DE9219115U1 - Arrangement for creating a flexible user interface for franking machines - Google Patents

Description

Francotyp-Postalia AG & Co.

Triftweg 21-26

16547 Birkenwerder 21 November 1997

G3003-EN

Arrangement for creating a flexible user interface for franking machines

Description

The invention relates to an arrangement for generating a flexible user interface for office equipment, in particular for franking machines, which can be used for franking mail and are equipped with at least one input means, an input/output control means and an output means.

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Conventional franking machines have input options to set values or specifications or to enter commands. It is already known to use setting wheels, switches, keys or several of these elements combined to form fields, such as keyboards, as input devices.

DE 24 38 055 C2 discloses a franking machine with an input device that has function keys (selection or test keys). The selection keys determine whether the amounts of the increasing or decreasing postage register or the count of a piece counter are displayed on a 10-digit numerical display. The test keys are required for testing purposes, whereby other display elements are switched on/off. The input device also includes a keypad for entering the lock combination and a special self-encrypting combination lock switch, which is used to reload the postage billing amount under secure conditions and can be operated using a button if the lock combination is entered correctly. However, the adjustable functions are limited to a small number of three functions (postage printing, billing, refilling the credit register) by the selected arrangement and sequence circuit for the sequential selection of the functions.

A strip printer according to EP 456 284 A2 also has a button with a character scale for symbols or other markings on an upper housing part, whereby the transfer of the setting to a memory or to a display, in particular a liquid crystal display (LCD), is triggered by pressing the button. However, a secure input, which is a prerequisite for a franking machine, cannot be carried out with this. The selection of functions that can be displayed is also already limited by the character scale arranged on the circumference of the button.

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limited in terms of space. Although several function keys and a print key are provided, a user interface for a franking machine is much more complex to equip.
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The front panel of another franking machine known from DE 3 0 4 0 559 C2 has a keyboard and a numeric display unit for a more complex user interface. The human/machine interface is controlled by a control device for the operation of the franking machine and the functions of the keyboard, the display unit and the LED display elements are implemented. For this purpose, a central processing unit (CPU) is connected via data, address and control lines to a multi-purpose circuit that contains RAM/ROM memory, input/output and timer means. The keyboard is connected to the interface hardware via a decoder and the display unit is connected via drivers. The keyboard includes keys for numeric input values, a decimal key for printing, a delete key, a postage setting key and other function keys for the - corresponding to the postage amount used
Register contents of the rising register and for the remaining amount - register contents of the falling register, for control or postage fee total, number of pieces, batch value and batch number. However, different assignments of the function keys are not possible without further ado.

The function of the keys can only be changed using a maintenance switch on the back. A key switch with a lock cylinder on the side is used to reset, start up and reload the franking machine, the position of which can be observed through a window. However, the setting options are limited to a small number of input functions due to the principle.

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As the complexity increases due to additional input functions, the number of input options is constantly increasing. Multiple assignments to individual elements reduce the clarity of the input options and increase the possibility of incorrect operation.

Scales, lamps, light emitting diodes (LEDs) and liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are known as output options for displaying values or results or for indicating states. As complexity increases, clarity decreases and the possibility of misinterpretation increases.

Although a franking machine system with a display via a cathode ray tube (CRT) coupled to a display processor and connected to a CRT controller is known (DE 34 16 590 Al), the effort required for this display is high.

The invention is based on the task of creating a user interface for franking machines with little effort, which offers the best mutual adaptation between the operator and the franking machine. Without increasing the confusion through many input devices, there should be as many function input options as desired.

Another requirement was a high degree of flexibility in terms of input and output options. If the franking machine is later expanded to include additional functions or features, the user interface should be easy, quick and cost-effective to adapt.
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The problem is solved with the characterizing features of claim 1.

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The user interface for franking machines consists of ergonomic input and output devices. Extremely simple user guidance is achieved by prioritizing frequently used input functions in a display structure, by optimally adapting the input and output devices to the human sensory organs and by coordinating the input and output devices with one another.

The invention is based on the fact that the operation of the franking machine is based on one or more processes for setting the parameters of 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 operating step, access to frequently used input functions is made easier and for the second operating step, the setting is made based on a quick selection.

The invention is also based on the consideration that it is necessary to display the effects of the function selection and the setting of the parameters immediately in an easily understandable form. This can best be achieved by a clear display of the expected cliché in a single display. The clear display takes the form of: What you see is what you get (WYSIWYG).

The user must be guided through the solution according to the invention in order to make operation as simple as possible. This means that the user interface points out the individual operating steps to the user or specifies individual operating steps. Operating errors can be largely ruled out if the user interface only suggests sensible operating steps. Immediately after switching on, a start setting is effective, which can subsequently be specifically changed. This is done by a programmable, normally adaptable

tive configuration or through an auto-adaptive configuration of the input function in the display structure.

One advantage of the user interface according to the invention is that the franking process can be carried out at any time. Only the necessary settings need to be made if the franking is to be carried out using a setting that is different from the basic setting or not using the previous setting. All settings made are saved. An additional option to delete the value setting is unnecessary due to the way in which the parameters are set, which is done by selecting predefined setting positions. The number of input elements is greatly reduced. This increases the clarity of the input options. At the same time, the number of input functions and setting options can be selected as large as desired.

A major advantage of the user interface is its extreme flexibility. Not only can individual parts of the display be changed, but functions can also be added, deleted, integrated or displayed differently. Customer-specific adaptation is easily possible by changing the software, including with regard to foreign language display. The clear display of the cliché is particularly user-friendly. The actual complexity is achieved by appropriate software. During development, careful software engineering and a sufficiently large and expandable memory area were taken into account.

