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Title:
BOW-SHAPED GAMING CONTROLLER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2021/081259
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
Methods and systems for gaming controllers, systems, and methods for a gaming controller which is generally shaped like an archery bow, and which includes switches with which a user can control features of operation, and which also includes an imitation bowstring, and one or more electronic elements which detect a user's manipulation of the imitation bowstring.

Inventors:
ROMERO ROGER (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2020/056938
Publication Date:
April 29, 2021
Filing Date:
October 22, 2020
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
MODDED APPS LLC (US)
International Classes:
A63F13/245
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
GROOVER, Robert et al. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

What is claimed is, among others (and, without exclusion, in addition to any other points which are indicated herein as inventive and/or surprising and/or advantageous):

1. A gaming controller comprising: a body which is generally shaped like an archery bow, including two extended limbs; an imitation bowstring mounted between the limbs under tension; at least one switch, mounted in the body to be manually operable by a user holding the controller; sensors which detect a user’s manipulation of the imitation bowstring; and a communication interface, also mounted in the body, which provides data communication between a game operation station and the switch, the electronic elements, and the optical hit detector.

2. The gaming controller of Claim 1, wherein the imitation bowstring is not opaque, and the visual indicators include at least one light which shines into the bowstring.

3. The gaming controller of Claim 1 , wherein the game operation station includes a display, and wherein the body physically holds the game operation station during use.

4. The gaming controller of Claim 1, wherein the body can be folded, when not in use, for compact transport.

5. The gaming controller of Claim 1, further comprising a battery mounted in the body.

6. The gaming controller of Claim 1, wherein the game operation station is a mobile phone.

7. The gaming controller of Claim 1, wherein the sensors detect when a user has drawn or released the bowstring, and also detect whether the user has tapped the bowstring.

8. The gaming controller of Claim 1, wherein the communication interface is a wireless interface.

9. The gaming controller of Claim 1, further comprising motion detectors, in the body, configured to detect at least three components of motion.

10. The gaming controller of Claim 1, further comprising motion detectors, in the body, configured to detect at least six components of motion.

11. The gaming controller of Claim 1 , further comprising motion detectors, in the body, configured to detect at least nine components of motion.

12. A gaming controller comprising: a body which is generally shaped like an archery bow, including two extended limbs with an imitation bowstring strung therebetween; at least one switch, mounted in the body to be manually operable by a user holding the controller; at least one visual indicator, mounted in the body; one or more electronic elements which detect when a user has pulled or released the imitation bowstring; an optical hit detector mounted on an extremity of at least one said limb, which detects when the user has received a virtual hit from a simulated shot by another player; and a wireless interface, also mounted in the body, which provides data communication between a game operation station and the switch, the electronic elements, and the visual indicator.

13. The gaming controller of Claim 12, wherein the imitation bowstring is not opaque, and the visual indicators include at least one light which shines into the bowstring.

14. The gaming controller of Claim 12, wherein the game operation station includes a display, and wherein the body physically holds the game operation station during use.

15. The gaming controller of Claim 12, wherein the body can be folded, when not in use, for compact transport.

16. The gaming controller of Claim 12, further comprising a battery mounted in the body.

17. The gaming controller of Claim 12, wherein the game operation station is a mobile phone.

18. The gaming controller of Claim 12, wherein the electronic elements also detect whether the user has tapped the bowstring.

19. The gaming controller of Claim 12, further comprising motion detectors, in the body, configured to detect at least three components of motion.

20. The gaming controller of Claim 12, further comprising motion detectors, in the body, configured to detect at least six components of motion.

21. The gaming controller of Claim 12, further comprising motion detectors, in the body, configured to detect at least nine components of motion.

22. A gaming controller comprising: a body which is generally shaped like an archery bow, including two extended limbs, and an imitation bowstring mounted between the limbs under tension; at least one switch, mounted in the body to be manually operable by a user holding the controller; one or more electronic elements which detect when a user has pulled or released the imitation bowstring; a vibration detector which is configured to detect when a user has tapped on the imitation bowstring; an optical firing simulator, and an optical hit detector, mounted on an extremity of at least one said limb, which detects when the user has received a virtual hit from a simulated shot by another player; and a communication interface, also mounted in the body, which provides data communication between a game operation station and the switch, the electronic elements, and the optical hit detector.

