EP0718801A1 - User interface for a franking machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Under the matrix liq. crystal display module (10) six softkeys (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) are arranged, with two scrolling keys (24, 26) for the displayed menu between a menu key (28) and an information call-up key (30). A decimal keypad (32) in square format is completed with a SET key (34) for activation of the program to store values which can be called up rapidly by franking keys (38, 40, 42, 44). A central confirmation key (36) acknowledges input data. The soft keys are arranged spatially to correspond to fields of a stored pattern of menus presentable on a single display, with variable division into fields.

Description

The invention relates to a user interface for a franking machine with an input unit with input elements for inputting display and control information, a display unit for displaying internally generated and externally input information, a controller for controlling the functions of the franking machine, the transfer of the entered information and the Display unit, and with a memory in which a plurality of menu images which can be displayed on the display unit and are divided into fields are stored, the control system causing a menu image stored in the memory to be displayed on the display unit, the fields of which are spatially assigned to input elements.

From EP-A-0 492 439 a microprocessor controlled user interface is known which uses two display units. Menu images are displayed on a first display unit, the respective fields of which have fixed, predetermined field boundaries. Within these fields, only the text or the graphic representation is changed from menu picture to menu picture. In the line direction of the first display unit Input keys arranged, which are each assigned to a specific field in the row direction. Operating parameters for the operation of the franking machine can be entered via the input keys. The second display unit shows as a menu image a stamp image which is printed on the mail item by the franking machine. This menu screen also has permanently subdivided fields, to which input keys are assigned, via which information for the stamp image, for example the date and postage value, can be entered.

A disadvantage of this known user interface is that the use of a plurality of display units takes up considerable space, the fixed assignment of input keys to the fields of the various menu screens requires a large number of input keys and the programming of the information to be displayed on the display units is difficult since the fixed field boundaries must be taken into account when defining the text and graphic elements. The operator of the known user interface also requires considerable skill in order to select the correct setting for the franking process and to operate the franking machine from the large number of input options offered in parallel and the graphical representations. Accordingly, the time required to operate the user interface is high and the risk of incorrect input is high. Furthermore, a considerable learning time is required to operate the user interface correctly.

It is an object of the invention to provide a user interface for a franking machine which communicates the required information to the operator in a simple manner, which is easy and convenient to use and which requires little space.

This object is achieved for a known user interface according to the preamble of claim 1 in that all menu images can be displayed on a single display unit are and that the division of the menu images into fields is variable.

In the invention, the division of the menu images - unlike in the prior art - is not fixed, but variable, i.e. the limits of the individual fields can be changed from menu image to menu image. This makes it possible to flexibly adapt the field size to the information to be displayed. All necessary information can thus be communicated to the operator without having to take account of predetermined field boundaries. The user interface according to the invention is therefore very user-friendly and enables a short training time. Due to the variable division of the menu images, which are displayed on a single display unit, it is possible to reduce the space required for the user interface. In addition, the user interface remains clear, since the operator does not have to observe several display units at the same time. Furthermore, the programming of the menu images to be displayed is simple and the freedom of design is increased, since the definition of text elements and / or graphic elements is not restricted within the program windows specified by the fields.

A further development of the invention is characterized in that a postmark menu image contains fields with text and graphic elements, the arrangement of which in the menu image is geometrically similar or identical to the actual stamp image. The advantages of the invention are particularly apparent when the stamp image is displayed. Due to the variable field boundaries, the arrangement of text and graphic elements can be closely based on the geometry of the actual stamp image. This further facilitates operator guidance and reduces the risk of incorrect operation.

In another preferred development, each field that contains an input request is at least one softkey spatially assigned to the input unit. As is known, the function assigned to a softkey can be defined by a control program, so that the function triggered with one and the same softkey can vary from menu image to menu image. Due to the fixed spatial assignment of the softkey to a specific field, the softkeys preferably being arranged vertically below the fields of the display unit, the number of softkeys required is reduced and thus the clarity of the user interface is increased and the user-friendly guidance through the menu images is further improved.

The field with an input request preferably contains an optical name that indicates a specific softkey. The optical naming can be, for example, a bar or delimiting elements of a text element which indicates the control information to be changed. Due to the visual naming, the operator is informed of the associated softkey, which, despite the variable field division of the menu images, achieves an operation that is easy to learn for the operator. For example, the center of gravity of the optical naming in the direction of the vertical of the display unit can be approximately aligned with the center of gravity of the associated softkey. When viewing the menu screen, the operator immediately recognizes the spatial relationship of the field with the relevant softkey and can enter the information.

