JP2010128735A - Screen data editor apparatus, screen data editor program and recording medium on which the same is recorded - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily create an image exhibiting high operability in a state of being displayed on a programmable display. <P>SOLUTION: A screen data editor 13 in an editor computer 1 includes a guidance section 131 for guiding an arrangement of a partial image on a screen or a change in a partial image. The guidance section 131 has a guide 131a, a rearrangement section 131b and a batch conversion section 131c. The guide 131a moves the partial image to an arrangement position for the partial image on the other screen when the partial image that is the same as the partial image that is used on the other screen which is already created is arranged on the screen to be created. The rearrangement section 131b moves the partial image to the arrangement position of the partial image on the other screen when the partial image that is the same as the partial image with used frequency on the other screen not smaller than a stipulated value is arranged on the screen to be created. The batch conversion section 131c is changed to the partial image of a theme when the partial image arranged on the screen to be created is different from a stipulated theme (such as shape and color). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an editor device for creating screen data for displaying an image on a programmable display, and more particularly to a screen data editor device capable of designing screen data considering ergonomics.

  The programmable display has an interface with the host controller (PLC, inverter, temperature controller, etc.), and displays the operating status of the devices connected to the host controller and gives control instructions to the devices. This is an operation-type display with a function to accept input from the screen. In general, since the programmable display has a graphic display function, it can display an operation panel, a switch, an indicator lamp, and the like, and serves as an operation terminal in the control system.

  A display image displayed on the programmable display is created by a user using screen creation software (screen editor) as screen data. When creating a screen, a user configures a desired display image using components, drawing functions, and the like provided by screen creation software in a general-purpose personal computer or the like. In creating screen data using a part image, the user selects a desired part image from a number of parts prepared in advance and arranges it on the base image displayed in the drawing area. Screen data as a display image created by placing a component image on the base image and possibly further arranging a component image on the component image arranged on the base image is transferred to and stored in a programmable display. When the host controller is in operation, an output component image such as a meter display on the display image displayed on the display unit of the programmable display dynamically changes according to the state of the device connected to the host controller. In addition, an input operation on a display image to an input component such as a switch is given to the device as a control instruction.

  In general, a large number of display images to be displayed on a programmable display are prepared because they are sequentially switched and displayed according to processing steps and the like. In many display images, the same component image is often used. In the case of creating such a large number of display images, there is a risk of confusion in operation unless the same component image is used for one device. For this reason, when creating a display image that uses a component image corresponding to a certain device, another generated display image using the component image is referred to or used as a component image corresponding to the device. It was necessary to write down the part name and part number of the common part image.

  Further, when the same component image is used in many different display images, if the component image arrangement position is not remembered, the component image is arranged at a different position for each display image. For this reason, when the completed display image is switched and displayed, the same component image is displayed at a different position between the display images, so there is a problem that there is no sense of unity between the display images and the operation is confused.

  In addition, when a user who is not familiar with screen data creation creates screen data, the user may not be able to create it with sufficient consideration of operability when a display image is displayed on a programmable display. For example, if a switch part image is arranged above a portion for displaying a message for an operation, there is a problem that when the switch part image is operated, the message display is hidden by hand and cannot be confirmed.

  Except for the field of screen data creation of a programmable display, for example, as described in Patent Document 1 and Cited Document 2, a technique for simplifying input work is known.

  In Patent Document 1, an instruction unit for instructing the processing content of image data is displayed near the screen area where the image data is displayed on the image editing menu screen of the electronic album system, and when the selection of the instruction unit is accepted, And processing image data. In addition, Patent Document 1 describes that the above configuration takes ergonomic considerations, and thus various image processing is performed with a simple input operation.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 describes that the creation of presentation content is performed by adding external software to reduce the time and facilitate the change. Specifically, Patent Document 2 describes that a single content can be numbered and a number of mutually related content can be designated as the same number so that one composite content can be created. ing. Further, Patent Document 2 describes that the position and size of each content that is divided and displayed in one display device can be set with one touch.
JP 2000-99755 A (published April 7, 2000) JP 2005-108163 A (published April 21, 2005)

  However, the technology that simplifies the processing of the image and the creation of the content for presentation as described above is different from the display image for the programmable display device described above, and the above-described specific method for creating the screen of the programmable display device. The problem cannot be solved.

  In recent years, programmable displays have been widely used in restaurant order systems, building management, amusement facilities, hospitals, and the like, and are spreading outside the field of FA. For this reason, it is desirable to make it easy for a user who is not familiar with programmable displays to create screens.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a screen data editor device that can easily create a display image that exhibits high operability in a state displayed on a programmable display. It is an object.

  The screen data editor device according to the present invention is a screen data editor device that creates display screen data to be displayed on a programmable display by placing a component image having a specific function at a position designated in a base image by a user. In order to solve the above-described problem, a rule storage unit that stores a rule for changing at least one of the component image and the arrangement position of the component image, a rule reading unit that reads the rule, and the component The image processing apparatus includes a changing unit that changes at least one of the image and the arrangement position of the component image according to the read rule.

