U.S. patent application number 12/183211 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-05 for system and method for playing a game.
This patent application is currently assigned to HOME FOCUS DEVELOPMENT LTD. Invention is credited to Jacob Ranis Stokholm Andersen.
Application Number | 20090036218 12/183211 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38262981 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090036218 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andersen; Jacob Ranis
Stokholm |
February 5, 2009 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLAYING A GAME
Abstract
A system and a method for playing a game using the system is
provided. The system allows a consumer of retail products to
acquire information relevant to playing the game and transmit that
information into a computer network, which processes that
information and informs the consumer of their status with regard to
the game. The game information is captured and transmitted to the
computer network with an imaging device, which is provided to the
consumer by the retailer sponsoring the game.
Inventors: |
Andersen; Jacob Ranis Stokholm;
(Hong Kong, CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VOLPE AND KOENIG, P.C.
UNITED PLAZA, SUITE 1600, 30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
HOME FOCUS DEVELOPMENT LTD
Tortola
VG
|
Family ID: |
38262981 |
Appl. No.: |
12/183211 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/IB2007/000245 |
Jan 31, 2007 |
|
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|
12183211 |
|
|
|
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60763630 |
Jan 31, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3255 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A system for playing a game, comprising a product for retail
sale; an imaging device for capturing and transmitting game
information included with the retail product to a computer network,
the computer network configured to receive the transmitted game
information and providing a result to the consumer regarding the
game status of the consumer.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer network distributes
information related to a product to the consumer.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer network comprises at
least one client computer and at least one server computer.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer network is the
Internet.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the system facilitates the
collection, storage and use of industry-related data.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the system allows the purchase of
products by consumers over the computer network.
7. A computer program product comprising computer readable code for
capturing and transmitting game information to a computer
network.
8. A computer program product comprising computer readable code for
receiving and decoding game information and providing a result to
the consumer regarding the consumer's status in the game,
9. The computer program product of claim 7, further comprising
computer readable code for collection, storage and use of
industry-related data,
10. The computer program product of claim 7, further comprising
computer readable code for the purchase of products by consumers
over the computer network.
11. A method of playing a game, comprising: providing a game piece
including game information to a user; providing an imaging device
to the user; and capturing and transmitting the game information to
a computer network with the imaging device, the computer network
receiving the game information and providing a result to the
consumer regarding the status of the user in the game.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of
distributing information related to a product to the user.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of allowing
the user to purchase products over the computer network.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the computer network
distributes information related to a product to the user.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the computer network comprises
at least one client computer and at least one server computer.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the computer network is the
Internet
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of
gathering industry-related data from the user.
18. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of
distributing industry-related data.
19. A system for playing a game, comprising at least one game piece
including game information; an imaging device for capturing and
transmitting the game information to a computer network, the
computer network being configured to receive the transmitted game
information from at least one user and provide a result regarding a
game status to the at least one user.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the format of the game
information of the game piece is alphanumeric, numeric, binary,
graphic or a combination thereof.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein the imaging device is a
webcam.
22. The system of claim 19, wherein the computer network comprises
at least one server configured to analyze the game information to
determine the game status result.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the server comprises image
recognition software.
24. The system of claim 19, wherein the game piece is a card.
25. The system of claim 19, wherein the at least one user is two or
more users playing against each other.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the two or more users are
remotely located.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein the computer network is the
Internet.
28. A method for playing a game comprising providing at least one
game piece including game information to at least one user;
capturing the game information with an imaging device; transmitting
the game information via a computer network; providing a result to
the at least one user based on the transmitted game information.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of International Patent
Application Serial No. PCT/IB2007/000245, filed Jan. 31, 2007,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/763,630 filed Jan. 31, 2006, which are incorporated by reference
as if fully set forth.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a system and method for
playing a game by capturing and transmitting information, and more
particularly to a computerized system implementing a game for use
by consumers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Traditionally, retailers of novelty items have relied on
advertising and word-of-mouth to induce consumers to purchase their
goods. Games are also used to attract consumers and introduce them
to certain products, and to offer added value to the purchase of an
item. The possibility of winning a prize, which was often of
significantly greater value than the purchased item, also resulted
in multiple purchases of the item by a single consumer, thus
increasing sales revenue. Moreover, a game which was considered
appealing or fun by a consumer fostered consumer loyalty for a
particular retailer or product.
