WO2024088533A1

WO2024088533A1 - Integrated development environment for the complete software-based programming of a graphical user interface of a human-machine interface for industrial machine controllers

Info

Publication number: WO2024088533A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/079968
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannes Schäfer; Uwe Huber; Markus BUBERL
Original assignee: Keb Automation Kg
Priority date: 2022-10-26
Filing date: 2022-10-26
Publication date: 2024-05-02

Abstract

The invention relates to an integrated development environment for the software-based programming of an at least partially graphical human-machine interface for industrial machine controllers, which can be run on a data processing device, having a graphical user interface that has means that can be displayed and can be operated by a user and by means of which MMS elements can be created, displayed and/or processed for later controlling of the machine and/or displaying of machine-related information, wherein during creation and/or processing with the means, predefinable functional and/or graphical properties can be assigned to the MMS elements, which properties are used to define the MMS elements in the with reference to their functional and/or graphical characteristics, wherein the means are designed such that the properties needed for the respective intended use can be assigned to each MMS element.

Description

Integrated development environment for complete software engineering

Programming a graphical user interface for a human-machine

Interface for industrial machine controls

The invention relates to an integrated development environment (IDE) for the complete software programming of a graphical user interface of a human-machine interface (HMI) for industrial machine controls. The invention further relates to a method using the integrated development environment according to the invention for the software programming of a graphical user interface of a human-machine interface for industrial machine controls and the use of an integrated development environment according to the invention for the software programming of a graphical user interface of a human-machine interface for industrial machine controls.

A human-machine interface in the sense of the invention has a graphical user interface. It serves in particular to provide means for controlling the machine and means for displaying information relating to the machine to be controlled.

The term “machine” in the sense of the invention includes individual machines, but also systems and/or production lines which have a plurality of individual machines, in particular those which are connected to one another in terms of process technology.

A graphical user interface of an MMS has, among other things, means in the form of software elements for displaying the information and/or controlling the machine, which must be created and edited within the IDE.

In principle, IDEs are known from the state of the art. However, they are disadvantageous with regard to the requirements placed on programming interfaces for MMS.

Some IDEs do not offer all the features needed to completely edit a graphical user interface for an MMS. Instead, the use of additional programs is necessary to edit some aspects of the graphical user interface outside of the IDE and then import them into the IDE. import.

With other IDEs known from the state of the art, it is possible in principle to completely edit the graphical user interface of an MMS, but this is not efficient. This is because it is not possible to completely edit it without losing focus on the graphical user interface being created. Instead, IDEs are designed in such a way that the properties of the user interface are edited independently of the context of the software elements that are ultimately to be created. This makes it difficult for the editor to keep track of the programming progress.

In addition, the creation of the graphical user interface of an MMS requires a continuous change of editing and navigation views. One view is hidden when the other view is displayed. Therefore, without detailed knowledge of the IDE, the editor cannot easily see which view he is currently in and/or how he can navigate to other editing views.

However, there is a vital interest in making the creation of graphical user interfaces of an MMS accessible to people without formal programming training. However, the known IDEs do not allow this due to their complexity. On the other hand, it is also desirable to further improve the efficiency of specially trained users when working with IDEs.

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying an IDE for the software programming of a graphical user interface of a human-machine interface (HMI) for industrial machine controls, which is improved in terms of user-friendliness and operability compared to integrated development environments known from the prior art.

To achieve the object, the invention proposes an integrated development environment for, in particular, complete and finished, software programming of an at least partially graphical human-machine interface for industrial machine controls, which can be executed on a data processing device, having a graphical user interface which has displayable and user-operable means with which MMS elements for later control of the machine and/or the display of machine-related information can be created, displayed and/or editable, wherein the MMS elements can be assigned predeterminable functional and/or graphic properties during creation and/or editing using the means, which serve to define the MMS elements with reference to their functional and/or graphic characteristics, wherein the means are designed in such a way that each MMS element can be assigned the properties required for the respective intended use, in particular conclusively.

