Abstract:
A portable terminal for presenting status data of a plurality of devices in a proximate environment, wherein the portable terminal includes a display for displaying operating status data of anyone of the devices and a means for selecting anyone of these devices. The portable terminal contains an array of objects representing individual devices being at least partially displayed on the display and movable along a marker, or vice versa, in response to an operator actuating an operating element. The display image is so configured that the array of objects or the marker appears to be an integral part of the operating element.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This non-provisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) on patent application Ser. No. 02079456.6 filed in Europe on Oct. 14, 2002, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to presenting information regarding a plurality of devices in a proximate environment, such as for monitoring the operating status of a plurality of image processing devices located in a reprographic department, and more particularly to a portable terminal for presenting such information to an operator. 
     In a central reprographics department it is very important that the image processing devices will continue to operate. Paper jams, print jobs which need special inserts, empty paper trays and full finishers are examples of operating states in which the image processing device will stop operating and operator interaction is immediately required. However, the operator could be out of reach of the image processing device&#39;s audible or visible clues, or could be away from a central base processor. 
     There is therefore a need for a portable terminal for monitoring the image processing devices. 
     2. Background Art 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,548 discloses a copying system wherein operation modes of a copying machine are set using an IC card located at a distance from the copying machine. The IC card has: a transmitter for transmitting a signal that contains an identification code for identifying the IC card itself, an identification code for identifying a specific copying machine, and prestored operation mode setting information for the copying machine; a receiver for receiving a signal transmitted from the copying machine; a CPU for identifying the copying machine and its operating condition; and a display. The copying machine has a transmitter for transmitting a signal that contains an identification code for identifying the copying machine itself, an identification code for identifying the IC card, and information concerning the operating condition of the copying machine itself; a receiver for receiving a signal transmitted from the IC card; and a CPU for identifying the originating IC card and for setting the copying machine operation mode. When the IC card comes within a short distance from the specific copier, the copier takes on the operating mode stored in the IC card and transmits its operating condition to the IC card, which displays it. 
     In this known system, the IC card can be used for monitoring a specific copier, but it is only operational during the processing of reproduction jobs that have been started under its control. It does not give information on other devices, or even on the specific device for which it is programmed, when another operator has started a job on that device. 
     There is therefore a need for a portable terminal that is able to present information regarding a plurality of devices. However, since such a portable terminal must be small to be handled easily, it cannot display all this information at once, and, moreover, such information would be too much for an operator to maintain an overview. 
     As a solution for this problem, a copending patent application of the present applicant proposes to provide a portable terminal that can, at the selection of an operator, present a general system status overview, or a status report of one selected device. 
     In the present patent application there is proposed a selection means for selecting any of the devices to be monitored, with the aim of providing intuitively, operable selection elements that can be handled by any operator without specific training. 
     European Patent Application No. 0 498 082 discloses a selection mechanism for use in a PC, that is adapted to natural movements of an operator and is therefore easy to operate. A menu of selection options is displayed on the PC display screen, the options being placed in a curved band around a circular or kidney-shaped selection window. The inner part of the selection window contains further selection options. 
     This mechanism, however, still makes use of physically disconnected selection means, such as a display monitor and a digitizer tablet with a co-operating stylus, such that the operator still has to coordinate a hand movement at one place and a display image at a different place. Also, this mechanism is not suitable for a small portable terminal. 
     WO 02/39712 discloses a device for controlling a menu on a display wherein the menu is arranged as a plurality of simultaneously displayed menu items in a loop and a selector for selecting a menu item, the loop and the selector being movable with respect to each other. The user input device for controlling the selection has a loop configuration and a movement around the loop causes a corresponding relative movement between the selector and the loop of the menu. Although a better solution than that of EP 0 498 082, the two loop movements are still physically disconnected with all drawbacks thereof. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     On this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable terminal for presenting information regarding a plurality of devices in a proximate environment, with an improved user interface. This object is achieved by providing a portable terminal having a digital processor and related memory, a movable operating element, a display for selectively displaying information data of a selected one of said devices, and means for selecting any one of said devices, wherein said selecting means comprises an array of display objects representing individual devices, the array being at least partially displayed on the display, and a marker displayed on said display, said array being movable along the marker or vice versa, wherein the movement of the array or marker is substantially coinciding with the movement of the movable operating element, and the movable operating element is so located that it perceptually at least partially overlaps with the display such that the array or the marker appears to be part of the operating element. 
     By providing an array of display objects representing individual devices that is movable along a marker, or vice versa, the operator can select in an ergonomic manner the device of which the operating status data is to be displayed, while the internal electronics give the operator the feeling that he is physically “in touch” with the selection images on the display. In other words, the operator is given the feeling that the operating element that he is moving is in some way or other mechanically connected to the display elements. 
