System and method for personalizing an electrical device

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for personalizing an electrical device. In one arrangement, the system comprises an electrical device having a plurality of button openings that are adapted to receive buttons that control operation of the electrical device, and a plurality of removable buttons that can be interchangeably disposed within the button openings of the electrical device, the buttons being provided with a variety of discrete features so as to be selectable by a user for provision on the electrical device in an arrangement chosen by the user to personalize the device as desired by the user. In one arrangement, the method comprises the steps of receiving selection of a particular device functionality to be associated with a particular encoded button, and assigning the selected device functionality to the encoded button such that when the encoded button is disposed within a button opening of the electrical device and depressed, the selected functionality will be performed by the electrical device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for personalizing an electrical device. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a system and method with which a user interface and/or operation of an electrical device can be changed to suit one's own personal preferences or needs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumer product manufacturers have historically provided the customer with various options for the look and feel of consumer products to allow the customer to purchase a product which meets his or her own sense of style. Under such circumstances, the consumer product, although functioning in substantially the same way for all persons, can be personalized to some degree to suit the customer's tastes.

Recently, this type of personalization has begun to be offered to purchasers of computers and other electronic devices. By way of example, several mobile telephone manufacturers provide a variety of different colored faceplates that can be removably snapped onto the purchased mobile telephone so that the customer can personalize the look of his or her telephone. To cite another example, the iMac™ computer produced by Apple Computer, Inc. is available in various different colors which the user may choose.

Although permitting customers to personalize their devices to some degree, such personalization, where available, is minor. Therefore, each unit of a particular device (e.g., mobile telephone) is nearly identical to all others with the exception of a minor superficial difference such as the color. Accordingly, with the exception of minor aesthetic variation, such devices are capable of only limited personalization. This is unfortunate in view of the importance that device personalization can have to the customer. Specifically, many customers see such devices as an expression of their individuality and the availability of personalization can therefore significantly influence a purchasing decision.

In addition to providing only minor differences for the customer, mere cosmetic personalization such as that described above does nothing to personalize the operation of the device. Therefore, instead of being able to personalize the operation of the device to suit one's personal preferences or needs, the purchaser must conform to the static modes of operation chosen by the manufacturer for the device. This is unfortunate for the purchaser in that, were great personalization available, the ease of use of the device could be greatly improved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

From the foregoing, it can be appreciated that it would be desirable to have a system and method for personalizing an electrical device such that a greater and more meaningful degree of personalization can be obtained.

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for personalizing an electrical device.

In one arrangement, the system comprises an electrical device having a plurality of button openings that are adapted to receive buttons that control operation of the electrical device, and a plurality of removable buttons that can be interchangeably disposed within the button openings of the electrical device, the buttons being provided with a variety of discrete features so as to be selectable by a user for provision on the electrical device in an arrangement chosen by the user to personalize the device as desired by the user.

In one arrangement, the method comprises the steps of receiving selection of a particular device functionality to be associated with a particular encoded button, and assigning the selected device functionality to the encoded button such that when the encoded button is disposed within a button opening of the electrical device and depressed, the selected functionality will be performed by the electrical device.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted above, typically only superficial personalization is currently available for electrical devices. Accordingly, presently contemplated are highly personalizable electrical devices with which the user can customize his or her user experience. As is discussed in greater detail below, this personalization can range from merely changing the aesthetics of the user interface to altering operation of the electrical device.

An example system for personalizing an electrical device will first be described with reference to the figures. Although this system is described in detail, it will be appreciated that this system is provided for purposes of illustration only and that various modifications are feasible without departing from the inventive concept. After the example system has been described, examples of operation of the system will be provided to explain the manners in which personalization can be achieved.

Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views,FIG. 1illustrates a system100for personalizing an electrical device. As indicated in this figure, the system100generally comprises an electrical device102. By way of example, this electrical device102can comprise an imaging device such as a photocopier, printer, scanner, digital camera, or multi-function peripheral (MFP) device, which can be capable of various different functionalities such as photocopying, printing, scanning, faxing, emailing, etc. However, as will become apparent to the reader from the description that follows, the electrical device102could comprise substantially any electrical device with which a user can interface including, but not limited to, an Internet appliance, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile telephone, calculator etc.

