JP6006399B2 - Programmable display, its program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a programmable display and the like.

  In general, a programmable display is connected to various connected devices such as a PLC main body and a temperature control device, and items such as numerical displays and lamps for displaying the status of these connected devices, and for users to give arbitrary instructions. Displays an image of items such as switches. An item is also called a screen component or the like. Usually, images of a plurality of screen components (items) are displayed on the screen of the programmable display (referred to as an operation display screen). Data or the like for displaying such an operation display screen (referred to as screen data or the like) is arbitrarily created in advance by a developer or the like in a support device (not shown) and downloaded from the support device to a programmable display. .

  There may be a plurality of operation display screens (screens). In this case, the screen data is composed of data of a plurality of screens. On the programmable display side, for example, switching display of a plurality of screens is performed by a predetermined operation by the user.

  The screen data includes, for each item, data such as an image of the item (switch image or lamp image), display position coordinates, and an address (assigned memory address) of a predetermined area of the external memory described later. It is. In addition, some programs may be included.

  Each item (screen component), for example, displays the state of the component corresponding to an arbitrary component (monitoring / control target) related to an arbitrary connected device, or turns on / off the component. An OFF instruction is accepted. For example, in the case of an item that displays the temperature measurement value of the temperature control device as a numerical value, the current temperature is displayed as a numerical value as needed.

  The display control related to the various items is realized, for example, by periodically executing a predetermined process for each item. The predetermined processing is, for example, reading stored data in the predetermined area (allocated memory) of a memory device (external memory) in the connected device, and determining / displaying the display contents of the item based on the stored data. Processing (display refresh processing) and the like. The connected device updates the stored data in the predetermined area of the external memory as needed (for example, the temperature measurement value is updated as needed in the temperature control device).

  The data read from the external memory is temporarily stored in a predetermined area of a memory device (shared memory) in the programmable display, and the display contents of the item are determined and displayed based on the stored data. There is also a configuration.

  In the case of this example, the process of reading the data stored in the external memory and storing it in the shared memory is executed, for example, periodically by a predetermined functional unit (here, a communication unit not shown) of the programmable display. For example, the communication unit communicates with various connected devices such as the PLC main body and a temperature control device, acquires data stored in a predetermined storage area of the external memory in the connected device, and shares the data with the shared device. Overwrite and store in a predetermined area of memory. And the function part (it shall be called an item display part) which performs the display control which concerns on the said various items in a programmable display controls item display content by accessing a shared memory regularly.

Further, for example, the prior art described in Patent Document 1 is known.
In the invention of Patent Document 1, it is possible to display only the latest alarm, for example, by performing sort processing or the like.
JP2012-14385A

  Here, conventionally, the screen data may be composed of a plurality of screens (operation display screens). Each screen is basically composed of one or more screen parts (items), and displays an operation button for switching to another predetermined screen (referred to as another screen switch). The “other screen changeover switch” is assigned with an identification ID or the like of the screen to be switched to. For example, this identification ID is displayed on the switch, and when the switch is operated, this identification ID is switched to the screen. It will be. One screen is assigned to one other screen changeover switch.

  For this reason, when there are a plurality of screens which are switching destination candidates from the currently displayed screen, it is necessary to provide another screen switching switch corresponding to each switching destination candidate. For this reason, a plurality of other screen changeover switches are arranged on the screen. If there are about 2 or 3 switching destination candidate screens, this is not particularly problematic. However, in recent years, the number of screens constituting the screen data is large, and the number of switching destination candidate screens from any screen is also large. It tends to increase. Further, in this method, the user needs to remember the contents of each screen in association with the identification ID, and operate the “other screen changeover switch” on which the identification ID of the screen to be switched is displayed. there were. For this reason, it takes time and effort to memorize the identification ID, and there are many cases where the wrong “other screen changeover switch” is operated due to misunderstanding or manipulation.

  Conventionally, there has also been a method of performing screen switching by setting (changing) storage data of a predetermined screen switching command memory address (address = D100). For example, an input area in which stored data at the address D100 can be arbitrarily set / changed is displayed on each screen. The user inputs an arbitrary numerical value (screen number) in this input area at an arbitrary time. On the other hand, the correspondence relationship between each screen and the screen number is stored in advance in the programmable display. Thereby, the programmable display periodically acquires the screen number currently stored in the address D100, for example, and displays the screen corresponding to the screen number.

  However, in this method, the user has to remember the contents of each screen in association with the screen number, and set the screen number of the screen to be switched to. For this reason, it takes time and effort to remember the screen number, and there are many cases in which an incorrect screen number is set due to misunderstanding or operation.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a programmable display, a program, and the like that can reduce the trouble of selecting a switching destination screen by displaying a thumbnail list or sequentially displaying the screen according to the order determined for a plurality of switching destination candidates. It is to be.

The programmable display of this example has the following configuration, for example.
Display control means for displaying any of a plurality of screens;
Priority order determining means for determining the priority order of the switching destination candidate screen based on past performance data when a predetermined operation is performed on the currently displayed screen;
Switching destination determination means for displaying the screen of the switching destination candidate in a predetermined form according to the priority order determined by the priority order determination means and determining a screen arbitrarily designated for the display as a switching destination .

It is a schematic block diagram of the whole system containing the programmable display of this example. It is a hardware structural example of the programmable display of this example. It is a software block diagram of this system. It is a functional block diagram of the programmable display of this example. It is a process flowchart figure of the programmable display of this example. It is a specific example of a screen switching menu window. (A)-(c) is a specific example (the 1) of screen switching log | history data. (A), (b) is a specific example (part 2) of the screen switching history data. FIG. 10 is a processing flowchart when the “total switching count” mode is selected. (A) is a sort result example, (b) is a thumbnail display example. It is a process flowchart figure at the time of "switch count by screen" mode selection. (A) is a sort result example, (b) is a thumbnail display example. It is a process flowchart figure at the time of "Recently frequently used screen" mode selection. (A) is an example of totaling / sorting results, and (b) is an example of thumbnail display. It is a process flowchart figure at the time of "screen candidate display linked with the previous screen" mode selection. (A) is a sort result example, (b) is a thumbnail display example. It is a process flowchart figure when the "automatic switching start" switch is operated.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire system including the programmable display 1 of this example.
The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the configuration in which the programmable display device 1 is not necessarily connected to the drawing editor device 5 via the communication line 3 may be used. The programmable display 1 and the drawing editor device 5 may exist separately. Any device may be used as long as the programmable display 1 holds a program, screen data, and the like for realizing the screen switching process according to the present method.

  The programmable controller system shown in FIG. 1 includes various connection devices 4 and a programmable display 1 that is connected to the various connection devices 4 via a communication line 6. Furthermore, as an example, the programmable display device 1 may be configured to be connected to the drawing editor device 5 via the communication line 3. The programmable display 1 is provided with a plurality of communication interfaces 2 (communication ports), and is connected to various connection devices 4 and the drawing editor device 5 by the communication line 3 / communication line 6 connected to each communication interface 2. ing.

