Abstract:
A programmable digital camera requiring a programming password to be entered to access the camera&#39;s programmability. The camera further includes programming so as to allow the camera to be operated only for a specified time interval, after which the camera becomes inoperable until the programming password is again entered and the camera is programmed to operate for another interval of time. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a programmable digital camera as above described wherein the camera is programmed to only capture a set number of images, at which point the programming password must again be entered and the camera reset for another quantity of images. A further alternate embodiment includes a camera system with a separate transmitter for radiating a signal designed to cover a designated area, the signal being modulated with a camera operational code. The camera is equipped with a corresponding receiver and demodulator to receive the operational code. The camera is programmed to check for the operational code periodically, and if the code is not received, the camera automatically shuts down, thereby limiting operation of the camera to the designated area. A still further embodiment includes a camera with a built-in apparatus for acquiring measured biometric data of a potential user, and comparing it with corresponding biometric signature data entered in the camera, and allowing camera operation only if there is a match.

Description:
This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/187,706 filed Nov. 6, 1998; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/211,922 filed Dec. 14, 1998; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/313,131 filed May 17, 1999. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to digital cameras, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for eliminating unauthorized use of a camera, and for deterring camera theft by programming the camera to operate only under predetermined conditions. This invention is related to the inventions described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/187,706 filed Nov. 6, 1998; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/211,922 filed Dec. 14, 1998; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/313,131 filed May 17, 1999, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Digital cameras prior to the present invention have not been configured to prevent unauthorized use or discourage theft. In the area of film-based cameras, a mechanical apparatus for discouraging unauthorized use of a rental camera is disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 5,708,856 by Cloutier. It involves requiring the removal of a locking screw prior to loading or unloading film, a process which appears to make it more difficult, but not impossible for a borrower to remove and replace film. In commercial or industrial facilities of various kinds, numerous expensive digital cameras are in use. Due to the small size and general applicability of present digital cameras, unauthorized use and theft are matters for concern. Similarly, in the case of rental cameras, some means for encouraging the return of a digital rental camera is needed, as well as a means for limiting the use of a camera, for example to a predetermined time interval, or a fixed number of images according to a rental agreement. In the case where a digital camera is used for business purposes, the company needs a way of discouraging workers from using company cameras for non-work related purposes. 
     The use of biometric measurement as means of identification is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,291,560 by Daughman. It describes a system for rapid and automatic identification of persons, with very high reliability and confidence levels. The iris of the eye is used as an optical fingerprint, having a highly detailed pattern that is unique for each individual and stable over many years. U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,596 by Wildes et al. attempts to overcome a usability issue of forcing the user to create a physical contact with the biometric measurement device by creating a noninvasive iris recognition system. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a digital camera system with theft protection. 
     It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a digital camera that can be operated by a user for only a predetermined time interval. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a digital camera that a user can only operate to capture a predetermined number of images. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a rental digital camera that automatically encrypts captured images, that can only be viewed by a renter after retuning the camera to the lender for decryption. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a camera including a biometric measurement apparatus and corresponding camera enabling apparatus for limiting the camera use to an authorized person. 
     Briefly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a programmable digital camera requiring a programming password to be entered to access the camera&#39;s programmability. The camera further includes programming so as to allow the camera to be operated only for a specified time interval, after which the camera becomes inoperable until the programming password is again entered and the camera is programmed to operate for another interval of time. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a programmable digital camera as above described wherein the camera is programmed to only capture a set number of images, at which point the programming password must again be entered and the camera reset for another quantity of images. A further alternate embodiment includes a camera system with a separate transmitter for radiating a signal designed to cover a designated area, the signal being modulated with a camera operational code. The camera is equipped with a corresponding receiver and demodulator to receive the operational code. The camera is programmed to check for the operational code periodically, and if the code is not received, the camera automatically shuts down, thereby limiting operation of the camera to the designated area. 
     A still further embodiment includes a camera with a built-in apparatus for acquiring measured biometric data of a potential user, and comparing it with corresponding biometric signature data entered in the camera, and allowing camera operation only if there is a match. 
