U.S. patent application number 09/338395 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-13 for key layout setting apparatus to lay out a plurality of keys arbitrarily for data input, key layout setting method, computer-readable recording medium in which key layout setting program is stored, and program product for key layout setting program.
Invention is credited to HASHIMOTO, MANABU.
Application Number | 20020070925 09/338395 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 15988716 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020070925 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HASHIMOTO, MANABU |
June 13, 2002 |
KEY LAYOUT SETTING APPARATUS TO LAY OUT A PLURALITY OF KEYS
ARBITRARILY FOR DATA INPUT, KEY LAYOUT SETTING METHOD,
COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM IN WHICH KEY LAYOUT SETTING
PROGRAM IS STORED, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR KEY LAYOUT SETTING
PROGRAM
Abstract
A free key layout setting apparatus is mounted in a data input
apparatus. The data input apparatus includes a display unit covered
with a touch panel. A plurality of keys are laid out and displayed
on a display screen of the display unit according to layout data
prestored in a ROM or a RAM. When an arbitrary key is touched
through the touch panel in the display screen, a CPU of the data
input apparatus carries out a function corresponding to that key.
In setting the layout data to lay out each of the plurality of keys
at an arbitrary position in the display screen in the free key
layout setting apparatus, the CPU generates layout data as desired
by the user including various data such as the size for display,
the display position, a code identifying the type of the function
of the ECR executed by operation of a key, and a character string
of a label displayed on a key. The layout data is stored in the ROM
or the RAM.
Inventors: |
HASHIMOTO, MANABU;
(KITAKATSURAGI-GUN, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DIKE BRONSTEIN ROBERTS & CUSHMAN LLP
EDWARDS & ANGELL
P.O. BOX 9169
BOSTON
MA
02209
US
|
Family ID: |
15988716 |
Appl. No.: |
09/338395 |
Filed: |
June 22, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07G 1/0018 20130101;
G06F 3/04886 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/173 |
International
Class: |
G09G 005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 22, 1998 |
JP |
10/175014 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A key layout setting apparatus to set layout data to determine
layout of a plurality of keys on a display screen in a data input
apparatus including the display screen provided with a touch panel
to register an item corresponding to a key by operation through
said touch panel of the arbitrary key out of a plurality of keys
laid out and displayed on said display screen according to said
layout data, said key layout setting apparatus comprising: layout
data setting means for setting said layout data, said layout data
setting means including key size select means to select a desired
key size from a plurality of key sizes, wherein said layout data is
set corresponding to said desired key size selected by said key
size select means.
2. The key layout setting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a
region of said display screen includes a key region to display said
plurality of keys and a data region to display various data, said
layout data setting means further including region size select
means for selecting a desired region size from a plurality of
region sizes, wherein said layout data is set so that said data
region is laid out on said display screen according to said desired
region size selected by said region size select means.
3. The key layout setting apparatus according to claim 1, said
layout data setting means further including first layout setting
means, wherein said first layout setting means sets said layout
data according to a desired setting style selected from a plurality
of predetermined setting styles when new said layout data is
set.
4. The key layout setting apparatus according to claim 3, further
comprising layout data storage means for storing at least one type
of said layout data set by said layout data setting means, wherein
said plurality of predetermined setting styles include a modify
style and a copy style, wherein said first layout setting means
sets a desired layout data out of said at least one type of layout
data stored in said layout data storage means as said new layout
data when said copy style is selected, wherein a desired layout
data out of said at least one type of layout data stored in said
layout data storage means has a desired portion modified and then
set as said new layout data when said modified style is
selected.
5. The key layout setting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said layout data includes for each of said plurality of keys a key
size data indicating a size of a key when displayed and an identify
code identifying a type of said item registered in said data input
apparatus according to operation of said key, said key layout
setting apparatus further comprising key size modify means for
modifying said key size data of a predetermined key according to
said identify codes corresponding to said predetermined key and a
key adjacent to said predetermined key or a set state of said
identify code corresponding to said adjacent key when in a key size
modify mode to modify said key size data.
6. The key layout setting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
said key size modify means includes first key size modify means for
modifying said key size data of said predetermined key so as to
include said key size data of said adjacent key when said identify
code set corresponding to said predetermined key and said identify
code set corresponding to said adjacent key are identical.
7. The key layout setting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
said key size modify means includes second key size modify means
modifying said key size data of said predetermined key so as to
include said key size data of said adjacent key when said identify
code corresponding to said adjacent key is not yet set.
8. The key layout setting apparatus according to claim 7, further
comprising key label input means for entering a label identifying a
key on said display screen, and correspondingly displayed on said
key, wherein said key size modify means executes said second key
size modify means for said predetermined key when the number of
characters shown in said label of said predetermined key input
through said key label input means exceeds a predetermined number
of characters.
9. The key layout setting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
an error of said input label size is notified when said key size of
said predetermined key is not enlarged to a size that allows
display of the number of characters indicated in said label of said
predetermined key input through said key label input means as a
result of execution of said second key size modify means.
10. The key layout setting apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising output means to read out and provide said layout data
from said layout data storage means.
11. A key layout setting method to set layout data to determine
layout of a plurality of keys on a display screen in a data input
apparatus including the display screen provided with a touch panel
to register an item corresponding to a key by operation through
said touch panel of an arbitrary key out of said plurality of keys
laid out and displayed on said display screen according to said
layout data, said key layout setting method comprising: a layout
data setting step to set said layout data, said layout data setting
step including a key size select step to select a desired key size
from a plurality of key sizes, wherein said layout data is set
corresponding to said desired key size selected by said key size
select step.