  The drawing editor device 5 corresponds to the support device in the background art (hereinafter, also referred to as the support device 5), and data for displaying the operation display screen on the programmable display 1 Etc. (screen data) have a function to support the user to create arbitrarily. In this example as well, various item images are prepared in advance, and the user selects a desired item image and places it at a desired position (in addition to the above-described operations such as memory allocation, The screen data creation is repeated by repeating the above process.

  Here, in this example, it is assumed that the screen data is composed of a plurality of screens. The user creates a desired screen by performing operations such as selection and arrangement of the desired item image on the screen template, and creates screen data including a plurality of screens by repeating this operation. Although this may be substantially the same as the conventional one, in the case of this method, for example, a dedicated switch for screen switching (not shown) is provided in advance on the screen template.

  That is, in this example, as a part of the screen data creation support function in the drawing editor device 5 (support device 5), for example, a dedicated switch (not shown) for screen switching as a kind of screen component (item) is prepared. Yes. For example, the dedicated switch may be arranged in advance at a predetermined position (such as the lower right corner) by default for each screen.

  Here, when the dedicated switch for switching the screen is operated (as opposed to immediately switching to another screen as in the above-mentioned conventional “other screen switching switch”), it is desired from a plurality of switching destination candidate screens. Switches to the screen display for selecting the screen. This screen display is, for example, a thumbnail image list display, which will be described later, or a candidate screen that is sequentially displayed in a time-series manner for a certain period of time.

  That is, for example, as a function of the dedicated switch, a function of displaying a screen switching menu window 40 described later every time the dedicated switch is operated is assigned. For example, the screen switching menu window 40 is created in advance and stored in the support device 5, and is downloaded to the programmable display 1 together with the screen data. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. The screen switching menu window 40 may be created in advance and stored in the programmable display 1.

  The programmable display 1 displays an arbitrary screen among a plurality of screens constituting screen data as in the conventional case. On each screen, an item related to the screen is displayed and one dedicated switch for switching the screen is also displayed. When this dedicated switch is operated during an arbitrary screen display, for example, a screen switching menu window 40 described later is displayed. Then, the screen is switched to another screen desired by the user by processing / operation to be described later.

  The drawing editor device 5 is realized by, for example, a general general-purpose computer (such as a personal computer). Therefore, although not shown in the drawings, it has a configuration of a general personal computer or the like. That is, for example, it has an arithmetic processor such as a CPU, a storage device such as a memory and a hard disk, an operation unit such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display unit such as a display, a communication function unit, and the like.

  A predetermined application program is stored in the storage device in advance, and various functions of the drawing editor device 5 are realized by the arithmetic processor executing the application program. Various functions of the drawing editor device 5 have already been described.

The programmable display 1 may also have a general hardware configuration. Therefore, a brief description will be given below with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration example of the programmable display device 1 of this example.

  The programmable display 1 has a function of displaying each screen (operation display screen) based on the above-described screen data and the like in substantially the same manner as the above-described conventional example. However, the processing related to screen switching is different from the conventional one, and will be described in detail later.

The illustrated programmable display 1 includes a display operation control device 10, a touch panel 18, a display 19, the communication interface 2, and the like.
The display operation control device 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12 (flash memory or the like), a RAM 13, a communication controller 14, a graphic controller 15, a touch panel controller 16, and the like, which are connected to a bus 17.

  The CPU 11 is a central processing unit (arithmetic processor) that controls the entire display operation control device 10. The CPU 11 performs various arithmetic operations (processing) of the programmable display 1 by executing a program (for example, a main body program 21 described later) stored in the ROM 12 in advance. Although this processing has already been briefly described, it will be described in detail later.

  The ROM 12 stores screen data (screen data 22 to be described later) described in the background art. As described above, in this example, the screen data is composed of a plurality of (in some cases, a large number of) screens, and each screen (operation display screen) is, for example, a switch, a lamp, or the like arranged on the screen described above. Each item is composed of an image, data such as display position coordinates and size, and the like. Further, it also has data related to memory access such as the above-mentioned allocated memory address (address of allocated memory area) for each item. In the case of this example, for example, one dedicated switch (not shown) for switching the screen is also arranged on all screens.

The memory access is basically executed only for items on the screen that is currently displayed.
By the processing of the CPU 11, display target data based on, for example, the screen data or acquired data obtained by accessing the allocated memory area is developed (drawn) on, for example, the RAM 13 (or a video RAM (not shown)). Details will be described later. Based on this drawing, the graphic controller 15 displays the above-described operation display screen on the display 19.

  The display 19 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and a touch panel 18 is provided so as to overlap the liquid crystal panel. On the display 19, an arbitrary screen of a plurality of screens is displayed. Each item image is displayed at a predetermined position on each screen as described above.

  Further, the communication controller 14 performs communication (data transmission / reception and the like) with the connection device 4 and the drawing editor device 5 such as a PLC main body (not shown), a temperature control device, and the like via the communication interface 2.

  The detection result of the pressing operation (touch) position on the touch panel 18 by an operator or the like is taken into the CPU 11 or the like via the touch panel controller 16 and analyzed. For example, analysis is performed based on the display position coordinates and size data of each item. For example, when an operator or the like touches the display position of the switch image, the CPU 11 or the like analyzes that an operation on the switch has been performed.

  In particular, when the dedicated switch for switching the screen is operated, a screen switching menu window 40 described later is displayed as an example. The user designates a switching destination screen by performing an arbitrary operation on the window 40.

  As will be described in detail later, on the window 40, for example, thumbnail (reduced) images of a plurality of screens that are switching destination candidates are displayed in a list according to the determined order (priority order). Alternatively, for example, a plurality of screens serving as switching destination candidates are sequentially displayed according to the determined order (priority order). This priority order is determined based on, for example, the “usage frequency” of each screen. Basically, the priority of screens that are relatively frequently used becomes higher and is displayed preferentially. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. In any case, according to the present method, only one switch for switching the screen on the screen is required, and it is possible to reduce the trouble of selecting and determining the switching destination screen (for example, the time until selection and determination). Can be shortened). This is particularly effective when there are a large number of screens as switching destination candidates.

  Here, “usage frequency” means, for example, the number of times of display (number of times of switching) described later, but is not limited to this example. For example, “usage frequency” may mean a value (ratio of display of each screen with respect to the whole) calculated using the total number of screen displays as the denominator and the display count of each screen as the numerator.

FIG. 3 shows a software configuration diagram of the system.
In the programmable display 1, various programs / data such as a main body program 21, screen data 22, and communication program 23 are stored in, for example, the ROM 12 (flash memory or the like). When the CPU 11 reads / executes / references these programs / data and the like, display control of the operation display screen (screen) for the programmable display is performed.

