DE19802017A1 - Color printing process that uses material with color capsules - Google Patents

Abstract

The printing process has a color film (20) that has a layer of color capsules that contain ink pigment that is released by applying heat and pressure (64) and in doing so transfers the image to a smooth film (70). Paper (19) is fed between the film and a specific position. At this point the color image is transferred onto the paper.

Description

The invention relates to a method for ordering prints of digitized Image files at an order station, the order station being one-sided open housing in which several devices, such as. B. a monitor, a Com computer, a storage compartment for digital cameras, to which several cable guides for Connect the cable to connect the digital cameras and a receipt printer seen and that is closed off to the outside by a front panel, in the front panel in the area of the monitor there is a glass pane with a toucher identifier is appropriate.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a user interface for ordering Aus print digitized image files at an order station, the user area from a monitor and a glass pane in front of the monitor is formed with touch detection, and that the monitor and touch detection the glass pane from a computer with appropriate signals and data are controllable.

In the article in FOTOwirtschaft (November 1997, pages 58-59) and in imaging + foto contact (11/97; pages 59-61) is provided by CeWe Color Digital station before, which is a way to create prints for those in Digi talkamera delivers stored images. The digital image data are sent via Data line sent to a central printing station. A touchscreen is below half the connection cable for the digital cameras, the receipt printer and the  other digital input means attached. Using the touchscreen the necessary entries or selections are made for the print job become. The print jobs are delivered to the specialist dealer at whom the digital station is set up.

The invention has for its object a user-friendly, in one Ordering station in progress, procedure for compiling an order to create printouts of digitized image files that are stored on data carriers various types can be entered in the order station, the Aus prints or prints are to be made in a central printing station.

In addition, a user interface is to be created for the process, the be easily adapted to updates or design changes can and is therefore particularly easy to service.

This is achieved according to the invention by a method with the steps:

• - Select one on an input interface during the ordering process language used by touching one of the desired language assigned active field on the glass pane, abge from the computer call and can be displayed accordingly on the monitor;
• - Select one on an input medium interface through the computer the carrier of the digitized image files shown on the monitor, whereby by Touch an active field assigned to the desired carrier on the Glass pane through which the computer represents an index interface on the monitor is cash;
• - Select at least one image of the to be included in the order Images displayed on the index interface, touching one of the desired image assigned active field on the glass pane by the Computer a format selection interface can be displayed on the monitor;
• - Select the format in the format selection interface by touching one of the preset format assigned active field on the glass pane and Confirm the selection by touching a confirmation icon, the on  an active field is assigned to the glass pane, whereupon the computer one can be displayed in the number selection interface on the monitor;
• - Enter the number of prints for the selected image in the number selection Interface by touching active fields on the glass pane that one Assigned to the keypad and confirm entry by touching a confirmation icon that has an active field assigned to it on the glass pane is what an order overview interface on the Monitor can be displayed;
• - Confirmation of the order on the inventory overview interface by touch a confirmation icon that has an active field on the glass pane is arranged, whereupon an address input interface on the Monitor can be displayed;
• - Enter the user data in the address input interface by touching acti ver fields on the glass pane that are assigned to a keypad, and Confirm the entry by touching a confirmation icon on the Glass pane is assigned an active field, which is indicated by the computer Confirmation interface can be displayed on the monitor;
• - Confirm the order in the confirmation interface by touching a Confirmation icons to which an active field is assigned on the glass pane, whereupon the computer prints out a receipt using the receipt printer and then sending the order to a central printing station via data line.

Furthermore, this is achieved through a user interface, in which in a Spei cher of the computer the Inter necessary to carry out the procedure Faced representations are filed that are required to carry out the method individual interface representations from the computer's memory bar and can be displayed on the monitor, and that for every interface display a file exists in the computer's memory in which the coordinates of the active fields for touch detection are defined on the glass pane, which ent speaking of the procedure for the corresponding interface representation on the Glass pane is present.  

The advantage of the ordering station is that a user can easily can print digital image files. The digita len image files from recordings with digital cameras or by using the Order station digitized conventional negative or positive films or fil men of the ADVANCED PHOTO SYSTEM. Another source of digital image data can be a PC card, a floppy disk drive or a zip drive be. The corresponding drives are integrated directly into a computer. The Images become specific by the user through the ordering station Print order compiled, the final electronically to a central office is sent for exposure. To this end, the ordering station comprises several Devices such as B. a touchscreen, a computer, a receipt printer and Various cables for connecting the various digital cameras.

Further advantageous refinements of the invention can be found in the subclaims be removed.

Based on the embodiment shown in the drawing, the object described the invention.

Show it:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the ordering station.

