EP0718801B1 - User interface for a franking machine - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a user interface for a Franking machine according to the preamble of claim 1.

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

The disadvantage of this known user interface is that that more significant by using multiple display units Space is taken up by the fixed assignment of Enter keys for the fields of the various menu images requires large number of input keys and programming the information to be displayed on the display units is difficult because the fixed field boundaries when defining the text and graphic elements in each case are. The operator of the known user interface needs also considerable skill to choose from the multitude of input options offered to him in parallel and the graphic Displays the correct one for the franking process Select the setting and operate the franking machine. Accordingly, the time required to operate the user interface is high and the risk of incorrect entry is high. Furthermore, it takes considerable learning time to use the user interface to use properly.

EP-A-0.571.061 describes a user interface for a franking machine known according to the preamble of claim 1. A display unit is in equally sized fields in which graphics or texts are displayed. Different basic menu screens require data input, e.g. the selection of goals, entering cost centers etc. To now from an initial menu to such a basic menu screen with data input several menus often have to be run through, i.e. outgoing From an initial menu, a branch is made to and from a first menu picture to another menu screen, which then enables data entry. Such a menu call for data entry in a franking machine is cumbersome and requires skill from the user.

It is an object of the invention to provide a user interface for a franking machine specify the operator the information required in a simple manner reports that is easy and comfortable to use and requires little space Has.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1. Beneficial Developments are specified in the dependent claims.

In the invention is the division of the menu images not fixed, but changeable, i.e. the boundaries of the individual fields can vary from menu image to be changed to menu image. This makes it possible adapt the field size flexibly to the information to be displayed. This enables the operator to obtain all the necessary information be communicated without going to predetermined field boundaries Must be taken into account. The user interface according to the invention is therefore very user-friendly and enables a short training period. Due to the variable division of menu images on a single display unit are shown, it becomes possible to meet the space requirements for the Reduce user interface. The user interface also remains clear because the operator is not must observe several display units simultaneously. Farther programming the menu images to be displayed is easy and the freedom of design increases as the definition of text elements and / or graphic elements within the program window not limited by the fields becomes.

A further development of the invention is characterized in that that a postmarked menu image fields with text and graphic elements contains, their arrangement in the menu picture the actual Stamp image is geometrically similar or identical. In the Displaying the stamp image comes with the advantages of the invention especially to the fore. Due to the variable field boundaries can closely arrange the arrangement of text and graphic elements to the geometry of the actual stamp image. This further facilitates user guidance and reduces the risk of incorrect operation.

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

The field with an input request preferably contains one Optical identifier that indicates a specific softkey. The optical identifier can be, for example, a bar or delimiting elements of a text element that the displays changing control information. Because of the optical The operator is identified by the associated softkey pointed out, which despite the variable field division of the Menu images are easy to learn for the operator is achieved. For example, the centroid the optical identifier in the direction of the vertical of the display unit approximately with the centroid of the associated Softkeys are swearing. Detects when looking at the menu image the operator immediately the spatial context of the Field with the relevant softkey and can enter information make.

Another ease of user guidance through the user interface according to the invention is achieved when when the softkey is pressed, the field assigned to it visually is highlighted. This can be done by inverting the whole Field or just the displayed changeable information happen. The field can also be framed or flashing.

In one embodiment of the invention according to the Pressing the softkey as input keys operated, by the scroll functions and / or toggle functions triggered for information input. Alternatively numerical values can be entered using numeric keys. The information entered using the input buttons will be only by pressing a trained hardkey Confirmation key valid. If the operator entered the He just does not want to use information to change the menu screen or another softkey that assigned to another field. So it happens in this embodiment, a function selection first within a menu screen by pressing a softkey, then a data entry and finally an acknowledgment by pressing the button. Determined by this The procedure for operation is quick data entry at the same time avoiding incorrect entries.

Another advantageous exemplary embodiment is characterized in that that the input field contains a setting key, when activated, a program is activated in the control which is the input keys for given menu images entered for a specific franking process Stores values and these a predetermined parameter call button assigns. When they are operated, the controls Control automatically controls the operation of the franking machine Taking these values into account. This way you can for frequent recurring franking processes required data Pressing the parameter call button can be called quickly, without the operator knowing the various menu screens must collect the data. The compilation of the data is carried out by data entry controlled via menu images Kind of a tutorial. The tutorial is activated by pressing the setting button and by pressing the parameter call button finished, the entered values in stored in a non-volatile memory and thus for Similar franking processes can be called up quickly. Of course it is possible to use several parameter call buttons to provide the specific, frequently recurring Franking functions are assigned.

