown in a retracted position on
the back of and external to both the first body segment and the
second body segment.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a video game system in use
showing a game processor, a display including a speaker and a video
game controller responding to a signal from the display speaker
with a text message on a sliding panel display.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a game system is shown generally at 10,
including game processor 12, removable media 13, a video panel
display or television 14, a first video game controller 16 held by
a user 18 and a second video game controller 16' held by a user
18'. Video game controller 16 is shown in a retracted or closed
configuration. Video game controller 16' is shown in an extended or
open configuration. Controller 16 is shown connected to processor
12 by a wireless connection and controller 16' is shown connected
to processor 12 by a cable. Controller 16 or 16' may be used alone
with no additional controllers.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary video game
controller 16 in a retracted position showing a first body segment
20, a second body segment 22 and body control inputs 24.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of video game controller 16 of
FIG. 2 in an open or extended position. Video game controller 16 is
shown with first body or housing segment 20 and second body or
housing segment 22. An expansion panel 26 is shown between first
body segment 20 and second body segment 22. First body segment 20
may have one or more body control inputs 24 including thumb control
24A and button 24B. Expansion panel 26 may have one or more
expansion panel control inputs 28 including button 28A and slider
28B.
[0027] Body control input 24 and expansion panel control input 28
may be a joystick, a toggle, a button, or any of a number of input
devices used in video controllers. Body control input 24 and
expansion panel control input 28 may each comprise a plurality of
individual control inputs.
[0028] Body segments 20 and 22 and expansion panel 26 may be
connected and configured to move between open and closed positions
by translating and sliding without substantial rotation. First and
second body segments may be proximate and adjacent in the closed
position, obscuring the expansion panel with expansion panel
controls not accessible.
[0029] User 18 may move controller 16 to the open or expanded
position by grasping the first and second body segments and pulling
them apart to a fully extended position. The sliding mechanism may
comprise openings in the body segments sized to admit the expansion
panel. The ends of expansion panel 26 may be positioned in the body
segment openings and may include stops (not shown) to prevent
detachment of the body segments from the panel. The stops may
define the extended position of controller 16. Controller 16 may be
included with additional components configured to maintain
alignment of the body segments and expansion panel.
[0030] Controller 16 may be moved to a closed position by the user
grasping the body segments and pushing them together. Expansion
panel 26 may move through the body segment openings until the body
segments are adjacent and proximate. In the extended position, all
input controls of expansion panel 26 may be uncovered and available
to the user. In the retracted position, the body segment input
controls 24 may be available to the user and expansion panel
control inputs 28 may be covered and not available to the user.
[0031] Controller components may be configured so pushing and
pulling is not required. Components may be spring biased so that
opening and/or closing is initiated by a button or a trigger.
[0032] Game processor 12 may be either a dedicated gaming system,
such as gaming systems known by the proprietary names
PlayStation.TM. or Xbox.TM., or may be a computer, a DVD player, or
other microprocessor based component configured to execute game
software and respond to video game controller 16. Game system 10
may use localized gaming hardware and/or removable media 13 as
shown, or may be implemented through hardware distributed at remote
locations. System 10 may be interconnected by the Internet or other
communication system, and accessed by multiple players remotely
located from each other.
[0033] Removable media 13 may be a CD disk, a DVD disk, a game
cartridge or other media that stores digital commands and audio
visual content and can be accessed and executed by game processor
12.
[0034] FIGS. 4-11 show examples of component configurations for
controller 16 in open and closed positions. For clarity and ease of
understanding, a single body control input and a single expansion
panel control input are shown in the figures. This is an example
for illustration and should not be construed as a limitation.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an exemplary video game
controller 16 similar to controllers in FIG. 1. Video game
controller 16 is shown in an extended or open position, showing
first body segment 20, second body segment 22, expansion panel 26,
body control inputs 24 and expansion panel control inputs 28.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of an exemplary
configuration of the video game controller 16 of FIG. 4 shown in a
retracted position. For clarity, similar numbering is used here and
in figures below as used in previous figures. Expansion panel 26 is
shown by dashed lines. In the retracted position, expansion panel
26 is shown enclosed by first body segment 20. The open position of
first body segment 20 is shown by dashed lines also. Expansion
panel 26 and expansion panel control input 28 may be covered and
obscured from view in the closed position.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of an exemplary
configuration of the video game controller 16 of FIG. 4, shown in a
closed position. Retracted expansion panel 26 is shown enclosed by
both first body segment 20 and second body segment 22 with
expansion panel 26 and expansion panel control input 28 covered.