Fig. 2 is a diagram of an input interface of the user interface;

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an input device interface for selecting the source of digitized image data;

Fig. 4 is an illustration of a camera manufacturer interfaces for selecting the manufacturer of the camera in which the digitized image data are contained;

Fig. 5 includes an illustration of a camera interface for selecting the type of camera, the digitized image data;

Fig. 6 is an illustration of an index interfaces to select a particular image to produce a printout of the digitized image data;

Figure 7 is an illustration of a format selection interface for selecting the format of the image to be printed.

Fig. 8 is an illustration of a number dial interface for entering the number of copies of a specific image;

Fig. 9 is an illustration of an order list interfaces for displaying the entire compiled by a user of the print job order station;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an address input interface for inputting the user data;

Fig. 11 is an illustration of a confirmation supply interfaces for Auftragsbestäti;

Figure 12 is a representation of an editing interface for editing an assigned just the application pattern.

Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of the receipt that a user receives after completing the ordering process; and

Fig. 14 is a flowchart for illustrating the method according to the invention.

An ordering station 2 for performing the method is shown in perspective view in FIG. 1. The ordering station 2 consists of a housing 4 which is open on one side and which has several devices such as B. a monitor 10 , a computer 12 , a storage compartment 14 for digital cameras, to which a plurality of cable guides 15 for the cables (not shown) for connecting the digital cameras and a receipt printer 16 encloses. The housing 4 is covered with a front panel 6 . The front panel 6 can be designed to be lockable by means of a lock (not shown) in order to allow access to the inside of the housing 4 only by an authorized person. Furthermore, the front panel 6 is designed such that the devices inside the housing 4 are protected against Vandalis mus. The electrical connections from the inside of the housing 4 to the outside are achieved by means of a plug connector 20 in order to thus supply the necessary electrical energy to the devices and likewise to establish the necessary communication connections to external devices or a central printing station (not shown). The computer 12 is accessible to the user from the outside in such a way that, apart from the feed of the digitized image data directly from the internal memory of the digital camera, the input of the digitized image data from further data carriers, such as, for. B. PC card, floppy disks or zip drives is possible. For this purpose, the corresponding drives (not shown) are integrated directly in the computer 12 . Another input option is a scanner (not shown) for films of the ADVANCED PHOTO SYSTEM, which in its installation size corresponds to the standard sizes of the conventional drives mentioned above.

The monitor 10 has a glass pane 18 with an integrated touch detection as an attachment. The glass pane 18 protects the monitor against vandalism and the touch detection enables certain functions or activities of the ordering station to be activated by means of symbols or characters shown on the monitor 10 by touching the glass pane 18 . The monitor 10 represents the various user interfaces required for the operation and use of the ordering station, which can be activated or deactivated by touching the glass pane 18 in the area of a corresponding symbol. As already mentioned above, the touch recognition integrated in the glass pane 18 registers the location of the touch and consequently initiates an action associated with the symbol via the computer 12 .

The user interface comprises several individual interfaces which can be displayed on the monitor 12 and can be called up according to the user input. The user interface also guides the user through the ordering process for an order. The individual interfaces are stored with the associated symbols in the memory (not shown) of the computer 12 provided in the ordering station. The individual interfaces are then called up according to the user input.

An input interface 100 is shown in Fig. 2a. Active fields are defined on the glass pane 18 for touch detection. As is described in more detail below in some examples, the active fields are each determined by a first start coordinate pair Start-X and Start-Y and by an end coordinate pair End-X and End-Y. Each of the active fields on the glass pane 18 thus has the shape of a square with four right angles. The X coordinates are defined along a width B and the Y coordinates along a height H of each individual interface.

These active fields are located in front of the symbols shown on the monitor 12 , which activate subsequent individual interfaces. The coordinates of the active fields of one embodiment are disclosed in the description below. It is self-evident for a person skilled in the art that not only with this interface but with all other interfaces, a different design of the respective interface and the arrangement of the active fields necessary for this interface can be freely selected. The coordinates for the active fields depend on the design of the user interface or the individual interfaces belonging to the user interface. In the embodiment shown here, the company logo 101 is located in the upper right corner, for which an active field is defined on the glass pane 18 . When the company logo 101 or the active field defined above is touched, a service routine is started. In the lower area of the input interface 100 there are a first and a second flag 102 and 103 , which stand for the respective language used in the order compilation. When one of the two flags 102 or 103 is touched, the language assigned to the corresponding flag 102 , 103 is selected.

The data (start coordinate pair, end coordinate pair) for defining the active fields are stored for each individual interface in a separate file which can be called up from the memory 12 according to the activation of the associated individual interface by the computer 12 .

