US20050141190A1 - System and method for personalizing an electrical device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for personalizing or customizing an electrical device. In one arrangement, the system comprises a graphical user interface having selectable options corresponding to device functionality, a control panel configured to receive a selection input by a device user of at least one of the selectable options of a functionality to be associated with a given removable button, and logic configured to detect selection of the given removable button in a device control panel and determine the functionality associated with the given removable button, wherein the device performs the functionality associated with the given removable button is implemented.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/649,059, filed Aug. 27, 2003, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/975,292, filed Oct. 10, 2001, both of which are entirely incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present disclosure relates to a system and method for personalizing an electrical device. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a system and method with which a user interface and/or operation of an electrical device can be changed to suit one's own personal preferences or needs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Consumer product manufacturers have historically provided the customer with various options for the look and feel of consumer products to allow the customer to purchase a product which meets his or her own sense of style. Under such circumstances, the consumer product, although functioning in substantially the same way for all persons, can be personalized to some degree to suit the customer's tastes.
• Recently, this type of personalization has begun to be offered to purchasers of computers and other electronic devices. By way of example, several mobile telephone manufacturers provide a variety of different colored faceplates that can be removably snapped onto the purchased mobile telephone so that the customer can personalize the look of his or her telephone. To cite another example, the iMac™ computer produced by Apple Computer, Inc. is available in various different colors which the user may choose.
• Although permitting customers to personalize their devices to some degree, such personalization, where available, is minor. Therefore, each unit of a particular device (e.g., mobile telephone) is nearly identical to all others with the exception of a minor superficial difference such as the color. Accordingly, with the exception of minor aesthetic variation, such devices are capable of only limited personalization. This is unfortunate in view of the importance that device personalization can have to the customer. Specifically, many customers see such devices as an expression of their individuality and the availability of personalization can therefore significantly influence a purchasing decision.
• In addition to providing only minor differences for the customer, mere cosmetic personalization such as that described above does nothing to personalize the operation of the device. Therefore, instead of being able to personalize the operation of the device to suit one's personal preferences or needs, the purchaser must conform to the static modes of operation chosen by the manufacturer for the device. This is unfortunate for the purchaser in that, were great personalization available, the ease of use of the device could be greatly improved.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• From the foregoing, it can be appreciated that it would be desirable to have a system and method for personalizing an electrical device such that a greater and more meaningful degree of personalization can be obtained.
• The present disclosure relates to a system and method for personalizing or customizing an electrical device.
• In one arrangement, a system comprises a graphical user interface having selectable options corresponding to device functionality, a control panel configured to receive a selection input by a device user of at least one of the selectable options of a functionality to be associated with a given removable button, and logic configured to detect selection of the given removable button in a device control panel and determine the functionality associated with the given removable button, wherein the device performs the functionality associated with the given removable button is implemented.
• In one arrangement, a method comprises the steps of providing a graphical user interface having selectable options corresponding to device functionality, receiving a selection input by a device user of at least one of the selectable options of a functionality to be associated with a given removable button, detecting selection of the given removable button in a device control panel, determining the functionality associated with the given removable button, and performing the functionality associated with the given removable button.
• Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system for personalizing an electrical device.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an electrical device shown inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an example control panel for the electrical device shown inFIG. 2.
• FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a computing device shown inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 5 is a flow diagram that illustrates an example of operation of personalization modules of the electrical device shown inFIG. 2 and the computing device shown inFIG. 4.
• FIG. 6 is a flow diagram that illustrates a further example of operation of the personalization module of the electrical device shown inFIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• As noted above, typically only superficial personalization is currently available for electrical devices. Accordingly, presently contemplated are highly personalizable electrical devices with which the user can customize his or her user experience. As is discussed in greater detail below, this personalization can range from merely changing the aesthetics of the user interface to altering operation of the electrical device.
• An example system for personalizing an electrical device will first be described with reference to the figures. Although this system is described in detail, it will be appreciated that this system is provided for purposes of illustration only and that various modifications are feasible without departing from the inventive concept. After the example system has been described, examples of operation of the system will be provided to explain the manners in which personalization can be achieved.
• Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views,FIG. 1 illustrates asystem100 for personalizing an electrical device. As indicated in this figure, thesystem100 generally comprises anelectrical device102. By way of example, thiselectrical device102 can comprise an imaging device such as a photocopier, printer, scanner, digital camera, or multi-function peripheral (MFP) device, which can be capable of various different functionalities such as photocopying, printing, scanning, faxing, emailing, etc. However, as will become apparent to the reader from the description that follows, theelectrical device102 could comprise substantially any electrical device with which a user can interface including, but not limited to, an Internet appliance, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile telephone, calculator etc.
• In addition to theelectrical device102, thesystem100 can include one ormore computing devices104. Thecomputing devices104 comprise substantially any device that is capable of use with theelectrical device102 and, more particularly, which is capable of communicating with the electrical device by transmitting data to and/or receiving data from the electrical device. By way of example, thecomputing devices104 comprise personal computers (PCs). Although PCs are identified inFIG. 1 and discussed herein, it will be appreciated any one of thecomputing devices104 could, alternatively, comprise another type of computing device. Moreover, it is to be understood that the electrical device could operate in a “stand alone” capacity, in which no connectedcomputing device104 is needed (e.g., facsimile functionality).
• As is further identified inFIG. 1, theelectrical device102 and thecomputing devices104 can, optionally, be connected to anetwork106 that typically comprises one or more sub-networks that are communicatively coupled to each other. By way of example, these networks can include one or more local area networks (LANs) and/or wide area networks (WANs). Indeed, in some embodiments, thenetwork106 may comprise a set of networks that forms part of the Internet. As is depicted inFIG. 1, one or more of thecomputing devices104 can be directly connected to theelectrical device102. Such an arrangement is likely in a home environment in which the user does not have a home network and instead directly communicates to theelectrical device102. In such a scenario, communication can be facilitated with a direct electrical and/or optical connection or through wireless communication.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating an example architecture for theelectrical device102 shown inFIG. 1. As indicated inFIG. 2, theelectrical device102 can comprise aprocessing device200,memory202,device operation hardware204, one or more user interface devices206, and one or more input/output (I/O)devices208. Each of these components is connected to alocal interface210 that, by way of example, comprises one or more internal buses. Theprocessing device200 is adapted to execute commands stored inmemory202 and can comprise a general-purpose processor, a microprocessor, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), a plurality of suitably configured digital logic gates, and other well known electrical configurations comprised of discrete elements both individually and in various combinations to coordinate the overall operation of theelectrical device102.
• Thedevice operation hardware204 comprises the components with which theelectrical device102 operates to satisfy its intended functionalities. As will be appreciated by persons having ordinary skill in the art, the nature of thedevice operation hardware204 depends upon these functionalities. For example, where theelectrical device102 comprises a scanner, thedevice operation hardware204 typically includes a light source (e.g., fluorescent light), focusing elements (e.g., lenses, mirrors, and displaceable carriage), and one or more light sensing devices (e.g., charge-coupled devices (CCDs)).
• The one or more user interface devices206 typically comprise interface tools with which the device settings can be changed and through which the user can communicate commands to theelectrical device102. By way of example, the user interface devices206 comprise one or more function keys and/or buttons or separate keyboard with which the operation of theelectrical device102 can be controlled, and a display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), with which information can be visually communicated to the user and, where the display comprises a touch-sensitive screen, commands can be entered. Typically, the user interface, and in some cases the functioning of theelectrical device102, can be changed by the user to personalize the look, feel, and operation of the device. In some arrangements, this adjustability can be provided for removable and/or interchangeable buttons of the electrical device user interface.
• FIG. 3 illustrates anexample control panel300 of theelectrical device102 in which button removal and/or interchangeability is provided. As indicated in this figure, thecontrol panel300 comprises a plurality ofbutton openings302 that are adapted to receiveremovable buttons304. Eachbutton304 can comprise afinger pad306 which a user's finger contacts when the button is depressed and aninner mounting portion308 that is used to mount the button to thecontrol panel300. Although both of these features are shown inFIG. 3 as having a generally rectangular cross-section, it is to be understood that the particular shape of these features could be alternatively arranged. For instance, thebuttons304 and/orbutton openings302 could be circular or elliptical in cross-section, if desired. Indeed, as the following discussion elucidates,varied finger pad306 shapes may be used to provide one manner of personalization of theelectrical device102.
