EP0197998A1

EP0197998A1 - Process and installation for computer user guidance

Info

Publication number: EP0197998A1
Application number: EP85905055A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Klaus Schwarz
Original assignee: Gfu Gesellschaft fur Unternehmens-Und Projektmanagement Mbh
Current assignee: GFU GESELLSCHAFT FUER UNTERNEHMENS-UND PROJEKTMANA
Priority date: 1984-10-10
Filing date: 1985-10-09
Publication date: 1986-10-22
Also published as: WO1986002472A3; WO1986002472A2

Abstract

Il est essentiel que les utilisateurs des programmes d'ordinateur étudient et comprennent les instructions écrites d'accompagnement, afin de pouvoir utiliser les programmes de l'ordinateur. Les erreurs commises dans l'introduction des données donnent lieu à des indications d'erreur dans l'unité de sortie et l'opérateur peut, grâce au code d'erreur indiqué, lire ensuite les instructions écrites pour savoir quelle assistance est possible. Pour assister les utilisateurs lors de l'introduction de données dans la mémoire de travail d'une unité de traitement de données, on dote l'unité d'une mémoire additionnelle de texte dans laquelle on stocke les informations d'accompagnement relatives au programme de l'ordinateur; on lit ensuite, grâce à un système de commande et une unité entrée-sortie-entrée, les informations d'accompagnement fournies par la mémoire de texte, et ce en parallèle avec le passage du programme. Même si on stocke les informations d'accompagnement et le programme d'ordinateur ensemble dans la mémoire du programme, une unité de commande et une unité entrée-sortie-entrée permettent de sortir en parallèle les régions de mémoire emboîtées les unes dans les autres, par exemple dans diverses sous-régions du champ d'un écran de visualisation.It is essential that users of computer programs study and understand the accompanying written instructions, in order to be able to use computer programs. Errors made in entering the data give rise to error indications in the output unit and the operator can, by means of the indicated error code, then read the written instructions to find out what assistance is possible. To assist users when entering data into the working memory of a data processing unit, the unit is provided with an additional text memory in which the accompanying information relating to the program is stored. the computer; then, thanks to a control system and an input-output-input unit, the accompanying information provided by the text memory is read, in parallel with the passage of the program. Even if the accompanying information and the computer program are stored together in the program memory, a control unit and an input-output-input unit make it possible to output the memory regions nested in one another in parallel, for example in various sub-regions of the field of a display screen.

Description

Method and device for operator guidance

The invention relates to a method for operator guidance according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Computer software or the equivalent term data processing software is any type of documented instruction which is intended for use in information processing devices.

This includes primarily the computer program, which consists of a large number of machine-readable instructions to the computer (program-controlled data processing system) suitable for data and text processing, which is only usable in this way.

Computer software is also the accompanying material, usually in printed form, belonging to each computer program, which is aimed both at the buyer of the computer program and at the operator of the computer, and contains detailed instructions on the use of the computer program. ^* Computer software is further description the Programm¬ having the structure, the structure and Pro¬ program logic of computer programs in linguistic or gra¬ phischer form described in sufficient detail to these - are ^"a complete command to the programmer for modification and further development of the computer program can.

The computer program is usually in two forms, NaEM _¬ Lich in the form that corresponds to the surface by the programmer in a Programmierspra¬ written and program for the specialist legible Quellenpro¬ and ektprogramms in the form of the Ob obtained by machine translation of the source code of the machine language directly . Both forms have in common that they consist of sequences of instructions with the associated definitions and addresses of the data to be processed and that the computer (a term with the same meaning is electronic or program-controlled data processing system), such as one given data processing task is to be carried out in order to achieve a certain result. The program is executed using the object program, which is formed by following hexadecimal digits, for example. With certain programming languages, there is no translation into the machine language, with the program commands of the source program being translated individually into the machine language each time the program is executed, i. h_ be so preted as if these intermetallic geschrie machine language _¬ ben.

