Image generation device

An image generation device includes a graphic data generation unit for generating at least one of character data, diagram data, and picture data, a graphic data storage for holding groups of graphic data each of which is placed on a coordinate system to be transformed in a manner and location data corresponding to each group of graphic data, a graphic parameter input unit for inputting data including a plurality of parameters each of which describes a transformation of each coordinate system along with a lapse of time, initial and end state of each parameter describing the parameter at start and end of the transformation respectively, and operation time taken from the start to the end of the transformation, a graphic parameter storage for holding the data inputted by the graphic parameter input unit, a frame data generation unit for time dividing changes observed from the start to the end of the transformation into a number of frames corresponding to the operation time to generate frame data, and a composite image generation unit for reading the graphic data on the all coordinate systems, converting coordinates of each graphic data in accordance with the frame data, and generating a composite image signal for each frame by composing the graphic data on the all coordinate systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to an image generation device such as a 
superimposer or a telop generation device for adding a caption or graphic 
generated by a computer over a primary picture. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
Recently an image generation device has been used widely to overlay a 
graphic image signal with a motion on a background image signal generated 
by a television camera. 
A conventional image generation device will be described hereunder as 
referring to the attached figures. 
Construction of the conventional image generation device is shown in FIG. 
1. In the figure the conventional image generation device comprises a 
graphic data generation unit 1, a graphics processing unit 2, a composing 
unit 3, an image reproduction unit 4, and a display unit 5. 
Operation of the conventional image generation device with the above 
construction will be described. The graphic data generation unit 1 
generates graphic data 11 for a first image frame. The graphic data 11 
includes letters, drawings, and location information relating to the 
drawings. When completing the graphic data 11 for the first image frame, 
the graphic data generation unit 1 transmits it to the graphics processing 
unit 2. Receiving the graphic data for the first image frame, the graphic 
processing unit 2 stores it into an image data memory. After storing the 
graphic data for the first image frame into the image data memory, the 
graphic data generation unit 2 generates graphic data for a second image 
frame. When all the image frames are generated, the graphic data is 
outputted from the image data memory. Then the composing unit 3 combines 
graphics 12 with an image signal 13 of a background image recorded by a 
television camera to generate a composite image signal 14. The display 
unit 5 reproduces the composite image signal 14 and displays it on a 
television screen. 
Thus, the conventional graphic image generation device generates a graphic 
image signal by generating graphic data for each image frame. A plurality 
of graphic data need to be generated for a single image frame to describe 
a plurality of motions. To generate a graphic image signal with a 
plurality of motions by the conventional graphic image generation device, 
the following methods are conceivable. 
The same number of the graphic data generation units and the graphics 
processing units as the graphic data may be operated; and the composing 
unit may combine all the graphic data with the primary background image 
signal. Otherwise, the graphic data generation unit generates graphic data 
first; and the graphics processing unit 2 adds another graphic data 
thereon. This will be repeated until the number of the graphic data added 
by the graphics processing unit 2 is consistent with the number of the 
graphic data. Then, all the graphic data are combined with the primary 
background image by the composing unit. 
Each of the above conceivable methods to be employed by the conventional 
image generation device has its own drawback. That is, having the same 
number of the graphic data generation units and the graphics processing 
units as the graphic data increases the size of the image generation 
device; while adding another graphic data on the previously generated 
graphic data in a repeated manner costs much labor. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image 
generation device which can combine a plurality of graphic data without 
making the device large. 
It is another object of the present invention to provide an image 
generation device which can input graphic data describing a motion quite 
easily. 
The above object may be fulfilled by an image generation device comprising 
a graphic data generation unit for generating at least one of character 
data, diagram data, and picture data; a first graphic data storage for 
holding a group of graphic data which is to be subject to a given 
transformation over a period of time, and location data corresponding to 
each group of graphic data which is placed on one coordinate system; a 
second graphic data storage for holding a different group of graphic data 
which is subject to a different transformation to said given 
transformation for the group of graphic data stored in the first graphic 
data storage, and location data corresponding to said different graphic 
data which is placed on a different coordinate system; a graphic parameter 
input unit for inputting data including a transformation for each 
coordinate system, starting and ending parameters describing the state of 
image data at a start and an end of the transformation, respectively, and 
an operation time taken from the start to the end of the transformation; a 
graphic parameter storage for holding the data inputted by the graphic 
parameter input unit; a frame data generation unit for generating frame 
data which describes transitional parameters for every image frame between 
the start and the end of the transformation, based on the data stored by 
the graphic parameter storage; and a composite image generation unit for 
reading the graphic data on each coordinate system from both of the 
graphic data storage, and, by converting each image frame in accordance 
with the transitional parameters corresponding to each piece of graphic 
data based on the frame data, for forming all of the graphic data on an 
absolute coordinate system which is outputted as a composite image signal 
for each frame. 
