WO1990012358A1 - Panneau de commande d'operateur multilingue - Google Patents

Panneau de commande d'operateur multilingue Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1990012358A1
WO1990012358A1 PCT/US1990/001929 US9001929W WO9012358A1 WO 1990012358 A1 WO1990012358 A1 WO 1990012358A1 US 9001929 W US9001929 W US 9001929W WO 9012358 A1 WO9012358 A1 WO 9012358A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
operator
messages
control panel
display
languages
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1990/001929
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Anna M. Frary
John L. Steeves
Michael A. Higgins
Gabriel Hamidian
William R. Bitticker
James A. Broz
Michael K. Buker
Original Assignee
Eastman Kodak Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eastman Kodak Company filed Critical Eastman Kodak Company
Publication of WO1990012358A1 publication Critical patent/WO1990012358A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
    • G06F3/0489—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using dedicated keyboard keys or combinations thereof

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an operator interface for apparatus, and more particularly to an operator interface having an alphanumeric display on an operator control panel.
  • an operator interface for apparatus such as a copier, printer or FAX machine which includes an operator control panel having means for displaying a variety of messages to an operator such as machine status, error messages, number of copies requested, number of copies in progress, machine configuration, and operator instructions and prompts.
  • an alphanumeric display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), and associated buttons to select options and respond to prompts provided on the display.
  • LCD liquid crystal display
  • the Hewlett-Packard LaserJet Series 11TM laser printer is provided with such a display.
  • the control panel is programmed to display operator messages in the language employed by a large segment of the market (e.g. English in the U.S.). Operators who speak a language other than the majority must learn to understand the messages.
  • apparatus sold in different markets must be programmed for the majority language in the given market, thereby limiting the ease with which apparatus manufactured for one market can be shifted to another when commercial conditions demand.
  • an operator interface having an operator control panel including an alphanumeric display for displaying a plurality of messages.
  • a character generator responsive to codes representing messages to be displayed on the alphanumeric display generates control signals for driving the display.
  • Codes for generating each message in a plurality of languages are stored in a memory.
  • An operator selects the language in which the messages are to be displayed, and the messages are generated in the selected language
  • the operator interface is in a printer having a marking engine, and a logic and control unit for controlling the marking engine.
  • the codes are stored in a memory associated with the logic and control unit.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a printer having an operator interface according to the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the printer shown in FIG. 1 to select a language for display on the operator control panel;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating one mode of storing operator messages in the memory of the printer
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative mode of storing messages in the printer memory.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a printer illustrating an alternative mode of practicing the present invention. MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
  • apparatus such as a computer output printer, includes a marking engine 12 having a print head 14.
  • the marking engine may comprise for example an ink jet printer or a laser or LED electrophotographic printer.
  • a microprocessor based logic and control unit 16 including a microprocessor 18 and associated random access (RAM) and read-only (ROM) memory 20 receives inputs from operator control panel 22 and controls the operation of the marking engine 12.
  • the logic and control unit 16 receives print commands from an external source such as a personal computer (not shown) via a host computer interface port 24.
  • the print commands include, for example, coded alphanumeric character data such as ASCII commands, and/or graphic commands for producing graphic primitives.
  • the LCU 16 retrieves a bit map representation for a character from the ROM portion of the memory 20.
  • the bit map data is appropriately formatted by the microprocessor 18 and sent to the print head 14 of the marking engine 12 to produce the printed characters.
  • the operator control panel 22 includes an alphanumeric display 26, such as a liquid crystal display panel, for displaying operator instructions and machine status.
  • the characters displayed on the display 26 are generated by a character generator 28 associated with the operator control panel 22, the character generator 28 receives message commands coded for example in ASCII code from the microprocessor 18 in the LCU 16. Coded message commands are retrieved by the microprocessor 18 from the ROM portion of memory 20 where they are stored.
  • the character generator 28 receives a coded message command from the logic and control unit, it retrieves a bit map representation of the coded message from a font memory 29 associated with operator control panel 22, and drives the elements of the display 26 with the retrieved bit map signals.
  • the operator control panel 22 also includes a menu switch 30 for selecting functions to be controlled from the operator control panel, a pair of up/down scroll switches 32 and 34 for scrolling messages on the display 26, and a start switch 36.
  • Switches 30-36 provide input signals to the LCU 16 from the operator control panel 22.
  • an operator selects a function to be controlled, such as the number of copies to be printed, by actuating the menu switch 30.
  • the function to be controlled is then displayed on the display 26 and the state of the function to be controlled is selected by actuating an up/down scroll switch 32 or 34.