12. A computer-readable recording medium in which a key layout set
program is recorded to have a key layout setting method to set
layout data to determine the layout of a plurality of keys on a
display screen executed by a computer in a data input apparatus
including said display screen provided with a touch panel to
register an item corresponding to a key by operation through said
touch panel of an arbitrary key out of said plurality of keys laid
out and displayed on said display screen according to said layout
data, said key layout setting method comprising a layout data
setting step to set said layout data, said layout data setting step
including a key size select step to select a desired key size from
a plurality of key sizes, wherein said layout data is set
corresponding to said desired key size selected by said key size
select means.
13. A computer program product for use in conjunction with a
computer system, said computer program product comprising a layout
data setting program to set layout data to determine layout of a
plurality of keys on a display screen in a data input apparatus
including the display screen provided with a touch panel to
register an item corresponding to a key by operation through said
touch panel of an arbitrary key out of said plurality of keys laid
out and displayed on said display screen according to said layout
data, said layout data setting program including a key size select
program to select a desired key size from a plurality of key sizes,
wherein said layout data is set corresponding to said desired key
size selected by said key size select program.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a key layout setting
apparatus applied to data input equipment such as an electronic
cash register (abbreviated as ECR hereinafter) or a POS
(abbreviation of point-of-sales) terminal including a display
screen covered with a touch panel displaying a plurality of touch
keys to register an item corresponding to a touch key that is
arbitrarily operated, a key layout setting method, a
computer-readable recording medium in which a key layout setting
program is recorded, and a program product for a key layout setting
program. Particularly, the present invention relates to a key
layout setting apparatus that allows the layout of a plurality of
keys for data input on the display screen in a data input apparatus
to be set as desired by the user, a key layout setting apparatus, a
computer-readable recording medium in which a key layout setting
program is recorded, and a program product for a key layout setting
program.
[0003] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0004] Various data input apparatuses have been proposed including
a display screen covered with a touch panel displaying a plurality
of touch keys to register an item corresponding to a touch key that
is arbitrarily operated via the touch panel. For example, Japanese
Patent Laying-Open No. 5-73196 discloses a data input apparatus
including a display unit integrated with a touch panel, an
identification unit, and a control unit. When an input reception
region corresponding to the display region of each key image
displayed on the screen is designated by the user through the touch
panel, the identification unit identifies the coordinate values of
the designated input reception region and generates region modify
data to enlarge the relevant input reception region. In response to
the generated region modify data, the control unit provides control
so that the relevant input reception region is enlarged.
Accordingly, a subsequent input operation is facilitated when the
same input reception region is designated to input data. An
operation reduced in input error is allowed.
[0005] Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 5-197471 discloses an input
designation apparatus including a keyboard formed of a screen
covered with a touch panel, a determination unit, and a display
region enlargement unit. An input designation region corresponding
to respective keys of the keyboard is displayed. The determination
unit determines the status of selection by the user (for example,
the number of selections) via the touch panel with respect to each
relevant input designation region. The display region enlargement
unit provides the display of each input designation region
increased in size according to the determined selection status.
Accordingly, a subsequent input operation is facilitated when the
same input designation region is designated to input data. An
operation reduced in input error is allowed.
[0006] The above conventional art is directed to individually
increase the input reception region or the input designation region
on a region-by-region basis during the operation process according
to the relevant status. The user could not change the size of the
entire key layout arbitrarily independent of the operation status.
Also, the user could not modify the display region of a certain key
to a larger size. The operability was not satisfactory. For shops
and stores that audit the sales using data input equipment such as
an ECR or a POS terminal, characteristic product production and
distinction over other stores and firms have become critical in
accordance with the severe sales competition. It is indispensable
to quickly respond to the change in the market and to the
customer's needs. In view of the foregoing, it is strongly desired
that the data input apparatus used in sales management can quickly
correspond as occasion may demand with respect to the data input
capability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a key
layout setting apparatus that can easily modify layout data
determining the layout state of a plurality of keys on a display
screen as desired, a key layout setting method, a computer-readable
recording medium in which a key layout setting program is recorded,
and a program product for a key layout setting program.
[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, a key
layout setting apparatus of the present invention is directed to
set layout data to determine the layout of a plurality of keys on a
display screen in a data input apparatus including the display
screen provided with a touch panel to register an item
corresponding to a relevant key by operating through the touch
panel an arbitrary key out of a plurality of keys that are laid out
and displayed on a display screen according to the layout data. The
key layout setting apparatus includes a layout data setting unit to
set the layout data. The layout data setting unit includes a key
size select unit to select a desired key size from a plurality of
key sizes. The layout data is set according to the desired key size
selected by the key size select unit. Since the user can modify and
set the layout data so that the plurality of keys are laid out and
displayed at the desired key size, the data input apparatus such as
an ECR can have the key layout set rapidly corresponding to the
change in the market and the customer's needs. Registration error
in the registration operation can be reduced by virtue of
improvement of the operability with respect to the registration
operation of the ECR.
[0009] In the key layout setting apparatus, the display region of
the display screen includes a key region to display a plurality of
keys and a data region to display various data. The layout data
setting unit includes a region size select unit to select a desired
region size from a plurality of region sizes. The layout data is
set so that the data region is laid out on the display screen
according to the selected region size.
[0010] For example, when the region size is selected to reduce the
data region, the key region of the display screen can be enlarged
as desired to easily allow increase of the number of laid out
keys.
[0011] In the above key layout setting apparatus, the layout data
setting unit includes a first layout setting unit. The first layout
setting unit sets the layout data according to a desired setting
style selected from a plurality of predetermined setting styles
when layout data is newly set.
