Patent Grant
9514607
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an electronic gaming device. More specifically, the disclosure relates to an electronic gaming device, which provides gaming options relating to payline structures.
The gaming industry has numerous casinos located both worldwide and in the United States. A client of a casino or other gaming entity can gamble via various games of chance. For example, craps, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and electronic games (e.g., a slot machine) where a person may gamble on an outcome.
Paylines of an electronic gaming device (e.g., a slot machine) are utilized to determine when predetermined winning symbol combinations are aligned in a predetermined pattern to form a winning combination. A winning event occurs when the player successful matches the predetermined winning symbols in one of the predetermined patterns.
Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples will be described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures.
These video streams may display gaming table, sporting events, promotional events (e.g., concerts, etc.), horse/dog races, and/or any combination thereof.
Video streams may be obtained for an entertainment event, a wagering event, a promotional event, a promotional offering, an advertisement, a sporting event, any other event, and/or any combination thereof. For example, the entertainment event may be a concert, a show, a live sporting event, a television program, a movie, an internet event, and/or any combination thereof. In another example, the wagering event may be a poker tournament, a horse race, a car race, and/or any combination thereof. The advertisement may be an advertisement for the casino, a restaurant, a shop, any other entity, and/or any combination thereof. The sporting event may be a football game, a baseball game, a hockey game, a basketball game, any other sporting event, and/or any combination thereof.
Input device 112 may be mechanical buttons, electronic buttons, a touch screen, or any combination thereof. Input device 112 may be utilized to make a wager, select paylines, to modify (e.g., change sound level, configuration, font, language, etc.) electronic gaming device 100, to select a movie or music, to select multi-media streams 110, to request services (e.g., drinks, manager, etc.), or any combination thereof.
Credit device 114 may be utilized to collect monies and distribute monies (e.g., cash, vouchers, etc.). Credit device 114 may interface via device interface 116 with a mobile device to electronically transmit money and/or credits. Credit device 114 may interface with a players' pre-established account to electronically transmit money and/or credit. For example, a player may have a credit card, other mag-stripe card, or other electronic fund transfer device on file with the location for which money and/or credits can be directly applied when the player is done. Credit device 114 may interface with a player's card to exchange player points.
Device interface 116 may be utilized to connect a player to electronic gaming device 100 through a mobile device, card, keypad, identification device 118, or any combination thereof. Device interface 116 may include a docking station by which a mobile device is plugged into electronic gaming machine 100. Device interface 116 may include an over the air connection by which a mobile device is connected to electronic gaming machine 100 (e.g. Bluetooth, Near Field technology, and/or Wi-Fi technology). Device interface 116 may include a connection to identification device 118.
Identification device 118 may be utilized to determine an identity of a player. Identification device 118 may utilize biometrics (e.g. thumb print, retinal scan, or other biometric). Identification device 118 may include a card entered into input device 112. Identification device 118 may include a keypad with an assigned pin number for verification. Identification device 118 may include multiple layers of identification for added security. For example, a player could be required to enter a player tracking card, and/or a pin number, and/or a thumb print, or any combination thereof. Based on information obtained by identification device 118, electronic gaming device 100 may be reconfigured. For example, the language, sound level, music, placement of video streams, placement of images, and the placement of gaming options utilized may be modified based on a player's preference data. For example, a player may have selected baseball under the sporting event preferences; the electronic gaming device 100 will then automatically display the current baseball game onto side display screen 108 and/or alternate display screen as set in the player's options.
In
Electronic gaming system 200 may include video/multi-media server 202, which may be coupled to network 224 via a network link 214. Network 224 may be the internet, a private network, or a network cloud. One or more video streams may be received at video/multimedia server 202 from other electronic gaming devices 100. Video/multi-media server 202 may transmit one or more of these video streams to a mobile phone 230, electronic gaming device 100, a remote electronic gaming device at a different location in the same property 216, a remote electronic gaming device at a different location 218, a laptop 222, and/or any other remote electronic device 218. Video server 202 may transmit these video streams via network link 214 and/or network 224.