• Inside thebutton openings302 arebutton receiving members306 to which thebuttons304 can be connected so that, when the button is depressed, a predetermined command is communicated to theelectrical device102. In particular, thebutton receiving members306 are configured to receive the mountingportions308 of thebuttons304. To aid the user in mounting thebutton304 on a particularbutton receiving member306 in the correct orientation, the mountingportion308 of the button can be provided with a key310 and the receivingmember306 can be provided with akeyslot312 adapted to receive the key. Where provided, the key310 andkeyslot312 ensure that thebutton304 can only be mounted in one orientation. Although the key310 has been described as being provided on thebutton302 and thekeyslot312 as being provide on thebutton receiving member306, it will be appreciated by persons having ordinary skill in the art that the locations of the key and keyslot could be reversed, if desired, to achieve the same result. In addition, it will be understood that various other keyed configurations could be used to ensure the correct orientation of thebuttons304 in thebutton openings302.
• In some arrangements, thebuttons304 are encoded so as to be configured to communicate a particular functionality to theelectrical device102. In these arrangements, thebutton receiving members306 can be provided with functionality sensing elements described below. The button encoding can either be mechanical or electrical in nature. For example, thebutton304 can be mechanically encoded with one or morenonconductive pins314 that extend outwardly from the inside of the button. When such apin314 is provided, thebutton receiving members306 can includeseveral pin openings316 that are adapted for receipt of the pins. Arranged in this manner, a particular functionality of thebutton304 can be communicated to theelectrical device102 by the location of thepin314, i.e. by thepin opening316 in which thepin314 is disposed. The location of thepin314 can be detected through various different methods. Typically, however, thepin314 depresses an sensing member (not shown) within each of thepin openings316 which can complete an internal electrical circuit such that the location of the pin can be determined by thedevice102. Although a pin and pin opening arrangement is shown and described, it will be understood that alternative mechanical encoding is feasible and may even be preferable.
• Electrical encoding can be alternatively or additionally provided. For instance, one or more of thebuttons304 can comprise an electricallyconductive pin314 that is adapted to contact aspring contact318 disposed in each of the pin openings. To complete a circuit, thebutton304 can be provided with afirst conductor320 that is adopted to mate with asecond conductor322 provided on thebutton receiving member306. Although such an electrical encoding arrangement has been shown, persons having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that manifold alternative arrangements are feasible.
• With thecontrol panel300, the user has the option to change thebuttons304 of theelectrical device102 to suit his or her personal aesthetic tastes. In addition, as is discussed in greater detail below, thebuttons304 may be selected to generate interest in particular users (e.g., children) or to improve usability for particular users (e.g., visually impaired persons). Where thebuttons304 are encoded and thebutton receiving members306 adapted to read this encoding, the user can further change the locations of particular buttons (e.g., send button) and can even change the various functionalities of theelectrical device102 in accordance with the particular buttons that the user chooses to provide on the device. Such personalization of theelectrical device102 through use of thebuttons304 is discussed in greater detail below.
• Returning toFIG. 2, the one or more I/O devices208 are adapted to facilitate connection to the network110 and/or to another device, such as acomputing device104, and may therefore include one or more serial and/or parallel ports. Where theelectrical device102 is adapted for communications over the network, the I/O devices can further include one or more communication devices such as a modem.
• Thememory202 includes various software (e.g., firmware) programs including anoperating system212, device operation module214, and apersonalization module216. Theoperating system212 contains the various commands used to control the general operation of theelectrical device102. The device operation module214 comprises commands that control the operation of the basicdevice operation hardware204 so that the device can execute its intended, basic functionalities (e.g. copying, scanning, faxing, etc.). Thepersonalization module216 comprises commands (firmware) that enable personalization of the operation of theelectrical device102 in relation to the user interface devices206. Accordingly, thepersonalization module216 is configured to permit customization of the user interface so that the use of theelectrical device102 can be personalized to suit the user. The operation of thepersonalization module216 is described in greater detail below. In addition, thememory202 can include adatabase218 that is used to store various personalization information.
• FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating an example architecture for thecomputing devices104 shown inFIG. 1. As indicated inFIG. 4, eachcomputing device104 can comprise aprocessing device400,memory402, one or more user interface devices404, adisplay406, and one or more I/O devices408, each of which are connected to alocal interface410. Theprocessing device400 can include any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU) or an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with thecomputing device104, a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip), or a macroprocessor. Thememory402 can include any one of a combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, etc.)) and nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, etc.).
• The one or more user interface devices404 comprise those components with which the user can interact with thecomputing device104. By way of example, these components comprise those typically used in conjunction with a PC such as a keyboard and mouse. Similarly, thedisplay406 can comprise a display typically used in conjunction with a PC such as a computer monitor. The one or more I/O devices408, like I/O devices210, comprise components that facilitate connection to the network110 and/or direct connection to another device, such as theelectrical device102.
• Thememory402 normally comprises anoperating system412 and adevice personalization module414. Theoperating system412 controls the execution of other software and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. Thedevice personalization module414 comprises software that is used to remotely control the personalization of theelectrical device102. Operation of thedevice personalization module414 is described in detail below with reference toFIGS. 5. In addition, thememory402 can include adatabase416 that, likedatabase218, can be used to store various personalization information.
