Methods for creating a structure and elements for uniform menus in user interfaces

Abstract

A user interface comprises a display (302) for presenting a menu structure, an input interface (303) to enable a user to navigate within the menu structure and input data, a memory system (304) that stores initial menu data (306) defining the menu structure, and a data processing system (305) that controls the display to present the menu structure according to the initial menu data. The memory system stores secondary menu data (307) that defines which of the menu items defined by the initial menu data correspond to the functionality of an electrical device or system, and the display is controlled to present only those menu items as active and selectable menu items that correspond to the functionality.Since the menu structure defined by the initial menu data can be used in various electrical devices and systems, the menu structures of these electrical devices and systems can be similar with a uniform appearance.

Description

Area

[0001] The invention relates generally to the configuration, monitoring, and / or troubleshooting of electrical devices and systems such as motor drives, power converters, and electrolyzers, etc. In particular, the invention relates to a method for implementing a user interface and a user interface for managing an electrical device or system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program for implementing a user interface by loading the computer program into a programmable device or system. background

[0002] Electrical devices for implementing electrical systems such as electric drives encompass a variety of products designed for different application types and sizes. For example, electrical devices for implementing electric drives can include active front-end (AFE) converters located between an alternating current (AC) power grid and a direct current (DC) link; inverters (INUs) located between the DC link and electric motors and / or other AC equipment; protection and monitoring devices such as protective relays; and other possible components of an electric drive.

[0003] Despite the wide range of products designed for various applications, situations often arise where the same users are responsible for commissioning, start-up, maintenance, troubleshooting, and other tasks related to various electrical devices such as motor drives, power converters, electrolyzers, and protection and monitoring devices. Consequently, users must learn to navigate the menu structures of all these electrical devices to perform the aforementioned tasks. This can be both time-consuming and costly for users when the electrical devices are used to implement electrical systems, such as electric drives.Furthermore, it can be time-consuming and costly for a supplier of electrical devices to maintain a product portfolio with different menu structures.

[0004] Exemplary user interfaces for configuring electrical devices are described, for example, in publications EP1883009, US20080215978, US6181331, and EP1604450. However, these known user interfaces do not address the challenge described above related to the diverse product range designed for different application types and sizes. Brief description

[0005] The following is a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of different embodiments of the invention. This summary is not a comprehensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify essential or critical elements of the invention, nor to limit the scope of protection of the invention. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the invention in simplified form as an introduction to a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments.

[0006] According to the invention, a new method for implementing a user interface suitable for managing an electrical device or system, such as a motor drive, a power converter, an electrolyzer, a protection and / or monitoring device or system, etc., is provided. The management performed with the user interface can include, for example, configuring, monitoring, and / or troubleshooting the electrical device or system.

[0007] The method according to the invention comprises: - Maintain, in a storage system, initial menu data that defines a menu structure, - Configuring a data processing system to control a display to show the menu structure defined by the initial menu data to a user, - Configuring an input interface to receive navigation input actions provided by the user to navigate within the menu structure, and to receive input data for the electrical device or electrical system, and - Configuring the data processing system to transmit the input data received from the input interface to the electrical device or electrical system.

[0008] Furthermore, the method according to the invention comprises: - Maintain, in the storage system, second menu data that define which of the menu items defined by the first menu data correspond to the functionality of the electrical device or electrical system in question, and - Configuring the data processing system to control the display, as active and selectable menu items, only those menu items that correspond to the functionality of the electrical device or electrical system.