     An advantage of the present invention is that it provides protection against theft by rendering a camera inoperable by an unauthorized user. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a lender the ability to restrict the use of a rental camera to a fixed number of images, thereby encouraging the return of the camera. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a lender the ability to restrict the use of a rental camera to a fixed time period. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a camera that can only be used in a specific physical area. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a camera that can be restricted in use to an office, and thereby avoid its use for recreational purposes. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that is provides a non-intimidating and transparent way of collecting biometric data due to the fact that a user naturally brings both eyes and fingers in contact with the camera. 
    
    
     IN THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus of the various embodiments of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the major elements of the programmable camera of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an embodiment wherein a lender can program the camera to operate for a set time period or number of images; 
     FIG. 4 is flow chart wherein the camera is programmed through use of a smart card; 
     FIG. 5 illustrates the camera programming and operation in a system wherein the camera must detect a modulated, radiated signal in order to continue operation; 
     FIG. 6A is a flow chart showing further detail of the “operate camera” process of FIGS. 4 and 5; 
     FIG. 6B is a flow chart illustrating the decryption process by an owner. 
     FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating implementation of biometric security in a camera; 
     FIG. 8 is a flow chart giving details of setting up a biometric signature; 
     FIG. 9 illustrates a user&#39;s eye position for gathering iris data; 
     FIG. 10 illustrates locations on a camera where sensors can be placed for acquiring fingerprint and/or palm data; 
     FIG. 11 shows details of an apparatus for acquiring iris data; 
     FIG. 12 shows details of an apparatus for acquiring fingerprint data; and 
     FIG. 13 illustrates a method wherein an authorized user can set the camera to allow unrestricted access to other persons for a limited time or for a limited number of pictures. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawing, there is an illustration of the apparatus of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. A digital camera  10  includes at least one of four programming inputs, including a keypad  12 , a connector  14 , a card input  16 , and an antenna  18 . In the case where the card input  16  is used, a card  20  is a key part of the invention, containing the novel data for the camera. Alternatively, the card has a processor and memory for use in a camera and card operable combination. The connector  14 , if used for input, is typically connected to a computer system  22  through a cable  24  for programming the camera  10 . 
     The antenna  18  is for reception of modulated signals, such as radio frequency or infrared, radiated from an antenna  26  of a transmitter  28 , the modulation containing an operation code to begin operation of the camera  10 , and a renewal code for continuing the camera operation. In one embodiment, the operational code and renewal code are the same. The details of the various embodiments will be fully described in the following specification in reference to the figures of the drawing. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates the major components of the programmable digital camera  10  of the present invention. The camera  10  receives programming data and sends image data by way of one or more of the input or input/output elements including the keypad  12 , the cable connector  14 , card slot  16 , or receiver  30  by way of antenna  18  of FIG.  1 . The input/outputs  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  30  pass programming data to a processor  32  through buses  34 ,  36 ,  38  and  40 . Data and programming are stored in memory  42  connected to processor  32  through bus  44 . The facility for acquisition of image data is indicated by image acquisition block  46  connected to the processor  32  through bus  48 . The display  47 , connected to processor  32  through bus  49 , supplies visual information to the user. The specific items displayed are a matter of design choice, and the various options that will be apparent to those skilled in the art are included in the present invention. For example, one embodiment of the display shows the number of images allowed, and the number unused/remaining. Another embodiment wherein the camera or card is pre-programmed to allow operation for a specified time, includes the display  47  indicating operability, for example showing the date and time of allowed use, and date and time of expiration of use, or if the allowance is simply for a total amount of operation time, the display  47  would show the total amount of allowed time remaining. 
