Software switch program, method for selecting options, and information processing device.

Abstract

To provide a software switch program, an option selection method, and an information processing apparatus that can prevent a malfunction.SOLUTION: A software switch program displays, on a display, a touch switch that has a knob in a state in which, of a first option and a second option in an exclusive relationship, the first option is selected, and a guide showing a moving path of the knob from the first option to the second option and having a first moving path along a first direction and a second moving path along a second direction different from the first direction, and when receiving a first touch input operation for sliding one of the knob and the guide with respect to the other along the first moving path, and a second touch input operation for sliding it along the second moving path, the software switch program switches to a state in which the knob selects the second option.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a software switch program, an option selection method, and an information processing apparatus. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a teaching pendant for performing teaching work on an industrial robot or the like, in which a display unit serves as a touch panel. When the display unit is a touch panel, a method of displaying a touch switch on the display unit and controlling ON / OFF of the switch by bringing the touch switch into contact is widely used. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 02-015284 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, with such a method, there is a risk that ON / OFF of the switch may be unintentionally switched when the touch switch is accidentally touched for some reason. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] The software switch program of the present invention causes a display unit to display a touch switch including: a knob in a state where the first option among an exclusively related first option and second option is selected; and a guide that indicates a movement path of the knob from the first option to the second option, and has a first movement path along a first direction and a second movement path along a second direction different from the first direction, When a first touch input operation is received in which one of the knob and the guide is slid along the first movement path relative to the other, and a second touch input operation is received in which one is slid along the second movement path, the knob switches to a state in which the second option is selected.

[0006] The method for selecting an option according to the present invention involves displaying a touch switch on a display unit, which has a knob in a state where the first option of two mutually exclusive options is selected, and a guide that shows the movement path of the knob from the first option to the second option, and has a first movement path along a first direction and a second movement path along a second direction different from the first direction. When a first touch input operation is received in which one of the knob and the guide is slid along the first movement path relative to the other, and a second touch input operation is received in which one is slid along the second movement path, the knob switches to a state in which the second option is selected.

[0007] The information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device connected to a robot, A touch switch is displayed on a display unit, and the touch switch has a knob in a state where the first of two mutually exclusive first and second options is selected, and a guide that indicates the movement path of the knob from the first option to the second option, and has a first movement path along a first direction and a second movement path along a second direction different from the first direction. The control device is configured to switch the knob to a state where the second option is selected when a first touch input operation is received in which one of the knob and the guide is slid along the first movement path relative to the other, and a second touch input operation is received in which one is slid along the second movement path. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows the overall configuration of the robot system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a touch switch displayed on an information processing device. [Figure 3]This figure shows an example of a touch switch displayed on an information processing device. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a touch switch displayed on an information processing device. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a touch switch displayed on an information processing device. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a touch switch displayed on an information processing device. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a touch switch displayed on an information processing device. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a touch switch displayed on an information processing device. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a touch switch displayed on an information processing device. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a touch switch displayed on an information processing device. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a touch switch displayed on an information processing device. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a touch switch displayed on an information processing device. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a touch switch displayed on an information processing device. [Figure 14] This is an example of a screen displayed on an information processing device. [Figure 15] This is an example of a screen displayed on an information processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the robot system according to the first embodiment. Figures 2 to 13 show examples of touch switches displayed on the information processing device, respectively. Figures 14 and 15 show examples of screens displayed on the information processing device, respectively.

[0011] The robot system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes a robot 2 provided with an articulated arm 21 and a hand 22 attached to the tip of the articulated arm 21, a conveying device 3 having a belt conveyor 31 that conveys a workpiece W, a patrol light 4 provided in the vicinity of the robot 2, and a robot control device 5 that controls driving of the robot 2, the conveying device 3, and the patrol light 4. In such a robot system 1, the conveying device 3 conveys the workpiece W, and the robot 2 performs necessary work on the workpiece W being conveyed. In addition, the patrol light 4 notifies surrounding workers of the state of the robot 2. However, the robot system 1 is not limited to this.

[0012] In such a robot system 1, it is necessary to teach the robot 2 the work to be performed on the workpiece W, and the information processing device 6 serving as a teaching pendant is used to perform this teaching work. The information processing device 6 is used by being connected to the robot control device 5 during teaching work. Any connection method, either wired or wireless, may be used for connection with the robot control device 5.

