Character information processor switchable between ordinary and demonstration states

• US 5,961,232 A
• Filed: 12/01/1997
• Issued: 10/05/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 12/06/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation (Seiko Group)
• Original Assignee: King JIM Company Limited, Seiko Epson Corporation (Seiko Group)
• Inventors: Watanabe, Kenji, Hosokawa, Takeshi, Kurashina, Hiroyasu, Kameda, Takanobu, Shimmura, Tomoyuki, Aida, Chieko
• Primary Examiner(s): Burr, Edgar
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nolan, Jr., Charles H.
• Application Number:
  US08/980,759
• Time in Patent Office: 673 Days
• Field of Search: 400/61-76, 400/615.2, 400/70
• US Class Current: 400/615.2
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 40/10 Text processing natural language analysis G06F40/20; semantic analysis G06F40/30; processing or translation of natural language G06F40/40

Abstract

The present invention relates to a character information processor which can operate either in an ordinary state in which ordinary operations are performed or in a demonstration state in which demonstrating operations, including demonstration display and demonstration printing, are performed. The character information processor according to the present invention includes: a first operation state switch for switching the ordinary state to the demonstration state when receiving operation signals of a first number during the ordinary state; and a second operation state swtich for switching the demonstration state to the ordinary state when receiving operation signals of a second number during the demonstration state, the second number being smaller than the first number.

Claims

1. A character information processor which is switchable between plural operation states including an ordinary state, in which ordinary operations are performed, and a demonstration state, in which demonstrating operations including demonstration display and demonstration printing, are performed, said character information processor comprising:

first operation state switching means for switching the ordinary state to the demonstration state responsive to receipt of operation signals of a first number during the ordinary state; and

second operation state switching means for switching the demonstration state to the ordinary state responsive to receipt of operation signals of a second number during the demonstration state, the second number being smaller than the first number.

4. A character information processor according to claim 1, further comprising a single key for generating said first number of operation signals by operation a first number of times and for generating said second number of operation signals by operation a second number of times.

5. The character information processor according to claim 1, further comprising a power switch for generating at least an on signal, said character information processor assuming an ordinary state responsive to receipt of said on signal.

2. A character information processor which is switchable between plural operational states including an ordinary state, in which ordinary operations are performed, and a demonstration state, in which demonstrating operations including demonstration display and demonstration printing, are performed, said character information processor comprising:

quasi-ordinary-phase shifting means for shifting the demonstration display to a quasi ordinary phase responsive to receipt of an operation signal of a predetermined key during operation of the demonstration display, said quasi-ordinary-phase being a phase included in the demonstration state which additionally allows a portion, but less than all, of the ordinary operations of the ordinary state to be performed; and

demonstration-display restoring means for restoring the demonstration display responsive to lapse of a predetermined time in the quasi ordinary phase.

3. The character information processor according to claim 2, wherein plural keys, other than a key for instructing switching from the demonstration state to the ordinary state, an electric-power turning-off key, and a key for activating the demonstration printing, serve as said predetermined key.

6. The character information processor according to claim 2, further comprising a single key for generating said first number of operation signals by operation a first number of times and for generating said second number of operation signals by operation a second number of times.

7. The character information processor according to claim 6, wherein said predetermined time starts when operation of the key is stopped.

8. The character information processor according to claim 2, further comprising a power switch for generating at least an on signal, said character information processor assuming an ordinary state responsive to receipt of said on signal.