controller

Abstract

To provide a controller for a measurement device, configured to set a determination criterion using a GUI excellent in at least one of intuition and usability.SOLUTION: A controller 100 includes a touch panel 104, a memory 108, a CPU 102, and a program stored in the memory 108 and to be executed by the CPU 102. The program includes: an instruction for detecting touch on the touch panel 104 in a position corresponding to at least one threshold marker arranged on a main axis on a visual scale, in an image including the visual scale displayed on the touch panel 104; and an instruction for changing, when the touch is detected, a positional relationship in the main axis between the threshold markers and partition markers arranged on the main axis and partitioning the visual scale by area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a controller for a measurement device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a controller that is connected to one or more measuring devices that measure parameters such as position and length based on output signals from sensors and controls the connected measuring devices. For example, the controller described in Patent Document 1 is known as such a controller. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-122428 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] After the manufacturing process is completed, so-called "post-process measurement" may be performed on products for the purpose of quality control, etc. Although this is not limited to post-process measurement, especially in post-process measurement, there is a demand to classify the measured value with reference to a predetermined judgment standard and to use it as one of the data for quality control of the product.

[0005] Typically, the judgment criteria are set using a threshold (also called judgment value or judgment point). Specifically, when a measured value exceeds the threshold, the measured value (product) is classified into a certain evaluation category (e.g., "Rank 1"), and when the measured value is below the threshold, the measured value is classified into another evaluation category (e.g., "Rank 2"). When a measured value is equal to the threshold, the user decides which evaluation category to classify the measured value into depending on each individual case. In other words, it is up to the user's judgment (how the judgment criteria are set) to classify a measured value "above" a certain threshold into a certain evaluation category, or a measured value "beyond" a certain threshold into a certain evaluation category.

[0006] When measurements taken by a measuring device are collected in a controller for judgment, the judgment criteria are often set and adjusted by operating the controller. Specifically, this is often done using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that uses images displayed on a display (touch panel, touch screen) equipped on the controller.

[0007] When setting the judgment criteria using a GUI, it is preferable to use images that are visually easy to distinguish. In particular, when setting the judgment criteria, it is required to clearly guide the user as to which classification (evaluation category) the measurement value will be assigned when it is equal to the threshold value, and to enable the user to easily change the settings.

[0008] When the determination criteria are set using a GUI, as described above, there are problems with intuitiveness and usability, and the present disclosure solves at least one of these problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment of the controller of the present disclosure is a controller of a measuring device including a touch panel, a memory, a processor, and a program stored in the memory and configured to be executable by the processor, the program including instructions for detecting contact with the touch panel at a position corresponding to at least one threshold marker arranged on a major axis of a visual scale in an image including the visual scale displayed on the touch panel, and instructions for, when the contact is detected, swapping the front-to-back relationship on the major axis between a division marker that is arranged on the major axis and divides the visual scale into regions and the threshold marker. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a controller that allows the setting of judgment criteria using a GUI using images, and that is excellent in at least one of the intuitiveness of the setting and the usability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an external view of a controller according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a controller according to the embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a GUI image for setting criteria for measurement results. [Figure 3B] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a GUI image after a transition. [Figure 3C] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a GUI image after a transition. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing a process of replacing a threshold marker with a division marker in setting a judgment criterion. [Figure 5A] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a GUI image for setting a judgment criterion. [Figure 5B] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a GUI image after a transition. [Figure 6A] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a GUI image for setting a judgment criterion. [Figure 6B] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a GUI image after a transition. [Figure 7A] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a GUI image for setting a judgment criterion. [Figure 7B] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a GUI image after a transition. [Figure 8A] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a GUI image for setting a judgment criterion. [Figure 8B] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a GUI image after a transition. [Figure 9A] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a GUI image for setting a judgment criterion. [Figure 9B] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a GUI image after a transition. [Figure 10A] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a GUI image for setting a judgment criterion. [Figure 10B] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a GUI image after a transition. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing a process of replacing a threshold marker with a division marker in setting a judgment criterion. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a GUI image for setting criteria for measurement results. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a GUI image for setting criteria for measurement results. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] A first embodiment of a controller of the present disclosure is a controller for a measuring device, comprising: a touch panel, a memory, a processor, and a program stored in the memory and configured to be executable by the processor, the program comprising: instructions for detecting contact with the touch panel at a position corresponding to at least one threshold marker arranged on a major axis of a visual scale in an image including the visual scale displayed on the touch panel; and instructions for, when the contact is detected, swapping the front-to-back relationship on the major axis between a division marker that is arranged on the major axis and divides the visual scale into regions and the threshold marker.