The graphic parameter input unit may have keys each corresponding to 
parallel displacement, magnification and reduction, rotation, perspective 
conversion, and clip conversion. 
The graphic parameter storage may have a storage area for each coordinate 
system which has at least a sub area for holding the initial and the end 
state of the transformation of the coordinate system. 
The frame data generation unit may be comprised of a computation unit for 
computing the number of frames corresponding to the operation time, and an 
interpolation and assignment unit for assigning the initial state and the 
end state to a first image frame and a final image frame respectively, 
interpolating a transitional state placing between the initial state and 
the end state, and assigning the transitional state to a frame placing 
between the first image frame and the final image frame. 
The graphic parameter input unit may further be comprised of a selection 
key for selecting a combination of two transformations, a storage unit for 
holding at least the starting parameters and the ending parameters of all 
of the transformations, and a transmission unit for reading data from the 
storage area corresponding to the combination selected by the selection 
key and transmitting the date to the graphic parameter storage.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Overall system of an image generation device is shown in FIG. 2, which 
includes a key board 21, a mouse 22, a controller 23, a CRT 24, and an 
image reproduction monitor 25. 
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing function of the image generation device 
in FIG. 2. In the figure, a graphic data generation device 101 comprises 
the key board 21, the mouse 22, and a graphic data generation program 
stored in the controller 23. Graphic data refers to diagram data 201, such 
as circles and rectangles in FIG. 4, or character data 203. Picture data 
such as a cartoon character or an animal are also included in the graphic 
data although they are not illustrated in the figure. Graphic data does 
not refer to a visual image of a diagram or a character, but refers to 
location data and character code representing the diagram and the 
character respectively. Picture data indicating a cartoon character or an 
animal, on the other hand, represents its visual image. 
The graphic data generation unit 101 generates graphic data on a coordinate 
system in digital form. Graphic data will be generated on the same 
coordinate system until the user directs replacement of the coordinate 
system with another coordinate system with a specific key. That is, once 
the user directs the replacement of the coordinate system, graphic data to 
be generated thereafter will be placed on another coordinate system. 
All the graphic data on the same coordinate system is to be transformed in 
the same manner. That is, a transformation operation such as parallel 
displacement or rotation is applied to a coordinate system; accordingly, 
all the graphic data on the same coordinate system is transformed in the 
same manner without destructing the relationship among the graphic data. 
The graphic data generation unit 101 can generate graphic data on any 
number of coordinate systems rather than generating all the graphic data 
on a single coordinate system. Since single transformation operation is 
applied to all the graphic data on the same coordinate system, graphic 
data to be transformed differently will be generated on a different 
coordinate system. 
Graphic data generated on a coordinate system is displayed on a screen of 
the CRT 24. As shown in FIG. 5, the screen of the CRT 24 obtains a window 
W1 and a window W2 when the image generation device starts operating. The 
window W1 displays graphic data 211, 212, 213; and the window W2 displays 
transformation input keys including K1, K2 and the like. 
A location data generation unit 102 generates location data which 
represents relative location of graphic data. The location data describes 
relative coordinates of graphics included in the graphic data to the 
origin of the coordinate system. For example, each of location data 205, 
206 in FIG. 4 represents relative coordinates of graphics 201 and 203 to 
coordinate systems CS1, CS2 respectively. The origin of the coordinate 
system is consistent with the origin of the absolute coordinate system 
unless it is instructed differently. If the graphic system is displaced in 
parallel or rotates, the origin of the graphic system will not be 
consistent with the origin of the absolute coordinates any longer. 