The invention is based on the fact that the graphic part of the human-machine interface (HMI) in particular is formed by human-machine interface elements (HMI elements). In the final state of the HMI, these HMI elements serve as operating and display elements with which the user controls the machine and with which machine-related information is displayed to the user. At the beginning of programming, an HMI element - similar to a human stem cell - is a software element that is indeterminate in terms of function and form. The function and form of the HMI element are only specified and given their final form by the programming-technical assignment of relevant properties using the means provided by the IDE. This makes it suitable for the respective intended purpose within the HMI. The key feature of the invention is, on the one hand, that programming takes place in the context of these HMI elements and that the IDE is preferably intended and suitable, through the means provided, to finally program each HMI element by finally assigning all the required properties before a new HMI element is processed. The approach is completely different in solutions known from the state of the art. There, the MMS is not programmed in the context of MMS elements, but in the context of MMS-wide properties. These are processed, whereby the result of processing all properties - if at all possible with the respective IDE - is an MMS that has control and display elements as the sum of the processed properties. This makes it extremely confusing, since the processing status of a control element cannot be viewed centrally, but is only available in a fragmented manner due to the processing in the properties context. The invention deliberately departs from the state of the art by using MMS elements and exclusively processing the MMS in the context of MMS elements, taking a completely different path, thereby providing an IDE that advantageously improves the user-friendliness and operability of known IDEs. On the other hand, the IDE according to the invention now makes it possible to edit an MMS element, in particular to program it to completion with regard to all properties, without losing focus on the MMS element. This is preferably achieved by making MMS elements essentially always visible to the user during programming. If a user wants to assign properties to the MMS element, this is done using the means provided for this purpose.

The term "selectable" is understood in the context of the invention to mean that, for the purpose of being selectable by a user, the element designated as such, in particular MMS element, is represented by at least one graphical element suitable for this purpose within its own graphical user interface, which can interact with a user-side digital input device, such as a computer mouse or a keyboard. This includes buttons, checkboxes, radio buttons and the like.

The term "display area" defines, in the sense of the invention, a spatially delimitable area of the graphical user interface. In the preferred case in which the IDE is designed as a browser-based application, a so-called web app, this area is designed to become the final display area, in particular by a suitable program element in terms of its design and/or its function. In the sense of the invention, the term "window" is used synonymously with "display area".

The term "property" in the sense of the invention refers to a software-based means which serves to give an MMS element a certain characteristic with reference to a certain feature. Such a characteristic can be graphical in nature, so that the MMS element or a representation thereof can be displayed visually. However, a characteristic can also be non-graphical in nature. One example is the interface-technical link with machine-related control data (data points) which the MMS element specifies or defines in terms of its function. In the sense of the invention, the specific characteristic of the MMS element is realized by assigning the relevant property. An "assignment" refers to the addition of a property to the MMS element and its persistent storage in the MMS element. In this respect, it is preferably provided that at least some of the properties are linked to one another in programming terms in such a way that the Assigning a property to an MMS element excludes the assignability of another property to the same MMS element. This ensures that the user is not exposed to the risk of assigning contradictory or incompatible properties to an MMS element, which would result in an inoperable MMS element. On the other hand, it can be provided that at least some of the properties are linked to one another in programming terms in such a way that only the assignment of a specific property to an MMS element enables the assignability of another property to the same MMS element. This ensures that properties that depend on one another can only be assigned to the MMS element in the correct order. Both options ensure that the resulting MMS element functions as intended and make the user's work easier, since no user knowledge of dependencies or incompatibilities in the relationship between the properties is required to program the MMS.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, one of the means according to the invention is designed as the first display area of the graphical user interface, in particular as a master window. Graphic representations of those MMS elements can be displayed, in particular arranged, in this display area. Such an MMS element is defined by a prior assignment of at least one relevant property with reference to its respective graphical form. The representation of the MMS elements defined in terms of their shape by assignment of a graphical property in the first display area serves the purpose of giving the user an overview of the processing status of the graphical part of the MMS in general and the graphic design of the MMS elements in particular. The first display area is always visible, preferably regardless of whether editing is being carried out. This can advantageously be achieved by arranging and/or displaying the first display area without overlapping within the graphical user interface in relation to the other means and/or other components of the graphical user interface of the IDE.

