Patent Abstract:
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an input device includes: a state detection portion to detect a state of a connected external device; a signal generation portion to generate a pulse signal predetermined for the detected state; a signal detection portion responsive to detection of a pulse signal to output a state signal predetermined for the detected pulse signal; and an opening/closing portion to open/close a circuit that connects the signal generation portion with the signal detection portion.

Full Description:
[0001]    This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-248518 filed with Japan Patent Office on Oct. 29, 2009, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to an input device, and more particularly to an input device suitable for electronic equipment having operation keys small in number. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Conventional electronic equipment contains a microcomputer to allocate a single key among a plurality of processes. The microcomputer allows switchover among a plurality of states and determines a process to be executed in accordance with a combination of the selected state and the pressed key. Therefore, the microcomputer cannot determine a process to be executed unless the state selected when a key is pressed is not identified. 
         [0006]    For example, a conventionally known key input device includes a key matrix portion including an ID code generating circuit, and a code conversion portion. The code conversion portion performs key-scan on the key matrix portion using an X bus for strobe signal output and a Y bus for key address input. The code conversion portion takes in an ID code from the Y bus through an ID code identifying portion. In this key input device, an ID code is set by using a particular signal output from the X bus initially or at the start of key-scan to temporarily clamp a particular line of the Y bus at a prescribed logic level. 
         [0007]    The conventional key input device outputs the ID code to the Y bus initially or at the start of key-scan and therefore cannot perform ID code setting and key-scan simultaneously. Thus, the ID code has to be set every time the microcomputer of the electronic equipment changes states. Accordingly, a prescribed time is required before key-scan is started. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an input device includes: a state detection portion to detect a state of a connected external device; a signal generation portion to generate a pulse signal predetermined for the detected state; a signal detection portion responsive to detection of a pulse signal to output a state signal predetermined for the detected pulse signal; and an opening/closing portion to open/close a circuit that connects the signal generation portion with the signal detection portion. 
         [0009]    The foregoing and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a configuration of an input device in an embodiment of the present invention, together with a control unit of a digital still camera. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  shows an example of scan pulses. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  shows an example of the relation between the processes executed by the digital still camera, the states of the digital still camera, and interrupt terminals. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing an exemplary flow of a pulse generation process executed by a scan pulse output portion. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing an exemplary flow of a key detection process executed by a key input detection portion. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a diagram showing an exemplary input device in a modified embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0016]    In the following, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. In the following description, the same parts are denoted with the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated. 
         [0017]    An input device in the present embodiment is applied as a user interface of electronic equipment. Here, the input device is applied to a digital still camera as an example of electronic equipment, by way of example. A digital still camera, which is well known and of which description is not repeated here, changes between an image pickup state in which an image is picked up and a replay state in which the picked-up image is displayed, in accordance with the user&#39;s operation. In each state, a plurality of predetermined processes are executed. The processes in the image pickup state include, for example, an exposure-controlling process, an automatic focusing process, and image processing of correcting the picked-up image. The processes in the replay state include, for example, a process of deleting or editing the stored image and a process of continuously replaying images. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a configuration of an input device  11  in the present embodiment, together with a control unit of a digital still camera. Referring to  FIG. 1 , input device  11  includes a scan pulse output portion  21 , a key switch circuit  31 , a key input detection portion  41 , and a register circuit  51 . A control unit  61  is a device external to input device  11 . 
         [0019]    Scan pulse output portion  21  includes an encoder  23  and a scan pulse generation portion  25 . Encoder  23  receives, from a state notification portion  73  of control unit  61  as described later, a state set in the digital still camera, in other words, a state signal indicating a state in which control unit  61  operates. This state signal is input once every time the digital still camera has its state changed. Encoder  23  outputs, to scan pulse generation portion  25 , code data predetermined for a state input from state notification portion  73 . In other words, encoder  23  stores a table in which code data is associated with each of a plurality of states, and outputs the code data corresponding to the input state to scan pulse generation portion  25 . 