The classification of functions into the different levels according to customer requirements means that in the simplest case, a customer does not need any additional functions in addition to the classic basic functions and can therefore purchase a franking machine at a reasonable price.

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The other extreme means that in addition to the maximum equipment, there is the possibility of integrating later added functions into the user interface. It is also conceivable to delete functions for special reasons.

Advantageous further developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are presented in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention using the figures. They show:

Figure 1, block diagram of a franking machine with the arrangement according to the invention for generating a flexible user interface

Figure 2, Arrangement for a first variant of a user interface

Figure 3, Display options in the first variant

a user interface

Figure 4, Display structure for a second variant

of the user interface
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Figures 4a to 4j of the representations of the display fields in

the levels of the user interface

Figure 5, Layout for the second variant of the user interface

Figure 6, Display structure for a third variant of the user interface with auto-adaptive configuration
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Figure 7, program flow chart for the user interface with auto-adaptive configuration

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In Figure 1, the basic structure of a franking machine containing the arrangement 10 according to the invention for generating a flexible user interface is explained in more detail using a block diagram.
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In a common housing, input and output means 1 to 3 are connected via an input/output control means 5 to a processor system 11, which has a postal security area, directly or via a BUS, to which at least one storage means 7 and a processing unit (CPU) 8 as well as a clock/date module 9 are connected. The basis of the franking machine consists of a printer module 4 coupled to the processor system and a power electronics 6, which contains a power supply and control for the drives (paper transport, printer, ribbon, strip dispenser) and sensors. If a postal item (letter) reaches the input opening of the franking machine, franking is carried out automatically according to the stored setting. Other peripheral input/output means - not shown here - can also be connected to the processor system 11.

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 used to select input functions and/or to set 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. In Figure 1, two output/input means 2a, 2b coupled to a serial interface are provided for programs and/or data that are transmitted by a transmission device not shown in Figure 1.

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medium or transmitted via an interface.

The storage means 7 usually consists of several permanent, temporary and non-volatile memories. Part of the memories, together with the CPU, form a protected postal area within the processor system 11 in a known manner. The programs for the user interface and addressable tables with addressable data are also stored in the permanent memory of the franking machine, whereby each table can be called up in association with a specific input function.

In the program, the first display option is defined as a first representation of the flexible user interface in the window of the display device, with which symbols and alphanumeric characters are displayed. For example, a first level with four fields and a first field of the first level are defined with which the input of parameters should begin. As part of the flexible user guidance, the processor system 11 specifies the most common input functions for the first display in a start setting.

For all representations that occur in a single display window of the output means 3 in several, preferably four, fields arranged next to one another, the position of the current input function in a display structure is prescribed by the user guidance and, depending on the required input situation, is indicated by a signal in a field of the display means 3 if necessary.

When one of the elements of the first input device 1 is activated, the readiness to leave the start setting should be indicated. For this purpose, the first field is appropriately marked, from which the user is guided through a user interface.

» * ♦ *» A«ft

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The field is assigned a specific function. The marking can be done by complementary color and/or black/white display or by flashing. It is possible to design the user interface in such a way that the display switches to a rest position after an adjustable time (e.g. 10 seconds), during which no part of the display flashes. When an element of the input device 1 is activated, for example, the postage value in a field starts to flash and can be set using the input device 1. Another form can be realized by passive signaling in the lower part of the field, in particular a print. The display in the field must be scrolled.

The input means 1 for the function or parameter is assigned first selection means 108 or second selection means 109, which in a preferred variant are implemented in the processing unit (CPU) using hardware and/or software. The first selection means 108 for the input function consists, for example, of at least one counter that is connected to a clock pulse and/or is supplied with an acknowledgement signal Q. The counter selects the input function that is entered into an I/O controller 51 of the input/output control means 5, which has a parallel interface. 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.

In the processor system 11, the second selection means 109 is also implemented in software as a counter and a means 107 is programmable for at least one configuration of the functions in a display structure and is provided for further user guidance.

The second selection means 109 cooperates with the first input means 1 to select from one of the selected

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to mark adjustable parameters and functions for selecting further representations in the display window or in the same field in the stored table assigned to the selected input function. The configuration means 107 controls the process as part of the user guidance in such a way that after confirmation, further callable levels and/or operating steps are called up and specified in the display window and/or in the same field and the first selection means 108, after confirmation of the input, switches the input functions displayed in the fields step by step in a defined order.

The second selection means 109 for the parameters can, on the other hand, also be a counter with decoder in the input/output control means 5 or in the I/O controller 51, which works together with elements of the first input means.

Figure 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 acknowledgement means 111 are used. 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 control means for the LCD 30 and evaluation means for the setting means 110.

If a rotary encoder 110 is used as the only setting device, digital values can be decremented and incremented by unlimited left and right rotations. These values can be used to generate addresses in the microprocessor, via which data or other addresses for functions can be selected in tables stored in a memory not shown in Figure 3.

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J · • •
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• ·
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•

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Such a table is assigned to each of the input functions and stored in the permanent memory of the storage means 7. The selected data correspond to parameters and the selected addresses correspond to functions, which are shown in the respectively selected field of the display (LCD) 3 0 as a symbol or alphanumerically. The acknowledgement means 111 can be mechanically coupled to the setting means 110.

