Foot-operated control system for a multi-function

An apparatus for performing a plurality of different functions comprising;

• a mechanical structure operable to execute a plurality of functions, the mechanical structure including a controller for controlling execution of one of said functions in response to an actuation signal;
• a foot-operated control system coupled to said mechanical structure controller for selecting at least one function from said plurality of functions and for providing an actuation signal for execution of the selected function, the control system comprising:
• a body for positioning on a floor surface;
• a mode switch on the body manipulatable by the foot of an operator, the mode switch operable for switching the control system between a dedicated non-display related operational mode wherein dedicated functions are actuated directly by engaging a dedicated actuator in the mechanical structure and an icon operational mode wherein selectable functions comprising at least one of said dedicated functions and additional functions are first selected by choosing a displayed icon and then actuated in the mechanical structure;
• a first actuator supported by the body and engageable by an operator's foot, the control system operable for generating an actuation signal for execution of a non-selected function dedicated to the first actuator when said first actuator is engaged with the control system in the dedicated operational mode;
• a second actuator supported by the body and engageable by the operator's foot, the control system operable for generating an actuation signal for execution of a different non-selected function dedicated to the second actuator when said second actuator is engaged with the control system in the dedicated operational mode;
• said first actuator further operable such that the control system generates a selection signal when the first actuator is engaged with the control system in the icon operational mode, the selection signal providing selection of one of a plurality of selectable functions from the plurality of functions of the mechanical structure;
• said second actuator further operable such that the control device generates an actuation signal when the second actuator is engaged with the control device in the icon operational mode, the actuation signal providing execution of the selected function by the mechanical structure through said controller;
• whereby the single apparatus may be selectively operated in both the dedicated operational mode to actuate dedicated functions of the mechanical structure and also in the icon operational mode for selecting and actuating selectable functions of the mechanical structure at the discretion of the operator.