• Various software and/or firmware programs have been described herein. It is to be understood that these programs can be stored on any computer readable medium for use by or in connection with any computer related system or method. In the context of this document, a computer readable medium is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or means that can contain or store a computer program for use by or in connection with a computer related system or method. These programs can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be any means that can store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.
• The computer readable medium can be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a nonexhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM). Note that the computer-readable medium can even be paper or another suitable medium upon which a program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via for instance optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted or otherwise processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.
• Anexample system100 having been described above, operation of the system will now be discussed. In the discussion that follows, flow diagrams are provided. It is to be understood that any process steps or blocks in these flow diagrams represent modules, segments, or portions of code that include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process. It will be appreciated that, although particular example process steps are described, alternative implementations are feasible. Moreover, steps may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved.
• In a first manner of personalization, the user can change thebuttons304 provided on theelectrical device102 for aesthetic purposes. For example, the user can selectbuttons304 that have different colors, icons, textures, shapes, tactile qualities, etc. Suchremovable buttons304 could be provided along with theelectrical device102 upon purchase, or could be made available to the user as independent items that can be purchased separately from the device. In addition, thebuttons304 could be sold in sets of buttons directed to certain types of use. For example, where the user foresees theelectrical device102 being used by children, a children's set ofbuttons304 may be purchased. Such a set could include various styles ofbuttons304 which children might enjoy. By way of example, thebuttons304 could have vibrant colors, fanciful shapes, fanciful icons (e.g., spider web to indicate the World Wide Web) provided on the finger pads, unusual (e.g., squishy) tactile properties, etc.
• In addition to mere aesthetic appeal, the button sets can be adapted to increase ease of use of thecomputing device102. For instance, where the user is visually impaired, the visual icons normally found on or arounddevice buttons304 are of little use. If, however, a set of Braille-codedbuttons304 were made available, visually impaired persons could then use theelectrical device102 without the aid of another person.
• Other manners of personalization are feasible with the above-describedsystem100. For example, in addition to choosing the look and feel of theuser interface buttons304, the user can further modify the placement of the buttons. If, for instance, theelectrical device102 is a scanner, the device may include a “scan” button, a “print’ button, a “fax” button, an “email” button, an “archive” button, etc. each initially located in a particular position on thecontrol panel300 of the electrical device. Where each of thesebuttons304 is removable and encoded, the user could rearrange the location of the buttons to suit his or her personal tastes. Therefore, the user could, for example, place the most frequently usedbuttons304 nearest the user'scomputing device104 to make it easier to control the operation of theelectrical device102. Such rearrangement of thebuttons304 is detected by thepersonalization module216 through the functionality sensing elements and appropriate adjustments made in accordance with the user's selections. In addition, particular sounds (e.g., audible descriptions of the associated functions) could be associated with the encodedbuttons304 and be emitted when the buttons are depressed.
• The user could further change the available functionalities, and therefore operation, of theelectrical device102 throughbutton304 selection. In particular, theelectrical device102 can be sold with a plurality ofdifferent buttons304, each having a different functionality associated with it which the device is capable of performing. Notably, where new buttons, and therefore new functionalities, are purchased after manufacture of thedevice102, the device could, optionally, determine these functionalities by accessing a remote database via thenetwork106. Moreover, new software (e.g., firmware) could be downloaded where thedevice102 is not presently configured for the functionality associated with thebutton304. In such an arrangement, the user could select thevarious buttons304 that would provide the various functionalities the user desires from theelectrical device102. This manner of personalization further permits the user to control use of thedevice102. For example, if theelectrical device102 includes a scanner and the user is a parent that does not wish his or her children to fax images with the device, the user could simply remove a facsimile button from the electrical device, thereby disabling the fax functionality.
• Operation of the userelectrical device102 can also be controlled by directly accessing thepersonalization module216 of theelectrical device102, or thedevice personalization module414 of thecomputing device104. In particular, theelectrical device102 can be programmed with thepersonalization modules216,414 so that particular buttons are assigned particular, desired functionalities.FIG. 5 provides an example of operation of thepersonalization modules216,414 in providing this manner of personalization. As indicated inblock500, thepersonalization module216,414 is first activated. The nature of this activation depends upon whichpersonalization module216,414 is being accessed. For instance, where the module comprises thepersonalization module216 of theelectrical device102, activation may occur in response to selection of a “configure” button provided in thecontrol panel300 of the device. Where the module comprises thepersonalization module414 of thecomputing device104, activation may occur in response to initiation of a device personalization application that can be run by the computing device.