A further simplification of the operator guidance by the user interface according to the invention is achieved if the field assigned to it is highlighted when the softkey is pressed. This can be done by inverting the entire field or just the displayed changeable information. The field can also be framed or a flashing display can be carried out.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, input keys designed as hard keys are actuated after the soft key is pressed, by means of which scroll functions and / or toggle functions for entering information are triggered. Alternatively, numerical values can be entered using the number keys. The information entered with the input keys only becomes valid by pressing a confirmation key, which is again a hard key. If the operator does not want to use the information entered, all he has to do is change the menu screen or press another softkey that is assigned to another field. In this exemplary embodiment, therefore, a function is first selected within a menu screen by actuating a softkey, then data is entered, and finally an acknowledgment is made using the actuation key. This fixed sequence of operations ensures fast data entry while avoiding incorrect entries.

Another advantageous exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the input field contains a setting key, upon actuation of which a program is activated in the control, which stores the values entered for specific franking processes via input keys and assigns them to a predetermined parameter call key. When they are actuated, the control then automatically controls the operation of the franking machine taking these values into account. In this way, data required for frequently recurring franking operations can be called up quickly by pressing the parameter call button without the operator having to compile the data via the various menu screens. The compilation of the data is carried out by data input controlled via menu screens in the manner of a learning program. The tutorial is started by pressing the setting button and ended by pressing the parameter call button, the entered values being stored in a non-volatile memory and thus being able to be called up quickly for franking operations of the same type. Of course, it is possible to provide several parameter call buttons that are assigned to specific, frequently recurring franking functions.

Figur 1

die Anzeigeeinheit und die Eingabeeinheit der Benutzerschnittstelle nach der Erfindung,

Figur 2

das Ausgangsmenübild,

Figur 3

eine schematische Darstellung der Ablaufschritte durch die aus dem Ausgangsmenübild zu Grundmenübildern verzweigt und zum Ausgangsmenübild wieder zurückgekehrt werden kann,

Figur 4

in einer schematischen Darstellung den Ablauf bei der Eingabe von Daten für ein Grundmenübild,

Figur 5

den Ablauf bei der Eingabe von Daten über Scrolltasten,

Figur 6

das Poststempel-Menübild mit verschiedenen Feldern, denen jeweils Softkeys zugeordnet sind,

Figur 7

ein weiteres Grundmenübild mit optischen Kennungen und diesen zugeordneten Softkeys,

Figur 8

das Grundmenübild für die Kostenstellenverwaltung,

Figur 9

das Grundmenübild für die Funktion Fernvorgabe von Porto,

Figuren 10, 11 und 12

Informations-Menübilder zur Darstellung erläuternder Informationen, und

Figur 13

ein Blockdiagramm der Steuereinheit der Frankiermaschine.

An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the drawings. It shows:

Figure 1

the display unit and the input unit of the user interface according to the invention,

Figure 2

the initial menu image,

Figure 3

a schematic representation of the sequence of steps by which branches can be made from the initial menu screen to basic menu screens and can be returned to the initial menu screen,

Figure 4

a schematic representation of the sequence when entering data for a basic menu picture,

Figure 5

the sequence when entering data using scroll keys,

Figure 6

the postmark menu screen with various fields, to which softkeys are assigned,

Figure 7

another basic menu picture with optical identifiers and softkeys assigned to them,

Figure 8

the basic menu screen for cost center management,

Figure 9

the basic menu screen for the remote postage function,

Figures 10, 11 and 12

Information menu images to display explanatory information, and

Figure 13

a block diagram of the control unit of the franking machine.

FIG. 1 shows the user interface presenting itself to the operator with a display unit 10, below which six softkeys 12 to 22 are arranged. Two scroll buttons 24, 26 can be used to scroll within the menu image shown on the display unit 10, i.e. a setting mark can be advanced line by line within a field or the image content of a field can be shifted up or down. In addition to the scroll keys 24, 26, a menu key 28 is provided, with which a basic menu image or information menu image shown on the display unit 10 can be returned immediately to an initial menu image, as will be explained in more detail below. An INFO key 30 allows the operator of the user interface to call up information menu images from certain menu images.

Furthermore, parameter call buttons 38 to 44 are provided, the actuation of which controls the operation of the franking machine, taking into account previously stored values. The call buttons 38 to 44 are labeled F1 to F4 to identify different franking functions.

