Removable control panel for multi-function equipment

• US 20040061677A1
• Filed: 09/13/2002
• Published: 04/01/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Hejza Litwiller, Debora Margaret
• Granted Patent: US 7,176,898 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/156
• 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 removable control panel for multi-function office equipment for navigating and selecting selectable options presented on the equipment'"'"'s touch activated display screens, for the assistance and accessibility of visually, physically, or cognitively impaired users thereof, comprising:

a) means for communicating between said control panel and said multifunction office equipment;

b) means for placing said control panel in concurrent operational control of said display screen and the options selectable thereon;

b) selectable navigation means for incrementally moving the user'"'"'s current focus to another available selectable area on said display;

c) entry means for entering or otherwise selecting a displayed selectable option; and

d) means for securing said control panel to a handicap accessible location on said multi-function office equipment.

2. A removable control panel for multi-function office equipment as defined in claim 1 further comprising at least one sensory feedback means providing helpful audio, visual, or tactile information that assists the impaired user in their configuration, operation, or use of said equipment.

3. A removable control panel for multi-function office equipment as defined in claim 2 further comprising at least one means for selectively enabling/disabling said means for providing sensory feedback.

4. A removable control panel for multi-function office equipment as defined in claim 1 wherein said selectable navigation means for incrementally moving the user'"'"'s current selectable option to another available selectable option presented on said display alternatively comprises at least one scroll-wheel the rotation of which enables movement across and through various of said displayed selectable options.

5. A removable control panel for multi-function office equipment as defined in claim 4 wherein said scroll-wheel is depressible in at least one direction thereby providing alternative entry means for entering or otherwise selecting at least one displayed selectable option or area.

6. A removable control panel for multi-function office equipment as defined in claim 1 wherein said means to move from one selectable option to another comprises a plurality of individually selectable buttons each of which providing movement across and through various controls and selectable areas.

7. A control panel for multi-function office equipment as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said navigation and entry means are visually and tactilely differentiateable.

8. A removable control panel for multi-function office equipment as defined in claim 1 further comprising at least one means for connecting external devices thereto for communication with and control of said control panel.

9. A removable control panel for multi-function office equipment as defined in claim 1 wherein said entry means for selecting a desired selectable option on said display screen comprises at least one button.

10. A removable control panel for multi-function office equipment as defined in claim 1 further comprising at least one means for undoing at least one previous entry.

11. A removable control panel for multi-function office equipment as defined in claim 1 further comprising at least one means for magnifying or otherwise enlarging at least one selectable option on said display screen for the assistance of visually impaired users in the reading thereof.