For example, a remote gaming device at the same location may be a casino with multiple casino floors, a casino which allows wagering activities to take place from the room, a casino which may allow wagering activities to take place from the pool area, etc. In another example, the remote devices may be at another location, such a progressive link to another casino, or a casino corporation, which owns many different casinos (e.g. MGM, Caesars, etc.).
Gaming server 204 may generate gaming outcomes. Gaming server 204 may provide electronic gaming device 100 with game play content. Gaming server 204 may provide electronic gaming device 100 with game play math and/or outcomes.
Player tracking server 206 may track a player's betting activity, a player's preferences (e.g., language, font, sound level, drinks, etc.). Based on data obtained by player tracking server 206, a player may be eligible for gaming rewards (e.g. free play), promotions, and/or other awards (e.g., complimentary food, drinks, lodging, concerts, etc.).
Voucher server 208 may generate a voucher, which may include data relating to gaming. Further, the voucher may include payline structure option selections.
Authentication server 210 may determine the validity of vouchers, player's identity, and/or an outcome for a gaming event.
Accounting server 212 may compile, track, and/or monitor cash flows, voucher transactions, winning vouchers, losing vouchers, and/or other transaction data. Transaction data may include the number of wagers, the size of these wagers, the date and time for these wagers, the identity of the players making these wagers, and the frequency of the wagers. Accounting server 212 may generate tax information relating to these wagers. Accounting server 212 may generate profit/loss reports for player's tracked outcomes.
Processor 302 may include communication interfaces for communicating with electronic gaming device 100, electronic gaming system 200, and user interfaces to enable communication with all gaming elements. For example, processor 302 may interface with memory 304 to access a player's mobile device through device interface 322 to display content onto display 318. Processor 302 may generate a voucher based on a wager confirmation, which may be received by an input device, a server, a mobile device, and/or any combination thereof. A voucher device may generate, print, transmit, or receive a voucher. Memory 304 may include communication interfaces for communicating with electronic gaming device 100, electronic gaming system 200, and user interfaces to enable communication with all gaming elements. For example, the information stored on memory 304 may be printed out onto a voucher by printer 308 and/or video or pictures captured by camera 312 may be saved and stored on memory 304. Memory 304 may include a confirmation module, which may authenticate a value of a voucher and/or the validity of the voucher. The processor may determine a value of the voucher based on generated voucher data and data in the confirmation module. Electronic gaming device 100 may include a player preference input device. The player preference input device may modify a game configuration. The modification may be based on data from the identification device.
Smart card reader 306 may allow electronic gaming device 100 to access and read information provided by player or technician, which may be used for setting of player preferences and/or providing maintenance information. For example, smart card reader 306 may provide an interface between a smart card (inserted by the player) and identification device 324 to verify the identity of a player.
Electronic gaming device 100 may include a printer 308 for printing vouchers, informational materials, advertisements, and/or coupons.
Electronic gaming device 100 may include a jackpot controller 310, which may allow electronic gaming device 100 to interface with other electronic gaming devices either directly or through electronic gaming system 200 to accumulate a shared jackpot.
Camera 312 may allow electronic gaming device 100 to take images of player or a player's surroundings. For example, when a player sits down at the machine their picture may be taken to include their image into the game play. A picture of a player may be an actual image as taken by camera 312. A picture of a player may be a computerized caricature of image taken by camera 312. The image obtained by camera 312 may be used in connection with identification device 324 using facial recognition. Camera 312 may allow electronic gaming device 100 to record video. The video may be stored on memory 304 or stored remotely via electronic gaming system 200. Video obtained by camera 312 may then be used as part of game play, or may be used for security purposes. For example, a camera located on electronic gaming device 100 may capture video of a potential illegal activity (e.g. tampering with the machine, crime in the vicinity, underage players, etc.).
Network interface 314 may allow electronic gaming device 100 to communicate with video server 202, gaming server 204, player tracking server 206, voucher server 208, authentication server 210, and/or accounting server 212.