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the flow chart of FIG.  3 . This embodiment applies to situations wherein the camera “owner” has a need to restrict the use of the camera by a user. A preferred example of this is a camera rental situation. The camera is programmable, and requires entry of a programming password in order to access the camera programmability. This feature and the entry of a programming password is indicated by block  50 . Block  52  lists programmable conditions that can be set by the owner, including a “time lock” which sets the camera to allow operation over a time span of a certain number of hours or days. Another option allows the owner to set the camera to capture only a specified number of images. Alternatively, if the digital camera is a digital video camera, the owner would set the camera to allow a fixed amount of recording time. The owner can also program a user access password to enable the use of the programmed camera. In operation, the user will then enter the access password (block  54 ) and operate the camera (block  56 ). The camera then keeps track of the permit condition i.e., elapsed time, or number of images or recording time, and if the condition is not expired, operation is allowed, as indicated by block  58  and path  60 . If the permit condition is expired  62 , the camera automatically disables image taking (block  64 ). 
     FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment wherein the owner programs a Smart Card or credit card with the required data, including a time lock and/or number of images or recording time, and optionally a user access password (block  66 ). In operation, the Smart Card or credit card  20  (FIG. 1) is then inserted into the camera  10  receptacle  16  (block  68 ). Entering the user password (block  70 ) is optional but is preferably implemented if the card  20  is an off-the-shelf standard item. The descriptions and operations associated with item numbers  70 - 80  of FIG. 4 are operationally the same as for item numbers  54 - 64  of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 5 presents an alternative embodiment that automatically renders the camera inoperable if it is removed from an authorized zone of operation. A typical application would be a factory in which a number of expensive digital cameras are used. Another example would be a tourist place such as a theme park. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the camera in this embodiment includes a receiver  30  for reception of a signal radiated by a transmitter  28 . In the “factory” example, the transmitter would be centrally located and designed to radiate a signal that would not extend substantially beyond the factory perimeter. The camera  10 , including the receiver  30  (FIG.  2 ), will not operate if the signal from the transmitter  28  is not received. 
     Referring again to FIG. 5, the camera  10  is programmed to require reception of an operational code in order to function (block  82 ). The camera  10  is further programmed to check for a renewal of the operational code at periodic intervals of time ΔT, or at the occurrence of a specific initialization process such as when starting up the camera, or prior to taking a picture. If the renewal code is received  90 , operation can continue. If the renewal operational code is not received  92 , the camera according to the program, shuts down the camera operation (block  94 ). The owner can also optionally program a required user access password (block  82 ) for the purpose of deterring unauthorized use within the otherwise operational physical boundaries/zone. In operation, a user would enter his user access password (block  84 ) and operate the camera (block  86 ). The transmitter  28  repeatedly broadcasts the operational code. The camera checks for a renewal of the code transmission (block  88 ). If the camera  10  receives a renewal of the operational code ( 90 ), the camera continues to be operational. If no renewal of the code is received ( 92 ), the camera automatically shuts down operation (block  94 ). 
     FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an alternate embodiment wherein an encryption procedure is performed on the image data, and then stored in the camera in an encrypted form. Only the owner has the key to decrypt the data, and as a result, a user is provided with an added incentive to return the camera in order to get a useable copy of the acquired image data. 
     Block  95  of FIG. 6A is a replacement for any of the “operator camera” blocks  56 ,  72 ,  86  of FIGS. 3,  4  and  5 . According to FIG. 6A, in order to implement the encryption feature, the operate camera block  95  performs the process of image capture  96 , followed by an encryption of the incoming image data  98 , and then stores the encrypted image data  100 . The camera then stores only the encrypted image data, the original then being available only to a person possessing a key, in this case the owner. A user must return the camera to the owner to get access to the original image data. 
     FIG. 6B illustrates the procedure of returning the camera, or camera and card to the owner. Following the camera disable (blocks  64 ,  80  or  94 ), the camera is returned to the owner (block  102 ). The owner then decrypts the encrypted image data and delivers it to the user (block  104 ). 
