Programmable Display Messaging for User-Defined Device Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional control images used in factory settings are not configurable by field operators to read or write desired information, limiting their ability to monitor and operate devices effectively.

Innovation Solution

A communication terminal with a terminal side communication section, setting section, and execution control section that allows users to specify and associate information with actions for devices, enabling the execution of desired actions on access information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a control image with predetermined operations is used, then device operation is simplified, but user flexibility to monitor and write desired information is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operationVSAvoiduser flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control image is transformed from a static, predetermined operation set to a dynamic, user-configurable interface. Users can now freely specify monitoring targets and desired operations, allowing the control image to adapt to different user needs and scenarios while maintaining ease of operation through the same intuitive interface paradigm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control functionality is segmented into independent configurable elements: target specification, information selection, and action definition. This allows users to customize each aspect separately, combining simplicity of individual controls with versatility through numerous possible combinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If a control image with predetermined operations is used, then implementation is straightforward, but ability to acquire and rewrite desired information is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveimplementationVSAvoidinformation access capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control image system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single unified interface: monitoring various device states, acquiring custom information, executing different operations, and rewriting information. This universal design maintains straightforward implementation while enabling diverse information access and manipulation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If custom information access and operations are enabled, then user control is enhanced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to self-configure monitoring targets and desired operations without requiring complex system setup or programming. The intuitive interface allows users to independently define their information access needs and control preferences, reducing the perceived complexity while enhancing user control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4181098A1Communication terminal and programmable display device
Publication Date: 2023.05.17 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC JAPAN HLDG LTD
  • EP4181098A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4181098A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4181098A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication terminal includes: a network communication section configured to communicate with a device that possesses a target to be accessed and access information acquired by accessing the target; a setting section configured to set, for a transmission means that is used to carry out transmission by communication carried out by a program for exchanging messages, (i) specifying information for specifying the target and (ii) an action that the device is caused to execute with respect to the access information, the specifying information and the action being set by an operation of a user so as to be associated with each other; and an execution control section configured to cause the network communication section to send the transmission means to the device, and cause the device to execute, with respect to the access information on the target that is specified by the specifying information having been set for the transmission means, the action having been set for the transmission means.