EP0867840B1 - Machine à affranchir avec interface utilisateur flexible - Google Patents

Machine à affranchir avec interface utilisateur flexible Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0867840B1
EP0867840B1 EP98250224A EP98250224A EP0867840B1 EP 0867840 B1 EP0867840 B1 EP 0867840B1 EP 98250224 A EP98250224 A EP 98250224A EP 98250224 A EP98250224 A EP 98250224A EP 0867840 B1 EP0867840 B1 EP 0867840B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
display
input
functions
level
user interface
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP98250224A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP0867840A2 (fr
EP0867840A3 (fr
Inventor
Claus Freytag
Norbert Knoth
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Francotyp Postalia GmbH
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Francotyp Postalia GmbH
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0867840A2 publication Critical patent/EP0867840A2/fr
Publication of EP0867840A3 publication Critical patent/EP0867840A3/fr
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Publication of EP0867840B1 publication Critical patent/EP0867840B1/fr
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00193—Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00193—Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
    • G07B2017/00266—Man-machine interface on the apparatus
    • G07B2017/00298—Visual, e.g. screens and their layouts

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a franking machine according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a franking machine according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Such franking machines are used for franking mail and equipped with at least one input means, an input / output control means and an output means.
  • Conventional franking machines have input options for setting values or specifications or for entering commands. It is already known adjusting wheels, switches, buttons or more of these elements combined into fields, such. Use keyboards as input.
  • a postage meter with an input device which has function keys (selection or test keys).
  • the dialpad keys determine whether the 10-digit numeric display shows the amounts of the rising or falling postage register or the counter reading of a piece counter.
  • the test buttons are required for test purposes, with the on / off switching of other display elements.
  • the input device further comprises a keypad for an input of the lock combination and a special self-encrypting combination lock switch, which serves to reload the Portoverrotesbetrages under secure conditions, and can be operated with correct input of the lock combination via a button.
  • the adjustable functions are restricted to a small number of three functions (postage printing, billing, refilling the credit register) by the selected arrangement and sequential circuit for the sequential selection of the functions.
  • a franking machine with several distributed over the front surface control and display means is off EP 386390 A2 known. Each display unit is assigned additional controls.
  • a processor system controls the presentation of input functions in the display unit in the form of a numeric display.
  • Other common display units include a digital display with separate areas for postage value and weight, such as user programmable postage scales ( US 4,495,581 and US 4,814,995 ).
  • a mouse is used for input and a screen is used as a display unit to display a series of icons on a display to show the order of a process ( WO 91/06050 A2 ).
  • a strip printer Although on an upper housing part also has a button with a scale for symbols or other characteristics, the acquisition of the setting in a memory or in a display particular liquid crystal display (LCD) is triggered by a depression of the button.
  • LCD liquid crystal display
  • a secure input which is a prerequisite for a franking machine, can not be carried out herewith.
  • the representable choice of functions is limited by the arranged scale on the circumference of the knob already from the square.
  • several function keys and a print button are provided, a user interface for a franking machine is much more complex to equip.
  • the front panel of another from the DE 30 40 559 C2 known postage meter has a keyboard and a numeric display unit for a more complex user interface.
  • a franking machine with several distributed over the front surface control and display means is off EP 386390 A2 known.
  • Each display unit is associated with additional controls and a processor system controls the presentation of input functions in the display unit in the form of a digital display.
  • Other common display units include a digital display with separate areas for postage value and weight, such as user programmable postage scales ( US 4,495,581 and US 4,814,995 ).
  • the operation of the franking machine, the interface man / machine is controlled and the functions of the keyboard, the display unit and the LED display elements are realized.
  • a central processing unit CPU
  • CPU central processing unit
  • the keyboard is via a decoder and the display unit is connected to the interface hardware via drivers.
  • the keyboard comprises keys for numerical input values, a decimal key for printing, a deletion key, a postage setting key and other function keys for the register contents of the increasing register corresponding to the used postage amount and for the register register of the falling register corresponding to the remaining amount or Postage Fee, Quantity, Stacking Value and Stacking Number.
  • a different assignment of the function keys is not readily possible.
  • Switching the function of the keys is only possible with a back-side maintenance switch. For resetting, put into operation and reloading the franking machine while a side key switch is used with lock cylinder whose position can be observed through a window.