23. The gaming controller of Claim 22, wherein the imitation bowstring is not opaque, and visual indicators include at least one light which shines into the bowstring.

24. The gaming controller of Claim 22, wherein the game operation station includes a display, and wherein the body physically holds the game operation station during use.

25. The gaming controller of Claim 22, wherein the body can be folded, when not in use, for compact transport.

26. The gaming controller of Claim 22, further comprising a battery mounted in the body.

27. The gaming controller of Claim 22, wherein the game operation station is a mobile phone.

28. The gaming controller of Claim 22, wherein the sensors detect when a user has drawn or released the bowstring, and also detect whether the user has tapped the bowstring.

29. The gaming controller of Claim 22, wherein the communication interface is a wireless interface.

30. The gaming controller of Claim 22, further comprising motion detectors, in the body, configured to detect at least three components of motion.

31. The gaming controller of Claim 22, further comprising motion detectors, in the body, configured to detect at least six components of motion.

32. The gaming controller of Claim 22, further comprising motion detectors, in the body, configured to detect at least nine components of motion.

33. A gaming controller comprising: a body which is generally shaped like an archery bow, including two extended limbs, and an imitation bowstring mounted between the limbs under tension; at least one switch, mounted in the body to be operable by a user holding the controller; motion detectors, in the body, configured to detect at least three components of motion; and a wireless interface, also mounted in the body, which provides data communication between the switches and a game operation station.

34. The gaming controller of Claim 33, wherein the imitation bowstring is not opaque, and further comprising visual indicators which include at least one light which shines into the bowstring.

35. The gaming controller of Claim 33, wherein the game operation station includes a display, and wherein the body physically holds the game operation station during use.

36. The gaming controller of Claim 33, wherein the body can be folded, when not in use, for compact transport.

37. The gaming controller of Claim 33, further comprising a battery mounted in the body.

38. The gaming controller of Claim 33, wherein the game operation station is a mobile phone.

39. The gaming controller of Claim 33, further comprising sensors which detect when a user has drawn or released the bowstring.

40. The gaming controller of Claim 33, further comprising sensors which detect whether the user has tapped the bowstring.

41. The gaming controller of Claim 33, further comprising sensors which detect when a user has drawn or released the bowstring, and also detect whether the user has tapped the bowstring.

42. The gaming controller of Claim 33, wherein the communication interface is a wireless interface.

43. The gaming controller of Claim 33, wherein the motion detectors are configured to detect at least six components of motion.

44. The gaming controller of Claim 33, wherein the motion detectors are configured to detect at least nine components of motion.

45. A gaming controller comprising: a body which is generally shaped like an archery bow, including two extended limbs, and an imitation bowstring mounted between the limbs under tension; at least one switch, mounted in the body to be manually operable by a user holding the controller; one or more sensors which detect a user’s manipulation of the imitation bowstring; motion detectors, in the body, configured to detect at least three components of motion; and a communication interface, also mounted in the body, which provides data communication between a game operation station and the switch, the sensors.

46. The gaming controller of Claim 45, wherein the imitation bowstring is not opaque, and further comprising visual indicators including at least one light which shines into the bowstring.

47. The gaming controller of Claim 45, wherein the game operation station includes a display, and wherein the body physically holds the game operation station during use.

48. The gaming controller of Claim 45, wherein the body can be folded, when not in use, for compact transport.

49. The gaming controller of Claim 45, further comprising a battery mounted in the body.

50. The gaming controller of Claim 45, wherein the game operation station is a mobile phone.

51. The gaming controller of Claim 45, wherein the sensors detect when a user has drawn or released the bowstring, and also detect whether the user has tapped the bowstring.

52. The gaming controller of Claim 45, wherein the communication interface is a wireless interface.

53. The gaming controller of Claim 45, wherein the motion detectors are configured to detect at least six components of motion.

54. The gaming controller of Claim 45, wherein the motion detectors are configured to detect at least nine components of motion.