  • Actuation of the scroll switches may scroll through a list of options which are displayed on the display 26 or may increment or decrement the displayed count such as number of copies to be printed.
  • the LCU 16 uses a set of default parameters to control the printer that are stored in the memory 20, or a set of parameters that were previously set by a user.
  • the display 26 will be in the language specified by the default parameter, or that previously chosen by a user. Language selection appears on a menu selection addressed by the menu switch 30.
  • the instruction manual which is written in a plurality of languages, also instructs the user how to choose the language displayed by the display 26. Instructions in the manual direct the user to select a different language by actuating the menu switch 30 a prescribed number of times. In response, the display 26 will display the name of the currently selected language written in that language.
  • Further instructions in the manual direct the user to actuate the up/down scroll switches 32 and 34 to scroll through the language options.
  • the name of each language is displayed, written in its own language.
  • the user selects the language by actuating the menu switch 30.
  • the LCU 16 notes the newly selected language, and subsequently displays the operator instructions in that language until the user changes it again.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the display language selection process. Initially, after the printer is turned on, the control panel reads "Ready, copies requested...1" (100). The operator actuates the menu switch 30 the prescribed number of times (102). and the name of the current language selection, written in that language is displayed (104). The operator then actuates the up/down scroll switches (106) to display the desired language selection. When the desired language is desplayed, the operator actuates the menu switch (108) and the control panel display is returned to the initial display "Ready, copies requested...1" (100). The operator then continues to configure or operate the apparatus in his chosen language.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates one way of storing the messages in memory 20.
  • each message can be stored successively in each language.
  • a particular message in a chosen language is addressed by the LCU by specifying the message address and adding an offset corresponding to the chosen language to the low order bits of the message.
  • the chosen language is German (displayed as DEUTCH)
  • an offset of 2 is added to address of message number 2.
  • all the messages in a given language may be listed sequentially and an offset corresponding to the chosen language added to the high order bits of the address.
  • the first method described above facilitates the addition of further messages without the necessity of rearranging the previous messages.
  • the second method described above facilitates the addition of further languages without rearranging the previous messages.
  • the LCU 16 stores the offset for the selected language in the RAM portion of memory 20 and applies that offset until it is changed by another user.
  • part of the memory 20 is nonvolatile programmable memory such as electronically eraseable programmed read only memory (EE PROM) into which codes for further messages in further languages can be down loaded from the port computer and permanently stored.
  • E PROM electronically eraseable programmed read only memory
  • the printer is a rather low speed printer, since the task of operating the marking engine driving the print head and driving the display on the operator control panel are all shared by the single microprocessor 18.
  • the number of messages and languages that can be provided is limited by the size of the ROM portion of the memory 20.
  • a high speed printer is provided with a separate -raster image processor for generating the signals that drive the print head in the marking engine.
  • This separate raster image processor is configured to send messages to the LCU to be displayed on the operator control panel.
  • the separate raster image processor By employing the separate raster image processor to drive both the print head and send messages to the operator control panel via the LCU, the number of messages can easily be expanded without overburdening the ROM portion of the LCU memory.
  • FIG. 5 shows a printer according to the alternative embodiment, where similar elements are numbered similarly to FIG. 1.
  • the printer includes a raster image processor (RIP) 40 that receives coded print commands from an external source, generates the bit map patterns to produce the desired characters and drives the print head 14.
  • RIP raster image processor
  • the raster image processor 40 includes a microprocessor 42, associated RAM and ROM memory 44, the host computer interface port 24, a logic and control unit interface 46 and a print head driver 48. The parts of the raster image processor 40 communicate via bus 50.
  • the memory 44 contains the bit map fonts for the printer and the coded operator control messages for the control panel 22.
  • the LCU needs to display a message, it requests the desired message from the RIP 40 and the RIP provides the appropriate display string to the LCU 16 via LCU interface 46.
  • the RIP needs to display a message, it instructs the LCU to display the provided string.
  • the LCU supplies the display string to the character generator 28 to display the message on display 26 in the selected language.
  • the RIP 40 interfaces directly with display panel 22, as shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 5.
  • the RIP 40 sends the display strings to the character generator directly.
  • the LCU 16 is not involved in the process. If the LCU needs to display a message, it simply informs the RIP of the message number to display (not actually transmitting the string), and the RIP transfers the display string directly to the character generator. This arrangement further frees the LCU to perform control functions.
  • the present invention has been described with reference to a computer output printer, it will be understood that the principals of the invention may be applied to any apparatus having a computer controlled operator interface with an alphanumeric display panel. Such an interface can be particularly useful in a copier or a fax machine.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