Approximately in the middle of the entire input field 11 there is a confirmation key 36, the data entered being acknowledged when it is actuated. A numeric keypad 32 is arranged in the left part of the figure. The numeric keypad 32 is optically supplemented into a square by a setting key 34, upon actuation of which a program is activated, with the aid of which Values are saved that can be called up quickly by pressing the call buttons 38 to 44.

An LCD module is provided as the display unit 10, the pixels of which are arranged in the manner of a matrix. For example, the LCD module can contain 240 x 64 pixels, so that a high resolution is also possible with graphic display.

FIG. 2 shows the output menu picture M0 shown on the display unit 10, from which it is possible to branch to basic menu pictures M1 to M4. In the left part of the image of the exit menu, a setting mark 46 is shown, which indicates a line of the exit menu which is assigned to a basic menu M1 to M4. By pressing the scroll buttons 24, 26, the setting mark 46 can be moved up or down line by line. When the confirmation key 36 is actuated, a branch is made from the initial menu picture M0 to one of the basic menu pictures M1 to M4 selected by the setting mark 46, in the example shown to the basic menu picture M2. The softkeys 12 to 22 have no meaning when displaying the initial menu screen M0.

Figure 3 shows schematically the processes when changing from one menu screen to another. When the menu button 28 is actuated, the menu screen currently displayed, which can be a basic menu screen M1 to M4 or an information menu screen I1, I2, returns to the initial menu screen M0. From this initial menu picture M0, one can branch to one of the basic menu pictures M1 to M4 by actuating the scroll keys 24, 26 and concluding with the actuating key 36. By pressing the INFO key 30 it is possible, for example, to branch from the basic menu screens M1 and M4 to information menu screens I1 or I2.

Figure 4 shows input options in connection with the actuation of a softkey. If a field of a basic menu picture contains an input request, the operator is referred to a specific softkey 12 based on the optical identifier in the relevant field, as will be explained in more detail below. When the softkey 12 is actuated, a numerical value can then be entered via the numeric keypad 32, which is generally displayed by the control on the relevant basic menu screen for the operator to check. The operator now has two options: First, he can declare the entered value valid; for this purpose the confirmation key 36 is actuated and the control uses the newly set value when carrying out franking operations. On the other hand, the operator can declare the specified value invalid. To do this, she can press another softkey 14, for example, or change to a different menu screen using the menu key 28 or the INFO key 30. The entered value is then not considered by the control as a new operating parameter.

Another input option is shown in Figure 5. After pressing the softkey 12, the scroll keys 24, 26 are activated by the control. Starting from a displayed standard value, this value can be gradually decreased by pressing the scroll key 24 or increased by pressing the scroll key 26 until the appropriate value is found. The transfer of the value to the control or the invalidation takes place as in the example according to FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows the postmark menu image as the basic menu image M1. Its structure on the right in the basic menu picture M1 is geometrically similar to the actual postmark that is printed on the mail item by the printer of the franking machine. The basic menu screen M1 contains various fields R1 to R7. The field R1 contains a text with which the operator is asked to select or enter franking parameters. The field R2 contains text elements and graphic elements, for example a frame 45. A setting mark 46 can be shifted line by line along a vertical side of the frame 45 if one of the Scroll buttons 24, 26 is operated. Furthermore, the field R2 contains a display in the form of an arrow 48, which indicates that there are further text elements which have not yet been shown and which can be called up gradually by pressing the scroll key 26. The field R2 also contains an optical identifier in the form of a bar 55. This bar 55 has an area center of gravity which corresponds to the softkey 20 in the vertical direction. When the softkey 20 is actuated, the operator can enter information for the field R2 for the election printout and determine which text is to be printed in the stamp image, for example "registered letter, return receipt or fast etc.". To set the respective text element, the operator operates the scroll keys 24, 26 as mentioned. If the field R2 is selected by pressing the softkey 20, it is highlighted, for example by the bar 55 flashing or the area within the frame 45 colored or black / white is inverted. The operator thus immediately recognizes that the controller is expecting an entry for the R2 field.

The field R3 contains an input request for the number of strips to be made by the franking machine for sticking on voluminous mail items. The input field R3 is optically identified by two frame elements 50, 52. The frame elements 50, 52 correspond spatially with the softkey 12. The operator immediately recognizes that the softkey 12 must be pressed to enter the number of strips. The number of strips can be entered after pressing the softkey 12 using the numeric keypad 32 or the scroll keys 24, 26. After pressing the softkey 12, the number in the R3 field flashes or the R3 field is shown inverted.