[0013] The information processing device 6 includes a housing 61, a display unit 62 serving as a screen, and a control device 63 housed in the housing 61. The control device 63 is constituted by, for example, a computer, and includes a processor that processes information, a memory communicably connected to the processor, and an external interface that performs communication with the robot control device 5. Various programs executable by the processor are stored in the memory, and the processor reads and executes the various programs and the like stored in the memory. In particular, in the control device 63, a software switch program Psw that controls a touch switch 7 described later is included as the aforementioned program.

[0014] The control device 63 executes a software switch program Psw to display a GUI (graphical user interface) including the user-operable touch switch 7 on the display unit 62, accepts an input from a user via the touch switch 7, and executes a process associated with the input. Since the information processing device 6 has a significant feature in the shape of the touch switch 7, the touch switch 7 will be mainly described below.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, the touch switch 7 included in the GUI includes a knob 71 and a guide 72 indicating a movement path of the knob 71. Furthermore, "OFF" that is the first option 731 is arranged at one end of the guide 72, and "ON" that is the second option 732 is arranged at the other end of the guide 72. In an initial state, that is, an uninput state, the knob 71 selects the first option 731. Note that "OFF" serving as the first option 731 and "ON" serving as the second option 732 are in a mutually exclusive relationship. In other words, when the first option 731 is selected, selection of the second option 732 is canceled, and conversely, when the second option 732 is selected, selection of the first option 731 is canceled. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a state in which the knob 71 selects the first option 731 is also simply referred to as an "OFF state", and a state in which the knob 71 selects the second option 732 is also simply referred to as an "ON state".

[0016] The guide 72 indicates the movement path of the knob 71 from the first option 731 to the second option 732. The guide 72 is substantially L-shaped, the first option 731 is arranged at one end side of the guide, and the second option 732 is arranged at the other end side of the guide. Specifically, the guide 72 includes a first movement path 721 extending straight along a first direction X, and a second movement path 722 extending straight along a second direction Y orthogonal to the first direction X, wherein a terminal end of the first movement path 721 is connected to a starting end of the second movement path 722. The first option 731 is arranged on the starting end side of the first movement path 721, and the second option 732 is arranged on the terminal end side of the second movement path 722.

[0017] In the software switch program Psw, the touch switch 7 switches from the OFF state to the ON state when the control device 63 receives a touch input operation T from the user, which involves "touching the knob 71 on the screen and sliding the knob 71 along the guide 72 to move from the first option 731 to the second option 732". Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the touch switch 7 switches from the OFF state to the ON state when the control device 63 receives a touch input operation T consisting of a first touch input operation T1, which involves sliding the knob 71 along the first movement path 721 from the start to the end, and a second touch input operation T2, which involves sliding the knob along the second movement path 722 from the start to the end after the first touch input operation T1.

[0018] With this type of touch switch 7, the knob 71 must be slid sequentially in different directions to switch from the OFF state to the ON state. Therefore, accidental touches of the touch switch 7 that cause the state of the touch switch 7 to change unintentionally (hereinafter simply referred to as "accidental operation") can be effectively suppressed. As a result, the touch switch 7 is less prone to accidental operation and is highly safe. In particular, as mentioned above, the end of the first movement path 721 and the beginning of the second movement path 722 are connected, and the guide 72 is composed of a single line, so the state of the touch switch 7 can be switched by sliding the knob 71 along the guide 72 in a single stroke. Therefore, the operation of the touch switch 7 is simplified, and the time and effort required to operate the touch switch 7 can be reduced.

[0019] Furthermore, when the device is in the ON state, the ON state can be switched to the OFF state by reversing the procedure for the touch input operation T described above.

[0020] The angle θ1 between the first movement path 721 and the second movement path 722 is preferably 90° or less. In this embodiment, the angle θ1 is 90°. By setting the angle θ1 to 90° or less, the guide 72 becomes significantly bent along its path. Therefore, the movement of the knob 71 required to switch from the OFF state to the ON state is difficult to reproduce by accidental touch. Thus, accidental operation of the touch switch 7 can be more effectively suppressed. However, this is not limited to this, and the angle θ1 may be greater than 90°.

