Title of Invention

A METHOD OF QUICK SETTINGS FOR LCD PANEL DEVICES

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of configuration and usage of LCD panel / MFPS with ease and convenience with the help of a new "Quick settings" key. The feature enables device users to store the settings and retrieve for later use. The method also enables users to transfer and save the bulk data from MFP to the PC memory or saves in the hard disk provided on the MFP. The feature as proposed in the invention enables a number of users to save settings and use the device without any memory shortage issue.

Full Text

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY This invention in general relates to multi function peripheral devices (MFP) which have LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel and have complex Ul (User Interface) settings. Particularly, this invention focuses on efficient, easy and convenient configuration and usage of these devices through smart settings of user friendly LCD panel user interface. More particularly this invention encompasses a method of quick settings for LCD panel devices. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART Currently, MFP device users configure and use the device by browsing and choosing the settings on the LCD panel user interface. MFP devices involve complex user interface settings which are not retained for later use once the task or job is completed. The existing art for configuring devices through panel settings via user interface has certain limitations. It will not be possible to store bulk data like sample or test fax if the user intends to utilize the MFP memory to save the same. A method would be needed to transfer the data from MFP to PC if the user wants to save the data on the PC side. Extra memory is needed if the user's intention is to save the data on the MFP itself and does not want to use the PC. The amount of data stored on the MFP or device depends on the number of users using it. The best solution to circumvent this problem is to utilize the PC memory. Firstly the limitation comes when the user tries to store the bulk data not the settings. If his/her idea is to save the bulk data then he can use PC or MFP with extra extended memory. This limitation comes when the user wants to save huge data for particular use for any reason. But storing of data is usually not practiced. Storing of data means storing headers or footers of letter pad which will be send along with the fax or printed with the document or a fax which he wants to send as a acknowledgement when some activity is over or user defined. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The primary object of this invention is to invent a method of quick settings for LCD panel devices which is unique. It is another object of the invention is to make the complex LCD Ul settings user friendly and to store them with reference name for quick settings for later use. It is another object of the invention to provide some standard settings (Vendor defined / User defined) for most used complex jobs for non technical user. It is another object of the invention to increase the convenience ratio which is a measure of the ease of use of any device. Higher the convenience ratio, easier is the usage and hence easy to configure the device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a method of saving the user defined and common settings for configuration and usage of LCD panel / MFP devices through Quick settings with associated name by means of a new "Quick settings" key. The present invention shall comprise some predefined features that could only be saved with Name on the device. The settings done on the MFP would be saved in a structure or some variables with a Name when the user selects the quick setting option. Later whenever the user wants to again bring that MFP to that state he has to browse the menu which will show all quick settings stored on that machine and on selecting the quick setting which is stored as a name on the machine, the machine can be configured with those settings. This invention will enable the users to save the settings with reference names and use them later for configuration of the devices with quickness and ease. Each user can configure MFP with his/her personnel settings by simply choosing particular Quick Setting which has been stored in past with a name. This feature will become more valuable if MFP is shared between many users and each user wants their settings whenever they logon to the machine. Settings could be: ? Change in locale. ? Time format. ? Date format. ? Default paper / media settings etc. Accordingly this invention relates to a method of quick settings for LCD panel devices wherein setting of the quick settings is done by name and ID, quick settings can be stored with the name and ID in flash memory as well as in SRAM, setting or configuration can be selected by the user and the information stored for that quick setting can be read from the memory; The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a MFP system for present invention which explains the interaction among different modules. Figure 2 shows a functional block diagram of the operation of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Many times there are situations where some settings are to be configured repeatedly for particular type of job. These settings can be stored with reference Names as "Quick Settings" and later merely by choosing the "Quick settings" from the menu the intended settings can be restored in the quickest possible time. Broadly there are two types of settings. One is User Specific and second is common or general settings which are to be used by the common users. Settings are stored in MFP memory by name and can again be retrieved by selecting that "Quick Settings" name. These settings are generally configured through device panel. There is a provision for saving these settings from Web Ul provided for that device. The settings can be stored through device panel as well as through Web Ul using computer. Settings could be stored on the PC side if they are not to be exposed for other users or the memory allotted for storing the settings is insufficient. This condition could occur if the numbers of users are more which is typical of many organizations or the user wants to store bulk data. Generally MFP module consist of Ul module, NIC Module, LCD and Key Board drivers, shared