Patent Publication Number: US-2018054535-A1

Title: System and method for enhanced device interface for seniors and challenged users

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application relates generally to adjustable or adaptable user interfaces for digital devices. The application relates more particularly to human operation of multifunction peripherals using an interface that is more conducive to people with special needs or challenges. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Document processing devices include printers, copiers, scanners and e-mail gateways. More recently, devices employing two or more of these functions are found in office environments. These devices are referred to as multifunction peripherals (MFPs) or multifunction devices (MFDs). As used herein, MFPs are understood to comprise printers, alone or in combination with other of the afore-noted functions. It is further understood that any suitable document processing device can be used. 
     Given the expense in obtaining and maintain MFPs, devices are frequently shared or monitored by users or technicians via a data network. MFPs, while moveable, are generally maintained in a fixed location. A user may approach an MFP for purposes such as faxing from paper or electronic documents. Paper documents may be fed into a scanner for copying or faxing. Electronic documents may be on a portable data device, such as a CD, DVD or flash memory. Print outs may be made wirelessly from a portable digital device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computing device. Users may also send document processing jobs, such as a print request, to one or more networked devices. In a typical shared device setting, one or more workstations are connected via a network. When a user wants to print a document, an electronic copy of that document is sent to a document processing device via the network. The user may select a particular device when several are available. The user then walks to the selected device and picks up their job or waits for the printed document to be output. In these types of situations, users must still approach an MFP and control it directly. 
     MFP control is via a user interface, such as with switches, a keyboard, touchscreen, mouse, trackball or the like. Most, if not all, of standard user interface components are designed for the average or most common users. However, people have different physical characteristics that can make it more difficult, if not impossible, to use some or all of MFP capabilities. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with an example embodiment of the subject application, a system and method for a customizable or adaptable user interface includes a touchscreen and a memory storing identification data corresponding to a device user. A processor generates a device interface screen on the display including a display of at least one user selectable, pressure sensitive area. The processor monitors input characteristic of a user selection during interaction with the pressure sensitive area and the memory stores a user interaction parameter corresponding to the device user in accordance with stored identification data. The processor adjusts an input parameter of the user selectable area in accordance with the input characteristic and the user interaction parameter. The processor then completes a document processing operation in accordance with instructions received from the user via interaction with the selectable area and an adjusted input characteristic. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  an example embodiment of a multifunction processor with an adaptable or customizable interface; 
         FIG. 2  is an example embodiment of a document rendering system; 
         FIG. 3  is a software block diagram of an example embodiment of an adaptable or customizable user interface; 
         FIG. 4  is an example embodiment of an MFP interface; 
         FIG. 5  is an example embodiment of MFP keyboard adjustment; 
         FIG. 6  is an example embodiment of MFP keyboard adjustment; 
         FIG. 7  is an example embodiment of a MFP keyboard adjustment; 
         FIG. 8A  is a side view of an example embodiment of a user interface 
         FIG. 8B  is a top view of an example embodiment of a user interface; 
         FIG. 9  is an example embodiment of varied input forces; 
         FIG. 10  is an example embodiment of a touchscreen user interface; and 
         FIG. 11  is an example embodiment of altering keyboard timing. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The systems and methods disclosed herein are described in detail by way of examples and with reference to the figures. It will be appreciated that modifications to disclosed and described examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, apparatuses, devices methods, systems, etc. can suitably be made and may be desired for a specific application. In this disclosure, any identification of specific techniques, arrangements, etc. are either related to a specific example presented or are merely a general description of such a technique, arrangement, etc. Identifications of specific details or examples are not intended to be, and should not be, construed as mandatory or limiting unless specifically designated as such. 
     As noted above, MFP user interfaces are geared to more common users. Certain classes of users may have one or more physical challenges that make it difficult, frustrating or impossible to use an MFP productively. Challenges may be as straightforward as a user interface being out of reach. Examples may include people confined to wheelchairs or with dwarfism. While such may be addressed by aids such as ramps, raised seating or stepstools, many users have substantive physical challenges that are unaddressed. 
