EP0825501A1 - Program controlled switching device with menu command - Google Patents

Abstract

The time-switch has a microprocessor (MP), a program memory (PS), a touch-switch (CL) for program choice, a numerical input (ZS) and a program/data display (D). The switch directs one or more external switches (RK). Touch-controlled main and secondary menus facilitate choice of application. The display is a multi-line alphanumeric controllable matrix. The lead menu offers a choice of operation e.g. time-control, thermostat, automatic light switch. The numerical input can be used to program in hours and minutes or days/months/years, for example. A measuring signal (ME), processed through an analogue-digital converter (A/D), is used where temperature or brightness measurements are required. Thus the time-switch is easily operated for any one of several different applications, without using a handbook.

Description

The invention relates to a built-in time switch with a Microprocessor with an associated control program, a Timers with input buttons for a program selection, too a setting of programmed counters and one respective election confirmation and with a display device a program and operating data display and at least a measurement signal input, the measurement signal in an analog-digital converter digitized and then according to the program is processed, as well as with at least one output side connected controlled switch, control program on key-controllable menu program with a main menu and Submenus and counter setting menu items of the programmed Counter and a menu display program part and Counter representation program parts included.

Such a built-in timer is from "Electronics World '96", Catalog from Conrad Electronic, 92240 Hirschau, valid from August '95, pp. 71 - 73, 990, 1065, where "Dialog Z" UP timer described a programmed device which includes different types of devices, such as timers, Twilight switches, random switches, etc., which are replaced by a Program selection must be activated and for which the associated setting options one after the other for execution Tobe offered. The numerical display only allows one limited program selection and functional representation.

There are also standardized built-in time switches in different versions as "2-channel digital Weekly timer "and as" electronic weekly timer " with a width of only 35 mm and numerical LCD display. Each device type is individually designed. It will detailed operating instructions for all switching devices required.

Furthermore, DE 42 10 874 A1 describes an electronic time switch which has a microprocessor which contains a fixed setting program and an operating program. The operating functions and the operating functions are each visualized in certain special fields of the display device. This means that the display device is designed to match the timer functions and the entire switching device can only be used in this way. The setting of new switching default times and a new time and date specification requires precise knowledge of the setting operating functions, which are generally to be attached to each switching device as extensive printed operating instructions in a variety of languages.
The desired switching times, the so-called programming, are set in a program-controlled manner each time a button is pressed, by changing counter readings and, after pressing an operating button, they are stored in a memory which the operating control program accesses.

It is also from the "Database for PC network" in: Computer personal, issue 23 of October 29, 1996, p. 82, known, so-called personal computer, with a menu control program equip, the functions to be selected in each case as Text blocks on the screen next to and / or one below the other are shown and each activated or activatable Functions on the screen through negative display, Bold, flashing functions and / or cursor marked are. A timer that is just a few inches wide and high may be in order to be usable in standardized installation systems, offers no space for the usual amount of information of a menu with sub-menus.

Furthermore, a digital wristwatch is known from US Pat. No. 5,477,508 known with a 6-line X-numeric LCD display that has menu control for the function settings, the main menu is different modes, like alarm clock, Lets choose stopwatch and calculator as well as time settings and the setting functions in the associated submenus are to be carried out, with corresponding digital Time representations or number field representations for display come.

It is an object of the invention, starting from the mentioned switching device, a universal, in particular also usable as a timer, electronic To create switching device that also without Operating manual for members of different language groups easy to set up and adjust.

The solution to the problem is that the program is a Leitmenue includes which via a special key or via a coded switch combination is to be selected and with the one each from different representable Switchgear types, such as time switch, thermostatic switch, Alarm clock, twilight switch and pulse clock, selected Switching device type in each case a suitable selection of Main menu items can be assigned, and that the Menu program includes a language selection menu in which a menu text table in different languages is assigned to the appropriate language, each according to the menu selection, what the Display device a multi-line alphanumerically controllable Dot matrix is dependent and that the menu display program part from a selected menu item, if this is one The main menu item is the table text of this and several the following main menu items or if this is a sub-menu item, the table text of this and at least the associated main menu item, and if necessary at least. an associated counter representation on the display device brings to representation.