[0004] Games offered to consumers have taken increasingly
sophisticated forms. With the development of the internet, games
and contests can be accessed by a wider range of consumers, and the
manner and speed in which information can be transmitted to and
from consumers has changed. Typical internet-based games required
the consumer to acquire certain information by purchasing an item,
which information can then be entered into a computer via a
keyboard and transmitted to the retailer over the internet. The
consumer was informed relatively instantaneously whether they had
advanced in or won the game. Also, the consumer was exposed to
additional products or product advertising from the retailer, which
could increase product sales.
[0005] However, such games were limited in their consumer appeal
and in the types of information that could be transmitted to the
retailer. For example, after purchasing an item, the consumer had
to find a computer with a keyboard which was connected to the
internet, and then enter the game information in a particular
manner. The information had to be entered in alphanumeric or
numeric form in order to be properly transmitted and
interpreted.
[0006] Computers with internet access may not always be readily
accessible to consumers, and alphanumeric game information is
generally not pleasing or meaningful to the typical consumer. The
consumer may therefore not take the time and effort to find a
suitable computer and enter and transmit the alphanumeric
information over the internet to see if they have won the game.
Traditional internet-based games thus lose much of their consumer
appeal, and the ability of such games to induce consumers into
repeated purchases of a given item or expose the consumers to
additional advertising is much reduced.
[0007] What is needed, therefore, is a system and method for
playing a game, which has sufficient consumer appeal and ease of
use to entice consumers to purchase a product and complete the
steps necessary to play the game. It is desirable that the consumer
be induced to make multiple purchases of a product by the game,
either to win prizes or to continue playing the game, and to be
exposed to additional product advertising while playing the
game.
SUMMARY
[0008] The invention relates to a system for playing a game
including a product for retail sale. The system also includes an
imaging device for capturing and transmitting game information
included with the retail product to a computer network. Also
included is a computer network configured to receive the
transmitted game information and to provide a result to a consumer
playing the game regarding the consumer's game status.
[0009] The invention further provides a computer program product
including computer readable code for capturing and transmitting
game information to a computer network.
[0010] The invention is also related to method of playing a game,
including providing a game piece including game information to a
user and providing an imaging device to the user. The method also
includes capturing and transmitting the game information to a
computer network with the imaging device. The computer network
receives the game information and provides a result to the consumer
regarding the user's status in the game.
[0011] The invention further relates to a system for playing a
game, including at least one game piece having game information.
The system also includes an imaging device for capturing and
transmitting the game information to a computer network. The
computer network is configured to receive the transmitted game
information from at least one user and provide a result regarding
game status to the at least one user.
[0012] The invention yet further relates to a method for playing a
game including providing at least one game piece having game
information to at least one user. The method also includes
capturing the game information with an imaging device, transmitting
the game information via a computer network and providing a result
to the at least one user based on the transmitted game
information.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a depiction of an element of the system in
use.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a depiction of another element of the system in
use.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a simplified exemplary system of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the method of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Introduction to the Embodiments
[0018] The present invention provides s system for playing a game,
comprising a product comprising an imaging device for capturing and
transmitting game information to a computer network, and a computer
network capable of receiving the transmitted game information and
providing a result to the consumer regarding the consumer's status
in the game. The system can optionally distribute information
related to a product to the consumer. The computer network can
comprise the Internet.
[0019] The system of the invention also facilitates the collection,
storage and use of demographic- and product-related sales
information or other industry-related data by a retailer. Such
industry-related data can be used by the retailer to inform and
facilitate marketing or other business-related decisions.
[0020] The system can also act as a repository for data which may
be of interest to members of the industry.
[0021] The system of the invention can be used for remote purchase
of products by consumers. The invention farther provides a computer
program product comprising computer readable code for capturing and
transmitting game information to a computer network.
[0022] The invention still further provides a computer program
product comprising computer readable code for receiving game
information, and providing a result to the consumer regarding the
consumer's status in the game.
[0023] Further computer program products which comprise computer
readable code for performing other system functions are also
provided.
[0024] The invention also provides a method of playing a game with
me system of the invention, comprising providing to a consumer an
imaging device for capturing and transmitting game information to a
computer network, and allowing the consumer to access a computer
network which receives the game information and provides a result
to the consumer regarding the consumer's status in the game. The
method optionally comprises the step of distributing information
related to a product to a consumer over the present system, or
allowing the consumer to remotely purchase products using the
present system. The computer network can comprise the Internet.
[0025] The invention yet further provides a method of gathering,
storing and optionally distributing industry related data using the
present system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] A system for playing a game is provided. The system allows a
consumer of retail products to acquire information relevant to
playing the game and transmit that information into a computer
network. The computer network processes that information and
informs the consumer of their status with regard to the game.
[0027] The consumer participates in the game by purchasing a
product from a retailer which comprises or contains an imaging
device for capturing game information and transmitting it to the
computer network. The game information can be contained in the
product, or it can be separately provided to the consumer.