55. A gaming controller comprising: a body which is generally shaped like an archery bow, including two extended limbs, and an imitation bowstring mounted between the limbs under tension; one or more switches, mounted in the body to be operable by a user holding the controller; at least one visual indicator, mounted in the body; and a wireless interface, also mounted in the body, which provides wireless data communication with a game operation station for the switches and the visual indicator.

56. The gaming controller of Claim 55, wherein the imitation bowstring is not opaque, and the visual indicators include at least one light which shines into the bowstring.

57. The gaming controller of Claim 55, wherein the game operation station includes a display, and wherein the body physically holds the game operation station during use.

58. The gaming controller of Claim 55, wherein the body can be folded, when not in use, for compact transport.

59. The gaming controller of Claim 55, further comprising a battery mounted in the body.

60. The gaming controller of Claim 55, wherein the game operation station is a mobile phone.

61. The gaming controller of Claim 55, further comprising sensors which detect when a user has drawn or released the bowstring, and also detect whether the user has tapped the bowstring.

62. The gaming controller of Claim 55, wherein the communication interface is a wireless interface.

63. The gaming controller of Claim 55, further comprising motion detectors, in the body, configured to detect at least three components of motion.

64. The gaming controller of Claim 55, further comprising motion detectors, in the body, configured to detect at least six components of motion.

65. The gaming controller of Claim 55, further comprising motion detectors, in the body, configured to detect at least nine components of motion.

66. A gaming system which includes at least one controller according to any of Claims 1, 12, 22, 33, 45, or 55; and an electronic gaming unit which, when operating, responds to user inputs made at the archery-bow-like controller, and provides feedback data to the controller.

67. A gaming system which includes at least one controller which is generally shaped like an archery bow, and which includes switches with which a user can control features of operation, and one or more electronic elements which detect when a user has pulled the bowstring or released the bowstring; an electronic gaming unit which, when operating, responds to user inputs made at the archery-bow-like controller.

68. A method of playing a game which is at least partly electronic, comprising: wirelessly communicating, to a game operation station, inputs from a user’s operation of manual switches on an archery -bow-shaped controller, and also inputs which show whether the user has drawn or released an imitation bowstring; and wirelessly communicating, from the game operation station, signals which can provide feedback to the user who is operating the controller.

Description:
Bow-Shaped Gaming Controller

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] Priority is claimed from US 62/924,404 filed October 22, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present application relates to gaming systems, and more particularly to user input devices.

[0003] Note that the points discussed below may reflect the hindsight gained from the disclosed inventions, and are not necessarily admitted to be prior art.

[0004] The market is flooded with traditional controller designs. Overlooked is that the vast majority of games on mobile are incredible through the touchscreen. Those controllers do little or worse, hinder the experience that the game designer is trying to convey.

[0005] Shooters are the driving audience and content, however there is no controller that reflects that.

Bow-Shaped Gaming Controller

[0006] The present application teaches, among other innovations, a gaming controller which is generally shaped like an archery bow, and which includes switches with which a user can control features of operation.

[0007] The present application also teaches, among other innovations, a gaming controller which is generally shaped like an archery bow, and which includes switches with which a user can control features of operation, and which also includes an imitation bowstring, and one or more electronic elements which detect when a user has pulled the bowstring or released the bowstring.

[0008] The present application teaches, among other innovations, a gaming controller which is generally shaped like an archery bow, and which includes switches with which a user can control features of operation, and which contains its own power supply, and which connects wirelessly to a game station.

[0009] The present application also teaches, among other innovations, a gaming controller which is generally shaped like an archery bow, and which includes switches with which a user can control features of operation, and which also includes an imitation bowstring, and one or more electronic elements which detect when a user has pulled the bowstring or released the bowstring, and which connects wirelessly to a game station.

[0010] The present application also teaches, among other innovations, a method of playing games which are at least partly electronic, by using a gaming controller which is generally shaped like an archery bow, and which includes switches with which a user can control features of operation, as well as an imitation bowstring and sensors which detect when the bowstring is drawn or released by the user.