[0013] The controller of the first embodiment provides a GUI for setting judgment criteria by using a touch panel and a program including predetermined commands. This GUI includes an image including a visual scale as a component. Threshold markers and division markers are arranged on the main axis of the visual scale. Therefore, the relationship between the threshold and the area, in other words, which area the threshold is included in, can be intuitively understood simply by checking the front-to-back relationship on the main axis. The area can be set as an evaluation division, for example, "pass" or "fail". Furthermore, the user can easily adjust the area to which the corresponding threshold is assigned (belongs) by simply touching a predetermined position on the image including the visual scale, which provides high usability.

[0014] A second embodiment of the controller of the present disclosure is a controller in which, in the first embodiment, the program includes an instruction to switch the region containing the threshold corresponding to the threshold marker whose context has been swapped.

[0015] In the controller of the second embodiment, in conjunction with the replacement of the threshold marker and the category marker in the GUI image, the area (e.g., evaluation category) in the judgment criteria that includes the threshold corresponding to the replaced threshold marker is switched. Therefore, the user can adjust the judgment criteria by a more intuitive operation, realizing higher usability.

[0016] A third embodiment of the controller of the present disclosure is a controller in which, in the first embodiment, the division marker to be replaced is the division marker arranged in proximity to the threshold marker.

[0017] In the controller of the third embodiment, when a touch to a predetermined position is detected, the front-to-back positions of adjacent division markers and threshold markers are swapped in the image including the visual scale. By swapping the front-to-back relationship between adjacent division markers and threshold markers, it is intuitively understood that the area to which the threshold associated with the threshold marker is assigned changes. In other words, it is understood that the threshold has been assigned to a different (swapped) area. This setting adjustment can be easily performed by touching a predetermined area of ​​the image (typically the target threshold marker itself or its surroundings), realizing higher usability.

[0018] A fourth embodiment of the controller of the present disclosure is a controller in which, in the third embodiment, the at least one threshold marker includes two or more threshold markers, and the contact is detected at the position corresponding to each of the threshold markers.

[0019] According to the controller of the fourth embodiment, by using a plurality of threshold markers arranged on an image including a visual scale, the plurality of thresholds associated with each threshold marker and the allocation to the regions can be easily managed. Even if a plurality of threshold markers are arranged, the detection of contact with the corresponding position of each marker is used as a trigger to switch the front-back relationship with the adjacent division marker, so that the adjustment and management are easier. Higher convenience is ensured by being able to collectively manage a plurality of thresholds and regions (ranks). In addition, the setting of the judgment criteria for each threshold can be easily changed by contact, so higher usability is also ensured.

[0020] A fifth embodiment of the controller of the present disclosure is a controller according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the division marker is adjacent to the threshold marker and is arranged so as not to overlap on the main axis.

[0021] In an image including a visual scale, by arranging the threshold marker and the division marker so that they do not overlap, it can be more intuitively understood to which of the areas divided by the division marker the threshold value associated with the threshold marker is assigned.

[0022] A sixth embodiment of the controller of the present disclosure is a controller in the first embodiment, wherein the swapping is performed by moving the division marker in accordance with the detected movement while maintaining sustained contact with the touch panel.

[0023] The function of being able to switch between threshold markers and division markers by a so-called "swipe" action allows the user to more intuitively understand that the area to which the thresholds are assigned has changed as a result of the operation.

[0024] A seventh embodiment of the controller of the present disclosure is a controller in the first embodiment, wherein the visual scale includes a strip gauge, and the main axis is one long side of the strip gauge, or a virtual line approximately parallel to the long side.

[0025] The strip gauge is excellent not only in visually representing values ​​from the minimum value to the maximum value, but also in more clearly representing the division of the regions by the division markers. Since the controller of the seventh embodiment includes the strip gauge as a visual scale, it is possible to more intuitively understand which regions the thresholds are allocated to. Furthermore, since the long side of the strip gauge or a virtual line approximately parallel thereto is set as the main axis, even when multiple thresholds are managed, the threshold markers sorted by the thresholds can be aligned and arranged along the main axis, so that the magnitude relationship between the thresholds and the relationship between the thresholds and the regions can be more intuitively understood.

