Amplifier Display Merging for Readability

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Solution Overview

Problem

In factory automation systems, the visibility of information displayed on amplifier units deteriorates when multiple amplifier units are connected in parallel, leading to potential overlooks of error messages and delayed detection of issues.

Innovation Solution

An amplification device with a device detecting unit that forms a single display area with other amplifier units, using a display control unit to distribute information across multiple display units, improving readability and preventing visibility deterioration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple amplifier units are connected in parallel, then the system can handle more sensors and expand functionality, but the visibility of information on individual display units deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem expansion capabilityVSAvoidinformation visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple display units from different amplifier units to form a single integrated display area. The display control unit coordinates the multiple display units to present information as if it were a single large display, thereby maintaining information visibility while allowing system expansion through multiple amplifier units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display control unit serves multiple functions: it controls individual display units when amplifier units are used separately, and it integrates multiple display units into a unified display area when amplifier units are connected in parallel. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different configuration scenarios while maintaining optimal information visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple amplifier units are used, then more sensors can be monitored, but error detection time increases due to reduced visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor monitoring capacityVSAvoiderror detection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple display units into a unified display area, the system allows operators to monitor all amplifier units from a single integrated view. This reduces the time required to detect errors across multiple units while maintaining the capacity to monitor more sensors through parallel amplifier unit connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple amplifier units are connected, then system coverage increases, but information readability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem coverageVSAvoidinformation readability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display control unit merges multiple display units to form a unified display area that presents information in a coordinated, readable format. This integration maintains information readability even as system coverage expands through multiple amplifier units, as the display control unit manages the presentation across all display units as a single coherent interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10409543B2Amplification device, control method of amplification device, and control program

Publication Date: 2019.09.10 OMRON CORP

AI summary

When a plurality of amplification devices each including a display unit are used in combination, deterioration in visibility of displayed information is prevented. An amplifier unit includes a connection mode specifying unit that detects another amplifier unit including another display unit which is disposed to form one display area along with the display unit and a display control unit that displays information in the display area formed by a plurality of display units.