Apparatus for automatically adjusting angle of image device for information processing equipment

ES 2 267 697 T3

DESCRIPTION

Apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a recording device.

Background of the invention

1. Technical sector of the invention

The present invention relates to a portable information processing equipment in which a screen of a main body or support element is rotated, such as a laptop computer, a computer with a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a display device. personal digital assistance (PDA), and more particularly, refers to an apparatus for adjusting the angle of an imaging device, such as a camera coupled to the display device.

2. Background of the technique

In general, the information processing equipment consists of a portable terminal such as a PDA, and a portable computer such as a handheld computer, a calendar computer or a portable computer. Some of these information processing equipment comprise a display screen that rotates from a main body or support unit on which different data is displayed. Furthermore the information processing equipment may include a camera installed in the display device for video communication.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a laptop that is one of the information processing equipment that comprises a camera. The portable computer comprises a main body (11) having a square plan, and a display body (21) rotatably connected to the main body.

A keyboard (13) and control button (15) are installed on the upper surface of the main body (11), and a series of connections (17) are installed on a side edge for connection with external devices of the computer. Furthermore, a pair of hinge coupling units (19) are constituted in the main body (11) protruding upwards, so that the screen body (21) can be opened / closed by rotation from or towards the main body. (1).

A display panel (23) which is electrically connected to a unit incorporated in the main body (11) and which displays data, is arranged on the inner surface of the display body (21). A camera (31), which is a kind of imaging device, is electrically connected to the built-in unit of the main body (11) and rotatably connected to the display body (21), so that it can be achieved image / video communication. The camera (31) is installed in the upper part of the display or screen body (21).

Furthermore, a camera receiving part (41) is formed at the upper end of the screen body (21) to position the camera. The chamber receiving part (41) comprises a chamber connector (45) so that said chamber (31) can be electrically connected to the unit incorporated in the main body (11). A sliding door (43) is installed in the screen body (21) so that the chamber receiving part (41) can be slidably opened / closed.

The camera (31) comprises a camera body (33) connected to the camera connector (45), so that it is removable, and a lens unit (35). The lens unit (35) has a lens (34) rotatably connected to the camera body (33) in order to photograph a user for image communication.

To perform image communication using the imaging device, such as the laptop camera described above, the screen body (21) is rotated at a certain angle with respect to the main body (11), and then , the camera (31) is connected to the connector (45) of the camera of the display body (21). Thereafter, the lens unit (35) is forced to rotate and is controlled so that the camera (31) can photograph the user.

However, the laptop that is described has several disadvantages. The connector (45) of the camera in which the camera (31) is connected, is fixed and, therefore, the angle of the lens unit (31) must be changed whenever the angle of view of the body changes. the screen (21) with respect to the main body (11). Furthermore, since the angle of the body (21) of the screen changes in order to view information displayed according to the position or height of a user on a conventional laptop, the user must change the angle of the camera (31), so that the facial image can be correctly entered by the camera (31).

The above references are incorporated into this description by way of reference, where appropriate to show additional or alternative details, characteristics, and / or technical background.

The IBM Technical Disclosure bulletin, Volume 39, No. 4, April 1996, pages 311-313, discloses a laptop computer with a camera arranged at the top of the display panel. The camera's angle of view is kept constant using a belt-based system, passing a loop over two pulleys.

Characteristics of the invention

An object of the present invention is to solve at least the above problems and / or disadvantages, and to provide at least the advantages that will be described below.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for adjusting the angle of an image-taking device for information-processing equipment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for adjusting an angle of an image device for information processing equipment, in order to maintain a viewing angle of the image-taking device despite the rotational movement of the screen body, between the open position and the closed position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for adjusting the angle of the imaging device for an information processing equipment by automatic control of the angle of the imaging device, such as a camera according to movements of a screen body.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for adjusting an angle of an image-taking device for information processing equipment by automatic control of the angle of the image-taking device,

ES 2 267 697 T3 so that the camera compensates the movements of the screen body.

