Graphic programmer
The graphic programmer (also called graphic slider or reader mouse ) is a mechanical control element that is part of the user interface of small electronic devices and is used for user-friendliness . It was used in various functional prototypes , but never in an end product.
Emergence
The graphic programmer is a one-button control element and is designed together with a device. Preferred uses would be, for example, fax machines , heating controls , multifunction telephones, machine controls , timers, etc. It was invented in 1990 by Michael Bistekos and a patent was applied for in 1992 . The disadvantage, but also the advantage, of this man-machine interface is the comparatively large area that it requires, but which also contributes to the clarity of a process. The patent has now expired and, despite the media coverage, was not a great financial success.
Structure and technology
The graphic programmer consists of a user interface in which paths are incorporated, a single control button that can be moved in these paths, and the program that is graphically displayed along the paths. In addition, there are usually decision buttons such as plus or minus and a small display . The user interface is labeled and / or printed with graphic symbols . The position of the button is preferably detected by capacitive pick-up contacts below the button. During programming, the incorporated path represents the workflow with all its branches. Each program point is designed with a corner or edge that assigns a clear stop position to the slide. An adaptation to the respective language version is possible by exchanging the user interface. This means that even complex characters from rare languages can be processed. The optical design can also be varied in this way.
use
Program points are defined on the path that represents a work sequence (for example off, automatic on, manual on, standby, etc.), which are run to a defined end and thus programmed or their status is determined. If the graphics slide is at such a program point, the imprint on the user interface shows what is to be programmed and the corresponding value is shown on the display. You can change this value with the plus and minus buttons; confirmation is not necessary. Programming can be checked if no value is entered. The advantage of this one-button control is that only one position is possible at a time and deeper menu levels can also be exited without any problems. The paths can be designed in any way, for example as curves, spikes or characteristic curves .
Trivia
Since Norbert Leser , a distant relative of the inventor, took over the initial financial sponsorship of the patent, the invention was given the name "Reader Mouse", with which it appeared in the professional world and in the media.