After the user has decided on a language for operating the ordering station 2 , an input medium interface 200 opens. On the glass pane 18 there are several active fields for the input media and two further active fields are provided for the control of the order station 2 . In the top left corner of the input medium interface 200 , a first icon 201 is provided for returning to the previous input interface 100 . In the lower left corner of the input medium interface 200 there is a second icon 202 for canceling the ordering process. The various input options, such as B. a CD-ROM 203 , a digital camera 204 , a ZIP disk 205, a PCMCIA card 206, a film scanner 207 or a 3.5 disk 208 are shown on the monitor 10 by corresponding symbols. If the user touches the CD-ROM 203 , the ZIP disk 205 , the PCMCIA card 206 , the film scanner 207 or the 3.5 ″ disk 208 , the digitized image data are read from the selected data carrier. On the other hand, if the user touches the digital camera, a camera manufacturer interface 300 (see FIG. 4) is opened.

On the camera manufacturer interface 300 , several active fields are provided for the different camera manufacturers and two further active fields for controlling the ordering station 2 . In the upper left corner of the camera manufacturer interface 300 , a first icon 301 is provided for returning to the previous input medium interface 200 . In the lower left corner of the camera manufacturer interface 300 , a second icon 302 is provided for canceling the order process. In the embodiment presented here, four different symbols ( 303 , 304 , 305 and 306 ) are provided for the camera manufacturers, to which corresponding active fields are superimposed on the glass pane 18 . In the following description, the corner coordinates of the active fields are omitted, since their selection depends on the design of the individual interface used and is therefore in the inventive ability of a person skilled in the art. If the user touches the manufacturer of his digital camera, a camera interface 400 (see FIG. 5) is opened.

A plurality of active fields for the different cameras of a manufacturer and two further active fields for controlling the ordering station 2 are provided on the camera interface 400 . In the upper left corner of the camera interface 400 , a first icon 401 is provided for returning to the previous camera manufacturer interface 300 . In the lower left corner of the camera interface 400 , a second icon 402 is seen for canceling the ordering process. In the embodiment presented here, six different symbols ( 403 , 404 , 405 , 406 , 407 and 408 ) are provided for the different camera types of a manufacturer, to which corresponding active fields on the glass pane 18 are superimposed. It goes without saying that the number and location of the active fields or the associated symbols are adapted to the offer of the manufacturers of digital cameras. If the user touches the digital camera he is using, the digital image data are read out and displayed on an index interface 500 ( FIG. 6).

Several active fields for the various images present on the storage medium or in the digital camera and three further active fields for controlling the ordering station 2 are provided on the index interface 500 . In the upper left corner of the index interface 500 , a first icon 501 is provided for returning to the previous interface page. A second icon 502 is provided in the lower left corner of the index interface 500 for canceling the ordering process. In the upper right corner of the index interface 500 , a third icon 503 is provided for scrolling to the following interface page. In the embodiment presented here, for. B. twelve of the images stored in the digital camera or on another data carrier images 504 , 505 , 506 , 507 , 508 , 509 , 510 , 511 , 512 , 513 , 514 and 515 on an interface page. Corresponding active fields are superimposed on the glass pane 18 in accordance with the representation of the images on the monitor 10 . The user can select these images that he wants to send to a central print station for printing. Does the user want e.g. B. a printout of the image 509 (second line, second column), he simply touches this image 509 on the index interface 500 and a format selection interface 600 ( FIG. 7) is opened.

On the format selection interface 600 there are several active fields for preset formats, which can be selected for printing out for the image displayed on the format selection interface 600 and selected in the index interface 500 . In the embodiment shown here, three different formats are preset. Format and price information fields 604 , 605 and 606 are shown on the monitor 10 of the ordering station 2 . The format and price information fields 604 , 605 and 606 are provided directly next to the large image 509 . In the upper left corner of the format selection interface 600 , a first icon 601 is provided for returning to the previous interface page. In the lower left corner of the format selection interface 600 , a second icon 602 is provided for canceling the ordering process. Furthermore, confirmation icon 603 is provided under the large representation of image 509 . A first and a second image change field 607 and 608 are provided above the image 509 , with the first image change field 607 causing the image 509 to be rotated to the left and the second image change field 608 to rotate the image 509 to the right. As described above, the first icon 601 , the second icon 602 , the confirmation icon 603 , the format and price information fields 604 , 605 and 606 , the first image change field 607 and the second image change field 608 are overlaid on active glass fields 18 . When the user has made the desired format selection, he touches the confirmation icon 603 on the format selection interface 600 and a number selection interface 700 ( FIG. 8) is opened.

