AU747031B2 - Method for making computer connected devices self-explanatory - Google Patents

Description

r 7~1 S&FRef: 512268

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name and Address of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha 30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku Tokyo 146 Japan Sue-Ken Yap Spruson Ferguson St Martins Tower 31 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000 Method for Making Computer Connected Devices Self-Explanatory Invention Title: ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION DETAILS [33] Country [31] Applic. No(s) AU PQ1708 [32] Application Date 20 Jul 1999 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5815c 'ki. -b I" -1- METHOD FOR MAKING COMPUTER CONNECTED DEVICES SELF-EXPLANATORY Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the use of electronic equipment and, in particular, to a method of providing operating instructions to users of electronic devices that are connected to computers or audiovisual equipment. The invention also relates to a computer program product including a computer readable medium having recorded thereon a computer program for providing operating instructions to users of electronic devices that are connected to computers or audiovisual equipment.

Background Art It is generally acknowledged that one of the most daunting tasks facing the purchaser of a new electronic device, for example a digital camera or a Video Cassette Recorder (VCR), is working out how to use it. A lot of effort is expended by manufacturers in making devices user friendly and in providing comprehensive user 15 manuals. However, in most instances the hurdle is still formidable.

Various approaches to ameliorate this problem have been tried in the past, including providing tutorial presentation in the form of video or audio cassettes, Web based self-instructional material, staged printed tutorials, and so forth. These approaches all suffer from the disadvantage that the learning is one step removed from the actual 20 operation of the device itself and is not as effective as hands-on. Currently, true hands-on teaching requires a human mentor by the side of the user to guide him/her.

It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of existing.

S- .Disclosure of the Invention In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing operating information to the user of a first device having a plurality of operating modes, said method comprising the steps of: selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said first device; selecting at least one control means of said first device associated with said one operating mode; transmitting a status of said control means to a second device; and presenting information on a function of said control means in said one operating mode utilising said second device.

512268.doc C0V -2- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing operating information to the user of an electronic device having a plurality of operating modes, said method comprising the steps of: selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said electronic device; selecting at least one control means of said electronic device associated with said one operating mode; transmitting a status of said control means to a computer system; and presenting information on a function of said control means in said one operating mode utilising said computer system.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing operating information to the user of an electronic device having a plurality of operating modes, said method comprising the steps of: connecting said electronic device to a computer system; S•selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said electronic device; selecting at least one control means of said electronic device associated with said one operating mode; transmitting a status of said control means to said computer system; and presenting information on a function of said control means in said one operating mode utilising said computer system.

S* 20 In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for providing operating information to the user of a first device having a oooo plurality of operating modes, said apparatus comprising: selection means for selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said S. first device and for selecting at least one control means of said first device associated with 25 said one operating mode; transmission means for transmitting a status of said control means to a second device; and display means for presenting information on a function of said control means in said one operating mode utilising said second device.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for providing operating information to the user of an electronic device having a plurality of operating modes, said apparatus comprising: selection means for selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said electronic device and for selecting at least one control means of said electronic device associated with said one operating mode; 512268.doc transmission means for transmitting a status of said control means to a computer system; and display means for presenting information on a function of said control means in said one operating mode utilising said computer system.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for providing operating information to the user of an electronic device having a plurality of operating modes, said apparatus comprising: communications channel for connecting said electronic device to a computer system; selection means for selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said electronic device and for selecting at least one control means of said electronic device associated with said one operating mode; transmission means for transmitting a status of said control means to said S* •computer system; and display means for presenting information on a function of said control means in said one operating mode utilising said computer system.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer readable memory medium for storing a program for apparatus which "processes data, said processing comprising a process for providing operating information 20 to the user of a first device having a plurality of operating modes, said program comprising: code for selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said first device; code for selecting at least one control means of said first device associated with said one operating mode; 25 code for transmitting a status of said control means to a second device; and code for presenting information on a function of said control means in said one operating mode utilising said second device.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer readable memory medium for storing a program for apparatus which processes data, said processing comprising a process for providing operating information to the user of an electronic device having a plurality of operating modes, said program comprising: code for selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said electronic device and for selecting at least one control means of said electronic device associated with said one operating mode; 512268.doc code for transmitting a status of said control means to a computer system; and code for presenting information on a function of said control means in said one operating mode utilising said computer system.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer readable memory medium for storing a program for apparatus which processes data, said processing comprising a process for providing operating information to the user of an electronic device having a plurality of operating modes, said program comprising: code for connecting said electronic device to a computer system; code for selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said electronic device and for selecting at least one control means of said electronic device associated with said one operating mode; code for transmitting a status of said control means to said computer system; and code for presenting information on a function of said control means in said one operating mode utilising said computer system.