[0012] Therefore, the user can set the layout data according to the
desired setting style by just selecting the desired setting style
in the setting process of the layout data. A key layout setting
apparatus of high usability for the user can be provided.
[0013] The above key layout setting apparatus further includes a
layout data storage unit to store one or more types of layout data
set by the layout data set unit. The aforementioned plurality of
setting styles include a modify style and a copy style. The first
layout setting unit sets the desired layout data out of the
plurality of types of layout data stored in the layout data storage
unit as the new layout data when the copy style is selected. When
the modify style is selected, the desired layout data out of the
plurality of types of layout data stored in the layout data storage
unit has a desired portion modified and then set as the new layout
data.
[0014] Thus, when the copy style is selected, layout data that is
already set is directly used as the new layout data. When the
modify style is selected, the layout data already set has a desired
portion modified and then used as the new layout data. Thus, the
layout data as desired by the user can be set quickly in response
to earlier selected setting style.
[0015] In the above key layout setting apparatus, the layout data
includes for each of the plurality of keys key size data indicating
the display size of a relevant key and an identify code to identify
the item that is to be registered into the data input apparatus in
response to a relevant key operation. The key layout setting
apparatus further includes a key size modify unit. The key size
modify unit modifies the key size of a predetermined key according
to respective identify codes corresponding to the predetermined key
and a key adjacent to the predetermined key or the set state of the
identify code of the adjacent key when in the key size modify mode
to modify the key size data.
[0016] Since the key size of a predetermined key on the display
screen can be modified (enlarged/shrank), a key layout of high
usability corresponding to the usage status of a predetermined key
and an adjacent key can be set.
[0017] In the key layout setting apparatus, the key size modify
unit includes a first key size modify unit. The first key size
modify unit modifies the key size data of the predetermined key to
include the key size data of the adjacent key when the identify
code set corresponding to the identify key and the identify code
set corresponding to the adjacent key are identical.
[0018] In the above key layout setting apparatus, the key size
modify unit further includes a second key size modify unit. The
second key size modify unit modifies the key size data of a
predetermined key so as to include the key size data of the
adjacent key when the identify code corresponding to the adjacent
key is not yet set.
[0019] Since the key size of a predetermined key can be enlarged
arbitrarily according to the identify code of an adjacent key and
the setting state thereof through the first and second key size
modify units, each key can be set to have an appropriate key size
corresponding to the usage status.
[0020] The above key layout setting apparatus further includes a
key label input unit to input a label identifying a relevant key
displayed on the display screen. The label is displayed on the
corresponding relevant key. When the number of characters of the
label of a predetermined key input through the key label input unit
exceeds a predetermined number of characters, the key size modify
unit executes the second key size modify unit for the predetermined
key.
[0021] Since modification to increase the size of the key with a
label can be effected, a label as desired by the user can easily be
displayed corresponding to a predetermined key to facilitate the
key operation.
[0022] When the key size of the predetermined key is not increased
to the size that allows the display of the number of characters
indicated by the label input through the key label input unit as a
result of execution of the second key size modify unit in the key
layout setting apparatus, notification is made that the label size
is erroneous.
[0023] Since the user is notified that the size (number of
characters) of the label input through the key label input unit
corresponding to a predetermined key is too large to be displayed
corresponding to the predetermined key, the user can be quickly
modify the label to an appropriate number of characters through the
key label input unit.
[0024] The key layout setting apparatus further includes an output
unit to read out and provide each layout data from the layout data
storage unit. By providing the layout data via the output unit,
information to audit the layout data corresponding to each key in
the data input apparatus can be obtained.
[0025] A key layout setting method is directed to set layout data
to determine the layout of a plurality of keys on a display screen
in a data input apparatus including a display screen provided with
a touch panel to register an item corresponding to a key in
response to operation of an arbitrary key out of a plurality of
keys laid out and displayed on the display screen according to the
layout data. The key layout setting method includes a layout data
setting step to set layout data. The layout data setting step
includes a key size select step to select a desired key size from a
plurality of key sizes. The layout data is set corresponding to the
desired key size selected by the key size select step. Since the
user can modify and set the layout data so as to display the
plurality of keys at the desired key size, the key layout can be
promptly set in the data input apparatus such as an ECR
corresponding to the change in the market and customer needs. Also,
registration error can be reduced in the registration operation by
virtue of improvement in the operability with respect to the
registration operation of the ECR and the like.
[0026] A computer-readable recording medium in which a key layout
setting program is recorded is characterized as set forth in the
following. A key layout setting method according to the key layout
setting program is directed to set layout data to determine the
layout of a plurality of keys on a display screen in a data input
apparatus including a display screen provided with a touch panel to
register an item corresponding to a relevant key by the operation
of an arbitrary key out of a plurality of keys laid out and
displayed on a display screen according to the layout data via the
touch panel. The key layout setting method includes a layout data
setting step to set layout data. The layout data setting step
includes a key size select step to select a desired key size from a
plurality of key sizes. The layout data is set corresponding to the
desired key size selected by the key size select step. Since the
user can modify and set the layout data so as to display the
plurality of keys at the desired key size, the key layout can be
promptly set in the data input apparatus such as an ECR
corresponding to the change in the market and customer needs. Also,
registration error can be reduced in the registration operation by
virtue of improvement in the operability with respect to the
registration operation of the ECR and the like.