The subclaims indicate advantageous further developments.

The device according to the invention provides the possibility of using one device, many different so far Device types, such as time switch, thermostatic switch, alarm clock, Twilight switch and / or pulse clock to replace. Quite a few such device types have partial functions in the same way. So all clock types have the setting of the time and if necessary the Weekdays and a date together. Furthermore are Comparison times for switch-on times, switch-off times or record switching time and keep it ready. Furthermore some control devices have digital or analog measuring inputs monitor, why record and save comparison values are. Some of the functions are basic and others optional.

Table 1 gives an overview of a main menu. If a device type is selected, the option can be exercised when setting up the function and a determination can be made for the intended purpose, which items should appear in the menu. Additional menu item combinations or additional main menu items and submenus can be programmed and added. This simplifies the development of new switchgear types and increases their production quantities, product life and simplifies storage, repair and customer service. The saving in manuals also makes logistics and customer service easier. The addition of another language only requires its text table.
The device type for which a switching device is to be used is either menu-controlled by means of a special key operation when switching on via the entry into the main menu, or in another version by code specification at inputs of the microprocessor via solder bridges or switches. The type of assignment of measurement signal inputs, for example a temperature sensor or a brightness sensor, can also be used in accordance with the program to determine the type of device.

By selecting the mother tongue, every operator receives the necessary information unmistakable. It is through the novel strategy that and only that on the Display device shown what is in each Operation is worth knowing. So are textual either the selected main menu item and several subsequent menu items displayed, so that unnecessary points according to the picture by a Menu key press can be run through, or the Main menu item with the sub-menu item and the associated one Counter range is displayed. With the confirmation button the counter areas and submenu items gradually processed, the respectively set counter readings to the Corresponding memory area of the operating program supplied will.

The return from the end of a submenu always leads to back to the original main menu item, so that afterwards detected incorrect setting the submenu very easily the confirmation button can be called up again. The Key operations are only evaluated according to the program if an approved function has to be carried out according to the menu. Impossible time settings, missing partners of one Number pairs, impossible date values are programmed excluded or requested, for which purpose saved to the menu Supplementary texts can serve.

Ease of use results from a Large-number display over two or three line heights enough, then only one line of text for the main menu text and if necessary. one are provided for a submenu text.

The days of the week are user-friendly due to the usual language Letter combinations are shown instead of numbers.

Table 1 shows an example of a switching device with a Switching relay, which on up to four inputs and Switch-off times, to be assigned to the days of the week can be programmed in timer mode. are If several relays are provided, there are additional lines for this Add table.

Operation with just four buttons is just as easy as setting a clock or an alarm clock, since the display always provides information about what is currently being set and otherwise shows no confusing ballast. The menu key only enables switching to a new menu item if the sub-functions are completed. Entry, continuation and termination of the sub-functions and setting functions are initiated with the confirmation key, the OK key. The meter readings to be entered are either counted with the menu button, then only two buttons are to be provided, or with a pre-and if necessary. Countdown key. The usual quick counting function can also be provided for continuous operation. Main menu pool Time switch Thermal timer Alarm clock Twilight switch Astron. Twilight switch Pulse clock D, F, GB ... X X X X X X X X Time X X X X X X date X X X X X Standard program O O Relay 1 Progr 1 X X X Relay 1 Progr 2 X X X Relay 1 Progr 3 X X X Relay 1 Progr 4 X X X geogr. Latitude north X geogr. Latitude south X geogr. Longitude east X geogr. Longitude west X Switching delay X T min (reduction) X T max (target) X Frost protection + 5 ° C X lux X Start of impulse X X Pulse duration X Reset X X X X X PIN code O O O O O O Summer Winter X X X X Automatic X X X X X X A permanent O O O O O Off permanently O O X O O O Help O O O O O O X = standard
O = option

Table 2 illustrates the function of a single channel Time switch a graded sequence of main menu items, Submenu items and counter setting items.

In the left column are all the main menu texts to be provided specified, which of course in the text table dense sequence are entered. There is one from there Reference to the associated submenu or counter setting menu, the can be found in the second and third columns.