By applying axial pressure to the rotary encoder, a key function can be triggered, which generates the acknowledgement signal Q. In a first variant, user guidance is used with a cyclic sequence of input functions, whereby the switching is triggered by the acknowledgement signal.

Figure 3 shows two preferred display options, Face 1 and 2, for four input functions that can be selected one after the other using the first selection means 108 for a first variant of the user interface. The display 3 0 initially shows Face 1 with a start setting for the parameter values. The fields shown in the display 3 0 are run through in the order from right to left by a label in steps that can be advanced with each confirmation. However, the order of the input functions that can be called up can also be set differently than in the fields of Face 1 and 2 of the user interface shown in Figure 3.

The process of each operation for setting the parameters associated with the individual input functions to be determined consists of selecting an input function and setting the defined parameters. The process ends with confirmation.

The effects of the function selection and the setting of the parameters are displayed immediately before acknowledgment.

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The cliché can be displayed to the user in a first level of the user interface in an easily understandable form using a clear representation (WYSIWYG) of the expected cliché. A cliché can be displayed on a graphics-capable liquid crystal display (240 * 64 dots) at a scale of 1:1 in sufficient quality.

Using Figures 2 and 3, the operation of a franking machine with the described input/output devices is explained below using a simple implementation example with the four input functions: postage value, date, advertising slogan and shipping method. Face 1 in Figure 3 shows a preferred first level of the user interface.

After switching on the franking machine, a standard display appears in the display window. In field 4 the postage value is 0100 (1 DM).

The date is transferred from the clock/date module 9 and displayed in field 3. A standard advertising slogan number 1 is displayed in field 2. A shipping method is not initially displayed in field 1. This means that the most common postal items can be franked immediately after switching on without any further input.

After switching on, the postage value is shown flashing in field 4 of the display 3 0. The postage value is changed by turning the rotary encoder. Only franking values that are also in the postage table are shown. It is therefore impossible to accidentally set a value of 1.01 DM. By pressing the rotary encoder 110, the confirmation device 111 is activated and the entry is confirmed.

The date is now shown flashing in field 3 of the display 3 0. The date can also be changed by turning the rotary encoder 110.

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After acknowledgment, the advertising slogan flashes in field 2. By turning the rotary encoder 110, the advertising slogans stored in the storage medium 7 can be selected from the memory and displayed. 5

The type of transmission is selected in the same way. After confirmation, Face 2 appears with fields 1 to 4 in display 30. The flashing field allows parameters to be entered. Completing the input of parameters for functions in the fields of the display shown in Face 2 causes a switchback to the preferred first display of the user interface shown in Face I in Figure 3.

The names of the fields can be shown in plain text or as symbols. For example, the Toshiba TLX-711A type with the T6963C controller can be used as an LCD. An optically coupled rotary encoder switch, in particular the Grayhill 61 Cll-01-08-02 component, is suitable for the rotary encoder 110 used for parameter setting, together with the interface module HCTL-2000 from Hewlett-Packard.

The advantage of reducing the number of mechanical components to a minimum is that they are highly fail-safe. The entire control circuit only contains electronic components, as the actuators are implemented using phototransistors. The low unit price and the simple design of the rotary encoder result in minimal costs thanks to minimal wiring and installation effort.

The values are entered according to a sequence specified by the machine, e.g. postage value, date, advertising slogan, etc. The input function is also completed by pressing the acknowledgement key. This leads to the next input function. Is activated by selecting a blank space or a position marked "Normal" in the display field for an input.

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If no new value or no value at all is entered in the function, it must be acknowledged by pressing a key and the next input function must be switched on. If, in an extreme application, only one function is required at the end of the sequence, the user must work his way back by pressing the acknowledgement key several times. This can be modified for higher demands using the second variant of the user interface described below.

Figure 4 shows a second variant of the user interface with a special display structure, whereby the user interface allows freedom of choice for the order in which the functions are called using a linked structure. The acknowledgement that occurs after each input of parameters for the input function that has just been set allows further input functions specified by the user interface to be called in the next field or without parameter input in the same field, or the input can be aborted with a return to the initial display Face I.

For a version with many functions that can be selected in one display field, an LCD with a display area that is twice as high is used. The display in the field is scrolled when selecting. In the upper half of the display 3 0 in Face 1.0, for example, the cliché is shown in field 2. Another shipping method should not be entered, or switching to field 1 of Face 1 should be avoided. In the lower half of field 2, names for the other functions are now visible.

The number of function fields in the lower part of the tile display is limited due to space constraints. To display additional functions, it is possible to activate a further level using one of the displayed functions. In one or all fields, preferably

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Preferably in Face 1.0 field 2 of the cliché representation (the first level) there is a function input option - not shown in Figure 4a - which can be used to switch to the second level. This second level should contain less important functions that are not called up frequently. It is easy to add to it later so that new established functions can be integrated.

In the lower half of field 2 of Face 1.0, for example, symbols or designations for levels 1 to 4 are visible. A marking of this function input option becomes active when the settings in the cliché have been made. For field 2 of Face 1.0, this means that after setting and acknowledging the selected cliché number, for example, the symbol for level 2 of levels 2, 3 or 4 flashes in the lower part of the display, whereby after a selection via an element of the setting means 110 and after acknowledging, a level switch to a second level shown in Face 2.0 is effected.