To achieve, at a minimum, the above objectives in whole or in part, and in accordance with the present invention, as broadly described, an apparatus is disclosed as set forth in claim 1.

Still other advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in the following description and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art after examining the following description or may be inferred from practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized and achieved as specifically set forth in the appended claims.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing a perspective view of a general type portable computer;

Figure 2 is a schematic view showing a perspective view, partially sectioned, of a first preferred embodiment of an adjustment apparatus of an imaging device, according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing a front view of a portable computer according to Fig. 2, according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing a perspective, parts removed, of an apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of an imaging device, according to the first preferred embodiment;

Figure 5 is a schematic view showing a cross section, along the cutting plane (AA), of the laptop of Figure 2, showing an operating state of the apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of the imaging device in which the body of the laptop screen is open at a right angle;

Fig. 6 is a schematic view showing a cross-section according to the cut line (AA), of the laptop of Fig. 2, showing an operating state when the screen body of the laptop is open at an obtuse angle;

Figure 7 is a schematic view showing a section, along the cutting plane (AA), of the portable computer of Figure 2, showing the operating situation when the screen body of the portable computer is closed;

Figure 8 is a schematic view showing a sectional side view of a second preferred embodiment of an apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a camera, in accordance with the present invention, showing the operating situation when the screen body of a laptop is open vertically;

Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing a sectional elevation view of the portable computer of Fig. 8, according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a schematic view showing a perspective view, in partial section, of an apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a camera, according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 11 is a schematic view showing a perspective view, partially sectioned, of an apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a camera, according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing a sectional view of an apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a camera, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a perspective view, partially sectioned, showing a laptop computer, including a first preferred embodiment of an apparatus for automatically adjusting an angle of a camera or the like, in information processing equipment according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the first preferred embodiment of an apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a camera is installed in a laptop computer. Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing a front view of the laptop of Fig. 2. Detailed descriptions of components the same or similar to those described above to Fig. 1 have been omitted in this part of the description.

The laptop computer shown in figure 2, according to preferred embodiments, comprises a main body (11) having a pair of hinge coupling areas (19) on the upper surface, a screen body (21) coupled to the parts of hinge coupling of the main body (11), in order to have the ability to rotate to display information and a camera (31). The camera (31) is preferably detachably mounted on the body (21) of the screen.

The laptop computer comprises a keyboard (13), a control button (15) and a connector input (17). A display panel (23) is preferably arranged on an internal surface of the display body (21) to display information to the user after coupling to a built-in unit, such as a CPU of the main body (11).

The receiving part (41) of the camera, which has a predetermined shape, is constituted in an upper central part of the body (21) of the screen, so that the camera (31) can be coupled / detached with respect to the body of the screen (21) (that is, it is removable), and a sliding door (43) is preferably mounted next to the receiving part (41) of the chamber in order to cover with ability to slide or block the part (41) of camera acceptance, for protection purposes when the camera (31) is separated from the laptop. Furthermore, a camera connector (45) is arranged in the part (41) intended for positioning the camera, so that the camera (31) can be electrically coupled to the built-in unit (not shown) of the main body ( eleven). The first preferred embodiment of the apparatus, for automatically adjusting the camera angle, changes the photography angle of the camera (31) based on the aperture or viewing angle of the screen body (21).

The first preferred embodiment of an apparatus

ES 2 267 697 T3 for the automatic adjustment of the camera angle preferably includes a part (58) that projects from the body, preferably projecting the same direction of a projection of the hinge coupling part (19) from a central part rear of the main body (11) and of a connecting element (61). The connecting link (61) is preferably coupled between the part (58) that protrudes from the body and the camera installation part (50), the camera connector (45) having in order to have a structure of link inside the screen body (21) to change the angle of the camera (31) according to the rotation angle of the screen body (21).

Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing a perspective, with parts disassembled, of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus, for automatically adjusting the angle of the camera. To change the angle of the camera (31) according to the angle of rotation of the screen body (21), in the first preferred embodiment, both ends of the connecting link (61) must be coupled at a predetermined distance away from each other. the centers of rotation of the screen body (21) and the camera mounting portion (50), respectively. An exemplary operating structure will now be described.

The connecting link (61) may be formed in the form of a long rod, and holes (61a) are formed at both ends of the connecting link (61) in order to allow its coupling to the connecting part (59) of the body and the connection part (55) of the link. In addition, the connection part (59) of the body in which the end of the connection link (61) is rotatably coupled onto the part (58) projecting from the body, which extends into the body of the screen ( 21), but the connecting part (59) of the body is offset from the center of rotation (h) of the screen body (21).

The body protruding part (58) protrudes upward from the upper surface of the main body (11), preferably having the same shape as the hinge coupling parts (19), between the pair of hinge coupling parts (19 ) formed in the main body (11). Therefore, the connecting part (59) of the body is arranged away from the axis (h) of the center of rotation in the coupling part (19) of the hinge, preferably in parallel with the central axis (h). A screw unit (59 ') is formed at an end portion of the connecting part (59) of the body to engage with a nut (60) to prevent the connecting link (61) from escaping. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited in this regard. Other couplings can be used to controllably retain the connecting link (61) in a fixed connecting position with respect to the connecting portion of the body (59).

As shown in Figure 2, an insert recess (22) is formed in the body of the screen (21), so that the part (58) that protrudes from the body can be inserted therein. Furthermore, the body (21) of the screen has a part open on the insertion recess (22), corresponding to the place where the connection part (59) of the body protrudes.

The camera device unit (50) preferably includes a rotational axis (51) rotatably supported within the chamber receiving portion (41), a support plate (53) and the portion (55 ) of the link connection. The support plate (53) is rotatably arranged and the camera connector (45) is preferably fixed thereon. The connecting part (55) of the link extends in the opposite direction from the support plate (53) and is coupled to the end portion of the connecting link (61) in order to carry out relative movement.

The connecting part (55) of the link has a connecting pin (57) protruding mounted at the position where the connecting link (61) is coupled in parallel with the connecting portion (59) of the body. A threaded stem (5a) is formed in the connecting pin (57) for its coupling to a nut (60 ') to prevent the connecting link (61) from escaping, according to a method similar to that of the connecting part of the body (59).

The link connection part (55), which has been described above, is formed as a single body with the support plate (53) and preferably has a center of rotation about the axis of rotation (51) together with the plate. support (53). The link connection part (55) is formed and positioned to be inclined at a selected angle with respect to the support part (53).

The axis of rotation (51) is supported so that it can rotate within the body (21) of the screen, and can be supported, for example, by inserting both end parts, within a support part (52) of the axis. (not shown) protruding from an internal surface of the screen body (21).

A series of holes (53a) are made in the upper surface of the support plate (53) so that the connector (45) of the camera can be fixed. Fixing pins (45b), which are coupled to holes (53a), protrude from the camera connector (45). In this way, the fixing pins (45b) of the camera connector (45) are preferably inserted and fixed inside the holes (53) of the support plate (53), so that the connector (45) of the chamber is moved as a single body with the support plate (53). However, the present invention is not intended to be limited in this regard, since other couplings can be used to move the single body camera connector 45 together with the support plate. Furthermore, connection openings (45a) or the like, in which the connection pins (33a) of the chamber (31) are inserted, are arranged in the connector (45) of the chamber.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an illustrative sectional view of the portable computer of Figure 2, taken along line AA. In the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus for automatically adjusting the camera angle and the positions at which the connecting link (61), sections of the connecting link (61) will be described below, with reference to Figure 5, by way of example. connection (61), connection plug (57) and connection part (59) of the body are engaged.

