Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to, and is a continuation of, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/371,016, filed Feb. 13, 2009, which claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2008900676, having a filing date of Feb. 13, 2008, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     [Not Applicable] 
     MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE 
     [Not Applicable] 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a method of gaming, a game controller and a gaming system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many gaming systems provide spinning reel type games, where a plurality of reels are spun, stopped and prizes awarded based on their stop positions. Some gaming systems, additionally include a feature game where a player has an opportunity to win prizes by means of some other type of game, for example by picking a box of a set of boxes, at least one of which corresponds to a prize. 
     While such gaming systems provide users with enjoyment, a need exists for alternative gaming systems, suitable to provide feature games, in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first aspect, the invention provides a method of gaming comprising: 
     (a) defining a target outcome to be achieved in respect of a game, the target outcome having an associated award; 
     (b) allocating a number of game rounds to achieve the target outcome; 
     (c) conducting the allocated game rounds, each of which can result in a contribution to the target outcome; 
     (d) accumulating any contributions during the one or game rounds; and 
     (e) making the associated award if the target outcome is achieved based on the accumulated contributions before the allocated game rounds are exhausted. 
     In an embodiment, the method comprises receiving a player selection of one of a plurality of selectable target outcomes and defining the target outcome to be achieved based on the player selection. 
     In an embodiment, each of the plurality of selectable outcomes has a different difficulty and greater difficulties are associated with greater awards. 
     In an embodiment, at least one selectable target outcome is to move an object to a destination. 
     In an embodiment, at least one selectable target outcome is to move an object from an origin to a destination and return the object to the origin. 
     In an embodiment, the at least one selectable target outcome is to move an object from an origin to a destination and to move a different or modified object to the origin. 
     In an embodiment, the method comprises receiving a player selection of a plurality of selectable components of a target outcome and defining the target outcome to be achieved based on the player selections. 
     In an embodiment, the method comprises making an award if a selected component of the selectable outcome is achieved. 
     In an embodiment, one available contribution is a movement. 
     In an embodiment, one available contribution is a removal of an obstacle to achieving the target outcome. 
     In an embodiment, the method comprises adding an obstacle to achievement of the target outcome during one of the allocated game rounds. 
     In an embodiment, the method comprises conducting each game round comprises selecting a set of symbols and determining whether the selected set of symbols corresponds to a contribution. 
     In an embodiment, the set of symbols correspond to symbols of respective ones of a plurality of reels. 
     In an embodiment, the method comprises altering the allocation of game rounds based on an outcome of at least one game round. 
     In an embodiment, the method comprises conducting the plurality of game rounds in response to a trigger condition. 
     In an embodiment, the method comprises displaying the target outcome, the outcome of each allocated game round, and a current status of the accumulated contributions towards the target outcome on the display. 
     In an embodiment, the method comprises enabling a player to purchase a contribution to be accumulated with contributions resulting from the game rounds. 
     In a second aspect, the invention provides a game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: 
     (a) define a target outcome to be achieved in respect of a game, the target outcome having an associated award; 
     (b) allocate a number of game rounds to achieve the target outcome; 
     (c) conduct the allocated game rounds, each of which can result in a contribution to the target outcome; 
     (d) accumulate any contributions during the one or game rounds; and 
     (e) make the associated award if the target outcome is achieved based on the accumulated contributions before the allocated game rounds are exhausted. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a selection processor arranged to receive a player selection of a selectable target outcome and define the target outcome to be achieved based on the player selection. 
     In an embodiment, each of the plurality of selectable outcomes has a different difficulty and greater difficulties are associated with greater awards. 
     In an embodiment, at least one selectable target outcome is to move an object to a destination. 
     In an embodiment, at least one selectable target outcome is to move an object from an origin to a destination and return the object to the origin. 
     In an embodiment, the at least one selectable target outcome is to move an object from an origin to a destination and to move a different or modified object to the origin. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a selection processor arranged to receive a player selection of a plurality of selectable components of a target outcome and define the target outcome to be achieved based on the player selections. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller is further arranged to make an award if a selected component of the selectable outcome is achieved. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a game round controller arranged to control the allocated game rounds. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to alter the allocation of game rounds based on an outcome of at least one game round. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a contribution accumulator arranged to accumulate the contributions. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller comprises an award determiner arranged to determine whether to make the award. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller is constituted by a processor executing program code stored in a memory. 
     In an embodiment, one available contribution is a movement. 
     In an embodiment, one available contribution is a removal of an obstacle to achieving the target outcome. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to add an obstacle to achievement of the target outcome during one of the allocated game rounds. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to conduct each game round comprises selecting a set of symbols and determining whether the selected set of symbols corresponds to a contribution. 
