Control device, control method, and control system

Abstract

This control device comprises at least one processor. The processor: receives input information from a plurality of key input devices; determines whether or not the input information is received from any one of the key input devices; and sequentially executes processes corresponding to the input information when the input information is received from one of the key input devices, sequentially executes only the processes corresponding to the input information from any one of the key input devices when the input information is received from the plurality of key input devices, or outputs a command to cause the processes to be executed sequentially.

Description

Control Device, Control Method, and Control System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a control method, and a control system.

[0002] A control device that receives and processes a specific key input from a key input device is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). It is also known that the key input device has a function of executing a specific process when a plurality of keys are pressed simultaneously.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-102988

[0004] In the case of a control device that receives key inputs from a plurality of key input devices, when the keys pressed on each key input device form a specific combination, the specific function of the control device may be unintentionally executed. Therefore, even in such a case, it is desired that the specific function is not unintentionally executed.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure includes at least one processor, the processor receives input information from a plurality of key input devices, determines whether the input information is received from any one of the key input devices, and if the input information is received from one of the key input devices, performs processing according to the input information. If the input information is received from a plurality of the key input devices, it outputs a command to sequentially execute only the processing according to the input information from any one of the key input devices, or to cause the processing to be sequentially executed. It is a control device.

[0006] This is a functional block diagram showing a control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a configuration diagram showing the control device of Figure 1. This is a diagram showing an example of input information received from a key input device in the control device of Figure 1. This is a diagram showing an example of key information that may be included in the input information of Figure 1 and an example of processing in correspondence. This is a flowchart showing a control method according to the present embodiment using the control device of Figure 1. This is a functional block diagram showing a control device and control system according to a modified example of Figure 1. This is a functional block diagram showing a control device and control system according to another modified example of Figure 1. This is a diagram showing another example of key information and processing in correspondence with Figure 4.

[0007] A control device 1, a control method, and a control system 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The control device 1 according to this embodiment is, for example, a control device for an industrial machine having two or more key input devices 2, 3, such as a large machine tool.

[0008] As shown in the functional block of Figure 1, the control device 1 according to this embodiment includes two key input devices 2 and 3, a key input acquisition unit 4 that receives input information from each key input device 2 and 3, a key input management unit 5, and a function execution unit 6. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the control device 1 includes at least one processor 7, at least one memory 8, and an interface 9.

[0009] The key input acquisition unit 4 is configured by an interface 9 and is connected to two key input devices 2 and 3. The key input management unit 5 and the function execution unit 6 are configured by a processor 7 and a memory 8.

[0010] The key input devices 2 and 3 are any devices that can input key operations from a computer, keyboard, tablet terminal, mobile terminal, etc. When a key is pressed in the key input devices 2 and 3, input information is generated in the key input devices 2 and 3, and the generated input information is input to the key input management unit 5 via the key input acquisition unit 4.

[0011] The input information includes, for example, key information indicating the key pressed in key input devices 2 and 3, and input device identification information for identifying the key input device 2 or 3 on which the key information was pressed. The key information is, for example, information such as "RST key pressed," "CAN key pressed," "RST + CAN key pressed," or "no key pressed," as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0012] Figure 3 shows an example of input information received from key input devices 2 and 3. In Figure 3, the input device identification information is, for example, an IP address and a port number. The key input devices 2 and 3 can be uniquely identified by the combination of the IP address and port number. The input device identification information is not limited to an IP address and port number, and may also include at least one of the following: a combination of VID (Vendor ID) and PID (Product ID), a USB string descriptor, a serial number, or a MAC address.

[0013] The memory 8 consists of, for example, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, etc., and stores data and operating programs necessary for the processor 7 to perform processing.

[0014] As shown in Figure 4, Memory 8 stores key information other than "no key pressed" and the corresponding process to be executed. Memory 8 is located, for example, within the key input management unit 5 and function execution unit 6 in Figure 1. Figure 4 shows an example of the correspondence between key information and the process to be executed. The key information "RST key pressed" is associated with the process "reset signal ON". The key information "CAN key pressed" is associated with the process "invalid". The key information "RST + CAN key pressed" is associated with the process "force reset signal ON".

[0015] The processor 7 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a quantum processor. The processor 7, which constitutes the key input management unit 5, determines whether the input information received by the key input acquisition unit 4 within the overlapping time period is from either of the key input devices 2 or 3. In this determination, input device identification information contained in the input information is used.

[0016] For example, if there is only one input, the processor 7 constituting the key input management unit 5 notifies the function execution unit 6 of the key information contained in the input. The processor 7 constituting the function execution unit 6, having received the key information, searches the memory 8 for the processing corresponding to the notified key information and executes it sequentially.

[0017] Furthermore, if there are multiple inputs, the processor 7 constituting the key input management unit 5 determines whether all of the inputs include input device identification information that points to a single identical key input device 2 or 3. If all of the inputs include input device identification information that points to a single identical key input device 2 or 3, it notifies the function execution unit 6 of the multiple keys being pressed simultaneously. The processor 7 constituting the function execution unit 6, having received the key information, searches the memory 8 for the processing corresponding to the notified key information and executes it sequentially.