  In the above configuration, when the component image is arranged on the base image by the user, the changing unit or the arrangement of the component image or the component image according to the prescribed rule read by the rule reading unit from the rule storage unit Both are changed. Thereby, the arranged component image can be changed to an appropriate image component image according to the rule, or the position of the arranged component image can be changed to an appropriate position according to the rule.

  In the screen data editor device, when the arrangement position is changed, the display screen data in which the same component image as the already-arranged component image arranged in the already created display screen data is being created is changed. It is preferable that the arrangement position of the arrangement component image, which is an arrangement of the component image, is the same position as the arrangement position of the already arranged component image in the created display screen data. In this configuration, when the user arranges the component image on the base image, the arrangement unit changes the arrangement position of the arrangement component image to the same position as that of the already arranged component image. As a result, when a single display screen data is created, the component image can be arranged at the same arrangement position as the arrangement position of the already-arranged component image even if the user does not remember the arrangement position of the already-arranged component image.

  In the screen data editor device, the component image is associated with an address of a data storage memory of a programmable logic controller connected to the programmable display or an address of an internal data storage memory of the programmable display, and the change The means determines that the placement component image is the same as the placement component image when the address associated with the placement component image matches the address associated with the placement component image. Is preferred.

  In this configuration, since the component image is associated with the address of the data storage memory of the programmable logic controller, the component image is associated with the data of the device connected to the programmable logic controller and the component image is included in the programmable display. An image can be displayed. Alternatively, when the user arranges the component image on the base image, the changing unit determines that the arranged component image is the same as the arranged component image due to the coincidence of the addresses associated with the arranged component image and the arranged component image. The Accordingly, it is possible to easily determine that the arranged component image is the same as the already arranged component image by using an address generally associated with the device data.

  Alternatively, in this configuration, since the component image is associated with the address of the data storage memory in the programmable display device, the various data generated in the programmable display device and the component image are associated with each other on the programmable display device. An image including an image can be displayed. Further, when the component image is arranged on the base image, the changing unit determines that the arranged component image is the same as the arranged component image due to the coincidence of the addresses associated with the arranged component image and the arranged component image. Thereby, it is possible to easily determine that the arranged component image is the same as the already arranged component image by using the address associated with the data.

  In the screen data creation device, the part image is a touch operation part image for performing a touch operation, and the change unit is configured to display the display screen data that the touch operation part image is being created when the arrangement position is changed. It is preferable that the arrangement position is changed based on a rule for moving the touch operation component image into the specific area when the base operation image is arranged outside the specific area.

  In this configuration, when the user places the touch operation component image outside the specific region, the touch operation component image is moved into the region by the changing unit. This allows the user to be aware of the operability of the touch operation component image in the base image when creating a single display screen data if the above area is defined as a place where the touch operation component image is easy to operate. The touch operation component image can be arranged at a position where it can be easily operated.

  In the screen data creation device, the component image is a touch operation component image for performing a touch operation, and the changing unit changes the use frequency in the already created display screen data that has been created when the arrangement position is changed. Based on a rule for preferentially arranging the touch operation component images at predetermined positions when the touch operation component images that are equal to or larger than the predetermined number are also arranged in the base image of the display screen data being created. It is preferable to change the arrangement position.

  In this configuration, when the user arranges the touch operation component image, if the use frequency of the touch operation component image in the created display screen data is greater than or equal to the predetermined number by the changing unit, the touch operation component image is preferentially stored in advance. It is arranged at a predetermined position. Thus, the same touch operation component image as the touch operation component image frequently used in the plurality of already created display screen data can be always arranged at a certain position with good operability without the user being aware of it.

  In the screen data creation device, the component image is a touch operation component image for performing a touch operation, and the changing means includes a plurality of the base images of the display screen data being created when the arrangement position is changed. When the touch operation component images are arranged, it is preferable to change the arrangement position based on a rule of rearranging in a predetermined order.

  In this configuration, when the user arranges touch operation component images, the touch operation component images are rearranged in a predetermined order by the changing unit. Thereby, the arranged touch operation component images can be rearranged in an order that is convenient for the operation without the user being aware of it.

  In the screen data creation device, when changing the component image, the change means has already created display screen data in which a theme of the placement component image arranged in the base image of the display screen data being created has already been created. It is preferable that the arrangement part image is changed based on a rule for changing the arrangement part image to the part image of the theme when the part image is different from the theme of the part image or a predetermined theme. Examples of the theme of the component image include shape, color, and display form.

  In this configuration, when the user arranges the component image, the arranged component image is changed by the changing unit so that the theme of the arranged component image matches the theme of the already arranged component image or the prescribed theme. Thereby, the arranged component images can be aligned with the theme of the already arranged component images in a plurality of or single display screen data without the user being conscious.

  In the screen data creation device, it is preferable that the changing unit collectively changes the plurality of component images already arranged based on a rule in the base image of the display screen data being created. Alternatively, it is preferable that the changing unit collectively changes a plurality of component images already arranged in one or more created display screen data based on a rule.

  In this configuration, after the plurality of component images are arranged in the base image by the changing unit, these component images are changed. Thereby, compared with the case where it changes every time one component image is arrange | positioned, it can change more efficiently.

  The screen data creation device preferably includes a rule setting unit that sets the rule. In this configuration, the rule can be changed by the changing unit according to the user's preference and proficiency level by setting the rule by the rule setting unit.