[0026] An eighth embodiment of the controller of the present disclosure is a controller in which, in the seventh embodiment, the image includes the division marker and includes a division line extending from the long side to the other long side.

[0027] By dividing the band markers by the dividing lines, the boundaries of the regions can be more clearly understood, and as a result, the relationship between the thresholds associated with the threshold markers and the regions to which the thresholds are assigned can be more intuitively understood.

[0028] A ninth embodiment of the controller of the present disclosure is the controller of the eighth embodiment, wherein the division line follows the replacement.

[0029] Since the division line includes the division marker, the division line moves and / or changes its shape in accordance with the replacement (movement or deformation) of the division marker, so that the change in the division of the region can be more clearly understood. The change in the division of the region means that the region to which the threshold marker (the threshold associated with it in a one-to-one relationship) is assigned changes. By moving and / or deforming the division line, the user can intuitively understand which threshold marker has changed the division of the region, even when multiple threshold markers are included in the image.

[0030] A tenth embodiment of the controller of the present disclosure is the controller of the ninth embodiment, wherein at least one end of the division line is fixed during the following.

[0031] When the dividing line is moved and / or deformed while at least one end is fixed, the state before and after the change can be intuitively understood, and it becomes clearer which part of the image has changed (which area's division has changed).

[0032] An eleventh embodiment of the controller of the present disclosure is the controller of the tenth embodiment, wherein, during the following, the inclination angle of the division line changes with the end portion as a center.

[0033] When the tilt angle changes around a fixed end of the dividing line, a so-called "pivot"-like change is realized, making it easier and more intuitive to understand the before and after of the change.

[0034] Next, an embodiment of the controller will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is an external view of a controller according to an embodiment. The controller 100 includes a touch panel 104. The touch panel 104, together with an image displayed thereon, constitutes a GUI. By touching the touch panel 104, a user can cause the controller 100 to display predetermined information or change settings.

[0035] 2 is a block diagram of a controller according to an embodiment. The controller 100 includes a CPU 102 (Central Processing Unit), a touch panel 104, a memory controller 106, a memory 108, an I / O interface 110 (I / O: Input / Output), an I / O controller 112, an I / O subsystem 114, and an RF circuit 116 (RF: Radio Frequency). A measuring device 120 including a sensor 122 is also connected to the controller 100. Each part communicates with each other via a communication bus or a signal line.

[0036] The memory 108 may include random access memory (RAM), as well as magnetic disk storage devices and non-volatile memory devices such as flash memory devices. Memory 108 may also include storage devices located at remote locations. Such storage devices may be accessed via RF circuitry 116, an external port (not shown), a communications network, or combinations thereof. Communications networks may include the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide local area network (WLAN), a storage area network (SAN), and the like. Access to memory 108 by components of controller 100, including CPU 102, is controlled by memory controller 106. The CPU 102, memory controller 106, and the like may be implemented on one chip, or may be implemented separately on multiple chips.

[0037] The RF circuitry 116 transmits and receives electromagnetic waves. The RF circuitry 116 converts between electrical signals and electromagnetic waves and may communicate with communication networks and other communication devices via the electromagnetic waves. Examples of the RF circuitry 116 may include an antenna system, an RF transceiver, an amplifier, a tuner, an oscillator, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, and memory, and may further include known circuits for performing these functions. It should be noted that the controller 100 does not necessarily have to include the RF circuit 116. Communication with the outside may be performed via an external port (not shown).

[0038] The I / O subsystem 114 includes an I / O interface 110 and an I / O controller 112. The I / O subsystem 114 transmits and receives electrical signals for controlling the touch panel 104 and the measurement device 120.

[0039] The touch panel 104 provides both an output interface and an input interface between the controller 100 and a user. The touch panel 104 displays visual output to the user. This visual output may include text, images (still images), videos (moving images), and combinations thereof. The input interface, output interface, and visual information output by the touch panel 104 provide a GUI.

[0040] Touch panel 104 accepts input from a user based on contact. Touch panel 104 forms a touch-sensitive surface that accepts user input. Touch panel 104 (and I / O subsystem 114), along with associated modules and / or instruction sets in memory 108, detects the contacts (and any movement or interruption caused by the contacts) and converts the detected contacts into actions on graphical objects displayed on touch panel 104. The unit of touch that is detected may correspond to a stylus pen, one or more fingers of a user, etc.