In the connecting link (61), the section (L1) between the centers of the holes (61a) is the same as the section (L2), which is the shortest distance between the axis of rotation (51) and the center rotation (h) of the body (21) of the screen. As shown in Fig. 5, the body connecting part (59) is

ES 2 267 697 T3 located so that the distance (L4) separated horizontally with respect to the center of rotation (h) of the screen body is the same as the distance (L3) between the axis of rotation (51) and the connection (57). Furthermore, the body connecting part (59) is arranged to have a prescribed height difference (H2) from the center of rotation (h) of the screen body (21), so that it corresponds to a difference of height (H1) of the connecting pin (57) from the axis of rotation (51). However, the present invention is not intended to be limited in this regard.

Next, operations of the laptop computer having the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a camera according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5,6 and 7. Fig. 5 is a view showing the operating situation of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus for automatically adjusting the camera angle, in the situation where the screen body of the laptop is open at a right angle. Figures 6 and 7 are views showing the operating situation of the apparatus when the body of the laptop screen is open at an obtuse and closed angle, respectively.

For video communications using the camera (31), the screen body (21) is moved to occupy a vertical position with respect to the main body (11), for example, as shown in Figure 5, and then The sliding door (43) coupled to the body (21) of the screen is opened to open the receiving part (41) of the chamber. Next, the camera (31) is coupled to the camera connector (45) disposed within the acceptor portion of the camera (41), and the angle of the camera (31) is controlled so that the lens unit (35) of the camera (31) is directed towards the user by rotating the lens unit (35) against the body (33) of the camera.

When the user rotates the screen body (21) in a counterclockwise direction, behind the main body (11), in order to control the angle of inclination of the screen panel (23), to achieve For example, an obtuse angle as shown in figure 6, the support plate (53) moves in a counterclockwise direction, centered on the axis of rotation (51) with respect to the angle or magnitude of movement of the body (21) of the screen, which is centered on the center of rotation (h), since the connecting link (61) is coupled to the connection part (55) of the link. Therefore, the angle of rotation or magnitude of rotation of the screen body (21) is compensated, and the photographing angle, which has been predetermined in the first place, of the lens unit (25) is preferably maintained.

When the user rotates the screen body (21) in the counterclockwise direction, in the situation where the camera (31) is not separated from the camera connector (45), the Support (53) is forced to rotate counter-clockwise with respect to the body of the screen (21), for example, as shown in Figure 7. When the laptop is closed, the camera (31) is forced to rotate behind the upper end of the screen body (21), and the lens unit (35) is directed frontally, as shown in the figure 7.

Therefore, in the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus for automatically adjusting the camera angle, according to the present invention, when the screen body (21) is moved from the main body (11), between an open position and a closed position, then the camera (31) is forced to rotate correspondingly to an opposite direction of the rotation angle of the screen body (21). Therefore, the angle of photography can be compensated, and the problems or inconveniences of controlling the angle of photography of the camera can be reduced or solved.

Figure 8 is a schematic view showing a sectional elevation view of an apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of the imaging device, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, mounted on a screen body of a laptop open vertically. Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing a front view, in elevation, with a part in section showing main parts of the laptop, according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

In the second preferred embodiment of the laptop, according to the present invention, a first connection link (161) and a second connection link (162) are respectively mounted between the camera unit (150) and a main body (111 ), preferably on the front face and the back face of the screen body (121) to automatically control the photography angle of a camera (131). However, the present invention is not intended to be limited in this regard. For example, a smaller or larger number of multiple connecting links could be installed on the same side of the screen body.

As shown in Figures 8-9, the second preferred embodiment of the apparatus for automatic adjustment of the angle of a camera couples the first connection link (161), from the left side of the projecting part (158) of the body, protruding from the main body (1), on the inner front face of the screen body (121). The second connecting link (162) engages from the right side of the projecting part of the body (158) protruding from the main body (111), on the inner rear side of the body (121) of the screen

An advantage of the positions of the first and second connecting links (161) and (162) arranged differently is to prevent interference between the first and second connecting links (161) and (162) when the screen body (121) is fully open / closed with respect to the main body (111).