  • the settings are limited in principle to a small number of input functions.
  • Output options for displaying values or results or for displaying states are scales, lamps, light emitting diodes (LED) and liquid crystal displays (LCD). With increasing complexity, the clarity decreases and the possibilities of misinterpretation increase.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a user interface for franking machines with little effort, which offers the best mutual adaptation between the serving people and the franking machine. Without increasing the complexity by many input means, as many function input options should exist.
  • the user interface for franking machines consists of ergonomic input and output devices.
  • an extremely simple user guidance by a priority placement of frequently used input functions in a display structure by an optimal adaptation of the input, output means to the sense organs of the people and by a vote of the input and output means to each other is achieved.
  • the invention assumes that the operation of the franking machine on one or more operations for setting the parameters individual input functions.
  • a process basically consists of two operating steps, namely the selection of an input function and the setting of its parameters. For the first operation, access to frequently used input functions is facilitated, and for the second operation, the adjustment is made on the basis of a quick possible selection.
  • the invention is further based on the consideration that it is necessary to immediately indicate the effects of function selection and parameter setting in an easily understandable form. This can best be achieved by a clear representation of the expected cliché in a single display means. The clarification takes place in the form: What you see is what you get (WYSIWYG).
  • the user is to guide through the inventive solution to make the operation as easy as possible.
  • An advantage of the user interface according to the invention is that the franking process can be performed at any time. Only the necessary settings need to be made, if you want to frank with a setting different from the default setting or not with the previous setting. All settings made are saved. An additional deletion option for the value adjustment is unnecessary by the way the parameters are set, by selecting preset setting positions he follows. The number of input elements is greatly reduced. This increases the clarity of the input option. At the same time, the number of input functions and setting options can be selected arbitrarily large.
  • a big advantage of the user interface is the extreme flexibility. Not only can individual parts of the display be changed, but functions can also be added, deleted, incorporated or displayed differently. A customization is easily possible by software modification, also in terms of foreign language representation. User-friendly is above all the clear presentation of the cliché. The actual complexity is achieved by an appropriate software. During development, attention was paid to careful software engineering and a sufficiently large and expandable memory area.
  • the classification in the different levels according to customer requirements means that a customer in the simplest case in addition to the classic basic functions requires no additional functions and thus can acquire a franking machine at a low price.
  • the other extreme means that in addition to a maximum equipment, it is possible to integrate later added functions into the user interface. It is also conceivable to delete functions for special reasons.
  • FIG 1 is based on a block diagram of the basic structure of a postage meter, which contains the inventive arrangement 10 for generating a flexible user interface, explained in more detail.
  • a common housing In a common housing are input and output means 1 to 3 via an input / output control means 5 with a processor system 11 having a post-technical security area, connected directly or via a BUS, to which at least one memory means 7 and a processing unit (CPU) 8 and a clock / date module 9 connected.
  • the basis of the franking machine consists of a processor module coupled to the printer module 4 and power electronics 6, which contains a power supply and control for the drives (paper transport, printer, tape, strip encoder) and sensors. If a mail item (letter) arrives at the entrance opening of the franking machine, a franking is automatically made according to the saved setting.
  • the processor system 11 also further - not shown here - can be connected peripheral input / output means.
  • the first input means 1, the first output means 3 and the input / output control means 5 form the arrangement 10 for generating a flexible user interface.
  • the output means 3 is the display means of the user interface, and the first input means 1 is for selecting input functions and / or setting the parameters.
  • the franking machine is equipped in a known manner with at least one further input means 2 and with at least one second output means 4, for example the associated printer module 4 of the franking machine.
  • two output / output means 2a, 2b coupled to a serial interface are provided for programs and / or data supplied by a transmission means (not shown in FIG. 1) or transmitted via an interface.
  • the storage means 7 consists of a plurality of permanent temporary and non-volatile memories in the usual way. A part of the memory forms with the CPU in a known manner a protected postal area within the processor system 11. In the non-volatile memory of the postage meter beyond the programs for the user interface and addressable tables are stored with addressable data, each table associated with a specific input function is callable.
  • a first display of the flexible user interface in the window of the display means is defined as the first display possibility, whereby symbols and alphanumeric characters are displayed. For example, it will be a first level with four fields and a first field of defined first level, with which the input of parameters should begin. From the processor system 11, as part of the flexible user guidance, the most common input functions for the first presentation are given in a start setting.
  • the readiness to leave the start setting should be indicated.
  • a suitable identification of the first field from which the user is guided by a user guide.
  • the field is assigned a specific function.
  • the labeling can be done by complementary color and / or black and white representation or by flashing. It is possible to design the user interface in such a way that the display switches after a settable time (for example 10 sec.) Into a rest position, in which no area of the display flashes more.
  • the postage value begins to flash in a field and can be adjusted via the input means 1.
  • Another form can be realized by passive signaling in the lower part of the field, in particular an imprint. The representation in the field must be rolled here.
  • First selection means 108 and second selection means 109 which are implemented in a preferred variant in the processing unit (CPU) in hardware and / or software, are assigned to the input means 1 for the function or parameters.
  • the first selection function 108 for the input function consists, for example, of at least one counter which is connected to a timing and / or is acted upon by an acknowledgment signal Q.
  • the counter selects the input function input to a parallel interface I / O controller 51 of the input / output control means 5.
  • the I / O controller controls the display means 3, which displays the selected input function in one of several, preferably four, fields of the display means 3.
  • the second selection means 109 as a counter as well as a means 107 is programmably implemented for at least one configuration of the functions in a display structure and provided for further user guidance by software.
  • the second selection means 109 interacts with the first input means 1 in order to identify parameters and functions which can be set from a stored table associated with the selected input function for selecting further representations in the display window or in the same field.
  • the means for the configuration 107 controls in the context of user guidance the process so that after confirmation further callable levels and / or operating steps called and specified in the display window and / or in the same field and wherein the first selection means 108 after acknowledgment of the input the in the input functions displayed in the fields step by step in a defined order.
  • the second selection means 109 for the parameters may also be a counter with a decoder in the input / output control means 5 or in the I / O controller 51, which cooperates with elements of the first input means.
  • FIG. 2 shows a user interface with an I / O controller 51, with a display means (LCD) 30 and with a first input means 1, for which preferably a single setting means 110 and an acknowledgment means 111 are used, shown.
  • the I / O controller 51 is connected either directly via data, address and control lines to the processor system 11 or via a bus to the microprocessor BUS of the processor system 11 and has drive means for the LCD 30 and evaluation means for the adjustment means 110.
  • a rotary encoder (rotary encoder) 110 is used as the only setting means, digital values can be de-and incremented by unlimited left and right turns. With these values, addresses can be generated in the microprocessor via which data or other addresses for functions can be selected in tables which are stored in a memory (not shown in FIG. 3).
  • Such a table is associated with each of the input functions and stored in the non-volatile memory of the memory means 7.
  • the selected data correspond to parameters and the selected addresses correspond to functions which are displayed in the respectively selected field of the display (LCD) 30 as a symbol or alphanumerically.
  • the acknowledgment means 111 may be mechanically coupled to the adjustment means 110.
  • a tactile function can be triggered with the acknowledgment signal Q is generated.
  • a user guidance is used with a sequence of input functions to be cycled through, the forwarding being triggered by the acknowledgment signal.
  • FIG. 3 shows two preferred display options Face 1 and 2 for four respective input functions which can be selected successively by the first selection means 108 for a first variant of the user interface.
  • the display 30 initially shows Face 1 with a start setting for the parameter values.
  • the fields shown in the display 30 are traversed in the order from right to left of an identification in steps that can be advanced with each acknowledgment.
  • the order of the callable input functions can also be defined differently than in the fields of Face 1 and 2 of the user interface shown in FIG.
  • each operation for setting the individual input functions to be determined associated parameters consists of the selection of an input function and the setting of defined parameters. The process ends with the acknowledgment.
  • a cliché can be displayed on a graphics-capable liquid crystal display (240 * 64 dots) on a scale of 1: 1 in sufficient quality.
  • FIG. 3 shows a preferred first level of the user interface.
  • a standard display appears in the display window of the display.
  • the postage value is 0100 (1, - DM).
  • the date is transferred from the clock / date module 9 and displayed in field 3.