[0028] As used herein, a "game" includes any competition which
involves the acquisition and transmission of information over a
computer network in exchange for the chance to win a prize, in
which, a consumer participates without direct contact with or
interference from other consumers or in direct competition to at
least one other consumer or against a computer system. For example,
a game can be a lottery or drawing in which one or a few consumers
who transmit particular game information will win a prize
regardless of the actions of other consumers participating in the
game, A game can also be a direct competition, between multiple
users, in which the first (or first, second and third, etc.)
consumer who acquires and transmits the relevant information wins a
prize. A game can also be a computerized fantasy role-playing game
war game or other computerized video game in which one or more
users or players can participate to earn points for completing
tasks or advancing through game levels. Two or more players can
play against each other via the computer network even though they
are remotely located.
[0029] As used herein, a "prize" can be anything provided to a
consumer in exchange for the acquisition and transmission of game
information. A prize can. be of lesser, equal or greater value than
the product purchased by the consumer to acquire the game or
contest information or imaging device. The prize can also comprise
further game or contest information, such, as information needed to
complete a task or complete a game level, or can comprise "points"
or some other form of measure which can be tallied or accumulated
with repeated play. In one embodiment, a prize can be a monetary or
other concrete reward can be given to consumers who accumulate a
certain number of points after repeated game play. In another
embodiment, a prize can be one or more special "powers" or other
abilities, weapons, extra "lives" or some other measure of
increased ability to survive, or anything else that is relevant or
of value in the game milieu which confers an advantage to the
player. For example, the prize for transmitting given game
information according to the invention can confer a shield, a magic
sword, the ability to fly, limited or unlimited invincibility, or
the like to a consumer who is playing a computerized video game
according to the invention.
[0030] It is understood that game information can comprise a code
or cipher that, when captured and transmitted according to the
invention, allows the consumer to acquire a prize as discussed
above.
[0031] The imaging device provided with a product can comprise any
device which is capable of capturing and transmitting information,
to a computer network in a form that the network can receive,
optionally decode, and process. It is contemplated that both
digital and analog images can be transmitted by the imaging device.
Suitable imaging devices include digital cameras adapted for
connection to personal computers (e.g., through a USB or similar
data transmission port or by wireless communication), such as are
commonly called "webcams." Typically, the computer and/or webcam
comprises software which periodically or continually acquires video
images (e.g., still frames) from the webcam and converts the images
into a JPG, TIFF or other similar type image file.
[0032] Suitable software for acquiring and transmitting images from
a webcam (or other imaging device, e.g. scanner) to a computer are
known in the art, and can generally be found on the Internet. For
example, software called "Webcam32" is available online from
Surveyor Corporation at www.webcam32.com. Facial recognition
software are also suitable for acquiring and analyzing images from
a webcam.
[0033] Generally, webcams, scanners and other suitable imaging
devices can be connected to a computer by a cable, such as through
a USB or other data transmission port, or by a wireless connection
such as a radio frequency link, infra-red, "Bluetooth," and the
like.
[0034] Suitable webcams include Intel PC Camera Pro Pack (USB)
available from Intel Corp., the CAM-330L Cute Mini Web Camera with
32 MB RAM available from Comix International Co. Ltd. (Taipei,
Taiwan), and the KS-60 & Compact Web Camera with Image Sensors
available from Techmakers Electronics Ltd. (Kowloon, Hong
Kong).
[0035] Webcams for use with the present method can have any
suitable memory, resolution, optics, video format, focus range,
power supply, connectivity and the like to allow the webcam to
capture and transmit images to a computer. For example, a suitable
webcam can have a 300-350k pixel CMOS sensor, a USB interface
connection with PC/notebook host, video mode up to 30 fps at Common
Intermediate Format (CIF), and an adjustable lens to control the
clarity of the image. The webcam can also be any size, but is
generally dimensioned to easily fit within a typical retail food,
candy or toy package. For example, the webcam can be about 50 mm
wide, about 70 mm in height and about 60 mm in depth, and may
include a stand. Webcams of greater and lesser dimensions can also
be used.
[0036] The imaging device for use in the invention can also
comprise stand-alone digital still or video cameras, or digital
still or video cameras contained in cellular telephones or other
electronic devices. For example, game information can be captured
by a digital camera in a cellular telephone, and transmitted to a
computer via wireless communication from the telephone (such as by
e-mail, SMS, MMS, Bluetooth, etc.).