     An additional advantage of the combination of a mechanical operating element and electronically generated display elements, over an entirely mechanical selection element, such as for instance a rotary switch with printed captions, is that display elements can easily be added or removed by reprogramming the processor. 
     The movable element can be a slide switch and the array would thus be substantially linear. Alternatively, the movable element is a rotary ring and the array is circular or at least arc-shaped. The movable element is preferably provided with a number of arresting positions, whereby the position of one of the objects of the array coincides with the marker at one of the arresting positions. 
     The rotary ring can be a thumbwheel that protrudes from two side surfaces of the portable terminal, e.g. from two opposing side surfaces of the portable terminal. 
     The operating element may be used for a dual purpose, where a movement of the movable operating element in a first state of the portable terminal scrolls the array of objects, and movement of the movable operating element in a second state of the portable terminal scrolls an array of menu items. The state may in that case be selected by actuating an internal switch. 
     Further objects, features, advantages and properties of the portable terminal for monitoring the operating status of a plurality of image processing devices located in a proximate environment according to the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic representation of a system for controlling the operating status of a plurality of image processing devices; 
         FIG. 2  is a detailed view on a portable terminal in a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a diagrammatic representation of the electronic components of the portable terminal; 
         FIG. 2   b , is a cut away view on the rotary ring and associated bearing and switches; 
         FIG. 2   c , shows a detail of a wheel used to pick up angular movements of the rotary disk; 
         FIG. 3.1  to  FIG. 3.12  show the content of display on the portable terminal in different statuses of the display; 
         FIG. 4  is a second preferred embodiment of a portable terminal according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows a display that uses graphical icons; and 
         FIG. 6  shows examples of status-describing icons (“smileys”). 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The general term “image processing device” as used here includes printers, plotters, scanners, copiers, fax machines online finishers, off-line finishers and combinations or variations thereof, i.e. “image processing” also includes merely handling documents on sheets of paper. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a plurality of image processing devices in a centralized reprographic department is shown. In this embodiment, three copiers  10 , two printers  11 , one scanner  12  and one fax  13  are all connected to a local area network. Each of These devices is capable of transmitting their operating status via a network card to an address in the network. A server  20  in the form of a PC is connected to the network and a wireless transmitter  22 . The image processing devices  10 , 11 , 12 , 13  send their operating status to the server at regular intervals, either on their own initiative or upon being polled, and without delay in the case of an error. The server processes the status information into an appropriate code for wireless transmission that includes information uniquely identifying the image processing devices  10 , 11 , 12 , 13 . The transmitter  22  may be a radio frequency (RF) transmitter using a low intensity signal, such as in accordance with a BLUETOOTH® standard. Alternatively, the transmitter may use more intensive RF signals such as defined in the IEEE 802.11a or IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN standard. 
     The transmitter  22  may alternatively be of the type that sends infrared (IR) signals incorporating the operating status data. Preferably, the IrDA standard is used for the IR signals. 
     The image devices are thus all in a proximate environment, i.e. in an environment such as a centralized reprographic department, in which a plurality of these type of devices are located within one building or within one building complex. The image processing devices could all be located in one single room, but they could also be spread over several rooms, floors or wings of a building or building complex. 
     A portable terminal  30  receives the signals sent by the transmitter  22  and is used to present the operating status data of the different image processing devices to a freely moving operator. The portable terminal  30  is provided with a memory that is preferably of a permanent nature, and registers each of the image processing devices in its proximate environment by storing registration data for each of the image processing devices. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , according to a first preferred embodiment the portable terminal  30  comprises a housing  31 , which is provided with a display  32  and a rotary ring  35 . The display is a color display capable of showing text and graphical objects. Further, with reference to  FIG. 2   a  a processor  38 , a memory  45 , a loudspeaker  42  arranged under slots  59  for producing audible alerts and a vibrator  40  for producing vibration alerts are provided. The terminal also comprises a transceiver  39  of a type that matches the respective type of transmitter described above, i.e. an RF or IR transceiver. Power is supplied by a power source  41  in the form of rechargeable batteries, preferably provided with an induction charger (not shown). A block  43 , representing the switches and sensors for user input is like the other electronic components  32 , 39 , 40 , 41  and  42  connected to processor  38  that controls the operation of the portable terminal  30 . 
     The display  32  includes in two sections:
         section  34  is used to display an arc-shaped array of objects representing individual image processing devices, preferably in the form of graphical icons,   section  33  is used for displaying status and menu information.       