[0027] A computer program product for use in conjunction with a
computer system to solve the above object of the present invention
is characterized as set forth in the following. The computer
program product is directed to set layout data to determine layout
of a plurality of keys on a display screen in a data input
apparatus including the display screen provided with a touch panel
to register an item corresponding to a key by operation through the
touch panel of an arbitrary key out of the plurality of keys laid
out and displayed on the display screen according to the layout
data. The computer program product includes a layout data setting
program to set the layout data. The layout data setting program
includes a key size select program to select a desired key size
from a plurality of key sizes. The layout data is set corresponding
to the desired key size selected by the key size select
program.
[0028] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and
advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from
the following detailed description of the present invention when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are schematic diagrams of an ECR mounted
with a key layout setting apparatus according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0030] FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams of a default key layout
data table of FIG. 1B.
[0031] FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams of a
position/coordinate data table of FIG. 1B.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a free key setting table
for a home screen of FIG. 1C.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a free key setting table
for a function screen of FIG. 1C.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a free key data table for
display of FIG. 1C.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a diagram of a free key text data table for
display of FIG. 1C.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a flow chart to process the display layout
according to a selected size in an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 11 shows an example of a screen display for setting the
key size and window according to the flow chart of FIG. 10.
[0038] FIG. 12 shows a screen display by the smallest key size when
the key size of 3.times.8 is selected according to flow chart of
FIG. 10.
[0039] FIG. 13 shows a screen display by the smallest key size when
the key size of 4.times.8 is selected according to the flow chart
of FIG. 10.
[0040] FIGS. 14A and 14B show an example of a screen display when
the key size of 3.times.8 is selected according to the flow chart
of FIG. 10.
[0041] FIGS. 15A and 15B show an example of a screen display when
the key size of 4.times.8 is selected according to the flow chart
of FIG. 10.
[0042] FIG. 16 shows an example of a screen display when the
maximum value is selected for the window size in the flow chart of
FIG. 10.
[0043] FIG. 17 shows an example of a screen display when the
minimum value is selected for the window size in the flow chart of
FIG. 10.
[0044] FIG. 18 is a flow chart of the free key layout setting
process according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] FIGS. 19 and 20 show examples of a select screen displayed
in the process of FIG. 18 when free key layout setting is
selected.
[0046] FIG. 21 shows an example of a set screen displayed in the
process of FIG. 18 when SETTING is selected in the free key layout
setting.
[0047] FIG. 22 shows an example of a set screen displayed in the
process of FIG. 18 when COPY is selected in the free key layout
setting.
[0048] FIG. 23 shows a process flow chart when the free key is set
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 24 shows an example of a display screen displayed in
the process of FIG. 23 of a key layout when the free key is
set.
[0050] FIG. 25 shows an example of a display screen displayed in
the process of FIG. 23 of the key layout after the free key is
set.
[0051] FIG. 26 shows an example of a display screen displayed in
the process of FIG. 23 of the key layout when a home screen is
set.
[0052] FIG. 27 shows an example of a display screen displayed in
the process of FIG. 23 of the key layout when a function screen is
set.
[0053] FIG. 28 shows other process flow chart in setting the free
key according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 29 shows an example of a key layout display screen
displayed in the process of FIG. 28 when the free key is set.
[0055] FIG. 30 shows an example of key layout display screen
displayed in the process of FIG. 28 after the free key is set.
[0056] FIG. 31 is a process flow chart in setting the text of a
free key according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 32 shows an example of a set screen displayed in the
process of FIG. 31 when the text of the free key is set.
[0058] FIG. 33 shows an example of a key layout display screen
displayed in the process of FIG. 31 when the free key is set.
[0059] FIG. 34 shows an example of a key layout display screen
after the free key is set in the process of FIG. 31.
[0060] FIG. 35 is a flow chart of a text size error process
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0061] FIG. 36 shows an example of a text size error display
displayed in the process of FIG. 35.
[0062] FIG. 37 is a flow chart to describe the output processing
operation of the printer according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0063] FIG. 38 shows a key layout display screen in setting a free
key used in the process of FIG. 37.
[0064] FIG. 39 shows an example of the printout according to the
process of FIG. 37.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0065] Embodiments of the present invention will be described
hereinafter with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1A shows the
schematic structure of an ECR mounted with a key layout setting
apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In
FIG. 1A, the ECR includes a CPU 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, a printer 5,
and a display unit 6.
[0066] In the ECR of FIG. 1A, the free key layout setting apparatus
lays out a plurality of keys on the display screen of display unit
6. A transparent touch panel 4 is attached to the top of the
display screen of display unit 6. In response to the touch of touch
panel 4 by the user, the XY coordinate data on the display screen
corresponding to the touched area is input to CPU 1. ROM 2 and RAM
3 storing various data including the operation program of the ECR
are connected to CPU 1. The operation program includes various
programs in association with the key layout represented by the
various flow charts that will be described afterwards. Printer 5 to
output various data including the free key layout set data that
will be described afterwards is connected to CPU 1. The free key
layout set data is the data to indicate the layout state set
arbitrarily for a plurality of keys on the display screen.
[0067] The screen displayed at display unit 6 includes at least one
home screen and at least one function screen. These plurality of
screens are switched and displayed at display unit 6. The home
screen is displayed in the normal mode of the ECR. A plurality of
default keys are laid out and displayed thereon in a predetermined
style. The function screen is switched to be displayed according to
the operation of a particular key in the home screen. The function
screen is a subscreen of the home screen. The function screen has
the key layout displayed in a manner different from that of the
home screen.
