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Two-button protocol for generating function and instruction messages for operating multi-function devices

  • US 5,983,284 A
  • Filed: 01/10/1997
  • Issued: 11/09/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/10/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A processor for use in an apparatus that provides instructions to operate a multi-function device, the processor comprising:

  • (a) an input/output component adapted to receive signals from a user interface instructing the processor to generate non-visual function messages and non-visual instruction messages, each function message corresponding to a function of the multi-function device and each instruction message corresponding to an instruction step for one of the device functions;

    (b) a data memory component adapted to store compressed data corresponding to the function and instruction messages; and

    (c) a CPU adapted to decompress the compressed data to generate decompressed data corresponding to the function and instruction messages;

    wherein the input/output component is adapted to receive signals from a user interface comprising;

    a single function button and an instruction button;

    the function button is operated to cause the message processor to generate function messages; and

    the instruction button is operated to cause the message processor to generate instruction messages for the device function corresponding to the most recently generated function message.

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