[0041] The touch panel 104 may be of any of resistive, capacitive, infrared, optical, and electromagnetic induction types, and is preferably of resistive or capacitive type. As for the display technology, liquid crystal display technology, light emitting diode display technology, plasma display technology, electroluminescence display technology, quantum dot display technology, and the like can be applied without any particular restrictions. A user may contact the touch panel 104 with a stylus pen and / or a finger, for example.

[0042] The memory 108 stores software components including instructions or collections thereof (instruction sets, hereinafter also referred to as "modules") that can be executed by the CPU 102. The software components can include an operating system 108A, a communication module 108B, a contact / motion module 108C, a graphics module 108D, a UI module 108E, a marker conversion module 108F, and other applications 108G.

[0043] Operating system 108A includes various software components and / or drivers for controlling general system tasks such as memory control and power management, and is responsible for communication between the hardware and software components included in controller 100.

[0044] The communications module 108B includes various software components for controlling communications with the outside (eg, other devices) via an external port (not shown) and / or the RF circuit 116, and for processing received data. An external port such as a universal serial bus (USB) is configured to be connectable directly to the outside (other devices) or indirectly through a network (for example, the Internet, a wireless LAN, etc.).

[0045] The contact / motion module 108C includes software components for detecting contact with the touch panel 104. Specifically, the contact / motion module 108C may include an instruction set for determining whether contact has occurred, an instruction set for determining whether there is movement due to the contact, an instruction set for tracking the movement due to the contact, and an instruction set for determining whether the contact has ended, etc. The contact / action module 108C includes various software components for performing various actions related to the detection of a contact on the touch panel 104. In determining whether or not a contact has occurred, the contact position on the surface of touch panel 104, the speed, movement direction, acceleration, and the like of the detected contact may be detected.

[0046] The graphics module 108D includes various software components for displaying graphics such as text, images, and videos on the touch panel 104. The UI module 108E (UI: User Interface) includes various software components for controlling the entire user interface including the GUI of the controller 100. The UI module 108E includes a marker conversion module 108F. The marker conversion module 108F includes an instruction to swap the context of the division marker and the threshold marker (or a position corresponding to the threshold) in the image including the visual scale (or an instruction to change the positional relationship of the division marker with respect to the threshold marker or a position corresponding to the threshold in the image including the visual scale) when a predetermined condition such as contact is detected is satisfied. Furthermore, the marker conversion module 108F may include an instruction to switch the region (e.g., evaluation section) including the threshold corresponding to the threshold marker whose context has been swapped.

[0047] The GUI of the controller 100 detects a touch from a user and transitions, that is, the GUI includes a number of different states. Fig. 3A is a diagram showing an embodiment of a GUI image for setting a criterion for a measurement result. The measurement result is received from a measurement device 120 connected to a controller 100. The controller 100 judges the measurement data based on a predetermined criterion (criterion for judgment). Fig. 3A shows an image displayed on the touch panel 104 when the criterion for judgment is set.

[0048] The image includes a visual scale, a gauge strip 200. The gauge strip 200 visually represents a range of values ​​from a minimum to a maximum value. The judgment criteria include one or more thresholds 212A, 212B, 212C, 212D, and include regions 208A, 208B, 208C, 208D, 208E that are defined as numerical ranges based on the thresholds.

[0049] The regions are given labels 214A, 214B, 214C, 214D, and 214E, respectively, and are displayed. The thresholds 212A, 212B, 212C, and 212D are plotted on a major axis 200A, which is one of the long sides of the strip gauge 200, by threshold markers 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D which are one-to-one associated with leader lines 210A, 210B, 210C, and 210D, respectively.

[0050] Division lines 206A, 206B, 206C, and 206D that visually divide each region include division markers 204A, 204B, 204C, and 204D as intersections with main axis 200A. Division lines 206A, 206B, 206C, and 206D extend from the main axis 200A side to the other long side 200B side to guide the user to the boundaries of the regions. For example, each intersection of the division lines 206A, 206B, 206C, and 206D with the long side 200B is located on an extension of each of the lead lines 210A, 210B, 210C, and 210D (or the apex of each threshold marker 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D). In this case, for example, each intersection of the division lines 206A, 206B, 206C, and 206D with the long side 200B may visually indicate the original boundary positions or thresholds of each of the regions 208A, 208B, 208C, 208D, and 208E. In addition, each intersection of the division lines 206A, 206B, 206C, and 206D with the long side 200B does not have to be located on the extension of each lead line 210A, 210B, 210C, and 210D (or the vertices of each threshold marker 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D).