  The operation display screen (screen) includes the above-described numerical display, image display of various items such as lamps, switches, and the like, and the display contents of each item are, for example, data acquired from each connected device 4 (external memory; allocated memory area). Updated as needed to reflect (acquired data).

  That is, the CPU 11 performs display control of the operation display screen based on the main body program 21, the screen data 22, and the acquired data. At that time, the display content of each item (each screen component) on the operation display screen reflects the content of the acquired data (numerical display such as temperature, lighting / extinguishing of the lamp, etc.).

  The screen data 22 is, for example, a screen data file 32 arbitrarily created in advance on the drawing editor device 5 side, downloaded to the programmable display device 1 and stored. As already described, the screen data 22 is composed of a plurality of screens. As a result, there are a plurality of types of operation display screens, which are switched and displayed according to user operations. In this method, when the operation display screen (screen) is switched, a screen switching menu window 40, which will be described later, is used as an example.

  Also, the communication program 23 is a program in which, for example, a communication program file 33 (part thereof) stored in advance on the drawing editor device 5 side is downloaded and stored in the programmable display device 1.

  The communication program 23 of the programmable display device 1 is a program for communicating with the connection device 4 via the communication line 6. Usually, each connected device 4 has a unique communication protocol (communication rule) for each model and performs communication between the programmable display 1 and the connected device 4 in accordance with this communication rule. Therefore, the communication program 23 needs to be developed for each model of each connected device 4. Of course, the CPU 11 and the like execute the communication program 23 to realize communication processing with the connected device 4.

  The connection device 4 such as the PLC main body has various manufacturers and models, each manufacturer / model has its own communication program, and the communication program 23 depends on the manufacturer / model of the connection device 4 depending on the case. Multiple types will be provided.

  Communication between the programmable display 1 and the drawing editor device 5 is performed by, for example, the main body program 21 and the drawing editor 31 (a communication function is incorporated in the drawing editor 31). This is not particularly relevant and will not be shown or described.

  The communication program 23 is normally stored in advance as a plurality of communication program files 33 group (a plurality of communication programs developed for each model) in an HD (hard disk) (not shown) in the drawing editor device 5. Then, when the user selects / designates an arbitrary connected device 4 using the drawing editor 31, the drawing editor device 5 transfers the communication program file 33 corresponding to the selected connected device 4 to the programmable display device 1, The communication program 23 is stored.

  The program for realizing various processes such as access to the allocated memory area and screen display may be included in the main body program 21 or the screen data file 32 (screen data 22). Good. In any case, when the CPU 11 executes such a program, for example, various operations of the programmable display 1 are realized.

  Here, the drawing editor 31 of the drawing editor device 5 also has a support function that allows the user to create a desired operation display screen (screen). As described above, various item images and screen templates created in advance are stored in the hard disk or the like of the drawing editor device 5. These various items are displayed as a list by the creation support function of the operation display screen by the drawing editor 31, and the user creates a screen by selecting a desired item and placing it at a desired position. In this example, a plurality of screens are created. Therefore, the screen data file 32 (screen data 22) is composed of a plurality of screen data. This point itself may be substantially the same as the conventional one.

  However, in this example, for example, the dedicated switch for switching the screen as the item is also prepared in advance and stored in the hard disk or the like of the drawing editor device 5. Alternatively, a dedicated switch for screen switching may be arranged in advance on the screen template. In any case, in this method, basically, the same predetermined switch (dedicated switch for screen switching) is provided on all the screens created as described above.

Fig.4 (a) is a functional block diagram of the programmable display 1 of this example.
The programmable display device 1 in the illustrated example includes, for example, a display control unit 101, a priority order determination unit 102, and a switching destination determination unit 103.

The display control unit 101 displays one of a plurality of screens. This is displayed based on, for example, the screen data 22 as described above.
When a predetermined operation is performed on the currently displayed screen, the priority order determination unit 102 determines the priority order of the switching destination candidate screens based on past performance data. The past performance data is, for example, the frequency of use of each screen (for example, the number of display times / the number of switching times), but is not limited to this example. The predetermined operation is, for example, an operation of a dedicated switch (not shown) for switching the screen. In this method, regarding the screen switching, all the screens (however, the screen to which the switching destination exists) need only be provided with the one dedicated screen switching switch.

  The switching destination determination unit 103 displays a screen of a switching destination candidate in a predetermined form according to the priority determined by the priority determination unit 102, and determines a screen arbitrarily designated for the display as a switching destination. To do.

  The predetermined form is, for example, a screen thumbnail image list. In this example, for example, the switching destination determination unit 103 displays the thumbnail images of the switching destination candidate screens in the order of priority. This is basically displayed in descending order of priority, and is displayed, for example, in the thumbnail image list display field 42 of the screen switching menu window 40 described later. Then, by causing the user to specify an arbitrary thumbnail image, the screen of the specified thumbnail image is determined as the switching destination screen.

  Alternatively, the predetermined form is one in which, for example, each screen is sequentially displayed for a predetermined time in time series. This is sequentially displayed by the process of FIG. Details will be described later. In the case of this example, the switching destination determination unit 103 sequentially displays the switching destination candidate screens according to the above-described priority order, and determines the screen that has undergone a predetermined operation during display as the switching destination screen.

The switching destination candidate screen is, for example, a screen stored in the display history storage unit 104 described later.
Or the screen of the said switching destination candidate is a screen applicable to a predetermined condition in the screen memorize | stored in the display history memory | storage part 104 mentioned later, for example. For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. The switching destination screen No. 71 of all the records for which 71 is the currently displayed screen. Reference numeral 72 denotes a screen of a switching destination candidate. Alternatively, only the screen with the highest priority (for example, from the first to the fourth) may be used as the screen of the switching destination candidate.

Moreover, the programmable display 1 of this example may further include a display history storage unit 104.
The display history storage unit 104 stores, for example, a total use frequency of each screen in a “total switching count” mode described later (for example, FIG. 7B described later). In this mode, the priority order determination unit 102 determines the priority order of the switching destination candidate screens based on the total use frequency (for example, the process of FIG. 9 described later). For example, the screen having the highest total use frequency has the highest priority.

  Alternatively, the display history storage unit 104 stores the frequency of use of each screen for each switching source screen in, for example, a “screen switching count” mode described later (for example, FIG. 7C described later). In this mode, the priority order determination unit 102 sets the currently displayed screen as the switching source screen, and prioritizes the switching destination candidate screens based on the frequency of use of each screen corresponding to the switching source screen. The order is determined (for example, the processing of FIG. 11 described later).