A numerical keypad 720 is shown on the number selection interface 700 . The numeric keypad 720 comprises individual numeric fields 706 , 707 , 708 , 710 , 711 , 712 , 713 , 714 , 715 and 716 . A delete key 709 is provided to the left of the keypad 720 , with which the inputs made by the keypad 720 can be deleted again. In the upper left corner of the number selection interface 700 , a first icon 701 is provided for returning to the previous format selection interface 600 . In the lower left corner of the number selection interface 700 , a second icon 702 is provided for canceling the order process. Furthermore, a confirmation icon 703 is provided, the actuation of which can confirm the user input. According to the above description, the first icon 701 , the second icon 702 , the confirmation icon 703 , the numeric fields 706 , 707 , 708 , 710 , 711 , 712 , 713 , 714 , 715 and 716 and the delete button 709 on the glass pane 18 are correspondingly active Fields overlaid, whose functions can be activated by touch. To the right of the keypad 720 is again shown the image 509 to which the selection currently being processed relates. Below the image, a subtotal field 705 is shown on the monitor 10 , which shows the amount already accumulated for the order placed by the user. A display 704 is provided above the keypad 720 , which shows the number of desired printouts of the current image just entered by the user. If the user has completed the order for the current image 509 , he touches the confirmation icon 703 and then an order overview interface 800 ( FIG. 9) is opened.

The entire order created by the user is summarized on the order overview interface 800 . For this purpose, an information field 801 for the user, including a confirmation icon 803 , then a first addition icon 804 and a second addition icon 805 and finally an icon 802 for canceling the ordering process are provided on the right edge of the order overview interface 800 . Furthermore, the images currently belonging to the order are shown in a compilation 806 on the order overview interface 800 . The format, the number of prints, the unit price and the total price are listed for each image. In accordance with the description above, the icon 802 , the confirmation icon 803 , the first addition icon 804 , the second addition icon 805 and the images 807 , 808 , 809 and 810 of the current order are overlaid on corresponding active fields on the glass pane 18 by touching certain functions or files can be activated in the computer 12 . If the user does not want to change anything in the current order anymore, he touches the confirmation icon 803 and then an address input interface 900 ( FIG. 10) is opened.

A keypad 904 is shown on the address input interface 900 , via which the user is to make personal entries with regard to the name, the street, the place of residence and the telephone number. The keypad 904 comprises a plurality of small keys, which are arranged in the same way as a conventional typewriter. On the keypad 904 a first field 905, a second field 906, a third field 907, and a fourth field 908 is provided, in which the catches by the user via the keypad 904 inputs are shown. In the upper left corner of the address input interface 900 , a first icon 901 is provided for the return to the previous interface page. In the lower left corner of the address input interface 900 , a second icon 902 is provided for canceling the ordering process. Furthermore, a confirmation icon 903 is provided under the first icon 901 , with which the correctness of the user input is confirmed. According to the description above, the first icon 901 , the second icon 902 , the confirmation icon 903 , and all keys of the keypad 904 on the glass pane 18 are overlaid with corresponding active fields, by touching which certain functions or files can be activated in the computer 12 . If the user does not want to change any of the inputs he has made, he touches the confirmation icon 903 and then a confirmation interface 1000 ( FIG. 11) is opened.

A first icon 1001 is provided on the confirmation interface 1000 for returning to the previous interface page. A second icon 1002 is provided in the lower left corner of the confirmation interface 1000 for canceling the ordering process. Furthermore, a confirmation icon 1003 is shown in the central lower area of the monitor 10 . Corresponding to the description above, the first icon 1001 , the second icon 1002 and the confirmation icon 1003 are overlaid on the glass pane 18 corresponding active fields, by touching certain functions or files in the computer 12 can be activated. If the user wants to make the final confirmation, he touches the confirmation icon 1003 and then a print interface (not shown) is opened. The print interface advises the user how to remove a receipt 30 ( FIG. 13) issued by the receipt printer 16 .

In addition, the user still has the option of calling up an editing interface 1100 ( FIG. 12). The editing interface 1100 is opened by touching the image to be edited in the order overview interface 800 . A first icon 1101 is provided on the editing interface 1100 for returning to the previous interface page. In the lower left corner of the editing interface 1100 , a second icon 1102 is provided for canceling the ordering process. In addition to a representation 1106 of the image to be edited, a format field 1103 , a number field 1104 and a delete field 1105 are provided. Corresponding to the above description, the first icon 1101 , the second icon 1102 , the format field 1103 , the number field 1104 and the deletion field 1105 are overlaid on the glass pane 18, corresponding active fields, by the touch of which certain functions or files in the computer 12 can be activated .