[0037] The imaging device can also comprise an apparatus, component
or other device for reading game information from a game piece
which is not necessarily visible to the unaided human eye. For
example, the imaging device can be equipped a reader for infra-red
or ultraviolet light, or the like, which is emitted or reflected
from a substrate holding the game information. The substrate
holding the game information can contain an apparatus, component or
other means for emitting signals such as infra-red or ultraviolet
light, or the like.
[0038] Alternatively, the imaging device can comprise an apparatus,
component or other device for emitting signals such as infra-red or
ultraviolet light, or the like, so that such signals are reflected
from the game piece in a manner which can be detected by the
imaging device. For example, the imaging device can emit
ultra-violet or "black" light, which is reflected from certain
material including the game information. The reflected ultraviolet
light can then be recorded and transmitted by the imaging device
according to the invention.
[0039] The game information can be provided on any suitable
substrate, such as paper, foil, cardstock, cardboard, metal, wood,
plastic and the like. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the game
information is provided as a game piece or a game card 160 on a
piece of cardstock approximately the size of a playing card. As
discussed above, the substrate on which the game information is
provided can alternatively include an infrared or ultraviolet light
signal generator/transmitter, for example through some or all of
the material comprising the game information.
[0040] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment where the webcam or imaging
device 140 is provided with an apparatus 170 for holding the game
piece 160 at the optimal distance and in the correct orientation
for capturing the image for transmission to a computer. For
example, the imaging device 140 can be provided with a frame 170
which is adapted to fit the imaging device 140 and is configured
hold the game pieces 160 in front of the imaging device lens at a
fixed, predetermined distance that is optimal for that imaging
device to capture the game information. This apparatus can be
fabricated from any suitable material, such as plastic, cardboard,
metal, wood and the like, using techniques within the skill in the
art.
[0041] The game piece 160 provided to the consumer for capture by
the imaging device can include alphanumeric or numeric (including
binary) information, graphic information, or a combination thereof.
For example, the game information can include fanciful pictures or
drawings with labels or text. The graphic depictions are captured
by the imaging device and analyzed by appropriate image recognition
software, e.g. FaceIt.RTM. by Identix, Inc., Minnetonka, Minn. The
game information can also comprise colors, or can comprise
reflective material which can only be seen under certain conditions
(such as when irradiated by infra-red or ultraviolet light). The
game information can also comprise material which is transmissive
to signals such as infra-red or ultraviolet light. In one
embodiment, the game information comprises alphanumeric
information, graphic information, or any combination of these which
form a code or cipher which can be interpreted after transmission.
Those consumers acquiring and transmitting certain codes or ciphers
can win certain prizes.
[0042] The product with which the imaging device is provided can be
any consumer product, for example toys, candy, game cards or
combinations thereof. Alternatively, the imaging device can be
provided without another consumer product. It is understood that
game information may or may not be included with the imaging
device, but can also be provided separately to the consumer. If the
game information is provided separately, it may be provided with or
without additional consumer products,
[0043] The system of the invention also includes a computer network
which can comprise one or more client computers connected through
the network to at least one server, and the associated software
(file transfer protocols, etc.) and hardware (cables, modems,
monitors, speakers, etc.) which are known in the art. For example,
the system can comprise a personal computer comprising an Internet
browser or other appropriate software and a telephone or cable
modem connected through the Internet to an Internet server, which
allows the personal computer to establish and maintain a connection
to the Internet server, and locate and display a given
"webpage."
[0044] The client computer is used by the consumer to accept game
information from the imaging device, and transmit that information
to a server maintained by the retailer who provided the imaging
device to the consumer. The consumer is typically able to view
their connection to the Internet server as a webpage from the
retailer. This webpage can comprise interactive prompts which allow
the consumer to request certain services or enter information
relevant to the retailer's business or products, the game which the
consumer is playing, and the like.
[0045] For ease of illustration, a computer network of the
invention will be described with a simplified example. It is
understood, however, that the present networks are not limited to
the number of remote members or structure discussed in the
simplified example.
[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 3, exemplary system 100 comprises
server 120 and at least one client computer 130 which are connected
to the Internet. Imaging device 140 is connected to client computer
130 to transmit game information to the client computer 130. Server
120 and client computer 130 can be general purpose computers which
included or comprise computer program products comprising computer
readable code for accomplishing the desired functions. For example,
server 120 can be a standard server or workstation running the
Windows NT.TM. operating system and including HTTP server software
such as Apache.TM. or other suitable HTTP server software. Server
120 can also have a unique Internet Protocol ("IP") address to
which, the game information from the client computer 130 can be
routed. Client computer 130 can be a personal computer running the
Microsoft Windows.RTM., Apple OS X.RTM. or Linux.RTM. operating
systems and an HTTP compliant browser, such as Microsoft Internet
Explorer.RTM., Mozilla Firefox.RTM. or Apple Safari.RTM.. Client
computer 130 includes or comprises a computer program product
comprising computer-readable code for receiving images of the game
piece 160 transmitted from the imaging device 140 and sending them
to server 120 over the internet. The game information transmitted
from client computer 130 is routed through the Internet via routers
150, using standard routing protocols, to the IP address of server
120.