  The screen data editor program of the present invention is a screen data editor program for causing a computer to function as any of the screen data editor devices described above, and is a program for causing the computer to function as each of the above-described means. The editor program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. As described above, the screen data editor apparatus can be realized by causing the computer to read and execute the screen data editor program.

  As described above, the editor device according to the present invention arranges a part image having a specific function at a designated position in the base image by the user, or in some cases, designated in the part image arranged in the base image. Rule storage means for storing a rule for defining at least one of the component image and the arrangement position of the component image in a screen data editor device for creating display screen data to be displayed on the programmable display by arranging at a position And a rule reading means for reading out the rule, and a changing means for changing at least one of the arranged part image and the arrangement position of the part image in accordance with the read rule. Change the image to an appropriate image part image according to the rules, or place the placed part The position of the image and can change the proper position according to the rules. Therefore, it is possible to easily create a display image exhibiting high operability as screen data.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the screen editor device according to the present embodiment includes an editor computer 1. The editor computer 1 has a CPU, memory (RAM, ROM, etc.), external storage device (hard disk drive, MO drive, etc.), display device and input device (keyboard, mouse, etc.), and uses a general-purpose personal computer. can do. As shown in FIG. 1, the editor computer 1 includes a control unit 11, an interface unit (I / F in the figure) 12, a screen data editor unit 13, and a data storage unit 14.

  The interface unit 12 is a communication control unit for performing communication with the programmable display 2 and is connected to the transfer cable 3. For example, a USB cable or the like is used as the transfer cable 3.

  The programmable display device 2 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU and a touch panel 24, displays a display image for input operation and display created by the user, and operates the touch panel 24 to perform operations unique to the programmable display device. It is a dedicated computer that realizes functions and display functions.

  The programmable display 2 acquires a state of each device 5 through the PLC 4 by communication with the PLC 4 through a communication cable 6 such as a serial cable, and has a function to be displayed on a screen of the display 23 described later, for example. Have. The programmable display 2 has a function of instructing the PLC 4 to control the state of the device 5 in response to an operation on the touch panel 24 described later.

  The programmable display device 2 that is preferably used as an HMI device includes an HMI processing unit 21 as the center of control. The HMI processing unit 21 is a functional block realized by executing an HMI processing program.

  The HMI processing unit 21 acquires the state of the device 5 as data (state data) from the PLC 4 memory (external memory device described later) by communicating with the PLC 4 at predetermined time intervals or at predetermined events. Then, the state is displayed on the screen of the programmable display 2. Further, the HMI processing unit 21 obtains data written in a data storage area prepared in the programmable display 2, for example, a specific area of the data memory 26 (for example, an internal memory device described later), and its state is programmable. Display on the screen of the display 2. On the other hand, the HMI processing unit 21 communicates with the PLC 4 so as to update the data in the external memory device and the internal memory device in accordance with an operation on the touch panel 24 on the screen of the programmable display 2 or the like. Rewrite data and rewrite data in internal memory device.

  The HMI processing unit 21 also draws and displays the data acquired from the external memory device and the internal memory device on the screen of the programmable display device 2 based on the screen data created by combining component images to be described later. In addition, an operation for instructing a change in the state of the device 5 in accordance with an operation on the touch panel 24 on the screen is specified by the process definition information.

  The screen data is created by a screen data editor unit 13 to be described later, converted into a screen file in a format that can be processed by the HMI processing unit 21, and then transferred from the editor computer 1 via the transfer cable 3 to be data. Stored in the memory 26. Reception of the screen file in the programmable display device 2 is performed by the interface unit (I / F in the figure) 27.

  Further, the HMI processing unit 21 acquires the state of each device 5 stored in the memory of the PLC 4 through communication with the PLC 4 via the communication cable 6 by the interface unit (I / F in the figure) 28, and displays it on the display 23. It has a function of drawing and displaying the state of each device 5 on the displayed screen.

  Here, the PLC 4 will be described.

  The PLC 4 captures the state of the input device 5 via the input unit at every predetermined scan time such as several tens of ms, for example, in accordance with a logic program (ladder program or the like) created by the user, and outputs an output unit. Via the control instruction to change the state to the device 5 for output.

  As the input device 5, devices such as sensors (temperature sensors, optical sensors, etc.) and switches (push button switches, limit switches, pressure switches, etc.) are used. As the output device 5, an actuator, a relay, a solenoid valve, a display, or the like is used. These devices 5 are arranged in required parts such as a production line. In addition, an insubstantial switch component image or display component image provided on the user screen displayed on the programmable display 2 is also handled as the device 5.

  The memory 4a for data storage in the PLC 4 stores data (word data and bit data) indicating the state of the device 5 (output value from the device 5 and set value to the device 5) in an area specified by the device address. Storing. In the memory 4a, a word device and a bit device are set. The word device is set as an area for storing word data such as numeric values as input / output data, and is designated by a word address (device address). The bit device is set as an area for storing bit data such as an on / off state, and is set by a bit address (device address). With such a setting, the device 5 can be controlled by simply specifying and accessing any word device or bit device in the memory 4a as a device address, or information regarding the state can be individually taken out.

