WO2005106632A2

WO2005106632A2 - Method for navigation in an operating menu of an electronic device with at least one operating element and a display unit

Info

Publication number: WO2005106632A2
Application number: PCT/EP2005/051950
Authority: WO
Inventors: Axel Tischendorf; Günter Jahl; Thomas Hartmann
Original assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft Für Mess- Und Regeltechnik Mbh+Co. Kg
Priority date: 2004-04-30
Filing date: 2005-04-28
Publication date: 2005-11-10
Also published as: WO2005106632A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a simple method for navigation in an operating menu of an electronic device with at least one operating element and a display unit.

Description

Description Method for navigating in an operating menu of an electronic device with at least one operating element and a display unit

The invention relates to a method for navigating in an operating menu of an electronic device with at least one control element and a display unit.

[002] Electronic devices that have a display unit and that can be operated via an operating menu are used in many areas of technology. As a rule, the operating menus are structured hierarchically in order to make it easier for the user to find the desired information.

In particular for changes to the settings of the device, the user must call up individual menu levels via the menu navigation until the desired menu item is shown on the display unit of the device. Using appropriate controls, values can e.g. B. Simply select manufacturer specifications or make user-specific entries.

[004] The operating menu essentially serves to call up and display device-specific information and to change device-specific parameters.

A relatively simple menu navigation is common in field devices of automation technology. A large number of such field devices are manufactured and sold by Endress + Hauser.

The problem with these devices is that the display units have only a limited resolution and the information that can be displayed is therefore very limited.

In general, operating menus are structured in tasks or subtasks that the user z. B. to be done when starting up the device.

The tasks are combined into windows (screens) that are displayed on the display unit. For subtasks, the windows may have to be divided further until the subtask fits into a separate window. The information that is displayed in a window, such as the names of parameters and associated values, is more or less appropriately placed on the display unit.

In order to get from one window to another window, which is also referred to as navigation, the user must actuate various interaction elements (e.g. mouse, scroll bar). New windows are opened and displayed according to the data stored in the device.

Often the windows differ considerably in their structure, which is very annoying for the user. He has to orientate himself in every new window. Thereby he cannot concentrate on his actual task, retrieving information and changing parameter values.

With hierarchically structured operating menus with several nested windows, each of which corresponds to a specific level in the operating menu, orientation is usually very difficult for the user. The user often no longer knows where, i.e. H. at which level it is currently within the operating menu.

In order to get from one window to the other, the user has to find or operate the corresponding interaction elements. In many cases, the interaction elements are located at different places on the display unit, which makes navigating within the operating menu considerably more difficult.

Based on the limited screen resolution, the entire operating menu with all menu levels can never be displayed, but usually only one level or a very special section of the operating menu.

If a specific section of the operating menu is always shown, the individual entries of the operating menu move through the screen window shown in the display unit when navigating through the operating menu. These dynamic changes (scrolling) are very annoying and information can be easily overlooked.

It is often also unclear to the user whether the desired information is to be found in a subordinate level or in a superordinate level. The search is then characterized by a "wild" jumping back and forth between individual menu levels.

In general, orientation within the known operating menus is not easy for the user. This makes finding certain information d. H. Navigating the operating menu is sometimes very complex.

[017]

[018] Since safety-relevant settings also frequently have to be made in field devices, incorrect entries can be caused by user-unfriendly, complicatedly structured operating menus.

Another problem that arises in particular in the case of bus-powered field devices is that the energy available in the field device is limited. This means that there is only limited energy available for the display unit and for the display and navigation through the operating menu.

Is the operation of a field device via an external control device, for. B. laptop, these problems do not occur, since the screens of laptops usually have a sufficient resolution to display an operating menu clearly and clearly and usually also have sufficient energy available stands.

A system for navigating in a hierarchical menu is known from WO03 / 1049977. This system is e.g. B. suitable for laptops, but not for display units with a low resolution.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method for navigating in an operating menu of an electronic device with at least one operating element and a display unit which does not have the disadvantages mentioned above and which in particular enables simple, user-friendly menu navigation.

[023] This object is achieved by the following features specified in Claim 1.