In addition to the electrical device102, the system100can include one or more computing devices104. The computing devices104comprise substantially any device that is capable of use with the electrical device102and, more particularly, which is capable of communicating with the electrical device by transmitting data to and/or receiving data from the electrical device. By way of example, the computing devices104comprise personal computers (PCs). Although PCs are identified in FIG.1and discussed herein, it will be appreciated any one of the computing devices104could, alternatively, comprise another type of computing device. Moreover, it is to be understood that the electrical device could operate in a “stand alone” capacity, in which no connected computing device104is needed (e.g., facsimile functionality).

As is further identified inFIG. 1, the electrical device102and the computing devices104can, optionally, be connected to a network106that typically comprises one or more sub-networks that are communicatively coupled to each other. By way of example, these networks can include one or more local area networks (LANs) and/or wide area networks (WANs). Indeed, in some embodiments, the network106may comprise a set of networks that forms part of the Internet. As is depicted inFIG. 1, one or more of the computing devices104can be directly connected to the electrical device102. Such an arrangement is likely in a home environment in which the user does not have a home network and instead directly communicates to the electrical device102. In such a scenario, communication can be facilitated with a direct electrical and/or optical connection or through wireless communication.

FIG. 2is a schematic view illustrating an example architecture for the electrical device102shown in FIG.1. As indicated inFIG. 2, the electrical device102can comprise a processing device200, memory202, device operation hardware204, one or more user interface devices206, and one or more input/output (I/O) devices208. Each of these components is connected to a local interface210that, by way of example, comprises one or more internal buses. The processing device200is adapted to execute commands stored in memory202and can comprise a general-purpose processor, a microprocessor, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), a plurality of suitably configured digital logic gates, and other well known electrical configurations comprised of discrete elements both individually and in various combinations to coordinate the overall operation of the electrical device102.

The device operation hardware204comprises the components with which the electrical device102operates to satisfy its intended functionalities. As will be appreciated by persons having ordinary skill in the art, the nature of the device operation hardware204depends upon these functionalities. For example, where the electrical device102comprises a scanner, the device operation hardware204typically includes a light source (e.g., fluorescent light), focusing elements (e.g., lenses, mirrors, and displaceable carriage), and one or more light sensing devices (e.g., charge-coupled devices (CCDs)).

The one or more user interface devices206typically comprise interface tools with which the device settings can be changed and through which the user can communicate commands to the electrical device102. By way of example, the user interface devices206comprise one or more function keys and/or buttons or separate keyboard with which the operation of the electrical device102can be controlled, and a display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), with which information can be visually communicated to the user and, where the display comprises a touch-sensitive screen, commands can be entered. Typically, the user interface, and in some cases the functioning of the electrical device102, can be changed by the user to personalize the look, feel, and operation of the device. In some arrangements, this adjustability can be provided for removable and/or interchangeable buttons of the electrical device user interface.

FIG. 3illustrates an example control panel300of the electrical device102in which button removal and/or interchangeability is provided. As indicated in this figure, the control panel300comprises a plurality of button openings302that are adapted to receive removable buttons304. Each button304can comprise a finger pad306which a user's finger contacts when the button is depressed and an inner mounting portion308that is used to mount the button to the control panel300. Although both of these features are shown inFIG. 3as having a generally rectangular cross-section, it is to be understood that the particular shape of these features could be alternatively arranged. For instance, the buttons304and/or button openings302could be circular or elliptical in cross-section, if desired. Indeed, as the following discussion elucidates, varied finger pad306shapes may be used to provide one manner of personalization of the electrical device102.

Inside the button openings302are button receiving members306to which the buttons304can be connected so that, when the button is depressed, a predetermined command is communicated to the electrical device102. In particular, the button receiving members306are configured to receive the mounting portions308of the buttons304. To aid the user in mounting the button304on a particular button receiving member306in the correct orientation, the mounting portion308of the button can be provided with a key310and the receiving member306can be provided with a keyslot312adapted to receive the key. Where provided, the key310and keyslot312ensure that the button304can only be mounted in one orientation. Although the key310has been described as being provided on the button302and the keyslot312as being provide on the button receiving member306, it will be appreciated by persons having ordinary skill in the art that the locations of the key and keyslot could be reversed, if desired, to achieve the same result. In addition, it will be understood that various other keyed configurations could be used to ensure the correct orientation of the buttons304in the button openings302.

