Removable control panel for multi-function equipment

• US 7,176,898 B2
• Filed: 09/13/2002
• Issued: 02/13/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Litwiller, Debora Margaret Hejza
• Primary Examiner(s): Hjerpe; Richard
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nguyen; Kimnhung
• Application Number:
  US10/243,569
• Publication Number:
  US 20040061677A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,614 Days
• Field of Search: 345168-169, 345/173, 345/729, 345/865, 345/179, 341 21- 22, 341/27, 399/81, D18/14, D14/218, 361/680
• US Class Current: 345/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/011 Arrangements for interaction with the human body, e.g. for user immersion in virtual reality blind teaching G09B21/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0202 Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/033 Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user , e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor digitisers characterised by the transducing means G06F3/041

Abstract

What is disclosed are various embodiments of a removable control panel for multi-function equipment for the alternative navigation and selection of various available options presented. The embodiment of FIG. 7 is shown comprising four arrow-shaped buttons so the impaired user can navigate controls and options displayed. An ENTER button is provided for formalizing the entry of desired selections, where required. An UNDO button is provided to de-select entries. A STATUS button initiates audio, visual, or tactile feedback as to machine state, status, and other assistance. An ENLARGE button is provided by which a visually impaired user can enlarge their current focus for easier seeing and reading. An ON/OFF switch enables/disables feedback for use in those work environments where such assistance is not desired. Each of the buttons has an identifying shape, which can be differentiated by feel, and Braille and other text are additionally provided. This particular embodiment further advantageously comprises an interface jack for use by those users who make use of communicative devices. The present device is removable from an accessible holding carriage for use by persons working from either a wheelchair or from a prone position.

Claims

1. A multi-function office device having selectable options, comprising:

a housing having a receiving area, said receiving area being located a handicap accessible location on the multi-function office device;

a touch screen display device located on said housing;

said touch screen display device having a plurality of activatable areas to enable selection of options displayed upon said touch screen display device by touch activation of said activatable areas of said touch screen display device; and

a control panel being removably located at said receiving area;

said receiving area physically securing said control panel at a handicap accessible location on the multi-function office device;

said touch screen display device, when said control panel is removed from said receiving area, being located on said housing;

said control panel being operational when removes from said receiving area;

said control panel having an activatable input navigational area, said activatable input navigational area of said control panel, upon touch activation thereof, causing said touch screen display device providing to provide a sensory perceivable an indication of an option on said touch screen display device that is selectable by said control panel communicating with the multi-function office device.

2. The multi-function office device as defined in claim 1, wherein said activatable input navigational area of said control panel is a scroll-wheel to provide navigation, upon rotation thereof, between the options on said touch screen display device.

3. The multi-function office device as defined in claim 2, wherein said scroll-wheel provides selection of the indicated selectable option through a depressive activation thereof.

4. The multi-function office device as defined in claim 1, wherein said activatable input navigational area of said control panel is a plurality of individually selectable buttons, each individually selectable button providing incremental directional navigation between the options on said touch screen display device.

5. The multi-function office device as defined in claim 4, wherein each individually selectable button is visually and tactilely differentiateable.

6. The multi-function office device as defined in claim 1, wherein said control panel includes a touch activated button to provide, through activation thereof, selection of the indicated selectable option.

7. The multi-function office device as defined in claim 1, wherein said control panel includes a touch activated button to provide an undoing of a previous entry.

8. The multi-function office device as defined in claim 1, wherein said control panel includes a touch activated button to provide magnifying of information being displayed on said touch screen display device.

9. The multi-function office device as defined in claim 1, wherein said activatable input navigational area of said control panel, upon touch activation thereof, causing said touch screen display device to provide an audio indication of an option on said touch screen display device that is selectable upon touch activation of said selection area of said control panel.

10. The multi-function office device as defined in claim 1, wherein said activatable input navigational area of said control panel, upon touch activation thereof, causing said touch screen display device to provide a visual indication of an option on said touch screen display device that is selectable upon touch activation of said selection area of said control panel.

11. The multi-function office device as defined in claim 1, wherein said activatable input navigational area of said control panel, upon touch activation thereof, causing said touch screen display device to provide a tactile indication of an option on said touch screen display device that is selectable upon touch activation of said selection area of said control panel.