[024] Method for navigating in an operating menu of an electronic device with at least one operating element and a display unit which is controlled by a microcontroller,

The operating menu is hierarchically divided into several levels and the line items of individual levels of the operating menu are shown indented on the display unit according to their hierarchical order, with the following procedural steps: 1. Selection of a displayed entry with the operating element and confirmation of the selection 2. Open the sublevel belonging to the selected entry and display the corresponding entries. 3. Automatically hide entries of higher levels if there is space for the display of the entries of the selected sublevel. 4. Representation of a directory path to the currently displayed main level. The essential idea of the invention is to present as much information as possible clearly and clearly for the user on the display unit, so that simple navigation through the operating menu becomes possible.

[027] This is achieved in that the entries of higher levels are automatically hidden if necessary, that the entries of individual levels are indented according to their hierarchical order and that a directory path to the current skin level is displayed.

[028] Advantageous further developments are specified in the subclaims.

[029] As a rule, at least the entries from two levels, a main level and a sub-level, are shown. This considerably simplifies the orientation of the user within the entire operating menu, since entries from higher levels are also available.

Furthermore, according to claim 3, entries of superordinate levels are only hidden if this is necessary for the display of the selected sub-level is.

For additional orientation, the directory path to the currently displayed main level is displayed according to claim 4, but only entries from hidden levels are displayed. As a result, the user is easily and clearly informed about the current main level.

[032] According to claim 5, the display unit has so-called softkeys that can be called up via corresponding operating elements and which additionally facilitate navigation.

If individual softkeys cannot be called up because the corresponding functionalities are not available at the levels shown, these softkeys are advantageously hidden according to claim 6.

The inventive method is particularly for display units with a limited resolution z. B. 240 x 160 pixels.

According to claim 8 and 9, the control element is designed as a rotary pushbutton switch or as a three-button keyboard, which further increases the ease of use.

[036] The method is particularly suitable for field devices in automation technology, which generally have a display unit with low resolution.

[037] The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing.

[038] The figures show:

Fig. 1 Field devices of automation technology in a schematic

View;

2a, b, c display unit of a field device according to FIG. 1 with the representation of different open levels of the operating menu

A field device of automation technology is shown in more detail in FIG. 1. The selected field device 1 is an analysis measuring device e.g. B. a pH / ORP transmitter in 2-wire technology. The field device 1 has a display unit 5 with an LCD display on its front side 3. The display unit 5 serves z. B. for the graphic representation of a measured value z. B. the pH 7.68. Five menu items M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 (softkeys) are also shown on the display unit 5. Four switches S1-S4 and a rotary pushbutton 10 are assigned to these softkeys as control elements.

The control of the display unit 5 and takes place in a known manner via a microcontroller (not shown) in the field device 1, which is also connected to the operating elements S1-S4 and the rotary pushbutton 10.

[044] As a rule, field devices are connected to a higher-level unit via a 4-20 mA signal line or via a fieldbus system (e.g. HART, Profibus, Foundation Fieldbus). 2, the screen content of the display unit 5 is shown with differently opened levels of the operating menu.

2a, the entry into the operating menu begins with the main level "PARAM". This level comprises the entries:

[047] "Sensor pH / ORP", "General Settings", Display "," Quick Setup ", which are arranged in lines. In addition to the "PARAM" main level, the "General settings" sub-level is also open.

The entries of this level "T AG number", "Hold settings" and "User management" are shown indented because the level "General settings" is hierarchically below the level "PARAM".

[049] Furthermore, three softkeys M1 “MEAS”, M3 “?” and M4 "ESC" represented by a total of four softkeys.

The softkeys for the rotary pushbutton 10 are represented by corresponding symbols for up and down and the symbol "ok" in a bright circle.

2b shows the entries of the "Sensor pH / Redox" level with the various entries, such as "measured variable", "potential equalization" etc. with the corresponding parameter values "pH", "without PAL". The line with the entry "Kai. Settings." Is shown with a black background d. H. currently selected.