[0009] The menu structure defined by the first menu data can include menu items such as "Speed," "Reactive power supplied to an AC network," "DC current," etc. The second menu data mentioned above can be specific to a type of electrical device or system. In an example case where the electrical system is an alternating current (AC) motor drive, menu items "AC current supplied by an AC network," "AC voltage of an AC motor," "DC voltage of an intermediate circuit," "AC current of the AC motor," and "Speed ​​of the AC motor" correspond to the functionality of the AC motor drive, while a menu item such as "DC current of a DC load" does not correspond to the functionality of the AC motor.Thus, the second menu data in connection with the AC motor drive expresses that the menu items "AC current supplied by an AC network," "AC voltage of the AC motor," "DC voltage of an intermediate circuit," "AC current of the AC motor," and "speed of the AC motor" correspond to the functionality of the AC motor drive. Accordingly, in another exemplary case where an electrical device is an inverter for driving an AC electric motor, the second menu data expresses that the menu item "AC current supplied by an AC network" does not correspond to the functionality of the inverter, which may be located between an AC electric motor and a DC intermediate circuit or other DC power supply. An electrical system comprising either an active front end (AFE) or a passive front end, e.g.,A diode rectifier and an inverter for driving an AC motor, or a DC / DC converter for driving a DC motor, handles the conversion between AC and DC in various configurations: from mains AC to DC link to motor AC, or from mains AC to DC link to motor DC. The first menu items can define a menu structure that includes elements such as "Speed," "Reactive power supplied to the AC grid," "DC current," etc. The second menu items, however, are specific to the type of electrical system. For example, in a motor drive with an AFE converter, the menu items "Reactive power supplied to the AC grid" and "DC current" correspond to the functions of the AFE converter, while this is not the case for the menu item "Speed," since the AFE converter operates between an AC power grid and a DC link.Therefore, the second menu data, specific to the AFE converter, reflects that the relevant menu items include "Reactive power supplied to an AC grid," DC voltage, and "DC current." However, if the electrical device is an inverter designed to drive an AC electric motor, the second menu data indicates that "Reactive power supplied to an AC grid" is not relevant for an inverter operating between a DC link or other DC power supply and the AC motor.

[0010] Since the menu structure defined by the initial menu data can be a generic menu structure that can be used in various electrical devices and systems, the menu structures of these devices and systems can be similar with a uniform appearance, so that symbols, menu items, and their names can be similar across these devices and systems. This offers the following advantages: - Improved brand recognition by users of electrical devices and systems, as different electrical devices and systems have similar menu structures with a uniform appearance, - Improved learnability due to the similarity and uniform appearance of the menu structures of various electrical devices and systems, - Cost savings through shorter training times due to improved learnability, - Improved usability, i.e., faster use and fewer errors, due to improved learnability. - Easier portfolio maintenance due to the similarity and uniform appearance of the menu structures of various electrical devices and systems and - Minimizing errors caused, for example, by entering configuration data into irrelevant input fields or incorrect configuration data into correct input fields.

[0011] In one exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the display is controlled to show each menu item that does not correspond to the functionality of the electrical device or system with a different graphical appearance, e.g., a different color, than the active and selectable menu items. An advantage of this embodiment is that the menu structures of different electrical devices and systems do not differ from one another; however, the disadvantage is that inactive menu items are displayed in the menu structures. In another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the display is controlled to show the menu structure without any menu item that does not correspond to the functionality of the electrical device or system in question.One advantage of this embodiment is that inactive menu items are not shown in the menu structures; however, the disadvantage is that the menu structures of different electrical devices and systems differ from each other – although the menu structures have essentially similar appearances.

[0012] Various embodiments of the invention can be computer-implemented or "CII" embodiments. Therefore, according to the invention, a novel computer program for programming an electrical device or system is also provided. The system comprises a programmable central processing unit (CPU) and / or another programmable data processing system to operate a user interface suitable for managing the electrical device or system. The computer program can, for example, be in the form of a signal, allowing it to be downloaded from a server to a programmable electrical device or system, such as a CPU of a power electronic converter, via a data transmission network. Alternatively, the computer program can be in the form of a non-volatile, computer-readable medium.B. an electrically erasable read-only memory or “EEPROM” or a universal serial bus or “USB” memory that is encoded with the computer program and can be connected to a programmable electrical device or programmable electrical system, e.g. a CPU of a power electronic converter.

[0013] The computer program according to the invention comprises computer-executable instructions for controlling a programmable data processing system for: - Retrieving, from a storage system, initial menu data that defines a menu structure, - Controlling a display to show the menu structure defined by the initial menu data to a user, - Receiving, from an input interface, navigation input actions provided by the user to navigate within the menu structure, and input data for the electrical device or electrical system, and - Transmitting the input data received from the input interface to the electrical device or electrical system,

[0014] Furthermore, the computer program according to the invention comprises computer-executable instructions for controlling the programmable data processing system for: - Retrieving, from the storage system, second menu data that defines which of the menu items defined by the first menu data correspond to the functionality of the electrical device, and - Controlling the display to show, as active and selectable menu items, only those menu items that correspond to the functionality of the electrical device.