Accordingly, when location of graphics is designated by the mouse, 
relative location of the graphics is detected by counting the number of 
pulses generated by an encoder. When location of graphics is designated by 
the cursor, on the hand, relative location of the graphics is obtained by 
detecting location of the cursor. 
Each of graphics information storage 103a and 103b holds graphics 
information relating to each of the coordinate systems. FIGS. 6A and 6B 
show content of the graphics information storage 103a and 103b 
respectively. 
FIG. 6A shows graphics information relating to the graphic data on the 
coordinate system CS1. As is shown in the figure, circles and rectangles 
are drawn on the coordinate system CS1. Furthermore, the graphics 
information in the figure includes the location data such as coordinates 
of the circles and the rectangles as well as their characteristic 
features. 
FIG. 6B shows graphics information relating to the graphic data on the 
coordinate system CS2. As is shown in the figure, two groups of characters 
are generated on the coordinate system CS2. Further, graphics information 
in the figure includes the location data and characteristic features of 
the characters which are necessary to generate them, such as font or 
opacity of the characters. 
An output unit 105 is synchronized with a signal outputted from an image 
clock signal generation unit 116 for each frame, reads data from the 
graphics information storage 103a and 103b, and sends the data to a 
foreground image signal generation unit 114. To be noted, the output unit 
105 operates only when graphic data is reproduced. That is, it does not 
operate when graphics is generated or coordinate conversion data is 
inputted. 
A coordinate conversion data input unit 106 inputs coordinate conversion 
data which directs a parallel displacement of a coordinate system; a 
coordinate conversion input unit 107 inputs coordinate conversion data 
which directs magnification and reduction of a coordinate system; a 
coordinate conversion data input unit 108 inputs coordinate conversion 
data which directs rotation of a coordinate system; a perspective 
conversion data input unit 109 inputs conversion data which directs 
perspective conversion of a coordinate system; an opacity conversion data 
input unit 110 inputs conversion data which converts opacity of graphic 
data on a coordinate system; and a geometric data input unit 111 inputs 
geometric data which clips a coordinate system. When, a transformation 
operation to be applied to a coordinate system is designated, the input 
unit(s) 106-111 corresponding to the designated transformation operation 
is operated to receive information relating to the transformation 
operation. The information relating to the transformation operation is 
inputted through the CRT 24, the mouse 22, and the key board 21 to the 
corresponding input unit. 
For example, the coordinate conversion data input unit 106 displays a 
window W2 in FIG. 7. A key K2 (move) at W2 corresponds to parallel 
displacement operation. When the key K2 is clicked by the mouse 22, a 
window W3 is newly displayed close to the window W2 so that direction of 
the parallel displacement can be designated. If a key K11 is clicked at 
the window W3, the displacement operation will be conducted upward from 
bottom to top of the image reproduction monitor 25. To be noted, the upper 
end of the coordinate system to be displaced meets with the lower end of 
the image reproduction monitor 25 when the displacement operation starts; 
and the displacement operation ends when the lower end of the coordinate 
system meets with the upper end of the image reproduction monitor 25. The 
displacement operation selected at W2 and the upward direction of the 
displacement selected at W3 are outputted. Operation time at a column C1 
locating at the upside of the window W2 indicates how long the 
displacement operation continues, and the displacement operation continues 
for the operation time unless it is instructed differently. 
A key K19 directs still operation. Accordingly, the displacement operation 
of the coordinate system will stop if the key K19 is clicked. Operation 
time for the still operation is indicated at the column C1. 
A key K4 (zoom) corresponds to magnification and reduction operation. The 
coordinate conversion data input unit 107 displays a window W4 when the 
key K4 is selected at the window W2. When one of keys K21-K26 is selected, 
the magnification or the reduction operation selected at W2, information 
relating to the operation (magnification/reduction in both x and y 
directions or magnification/reduction in x direction or y direction) 
selected at W4, the operation time, and the reference location information 
are outputted. 
A key K5 (rotate) corresponds to rotation operation. The coordinate 
conversion data input unit 108 displays a window W5 when the key K5 is 
selected at the window W2. When either of keys K31 and K32 is selected at 
WS, the rotation operation selected at W2, the direction of the rotation 
selected at W5, the operation time, and the center of the rotation are 
outputted. The center of the rotation corresponds to the center of the 
coordinate system unless it is instructed differently. 
