Graphical Vacuum Pump Configuration Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration of modern vacuum devices is complex, requiring expert knowledge and specialized personnel, leading to increased risks of errors and high costs for modifications, due to the variety of hardware configurations and programming complexities.
Innovation Solution
A method using a graphical user interface on a display device to simplify the configuration of vacuum devices by displaying graphic elements representing parts of the control device, allowing users to easily select and assign operational functions, reducing the risk of incorrect configurations through intuitive visual identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional text-based or abstract configuration environments are used, then configuration flexibility and programming possibilities are available, but the configuration process becomes complex and difficult for users to grasp
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or graphical representation of the control device's hardware structure on the display device. This graphical model mirrors the physical connections and components, allowing users to interact with a simplified visual interface rather than abstract text-based configurations. The graphical elements represent actual hardware components and their spatial relationships, making the configuration process more intuitive while maintaining full configuration flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If programming languages and protocols are required for configuration, then precise control and customization are achieved, but specialized training and expert knowledge become necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the complex programming languages/protocols underlying the vacuum device. Instead of requiring users to directly write code or configure protocols, they interact with intuitive graphical elements that automatically translate their selections into the appropriate programming commands. This mediator handles the complexity of customization while presenting a simplified interface to end users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different hardware configurations are supported, then device versatility increases, but identifying and configuring the correct connections becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface applies local quality by providing context-specific visual information for each connection and component. Rather than presenting a uniform abstract interface, the system displays graphical elements with specific visual characteristics (colors, icons, labels) that correspond to their actual hardware counterparts. This localized visual encoding helps users quickly identify the correct connections and understand their functions without confusion from the variety of available configurations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If configuration options are expanded with increasing digitization, then functionality and adaptability improve, but the risk of incorrect configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface implements feedback mechanisms that provide real-time visual confirmation of configuration selections. As users interact with graphical elements, the system provides immediate feedback through visual updates, highlighting selected components, showing configuration status, and preventing invalid selections. This continuous feedback loop reduces configuration errors by keeping users informed about their actions and the system state, thereby improving reliability while maintaining expanded configuration capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for configuring a vacuum device, in particular a vacuum pump system, with a control device and a display device comprises at least the following steps: - Displaying at least one graphic element on the display device, wherein the graphic element is associated with a part of the control device, and wherein the graphic element preferably contains a graphic representation of at least the part of the control device associated with the graphic element; - Selecting the graphic element to determine a selected graphic element; and - Assigning an operating function to the selected graphic element to configure the vacuum device with respect to the part of the control device associated with the selected graphic element.