  Here, the memory area specified by the device address is referred to as an external memory device, and the device address is referred to as an external address. Further, a data storage area provided in the data memory 26 or the like in the programmable display device 2 is referred to as an internal memory device, and an address designated by the internal memory device is referred to as an internal address.

  A symbol name (symbol variable) is associated with the external address and the internal address. This symbol name is a name that can be arbitrarily set by the user. The event name such as the operation state (start, stop, etc.) of the device 5, the symbol corresponding to the device 5 such as SW corresponding to the switch or the lamp 5 corresponding to the lamp, the operation instruction, the physical quantity to be controlled, etc. Can be treated as

  Here, the description returns to the editor computer 1 again.

  The control unit 11 is a functional block realized by hardware (CPU, memory, etc.) and software (operating system, etc.), and controls execution of application programs and operations of peripheral devices. The control unit 11 has a work memory 11a in order to fulfill its function. The work memory 11a is constituted by a RAM or the like, and is used for the screen data editor unit 13 to expand the screen data.

  Further, the control unit 11 functions as the screen data editor unit 13 by executing screen creation data software (screen data editor program) which is an application program. The screen creation data software is recorded on a recording medium configured to be separable from the editor computer 1 and can be installed in the editor computer 1 from this storage medium. Moreover, the editor computer 1 functions as a screen data editor device by including the screen data editor unit 13.

  In FIG. 1, the screen data editor unit 13 is drawn separately from the control unit 11 for convenience.

  The above-mentioned recording medium (program medium) is a computer-readable recording medium, such as a tape system such as a magnetic tape or a cassette tape, a magnetic disk system such as a flexible disk or a hard disk, CD-ROM, MO, MD, DVD, etc. A card system such as an optical disk system, an IC card (including a memory card), or an optical card is suitable. In addition, the program medium may be a medium that carries a fixed program including a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash ROM, or the like.

  Further, if the editor computer 1 is placed in an environment connectable to a communication network including the Internet, it may be a medium that fluidly carries the program so as to download the program from the communication network. However, when the program is downloaded from the communication network in this way, the download program is preferably stored in the editor computer 1 in advance or installed from another recording medium.

  The screen data editor unit 13 is a component such as a switch, a lamp, a numeric keypad, various displays (for example, a numerical display, a meter display, and a graph display) so that user screen data that is user-specific screen data can be created. It has an image, drawing function, text input function, and so on. As the component image, not only a component image having a single function but also a component image having a plurality of functions such as a composite switch, a counter, and a timer are prepared. Also, other component images can be displayed superimposed on the component image.

  The component images as the objects (display elements) are registered with respective unique numbers, and are displayed in a browser format or an icon format as described later so that the user can easily select them. In addition, processing definition information (procedure for an object) corresponding to each function is given to the component image in advance. The drawing function is a function for drawing a line figure such as a straight line or a curve, drawing a basic figure such as various graphs, circles, squares, and triangles, and painting with a designated color or pattern in the figure.

  Further, the screen data editor unit 13 converts the created user screen data into a file format that can be processed by the HMI processing unit 21, and stores it in the data storage unit 14 configured by the external storage device. The screen data is stored as a project file together with communication setting information, connected device information, and the like, as a group of related screen data. Further, the screen data editor unit 13 reads the project file from the data storage unit 14 and transfers it to the programmable display device 2 via the transfer cable 3.

  Further, the screen data editor unit 13 has a function of setting an address input by the user in the component image. The addresses are the aforementioned external address and internal address. The screen data editor unit 13 also has a function of setting the symbol name input by the user in association with the address. As a result, the external address and the internal address can be managed with easy-to-understand names defined by the user.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the screen data editor unit 13 displays a drawing window 101 for the user to create screen data. The drawing window 101 includes a menu / icon display area 102, a tool area 103, a drawing area 104, and a guide message display area 105.

  The menu / icon display area 102 is provided in the upper part of the drawing window 101. The menu / icon display area 102 displays a menu bar including various menus for operation and a toolbar including various commands represented by icons and component images.

  The tool area 103 is an area for displaying a window for displaying various types of information, and is provided at the lower left end of the menu / icon display area 102. The tool area 103 includes a list window for displaying the created and stored images as thumbnails, a property window for displaying the attributes of the selected component image and display image, and an address setting window for displaying the address setting status. Etc. are displayed.

  The drawing area 104 is a work area for creating a display image, and is provided on the right side of the tool area 103 below the menu / icon display area 102. The screen data editor unit 13 arranges component images on the base image when the user selects the component image and designates the arrangement position on the base image displayed in the drawing area 104. For example, when the user selects an icon of a component image displayed in the menu / icon display area 102, the component image corresponding to the icon is displayed on the base image. Is performed by dragging to a desired position. Alternatively, when the component image is displayed in the browser format, the arrangement position is designated by the user dragging and dropping the component image to a desired position on the base image.

  The guide message display area 105 is an area for a message display section 131d of the guidance section 131 to be described later to display a message. The guide message display area 105 is provided at the bottom of the drawing window 101.