[0051] The division markers 204A, 204B, 204C, and 204D are aligned on the main axis 200A with the threshold markers 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D associated with the thresholds 212A, 212B, 212C, and 212D. Due to their relationship in the direction of the main axis 200A, it is intuitive to understand to which regions 208A, 208B, 208C, 208D, and 208E the thresholds 212A, 212B, 212C, and 212D are assigned. It should be noted that the areas 208A, 208B, 208C, 208D, and 208E separated by the division markers and division lines may each correspond to an evaluation division of the measurement value.

[0052] For example, threshold marker 202A corresponding to threshold 212A is located to the right (front) on main axis 200A compared to division marker 204A. Therefore, it is easily and clearly understood that it is assigned to region 208A, which is the region to the right (front) of division marker 204A and division line 206A including it. In one embodiment, the criterion is set so that if a measurement value is equal to threshold 212A, the measurement value (product) is classified into region 208A (label 214A "RANK1").

[0053] Fig. 3B is a diagram showing an embodiment of a GUI image after transition from the state of Fig. 3A. The transition from Fig. 3A to Fig. 3B is triggered by detection of a touch on the touch panel at a position corresponding to threshold marker 202A. Specifically, when contact with threshold marker 202A (or its surroundings) is detected, the relative positions (front-to-back relationship on main axis 200A) of closest division marker 204A and threshold marker 202A are swapped. When the front-to-back relationship between the threshold marker and the (closest) division marker is swapped, the judgment criteria may also reflect this. That is, the region including threshold 212A corresponding to the swapped threshold marker 202A may be switched from region 208A to adjacent region 208B. That is, when a measurement value is equal to threshold 212A, the judgment criteria may be updated so that the measurement value (product) is classified into region 208B (label 214B "RANK2").

[0054] FIG. 3B shows the state after this exchange, and in FIG. 3A, the division marker 204A, which was arranged on the left side (rear side) of the threshold marker 202A, has moved to the right side (front side) of the threshold marker 202A. Following the movement of the division marker 204A, the division line 206A also moves. The division line 206A changes like a so-called "pivot" in that the inclination angle changes around the other end of the division marker 204A, specifically, the intersection point between the long side 200B and the division line 206A. In other words, the division line 206A changes to be switched to be line-symmetrical around the intersection point between the long side 200B and the division line 206A (or the threshold marker 202A, the threshold 212A). This allows intuitive understanding that there has been a change in the setting of the area in that portion. In other words, it is intuitively understood that one of the two adjacent regions, with the threshold as the boundary, has switched from a setting that includes the threshold to a setting that does not include the threshold, and the other has switched from a setting that does not include the threshold to a setting that includes the threshold.

[0055] This image (screen) transition allows easy understanding that the threshold 212A associated with the threshold marker 202A has been allocated to a region 208B different from the state of Fig. 3A (the judgment criteria have been updated in this way). The region division to which the threshold is allocated can be easily adjusted by the user's touching the threshold marker 202A (or its surroundings). The transition from Fig. 3A to Fig. 3B may be expressed by a continuous image including an animation, or may be expressed as a discontinuous (one-time) switch.

[0056] The criteria may include multiple thresholds. For each threshold (threshold marker), the context of the adjacent (typically, the closest) division marker can be swapped. The threshold marker for which the swap is requested can be identified by the detected position of the contact. In other words, when contact is detected at (or around) the threshold marker to be swapped, the context of the threshold marker and the adjacent division marker are swapped.

[0057] Fig. 3C is a diagram showing an embodiment of a GUI image after transition from the state of Fig. 3B. In the state of Fig. 3B, if a contact is further detected at the threshold marker 202B (or its periphery), transition to the state of Fig. 3C occurs. The form of the transition may be the same as that already described. This makes it easy to understand that the threshold 212B has been allocated to the region 208C (the judgment criteria have been updated in this way).

[0058] 4 is a flow diagram showing a process of replacing a threshold marker with a division marker in setting a judgment criterion. First, the controller 100 displays an image including a visual scale (a band-shaped gauge 200) on the touch panel 104 (step S11).