If one of keys K1 and K6-8 is selected, one of the input units 108-111 
which corresponds to the key displays a window. The window to be displayed 
(W6, W8-W10) is connected to each key by an arrow in FIG. 7. When a key at 
the window is clicked to designate transformation operation, 
transformation information relating to the designated transformation 
operation is outputted. 
A key K91 at the window W9 directs to transform a coordinate system in 
accordance with a perspective view taken downward from top of the 
coordinate system. Accordingly, graphic data placing at the upper part of 
the coordinate system will be magnified while graphic data placing at the 
lower part of the coordinate system will be reduced. A key 93 directs to 
transform a coordinate system in accordance with a perspective view take 
from left to right of the coordinate system. Accordingly, graphic data 
placing at the right part of the coordinate system will be enlarged and 
graphic data placing at the left part will be reduced. Also a key 
including an arrow, such as K99, directs to transform a coordinate system 
in direction of the arrows in time course. 
A key at a window W10 indicates size of a display area at the image 
reproduction monitor 25 and its change. The blacken portion corresponds to 
the display area. 
A compound coordinate conversion data storage 112 comprises a memory unit 
such as RAM for holding the coordinate conversion data outputted from the 
input units 106-111. As an example, FIG. 8 shows coordinate conversion 
data relating to the coordinate system CS1. Thus, coordinate conversion 
data relating to each coordinate system is inputted by the input units 
106-111, and it is stored in the compound coordinate conversion data 
storage 112. 
A compound coordinate conversion data generation unit 113 does not operate 
while graphics is being drawn or coordinate conversion data is being 
inputted. A user starts operation of the compound coordinate conversion 
data generation unit 113 with a specific key. 
The compound coordinate conversion data generation unit 113 reads data 
coordinate conversion data relating to a coordinate system from the 
compound coordinate conversion data storage 112; generates a frame of 
coordinate conversion data; and outputs it to a foreground image signal 
generation unit 114 at reception of a signal from an image clock signal 
generation unit 116. 
FIG. 9 shows a frame of coordinate conversion data generated by the 
compound coordinate conversion data generation unit 113. The coordinate 
conversion data in FIG. 9 relates to the coordinate system CS 1. A frame 
of the compound coordinate conversion data in the figure includes location 
data and characteristic features such as coordinates and opacity. The 
compound coordinate conversion data in FIG. 9 is generated as basing upon 
the data in FIG. 8; however, interpolation is required since FIG. 8 does 
not include all frames being necessary to execute the transformation 
operation. In FIG. 8, initial state (parameters) and end state of each 
transformation operation as well the number of frames corresponding to the 
operation time are provided; therefore, compound coordinate conversion 
data for each frame will be figured out by time dividing procedures 
between the initial state and the end state into the frames. As an 
example, it is assumed that parallel displacement of the coordinate system 
CS1 is directed; initial coordinates and end coordinates are (X1, Y1) and 
(Xn, Yn) respectively; and the number of frames taken in the parallel 
displacement is N. In this case, coordinate data (Xi, Yi) to for each 
frame will be obtained from following formulae: 
##EQU1## 
wherein i is a frame number. Thus, in the parallel displacement xy 
coordinates for each frame will be obtained by employing a hardware which 
implements the above operation as interpolation. Although the above 
formula represents linear interpolation, non-linear interpolations such as 
Bezier curve can be employed. 
Substantially same as the above parallel displacement, interpolations for 
other transformation operations such as magnification, reduction, and 
rotation are set; and compound coordinate conversion data for each frame 
will be obtained by operating a hardware implementing the corresponding 
interpolations. 
A display information storage 115 generates display information indicating 
a display area of coordinate systems to be displayed on the image 
reproduction monitor 25 and stores the display information. FIGS. 10A, 
10B, 10C, 10D show display areas Da each representing a part of the 
coordinate systems M1, M2 to be displayed. The display area Da is 
described by an offset value from the origin of absolute coordinates, and 
the offset value can be replaced with another by employing the key board 
21. Also replacement of the offset value can be scheduled so that the 
display appears as if the television camera moved itself to take the shot. 