The field R4 is also designed as an input field and has two frame elements 54, 56, which correspond geometrically with the softkey 14. By pressing the softkey 14, the cost center number can be entered using the numeric keypad 32. The field R5 indicates an advertising cliché. This field R5 contains no additional optical identifier, since it is immediately apparent to the operator that softkey 16 is assigned to this field R5 in the vertical direction. By pressing the softkey 16, one can be selected from a plurality of stored advertising clichés.

The two fields R6, R7 serve for information about the date stamp and the franking value. These fields R6, R7 are assigned the softkeys 18, 20, the date or postage value of which can be entered when actuated.

FIG. 7 shows the basic menu screen M2, which guides the operator in the "weighing and postage billing" function. The basic menu screen M2 contains three fields R8, R9, R10, each of which is provided with a graphic frame. Each field R8, R9, R10 contains the setting mark 46, which indicates a specific franking parameter by actuating the scroll keys 24, 26. The field R8 contains a bar 60 as an optical identifier, which is geometrically aligned vertically with the softkey 20 and thus indicates this. By pressing the softkey 20, one can be selected from among several destinations specified in the R8 field. Since no further functions are provided for the softkeys 12, 14, it is also possible to connect them in parallel with the softkey 20, so that when one of the softkeys 12, 14, 20 is pressed, the field R8 is selected for input. After selecting the field R8, it is specially marked by flashing, inverting, etc., so that it differs visually from the other fields R9, R10.

The field R9 also contains a bar 62 which indicates the softkey 16. When it is actuated, the type of mail item to be franked can be set using the scroll keys 24, 26.

The field R10 contains the bar 64, which indicates the softkey 22. By pressing the softkey 20, the field R10 activated and it is possible to move the setting mark 46 onto one of the lines entered, in order to thereby determine the desired franking form.

As a comparison of FIG. 6 with FIG. 7 (and the other figures still to be described) shows, no fixed mask is used for the fields R1 to R10 in the basic menu images M1, M2 used. Rather, the various fields R1 to R10, in which an editing function can take place within predetermined windows, have no fixed field boundaries. The coordinates of the fields R1 to R10 are determined depending on the information content, which results in optimal user guidance. The softkeys 12 to 22 assigned to the input fields R1 to R10 are marked by optical names so that the operator immediately recognizes the geometric assignment of the softkey to the corresponding input field R1 to R10.

Figure 8 shows the basic menu screen M3, which is used for cost center management. A field R11 is used to select individual cost centers. A bar 66 indicates the softkey 22, the field R11 of which is activated by actuating it. Edge elements 68, 70 and 72, 74 indicate the softkeys 12 and 14, respectively. By pressing the softkey 12, an identification number can be entered via the numeric keypad 32, which serves to authorize an operator. By pressing the softkey 14, the associated advertising cliché is set.

The field R12 indicates the cost center. The associated bar 76 visually conveys to the operator the close connection between the field R12 and the softkey 16. By pressing the softkey 16, the field R12 is activated and a specific cost center can be selected.

Fields R13 and R14 are used to display cost center information. These fields R13, R14 are not about input fields but only about display fields. The softkeys 18, 20 arranged below the fields R13, R14 have no function in this example.

FIG. 9 shows the basic menu picture M4, which relates to the remote value specification. A boxed box R15 prompts the operator to enter the postage call number if a remote value specification (teleporto) is desired. The field R15 receives a bar 80 as an optical designation, which indicates the softkey 22. By pressing the softkey 22, the field R15 is activated and the further fields R16, R17, R18, R19, R20 can subsequently be addressed. Bars 82 to 90 are assigned to these fields R16 to R20, each of which indicates a softkey 12 to 20. By pressing the softkey 12 to 20 in conjunction with the numeric keypad 32 or the scroll keys 24, 26, the settings mentioned in the fields R16 to R20 can be made.

Figures 10 to 12 relate to information menu images I1, I2, I3, which serve to inform the operator. The various information menu screens I1, I2, I3 only have display functions and are not used for operator guidance. Therefore, the softkeys 12 to 22 have no meaning in connection with the information menu pictures.

In Figure 10, the information menu image I1 shows the current status of the various postage accounts. This information menu screen can be accessed from any menu screen M0 to M4 by pressing the INFO button 30. The data of the current accounts are displayed in the various fields R21 to R26.