To the four main menu items "Relay 1", "Program 1" etc. of course to connect the settings menu. If there are several relays in a multi-channel time switch, there are additional main menu items. Of course the points "Progr. 1" to "Progr. 4" from the Divide the main menu into a submenu. Then these are to connect the subordinate setting menu items. The The main menu then only contains "Relay 1", "Relay 2" Etc.

This overview table of the function sequences shows the variety of design options. Since a four-line display is provided, four levels of the menu should not be exceeded if the text entry is to be visualized from each active level. The subsequent steps in a menu level can often be expediently represented in double or triplet fields, such as hour-minutes or hour-minute-seconds or day-month-year or vice versa.

Tables 3 - 9 clearly show how the Device when used as a single channel time switch, i.e. with only a relay output.

The previously pressed key is in the left column specified. In the second column is the display picture and in The third column is a functional comment shown.

From the main menu, the current point is in the top one Line and brought in negative representation. In the settings menu the meter positions to be influenced are flashing intended. The numbers are preferably over two line heights trained if only a time, number or date is to be displayed.

Table 6 shows how in the 1st and 5th block for example the on and off times for "Progr. 1" and "Program 2" certain days of the week, here Monday to Friday, be assigned. Then in the further course of programming the on and off times of "Progr. 3" the last two Allotted weekdays.

The assignment of a PIN number with which a later adjustment the program can be prevented by unauthorized persons shown as an example. The adjustability of hundreds of groups has proven to be more convenient compared to a decade setting proven.

Tab. 9 in the main menu item "Automatic" is the transition to Switching operating state provided.

In this the current operating data are continuously updated Brought ad. There are different types of display can be provided according to the program, which are shown as examples and known, firmly marked display devices orientate. The clearly arranged elements are one digital current time and date display, as well as a bar or sector-based switching times with Scaling information. A grid-like structure of the beams facilitates the overview.

You can return to the main menu from the operating display status at any time and the setting operating status can be retrieved when the OK button is operated. The next menu states are a permanent switch-on and then a permanent switch-off, which are useful for test purposes or in special cases. From there, the start of the main menu is reached by pressing a menu button.

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of the device. Of the Microprocessor (MP) contains a program memory (PS) that the program parts of the operating program, menu processing and the display of the menu texts and counter memory contents contains. Another memory section (MTS) is used to keep the Menu pools and the menu texts. There are also meter memories (ZS) provided for the counting memory contents that the Buffering when counting the key impulses as well as the Provision of the counter values for the comparison function of the Operating program.

Marker cell memories (MZS) are also provided, which keep the current status of the menu.
Image storage areas (BS) are also provided, which contain the various image representations as well as the image currently to be displayed.

A time pulse generator (CL) is required for the timer function provided, the pulses in a counter input of a Daily time counter (Tz) can be entered, the Overflow signals given in the input of a date counter (Dt) will.

The data of the image to be displayed are from the Image memory (BS) via a control unit (DC) to the Hand over display device (D), which is a dot matrix.

Four lines are expediently vertical to provide at least 32 points. The line length is appropriate 128 points. A higher resolution results in more effort better character rendering or display additional lines if more complex functions are to be programmed are.

On the input side are the four control buttons (Menu, OK, T +, T-,) connected and if necessary. three selection switches (S1, S2, S3), the coded selection of the function of each Switchgear types are used.

For thermal or twilight system functions is a Measuring signal input (ME) provided to an analog-digital converter (A / D) leads.

The microprocessor (MP) switches on the output side if necessary. about an amplifier, at least one relay (R1), whose contact (RK) is to be connected externally.

The entire circuit is in a standard row-mount housing (G) of about 35 mm width according to FIG. 2 to accommodate together with a power supply. The front is mainly occupied with the display device (D) and below equipped with two and two buttons (Menu, Ok, T-, T +) that are good with one or better with two neighboring fingers are operating.

