Menu sign system

• US 7,239,249 B2
• Filed: 03/17/2005
• Issued: 07/03/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Sprague, Mary Ann, Martin, Nathaniel G., Stimson, Anne H.
• Primary Examiner(s): MULLEN, THOMAS J
• Application Number:
  US11/082,531
• Publication Number:
  US 20060220894A1
• Time in Patent Office: 838 Days
• Field of Search: 340/815.4, 345/173, 715/810, 715/835, 715/838, 715/839
• US Class Current: 340/815.4
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/04 Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia

Abstract

A method for controlling a menu sign linked to a light and a menu sign system are disclosed. The method may include highlighting an item entry on a menu sign and/or illuminating a light associated with an item. The item entry is associated with the item. The system includes a processor, a menu sign in communication with the processor, a light that is controlled by the processor; and a processor-readable storage medium in communication with the processor. The menu sign includes a plurality of item entries. An item entry and a light are each associated with the item.

Claims

1. A menu sign system, comprising:

a processor;

a menu sign in communication with the processor;

a light that is controlled by the processor; and

a processor-readable storage medium in communication with the processor,

wherein the menu sign includes a plurality of item entries, wherein an item entry is associated with an item, wherein the light is associated with the item.

2. The menu sign system of claim 1 wherein the processor-readable storage medium contains one or more programming instructions for performing a method of linking the item to a menu sign, the method comprising:

highlighting the item entry associated with the item; and

illuminating the light associated with the item.

3. The menu sign system of claim 1 wherein the processor-readable storage medium contains one or more programming instructions for performing a method of linking an item to a menu sign, the method comprising:

setting an item value;

highlighting an item entry associated with the item value;

illuminating a light associated with the item entry;

de-emphasizing the item entry;

dimming the light.

4. The menu sign system of claim 1 wherein the menu sign includes a proximity sensor, wherein the processor-readable storage medium contains one or more programming instructions for performing a method of linking an item to a menu sign, the method comprising:

detecting, via the proximity sensor, a location at which the menu sign is contacted;

determining, via the processor, an item entry associated with the location;

highlighting the item entry; and

illuminating a light associated with the item entry.

5. The menu sign system of claim 1, further comprising a proximity sensor in communication with the processor;

and wherein the processor-readable storage medium contains one or more programming instructions for performing a method of linking an item to a menu sign, the method comprising;

detecting, via the proximity sensor, whether an object moves within a space corresponding to the item; and

if an object moves within the space, highlighting the item entry associated with the item.

6. The menu sign system of claim 5 wherein the processor-readable storage medium further contains one or more programming instructions for performing the following:

if an object moves within the space, illuminating the light associated with the item.

7. The menu sign system of claim 1 wherein a platform is associated with the item, wherein the processor-readable storage medium contains one or more programming instructions for performing a method of linking an item to a menu sign, the method comprising:

highlighting the item entry associated with the item; and

moving the platform associated with the item.

8. The menu sign system of claim 1 wherein a platform is associated with the item, wherein a portion of the platform is translucent, wherein the light associated with the item is within the platform, wherein the processor-readable storage medium contains one or more programming instructions for performing a method of linking an item to a menu sign, the method comprising:

highlighting the item entry associated with the item; and

illuminating the light associated with the item.

9. The menu sign system of claim 1, further comprising:

a reflective surface.

wherein the processor-readable storage medium contains one or more programming instructions for performing a method of linking an item to a menu sign, the method comprising;

illuminating the light, and

positioning the reflective surface to direct light at the item.

10. A menu sign system, comprising:

a processor;

a menu sign in communication with the processor;

a movable light that is controlled by the processor; and

a processor-readable storage medium in communication with the processor,

wherein the menu sign includes a plurality of item entries, wherein each item entry is associated with an item, wherein the processor-readable storage medium contains one or more programming instructions for performing a method of linking an item to a menu sign, the method comprising;

selecting an item entry,

highlighting the item entry,

directing the movable light towards the item associated with the item entry, and

illuminating the movable light.

11. A method of controlling a menu sign, the method comprising:

highlighting an item entry within a menu sign, wherein the item entry is associated with an item; and

indicating a location of the item, wherein indicating a location of the item comprises illuminating a light associated with the item.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

setting an item value;

de-emphasizing the item entry; and

dimming the light,

wherein the item entry is associated with the item value.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the light is within a platform associated with the item, wherein a portion of the platform is translucent.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein illuminating a light associated with the item comprises:

positioning the light based on one or more electronic signals; and

illuminating the light.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein illuminating a light associated with the item comprises:

illuminating the light; and

positioning a reflective surface to direct light from the light.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

detecting a position at which the menu sign is contacted; and

determining the item entry associated with the position.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

detecting, via a proximity sensor, whether an object moves within a space surrounding the item.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

moving a platform associated with the item.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

depicting a representation of the item on the menu sign.

20. The method of claim 11 wherein indicating a location of the item comprises one or more of the following:

producing a sound near the item; and

depicting an icon signifying the location of the item.