In addition to the application programs which serve to solve a specific data processing task of the buyer, the computer program also contains system control programs which control the computer and the connection devices connected to it.

serve devices. The Systerasteuerprogramme lead notwen _¬ ended auxiliary functions such. B. Source Code / Objektpro _¬ gram translations from and put the computer. able to efficiently run a variety of different application programs.

The accompanying material usually includes the so-called user manual and the operator's manual. The User's Guide is often a general description including the An _¬ use cases and the conditions of the program, the input and output formats, file formats and the REQUIRED _¬ chen machine compilation. The Operator's Manual contains the description of procedures for the initial load Programm¬, implications for the run and for the elimination of Stö _¬, as well as descriptions of the computer / user dialogue and interface conditions device for hardware connection _¬.

The Program Description contains a complete depicting _¬ the data, file, input and output formats, hardware and sof ware development interfaces, the structure of the Com _¬ puter program, the program functions, etc. As Darstellungs¬ medium are often flowcharts, structure charts, Decision tables or the like are used.

In general, the computer program without the accompanying mate _¬ rial is not available, however, can without the Programmbeschrei¬ environment, the computer program if it is to be retained or developed by the user from _¬ be used.

The computer program (object program) is usually on a machine-readable carrier, for. B. magnetic disk stack, disk, magnetic tape, optically readable disk, printed bar code lists, semiconductor memory module or the like., And the associated accompanying material is usually

delivered in the form of printed matter, the number and _{extent of} which increases with the complexity of the computer program. In the case of complex computer programs, the accompanying material can comprise a large number of extensive printed publications which are also made available on microfilm or together with the computer program on a machine-readable medium.

When a computer program is entered into the computer, it is generally copied in sections by a suitable input unit from the machine-readable carrier via a part of the main memory serving as an input memory to a program memory or memory section which serves as a program library and in which as a rule a large number of computer program copies are included. This is often a large capacity peripheral memory. The primary copy recorded in the program library is used each time the program is executed. If the computer program to be executed, the cher in Programmspei¬ recorded program copy will be addressed in turn and into the working memory of the program-controlled Datenverar _¬ beitungsanlage (computer) copied. This secondary copy of the computer program can beitungsanlagen in programmatic Datenverar _¬ which z. B. are equipped with a virtual memory can be fully recorded in a peripheral memory corresponding to large capacity. In small _¬ ren memory of the program-controlled Datenverarbei¬ treatment plant in which also are received data to be processed, only a part of the secondary copy (a number of segments of the computer program) - aufgenom _¬ men, wherein during the program as needed, this part of Computer program is replaced by another part. The segments are e.g. B. copied from the secondary copy of the virtual memory, wherein the necessary Adres _¬ senübersetzungen for finding the desired sides by the tax

- work can be carried out automatically.

The primary copy and each secondary copy generated during program execution can be made completely or partially visible via an output unit, for example for the purpose of diagnosis when errors occur.

If the accompanying material is in machine-readable form, a primary copy can be made of the accompanying material in the program-controlled data processing system, as in the computer program, from which secondary copies can then be made page by page in the display memory of a screen device (output unit) around the accompanying material on the screen of this device. This corresponds to a paperless informing the operating personnel in the manner of a Daten¬ bank services, wherein the program-controlled data processing system _¬ access to selected parts of the accompanying mate rials _¬ possible.

As can be seen from the preceding explanations, it is known to display the computer program and the accompanying material with the aid of the control unit via an output unit. Both the computer program and the accompanying material can assume a considerable scope. An error when entering data into the work memory of the program-controlled data processing system usually leads to a corresponding error message via the respective output unit. In order to remedy this error, the operator has to study the accompanying material in order to be able to remedy the fault. For this it is erforder¬ Lich, to find the appropriate page (or segment) of the accompanying _¬ materials where appropriate measures are indicated for the elimination of the error.

From DE-PS 29 12 034 an indirectly controlled switching

& § = ^: * b • _- tion system, in particular a telephone private branch exchange, with a central control unit and an input device which enables dialogue. The central control unit is assigned a comparator which can be activated by entering a start and / or key identifier using the input device.