     In an embodiment, the set of symbols correspond to symbols of respective ones of a plurality of reels. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to conduct the plurality of game rounds in response to a trigger condition. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller is further arranged to enable a player to purchase a contribution to be accumulated with contributions resulting from the game rounds. 
     In a third aspect, the invention provides a gaming system comprising: 
     a player interface; and 
     a game controller arranged to:
         (a) define a target outcome to be achieved in respect of a game, the outcome having an associated award;   (b) allocate a number of game rounds to achieve the target outcome;   (c) conduct the allocated game rounds, each of which can result in a contribution to the target outcome;   (d) accumulate any contributions during the one or game rounds; and   (e) make the associated award if the target outcome is achieved based on the accumulated contributions before the allocated game rounds are exhausted.       

     In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a selection processor arranged to receive a player selection of a selectable target outcome and define the target outcome to be achieved based on the player selection. 
     In an embodiment, each of the plurality of selectable outcomes has a different difficulty and greater difficulties are associated with greater awards. 
     In an embodiment, at least one selectable target outcome is to move an object to a destination. 
     In an embodiment, at least one selectable target outcome is to move an object from an origin to a destination and return the object to the origin. 
     In an embodiment, the at least one selectable target outcome is to move an object from an origin to a destination and to move a different or modified object to the origin. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a selection processor arranged to receive a player selection of a plurality of selectable components of a target outcome and define the target outcome to be achieved based on the player selections. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller is further arranged to make an award if a selected component of the selectable outcome is achieved. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a game round controller arranged to control the allocated game rounds. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to alter the allocation of game rounds based on an outcome of at least one game round. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a contribution accumulator arranged to accumulate the contributions. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller comprises an award determiner arranged to determine whether to make the award. 
     In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises a processor executing program code stored in a memory to implement the game controller. 
     In an embodiment, one available contribution is a movement. 
     In an embodiment, one available contribution is a removal of an obstacle to achieving the target outcome. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to add an obstacle to achievement of the target outcome during one of the allocated game rounds. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to conduct each game round comprises selecting a set of symbols and determining whether the selected set of symbols corresponds to a contribution. 
     In an embodiment, the set of symbols correspond to symbols of respective ones of a plurality of reels. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to conduct the plurality of game rounds in response to a trigger condition. 
     In an embodiment, the game controller is further arranged to enable a player to purchase a contribution to be accumulated with contributions resulting from the game rounds. 
     In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to display the target outcome, the outcome of each allocated game round, and a current status of the accumulated contributions towards the target outcome on the display. 
     In a fourth aspect, the invention provides computer program code which when executed implements the above method. 
     In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a computer readable medium comprising the above program code. 
     In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a data signal comprising the above program code. 
     In a seventh aspect, the invention extends to transmitting the above program code. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming system; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a stand alone gaming machine; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of the functional components of a memory; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of a network gaming system; 
         FIG. 6  is a further block diagram of a gaming system; 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart of an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 8  is a screen shot of an example. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system having a game controller arranged to implement a game where a player is allocated a number of game rounds to achieve a target outcome. During the game rounds contributions towards the outcome are accumulated and the player receives an award if the target outcome is achieved. In an embodiment, the player selects the target outcome from target outcomes having different levels of difficulty with greater awards associated with higher difficulty, thus introducing a tension between the player&#39;s selection and the prospects of success. 
     General Construction of Gaming System 
     The gaming system can take a number of different forms. In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine. 
     In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some of the components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the components required for implementing the game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. For example, a “thick client” architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a “thin client” architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player. 
     However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, “thick client” mode or “thin client” mode depending on the game being played, operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. 
     Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises several core components. At the broadest level, the core components are a player interface  50  and a game controller  60  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The player interface is arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game. 
     Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism  52  to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays  54 , a game play mechanism  56  comprising one or more input devices that enable a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place bets), and one or more speakers  58 . 
     The game controller  60  is in data communication with the player interface and typically includes a processor  62  that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to the display. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory  64  but can also be hardwired. Herein the term “processor” is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server. 
     A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The gaming machine  10  includes a console  12  having a display  14  on which are displayed representations of a game  16  that can be played by a player. A mid-trim  20  of the gaming machine  10  houses a bank of buttons  22  for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim  20  also houses a credit input mechanism  24  which in this example includes a coin input chute  24 A and a bill collector  24 B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A player marketing module (not shown) having a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. 
     A top box  26  may carry artwork  28 , including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel  29  of the console  12 . A coin tray  30  is mounted beneath the front panel  29  for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine  10 . 
     The display  14  shown in  FIG. 2  is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display  14  may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box  26  may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display  14 , or of a different type. 
       FIG. 3  shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine of  FIG. 2 . 