A first and a second body connection parts (159) and (160), in which the first and second connection links (161) and (162) are coupled, are formed respectively on both sides of the projecting part of the body. (158). The first and second projecting connecting parts of the body (159) and (160) are preferably disposed on opposite sides of the center of rotation (h) of the screen body (121).

A camera device unit (150) is preferably installed on the upper inner face of the screen body (121). However, the present invention is not intended to be limited

ES 2 267 697 T3 for this aspect. The camera device (150) comprises an axis of rotation (151) preferably supported within the body (121) of the screen, a support plate (153) supported by the axis of rotation (151), and connecting parts (156) and (157) preferably protruding on both sides of the support plate (153), so that the first and second connecting links (161) and (162) are rotatably coupled on or on said plate Of the same. The axis of rotation (151) is supported, rotatably, on the unit (152) of the axis support or the like, fixed within the body (121) of the screen.

The support plate (153) rotates around the center of rotation (151) and has the center of rotation (151) preferably in the central part. A portion (153a) of the connector holder preferably protrudes upward at a top of the support plate (153), so that the chamber (131) is installed in a connector (145) of the chamber. However, the chamber connector (145) can be fixed directly on the upper surface of the support plate (153), as in the first preferred embodiment according to the present invention, without forming the support part (153a ) of the connector.

The connecting parts (156) and (157) are located on the front and rear sides of the display body (121), as shown in Figure 8, and the first and second connecting links (161) and (162) are respectively coupled thereto.

The connection links (161) and (162) can be made using metal wire with a certain diameter and with a circular annular part in both end parts for their assembly, respectively, to the connection parts (159) and (160). the body and the connecting pins (156) and (157).

In the second preferred embodiment of the apparatus for automatic camera angle adjustment according to the present invention, the photographing angle of the camera (131) is compensated by the displacement of the connecting links (161) and (162) and the support plate (153) as a parallelogram structure according to the movement of the screen body (121) as shown in Fig. 8. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited in this regard.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a perspective view, in partial section, showing a third preferred embodiment of the apparatus for automatically adjusting a camera angle in accordance with the present invention. The third preferred embodiment of the apparatus for automatic camera angle adjustment is mounted on a laptop computer.

The camera receiving part and the camera device are located in the central part of the screen body in the first and second preferred embodiments. However, a camera receiving part (241) and a camera device (250) are located at the upper right end of a screen body (221), and a connecting link (261) is installed on the side. inner right of the screen body (221) in the third preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10.

In the third preferred embodiment of the apparatus for automatically adjusting the camera angle, a body connecting part (259) protrudes from a side surface of a right hand hinge engagement part (219) on the main body (211) . The connecting link (261) preferably extends upwardly from the body connecting portion (259) towards the camera unit (250) to compensate for an angle of the camera (231) in accordance with the movement of the screen body. (221) between an open position and a closed position.

As shown in Figure 10, the structures of the chamber connector (245), a support plate (not shown), an axis of rotation (not shown), and a link connection portion (not shown) forming the chamber unit 250 are preferably similar to the first preferred embodiment according to the present invention, and the detailed description has been omitted. The camera unit (250) and the connecting link (261) are mounted on the right side of the third preferred embodiment of the apparatus to automatically adjust an angle of the camera, however, such elements can be installed on the left side of the screen body (221) in accordance with existing conditions. Furthermore, the connecting link (221) is coupled to the right side of the hinge coupling part (219), but could be installed on the inner left side or on both sides of the hinge coupling part (219). .

Fig. 11 is a schematic view showing a perspective view, in partial section, of a fourth preferred embodiment of the apparatus for automatic adjustment of a camera angle according to the present invention. The fourth preferred embodiment of the apparatus for automatic camera angle adjustment is mounted on a laptop computer.