S. .Brief Description of the Drawings A number of preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a flow diagram of a method of providing operating instructions to the 20 user of an electronic device in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; oooo Fig. 2 shows a digital camera connected to a computer system in accordance with method of Fig. 1; and 3 is a schematic block diagram of a general purpose computer upon which 25 the preferred embodiment of the present invention can be practiced.

Detailed Description including Best Mode Where reference is made in any one or more of the accompanying drawings to steps and/or features, which have the same reference numerals, those steps and/or features have for the purposes of this description the same function(s) or operation(s), unless the contrary intention appears.

The preferred embodiment is a method of providing operating instructions to the user of an electronic device. The preferred embodiment allows a user to transmit, via a digital signal path, the status of selected buttons and/or controls any control means) of the electronic device to a computer system which provides information on the 512268.doc functionality of the selected buttons and/or controls. The information can preferably be provided to the user as an audio and/or visual tutorial presentation.

The principles of the preferred method described herein have general applicability to teaching users how to operate any electronic device that can be configured for communications with a computer system. However, for ease of explanation, the steps of the preferred method are described with reference to a digital camera. However, it is not intended that the present invention be limited to the described method. For example, the invention may have application to the operation of a VCR, a stereo system, a microwave or any other electronic device that can be configured for communications with a computer system.

Fig. 1 is a flowchart showing a method of providing operating instructions to the user of an electronic device in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The process begins at step 100 where a user connects a digital camera 201 to a S computer system 203, as seen in Fig. 2. The computer system 203 is preferably a conventional general-purpose computer system, which will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. In another embodiment, the digital camera 201 can be connected to any audiovisual system (not illustrated) that is capable of presenting audio and/or visual presentations by means of a signal path. The signal path is preferably a data cable 207.

another embodiment, the signal path can be a wireless transmission path such as o*oo 20 infrared or radio waves. The digital camera 201 preferably has an in-built processor, which senses the state of all of the buttons and other controls on the camera 201. In addition, a button 202 is preferably provided on the camera 201, which can be switched between a "normal operation mode" and an "explore mode". At the next step 102, the user selects the "explore mode" on the camera 201. In a further embodiment, the mode 25 selection can be made at the computer system 203. When the camera 201 is in explore mode, selection of the buttons and other controls on the camera 201 will not result in the function associated with the selected button or control being activated. Rather, the status of the selected button or control is transmitted to the computer system 203.

The process continues at step 104, where the user selects a button or operates a control on the camera 201. Upon selection of the button or control, the status of the selected button or control is automatically transmitted to the computer system 203, at step 106. At the next step 108, the computer system 203 reads the status of the selected button or control and displays an audiovisual tutorial presentation relating to the function of the selected button or control. In a further embodiment, upon reading the status of the selected button or control, the computer system 203 can preferably display a simulation 512268.doc '9.

-6illustrating the effect of operating the selected button or control The process concludes when the audiovisual presentation has been completed.

The conventional general-purpose computer system 203 is shown in Fig. 3. The processes of Fig. 1 can preferably be implemented as software, such as an application program executing within the computer system 203. In particular, the steps of the method of Fig. 1 are effected by instructions in the software that are carried out by the computer.

The software may be divided into two separate parts; one part for carrying out the method of providing operating instructions to the user of an electronic device; and another part to manage the user interface between the latter and the user. The software can be stored in a computer readable medium, including the storage devices described below, for example.

The software is loaded into the computer from the computer readable medium, and then executed by the computer. A computer readable medium having such software or computer program recorded on it is a computer program product. The use of the computer program product in the computer preferably effects an advantageous apparatus 15 for providing operating instructions to the user of an electronic device in accordance with o:oo S* .the embodiments of the invention.

The computer system 203 comprises a computer module 301, input devices such as a keyboard 302 and mouse 303, output devices including a printer 315 and a display device 314. A Modulator-Demodulator (Modem) transceiver device 316 is used by the computer module 301 for communicating to and from a communications network 320, for example connectable via a telephone line 321 or other functional medium. The modem 316 can be used to obtain access to the Internet, and other network systems, such as a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN).