     The gaming machine  100  includes a game controller  101  having a processor  102 . Instructions and data to control operation of the processor  102  are stored in a memory  103 , which is in data communication with the processor  102 . Typically, the gaming machine  100  will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory  103 . 
     The gaming machine has hardware meters  104  for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface  105  for communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine  100 . The input/output interface  105  and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module  113  generates random numbers for use by the processor  102 . Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 3 , a player interface  120  includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller  101  and comprise one or more displays  106 , a touch screen and/or buttons  107 , a card and/or ticket reader  108 , a printer  109 , a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism  110  and a coin output mechanism  111 . Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine  100 , or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation. For example, while buttons or touch screens are typically used in gaming machines to allow a player to place a wager and initiate a play of a game any input device that enables the player to input game play instructions may be used. 
     In addition, the gaming machine  100  may include a communications interface, for example a network card  112 . The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the central controller, server or database. 
       FIG. 4  shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory  103 . The memory  103  includes RAM  103 A, EPROM  103 B and a mass storage device  103 C. The RAM  103 A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor  102  and related data. The EPROM  103 B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device  103 C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor  102  using protected code from the EPROM  103 B or elsewhere. 
     It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine  100  to be distributed, for example input/output devices  106 , 107 , 108 , 109 , 110 , 111  to be provided remotely from the game controller  101 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a gaming system  200  in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system  200  includes a network  201 , which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines  202 , shown arranged in three banks  203  of two gaming machines  202  in  FIG. 5 , are connected to the network  201 . The gaming machines  202  provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines  10 , 100  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. While banks  203  of two gaming machines are illustrated in  FIG. 5 , banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged. 
     One or more displays  204  may also be connected to the network  201 . For example, the displays  204  may be associated with one or more banks  203  of gaming machines. The displays  204  may be used to display representations associated with game play on the gaming machines  202 , and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material. 
     In a thick client embodiment, game server  205  implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine  202  and the gaming machine  202  implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both the game server and the gaming device implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database management server  206  may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices  202  in a database  206 A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server  207  will be provided to perform accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A loyalty program server  212  may also be provided. 
     In a thin client embodiment, game server  205  implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine  202  and the gaming machine  202  essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, the game server  205  provides the game controller. The gaming machine will receive player instructions, pass these to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming machines could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components. 
     Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming network  200 , including for example a gaming floor management server  208 , and a licensing server  209  to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal  210  is provided to allow an administrator to run the network  201  and the devices connected to the network. 
     The gaming system  200  may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall  211 . 
     Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single “engine” on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the game server  205  could run a random number generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of game servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals. 
     Further Detail of Gaming System 
     In the embodiment, the game is triggered by trigger monitor  626 A as a feature game from a base game conducted by base game controller  626  and displayed in a first display area  54 A. In the embodiment, the feature is conducted as a second screen feature and is displayed in a second display area  54 B which may be on a separate display to the first display area  54 A. 
     The feature can be triggered in accordance with any of the know eligibility criteria including based on turnover, by being purchased in the base game, by a system event or by a symbol combination in the base game. 
     The selection processor  623  is arranged to offer via display  54  a plurality of different selectable target outcomes specified by target outcome data  642 . In the embodiment, the player operates game play mechanism  56  to select one of the target outcomes. In an alternative embodiment, the player may be allowed to construct the target outcome from a plurality of components specified by target outcome data  642 . For example, the player may be offered a plurality of different start components to the target outcome and, depending on the selected start, a plurality of different end components. In such embodiments, an award may be made for achieving a component of the target outcome. 
     In some embodiments, the selection processor may make a default selection based on game rules if a time out condition is met. 
     The game round controller  622 A of outcome generator  622  then conducts a series of game rounds for achieving the target outcome; the initial number of game rounds being related to the selected target outcome. Each game round involves a symbol selector  622 B selecting symbols specified by symbol data  641 . The selected symbols are advised to the display controller  625  which causes them to be displayed on display  54  at a set of display positions. 
     One example of selecting symbols is for the symbol selector  622 B to access the random number generator  621  to select symbols using the game rules  644  for display as a plurality of spinning reels. The symbol sets  641  can specify a sequence of symbols for each reel such that the symbol selector  622 B can select a symbol by selecting a stopping position in the sequence. The selected symbols are then evaluated by symbol evaluator  622 C to determine whether they include any contributions towards the target outcome, for example, a specific symbol combination that contributes toward the target outcome. Accumulator  622 D accumulates any contribution and progress towards the target outcome is displayed on display  54 B by display controller  625 . In some embodiments, players may be entitled to purchase additional contributions. 