In some arrangements, the buttons304are encoded so as to be configured to communicate a particular functionality to the electrical device102. In these arrangements, the button receiving members306can be provided with functionality sensing elements described below. The button encoding can either be mechanical or electrical in nature. For example, the button304can be mechanically encoded with one or more nonconductive pins314that extend outwardly from the inside of the button. When such a pin314is provided, the button receiving members306can include several pin openings316that are adapted for receipt of the pins. Arranged in this manner, a particular functionality of the button304can be communicated to the electrical device102by the location of the pin314, i.e. by the pin opening316in which the pin314is disposed. The location of the pin314can be detected through various different methods. Typically, however, the pin314depresses an sensing member (not shown) within each of the pin openings316which can complete an internal electrical circuit such that the location of the pin can be determined by the device102. Although a pin and pin opening arrangement is shown and described, it will be understood that alternative mechanical encoding is feasible and may even be preferable.

Electrical encoding can be alternatively or additionally provided. For instance, one or more of the buttons304can comprise an electrically conductive pin314that is adapted to contact a spring contact318disposed in each of the pin openings. To complete a circuit, the button304can be provided with a first conductor320that is adopted to mate with a second conductor322provided on the button receiving member306. Although such an electrical encoding arrangement has been shown, persons having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that manifold alternative arrangements are feasible.

With the control panel300, the user has the option to change the buttons304of the electrical device102to suit his or her personal aesthetic tastes. In addition, as is discussed in greater detail below, the buttons304may be selected to generate interest in particular users (e.g., children) or to improve usability for particular users (e.g., visually impaired persons). Where the buttons304are encoded and the button receiving members306adapted to read this encoding, the user can further change the locations of particular buttons (e.g., send button) and can even change the various functionalities of the electrical device102in accordance with the particular buttons that the user chooses to provide on the device. Such personalization of the electrical device102through use of the buttons304is discussed in greater detail below.

Returning toFIG. 2, the one or more I/O devices208are adapted to facilitate connection to the network110and/or to another device, such as a computing device104, and may therefore include one or more serial and/or parallel ports. Where the electrical device102is adapted for communications over the network, the I/O devices can further include one or more communication devices such as a modem.

The memory202includes various software (e.g., firmware) programs including an operating system212, device operation module214, and a personalization module216. The operating system212contains the various commands used to control the general operation of the electrical device102. The device operation module214comprises commands that control the operation of the basic device operation hardware204so that the device can execute its intended, basic functionalities (e.g. copying, scanning, faxing, etc.). The personalization module216comprises commands (firmware) that enable personalization of the operation of the electrical device102in relation to the user interface devices206. Accordingly, the personalization module216is configured to permit customization of the user interface so that the use of the electrical device102can be personalized to suit the user. The operation of the personalization module216is described in greater detail below. In addition, the memory202can include a database218that is used to store various personalization information.

FIG. 4is a schematic view illustrating an example architecture for the computing devices104shown in FIG.1. As indicated inFIG. 4, each computing device104can comprise a processing device400, memory402, one or more user interface devices404, a display406, and one or more I/O devices408, each of which are connected to a local interface410. The processing device400can include any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU) or an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the computing device104, a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip), or a macroprocessor. The memory402can include any one of a combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, etc.)) and nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, etc.).

The one or more user interface devices404comprise those components with which the user can interact with the computing device104. By way of example, these components comprise those typically used in conjunction with a PC such as a keyboard and mouse. Similarly, the display406can comprise a display typically used in conjunction with a PC such as a computer monitor. The one or more I/O devices408, like I/O devices210, comprise components that facilitate connection to the network110and/or direct connection to another device, such as the electrical device102.

The memory402normally comprises an operating system412and a device personalization module414. The operating system412controls the execution of other software and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The device personalization module414comprises software that is used to remotely control the personalization of the electrical device102. Operation of the device personalization module414is described in detail below with reference to FIG.5. In addition, the memory402can include a database416that, like database218, can be used to store various personalization information.