Input device 316 may be mechanical buttons, electronic buttons, a touch screen, or any combination thereof. Input device 316 may be utilized to make a wager, to make an offer to buy or sell a voucher, to determine a voucher's worth, to cash in a voucher, to modify electronic gaming device 100 (e.g., change sound level, configuration, font, language, etc.), to select a movie or music, to select live video streams (e.g. sporting event 1, sporting event 2, sporting event 3), to request services (e.g., drinks, manager, etc.), or any combination thereof.
Display 318 may show video streams from one or more content sources. Display 318 may encompass first display screen 102, second display screen 104, third display screen 106, side display screen 108, and/or another screen used for displaying video content.
Credit device 320 may be utilized to collect monies and distribute monies (e.g., cash, vouchers, etc.). Credit device 320 may interface with processor to allow for game play to take place. Processor may determine any payouts, display configurations, animation, and/or any other functions associated with game play. Credit device may interface with display 318 to display the amount of available credits for the player to use for wagering purposes. Credit device 320 may interface via device interface 322 with a mobile device to electronically transmit money and/or credits. Credit device 320 may interface with a player's pre-established account, which may be stored on electronic gaming system 200, to electronically transmit money and/or credit. For example, a player may have a credit card or other mag-stripe card on file with the location for which money and/or credits can be directly applied when the player is done. Credit device 320 may interface with a player's card to exchange player points.
Electronic gaming device 100 may include a device interface 322 that a user may employ with their mobile device (e.g. smart phone) to receive information from and/or transmit information to electronic gaming device 100 (e.g., watch a movie, listen to music, obtain verbal betting options, verification of identification, transmit credits, etc.).
Identification device 324 may be utilized to allow electronic gaming device 100 to determine an identity of a player. Based on information obtained by identification device 324, electronic gaming device 100 may be reconfigured. For example, the language, sound level, music, placement of video streams, placement of images, placement of gaming options, and the tables utilized may be modified based on player preference data.
For example, a player may have selected a specific baseball team (e.g., Atlanta Braves) under the sporting event preferences, the electronic gaming device 100 will then automatically (or via player input) display the current baseball game (e.g., Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies) onto side display screen 108 and/or alternate display screen as set in the player's options.
A voucher device 326 may generate, print, transmit, or receive a voucher. The voucher may represent a wagering option, a wagering structure, a wagering timeline, a value of wager, a payout potential, a payout, or any other wagering data. A voucher may represent an award, which may be used for other locations inside of the gaming establishment. For example, the voucher may be a coupon for the local buffet or a concert ticket.
Validation module 402 may utilize data received from voucher device 326 to confirm the validity of the voucher.
Voucher module 404 may store data relating to generated vouchers, redeemed vouchers, bought vouchers, and/or sold vouchers.
Reporting module 406 may generate reports related to a performance of electronic gaming device 100, electronic gaming system 200, video streams, gaming objects, credit device 114, and/or identification device 118.
Maintenance module 408 may track any maintenance that is implemented on electronic gaming device 100 and/or electronic gaming system 200. Maintenance module 408 may schedule preventative maintenance and/or request a service call based on a device error.
Player tracking preferences module 410 may compile and track data associated with a player's preferences.
For example, it may be that if all columns in Row A (e.g. V, W, X, Y, and Z) have the same image (e.g. cherries, bars, pictures of the player as captured by camera 312, etc.) then a winning event has occurred. Lining up of the images may happen in one of many ways. For example, if all images in the cells (e.g., AU, AV, etc.), which are touching by a shared side (e.g. AV and AW) or by a corner (e.g. AV and BW), have the same image this may represent that a winning event has occurred.
In another example, the representative information may show that Row A has been a winner 40 percent of the time, Row B has been a winner 20 percent of the time, Row C has been a winner 5 percent of the time, Row D has not been a winner, Row E has been a winner 25 percent of the time, and there has been no winner 10 percent of the time.
Screen image 550 may display scenario 552, which may be the size of the wagers that the players have played with statistic summary 554, which may include what percentage of time it was played. For example, screen image 550 may show that 30% of players have played max bet (either points or money), 10% of players have wagered minimum bet, etc. Screen image 550 may display scenario 552, which may be what size jackpot was received for the statistic summary 554 of historic winning events.