         [0020]    The number of bits of code data is not specifically limited and is set in accordance with the number of states that can be switched by the digital still camera. Here, the digital still camera may assume two states, namely, the image pickup state and the replay state. So, code data having a data length of one bit will suffice, wherein the code data corresponding to the image pickup state is “0” and the code data corresponding to the replay state is “1.” 
         [0021]    Scan pulse generation portion  25  generates scan pulses (pulse signal) including code data received from encoder  23 . Scan pulse generation portion  25  selects one of four output terminals O 1 , O 2 , O 3 , O 4  connected with four output lines LC 1 , LC 2 , LC 3 , LC 4 , in order, and outputs scan pulses to the selected output terminal for a first prescribed period of time T 1 . Scan pulse generation portion  25  outputs scan pulses generated at intervals of a second prescribed time (T 2 ) to the selected one of the four output terminals O 1 , O 2 , O 3 , O 4  for a prescribed period of time (T 1 ). Specifically, scan pulse generation portion  25  outputs scan pulses to the selected one of the four output terminals O 1 , O 2 , O 3 , O 4  at intervals of time period T 2  for period T 1  and keeps, of the four output terminals O 1 , O 2 , O 3 , O 4 , the other three terminals to which no scan pulse is output, at a High state. Here, T 1 &gt;T 2 . For example, given T 1 =10×T 2 , for period T 1 , ten scan pulses are output to output terminal O 1  and High is output to the other output terminals O 2 , O 3 , O 4 . For the next period T 1 , ten scan pulses are output to output terminal O 2  and High is output to the other output terminals O 1 , O 3 , O 4 . Furthermore, for the next period T 1 , ten scan pulses are output to output terminal O 3  and High is output to the other output terminals O 1 , O 2 , O 4 . Still further, for the next period T 1 , ten scan pulses are output to output terminal O 4  and High is output to the other output terminals O 1 , O 2 , O 3 . 
         [0022]    Scan pulse generation portion  25  repeats the process of outputting scan pulses to each of the four output terminals O 1 , O 2 , O 3 , O 4 , in order, for period T 1  until the next code data is input from encoder  23 . The scan pulse is a pulse signal having a combination of a High state and a Low state in a predetermined period. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  shows an example of the scan pulses. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the scan pulses include a start bit (Low) of one bit, code data of N bits (N is a positive integer), and a stop bit (Low) of one bit. 
         [0024]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , key input detection portion  41  includes four input terminals I 1 , I 2 , I 3 , I 4 . The four input terminals I 1 , I 2 , I 3 , I 4  are connected with input lines LR 1 , LR 2 , LR 3 , LR 4 , respectively. The potential of input lines LR 1 , LR 2 , LR 3 , LR 4  is set High by a pull-up resistor. Key switch circuit  31  includes sixteen switches SW 11 -SW 14 , SW 21 -SW 24 , SW 31 -SW 34 , SW 41 -SW 44 , which are connected with four output lines LC 1 , LC 2 , LC 3 , LC 4  and four input lines LR 1 , LR 2 , LR 3 , LR 4 , respectively. 
         [0025]    For example, switch SW 11  has one end connected to output line LC 1  and the other end connected to input line LR 1 . Therefore, when switch SW 11  is pressed by the user, switch SW 11  electrically connects output line LC 1  with input line LR 1 . Switch SW 21  has one end connected to output line LC 1  and the other end connected to input line LR 2 . Therefore, when switch SW 21  is pressed by the user, switch SW 21  electrically connects output line LC 1  with input line LR 2 . Switch SW 31  has one end connected to output line LC 1  and the other end connected to input line LR 3 . Therefore, when switch SW 31  is pressed by the user, switch SW 31  electrically connects output line LC 1  with input line LR 3 . Switch SW 41  has one end connected to output line LC 1  and the other end connected to input line LR 4 . Therefore, when switch SW 41  is pressed by the user, switch SW 41  electrically connects output line LC 1  with input line LR 4 . 