[0021] Furthermore, if the user releases their touch on the knob 71 before it reaches the second option 732 from the first option 731, that is, if the user's finger leaves the display unit 62 midway through the touch input operation T and the touch input operation T is interrupted, the knob 71 moves to the first option 731. In other words, it returns to its initial state. Therefore, in order to switch to the ON state, the touch input operation T must be restarted from the beginning. This prevents the knob 71 from gradually moving due to unconscious contact and eventually reaching the second option 732. As a result, accidental operation of the touch switch 7 can be suppressed more effectively. However, this is not the only option; if the touch input operation T is interrupted midway, the knob 71 may remain at the interrupted position, and the remaining touch input operation T can be resumed from there.

[0022] Furthermore, in the touch switch 7, the state of the guide 72 changes before and after the knob 71 passes over it. In this embodiment, the color of the guide 72 changes. For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the OFF state, the entire guide 72 is achromatic, and when the knob 71 moves along the guide 72 from the first option 731 to the second option 732, the portion that the knob 71 has passed over changes to a chromatic color, and in the ON state, the entire guide 72 becomes chromatic. With this configuration, the user can easily see how the knob 71 is moving. Also, the user can easily see at a glance whether it is in the OFF state or the ON state. Note that the color of the guide 72 is not particularly limited. The knob 71 and the guide 72 may be the same color. In this case, the boundary between the knob 71 and the guide 72 may not be displayed, and it may be displayed as if the knob 71 and the guide 72 are connected. Furthermore, the state change is not limited to a change in color; for example, instead of or in addition to the color, the width of the guide 72 may change before and after the knob 71 passes over it. This can also produce the same effect as a change in color. In this case, the knob 71 may be made transparent so that the guide 72 is visible. However, the configuration of the touch switch 7 is not limited to this, and the state of the guide 72 does not need to change before and after the knob 71 passes over it.

[0023] The above describes an example of a touch switch 7, but the configuration of the touch switch 7 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the guide 72 may be approximately V-shaped and the angle θ1 may be less than 90°. By making the angle θ1 less than 90°, the guide 72 bends more significantly in the middle compared to the touch switch 7 shown in Figures 2 and 3. Therefore, the movement of the knob 71 required to switch the touch switch 7 from the OFF state to the ON state is less likely to be reproduced by accidental touch. Thus, accidental operation of the touch switch 7 can be effectively suppressed. Also, as shown in Figure 5, the V-shape may be inverted vertically, or as shown in Figure 6, the V-shape may be oriented horizontally. The touch switch 7 shown in Figures 4 and 5 allows for a reduced width of the touch switch 7, and the touch switch 7 shown in Figure 6 allows for a reduced height of the touch switch 7.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7, 8, and 9, for example, the end of the first movement path 721 and the start of the second movement path 722 may be spaced apart, and the guide 72 may be composed of two lines. In this case, the control device 63 switches from the OFF state to the ON state when it receives a touch input operation T consisting of a first touch input operation T1 in which the knob 71 on the first movement path 721 is slid along the first movement path 721 from the start to the end, an operation in which the finger is temporarily removed from the display unit 62, and a second touch input operation T2 in which the knob 71 on the second movement path 722 is slid along the second movement path 722 from the start to the end. Also, the control device 63 switches from the OFF state to the ON state when it receives a touch input operation T in which the first touch input operation T1 and the second touch input operation T2 are performed simultaneously in the same manner as pinch-out / pinch-in used when enlarging / reducing a displayed image. This configuration makes it more difficult to reproduce the movement of the knob 71, which is necessary to switch the touch switch 7 ON / OFF, simply by accidentally touching it. Therefore, accidental operation of the touch switch 7 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0025] Furthermore, for example, as shown in Figure 10, the guide 72 may be roughly U-shaped, or as shown in Figure 11, the guide 72 may be roughly Z-shaped. In other words, the guide 72 may have a shape that is bent twice along its length. Each of these guides 72 has a first movement path 721 that extends straight along a first direction X, a second movement path 722 that extends straight along a second direction Y, and a third movement path 723 that extends straight in the direction opposite to the first direction X, with the end of the first movement path 721 connected to the beginning of the second movement path 722, and the end of the second movement path 722 connected to the beginning of the third movement path 723.

[0026] In this case, the touch switch 7 switches from the OFF state to the ON state when the control device 63 receives a touch input operation T consisting of a first touch input operation T1 which slides the knob 71 along the first movement path 721 from the start to the end, a second touch input operation T2 which slides the knob 71 along the second movement path 722 from the start to the end after the first touch input operation T1, and a third touch input operation T3 which slides the knob 71 along the third movement path 723 from the start to the end after the second touch input operation T2.

