Printer with video playback user interface

Abstract

A printer such as a network printer or a peripheral printer coupled to a processor is provided with a video demonstration mode, preferably using a control console of the printer to display selected digital video files. The printer can be a digital printer, copier, fax printer, or multipurpose device, having a mechanism for applying markings and a sheet handler, wherein at least certain operations require steps to be performed by a human user. The control console or another display or readout is provided, capable of reproducing a video presentation. A stored selection of video clips is stored or made available, each of the video clips containing a demonstration of an operation being performed on an exemplary printer that resembles said printer apparatus. Preferably, a video clip processor selects among the video clips and/or controls the manner of playback, based on sensed conditions and/or user input. This presentation of a demonstration assists the human user in performing the operation, without boring experienced users or overloading inexperienced ones with unneeded information.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.