In the absence of the input of the parameter identifiers required for a specific sequence procedure within a predetermined time, the comparator controls a memory containing the respective answers and reads out the answers corresponding to the respective switching states and information received via the _display .

With timely entry of a _¬ be played parameter indicator for the expiration process prevents the comparator until at least the presence of an automatically compiled in the switching system final result spending on the display.

If parallels are drawn with a program-controlled data processing system, then the lack of input of parameter identifiers required for the sequence method corresponds to an incorrect input in a program-controlled data processing system within a predetermined time. The output of the automatically compiled end result ent speaks Nissen the result is the two _¬ obtained with correct data entry, which are displayed on the output unit. On the field of the present patent application distant field a kind of user interface for the input of data is known, in which at correct input on the display which automatically ERAR _¬ from the switching system beitete end result is displayed or in the case of a fal _¬ rule operator input the display shows what he can do with which button as the next step. The comparator which can be activated by means of the input device monitors the time condition for entering the parameter identifier required for the sequence method. ,

One application is, for example, the adaptation of the standard customer data to customer requirements. All customer data can be queried, entered and changed. Entering the parameter identifier corresponds to the input procedure required for this, for example in order to change the customer data. If the parameter identifiers required for this are not entered within a certain period of time or if a parameter identifier is missing in the input sequence, the display shows which switching status has been reached by pressing a key and it is also indicated which measures are subsequently to be carried out to continue the process sequence .

This type of operator guidance thus corresponds to tracing the program sequence when a key is entered. An operator _¬ guide such that are at each key input amending certain procedures of the operator instructions given, which keys can press them to a particular switching condition in the process flow proceeds to errei¬ Chen, is not known. The comparator, which can be activated by the start and / or key identification, prevents the dialogue as long as the central control unit itself has mastered the further process sequence, so that it is not shown on the display until the final intermediate or final result can be shown .

The invention has for its object to provide a method and apparatus for performing the method for inputting data into the main memory of a programmge _¬ controlled data processing system such that a prompt is made possible during the input of data by means of input-output unit.

^Ers ^ tzbäf This object is achieved according to the invention by a method with the features of claims 1 or 2.

By applying the method according to the invention according to claims 1 or 2, it is for the user of Compu¬ not terprogrammen longer required, the accompanying usually the computer program written Bedienungsanlei¬ obligations (support material) to study and understand Müs _¬ sen to the computer programs then (usually after unsuccessful first attempts) in the program-controlled Datenverarbei _¬ treatment plant to deploy and use. The Begleit¬ is material limited compared to the usual computer program _¬ men accompanying accompanying material to a minimum in order for the user to give a global overview of the Computer¬ program. This written operating information is kept very short, so that it is clear and since the operating processes otherwise described in detail are not contained therein, IT knowledge is no longer required when using the method according to the invention.

To avoid errors when typing, it was, as already stated, for the user of Computerpro _¬ programs necessary to study the writing accompanying Begleitmate¬ rial and understand. There has long been an unresolved urgent need to reduce the amount of work required for this. The professional world has so far not been able to provide a solution for this and despite all efforts of the professional world the success achieved with the invention has not been achieved. Namely, it has always tried to center the accompanying written materials to struc _¬ and when entering implausible or fehlerhaf _¬ th input data of a reference in the accompanying material _¬ diving error codes of the operator display corresponding _¬ de program location in the program flow. The development _¬ development so the technology ran in a different direction, namely

Ersafe in the direction of an "alternative display", ie either the intermediate or final results developed by means of the program- _controlled data processing system or that of an error code.

The inventive method makes it possible for the user to use computer programs without prior knowledge because this all gen to use the computer program notwendi _¬ evidence shows during the program run automatically _¬ be. This effect is based on the specially designed program- _controlled data processing system.

In the inventive method according to claim 1, the program-controlled data processing system to a zusätz _¬ union text memory, in which the support material is stored for the computer program. The control unit is now, for. For example, the addresses of the computer program and the data stored in the text memory accompanying material, sliding material based on the loading _¬ parallel with the program flow from the Textspei _¬ cher from. This method is comparable to the _simultaneous presentation of two different programs, e.g. B. on the screen of a screen device as an output unit.