[0068] Various data stored in ROM 2 and RAM 3 are shown in FIGS. 1B
and IC. Referring to FIG. 1B, ROM 2 includes default key layout
data tables 21 and 22, and position/coordinate data tables 23 and
24. Referring to FIG. 1C, RAM 3 includes a free key setting table
31 corresponding to each of one or more home screens, a free key
setting table 32 corresponding to each of one or more function
screens, a free key data table 33 for display corresponding to each
home screen and each function screen, one free key text data table
34 for display, and an SKSN (abbreviation of soft key serial
number) code table 35.
[0069] Default key layout data table 21 (22) is shown in FIG. 2
(FIG. 3). Default key layout data table 21 (22) includes an SKSN
code 21B (22B) corresponding to respective plurality of position
numbers 21A (22A) indicating the layout state on respective screens
of the plurality of types of default keys. Each default key is
displayed at an appropriate position on touch panel 4, identified
by position number 21A (22A). SKSN code 21B (22B) is a code to
identify the type of the item input (registered) into the data
input apparatus (ECR in the present embodiment) according to the
operation of a default key displayed at an identified position by a
corresponding position number 21A (22A). Specifically, the
plurality of keys provided in the ECR include a PLU key operated to
register a product, a CA/AT key operated to register cash
finalization, a ten key and the like. A number is assigned to each
key using the SKSN code for every type of item.
[0070] Each key is identified through the SKSN code when the ECR
operation program is executed.
[0071] Default key layout data table 21 of FIG. 2 is applied when
there are eighty default keys to be laid out on the display screen.
Default key layout table 22 of FIG. 3 is applied when there are 60
default keys to be laid out on the display screen.
[0072] Position/coordinate data table 23 (24) of FIG. 4 (FIG. 5) is
provided corresponding to default key data layout table 21 (22) of
FIG. 2 (FIG. 3). Position/coordinate data table 23 (24) includes X
coordinate data 23B (24B) and Y coordinate data 23C (24C)
indicating the position on the display screen identified by a
relevant position number 21A (22A) corresponding to each position
number 21A (22A) of FIG. 2 (FIG. 3). The coordinates on the display
screen will be described hereinafter. The display screen has the
size of, for example, 24 characters in the vertical direction (Y)
and 80 characters in the horizontal direction (X). The X coordinate
data is set on a 1 character-by-1 character basis in the horizontal
direction. The Y coordinate data is set on a 1 character-by-1
character basis in the vertical direction.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 6, home screen free key setting table 31
includes a plurality of position numbers 31A set at the home
screen, and an SKSN code 31B corresponding to each position number
31A.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 7, function screen free key setting table
32 includes a plurality of position numbers 32A set at the function
screen, and an SKSN code 32B corresponding to each position number
32A.
[0075] Free key setting tables 31 and 32 directed to the home
screen and the function screen are shown corresponding to the case
where 80 keys are displayed on the screen. However, the same
applies for the display of 60 keys.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 8, free key data table 33 for display
includes data referred to when the key is to be actually displayed
in display unit 6. Specifically, a plurality of SKSN codes 33A, X
and Y coordinate data 33B and 33C to identify the key display
position (right upper corner of key) on the display screen in
coordinates corresponding to each SKSN code 33A, and width and
height data 33D and 33E indicating the width and vertical length of
the display key. Data 33D and 33E of the key width and length are
displayed in the units of 1 character.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 9, free key text data table 34 for display
includes data of the name (label) of a predetermined key displayed
in each key when the key is displayed according to the contents of
free key data table 33 of FIG. 8. When a key is to be displayed,
the contents of free key text data table 34 is referred to, whereby
the name (label) is displayed in each key. More specifically, free
key text data table 34 for display includes a plurality of SKSN
codes 34A, and text data 34B (in characters) indicating the key
name (label) corresponding to each SKSN code 34A.
[0078] SKSN code table 35 of FIG. 1C stores a plurality of number
data 35A arranged in series, and a different SKSN code 35B
corresponding to each number data 35A used in the ECR.
[0079] In operation, CPU 1 determines the position number
corresponding to the touch coordinate from free key data table 33
according to the XY coordinate data input through a touch on touch
panel 4. Then, determination is made of which type (SKSN code) of
key is arranged in the determined position number by referring to
home screen free key setting table 31 or function screen free key
setting table 32 to initiate the registration operation. The ECR
includes a setting mode to set various data such as those
associated with the key layout in the registration mode, in
addition to such a registration mode. The ECR enters this setting
mode when the ECR is reset and powered on. The key layout displayed
in the setting mode is settled in advance. The key layout setting
process operation in the setting mode will be described
hereinafter.
[0080] FIG. 10 shows the process to set the display layout of
display unit 6 according to a selected size. FIG. 11 shows an
example of a screen display when the size is to be set according to
the flow chart of FIG. 10. It is appreciated from FIG. 11 that the
display screen region of display unit 6 includes a key region KE
where a plurality of keys are laid out and displayed, and a window
region WE to display a window W and various examples such as the
registration or setting contents of the ECR. Window region WE has a
variable size as will be described afterwards.
