US 5,909,372 AGranted

User interface for programming a motor controller

AssigneeDanfoss A/S

InventorClaus Thybo

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Abstract

There is disclosed a method and system for improving the user interface between operator and motor controller, in particular a frequency converter. According to the invention, instead of presenting all information on a display at one time, a method of programming the motor controller is suggested, in which the operator is guided through the set up procedure, so that only relevant parameters are displayed on the different views. Another aspect of the invention is a method of programming a motor controller not in terms of parameter and parameter numbers, but in physical, technical and process terms. In this way, a high level mode of programming a motor controller is achieved, because the user interface does not deal with the less interesting motor controller specific parameters, but instead allows the operator to program the unit in terms he uses.

Claims3

Dependent claims

A method of programming a user interface for a motor controller via a computer incorporating a monitor displaying different screen displays, wherein the motor controller is configured by way of parameters and where an operator is guided in views sequentially through the programming procedure, the method comprising the steps of:

a) displaying a first view with a graphic representation of modes of application, where each mode contains a number of parameters for configuring the motor controller, these modes of application indicating basic control principles to be chosen,
b) selecting one of these modes of application,
c) in the guided views limiting the number of settings and choices to be chosen by the operator to only contain parameters from the selected mode of application,
d) whereby each view consists a set of functionally related parameters in the form of a set of family parameters, and
e) incorporating into each view graphics relating to the set of family parameters.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/659,917Filed 7 Jun 1996
Granted: 1 Jun 1999
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

G05B 19/108
For selecting a program, variable or parameter: characterised by physical layout of switches; switches co-operating with display; use of switches…
G05B 19/409
Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to…
G05B 2219/35498
Nc in input of data, input till input file format: synoptic display of available, selectable control modules with their functions
G05B 2219/36119
Nc in input of data, input key till input tape: mouse with buttons to assist operator with selection of menu instead of pointing