  The screen data editor unit 13 includes a guidance unit 131 that guides the user to create a screen. The guidance unit 131 includes a guide unit 131a, a rearrangement unit 131b, a batch conversion unit 131c, a message display unit 131d, and a rule setting unit 131e. The guide part 131a, the rearrangement part 131b, and the batch conversion part 131c each display a drawing window 101 as shown in FIGS.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, operation priority guide areas 104 a and 104 b are provided in the drawing area 104 in the drawing window 101. The operation priority guide area 104a is provided with a predetermined width at the right end of the drawing area 104, and the operation priority guide area 104b is provided with a predetermined width at the lower left end of the operation priority guide area 104a in the drawing area 104. However, the positions of the operation priority guide areas 104a and 104b change depending on the orientation of the screen as will be described later.

  Note that the widths of the operation priority guide areas 104a and 104b may be variable. Accordingly, the widths of the operation priority guide areas 104a and 104b can be changed according to not only the size of the user's finger but also the size and number of component images.

  In the drawing window 101, the guide unit 131a operates in the drawing area 104 when the position where the user places the part image for the touch operation is an area other than the operation priority guide areas 104a and 104b in the drawing area 104. The part image is guided to be preferentially arranged in the priority guide areas 104a and 104b. Specifically, the guide unit 131a instructs the message display unit 131d to display a message notifying that guidance is to be performed, and when the user receives a preferential placement instruction (such as pressing a specific function key), The arranged part image is moved to a specified position (the specified position will be described in detail later) in the operation priority guide areas 104a and 104b. Such movement of the component image to the specified position is specified in advance in a rule file described later.

  When moving the component image, the guide unit 131a indicates the specified position with the line cursor 107 as shown in FIG. 3, and transparently displays (shadow display) the component image (start key K1 in FIG. 3) at the specified position. In addition, when the user performs a click operation on the component image, the component image is actually displayed and the arrangement position is determined.

  The line cursor 107 indicates the position of the component image at the intersection of two straight lines in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. When the component image is a square, the intersection point indicates one vertex angle (or centroid) of the component image, and when the component image is a circle, the intersection point indicates the center of the component image.

  The specified position where the component image is arranged in the operation priority guide areas 104a and 104b is determined to be a predetermined position. Alternatively, the specified position may be determined based on the arrangement position (arrangement position coordinate information) of the same component image in the already created screen data, as will be described later.

  In addition to the guide processing as described above, when the component image is arranged by the user, the guide unit 131a is the same as the component image in the screen data already created in the same project file (already created display screen data). When there is a component image (already-arranged component image), guidance is provided so that the component image is arranged at the arrangement position of the component image. Specifically, the guide unit 131a compares the address or symbol name set in the arranged component image with the address or symbol name of each component image included in the screen data already created in the same project file. . Further, if the two match as a result of the collation, the guide unit 131a determines that the arranged component image is the same as the component image in the screen data, and the arrangement position for guiding the arrangement position of the component image. decide. This is because the component images correspond to the addresses and symbol names on a one-to-one basis. Such a change (replacement) of the arrangement of the component image to the already arranged component image is defined in advance in a rule file to be described later.

  Further, when the guide unit 131a determines that the same part image as the part image arranged by the user in the screen data being created exists in the created screen data, the guide unit 131a is located at the same position as the arrangement position in the already created screen data. The message display unit 131d is instructed to display a message prompting the user to place the component image. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the “start key” has already been placed in the guide message display area 105. Guides to the previously placed position. Is displayed.

  Here, when the first screen data in the series of screen data is created, there is no component image already arranged. At this time, if the part image is placed in an area other than the operation priority guide areas 104a and 104b in the drawing area 104 by the user, the guide unit 131a prompts the user to place the part image in the operation priority guide areas 104a and 104b. Is displayed to the message display unit 131d.

  Note that the guide unit 131a determines that the same part image as the part image arranged by the user on the screen that is being created exists in the screen data that has already been created, is not limited to the above address or symbol name collation. For example, the same determination can be made by comparing the part number of the arranged part image with the part number of each part image included in the already created screen data.

  When the user arranges a part image for a touch operation in the drawing window 101, the rearrangement unit 131b selects the part image arranged by the user if the use frequency of the same part image in other screen data is equal to or higher than a specified value. Guide the part images that are frequently used to be rearranged at positions that are easier to operate. In addition, when the user arranges a part image for a touch operation, the rearrangement unit 131b guides the rearrangement unit 131b to rearrange the parts in a prescribed order.

  Specifically, when the user arranges the component image on the base image, the rearrangement unit 131b instructs the message display unit 131d to display a message that the rearrangement is performed, and also instructs the user to perform rearrangement (specification). When the function key is pressed, the component image arranged by the user is moved to a position to be rearranged based on a rule defined in a rule file described later. Further, the rearrangement instruction may be performed from a menu displayed in the menu / icon display area 102. As a result, the rearrangement can be performed according to the user's request regardless of whether or not the message is displayed. Alternatively, the rearrangement unit 131b may rearrange the component images without receiving an instruction from the user when the frequency of use of the same component image as the component image that has been arranged is equal to or more than the specified number of times.