[0018] Conversely, if the input device identification information of multiple inputs identifies different key input devices 2 and 3, the processor 7 constituting the key input management unit 5 notifies the function execution unit 6 of only the key information contained in the input information from one of the key input devices 2 and 3. For example, the processor 7 constituting the key input management unit 5 notifies the function execution unit 6 of only the key information contained in the last received input information. The processor 7 constituting the function execution unit 6 sequentially executes only the processing corresponding to the notified key information, and stops executing the processing corresponding to the key information contained in the input information received up to that point.

[0019] More specifically, for example, when the input information shown in Figure 3 is received, the processor 7 constituting the key input management unit 5 determines that the RST key of only one key input device 2 or 3, identified by the IP address "192.168.1.1" and port number "8193", has been pressed. Then, the processor 7 constituting the function execution unit 6 executes the process "reset signal ON" corresponding to the key information "RST key pressed".

[0020] For example, let's consider the case in the state shown in Figure 3, where input information including key information "CAN key pressed" is received from key input devices 2 and 3, which are identified by the IP address "192.168.1.1" and port number "8193". In this case, the RST key and the CAN key are pressed simultaneously on a single key input device 2 or 3, so the processor 7 constituting the function execution unit 6 executes the process "force reset signal ON" corresponding to the key information "RST + CAN key pressed".

[0021] On the other hand, let's consider the case where, for example, in the state shown in Figure 3, input information including the key information "CAN key pressed" is received from key input devices 2 and 3, which are identified by the IP address "192.168.1.2" and port number "8193". In this case, the RST key and the CAN key are pressed on separate key input devices 2 and 3 within overlapping time intervals, so the processor 7 constituting the function execution unit 6 executes the "disable" process corresponding to the key information "CAN key pressed".

[0022] The control method using the control device 1 configured in this embodiment will be described below. As shown in Figure 5, the control method according to this embodiment includes receiving input information from a plurality of key input devices 2 and 3 (step S1). When a key is pressed by a user operating one or more key input devices 2 and 3, the key information of the pressed key is received by the key input acquisition unit 4 as input information along with input device identification information.

[0023] The control method also includes determining whether the input information was received from one of the key input devices 2 or 3 (step S2). The processor 7 determines whether all the input information received from the key input acquisition unit 4 is from the same single key input device 2 or 3.

[0024] Furthermore, the control method includes, in step S2, if it is determined that the input information was received from a single key input device 2 or 3, sequentially executing processing corresponding to the received input information (step S3). If there is only one input information received within the overlapping time period, the input device identification information is also single. Also, even if there are multiple input information received within the overlapping time period, but the input device identification information is the same, the input device identification information is still single. This refers to the case where multiple keys are pressed simultaneously on a single key input device 2 or 3.

[0025] In these cases, the processor 7 determines that the received input information is from the same single key input device 2 or 3. If the processor 7 determines in step S2 that the input information received within a certain time period is from the same single key input device 2 or 3, it searches the memory 8 and sequentially executes the processing corresponding to the key information contained in that input information (step S3). When a single key is pressed and when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously in the single key input device 2 or 3, the processing corresponding to that key information is executed sequentially.

[0026] Furthermore, the control method includes, in step S2, if it is determined that the input information received within a certain time period was received from multiple key input devices 2, 3, then sequentially executing only the processing corresponding to the input information from one of the key input devices 2, 3 (step S4). If there is multiple input information received within an overlapping time period, and the input device identification information contained in this input information is different, then the input device identification information is not single. This indicates that keys were pressed on multiple key input devices 2, 3 within an overlapping time period. In this case, the processor 7 determines that the received input information is not from the same single key input device 2, 3.

[0027] In step S2, if the processor 7 determines that the input information received within a certain time period comes from multiple key input devices 2 and 3, it sequentially executes processing corresponding to the input information from any one of the key input devices 2 and 3, for example, the last input information received (step S4). Thus, according to this embodiment, even if different users input different key information at multiple key input devices 2 and 3 within overlapping time periods, it is possible to prevent the unintended execution of processing that combines that key information.

[0028] In this embodiment, if the processor 7 determines that the input information received within a certain time period comes from multiple key input devices 2 and 3, it sequentially executes only the processing corresponding to the last received input information. Alternatively, it may sequentially execute only the processing corresponding to the first received input information. That is, if key information is being input from one key input device 2, input information from other key input devices 3 may be ignored. Alternatively, it may prioritize the execution of processing corresponding to input information that matches specific information stored in memory 8.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case in which the control device 1 is equipped with two key input devices 2 and 3 is illustrated. Alternatively, the embodiment may be applied when three or more key input devices 2 and 3 are provided. Also, although the case in which the control device 1 is equipped with key input devices 2 and 3 is illustrated, as shown in Figure 6, the control device 1 may be configured separately from the key input devices 2 and 3 and may be equipped with an interface 9 to which two or more key input devices 2 and 3 can be connected. In this case, the control system 10 according to this embodiment is composed of two or more key input devices 2 and 3 and the control device 1.