In order to make editing easier for the user, it is preferably provided that the representations of the MMS elements displayed in the first display area, in particular in the master window, are designed to be selectable by the user for further editing. It is preferred that the user selection of the graphical representation causes the display, preferably without overlapping, of input elements with which further properties can be assigned to the selected MMS element.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, one, preferably another, of the means is designed as a first menu, the menu having user-selectable menu items, each menu item representing a category to which MMS element-related properties are assigned. The assignment of properties to higher-level categories serves to improve the clarity of the IDE and to enable more effective processing by the user. The assignment of properties to the categories, like the categories themselves, is predetermined by the software. The selection of a corresponding menu item can be used to display only those input elements that belong to the selected category with regard to the properties associated with them. The properties are preferably assigned to the categories depending on the respective technical context. For example, a category can include properties that are graphical in nature. Another category can include properties that relate to data points. Another category can include properties that relate to text. Each property is preferably assigned to only one category. Alternatively, a property can be assigned to more than one category. The decisive factor here is that user-friendliness and work efficiency are improved by the categorization.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, one, in particular another, of the means is designed as a second display area of the graphical user interface, which has at least one user-operable input element with which at least one property can be assigned to an MMS element. The property is added to the MMS element and stored using the input element. An input element can in particular be formed by a conventional functional graphical element of a graphical user interface or a combination of such functional graphical elements. Conventional functional graphical elements are buttons, text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons or the like.

According to a preferred feature of the invention it is provided that one, in particular, another of the means is designed as a second menu, which has menu items that can be selected by the user for the purpose of overview and/or providing a quick selection, wherein the menu items represent MMS elements and/or properties that can be assigned to an MMS element or that have already been assigned. Preferably, each individual menu item represents a single MMS element or a property that can be assigned to an MMS element or that has already been assigned. Preferably, the second menu is structured hierarchically in the context of the human-machine interface to be programmed with reference to the menu items. Preferably, the hierarchical structuring can be done by displaying it in the form of a tree diagram, a list, in particular in alphabetical and/or numerical order. For experienced users of the IDE according to the invention, the hierarchical tree structure allows targeted, quick access directly to properties of individual MMS elements. This is particularly advantageous if the graphic part of the MMS to be created shown in the first display area is very extensive, so that the search for the relevant MMS element in the first display area itself is difficult. This type of presentation also allows the experienced user to get an overview of the current processing status for the same case in the shortest possible time.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, it is provided that the means are connected to one another in terms of control technology in such a way that making a selection and/or an input in one means causes a change in the display in another means. This feature relates in particular to the interaction between the first display area, the first menu, the second menu and the second display area. The special functional linking of the means according to the invention described below allows a particularly clear, user-friendly and efficient use of the IDE for complete and finished programming of the MMS.

In this respect, it is preferably provided that the selection of a menu item in the first menu results in an exclusive display of those menu items in the second menu which, with regard to the property represented by the respective menu item, correspond to the category represented by the selected menu item in the first menu. By displaying only those properties which correspond to the previously selected or preset category, user-friendliness and work efficiency are advantageously improved. Preferably, it is also provided that when a menu item is selected in the first menu and a menu item is selected in the second menu or the graphic representation of an MMS element is selected in the first display area, only those input elements are displayed in the second display area which, with regard to the properties that can be assigned to them, correspond to the category specified by the selection of the menu item in the first menu and which are assigned properties that can be assigned to the MMS element selected using the corresponding representation in the second menu or in the first display area. A limited assignability of properties can result in particular from the prior assignment of other properties. In this regard, it is therefore provided that no input element is displayed in the second display area for properties that belong to the selected category but can no longer be assigned to the MMS element. This reduces and categorizes the number of assignable properties, thereby improving clarity and user-friendliness and allowing a more effective way of working.

Preferably, it is also provided that an assignment of a graphic property to an MMS element by means of the corresponding input element in the second display area causes a corresponding, in particular immediate, change in the graphic representation of the relevant MMS element in the first display area. This advantageously always shows the user the current status of the programming of the respective graphic representation of the MMS elements in the first display area, preferably in real time. He can thus immediately follow, check and, if necessary, correct any edits made.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that an edit carried out in the second menu with reference to a graphical property of an MMS element causes a corresponding, in particular immediate, change in the graphical representation of the relevant MMS element in the first display area. The edit can be carried out in particular in the form of a restructuring of the MMS element-related properties shown in the second menu. The restructuring is preferably carried out by the user by moving menu items, in particular by means of a known drag & drop. This also advantageously provides the user with the current status of the programming of the respective graphical representation of the MMS elements in the first display area, preferably in real time. This allows the user to immediately track, check and, if necessary, correct any changes made.

It is also provided that an assignment of any property using the corresponding input element in the second display area causes a corresponding, in particular immediate, change to the corresponding menu item that represents the changed property in the second menu. The property in question is thus made immediately accessible for quick access and/or quick overview, so that the user always has a complete overview of the processing status of the MMS.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the first menu, the second menu and the second display area are positioned with respect to the first display area within the graphical user interface without overlapping. The core idea of this feature lies in the synergistic combination with the provision of separate means according to the invention in that the programmer is provided with the first display area, in particular the master window, in which the programming progress can be tracked or displayed until final completion. Neither the first and second menus nor the second display area cover this first display area, but are preferably arranged to the left (first menu) and right (second display area) of the master window. This increases clarity when creating the MMS individually. In contrast to the prior art, the user interface of the IDE according to the invention is characterized by the fact that the graphical part of the MMS that has already been created always remains uncovered. This makes the entire programming process clearer and faster. In a further development of this feature, it can be provided that the first menu, the second menu and the second display area are arranged without overlapping within the graphical user interface. Overall, this leads to a tidy and clear user interface.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, a further graphic element is provided, preferably arranged in the second display area, which serves the purpose of specifying that a certain assignable property is not only assigned to one individual MMS element, but is also assigned to other MMS elements when assigned accordingly by the relevant input element. This advantageously saves time when programming the MMS, since properties that are not only important for the MMS element currently being processed can be assigned to a plurality of MMS elements. This is important, for example, with regard to the language of the displayed texts or the system of units, preferably the International System of Units (SI) or the Anglo-American System of Units, the units displayed, in particular metric or imperial, etc., since these are properties that should usually be uniform for all MMS elements in the entire MMS to be created. In its simplest form, for example when a property is to be adopted for all MMS elements, the graphic element can be designed as a simple checkbox. Alternatively or additionally, the graphic element can contain a list of all MMS elements, which allows individual selection of certain MMS elements. Checkboxes can also be used for this list. Preferably, this embodiment also allows multiple selection of properties and/or MMS elements.

The invention further relates to a method for the complete software programming of an at least partially graphical human-machine interface for industrial machine controls by means of an integrated development environment according to the invention, in which an MMS element is processed by means of software by means of the means provided by the integrated development environment, wherein predefinable functional and/or graphic properties are assigned to the MMS element, whereby the MMS element is defined with reference to its functional and/or graphic characteristics, wherein all properties required for the respective intended use are finally assigned to the MMS element by means of the means provided by the integrated development environment, so that a final state of the MMS element is achieved.

The invention further relates to the use of an integrated development environment according to the invention for the software programming of a graphical user interface of a human-machine interface for industrial machine controls.

A concrete application of the IDE according to the invention relates to Furthermore, a method for the automated creation of a graphical user interface of a human-machine interface for an industrial machine control system using the IDE according to the invention, in which data points are specified and/or defined by the user, each data point representing a machine-related value and in which on the IDE side, depending on a user-side selection of at least one data point, at least one already created and retrievably stored graphical control element for displaying and/or controlling the machine-related values associated with the at least one data point is proposed or at least one new graphical control element for displaying and/or controlling the machine-related values associated with the at least one data point is created.

When creating an MMS, it is important to visually prepare the machine-related data in such a way that the machine can be operated safely and productively. This should enable the machine operator to recognize the state of the machine as quickly and reliably as possible in order to be able to determine whether intervention is necessary and, if so, what measures should be taken. The implementation of these measures using the MMS should also be as simple as possible.

For this purpose, modern MMS have a graphical user interface (GUI) on which graphical control elements are displayed and arranged in such a way that the usability is as high as possible. Usability refers to the suitability of the GUI as defined by DIN EN ISO 9241 and is a measure of the extent to which a machine operator can carry out his tasks effectively, efficiently and satisfactorily using the GUI.

In the context of the IDE according to the invention, a “graphical control element” that is created by the automated method according to the invention is an MMS element that is specified in terms of its graphical design and to which at least one graphical property has been assigned or is intended to be assigned.

Due to the different requirements, it must be taken into account that PLC programming on the one hand and MMS design on the other hand are carried out by different professional groups. However, it has become common practice, particularly among medium-sized industrial machine manufacturers and operators, to only employ PLC programmers who have expertise in this area due to their training, but who fundamentally have no expertise in the field of MMS design, particularly with regard to usability. Nevertheless, in these companies, the design of MMS also falls within the scope of the PLC programmer's work for cost reasons.

The disadvantage of this is that GUIs created under these conditions sometimes have serious deficiencies in terms of their usability.

The automated method according to the invention basically supports any non-specialist user, but in particular the PLC programmer, in creating the graphical user interface of the MMS in that he can specify a data point for the MMS and, using the IDE-supported method according to the invention, propose or create a suitable graphical control element that is optimized in terms of usability. For this purpose, corresponding graphical control elements can be stored in a prepared form and linked to known data points via a database. In addition, the IDE allows the user to link specified and/or self-defined data points with corresponding metadata. In this case, it is possible on the IDE side to carry out a more in-depth analysis of the data point using the metadata and, based on this, to create at least one new graphical control element and/or to propose a previously created, retrievable control element. The function of a separate MMS designer can therefore be completely taken over by the method according to the invention and the IDE according to the invention with maximum automation.

“Position” and “positionable” in the sense of the invention means that a graphical control element of the MMS is added at a specific logical position that relates it to other graphical control elements and/or according to predefinable parameters, and not that it is fixed at a specific position in the sense of concrete coordinates (x,y).

With regard to the machine-related data, only a subset is important for process control. Values that influence the production process and are specified externally are particularly relevant. These are the so-called manipulated variables. One control variable is, in particular, the production speed. Other relevant values are those that allow conclusions to be drawn about the state of the machine and that allow the machine operator to determine whether the machine is functioning properly. These are the so-called state variables. One state variable is, in particular, an error message.

This machine-related data is represented graphically in the user interface of the IDE by "data points". These are in particular graphic elements with which the user can interact within the IDE. A data point can preferably be displayed in the second menu as properties that can be assigned to an MMS element. Each data point has a programmatic meaning that is preferably defined by metadata. It is preferably provided that at least one data point is provided with metadata in which at least the data type of the data point is specified. In terms of the method, it is preferred that on the IDE side, depending on a user selection of at least one data point and the metadata of the at least one selected data point, at least one already created and retrievably stored graphic control element is suggested for displaying and/or controlling the machine-related values associated with the at least one data point or at least one new graphic control element is created for displaying and/or controlling the machine-related values associated with the at least one data point. For example, a data point associated with the production speed is defined by metadata comprising a specific data type, in particular a floating point number, and a physical unit. In contrast, a data point associated with an error message is defined by metadata comprising an error code in the form of an integer data type and an error text in the form of a text (string) data type.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, it is provided that the data points for creating the at least one graphical control element are displayed in a first selection area, in particular the second menu of the IDE, so that they can be selected by a user. This allows the user to select data points that have already been specified by the program. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that data points previously defined by the user are also displayed in a selectable manner in this first selection area. With regard to the creation of the subsequent GUI of the MMS, various degrees of automation are preferably possible on the IDE side.

Use of the method or the editor with a minimal degree of automation can in particular provide that the control element suggested or created on the IDE side or several such control elements for different data points or for the same data point are displayed in a selection area. The selection area can be the first selection area or it can preferably be a second selection area spatially separated from the first selection area. The at least one graphic control element can then be selected by the user and placed in a display area at a freely selectable position, in particular by means of drag & drop. The display area represents at least part of the graphic user interface of the MMS to be created. In this "minimal solution", the automation implemented using the IDE in the sense of "replacing a GUI designer" is limited to the suggestion or creation of a graphic design for the graphic control element and otherwise leaves the user extensive scope for design when creating the GUI. Nevertheless, this already achieves a significant optimization of the later GUI in terms of usability, which advantageously contributes to clear and simple control of the machine or system and its operational reliability.

In contrast, using the method or editor with the maximum degree of automation can in particular provide that the user only selects those data points that should be present on the later GUI from a purely control-technical point of view. On the IDE side, a complete GUI is created based on the specified data points and preferably depending on the metadata linked to the data points, as well as specifiable parameters, such as usability parameters and/or display parameters. On the IDE side, graphical control elements suitable for the data points are selected and/or created and the positioning of all graphical control elements is coordinated in such a way that a GUI is created that is optimized in terms of the resulting usability. The created GUI is preferably then displayed to the user in the display area. The GUI created in this way and displayed in the display area is preferably editable, so that the user has the option in particular of changing the positions of individual graphical control elements.

Intermediate stages in terms of the degree of automation are possible. In particular, It can be provided that the at least one graphical control element is selected by the user, whereby on the IDE side a position in a display area which represents the graphical user interface to be created is determined depending on predeterminable parameters, such as in particular usability parameters and/or display parameters, and the graphical control element is positioned on the IDE side according to the previously determined position in the display area.

As a further intermediate stage, in the event that one or more graphical control elements have already been placed in the display area on the user and/or IDE side, it can be provided that on the IDE side at least one further graphical control element is displayed in a user-selectable manner depending on a user-selected selection of a further data point, a position for the first and the further graphical control element in the display area is determined in mutual dependence and depending on the predeterminable usability parameters, and then the further graphical control element is positioned in accordance with the previously determined position in the display area without the existing position of the first graphical control element being changed or the further graphical control element is positioned in accordance with the previously determined position in the display area and the first graphical control element is repositioned in accordance with a newly determined position in the display area.

Usability parameters in the sense of the invention preferably comprise design specifications that can be specified and called up on the IDE side and which, in conjunction with the metadata of the data points, in particular with the data types, allow an optimized arrangement of the graphical control elements on the IDE side with regard to the later user experience (UX), under which usability is to be subsumed as a partial aspect. For example, specifications can be included according to which control elements for data points with matching or similar data types are to be arranged in groups in terms of position and control elements for data points with different data types are to be arranged at a distance from one another in terms of position. This would serve the purpose of visually displaying control elements for manipulated variables on the one hand and for state variables on the other hand separately from one another. Furthermore, specifications can be included that position individual control elements according to their technical relationship. This would serve the purpose of directly assigning the control element for the technically associated state variable to a control element for a manipulated variable. The above specifications are for clarification purposes only. A large number of other parameters can be specified, which allow a detailed evaluation and decision on the IDE side regarding the positioning of the control elements.

Display parameters within the meaning of the invention include in particular parameters that allow the GUI to be adapted to different end-user display devices. These include in particular resolution, screen size and/or screen format.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, it is provided that the predefinable parameters, which allow the determination of the position of the graphical control elements, are structured in the form of a predefinable decision matrix or a decision tree. Alternatively, the method uses an artificial intelligence (K1) designed for this purpose.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the data types available within the metadata include basic data types in the form of Booleans (truth values, i.e. only values "TRUE" or "FALSE" are possible), integers, floating point numbers, time specifications, text and lists as well as user-defined data types, such as:

Range: Restriction of the permissible range of values, e.g. BYTE=integer between 0 and 255; STR10=string with max. 10 characters; IP_ADDRESS= abc.def.pqr.xyz (each triple is a BYTE, which is a STR1).

Enumeration (ENUM): Integer or string with extended metadata that contains further information about certain states, such as 1=OK, 2=Warning, 3=Error state; "OK"=OK, "WARN"=Warning, "ERR"=Error state

Structures (STRUCT): Composite data type that includes at least one, preferably several other data points of any data type. For example, “Account information={name:String; oldInteger; account balance:Floating point number}”.

Furthermore, arrays and lists of basic data types and/or user-defined data types. It is also intended that the metadata include not only data types but also access authorization data and other data. Access authorization data contains information about whether the data of a data point can be overwritten or only can be read out. Other data includes units, limits and/or the number of relevant decimal places. Using the metadata provided, the machine-related data represented by data points can be characterized in such a way that they are understandable for the user and it is possible on the IDE side to create a graphical user interface for a human-machine interface, at least partially automatically.

The invention is explained below using an embodiment which is not to be understood as limiting for the person skilled in the art.

Fig.1 shows a graphical user interface of an integrated development environment according to the invention in a schematic representation.

Figure 1 shows a graphical user interface 1 of the IDE according to the invention.

The graphical user interface 1 has a first display area in the form of a master window 2, which represents the graphical user interface of the MMS to be created and in which graphical representations of already created MMS elements 3, 4 are arranged, to which at least one graphical property has already been assigned.

The master window 2 is located centrally in the graphical user interface 1 so that the user always has an overview of the programming progress.

To the left of the master window 2 there is a first menu 5, while to the right of the master window 2 there is a second display area in the form of a second window 6.

The graphic representations of the MMS elements 3, 4 arranged in the master window 2 can be edited using the IDE according to the invention. In the first menu 5, various menu items 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 are displayed, which represent different categories to which certain properties are assigned and from which the user can select a menu item for further processing. In the present case, the menu items 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 are shown as examples. Menu item 5.1 corresponds to the Category "Translations". Menu item 5.2 corresponds to the category "graphical representation". Menu item 5.3 corresponds to the category "database", to which data point-related properties are assigned. The above categories are only mentioned as examples. The IDE according to the invention makes use of a large number of other categories. The categories are not used to edit the MMS element itself, but are to be understood as a type of filter or switch that makes it easier for the user to find an assignable property by assigning it to the respective category.

In this example, menu item 5.1 was selected first. If the user wants to edit an MMS element, in addition to selecting a menu item in the first menu, the MMS element to be edited must also be selected. This can be done by the user selecting a graphical representation of the relevant MMS element 3, 4 in master window 2. In this case, the graphical representation of MMS element 3 was selected in master window 2.

As an alternative to selecting an MMS element via the master window 2, the selection can also be made via the second menu 7. Menu 7 is used here to provide a quick selection, especially for experienced users.

The menu items displayed in menu 7 represent MMS elements and/or properties that can be assigned to an MMS element or that have already been assigned. The display of certain menu items therefore depends on the selected category 5.1, 5.2, 5.3. For example, if menu item 5.1 is selected in the first menu 5, all menu items in menu 7 are displayed that represent properties that are assigned to this category 5.1 or elements that are linked to these properties, in particular through assignment that has been made or is potentially assigned.

With reference to the MMS elements 3, 4, which have already been assigned properties that are linked to the processing category 5.1, menu items 3', 4' are shown in menu 7. These are embedded in a reference/order system corresponding to the respective category. In particular, a structure tree - which reflects the hierarchical nesting of the MMS elements and the properties in the context of the MMS to be created - or an alphabetical list for the texts used in the graphical user interface of the MMS to be created. For experienced users of the IDE according to the invention, the hierarchical tree structure allows targeted, quick access directly to individual elements of the selected processing category. This is particularly advantageous when the GUI to be created in the master window 2 is very extensive, making it difficult to search for the relevant control element 3, 4 on the master window 2 itself. This type of display also allows the experienced user to get an overview of the current processing status in the shortest possible time.

Instead of selecting the graphical representation of the MMS element 3 in the master window 2, the user can equally select the menu item 3' to edit the represented MMS element 3.

Depending on the selection made in the first menu 5 and in the master window 2 or in the second menu 7, user-selectable input elements 3.1 and 3.2 are displayed in the second window 6, which are linked to properties that are assigned to the selected category and that can be assigned to the relevant MMS element 3. In this category, a text element that has already been added to the MMS element by assigning the relevant property can be made more specific by assigning further properties. In this case, a unique ID is added to the text element using an input element 3.1, and translations for any number of languages are added using the input element 3.2. This is done by assigning the properties to the MMS element. The purpose of this assignment is to be able to make language settings in the later product. In particular, this should enable the later user to switch between different languages in the finished product. This advantageously allows the later graphical user interface of the MMS to be used in different countries with different language preferences.

This example makes it clear that the MMS can be completely and finally programmed using the IDE according to the invention in a particularly user-friendly and effective manner, whereby the processing always takes place in the advantageously clear context of an MMS element.

In terms of the procedure, it is now planned that for the processing of an existing MMS Elements 3, 4, a menu item 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 is selected by the user in the first menu 5 and a graphical representation of an MMS element 3, 4 or a menu item 3', 4' representing an MMS element 3, 4 is selected in the second menu 7 in the master window 2.

In the context of this selection, in this case the MMS element 3 and the menu item 5.1, the user makes a selection regarding the property-related input elements provided in the second window 6. This selection has the effect, similar to a type of filter, that the property-related input elements displayed in window 6 are limited to those that correspond to the selected category and that are not excluded by a previous assignment of properties to the selected MMS element. In the present case, the property-related input elements 3.1 and 3.2 are displayed in the third window 6 based on the selection made.

When assigning the property linked to input element 3.2 to MMS element 3, additional properties in the form of translations into different languages, for example German, English, French, Russian and Spanish, are assigned to a text element previously added to MMS element 3 with a specific term content. This serves to implement a language setting in the subsequent software product.

The advantage is that an MMS element 3, 4 is selectively determined and this MMS element 3, 4 can be programmed in its final form. As soon as this has happened, the system switches to the next MMS element 3, 4. According to the state of the art, such MMS element-related work is not possible. In practice, this often leads to errors or at least to increased expenditure. These errors are avoided by the method according to the invention and the IDE according to the invention.