[0015] According to the invention, a new computer program product is also provided. The computer program product comprises a non-volatile, computer-readable medium, e.g., an EEPROM or a USB memory chip, which is encoded with a computer program according to the invention.

[0016] According to the invention, a novel user interface is also provided that is suitable for managing an electrical device or electrical system, such as a motor drive, a power converter, an electrolyzer, a protection and / or monitoring device or system, etc. The management performed with the user interface can include, for example, configuring, monitoring, and / or troubleshooting the electrical device or system. The user interface can, for example, be part of the electrical device or system to be managed, or the user interface can be part of an external device, e.g., a power supply unit.The user interface can be a laptop or a smartphone that is connectable to the electrical device or electrical system to be managed, or part of the user interface can be part of the electrical device or electrical system to be managed, and another part of the user interface can be part of an external device. Thus, the invention is not limited to a specific way of implementing the user interface.

[0017] The user interface according to the invention comprises: - a display designed to present a menu structure to a user, - an input interface designed to allow the user to navigate within the menu structure and provide input data for the electrical device or electrical system, - a storage system that stores initial menu data defining the menu structure, and - a data processing system that is communicatively connected to the display, the input interface and the storage system.

[0018] The data processing system is designed to control the display, to present the menu structure according to the initial menu data and navigation input actions received from the input interface, and to transmit the input data received from the input interface to the electrical device or electrical system. Furthermore, the storage system is designed to store secondary menu data that defines which of the menu items defined by the initial menu data correspond to the functionality of the electrical device or electrical system in question. The data processing system is designed to control the display to show only those menu items that correspond to the functionality of the electrical device or electrical system as active and selectable menu items.

[0019] According to the invention, a new power electronic converter is also provided, which can be, for example, a frequency converter, an active front-end (AFE) AC-DC converter, or a DC-AC inverter (INU). The power electronic converter comprises: - a power electronic main circuit designed to convert one or more input voltages into one or more output voltages, - a control device designed to control the main power electronic circuit, and - a user interface according to the invention.

[0020] The user interface can be implemented at least partially with the same hardware as the control device mentioned above, or the user interface can be implemented with separate hardware from the control device.

[0021] Exemplary and non-limiting embodiments are described in the accompanying dependent claims.

[0022] Exemplary and non-limiting embodiments with respect to both designs and operating procedures, together with additional aims and advantages thereof, are best understood by reference to the following description of specific exemplary and non-limiting embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0023] The verbs “encompass” and “include” are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of unnamed elements.

[0024] The features listed in the dependent claims can be freely combined with each other, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0025] Furthermore, it is understood that the use of “ein” or “eine”, i.e. a singular form, in this document does not exclude a plurality. Brief description of the characters

[0026] Exemplary and non-limiting embodiments and their advantages are explained in more detail below in the form of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a method according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment for implementing a user interface suitable for managing an electrical device or electrical system. Fig. 2a illustrates details of an exemplary menu structure achieved by a method according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, Fig. 2b illustrates details of an exemplary menu structure achieved by a method according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, and Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a user interface according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment for managing an electrical device. Description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments

[0027] The specific examples provided in the following description should not be interpreted as limiting the scope and / or applicability of the invention. Lists and groups of examples provided in the description are not exhaustive unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a method according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment for implementing a user interface suitable for managing an electrical device or system, such as a motor drive, power converter, electrolyzer, protection and / or monitoring device, or protection and / or monitoring system, etc. The management performed with the user interface may include, for example, configuring, monitoring, and / or troubleshooting the electrical device or system. The method includes the following actions: - Action 101: Maintain, in a storage system, first menu data that defines a menu structure, and second menu data that defines which of the menu items defined by the first menu data correspond to the functionality of the electrical device or electrical system in question, - Action 102: Configure a data processing system to control a display to present the menu structure defined by the initial menu data to a user, such that only those menu items corresponding to the functionality of the electrical device or system are displayed as active and selectable menu items, - Action 103: Configure an input interface to receive navigation input actions provided by the user to navigate within the menu structure, and to receive input data such as configuration data, monitoring instructions, and / or troubleshooting instructions for the electrical device or electrical system, and - Action 104: Configure the data processing system to transmit the input data received from the input interface to the electrical device or electrical system.