     Another embodiment of the present invention will now be described in reference to FIGS. 7-13. FIG. 7 shows the general concept wherein a biometric measurement system is included in a camera for the purpose of identifying and limiting operational access to an authorized user. In order to accomplish this, the camera is initially set up  106  with what would be called biometric signature data, taken from a measurement of a person authorized to operate the camera. The signature data is stored in the camera, and when a prospective user attempts to take a picture i.e. initiates taking a picture  108 , the camera performs a measurement on the prospective user i.e., collects prospective user biometric data  110  and then compares  112  the prospective user data with the signature data. If the prospective user data does not match  114  the signature data, the camera automatically disables  116  and no picture is taken. If the prospective user data matches  118  the signature data, the camera proceeds  120  to take a picture. Items  196  and  198  in FIG. 7 refer to an alternate embodiment that will be fully explained later in the present disclosure. 
     The process of setting up the signature data will now be illustrated more clearly in reference to FIG.  8 . Refer also again to FIG. 1 with the assumption that the camera  10  now has the additional feature of biometric security as described above, including the programming required for accomplishing the creation of the signature data. In operation, a user enters  124  a predetermined password to instruct the camera to create signature data. This can be done through entry of a card, such as card  20  programmed for the purpose, or the password can be entered on a camera key pad such as pad  12  configured with sufficient keys for the purpose, or can be entered with a computer keyboard while connected to the PC  22 , running corresponding software to authorize such an operation. In an alternate embodiment, the authorized signature data can be uploaded to the camera from the PC  20  or via a removable storage device such as card  20 . The system may include a plurality of authorized users. 
     In order to make the measurement, i.e. acquire the biometric signature data, the authorized user places  126  his eye so as to look through the camera view finder, and/or places his finger on the shutter/activate button  122  (FIG.  1 ). The camera in response takes the biometric data  128 , and processes and stores it as signature data  130 . This signature data then remains in the camera, for example as part of a signature database, and is used to compare with biometric data taken of subsequent prospective users to assure that the camera will only function for the authorized user or users, as described above in reference to FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 9 shows a user&#39;s eye  132  in proximity to a view finder  134 . An advantage of the system is that the position of the eye is determined by the viewfinder, i.e. in order for a user to properly look through the viewfinder, the eye must be placed in a relatively fixed position. In this scenario where the eye is in effect anchored, it is easier to get an exact reading of the iris. FIG. 10 shows a user  136  holding a camera  138 , with an eye in line with a view finder  140 , and a finger  142  on a camera activation/shutter button  144 . The system can be limited to an entry of a single finger, most likely the right hand index finger, this simplifying the process of data matching to a single database object per user, as opposed to the use of all ten fingers. FIG. 10 also shows contact between the camera and other fingers and portions of the user&#39;s hands, including the palm  146  of the user&#39;s hand. These other points of contact can be used in alternate embodiments for identification of a user by placing detectors in those locations, the detector(s) being similar in design to the one for gathering finger print data. 
     Referring again to FIG. 2, a biometric measurement apparatus  147  is assumed to be included in the camera  10  for the purpose of description of the present embodiment, coupled to the processor  32  through bus  145 . FIG. 11 illustrates a particular embodiment  148  of apparatus  147  for gathering biometric data from the iris of a user&#39;s eye  150  as incorporated in a camera according to the present invention. Light is emitted from a source  152  and passes through a semi-reflective mirror/beam splitter  154  and through a viewfinder  156  to the user&#39;s eye  150 . The source can be either light coming from the camera image taking lens such as in the case of a TTL (Through the Lens) parallax system, or from an internal source such as a lamp. The user&#39;s iris  158  reflects portions of the light, sending it back through the viewfinder lens  156 . The reflected light is then reflected off of beam splitter  154  and directed to a charge coupled device (CCD)  160  where an electronic image of the iris is generated. 
     The output of the CCD  160  is sent to a processor, such as processor  32  in FIG. 2, that is programmed to process the data output of the CDD and compare it with the signature data from memory  42  and enable or disable the camera according to the process described in reference to FIG.  7 . 