[0027] With a guide 72 that has a third movement path 723 in addition to the first movement path 721 and the second movement path 722, the movement of the knob 71 required to switch the touch switch 7 ON / OFF becomes more complex, making it difficult to reproduce by simply touching it by accident. Therefore, accidental operation of the touch switch 7 can be suppressed more effectively. In the touch switch 7 of Figures 10 and 11, the third movement path 723 extends in the opposite direction to the first direction X, but it is not particularly limited as long as it is in a direction different from the second direction Y.

[0028] The angle θ2 between the second movement path 722 and the third movement path 723 is 90° or less, similar to angle θ1. In the touch switch 7 of Figure 10, angle θ2 is 90°, while in the touch switch 7 of Figure 11, angle θ2 is less than 90°. By making angle θ2 90° or less, the guide 72 becomes significantly bent along its path. Therefore, the movement of the knob 71 necessary to switch the touch switch 7 ON / OFF is difficult to reproduce by accidental touch. Consequently, accidental operation of the touch switch 7 can be more effectively suppressed. However, angle θ2 is not particularly limited and may be greater than 90°.

[0029] Furthermore, for example, as shown in Figure 12, the guide 72 may be roughly O-shaped, or as shown in Figure 13, the guide 72 may be roughly W-shaped. In other words, the guide 72 may have a shape that is bent three times along its length. Each of these guides 72 has a first movement path 721 that extends straight along a first direction X, a second movement path 722 that extends straight along a second direction Y, a third movement path 723 that extends straight in the opposite direction to the first direction X, and a fourth movement path 724 that extends straight in the opposite direction to the second direction Y, with the end of the first movement path 721 connected to the beginning of the second movement path 722, the end of the second movement path 722 connected to the beginning of the third movement path 723, and the end of the third movement path 723 connected to the beginning of the fourth movement path 724.

[0030] In this case, the touch switch 7 is in the OFF state, and the control device 63 receives a touch input operation T consisting of a first touch input operation T1 which slides the knob 71 along the first movement path 721 from start to end, a second touch input operation T2 which slides the knob 71 along the second movement path 722 from start to end after the first touch input operation T1, a third touch input operation T3 which slides the knob 71 along the third movement path 723 from start to end after the second touch input operation T2, and a fourth touch input operation T4 which slides the knob 71 along the fourth movement path 724 from start to end after the third touch input operation T3, at which point the touch switch 7 switches from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0031] Thus, with a guide 72 having a fourth movement path 724 in addition to the first movement path 721, second movement path 722, and third movement path 723, the movement of the knob 71 required to switch the touch switch 7 ON / OFF becomes more complex, making it difficult to reproduce by accidental touch. Therefore, accidental operation of the touch switch 7 can be suppressed more effectively. Note that in the touch switch 7 of Figures 12 and 13, the third movement path 723 extends in the opposite direction to the first direction X, but it is not particularly limited as long as it is in a different direction from the second direction Y. Similarly, the fourth movement path 724 extends in the opposite direction to the second direction Y, but it is not particularly limited as long as it is in a different direction from the first direction X.

[0032] Furthermore, the angle θ3 between the third movement path 723 and the fourth movement path 724 is 90° or less, similar to angles θ1 and θ2. In the touch switch 7 of Figure 12, angle θ3 is 90°, while in the touch switch 7 of Figure 13, angle θ3 is less than 90°. By making angle θ3 90° or less, the guide 72 becomes significantly bent along its path. As a result, the movement of the knob 71 necessary to switch the touch switch 7 ON / OFF is difficult to reproduce by accidental touch. Therefore, accidental operation of the touch switch 7 can be more effectively suppressed. However, angle θ3 is not particularly limited and may be greater than 90°.

[0033] Guide 72 may also have a fifth, sixth, or more movement paths. The more movement paths there are, that is, the more bends there are along the way, the more complex the movement of the knob 71 required to switch the touch switch 7 ON / OFF becomes, making it difficult to reproduce by simply touching it by chance.