[0029] A method according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment comprises configuring the data processing system to control the display to show each menu item that does not correspond to the functionality of the electrical device or electrical system, with a different graphical appearance than the active and selectable menu items.

[0030] A method according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment comprises configuring the data processing system to control the display to represent the menu structure without any menu item that does not correspond to the functionality of the electrical device or electrical system.

[0031] In a method according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the input interface comprises a keyboard with arrow and selection keys to enable the user to navigate the menu structure, and alphanumeric keys that allow the user to input an element of the input data when an input field for inputting the element of the input data has been activated.

[0032] In a method according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the display comprises a touchscreen acting as the input interface, and the method includes configuring the data processing system to control the display to represent virtual arrow and selection buttons that allow the user to move through the menu structure, and virtual alphanumeric buttons that allow the user to feed in an element of the input data when an input field for feeding in the element of the input data has been activated.

[0033] In a method according to an exemplary and non-restrictive embodiment, the menu structure comprises a hierarchy of menus defined by the first menu data.

[0034] In a method according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the menu items include: status of one or more elements of the electrical device or electrical system, logs and reports relating to the one or more elements, events relating to the one or more elements, setup and maintenance data relating to the one or more elements, data about the electrical device or electrical system and / or other suitable information relating to the electrical device or electrical system.

[0035] The data processing system mentioned above can be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or another processing unit of the electrical device or electrical system to be managed, such as the CPU of a frequency converter for an electric motor drive. Alternatively, the data processing system can be an external device, such as a processor in a laptop or smartphone, that is communicatively connected to the CPU or other processing unit of the electrical device or electrical system to be managed. Accordingly, the display and / or input interface can be an element or elements of the electrical device or electrical system to be configured, such as a frequency converter, or alternatively, the display and / or input interface can be connected to an external device, such as a smartphone.a laptop or a smartphone, which is communicatively connected to the CPU or other processing unit of the electrical device or electrical system to be managed.

[0036] A computer program according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment for implementing a user interface suitable for managing an electrical device or electrical system comprises computer-executable instructions for controlling a programmable data processing system to perform actions in relation to a method according to one of the exemplary and non-limiting embodiments described above.

[0037] A computer program according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment comprises software modules for implementing a user interface suitable for managing an electrical device or system. The software modules include computer-executable instructions for controlling a programmable data processing system for: - Retrieving from a storage system, firstly menu data that defines a menu structure, and secondly menu data that defines which of the menu items defined by the first menu data correspond to the functionality of the electrical device or electrical system in question, - Controlling a display to show the menu structure defined by the initial menu data to a user, such that only those menu items corresponding to the functionality of the electrical device or system are displayed as active and selectable menu items, - Receiving navigation input actions from an input interface, provided by the user to navigate within the menu structure, and receiving input data such as configuration data, monitoring instructions and / or troubleshooting instructions for the electrical device or electrical system, and - Transmitting the input data received from the input interface to the electrical device or electrical system.

[0038] The software modules can be, for example, subroutines or functions that are implemented using programming tools suitable for the programmable data processing system.

[0039] A computer program product according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment comprises a computer-readable medium, e.g. an EEPROM or a USB memory, which is encoded with a computer program according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0040] A signal according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment is encoded in such a way that it carries information that defines a computer program according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0041] A non-volatile, computer-readable medium, e.g., an EEPROM or a USB memory, according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, is encoded with a computer program according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0042] Fig. 2a illustrates details of an exemplary menu structure achieved by a method according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the display comprises a touchscreen acting as the input interface, and the data processing system is designed to control the display to present virtual alphanumeric buttons 214 to allow the user to input data. A first menu view 210 shows a main menu. In the Fig. In the example situation shown in 2a, the menu item “Setup & Maintenance” was selected from the first menu view 210, which leads to a second menu view 211. In the Fig. In the example situation shown in 2a, the menu item “Setup” was selected from the second menu view 211, which leads to a third menu view 212. In the Fig. In the exemplary situation shown in 2a, the menu item “AC current limit” was selected from the third menu view 212, which leads to a view 213 that includes the above-mentioned virtual alphanumeric buttons 214, which allow the user to set a value for the AC current limit.