FIG. 11 shows the information menu image I2, which shows statistical data about the consumption in the fields R27 to R30. The arrow 48 indicates that it is possible to scroll through this information menu screen I2, for example by pressing the INFO key 30 or the scroll key again 26. When you continue browsing, you branch to the information menu screen I3, which displays further statistical information in the various fields R 27 to R31. From the information menu screens I1 to I3, it is possible to branch back to the initial menu screen M0 by pressing the menu button 28.

The controller 100 of the franking machine is shown in a block diagram in FIG. The controller 100 contains a microprocessor 102 which, via a data bus 106 and an address bus 104, has a decoding unit 108, a working memory 110, a first non-volatile memory 112, a cliché memory 114, a clock module 116, and a second non-volatile memory designed as a battery-buffered memory 120, a further decoding unit 122, an interface module 124 for external units and an interface module 126 for the LCD display 10 and the input means 12 to 44. The unchangeable data for the menu images M0 to M4 and I1 to I3 are stored in the form of subroutines in the first non-volatile memory 112, which also contains the control program for the microprocessor 102. The variable data for the aforementioned menu images are stored in the second non-volatile memory 120. If the power supply fails and the power returns, the variable data is available again.

Claims (18)

User interface for a franking machine, with an input unit (11) with input elements (12 to 44) for inputting display and control information, a display unit (10) for displaying internally generated and externally inputted information, a controller (100) for controlling the Functions of the franking machine, the transfer of the entered information and the display unit (10), and with a memory (112, 120) in which several menu images (M0 to M4.) That can be displayed on the display unit (10) and are divided into fields (R1 to R31) ; I1 to I3) are stored, the controller (100) causing a menu image (M0 to M4; I1 to I3) stored in the memory (112, 120) to be displayed on the display unit (10), the fields (R1 to R20) input elements (12 to 22) are spatially assigned, characterized in that all menu images (M0 to M4; I1 to I3) can be displayed on a single display unit (10) and that the division g of the menu images (M0 to M4; I1 to I3) in fields (R1 to R3) is variable. User interface according to claim 1, characterized in that the fields (R1 to R31) contain text elements and / or graphic elements. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a postmark menu image (M1) contains fields (R5, R6, R7) with text and graphic elements, the arrangement of which in the menu image (M1) is geometrically similar or identical to the actual stamp image. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each field (R1 to R20), which contains an input request, at least one softkey (12 to 22) is spatially assigned to the input unit (11). User interface according to Claim 4, characterized in that the field contains an optical name (for example 50 to 56) which indicates a specific softkey (12, 14, 22). User interface according to claim 5, characterized in that the centroid of the optical identifier (55) is approximately aligned with the centroid of the associated softkey (22) in the direction of an orthogonal axis of the display unit. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bar representation (55) or edge elements (50, 52; 54, 56) for a text are provided as the optical identifier. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by actuating the softkey (12 to 22) the field (R1 to R20) assigned to it is highlighted, preferably inverted. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the softkey (12 to 22) has been actuated, scroll functions and / or toggle functions for entering information are triggered or numerical values can be entered by actuating input keys (24, 26, 34). User interface according to claim 9, characterized in that the information entered with the input keys (24, 26, 34) becomes valid by pressing a confirmation key (36) and becomes invalid by changing the menu screen or pressing a further softkey. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an output menu image (M0) is provided which is called up by pressing a predetermined hard key (menu key 28) and from which by pressing input keys (24, 26) which trigger the scroll functions, or from number keys (32), which are assigned to certain menu images (M1 to M4), to further menu images (M1 to M4). User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first non-volatile memory (112), preferably a read-only memory (ROM), is provided as the memory for the menu images, which also contains the control program for controlling the franking machine. User interface according to Claim 12, characterized in that the variable sizes for the menu images (M1 to M4) are stored in a second non-volatile memory (120) which is separate from the first memory. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the changeable parameters shown in a menu screen (M1 to M4) are set to a predetermined value which corresponds to the last information input or a basic value permanently stored in the memory. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is possible to branch from certain menu images to at least one information menu image (I1 to I3) which contains explanatory texts and / or graphics relating to this specific menu image. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as a display unit (10) an LCD module is provided, the pixels of which are arranged in the manner of a matrix. User interface according to claim 16, characterized in that the display field is rectangular and the softkeys (12 to 22) of the input field (11) are arranged in parallel at a distance from the longer side of the display field. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input field contains a setting key (34), upon actuation of which a program is activated which stores the values entered via input keys (24, 26; 32) for given menu screens (M1 to M4) and assigns this to a predetermined parameter call button (38 to 44) in the form of a hard key, the actuation of which controls (100) controls the operation of the franking machine taking these values into account.

Images