[0059] Next, a touch by the user to the touch panel 104 is detected (step S12). In detecting the touch, in addition to the presence or absence of a touch, the touch position on the touch panel 104 is also detected.

[0060] Next, it is determined whether the detected contact is at a position corresponding to a specific threshold marker (step S13). An example of a position corresponding to a specific threshold marker is a position overlapping the threshold marker in the image displayed on the touch panel 104. However, even if the contact is at a position that is shifted a certain amount from the threshold marker, it may be considered as contact at a position corresponding to the threshold marker. The degree of this "shift" can be changed as appropriate based on the distance (spacing) between threshold markers on the image, etc.

[0061] If the detected contact does not correspond to any of the threshold markers (step S13: No), the visual scale (strip gauge 200) is displayed on the touch panel 104 and the touch waits. On the other hand, if the detected contact corresponds to a specific threshold marker (step S13: Yes), the context of the threshold marker and the corresponding (adjacent) section marker is swapped, and the image including the visual scale (strip gauge 200) is updated and displayed. In addition, the judgment criteria may be updated as an internal process.

[0062] 3A to 3C show an embodiment of a GUI image with four thresholds, but the number of thresholds is not particularly limited as long as it is one or more. On the other hand, if the number of thresholds is large, it may not be possible to display all of the images on one screen if visibility is emphasized, although this depends on the size of the display area of ​​touch panel 104. In such a case, a form of displaying the images by scrolling to two or more screens may be adopted. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an embodiment of a GUI image for setting criteria including more thresholds.

[0063] In the examples of Figures 5A and 5B, since the judgment criteria include five thresholds, the entire visual scale (strip gauge 200) is displayed by scrolling between two screens. Specifically, the right end 260 on the maximum value side of the strip gauge 200 in Figure 5A is shaped to indicate that the strip gauge 200 continues, and a scroll button 262 is displayed adjacent to it. Figure 5B shows a GUI image after scrolling that is displayed when contact with the scroll button 262 is detected.

[0064] 5B, the left end 264 on the minimum value side of the strip gauge 200 is shaped to indicate that the strip gauge 200 continues. Note that the threshold value may be greater, and if it is not possible to display it on two screens, it may be in a form that scrolls to three screens or more.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the division line is configured as a straight line including the threshold marker (a form that can be colored and visually recognized as a "line"), but the form of the division line is not limited to the above. When adjacent areas are colored in different colors, the division line can also be configured as the boundary of that color. In other words, a form in which the division line is not colored as a "line" can also be adopted. When the regions are colored, the choice of color is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to select a color that is easily recognized, taking into consideration the diversity of color vision of users. Adjacent regions may be colored in the same color. In this case, it is preferable to color the region lines as "lines" in a color different from the colors.

[0066] Furthermore, the section lines do not need to be straight lines, but may include curved lines or may be a combination of these. For example, they may be in the form of a so-called "broken line." 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating embodiments of GUI images that include dividing lines in other forms.

[0067] In Fig. 6A, the segmented lines 306A, 306B, 306C, and 306D are broken lines formed by joining two straight line segments. Fig. 6B shows a state after the transition when contact with the threshold marker 202A (or its surroundings) is detected.

[0068] The division line 306A follows the movement of the division marker 204A while being fixed between the end of the other long side 200B and the joining point of the segments. In other words, it moves so as to change the inclination angle of the straight line on the division marker 204A side, centered on the joining point of the segments. In the embodiment of Figs. 6A and 6B, it moves line-symmetrically. This makes it easy to understand that the allocation of the threshold marker 202A (the threshold associated therewith) is changed from region 208A to region 208B. Other parts, including the form of movement of the division marker and the division line, are similar to the form in Fig. 3A.

[0069] In each of the above embodiments, when the division marker and the threshold marker are replaced with each other, the division marker is moved. However, the replacement may be achieved by reversing the relative positional relationship (front-to-back relationship) between the target threshold marker and the division marker on the main axis. For example, the threshold marker may be moved and / or deformed.

[0070] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing another embodiment of the GUI image. In Fig. 7A, threshold markers 402A, 402B, 402C, and 402D are arranged on a virtual line 400A that is substantially parallel to the long side of the strip gauge. Note that the virtual line 400A is illustrated for the purpose of explanation. The regions 208A, 208B, 208C, 208D, and 208E are separated by linear division lines 406A, 406B, 406C, and 406D that extend from one long side (main axis 200A) of the strip gauge 200 to the other long side 200B. Section markers 404A, 404B, 404C, and 404D are defined as the intersections of section lines 406A, 406B, 406C, and 406D with imaginary line 400A.