The receipt 30 issued to the user by the receipt printer 18 of the ordering station 2 is shown in FIG. 13. According to one embodiment, the receipt 30 is divided into seven blocks. The number and arrangement of the individual blocks is within the inventive ability of a person skilled in the art. A first block 31 is provided for the printing of a logo or a brand. A second block 32 is provided for printing the name and address of a provider, in whose rooms the ordering station 2 is set up. A third block is provided for printing the address of the user or the person to whom the print job is to be sent. A fourth block 34 is provided for printing the total price of the print job. A fifth block 35 is provided for printing the order number. A sixth block 36 is provided for the printing of a bar code, which reflects the total price of the order. A seventh block 37 is provided for the printing of a bar code which represents the order number of the order.

The method for ordering prints of digitized image files at the ordering station 2 is shown schematically in a flowchart in FIG. 14. All selections or inputs that the user has to make during the ordering process are achieved via touch detection of active fields that are defined on the glass pane 18 in front of the monitor 10 .

In a first step, the user selects 40 a language that is to be used during the ordering process. The different languages are symbolized by the corresponding national flags. The user touches the glass pane 18 in the area of the language chosen by him, which is then used for the entire ordering process. The computer 12 then loads onto the monitor 10 the input medium interface 200 from a file (see FIG. 3) and the coordinates of the active fields belonging to the input medium interface 200 from another file. Using these coordinates, the computer 12 generates the active fields, on the glass pane 18 , which are defined in front of the input medium interface 300 shown on the monitor 10 .

In a further step, the user selects 41 the input medium on which the digitized image data is stored. The corresponding input medium must be inserted by the user into a drive provided for this purpose or connected to corresponding connection cables (not shown). The computer 12 then loads onto the monitor 10 from a file the index interface 500 ( FIG. 6) and in the process displays a plurality of the images present on the input medium in a matrix arrangement on the monitor 10 coordinates of the active fields belonging to the matrix arrangement are called. Using these coordinates, the computer 12 generates the active fields on the glass pane 18 , which are defined in superposition with the index interface 500 shown on the monitor 10 .

If the user selects the digital camera as an input medium in the previous step of selecting 41 , then he has to carry out two further steps before the index interface 500 is displayed on the monitor 10 . When selecting the digital camera, the computer 12 then loads the monitor manufacturer interface 300 from a file onto the monitor 10 ( FIG. 4) and thereby provides several camera manufacturers, e.g. B. in the form of a digital camera produced by this manufacturer, on the monitor 10. The coordinates of the active fields belonging to the manufacturer of the camera are called from another file and are superimposed on the glass pane 18 with that shown on the monitor 10 Camera manufacturer defined. With a selection 41 a, the user selects the manufacturer of his camera by touching the corresponding representation of the camera manufacturer. The computer 12 then loads the camera interface 400 ( FIG. 5) from a file onto the monitor 10 and in this case displays several camera types from a manufacturer in a suitable manner on the monitor 10. The files belonging to the camera interface 400 become another file Coordinates of the active fields are called up and the computer 12 displays the active fields on the glass pane 18 in superimposition with the representations of the individual camera types. The user then comes with a further selection 41 b by touching the pictorial representation of his camera type to the aforementioned Index interface 500 ( Fig. 6).

With a selection 42 , the user selects an image from the index interface 500 (here, for example, the image 509 ), which is then adopted in the print job after user-specific entries. If the user touches the representation of the image on the glass pane 18 , the computer 12 then loads the format selection interface 600 from a file onto the monitor 10 ( FIG. 7), the selected image being shown in a large representation. Furthermore, format and price information fields 604 ,. . ., 606 , and the first and second image change fields 607 and 608 with corresponding information for the user and a confirmation icon 603 on the monitor 10 . The coordinates belonging to the representation of the active fields are called up from another file and the computer 12 displays the active fields on the glass pane 18 in overlay with the representation of the corresponding format selection interface 600 on the monitor 10. The user can have his here Make entries accordingly.

With a selection 43 of the format in the format selection interface 600 , the image can be assigned one of several preset formats. For this, the user touches the active fields on the glass pane 18, the format and price information fields 604 displayed on the monitor 10. . ., 606 , or the first and second image change fields 607 and 608 are assigned. The user then confirms the selection 42 by touching the active field formed on the glass pane 18 at the location of the confirmation icon 603 on the monitor 10 . The computer 12 then loads the number selection interface 700 from a file ( FIG. 8). By entering 44 , the user can determine the number of prints of the selected image. Furthermore, the user also receives an indication of the price for this number of prints as a subtotal. The coordinates of the active fields belonging to the number selection interface 700 are called up from another file and the computer 12 displays the active fields on the glass pane 18 in superimposition with the corresponding representations of the number selection interface 700 .

If the user touches the glass pane 18 at the end of the input 44 at the location of the confirmation icon 703 of the number selection interface 700 , the computer 12 loads the order overview interface 800 from a file onto the monitor 10 ( FIG. 9). The computer 12 loads the coordinates of the active fields belonging to the order overview interface 800 from another file and displays the active fields on the glass pane 18 in superimposition with the corresponding representations of the order overview interface 800. The structure of the order overview interface 800 and the distribution of the active fields are detailed in Fig. 9.