  Alternatively, the display history storage unit 104 stores, for example, the frequency of use of each screen in the “recently frequently used screen” mode described later (for example, FIG. 8A described later). This may store only the data for the most recent predetermined period, but is not limited to this example. In this mode, the priority order discriminating unit 102 determines the screen of the switching destination candidate screen based on the total use frequency of each screen within the latest predetermined period obtained based on the display history storage unit 104. The priority order is determined (for example, the processing of FIG. 13 described later).

  Alternatively, for example, regarding the “screen candidate display linked to the previous screen” mode, which will be described later, the display history storage unit 104 stores each screen according to a combination of an arbitrary switching source screen and an arbitrary previous screen. The usage frequency is stored (for example, FIG. 8B described later). In this mode, the priority order discriminating unit 102 is based on the frequency of use of each screen according to the combination in which the currently displayed screen is the switching source screen and the previous screen is the previous screen. Then, the priority order of the screens of the switching destination candidates is determined (for example, the process of FIG. 15 described later).

However, as will be described later, the present invention is not limited to such an example of using the “previous screen”, and may be configured as follows.
That is, the display history storage unit 104 may store the usage frequency of each screen for each combination of an arbitrary switching source screen and one or more “previous display screens”. In this case, for example, the priority order discriminating unit 102 selects each screen corresponding to the combination in which the currently displayed screen is the switching source screen and one or more screens displayed before that are the above “previous display screen”. Based on the frequency of use of the screen, the priority order of the switching destination candidate screens is determined.

In any of the above modes, the determination of the priority order corresponds to, for example, a process of sorting in descending order of use frequency (the number of times of display, etc.) described later, but is not limited to this example.
Moreover, the programmable display 1 may have the mode selection part 105 which further selects the arbitrary modes among multiple types of modes, for example. In this case, the priority determination unit 102 performs priority determination processing according to the selected mode.

  Here, the functional block diagram of the programmable display device 1 of this example is not limited to the example of FIG. 4A described above, and may be an example shown in FIG. However, basically, it may be considered that FIG. 4 (a) and FIG. 4 (b) are substantially the same in terms of content (assuming that there is only a difference in how to grasp and express). It does not matter.)

  In the case of the example of FIG. 4B, the programmable display device 1 includes a control unit 110 and a memory unit 120. The control unit 110 implements various functional units illustrated. That is, the control unit 110 implements various functional units such as a screen switching candidate display unit 111, a screen switching automatic timer 112, a screen candidate order sequential display unit 113, a switching destination screen save process 114, and a sort processing unit 123 shown in the figure. For example, when the CPU 11 executes a program stored in advance in the ROM 12, the various functional units 111 to 114, 123 and the like are realized. In the example shown in the figure, the sort processing unit 123 is shown in the memory unit 120. However, the sort processing unit 123 particularly performs management control of data stored in the memory unit 120 (such as sorting in a predetermined order). It is for emphasizing that it is a functional part involved.

The memory unit 120 corresponds to a part of the storage area of the ROM 12 (or RAM 13), for example.
The memory unit 120 is provided with a screen switching history storage unit 121 that accumulates and stores past performance data (data indicating usage frequency; display count / switching count, etc.) related to each screen. The sort processing unit 123 generates a “frequency screen list” 122 based on the data stored in the screen switching history storage unit 121. “Frequently used screen list” 122 is, for example, a screen in which screens (identification numbers, etc.) are sorted in descending order of frequency of use (priority order), with the most frequently used screen at the top. .

  Then, the screen switching candidate display unit 111 or the screen candidate order sequential display unit 113 realizes appropriate display of the switching candidate screen based on the “frequency screen list” 122. In the case of the screen switching candidate display unit 111, “appropriate display” arranges and displays thumbnail images of switching candidate screens in descending order of use frequency. Or in the case of the screen candidate order sequential display part 113, the screen used as a switching destination candidate is sequentially displayed in time series in order with a high use frequency.

  Note that the screen candidate order sequential display unit 113 operates in conjunction with the screen switching automatic timer 112. That is, the screen switching automatic timer 112 is timed out every time a predetermined time set in advance (for example, every few seconds) and restarted immediately. The screen candidate order sequential display unit 113 displays the next switching candidate screen according to the sort order (priority order) of the “frequency screen list” 122 every time the screen switching automatic timer 112 times out.

  The switching destination screen saving process 114 updates the contents of the screen switching history storage unit 121 every time screen switching is performed, for example. That is, when switching to an arbitrary screen is performed, the use frequency (display count / switch count, etc.) of the screen is updated (+1).

It should be noted that only a predetermined number of relatively frequently used screens (for example, only the top four screens) may be stored in the “frequency screen list” 122.
FIG. 5 is a process flowchart of the programmable display device 1 of this example.

  Various processes of the programmable display 1 described below including the process of FIG. 5 are realized by the CPU 11 executing a program stored in advance in the ROM 12 (flash memory or the like), for example.

  5 may be included in advance in the main body program 21 or may be included in the screen data 22 (particularly as a function of a dedicated switch for screen switching). )

  Although FIG. 5 shows processing related to screen switching, although not shown or described in particular, the programmable display 1 also performs the above existing processing (such as access to an allocated memory area and update of each item display). Running.

  The process of FIG. 5 performs the process of step S12-S18 of illustration, if it detects that the switch for exclusive use for screen switching not shown was operated by the user (step S11, YES). When there is no operation of the dedicated switch (step S11, NO), other processing (the existing processing or the like) is executed.

  Here, as an example, it is assumed that a dedicated switch for screen switching is provided on all of the plurality of screens. Therefore, regardless of what screen is currently displayed, the dedicated switch for switching the screen can be operated, and each time the dedicated switch is operated by the user, the processes in steps S12 to S18 in FIG. 5 are executed. Will be.

  When the dedicated switch operation is performed (step S11, YES), the programmable display 1 displays, for example, the screen switching menu window 40 shown in FIG. 6 (step S12).

In the example of FIG. 6, the screen switching menu window 40 includes a mode selection field 41, a thumbnail image list display field 42, an “automatic switching start” switch 43, and the like.
When the user selects a desired mode in the mode selection column 41 (step S13), the programmable display device 1 executes the processes of steps S14 and S15 that are processes according to the selected mode. Although details will be described later, basically, a thumbnail list display of a switching destination candidate screen corresponding to the selected mode (selection mode) is executed. That is, data corresponding to the selection mode (screen No., number of times of switching, etc.) is extracted from the screen switching history data 50, and the extracted data is sorted based on the number of times of switching (step S14). Based on the sorting result (priority order), the thumbnail list of the switching destination candidate screen is displayed (step S15).

Here, specific examples of the screen switching history data 50 are shown in FIGS.
FIG. 7A shows an example of the data structure of the entire screen switching history data 50.
In this example, four types of modes shown in FIG. 6 are prepared as the above modes. That is, a “total switching count” mode, a “screen switching count” mode, a “recently used screen” mode, and a “screen candidate display linked to the previous screen” mode shown in the mode selection column 41 of FIG. 6 are prepared in advance. ing.