In the inventive method according to claim 2 computer program and associated accompanying material in aneinan _¬ the subsequent memory areas of the program memory are stored. The control unit in conjunction with the input / output unit now causes the accompanying material associated with the corresponding program _{sequence to be} output in parallel even in the case of a sequential program _sequence .

Both methods according to the invention have in common that for the use of all computer programs the user has the same,

He's awesome distinctive logical operating and explanation scheme is given. Plausibility checks can also be incorporated into the accompanying material, so that the user is provided with automatic and active operator guidance.

The device for carrying out Ver _¬ inventive drive according to claim 4 is of simple construction, wherein by means of the operating unit and the control unit with an output unit with a screen surface, the screen _¬ surface in a known manner into sub-areas unter¬ divides is. From EP-B1-0 034 506 an image display system with an image display device, an operating unit, a key input and an image processing device is known, in which the image display area is imaginarily divided into sub-areas and, controlled by the key input, sub-areas in reduced or enlarged scale _¬ rod can be displayed. In the inventive device, the Bildschirm¬ by means of the operating unit is also divided into sub-surface regions and the output of the infor mation _¬ in the respective sub-region in dependence of the addressing performed by the control unit. The operation _¬ unit can on the basis of addressing the assignment of the associated _¬ led accompanying material, the key input or other expenses such. B_ Queries or prompts to the operator. person, error messages or the like, for the respective sub-area.

In the embodiment according to claim 5, wherein the memory also connected to both the program memory as the text memory, by means of a arranged in the control unit operation controller, and is controlled by likewise arranged in the control unit instruction unit _¬ tes address register is either a storage area of the Programm¬ memory or the text memory read out. The operations control takes over a switch from one to the _other another memory area and defines which memory area is read out. By means of the operation control, the viewer of the screen area is thus given the impression that two program sequences are shown in parallel on it, while the internal processing in the program-controlled data processing system actually results in the program parts being interleaved.

The device according to claim 6 with a certain subdivision of the screen area into at least four functional sub-areas has the advantage that the user is given a memorable operating and explanatory diagram on the screen. The arrangement of the action field and the information field in the central area of the screen surface is fully in the user's field of vision. With this arrangement, the close relationship between the action field and the information field, ie. H. between the computer program and the accompanying material.

The bordering of the field "error message" according to claim 7 particularly important feedback is optically highlighted.

The invention is described in the following is described in the drawing _¬ asked embodiments in more detail and explained.

1 is a block diagram of the program- _controlled data processing system designed according to the invention,

Fig. 2 shows an example of the division of the screen area and

Fig. 3 corresponding to the Fig. 2 program sequence when applying the driving Ver _¬ invention.

^• ^ fe - 1 shows an embodiment for the configuration of the program-controlled data processing system according to the invention. A control unit 1 is connected to a storage unit 2, an operation unit 3 and an input / output unit 4. In operations 3, arithmetic operations and logic operations are carried out. Programs and data are stored in the storage unit 2. The control unit 1 controls the program sequence and controls the data and computer programs entered via the input-output unit 4. So that computer programs and data stored in the memory 2 can be clearly reached, each memory location is given an address and the content of the memory location can be called up via this address. The memory cells are numbered and the corresponding cell number, ie the address, is fetched depending on the commands of the computer program. Depending on whether it is punched to a sequential computer program, with or without jump instructions or conditional jump instructions han _¬, the address is incremented only by "1" or "more than one",

The control unit 1 consists of an instruction unit 11, a function decryption 12 and an operation control 13. In the instruction unit 11, the commands to be executed are with the function part of the command in the function part 111 and with the operation part of the command in the operation part 112. The operation part 112 generally receives the address of an operant. The content of the functional part 111 is decrypted in the decryption function 12 and the Ope _¬ nensteuerung 13 supplied, which then outputs the data necessary for execution of the command control signals via a bus line B to the memory unit 2 and to the operating plant. 3 So that the entire command in the operating part 112 and functional part 111 is executed correctly, feedback signals are fed via a line L from the operation unit 3 to the operation control 13 and are also taken into account there.