[0011] The present application also teaches, among other innovations, a gaming system which includes a controller which is generally shaped like an archery bow, and which includes switches with which a user can control features of operation, and which also includes an imitation bowstring, and one or more electronic elements which detect when a user has pulled the bowstring or released the bowstring; wherein the system also includes an electronic gaming unit which, when operating, responds to user inputs made at the archery-bow-like controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The disclosed inventions will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show important sample embodiments and which are incorporated in the specification hereof by reference, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 schematically shows a gaming controller which is generally shaped like an archer’s bow.

[0014] Figure 2 A shows another sample embodiment of a bow-shaped gaming controller.

[0015] Figures 2B and 2C show two sample interface menu formats.

[0016] Figure 3 shows another sample embodiment of an archery- bow-shaped gaming controller.

[0017] Figure 4 shows another sample embodiment of an archery- bow-shaped gaming controller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with particular reference to presently preferred embodiments (by way of example, and not of limitation). The present application describes several inventions, and none of the statements below should be taken as limiting the claims generally.

[0019] The present application discloses new approaches to bow shaped gaming controllers for more realistic gaming experiences.

[0020] Figure 1 shows one sample embodiment of bow-shaped controller 100. The main body 101 of bow 100 connects to upper and lower limbs 103A and 103B via locking hinges 109A and 109B, respectively. Imitation bowstring 105 is mounted between limbs 103 A and 103B, and is under tension when the limbs are extended. Limbs 103 A and 103B most preferably fold for more compact storage when the bow is not in use.

[0021] It will be noted that bowstring 105 is generally referred to as an “imitation bowstring” herein, though “bowstring” and “imitation bowstring” are generally used interchangeably. Similarly, archery-bow shaped controller 100 is referred to as “bow-shaped” and “archery-bow shaped”, though these are also generally used interchangeably herein with “bow”. In a real archery bow, a nontrivial amount of force is required to pull the string - typically even a child’s bow will have a draw weight of 10-20 lbs. In addition, “dry firing” a real bow (wherein the string is drawn and released as if to shoot without an arrow present) can damage the bow. Neither of these is true of the bow-shaped controllers of the present inventions. [0022] 5-way switch 115 is preferably mounted near the top of grip 107, such that the user’s index finger will naturally sit on or just below it.

[0023] In some embodiments, 5-way switch 115 is a joystick with click or tap capability. In other embodiments, 5-way switch 115 is a five- position switch (up, down, left, right, and center). In still other embodiments, this can be different.

[0024] A phone or other mobile device is preferably secured into phone cradle 119 by way of catch 117, and is released using quick- release latch 121.

[0025] In some presently -preferred embodiments, IR emitter 111 and 360° receiver 113 allow multiple units to be used in conjunction, such that users can e.g. “hunt” each other in augmented reality games. One or more 360° line of sight receivers 113 at the top to increase visibility to opponents fire.

[0026] Some sample embodiments use real world targeting and firing on a bow gaming controller for mobile through line of sight and/or direction geolocation information from mobile device and/or transmitting and receiving.

[0027] Tracking drawstring through an encoder in real-time to translate the users draw of the string to a video game avatar and or video game bow and or real world firing.

[0028] In some sample embodiments, a micro continuous linear and or rotary encoder is optionally used to track the exact pull of bowstring 105 (infrared/optical and magnetic) for minimum wear. There are several ways to measure rotation on a disk and are found in every mouse. This also permits the bowstring to be used as a more sophisticated input method, e.g. by pulling it back and forth slightly. In some sample embodiments, this slight back-and-forth motion is a distinct class of input, and is used e.g. to select arrow type in-game. Some sample embodiments also use this to determine draw speed and distance metrics. No matter how subtle the movement of the string, the game mirrors it.

[0029] In some sample embodiments, the continuous rotary encoder tracks the center pin of a flat spring whining housing that retracts the string. In some of these sample embodiments, only one sensor encoder is necessary, but to retracting flat spring winding houses on both ends with one string whining inside both housing.

[0030] In some sample embodiments, bowstring 105 lights up via a visual indicator which is mounted in the body and/or limbs of bow 100. Bowstring 105 in these embodiments is e.g. flexible or plastic fiber optic material, and is illuminated e.g. by a light-emitting diode and/or laser. In some sample embodiments, the illuminated bowstring acts as an indicator light for some aspect of the controller’s interface and/or the game.