Then, for example, field 3 in Face 2.0 represents the function of automatic postage calculation by displaying a symbol for a scale or in plain text by the words "postage computer ¹¹ ". The options (YES/NO) or (automatic/manual weight input) are visible behind this. One of the options, for example NO or manual weight input, is selected using the rotary encoder 110. In the display window of the display 30, according to the display structure according to Figure 4, the tabular list of weight values shown in Figure 4f now appears in field 4, in addition to the destination of the postal item in field 3, field 2 the form of the postal item and field 1 the type of postal item, whereby corresponding surcharges must be taken into account. If YES or "automatic weight input ¹¹ " is entered, no list appears in field 4. It is then possible to display the weight transmitted by the scale.

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value. If the size and resolution of the display 30 do not allow the display of a complete list, only a first part of the list is displayed. The list can be continued using a CONTINUE function inserted in the lists - not shown in Figure 4f.

The NEXT function can also be provided at the end of the second part of a list in order to be able to switch to the first part of the list. After acknowledgment, the user interface marks the next list. A selection is made again using the rotary encoder 110 before acknowledgment is made. Then a selection is made in the next list, and so on. After acknowledging the last list in the Face 2.3 display of the second level, there is a return to the Face 1.0 display of the first level, from which further levels can be selected using the level switch.

In a third level - shown in Figure 4c - a field 1 in Face 3.0 is provided for setting the stamp offset. It can be seen that despite the simplicity of the rotary encoder, a multifunctionality is provided, which is also very similar to the

human requirements. Depending on the direction of rotation, the parameter size in the display field for the punch offset is increased or decreased in millimeters.

Figure 4j shows a representation of the fourth level Face 4.0. From field 1, you can switch to an interface for the service. The cliché representation disappears and, when switching to the area for the service in a protected manner, a request for a security code appears. An authorized user now has the option of entering the code by turning left/right. This

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driving is already familiar from franking machines with combination lock switches, for example from the
DE 24 38 055 C2 or from code locks on safes. After the service area has been released, the authorized person can query the status or values of the machine or make entries. After the service work has been completed, the system switches back to the cliché display.

To solve the further task of achieving a high level of flexibility in terms of input and output options, the configuration of the input functions in the display structure and the display structure itself are adapted in a further development of the inventive concept. For this purpose, in the Face 4.0 representation of the fourth level in field 2, a switch to an interface for setting the user interface is provided. As with the switch to an interface for the service (field 19), an authorization routine is also processed before an adaptive configuration can be programmed. The user can later switch between the normal configuration shown, for example, in Figure 4, 4a to 4i and the adaptive configuration.

With an extensive user interface with many input functions, one-button input can become too cumbersome in special cases. In another arrangement variant of the inventive solution shown in Figure 5, additional lateral function input means are therefore provided in order to carry out a level switch. In addition, function input means are arranged in a defined assignment to the fields of the display means.

In the following, the options of the user interface - shown in Figures 4, 4a to 4j - are described in an advantageous embodiment, whereby the elements of the first input means

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The existing operating option is expanded by additional operating elements 101 to 106 for level and function selection. The tasks of the elements of the input device are strictly separated. They are characterized by a typical shape and design that tell the user which tasks are behind the individual elements: operating elements for selecting input functions, rotary encoders for setting parameters, operating elements for switching between menu levels. This ensures clarity and the human-machine interface is designed to be particularly ergonomic. Softkeys 101 to 104 - not shown in Figure 4 - are preferably used under the LCD 30, with which an associated representation of further input functions in four fields of the display 30 can be called up for at least one predetermined field in each level. The operating element 106 triggers a level switch. Using Figures 4a to 4j, the operation of a franking machine with the described input/output devices is again explained using an implementation example with four functions in each of the representations in the four levels.

Figure 4a relates to a representation Face 1.0 of a first level of the user interface. A representation Face 2.0 of the second level - which is shown in Figure 4b - can be called up using the control element 106. Further representations of the second level Face 2.4 and Face 2.3 - shown in Figures 4e and 4d - can be called up using the control elements 103 and 104 assigned to the individual display fields of the display of the first second level.

If - as can be seen in Figure 4b - the display shown in Figure 4e is first called up using a softkey 103 assigned to field 3 "postage computer", then the options "automatic or manual weight input" can be selected using - in Figure 4e

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not shown - softkeys 103 or 102, i.e. not via the rotary encoder 110.

In Figure 4b, field 2 in Face 2.0 can display the name of the cost center. The cost center can be displayed numerically or display different departments in plain text. A cost center can be selected from a list by operating the rotary encoder.
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Another field 1 in Face 2.0 can provide switching to the strip dispenser by (YES/NO) selection according to the postage computer function.

The register contents can be read out by setting another field 4 in Face 2.0. If the display of the values requires a lot of space, it is possible to delete the entire display on the screen and instead display the register contents as shown in Figure 4d. Switching back to the cliché display is done by acknowledging or operating the rotary encoder.

Figure 4c shows a representation of 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 control elements 102 and 103 of the user interface, in which the user can make a selection.
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Figure 4j shows a representation of the fourth level Face 4.0, from which a switch to the display of another interface can be made using the control elements 105, 106. 35

These and any other levels can preferably be selected by repeatedly pressing the control element 106, which serves as a level switch. The arrangement of a further control element 105 allows the return

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Jump to the first level from any other representation of a level.