         [0026]    Key input detection portion  41  is synchronized with scan pulse output portion  21  and receives, from scan pulse output portion  21 , to which of output terminals O 1 , O 2 , O 3 , O 4  scan pulses are output. Thus, key input detection portion  41  detects that any one of switches SW 11 , SW 21 , SW 31 , SW 41  is pressed by the user while it is receiving that scan pulses are output from scan pulse output portion  21  to output terminal O 1 . Key input detection portion  41  detects that any one of switches SW 12 , SW 22 , SW 32 , SW 42  is pressed by the user while it is receiving that scan pulses are output from scan pulse output portion  21  to output terminal O 2 . Key input detection portion  41  detects that any one of switches SW 13 , SW 23 , SW 33 , SW 43  is pressed by the user while it is receiving that scan pulses are output from scan pulse output portion  21  to output terminal O 3 . Key input detection portion  41  detects that any one of switches SW 14 , SW 24 , SW 34 , SW 44  is pressed by the user while it is receiving that scan pulses are output from scan pulse output portion  21  to output terminal O 4 . 
         [0027]    Here, a description will be made to an operation of key input detection portion  41  for period T 1  during which scan pulse generation portion  25  outputs scan pulses to output terminal O 1 , by way of example. In a state in which switches SW 11 , SW 21 , SW 31 , SW 41  are not pressed by the user, the four input terminals I 1 , I 2 , I 3 , I 4  of key input detection portion  41  are set High. When switch SW 11  is pressed by the user, output line LC 1  is electrically connected with input line LR 1  so that scan pulses are input to input terminal I 1  of key input detection portion  41 . Upon detecting the scan pulses at input terminal I 1 , key input detection portion  41  extracts code data included in the scan pulses and also detects that switch SW 11  is pressed by the user. 
         [0028]    When switch SW 21  is pressed by the user, output line LC 1  is electrically connected with input line LR 2  so that scan pulses are input to input terminal I 2  of key input detection portion  41 . Upon detecting the scan pulses at input terminal I 2 , key input detection portion  41  extracts code data included in the scan pulses and also detects that switch SW 21  is pressed by the user. 
         [0029]    When switch SW 31  is pressed by the user, output line LC 1  is electrically connected with input line LR 3  so that scan pulses are input to input terminal I 3  of key input detection portion  41 . Upon detecting the scan pulses at input terminal I 3 , key input detection portion  41  extracts code data included in the scan pulses and also detects that switch SW 31  is pressed by the user. 
         [0030]    When switch SW 41  is pressed by the user, output line LC 1  is electrically connected with input line LR 4  so that scan pulses are input to input terminal I 4  of key input detection portion  41 . Upon detecting the scan pulses at input terminal I 4 , key input detection portion  41  extracts code data included in the scan pulses and also detects that switch SW 41  is pressed by the user. 
         [0031]    Upon detecting the switch pressed by the user, key input detection portion  41  updates a switch table stored by register circuit  51 . The switch table shows whether each of sixteen switches, namely, SW 11 -SW 14 , SW 21 -SW 24 , SW 31 -SW 34 , SW 41 -SW 44 , is pressed or not. Specifically, the switch table has a storage area corresponding to each of switches SW 11 -SW 14 , SW 21 -SW 24 , SW 31 -SW 34 , SW 41 -SW 44 . If the value in the storage area is “0,” the corresponding switch is not pressed, and if it is “1,” the corresponding switch is pressed. The location of the storage area specifies one of switches SW 11 -SW 14 , SW 21 -SW 24 , SW 31 -SW 34 , SW 41 -SW 44 , and the value stored in the storage area specifies one of the pressed state and the not-pressed state. 
         [0032]    Key input detection portion  41  further includes two interrupt signal output terminals IO 1 , IO 2  for outputting an interrupt signal. Upon detecting that any one of sixteen switches SW 11 -SW 14 , SW 21 -SW 24 , SW 31 -SW 34 , SW 41 -SW 44  is pressed, key input detection portion  41  outputs an interrupt signal to one of interrupt signal output terminals IO 1 , IO 2  that is predetermined corresponding to the detected code data. Here, interrupt signal output terminal IO 1  is set for code data “0” corresponding to the image pickup state, and interrupt signal output terminal IO 2  is set for code data “1” corresponding to the replay state. When code data “0” is detected, key input detection portion  41  outputs an interrupt signal to interrupt signal output terminal IO 1 . When code data “1” is detected, key input detection portion  41  outputs an interrupt signal to interrupt signal output terminal IO 2 . 