The foreground image signal generation unit 114 is synchronized with the 
image clock to project a frame of a foreground image on the image 
reproduction monitor 25 in accordance with graphics information outputted 
from the output unit 105 and compound coordinate conversion data outputted 
from the compound coordinate conversion data generation unit 113. Graphics 
information including the location data and the characteristic features 
represents a frame of graphic data on a coordinate system; and a frame of 
foreground image will be generated by transforming the graphic data in 
accordance with the compound coordinate conversion data. 
The foreground image signal generation unit 114 comprises a circuit and a 
hardware for drawing graphics at high speed. The circuit generates 
commands that can be comprehended by the hardware; and the hardware 
outputs an image signal of a foreground image to be displayed on the image 
reproduction monitor 25 in accordance with the commands. An example of 
such hardware is GSP (Graphic System Processor) produced by Texas 
Instruments. 
The composing unit 117 combines a frame of the foreground image outputted 
from the foreground image signal generation unit 114 and a background 
image outputted from a background image reproduction unit 118, and outputs 
a frame of composite image to a display unit 122. A background image to be 
reproduced by the background image reproduction unit 118 is an animation 
film recorded by a video use camera. The display unit 122, such as a color 
television for processing NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) 
signals or the like, corresponds to the image reproduction monitor 25 in 
FIG. 2. 
Control operation of the image generation device with the above 
construction will be described as referring to FIGS. 11-16. A power switch 
of a superimposer is turned on (S1). It is detected if a key corresponding 
to reproduction operation was entered (S2). If the key was not entered, 
operation mode of the image generation device will be changed into 
graphics.coordinates conversion data input mode immediately (S3). On the 
other hand, if the key corresponding to reproduction operation was 
entered, operation mode of the image generation device will be changed 
into reproduction mode (S4). 
Operation of the graphics.coordinates transformation data input mode will 
be described as referring to FIG. 12. When a user generates graphics by 
the key board 21 (S11), the graphics is displayed at the window W1 of the 
CRT 24 (S12). It is detected whether the user completes a frame of 
graphics (S13). If it is not completed, generation of the graphics will 
continue (S13.fwdarw.S11.fwdarw.S12). If it is detected that a frame of 
graphics is completed, characteristic features of the graphics will be 
stored in the graphics information storage 103a assigned to the coordinate 
system CS1 (S14); and location data relating to the graphics, including 
relative coordinates of the graphics to the origin of the coordinate 
system CS, will be detected and stored into the graphics information 
storage 103a. 
If the user restarts drawing operation (S11), graphics to be drawn by the 
user this time will be stored into the graphics information storage 103b 
assigned to the coordinate system CS2 (S14, S15). 
The user indicates that the drawing operation was completed by clicking a 
key at the window W2 with the mouse 22. Accordingly, the operation is 
forwarded to S16, S17, so that coordinate conversion data input operation 
will start. 
FIG. 13 shows transformation operation at S17. The key K1-K6 selected at 
the window W2 is detected at S21-S27, and the transformation operation 
relating to the selected key starts (S27-S32). 
For example, if the key K2 for parallel displacement is detected, 
displacement operation in FIG. 14 will start. That is, the window W2 is 
replaced with the window W3 in FIG. 7 (S41), and awaits one of keys at the 
window W3 to be clicked (S42). For example, if the key K11 is clicked, 
initial coordinates and end coordinates, and operation time all of which 
are determined beforehand will be stored together with the direction 
indicated by the key K11 into a storage area of the compound coordinate 
conversion data storage 112 assigned to the coordinate system (S43). If 
the user changes the initial coordinate, the end coordinate, or the 
operation time with a specific key (S44), the data in the compound 
coordinate conversion data storage 112 will be renewed (S45). Otherwise, 
the user inputs any of the other keys to indicate that the user does not 
intend to change them (S46); and the operation will be returned to S1 in 
FIG. 11. 
Then, if the user inputs the key K4 for magnification and reduction, the 
window W4 will be displayed on the CRT 24 (S51). When one of keys at the 
window W4 is clicked (S52), information relating to the transformation 
operation selected at the window W4 is stored into a storage area of the 
compound coordinate conversion data storage 112 assigned to the coordinate 
system (S53), the information including magnification, coordinates of a 
reference point, and operation time. If the user changes the 
magnification, the reference point, or the operation time with a specific 
key (S54), the data in the storage 112 will be renewed (S55). If the user 
inputs one of the other keys to indicate that the user does not intend to 
change any of the magnification, the reference point, and the operation 
time, the operation will be returned to S1 in FIG. 11. 