Upon subsequent actuation 45 , the user touches the glass pane 18 at the location of the confirmation icon 803 of the order overview interface 800 . The computer 12 loads the address input interface 900 from a file onto the monitor 10 ( FIG. 10). The computer 12 loads the coordinates of the active fields belonging to the address input interface 900 from another file and displays the active fields on the glass pane 18 in superimposition with the corresponding representations of the address input interface 900. The structure of the address input interface 900 and the distribution of the active fields are detailed in Fig. 10.

Entering 46 of the user data in the address input interface 900 is done by the user touching the corresponding active fields on the glass pane 18 to generate an address, which are superimposed on the keys of the keypads 904 shown on the monitor 10 . After completion of the enter 46 , the user touches the glass pane 18 at the location of the confirmation icon 903 of the address input interface 900 and the computer 12 then loads the confirmation interface 1000 from a file ( FIG. 11). In the central area of the monitor 10 , the confirmation icon 1003 is shown in addition to other fields. The computer 12 from another file loads belonging to the Affirmation confining interface 1000 coordinates of the active areas and provides on the glass sheet 18, the active fields in superposition with the corresponding representations of the confirmation interface 1000..

With a confirmation 47 , the user touches the glass pane 18 in the area of the confirmation icon 1003 . The computer then loads the print interface (not shown) onto the monitor 10 of the ordering station 2 from a file. The user receives an instruction for removing the receipt 30 from the receipt printer 16 .

At a cash register (not shown), the sixth block 36 with the barcode for the price of the order and the seventh block with the barcode 37 for the order number is scanned (other input options, such as typing, scanning and typing, are also conceivable). In a further embodiment, the receipt 30 does not have a seventh block 37 with the bar code for the order number. As already mentioned above, the design of the receipt lies in the inventive skill of a person skilled in the art.

In one embodiment, only when the user has paid the price for the order at the checkout, e.g. B. sent a signal from the cash register to the computer 12 of the ordering station 2 , whereby the order is sent 48 with the specific order number to a central printing station. The print job can be sent to the central print station via the Internet, an ISDN line or as a package with several other jobs at low telephone charges. Furthermore, it is possible that the user sends his order to the central printing station immediately or confirms it for a later collective dispatch by confirming his order.

As already mentioned above (see editing interface 1100 ), the user can choose an editing step 45 a. By touching the glass pane 18 at the location of the image to be edited in the representation of the order overview interface 800 , the editing interface 1100 is opened. The computer 12 loads the editing interface 1100 (see FIG. 12) from a file onto the monitor 10 . The computer 12 loads the coordinates of the active fields belonging to the editing interface 1100 from another file and displays the active fields on the glass pane 18 in superimposition with the corresponding representations of the editing interface 1100. The structure of the editing interface 1100 and the distribution of the active fields are detailed in Fig. 12.

If the user touches z. B. the glass pane 18 in the area of the format field 1103 , the computer 12 again displays the format selection interface 600 on the monitor. The user can then change the format of the image as described above. If the user touches z. B. the glass pane 18 in the area of the number field 1104 , the computer 12 again displays the number selection interface 700 on the monitor. The user can then change the number of prints for the particular image as described above. If the user touches z. B. the glass pane 18 in the area of the erase field 1105 , the computer 12 in turn shows the order overview interface 800 on the monitor 10 . The image selected for deletion is therefore missing on the order overview interface 800 .

Starting from the order overview interface 800 , the user can open the input medium interface 200 again by touching the glass pane 18 in the area of the first addition icon 804 by the computer 12 . The user can thus add digitized images from another source to the print job. If the user touches the glass pane 18 in the area of the second addition icon 805 , the index interface 500 is displayed on the monitor by the computer 12 and the user can add another image to the print job. Regardless of which interface the user reaches through his selection, the method according to the invention is carried out as described above.

In one embodiment, the glass pane 18 is designed as a safety glass pane in order to better protect the ordering station 2 against vandalism.

The invention has been described in relation to a preferred embodiment, but of course you can do one within the scope of the craftsmanship Expert modifications can be made without changing the scope of the claims below.  