Dashed lines show the location of expansion panel 26 stored in the
segments. Dashed lines also show the position of first body segment
20 and second body segment 22 in the extended configuration.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of another exemplary
configuration of video game controller 16 in an open position.
Controller 16 is shown with a first body segment 20 including
control input 24 and expansion panel 26.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of video game controller 16
of FIG. 7 shown in a closed position. Dotted lines again show the
position of expansion panel 26 in its retracted position. Expansion
panel 26 is substantially enclosed by first body segment 20 with
expansion panel 26 and expansion panel control input 28 covered. In
the retracted position, a portion of expansion panel 26 may remain
exposed to provide a grip to pull expansion panel 26 from first
body segment 20. Alternatively, expansion panel 26 in the retracted
or closed position may be fully enclosed by first body segment
20.
[0040] FIG. 9 is a bottom elevation view of video game controller
16 of FIGS. 7 and 8 shown with expansion panel 26 in the closed
position. Again, dotted lines are used to indicate the hidden
portions of expansion panel 26 enclosed by primary section 20.
[0041] Expansion panel 26 in the closed or retracted position may
be external to and on the back or obverse side of first body
segment 20, rather than internal to segment 20. FIG. 10 is a bottom
elevation view of video game controller 16 of FIG. 7 showing
expansion panel 26 in the retracted position on the back of primary
section 20. In the retracted position, expansion panel control
input 28 and expansion panel 26 may be substantially obscured from
the view of the user during game play similar to previously
described configurations.
[0042] FIG. 11 is a bottom elevation view of controller 16 of FIG.
4 showing a first body segment 20, second body segment 22 and
expansion panel 26. In the retracted position, expansion panel 26
may be external to and on the back or obverse side of first body
segment 20 and second body segment 22. In this closed position,
expansion panel 26 and expansion panel control input 28 may be
substantially obscured from the view of the user during game play
similar to previously described configurations.
[0043] Alternatively, expansion panel 26 in the retracted position
may be in a recess on the back of both of the sections.
Alternatively, expansion panel 26 in the retracted position may be
in a recess on the back of only one of two body segments or on the
back of one of only one body segment. Expansion panel 26 may be
partially or completely obscured from the view of the user with
controller 16 closed.
[0044] Video game controller 16 may be connected to game processor
12 by a wire or fiber optic cable. Video game controller 16 may be
wireless and may transmit signals and/or receive signals from other
components of gaming system 10 using infrared, acoustic or radio
signals or other means. Expansion panel 26 may have functionality
for communicating with game processor 12 separate from the
communication system of the first body segment 20 and/or second
body segment 22 of video game controller 16.
[0045] Controller 16 may include a front side and a back or obverse
side. A front side of controller 16 may include control inputs
visible to user 18 during game play. The back side may have
additional controls but may not be visible to user 18 during game
play.
[0046] Expansion panel 26 may include a video screen and not have
any control inputs. Expansion panel 26 may include a video screen
and expansion panel control inputs 28. First body segment 20 or
second body segment 22 may integrate a video screen in place of or
together with control inputs 24.
[0047] Expansion panel 26 may be operably connected to first body
segment 20. Expansion panel 26 may be operably connected to second
body segment 22. Expansion panel 26 may be connected to first body
segment 20 and/or second body segment 22 by slide contacts or a
ribbon cable. Alternatively, expansion panel 26 may not have any
operable connection to other segments, only the physical slide
connection.
[0048] The configurations shown are examples. Placement, type and
number of control inputs and segment shapes can vary from those
shown and still fall within the scope of this disclosure.
Operation
[0049] The video game may have first and second modes of game
execution. In the first mode, the game may be configured and in the
second mode the game may be played. Game execution may instead or
in addition include first and second modes of game play. Moving
controller 16 to an extended or open position may change the mode
of the game execution and may provide a user interface at display
14 to modify game play or to modify the game environment.
Retracting expansion panel 26 may return the game to a previous
point of game play.
[0050] Video game controller 16 may be configured to work with
specific game software to enhance game play. Video game controller
16 may work with a game programmed to allow the player to design
and modify the game environment and avatars used in game play.
Moving controller 16 between retracted and extended positions may
switch the game from a first game play mode to a second
configuration mode for defining the game environment, defining
avatar characteristics or other game functions.
[0051] Moving controller 16 between retracted and extended
positions may instead or in addition switch from a first game play
mode to a second game play mode to provide the user with additional
resources in game play. The user in this second mode may get
additional information or resources or an avatar controlled by the
user may get additional powers or additional game play resources.
Other players may not be provided with additional resources to
pursue game play while controller 16 is extended.