Une interface d'opérateur destinée à un appareil tel qu'une imprimante ou un copieur, comprend un tableau de commande d'opérateur comportant un affichage alphanumérique destiné à représenter une pluralité de messages transmis à un opérateur, un générateur de caractères répondant à des codes représentant des messages à afficher sur ledit affichage, émettant des signaux de commande destinés audit affichage; une mémoire stockant des codes représentant ladite pluralité de messages en une pluralité de langues, ainsi qu'un moyen répondant aux entrées d'un opérateur, destiné à sélectionner une langue de la pluralité de langues afin d'afficher les messages.
PCT/US1990/001929 1989-04-10 1990-04-09 Panneau de commande d'operateur multilingue WO1990012358A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US33565289A 1989-04-10 1989-04-10
US335,652 1989-04-10

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1990012358A1 true WO1990012358A1 (fr) 1990-10-18

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Family Applications (1)

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PCT/US1990/001929 WO1990012358A1 (fr) 1989-04-10 1990-04-09 Panneau de commande d'operateur multilingue

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WO (1) WO1990012358A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0563390A1 (fr) * 1991-09-19 1993-10-06 Fanuc Ltd. Procede pour l'affichage de messages sur pc
WO1999034279A1 (fr) * 1997-12-29 1999-07-08 Oce Printing Systems Gmbh Procede et systeme pour assurer la commande d'une interface operateur avec des zones de visualisation contenant des graphiques et du texte

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4365315A (en) * 1980-09-08 1982-12-21 Kearney & Trecker Corporation System for multilingual communication of computer-specified aural or visual control messages in an operator-designated language
DE3317952A1 (de) * 1982-05-17 1983-11-24 Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., Tokyo Textanzeigevorrichtung

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4365315A (en) * 1980-09-08 1982-12-21 Kearney & Trecker Corporation System for multilingual communication of computer-specified aural or visual control messages in an operator-designated language
DE3317952A1 (de) * 1982-05-17 1983-11-24 Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., Tokyo Textanzeigevorrichtung

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Research Disclosure, February 1984, page 54, Disclosure No. 23823: "Multi-Lingual Display" *

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0563390A1 (fr) * 1991-09-19 1993-10-06 Fanuc Ltd. Procede pour l'affichage de messages sur pc
EP0563390A4 (en) * 1991-09-19 1994-11-30 Fanuc Ltd Method of displaying message from pc
US5659337A (en) * 1991-09-19 1997-08-19 Fanuc Ltd. Message display system for programmable controller
WO1999034279A1 (fr) * 1997-12-29 1999-07-08 Oce Printing Systems Gmbh Procede et systeme pour assurer la commande d'une interface operateur avec des zones de visualisation contenant des graphiques et du texte
US7039867B1 (en) 1997-12-29 2006-05-02 Oce Printing Systems Gmbh Method and system for controlling an operator interface with display fields containing graphics and text

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