     Users with visual challenges may be unable to read interfaces with small fonts. Color blind users may not be able to distinguish between certain foreground and background color combinations, such as may be found on a display panel. Certain users may have involuntary movements, such as hand trembling or twitching. This may result in a user depressing a hard or soft key multiple times when only one depression is intended. Certain users may experience partial or complete loss of sight. 
     It may be impractical to design user interfaces for every type of challenged user, particularly since different users may have substantially different degrees of a similar challenge. For example, one user may need extreme magnification of control screens while another benefits from only slight magnification. Since less information or fewer controls can fit on a touchscreen display that has been magnified, having more magnification than needed can cause a user to be less efficient in operating an MFP. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is an example embodiment of a system  100  that addresses varying needs for different users as described above. While the example is directed to document processing devices, it will be appreciated that adaptive or customizable controls are suitably implemented in connection with any device control interface. Included with MFP  104  is a user interface  110 , suitably comprised of a panel including a display, such as a touchscreen display, switches, trackball, mouse or any other suitable human/device interface. In the illustrated example, user interface is detachable as illustrated by  110 ′, and in data communication with the MFP via any suitable wireless or wired connection, including serialized data communications such as universal serial bus (USB), radio frequency connections such as WiFi, Bluetooth, near-filed communication (NFC), or optical connections such as infrared, ultraviolet, or optical spectrum light or laser. The removable user interface is suitably powered by a tether, battery or wireless power transfer. The removable user interface allows for easier interaction with shorter users or seated users, such as those in a wheelchair. The user interface may include one or more aspects of customizability, wherein modifications for one or more users are set by an administrator or by users themselves. The user interface may also be adaptable by monitoring user interaction and making adjustments accordingly. Depending on user need, modifications may include providing of haptic feedback, such as vibration to confirm an entry. This may be particularly advantageous when users are both visually and hearing impaired. Other feedback may include audible or indicator light or strobe feedback for visually impaired users. A variable font, such as enlarging a font, may be used for near-sighted users. A user selection target, such as a soft key or selector on a touchscreen display, may be used for visually impaired users or users with diminished motor skills who might find it difficult to direct their finger to a smaller target or object. 
     Variable keyboard or touchscreen sensitivity can be implemented so as to accommodate weaker or infirm users. Tactile feedback, such as with a three-dimensional touchscreen display, can advantageously be employed for blind or visually impaired users. Three dimensional touchscreens are programmable to have selected raised portions. These can be used to show selection areas or generate usable information, such as Braille letters. 
     Certain users may be prone to shaking or twitching, making it possible for them to mistakenly enter the same selection or keystroke multiple times. This may be addressed by modification in key response time, such as requiring a set delay before consecutive entries of the same key are registered. Display colors may also be altered to accommodate color blind users who may not be able to perceive certain foreground colors relative to certain background colors. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , illustrated is an example embodiment of a document rendering system  200  suitably comprised within an MFP, such as with MFP  104  of  FIG. 1 . Included in controller  201  are one or more processors, such as that illustrated by processor  202 . Each processor is suitably associated with non-volatile memory, such as ROM  204 , and random access memory (RAM)  206 , via a data bus  212 . Processor  202  is also in data communication with a storage interface  208  for reading or writing to a storage  216 , suitably comprised of a hard disk, optical disk, solid-state disk, cloud-based storage, or any other suitable data storage as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Processor  202  is also in data communication with a network interface  210  which provides an interface to a network interface controller (NIC)  214 , which in turn provides a data path to any suitable wired or physical network connection  218  or to a wireless data connection via wireless network interface  220 . Example wireless connections include cellular, Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH, NFC, wireless universal serial bus (wireless USB), satellite, and the like. Example wired interfaces include Ethernet, USB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), LIGHTNING, telephone line, or the like. 