Various software and/or firmware programs have been described herein. It is to be understood that these programs can be stored on any computer readable medium for use by or in connection with any computer related system or method. In the context of this document, a computer readable medium is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or means that can contain or store a computer program for use by or in connection with a computer related system or method. These programs can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be any means that can store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

An example system100having been described above, operation of the system will now be discussed. In the discussion that follows, flow diagrams are provided. It is to be understood that any process steps or blocks in these flow diagrams represent modules, segments, or portions of code that include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process. It will be appreciated that, although particular example process steps are described, alternative implementations are feasible. Moreover, steps may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved.

In a first manner of personalization, the user can change the buttons304provided on the electrical device102for aesthetic purposes. For example, the user can select buttons304that have different colors, icons, textures, shapes, tactile qualities, etc. Such removable buttons304could be provided along with the electrical device102upon purchase, or could be made available to the user as independent items that can be purchased separately from the device. In addition, the buttons304could be sold in sets of buttons directed to certain types of use. For example, where the user foresees the electrical device102being used by children, a children's set of buttons304may be purchased. Such a set could include various styles of buttons304which children might enjoy. By way of example, the buttons304could have vibrant colors, fanciful shapes, fanciful icons (e.g., spider web to indicate the World Wide Web) provided on the finger pads, unusual (e.g., squishy) tactile properties, etc.

In addition to mere aesthetic appeal, the button sets can be adapted to increase ease of use of the computing device102. For instance, where the user is visually impaired, the visual icons normally found on or around device buttons304are of little use. If, however, a set of Braille-coded buttons304were made available, visually impaired persons could then use the electrical device102without the aid of another person.

Other manners of personalization are feasible with the above-described system100. For example, in addition to choosing the look and feel of the user interface buttons304, the user can further modify the placement of the buttons. If, for instance, the electrical device102is a scanner, the device may include a “scan” button, a “print” button, a “fax” button, an “email” button, an “archive” button, etc. each initially located in a particular position on the control panel300of the electrical device. Where each of these buttons304is removable and encoded, the user could rearrange the location of the buttons to suit his or her personal tastes. Therefore, the user could, for example, place the most frequently used buttons304nearest the user's computing device104to make it easier to control the operation of the electrical device102. Such rearrangement of the buttons304is detected by the personalization module216through the functionality sensing elements and appropriate adjustments made in accordance with the user's selections. In addition, particular sounds (e.g., audible descriptions of the associated functions) could be associated with the encoded buttons304and be emitted when the buttons are depressed.

The user could further change the available functionalities, and therefore operation, of the electrical device102through button304selection. In particular, the electrical device102can be sold with a plurality of different buttons304, each having a different functionality associated with it which the device is capable of performing. Notably, where new buttons, and therefore new functionalities, are purchased after manufacture of the device102, the device could, optionally, determine these functionalities by accessing a remote database via the network106. Moreover, new software (e.g., firmware) could be downloaded where the device102is not presently configured for the functionality associated with the button304. In such an arrangement, the user could select the various buttons304that would provide the various functionalities the user desires from the electrical device102. This manner of personalization further permits the user to control use of the device102. For example, if the electrical device102includes a scanner and the user is a parent that does not wish his or her children to fax images with the device, the user could simply remove a facsimile button from the electrical device, thereby disabling the fax functionality.

Operation of the user electrical device102can also be controlled by directly accessing the personalization module216of the electrical device102, or the device personalization module414of the computing device104. In particular, the electrical device102can be programmed with the personalization modules216,414so that particular buttons are assigned particular, desired functionalities.FIG. 5provides an example of operation of the personalization modules216,414in providing this manner of personalization. As indicated in block500, the personalization module216,414is first activated. The nature of this activation depends upon which personalization module216,414is being accessed. For instance, where the module comprises the personalization module216of the electrical device102, activation may occur in response to selection of a “configure” button provided in the control panel300of the device. Where the module comprises the personalization module414of the computing device104, activation may occur in response to initiation of a device personalization application that can be run by the computing device.