In another embodiment - not shown in Figure 5 - buttons are arranged above and below the display that are assigned to individual areas of the display. Four buttons are located above the cliché and are assigned to the postage stamp, the date stamp, the advertising cliché and the type of dispatch. Buttons that correspond to the function fields shown are arranged below the display. After switching on the device, an input function is selected by pressing the button assigned to it. The corresponding display flashes and can be set using the rotary encoder. When a button assigned to the next field is pressed, the function is acknowledged. The acknowledgement button on the rotary encoder can be omitted. This means that each function can be operated independently of the previous one. When acknowledging with a button assigned to the same field, the function is switched on depending on the order of operation set by the user guidance. A selection can be made for each user (cost center) between a normal, adaptive and auto-adaptive configuration. While the normal configuration is fixed by the manufacturer and the adaptive configuration must be programmed by an expert, the auto-adaptive reconfiguration is automatically determined and saved by the franking machine.

In a further display structure - shown in Figure 6 - for a third variant of the user interface with auto-adaptive configuration, function input means are also provided in a first level, as already explained in relation to Figure 5, in order to carry out a level and/or function switch, however, from the second level onwards, the assignment of the function to the function input means 101, 102, 103 and

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104 for the function switching is variable and is carried out according to the frequency of use of the function.

The ergonomic, auto-adaptive user interface has an LCD 30 (240 * 64 dots), which serves as output device 3. Four buttons (soft keys) are arranged under the LCD, which are assigned to the representations in the display. To the left of the LCD 30 there are two buttons 105 and 106 arranged one above the other (level key and home key). The rotary encoder 110 is installed on the right. After switching on, a standard print image is displayed on the LCD in the upper part of the fields. The four soft keys act as function keys and are assigned to the four elements of the print image: postage stamp, day stamp, advertising slogan and shipping method. After pressing a soft key, the corresponding part of the display starts to flash. The rotary encoder can be used to change numerical values or to select an element from a list. Setting the postage and date and selecting the advertising slogan and the shipping method are the four classic functions when operating a franking machine and are therefore assigned to level 1.

Several levels are available for additional functions, which can be controlled using the two buttons, preferably to the left of the LCD. The lower button (level button) 106, for example, has an arrow pointing downwards. This is intended to convey to the user that when pressed, lower levels are controlled. The upper button (home position button) 105 has a marking, preferably an arrow pointing upwards, which points to a filled circle. This is intended to symbolize that when the button is pressed, the system jumps from all levels to the home position with the display of the cliché.

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When you access lower levels, easy-to-understand representations of additional input functions appear on the display. Important input functions, or those that are used frequently, are arranged on higher levels. These include, for example, activating the strip dispenser, selecting the cost center or displaying the registers. The representation of a level does not include more than four input functions. This means that the user is not overwhelmed when selecting functions and the assignment of the four soft keys is only retained for fields 1 to 4.

The auto-adaptive configuration is based on statistics maintained by the franking machine, which log and evaluate the operation of the device. A relevant expert system with a statistical tool 114 must be integrated into the franking machine’s software. One result of this evaluation of data can be the automatic adaptation of the user interface to the user’s needs, depending on the area of application.

An advantageous way of working for the determination made by the franking machine consists of two phases: A statistics phase in which only data for a new configuration is determined under the normal or adaptive configuration, and a configuration phase for creating the new configuration. In the statistics phase, each cost center is considered individually when the data is saved in a memory area 115. Depending on the area of application, the individual functions have different priorities, or frequency of execution. In the implementation, for example, a software module (auto adapter 116) can evaluate the execution of individual functions. If the auto adapter 116 determines that a function that is established at a deep level is executed very often, a new configuration can be carried out. To do this, the position of the function in question is

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that of a function that is not used so often. The control for the reconfiguration is carried out 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 temporarily stored in a ranking memory 120.

An example is shown in Figure 6. In level 4, in a defined evaluated time range, in representation 4.0, the function of field 3 was used very frequently, which is indicated by a + sign, and in level 2.0, the function of field 2 of representation 2.0 was used the least, which is indicated by a - sign.

The function of field 3 in Face 4.0 is now installed in the second level in field 2 of Face 2.0. The previous function of field 2 is installed in the fourth level in field 3 of Face 4.0. At the same time, the positions of the functions assigned to the two representations Face 4.3 and 2.2 are swapped.
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Figure 7 shows the basic process for a user interface with auto-adaptive configuration. After starting, the franking machine has a start and initialization routine as well as a user identification process. A cost center is assigned to the user.

For this cost center, data for a normal/adaptive assignment of the functions to places in the display structure according to the type shown in Figure 6 is loaded into the working memory. In a configuration routine, it is determined whether a flag 113 is set for this or another assignment.

G3003-EN - 25 - ···· * ^: · »*· ·&iacgr;·

In field 2 of the fourth level of the Face 4.0 display, there is initially an option to make a change to the normal/adaptive assignment if no normal/adaptive assignment was set last. By calling the "User interface" function, the Face 4.2 display is called up to set a flag for the normal/adaptive assignment. Another option is in field 1 in Face 4.0 if the security code has been entered after calling the "Service" function. This means that normal/adaptive assignments can be set differently for each cost center. If a flag 113 is set to normal or adaptive assignment, the new configuration is determined, but remains ineffective in operating mode. If the flag is set to new configuration, the new configuration takes effect.

Based on the selected assignment, configuration data is transferred to the main memory 112 in the operating mode. This relates to the display structure stored in the memory 117 in all display levels, within which switching from one input function to the next is carried out under the control of the programmable means 107 for the configuration and by means of the first selection means 108. The individual fields of the Face 1.0 display are assigned functions such as shipping type, advertising slogan, date and postage value. Value tables associated with these functions are transferred from the permanent memory to the main memory. The same process also occurs when transferring the configuration data for Face 2.0, 2.4, 2.3, 2.2 and 2.1 as well as when transferring the configuration data for Face 3.0, 3.4, 3.3, 3.2 and 3.1 as well as when transferring the configuration data for Face 4.0, 4.4, 4.3, 4.2 and 4.1 etc.