The computer module 301 typically includes at least one processor unit 305, a 25 memory unit 306, for example formed from semiconductor random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM), input/output interfaces including a video interface307, and an 1/O interface313 for the keyboard302 and mouse303 and optionally ajoystick (not illustrated), and an interface 308 for the modem 316. A storage device 309 is provided and typically includes a hard disk drive 310 and a floppy disk drive 311. A magnetic tape drive (not illustrated) may also be used. A CD-ROM drive 312 is typically provided as a non-volatile source of data. The components 305 to 313 of the computer module 301, typically communicate via an interconnected bus 304 and in a manner which results in a conventional mode of operation of the computer system 300 known to those in the relevant art. Examples of computers on which the 512268.doc -7embodiments can be practised include IBM-PC's and compatibles, Sun Sparcstations or alike computer systems evolved therefrom.

Typically, the application program of the preferred embodiment is resident on the hard disk drive 310 and read and controlled in its execution by the processor 305.

Intermediate storage of the program and any data fetched from the network 320 may be accomplished using the semiconductor memory 306, possibly in concert with the hard disk drive 310. In some instances, the application program may be supplied to the user encoded on a CD-ROM or floppy disk and read via the corresponding drive 312 or 311, or alternatively may be read by the user from the network 320 via the modem device 316.

Still further, the software can also be loaded into the computer system 300 from other computer readable medium including magnetic tape, a ROM or integrated circuit, a magneto-optical disk, a radio or infra-red transmission channel between the computer module 301 and another device, a computer readable card such as a PCMCIA card, and Sthe Intemrnet and Intranets including email transmissions and information recorded on websites and the like. The foregoing is merely exemplary of relevant computer readable mediums. Other computer readable mediums may be practiced without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

The method of Fig. 1 can alternatively be implemented in dedicated hardware such as one or more integrated circuits performing the functions or sub functions of Fig.

20 1. Such dedicated hardware may include graphic processors, digital signal processors, or one or more microprocessors and associated memories.

As an example of the preferred method of providing operating instructions to the user of an electronic device, if a user has selected a "time delay" button 209 on the digital camera 201, the status of the time delay button 209 will be transmitted to the computer 25 system 203. The computer system 203 will then automatically play a short video tutorial explaining the function of the time delay button. The audiovisual information is preferably stored within the memory 306 of the computer system 203 or on a server (not illustrated) connected to the computer system 203. In a further embodiment, audiovisual information can be accessed via the Internet and the selection of the time delay button will result in the computer system 203 automatically accessing and displaying a Web page which explains the function of the time delay button. In still a further embodiment, a locally mounted CD-ROM can be accessed upon the selection of a button or control on the video camera. The CD-ROM can preferably contain all of the information regarding the operation of the digital video camera 201. Information on the function of a selected 512268.doc 1. isl -8button or control can then be accessed from the CD-ROM and displayed upon selection of the respective button or control.

Continuing the above example, if a user has selected a "zoom lever" 211 on the video camera 201, the status of the zoom lever 211 will be transmitted to the computer system 203. The computer system 203 can preferably automatically display a simulated zoom on a sample scene, for example, a simulation illustrating the effect of moving from wide-angle to telephoto.

In a further example (not illustrated) of the preferred method of providing operating instructions to the user of an electronic device, a microwave oven can be configured to communicate with the computer system 203, in a similar manner to the digital camera 201 of Fig. 2. For example, a user can select "explore mode" on the microwave oven and press a "defrost button". The status of the defrost button can then preferably be transmitted to the computer system 203, which will result in an image of an V 0. oven with an open door being displayed on the display device 314. Preferably an accompanying audio explanation can then instruct the user to select a food type from a series of other control buttons mounted on the microwave oven. Upon selecting a button corresponding to "frozen chicken", the image being displayed on the display device 314 can preferably update to display an oven with a frozen chicken inside. An accompanying o. ••audio explanation can then preferably tell the user that the next step is to input the weight of the chicken. A list of approximate weights for different types of chickens can preferably be displayed in order to assist the user in selecting an approximate weight for oo the chicken. Upon entering the weight of the frozen chicken the computer system 203 can then indicate to the user that the next step is to enter any additional options, such as *.*browning the skin. Pressing a button designated "brown the skin" on the microwave can 25 preferably update the image being displayed on the display device 314 to simulate an oven with a browned chicken inside.

In a still further embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device can be configured to accept down loaded computer code in order to modify the functionality of the device. The down loaded code can preferably be used to re-program the functions of existing controls or assign new functions to previously unassigned controls. For example, the digital camera 201 can be configured to accept down loaded computer code into an internal processor (not illustrated), in order to enhance the images captured by the camera 201. A previously inactive lever 205 can be re-programmed to control the intensity of the colour in the images captured by the camera 201. The operation of the re-programmed 512268.doc I. IL -9lever can be simulated for the user when the camera 201 is selected to explore mode, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The aforementioned preferred method comprises a particular control flow. There are many other variants of the preferred method which use different control flows without departing the spirit or scope of the invention. Furthermore one or more of the steps of the preferred method can be performed in parallel rather sequential.