  However, the type and number of modes are not limited to this example. For example, there may be a mode in which the concept of the “screen frequently used” mode is applied to the “switch count by screen” mode. That is, the number of times of switching (usage frequency) to each screen that is the switching destination may be counted for each screen that is the switching source, based on past performance data for the most recent predetermined period. In the same way, there may be a mode in which the concept of the “recently used screen” mode is applied to the “screen candidate display linked with the previous screen” mode.

  The example of FIG. 7A corresponds to the example shown in FIG. That is, the screen switching history data 50 includes “total switching count mode data” 51, “screen-specific switching count mode data” 52, “recently frequently used screen data” 53, and “screen candidate display linked with the previous screen”. Data “54”.

  A specific example of “total switching count mode data” 51 is shown in FIG. 7B, and a specific example of “screen switching count mode data” 52 is shown in FIG. 7C. Similarly, a specific example of “recently used screen data” 53 is shown in FIG. 8A, and a specific example of “screen candidate display data linked to the previous screen” 54 is shown in FIG. 8B. These specific examples will be described later.

  In the process of step S14, data corresponding to the mode selected and specified in step S13 is acquired from the four types of data 51 to 54. Then, the acquired data (each record) is sorted, for example, according to the number of times of switching (for example, sorted in descending order of the number of times of switching). Alternatively, data corresponding to a predetermined condition is further extracted from the acquired data. Then, the extracted data (each record) is sorted, for example, according to the number of times of switching (for example, sorted in descending order of the number of times of switching).

  Then, as described above, a thumbnail list of switching destination candidates is displayed based on the sorting result (step S15). This creates a reduced image (thumbnail image) of the screen indicated by the “switch destination screen No.” of each record in the sort order, and displays this thumbnail image in the thumbnail image list display field 42. As a result, for example, the reduced images (thumbnail images) are created in order from the screen having the highest number of switching times (the frequency of use is high) and displayed in the thumbnail image list display field 42.

  The sort order indicates the priority order of candidate display. Basically, a screen with a relatively large number of switching times (high usage frequency) has a higher priority. Then, the thumbnail images on the screen having a high priority are preferentially displayed in the thumbnail image list display field 42.

  The user refers to the display in the thumbnail image list display field 42 and performs an operation of selecting / designating a desired thumbnail image (step S16). Here, the thumbnail image list display field 42 selects a thumbnail image having a relatively large number of past switching times (that is, the probability that the user will select this time is relatively high) by the above processing. It is displayed at an easy position (first part). Further, only one dedicated switch may be used as a screen switching switch or the like regardless of the number of switching destination candidate screens. For these reasons, in this method, it is possible to reduce the trouble of selecting the switching destination screen and simplify each screen (it is not necessary to provide a large number of screen switching switches as in the conventional case).

  The programmable display device 1 executes a process of switching to the thumbnail image screen designated in step S16 (step S17). Note that the screen switching process itself is an existing technology, and is not particularly described here. Finally, the screen switching history data 50 is updated. That is, the number of times of switching related to the screen switched in step S17 is incremented by +1 (step S18), and this process is terminated.

In the following, the process for each mode will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the “total switching count” mode will be described.

  In the specific example shown in FIG. 7B, the “total switching count mode data” 51 includes the switching destination screen No. 61, and the number of switching times 62. Switch destination screen No. In 61, an identification ID of each screen is stored. The number of times of switching 62 stores the number of times each screen is displayed (the number of times the screen has been switched from an arbitrary screen and is thus displayed).

  In step S18, the switching count 62 corresponding to the identification ID of the screen selected and switched in steps S16 and S17 (that is, the switching destination screen) is updated (for example, incremented by +1). Become.

  That is, in this mode, the number of times each screen is displayed (the number of times of switching from any screen; the frequency of use) is counted, and in step S14, the thumbnail images are displayed in the thumbnail image list display field in order from the screen with the highest number of displays. 42 is arranged and displayed in order from the top.

FIG. 9 shows an example of processing in steps S14 and S15 when the “total switching count” mode is selected.
In the illustrated processing example, “total switching count mode data” 51 is extracted from the screen switching history data 50 (step S21), and each record (especially the switching destination screen No. 61) of this extracted data 51 is replaced with the number of times of switching. Sorting is performed in descending order of 62 (in descending order of use frequency) (step S22). Then, in this sort order, the switching destination screen No. A thumbnail image of the screen indicated by 61 is created and sequentially arranged from the top of the thumbnail image list display field 42 (step S23).

Here, FIG. 10A shows an example of the sorting result.
In the example shown in FIG. 61 = 'No. “20” screen has the largest number of switching times 62 and the second is “No. 50 ”, the third is“ No. 100 ”, the fourth is“ No. 1 'etc. Thus, the thumbnail image list display field 42 displays, for example, a thumbnail image list shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, in the thumbnail image list display field 42, the screen ‘No. 20 ', screen' No. 50 ', screen' No. 100 ', screen' No. Thumbnail images of each screen are displayed in the order of 1 '. Further, by scrolling, it is possible to display the thumbnail images of the screens with the fifth or higher sort order. However, since there is a high possibility that one of the four screens (thumbnail images) shown in the figure is selected from the above, it is not necessary for the user to perform a scrolling operation, and it is not necessary to search for a desired screen. You can specify the screen. That is, the user can minimize the trouble of specifying the switching destination screen.

  Further, the fact that a large number of screens (thumbnail images) are displayed in the thumbnail image list display field 42 as shown in the figure means that the number of switching destination candidate screens is large. In such a case, conventionally, as described above, a large number of screen changeover switches are arranged on the screen. For this reason, the area for displaying other items on the screen (other switches, buttons, lamps, graphs, numerical displays, etc.) is reduced, and the size of other items is reduced, making it difficult to see and operate. It becomes difficult. In addition, since the size of the screen changeover switch is reduced, it becomes difficult to understand, for example, when a thumbnail image is pasted on the switch. For this reason, for example, the ‘No. When displaying an identification ID such as 20 ', the user needs to remember the contents of each screen in association with the identification ID.

  On the other hand, in this method, even if there are many switching destination candidate screens, only one dedicated screen switching switch is displayed on the screen, and thumbnail images can be displayed without any problem. Can be eliminated.

Next, the “screen switching count” mode will be described.
In the specific example shown in FIG. 7C, “screen-specific switching count mode data” 52 includes the switching source screen No. 71, switching destination screen no. 72 and switching times 73.

  Switch destination screen No. 72 is the switching destination screen No. This is substantially the same as 61. That is, the screen (switching destination screen) displayed by switching from the arbitrary screen (switching source screen) is displayed. Then, the switching source screen No. 71 stores an identification ID of the above-mentioned arbitrary screen (screen to be switched from).