memory along with device memory. Fig. 1 shows the interaction among various modules of the MFP. MFP module consist of Ul module 10, NIC Module 12, LCD 22 and Key Board 24 and their drivers 20, shared memory 14 along with device memory 18. Above all it contains a user interface block 16. Web based Ul settings 10 would be exchanged using shared memory 14 via network interface card 12. Settings which are configured on the MFP would be passed to the PC using shared memory 14 and can be stored with a user defined name. If the user doesn't want to store bulk settings then the settings done on the MFP would be stored on the MFP itself by Name i.e. on device memory 18. This exchange would take through shared memory or could be done through LPT or USB if the PC and MFP are attached to local intranet. Fig. 2 explains the different blocks giving a clear picture of the modules according to the functions. MFP module consist of Ul module 210, NIC Module 212, LCD 222 and Key Board 224 and their drivers 220, shared memory 214 along with device memory 218. Above all it contains a user interface block 216. Settings which are configured on the MFP would be passed to the PC using shared memory 214 and can be stored with a user defined name. Setting configured by using web based Ul 210 could be stored on the MFP by configuring the machine and invoking or pressing the quick setting menu or button. Web based Ul settings 210 would be exchanged using shared memory 214 via network interface card 212. If the user doesn't want to store bulk settings then the settings done on the MFP would be stored on the MFP itself by Name i.e. on device memory 218. There would be an option to transfer the bulk data to the PC for particular quick settings. In this case there would be an option on the MFP menu which will prompt the user to select the location to store the settings i.e. Device memory (MFP) 218 or on Hard Disk (PC) 215. There are two methods to set the quick settings: o Direct button key method - A dedicated button may be created which will prompt the user the name/nick name of the quick set. o Selecting "Quick Settings" from menu - In this method a menu will be added to access the quick settings; it could be sub-menu or main menu. There would be defined set of settings in the machine which would be stored in Quick Settings. A structure will be maintained in which variables will be set according to the settings done by user. By default all flags will be zero which will be the default option of that particular menu. RAM will be updated with the flash memory (non-volatile memory) when backup is over or when machine is rebooted. There could be a provision to store the earlier settings of the machine in default Quick Settings before selecting the particular user defined quick settings. After the user finishes his job by selecting his Quick Settings the earlier state of the machine will be returned. This feature will be provided with On / Off flag which will enable the user to decide whether to return to original state or remain in new state of the machine. Further there could be two types of Quick Settings : o Vendor defined - These settings will be supplied with the machine; o User defined - Quick settings which will be configured by user according to his/her or organization need. For a particular Quick Settings there will be a provision to store the last 25 dialed and received numbers or as many designed by the developer so that when the user configures particular quick settings he can browse the history for that quick settings. Some examples For configuring Scan to Email feature which is used to send the mail directly to the Email address without using personnel computer, the user has to set and browse 6 to 7 settings/menus but if Quick Settings is used then it can be performed in 2 steps if the settings are saved in Quick Settings form. The convenience ratio is 3:1 i.e. user configures the machine in one third of the steps used in the normal case. Another example: For Copying functionality the, user has to configure the machine for 5 to 6 menus (Collated, Duplex, Orientation, Edge etc) but with Quick Setting feature, this can be done in 2 steps. Hence the convenience ratio is 2.5:1. OPERATION OF THE INVENTION The setting or configuration chosen by the user will be stored in a flash memory as well as in SRAM whenever the dedicated button provided on the panel is pressed or the menu which is used to store the quick settings is selected. In the same manner whenever that particular Quick Settings is selected the information stored for that quick setting will be read from the memory and the machine will be configured accordingly. The User Interface menu will have a separate menu for storing the quick settings with name and ID. Settings will be stored in flash memory as well as in SRAM so that settings can be restored when needed and even when machine is rebooted. Administrator can use this feature to configure the MFP device according to the organization need to provide a standard across the organization. Settings could be: o Mandatory numbers to track the fax sent/received. o Standard reserved locations for storing telephone numbers (in the form of Speed / Group Dial/ One Touch locations) o Developing Quick settings which can be used across organization as a standard. Quick Settings can be shared between various users. Suppose a user one has configured the MFP with complex settings and saves it with name as "Quick Settings". Then another user can use the same quick settings if he has been given permission to use the same. In other words if the administrator configures the device with some particular settings then he can allow the other users to use the same. • Some complex necessary and tedious settings needed for every job, can be stored with a common name in form of Quick Settings and other extra settings can be developed on it. • Some mandatory settings like IP address, Port number, Machine name and ID can be put in one Quick Settings and can be called whenever basic settings are to be reconfigured. In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the present invention. A "processor" or "process" includes any human, hardware and/or software system, mechanism or component that processes data, signals or other information. A processor can include a system with a general-purpose central processing unit, multiple processing units, dedicated circuitry for achieving