Unified Operation Window for Cross-Device Substitute Process Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for instructing another device to execute a substitute process are cumbersome due to the need for selecting devices and listing functions, leading to complex operation windows and decreased operability.
Innovation Solution
A processing device with an operation panel, communicator, and hardware processor that displays and arranges operation windows from both the local and remote devices, allowing users to easily move operation buttons via drag and drop to set substitute processes, thereby instructing remote devices to execute specific functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If information of functions of all devices is merged into one operation window, then the system provides comprehensive functionality, but the operation window becomes complicated and operability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation windows are segmented by device, allowing each device to have its own separate operation window displaying only its relevant functions. Users can select and operate functions within their respective device windows without being overwhelmed by functions from all devices in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of device selection, where users first select a target device before accessing its operation window. This adds a device-level navigation layer that organizes the comprehensive functionality across multiple devices without consolidating them into a single complicated window.
2Reliability
If device selection and function listing are required for substitute process setting, then the system can identify target devices and functions, but the setting operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically obtaining and preparing operation window information for the selected device before the user needs to set up the substitute process. This pre-prepared information is then used directly in the substitute process setting, eliminating the need for manual device and function selection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by displaying a copy of the target device's operation window information on the controlling device's operation panel. This copied interface allows users to select functions and configure substitute processes without physically accessing the target device or manually searching through its function lists.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a processing device, including: an operation panel; a hardware processor that: executes a designated process; obtains information for displaying an operation window of the another processing device, and displays an operation window of the processing device and the operation window of the another processing device on the operation panel of the processing device; carries out a substitute setting for instructing the another processing device to substitutionally execute a process relating to an operation button moved to the operation window of the processing device when an operation for moving the operation button displayed in the operation window of the another processing device to the operation window of the processing device is received; and instructs the another processing device to substitutionally execute the process relating to the operation button for which the substitute setting is carried out.