[0034] Furthermore, the control device 63 changes the number of movement paths included in the guide 72 according to the operation corresponding to the touch switch 7, based on the software switch program Psw. Specifically, it changes the number of movement paths included in the guide 72 according to the degree of danger of the operation corresponding to the touch switch 7, increasing the number of movement paths included in the guide 72 as the degree of danger increases. This makes it possible to suppress accidental operation of the touch switch 7 corresponding to a high-risk operation.

[0035] For example, if safety is prioritized and the number of movement paths included in all touch switches 7, regardless of their level of danger, the difficulty of the touch input operation T will increase, potentially reducing the usability of the information processing device 6. Conversely, if usability is prioritized and the number of movement paths included in all touch switches 7, regardless of their level of danger, the safety of the information processing device 6 may decrease. Therefore, as described above, by increasing the number of movement paths included in the guide 72 as the level of danger of the corresponding operation increases, the touch input operation T becomes simpler for touch switches 7 corresponding to safe operations, and more complex for touch switches 7 corresponding to dangerous operations. Thus, both safety and usability can be achieved.

[0036] In the following, the touch switch 7 shown in Figure 2 will also be referred to as touch switch 7A1, the touch switch 7 shown in Figure 4 will also be referred to as touch switch 7A2, the touch switch 7 shown in Figure 10 will also be referred to as touch switch 7B1, the touch switch 7 shown in Figure 11 will also be referred to as touch switch 7B2, the touch switch 7 shown in Figure 12 will also be referred to as touch switch 7C1, and the touch switch 7 shown in Figure 13 will also be referred to as touch switch 7C2. Furthermore, among these touch switches 7A1 to 7C2, touch switches 7A1 and 7A2, which have two movement paths for the guide 72, are classified as a switch group corresponding to low-risk operation; touch switches 7B1 and 7B2, which have three movement paths for the guide 72, are classified as a switch group corresponding to medium-risk operation; and touch switches 7C1 and 7C2, which have four movement paths for the guide 72, are classified as a switch group corresponding to high-risk operation.

[0037] The following is an example. In the robot system 1 shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 6 is connected to the robot control device 5, and the robot control device 5 is connected to the robot 2, the transport device 3, and the warning light 4. The information processing device 6 can control the driving of the robot 2, the transport device 3, and the warning light 4 via the robot control device 5. For the sake of explanation, the following will describe the case where the driving of the hand 22 of the robot 2 is controlled, the driving of the belt conveyor 31 of the transport device 3 is controlled, and the illumination of the warning light 4 is controlled.

[0038] Of the actions of driving the hand 22, driving the belt conveyor 31, and driving the warning light 4, the least dangerous action is turning on the warning light 4. Conversely, the most dangerous action is driving the belt conveyor 31. In other words, the order of danger is: turning on the warning light 4 < driving the hand 22 < driving the belt conveyor 31.

[0039] Therefore, based on the software switch program Psw, the control device 63 displays an arbitrary touch switch 7A1 selected from the switch group with a "low" risk level as the touch switch 7 corresponding to the illumination of the warning light 4, as shown in Figure 14, an arbitrary touch switch 7B1 selected from the switch group with a "medium" risk level as the touch switch 7 corresponding to the drive of the hand 22, and an arbitrary touch switch 7C1 selected from the switch group with a "high" risk level as the touch switch 7 corresponding to the drive of the belt conveyor 31.

[0040] In this way, the higher the risk of the corresponding action, the more movement paths included in the guide 72 can be increased, thereby achieving a balance between safety and ease of use. Furthermore, the shape of the touch switch 7 can inform the user of the risk of the action corresponding to that touch switch 7. In other words, the more complex the shape of the guide 72 (the more movement paths), the higher the risk of the action can be intuitively understood by the user.

[0041] The degree of risk associated with the operation corresponding to the touch switch 7 may be determined by the control device 63 based on the software switch program Psw, or it may be set by the user, for example, as shown in Figure 15.

[0042] Furthermore, the control device 63 randomly switches the shape of the touch switch 7 corresponding to each operation based on the software switch program Psw. Specifically, it selects and displays a touch switch 7 from among the group of touch switches 7 belonging to the same risk level, whose guide 72 shape is different from the touch switch 7 displayed previously.