Reference list

2nd

Order station

4th

casing

6

Front panel

10th

monitor

12th

computer

14

Storage compartment for digital cameras

15

Cable guides

16

Bon printer

18th

Glass pane

20th

Power strip

30th

receipt

31

first block

32

second block

33

third block

34

fourth block

35

fifth block

36

sixth block

37

seventh block

40

Select on the input interface

41

Select on the input medium interface

41

a Select the camera manufacturer

41

b Select the camera type

42

Select on the index interface

43

Select in the format selection interface

44

Enter by touching the confirmation icon

45

Confirm on the order overview interface

45

a Edit

46

Enter in the address input interface

47

Confirm in the confirmation interface

48

Send the order to a printing station

100

Input interface

101

Company logo

102

first flag

103

second flag

200

Input medium interface

201

first icon

202

second icon

203

CD-ROM

204

Digital camera

205

ZIP disk 3.5 '

206

PCMCIA card

207

Film scanner

208

Discelle

300

Camera manufacturer interface

301

first icon

302

second icon

303

,. . .,

306

Symbols for the camera manufacturers

400

Camera interface

401

first icon

402

second icon

403

,. . .,

408

Icons for the different camera types

500

Index interface

501

first icon

502

second icon

503

third icon

504

,. . .,

515

Presentation of the saved images

600

Format selection interface

601

first icon

602

second icon

603

Confirmation icon

604

,. . .

606

Format and price information fields

607

first image change field

608

second image change field

700

Number selection interface

701

first icon

702

second icon

703

Confirmation icon

704

display

705

Subtotal field

706

,. . .,

708

Numeric fields

709

Delete key

710

,. . .,

716

Numeric fields

720

Keypad

800

Order overview interface

801

Information field

802

Cancel icon

803

Confirmation icon

804

first addition icon

805

second addition icon

806

Compilation

807

,. . .,

810

pictures

900

Address input interface

901

first icon

902

second icon

903

Confirmation icon

904

Keypad

905

first field

906

second field

907

third field

908

fourth field

1000

Confirmation interface

1001

first icon

1002

second icon

1003

Confirmation icon

1100

Editing interface

1101

first icon

1102

second icon

1103

Format field

1104

Number field

1105

Erase field

1106

Representation of the image to be edited
B Width of the single interface
H Height of the single interface

Claims (13)

1. A method for ordering prints of digitized image files at an ordering station ( 2 ), the ordering station ( 2 ) consisting of a housing ( 4 ) which is open on one side and in which several devices, such as, for. B. a monitor ( 10 ), a computer ( 12 ), a storage compartment ( 14 ) for digital cameras, to which several cable guides for connecting cables for connecting the digital cameras, and a receipt printer ( 16 ), are provided and through a front panel ( 6 ) is closed to the outside, a glass pane ( 18 ) with touch recognition being attached in the front panel ( 6 ) in the area of the monitor ( 10 ), the method being characterized by the following steps:

• - Selecting ( 40 ) a language used on an input interface ( 100 ) during the ordering process, which is retrieved by touching an active field assigned to the desired language on the glass pane ( 18 ) from the computer ( 12 ) and correspondingly on the monitor ( 10 ) can be displayed;
• - Selecting ( 41 ) a carrier of the digitized image files displayed on an input medium interface ( 200 ) by the computer ( 12 ) on the monitor ( 10 ), by touching an active field on the glass pane ( 18 ) assigned to the desired carrier, an index interface ( 500 ) can be displayed on the monitor ( 10 ) by the computer ( 12 );
• - Selecting ( 42 ) at least one image ( 509 ) to be included in the order of the images displayed on the index interface ( 500 ), the computer (() touching an active field on the glass pane ( 18 ) assigned to the desired image ( 12 ) a format selection interface ( 600 ) can be displayed on the monitor ( 10 );
• - Select ( 43 ) the format in the format selection interface ( 600 ) by touching an active field assigned to the preset format on the glass pane ( 18 ) and confirming the selection ( 43 ) by touching a confirmation icon ( 603 ) on the glass pane ( 18 ) an active field is assigned, whereupon a number selection interface ( 700 ) can be displayed on the monitor ( 10 ) by the computer ( 12 );
• - Enter ( 44 ) the number of prints for the selected image ( 509 ) in the number selection interface ( 700 ) by touching active fields on the glass pane ( 18 ) which are assigned to a keypad ( 720 ) and confirm the entry ( 44 ) by touching a confirmation icon ( 703 ) to which an active field is assigned on the glass pane ( 18 ), whereupon an order overview interface ( 800 ) can be displayed on the monitor ( 10 ) by the computer ( 12 );
• - Confirming ( 45 ) the order on the order overview interface ( 800 ) by touching a confirmation icon ( 803 ) to which an active field is assigned on the glass pane ( 18 ), whereupon the computer ( 12 ) has an address input interface ( 900 ) can be displayed on the monitor ( 10 );
• - Entering ( 46 ) the user data in the address input interface ( 900 ) by touching active fields on the glass pane ( 18 ) which are assigned to a keypad ( 904 ) and confirming the input ( 46 ) by touching a confirmation icon ( 903 ), the an active field is assigned on the glass pane ( 18 ), whereupon the computer ( 12 ) can display a confirmation interface ( 1000 ) on the monitor ( 10 );
• - Confirm ( 47 ) the order in the confirmation interface ( 1000 ) by touching a confirmation icon ( 1003 ) to which an active field is assigned on the glass pane ( 18 ), whereupon the computer ( 12 ) uses the receipt printer ( 16 ) to issue a receipt ( 30 ) is printed and then the order is sent ( 48 ) to a central printing station via data line.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that on the receipt ( 30 ) a plurality of blocks ( 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ) are provided, a sixth block ( 36 ) bearing the printing of a bar code, which represents the total price of the order and a seventh block ( 37 ) bears the imprint of a bar code which represents the order number of the order, and that the sending ( 48 ) of the order takes place after the user places the order with the specific order number at a cash register paid. 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the cash register comprises means for reading the two bar codes ( 36 , 37 ), and that the computer ( 12 ) receives a signal from the cash register that the order has been paid for with the specific order number whereupon the computer ( 12 ) releases the order with the specific order number for sending ( 48 ). 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the user when selecting ( 41 ) on the input medium interface ( 200 ) selects the digital camera represented by the computer ( 12 ) on the monitor ( 10 ), so that by touching the symbol for the digital camera assigned active field on the glass pane ( 18 ), through the computer ( 12 ) a camera manufacturer interface ( 300 ) can be displayed on the monitor ( 10 ), characterized by the further steps:

