Extruder Control UI Quick Navigation With Custom Soft Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current user interfaces for controlling machines or plants with extruders for thermoplastic manufacturing require lengthy navigation through complex tree structures, leading to inefficient operation and increased risk of maloperation due to cluttered favorites bars and multiple navigation steps.
Innovation Solution
A user interface that processes individualized input signals, such as gestures, numbers, or patterns, directly linking them to specific operating pages in a database, allowing intuitive and quick access without relying on tree structures, and includes features like saving, searching, and managing these linkages to optimize navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If navigation through operating pages is performed using a tree structure with software buttons, then the user interface maintains a structured organization, but the navigation time increases and user efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the navigation system into two parts: the existing tree structure for systematic organization and a new direct access interface with soft keys for quick navigation. This allows users to choose between structured browsing and direct access depending on their needs, resolving the contradiction between organized structure and fast navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary direct access interface that mediates between the user and the tree structure. This interface provides soft keys that directly link to frequently accessed operating pages, allowing users to bypass the tree structure when speed is needed while maintaining the structured organization when systematic navigation is required.
2Ease of operation
If multiple favorites are displayed in a favorites bar for quick access, then direct access to operating pages is improved, but the user interface becomes cluttered and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the favorites bar functionality with the soft key interface. Instead of having separate favorites bars that clutter the display, the direct access functions are integrated into the soft keys, which are already part of the standard interface layout. This combines quick access functionality with the existing structured interface, avoiding additional clutter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the quick access functionality from a horizontal favorites bar dimension to a vertical soft key dimension. The soft keys are arranged in a structured vertical layout on the display, providing quick access without requiring horizontal space that would clutter the main operating area. This dimensional reorganization maintains accessibility while reducing visual complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive navigation options are provided through tree structures, then all operating pages are accessible, but the number of navigation steps increases and user comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring soft keys with direct links to frequently accessed operating pages. Users can customize these soft keys to match their typical workflow, so the most commonly needed pages are already linked and ready for immediate access. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for lengthy navigation through the tree structure for routine operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the navigation system dynamic by allowing users to customize soft key assignments based on their specific needs and workflows. The direct access interface adapts to different users and different operational contexts, providing the most relevant quick access options for each situation while maintaining the complete tree structure for comprehensive access when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for the quick navigation of users through the user interface of a plant for manufacturing a product from thermoplastic, an extruder being operated for plastification of a thermoplastic, and a method and a plant for manufacturing a product from thermoplastic allow quick changing between user views of a machine or plant control. An input device for entering representative signals from a customized input library is used, which signals are linked to actions in a relational database, wherein the actions cause a rapid change between user views of a machine or plant control.The rapid change between user views makes the machine or plant control faster, and the customized input library makes the control more intuitive.