[0030] Furthermore, although the example given illustrates a case where a memory 8 that stores the correspondence between key press states and execution functions is included in the function execution unit 6, as shown in Figure 7, it may also be provided as a separate function determination unit 11 from the function execution unit 6. The function determination unit 11 may also be connected to the key input management unit 5.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case in which the control device 1 has a function execution unit 6 is illustrated. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 8, the control device 1 may be configured as a separate unit from the execution device 12 which has the function execution unit 6. In this case, instead of the control device 1 executing the processing through the function execution unit 6, the control device 1 only needs to output a command to the function execution unit 6 to execute the processing. In this case, the control system 10 according to this embodiment is configured by two or more key input devices 2, 3, the control device 1, and the execution device 12.

[0032] Furthermore, while Figure 4 shows an example of the correspondence between key information and the process to be executed, it is not limited to this, and different execution functions may be associated with key press states, for example, as shown in Figure 9. In this case, in the state shown in Figure 3, when input information including the key information "CAN key pressed" is received from key input devices 2 and 3 identified by the IP address "192.168.1.1" and port number "8193", the processor 7 executes the process "Start operation of processing program".

[0033] While embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure have been described above, the control device 1, control method, and control system 10 of the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0034] With respect to the above embodiments and modifications, the following additional notes are disclosed. (Addendum 1) A control device comprising at least one processor, the processor receiving input information from a plurality of key input devices, determining whether the input information was received from any one of the key input devices, and sequentially executing processing corresponding to the input information if the input information was received from one of the key input devices, or outputting a command to sequentially execute processing corresponding to the input information from any one of the key input devices if the input information was received from a plurality of key input devices.

[0035] (Note 2) The control device described in Note 1, wherein the processor, when the input information is received from a plurality of key input devices, sequentially executes only the processing corresponding to the first input information received, or outputs a command to cause it to be executed sequentially.

[0036] (Note 3) The control device described in Note 1, wherein the processor, when the input information is received from a plurality of key input devices, sequentially executes only the processing corresponding to the last received input information, or outputs a command to cause it to be executed sequentially.

[0037] (Note 4) The control device according to Note 1, comprising a memory for storing specific information, wherein the processor, when the input information is received from a plurality of key input devices, prioritizes executing or outputs a command to execute processing corresponding to the input information that matches the specific information stored in the memory.

[0038] (Note 5) The control device according to Note 4, wherein the input information includes key information entered in the key input device and input device identification information for identifying the key input device into which the key information was entered.

[0039] (Note 6) The control device according to Note 5, wherein the input device identification information includes at least one of a USB string descriptor, VID, PID, serial number, IP address, port number, or MAC address.

[0040] (Note 7) The control device according to Note 5 or Note 6, wherein the memory stores the key information and the processing corresponding to the key information in association, and the processor executes the processing stored in the memory in correspondence with the key information included in the acquired input information, or outputs a command to execute the processing.

[0041] (Note 8) A control method comprising: receiving input information from multiple key input devices; determining whether the input information was received from any one of the key input devices; and sequentially executing a process corresponding to the input information if the input information was received from one of the key input devices, or outputting a command to sequentially execute only the process corresponding to the input information from any one of the key input devices if the input information was received from multiple key input devices.

[0042] (Note 9) A control system comprising a plurality of key input devices and a control device connected to the key input devices as described in any one of Notes 1 to 7.

[0043] 1 Control device 2,3 Key input device 7 Processor 8 Memory 10 Control system

Claims

1. A control device comprising at least one processor, wherein the processor receives input information from multiple key input devices, determines whether the input information was received from any one of the key input devices, and sequentially executes processing corresponding to the input information if the input information was received from one of the key input devices, or outputs a command to sequentially execute processing corresponding to only one of the key input devices if the input information was received from multiple key input devices.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein, when the input information is received from a plurality of key input devices, the processor sequentially executes only the processing corresponding to the first input information received, or outputs a command to cause it to be executed sequentially.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein, if the input information is received from a plurality of key input devices, the processor sequentially executes only the processing corresponding to the last received input information, or outputs a command to cause it to be executed sequentially.

4. The control device according to claim 1, comprising a memory for storing specific information, wherein the processor, when the input information is received from a plurality of key input devices, prioritizes executing or outputs a command to execute processing corresponding to the input information that matches the specific information stored in the memory.

5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the input information includes key information entered in the key input device and input device identification information for identifying the key input device into which the key information was entered.

6. The control device according to claim 5, wherein the input device identification information includes at least one of a USB string descriptor, VID, PID, serial number, IP address, port number, or MAC address.

7. The control device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the memory stores the key information and the processing corresponding to the key information in association, and the processor executes or outputs a command to execute the processing stored in the memory corresponding to the key information included in the acquired input information.

8. A control method comprising: receiving input information from multiple key input devices; determining whether the input information was received from any one of the key input devices; and sequentially executing a process corresponding to the input information if the input information was received from one of the key input devices, or outputting a command to sequentially execute only the process corresponding to the input information from any one of the key input devices if the input information was received from multiple key input devices.

9. A control system comprising a plurality of key input devices and a control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, connected to the key input devices.

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