Abstract: A method and system for enabling a visually impaired user to use a touch-sensitive device. The present invention provides an interface for the visually impaired (IVI) system which enables a visually impaired user to use a touch-sensitive screen. The IVI system provides an explore mode in which a visually impaired user may determine which objects are on the touch-sensitive screen by dragging a finger over the touch-sensitive screen. In particular, the IVI system announces objects as a user touches them. For example, the IVI system announces text as it is touched and announces controls, such as buttons, as they are touched. In addition, the IVI system enables a user to execute controls. A user may execute a control, such as a button, by dragging a finger onto the control, and then, without dragging the finger off of the control, lifting the finger off of the touch-sensitive screen. The IVI system further enables a user to scroll through lists on a touch-sensitive screen.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling a visually impaired user to use a touch-sensitive device. The present invention provides an interface for the visually impaired (IVI) system which enables a visually impaired user to use a touch-sensitive screen. The IVI system provides an explore mode in which a visually impaired user may determine which objects are on the touch-sensitive screen by dragging a finger over the touch-sensitive screen. In particular, the IVI system announces objects as a user touches them. For example, the IVI system announces text as it is touched and announces controls, such as buttons, as they are touched. In addition, the IVI system enables a user to execute controls. A user may execute a control, such as a button, by dragging a finger onto the control, and then, without dragging the finger off of the control, lifting the finger off of the touch-sensitive screen. The IVI system further enables a user to scroll through lists on a touch-sensitive screen.

Abstract: A user interface simplifies operation of a facsimile machine (FAX). A display screen displays a plurality of menus and allows the user to select from the menus. The display contains a touch-sensitive screen to allow the user to select menu options by touching the display screen in a position corresponding to the displayed menu option. The user interface is context sensitive and can interpret the user selections in determining which menu to display. If the user makes an incorrect selection, the system instructs the user as to the proper selection.

Abstract: A user interface simplifies operation of a intelligent facsimile machine (IFAX). A display screen displays a plurality of menus and allows the user to select from the menus. The IFAX can store a plurality of digital cover pages to minimize transmission time for a facsimile cover page. The user may select from a list of stored digital cover pages. The user may also attach a binary data file to a facsimile message and transfer the data to another facsimile machine. The IFAX uses a storage location for storing outgoing facsimile messages. The IFAX periodically check the storage location to determine if more than one facsimile message is to be transmitted to the same location and transmits the facsimile messages in one facsimile telephone call. If the IFAX is coupled to a second IFAX on a network, the two IFAX machines can balance the work load by sending a load transfer request if the number of outgoing facsimile messages exceeds a predetermined threshold level.