     The game round controller  622 A continues to conduct game rounds until all the game rounds have been exhausted. The number of available game rounds  644  is specified by the game rule data  644  and the number of game rounds may be used as one factor to control the difficulty of achieving the target outcome. In some embodiments, particular outcomes of symbol selection may cause the number of game rounds to be varied, for example by adding to or subtracting from the current number of game rounds. The remaining number of game rounds is stored as the game round data  643 . The player may also be able to place an additional bet to buy more game rounds. 
     Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the game round controller  622 A is arranged to continue to conduct rounds until either the accumulator  622 D accumulates sufficient contributions to achieve the target outcome or the game rounds are exhausted. 
     If sufficient contributions are made, the award determiner  624  is advised and the award determiner  624  determines the prize  645  corresponding to the target outcome  642 , updates the credit meter  646  and controls the display by means of display controller  625  to show the awarding of the prize. 
     It will be appreciated that contributions towards the outcome can be achieved in a number of ways, for example, they can relate to a specific symbol combination created by selecting a set of symbols for display, they can be created by specific symbol being in the set of symbols, etc. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that other techniques could be used to select symbols including drawing a card from a set of cards, rolling a dice, etc. 
     By way of example, the contributions can be in the form of a movement towards an outcome in the form of a destination or by removing an obstacle to reaching a destination. In such embodiments, the relative difficulty of achieving an outcome can be controlled in a number of ways, including the amount of movement needed to reach an destination associated with the target outcome (which may be an origin), the number of obstacles, or the number of game rounds. 
     Accordingly, as the difficulty of achieving an outcome can be controlled, there is a tension between a player&#39;s selection of a target outcome and the player&#39;s prospects of achieving the outcome. 
     Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the target outcome may be chosen in some other manner than by a player. For example, the target outcome be defined based on a player&#39;s previous expenditure in the game, the number times they have entered the feature game or the manner in which they enter the feature game, for example a particular combination achieved when entering the feature game. 
     The method is summarised in  FIG. 7  which shows a feature being triggered  705 , a player selection of a target outcome being made  710 , and a set of bonus games started  715 . In each bonus game round, symbols are selected  720  and it is determined  725  whether this results in a contribution to the outcome. If it does, the contribution is accumulated  730  and is determined  735  whether the outcome has been achieved. If the outcome has been achieved, an award is made  740 . If not, the number of allocated game rounds is decremented  745  and is determined whether the allocation of game rounds has been exhausted  750  in which case the game ends  755 . If the allocation has not been exhausted, the method proceeds by selecting the symbols for a further game round  720 . 
     EXAMPLE 
       FIG. 8  shows an exemplary display  800  of an example where a player is given a limited number of total feature spins and the player can select three levels of difficulty and hence select from three outcomes. The higher the number of obstacles, the greater the reward at the end, as denoted by the increasing sizes of the treasure chests  850 ,  840 ,  830 . 
     In this example, the theme is of salvaging treasure from a wreck  823  and accordingly a salvage ship  822  is displayed and a diver  821  indicates the player&#39;s current progress towards the target outcome. The target outcomes are each of the three treasure chests  830 ,  840  and  850 . There are obstacles  831 ,  832 ,  841 ,  842  and  851  between the player position  821  and the target outcomes  830 ,  840  and  850 . The player has a trade off for the higher prize of less chance to actually getting the prize. The obstacles are chosen to fit with the theme and are displayed as blocked doors, rubble, barrels, hanging nets, etc. Reels are displayed in areas  811 ,  812  and  813 , where the player has a chance to spin up items that help clear the obstacles. For example, the player may spin up a key to open a lock door. Once the player reaches a treasure chest  830 ,  840  or  850  the remaining spins are used to drag the treasure chest back to the salvage ship. Thus, the higher level of obstacles and the more positions the player is required to traverse to get the obstacle back to the ship  822  depict the level of difficulty. It will be appreciated that the individual reel spins of each game outcome displayed in the reels  811  to  813  contribute to towards the players progress to achieving the target outcome and that this accumulation of contributions is represented by the diver&#39;s current position and status (e.g. the direction the diver is shown travelling in, whether or nor they are carrying the treasure, etc). A person skilled in the art will appreciate that there can be a number of variations to this example, for example, it may be possible for obstacles to be put back after they have been removed or for additional obstacles added in response to a particular outcome of the reels  811  or  813  or for game rounds (i.e. spins) to be added or subtracted. 
     In the above example, the target outcome combines the player&#39;s trip from an origin to a destination and back to the origin. In other embodiments the player may journey solely to the destination. 
     Obstacle replacement could be dependent on the outcome of reels, duration of time or the amount of funds bet. In one embodiment, the player could purchase the removal of an obstacle. 
     Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method of the embodiment could be embodied in program code. The program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a computer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory (for example, that could replace part of memory  103 ) or as a data signal (for example, by transmitting it from a server). 
     It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 
     In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention

Technology Category: 3