In any case, once the personalization module216,414has been activated, a graphical user interface (GUI) can be presented to the user, as indicated in block502, which presents various options to the user. For example, one of these options can be used to configure the assigned functionality of the available device buttons304. Where this option is provided, it can then be determined whether the user would like to configure the assigned functionalities, as indicated in decision element504. If not, flow for button configuration is terminated. If the user would like to configure the button functionalities, however, flow continues to block506at which the personalization module216,414prompts the user to select button functionality. The user can be prompted for this information in a variety of ways. By way of example, the user can be presented with two lists, one containing all available buttons304(e.g., numbered 1-n) and the other containing all functionalities for which the electrical device102is configured. Where the electrical device102comprises a scanner, these functionalities may include, for example, scan, copy, print, scan to a facsimile application, scan to a word processing application, scan to an image editor, scan to a website, etc.

The personalization module216,414can then receive the user's selections, as indicated in block508. By way of example, these selections can be registered by matching particular buttons304identified in the button list with particular functionalities identified in the functionalities list. At this point, the personalization module216,414stores the selections (e.g., in database218,416), as indicated in block510, and facilitates reconfiguration of the button/functionality association of the electrical device102, as indicated in block512. Where personalization module414is being used, this facilitation can comprise transmission of the various selections to the personalization module216of the electrical device102. Where, on the other hand, the personalization module216is being accessed directly at the device102, this facilitation typically comprises storage of the new association in the database218. At this point, flow can return to decision element504.

The functionality of the buttons304can be changed in other ways. For example, the electrical device102can be operated in a learning mode in which the user can program a particular button to be associated with one or more device functionalities. An example of operation in the learning mode for the personalization module216is illustrated in FIG.6. As identified in block600, the personalization module216is activated in the manner described above in relation to FIG.5. Once activated, the personalization module216can be placed in the learning mode by, for example, detecting the selection of a “record” button provided on the device control panel300, as indicated in block602. Once placed in the learning mode, the personalization module216can be configured to, for example, receive an identification of which button304is going to be programmed and then “record” each button selected after the button to be programmed has been selected. In this manner, the personalization module216can associate two or more different functions with one selected button.

With continued reference toFIG. 6, the personalization module216can detect selection of the button to be programmed, as indicated in block604. Although this button can be selected, it is to be understood that a particular button304of the control panel300can be set aside specifically for programming in this manner. Next, the personalization module216can detect the selection of various other buttons, as indicated in block606. This selection reflects the functionalities the user wishes to associate with the button304to be programmed. Once the user has finished selecting buttons (and therefore functionalities), the personalization module216can then detect reselection of the record button, as indicated in block608, as an indication that the all desired selections of functionalities have been made. At this point, the personalization module216can associate the various functionalities with the button304to be programmed, as indicated in block610, such that, the next time that programmed button is selected, the various programmed functionalities will be performed by the device102. By way of example, if the user programmed a button304by selecting the “scan,” “email,” and “archive” buttons, the device102will automatically scan a document or image, automatically transmit the scanned data to the user's email program residing on the user's computing device104, and automatically archive the image when the programmed button is selected. Where the user has identified a default email address and has enabled automatic emailing, transmission to the email application can result in the automatic emailing of the scanned data to a default recipient.

In addition to changing the functionalities associated with the buttons304, the user can also associate various sounds with the buttons such that a selected sound is emitted when the button is depressed. Such a feature can both make use of the electrical device more appealing to some users (e.g., children) and improve the ease of use for others (e.g., visually and/or hearing impaired persons). Typically, such associations can be made by the user in similar manner to the association of particular functionalities with the buttons304described above in relation to FIG.5. Accordingly, the user may select from a list of available sounds to correlate with various buttons304. In some embodiments, the electrical device102can further be adapted to receive the user's recorded sounds such that those sounds are added to the list of sounds from which to choose. Operating in this manner, the electrical device102can be personalized to the extent that the device operation is unique from all other such devices. Again, such operation can be facilitated by the personalization module216,414, which is responsible for creating the various button associations.

Variations and modifications of the invention are feasible. For example, the personalization described herein can be provided on a user-by-user basis. In such an arrangement, the electrical device102is configured to recognize the particular user e.g., through user log in with the computing device104or by selection of a user designation button provided on the device102, and to adjust operation of the device in accordance with that user's selections.