[0071] 7B is a diagram showing a state after the transition when a touch to the threshold marker 402A (or its surroundings) is detected. The threshold marker 402A moves from a position on the right side (front side) of the division marker 404A to a position on the left side (rear side). This clearly shows that the allocation of the threshold marker 402A (corresponding threshold) has been changed from the area 208A to the area 208B.

[0072] In the above examples, a strip gauge is shown as the visual scale, but the visual scale may be something other than a strip gauge. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of a GUI image, in which the visual scale is configured as a straight line 500A in the form of a number line.

[0073] In FIG. 8A, threshold markers 502A, 502B, 502C, and 502D and division markers 504A, 504B, 504C, and 504D are each arranged on a straight line 500A so as not to overlap each other. 8B is a diagram showing a state after the transition when a touch to the threshold marker 502A (or its surroundings) is detected. The division marker 504A moves from the left side (rear side) of the threshold marker 502A to the right side (front side). This clearly shows that the allocation of the threshold marker 502A (corresponding threshold) has been changed from the area 208A to the area 208B.

[0074] In the above embodiments, when the threshold marker and the division marker are replaced, either one of them (or both of them) moves. However, the replacement may be expressed by deformation of the threshold marker and / or the division marker.

[0075] 9A and 9B are diagrams showing another embodiment of the GUI image. In Fig. 9A, threshold markers 602A, 602B, 602C, and 602D are arranged on a virtual line 600A that is substantially parallel to the long side of the strip gauge. Moreover, regions 208A, 208B, 208C, 208D, and 208E are divided by linear division lines 606A, 606B, 606C, and 606D that extend from one long side (main axis 200A) of the strip gauge 200 to the other long side 200B. Section markers 604A, 604B, 604C, and 604D are defined as the intersections of section lines 606A, 606B, 606C, and 606D with imaginary line 600A.

[0076] 9B is a diagram showing a state after the transition when contact with the threshold marker 602A (or its surroundings) is detected. The threshold marker 602A is transformed from a triangle facing rightward from the division marker 604A to a triangle facing leftward from the division marker 604A. This makes it clear that the allocation of the threshold marker 602A (corresponding threshold) has been changed from region 208A to region 208B.

[0077] In each of the above embodiments, when a contact (touch) with a threshold marker (or its surroundings) is detected, the threshold marker and the corresponding division marker are replaced with each other using the contact as a trigger. However, the detected contact may be a predetermined gesture other than a touch.

[0078] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing another embodiment of a GUI image and its operation. In this embodiment, the image displayed on the touch panel 104 is the same as that in Fig. 3A to Fig. 3C, but the contact that triggers the replacement is different. In Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B, a sustained contact with a specific threshold marker (or its surroundings) is detected. Furthermore, if a predetermined movement is detected while this contact is maintained, it is detected as a "gesture" and a replacement process is performed.

[0079] Specifically, when the threshold marker 202C (or its periphery) is set as the starting point of contact and movement of the contact position along the main axis 200A from there is detected, the corresponding division marker 204C is moved to follow that movement. 10B is a diagram showing the state after the transition. The division marker 204C moves in accordance with the movement 252 of the user's contact 250. The division line 206C also moves accordingly (the movement pattern is the same as described above). In this embodiment, the movement of the division marker 204C occurs in accordance with the movement 252, so that the change in the region division can be more intuitively understood.

[0080] Fig. 11 is a flow diagram showing a process of replacing a threshold marker with a division marker by a gesture in setting a judgment criterion. The difference from the flow in Fig. 3 is that after detecting a touch of a user on the touch panel 104 in step S12, it is determined in step S23 whether the detected touch corresponds to a predetermined gesture at a position corresponding to a specific threshold marker.

[0081] The determination as to whether or not a gesture corresponds to a predetermined gesture can be made by comparing the moving speed, acceleration, amount of movement, etc. of the contact position with a predetermined numerical range. The other processes are the same as those in the flow of FIG. Although each embodiment has been described above, the visual scale and its main axis do not need to be straight lines, and may have a shape including curves.