--- '^" safc zbi The memory unit 2 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 contains a program memory 21, a working memory 22, an address register 23 and a text memory 24. The working memory 22 contains the information to be written or read and the address register 23 contains the associated address .

In the simplest case shown in FIG. 1, the operations unit 3 consists of a multiplication register 31, logic circuits 32, an accumulator 33 and a multiplier-quotient register 34. The input variables for the operations unit 3, i. H. the operants and the control signals coming from the control unit 1 cause the supplied data to be processed in accordance with the computer program, the intermediate results are fed to the working memory 22 and the feedback signals are supplied to the control unit 1, as a result of which the control unit 1 is informed of the stage at which the current one is running Operation is in progress.

The input / output unit 4 is connected to the main memory 22 via a further bus line B1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the input / output unit 4 contains an input unit 41 in the form of a keyboard, an operating unit 42, an output processing 43 and an output unit 44 in the form of a screen device. Output unit can, for example, without changing the method according to the invention. B. a voice-controlled input-output unit can be used.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, as already explained, a program memory 21 and a text memory 24 are provided separately in the memory 2. Program memory 21 and text memory 24 are connected to the working memory 22. The processing of the means of the A _¬ transfer unit 41 input data is measured by the program in

^ ^" sentence ^{b /} at Memory 21 recorded computer program made. The position in the computer program is uniquely determined from the address of the command stored in the program memory 21. By means of the functional part of the command, a switch can now be given in the operation control 13 for the output of the intermediate result or output of the accompanying material belonging to the current program part and stored in the text memory 24. The operating unit 42 divides the screen area of the output unit 44 into sub-areas in a manner known per se. By means of supplied via a line L1 control signals of the control unit 1 ord _¬ net, the operation unit 42, the information carried over the bus line B1 zuge¬ one of the sub-regions to.

If program memory 21 and text memory 24 cher combined in a Spei¬, said storage areas of the Compu _¬ terprogramms and memory areas of the accompanying material anein¬ connect other, so sol¬ che control signals to the operating unit 42 will be given by means of the control unit 1 that the sequential segments for the Viewed in parallel, viewers appear in different sub-areas of the output unit 44. By means of the output processing 43 arranged between the operating unit 42 and the output unit 44, a field “error message” can be outlined in red on a color screen (see FIG. 2) in order to be able to visually present an error to the viewer even more clearly .

2 shows an example of the division of the screen area. The user is in a header line above displays the program section where the Computerpro _¬ program currently located. In an opposite Kom _¬ mandolina line K at the bottom of the screen area are queries and prompts to the operator what the expected _¬ Com puter program therefrom. The actual computer program runs in action field A, for which the operating personnel

Substitute BJ son has to enter the appropriate data. In the information field H, the operator is shown additional information and assistance. This information field H shows the accompanying material belonging to the computer program. In the event of incorrect or illogical entries, an error message appears in the lower part of the information field H and an indication of which entry the computer program is expecting. In the case of text programs, the screen structure can be modified in order, for example, to ensure that the action field A has the same number of writing points per line as on the document to be produced and printed out later. In such a case, the information field H and the field "error message" are arranged under the action field.

In the command field K, the computer program specifically asks for the respective details of the user or explains the next work step or gives alternatives for the input or specifies the next work steps. Entries made are always displayed in the command field K and can thus be checked by the user until the subsequent entry. After entering the action requested by the user in the command field K, the corresponding command is immediately deleted, so that the user recognizes that his entry is being processed or saved by the computer. Only when the program-controlled data processing system has made the entspre _¬-reaching processing of the data entered, and an intermediate result is worked out, the nachfol¬ constricting program step can be performed. As can be seen from the _foregoing , the computer program is supported at every point in the program sequence by means of assistance, which are displayed in the information field H. This support also includes a plausibility check for incorrect or illogical inputs by the user with entspre _¬ chendem Correction Notice.