     The CCD  160  shown in FIG. 11 is the same CCD that is part of the image acquisition apparatus  46  of FIG. 2, the inclusion of which is understood by those skilled in the art as required and included in a digital camera. Similarly, the lens  164  and view finder  156  are standard parts included in digital cameras, the lens  164  also being included in the image acquisition apparatus  46 . To this degree, the parts displayed in FIG. 11 as included in the biometric data acquisition apparatus  147  are shared elements with block  46  and block  147  is to that degree partially “symbolic” of function as well as structure. The arrangement of parts shown in FIG. 11 will enable those skilled in the art to reproduce the present invention. 
     The sequence of steps in the operation of the camera occur as follows. Initially, as described above, an authorized user presents a password/key enabling the camera to acquire and store the biometric data of the authorized user, which is termed “signature data”. With the camera thus enabled by the password/key, the authorized user places his eye  150  to the viewfinder  156 . At this point in the operation, the beam splitter is in position  162 , as indicated by the dashed lines in FIG.  11 . Apparatus for rotating the splitter  154  will be understood by those skilled in the art and need not be included in the present disclosure. With the beam splitter  154  in position  162 , the user can view an image of an object  163 , light from which passes through lens  164  and reflects off of splitter  154  in position  162 , and through the viewfinder  156  to the user&#39;s eye  150 . The authorized user then with his eye on the viewfinder, presses the activation/shutter button  122  (FIG.  1 ). At this point in the process, the camera automatically rotates the lens  154  to position  166  (solid lines), and activates the light source  152 . The light then passes through the splitter  154  to the eye  150 . A portion of the light then passes back through the viewfinder  156 , and is reflected off of splitter  154  to the CCD  160  which detects the light and sends data signals through bus  145  to the processor  22  which creates the signature data. 
     With the signature data stored in the camera as described above, the camera is now ready to restrict its use to the authorized user. In operation, a prospective user picks up the camera, looks through the view finder  156  and presses the activation button  122  with his finger. The camera is programmed to set the beam splitter to position  162 . This is the position in which it is set following the taking of a picture so as to allow a prospective user to view an object upon picking up the camera. Upon activation of the camera, the splitter  154  is rotated to position  166  and the biometric data is taken of the iris of the prospective user&#39;s eye. The camera then rotates the splitter back to position  162 . The prospective user&#39;s biometric data is then compared by the processor with the signature data. If they are the same, i.e. a match, the camera takes a picture. The CCD  160  receives light from an object  163 , the light having passed from the object, through the object lens  164  and splitter  154  and to the CCD  160 . In order to assure that no leakage of light from the viewfinder reaches the CCD  160  while grabbing the image, a shutter  168  can be automatically closed just prior to and during the activation of the CCD  160 . If the prospective user data does not match the signature data, the camera does not take a picture. 
     The details of how iris data is processed and compared with signature data is not included in the present disclosure. These details will be understood by those skilled in the art, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,291,560 by Daugman. 
     Referring now to FIG. 12 of the drawing, another embodiment of the disclosed concept of biometric security of a camera is presented wherein fingerprint data of a prospective user is acquired and compared with signature data, i.e. fingerprint data of an authorized person. If the prospective user&#39;s fingerprint data matches the signature data, the camera proceeds to take a picture. If the prospective user data does not match the signature data, the camera does not take a picture. The apparatus for acquiring the fingerprint data is illustrated in FIG. 12. A light source  170  is activated when a prospective user places his finger on the shutter release button  122  and over the prism  172  and activates the camera. The shutter release button is preferably transparent, and may incorporate a magnifying lens. The light from source  170  passes optionally through a lens  174  and through the prism  172  and is reflected off of the finger  178  and passes out of the prism  172 , entering a second prism  180  which directs the light to a CCD  182 . The CCD  182  output  184  is sent to the processor  32  where either the signature data is prepared if the camera is activated with a password/key for preparation of signature data, or the prospective user data is prepared according to the procedure detailed above. In operation, when a prospective user presses the button  122 , a microcontroller switch  188  is activated, causing a signal to be sent to the processor  32  to prepare to process fingerprint data. The processor  32  then activates the power supply  190 , energizing the light source  170 . The light then passes through the prism  172  to the finger  178 , out the prism  172  and through prism  180  to the CCD  182 , the output  184  of which is processed by the processor  32 . Further details of the fingerprint data collection, and processing to determine if a match exists between a prospective user and signature data is not necessary herein. Such details are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,781,651 by Hsiao et al. 