     The rotary ring  35  protrudes from both side surfaces of the housing  31  and is made of an elastically deformable material. As best shown in  FIG. 2   b , the rotary ring is guided by a disk  55  provided with circumferentially spaced bearing blocks  65  made of a how friction material such a nylon or teflon, or other suitable guiding elements. The disk is slidably guided by a slit  60  that engages a pin  61  connected to the frame of the portable terminal. This construction allows The operator to slide the rotary ring sideways towards a switch  57  to actuate The latter. A spring located in the slit  60  urges the disk  55  away from the switch  57 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 2   c , a wheel  64  connected to an angular displacement detector (not shown) is arranged to be in frictional contact with the side surface of the rotary ring  35 . The wheel  64  rotates, be it a factor faster, when the rotary ring is turned. The signal of the angular displacement sensor is sent to the processor  38 . The side surface of the ring is provided with recesses  66  that form arresting positions for the rotary ring  35 . 
     A first pressure switch  36  is located in a recess of disk  55  close to the radially inner surface of the rotary ring  35  on one side of the portable terminal. A second pressure switch  36 ′ is located in a recess of disk  55  close to the radially inner surface of the rotary ring  35  on the opposite side of the portable terminal. When an operator presses on the ring at the position of a switch  36 ,  36 ′, it deforms and the corresponding switch is activated. 
     In this way, the rotary ring  35  functions as a plurality of buttons for operator interaction with the portable terminal  30 . 
     Pressing both “button” sections of the rotary ring  35  for a longer period, preferably longer than 1.5 seconds, is interpreted as a command to switch the terminal on and off. After turning the portable terminal on, the display is activated and takes the state as shown in  FIG. 3.1 , with an array or list of graphical icons representing image processing devices displayed in a scrollable format in section  34  and general information displayed in section  33 , normally showing an icon indicating that all image processing devices are functioning properly in the form of a glyph, such as a happy blue smiley  70 . When errors or disturbances have occurred, a smiley with a less happy expression and a changed color (red) is displayed. Matters needing attention at some point, but which do not require immediate attention are indicated by a green smiley with the appropriate facial expression, i.e. sad (miserable) or screaming for attention. Examples of such expressions are shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     By turning the rotary ring  35 , the operator can scroll through lists or other arrays. Pressing a single button at a time, i.e. one of the side sections of the rotary ring, selects a highlighted or marked item. Depressing the side sections simultaneously for a short period, i.e. less than 1 second, serves to return to the previous state or screen. 
     In the display section  34 , an array of icons is displayed, forming in this example a list of the image processing devices for which the status is monitored: Terminal (T 1 ), Scanners (S 1 , S 2 ), Printers (P 1 , P 2 ), Faxes (F 1 ), Copiers (C 1 , C 2  , C 3 , C 4 ) and the total system (All). T 1  is the portable terminal  30  itself. Thus, a different graphical icon is assigned to each image processing device, the total system and the portable terminal itself. The icons may have the form of acronyms (such as shown in  FIG. 3.1 ), but may also have a graphical appearance resembling the particular device, as is shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     A static marker is provided on in the form of a selection loop  44 , indicating the currently selected device. By sliding the rotary ring  35  sidewards, thereby actuating the switch  57 , the array of icons is activated. Once activated, the array of icons can be scrolled by turning the rotary ring  35 . 
     The software controlling the user interface is programmed to scroll the array of icons in the same direction as the rotary ring  35 . The software may also be programmed such that the movement of the array of icons is proportional to the movement of the rotary ring  35 . Preferably, the software is programmed such that the movement of the array of icons coincides with the movement of the rotary ring  35  in a manner that gives the operator the impression that the array of icons is mechanically connected to the rotary ring  35  because they move in unison. 
     When the operator has scrolled the array so that the appropriate graphical icon is located in the loop  44 , displaying the status of the corresponding device is selected by pressing any of the “button” sections of the rotary ring  35 , upon which the display  32  turns to the state as shown in  FIG. 3.2 . In this example, Printer  2  has been selected. 
     The upper part of section  33  of the display  32  shows a happy smiley since the selected device is functioning properly. Below the smiley, the text “Printer  2 ” is displayed. 
     In the bottom part of section  33  the selectable menu items “Status Details” and “Queued jobs” are displayed. One of the selectable items is highlighted, e.g. by using a different color for the selected item or by underlining. Turning the rotary ring  35  scrolls through the “list” of selectable menu items. The highlighted menu item is selected by pressing any of the “button” sections of the ring. 