  That is, the switching source screen No. From the screen No. 71 to the switching destination screen No. The number of times (actual value) displayed by switching to the 72 screen is stored.

  Therefore, in this mode, the history data adding process in step S18 when switching from any currently displayed screen to any other screen is as follows.

  The corresponding record is searched using the pair of the identification ID of the currently displayed screen (switching source) and the identification ID of the other screen switched in step S17 as a search key. The corresponding record has its switching source screen No. 71 and switching destination screen no. Reference numeral 72 denotes a record identical to the search key. Then, the record switching count 73 is incremented by +1.

  For example, screen 'No. 1 ', screen' No. 2 ', screen' No. 3 ', there are three screens. It is assumed that the above-mentioned (total) switching number 62 of 3 'is 100, so that in the "total switching count" mode, the sorting order is the first (most significant). However, in the case of this mode (“screen-specific switching count” mode), it is not necessarily the highest level and may be the lowest level.

For example, assume that there are the following two records.
-First record; switching source screen No. 71 = 'No. 1 ', switching destination screen No. 72 = 'No. 3 ′, switching number 73 = 95 times, second record; switching source screen no. 71 = 'No. 2 ′, switching destination screen no. 72 = 'No. 3 ', switching number 73 = 5 times In this example, the currently displayed screen is the screen' No. 1 ', the screen' No. The sort order of 3 ′ is likely to be higher, so that the thumbnail image list display field 42 has a screen “No. There is a high possibility that the 3 ′ thumbnail image is displayed at the top.

  On the other hand, the currently displayed screen is the screen 'No. 2 ', screen' No. 3 'is likely to be in the lower order, and therefore the thumbnail image list display field 42 has a screen' No. There is a high possibility that the 3 'thumbnail image is displayed in the lower order. That is, if the user does not scroll to search, the screen 'No. There is a high possibility that a 3 'thumbnail image cannot be found. However, in this case, in the first place, the user does not see the screen 'No. Since the possibility of selecting 3 'is low, there will be no problem.

Here, FIG. 11 shows a processing example of steps S14 and S15 when the “screen-specific switching count” mode is selected.
In the illustrated processing example, first, “screen-specific switching count mode data” 52 is extracted from the screen switching history data 50 (step S31). Subsequently, from each of the records of the extracted data 52, the switching source screen No. The record 71 is a screen that is currently displayed. Then, the extracted records are sorted in descending order of switching frequency 73 (in descending order of use frequency) (step S32). Then, in this sort order, the switching destination screen No. A thumbnail image of the screen indicated by 72 is created and sequentially arranged from the top of the thumbnail image list display field 42 (step S33).

Here, an example of the sorting result is shown in FIG.
FIG. 12A shows a plurality of switching source screen numbers (for convenience of explanation). In FIG. 71, only one of them (corresponding to the currently displayed screen) is actually extracted in step S32.

  In the illustrated example, for example, the currently displayed screen (switching source screen No. 71) is No. In the case of 0, the switching screen No. 72 = 'No. The 20 'screen has the highest number of switching 73, and the second is' No. 50 ', the third is' No. 100 'and the fourth is' No. 1 'etc. As a result, the thumbnail images are displayed in the thumbnail image list display field 42, for example, in the arrangement shown on the left side of FIG. 12B.

  In the example shown on the left side of FIG. 10B, the thumbnail image list display field 42 is displayed in order from the top (left side first with respect to left and right). 20 ', screen' No. 50 ', screen' No. 100 ', screen' No. Thumbnail images of each screen are displayed in the order of 1 '.

  In the illustrated example, for example, the switching source screen No. 71 = No. In the case of 1, the switching destination screen No. 72 = 'No. The 40 'screen has the largest number of switchings 73, and the second is' No. 30 'and the third is' No. 100 'and the fourth is' No. 11 'and so on. As a result, the thumbnail images are displayed in the thumbnail image list display field 42, for example, in the arrangement shown on the right side of FIG. 12B.

  In the example shown on the right side of FIG. 10B, the thumbnail image list display field 42 is displayed in order from the top (left side first with respect to left and right). 40 ', screen' No. 30 ', screen' No. 100 ', screen' No. The thumbnail images of the respective screens are displayed in the order of 11 '.

  As described above, in the “screen switching count” mode, it is possible to determine a more appropriate order, particularly when the order of the switching destination candidate screens differs depending on the currently displayed screen. Of course, thumbnail images are displayed according to the determined order.

  Next, the “recently used screen” mode will be described below. Note that this mode can be regarded as the “total switching count” mode in which the target period is limited to the most recent predetermined period.

In the specific example shown in FIG. 8A, “Recently used screen data” 53 includes date (year / month / day) 81, switching destination screen No. 82 and switching times 83.
In the switching count 83, the display count of each screen (switching destination screen No. 82) for each day is recorded. However, as an example, it is assumed that a process of deleting a record with an old date (for example, two weeks or more) from the “recently frequently used screen data” 53 is executed, for example, every day. Then, at any time, tabulation is performed based on “recently frequently used screen data” 53 (data for the latest two weeks, etc.) at that time, and priority is determined from the tabulation result.

  That is, in this mode, based on the screen display performance data within the most recent predetermined period (for example, about the last two weeks), the total number of times of display for the predetermined period is obtained for each screen, and based on this total number of display times. The sort order is determined. Then, the thumbnail images of the respective screens are displayed in the thumbnail image list display field 42 according to the determined sort order (priority order).

Here, FIG. 13 shows a processing example of steps S14 and S15 when the “recently frequently used screen” mode is selected.
In the illustrated processing example, “recently frequently used screen data” 53 is extracted from the screen switching history data 50, and the number of times of switching for each screen within the latest predetermined period (for example, about the last two weeks) from this data 53 ( The number of display times) is totaled (step S41). Then, based on the counting result, the switching destination screen No. 82 are sorted (step S42). Then, according to this sort order, each switching destination screen No. Thumbnail images of the screen indicated by 82 are created and arranged sequentially from the top of the thumbnail image list display field 42 (step S43).

FIG. 14A shows an image of the totaling process and sorting.
A specific example of “recently frequently used screen data” 53 is shown on the left side of FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 82 and switching times 83. In addition, this can be said to indicate the record data of the number of switching times (display times) of each screen for each day within the latest predetermined period.

  Further, on the right side of the figure in FIG. 14A, the above-mentioned totaling result (total number of display times within a predetermined period) based on the result data is shown. For example, as shown in the figure, the total result data 53 'includes the total number of times of switching 83' and the switching destination screen No. 82 '.