The required input data is now transferred to the working memory during the input mode, whereby a counter is set for each of the selected functions

yy

G3003-EN - 26 - ···· *""· *l* /.' I

or a flag is set for the selected functions and a counter is set or a flag is set for the corresponding table values. After a table value is set, the acknowledgement signal Q causes a counter to be switched on for the function selection or a flag to be set. The acknowledgement also causes the decompression of cliché data and its processing as well as the insertion of additional graphic pixels generated from input data in data processing mode and a partial display of the data set up so far and, as part of the user guidance through the user interface, also of the other input options in display mode.

In statistics mode, the last acknowledgement signal of an input routine not only causes the error to be registered, but also the start of the statistics phase. In this phase, each function code of an acknowledged and used function is transferred to a corresponding register Rl. The corresponding register is selected depending on the cost center via a demultiplexer D.

The register Rl is assigned together with other registers R for all functions in a special working memory area A assigned to the cost center a and used for statistics. In this working memory area, the franking process causes each frequency counter Hx to continue counting, which is assigned to a function &khgr; used during franking. Counter readings of frequency counters Ay, which are assigned to an unused function, are not increased. The counter readings thus correspond to the frequency of use of functions.

For each cost center, the number of frankings or operating hours can also be counted and monitored in another separate counter Z. If a

G3003-EN - 27 -

the separate counter and a limit value that can be preset separately for each cost center is reached, all counter readings of the frequency counters H for a cost center a are reduced by one bit and a signal Ü is sent to the car adapter.

After specified operating times or when the signal Ü occurs, the auto adapter 116 evaluates the counter reading of all frequency counters H assigned to the cost centers and then resets it to zero.

The evaluation is carried out by simultaneously counting up and/or down the counter readings, whereby the first time a presettable limit value is reached by one of the frequency counters signals a top first rank and a further counting of the counter readings and the reaching of the limit value by another frequency counter signals a second rank. The code of the associated function with the first rank is taken by the auto adapter 116 from the register R of the working memory area A and stored in one of the memory areas in the rank memory 12 0 according to the rank order. The code of the functions lower in the rank order is taken in the same way before all frequency counters are reset.

The auto adapter 116 now calculates a variant for a new configuration for level two of the display structure with four input functions each corresponding to the order of priority for the four fields per face in each display of the level. A very frequent change in the stored data for a reconfiguration can be prevented by threshold values. These threshold values can be specified as limit values for the frequency counters H and the operating time or franking number counters Z.

In the remaining levels of the display structure, a restructuring will be carried out according to the further ranking.

G3003-EN - 28 - . * I . jj . ·..; _# .'

taken by reassigning the spaces 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 display due to the reconfiguration only occurs when a flag for the reconfiguration is set in the main memory. To do this, field 2 of the fourth level of the Face 4.0 display is searched for based on the normal/adaptive assignment and the function "User interface" is called up, the Face 4.2 display is called up. A display - not shown in Figure 4j - then appears with the option of normal/adaptive assignment or reconfiguration. The franking machine can be switched off after use without losing the settings.

After restarting after the start and initialization routine and after carrying out the user identification, the configuration routine determines that a flag for this other new assignment is set. The configuration data is now transferred to the main memory based on the new configuration assigned to the user cost center. Operating errors can be largely ruled out because the user interface only suggests sensible operating steps. The complexity can be preselected using the software and requires a sufficiently large and expandable memory area.

The invention is not limited to the present embodiment, since obviously other arrangements or designs of the transmission means and the reception means can be developed or used, which are covered by the appended claims based on the same basic idea of the invention.

Claims (1)