• In any case, once thepersonalization module216,414 has been activated, a graphical user interface (GUI) can be presented to the user, as indicated inblock502, which presents various options to the user. For example, one of these options can be used to configure the assigned functionality of theavailable device buttons304. Where this option is provided, it can then be determined whether the user would like to configure the assigned functionalities, as indicated indecision element504. If not, flow for button configuration is terminated. If the user would like to configure the button functionalities, however, flow continues to block506 at which thepersonalization module216,414 prompts the user to select button functionality. The user can be prompted for this information in a variety of ways. By way of example, the user can be presented with two lists, one containing all available buttons304 (e.g., numbered1-n) and the other containing all functionalities for which theelectrical device102 is configured. Where theelectrical device102 comprises a scanner, these functionalities may include, for example, scan, copy, print, scan to a facsimile application, scan to a word processing application, scan to an image editor, scan to a website, etc.
• Thepersonalization module216,414 can then receive the user's selections, as indicated inblock508. By way of example, these selections can be registered by matchingparticular buttons304 identified in the button list with particular functionalities identified in the functionalities list. At this point, thepersonalization module216,414 stores the selections (e.g., indatabase218,416), as indicated inblock510, and facilitates reconfiguration of the button/functionality association of theelectrical device102, as indicated inblock512. Wherepersonalization module414 is being used, this facilitation can comprise transmission of the various selections to thepersonalization module216 of theelectrical device102. Where, on the other hand, thepersonalization module216 is being accessed directly at thedevice102, this facilitation typically comprises storage of the new association in thedatabase218. At this point, flow can return todecision element504.
• The functionality of thebuttons304 can be changed in other ways. For example, theelectrical device102 can be operated in a learning mode in which the user can program a particular button to be associated with one or more device functionalities. An example of operation in the learning mode for thepersonalization module216 is illustrated inFIG. 6. As identified inblock600, thepersonalization module216 is activated in the manner described above in relation toFIG. 5. Once activated, thepersonalization module216 can be placed in the learning mode by, for example, detecting the selection of a “record” button provided on thedevice control panel300, as indicated inblock602. Once placed in the learning mode, thepersonalization module216 can be configured to, for example, receive an identification of whichbutton304 is going to be programmed and then “record” each button selected after the button to be programmed has been selected. In this manner, thepersonalization module216 can associate two or more different functions with one selected button.
• With continued reference toFIG. 6, thepersonalization module216 can detect selection of the button to be programmed, as indicated inblock604. Although this button can be selected, it is to be understood that aparticular button304 of thecontrol panel300 can be set aside specifically for programming in this manner. Next, thepersonalization module216 can detect the selection of various other buttons, as indicated inblock606. This selection reflects the functionalities the user wishes to associate with thebutton304 to be programmed. Once the user has finished selecting buttons (and therefore functionalities), thepersonalization module216 can then detect reselection of the record button, as indicated inblock608, as an indication that the all desired selections of functionalities have been made. At this point, thepersonalization module216 can associate the various functionalities with thebutton304 to be programmed, as indicated inblock610, such that, the next time that programmed button is selected, the various programmed functionalities will be performed by thedevice102. By way of example, if the user programmed abutton304 by selecting the “scan,” “email,” and “archive” buttons, thedevice102 will automatically scan a document or image, automatically transmit the scanned data to the user's email program residing on the user'scomputing device104, and automatically archive the image when the programmed button is selected. Where the user has identified a default email address and has enabled automatic emailing, transmission to the email application can result in the automatic emailing of the scanned data to a default recipient.
• In addition to changing the functionalities associated with thebuttons304, the user can also associate various sounds with the buttons such that a selected sound is emitted when the button is depressed. Such a feature can both make use of the electrical device more appealing to some users (e.g., children) and improve the ease of use for others (e.g., visually and/or hearing impaired persons). Typically, such associations can be made by the user in similar manner to the association of particular functionalities with thebuttons304 described above in relation toFIG. 5. Accordingly, the user may select from a list of available sounds to correlate withvarious buttons304. In some embodiments, theelectrical device102 can further be adapted to receive the user's recorded sounds such that those sounds are added to the list of sounds from which to choose. Operating in this manner, theelectrical device102 can be personalized to the extent that the device operation is unique from all other such devices. Again, such operation can be facilitated by thepersonalization module216,414, which is responsible for creating the various button associations.
• Variations and modifications of the invention are feasible. For example, the personalization described herein can be provided on a user-by-user basis. In such an arrangement, theelectrical device102 is configured to recognize the particular user e.g., through user log in with thecomputing device104 or by selection of a user designation button provided on thedevice102, and to adjust operation of the device in accordance with that user's selections.

