Automation Unit UI with Direct Dialog Access for Easier Parameterization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automation unit parameterization interfaces are complex, requiring users to develop a refined mental model for navigation and are inefficient on devices with small display screens due to multiple hierarchical levels and extensive window structures, leading to increased learning effort, uncertainty, and errors.

Innovation Solution

A two-level dialog hierarchy user interface with a primary dialog mapping to a base function and secondary dialogs for follow-on functions, allowing direct selection and interaction to perform the base function, scalable across various display sizes, and including return elements for seamless navigation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex hierarchical interface structure with multiple levels and extensive window structures is used, then comprehensive functionality is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive functionalityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface is segmented into a main dialog and multiple secondary dialogs, each handling specific functions. The main dialog provides an overview with direct access points, while secondary dialogs handle detailed operations. This segmentation reduces the perceived complexity by organizing functionality into manageable, clearly delineated sections rather than a single complex hierarchical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a traditional multi-level hierarchical navigation (depth dimension) to a parallel dialog structure where multiple functions are accessible from a single main dialog (lateral dimension). This dimensional shift allows comprehensive functionality to be presented without increasing navigational depth, thereby reducing interface complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex hierarchical interface structure with multiple levels and extensive window structures is used, then comprehensive functionality is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive functionalityVSAvoiduser efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The main dialog is prepared in advance with direct access points (selection elements) to all secondary dialogs. Users don't need to navigate through multiple hierarchical levels to find functions; everything is pre-organized and directly accessible from the main dialog. This preliminary organization of access paths significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If extensive window structures with multiple hierarchical levels are used, then comprehensive functionality is achieved, but learning effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive functionalityVSAvoidlearning effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The main dialog serves itself by providing direct access points to all secondary dialogs without requiring users to understand the internal hierarchical structure. The interface structure is self-explanatory, with the main dialog automatically organizing and presenting all available functions in an accessible manner, eliminating the need for users to learn complex navigation patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If extensive window structures with multiple hierarchical levels are used, then comprehensive functionality is achieved, but uncertainty and errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive functionalityVSAvoiduser confidence

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the interface into a clear main dialog and distinct secondary dialogs, each with specific functions, the patent reduces user uncertainty. Users can see the complete scope of functionality in the main dialog and confidently select the appropriate secondary dialog without fear of navigating into the wrong hierarchical branch. This segmentation creates clear boundaries and reduces the likelihood of errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20230315059A1User interface, method and HTML code for parameterization of an automation unit

Publication Date: 2023.10.05 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

A user interface for parameterization of an automation unit; a display and a processor which is programmed to output a primary dialogue and secondary dialogues graphically on the display, the primary dialogue mapping to a basic function of the automation unit, and each secondary dialogue mapping to a following function which is necessary for performance of the basic function, and including interaction elements, by means of which the automation unit are parameterised so that the following function are performed, and for each secondary dialogue the primary dialogue provides a selection element, actuation of which enables the secondary dialogue in question to be accessed directly from the primary dialogue. The primary dialogue gives a user a work overview with familiar concepts of an application domain in the form of utility functions. This reduces the learning effort and mental strain when the user is performing the task.