US 4,639,881 A · Data input unit and method for printing machines

Abstract

A remote control terminal for a printing machine has a single central display for indicating all machine functions and accepting operator input of all the control information and which is easily used by a machine operator of ordinary skill. The control terminal has a transparent matrix switch and a machine diagram template overlayed on a color monitor under computer control. Control of the printing machine is a hierarchal process starting from the selection of a machine status area indicated on the machine diagram. Fault signals, however, are indicated directly and automatically for immediate operator attention. Selected correction possibilities are offered so that the operator does not need to investigate the possible location or cause of the defect. Machine functions and subsystems are color coded on the machine diagram. Similarly, machine data is color coded to distinguish input areas, set points, measured values, adjustments, and legends and messages. Thus, it is not necessary for the machine operator to observe all of the machine parameters, and instructions or inputs cannot be fed unchecked or accidentally to the control system.

Claims50

Dependent claims

A control terminal for the remote computer control of a printing machine, the control terminal having a video display for computer-generated output and a transparent pressure-sensitive sensor having a plurality of pressure-sensitive points overlaid on the video display for input from a machine operator to a remote control computer, wherein the improvement comprises

a graphics template having at least part of a machine diagram providing a pictorial representation of the printing machine, said template also being overlaid on the video display, the video display having means for selectively generating visually perceptible symbols aligned with certain respective machine status areas on the part of the machine diagram on the graphics template, said machine status areas pictorially representing specific respective components of the printing machine, and the pressure-sensitive sensor having pressure-sensitive points aligned with the machine status areas;
and
means for initiating and conducting a respective interactive input-output procedure between the control terminal and the machine operator corresponding to a selected machine status area but using a common portion of the video display and pressure-sensitive sensor separate from the machine diagram after the operator presses a pressure-sensitive point aligned with the selected machine status area.

A control terminal for the remote computer control of a printing machine having distinct inking, register, and sheet travel machine functions, the control terminal having a video display for computer-generated output and a transparent pressure-sensitive sensor having a plurality of pressure-sensitive points overlaid on the video display for input from a machine operator to a remote control computer, wherein the improvement comprises

means for presenting a machine diagram on the video display, said machine diagram providing a pictorial representation of the printing machine, the video display having means for selectively generating visually perceptible symbols aligned with certain respective machine status areas on the machine diagram, said machine status areas pictorially representing specific respective components of the printing machine, the pressure-sensitive sensor having pressure-sensitive points aligned with the machine status areas, and wherein distinct machine status areas are provided for each of said inking, register, and sheet travel machine functions;
distinct means for selectively receiving operator input and displaying data for each of the respective inking, register, and sheet travel machine functions by displaying said data on a common area of said video display apart from said machine diagram and receiving said operator input from selectively indicated pressure-sensitive points aligned with said common area;
and
means for (1) operating said means for presenting said machine diagram, (2) responding to an operator's pressing of an indicated pressure-sensitive point aligned with a selected machine status area on said machine diagram by operating a selected one of said distinct means for a selected one of said machine functions corresponding to the pressed pressure-sensitive point on the machine diagram to thereby conduct a corresponding interactive input-output procedure between the control terminal and the machine operator which uses said common portion of the video display, and (3) upon completion of said corresponding interactive input-output procedure, again operating said means for presenting said machine diagram, so that the machine operator is guided through specific operating sequences providing systematic organization of data and acceptance of operator input after the operator selects an indicated position on the machine diagram.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Data input unit and method for printing machines

Life of this patent

Data input unit and method for printing machines

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims50