JPH09120352A - Multiwindow system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily operate a window irrelevantly to operation environment. SOLUTION: A correspondence relation managing means 2 manages the correspondence relation between keys 1a-1f and window operation processing and displays its contents at key function display parts 4d-4i. An operator presses the key corresponding to target processing over a look at the key function display parts 4d-4i. Once the key is depressed, the correspondence relation managing means 2 outputs a request to execute a currently assigned window processing function. A window control means 3 performs window operation such as scrolling at the execution request. Thus, the window can be operated by key input without using a pointing device such as a mouse, a touch panel, etc.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-window system for displaying a plurality of windows on a display device, and more particularly to a multi-window system used in a bad environment such as a numerically controlled machine tool.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, personal computers (hereinafter,
An operating system (OS) for a PC is generally provided with a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface can display a plurality of rectangular areas on the display screen. This rectangular area is called a window, and an environment in which a plurality of windows can be displayed is called a multi-window environment. As an OS that provides a multi-window environment, there is Windows of Microsoft Corporation.

In the multi-window environment, the user selects one of the displayed windows and performs various operations.
The operation requires the operation of designating an arbitrary point on the screen. Therefore, a pointing device such as a mouse or a touch panel is used.

As PCs have become popular in the machine tool industry, the operating environment of numerically controlled machine tools is the same as the operating environment of PCs. As a result, a multi-window environment has come to be provided even in numerically controlled machine tools.

[0005]

However, the on-site environment where the numerically controlled machine tool is used is significantly different from the office environment. Therefore, in order to perform some operation in the multi-window environment, the following problems peculiar to the numerically controlled machine tool occur.

First, it is impossible to secure a space for using a mouse. To use the mouse, you must have a plane that is nearly horizontal. However, it is difficult to secure such a space at the machining site.

Secondly, malfunction of a mouse, a touch panel or the like is likely to occur due to oil stains or the like. Third, the work environment at the site is unsuitable for the detailed operations required for a mouse or a pointing device equivalent thereto. On the other hand, touch panels and the like are originally unsuitable for detailed work. Therefore, the operation is limited in any case.

Fourthly, the operator must have knowledge of the operation in order to perform the operation with the pointing device. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-window system capable of operating a window as desired by an operator regardless of the work environment.

[0009]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above problems, in a multi-window system for displaying a plurality of windows on a screen of a display device, an input means having a plurality of keys and a window operation processing process. Managing the correspondence between the contents and the key, and outputting the execution command of the corresponding processing contents when the key is pressed, and the window control means for executing the window operation processing according to the execution command. There is provided a multi-window system having the above.

According to this multi-window system,
When the operator presses a key corresponding to the desired window operation process, the correspondence management means outputs a request to execute the process having the correspondence. Then, the window control means operates the window according to the execution request.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a multi-window system of the present invention. The input means 1 has a plurality of keys 1a-1f. The correspondence management unit 2 manages the correspondence between the keys 1a to 1f and the window operation processing, and displays the name of the window operation processing corresponding to the keys 1a to 1f on the display device 4. Then, when any one of the keys is pressed, the execution request of the corresponding window operation process is output.

The window control means 3 has a plurality of types of window operation processing units 3a to 3c. The window operation processing units 3a to 3c include, for example, window operation processing such as switching of active screens and screen scrolling. When the window operation process execution request is output,
The window operation processing section 3a in the window control means 3
3c performs a window operation according to the execution request.

The display device 4 has a plurality of windows 4a ...
4c is displayed. These windows 4a-4c
Are controlled by the window control means 3. The names of the window operation processes corresponding to the keys 1a to 1f are displayed on the key function display portions 4d to 4i.

According to such a multi-window system, the operator can recognize which window operation process is assigned to which key by looking at the key function display portions 4d to 4i. Then, the key corresponding to the desired process is pressed.

When a key is pressed, the correspondence management means 2
Outputs the request to execute the currently assigned window processing function. The window control means 3 performs window operation according to the execution request.

In this way, the window can be operated by key input without using a pointing device such as a mouse or a touch panel. Hereinafter, what kind of window operation processing can be performed when the multi-window system of the present invention is used for a man-machine controller (MMC) of a numerically controlled machine tool will be specifically described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an interactive numerical control apparatus which is an embodiment of the present invention. The processor 11 controls the entire interactive numerical control device according to the system program stored in the ROM 12. As the ROM 12, an EPROM or an EEPROM is used. RA
SRAM or the like is used for M13, and various data or input / output signals are stored therein. The non-volatile memory 14 has a C backed up by a battery (not shown).
A MOS is used to store parameters, pitch error correction amount, tool correction amount, and the like that should be retained even after the power is turned off.

The axis control circuit 15 receives the axis movement command from the processor 11 and outputs the axis command to the servo amplifier 17. The servo amplifier 17 receives the movement command and drives the servo motor of the machine tool 18. The PMC (Programmable Machine Controller) 16 receives a T function signal (tool selection command) and the like when executing the NC program. Then, these signals are processed by the sequence program, and the signals are output as operation commands, and the machine tool 1
8 is controlled. Further, it receives a status signal from the machine tool 18, performs sequence processing, and transfers a necessary input signal to the processor 11.

All the above-mentioned components are connected to each other by a bus 19, which is connected to the NC.
In addition to the processor 11 which is a CPU for communication, a processor 31 for interaction is connected by a bus 29.

The processor 31 has a bus 39 and a ROM
32, a RAM 33, a non-volatile memory 34, a VRAM (video RAM) 35, and a graphic control circuit 36 are connected. The processor 31 executes the interactive processing program stored in the ROM 32, and displays the work or data that can be set on the interactive data input screen in a menu format on the display device 23 described later. In addition, a machining program is created from the data thus input, and the overall motion trajectory of the tool is displayed as a background animation. In the ROM 32, an input screen for the interactive data and the like are stored in addition to the interactive processing program. An SRAM or the like is used as the RAM 33, and various data for dialogue are stored. As the non-volatile memory 34, a CMOS backed up by a battery (not shown) is used, and program data, a machining program and the like to be retained even after the power is turned off are stored.
The VRAM 35 is a RAM that can be accessed at high speed,
Graphic data for displaying an animation is stored when a cutting simulation of the machine tool 18 is performed based on the machining program stored as an NC sentence in the non-volatile memory 34. The graphic control circuit 36 is VR
The graphic data stored in the AM 35 is converted into a signal for display and output.

In addition, a CRT / MDI (Cathode Ray Tube / Manua) that takes a human interface with an operator
The l Data Input) panel 20 is connected to the bus 19 and is provided with a graphic control circuit 21, a switching device 22, a display device 23, a keyboard 24 and a software key 25.

The graphic control circuit 21 is the processor 1.
It converts the digital signal output from 1 etc. into a signal for display and outputs it. The switch 22 is the graphic control circuit 3
6 or the display signal output from the graphic control circuit 21 is switched and given to the display device 23. Display device 2
A CRT or a liquid crystal display device is used for 3. The keyboard 24 includes symbolic keys, numerical keys, etc.,
Input the required graphic data and NC data using these keys. The software key 25 is a command key whose function is changed by a system program or the like, and the function name or the like is displayed at a predetermined screen position on the display device 23. There are operation menu keys (not shown) on both sides of the software key 25, and the function assigned to the software key 25 can be switched by pressing this key.

Since the background animation is displayed, the program data has a processor 31 for interaction.
Is processed into display data, converted into a display signal by the graphic control circuit 36, and displayed on the display device 23. Similarly, when creating a machining program interactively, the shape, machining conditions, and the like are displayed in the graphic control circuit 2.
At 1, the signal is converted into a signal for display and displayed on the display device 23.

In the numerical controller having the above structure, the window processing function is assigned to the software key 25.
Then, various window operations are performed. At this time, the function assigned to the software key 25 is displayed on the display device 23.
Is displayed as a key function display section at the bottom of.

First, the first example of the window operation processing is as follows.
This is a process of selecting a window group consisting of a plurality of windows by pressing a software key. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a group configuration selection screen including a plurality of windows. In this example, "Position", "Tool Off
3 window groups 41 "set" and "Program"
~ 43 are set. Key function display section 40a, 40
The names of the window groups 41 to 43 are displayed on b and 40c, respectively.

In this state, when the software key corresponding to the key function display section 40a is pressed, the "Position" window group 41 is displayed. In this window group 41, "Position screen", "Actual screen",
There are three windows 41a to 41c of "Status screen".

When the software key corresponding to the key function display section 40b is pressed, the "Tool Offset" window group 42 is displayed. This window group 4
2 includes "Tool Offset screen", "Position screen",
There are three windows 42a-42c of "Actual screen".

When the software key corresponding to the key function display section 40c is pressed, the "Program" window group 43 is displayed. In this window group 43, "Program screen", "Program Directory screen",
There are three windows 43a to 43c of "Status screen".

As described above, a plurality of windows displayed on the screen can be simultaneously switched by pressing one software key. For example, switching from the window group 41 to the window group 42 may be performed only by pressing the software key corresponding to the key function display unit 40b. If this window operation is performed with the mouse, all the windows 41a to 41c displayed in the window group 41 must be terminated and then the windows 42a to 42c of the window group 42 must be activated. Mouse operation is quite complicated.

The second example of the window operation process is a process of selecting an active window among the windows displayed on the screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an active window selection screen. This screen includes "Over ALL screen", "Absolute screen", "Relative screen", "Machin
Windows 51 to 54 of "e screen" are displayed. The key function display sections 50a to 50d have windows 51 to 5
The respective names of 4 are displayed. In addition, `` Absolu
When the name is long, such as “te screen” or “Relative screen”, abbreviations can be used as long as the operator can understand. Therefore, in the key function display parts 50b and 50c,
The first three letters are displayed.

In this state, in order to select the screen to be executed, any one of the software keys corresponding to the key function display portions 50a to 50d may be pressed. For example, if a software key corresponding to the key function display section 50a is input,
The window 51 of the "Over ALL screen" becomes active.

A third example of the window operation process is a process of selecting a control target displayed in the window.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a control target selection screen in the window. In the active window, the check box 61 for "Input Unit", "Paramete"
r Write Enable ”button 62 and“ Rotation Angl ”
There is a numerical value input section 63 for "e". In the check box 61 of "Input Unit", there are radio buttons 61a and 61b for "inch" and "mm", and "mm" is currently selected. The names of the check box 61, the button 62, and the numerical value input unit 63 are displayed on the key function display units 60a to 60c.

In this state, when the software key corresponding to the key function display portion 60a is pressed, the check box 61
The radio button inside is switched and "inch" is selected. If there are many radio buttons, display the up and down arrows in the key function display area and press the corresponding software key to move the selected radio button up or down. , You can also select any radio button.

When the software key corresponding to the key function display portion 60b is pressed, "Parameter Write Enable" is displayed.
The same processing is performed as when the button 62 of is pressed. Further, when the software key corresponding to the key function display portion 60c is pressed, the "Rotation Angle" numerical value input state is set, and the value input from the numeric keypad is set in the "Rotation Angle" numerical value input portion 63.

The fourth example of the window operation process is a process of inputting data into the window. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data input screen. The active window is divided into a grid. Numerical values can be entered in each area in the grid. The cursor 71 is displayed in one of the lattice areas. In this figure, the cursor is represented by thickening the frame portion of the lattice area.
On the key function display parts 70a to 70c, "Input", "Cl
Three types of execution contents, "ear" and "Copy" are displayed.

In this state, when inputting data,
With the cursor movement keys provided on the keyboard,
Move the cursor position to the desired area. Next, the software key corresponding to the key function display portion 70a is pressed.
This is the state of data input. Then, enter a numerical value using the numerical keys on the keyboard.

To delete the entered numerical value, move the cursor to the desired position and then press the key function display section 70b.
Press the software key corresponding to. To copy the value input in one place to another place, move the cursor at the position where the data to be copied is set and press the software key corresponding to the key function display portion 70c. Next, after moving the cursor at the position where the data should be input, the software key corresponding to the key function display portion 70c is pressed again. In this way, the data is copied between the grid-shaped areas.

The fifth example of the window operation processing is processing for scrolling the window. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a scroll screen of a window. Within the "Position" window 81 is a window 82 for displaying parameters. The parameter currently displayed is "X",
The values are "Y" and "Z". But there are more parameters set in this window. “↑” and “↓” are displayed on the key function display portions 80a and 80b, respectively.
Is displayed.

In this state, "X" in the window 82,
To display the value of another parameter under "Y" or "Z", press the software key corresponding to the key function display portion 80b. While the software key is kept pressed, the data in the parameter display window 82 flows upward. As a result, different parameters appear one after another from the bottom. Then, like the window 82a, the respective values of "C", "A", and "B" are displayed. On the contrary, when it is desired to display the upper data, the software key corresponding to the key function display portion 80a is pressed. In this way, the window can be scrolled.

The sixth example of the window operation processing is processing for moving and resizing the window. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a situation of moving and resizing a window. A window 91 to be operated is displayed on the screen. In the key function display portions 90a and 90b, "Move", which means moving, and "Resize", which means scaling, respectively.
And are displayed.

When moving the window 91, the software key corresponding to the key function display section 90b is pressed. Then, the display of the key function display section is changed, and “↑” is displayed on the key function display sections 90c to 90f, respectively.
"↓", "→", "←" are displayed. Then, the software key corresponding to the key function display portion in which the arrow indicating the direction in which the window is to be moved is displayed is pressed. While the key is being pressed, the window moves in the direction of the arrow, and the window 91a is displayed at the position where the key is released.

To enlarge the window 91, the software key corresponding to the key function display portion 90a is pressed.
Then, the display of the key function display portion is changed, and the key function display portions 90g to 90j respectively display "↑", "↓",
“→” and “←” are displayed. Then, by pressing the software key corresponding to the key function display portion in which the arrow in the direction of expansion is displayed, the position of the lower right corner of the window 91 is expanded. This gives a window 91b of any size.

The seventh example of the window operation processing is processing for opening and closing the window. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an operation for opening a window. The key function display section 101 displays “Op
"en" is displayed. Then, when the user wants to open the currently closed window, the software key corresponding to the key function display unit 101 is pressed. Then, in the key function display sections 102 to 105, the window name is changed to "Po
sition ”,“ Program ”,“ Setting ”,“ Data I / O ”
Is displayed. In this state, press the software key corresponding to the key function display section showing the name of the window you want to open. In the illustrated example, the software key corresponding to the key function display unit 102 is pressed. This allows
The “Position” window 106 opens.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation for closing the window. In the figure, three windows 111 to 113 are open. Currently, window 111 is active. "Close" is displayed on the key function display portion 111a. In this state, the software key corresponding to the key function display section 111a is pressed. Then window 11
1 closes.

The eighth example of the window operation processing is a guidance function using software keys. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation situation by the guidance function. This example
This is the case when copying the program on the screen. The key function display sections 121 and 122 have "Copy" and "Mov" respectively.
"e" is displayed. To copy, press the software key corresponding to the key function display section 121. Then, the key function display sections 123 and 124 indicate “To Buffer
"," To Program "is displayed. Here, it is assumed that the program is to be copied, and the software key corresponding to the key function display portion 124 is pressed. Next, in the key function display areas 125 to 128, "Cursol ~" and "~ Curso", respectively.
“L”, “To Bottom” and “ALL” are displayed. Here, it is assumed that everything is copied, and the key function display unit 128
Press the software key corresponding to.

Then, a "Program No." dialog box 131 is displayed. In this state, the program number is input (“O0002” in the figure). At this time,
“Exec” is displayed on each of the key function display sections 129 to 130,
"Cancel" is displayed. Then, if the input is correct, the software key corresponding to the key function display portion 129 is pressed. This allows the program to be copied.

As described above, by associating the following operation contents with the software keys and displaying them on the key function display portion at any time, the intended operation can be executed even if the operator does not have special knowledge. .

The processing contents associated with the software key can be switched by pressing the operation menu key provided beside the software key. At the same time, the display contents of the key function display section are switched. For example, to move from the group configuration selection screen as shown in FIG. 3 to the active window selection screen as shown in FIG. 4, the operation menu key is pressed. Then, FIG.
The key function display portions 40a to 4 displayed as shown in FIG.
0c is a key function display section 50a having display contents as shown in FIG.
It becomes ~ 50d. Therefore, it is easy to switch the processing content associated with the software key.

[0049]

As described above, according to the present invention, the correspondence management means manages the correspondence between the key and the processing content of the window operation, and when the key is input, it is associated with the key. Since the window operation processing is performed, it is possible to obtain a multi-window environment with good operability regardless of whether the work environment is good or bad.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a multi-window system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an interactive numerical control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a group configuration selection screen including a plurality of windows.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an active window selection screen.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a control target selection screen in a window.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data input screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a scroll screen of a window.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a situation of moving and resizing a window.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an operation of opening a window.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation of closing a window.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation situation by a guidance function.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Input Means 2 Correspondence Management Means 3 Window Control Means 4 Display Devices 4a-4c Windows 4d-4i Key Function Display Units

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. In a multi-window system for displaying a plurality of windows on a screen of a display device, the input means having a plurality of keys, the correspondence between the window operation processing contents and the keys are managed, and the keys are A multi-window system comprising: a correspondence management unit that outputs an execution command of corresponding processing contents when pressed; and a window control unit that executes window operation processing according to the execution command. 2. The multi-window system according to claim 1, wherein the correspondence management means displays the name of the processing content associated with the key on the screen of the display device. 3. The correspondence management means associates the group configuration data of the window to be displayed on the screen with the key, and when the key is pressed, the window of the corresponding group configuration data is displayed on the screen. The multi-window system according to claim 1, wherein the execution command is output to the. 4. The correspondence management means associates a process for activating a window displayed on the screen with a key, and when the key is pressed, an execution command is issued to activate the corresponding window. The multi-window system according to claim 1, wherein 5. The correspondence management unit associates a key with a process in which an item in a window is controlled, and when a key is pressed, an execution command is issued so that the corresponding item is controlled. The multi-window system according to claim 1, wherein the multi-window system outputs. 6. The correspondence management means associates an editing function of a data input screen with a key, and when the key is pressed, outputs an execution command to execute the corresponding editing function. The multi-window system according to claim 1. 7. The correspondence management means associates window scroll processing with a key, and when the key is pressed, outputs an execution command to scroll the window in a corresponding direction. The multi-window system according to claim 1. 8. The correspondence management means associates a moving direction of a window moving process with a key, and when the key is pressed, outputs an execution command to move the window in the corresponding direction. The multi-window system according to claim 1, wherein: 9. The correspondence management means associates window enlargement / reduction processing with a key, and when the key is pressed, outputs an execution instruction to enlarge / reduce the window to a corresponding size. The multi-window system according to claim 1, wherein: 10. The correspondence management means associates a process for opening a window with a key, and when the key is pressed, outputs an execution command to display the corresponding window on the screen. The multi-window system according to claim 1. 11. The correspondence management means associates a process for closing a window with a key, and when the key is pressed, outputs an execution command to erase the corresponding window from the screen. The multi-window system according to claim 1. 12. The correspondence management means, when a key is pressed, associates the processing content that needs to be performed next with the key according to the processing content assigned to the pressed key. The multi-window system according to claim 1, characterized in that