For example, it may show that the last number (e.g., 5, 10, 15, or etc.) of jackpots paid by the machine were a certain amount (e.g., $1,000, $10,000, $1,000,000, etc.). Screen image 550 may display scenario 552 of how long the last number of players (e.g., 1, 5, 10, 15, or some other number) played on electronic gaming device 100. Screen image 550 may display this information for electronic gaming device 100 or for any number of electronic gaming devices, which may be connected by electronic gaming system 200.
Based on information displayed on screen image 550, a player may place a wager or bet on the reoccurrence of a scenario 552 (e.g., payline one is a winner, payline two is a winner, etc.) to repeat one or more times. Further, the player may place a wager on a reoccurrence not based on the displayed information. Based on information displayed on screen image 550, a player may place a wager or bet on the reoccurrence of more than one scenario 552 to repeat one or more times (payline one and payline two are winners, payline one and payline ten are winners, payline one will win the next two spins, payline one will win the next three spins, payline one will win during spin two and spin five, etc.). The expectation of the repeating of scenario 552 may be randomly predetermined at the time the wager is made. The expectation of the repeating of scenario 552 may be over a fixed predetermined period. The expectation of the repeating of scenario 552 may be over a number of plays (e.g. 5 plays, 10 plays, etc.). The expectation of the repeating of scenario 552 may be over an amount of time (e.g. 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.). The expectation of the repeating of scenario 552 may be over any trackable events or combination thereof.
The reoccurrence of scenario 552 in the determined period may pay the player an award. The reoccurrence of scenario 552 in the determined period may provide the player with a multiplier award for that event happening more than one time in the determined period (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, an hour, during the player's continues session, during the player's session for a day, a week, etc.). The multiplier may be increased to reward a reoccurrence of an outcome. For example, the player may bet that payline 2 will win during the next spin. If payline 2 is a winner during the next spin, then the player obtains a 1× multiplier. If the player continues to bet on payline 2, then the next time payline 2 is a winner the multiplier may be 3×. If the player continues to bet on payline 2, the multiplier may be increased (e.g., 5×, 6×, etc.) every time payline 2 is a winner.
In another example, if the player bets that payline 1 will win in the next 10 spins and payline 1 wins three times in the next 10 spins the player may receive 1 times the payback on the first occurrence, 4 times the payback on the second occurrence, and 10 times the payback on the third occurrence. Any combination of reoccurrence and multiplier is within the scope of this disclosure.
The player placing a wager on more than one scenario 552 may increase the award. The player placing a wager on more than one scenario 552 may increase the multiplier. For example, if the player selects that payline 1 will win and the winning symbols will be cherries, the odds of both of these occurring is lower than either one happening. In this case, the player may qualify for a 10× multiplier vs. only the 3× multiplier that may be available for each event occurring independently.
In another example, if the player selects that payline 1 will win, and payline 2 will win, the odds of both of these occurring is lower than either one on its own. In this case, the player may qualify for a higher award than may otherwise have been available.
The player placing a wager on more than one scenario 552 may decrease the award. The player placing a wager on more than one scenario 552 may decrease the multiplier. For example, if the player selects that payline 1 or payline 2 will win, the odds of either of these outcomes occurring is higher than either one happening independently. In this case, the player may qualify for a 2×multiplier vs. the 3× multiplier that may be available for each event occurring independently.
In another example, the player may cover the symbol, which represents 10 when the player makes a size bet on payline 1 being a winner on the next spin and payline 1 as a winning payline on the next spin. If the player obtains a predetermined pattern on the board, then the player may achieve an award.
Screen image 570 may include a grid of rows and columns where the boxes created by the grid may be symbol 572. Screen image 570 may include any image or combination of images with symbols 572 to be covered. For example, image 570 may be a fruit tree where the fruit is symbol 572 to be filled in. In another example, image 570 may be a house where the windows are symbol 572 to be covered.