  FIG. 14A shows the screen ‘No. An image of aggregation for 100 'is shown. That is, in the illustrated example, the switching destination screen No. 82 is' No. The switching times 83 (65, 10, 55) of all data 100 'are acquired, and the total value (65 + 10 + 55 = 130) is calculated. Then, this total value (= 130) is stored in the total number of times of switching 83 '. Of course, the corresponding switching destination screen No. 82 'is displayed as' No. 100 'is stored.

  For example, the above totaling process is executed for each screen. Finally, the records of the aggregation result data 53 ′ are sorted in descending order of the total number of times of switching 83 ′ (in descending order of total usage frequency within a predetermined period). As a result, the tabulation result data 53 ′ is in the state shown on the right side of FIG. 14A. In the example shown in FIG. 82 '=' No. The 100 'screen has the largest total number of switching times 83' and the second is' No. 20 'etc.

  Then, the thumbnail image of each screen is displayed in the thumbnail image list display field 42 based on the sorted result data 53 ′ after sorting. That is, referring to the sorted result data 53 'after sorting, the switching destination screen No. Thumbnail images of the screen indicated by 82 'are created and sequentially arranged from the top of the thumbnail image list display field 42.

Accordingly, for example, in the case of the aggregation result data 53 ′ shown on the right side of FIG. 14A, the display contents of the thumbnail image list display field 42 are as shown in FIG. 14B.
That is, since the thumbnail images are displayed in order from the screen with the most recent display count, the user is more likely to select from among the thumbnail images displayed at a relatively higher level. In other words, the sort order can be made more appropriate.

Next, the “screen candidate display in conjunction with the previous screen” mode will be described below.
In the specific example shown in FIG. 8B, “screen candidate display data linked to the previous screen” 54 is the screen No. of the previous screen. 91, switching source screen no. 92, switching destination screen no. 93, and the number of switching times 94.

  Here, it can be said that the “screen-specific switching count” mode takes into account the currently displayed screen. On the other hand, in the “screen candidate display in conjunction with the previous screen” mode, it can be said that not only the currently displayed screen but also the screen displayed before that is considered.

  In other words, the “screen candidate display data linked to the previous screen” 54 is displayed in the form of the previous screen No. 91 → the switching source screen No. 92 → the switching destination screen No. 93 ”. The number of times 93 is displayed is recorded in the number of switching times 94.

  For example, in the case of the example of FIG. 16A to be described later, the screen No. 1 in the form of “No. The switching count 94 when 20 is displayed is 100 times. On the other hand, for example, in the form of “No. 100 → No. 10 → No. The switching count 94 when 20 is displayed is only one. For example, in such a case, it is considered that this mode (“screen candidate display in conjunction with the previous screen” mode) can realize more appropriate priority determination than the “screen-specific switching count” mode.

The switching source screen No. 92 corresponds to the currently displayed screen.
In this mode, the history data adding process in step S18 when switching from any currently displayed screen to any other screen is as follows.

  The corresponding record is searched using the identification ID of the screen displayed before the currently displayed screen, the identification ID of the currently displayed screen, and the identification ID of the screen to be switched in step S17 as a search key. The corresponding record has a screen No. on the previous screen. 91 and switching source screen no. 92 and the switching destination screen No. Reference numeral 93 denotes a record identical to the search key. Then, the switching count 94 of the corresponding record is incremented by +1.

Here, FIG. 15 shows a processing example of steps S14 and S15 when the “screen candidate display in conjunction with the previous screen” mode is selected.
In the case of this example, the identification ID of the screen displayed before the currently displayed screen (hereinafter referred to as “currently displayed screen No.”) is separately provided in a predetermined memory area (not shown) or the like. It shall be held in For example, when switching from the currently displayed screen to another screen in step S17, a process of setting the identification ID of the currently displayed screen to the new “previous display screen No.” is performed.

  In the illustrated processing example, first, “screen candidate display data linked to the previous screen” 54 is extracted from the screen switching history data 50 (step S51). Subsequently, among the records of the extracted data 54, the switching source screen No. 92 is the currently displayed screen and the previous screen screen No. All the records whose 91 is the “previous display screen No.” are extracted. These extracted records are sorted in descending order of switching frequency 94 (in descending order of use frequency) (step S52). Then, in this sort order, the switching destination screen No. A thumbnail image of the screen indicated by 93 is created and sequentially arranged from the top of the thumbnail image list display field 42 (step S53).

Here, an example of the sorting result is shown in FIG.
FIG. 16A shows a plurality of previous screen screen numbers (for convenience of explanation). 91, in fact, only one of them (corresponding to the current “previous display screen No.”) is extracted and sorted in step S52.

  In the example shown in FIG. Even if 92 is the same (No. 10), the previous screen screen No. If 91 is different (No. 1, No. 5, No. 100), it indicates that the sorting results of records (especially switching destination screen No. 93) are different. Of course, in this example, in any case, sorting is performed in descending order of the number of switching times 94.

In FIG. 16B, the previous screen screen No. 91 is No. 91. A display example of the thumbnail image list display field 42 corresponding to the sort order in the case of 1 is shown.
In this way, by determining the order in consideration of not only the currently displayed screen but also the screen displayed before that, it is possible to realize a more appropriate priority order.

  Note that the priority order of the switching candidate screens according to the above-mentioned “currently displayed screen + screen displayed before (previous screen)” is determined according to “currently displayed screen + screen displayed before that”. You may consider that it is an example of the priority order determination method of a switching candidate screen. That is, the “screen displayed before that” is not limited to the previous screen, but the screen displayed before that (previous screen), the screen displayed further before (previous screen), etc. (These may be referred to as “one or more previous display screens”, etc.).

In any case, according to past performance data, for example, the following tendency can be seen, and therefore, in this case, this mode has a special effect.
・ 'No. 10 '→' No. 2 '→' No. When the screen is switched in the order of “8” (“No. 8” is the currently displayed screen), the next switching destination screen is “No. Most often it was 20 '.
・ 'No. 5 '→' No. 2 '→' No. When the screen is switched in the order of “8” (“No. 8” is the currently displayed screen), the next switching destination screen is “No. It was most often 11 '.

  Here, each of the above embodiments generates and displays a thumbnail image, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, since the thumbnail image is naturally harder to see than the original image, it may be difficult to determine which is the desired thumbnail image on the display. From this, it is conceivable to display the screen image as it is, but in that case, a plurality of screen images cannot be displayed at one time (basically, only one at a time).

  Thus, here, a plurality of screen images that are candidates for switching are displayed in a time-sharing manner (for example, displayed for several seconds each). Of course, in this case as well, the screens are displayed according to the sort order, so that, for example, a screen with a large number of past display times is displayed preferentially. Therefore, the possibility that a user-desired screen is displayed in a short time from the start increases. When the user performs a predetermined operation when a desired screen is displayed, this screen is determined as a switching destination, and switching to this screen is performed.