[0043] In the Fig. In the exemplary and non-limiting embodiment illustrated in Figure 2a, the data processing system is designed to control the display in such a way as to show each menu item that does not correspond to the functionality of an electrical device or electrical system, e.g., a motor drive, a motor inverter, or an AFE converter, etc., with a different graphical appearance than the active and selectable menu items. Fig. 2a The menu items “Mains frequency” and “Mains voltage”, which do not correspond to the functionality of the electrical device or electrical system, are designated with reference numerals 230 and 231. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2a, these menu items 230 and 231 have a different graphical appearance in the third menu view 212 than the other menu items shown.

[0044] Fig. Figure 2b illustrates details of an exemplary menu structure achieved by a method according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment. Menu views 220, 221, and 223 are the same as those in Figure 2. Fig. Menu views 210, 211 and 213 shown in 2a. In the Fig. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in 2b, the data processing system is designed to control the display in such a way as to present the menu structure without any menu item that does not correspond to the functionality of the electrical device. Thus, the embodiment differs in Fig. 2b shown menu view 222 from the in Fig. 2a shown menu view 212 by the fact that menu view 222 does not contain the menu items 230 “Mains frequency” and 231 “Mains voltage”.

[0045] One advantage of the in Fig. The exemplary and non-limiting embodiment illustrated in 2a is characterized by the fact that the menu structures of different electrical devices do not differ from one another; however, the disadvantage is that inactive menu items such as menu items 230 and 231 are represented in the menu structures. An advantage of the embodiment shown in Fig. The exemplary and non-restrictive embodiment illustrated in 2b consists in the fact that inactive menu items are not shown in the menu structures; however, the disadvantage is that the menu structures of different electrical devices differ from each other – although the menu structures have essentially similar appearances.

[0046] In the Fig. 2a and Fig. In the exemplary and non-limiting embodiments illustrated in Figure 2b, the menu structure comprises a hierarchy of menus defined by the first menu data. The second menu data defines which of the menu items in these menus are displayed as active and selectable menu items. In the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b illustrated exemplary cases define the second menu data as meaning that menu items 230 “Mains frequency” and 231 “Mains voltage” are not displayed as active and selectable menu items.

[0047] As in Fig. 2a and Fig. As shown in Figure 2b, the menu items may include, for example, the status of one or more elements of the electrical device or electrical system, logs and reports relating to the one or more elements, events relating to the one or more elements, setup and maintenance data relating to the one or more elements, data about the electrical device or electrical system and / or other suitable information relating to the electrical device or electrical system.

[0048] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a user interface according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment for controlling an electrical system 301. In the Fig. In the exemplary case shown in Figure 3, the electrical system 301 is an AC motor drive comprising an AC electric motor 308 and a power electronic converter 309, in this case an inverter, for converting a DC voltage into a controllable three-phase AC voltage suitable for the AC electric motor 308. However, as mentioned earlier in this document, this is only an example. In this exemplary case, the power electronic converter 309 comprises a power electronic main circuit 330 designed to convert the DC voltage into the controllable three-phase AC voltage and a control device designed to control the power electronic main circuit 330.

[0049] The user interface includes a display 302 designed to present a menu structure to a user. The display 302 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display, or "LCD". The display 302 can be part of a user interface of the electrical system 301, e.g., part of a user interface of the power electronic converter 309, or the display 302 can be part of an external device, e.g., a laptop or smartphone, that is communicatively connected to control and management means of the electrical system 301.

[0050] The user interface includes an input interface 303 designed to allow the user to navigate within the menu structure and provide input data to the electrical system 301. The input interface 303 can be part of a user interface of the electrical system 301, for example, part of the user interface of the power electronic converter 309, or it can be part of an external device, such as a laptop or smartphone, that communicates with the control and management means of the electrical system 301. In this embodiment, the input interface 303 includes a keyboard with arrow and selection keys to allow the user to navigate the menu structure and alphanumeric keys for inputting an input data element, such as a current limit, a speed limit, etc., when a menu item has been selected to feed in the input data element.

[0051] The user interface includes a memory system 304, which stores initial menu data 306, i.e., generic menu data that defines the aforementioned menu structure. The memory system 304 may include one or more memory circuits, such as one or more electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) circuits, or one or more other suitable memory circuits for storing data that must not be lost during power-off situations. Furthermore, the memory system 304 may include one or more random-access memory (RAM) circuits for working memory. The memory system 304 may be part of the electrical system 301, such as part of the power electronic converter 309, or it may be part of an external device, such as a laptop or smartphone, that is communicatively connected to the control and management means of the electrical system 301.