With regard to some properties, particularly with regard to the “Translations” category, it can be advantageous for the user to specify that the languages into which the content of a text element is to be translated are adopted for all or certain other MMS elements. If, after completing the editing of MMS element 3, for example, MMS element 4 is selected for further editing, this means that the property assigned with input element 3.2 in the form of the languages for the translations are also adopted in the corresponding input element 4.2. In input element 4.2, then only the concrete term-related translations of the adopted languages need to be entered. This makes the editing of the entire MMS to be created increasingly easier as the programming progresses, since a large number of properties of an MMS element to be edited later are already preset or defined by the previous editing of other MMS elements. Then only the MMS element-specific differences need to be adjusted.

Reference symbols

1 graphical user interface

2 Master window 3 MMS element

4 MMS element

5 first menu

6 second window

5.1 Menu item

5.2 Menu item

5.3 Menu item

3.1 Input element

3..2 Input element

3‘ menu item 4‘ menu item

Claims

Patent claims

1. Integrated development environment for the software programming of an at least partially graphical human-machine interface for industrial machine controls, which can be executed on a data processing device, having a graphical user interface which has displayable and user-operable means with which MMS elements for later control of the machine and/or the display of machine-related information can be created, displayed and/or edited, wherein the MMS elements can be assigned predeterminable functional and/or graphic properties during creation and/or editing with the means, which serve to define the MMS elements with reference to their functional and/or graphic characteristics, wherein the means are designed in such a way that each MMS element can be assigned the properties required for the respective intended use.

2. Integrated development environment according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the means is designed as a first display area of the graphical user interface, in particular as a master window, in which graphical representations of those MMS elements are arranged so as to be displayable, which are defined by a previous assignment of relevant properties with reference to their respective graphical expression.

3. Integrated development environment according to claim 2, characterized in that the MMS elements displayed in the first display area, in particular in the master window, are designed to be selectable by the user for further processing.

4. Integrated development environment according to claim 3, characterized in that one of the means is designed as a first menu, the menu having user-selectable menu items, each menu item representing a category to which MMS element-related properties are assigned.

5. Integrated development environment according to claim 4, characterized in that one of the means is designed as a second display area of the graphical user interface, which has at least one user-operable input element with which at least one property can be assigned to an MMS element.

6. Integrated development environment according to claim 5, characterized in that one of the means is designed as a second menu which has user-selectable menu items for the purpose of overview and/or providing a quick selection, the menu items representing at least MMS elements and properties assignable or already assigned to an MMS element, the menu being hierarchically structured with reference to the menu items in the context of the human-machine interface to be programmed.

7. Integrated development environment according to claim 6, characterized in that the means are connected to one another in terms of control technology in such a way that making a selection and/or an input in one means causes a change in the display in another means.

8. Integrated development environment according to claim 7, characterized in that the selection of a menu item in the first menu causes an exclusive display of those menu items in the second menu which, with regard to the property represented by the respective menu item, correspond to the category represented by the selected menu item in the first menu.

9. Integrated development environment according to claim 8, characterized in that when a menu item is selected in the first menu and a menu item is selected in the second menu or the graphical representation of an MMS element is selected in the first display area, this results in exclusive display of those input elements in the second display area which, with regard to the properties assignable thereto, on the one hand correspond to the category specified by the selection of the menu item in the first menu and to which, on the other hand, such properties are assigned which can be assigned to the MMS element selected by means of the corresponding representation in the second menu or in the first display area.

10. Integrated development environment according to claim 9, characterized in that an assignment of a graphical property to an MMS element by means of the corresponding input element in the second display area causes a corresponding, in particular immediate, change in the graphical representation of the relevant MMS element in the first display area.

11. Integrated development environment according to claim 10, characterized in that the first menu, the second menu and the second display area are positioned without overlap with respect to the first display area within the graphical user interface.

12. Integrated development environment according to claim 11, characterized in that the first menu, the second menu and the second display area are arranged without overlapping one another within the graphical user interface.

13. Method for the software programming of an at least partially graphical human-machine interface for industrial machine controls by means of an integrated development environment according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which an MMS element is processed in software by means of the means provided by the integrated development environment, wherein predefinable functional and/or graphic properties are assigned to the MMS element, whereby the MMS element is defined with reference to its functional and/or graphic characteristics, wherein the MMS element is assigned the properties required for the respective intended use by means provided by the integrated development environment.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that a graphical property is assigned to an MMS element by means of the means provided by the integrated development environment and a graphical representation of the MMS element based on the assigned graphical property is displayed in the first display area.

15. Use of an integrated development environment according to one of claims 1 to 12 for software programming of a graphical user interface of a human-machine interface for industrial machine controls.