[0082] The threshold markers may be arranged on the main axis of the visual scale. The arrangement on the main axis of the visual scale may include an arrangement in which the threshold markers are arranged in contact with the main axis, an arrangement in which the threshold markers are arranged overlapping the main axis, and an arrangement in which the threshold markers are arranged along the main axis in the vicinity of the main axis but not in contact with the main axis. Furthermore, the size and shape of the threshold marker are not particularly limited. For example, the endpoints or intermediate points of a dividing line may be threshold markers. Furthermore, the size (area occupied) of the threshold marker is not particularly limited, and the shape may be a circle, a polygon such as a triangle, or the like. Furthermore, each of the multiple threshold markers is preferably the same shape, but may be different shapes.

[0083] 12 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a GUI image for setting the criteria for the measurement results. The threshold markers 702A and 702D are triangular and are arranged so that a part of the triangular markers (one vertex) coincides with the division markers 704A and 704D. That is, the threshold marker is positioned so that at least a portion of the threshold marker overlaps with the nearest partition marker.

[0084] In the GUI image configured as described above, it is easier to understand which area the threshold value (the measurement value equivalent to it) corresponding to each threshold marker is set to be divided into (which evaluation category it is set to be assigned to). That is, it is easier to see that the right apex of threshold marker 702A coincides with division marker 704A, and the corresponding threshold 212A (the measurement value equivalent thereto) is set to be allocated to region 208B. In other words, it is visually more accurately understood that threshold 212A constitutes the boundary value of region 208B. Similarly, it is easier to see that threshold marker 702D has its left vertex coincident with partition marker 704D, setting a corresponding threshold 212D (equal to the measurement) that is assigned to region 208D.

[0085] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a GUI image for setting the judgment criteria of the measurement result. The threshold marker 802A is a triangle like that in Fig. 12, but the top and bottom are reversed and configured as an arrow shape relative to the visual scale, for example, the strip gauge 200 (or the main axis 200A). In other words, the threshold marker 802A is provided in an inverted triangle shape relative to the strip gauge 200 (or the main axis 200A). As shown in Fig. 13, various changes can be made to the shape of the threshold marker. By making the shape of the threshold marker as shown in Fig. 13, the position corresponding to each threshold on the visual scale can be visually and accurately understood, so that it is easier to understand which area each threshold is set to be divided into. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 100 Controller 104 Touch Panel 106 Memory Controller 108 Memory 120 Measuring Equipment 200 Strip Gauge 202A-202D, 402A-402D, 502A-502D, 602A-602D, 702A, 702D, 802A Threshold Markers 204A-204D, 404A-404D, 504A-504D, 604A-604D, 704A, 704D Division Marker 206A-206D, 306A-306D, 406A-406D, 606A-606D Separation line 208A, 208B, 208C, 208D area 212A, 212B, 212C, 212D Threshold 400A, 600A Virtual Line

Claims

1. A controller for a measurement device, comprising: A touch panel, a memory, a processor, and a program stored in the memory and configured to be executable by the processor, The program includes instructions for detecting a touch on the touch panel at a position in an image including a visual scale displayed on the touch panel that corresponds to at least one threshold marker positioned on a major axis of the visual scale; A controller including an instruction for, when the contact is detected, swapping a division marker, which is arranged on the major axis and divides the visual scale into regions, with the threshold marker on the major axis.

2. The controller of claim 1 , wherein the program includes instructions for switching the region containing the threshold corresponding to the threshold marker whose context has been swapped.

3. The controller according to claim 1 , wherein the division marker to be replaced is the division marker disposed adjacent to the threshold marker.

4. The controller of claim 3 , wherein the at least one threshold marker includes two or more threshold markers, and the contact is detected at a position corresponding to each of the threshold markers.

5. The controller according to claim 1 , wherein the division marker is adjacent to the threshold marker and arranged so as not to overlap on the major axis.

6. The replacement is The controller of claim 1 , wherein the motion is performed by moving the segmented marker to follow the detected movement while maintaining sustained contact with the touch panel.

7. The controller of claim 1 , wherein the visual scale includes a strip gauge, and the major axis is one long side of the strip gauge or an imaginary line substantially parallel to the long side.

8. The controller according to claim 7 , wherein the image includes the division marker and a division line extending from the long side to the other long side.

9. The controller of claim 8 , wherein the section line follows the interchange.

10. The controller according to claim 9 , wherein at least one end of the dividing line is fixed during the following.

11. The controller according to claim 10 , wherein an inclination angle of the dividing line changes around the end portion during the following.

Images