If the menu key (menu) is omitted, the counting keys (T +, T-) are used to advance through the menu. It is then within the scope of the logic to also use the countdown key (T-) for switching back in the menu. The up-counting key (T +) is sensibly arranged to the right of the down-counting key (T-), since advancing, e.g. also in the weekday display, then runs to the right with the right key (T +) and vice versa with the left key (T-) Left. In the menu, a progression corresponds to a step down in the representation of the points.
Alternatively, it is ergonomic to arrange the up-count key (T +) above and the down-count key (T-) below. The other two buttons (OK, Menu) are then preferably to the right.

Claims (13)

Built-in time switch with a microprocessor (MP) with an associated control program, a time clock (CL) with input buttons for a program selection, for setting programmed counters (ZS) as well as a respective confirmation of selection and with a display device (D) for a program and operating data display and with at least one measurement signal input (ME), whose measurement signal is digitized in an analog-digital converter (A / D) and then processed according to the program, and with at least one controlled switch (RK) connected on the output side, the control program being a key-controllable menu program with a main menu and Includes submenus and counter setting menu items of the programmed counters, as well as a menu display program part and counter display program parts,
characterized in that the program comprises a main menu, which is to be selected via a special key or via a coded switch combination (S1, S2, S3) and with which one of the various switchgear types, such as time switch, thermostatic switch, alarm clock, twilight switch and pulse clock, is selected Switching device type can be assigned a suitable selection of main menu items, and that the menu program includes a language selection menu in which different language information is assigned a menu text table in the corresponding language, which are to be displayed according to the menu selection, for which purpose the display device (D) has a multiple line is an alphanumerically controllable dot matrix, and that the menu display program part, depending on a selected menu item, if this is a main menu item, displays the table text of this and several subsequent main menu items or if this is a submenu item, the table text of this and at least the associated main menu item, and if necessary. brings at least one associated counter display to the display device (D). Built-in time switch according to claim 1, characterized in that that the control program each time an actuation Menu key (menu) currently on the activated Menu item controls and activates the following menu item and each time an election confirmation key is pressed (Ok), if a menu item subordinate to the current menu item is given, this controls and activated, or if that activated menu item is followed by a counter setting menu item, this is controlled and activated, and if no other menu item of the same rank follows the current menu item The original main menu item is reactivated and activated and whenever a meter setting menu item is exited the respective meter reading into one of the respective Counter setting menu item assigned memory Execution system program is saved. Built-in time switch according to claim 2, characterized in that when one of the counter setting menu items is activated is, each time a counter setting key is pressed (T +, T-) the selected counter is counted up or down and the menu button (menu) functions as a counter setting button. Built-in time switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control program each time an operating switch menu item (automatic) is activated, current operating states and a circuit program overview for Display that comes as a linear bar chart or as a ring sector diagram is configured. Built-in time switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counter representations Single counters, pairs of decades or groups of hundreds or Hour-minute counter, triplet-wise day-month-year counter or Year-month-day counter and a day of the week counter include, which are to be displayed according to the menu. Built-in time switch according to claim 5, characterized in that that the counter representations of the hour-minute counter and / or the day-month-year counter or year-month-day counter are to be displayed according to the menu in a large number display. Built-in timer according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized characterized in that the table text of the currently activated Menu item is highlighted in terms of representation. Built-in time switch according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized characterized that the counter representation of each activated counter range is controlled flashing. Built-in time switch according to claim 1, characterized in that that the measurement signal (ME) is a temperature measurement signal and in a thermostat switching program or Thermostat timer program is used or that Measurement signal (ME) is a brightness signal and in one Twilight switch or twilight timer program used becomes. Built-in time switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is in a housing according to the standard for panel mounting devices or for installation mounting devices is arranged. Built-in time switch according to claim 1, characterized in that that the display device (D) four lines alphanumeric is controllable and overall at least 128 x 32 matrix points. Built-in time switch according to claim 3, characterized in that the three under the display device (D) Enter keys (Ok, T-, T +) or four enter keys (Menu, Ok, T-, T +). Built-in time switch according to claim 12, characterized in that that the counter keys (T-, T +) side by side in one Finger spacing are arranged, the up key (T +) to the right of the countdown key (T-).

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