[0081] In the setting mode at the time of power on after the ECR is
reset in FIG. 10, a display layout setting mode to set the size of
the key and window region WE displayed on the display screen is
selected (step S1). Here, a screen as shown in FIG. 11 to select
the display layout setting mode is provided on the display screen
of the display block. According to the display screen of FIG. 11,
the operator selects a key size (KEY SIZE) indicating the size of
the key to be displayed and a window size (WINDOW SIZE) indicating
the size of window region WE (step S2). More specifically, in the
key size selection, the size of either 3.times.8 or 4.times.8 is
selected. The size of 3.times.8 implies that the smallest key size
is 3 characters.times.8 characters. The size of 4.times.8 implies
that the smallest key size is 4 characters.times.8 characters. When
the size of 3.times.8 is selected, one smallest key size
corresponds to 24 characters (3 rows.times.8 columns). When the
size of 4.times.8 is selected, one smallest key size corresponds to
32 characters (4 rows.times.8 columns). FIG. 12 shows the screen
display layout according to the smallest key size of 3.times.8. In
this case, 10 keys in the horizontal direction and 8 keys in the
vertical direction, i.e., a total of 80 keys, can be displayed on
the screen. FIG. 13 shows the screen display layout according to
the smallest key size of 4.times.8. In this case, 10 keys in the
horizontal direction and 6 keys in the vertical direction, i.e. a
total of 60 keys, can be displayed on the screen.
[0082] Also, the window size is selected. When the smallest key
size is 3.times.8, the window size is selected out of the 6 stages
from the key at the third stage to the key at the eighth stage from
the top in FIG. 12. When the smallest key size of 4.times.8 is
selected, the window size is selected out of the five stages from
the key at the second stage to the key at the sixth stage from the
top in FIG. 13.
[0083] Upon selection of the key size and the window size, the
selected contents are set in RAM 3. The screen display of display
unit 6 is cleared (steps S3, S4). Then, a window W is displayed on
the screen according to the contents (size) set in RAM 3 (step
S5).
[0084] Next, CPU 1 determines whether the currently selected
smallest key size differs from the previous selected key size (step
S6). When the size is altered, the current selection is set in home
screen free key setting table 31 (step S7). More specifically, when
the key size of 3.times.8 is selected, the contents of default key
layout data table 21 of FIG. 2 are set in home screen free key
setting table 31 of RAM 3. When the key size of 4.times.8 is
selected, the contents of default key layout data table 22 of FIG.
3 are set in home screen free key setting table 31 of RAM 3. FIG. 6
corresponds to the case where the contents of default key layout
data table 21 of FIG. 2 are set in home screen free key setting
table 31.
[0085] Then, all the keys are displayed on the screen of display
unit 6 (step S8). More specifically, when the size of 3.times.8 is
selected, the display layout shown in FIG. 14A, for example, is
provided. When the size of 4.times.8 is selected, the display
layout of the screen shown in FIG. 15A, for example, is provided.
When the maximum value is selected for the size of window region WE
when 3.times.8 is selected, the screen display layout shown in FIG.
16 is provided. When the minimum value is selected for window
region WE, the screen display layout of FIG. 17 is provided. FIGS.
14B and 15B show the respective size of each key in characters in
FIGS. 14A and 15A. The display area of text data in each key is
hatched in FIGS. 14B and 15B.
[0086] The process to set the key layout according to the selected
setting method will be described with reference to FIG. 18. In
response to a menu screen not shown that is displayed in the
setting mode when the ECR is reset and powered, the operator
selects the FREE KEY LAYOUT setting mode (step S11). At this stage,
a screen as shown in FIG. 19 to select the free key layout is
provided. The operator responds to the display screen of FIG. 19 to
select the menu screen to set the key layout from the menu list in
window W (step S12). When "1 FUNC1 Key Menu" in window W is
selected, the screen of the FIG. 20 is displayed prompting
selection of the key layout setting method (1 SETTING, 2 COPY) in
the selected "FUNC1 Key Menu" screen. The operator selects the
setting method ("SETTING" or "COPY") from the screen of FIG. 20
(step S13).
[0087] When SETTING is selected, the key list shown in FIG. 21 is
displayed in window W (step S14). The user shifts the cursor within
window W using the up and down arrow keys to select a desired key
to be set from the key list. The position of the selected key on
the screen of FIG. 21 is depressed (step S15). Here, a
corresponding position number 21A is identified from
position/coordinate data table 23 according to the XY coordinate
data corresponding to the depressed position. Using the identified
position number 21A, function screen free key setting table 32 is
searched for. When SKSN code 32B corresponding to the identified
position number 32A is preset, i.e. when SKSN code 32B does not
indicate "NON", the relevant process is terminated assuming that
the setting has been completed (YES at step S16). When a
corresponding SKSN code 32B is not set in function key screen free
key setting table 32, i.e. when SKSN code 32B indicates "NON", a
predetermined code is set in relevant SKSN code 32B (step S17).
Then, all the keys are displayed (step S18). The above-described
series of process is similarly repeated for each key desired to be
set.
[0088] When COPY is selected in the select screen of FIG. 20, the
screen of FIG. 22 to select the key menu of the source copy is
displayed in window W. The operator shifts the cursor in window W
using the up and down arrow keys to select the key menu screen of
the copy source. The preset contents corresponding to the screen
selected as the copy source (for example, the contents of function
screen free key setting table 32) is copied into home screen free
key setting table 31 (step S20). Then, all the keys are displayed
(step S21). Thus, the process ends.
[0089] According to the process flow of FIG. 18, respective
contents of home screen free key setting table 31 and function
screen free key setting table 32 can be individually set on a
key-by-key basis for each home screen and each function screen.
Also, the contents of free key setting table 31 or 32 of another
screen can be directly copied into the free key setting table for
the relevant screen to simplify the setting operation.