  As the rules for rearrangement defined in the rule file, for example, the above-described usage frequency, priority placement position, and rearrangement pattern are prepared. The use frequency is a criterion for performing rearrangement, and is the number of times (frequency) that the same component image appears in the screen data (created display screen data) already created in the same project file. The priority placement position defines a position (top, middle, bottom, etc.) where a part image with the highest use frequency is preferentially placed. The rearrangement pattern defines a rearrangement pattern, such as ASCII order or reverse ASCII order. In ASCII order, the code of the first character of the character string (nameplate, etc.) appended to the placed part image is rearranged so that it is in ASCII order, and in reverse ASCII order, it is rearranged in the reverse order. . This rule can be set for each type of component image.

  First, when the part image is arranged by the user, the rearrangement unit 131b instructs the message display unit 131d to display a message prompting the rearrangement. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), for example, "F10" should be pressed when rearranging according to the frequency of key use. Is displayed in the guide message display area 105.

  When the user performs a rearrangement instruction operation (pressing “F10” in the above case), the rearrangement unit 131b has already created the address or symbol name set in the component image in the same project file. Collate with the address or symbol name of each component image included in the screen data. When the rearrangement unit 131b determines that, as a result of the collation, the arranged component image is the same as the component image in these screen data, the use frequency is set to 1, and the same collation is performed for all screen data. The total usage frequency is obtained by doing.

  Further, when the rearrangement unit 131b determines that the use frequency has reached the specified use frequency, the rearrangement unit 131b moves the component image arranged by the user to the arrangement position (arrangement position coordinate information) of the same component image. . If the rearrangement unit 131b determines that the use frequency has not reached the specified use frequency, the rearrangement unit 131b rearranges the component images based on the rearrangement pattern.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the user places the key K1 labeled “Start” at the top and the key K2 labeled “Return” at the bottom in the operation priority guide area 104a. In addition, keys K3, K5, and K4 labeled “F1”, “F3”, and “F2” are sequentially arranged between the keys K1 and K2, respectively. In this state, when rearrangement is instructed by the user, as shown in FIG. 4B, the key K1 determined to have the highest use frequency maintains the top position, and the use frequency is the key K1. The key K2, which is determined to be the next highest, is arranged below the key K1. If the rearrangement pattern for the function keys is set in ASCII order, as shown in FIG. 4B, the keys K3 to K5 are added in the order of “F1”, “F2”, and “F3”. Rearranged from the top.

  The batch conversion unit 131c displays a theme that is arranged to be a prescribed theme when a part image for a touch operation arranged by the user is different from a predefined theme (attribute) in the drawing window 101. Convert parts images of different parts at once. Specifically, the batch conversion unit 131c instructs the guide message display unit 131d to display a message notifying that batch conversion is to be performed, and receives a batch conversion instruction (such as pressing a specific function key) from the user. The component images arranged by the user are collectively converted based on rules defined in a rule file to be described later.

  As a rule for batch conversion defined in the rule file, a common theme is set for component images included in all screens in the same project file. Or as said rule, the theme prescribed | regulated irrespective of the other screen in the same project file may be set. As the theme, at least the shape (rectangular shape, circular shape, etc.), color, display form (real display, flat display, etc.) of the component image are prepared. The real display is a three-dimensional display form in which a shadow is given so as to be closer to the real object, and the flat display is a flat display form.

  First, the batch conversion unit 131c instructs the message display unit 131d to display a message prompting batch conversion when a part image with a different theme is arranged by the user. As a result, as shown in Fig. 5 (a), for example, "The key has been changed. To perform batch conversion according to the theme, press" F11 ". Is displayed in the guide message display area 105. When the user performs a batch conversion instruction operation (pressing “F11” in the above case), the rearrangement unit 131b is specified with a part image of a theme different from the specified theme among all the arranged part images. Convert to a part image of the selected theme.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5A, a circular key K11 labeled “Start” is placed next to the operation priority guide area 104a by the user, and a square key K12 labeled “Return” is displayed. Located below. In this case, if the specified theme is circular and has a symbol, as shown in FIG. 5B, the key K11 that matches the specified theme remains as it is by the batch conversion, and the key K12 that does not match the specified theme remains. Is converted into a key K13 that matches the prescribed theme.

  As described above, the message display unit 131d receives a message display instruction from the guide unit 131a, the rearrangement unit 131b, and the batch conversion unit 131c, and displays a specified message in the guide message display area 105. The message is stored in a predetermined storage area (for example, a data storage unit), and the corresponding message is read from the storage area and displayed in response to a message display instruction.

  The rule setting unit 131e sets various rules specified by the rule file input by the user. The rule file is stored in the data storage unit 14 (rule storage unit), and is read from the data storage unit 14 to the work memory 11a by the rule setting unit 131e (rule reading unit) and updated as appropriate. As the rules, the above-described usage frequency and rearrangement pattern for rearrangement, and the above-described theme of component images for batch conversion are prepared. In addition, as for the rule, a screen usage pattern, a minimum touch size, and the like are prepared.

  The rule file may be created by the rule setting unit 131e, or may be created as a general-purpose file such as CSV by another personal computer and read into the editor computer 1.

