Adaptive menu appliance control with user interface options
OwnerJohn Anthony Sharrowinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A simplified, self-prompting user interface for electronically-controlled appliances. A series of simple menus is displayed, and each choice brings an appropriate next level menu, leading the user to make all necessary selections to use the appliance, without requiring instruction or training prior to use. Additional features include the ability to display user menus in a variety of languages, options to announce displayed information audibly, to make selections verbally, and to control the appliance remotely or from a personal computer. An interactive fault isolation diagnostic routine can also be implemented using this invention.
Claims12
A user interface and control method for an appliance equipped with a computer-based electronic control system, said user interface and control method comprising:
- providing said computer-based electronic control system with a display means for presenting at least two lines of information to a user;
- positioning a plurality of switch means adjacent to the lower perimeter of said display and interconnecting said switch means with said computer-based electronic control system;
- programming said computer-based electronic control system to present at least one menu prompt or instruction on an upper line of said display means;
- programming said computer-based electronic control system to accept data inputs from said switch means, enabling said user to indicate a desired mode or function for said appliance to perform;
- programming said computer-based electronic control system to present at least two menu selection choices on a lower line of said display means proximal to said switch means;
- programming said computer-based electronic control system to present at least one subsequent menu with selection choices determined by said desired mode or function selected by said user from a previous level menu, allowing said user to indicate an operation that said user wishes said appliance to perform.
A user interface and control apparatus for an appliance equipped with a computer-based electronic control system, said apparatus comprising:
- a display means for presenting at least two lines of information to a user, interconnected with said computer-based electronic control system;
- a plurality of switch means positioned adjacent to the lower perimeter of said display and interconnecting with said computer-based electronic control system;
- said computer-based electronic control system being programmed to present at least one menu prompt or instruction on an upper line of said display means;
- said computer-based electronic control system being programmed to accept data inputs from said switch means, enabling said user to indicate a desired mode or function for said appliance to perform;
- said computer-based electronic control system being programmed to present at least two menu selection choices on a lower line of said display means proximal to said switch means;
- said computer-based electronic control system being programmed to present at least one subsequent menu with selection choices determined by said desired mode or function selected by said user from a previous level menu, allowing said user to indicate an operation that said user wishes said appliance to perform.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.