functionality, or other systems. Processing need not be limited to a geographic location, or have temporal limitations. For example, a processor can perform its functions in "real time," "offline,' in a "batch mode," etc. Portions of processing can be performed at different times and at different locations, by different (or the same) processing systems. A "computer-readable medium" for purposes of embodiments of the present invention may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, system or device. The computer readable medium can be, by way of example only but not by limitation, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, system, device, propagation medium, or computer memory. Embodiments of the invention may be implemented by using a programmed general purpose digital computer, by using application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays, optical, chemical, biological, quantum or nano-engineered systems, components and mechanisms may be used. In general, the functions of the present invention can be achieved by any means as is known in the art. Distributed, or networked systems, components and circuits can be used. Communication, or transfer, of data may be wired, wireless, or by any other means. It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. It is also within the spirit and scope of the present invention to implement a program or code that can be stored in a machine-readable medium to permit a computer to perform any of the methods described above. Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. Furthermore, the term "or" as used herein is generally intended to mean "and/or" unless othenA/ise indicated. Combinations of components or steps will also be considered as being noted, where terminology is foreseen as rendering the ability to separate or combine is unclear. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, "a", "an", and "the" includes plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates othen/vise. The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of embodiments of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the present invention. It is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular terms used in following claims and/or to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims. GLOSSARY OF THE TERMS AND DEFINITIONS THEREOF LCD: Liquid Crystal Display LPT: Line printer terminal MFP: Multi Function Peripheral NIC: Network Interface Card PC: Personal Computer Ul: User Interface WE CLAIM 1. A method of quick settings for LCD panel devices comprising the steps of: (a) setting the quick settings by name and/or ID; (b) storing the quick settings with name and/or ID in flash memory as well as in SRAM; (c) selecting the setting or configuration by the user; and (d) reading the information stored for that quick setting from the memory; 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said selecting the settings or configuration is done by means of a "quick settings" key. 3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said setting is done by a direct button key method. 4. A method as claimed in any of preceding claim 1 to 3, wherein said direct button key method is done by creating a dedicated button which will prompt the user the name/nick name of the quick set. 5. A method as claimed In any of preceding claims wherein said setting is done by selecting "quick settings" from menu. 6. A method as claimed in any of preceding claims wherein said setting can be vendor defined or user defined. 7. A method as claimed in any of preceding claims wherein said quick setting maintain a structure in which variables will be set according to the settings done by user when the settings are in binary form (Yes/No, Off/On). 8. A method as claimed in any of preceding claims wherein said structure is achieved by setting flag values when the settings are in binary form (Yes/No, Off/On). A method as claimed in any of preceding claims wherein all flags will be zero which will be the default option of that particular menu. A method as claimed in any of preceding claims wherein other attributes like email address user names will be stored in structure having variables apart from the binary variables (On/Off flags). A method as claimed in any of preceding claims wherein setting of quick settings further comprise a provision to store the earlier settings of the machine in default quick settings before selecting the particular user defined quick settings. A method as claimed in any of preceding claims wherein for a particular quick setting, a provision to store plurality of dialed and received numbers as desired by the developer is given for browsing the history. A method as claimed in any of preceding claims wherein said quick settings saved using reference names could be used later for configuration of the devices with quickness and ease. A method as claimed in any of preceding claims wherein said quick settings could be user specific or common or general settings which are to be used by the common users. A method as claimed in any of preceding claims wherein said quick settings is configured through device panel. A method as claimed in any of preceding claims wherein said quick settings is configured from Web Ul provided for that device. 17. A method as claimed in any of preceding claims wherein said quick settings is stored on the PC side when not to be exposed for other users or the memory allotted for storing the settings is insufficient. 18. A method as claimed in any of preceding claims wherein the said quick settings can be shared between users. 19. A method as claimed in any of preceding claims wherein sharing of the quick settings can be done as per user's or administrator's permissions. 20. A method as claimed in any of preceding claims wherein each user can be configured to have the same settings whenever they logon to the machine. 21. A Method of quick settings for LCD panel devices as herein described and illustrated.

Documents:

0435-che-2004 abstract-duplicate.pdf

0435-che-2004 claims-duplicate.pdf

0435-che-2004 description (complete)-duplicate.pdf

0435-che-2004 drawings-duplicate.pdf

435-che-2004-abstract.pdf

435-che-2004-claims.pdf

435-che-2004-correspondnece-others.pdf

435-che-2004-correspondnece-po.pdf

435-che-2004-description(complete).pdf

435-che-2004-drawings.pdf

435-che-2004-form 1.pdf

435-che-2004-form 19.pdf

435-che-2004-form 26.pdf