The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention, and modifications and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

In the context of this specification, the word "comprising" means "including principally but not necessarily solely" or "having" or "including" and not "consisting only of'. Variations of the word comprising, such as "comprise" and "comprises" have corresponding meanings.

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Claims (9)

1. A method of providing operating information to the user of a first device having a plurality of operating modes, said method comprising the steps of: selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said first device; selecting at least one control means of said first device associated with said one operating mode; transmitting a status of said control means to a second device; and presenting information on a function of said control means in said one operating mode utilising said second device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said information is a tutorial explaining said function of said control means. S:

3. The method according to claims 1 or 2, wherein said transmission of said status 15 can only occur in said selected operating mode.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said tutorial includes .4 a simulation of operation of said first device.

5. The method according any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a further step of accessing said information from said second device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a further step of :.storing said information in said second device.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, including the further step of connecting said first device to said second device.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said information is presented as audible instructions.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein said information is presented as a visual presentation.

512268.doc -11- The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said information is presented as an audio-visual presentation. 11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said information is presented as an Internet page. 12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second devices are connected via a communications cable via which transmission of said status occurs. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said status is transmitted as an infra-red signal. S14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said status is transmitted as a radio signal. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said information is accessed from a third device. 20 16. The method according to claim 15, including a further step of transmitting said information from said third device to said second device. 17. The method according to claims 15 or 16, wherein said second device is connected via a network to said third device. 18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second device comprises a processor means. 19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said operating mode is selected at said first device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein said operating mode is selected at said second device. 512268.doc 4 -12- 21. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said information is stored on a portable memory means. 22. The method according to claim 20, wherein said portable memory means is a CD-ROM. 23. The method according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein said first device comprises a processor means. 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein said processor means reads said status of said control means. 25. The method according to any one of claims 23 or 24, wherein data is transmitted to said first device. 26. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first device is a digital camera. 27. The method according to any one of the claims 1 to 25, wherein said first device is a microwave oven. 28. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second device is a computer system. ooooo 29. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a function of said control means is re-programmed. A method of providing operating information to the user of an electronic device having a plurality of operating modes, said method comprising the steps of: selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said electronic device; selecting at least one control means of said electronic device associated with said one operating mode; transmitting a status of said control means to a computer system; and presenting information on a function of said control means in said one operating mode utilising said computer system. 512268.doc 4k 1 -13- 31. The method according to claim 30, wherein said information is a tutorial explaining said function of said control means. 32. The method according to any one of claims 30 or 31, wherein said transmission of said status can only occur in said selected operating mode. 33. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein said tutorial includes a simulation of operation of said electronic device. 34. The method according any one of claims 30 to 33, comprising a further step of accessing said information from said computer system. 35. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 34, comprising a further step of storing said information in said computer system. 0% e 36. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 35, including the further step of connecting said electronic device to said computer system. c*o. 20 37. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 36, wherein said information is eeee presented as audible instructions. 38. The method according to claim 37, wherein said information is presented as a visual presentation. 39. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 38, wherein said information is presented as an audio-visual presentation. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 39, wherein said information is presented as an Internet page. 41. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 40, wherein said electronic device and said computer system are connected via a communications cable via which transmission of said status occurs. 512268.doc -14- 42. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 40, wherein said status is transmitted as an infra-red signal. 43. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 40, wherein said status is transmitted as a radio signal. 44. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 40, wherein said information is accessed from a server. 45. The method according to claim 44, including a further step of transmitting said information from said server to said computer system. S46. The method according to any one of claims 44 or 45, wherein said computer system is connected via a network to said server. 47. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 46, wherein said operating mode is selected at said electronic device. 48. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 46, wherein said operating 20 mode is selected at said computer device. 49. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 48, wherein said information is stored on a portable memory means. •o.o.i 50. The method according to claim 49, wherein said portable memory means is a CD-ROM. 51. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 50, wherein said electronic device comprises a processor means. 52. The method according to claim 51, wherein said processor means reads said status of said control means. 53. The method according to any one of claims 51 or 52, wherein data is transmitted to said electronic device. 512268.doc 54. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 53, wherein said electronic device is a digital camera. 55. The method according to any one of the claims 30 to 53, wherein said electronic device is a microwave oven. 56. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 55, wherein a function of said control means is re-programmed. 