Claims (19)

1. A method for personalizing an electrical device having a plurality of button openings that are adapted to receive interchangeable, encoded buttons, comprising the steps of:

providing a graphical user interface having selectable options corresponding to device functionality;

receiving selection of at least one of the selectable options of a particular device functionality to be associated with a particular encoded button; and

assigning the selected device functionality to the encoded button such that when the encoded button is disposed within a button opening of the electrical device and depressed, the selected functionality will be performed by the electrical device.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the step of receiving selection of a particular device functionality comprises receiving selection of a particular sound that is to be emitted by the electrical device when the encoded button is depressed.

3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the selected functionality will be performed by the electrical device when the encoded button is depressed irrespective of the particular button opening in which the button is disposed.

4. A method for enabling customization of an electrical device, comprising:

providing a graphical user interface having selectable options corresponding to device functionality;

receiving a selection input by a device user of at least one of the selectable options of a functionality to be associated with a given removable button;

detecting selection of the given removable button in a device control panel;

determining the functionality associated with the given removable button; and

performing the functionality associated with the given removable button.

5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein receiving a selection comprises receiving a selection input into the electrical device.

6. The method ofclaim 4, wherein receiving a selection comprises receiving a selection input into a computing device separate from the electrical device.

7. The method ofclaim 4, wherein detecting selection comprises detecting the position of a pin of the given removable button with a button receiving member.

8. The method ofclaim 4, wherein determining a functionality comprises determining what electrical device operation to perform when the removable button is selected.

9. The method ofclaim 4, wherein determining a functionality comprises determining a sound to generate when the removable button is selected.

10. A customizable electrical device having a plurality of button openings that are adapted to receive interchangeable, encoded buttons, comprising:

a graphical user interface having selectable options corresponding to device functionality;

a control panel configured to receive a user input corresponding to selection of at least one of the selectable options of a particular device functionality to be associated with a particular encoded button; and

logic configured to assign the selected device functionality to the encoded button such that when the encoded button is disposed within a button opening of the electrical device and depressed, the selected functionality will be performed by the electrical device.

11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein one of the selectable options includes a particular sound that is to be emitted by the electrical device when the encoded button is depressed.

12. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the electrical device is configured to perform the selected functionality responsive to depression of the encoded button irrespective of the particular button opening in which the button is disposed.

13. A system for enabling customization of an electrical device, comprising:

a graphical user interface having selectable options corresponding to device functionality;

a control panel configured to receive a selection input by a device user of at least one of the selectable options of a functionality to be associated with a given removable button; and

logic configured to detect selection of the given removable button in a device control panel and determine the functionality associated with the given removable button, wherein the device performs the functionality associated with the given removable button is implemented.

14. The system ofclaim 13, wherein the control panel is configured to receive a selection input into the electrical device.

15. The system ofclaim 13, wherein the control panel is separate from the electrical device and configured to receive a selection input.

16. The system ofclaim 13, wherein the logic is configured to detect the position of a pin of the given removable button in cooperation with a button receiving member.

17. The system ofclaim 13, wherein the logic is configured to determine what electrical device operation to perform when the removable button is selected.

18. The system ofclaim 13, wherein the logic is configured to determine a sound to generate when the removable button is selected.

19. The system ofclaim 13, wherein the logic is configured in at least one of hardware and software.

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