[0043] To illustrate with an example of the touch switches 7 that correspond to the drive of the belt conveyor 31, if touch switch 7C1 is displayed on the nth time (where n is a natural number), then on the (n+1)th time immediately following, touch switch 7C2 will be displayed, which has a different shape to the guide 72 and belongs to the same level of danger as touch switch 7C1. In this way, by not displaying touch switches 7 of the same shape consecutively, it is possible to prevent the user from memorizing the shape of the touch switches 7 that correspond to the drive of the belt conveyor 31, and it becomes more difficult for the user to become accustomed to the touch input operation T. Therefore, the safety of the information processing device 6 is further enhanced.

[0044] The robot system 1 has been described above. As previously stated, the software switch program Psw for the information processing device 6 displays a touch switch 7 on the display unit 62, which has a knob 71 selected in the state of selecting the first option 731 of the two mutually exclusive first and second options 732, and a guide 72 that shows the movement path of the knob 71 from the first option 731 to the second option 732, and has a first movement path 721 along the first direction X and a second movement path 722 along the second direction Y which is different from the first direction X. When a first touch input operation T1 is received, which slides the knob 71 along the first movement path 721 relative to the guide 72, and a second touch input operation T2 is received, which slides the knob 71 along the second movement path 722, the knob 71 switches to the state of selecting the second option 732. With such a touch switch 7, it is not possible to switch from the OFF state to the ON state unless the knob 71 is slid sequentially along different directions. Therefore, erroneous operation of the touch switch 7 can be effectively suppressed. As a result, the touch switch 7 is less prone to errors and offers high safety.

[0045] In this embodiment, the knob 71 is slid relative to the guide 72, but conversely, the guide 72 may be slid relative to the knob 71. In other words, any configuration in which one of the knob 71 or guide 72 slides relative to the other is acceptable.

[0046] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the end of the first movement path 721 and the beginning of the second movement path 722 are spaced apart (see, for example, Figure 8). With this configuration, the movement of the knob 71 required to switch the touch switch 7 ON / OFF is less likely to be reproduced by accidental touches. Therefore, accidental operation of the touch switch 7 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0047] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the end of the first movement path 721 and the beginning of the second movement path 722 are connected (see, for example, Figure 2). With this configuration, the movement of the knob 71 required to switch the touch switch 7 ON / OFF is less likely to be reproduced by accidental touch. Therefore, accidental operation of the touch switch 7 can be suppressed more effectively. In particular, since the guide 72 is composed of a single line, the state of the touch switch 7 can be switched by sliding the knob 71 along the guide 72 in a single stroke. As a result, the operation of the touch switch 7 becomes simpler, and the time and effort required to operate the touch switch 7 can be reduced.

[0048] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in the software switch program Psw, if the touch on knob 71 is released before it reaches the second option 732, knob 71 moves to the first option 731. In other words, if the user's finger leaves the display unit 62 midway through the touch input operation T and the touch input operation T is interrupted, knob 71 moves to the first option 731. Therefore, in order to switch to the ON state, the touch input operation T must be restarted from the beginning. This prevents the knob 71 from gradually moving due to unintentional contact and eventually reaching the second option 732. Thus, accidental operation of the touch switch 7 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0049] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the angle θ1 between the first movement path 721 and the second movement path 722 is 90° or less. As a result, the guide 72 bends significantly along its path. Therefore, the movement of the knob 71 required to switch the touch switch 7 ON / OFF is difficult to reproduce by accidental touch. Consequently, accidental operation of the touch switch 7 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0050] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the software switch program Psw displays a touch switch 7 on the display unit 62 that has a different shape guide 72 than the touch switch 7 displayed previously. By not displaying touch switches 7 of the same shape consecutively in this way, it is possible to prevent the user from memorizing the shape of the touch switch 7 corresponding to a predetermined operation, making it more difficult for the user to become accustomed to the touch input operation T. As a result, the security of the information processing device 6 is further enhanced.

[0051] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the guide 72 also has a third movement path 723 that lies in a direction different from the second direction Y. When the software switch program Psw receives a third touch input operation T3 that slides along the third movement path 723 after the second touch input operation T2, the knob 71 switches to a state where the second option 732 is selected. This makes the movement of the knob 71 required to switch the touch switch 7 ON / OFF more complex, making it difficult to reproduce by simply touching it by accident. Therefore, accidental operation of the touch switch 7 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0052] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the software switch program Psw changes the number of movement paths included in the guide 72 according to the operation corresponding to the touch switch 7. This makes it possible to achieve both safety and ease of use for the information processing device 6.