     The second prism  180  is used to direct the light to the CCD  182 . In this case, the CCD  182  is preferably a separate element from the CCD in the image acquisition apparatus  46 . The output bus  145  is indicated in FIG. 2 as a separate bus, unassociated with bus  48 . 
     According to the preferred embodiment of the camera with biometric security, the processing is confined to the camera body as indicated in FIG. 2 wherein the biometric data acquisition apparatus  147  collects the data, which is sent to the processor  32  via buses  145  and/or  48 . The apparatus  147  includes either the iris data apparatus or epidermal apparatus including fingerprint or palm data apparatus, such as in FIG. 12, or the combination of both iris and epidermal apparatus. When both iris and epidermal apparatus are included, the processor can be programmed to require either a prospective user&#39;s iris data or epidermal data to match corresponding iris or epidermal signature data respectively. Alternatively, the processor can be programmed to require both a prospective user&#39;s iris and epidermal data to match the corresponding iris and epidermal signature data. 
     An alternative embodiment of the present invention includes programming of the processor to require movement of the iris and/or change in the pupil size as a function of change of relative brightness. This will guarantee that the image to be matched corresponds to a live iris versus a picture of one. This is accomplished by requiring that data be taken at specified closely spaced time intervals, and that a comparison of two sets of data at a particular coordinate show a variation/mismatch, and also requiring that the patterns of the two data sets both match the signature data. This is indicated in FIG. 7 by blocks  196  and  198 . In order to stimulate an iris change, the light source  170  is designed to fluctuate in power, thus causing a contraction or expansion of the pupil. If no movement or change of the pupil&#39;s size is detected  200 , the camera is disabled. If movement is detected  202 , the pattern is tested for a match with signature data  112 . 
     As an alternate embodiment adding an increased level of security, referring again to FIGS. 1 and 8, the camera  10  can be programmed to require reception of the password (block  124 , FIG.  8 ), through connector  14  and cable  24  from a remote computer  22  connector  23 . This adds security in making it more difficult for someone to enter a password and obtain unauthorized access to operate the camera. 
     As a further embodiment, the camera  10  can be programmed so as to operate only when connected to a remote computer  22 . This connection can be done with a cable  24 , (FIG. 1) or can be a wireless connection including a transceiver in camera  10  as indicated by antenna  18  in FIG. 1, and a transceiver  199  connected to the computer  22 . In operation according to this embodiment, the camera receives a password from the remote computer  22  for preparing the signature data as with the above described embodiment. In addition, image data is immediately downloaded to the remote computer  22 , minimizing the chance of any unauthorized person benefiting from using the camera in the event operational access is obtained. 
     A still further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in reference again to FIG. 13 wherein an authorized user can activate the camera to allow unrestricted access for a set time period or set number of images. As in the above described embodiment, an authorized user must first be established by entry of a password or key (block  200 ) for the purpose of measuring/acquiring biometric data of the authorized user (blocks  202  and  204 ) for storage (block  206 ) in the camera, or in an embodiment requiring a connection to a remote computer, the signature data can be stored there. 
     According to this embodiment, the authorized user can then activate the camera (block  208 ) by positioning his eye at the view finder and/or pressing the finger on the activation button. The camera recognizes the authorized person by comparing new biometric data taken at this time with the stored signature data and allows access. According to this alternate embodiment, the camera then allows unrestricted operation by any person for a set time period, or for a set number of images or both (block  210 ). The specific time period or number of images can be either pre-set in the camera, or can be entered through use of the key pad  12 . When the time period or number of images has expired, access can be renewed (block  212 ) by repeating blocks  208  and  210 . 
     Although the present invention has been described above in terms of a specific embodiment, it is anticipated that alterations and modifications thereof will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore intended that the following claims be interpreted as covering all such alterations and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.