Spare sheet FIG. 3 shows the program sequence associated with FIG. 2 when using the method according to the invention. The display shows the header line appears above and Kom _¬ mando line K.

The input text, which is shown in action field A, is output in the display and subsequently it is checked via _¬ whether a new text of the accompanying material is to be output for this input text. If the text part of the accompanying material is new, the corresponding text part is output in the information field H. In accordance with the queries or requests in the command line K which the computer program expects from the user, the input made by means of input unit 41 is displayed in action field A and at the same time a plausibility check is carried out by the program-controlled data processing system. If the input was not right, the information field H _¬ an error message is output, for example if tax rate in a multi-value _¬ between 14% and 29% of the permissible range is exceeded. If all entries are correct, the next part of the program is controlled by the computer program and, if the associated next in reference field H appears to _¬ rate information and assistance.

The storage effort to be provided for the computer program and the accompanying material is correspondingly distributed 45% to the user guidance and 55% to the computer program. The whole memory area using a program-controlled data processing system 64 by Commodore C is about 120 kbytes for the application of a _"¬ Lagerbestandsver administration" program. To be able to frame the same time show the companion material to _¬ in a screen _¬ a single program part of the computer _¬ program and the associated part, is to provide for a computer program for the program technical solution a programming time of 60% of accompanying materials and 40%.

Claims

P A T E N T A N S P R Ü C H E

Method for user guidance when entering data into a work memory (22) of a program-controlled data processing system with a control unit (1), a memory unit (2), which has at least one program memory (21) and the main memory (22), an operation unit ( 3) and an input / output unit (4), the control unit (1), storage unit (2), operation unit (3) and input / output unit (4) being connected to one another. the stand, _t characterized in that the programmge¬ controlled data processing system comprises an additional Text¬ memory (24), in which support material is stored to at least one computer program, and which on the one hand communicates with the control unit (1) connected, on the other hand, to the memory (22 ) istr ^* τrπd that the control material (1) reads out the accompanying material parallel to the program run of the computer program from the text memory (24) and outputs it to the input / output unit (4).

Ers

2. The method according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that in the program memory (21) the computer program and the associated accompanying material are stored in contiguous memory areas and that, according to the program sequence for processing by means of the input-output unit (4th ) eingege _¬ entered data, the corresponding to the current computer program section accompanying material and the intermediate results of data processing to the input-output unit (4) are output.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the program memory (21) is designed as an external data carrier and in a manner known per se, the memory content is loaded in sections into the main memory (22).

4. Device for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input-output unit (4) has an operating unit (42) and an output unit (44) connected to this with a screen area that the operating unit _{¬ unit} (42) with the control unit (1) and the storage unit

(2) is connected that by means of the operating unit (42) the screen area is divided into sub-areas in a manner known _per se and that the supplied accompanying material is displayed in a sub-area by means of the operating unit (42) in connection with the control unit (1).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the operating unit (42) with the working memory (22) and this is connected both to the program memory (21) and to the text memory (24) and that by means of a in the control unit (1) arranged operation control (13) and one of the control unit (1) arranged _¬ command unit (11) driven address register (23) is either a Memory area from the program memory (21) or a memory area from the text memory (24) is read out.

6. Device according to claim 4 and 5, characterized in that the operating unit (42) divides the screen surface in min _¬ least four functional subregions that from the program memory (21) the name ration of the respective part of the program and requests based on the address and Ope¬ or requests to the operator are read out and displayed in plain text by means of the operating unit (42) in a heading line (ü) and an opposite command line (K) that the data entered by means of the input unit (41) are displayed in the action field (A) in between and that the accompanying material is displayed in an adjacent information field (H) with / or without an integrated "error message" field.

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the input-output unit (4) with the Betriebsein _{¬ unit} (42) and the output unit (44) connected output _¬ processing (43) which has the field "error message" bordered in red on color screens.

Replacement bill