[0047] Server 120 is adapted to process the game information (for
example, decode any game information which comprises a code or
cipher) received from client 130 and compare these images to a
database containing prize or competitor information. If server 120
determines that a prize or victory should or should not be awarded
to the consumer who acquired the game piece 160 and transmitted the
game information, then server 120 so informs the consumer by
transmitting a statement or other indication to client computer 130
via the Internet identifying the consumer's status in the game and
the prize or prizes they have won. For example, the consumer could
be informed that his game status is "Winner" and that his prize is
$100. Likewise, server 120 could transmit the statement "Sorry, you
are not a winner. No prize will be awarded--please try again!" to
the consumer. Alternatively, the consumer could be informed of
whether he has acquired a new "power" or weapon or the like, and be
given the ability to use the new power or weapon during game play
on the computer.
[0048] Server 120 can also be adapted to provide additional product
information to the consumer during the time they are connected to
server 120 via the Internet, for example while the consumer is
transmitting the game information to server 120, waiting for a
reply from server 120 regarding their game status, or viewing the
reply from server 120. Such additional product information can
include, for example, advertising designed to entice the consumer
to purchase additional products or introduce them to products yet
to be marketed. The server 120 can also transmit additional product
information to the consumer from other sources, such as from third
party retailers or service provides who have paid the retailer to
display advertising material. It is understood that "product." as
used herein, includes both consumer goods and services. The server
120 can also offer products for sale to the consumer over the
Internet.
[0049] The invention also provides a method of playing a game with
the present system. In the practice of the method, a consumer is
informed of the game (e.g., through advertising) in which they can
win prizes by obtaining and transmitting information to a server
maintained by the retailer. To play the game, the consumer
purchases or is given an imaging device 140 and must then acquire
game information which is input into the imaging device for
transmission to a client computer 130. The consumer then transmits
the game information from the client computer 130 to the retailer's
server via a computer network such as the Internet, where the game
information is processed by the server and the consumer is informed
of his game states based on the game information which was
transmitted. The imaging device 140 can be provided to the consumer
along with another product, such as a consumer good or service. In
one embodiment, the imaging device is provided to the consumer
along with a novelty item such as a toy or candy. The game
information can be provided with the imaging device, or can be
provided separately to the consumer. The game piece 160 or
information may be provided along with another product. The method
can also optionally include the steps of displaying additional
product information to the consumer or offering products to the
consumer for purchase over the Internet.
[0050] The invention also provides a method of gathering and
storing distributing industry-related data using the present system
with the system of the invention. In the method, a consumer is
induced to play a game as described above. The consumer is then
invited to input and transmit relevant data such as date and time
of purchase, type and number of products purchased, demographic
data such as age, gender, race and the like, and any other data
which might be considered valuable for business or marketing
purposes, to the retailer's server. The consumer can be invited to
enter such data at any point during the process of transmitting
game information or receiving and viewing their game status from
the retailer's server. Industry-related data can also be gathered
and stored without being expressly input by the consumer; for
example, data regarding the number of consumers acquiring and
transmitting game information can be obtained. The method
optionally included the step of distributing the industry-related
data to other entities.
[0051] The invention also provides a computer program product for
performing some or all of the computer network functions according
to the invention. A "computer program product" can comprise any
available computer readable media that can be accessed by an
electronic device such as an imaging device or client and server
computers. For example, computer readable media can comprise
computer storage media or communication media which contains
computer-readable code for directing a computer to perform a given
function. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile,
removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or
technology for storage of information such as computer readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.
Computer storage media includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or
other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or
other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic
disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium
which can be used to store the desired information and which can be
accessed by an electronic device. A computer program product
according to the invention can also comprise the electronic device
which accesses the computer-readable code. Thus, and imaging device
or client or server computers can be considered a computer program
product.
[0052] While the present invention has been described in connection
with the various embodiments and figures, it is understood that
other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and
additions made to the described embodiments for performing the same
function of the present invention without deviating therefrom.
Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to any
single embodiment, but rather should be construed in breadth and
scope in accordance with the recitation of the appended claims.
* * * * *
References