A player may then complete each predetermined activity, which may be shown on image 570 by filling in, covering up, crossing-out, or using some method to indicate that the particular symbol 572 task has been completed. The player may then win some additional award when all symbols 572 are covered, or when symbols 572 are covered in any pattern. For example, when a blackout is obtained (e.g., all symbols covered), or all available symbols 572 may be covered or for a game of Bingo, all available symbols 572 may be covered in a particular row and/or column. The player award may include free play on electronic gaming device 100, entering into a bonus round, a voucher, a jackpot, a payout, another item of value, and/or any combination of awards.
For example,
In the previous example, the player may then place a wager that paylines 2-3 will be winning paylines on the next spin. If payline 2 is a winning payline, then the player will have covered payline 2. Therefore, the player still needs to cover paylines 3-7 to win the prize. If both paylines 2-3 would have been winning paylines, then the player would have covered both paylines and only needed to cover paylines 4-7 to win the prize. The award may be adjusted (higher or lower) depending on the number of paylines the player wagered on in a single turn or period of time. For example, if the player were to wager that in the next five turns payline 1-7 would be a winning payline, the award will be decreased to adjust for the higher probability of any one of the seven paylines being a winning payline. This is opposed to if the player had only placed a wager that payline 3 would be a winning payline.
Indication that the payline is covered may be done with a replication of the winning symbols, which occurred to cover the payline. Indication that the payline is covered may be done with a table indicating which paylines are completed. Indication that the payline is covered may be done by showing a payline in a different color and/or shading. Indication that the payline is covered may be done in any way that allows a player to differentiate the covered lines from the uncovered lines.
Any of the symbols may be an image of a card, a symbol, and/or other objects. For example, it could be a pot of gold, an ace of spades, a diamond, or any other symbol. The symbols may be animation. The symbols may be a picture. For example, it may be a picture of the player as taken by camera 312. The symbols may be a number. The symbols may be any image. The symbols may be blank.
Screen image 600 may represent a winning event based on a predetermined pattern of symbols. Screen image 600 may represent a winning event based on the same image being displayed in an entire row (e.g. first symbol space 602, second symbol space 604, third symbol space 606, fourth symbol space 608, and fifth symbol space 610). Screen image 600 may represent a winning event based on the same image being displayed in an entire column (e.g. first symbol space 602, sixth symbol space 612, eleventh symbol space 622, sixteenth symbol space 632, and twenty-first symbol space 642). Screen image 600 may represent a winning event based on the same image being displayed in any predetermined number of symbol spaces selected by the player.
For example,
For example,
Symbol spaces selected by the player may share a side. Symbol spaces selected by the player may connect at a corner. Symbol spaces selected by the player may be in the same row. Symbol spaces selected by the player may be in the same column. Symbol spaces selected by the player may not share a side. Symbol spaces selected by the player may not connect at a corner. Symbol spaces selected by the player may not be in the same row. Symbol spaces selected by the player may not be in the same column. Symbol spaces selected by the player may be selected one at a time. Symbol spaces selected by a player may be selected based on an entire row. Symbol spaces selected by a player may be selected based on an entire column. Symbol spaces selected by the player may be selected based on a predetermined pattern. A player may make an additional wager for the ability to select their own symbol spaces. The ability of the player to select their own symbol spaces may be provided as an award. The ability of players to select their own symbol spaces may be in the base game. The ability of player to select their own symbol spaces may be part of a bonus game. The player may select their own symbol spaces through input device 112.
A player may select what image they want to have indicate a winning event. A player may select an image from a predetermined list, use camera 312 to add their own image, select an image from network 200, or select an image from a mobile device connected via device interface 116.
Electronic gaming machine 100 may increase the award for selection of additional symbol spaces. Electronic gaming machine 100 may decrease the award for selection of fewer symbol spaces. For example, the player may select one symbol space to win one credit or they may select 10 spaces to win 100 credits.
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In an exemplary embodiment, an electronic gaming device may include a plurality of reels. The plurality of reels may include a plurality of symbols. The electronic gaming device may include a first payline, a second payline, and a memory. The memory may include a payline module. The payline module may include a plurality of payline structures. The electronic gaming device may include a processor. The processor may receive primary wagers on the first payline and the second payline. The processor may receive one or more secondary wagers on one or more selected paylines. The selected paylines may be based on data received from a player. The processor may determine a selected payline's payout based on the one or more selected paylines.