     When “Status Details” is selected in the state as shown in  FIG. 3.2 , the display  32  turns to the state as shown in  FIG. 3.3 . The upper part of section  33  displays the text “Printer  2 ”. Below this text a list with status information is displayed, in this example:
         Status: Printing   2000 Prints Single Sided   Job Progress: 28%       

     Since the list of information items is too long to be completely shown on the display, further items can be “scrolled” into the display area by turning the rotary ring  35  without displacing it in the way that it would activate switch  57  ( FIG. 2   b ).  FIG. 3.5  shows the display screen after such scrolling. In the given example, it now reads:
         Job Progress: 28%   Finisher: 10%   Paper Tray 1: 50%   Paper Tray 2: 100%       

     The bottom of display section  33  shows the selectable menu item “Job Details”, which brings the display to the status shown in  FIG. 3.4 . This display status can also be reached by selecting the menu item “Queued Jobs” in the display status shown in  FIG. 3.2 . 
     Shortly pressing both “button” sections of the rotary ring  35  at the same time brings the display to the status as shown in  FIG. 3.2 . Once again pressing both sections brings the display in the state as shown in  FIG. 3.1 . 
     In the display status as shown in  FIG. 3.4 , Section  33  lists the details of the current job such as: “Machine”, “Status”, “Job Nr.”, “Client”, “Page”, and “Time remaining”. In the bottom part of section  33  the selectable menu items “Next job” and “Previous job” are shown. Selecting “Next job” will display the details of the next job in the print queue, just as selecting “Previous job” will display the details of the job last finished. Again, pressing both “button” sections of the rotary ring  35  at the same time will bring the display in the status as shown in  FIG. 3.2 . 
     Turning the rotary ring  35  clockwise without activating switch  57  scrolls the array of icons in section  34  in the same direction, and vice versa. Preferably, the rotary ring  35  is provided with arresting positions in the form of “clicks”, whereby each “click” corresponds to a next step in the scrolled array or list, i.e. one click selects the next graphical item in the loop  44 . Turning the rotary ring  35  two “clicks” clockwise and selecting the graphical item assigned to copier  1 , which is now located in the selection loop  44 , brings the display from the state shown in  FIG. 3.1 . to the state as shown in  FIG. 3.6 . 
     Errors, such as paper jams, and other disturbances that need immediate attention are displayed with priority. Such events include paper jams, empty paper trays, low cooling liquid, full finishers, out of staples, toner empty, special insert needed, special paper needed, etc. These alerts are displayed immediately by showing a red and sad or even screaming smiley in display section  33 , the specific expression being selected in dependence on the seriousness of the situation. 
     Some alerts that do not require immediate attention such a low toner or low paper level in paper trays, are displayed in section  33  with a lower priority expression. These alerts are only displayed if the operator is in the vicinity of the image processing device in question, and with a green neutral smiley signalling that attention is needed, but not immediately. When the alert becomes more serious, the smiley expression may be changed into a more alarming one. 
     A paper jam is a serious error requiring immediate operator action. When, for example, a paper jam has occurred on printer  1 , the display turns to the state as shown in  FIG. 3.7 , and in accordance with operator selectable settings, also an audible and/or vibration alarm is issued. 
     The upper part of section  33  now shows a sad and red smiley. Below the smiley, the text “Error: Paper jam” in large red letters is displayed. There below the text “Printer  1 ” is displayed. At the bottom of section  33  the selectable menu items “OK”, “Details” and “Postpone” are displayed. 
     Selecting “OK” will acknowledge the alert and bring the display  32  to the state as shown in  FIG. 3.11 , in which the glyph is an unhappy smiley, but the error message has disappeared. The operator indicates by this selection that immediate repair action will be taken. Once the image processing device in question registers that the repair has been carried out it sends a signal to the portable terminal to turn to the status as in  FIG. 3.1  with a happy smiley. The registration of the repair is part of the self check of the image processing device after all doors and covers are closed. 
     Selecting “Details” in the display shown in  FIG. 3.7 , brings the display to the state as shown in  FIG. 3.8 . Section  33  shows in the upper area the text “Printer  1 ”. There below a detailed error message is shown, in the present example: “Error J 14 , paper jam top feeder”. In the lower part of section  33  the selectable menu items “Instructions” and “OK” are displayed. 
     Selecting “instructions” brings the display to the state as shown in  FIG. 3.9 . The upper part of section  33  shows the text “printer  1 ”. There below the steps needed to be taken to resolve the problem are listed in a scrollable list. In the present example, the list comprises “Open cover  1 ”, “Move handle  4  anti-clockwise”, “Remove stuck sheet” and “close cover  1 ”. If the list of instructions is too long to be completely displayed on the display  32 , it may be scrolled by turning the rotary ring  35 . Informative pictures may also be shown on the display  32 . 
