Extended help feature for image forming devices
US6222539A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 22, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N1/00509
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An image forming device which includes extended help information available at the control panel of the image forming device using a combination of hardware and software or firmware to increase the functionality of the control panel. Dual functionality may be added to one of the selector switches on the control panel such as the item selector switch; a separate help button may be provided on the control panel; and in addition to the help button a visual indicator display such as a light emitting diode (LED) can be added to indicate the availability of help as well. A help symbol can also be displayed on the alphanumeric display panel such as a "?" to indicate the availability of help. Advantageously the help button is a rocker type switch which allows scrolling of the display and is geographically located on the control panel, such as immediately to the right of the display in a vertical orientation. Custom messages can also be installed within the image forming device to relay information to the end-user.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.