Split-Screen Controller Layout for Faster Information Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controllers for industrial machines face limitations in displaying a large amount of information due to screen size and pixel constraints, requiring manual switching of information types across split regions, which complicates operations and increases operator burden.
Innovation Solution
A controller that splits the display screen into multiple regions, allowing for visual specification of region positions and a list of displayable information types, enabling drag-and-drop operations to allocate information types to specific regions, thereby improving visibility and reducing operational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the display screen is divided into multiple split regions to display different information types simultaneously, then the operator can view multiple information types at once, but the complexity of managing and configuring which information type is displayed in each region increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages the configuration of information types in split regions through a user-friendly interface that allows operators to drag and drop information types into desired regions. The controller automatically assigns and maintains the configuration without requiring complex manual setup or programming, enabling the system to serve itself in managing display configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
A graphical user interface acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex display configuration system. This interface visually represents split regions and information types, and through simple drag-and-drop operations, translates user actions into configuration commands, shielding the operator from underlying system complexity.
2Loss of information
If manual switching of information types is required to accommodate large amounts of information, then all information can be displayed eventually, but the operating time and workload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is segmented into multiple split regions that can simultaneously display different information types. This allows operators to view multiple pieces of information at once without needing to switch between them, reducing operating time while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of displaying information sequentially in time (one type at a time), the system utilizes the spatial dimension by dividing the screen into multiple regions that display different information types simultaneously. This dimensional transition from temporal to spatial arrangement eliminates the need for manual switching.
3Ease of operation
If information types are pre-defined for each split region, then the display configuration is simplified, but the flexibility to adapt to different viewing preferences and work requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The display configuration is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. Operators can modify which information types are displayed in each split region through simple drag-and-drop operations, allowing the system to adapt to different viewing preferences and work requirements while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical user interface serves multiple functions: it visually represents the current display configuration, allows modification through drag-and-drop operations, and automatically updates the system settings. This multi-functional interface simplifies operation while providing flexibility for different configuration needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller includes a display control unit configured to switch information to be displayed in each of a plurality of split regions due to splitting of a display screen, an editing-screen display unit configured to display an editing screen displaying, for each of the plurality of split regions, as a list, a first displaying and a second displaying in association, the first displaying enabling visual specification of a position of the corresponding split region on the display screen, the second displaying indicating a list of information types displayable in the split region, and an editing unit configured to receive an editing operation to the second displaying, and edit, based on the editing operation, the list of information types displayable in the split region.