Multiple-Row Menu Display for Numerical Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing menu display systems for numerical controllers lack the ability to effectively display all menu switches at a level without overlapping, making it difficult for operators to comprehend and select target functions efficiently, especially with increasing functionality and menu complexity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multiple-row menu display system where pressing a specific mark on the menu change switch allows all menu switches at the same level to be displayed in a list without overlapping, facilitating quick selection and reducing operational errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If menu switches are superposed on each other in a multi-window environment, then the number of functions on one screen is increased, but menu switches other than the displayed level cannot be selected and the time for searching target menu is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The menu display is segmented into multiple independent rows, each row showing menu switches of a specific level. This allows all menu switches at each level to be displayed separately without overlapping, enabling operators to select from all available menu switches while maintaining clear hierarchical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical superposition layout (single dimension) to a horizontal row-based layout (adding another dimension). Menu switches are arranged in multiple rows where each row represents a different level, allowing operators to view and select menu switches across different levels simultaneously without overlapping.
2Ease of operation
If all menu switches at one level are displayed without overlapping, then selection of menu switches is facilitated, but the number of screens required increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple menu levels that would traditionally require separate screens are merged into a single screen display by organizing them into multiple rows. Each row contains menu switches of a specific level, allowing operators to access and select from all menu switches across different levels without switching screens.
3Loss of information
If the hierarchical structure of menus is displayed in detail, then operator understanding is improved, but the complexity of the display increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each row in the display is assigned a specific quality characteristic representing a different menu level. This local differentiation allows the hierarchical structure to be clearly presented with each level having its own designated row, making the structure easy to understand without overall display complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1(1)~1(3)
Figure 2
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AI summary
The present invention provides a device having a menu display function that makes it possible for the operator to readily comprehend a hierarchical structure of menus and simply select a menu switch so as to improve ease of operation. For this purpose, the device includes a CPU and a touch-panel display. The device includes a first display mode and a second display mode. Control functions are assigned to menu switches of a plurality of menus. In the first display mode, one specific menu from among the menus is displayed. In the second display mode, all of the menus are displayed without overlapping with each other. The CPU switches between the first display mode and the second display mode so as to display the menus in the touch-panel display.