[0052] Retracting expansion panel 26 may return the game to the
first game play mode. Expansion panel control input 28 may be
obscured and not available in this first game play mode. Only body
control inputs 24 may be used for game play in the closed,
retracted position.
[0053] A configuration mode may be separate and distinct from game
play mode and may provide the user a system administration level of
privileges for the game. Configuration mode may allow modification
to how the game is played. Functions that may be modified in
configuration mode include number of players, level of game
difficulty, rules, character or avatar skills or appearance.
[0054] For example, in configuration mode a player may select body
parts, skill sets and/or tools for an avatar. A player may select a
game theme, backgrounds, environments and other game factors. The
avatar and/or environments selected in configuration mode may be
applied to the game play mode.
[0055] Configuration mode may be separate from game play mode. Game
play mode may be a competition with scores and may have time limits
in which to score. Game play may be suspended or frozen in order to
shift to a configuration mode. Game play may resume at the point of
suspension on resuming game play mode from configuration mode.
[0056] Game execution may instead or in addition have multiple game
play modes. As an example of switching between game play modes, in
a Superman game, while expansion panel 26 is retracted and game
play is in a first mode, only the Clark Kent guise may be available
for game play. The player may access the Superman role by extending
expansion panel 26.
[0057] Extending expansion panel 26 may move game play to a second
mode causing Clark Kent to run to a phone booth and change clothes.
On Superman emerging from the phone booth, the player may be able
to access Superman's powers such as flying and strength with
expansion panel control inputs 28. On retracting the panel,
expansion panel control inputs 28 may be substantially or
completely covered and the game may return to the first mode.
Superman may return to the guise of Clark Kent in the game. The
game may limit the number of times Superman mode may be used in a
game so the player must decide when to use it.
[0058] Controller 16 may respond to signals and commands from game
processor 12 or from other controllers in use during game play or
configuration. Controller 16 may respond to infrared, local area
network or acoustic signals from game processor 14.
[0059] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary game system at
50 in use showing a game assembly 58 including game processor 12,
removable media 13, television or display 14 including a speaker
52. Remote game device 16 shown may include a microphone 56 and
expansion panel 26 with a display 54. Game processor 12 may
transmit an acoustic signal by generating an electronic signal at
processor 12 that is converted at speaker 52 to acoustic signal
S1.
[0060] Controller 16 may receive acoustic signal S1 from game
assembly 58 at microphone 56. Controller 16 may respond to the
received signal by modifying the configuration of controller 16,
displaying data from memory or displaying data received in the
signal. Changing configuration of controller 16 may include
modifying the function of individual control inputs. Controller 16
may also transmit wireless signals S2 to game processor 12 to
control game flow.
[0061] Video game controller 16 including microphone 56 and game
assembly 58 including display 54 and speaker 52, may be used in a
game with activities and challenges presented to the players. An
activity during game play may involve a guessing game. A picture of
Abraham Lincoln may be displayed on a screen in a first mode of
game play. A player may request a clue to help them name the person
displayed. The player may request a clue by extending controller 16
to switch to a second mode of game play.
[0062] Opening controller 16 may transmit a request signal S2 to
game system 10. Game assembly 58 may transmit an information signal
S1 to video game controller 16 and display 54 may show the words
"This person ended slavery." Retracting the expansion panel 26 and
extending it again may provide an additional clue on display
54.
[0063] While embodiments of a remote device and methods of use have
been particularly shown and described, many variations may be made
therein. This disclosure may include one or more independent or
interdependent inventions directed to various combinations of
features, functions, elements and/or properties, one or more of
which may be defined in the following claims. Other combinations
and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and/or
properties may be claimed later in this or a related application.
Such variations, whether they are directed to different
combinations or directed to the same combinations, whether
different, broader, narrower or equal in scope, are also regarded
as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure. An
appreciation of the availability or significance of claims not
presently claimed may not be presently realized. Accordingly, the
foregoing embodiments are illustrative, and no single feature or
element, or combination thereof, is essential to all possible
combinations that may be claimed in this or a later application.
Each claim defines an invention disclosed in the foregoing
disclosure, but any one claim does not necessarily encompass all
features or combinations that may be claimed. Where the claims
recite "a" or "a first" element or the equivalent thereof, such
claims include one or more such elements, neither requiring nor
excluding two or more such elements. Further, ordinal indicators,
such as first, second or third, for identified elements are used to
distinguish between the elements, and do not indicate a required or
limited number of such elements, and do not indicate a particular
position or order of such elements unless otherwise specifically
stated.
* * * * *