The switch for the user to instruct such a display form is the “automatic switching start” switch 43 shown in FIG.
FIG. 17 shows the processing when the “automatic switching start” switch 43 is operated.

  At this time, it is assumed that the selection of the mode and the sorting process of records (particularly the switching destination screen No.) according to the selected mode have already been performed. Furthermore, a thumbnail image may be generated and displayed according to the sorting result. For example, if the user sees the thumbnail image and finds it difficult to understand, the user operates the “automatic switching start” switch 43. Of course, this is an example.

  When the “automatic switching start” switch 43 is operated (step S61, YES), based on the sorting result (priority order), a display target screen (first screen in the sort order first; screen with the highest number of display times). Is displayed and the timer is started (step S62). A predetermined timeout time (for example, about several seconds) is set in advance in the timer.

  If the user performs a predetermined operation (such as touching anywhere on the screen, etc.) before the timer times out (step S63, YES), the screen displayed at this time is determined as the switching destination. Then, a predetermined process is executed (step S64). The predetermined process is, for example, a timer stop, a screen sequential switching display stop, a process corresponding to step S18, or the like.

  On the other hand, when the timer times out (step S63, NO), the next display target screen is determined according to the sort order (step S65), and the process returns to step S62.

  The above-described embodiment shows an example and is not limited to this example. For example, the screen switching menu window 40 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. That is, the mode may be determined in advance and the user may not be able to select the mode. Alternatively, a mode selection window may exist separately, and the user may select and designate an arbitrary mode in advance on the mode selection window. In these examples, when the user operates a dedicated switch for switching screens, the above sort processing or the like is performed in a predetermined (or preset) mode, and thumbnail image list display is performed according to the sort result. Thumbnail images are displayed in the field 42 (or switching destination candidate screens are sequentially displayed by the processing of FIG. 17).

In any case, it is not necessary to select the mode every time a dedicated switch (not shown) for screen switching is operated.
Alternatively, in the above example, an arbitrary mode is selected from the four types of modes described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, an arbitrary mode is selected from any two of the four types of modes. It may be in the form of making it.

  In addition, from the above, the screen switching history data 50 is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 7A, and may store only data related to the mode used in each form. For example, in a case where only the “total switching count” mode is used in a fixed manner, the screen switching history data 50 may be composed of only “total switching count mode data” 51.

  Further, for example, the “update of switching count (increment by +1)” process in step S18 is not limited to an example in which only data relating to the mode selected at that time is updated, and data relating to other modes is also updated. It doesn't matter. For example, in the “total switching count” mode, only the switching count 62 is updated in the above example. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the switching count 73, the switching count 83, and the switching count 94 may be updated. .

  The initial values of the switching count 62, switching count 73, switching count 83, and switching count 94 (hereinafter referred to as “switch count” without distinction) are, for example, “0”, but are not limited to this example. Absent. The initial value of the number of times of switching may be set so that the user can set an arbitrary value of 1 or more.

  Alternatively, the initial value of the number of times of switching may be set to the same value for all records, but may be set to different values. In particular, at the start of operation, for example, since the number of times of switching is, for example, “0” in all records, it is substantially impossible to sort. Thus, for example, the user may be able to solve such a problem by setting an initial value of the number of times of switching of the record corresponding to a screen that seems to be frequently used to a relatively high value. .

  Alternatively, regarding the example in which different values are set as the initial values of the number of times of switching, the process of step S18 may not be executed. In other words. In this case, the candidate screens (or their thumbnail images are displayed) in the order determined by the user, not based on the result data.

Alternatively, the processing shown in FIG. 17 may be executed as soon as the dedicated switch is operated without displaying thumbnail images or operating the “automatic switching start” switch 43. Of course, in this case, an arbitrary mode is determined / set in advance, and a sort process corresponding to this mode is executed.

Claims (9)

Display control means for displaying any of a plurality of screens;
When a predetermined operation is performed on the currently displayed screen, priority order judging means for judging the priority order of the switching destination candidate screen based on past performance data;
Switching destination determining means for displaying the screen of the switching destination candidate in a predetermined form in accordance with the priority determined by the priority determining means, and determining a screen arbitrarily designated for the display as a switching destination; Have
The switching destination determining means sequentially displays the screens of the switching destination candidates as the predetermined form according to the priority order, and determines a screen that has undergone a predetermined operation during display as the switching destination. display. All the screens are displayed with a predetermined screen switching button while the screen is displayed.
2. The programmable display according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation on the currently displayed screen is an operation of the screen switching button. The past performance data is the frequency of use of each screen,
Further comprising a display history storage means for storing the total use frequency of each screen.
3. The programmable display device according to claim 1, wherein the priority order determining means determines the priority order of the screen of the switching destination candidate based on the total use frequency. The past performance data is the frequency of use of each screen,
It further has display history storage means for storing the frequency of use of each screen for each switching source screen,
The priority order determining means determines the priority order of the switching destination candidate screens based on the frequency of use of each screen corresponding to the switching source screen with the currently displayed screen as the switching source screen. The programmable display according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The past performance data is the frequency of use of each screen,
It further has a display history storage means for storing the use frequency of each screen,
The priority order determining means determines the priority order of the switching destination candidate screen based on the total use frequency of each screen within the latest predetermined period obtained based on the display history storage means. The programmable display according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The past performance data is the frequency of use of each screen,
A display history storage means for storing the frequency of use of each screen for each combination of an arbitrary switching source screen and any one or more previous display screens for each screen;
The priority order determination means is based on the frequency of use of each screen according to a combination in which the currently displayed screen is the switching source screen, and one or more screens displayed before that are the previous display screens. The programmable display according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the priority of the screen of the switching destination candidate is determined. It further has mode selection means for selecting an arbitrary mode from a plurality of types of modes,
The programmable display according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the priority determination means determines the priority according to a selected mode. The plurality of types of modes include a mode for determining the priority order based on a total use frequency of each screen, a mode for determining the priority order based on a use frequency corresponding to each switching source screen, and the most recent of each screen. Any one of a mode for determining the priority order based on a use frequency within a predetermined period of time, and a mode for determining the priority order based on a use frequency according to a combination of a switching source screen and a previous display screen. The programmable display according to claim 7 , wherein the mode is two or more types. Programmable display computer,
Display control means for displaying any of a plurality of screens;
When a predetermined operation is performed on the currently displayed screen, priority order judging means for judging the priority order of the switching destination candidate screen based on past performance data;
Means for displaying the screen of the switching destination candidate in a predetermined form according to the priority determined by the priority determining means, and determining a screen arbitrarily designated for the display as a switching destination ; A switching destination determining means for sequentially displaying the screens of the switching destination candidates as the predetermined form according to the priority order, and determining a screen having a predetermined operation during display as the switching destination;
Program to function as.

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