Importance

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Abstract

An keypad facilitates communication between an operator and a microprocessor of an operator-controlled machine, such as a printing press, that is used to monitor and record real time data for the machine. The keypad includes a plurality of function keys and a light guide associated with each function key. The lighting guides are activated by the microprocessor that correspond to selectable function keys by the operator in response to the status of the machine. The lighting guides thereby assist the operator in deciding which function key to choose. The function keys of the keypad are also color and a pattern coded and light indicators are included with the keypad which are activated by the microprocessor to broadcast a lighting status for the status of the machine. The light indicators and function keys are coordinated so that an operator, by observing the colors and patterns of a particular function key, will know what lighting status will be broadcast when that particular function key is selected. The method of activating lighting guides associated with selectable function keys in response to a status of the machine, and the method of activating light indicators to broadcast a lighting status of the status of the machine and the corresponding selecting of the appropriate function key based on its color and pattern coding, are also disclosed. Combination of light indicators, color coded and pattern coded function keys, and light guides make operation of the keypad and machine easy and efficient for operators of any educational background.

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First Claim