In another embodiment, the processor may determine a payout based on the primary wagers. The electronic gaming device may include a network interface, which may receive data from at least one of a server and one or more gaming devices. The electronic gaming device may include a display, which may display one or more selected paylines.
In another example, the display may shade one or more non-selected paylines. The electronic gaming device may include a player preference input device. The player preference input device may modify a game configuration based on data from an identification device. The processor may multiply a prize value based on a selected payline occurrence.
In another embodiment, a method of game play may include receiving one or more primary wagers on at least one of a first payline and a second payline. The method may include receiving a secondary wager on at least one selected payline. The selected payline may be based on selection data. The selection data may be based on player input. The at least one selected payline may be one of the first payline and the second payline. The method may include determining one or more primary wager payouts. Further, the method may include determining one or more secondary wager payouts.
In another example, the primary wager payout is based on the first payline and a secondary wager payout is based on the first payline. The method may include displaying paylines based on the primary wager. The method may include displaying the at least one selected paylines. The method may include highlighting the at least one selected paylines. The method may include displaying paylines based on the primary wager, displaying the at least one selected paylines, highlighting the at least one selected paylines, and/or shading each payline, which is not a selected payline.
In another example, the method may include obtaining a player preference data and modifying a game configuration based on the player preference data. The method may include receiving data from at least one of a server and one or more gaming devices. The method may include multiplying a prize value based on a selected payline occurrence.
In another embodiment, the electronic gaming system may include a server. The server may include a server memory and a server processor. The server may receive primary wagers on the first payline and the second payline. The server processor may receive one or more secondary wagers on one or more selected paylines. The selected paylines may be based on data received from a player. The server processor may determine a selected paylines payout based on the one or more selected paylines. The server memory may include a payline module. The payline module may include a plurality of payline structures.
In another example, the server processor may determine a payout based on the primary wagers. The server processor via a display may display one or more selected paylines. The display may shade one or more non-selected paylines.
As used herein, the term “mobile device” refers to a device that may from time to time have a position that changes. Such changes in position may comprise of changes to direction, distance, and/or orientation. In particular examples, a mobile device may comprise of a cellular telephone, wireless communication device, user equipment, laptop computer, other personal communication system (“PCS”) device, personal digital assistant (“PDA”), personal audio device (“PAD”), portable navigational device, or other portable communication device. A mobile device may also comprise of a processor or computing platform adapted to perform functions controlled by machine-readable instructions.
The methodologies described herein may be implemented by various means depending upon applications according to particular examples. For example, such methodologies may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof. In a hardware implementation, for example, a processing unit may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), digital signal processors (“DSPs”), digital signal processing devices (“DSPDs”), programmable logic devices (“PLDs”), field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other devices units designed to perform the functions described herein, or combinations thereof.
Some portions of the detailed description included herein are presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on binary digital signals stored within a memory of a specific apparatus or a special purpose computing device or platform. In the context of this particular specification, the term specific apparatus or the like includes a general purpose computer once it is programmed to perform particular operations pursuant to instructions from program software. Algorithmic descriptions or symbolic representations are examples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is considered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar signal processing leading to a desired result. In this context, operations or processing involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared or otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, numerals, or the like. It should be understood, however, that all of these or similar terms are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the discussion herein, it is appreciated that throughout this specification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining” or the like refer to actions or processes of a specific apparatus, such as a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device. In the context of this specification, therefore, a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device is capable of manipulating or transforming signals, typically represented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities within memories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmission devices, or display devices of the special purpose computer or similar special purpose electronic computing device.
Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “an example,” “embodiment,” and/or “another example” should be considered to mean that the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more examples.
While there has been illustrated and described what are presently considered to be example features, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted, without departing from the disclosed subject matter. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the central concept described herein. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter not be limited to the particular examples disclosed.
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