In the laptop of FIG. 11, the camera accepting part (241 ') and the camera unit (250') are located in a right central part of the screen body (221), and a link connecting piece (261 ') is coupled to the part (219) of the coupling right of the hinge of the main body (211) from the device (250') constituting the chamber. That is to say, the chamber receiving part (241 ') is preferably formed by emitting the central part on a side surface of the screen body (221) so that the chamber is located inside it. Preferably, the chamber connector (245), a support plate, an axis of rotation, and a connecting part to constitute the chamber device (250 ') are installed in the chamber acceptor part (241'). A sliding door (243) to protect the camera device (250 ') may be retractable on the screen body (221).

In the fourth preferred embodiment of the apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a camera, a connecting portion (259) of the body protrudes from a side surface of the engagement portion of the right hinge (219) on the main body (211 ). The connecting link (261 ') preferably extends upwardly from the connecting portion (259) of the body towards the camera unit (250') to compensate the angle of the camera (231) in accordance with the movement of the camera body. the screen (221). Furthermore, the connecting link (261 ') is connected to a connecting part (259) of the body with a certain distance from the axis of rotation of the body (221) of the screen at the coupling part (219) of the hinge. of the main body (211) in a manner similar to the third preferred embodiment.

ES 2 267 697 T3

Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing a sectional side elevation view of a fifth preferred embodiment of an apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a camera in accordance with the present invention. The fifth preferred embodiment is mounted on a laptop computer having a screen body (321) and a main body (311).

A connector for the camera is formed such that the camera can be inserted / detached into / from the display body in the first to fourth preferred embodiments, however, the camera (331) of the fifth preferred embodiment is coupled to a connecting link (361) by its rotatable mounting within the screen body (321).

As shown in Figure 12, the camera body (332) is supported within the screen body (321) rotatably, and a connecting portion (335) is spaced the distance described (by for example, offset) from an axis of rotation (333) of the camera body (332). The connecting link (361) is coupled to the connecting portion (335). Furthermore, the connecting link (361) is coupled to a body connecting portion (359) protruding from the body projecting portion (358) of the main body (311), for example, as in the first preferred embodiment.

An open portion (322) is formed on the front surface of the screen body (321) so that a lens unit (334) of the camera (331) is visible. The camera (335) can be shaped like a circle to rotate smoothly in the screen body (321), as shown in Figure 12. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited thereby. In addition, chamber 335 may be coupled to connecting link 361 by installing an additional support plate (not shown) on one or both sides of chamber 335 as described above.

As described, preferred embodiments according to the present invention have been described by realizing exemplary devices, comprising a camera and a laptop. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited in this regard. For example, instead of a camera detachably mounted on a laptop computer, such as in the preferred embodiments described, other imaging devices, such as a projector, could be installed on the laptop. Also, preferred embodiments of the present invention can be applied to general monitors including a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor. This LCD monitor corresponds to the display body of the present embodiment, and an LCD monitor stand pedestal corresponds to the main body.

As described, the above preferred embodiments of the apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of an imaging device, such as a camera according to the present invention, have different advantages. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, both ends of a connecting link are rigidly connected to each other, each end being spaced from the centers of rotation of a camera device and a screen body for a camera device. information processing according to a predetermined angle and distance. The value of the angle of change of an installed camera is modified by the connecting link according to the angle change of the screen body, and can be controlled by controlling the angle and distance between the connecting link and the centers of rotation in accordance with preferred embodiments. For example, it can be arranged such that the angle of rotation of the installed camera changes as 9.5 when the angle of rotation of the screen body changes as 10. Furthermore, preferred embodiments of an apparatus for automatic angle adjustment of the imaging device according to the present invention are constructed so that the photography and projection angles of the imaging device, such as a camera, can be compensated when the screen body is forced to rotate with respect to the main body of an information processing device, and therefore the viewing angles, Photography and projection that have been previously determined can be maintained despite the relative movement of the screen body. In addition, the convenience of the information processing device can be increased.

The aforementioned embodiments and advantages are exemplary only of the present invention. The disclosed subject matter can be easily applied to other types of apparatus. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.