[0053] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the software switch program Psw changes the color of the guide 72 before and after the knob 71 passes over it. With this configuration, the user can easily see the movement of the knob 71. Also, the user can easily see at a glance whether it is in the OFF or ON state.

[0054] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the selection method implemented by the software switch program Psw involves displaying a touch switch 7 on the display unit 62, which includes a knob 71 selected in the state of selecting the first option 731 of the two mutually exclusive first options 731 and second options 732, and a guide 72 that shows the movement path of the knob 71 from the first option 731 to the second option 732, having a first movement path 721 along the first direction X and a second movement path 722 along the second direction Y which is different from the first direction X. When a first touch input operation T1 is received, which involves sliding one of the knob 71 or guide 72 along the first movement path 721 relative to the other, and a second touch input operation T2 is received, which involves sliding along the second movement path 722, the knob 71 switches to the state of selecting the second option 732. With this selection method, the knob 71 cannot be switched from the OFF state to the ON state unless it is slid sequentially along different directions. Therefore, erroneous operation of the touch switch 7 can be effectively suppressed. As a result, this method of selecting options is less prone to errors and offers greater safety.

[0055] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the information processing device 6 connected to the robot 2 displays a touch switch 7 on a display unit 62, which has a knob 71 selected in the state of selecting the first option 731 of the two mutually exclusive first and second options 731, and a guide 72 that indicates the movement path of the knob 71 from the first option 731 to the second option 732, and has a first movement path 721 along the first direction X and a second movement path 722 along the second direction Y which is different from the first direction X. The device has a control unit 63 that, upon receiving a first touch input operation T1 in which one of the knob 71 and the guide 72 is slid along the first movement path 721 relative to the other, and a second touch input operation T2 in which one is slid along the second movement path 722, switches the knob 71 to a state in which the second option 732 is selected. With such an information processing device 6, the knob 71 cannot be switched from the OFF state to the ON state unless it is slid sequentially along different directions. Therefore, erroneous operation of the touch switch 7 can be effectively suppressed. As a result, the information processing device 6 is less prone to errors and has high safety.

[0056] Although the software switch program, selection method, and information processing device of the present invention have been described above based on the illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration of each part can be replaced with any configuration having a similar function. Furthermore, any other components may be added to the present invention. In addition, although the above-described embodiment shows an example in which the information processing device 6 is connected to the robot 2, the object to which the information processing device 6 is connected is not limited to the robot 2.

[0057] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the first movement path 721, the second movement path 722, the third movement path 723, and the fourth movement path 724 each extend straight along a predetermined direction, but the invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient if the entire system extends along a predetermined direction. For example, they may extend while curving or meandering along a predetermined direction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1...Robot system, 2...Robot, 21...Articulated arm, 22...Hand, 3...Transportation device, 31...Belt conveyor, 4...Patrol light, 5...Robot control device, 6...Information processing device, 61...Housing, 62...Display unit, 63...Control device, 7...Touch switch, 7A1...Touch switch, 7A2...Touch switch, 7B1...Touch switch, 7B2...Touch switch, 7C1...Touch switch, 7C2...Touch switch, 71...No B, 72...Guide, 721...First movement path, 722...Second movement path, 723...Third movement path, 724...Fourth movement path, 731...First option, 732...Second option, Psw...Software switch program, T...Touch input operation, T1...First touch input operation, T2...Second touch input operation, T3...Third touch input operation, T4...Fourth touch input operation, W...Work, X...First direction, Y...Second direction, θ1...Angle, θ2...Angle, θ3...Angle

Claims

1. A first touch switch is displayed on the display unit of an information processing device connected to a robot system, the first touch switch having a first knob in a state where the first option of two mutually exclusive options is selected, and a first guide that indicates the movement path of the first knob from the first option to the second option, and having a first movement path along a first direction and a second movement path along a second direction different from the first direction. A second touch switch is displayed on the display unit of the information processing device, which includes a second knob in a state where the third option of the mutually exclusive third and fourth options is selected, and a second guide that indicates the movement path of the second knob from the third option to the fourth option, and has a third movement path along the third direction, a fourth movement path along the fourth direction different from the third direction, and a fifth movement path along the fifth direction different from the fourth direction. When a first touch input operation is received in which one of the first knob and the first guide is slid along the first movement path relative to the other, and a second touch input operation is received in which one is slid along the second movement path, the first knob switches to a state in which the second option is selected. When the state is switched to select the second option, the robot system is instructed to perform the action corresponding to the second option. When a third touch input operation is received in which one of the second knob and the second guide is slid along the third movement path relative to the other, a fourth touch input operation is received in which one is slid along the fourth movement path, and a fifth touch input operation is received in which one is slid along the fifth movement path, the second knob switches to a state in which the fourth option is selected. When the state is switched to select the fourth option, the robot system is instructed to perform the action corresponding to the fourth option. A software switch program characterized in that the operation of the first touch switch corresponding to the second option differs from the operation of the second touch switch corresponding to the fourth option, and the operation corresponding to the fourth option is more dangerous than the operation corresponding to the second option.