57. A method of providing operating information to the user of an electronic device having a plurality of operating modes, said method comprising the steps of: S•connecting said electronic device to a computer system; selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said electronic device; selecting at least one control means of said electronic device associated with said one operating mode; transmitting a status of said control means to said computer system; and S. presenting information on a function of said control means in said one operating eee* mode utilising said computer system. 58. The method according to claim 57, wherein said information is a tutorial explaining said function of said control means. 59. The method according to any one of claims 57 or 58, wherein said transmission of said status can only occur in said selected operating mode. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 59, wherein said tutorial includes a simulation of operation of said electronic device. 61. The method according any one of claims 57 to 60, comprising a further step of accessing said information from said computer system. 62. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 61, comprising a further step of storing said information in said electronic device. 512268.doc *k -16- 63. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 62, wherein said information is presented as audible instructions. 64. The method according to claim 63, wherein said information is presented as a visual presentation. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 64, wherein said information is presented as an audio-visual presentation. 66. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 65, wherein said information is presented as an Internet page. S67. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 66, wherein said electronic device and said computer system are connected via a communications cable via which 15 transmission of said status occurs. 68. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 67, wherein said status is o o transmitted as an infra-red signal. oooo. 20 69. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 66, wherein said status is :°oooo transmitted as a radio signal. 70. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 69, wherein said information is accessed from a server. 71. The method according to claim 70, including a further step of transmitting said information from said server to said computer system. 72. The method according to any one of claims 70 or 71, wherein said computer system is connected via a network to said server. 73. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 72, wherein said operating mode is selected at said electronic device. 512268.doc -17- 74. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 72, wherein said operating mode is selected at said computer device. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 74, wherein said information is stored on a portable memory means. 76. The method according to claim 75, wherein said portable memory means is a CD-ROM. 77. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 76, wherein said electronic device comprises a processor means. 78. The method according to claim 77, wherein said processor means reads said status of said control means. 79. The method according to any one of claims 77 or 78, wherein data is transmitted to said electronic device. The method according to any one of claims 77 to 79, wherein said electronic device is a digital camera. e e. 81. The method according to any one of the claims 57 to 79, wherein said electronic device is a microwave oven. 82. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 81, wherein a function of said control means is re-programmed. 83. An apparatus for providing operating information to the user of a first device having a plurality of operating modes, said apparatus comprising: selection means for selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said first device and for selecting at least one control means of said first device associated with said one operating mode; transmission means for transmitting a status of said control means to a second device; and 512268.doc -18- display means for presenting information on a function of said control means in said one operating mode utilising said second device. 84. An apparatus for providing operating information to the user of an electronic device having a plurality of operating modes, said apparatus comprising: selection means for selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said electronic device and for selecting at least one control means of said electronic device associated with said one operating mode; transmission means for transmitting a status of said control means to a computer system; and display means for presenting information on a function of said control means in said one operating mode utilising said computer system. oo An apparatus for providing operating information to the user of an electronic device having a plurality of operating modes, said apparatus comprising: communications channel for connecting said electronic device to a computer system; °•selection means for selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said electronic device and for selecting at least one control means of said electronic device 20 associated with said one operating mode; ooo• transmission means for transmitting a status of said control means to said computer system; and S. display means for presenting information on a function of said control means in said one operating mode utilising said computer system. 86. A computer readable medium, having a program recorded thereon, where the program is configured to make a computer execute a procedure to provide operating information to the user of a first device having a plurality of operating modes, said program comprising: code for selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said first device; code for selecting at least one control means of said first device associated with said one operating mode; code for transmitting a status of said control means to a second device; and code for presenting information on a function of said control means in said one operating mode utilising said second device. 512268.doc t 6 -19- 87. A computer readable medium, having a program recorded thereon, where the program is configured to make a computer execute a procedure to provide operating information to the user of an electronic device having a plurality of operating modes, said program comprising: code for selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said electronic device and for selecting at least one control means of said electronic device associated with said one operating mode; code for transmitting a status of said control means to a computer system; and code for presenting information on a function of said control means in said one operating mode utilising said computer system. S0."O o S88. A computer readable medium, having a program recorded thereon, where the program is configured to make a computer execute a procedure to provide operating 15 information to the user of an electronic device having a plurality of operating modes, said °program comprising: 9O@O code for connecting said electronic device to a computer system; S code for selecting one of said plurality of operating modes of said electronic %.00 device and for selecting at least one control means of said electronic device associated with said one operating mode; code for transmitting a status of said control means to said computer system; and 0 0 oooo code for presenting information on a function of said control means in said one 0 operating mode utilising said computer system. 595500 89. A method of providing operating information to the user of an electronic device having a plurality of operating modes substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. DATED this Seventeenth Day of July, 2000 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON FERGUSON 512268.doc