         [0033]    Here, register circuit  51  stores which of sixteen switches SW 11 -SW 14 , SW 21 -SW 24 , SW 31 -SW 34 , SW 41 -SW 44  is pressed. Instead, a predetermined key code corresponding to the pressed one among the sixteen switches SW 11 -SW 14 , SW 21 -SW 24 , SW 31 -SW 34 , SW 41 -SW 44  may be output to control unit  61 . In this case, register circuit  51  is unnecessary. 
         [0034]    Control unit  61  is a central processing unit (CPU) which controls the whole of the digital still camera equipped with input device  11 . Control unit  61  includes a process execution portion  71  for executing a function of the digital still camera and a state notification portion  73  for notifying input device  11  of a state of the digital still camera. 
         [0035]    Process execution portion  71  is connected with input device  11  and includes a first port II 1  and a second port II 2  for receiving an interrupt signal. Process execution portion  71  receives an interrupt signal at one of first port II 1  and second port II 2  to read the table stored in register circuit  51  thereby to determine which of the sixteen switches SW 11 -SW 14 , SW 21 -SW 24 , SW 31 -SW 34 , SW 41 -SW 44  has been pressed. A process is then executed, which is specified corresponding to the one of first port II 1  and second port II 2  that has received the interrupt signal and the one of the sixteen switches SW 11 -SW 14 , SW 21 -SW 24 , SW 31 -SW 34 , SW 41 -SW 44  that has been pressed. 
         [0036]    A process to be executed by process execution portion  71  is specified corresponding to each of switches SW 11 -SW 14 , SW 21 -SW 24 , SW 31 -SW 34 , SW 41 -SW 44  depending on a state of the digital still camera. For example, a program executed by control unit  61  includes a subroutine program associated with a combination of a state of the digital still camera and a switch (operated by the user). Control unit  61  allows the process to branch, based on the state of the digital still camera and the switch pressed by the user, thereby determining a subroutine program to be executed. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  shows the relation between the processes executed by the digital still camera, the states of the digital still camera, and the interrupt terminals. Referring to  FIG. 3 , an item of state signal, an item of interrupt terminal, and an item of assigned process are included. If an interrupt signal is input to first port II 1  and if pressing a switch corresponding to a button A is stored in register circuit  51 , then process execution portion  71  executes a subroutine program in which a file deletion process is described. If an interrupt signal is input to second port II 2  and if pressing the switch corresponding to button A is stored in register circuit  51 , then process execution portion  71  executes a subroutine program in which a process of setting a flash lamp is described. 
         [0038]    When an interrupt signal is input to one of first port II 1  and second port II 2 , process execution portion  71  determines a subroutine program to be executed and then executes a process only by referring to register circuit  51  to determine which switch is pressed. Therefore, it is neither necessary to determine whether the digital still camera is in the image pickup state or the replay state, nor to execute a check process for such a determination, thereby increasing the processing speed. The subroutine programs include a program in which a process of switching the states of the digital still camera is described. When executing the process of switching the states of the digital still camera, process execution portion  71  outputs a signal to state notification portion  73  to indicate the state after switching. 
         [0039]    State notification portion  73  receives a signal indicating the state after switching from process execution portion  71  to output to input device  11  a state signal predetermined for the state after switching. 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary flow of a pulse generation process executed by the scan pulse output portion. Referring to  FIG. 4 , scan pulse output portion  21  determines whether a state signal is input from control portion  61  (step S 01 ). If a state signal is input, the process proceeds to step S 02 . If not, the process proceeds to step S 03 . It is noted that immediately after the power is turned on, the process waits until an initial state signal is input. 