2. The software switch program according to claim 1, wherein the end of the first movement path and the start of the second movement path are spaced apart.

3. The software switch program according to claim 1, wherein the end of the first travel path and the start of the second travel path are connected.

4. The software switch program according to claim 3, wherein if the touch on the first knob is released before the first knob reaches the second option, the first knob moves to the first option.

5. The software switch program according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the angle between the first movement path and the second movement path is 90° or less.

6. A software switch program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which displays a first touch switch on the display unit, wherein the shape of the first guide is different from the first touch switch displayed previously.

7. The software switch program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the color of the first guide is changed before and after the first knob passes over it.

8. A first touch switch is displayed on the display unit of an information processing device connected to a robot system, the first touch switch having a first knob in a state where the first option of two mutually exclusive options is selected, and a first guide that indicates the movement path of the first knob from the first option to the second option, and having a first movement path along a first direction and a second movement path along a second direction different from the first direction. A second touch switch is displayed on the display unit of the information processing device, which includes a second knob in a state where the third option of the mutually exclusive third and fourth options is selected, and a second guide that indicates the movement path of the second knob from the third option to the fourth option, and has a third movement path along the third direction, a fourth movement path along the fourth direction different from the third direction, and a fifth movement path along the fifth direction different from the fourth direction. When a first touch input operation is received in which one of the first knob and the first guide is slid along the first movement path relative to the other, and a second touch input operation is received in which one is slid along the second movement path, the first knob switches to a state in which the second option is selected. When the state is switched to select the second option, the robot system is instructed to perform the action corresponding to the second option. When a third touch input operation is received in which one of the second knob and the second guide is slid along the third movement path relative to the other, a fourth touch input operation is received in which one is slid along the fourth movement path, and a fifth touch input operation is received in which one is slid along the fifth movement path, the second knob switches to a state in which the fourth option is selected. When the state is switched to select the fourth option, the robot system is instructed to perform the action corresponding to the fourth option. A method for selecting an option, characterized in that the action of the first touch switch corresponding to the second option differs from the action of the second touch switch corresponding to the fourth option, and the action corresponding to the fourth option is more dangerous than the action corresponding to the second option.

9. An information processing device connected to a robot system, A first touch switch is displayed on the display unit, which includes a first knob in a state where the first option of two mutually exclusive options is selected, and a first guide that indicates the movement path of the first knob from the first option to the second option, and has a first movement path along a first direction and a second movement path along a second direction different from the first direction. The display unit displays a second touch switch having a second knob in a state where the third option is selected from the mutually exclusive third and fourth options, and a second guide that indicates the movement path of the second knob from the third option to the fourth option, and has a third movement path along the third direction, a fourth movement path along the fourth direction different from the third direction, and a fifth movement path along the fifth direction different from the fourth direction. When a first touch input operation is received in which one of the first knob and the first guide is slid along the first movement path relative to the other, and a second touch input operation is received in which one is slid along the second movement path, the first knob switches to a state in which the second option is selected. When the state is switched to select the second option, the robot system is instructed to perform the action corresponding to the second option. When a third touch input operation is received in which one of the second knob and the second guide is slid along the third movement path relative to the other, a fourth touch input operation is received in which one is slid along the fourth movement path, and a fifth touch input operation is received in which one is slid along the fifth movement path, the second knob switches to a state in which the fourth option is selected. When the state is switched to select the fourth option, the robot system is instructed to perform the action corresponding to the fourth option. The information processing device is characterized in that the operation of the first touch switch corresponding to the second option differs from the operation of the second touch switch corresponding to the fourth option, and the operation corresponding to the fourth option is more dangerous than the operation corresponding to the second option.

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