[0052] The user interface comprises a data processing system 305, which is communicatively connected to the display 302, the input interface 303, and the storage system 304. The data processing system 305 can be part of the electrical system 301, e.g., a central processing unit or "CPU" or another processing unit of the power electronic converter 309, or the data processing system 305 can be part of an external device, e.g., a laptop or smartphone, which is communicatively connected to the control and management means of the electrical system 301. Typically, the user interface for managing the electrical system 301 is part of the electrical system 301, but in Fig. Figure 3 shows the user interface with separate functional elements for illustration purposes.

[0053] The data processing system 305 is designed to control the display 302 to present the menu structure according to the aforementioned initial menu data and navigation input actions received from the input interface 303. The data processing system 305 is designed to transmit input data received via the input interface 303 to the electrical system 301. The input data may include, for example, configuration data, monitoring instructions, and / or troubleshooting instructions. The storage system 304 is designed to store secondary menu data 307, i.e., device- or system-type-specific menu data, which defines which of the menu items defined by the initial menu data 306 correspond to the functionality of the electrical system 301 in question.The data processing system 305 is designed to control the display 302 in such a way that only those menu items which correspond to the functionality of the electrical system 301 are displayed as active and selectable menu items.

[0054] The menu structure defined by the first menu data 306 can, for example, include menu items such as "speed", "reactive power supplied to an AC network", "DC current", etc. The second menu data 307 mentioned above can be specific to a type of electrical system 301. In the Fig.In the exemplary case shown in Figure 3, where the electrical device 301 includes the power electronic converter 309 located between the electric machine 308 and a DC supply, the menu item "Reactive power supplied to an AC network" does not correspond to the functionality of the electrical system 301, whereas the menu items "Speed" and "DC current" do. Thus, the second menu data relating to the electrical system 301 indicates that the menu items "Speed" and "DC current" correspond to the functionality of the electrical system 301, and that the menu item "Reactive power supplied to an AC network" does not.

[0055] Since the menu structure defined by the aforementioned first menu data 306 can be a generic menu structure that can be used in conjunction with various electrical devices and systems, the menu structures of these electrical devices and systems can be similar with uniform appearances, so that symbols, menu items and their naming can be similar across these electrical devices and systems.

[0056] The implementation of the 305 data processing system can be based on one or more analog circuits, one or more digital processing circuits, or a combination thereof. Each digital processing circuit can be a programmable processor circuit equipped with suitable software, a dedicated hardware processor such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a configurable hardware processor such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Furthermore, the 305 data processing system can include working memory, which can be implemented with one or more random-access memory (RAM) circuits.

[0057] The specific examples provided in the above description should not be interpreted as limiting the scope and / or applicability of the invention. Lists and groups of examples provided in the above description are not exhaustive unless expressly stated otherwise. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 1883009

[0004] US 20080215978

[0004] US 6181331

[0004] EP 1604450

[0004]