• - Select ( 41 a) the camera manufacturer of the digital camera currently connected to the ordering station ( 2 ) by touching the active field assigned to the symbol for the digital camera on the glass pane ( 18 ), and wherein the computer ( 12 ) has a camera interface ( 400 ) can be displayed on the monitor ( 10 ), and
• - Selecting ( 41 b) the camera type of a camera manufacturer by touching the active field assigned to the symbol of the camera type on the glass pane ( 18 ), and the index interface ( 500 ) can be displayed on the monitor ( 10 ) by the computer ( 12 ) .

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that editing ( 45 a) from the order overview interface ( 800 ) by touching a selected image, which is assigned an active field on the glass pane ( 18 ), where up by the computer ( 12 ) an editing interface ( 1100 ) can be displayed on the monitor ( 10 ), and that by touching a format field ( 1103 ), which is assigned an active field on the glass pane ( 18 ), whereupon the computer ( 12 ) does this Format selection interface ( 600 ) on the monitor ( 10 ), by touching a number field ( 1104 ) to which an active field is assigned on the glass pane ( 18 ), whereupon the number selection interface ( 700 ) on the computer ( 12 ) Monitor ( 10 ) can be displayed. 6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the selected image can be deleted from the current order by touching an erase field ( 1105 ), to which an active field is assigned on the glass pane ( 18 ), in the order overview interface ( 800 ). 7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the order overview interface ( 800 ) by touching a first addition icon ( 804 ), which is assigned an active field on the glass pane ( 18 ), by the computer ( 12 ) the input medium. Interface ( 200 ) can be displayed on the monitor ( 10 ) and thus further other input media for the digital images of an order can be selected. 8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the order overview interface ( 800 ) by touching a second addition icon ( 805 ), which is assigned an active field on the glass pane ( 18 ), by the computer ( 12 ) the index Interface ( 500 ) can be displayed on the monitor ( 10 ) and thus further images can be selected for the order. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the glass pane ( 18 ) is designed as a safety glass pane. 10. User interface for ordering printouts of digitized image files at an ordering station ( 2 ), the user interface being formed from a monitor ( 10 ) and a glass pane ( 18 ) with touch recognition attached in front of the monitor ( 10 ), and that the monitor ( 10 ) and the Toucherken voltage of the glass pane ( 18 ) can be controlled by a computer ( 12 ) with corresponding signals and data, characterized in that: the interface representations required for carrying out the method are stored in a memory of the computer ( 12 ), that the for execution of the method required individual interface representations from the memory of the computer ( 12 ) can be called up and displayed on the monitor ( 10 ), and that for each interface representation a file is available in the memory of the computer ( 12 ) in which the coordinates of the active fields for the touch detection on the glass pane ( 18 ) are defined, which according to the procedure a blue for the corresponding interface display on the glass pane ( 18 ) is present. 11. User interface according to claim 10, characterized in that the Coordinates of each of the active fields by a first start coordinate pair (Start-X, Start-Y) and by an end coordinate pair (End-X, End-Y) are determined. 12. User interface according to claim 11, characterized in that each of the active fields on the glass pane ( 18 ) forms a square with four right Win angles. 13. User interface according to claim 10, characterized in that the glass pane ( 18 ) is designed as a safety glass pane.