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

1 shows a schematic representation of the sequence of steps by which branches can be made from the initial menu image to basic menu images and can be returned to the initial menu image,

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 the six softkeys 12 to 22 are arranged. With two scroll buttons 24, 26 can be within the on the display unit 10 displayed menu image are scrolled, i.e. a setting mark can be switched line by line within a field or the image content of a field can be after pushed up or down. In addition to the Scroll buttons 24, 26 is provided a menu button 28 with which from any one shown on the display unit 10 Basic menu picture or information menu picture immediately to an exit menu picture can be returned like this below is explained in more detail. An INFO key 30 allows this Operator of the user interface calling information menu images from certain menu images.

Parameter call buttons 38 to 44 are also provided, when actuated, the controller controls the operation of the franking machine taking into account previously saved values controls. The call buttons 38 to 44 are labeled F1 to F4, to identify different franking functions.

It is located approximately in the middle of the entire input field 11 a confirmation key 36, entered when actuated Data are acknowledged. In the left part of the picture is a numeric keypad 32 arranged. The numeric keypad 32 is optically too a square supplemented by a setting button 34, at the Pressing a program is activated with the help Values are saved by pressing the call buttons 38 to 44 are quickly available.

An LCD module is provided as the display unit 10 Pixels 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 possible even with graphic display is.

FIG. 2 shows the initial menu image shown on the display unit 10 M0, from which to basic menu screens M1 to M4 can be branched. In the left part of the picture of the exit menu a setting mark 46 is shown, which on a line of the Output menus indicate which are assigned to a basic menu M1 to M4 is. By pressing the scroll buttons 24, 26 the setting mark 46 moved up or down line by line become. When the confirmation button 36 is pressed, the Exit menu picture M0 to one of the settings by the setting mark 46 selected basic menu images Ml to M4 branches, in the shown Example of the basic menu screen M2. The softkeys 12 to 22 have no meaning in the display of the initial menu screen M0.

Figure 3 shows schematically the processes when changing from one Menu picture to another. When pressing the menu button 28 becomes the currently displayed menu picture, which is a basic menu picture M1 to M4 or an information menu image I1, I2 can, returned to the initial menu screen M0. From this home menu screen M0 can be operated by pressing the scroll keys 24, 26 and completion by pressing the button 36 to one of the Basic menu screens M1 to M4 are branched. By pressing the INFO key 30 can, for example, from the basic menu pictures M1 and M4 branches to information menu images I1 and I2, respectively become.

Figure 4 shows input options in connection with the actuation a softkey. If a field of a basic menu picture contains an input request, so the operator on the basis of the optical identifier in the relevant field specific softkey 12, as further below is explained. When you press the softkey 12 you can then Entered a numerical value via the numeric keypad 32 be generally controlled by the control on the relevant basic menu screen for control for the operator is shown. The operator now has two options: Once it can validate the entered value; for this purpose the confirmation button 36 is actuated and the control uses the when executing franking operations newly set value. On the other hand, the operator can invalidate the specified value. For example, it can do this press another softkey 14 or use the Menu key 28 or the INFO key 30 to another menu picture switch. The entered value is then used by the controller not considered as a new operating parameter.

Another input option is shown in Figure 5. After pressing the softkey 12, the scroll keys 24, 26 activated by the controller. Starting from a displayed one Default value can be activated by pressing the scroll key 24 this value is gradually decreased or by pressing the scroll key 26 can be increased until the appropriate value is found is. 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 screen M1 is the actual one Postmark issued by the printer of the franking machine on the Postage is printed, geometrically similar. The basic menu picture M1 contains different fields R1 to R7. The field contains R1 a text with which the operator is asked, franking parameters to select or enter. The R2 field contains Text elements and graphic elements, e.g. a frame 45. One along a vertical side of the frame 45 Setting mark 46 can be shifted line by line if one of the Scroll buttons 24, 26 is operated. The field also contains R2 a display in the form of an arrow 48, which indicates that there are further text elements not yet displayed are that by pressing the scroll key 26 gradually are available. The field R2 also contains an optical identifier in the form of a bar 55. This bar 55 has one Center of gravity in the direction of the vertical with the Softkey 20 corresponds. Pressing the softkey 20 can the operator for the field R2 an information input for make the election print and determine which text in the stamp image to be printed, e.g. "Registered mail return receipt or Schnell etc. ". For setting the respective text element the operator operates the scroll keys as mentioned 24, 26. When the R2 field is selected by pressing the 20 softkey it is highlighted, for example by blinking the bar 55 or the area within the frame 45 colored or black / white is inverted. The operator thus immediately recognizes that the control system is making an entry expected for field R2.

The field R3 contains an input request for the number of strips to be made by the franking machine to stick on on voluminous postal items. The input field R3 is through two frame elements 50, 52 optically marked. The frame elements 50, 52 correspond spatially with the softkey 12. The operator immediately recognizes that to enter the Number of stripes the softkey 12 must be pressed. Entering the After pressing the softkey 12, the number of strips can be changed using the Numeric keypad 32 or the scroll keys 24, 26 take place. After pressing the softkey 12, the number in the flashes Field R3 or field R3 is shown inverted.

The field R4 is also designed as an input field and has two Frame elements 54, 56, which are geometric with the soft key 14 correspond. The cost center number can be activated by pressing the softkey 14 can be entered using the numeric keypad 32. The field R5 indicates an advertising cliché. This field R5 does not contain any additional optical identification, because it is used for operation is immediately recognizable that this field R5 in vertical Direction is assigned to softkey 16. By pressing of the softkey 16 can be saved under several advertising clichés one can be selected.

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

Figure 7 shows the basic menu image M2, which the operator the "Weighing and Postage Billing" function. The basic menu picture M2 contains three fields R8, R9, R10, each of which are provided with a graphic frame. Each field R8, R9, R10 contains the setting mark 46, which by pressing the scroll keys 24, 26 to a specific franking parameter indicates. The field R8 contains one as an optical identifier Bar 60, which is geometrically vertical with softkey 20 escapes and thus indicates this. By pressing the Softkeys 20 can be under several destinations specified in the field R8 one can be selected. As for the softkeys 12, 14 no further functions are provided, it is also possible to switch these in parallel with the softkey 20, so that when Tap one of the softkeys 12, 14, 20 on the R8 field for the Input is selected. After selecting the R8 field, this becomes specially marked by flashing, inverting, etc. that it differs optically from the other fields R9, R10.

The field R9 also contains a bar 62 which points to the Softkey 16 indicates. When it is operated, the Scroll keys 24, 26 the type of mail to be franked can be set.

The field R10 contains the bar 64 that corresponds to the softkey 22 indicates. By pressing the softkey 20, the field R10 activated and it is possible to set the adjustment mark 46 to a the entered lines to move the desired one Determine franking form.

As a comparison of Figure 6 with Figure 7 (and the others figures to be described) shows, is used in the Basic menu pictures M1, M2 no fixed mask for the Fields R1 to R10 are used. Rather, the different ones Fields R1 to R10, in which within specified windows an editing function can take place, no fixed field boundaries. The coordinates of the fields R1 to R10 are depending on the information content fixed, resulting in optimal user guidance results. The assigned to the input fields R1 to R10 Softkeys 12 to 22 are marked by optical identifiers, so that the operator immediately the geometric assignment from softkey to the corresponding input field R1 to R10 recognizes.

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

The field R12 indicates the cost center. The associated one Beam 76 visually conveys the close connection to the operator between the field R12 and the softkey 16. By pressing of the softkey 16, the field R12 is activated, and it 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 arranged below the fields R13, R14, 20 have no function in this example.

FIG. 9 shows the basic menu picture M4, which shows the remote value specification concerns. 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 as a visual identifier, a bar 80 which is assigned to the softkey 22 indicates. By pressing the softkey 22, the field R15 activated and the following fields R16, R17, R18, R19, R20 can be addressed. These fields R16 to R20 are assigned to bars 82 to 90, respectively indicate a softkey 12 to 20. By pressing the Softkeys 12 to 20 in combination with the numeric keypad 32 or the scroll keys 24, 26 can in the fields R16 up to R20 addressed settings are made.