  The screen usage mode is a mode when the screen is displayed on the programmable display device 2, and the screen orientation (vertical / horizontal) and the dominant hand (right-handed / left-handed) are set. The display form of the drawing area 104 (drawing window 101) is determined in accordance with the screen use form. The drawing area display form shown in FIG. 6A is horizontal and right-handed, and the priority operation guide area 104a is arranged on the right side. On the other hand, the drawing area display form shown in FIG. 6B is horizontal and left-handed, and the priority operation guide area 104a is arranged on the left side. The drawing area display form shown in FIG. 7A is vertical and right-handed, and the priority operation guide area 104b is arranged on the right side. On the other hand, the drawing area display form shown in FIG. 7B is vertical and left-handed, and the priority operation guide area 104b is arranged on the left side.

  At the time of shipment of the above-described screen creation software for realizing the screen data editor unit 13, the drawing area display form shown in FIG. 6A is set as a standard. The drawing area display mode can be changed. In this way, it is possible to select a drawing area display form that is easy for the user to use according to the usage situation. The screen data editor unit 13 displays a drawing window 101 corresponding to the set drawing region display form, and the guidance unit 131 performs the above-described guide, rearrangement, and batch conversion in the drawing region display form.

  The minimum touch size defines the minimum size that can be touched by the component image to be arranged. When the screen creation software is shipped, the standard setting is, for example, 40 × 40 dots. However, the setting can be changed to another minimum touch size according to the convenience of the user. Thereby, when the programmable display 2 is used in a place where there are many children and elderly people, the size is changed to a larger minimum touch size so as to be easily operated, and a part image smaller than that is limited so as not to be arranged. be able to.

  In addition to the rules specified in the rule file, whether or not to perform the above-mentioned guide, rearrangement and batch conversion, and transparently display the part image while the above-mentioned guide or rearrangement is waiting for the final decision by the user Whether or not it is also prepared. These rules are also basically set at any time when the screen creation software is shipped, but can be changed according to the convenience of the user.

  In the editor computer 1 configured as described above, since the screen data editor unit 13 includes the guidance unit 131, when a part image is arranged by the user, the above-described guide, replay is performed according to the rule file setting. Arrangement and batch conversion are appropriately performed.

  The part 131 arranged in the area other than the operation priority guide areas 104a and 104b in the screen data being created is moved and rearranged in the operation priority guide areas 104a and 104b by the guide unit 131a. Therefore, for example, when a right-handed screen display form is selected, the component images are concentrated on the operation priority guide area 104a provided on the right side, so that a screen with good operability can be created. . Further, the component image arranged on the screen being created is moved and rearranged by the guide to the same position as the same component image in other already created screen data. Therefore, the arrangement positions of the same component images can be made uniform between the screens, and the arrangement positions of the same component images can be made uniform between the screens.

  The rearrangement unit 131b rearranges the component images arranged in the base image of the screen data being created at positions according to the usage frequency and the prescribed order. Therefore, the component image can be arranged at a position where it can be easily operated.

  The batch conversion unit 131c batch converts the component images arranged in the base image of the screen data being created into a prescribed theme. Therefore, the theme of the component image can be made uniform between the screens, and a sense of unity can be given to the component images between the screens. In addition, the batch conversion unit 131c may convert the theme of the arranged component images in the already created screen data after creating one or more screen data as well as during the creation of the screen data. it can. In addition, it is possible to collectively change the position and rearrangement of the arranged component images. Furthermore, not only the theme can be changed, but also the arrangement position can be changed all at once.

  As described above, since the screen data editor unit 13 includes the guidance unit 131, it is possible to realize an arrangement of component images that is ergonomically preferable. Therefore, a screen with good operability can be created.

Further, by using the rule setting unit 131 e, when the user changes the setting of rules as appropriate, can be customized according to the guidance feature preferences and screen creation proficiency of the user. Therefore, for example, if the proficiency level increases, the screen can be smoothly created by setting to reduce the guidance function. For example, instead of displaying a message in the guide message display area 105 according to the guidance function for each arrangement of component images, a simple simple message such as “Match the previous arrangement” is used first. The rule file is set so that only the display is performed and no message is displayed for the subsequent component image arrangement on the screen. Thus, the user is freed from the trouble of confirming the display of the message for each arrangement of the component images and performing an instruction operation corresponding to the message display.

  The screen data editor unit 13 has a function of selecting a guidance mode when using the guidance function by the guidance unit 131 and selecting a normal mode when not using the guidance function. Thereby, a guidance function can be utilized according to a user's convenience.

  In the present embodiment, in the screen data currently being created, the guide unit 131a and the rearrangement unit 131b may perform change processing for each of the component images, but a plurality of component images are arranged. The change process may be performed collectively. In addition, the batch conversion unit 131c collectively converts the themes of a plurality of component images arranged in the base image, but the arranged component images may be converted one by one. In addition, the guide unit 131a, the rearrangement unit 131b, and the batch conversion unit 131c may collectively perform a change process on the component image for the once created screen.

  Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrated the example which produces the screen data used as the display image displayed on the programmable display 2 connected to PLC4, the use of the programmable display 2 is not limited to this. For example, the guidance function by the guidance unit 131 can also be used in creating screen data to be a display image when the programmable display 2 is used in a restaurant order system.