G3003-EN - 30 - .:.. .:. .:. .·. ". &idigr; Protection claims: 1. Arrangement for generating a flexible user interface for franking machines for franking mail with at least one input and one output means, which are connected to an input/output control means coupled to a processor system, characterized in that i) that the output means (3) for the clear representation of the print to be made, displaying at least the input functions, type of dispatch, advertising slogan, date and postage value, in four fields arranged next to one another in a first level of the representation in the display window, comprises a graphics-capable LCD (3 0) with a connected controller (51), ii) that a first input means (1) comprises as elements at least one setting means (110) and acknowledgement means (111) in order to enable a functional separation of the operating steps which, in cooperation with the input/output control means (5) and the processor system (11), effect a further switching in the series of callable input functions,
iii) that the processor system (11) includes at least one storage means (7), a processing unit CPU (8), a programmable means (107) including a memory for controlling the configuration, wherein the means (107) is programmable for at least one configuration of the functions in a display structure and is provided for further user guidance, that the processor system (11) comprises a first counter means (108) for selecting the input function, wherein the first selection means 108, after an acknowledgement of the input, switches the input functions displayed in the fields step by step in a defined order and wherein the selection of the input function takes place after acknowledgement and that the processor system (11) comprises a second counter means (109) for selecting parameters or functions, wherein G3003-EN - 31 - · · the latter are stored in a table that is assigned to a corresponding input function mentioned above , iv) that the configuration of all predefinable input functions, the sequence of specifying the input functions according to the predetermined display structure and tables with parameters and/or functions are stored in the memory means (7) of the processor system (11), v) that elements (110, 111) of the first input means (1) in conjunction with the aforementioned selection of the input functions made by the first counter means (108) enable a setting of a parameter or a function for each input function. 2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that second input/output means (2a, 2b) for programs and/or data which are supplied by a transmission means or transmitted via an interface are connected to the input/output control means (5). 3. Arrangement according to claims 1 to 2, characterized in that - that further elements (101 to 106, 110, 111) of the first input means (1) are provided which enable a functional separation of the operating steps and which are connected via the input/output control means (5) to the programmable means (107) for controlling the configuration of the function in a display structure and to a first and second selection means (108) and (109) which cause a further switching in the level, in the series of callable input functions and/or in the associated table of parameters and/or functions more quickly or in accordance with the user guidance, G3003-EN - 32 - - that the means (107) in the processor system (11) is provided for at least one configuration of the functions in a display structure and is programmable in such a way that the input functions are specified by the processor system (11), as part of a flexible user interface, for each further display according to their frequency and are displayed by means of the aforementioned LCD (30), whereby the first counter means (108) switches the input functions displayed in the fields step by step in a defined order after the input has been acknowledged and whereby the means for the configuration (107) controls the sequence as part of the user interface in such a way that after the last input function of a level has been acknowledged, further callable levels and/or operating steps are called up and specified in the display window and/or in the same field, - that the input/output control means (5) has a 1/0 controller (51) with counter means, whereby all representations of input functions in the display window of the output means (3) are controlled by the first selection means (108) for calling up input functions and by the input/output control means (51) in several fields and by means of clear representation in an easily understandable form (WYSIWYG), preferably as a symbol or alphanumerically, whereby the flexible user guidance indicates the position of the current input function in a field of the display means (3) by means of a signal, and whereby the second counter means (109) for calling up a position in the table of parameters and functions within input functions interacts with elements of the first input means (1) and the controller for the LCD (3 0) in order to select an adjustable parameter or function from a table stored in the storage means (7) associated with the selected input function and for selecting further representations in the display window or in the same field of the LCD (30), G3003-EN - 33 - - that the parameters and/or functions belonging to the input functions are individually displayed or listed in the respective marked field, whereby the parameter selected in a field of the display window of the display means (3) and/or another selected function is also marked by signaling. 4. Arrangement according to claims 1 to 2, characterized in - that further elements (101 to 106, 110, 111) of the first input means (1) are provided which enable a functional separation of the operating steps and which are connected via the input/output control means (5) to the programmable means (107) for controlling the configuration of the function in a display structure and to the first and second selection means (108 and 109), which cause a switching in the level, in the series of callable input functions and/or in the associated table of parameters and/or functions more quickly or in accordance with the user guidance, - that the means (107) in the processor system (11) is provided for at least one configuration of the functions in a display structure and is programmable in such a way that the input functions are specified by the processor system (11), as part of a flexible user interface, for each further display according to their frequency and are displayed by means of the aforementioned LCD (30), wherein the first counter means (108) after an acknowledgement of the input switches the input functions displayed in the fields step by step in a defined sequence and wherein the means for the configuration (107) as part of the user interface controls the sequence in such a way that after the last input function of a level has been acknowledged, further callable levels and/or operating steps are called up and in the G3003-EN - 34 - display window and/or in the same field, that the input/output control means (5) is a 1/0 Controller (51) with counter means, wherein the controller displays the selected input function in one of preferably four fields of the LCD (30), wherein the second counter means (109) interacts with elements of the first input means (1) and the controller for the LCD (30) to call up a position in the table of parameters and functions within input functions in order to select an adjustable parameter or function from a table stored in the storage means (7) associated with the selected input function and to mark it for the selection of further representations in the display window or in the same field of the LCD (30), - that the parameters and/or functions belonging to the input functions are individually displayed or listed in the respective marked field, whereby the parameter selected in a field of the display window of the display means (3) and/or another selected function is also marked by signaling. 5. Arrangement according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the means (107) in the processor system (11) is provided for at least one configuration of the functions in a display structure and is programmable and that a first selection means (108) is provided for calling up input functions and a second selection means (109) is provided for calling up a position in the table of parameters and functions within input functions, - wherein the second selection means (109) cooperates with the first input means (1) in order to select an adjustable parameter or a value from a stored table associated with the selected input function. fm» G3003-EN - 35 - Function for selecting further representations in the display window or in the same field, - wherein the first selection means (108) after an acknowledgement of the input switches the input functions displayed in the fields step by step in a defined order and - wherein the means for configuration (107) controls the process within the framework of user guidance in such a way that after acknowledgement, further callable levels and/or operating steps are called up and specified in the display window and/or in the same field. 