[0090] The operation to modify the size of the key laid out will be
described with reference to FIG. 23. CPU 1 reads in the set data
(position number 31A and SKSN code 31B) corresponding to a certain
key (referred to as "current key" hereinafter) from a preselected
screen, for example, preselected home screen free key setting table
31 (step S31). Following the determination made at step S32, XY
coordinate data 31B and 33C corresponding to position number 31A of
the current key are read in from display free key data table 33
corresponding to the relevant home screen (step S33). The manner of
identifying the keys located at the respective positions of above,
below, right, and left to a certain key will be described
hereinafter with reference to the key layout of FIG. 12, for
example. When the position number of a certain key in FIG. 12 is N,
the key located above the relevant key is identified by its
position number of "N-10". The key located below is identified by
the position number of "N+10". The key located leftward is
identified by the position number of "N-1". The key located
rightwards is identified by the position number of "N+1". At step
S33, CPU 1 determines whether the key located below the current key
is the same key from the contents of home screen free key setting
table 31 (step S34). More specifically, determination is made
whether the two keys are identical or not according to whether the
two SKSN codes 31B corresponding to position number 31A of the
current key and position number 31A corresponding to the key
located below the current key has the same value or not in home
screen free key setting table 31. When the two keys are not
identical, the height (vertical length) of the current key is
determined as 3 (unit: characters) (step S35). When the two keys
are the same key, the height of the current key is determined as 6
(step S36). Then, CPU 1 determines the width of the current key
(unit: characters) according to the determination result of whether
the key located Lightwards or below and rightwards the current key
is identical to the current key and according to the determined
height of the current key (steps S37-S39, S381, S382, S391 and
S392). More specifically, the width is set as 16 when the keys
located at the right and at the right lower position with the
height of 6 is identical, otherwise the width is set as 8. Also,
when the height is 3, the width is set as 16 when the key located
at the right position is the same key, otherwise the width is set
to 8.
[0091] Next, determination is made whether the XY coordinates of
the current key indicate a position outside window region WE (step
S40). When the XY coordinates indicate a position located in window
region WE, control returns to the process of step S31 to carry out
a similar process for the next key since the current key cannot be
displayed. The XY coordinates corresponding to a position outside
window region WE implies that the current key can be displayed.
Therefore, SKSN code 31B of the current key, X and Y coordinate
data 23B and 23C of the current key identified in
position/coordinate data table 23, the determined height (3 or 6)
and the determination width (8 or 16) are relatively set as SKSN
code 33A, X coordinate data 33B, Y coordinate data 33C, width data
33D and height data 33E in display free key data table 33
corresponding to the relevant home screen (step S41). Then, control
returns to the process of step S31 to carry out a similar process
for the next key.
[0092] CPU 1 repeats the process of steps S31-S41 for each key
corresponding to all the position numbers 31A in home screen free
key setting table 31. The data of each key obtained therefrom is
set in display free key data table 33. CPU 1 sequentially reads out
the data from display free key data table 33 to display all the
keys on the relevant home screen in display unit 6 according to the
data read out (steps S42-S44).
[0093] For example, when two keys assigned with the same SKSN code
are set adjacent in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 24,
the two keys are displayed as one key with the preset smallest key
size enlarged in the horizontal direction (direction of width)
according to the process of FIG. 23, as shown in FIG. 25. Although
the case adjacent in the vertical direction is not illustrated, it
is appreciated that a similar one key having the smallest key size
enlarged in the vertical direction (the direction of width) is
displayed.
[0094] By copying the contents of function screen free key setting
table 32 corresponding to the function screen of FIG. 27 into home
screen free key setting table 31 in the setting process of the home
screen of FIG. 26, the home screen can have the setting easily
modified.
[0095] Another process to modify the size of the layout key will be
described with reference to FIG. 28. Process PRS 1 of the flow
chart of FIG. 28 has process PRS enclosed by the broken line in the
flow chart of FIG. 23 partially modified.
[0096] Prior to the process of FIG. 28, CPU 1 sequentially reads in
the set data (position number 31A and SKSN code 31B) from home
screen free key setting table 31 corresponding to a preselected
screen, for example, a home screen. Then, the corresponding XY
coordinate data 33B and 33C are read in from display free key data
table 33 corresponding to the relevant home screen. The steps up to
this process are similar to those of the process of steps S31-S33
of FIG. 23.
[0097] In the process of FIG. 28, CPU 1 modifies the size of the
layout set key. More specifically, determination is made whether
SKSN code 31B of the key located below the current key
corresponding to the currently read in data (position number 31A)
from table 31 is already set or not, i.e., whether SKSN code 31B is
not "NON" from the corresponding contents in home screen free key
setting table 31 (step S51). When SKSN code 31B is already set, the
height of the current key is set as 3 (step S52). When not yet set,
the height of the current key is set to 6 (step S53). Then, the
width of the current key is set to 8 or 16 according to the
determination of whether the key located at the right position or
right lower position to the current key is unset or not and the
current key height (3 or 6). More specifically, when the height is
6, the current key width is set to 16 when the key located at the
right position and right lower position to the current key is not
yet set, otherwise the width is set to 8. When the height is 3, the
current key width is set to 16 when the key located rightward to
the current key is not yet set, otherwise the width is set to
8.
[0098] Following completion of the process of FIG. 28, control
returns to the process of steps S40 and et seq. shown in FIG.
23.
[0099] When a key with an unset SKSN code 31B is located adjacent
to the current key in the horizontal direction (although not shown,
vertical direction is also possible) as shown in FIG. 29, the two
keys are displayed as one key having the smallest key size enlarged
in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 30 according to the
process of FIG. 28.
[0100] The process of displaying a label in the frame of a key
displayed at display unit 6 to identify that key will be described
hereinafter. An appellation formed of text data to identify a
relevant key is shown in the label. The display size (height and
width) of a key is variably set according to the number of
characters of the text data. Keys assigned with labels are keys of
the type provided corresponding to product items (such as juice,
hamburger) and the like, called direct keys. The designation (text)
indicated in the label allocated to a direct key is called "direct
key text".