  In the order system, since the device 5 corresponding to the component image does not exist, the guidance function of the component image associated with the external address of the external memory device of the PLC 4 cannot be used. In this case, the component image is associated with the internal address of the internal memory device in the programmable display 2. For example, when a part image of a touch operation for ordering is arranged on the screen, the bit in the storage area of the internal memory device designated by the internal address associated with the part image is turned ON by the touch operation. Thereby, the identity of the component images in the screen being created and the other screen can be determined by collating the internal address.

  In order systems, component images for selecting a plurality of ordered products are often arranged on the same screen, so it is preferable to rule the arrangement of a plurality of component images. Specifically, in a state where a plurality of component images are arranged, when these component images are designated and the rule setting unit 131e is instructed to rule, the rule setting unit 131e sets the arrangement order of the component images as a rule. To do.

  In the present embodiment, the guidance arrangement for the part image of the touch operation operated by the user has been mainly described. However, the guidance arrangement can be applied to a part image (for example, a display part image) that is not operated by the user. Of course.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Since the screen editor device of the present invention can create a good operability screen with a sense of unity between screens by arranging or changing the component images arranged by the user according to the guidance function, It can be suitably used for the purpose of creating a large number of screens to be displayed on a programmable display.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the system containing the editor computer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the drawing window displayed by the screen data editor part of the said editor computer. It is a figure which shows the state by which the arrangement position of the component image was changed in the said drawing window by the guide part of the said screen data editor part. (A) shows a state in which the component images are arranged in the drawing window, and (b) shows a state in which the component images are rearranged by the rearrangement unit of the screen data editor unit. (A) shows a state in which component images different from a prescribed theme are arranged in the drawing window, and (b) shows a state in which component images are batch-converted by the batch conversion unit of the screen data editor unit. . (A) A horizontal and right-handed drawing area display form is shown, and (b) is a diagram showing a horizontal and left-handed drawing area display. (A) Vertical and right-handed drawing area display is shown, (b) is a vertical and left-handed drawing area display.

Explanation of symbols

1. Editor computer (screen editor device)
2 Programmable display 4a Memory (data storage memory)
13 Screen Data Editor 14 Data Storage (Rule Storage)
101 drawing window 104 drawing area 105 guide message display area 131 guidance section 131a guide section (change section)
131b Rearrangement unit (change unit)
131c Batch conversion unit (change unit)
131d Message display unit 131e Rule setting unit (rule setting means, rule reading means)
K1-K5 parts image

Claims (12)

In a screen data editor device that creates a display image to be displayed on a programmable display device as display screen data by placing a component image at a specified position in a base image by a user,
Rule storage means for storing a rule defining at least one of the component image and the arrangement position of the component image;
Rule reading means for reading a rule;
A screen data editor apparatus, comprising: a changing unit that changes at least one of the component image and the arrangement position of the component image in accordance with the read rule.   When changing the arrangement position, the changing means is arranged in the base image of the display screen data being created, the same part image as the already arranged part image arranged in the already created display screen data. The arrangement position is changed based on a rule that sets the arrangement position of the arrangement part image, which is an arranged part image, to the same position as the arrangement position of the already arranged part image in the created display screen data. The screen data editor apparatus according to claim 1. The component image is associated with an address of a data storage memory of a programmable logic controller connected to the programmable display or an address of an internal data storage memory in the programmable display,
The changing unit determines that the arranged component image is the same as the arranged component image when the address associated with the arranged component image matches the address associated with the arranged component image. The screen data editor apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The component image is a touch operation component image for performing a touch operation,
When changing the arrangement position, the changing unit changes the touch operation component image when the touch operation component image is arranged outside a specific area in the base image of the display screen data being created. The screen data editor apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement position is changed based on a rule for moving the area. The component image is a touch operation component image for performing a touch operation,
When changing the arrangement position, the changing means arranges the touch operation component image in which the frequency of use in the already created display screen data already created is equal to or more than a predetermined number in the base image of the display screen data being created. 2. The screen data editor device according to claim 1, wherein when the touch operation component image is set, the arrangement position is changed based on a rule for preferentially arranging the touch operation component image at a predetermined position. The component image is a touch operation component image for performing a touch operation,
When changing the arrangement position, the changing means changes the arrangement position based on a rule of rearranging in a predetermined order when a plurality of the touch operation component images are arranged in the base image of the display screen data being created. The screen data editor apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the screen data editor apparatus is changed.   The changing means, when changing the component image, the theme of the arranged component image arranged in the base image of the display screen data being created is the theme of the component image in the already created display screen data The screen data editor device according to claim 1, wherein, when different from a prescribed theme, the arrangement component image is changed based on a rule for changing the arrangement component image to the component image of the theme.   8. The change according to claim 1, wherein the changing unit collectively changes a plurality of the component images already arranged in the display screen data being created based on a rule. Screen data editor device.   8. The change according to claim 1, wherein the changing unit collectively changes the plurality of component images already arranged in the display screen data that has been created based on a rule. Screen data editor device.   The screen data editor apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a rule setting unit configured to set the rule.   11. A screen data editor program for causing a computer to function as the screen data editor device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the computer functions as each of the above means.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the screen data editor program of Claim 11.

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