Claims

[1] Method for implementing a user interface suitable for managing an electrical device or electrical system (301), the method comprising: - Maintain (101), in a storage system (304), first menu data that define a menu structure, - Configuring (102) a data processing system (305) to control a display (302) to show the menu structure defined by the first menu data to a user, - Configuring (103) an input interface (303) to receive navigation input actions provided by the user for navigating within the menu structure, and to receive input data for the electrical device or electrical system, and - Configuring (104) the data processing system to transmit the input data received from the input interface to the electrical device or electrical system, characterized by , that the procedure includes the following: - Maintain (101), in the storage system, second menu data that define which of the menu items defined by the first menu data correspond to the functionality of the electrical device or electrical system, and - Configuring (102) the data processing system (305) to control the display for showing, as active and selectable menu items, only those of the menu items which correspond to the functionality of the electrical device or electrical system. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises configuring the data processing system to control the display to show each menu item that does not correspond to the functionality of the electrical device with a different graphic appearance than the active and selectable menu items. [3] Method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises configuring the data processing system to control the display to show the menu structure without any menu item that does not correspond to the functionality of the electrical device. [4] Method according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the input interface comprises a keyboard with arrow and selection keys to enable the user to move through the menu structure and alphanumeric keys to enable the user to input an element of the input data when an input field for inputting the element of the input data has been activated. [5] Method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the display comprises a touchscreen acting as the input interface, and the method comprises configuring the data processing system to control the display to represent virtual arrow and selection buttons that allow the user to move through the menu structure, and virtual alphanumeric buttons that allow the user to feed in an element of the input data when an input field for feeding in the element of the input data has been activated. [6] Method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the menu structure comprises a hierarchy of menus defined by the first menu data. [7] Method according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the menu items comprise one or more of the following i-iv: i) status of one or more elements of the electrical device or electrical system, ii) logs and reports relating to the one or more elements, iii) events relating to the one or more elements and iv) setup and maintenance data relating to the one or more elements. [8] Method according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the electrical device or electrical system is a frequency converter. [9] Computer program for implementing a user interface suitable for managing an electrical device or electrical system, wherein the computer program comprises computer-executable instructions for controlling a programmable data processing system to: - Retrieving, from a storage system, initial menu data that defines a menu structure, - Controlling a display to show the menu structure defined by the initial menu data to a user, - Receiving, from an input interface, navigation input actions provided by the user to navigate within the menu structure, and input data for the electrical device, and - Transmitting the input data received from the input interface to the electrical device or electrical system, characterized by , that the computer program includes computer-executable instructions for controlling the programmable data processing system to do the following: - Retrieving, from the storage system, second menu data that defines which of the menu items defined by the first menu data correspond to the functionality of the electrical device or electrical system, and - Controlling the display to show, as active and selectable menu items, only those menu items that correspond to the functionality of the electrical device or electrical system. [10] Non-volatile computer-readable medium encoded with a computer program according to claim 9. [11] User interface for managing an electrical device or electrical system (301), wherein the user interface comprises: - an ad (302) designed to display a menu structure to a user, - an input interface (303) designed to allow the user to navigate within the menu structure and provide input data for the electrical device or electrical system, - a storage system (304) that stores initial menu data (306) that defines the menu structure, and - a data processing system (305) that is communicatively connected to the display, the input interface and the storage system, wherein the data processing system is designed to control the display to present the menu structure according to the initial menu data and navigation input actions received from the input interface, and to transmit the input data received from the input interface to the electrical device or electrical system, characterized by, that the storage system is designed to store second menu data (307) which defines which of the menu items defined by the first menu data correspond to the functionality of the electrical device or electrical system, and the data processing system is designed to control the display to show only those of the menu items as active and selectable menu items which correspond to the functionality of the electrical device or electrical system. [12] User interface according to claim 11, wherein the data processing system is designed to control the display in such a way as to display each menu item (230, 231) that does not correspond to the functionality of the electrical device with a different graphic appearance than the active and selectable menu items. [13] User interface according to claim 11, wherein the data processing system is designed to control the display to show the menu structure without any menu item (230, 231) that does not correspond to the functionality of the electrical device. [14] User interface according to one of claims 11-13, wherein the input interface (303) comprises a keyboard with arrow and selection keys to enable the user to move through the menu structure and alphanumeric keys to enable the user to input an element of the input data when an input field for inputting the element of the input data has been activated. [15] User interface according to one of claims 11-13, wherein the display comprises a touchscreen acting as the input interface, and the data processing system is designed to control the display to represent virtual arrow and selection buttons that allow the user to move through the menu structure, and virtual alphanumeric buttons that allow the user to feed in an element of the input data when an input field for feeding in the element of the input data has been activated. [16] User interface according to one of claims 11-15, wherein the menu structure comprises a hierarchy of menus (210, 211, 212) defined by the first menu data. [17] User interface according to one of claims 11-16, wherein the menu items comprise one or more of the following i-iv: i) status of one or more elements of the electrical device or electrical system, ii) logs and reports relating to the one or more elements, iii) events relating to the one or more elements and iv) setup and maintenance data relating to the one or more elements. [18] Power electronic converter comprising the following: - a power electronic main circuit (330) designed to convert one or more input voltages into one or more output voltages, - a control device designed to control the main power electronic circuit, and - a user interface according to one of claims 11-17. [19] Power electronic converter according to claim 18, wherein the power electronic converter is a frequency converter.

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