Although not illustrated, rotation (S29), perspective conversion (S30), 
opacity conversion (S31), clip conversion (S32) will be conducted 
substantially same as the parallel displacement. Also, information 
relating to these transformation operations are stored in the 
corresponding storage area of the compound coordinate conversion data 
storage 112, which was explained in the above as referring to FIG. 8. 
When input to a coordinate system is all completed, the user inputs a key 
to direct reproduction operation. The operation mode is changed into 
reproduction mode (S4), and reproduction operation in FIG. 16 will start. 
That is, the compound coordinate conversion data generation unit 113 reads 
data from the compound coordinate conversion data storage 112. Then, data 
for each frame will be generated from a predetermined computation and the 
data obtained from the compound coordinate conversion data storage 112 
(S60). Output of the image clock starts is permitted (S61), and its frame 
number is set to be 1 (S62). When receiving output of the image signal 
clock (S63), all the data for the first frame including graphics 
information and compound coordinate conversion data are outputted to the 
foreground image signal generation unit 114 (S64). The foreground image 
signal generation unit 114 generates a foreground image signal for the 
first frame based upon the received data (S65). The composing unit 117 
generates a composite image signal by combining the foreground image 
signal with a background image received from the background image 
reproduction unit 118 (S66), and displays the composite image signal on 
the display unit 122 (S67). The frame number at the image clock is 
forwarded to 2 (S69); and a composite image for the second frame will be 
generated by operations at S63-67. Thus, a composite image for succeeding 
frames will be generated by incrementing the frame number by 1, and will 
be displayed on the display unit. The reproduction operation completes 
when all the frames are generated. 
The image generation device in FIG. 3 further includes a compound 
coordinate conversion data selection unit 121, a selection data storage 
120, and a selection data generation unit 119, which will be described 
hereunder. 
Operation of the compound coordinate conversion data selection unit 121 
corresponds to one or a combination of the coordinate conversion data 
input units 106-111; therefore, the compound coordinate conversion data 
selection unit 121 and one of the coordinate conversion data input units 
106-111 operates alternatively. If the compound coordinate conversion data 
selection unit 121 starts operating, a window W20 in FIG. 17 is displayed 
on the CRT 24 instead of the window W2. The window W20 includes the keys 
at W3-W9 in FIG. 3, that is, keys K101-K115 at the window W20 direct a 
combination of two transformation operations. When one of the keys at the 
window W20 is clicked by the mouse, the compound coordinate conversion 
data selection unit 121 transmits a selection signal which notifies a 
selection data storage 120 of the clicked key. 
The selection data storage 120 holds data corresponding to each of the keys 
at W20 so that a coordinate system will be transformed in accordance with 
the selected key. 
Accordingly, when receiving the selection signal from the compound 
coordinate conversion data selection unit 121, the selection data storage 
120 reads data corresponding to the clicked key and sends it to the 
compound coordinate conversion data storage 112. Although not illustrated, 
construction of data in the compound coordinate conversion data storage 
112 is similar to the data generated by the input units 106-111. 
When any of the keys at the window W20 does not correspond to compound 
coordinate conversion data generated by the input units 106-111, the user 
operates the selection data generation unit 119 to store the compound 
coordinate conversion data into the selection data storage 120 and assigns 
a new key at W20 to it so that the newly stored compound coordinate 
conversion data can be selected by the corresponding key. That is, a 
plurality of extra keys are generated at the window W20 other than the 
keys each assigned to the compound coordinate conversion data; and a 
storage area corresponding to each of such extra keys is generated at the 
selection data storage 120. Accordingly, when the selection data 
generation unit 119 newly generates compound coordinate conversion data 
and inputs it, the user assigns one of the extra keys to the newly 
generated compound coordinate conversion data. 
Although in the above embodiment only two graphic data information storage 
103a and 103b are employed, three or more than three graphics information 
storages can be employed when the graphic data generation unit 101 
generates graphic data on three or more than three coordinate systems. 
Although the present invention has been fully described by way of examples 
with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that 
various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the 
art. Therefore, unless otherwise such changes and modifications depart 
from other scope of the present invention, they should be constructed as 
being included therein.