     At the bottom part of display section  33  the selectable menu item “OK” is displayed, which when selected brings the display to the state as shown in  FIG. 3.11 , in which the portable terminal returns to its initial setting before the paper jam occurred, that is, the state shown in  FIG. 3.2  reporting the status of printer  2 . However, it also shows a red unhappy smiley icon in the upper right hand corner of the display section  33  as a warning that one of the other devices has an error and the terminal is waiting for a signal that the repair has been carried out, 
     When “Postpone” is selected in the state of the display  32  as shown in  FIG. 3.7 , the display  32  turns to the state as shown in  FIG. 3.10 . The lower part of section  33  displays the confirmation message “Postponed 10 min”, and the display will return to the state as shown in  FIG. 3.11 . After 10 minutes, or any other adjustable time period, the alert is repeated and the display will turn to the state shown in  FIG. 3.7  again. 
     Selecting “T 1 ”, i.e. the portable terminal itself from the movable array of objects brings the display to the status as shown in  FIG. 3.12 . Section  33  shows a scrollable list of selectable menu items comprising, in this example, “Alerts”, “Devices list”, “User interface”, “Colors”, “Postpone time”, “Language settings” and “Predetermined distance” (the last two items not shown). Scrolling the list with the rotary ring  35  highlights the selectable menu items one after another and pressing either the lower or upper button selects the highlighted menu item. The operation of carrying out changes to the settings is not shown here in detail and will be apparent to the skilled reader. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4  an alternative embodiment of the portable terminal  30  is shown. The display  32  has been adapted to display in section  34  a straight array with objects representing the image processing devices in section  34 . Section  33  displays general information, operating status information and selectable menu items. 
     The rotary ring  35  has been replaced by a slide switch  50 . The slide switch  50  can be manipulated by the operator to slide upwards and downwards in the direction of the arrow  51 . The slide switch  50  can be pressed in the direction of arrow  52  for selection purposes. The slide switch  50  is resiliently biased to take a neutral position in which it is in the middle of its translative range in the direction of arrow  51  and outwards at the end of its translative range in the direction of arrow  52 . Section  33  of the display  32  is normally active, and sliding the slide switch  50  upwards results in the array of objects to scroll upwards and sliding the switch downwards results in the array to scroll downwards. Moving the slide switch  50  in the direction  51  while keeping it depressed results in scrolling through the image devices, and releasing the slide switch selects the device currently present in the selection loop  44 . Section  33  then becomes active, and shows the status information as described further above. The software can be programmed such that one upward movement of the slide switch  50  moves the array of objects upwards by one object so that the next object in the array is placed in the selection loop  44 . 
     The use of a display within which graphical icons are used instead of acronyms is shown in  FIG. 5 . The movable array thus comprises different graphical icons. A particular graphical icon is assigned to each type of image processing device, e.g. printers are assigned the icon that is generally used for this purpose in PC software; photocopiers are assigned a graphical icon resembling a photocopier, etc. The particular image processing device is further identified by a number displayed with the graphical icon. Also, status icons may be combined with the device icons to give the operator a first indication of the status of all devices shown on the display. Examples of such status icons are a red cross for unavailable devices, an hour glass for devices temporarily out of service. 
     When a new image processing device is added to the population of devices monitored with the aid of the portable terminal, its particulars are registered in the control program of the server  20  ( FIG. 1 ) by a service engineer, or it may present itself to the server automatically. The server  20  then includes the new device in its status monitoring service and transmits installation data to the portable terminal  30 , such that it may register the new device and add it to the list of devices in display section  34  and related monitoring service. 
     Also, when an image processing device is removed from the population of devices, it is deleted from the monitoring service in the server  20 . In that case, the server  20  sends a signal to the portable terminal  30  to delete the device from its display and service. 
     In the description above, the monitoring service is for the greater part implemented in the server  20  ( FIG. 1 ), and the portable terminal simply operates as a user interface to the monitoring service in the server  20 . Such an implementation has the advantage that data traffic between the server  20  and the portable terminal  30  is minimized. 
     However, it would also be possible to implement the monitoring service in the portable terminal and use the server  20  only for collecting status data of the monitored devices. 
     It would also be possible to do without the server  20  and include a wireless transmitter into each of the devices. The devices would then themselves send their status data to the portable terminal, which would include a monitoring service for processing the status data of the devices. In this case, the control program of the portable terminal is also provided with a registering service to register all devices to be monitored. 
     While the preferred embodiments of the devices and methods have been described in reference to the environment in which they were developed, they are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Other embodiments and configurations may be devised without departing from the scope of the appended claims.