[052] The directory path "PARAM", which leads to the currently displayed main level (sensor pH / redox), is also indicated in a title bar TL. [053] FIG. 2c shows the entries of the main level "sensor pH / redox" after the selection of the "Cal. settings" entry by pressing the rotary pushbutton 10. The entries in the "Cal. settings" sublevel such as "Calibration type", "Temp. compensation" and "Buffer recognition" are also displayed. The parameter values of these entries "2 point quay", "auto comp." and "fixed" are specified. They cannot be changed because the corresponding "ok" softkey on rotary pushbutton 10 for selecting the parameter values is missing. This functionality is not available at the currently displayed level or for the corresponding entries.

[054] In the examples shown, a maximum of 2 levels of the operating menu are shown on the display unit 5. However, more than two levels can also be shown on the display unit 5.

[055] The method according to the invention is explained in more detail below.

The main level "PARAM" of the operating menu is shown in FIG. 2 a, with several entries being displayed. By turning the rotary pushbutton 10, the entry "General settings" was selected and then confirmed. Confirmation is made by pressing the rotary pushbutton 10. Settings "belonging sub-level is opened and the corresponding entries are indented. An automatic hide of entries is here not necessary, since all entries of the main level "PARAM" such as "Sensor", "Display", "Quick Setup" as well as the sub-level "General" Settings "on the display unit 5 place.

The directory path to the currently displayed main level "PARAM" is shown in the title bar TL, so the user knows in which area of the operating menu he is currently navigating.

[058] The operating menu during method step A is shown in FIG. 2b. The entry "Cal. Settings" was selected by turning the rotary pushbutton 10. The selection is identified by the black background of the entry. Pressing the rotary pushbutton 10 confirms this selection.

[059] According to method step B, the sub-level "Cal. Settings" belonging to the selected entry is opened and the corresponding entries are shown (FIG. 2c).

[060] Since the entries of this sub-level do not find any space on the display unit 5, the entries from higher levels such as the entry "Sensor pH / Redox" and the entries "Temp. Justierang" and "Temp. Compensation", which are now entries represent a higher level, automatically hidden according to method step C.

[061] The directory path PARAM / Sensor pH / Redox is shown in the title bar TL. This directory path tells the user in a very clear manner that he is currently navigating in the main level PARAM / Sensor pH / Redox or an associated sub-level.

[062] Navigation within the operating menu is further supported via softkeys, which are assigned in particular to the rotary pushbutton 10. If an entry cannot be selected, the "ok" softkey is not displayed.

With the aid of the method according to the invention, simple navigation in an operating menu of an electronic device, e.g. B. a field device possible with at least one control element and a display unit.

As shown in FIG. 2, the structure of all representations within the operating menu is clear and clear. The structure of the display at different levels is essentially the same.

Because of the simple structure, the user always knows exactly where he is within the operating menu and can thus concentrate better on his actual task of entering or calling parameter values.

[066] It is suitable for simple display units with black and white displays since no complex icons are used.

Based on the simplicity of the method, it can also be used in field devices that have little energy available, such as. B bus powered Field devices.

Claims

Expectations

Verfal ren for navigating in an operating menu of an electronic device with at least one control element and a display unit which is controlled by a microcontroller, the operating menu being hierarchically divided into several levels and the line-arranged entries of individual levels of the operating menu each according to their hierarchical Order indented are shown on the display unit, with the following procedural steps: Selection of a displayed entry with the control element and confirmation of the selection the selected sub-level. Representation of a directory path to the currently displayed main level

[002] The method according to claim 1, characterized in that entries from at least two levels of the operating menu are shown on the display unit.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an automatic hiding of a higher level takes place only if there is a corresponding space requirement for the display of the selected sub-level on the display unit.

[004] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that only entries of hidden levels are shown in the directory path to the currently displayed main level.

[005] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that softkeys are shown on the display unit.

[006] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that individual softkeys are hidden if the currently displayed levels do not provide the corresponding functionality.

[007] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display unit is a black and white display with a resolution of 240 x 160 pixels.

[008] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control element is a rotary pushbutton switch or a three-key keyboard.

Field device for process automation technology, which comprises a display unit that is controlled by a microprocessor, characterized in that the display unit is controlled according to the method according to one of the preceding claims.