  • a standard ad number 1 will be displayed in field 2.
  • a shipment type is initially not displayed in field 1. Thus, the most common mail can be franked immediately after switching on without further input.
  • the postage value is displayed blinking in the field 4 of the display 30 after switching on. Turning the rotary encoder changes the postage value. Only franking values are displayed, which are also available in the postage table. The inadvertent setting of a value of 1.01 DM is therefore impossible.
  • the acknowledgment means 111 is actuated and the input acknowledged.
  • the date is shown flashing in field 3 of the display 30. Also by turning the rotary encoder 110, the date can be changed.
  • the advertising cliché flashes in field 2.
  • the advertising clichés stored in the storage means 7 can be selected from the memory and displayed.
  • the shipping method is selected in the same way. After acknowledgment Face 2 appears with the fields 1 to 4 in the display 30. The flashing field permits a parameter input. The completion of the input of parameters to functions in the fields of the representation shown in Face 2 causes a switch back to the preferred first representation of the user interface shown in the face 1 of Figure 3.
  • the names of the fields can be displayed in plain text or as a symbol.
  • the type Toshiba TLX-711A with the T6963C controller can be used as the LCD.
  • the setting of the parameter setting encoder 110 is an optically coupled rotary encoder switch, in particular the device Grayhill 61 C11-01-08-02, together with the interface module HCTL-2000 from Hewlett-Packard.
  • the inputting of the values occurs after a sequence predetermined by the machine, e.g. Postage value, date, advertising cliché, etc. With the confirmation key, the input function is also completed. This leads to the next input function. If no new or even no value is entered in the display field for a validate function by selecting a blank space or a position marked "Normal" in the display, it must also be acknowledged by pressing a key and forwarded to the next input function. If, in an extreme application, only one function is needed at the end of the sequence, the user has to work his way through to the back by repeatedly pressing the acknowledge button. This can be modified by the subsequently described second variant of the previously described user interface for higher demands.
  • a sequence predetermined by the machine e.g. Postage value, date, advertising cliché, etc.
  • the input function is also completed. This leads to the next input function. If no new or even no value is entered in the display field for a validate function by selecting a blank space or a position marked "Normal" in the display, it must also be acknowledged by pressing
  • FIG. 4 shows a second variant of the user interface with a special display structure, the user guidance, by means of a linked structure, leaving no freedom of choice for the sequence of the function call.
  • an LCD with twice the display area is used.
  • the display in the field is scrolled during selection.
  • the cliché is displayed in field 2.
  • Another type of dispatch should not be entered, or forwarding to field 1 of face 1 should be avoided.
  • names for the other functions are now visible.
  • the number of function fields in the lower part of the cliché display is limited for reasons of space.
  • one of the displayed functions offers the option of activating another level.
  • one or all fields preferably in the Face 1.0 field 2 of the cliché representation (the first level) is a - not shown in the figure 4a - function input possibility, can be switched over to the second level.
  • This second level should be less important and not frequently invoked. It is subsequently easy to make an extension to integrate new established functions.
  • field 3 in Face 2.0 provides the function of automatic postage determination by displaying an icon for a balance or in plain text by the words "Portocomputer". Behind it the options (YES / NO) or (automatic / manual weight entry) are visible. With the rotary encoder 110, one of the options, for example, NO or manual weight input is selected.
  • the display window of the display 30 appears according to the display structure of Figure 4 - shown in Figure 4f - tabular list of weight values in field 4, additionally in field 3, the destination of the mail, field 2, the shape of the mail and field 1, the mailing type of the mail , whereby appropriate surcharges are to be considered.
  • no list appears in field 4. It is then possible to display the weight value transmitted by the balance. If the size and resolution of the display 30 does not permit the display of a complete list, only a first portion of the list will be displayed. The listing can be continued by an inserted into the lists - not shown in Figure 4f - function NEXT.
  • the function NEXT can also be provided at the end of the second part of a list in order to switch to the first part of the list.
  • the user guidance marks the next list. A selection is again made via the rotary encoder 110 before an acknowledgment takes place. Then a selection is made in the next list and so on. After the last list has been acknowledged in the Face 2.3 display of the second level, you return to the Face 1.0 display of the first level, from which further levels can be selected via the level switch.
  • a field 1 is provided in the face 3.0 for adjusting the stamp offset. It turns out that despite the simplicity of the encoder is a multi-functionality is given, which is also still very strong adapts to human requirements. Corresponding to the direction of rotation, the parameter size in the display field for the stamp offset is increased or decreased in millimeters.
  • FIG. 4j a representation of the fourth plane Face 4.0 is indicated. From field 1 you can switch to a service interface. The cliché display disappears and the question of a security code appears in the case of a protected switch to the area for the service. An authorized user now has the option of entering the code by acknowledging left / right turns.
  • This method is in itself of franking machines with combination lock switch, for example, from DE 24 38 055 C2 or from code locks to vaults. After the service area has been released, the authorized person can query states or values of the machine or make entries. After completion of the service work is switched back to the cliché presentation.
  • the configuration of the input functions in the display structure as well as the display structure itself is adapted in a development of the inventive concept.
  • a switch to a user interface setting interface is provided in the display Face 4.0 of the fourth level in field 2.
  • an authorization routine is also executed before an adaptive configuration can be programmed The user may later switch between the normal configuration shown in Figures 4, 4a-4i and the adaptive configuration, for example make.
  • FIGS. 4, 4a to 4j the possibilities of the user interface illustrated in FIGS. 4, 4a to 4j are described in an advantageous embodiment, wherein the operating option afforded by the elements of the first input means is extended by additional operating elements 101 to 106 for plane and function selection.
  • the tasks of the elements of the input means are strictly separated. They are characterized by a typical shape and design that inform the user which tasks are behind the individual elements: controls for selecting input functions, encoders for setting parameters, controls for switching menu levels. This ensures clarity and the human machine interface is particularly ergonomic.
  • Under the LCD 30 are preferably - not shown in Figure 4 with - softkeys 101 to 104 are used with which at least one predetermined field in each level an associated display of other input functions in four fields of the display 30 can be called.
  • FIG. 4a relates to a representation Face 1.0 of a first level of the user interface.
  • An illustration Face 2.0 of the second level - which is shown in Figure 4b - can be called up with the control element 106.
  • Further representations of the second plane Face 2.4 and Face 2.3 shown in FIGS. 4e and 4d are by the individual Display fields of the display of the first second level associated controls 103 and 104 callable.
  • a softkey 103 assigned to the field 3 "portocomputer” first calls up the representation shown in FIG. 4e, then the selection of the options "automatic or manual weight input” is - in the figure 4e not shown with - soft keys 103 and 102, ie not to hit via the rotary encoder 110.
  • field 2 in face 2.0 can indicate the name of the cost center.
  • the cost center can be displayed numerically or in clear text to display different departments. By pressing the rotary encoder, a cost center can be selected from a list.
  • Another field 1 in the Face 2.0 can provide switching to the strip transmitter by (YES / NO) selection according to the portocomputer function.
  • the register contents can be read out by setting in another field 4 in the Face 2.0. If the representation of the values requires a lot of space, it is possible to delete the entire display on the display and instead - as shown in Figure 4d - to represent the register contents. Switching back to the cliché display is done by acknowledging or pressing the rotary encoder.
  • FIG. 4c shows a representation Face 3.0 of the third level, from which two further representations of the third levels Face 3.3 and Face 3.2 can be called up via the operating elements 102 and 103 of the user interface, in which the user can make a selection.
  • FIG. 4j shows a representation of the fourth level Face 4.0, from which a switchover to the display of another surface can be made by means of the operating elements 105, 106.
  • buttons are arranged above and below the display, which are assigned to individual areas of the representation.
  • Four buttons are located above the cliché and are associated with the postage stamp, the date stamp, the advertising cliché and the shipping method. Below the display are arranged buttons that correspond to the functional fields shown.
  • an input function is selected by pressing the button assigned to it.
  • the corresponding display flashes and can be adjusted with the rotary encoder. Pressing a key assigned to the next field will acknowledge.
  • the acknowledgment button on the rotary encoder can be omitted.
  • the operation of each function can be performed independently of the previous one.
  • the handover takes place as a function of the sequence of operation made by the user guide.
  • a choice can be made between a normal, adaptive and auto-adaptive configuration for each user (cost center). While the normal configuration is fixed by the manufacturer and the adaptive must be programmed by an expert, the autoadaptive reconfiguration is automatically determined and stored by the postage meter.
  • function input means are also provided in a first plane in order to perform a level and / or function switching. however, from the second level, the assignment of the function to the function input means 101, 102, 103 and 104 for the function switching is variable and is made according to the frequency of use of the function.
  • the ergonomic auto-adaptive user interface has an LCD 30 (240 * 64 dots) serving as output means 3.
  • LCD 30 240 * 64 dots
  • keys soft keys
  • To the left of the LCD 30 are two superimposed keys 105 and 106 (level key and home key).
  • the rotary encoder 110 is installed.
  • On the LCD a standard print image is displayed in the upper part of the fields after switching on.
  • the four soft keys act as function keys and are assigned to the four elements of the printed image: postage stamp, day stamp, advertising cliché and shipping method. After pressing a soft key, the corresponding part starts to flash in the display.
  • the rotary encoder can be used to change numeric values or select an item from a list.
  • the setting of postage and date and the selection of the advertising clichés and the shipping method are the four classic functions in the operation of a postage meter and are therefore assigned a level 1.
  • the lower key (level key) 106 is provided, for example, with a downwardly pointing arrow. This is intended to convey to the user that lower levels are actuated when actuated.
  • the upper key (home key) 105 carries a label, preferably an upwardly pointing arrow, which points to a filled circle.
  • the autoadaptive configuration is based on statistics to be maintained by the franking machine, the operation of the device is logged and evaluated.
  • a relevant expert system with statistical means 114 is to be integrated in the software of the franking machine.
  • a result of this evaluation of data may be the automatic adaptation of the user interface to the needs of the user depending on the field of application.
  • An advantageous mode of operation for the determination made by the franking machine consists of two phases: a statistical phase in which only data for a reconfiguration is determined under the normal or adaptive configuration, and a configuration phase for creating the reconfiguration.
  • each cost center is considered individually when the data is stored in a storage area 115.
  • the individual functions have different priority or frequency of execution.
  • a software module (car adapter 116) can evaluate the execution of individual functions. If the car adapter 116 determines that a function that is established at a low level is performed very often, a Reconfiguration be made. For this purpose, the position of the relevant function is exchanged with that of a function that is not used so often.
  • the control for the reconfiguration is performed by the control data stored in a memory area of a memory or means 112, on the basis of a display structure stored in a memory 117 of the means 107 and on the basis of a ranking of the input functions cached in a rank memory 120.
  • FIG. 4 An example is shown in FIG. In the level 4, the function of the field 3 has been used very frequently in a defined evaluated time range in the representation 4.0, which is indicated by a + sign, and in the level 2.0 the function of the field 2 of the representation 2.0 has been least used , which has been indicated by a sign -.
  • FIG. 7 shows the basic procedure for a user interface with auto-adaptive configuration.
  • the franking machine has, in a known manner, a start and an initialization routine as well as an execution of the user identification.
  • the user is assigned a cost center.
  • configuration data is transferred into the working memory 112 in the operating mode.
  • These relate to the display structure stored in the memory 117 in all display levels within which, under the control of the programmable means 107 for the configuration and by means of the first selection means 108, an input function is forwarded to the next.
  • the individual fields of the display Face 1.0 are assigned to functions Shipment Type, Advertising Slip, Date and Postage Value. Value tables associated with these functions are transferred from non-volatile memory into the main memory.
  • the same process also takes place when the configuration data for Face 2.0, 2.4, 2.3, 2.2 and 2.1 are transferred, as are the configuration data for Face 3.0, 3.4, 3.3, 3.2 and 3.1 and the configuration data for Face 4.0, 4.4, 4.3, 4.2 and 4.1 etc.
  • the required input data is now taken over into the main memory during the input mode, with a counter for the selected functions or a flag for the selected ones Functions are set and where a counter is set or a flag is set in accordance with the table values set accordingly.
  • the acknowledgment signal Q causes the handover of a counter for the function selection or the setting of a flag.
  • the acknowledgment also causes the decompression of cliché data and their preparation and the insertion of additional generated from input data graphics pixels in the data editing mode and a partial display of the previously set data as well as the user interface through the user interface and the other input options in the display mode.
  • the last acknowledgment signal of an input routine causes in statistics mode in addition to the error registration and the beginning of the statistics phase.
  • the selection of the corresponding register takes place in dependence on the cost center via a demultiplexer D.
  • the register R1 is assigned together with other registers R for all functions in a special assigned to the cost center a and the statistical memory area A serving.
  • the counting operation of each frequency counter Hx which is assigned to a function x used during franking is effected during the franking process.
  • Counters of frequency counters Ay associated with an unused function are not incremented.
  • the counts correspond to the frequency of use of functions.
  • the number of frankings or operating hours can also be counted and monitored in a further separate counter Z. If a limit value that can be set separately for the separate meter and for each cost center is reached, then all Counter readings of the frequency counter H to a cost center a reduced by one bit and sent a signal s to the car adapter.
  • the count of all frequency counts H assigned to the cost centers is evaluated after predetermined operating times or when the signal Ü occurs, and then reset to zero.
  • the evaluation is carried out by simultaneously counting up and down the counts, wherein the first reaching a presettable limit value of one of the frequency counters a first rank and a count of the counter readings and the reaching of the limit by a further frequency counter signals a second rank.
  • the code of the associated first-ranked function is taken from the R-memory of the main memory area A by the auto-adapter 116 and stored in the rank memory 120 according to the ranking in one of n memory areas. In the same way, the code of the ranked functions is taken over before all the frequency counters are reset.
  • the car adapter 116 now calculates for variant two of the display structure a variant for a reconfiguration with four input functions corresponding to the ranking for the four fields per face in each representation of the level.
  • a very frequent change of stored data for reconfiguration can be prevented by thresholds. These threshold values can be specified as limit values for the frequency counters H and the operating time or franking number counters Z.
  • a reorganization is performed according to the further order of priority, by re-allocating the seats of the four fields per face.
  • the calculated Reconfiguration of the functions per cost center in the display structure is stored in memory areas B, C of the main memory.
  • the re-configuration indication will not occur until a re-configuration flag is set in memory.
  • field 2 of the fourth level of the representation Face 4.0 is searched for based on the normal / adaptive assignment and the function "user interface" is called, the representation Face 4.2 is called. It then appears - not shown in the figure 4j - display with the option, normal / adaptive assignment or reconfiguration.
  • the postage meter can be turned off after use without loss of setting.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)

Claims (6)

  1. Affranchisseuse à interface utilisateur, dotée d'au moins un premier mode d'entrée (I) et d'une fenêtre d'affichage d'un mode de sortie (3), à laquelle sont affectés des éléments de commande supplémentaires, ainsi que dotée d'un système de processeur (11), lequel commande les présentations des fonctions d'entrées dans la fenêtre d'affichage,
    caractérisée en ce que des éléments de commande supplémentaires sont affectés à la fenêtre d'affichage d'un écran à capacité graphique (30), sachant que deux éléments de commande (105 et 106) sont prévus pour la commutation de niveau et qu'un élément de commande (105) permet le retour vers la présentation (face 1.0) au premier niveau à partir de chaque autre présentation dans un niveau de l'interface utilisateur, et
    en ce que le système de processeur (11) est programmé afin que :
    - Toutes les présentations (face 1.0, face 2.0, 2.1, ...) aient lieu dans l'unique fenêtre d'affichage d'un écran à capacité graphique (30).
    - Après avoir démarré l'affranchisseuse, un affichage standard (face 1) s'affiche dans la fenêtre d'affichage, avec un réglage de départ pour les valeurs de paramètres, sachant que l'affichage standard (face 1) constitue un premier niveau de l'interface utilisateur avec une représentation claire de l'impression prévisible et de la répartition de ladite impression dans plusieurs champs (champ 1, champ 2, champ 3, ...)
    - Le réglage de départ actif immédiatement après le démarrage puisse être modifié ultérieurement de manière ciblée, sachant que la possibilité de commande offerte par les éléments du premier moyen d'entrée (1, 110, 111) est augmentée par des éléments de commande supplémentaires (101 à 104), à l'aide desquels d'autres présentations du même niveau peuvent être appelées, dans lesquelles l'utilisateur peut effectuer une sélection et à l'aide desquelles une présentation associée d'autres fonctions d'entrée peut de plus être appelée pour au moins un champ prédéterminé à chaque niveau, de sorte que la sélection des niveaux et des fonctions est augmentée,
    - Pour toutes les présentations par l'interface, la position de la fonction d'entrée actuelle soit prescrite dans une structure d'affichage ainsi que caractérisée par une signalisation en fonction de la situation d'entrée nécessaire et
    - Une statistique devant être entretenue par l'affranchisseuse se trouve à la base d'une configuration autoadaptative, la commande de l'appareil établissant un protocole et analysant ladite statistique, de sorte que la structure d'affichage présente un placement prioritaire de fonctions d'entrées souvent utilisées.
  2. Affranchisseuse selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que deux touches (105 et 106) disposées l'une au-dessus de l'autre à gauche auprès de la fenêtre d'affichage de l'écran (30) sont prévues comme touche de niveau et comme touche d'état initial.
  3. Affranchisseuse selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que des touches sont disposées comme élément de commande pour la sélection des fonctions ou pour l'entrée des fonctions, lesdites touches étant affectées aux présentations dans la fenêtre d'affichage de l'écran (30), de sorte qu'à partir du deuxième niveau de l'interface utilisateur, l'affectation de la fonction aux modes d'entrée des fonctions (101, 102, 103 et 104) soit variable pour la commutation de fonction.
  4. Affranchisseuse selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3 précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le système de processeur (11) est programmé de sorte que des fonctions soient ajoutées, effacées, présentées ou intégrées autrement.
  5. Affranchisseuse selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4 précédentes, caractérisée en ce que des touches sont disposées au-dessus ou au-dessous de la fenêtre d'affichage de l'écran (30) et affectées à des secteurs spécifiques de la présentation.
  6. Affranchisseuse selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que quatre touches sont disposées au-dessus de la fenêtre d'affichage de l'écran (30) et affectées au cachet de port, au timbre dateur, au cliché publicitaire et au mode d'expédition,
    en ce que des touches sont disposées au-dessous de la fenêtre d'affichage de l'écran (30), qui correspondent aux champs de fonctions représentés,
    en ce que l'acquittement s'effectue à l'actionnement d'une touche affectée au champ suivant et
    en ce que, en cas d'acquittement avec une touche affectée au même champ, le transfert s'effectue en fonction de la séquence de la commande effectuée par l'interface.
EP98250224A 1992-05-22 1993-05-19 Machine à affranchir avec interface utilisateur flexible Expired - Lifetime EP0867840B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4217478 1992-05-22
DE4217478A DE4217478A1 (de) 1992-05-22 1992-05-22 Anordnung zur Erzeugung einer flexiblen Benutzeroberfläche für Frankiermaschinen
EP93250146A EP0571061B1 (fr) 1992-05-22 1993-05-19 Dispositif pour produire un interface utilisateur flexible pour un automate d'affranchissement

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93250146A Division EP0571061B1 (fr) 1992-05-22 1993-05-19 Dispositif pour produire un interface utilisateur flexible pour un automate d'affranchissement

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0867840A2 EP0867840A2 (fr) 1998-09-30
EP0867840A3 EP0867840A3 (fr) 2000-09-27
EP0867840B1 true EP0867840B1 (fr) 2007-10-10

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EP98250224A Expired - Lifetime EP0867840B1 (fr) 1992-05-22 1993-05-19 Machine à affranchir avec interface utilisateur flexible
EP93250146A Expired - Lifetime EP0571061B1 (fr) 1992-05-22 1993-05-19 Dispositif pour produire un interface utilisateur flexible pour un automate d'affranchissement

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DE29821903U1 (de) 1998-12-03 1999-05-06 Francotyp Postalia Gmbh Anordnung zur Eingabe und Anzeige von Benutzerinformationen auf einem Display
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE4217478A1 (de) 1993-11-25
DE59309268D1 (de) 1999-02-18
EP0571061A2 (fr) 1993-11-24
EP0867840A2 (fr) 1998-09-30
DE59310392D1 (de) 2007-11-22
EP0571061B1 (fr) 1999-01-07
EP0571061A3 (fr) 1995-05-31
EP0867840A3 (fr) 2000-09-27

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