         [0041]    In step S 02 , predetermined code data corresponding to the state signal is determined, and the process then proceeds to step S 03 . In step S 03 , a variable i is set to 1. Variable i is a variable for specifying the output terminal that outputs scan pulses, among output terminals O 1 , O 2 , O 3 , O 4 . Here, a sequence O(i) is used, wherein output terminals O 1 , O 2 , O 3 , O 4  are associated with sequences O( 1 ), O( 2 ), O( 3 ), O( 4 ), respectively. 
         [0042]    In step S 04 , output terminal O(i) is set as the target of the process of outputting scan pulses. If i is set to “1,” output terminal O 1  is set as the process target. If i is set to “2,” output terminal O 2  is set as the process target. If i is set to “3,” output terminal O 3  is set as the process target. If i is set to “4,” output terminal O 4  is set as the process target. 
         [0043]    Then, scan pulses are output to the one of output terminals O 1 -O 4  that is set as the process target (step S 05 ). The scan pulses include a Low start bit, code data bits, a Low stop bit. It is then determined whether prescribed time T 2  has passed since the scan pulse was output (step S 06 ). The prescribed time has a predetermined value set as a scan pulse transmission interval. It may be set depending on the transfer rate of the scan pulses and the bit length of the scan pulses. The process waits until prescribed time T 2  has passed. If prescribed time T 2  has passed, the process proceeds to step S 07 . 
         [0044]    In step S 07 , it is determined whether prescribed time T 1  has passed since the initial scan pulse was output. If prescribed time T 1  has passed, the process proceeds to step S 08 . If not, the process returns to step S 05 . Prescribed time T 1  is a predetermined period of time during which the scan pulses are continuously output to the one of output terminals O 1 -O 4  that is set as the process target. The number of times a scan pulse is output to the one of output terminals O 1 -O 4  that is set as the process target may be counted, so that the scan pulses are output until the count value reaches a predetermined number of times. 
         [0045]    In step S 08 , it is determined whether variable i is equal to “4.” If variable i is equal to “4,” the process returns to step S 03 . If not, the process proceeds to step S 09 . In step S 09 , variable i is set to a value incremented by one, and the process returns to step S 04 . This is to change the process target among output terminals O 1 -O 4 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing an exemplary flow of a key detection process executed by the key input detection portion. Referring to  FIG. 5 , key input detection portion  41  sets variable i to “0” (step S 11 ). Variable i is a counter for counting the number of times a start bit of scan pulse is detected. 
         [0047]    In step S 12 , it is determined whether a start bit is detected at one of input terminals I 1 , I 2 , I 3 , I 4 . Here, it is determined whether a one-bit Low signal is detected or not. The process waits until a start bit is detected at any one of input terminals I 1 , I 2 , I 3 , I 4 . If a start bit is detected at any one of input terminals I 1 , I 2 , I 3 , I 4 , the process proceeds to step S 13 . 
         [0048]    In step S 13 , it is determined whether variable i is equal to a threshold value T. If variable i is equal to threshold value T, the process proceeds to step S 15 . If not, the process proceeds to step S 14 . In step S 14 , variable i is set to the value incremented by one, and the process then returns to step S 12 . To distinguish the scan pulse from chattering, the scan pulse is identified by detecting a start bit T times. Here, T=4. 
         [0049]    In step S 15 , code data is taken in. The code data is taken in by analyzing the scan pulses input following the start bit. Furthermore, it is determined whether a stop bit is detected following the code data (step S 16 ). Here, it is determined whether a one-bit Low signal is detected following the code data. If a stop bit is detected, the process proceeds to step S 17 . If not, the process returns to step S 11 . If no stop bit is detected, the start bit and the taken-in code data that have been detected until then are handled as chattering. A detection error is thus prevented. It is noted that the scan pulses may be configured only with a start bit and code data without using a stop bit. 