6. Arrangement according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that means (1, 2a, 2b, 5, 11) are provided with which individual parts of the display can be changed, functions added, deleted, integrated or displayed differently, in order to modify the display structure and change the normal/adaptive configuration, as well as to change the number of input functions and setting options for parameters and/or functions as desired. 7. Arrangement according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that for a functional separation of the operating steps, on the one hand, a rotary encoder (rotary encoder) is preferably provided as the only setting means (HO) for parameters and, on the other hand, additional elements (101 to 106) of the first input means (1, 110, 111) are arranged as function input means, softkeys (101 to 104) assigned to the fields of the display field, which serve to call up functions, as well as softkeys (105, 106) on the display field, wherein a level switch in the display structure that can be triggered by softkey (106) is provided in order to call up less frequently used functions more quickly. G3003-EN - 36 - and a further softkey (105) is provided for switching back to the first level. 8. Arrangement according to claims 1 to 4 and 7, characterized in that the LCD (30) used is of the type Toshiba TLX-711A and together with it in the I/O controller (51) a controller preferably of the type T6963C and as the encoder (110) an optically coupled rotary encoder switch, in particular the component Grayhill 61 Cll-01-08-02, together with the interface module HCTL-2000 from Hewlett-Packard in the I/O controller (51). 9. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a normal/adaptive and/or auto-adaptive configuration of the functions in the display structure can be selected according to the display structure specified by the processor system (11) for user guidance, and in that additional means (112) implemented in software for controlling the configuration based on a query of a flag (113) previously set when calling the user interface function during a configuration routine are assigned to the means (107), and in the working memory for each cost center either data for a normal/adaptive assignment of the functions to places in the display structure or for a new configuration according to the set flags (113) are loaded. 10. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, characterized in that statistical means (114) and storage means (115) are provided for the auto-adaptive configuration, whereby the auto-adaptive configuration is based on statistics to be maintained by the franking machine, which the frequency of the functions used in operating the device G3003-EN - 37 - functions are logged and evaluated and for the means (114 and 115) a software module (116) as an expert system (auto adapter) is present in the software of the franking machine, which uses the result of this evaluation to automatically adapt the user interface to the needs of the user depending on the area of application according to a ranking that depends on the different priority or frequency of execution of the individual functions, whereby a function established at a lower level in the display structure that is executed very often can be installed at a higher level and reconfigured by swapping the positions of the functions in question. 11. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, characterized in that registers (R) for all functions are assigned to a special working memory area A assigned to each cost center a and used for statistics, and the last acknowledgement signal Q in an input routine in the statistics mode causes each function code of an acknowledged and used function to be transferred to a corresponding register (Rl), the selection of the corresponding register depending on the cost center a being carried out via a demultiplexer (D), that in this working memory area A during the franking process causes the counting of each frequency counter (Hx) which is assigned to a function &khgr; used during franking. is assigned and that counter readings of frequency counters (Hy) that are assigned to an unused function y are not increased, whereby the counter readings correspond to the frequency of use of functions x, y, that for each cost center a the number of frankings or operating hours are counted and monitored in another separate counter (Z) by a value for the separate counter (Z) and for the frequency counters (H) of each cost center a. G3003-EN - 38 - * · a presettable limit value is evaluated, that all counter readings of the frequency counters (H) for a cost center a are reduced by one bit and a signal Ü is sent to the auto adapter when the respective set limit value is exceeded, that the auto adapter (116) evaluates the counter readings of all frequency counters (H) assigned to the cost centers after predetermined operating times or when the signal Ü occurs and then resets them to zero after the evaluation, the evaluation being carried out by simultaneously counting up and/or down the counter readings, the first time a presettable limit value is reached by one of the frequency counters signaling a top first rank and a further counting of the counter readings and the reaching of the limit value by another frequency counter signaling a second subordinate rank and that the code of the associated function with the first rank is taken from the register (R) of the main memory area A by the auto adapter (116) and stored in a memory area of &eegr; memory areas in the rank memory (120) and that the code of the functions lower in the ranking is adopted in the same way before all frequency counters are reset, that the auto adapter (116) then calculates a variant for a reconfiguration for level two of the display structure with four functions each corresponding to the ranking order for the four fields per face in each representation of the level, whereby a very frequent reconfiguration can be prevented by threshold values which are specified as limit values for the frequency counters (H) and the operating time or franking number counter (Z), that in the other levels of the display structure a restructuring is carried out according to the further ranking, by reassigning the places of the four fields per face and that the calculated reconfiguration of the functions per cost center in the display structure in G3003-EN - 39 - .«· ·« Memory areas B, C of the main memory. 12. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the display structure is only processed with a new configuration if a flag for the new configuration was previously set in the working memory and the franking machine was switched off after use and can be switched on again without losing the setting. 13. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display structure in the form of a chain of input functions for the basic representation in the first level is stored in a memory (117) of the means (107) and/or is implemented in the first selection means (108) as a programmable counter. 14. Arrangement according to claim 13, characterized in that the display structure has the form of a chained structure of input functions for further levels of the basic representations (Face 2.0, 3.0, 4.0) and is also stored in the memory (117) of the programmable means (107) and/or is implemented in the first selection means (108) as a programmable counter, with only one chain for a basic representation (Face 1.0) in the first level and from a second level for the basic representation (Face 2.0) and the further representations (Face 2.3, Face 2.2, Face 2.1) in the same level there is a chain in such a way that the individual fields of the basic representation (in Face 2.0) are each assigned one of the further representations (Face 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, or 2.4). 15. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3 and 8, characterized in that when one of the elements of the first input means (1) is actuated in the display window of the LCD (30), the readiness to leave the start setting is indicated by additional signaling means, whereby a suitable marking of the first field from which the user is guided through a user interface is carried out by active or passive signaling. 16. Arrangement according to claim 15, characterized in that the active signaling is carried out by complementary color and/or black/white display or by flashing. 17. Arrangement according to claim 16, characterized in that the user interface is designed in such a way that the display switches to a rest position after an adjustable time (e.g. 10 seconds), in which no area of the display is actively signaled or flashes, and that when an element of the input means (1) is actuated, a parameter, for example the postage value, is actively signaled or begins to flash in a field, which can be set via the input means (1) by selecting from a list. 18. Arrangement according to claim 15, characterized in that the passive signaling is printed in the lower part of the field on the display window and the list of parameters and/or functions is scrolled in the field.