[0031] In some sample embodiments, bow 100 includes a vibration sensor or vibration switch to detect vibrations on bowstring 105. In these sample embodiments, tapping on bowstring 105 provides further interface options.

[0032] Figure 2A shows another sample embodiment of a bow-shaped controller, which provides a clearer view of the “front” of the controller, particularly IR emitter 111 and 5 -way switch 115. In some sample embodiments, power switch 229 turns power to the bow-shaped controller on and off.

[0033] Figures 2B and 2C show two examples of interface menu formats that can be used with 5-way switch 115. [0034] Figure 3 shows a “back” view of one sample embodiment of a bow-shaped controller, in which mobile device 323 is secured in place in the controller.

[0035] In some sample embodiments, the bow-shaped controller is powered e.g. by AA batteries, which are secured behind battery cover 325. In other embodiments, the bow-shaped controller is powered e.g. by a rechargeable internal battery, and is charged e.g. via USB. In still other embodiments, this can be different.

[0036] Figure 4 shows another sample embodiment of a bow-shaped controller, which is shown in a “drawn” position. Here, the phone cradle is modified from Figure 1 with an additional protrusion 427 just above the back of the grip. This both increases grip comfort and also reduces the frequency with which the bowstring hits the user’s hand. In some sample embodiments protrusion 427 is used for additional visual indicators.

[0037] In some sample embodiments, movement is tracked for games via the mobile device’s native sensors. In other sample embodiments, movement sensors are integrated in the bow-shaped controller. In some sample embodiments, motion sensors integrated in the controller detect e.g. up to nine degrees of freedom, including a three-axis gyroscope, a three-axis accelerometer, and a three-axis magnetometer. Sample embodiments in which this is particularly advantageous include those in which e.g. augmented reality glasses are used in conjunction with the bow-shaped controllers, such that the game can be played even if phone or mobile device is not docked in the bow. Other sample embodiments in which this is particularly advantageous include e.g. those in which the mobile device lacks some or all of these sensors. [0038] In some sample embodiments, precise long-range IR emitters allow targeting with the built-in mechanics of an arrow’s trajectory to add complexity to every shot and true skill.

Advantages

[0039] The disclosed innovations, in various embodiments, provide one or more of at least the following advantages. However, not all of these advantages result from every one of the innovations disclosed, and this list of advantages does not limit the various claimed inventions.

• Immersive interface for mobile games;

• Accurate tracking of even subtle motions of the bowstring, and translating those motions to a virtual avatar;

• Real world targeting and firing on a bow gaming controller for mobile;

• Quick, repeatable, and ergonomic action;

• Enhance existing titles and traditional game design with new innovative sensors and button placement.

[0040] According to some but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided: A gaming controller comprising: a body which is generally shaped like an archery bow, including two extended limbs; an imitation bowstring mounted between the limbs under tension; at least one switch, mounted in the body to be manually operable by a user holding the controller; sensors which detect a user’s manipulation of the imitation bowstring; and a communication interface, also mounted in the body, which provides data communication between a game operation station and the switch, the electronic elements, and the optical hit detector.

[0041] According to some but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided: A gaming controller comprising: a body which is generally shaped like an archery bow, including two extended limbs with an imitation bowstring strung therebetween; at least one switch, mounted in the body to be manually operable by a user holding the controller; at least one visual indicator, mounted in the body; one or more electronic elements which detect when a user has pulled or released the imitation bowstring; an optical hit detector mounted on an extremity of at least one said limb, which detects when the user has received a virtual hit from a simulated shot by another player; and a wireless interface, also mounted in the body, which provides data communication between a game operation station and the switch, the electronic elements, and the visual indicator.

[0042] According to some but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided: A gaming controller comprising: a body which is generally shaped like an archery bow, including two extended limbs, and an imitation bowstring mounted between the limbs under tension; at least one switch, mounted in the body to be manually operable by a user holding the controller; one or more electronic elements which detect when a user has pulled or released the imitation bowstring; a vibration detector which is configured to detect when a user has tapped on the imitation bowstring; an optical firing simulator, and an optical hit detector, mounted on an extremity of at least one said limb, which detects when the user has received a virtual hit from a simulated shot by another player; and a communication interface, also mounted in the body, which provides data communication between a game operation station and the switch, the electronic elements, and the optical hit detector.