     Processor  202  can also be in data communication with any suitable user input/output (I/O) interface  219  which provides data communication with user peripherals, such as displays, keyboards, mice, track balls, touchscreens, or the like. Also in data communication with data bus  212  is a document processor interface  222  suitable for data communication with MFP functional units  250 . In the illustrate example, these units include copy hardware  240 , scan hardware  242 , print hardware  244  and fax hardware  246  which together comprise MFP functional hardware  250 . It will be understood that functional units are suitably comprised of intelligent units, including any suitable hardware or software platform. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , illustrated is a software block diagram  300  for operation of an embodiment of an adaptable or customizable user interface as described herein. Software component  310  suitably includes a module  320  for determining input sensitivity, such as for depressing switches, keys or a touchscreen. Module  330  provides for input of timing between key depressions of the same key or touchscreen selection. Module  340  controls keyboard, switch or touchscreen sensitivity. Module  350  provides for filtering input errors, including correction of inaccurate typing. 
     Turning next to  FIGS. 4-6 , illustrated is are example embodiments of user interfaces that are customizable for one or more users by an administrator or by users themselves.  FIG. 4  illustrates MFP keyboard or touchscreen sensitivity selection via a dropdown menu.  FIG. 5  illustrates adjustment of MFP keyboard or touchscreen sensitivity by a slider bar when a SPECIAL VALUE selection is chosen from the drop down menu of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a selector for a duration defining when consecutive presses of the same key or selection will be recognized. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , illustrated is an example embodiment of MFP touchscreen control panel  700  that includes MFP document processing selections, having selectable target areas including zoom  704 , two-sided output  708 , finishing options  712  and original mode selection  716 . Also included are selectable areas for full color printing  720 , black and white printing  724 , grayscale printing  728  and generation of a proof copy  732 . A modified touchscreen control panel  700 ′ has target areas enlarged, including zoom  704 ′, two-sided  708 , finishing  712 ′ and original mode  716 ′ which are counterparts to the control areas of screen  700 . The target areas have been enlarged to accommodate users. In this instance, there is a tradeoff in available selections given the additional use of display space. 
       FIG. 8  includes a side view (a) and a top view (b) of an example embodiment of a user interface comprising a three dimensional touchscreen, such as an LCD or OLED touchscreen that has a surface that can be selectively extended above the plane of the display panel. In the example embodiment, portions areas  804  and  808  have been selectively controlled so as to display Braille characters for responding to a yes or no confirmation to complete a print operation. A Braille letter Y is generated in area  804  and a Braille letter N is generated in area  808 . A visually challenged user can determine the letter and make their selection accordingly by depressing the corresponding Braille area. Visible characters are also suitably rendered, such as in a large font in the event that the user possesses limited vision. Visual selection may be confirmed such as by highlighting or underlining, both of which are present in the letter Y in YES selection  812 . Audible prompting may also be generated, such as via speaker  816 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an example embodiment of varied forces that may be selected or set on a key, keyboard or force sensing touchscreen such as illustrated by surface  902 . One or more selections may default to or be set to a higher force level, such as area  906  while one or more selections may be set to a lower force level such as area  910 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an example embodiment of a touchscreen user interface  1000  that includes a software settable selectable contact area  1010 . Areas  1020  may indicate touches by a user as they try to hit contact area  1010 . Touches outside of area  1010  indicate that the user may have an impairment that prevents them for accurately hitting the target sized at area  1010 . The MFP processor suitably calculates an extended range by the user&#39;s selections, and may generate an enlarged target area  1040 . Enlarged area  1040  may be a default, larger size, or may be enlarged to accommodate the user&#39;s prior attempts. The settings may be captured for the user and stored for future reference, and may be applied to other target areas for other user selections. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an example embodiment of varying delay periods  1100  for recognition of successive depressions of the same key or area. Timeline  1110  shows how three rapidly successive pushes  1112 ,  1116  and  1120  can result in two selections when successive entries  1124  and  1128  are taken with a delay period of T 1  recognized between command acceptances. Timeline  1130  shows an adjustment of the key acceptance delay to T 2 . It will be seen that with this adjustment, corresponding keystrokes  1112 ′,  1116 ′ and  1120 ′ are analogous to the earlier keystrokes relative to timing, but in this instance, the added delay results in no second activation of the same key at  1128 ′. 
     While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the spirit and scope of the inventions.