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

In Figure 10, the information menu image I1 shows the current one Status of the different postage accounts. To this information menu picture one arrives from any menu picture M0 to M4 by pressing the INFO button 30. In the different Fields R21 to R26 show the data of the current accounts.

Figure 11 shows the information menu image I2, which is statistical Data on consumption in fields R27 to R30 displays. Arrow 48 indicates that in this information menu screen I2 can be scrolled through, for example by pressing the INFO button 30 or the scroll button again 26. This page turns to the information menu screen I3 branches, which in the various fields R 27 to R31 displays further statistical information. Out the information menu screens I1 to I3 can be activated the menu button 28 can be branched back to the initial menu screen M0.

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

Claims (18)

1. User interface for a franking machine, having an input unit (11) with input elements (12 to 44) to input display and control information, a display unit (10) to display internally generated information and information entered from the outside, a controller (100) to control the functions of the franking machine, the acceptance of the entered information and the display unit (10), and having a memory (112, 120) in which several menu images (M0 to M4; I1 to I3) are stored which can be displayed on the display unit (10) and which are divided into fields (R1 to R31), wherein the controller (100) causes a menu image (M0 to M4; I1 to I3) which is stored in the memory (112, 120) to be displayed on the display unit (10), input elements (12 to 22) being spatially allocated to the fields (R1 to R20) of the menu image, characterized in that all the menu images (M0 to M4; I1 to I3) can be displayed on a single display unit (10), and in that the division of the menu images (M0 to M4; I1 to I3) into fields (R1 to R3) is variable.
2. User interface according to claim 1, characterized in that the fields (R1 to R31) contain text elements and/or graphic elements.
3. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a postmark menu image (M1) contains fields (R5, R6, R7) with text elements and graphic elements, the arrangement of which in the menu image (M1) is geometrically similar to or identical to the actual stamp image.
4. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each field (R1 to R20) which contains an input request is spatially permanently allocated at least one soft key (12 to 22) of the input unit (11).
5. User interface according to claim 4, characterized in that the field contains an optical identifier (for example 50 to 56) which indicates a certain soft key (12, 14, 22).
6. User interface according to claim 5, characterized in that the area centre of gravity of the optical identifier (55) in the direction of an orthogonal axis of the display unit is approximately in alignment with the area centre of gravity of the associated soft key (22).
7. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a beam display (55) or edge elements (50, 52; 54, 56) are provided as optical identifier for a text.
8. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by actuating the soft key (12 to 22) the field (R1 to R20) allocated thereto is optically emphasized, preferably inverted.
9. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the actuation of the soft key (12 to 22), by actuating input keys (24, 26, 34) scroll functions and/or toggle functions are initiated for information input or numerical values can be entered.
10. User interface according to claim 9, characterized in that the information entered by the input keys (24, 26, 34) becomes valid by actuating a confirmation key (36) and becomes invalid by changing the menu image or by actuating another soft key.
11. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an output menu image (MO) is provided which is requested by actuating a predetermined hard key (menu key 28) and from which, by actuating input keys (24, 26) which initiate scroll functions, or numerical keys (32) which are allocated to certain menu images (M1 to M4), there is branching to further menu images (M1 to M4).
12. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as memory for the menu images a first non-volatile memory (112), preferably a read-only memory (ROM), is provided, which also contains the control program for controlling the franking machine.
13. User interface according to claim 12, characterized in that the variable quantities for the menu images (M1 to M4) are stored in a second, non-volatile memory (120) which is separate from the first memory.
14. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alterable parameters displayed in a menu image (M1 to M4) are adjusted to a specified value which corresponds to the last information input or to a fundamental value which is permanently stored in the memory.
15. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that from particular menu images branching can take place to at least one information menu image (I1 to I3) which contains explanatory texts and/or graphic representations for this particular menu image.
16. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an LCD module is provided as display unit (10), the pixels of which LCD module are arranged like a matrix.
17. User interface according to claim 16, characterized in that the display field is rectangular and the soft keys (12 to 22) of the input field (11) are arranged to be parallel, with clearance from the longer side of the display field.
18. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input field contains a setting key (34), upon the actuation of which a program is activated, which stores the values entered by way of input keys (24, 26; 32) with specified menu images (M1 to M4) and allocates them to a predetermined parameter call key (38 to 44) constructed as a hard key, upon the actuation of which the controller (100) controls the operation of the franking machine with consideration of these values.

Images