[0101] FIG. 31 shows the process of setting the key size variable
according to the data length (character length) of the direct key
text. Process PRS2 in the flow chart of FIG. 31 corresponds to
process PRS 1 shown in the flow chart of FIG. 28 with the
additional process of steps S57 and S58.
[0102] Referring to FIG. 31, data (position number 31A and SKSN
code 31B) corresponding to the current key is read out from home
screen free key setting table 31 corresponding to a preselected
screen, for example, a home screen. A SKSN code 34A corresponding
to the read out SKSN code 31B is identified in display free key
text data table 34 corresponding to the relevant home screen. Text
data 34B corresponding to the identified SKSN 34A is read out.
Determination is made whether the number of characters of text data
34B read out is greater than 6 characters or not (step S57). When
the number of characters of text data 34B is not more than 6
characters, the height of 3 and width of 8 are set as the key size.
Then, the process ends (step S58). When the number of characters of
text data 34B read out is greater than 6 characters at step S57,
the process corresponding to the flow chart of FIG. 28 is carried
out.
[0103] FIG. 32 shows an example of a set screen in setting a direct
key text. In order to set "ORANGE JUICE" as the direct key text for
direct key 16, for example, as shown in FIG. 32 according to the
process of the flow chart of FIG. 31, the smallest key size of
direct key 16 is increased in the width direction as shown in FIG.
34 when the key located rightward to direct key 16 is not yet set
as shown in FIG. 33. Using the area of 16 characters corresponding
to one horizontal row in the display region (3.times.16) of direct
key 16, text data of "ORANGE JUICE" is displayed therein.
[0104] When determination is made at step S57 that the number of
characters of text data 34B is larger than 6 characters and the key
size cannot be enlarged even when the process of steps S51-S56 is
executed, that text data 34B cannot be displayed corresponding to
one direct key. In this case, an error message or the like must be
provided to notify the operator. FIG. 35 shows the processing
operation in such a case.
[0105] Referring to the flow chart of FIG. 35, determination is
made whether the length of the direct key text (text data 34B) set
corresponding to the current key in FIG. 32 is longer than 6
characters (step S61). When the key text length is not longer than
6 characters, determination is made that key text display can be
effected properly, and the process ends. When the key text length
is longer than 6 characters, the corresponding width data 33D and
height data 33E are read out from display free key data table 33
according to SKSN code 31B corresponding to the current key (steps
S62 and S63). According to width data 33D and height data 33E read
out, the number of characters of the direct key text that can be
displayed is calculated by the following equation (step S63).
SIZE=(W-2).times.(H-2)
[0106] W indicates width data 33A, H indicates height data 33E, and
SIZE indicates the number of characters of text that can be
displayed within the size of the current key.
[0107] The number of characters (SIZE) obtained by the above
calculation is compared to the number of characters of text data
34B set corresponding to the current key (step S65). When the
number of characters of set text data 34B is smaller than the
calculated number of characters (SIZE), determination is made that
the display can be provided properly, and the process ends.
Otherwise, determination is made that the display cannot be
provided, and a message such as "TEXT SIZE ERROR" is provided on
the display screen as shown in FIG. 36 (step S66). Then, the
process ends.
[0108] Since determination is made whether text data 34B
arbitrarily set in display free key text data table 34 can be
displayed or not in the region corresponding to the size of the
relevant key and the result thereof notified, the user can quickly
modify the corresponding text data 34B.
[0109] FIG. 37 shows the process of notifying the key layout set
state to the user by providing a printout through printer 5. A menu
screen (not shown) to select the operation mode of the ECR is
displayed. A mode of examining the key layout set state of a
desired screen, for example a home screen, is selected, whereby the
relevant mode is set. Here, SKSN code 35B is sequentially read out
corresponding to number data 35A in the ascending order from SKSN
code table 35. The process of FIG. 37 is carried out for each SKSN
code 35B that is read out.
[0110] First in FIG. 37, determination is made whether SKSN code
31B matching SKSN code 35B read out is present in home screen free
key setting table 31 corresponding to the desired home screen (step
S71). When a matching SKSN code 31B is not present, number data 35A
corresponding to SKSN code table 35 and a corresponding-hyphen sign
are printed out (step S72). Therefore, SKSN code 35B identified by
number data 35A is assigned with a mark indicating that it is not
yet set in the home screen. When a matching SKSN code 31B is
present in free key setting table 31 of the corresponding home
screen, display free key text data table 34 is searched for
according to that SKSN code 35B to read out text data 34B
corresponding to the matching SKSN code 34A. Text data 34B read out
is printed out together with code data 35A corresponding to SKSN
code 35B from printer 5 (step S73). Then, a corresponding position
number 31A is read out from free key setting table 31 of the
relevant home screen to be printed out through printer 5 (step
S74). Next, determination is made whether a SKSN code 31B matching
the value of that SKSN code 35B is present in home screen free key
setting table 31 (step S75). When there is another matching SKSN
code 31B, control returns to step S74 to read out a corresponding
position number 31A from home screen free key setting table 31.
That position number 31A is printed out through printer 5. When
there is no other SKSN code 31B, the process ends.
[0111] Even if a key assigned with "CA/TA" as the SKSN code is set
in the home screen as an enlarged key as shown in FIG. 38, for
example, the user can quickly recognize the set state by just
looking at the print out of FIG. 39.
[0112] Although the present invention has been described and
illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by
way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way
of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *