WO2013056912A1

WO2013056912A1 - User interface and method for adjusting at least one command variable of a technical system

Info

Publication number: WO2013056912A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/068026
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon Butscher; Jens Müller; Tobias Schwarz
Original assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2011-10-19
Filing date: 2012-09-14
Publication date: 2013-04-25
Also published as: DE102011084805A1

Abstract

At least one reference variable (desired value, adjustment value, control value...) is continuously emitted to a technical system by means of an interface. The reference variable can be adjusted on the touchscreen in a rapid, accurate and efficient manner, in which for example a circle which represents the variable is increased or reduced using the multi-touch jests. Said user interface is characterised in security-critical applications by direct bodily expectations, expectation-conformity interactions, rapid reception of the command variables, collaborative work and synchronous multi-user input. The full potential is used on the planning tables in particular, when abnormal operating states are present. It also meets the hight expectations with respect to security and work efficiency imposed by the user in the control rooms or control stations. In an additional embodiment, the speed of scaling is correlated with the number of fingers used for the jests. The use of several fingers during the user interaction also enables values to be modified rapidly. An input carried out with only one or two fingers however achieves the highest precision. Said selection possibility enables the user to individually select a suitable priority between the conflicting dimensions "speed" and "precision" for the interaction thereof.

Description

description

User interface and method for adjusting Minim ^¬ least one control parameter of a technical installation

User interfaces for the setting of reference variables can be found today in control rooms of the most diverse technical systems, such as in power plants or factories. They are primarily used for monitoring, diagnosis and intervention in the respective technical processes. Thus, an essential task of the operators, i. the operator of the user interfaces in the control room, in the control of critical process variables such as Current loads, number of revolutions, pressure, temperature or level of elements of the respective technical system.

To set these process variables, the operator adjusts associated command values, which are then transmitted from the user interface to the respective technical systems. The term reference variables both fixed setpoints and time-varying set points (ie Zielfunktio ^¬ nen) can be understood in the following context of the regulation. The term should also include other variables in the control loop, since it may be useful to manually set control variables or manipulated variables of individual control circuit elements, or even to directly visualize and control the controlled variable itself.

In the latter case, the operator is given the control variable via the user interface. He indicates by an ^interaction that he wants to increase the controlled variable, whereupon suitable setpoint values are output to the technical system in the background until the controlled variable has completed the desired increase.

Furthermore, the term reference variable should also include those input variables and manipulated variables which are for easy Control without feedback, ie without control, of elements of the technical system are issued to this.

The reference variables can also specify intervals in which the actual value of the controlled variable may move. Furthermore, the reference variables can also be defined for fixed times or for predetermined periods of time. For complex systems, hundreds or thousands of reference variables of all types mentioned can be used.

In other technical fields, too, reference variables have to be adjusted to the respective system by means of user interfaces. As an example from medical technology, it may be sufficient to regulate the flow rate of a suction rinsing device for phacoemulsification during eye operations. This is reali ^¬ Siert for example by a rotary control.

In control rooms, Windows-based user interfaces are common, representing process variables or control elements in the form of pictograms on a plant plan or circuit diagram in virtual windows. In a first operating step, the operator used for the selection of a Pikto ^¬ program as an input device, a mouse, via which it positions a mouse pointer over the icon and confirmed this by pressing a button click. Subsequently, information about plant and / or process states associated with the icon is opened in a virtual control window. There, the respective process variables can be set or at least influenced directly by the operator in a second operating step, by setting suitable reference variables. For example, pressure or temperature in a boiler can be changed in this way. The well-known Windows-based user interfaces also use the keyboard and mouse for the second operating step. For example, an input field is selected with the mouse be ^¬ before there entered a numeric value with the keyboard becomes. Different widgets or components of the Windows ^¬ based user interface are used for this application, allowing for example, a numeric entry or an incremental orientation or decrement a value by keyboard or mouse click.

In the field of mobile devices for the end consumer is known about the iPhone, which allows a touch-based input. The iPhone presents numeric values, such as a calendar date, with a "picker" element on virtual roles that a user can scroll vertically to select the desired data.

It has as its object to provide a user interface and a method for setting at least one reference variable of a technical system, which enables a more efficient setting of the reference variables.

This object is achieved by a user interface, which has an interface which is set up to output the at least one reference variable to a technical system. The user interface ^¬ is characterized by a touch screen and a microprocessor, which is programmed to calculate a representation of at least one shape, in particular a Krei ^¬ ses, triangle, square, bar, or icons, which values of at least one reference variable on the touch screen visualized, wherein the area of the shape on the touch screen positively correlates with the value of the respective reference variable. Furthermore, the microprocessor is programmed to process a user interaction that scales the representation of the shape on the touch screen, with the value of the at least one reference variable being adjusted according to the positive correlation.

In the method, at least one reference variable over ei ^¬ ne interface to a technical plant, in particular kon ^¬ continuously outputted. The process is characterized characterized in that a microprocessor calculates a representation of at least one shape, in particular a circle, triangle, square, bar or icon, which visualizes values of the at least one reference variable on the touch screen, wherein the area of the shape on the touch screen with the value of the respective reference variable positively correlated. Further, the microprocessor processes a user interaction that scales the representation of the shape on the touch screen, adjusting the value of the at least one reference variable according to the positive correlation.

The user interface and the method have the ^advantage that, in contrast to an operation by mouse and keyboard, a reality-related manipulation of the reference variables becomes possible since the tactile screen interacts directly and context-related. Thus, the increase in a value in everyday life often corresponds to an increase in an associated area, so that a model from the real world is used here. This increases an immediate physical experience of the leaders in hiring. The self-explanatory relationship between the size of the mold and the value of the reference variable allows for a one expectation compliant In ^¬ teraktion, on the other hand to quickly take the lead sizes.

Furthermore, the optional omission of keyboard and mouse offers the advantage of collaborative working, since access is no longer limited to an input medium, which can only serve one person at a time. Instead, a synchronous multi-user input is made possible, which are particularly well supported in the necessary si ^¬ cherheitskritischen applications quick access. Especially in the case of abnormal operating conditions, synchronous multi-user input at planning tables or other workplaces unfolds their full potential.

However, the synchronous multi-user input is only possible through the user interface and the method, since they are the Provide required interaction concept and thus enable the use of a tactile screen. The process and the user interface to meet the high Anforderun ^¬ gen in terms of safety and work efficiency, which makes the use in control rooms or control rooms with them.

Decisive here is the ability to enter both quickly and accurately using the Benut ^¬ cut spot and process control variables. Previously known interaction concepts such as the aforementioned "picker" element of the iPhone prove to be inadequate in this regard, since the gestures used set the values either too slow or too uncontrolled. In a further development, the microprocessor is programmed to evaluate, as user interaction, touches from a number of fingers, the speed of the scaling correlating positively or negatively with the number of fingers. This means, for example, that scaling the shape with one or two fingers is slower than using three or more fingers. The use of multiple fingers in the user interaction thus allows particularly fast value changes. An input with only one or two fingers achieves the highest accuracy.

As a result, this development provides a user with a choice for the resolution or accuracy with which he can adjust the reference variables. For a fast but inaccurate setting he chooses many fingers, whereas an interaction with a few fingers allows a fine adjustment. This relationship can also be implemented in reverse, so that the speed of scaling decreases as the number of fingers increases.

This choice allows the user to set himself a proper focus between the conflicting ones Select "speed" and "precision" dimensions for its interaction.

According to one embodiment, the technical system comprises an energy supply system, an energy distribution system, a telecommunications system, a traffic monitoring system, an air traffic control system, a train control system, a traffic control system, a factory, a process plant, an automation system, a heating system, a home automation system, a synthesizer a Medizi ^¬ African unit or more of these facilities or systems.

In a development, the touch screen is designed as a tray, monitor, table, flat screen or projection screen.

According to one embodiment, the touch screen is designed as LCD, LED or OLED touch screen, which is equipped with a number of optical sensors, in particular one infrared sensor per pixel, for touch detection. Alternatively, it is a resistive, capacitive or inductive touch screen,

or a projection display, area or disk, which is irradiated by a projector and scanned by at least one optical sensor, in particular a plurality of Infrarotka ^¬ meras, for touch detection.

In a further development, the microprocessor reproduces on the tactile screen a structure of a multiplicity of elements, wherein a user can select the respective elements by touching, whereupon the microprocessor carries out the method for a number of reference variables which are assigned to the selected element. A computer program is stored on the computer-readable medium, which executes the method when it is executed in a computer. The computer program is processed in a computer and executes the procedure.

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures. Show it:

FIG. 1 shows a touch gesture for scaling up,

FIG. 2 shows a touch gesture for small-scale scaling,

Figure 3 is a touch gesture for scaling up with a

Finger,

Figure 4a shows a touch gesture for scaling up to four

Fingers in a starting position,

Figure 4b shows a touch gesture for scaling up to four

Fingers in an end position, Figure 5a shows a touch gesture for larger scaling with two

Fingers in a starting position,

Figure 5b shows a touch gesture for scaling up with two

Fingers in an end position, and

6 shows an embodiment of a user interface for setting at least one ^reference variable ei ^¬ ner technical system. Figure 1 shows a touch gesture for larger scale and Figure 2 shows a touch gesture for small-scale. These gestures are known, for example, from the control of multi-touch devices such as the iPhone. They are carried out on a tactile screen ^¬. A touch screen is a combined input and output device that allows a user input by touching elements of a displayed image with a particular stylus or his or her fingertips. Figure 3 shows a touch gesture for larger scaling with only one finger. In this case, a virtual user interface 1 is represented by a microprocessor, for example a microprocessor of a tablet, PC or server, on a touchscreen. For this purpose, the microprocessor calculates inter alia a representation of at least one form 2, here a circle. Alternatively, for example, a representation for a triangle, a square, a bar or an icon could also be calculated. Three-dimensional shapes, wel ^¬ che issued spatially on a 3D touch screen or two-dimensionally displayed on a conventional tactile screen can be calculated and displayed. In any case, it must be calculated how the shape is imaged on pixels of the touch screen, ie which pixels of the

Touchscreen must be controlled to represent the form darzustel ^¬ len. Numerous algorithms of the prior art are known for this, which also include the imaging of three-dimensional shapes.

The mold 2 visualizes a value of a reference variable as defined above, the surface of the mold 2 on the ^touch screen correlating positively with the value of the reference variable. Further, the microprocessor processes a user interaction which scales the area of the mold on the touch screen, adjusting the value of the command variable according to the positive correlation.

For this purpose, a user can type, for example, a finger 3 onto the virtual user interface 1, whereupon the outline of the mold 2 up to this point is expanded or ver ^¬ kleinert. Alternatively, the user may touch the outline or face of the mold 2 and then draw his finger 3 outwardly or inwardly (as measured at the center of the mold 2), thereby correspondingly enlarging or reducing the mold 2. The command variable is corresponding to a positive correla ^¬ tion, for example recalculated proportional to the diameter or the surface of the mold 2 and in accordance with the change of the lung ^¬ depicting the mold 2 and is output via an interface to a technical plant. This can also be done continuously. A numerical value 4 of the reference variable is also output within the form 2 on the virtual user interface 1 and continuously updated during the interaction or scaling.

Figure 4a shows a touch gesture for scaling up with four fingers 3 in an initial position. As a numerical value 4 of a reference variable, which correlates positively with the area ei ^¬ ner form 2 on a virtual user interface 1, here is indicated 25,10. Figure 4b shows the Berüh ^¬ approximately gesture of Figure 4a in an end position. Identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals. The numerical value 4 of the reference variable is now 55.50. The value of the reference variable has increased significantly since the representation of the form 2 on the virtual user interface 1 has been scaled considerably larger by the touch gesture. A linear, monotonic continuous or proportional relationship between the area of radius, the circumference or diameter of the mold 2 on the one hand and the value of the reference variable, for example, on the other hand be calculated as ^¬ posi tive ^¬ correlation. To scale the representation of Form 2, a user only has to place his fingertips on the edge of Form 2 or on the face of Form 2 and then move them apart. Since the user a total of four fingers 3 used here for the gesture, the scaling is performed with great VELOCITY ^¬ ness. The use of multiple fingers 3 in the user interaction thus enables particularly fast Who ^¬ teänderungen. Figure 5a shows a touch gesture for scaling up with two fingers 3 in a home position. As numerical value 4 of a reference variable, which corresponds positively with the area ei ^¬ ner form 2 on a virtual user interface 1 Once again, 25.10 is indicated. Figure 5b shows the Berüh ^¬ approximately gesture of Figure 5a in a final position. Identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals. The numerical value 4 of the reference variable is now given as 40.10. Although the finger 3 as compared to Figure 4b the same distance have covered, the value of the reference variable has significantly less increased as the representation of the mold 2 on the virtual user 1 through the touch gesture we ^¬ nig was only scaled larger. Since the user only two finger into 3 used here for the gesture, the scaling is performed with clotting ^¬ ger speed.

This means that scaling of the form 2 with only two fingers 3 is slower than if three or more fingers 3 are used for this purpose. An input with only two fingers 3 thus achieves the highest accuracy.

Thus, a user can select a resolution or accuracy with which he can adjust the reference variables. For a quick but inaccurate setting, it executes the gesture with many fingers 3, whereas interaction with a few fingers allows a fine adjustment. This relationship can also be implemented in reverse, so that the more fingers 3 are used in the gesture, the slower and more accurate the adjustment.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a user interface ^¬ point for setting at least one control variable of a technical system 7. The technical system 7 of play includes at ^¬ a power supply system, unit-an energy, a telecommunication system, a traffic About ^¬ and monitoring system, an air traffic control system, a Bahnleitsys ^¬ tem , a road traffic control system, a factory, a process plant, an automation system, a Hei ^¬ desalination plant, a home automation system, a synthesizers zer, a medical device or a plurality of these units or systems. FIG. 6 shows a tactile screen 5, which is installed in a table. It is connected to a computer 9, which also comprises an interface 8, which is set to an off ^¬ reproducing least one control parameter as hereinbefore defined to the technical installation. 7 The computer 9 ent ^¬ holds a microprocessor 6, which is programmed to calculate a representation of at least a mold 2, in particular ^¬ sondere of a circle, triangle, square, bar, or icons, which values of the at least one command on a virtual user interface 1 on the Visualized touch screen 5, wherein the surface of the mold 2 on the touch screen 5 positively correlated with the value of the respective reference variable ^¬ . Furthermore, the microprocessor 6 is programmed to process a user interaction, which the lung representation of the mold 2 as described above scaled on the touchscreen, wherein the value of at least one command variable is adjusted ent ^¬ speaking of the positive correlation.

In a further development, the microprocessor 6 reproduces on the touch screen 5 a structure of a plurality of elements, wherein a user can select the respective elements by touch, whereupon the microprocessor 6 for a number of reference variables associated with the selected element, the previously provided setting described.

The described embodiments, developments and embodiments can be combined freely with each other.

Claims

claims

1. user interface for setting at least one reference variable of a technical system (7),

with an interface (8) which is set up to output the at least one reference variable to the technical system (7),

characterized by a touch screen (5) and a Mikropro ^¬ processor (6), which is programmed

for calculating a representation of at least one shape (2), in particular a circle, triangle, square, bar, or icon, which visualizes values of the at least one reference variable on the touch screen (5), the area of the shape (2) on the touch screen (5) positively correlated to the value of the respective reference variable for processing a user interaction which scales the representation of the form (2) on the touch screen (5), the value of the at least one reference variable being adjusted according to the positive correlation, and

as user interaction, to evaluate touches from a number of fingers (3), the speed of the scaling correlating positively or negatively with the number of fingers (3).

2. User interface according to claim 1,

in which the technical facility (7) a Energieversor ^generating installation, a Energieverteilanlage, a Telecommun ^¬ nikationsanlage, a traffic monitoring system, an air traffic control system, a path control system, a road traffic control system, a factory, a process plant, an automation system, a heating ^¬ plant, a home automation system comprises a Synthesi ^¬ zer, a medical device or a plurality of these units or systems.

3. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, in which the touch screen (5) is designed as a tray, monitor, table, flat screen or projection screen.

4. User interface according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the touch screen (5) is designed as an LCD, LED or OLED touch screen, which is equipped with a number of optical sensors, in particular one infrared sensor per pixel, for touch detection,

resistive, capacitive or inductive touch screen, or

Projection display, area or disc, which is irradiated by a projector and scanned by at least one op ^¬ tischen sensor, in particular a plurality of infrared ^¬ cameras, for touch detection.

5. Method for setting at least one reference variable of a technical installation (7),

wherein the at least one command via an interface (8) of the technical facility (7), in particular ^¬ sondere is continuously outputted,

characterized in that a microprocessor (6)

a representation of at least one mold (2), in particular a circle, a triangle, a square, a Bal ^¬ ken or an icon, calculated alisiert which values of the min ^¬ least a command to the tactile screen (5) Visu, said surface the shape (2) on the touch ^¬ screen (5) with the value of the respective reference variable pos ^¬ tively correlated,

a user interaction processing, which the Dar ^¬ position of the mold (2) on the tactile screen (5) scales, the value of the at least one reference variable is ent ^¬ speaking adapted to the positive correlation, and-as a user interaction (touch of a number of fingers 3 ) evaluates, wherein a VELOCITY ^¬ ness of the scaling with the number of fingers (3) correlates positively or negatively. Method according to claim 5,

wherein the microprocessor (8) on the touch screen (5) reproduces a structure of a plurality of elements, whereby a user can select the respective elements by touch, whereupon the microprocessor (8) allocates a number of command values associated with the selected element are performing the method according to claim 5.

Computer readable medium,

on which a computer program is stored, which executes the method according to one of claims 5 to 6, when it is executed in the microprocessor (6). Computer program

which is processed in the microprocessor (6) and thereby carries out the method according to one of claims 5 to 6.