         [0050]    In step S 17 , the one of input terminals I 1 , I 2 , I 3 , I 4  at which the start bit is detected in step S 12  is specified. Then, based on the specified input terminal, a switch is specified (step S 18 ). Specifically, a switch is specified based on, among output terminals O 1 , O 2 , O 3 , O 4 , the output terminal that outputs the scan pulse at the time of detection of the start bit in step S 12  in the above-mentioned pulse generation process, and the input terminal specified in step S 17 . 
         [0051]    In step S 19 , it is set in the register circuit that the specified switch is pressed. In the next step S 20 , a predetermined state for the code data taken in in step S 15  is determined. Here, code data “0” corresponds to the image pickup state and code data “1” corresponds to the replay state. 
         [0052]    Then, of interrupt signal output terminals IO 1 , IO 2 , the one that is predetermined for the determined state is determined. Here, interrupt signal output terminal IO 1  corresponds to the image pickup state, and interrupt signal output terminal IO 2  corresponds to the replay state. In step S 22 , an interrupt signal is output to the one of interrupt signal output terminals IO 1 , IO 2  that is determined in step S 21 . The process then ends. 
       &lt;Modification&gt; 
       [0053]      FIG. 6  is a diagram showing an exemplary input device in a modified embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 6 , an input device  11 A in a modified embodiment differs from input device  11  shown in  FIG. 1  in that encoder  23  and register circuit  51  are replaced by an encoder  23 A and a register circuit  51 A, respectively. Input device  11  shown in  FIG. 1  receives a state signal from control unit  61 , whereas encoder  23 A of input device  11 A in the modified embodiment detects a connection state of a lens  81 , a flash lamp  83 , a memory card  85 , and a charger  87  mounted on the digital still camera and detects a state depending on a combination of the connected lens  81 , flash lamp  83 , memory card  85 , and charger  87 . Lens  81 , flash lamp  83 , memory card  85 , and charger  87  mounted on the digital still camera are devices external to input device  11 A. 
         [0054]    Encoder  23 A specifies a combination of the connected devices (connection state) by detecting which of lens  81 , flash lamp  83 , memory card  85 , and charger  87  is connected to the digital still camera. Encoder  23 A outputs, to scan pulse generation portion  25 , code data predetermined for the specified combination. In other words, encoder  23 A stores a table in which a plurality of combinations are each associated with code data, and encoder  23 A outputs the code data corresponding to the specified combination to scan pulse generation portion  25 . Here, since there are six combinations in which lens  81 , flash lamp  83 , memory card  85 , and charger  87  are connected, code data having a data length of four bits will suffice. 
         [0055]    Register circuit  51 A stores switch tables corresponding to the respective connection states of lens  81 , flash lamp  83 , memory card  85 , and charger  87 . Specifically, six switch tables are stored corresponding to the respective six connection states. Key input detection portion  41  specifies a switch table corresponding to the code data, from the six switch tables, and overwrites the corresponding storage area of the specified switch table. The corresponding storage area is the storage area allocated to the pressed switch among switches SW 11 -SW 14 , SW 21 -SW 24 , SW 31 -SW 34 , SW 41 -SW 44 . 
         [0056]    It is noted that register circuit  51 A in the modified embodiment may be applied to the above-noted input device  11 . Conversely, register circuit  51  of the above-noted input device  11  may be applied to input device  11 A in the modified embodiment. In this case, six interrupt signal output terminals are required corresponding to the six connection states. 
         [0057]    In the present embodiment, scan pulse generation portion  25  selects one of the four output terminals O 1 , O 2 , O 3 , O 4  in order and outputs a plurality of scan pulses to the selected output terminal for a prescribed period of time T 1 . 
         [0058]    Alternatively, one scan pulse may be output to the four output terminals O 1 , O 2 , O 3 , O 4 , in order. Specifically, one scan pulse is output once to output terminal O 1 , thereafter one scan pulse is output once to output terminal O 2 , then one scan pulse is output once to output terminal O 3 , and then one scan pulse is output once to output terminal O 4 . In this case, key input detection portion  41  identifies the scan pulse on condition that a start bit is detected successively T times at each of the four input terminals I 1 , I 2 , I 3 , I 4 , similarly as described above. 
         [0059]    Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7