| (19) |
 |
|
(11) |
EP 0 496 575 A3 |
| (12) |
EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| (88) |
Date of publication A3: |
|
02.06.1993 Bulletin 1993/22 |
| (43) |
Date of publication A2: |
|
29.07.1992 Bulletin 1992/31 |
| (22) |
Date of filing: 21.01.1992 |
|
| (51) |
International Patent Classification (IPC)5: G07B 17/02 |
|
| (84) |
Designated Contracting States: |
|
CH DE FR GB LI |
| (30) |
Priority: |
22.01.1991 US 644352
|
| (71) |
Applicant: PITNEY BOWES INC. |
|
Stamford
Connecticut 06926-0700 (US) |
|
| (72) |
Inventors: |
|
- Blackman, Fran E.
Fairfield, CT 06430 (US)
- Doeberl, Terrence M.
West Redding, CT 06896 (US)
- Schulz, Kenneth A.
Bethel, CT 06801 (US)
|
| (74) |
Representative: Cook, Anthony John et al |
|
D. YOUNG & CO.
21 New Fetter Lane
London EC4A 1DA
London EC4A 1DA (GB) |
|
| |
|
| (54) |
Machine with state display capability |
(57) A complex machine, such as a mail-processing machine or postage meter, provided with
one or more displays (e.g. 59-68) which mimic the machine configuration or the layout
of print elements, with control switches (e.g. 101-105) located adjacent the displays
in locations corresponding to the machine components or print elements that they respectively
control. The displays are constantly on with indicators lit showing the current state
of the machine or the expected printout. This greatly facilitates operation and control
of the machine or meter even by unskilled operators.