[0043] According to some but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided: A gaming controller comprising: a body which is generally shaped like an archery bow, including two extended limbs, and an imitation bowstring mounted between the limbs under tension; at least one switch, mounted in the body to be operable by a user holding the controller; motion detectors, in the body, configured to detect at least three components of motion; and a wireless interface, also mounted in the body, which provides data communication between the switches and a game operation station.

[0044] According to some but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided: A gaming controller comprising: a body which is generally shaped like an archery bow, including two extended limbs, and an imitation bowstring mounted between the limbs under tension; at least one switch, mounted in the body to be manually operable by a user holding the controller; one or more sensors which detect a user’s manipulation of the imitation bowstring; motion detectors, in the body, configured to detect at least three components of motion; and a communication interface, also mounted in the body, which provides data communication between a game operation station and the switch, the sensors.

[0045] According to some but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided: A gaming controller comprising: a body which is generally shaped like an archery bow, including two extended limbs, and an imitation bowstring mounted between the limbs under tension; one or more switches, mounted in the body to be operable by a user holding the controller; at least one visual indicator, mounted in the body; and a wireless interface, also mounted in the body, which provides wireless data communication with a game operation station for the switches and the visual indicator.

[0046] According to some but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided: A gaming system which includes at least one controller according to any of Claims 1, 12, 22, 33, 45, or 55; and an electronic gaming unit which, when operating, responds to user inputs made at the archery-bow-like controller, and provides feedback data to the controller.

[0047] According to some but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided: A gaming system which includes at least one controller which is generally shaped like an archery bow, and which includes switches with which a user can control features of operation, and one or more electronic elements which detect when a user has pulled the bowstring or released the bowstring; an electronic gaming unit which, when operating, responds to user inputs made at the archery-bow-like controller.

[0048] According to some but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided: A method of playing a game which is at least partly electronic, comprising: wirelessly communicating, to a game operation station, inputs from a user’s operation of manual switches on an archery-bow shaped controller, and also inputs which show whether the user has drawn or released an imitation bowstring; and wirelessly communicating, from the game operation station, signals which can provide feedback to the user who is operating the controller.

[0049] According to some but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided: Methods and systems for gaming controllers, systems, and methods for a gaming controller which is generally shaped like an archery bow, and which includes switches with which a user can control features of operation, and which also includes an imitation bowstring, and one or more electronic elements which detect a user’s manipulation of the imitation bowstring.

Modifications and Variations

[0050] As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the innovative concepts described in the present application can be modified and varied over a tremendous range of applications, and accordingly the scope of patented subject matter is not limited by any of the specific exemplary teachings given. It is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

[0051] In presently-preferred sample embodiments, any haptic feedback is provided directly from the mobile device. In other embodiments, haptic feedback is provided by the bow-shaped controller. In still other embodiments, this can be different.

[0052] In some sample embodiments, only one hit sensor like element 113 is present, at the top of the upper limb of the bow. In other sample embodiments, hit sensors are present at the end of both limbs of the bow. In still other embodiments, sensors are present at other locations on the controller. In yet further embodiments, this can be different.

[0053] While various options, iterations, and sample embodiments are presented herein in the alternative, it will be understood that other combinations of some or all of the elements described above are explicitly contemplated. The mere fact that a given combination of elements is not explicitly recited herein should not be taken to mean that that combination is unsupported.

[0054] None of the description in the present application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element which must be included in the claim scope: THE SCOPE OF PATENTED SUBJECT MATTER IS DEFINED ONLY BY THE ALLOWED CLAIMS. Moreover, none of these claims are intended to invoke paragraph six of 35 USC section 112 unless the exact words “means for” are followed by a participle.

[0055] The claims as filed are intended to be as comprehensive as possible, and NO subject matter is intentionally relinquished, dedicated, or abandoned.