WO2009034170A2 - Display device - Google Patents

Display device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009034170A2
WO2009034170A2 PCT/EP2008/062162 EP2008062162W WO2009034170A2 WO 2009034170 A2 WO2009034170 A2 WO 2009034170A2 EP 2008062162 W EP2008062162 W EP 2008062162W WO 2009034170 A2 WO2009034170 A2 WO 2009034170A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
module
user interface
graphical user
machine unit
interface module
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2008/062162
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2009034170A3 (en
Inventor
Chih-Chie Hsu
Original Assignee
Beijer Electronics Products Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from TW96215514U external-priority patent/TWM337805U/en
Application filed by Beijer Electronics Products Ab filed Critical Beijer Electronics Products Ab
Publication of WO2009034170A2 publication Critical patent/WO2009034170A2/en
Publication of WO2009034170A3 publication Critical patent/WO2009034170A3/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/002—Specific input/output arrangements not covered by G06F3/01 - G06F3/16
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/14—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units
    • G06F3/147—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units using display panels

Definitions

  • the present inventive concept relates to the control of a machine unit by means of a graphical user interface module. More specifically, the present inventive concept relates to a graphical user interface module and a method for controlling the machine unit with the graphical user interface module.
  • Graphical user interfaces are used to provide a simpler control of electric devices ranging from mobile phones and video games to microwave ovens.
  • Implementing a graphical user interface may be expensive in respect of developing the appropriate software. For large scale manufacturing, it may not be as problematic with these costs, but however, for smaller production lines, and products that are frequently updated, and thereby in need of new graphical user interfaces, the development costs are not negligible.
  • US7100118 discloses a graphical user interface engine for embedded systems.
  • a control system for controlling a device operates such that the burden of accepting human input and providing output to a human user by means of a display, is laid on a second processor, other than the embedded processor.
  • the burden of the handling of user input and output is laid on a second processor, the costs for developing a graphical user interface are still high, especially in view of smaller production lines.
  • a general object is to provide a device and method for controlling a machine unit. This and further objects will be described further below.
  • a graphical user interface module arranged to be connected to a machine unit for controlling the machine unit, the graphical user interface module comprising: an input module being arranged to receive user input signals, a display module arranged to display a status of the machine unit; and a control module arranged to communicate with the display module, the input module and the machine unit, the control module comprising: a dual port memory arranged to store user input signals from the input module and status signals from the machine unit, and a processing unit operatively connected to the dual port memory, the control module being structured and arranged to retrieve the status signals from the dual port memory and sending them to the display module, and to retrieve user input signals from the dual port memory and sending them to the machine unit to control said machine unit.
  • Using the graphical user interface module according to this first aspect is an advantage for companies that have realised the importance of an intuitive and easily handled user interface, but who do not have the time or possess the knowledge of developing a high standard user interface.
  • the graphical user interface module is for example of interest for companies producing small volumes of products.
  • One reason for this is that the development of high standard user interfaces most often is related to software program- ming, and thereby the cost of developing a high standard user interfaces are usually not highly dependent on the number of products produced.
  • a machine unit should be construed as a device comprising a CPU, which CPU, when receiving instructions, executes the instructions and thereby controls the device.
  • the control module may provide user input signals to a processor of the machine unit. Accordingly, the CPU of the machine unit may execute the user input signals and thereby control the machine unit.
  • the graphical user interface module may be used in connection with a variety of different types of machine units, such as e.g. washing machines, microwave ovens or other household appliances, or ATMs. Hence, an effect which may be obtainable thereby, is communication with, and control of machine units.
  • the graphical user interface module may further comprises: a data communications interface being connectable to an external screen planning module for modifying the appearance of the graphical user interface module, and a settings memory for saving configuration settings of the graphical user interface module received from the external screen planning module.
  • the external screen planning module is defined as a device or system which, when connected to the graphical user interface, may modify the graphical user interface of the graphical user interface module to comprise control functions adapted to the particular machine unit.
  • a control function can be any type of function related to the control of the machine unit, manifested as e.g. a graphical icon on the display module of the graphical user interface module.
  • An effect which may be obtained thereby is providing a general graphical user interface module which may be adapted to a machine unit- specific graphical user interface.
  • the time of developing a graphical user interface may be shortened, and the development costs of new software may be reduced. Consequently, a customized graphical user interface may quickly be obtained and thereby providing faster response to changes and updates in products, and supporting small production quantities in the reduced development costs.
  • the processing unit may be connected to a first port of the dual port memory and the machine unit may be connectable to a second port of the dual port memory, enabling simultaneous access to a value at an address in the dual port memory.
  • the dual port memory may act as a buffer in the sense that the input module, the display module, and the CPU of the machine unit may exchange user input signals and status signals.
  • a status signal is defined as a signal comprising a status of the machine unit, provided by the CPU of the machine unit. Also, compatibility with a wider range of different types of machine units may be achievable.
  • the control module may be structured and arranged to receive status signals from the machine unit and modify a value in the dual port memory based on the status signals. Status signals may thus be provided to e.g. the display module, thereby achieving the modular design of the graphical user interface module and the machine unit, i.e. that the graphical user interface module may be provided by e.g. a second party manufacturer.
  • the input device may comprise a touch screen. Thereby, a user interaction with the machine unit through the graphical user interface module may be simplified.
  • an apparatus comprising a graphical user interface module according the first aspect of the inventive concept, and the machine unit.
  • a method for adapting a graphical user interface module to a machine unit comprising: connecting the graphical user interface module to an external screen planning module, modifying screen components of the graphical user interface module by means of the external screen planning module, storing the modified screen components in a settings memory of the graphical user interface module, and connecting the graphical user interface module to the machine unit.
  • a method in a graphical user interface module for controlling a machine unit comprising an input device, a dual port memory and a display module, the method comprising: receiving configuration settings from an external screen planning module, the configuration settings being suitable for controlling the graphical user interface module of the machine unit, receiving a user input signal from the input device, storing the user input signal in the dual port memory, providing the user input signal to the machine unit, from the dual port memory, receiving a status signal from the machine unit, storing the status signal in the dual port memory of the graphical user Interface module, and providing the status signal to the display module.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a graphical user interface module in accordance with the inventive concept.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates the graphical user interface module in Fig.1 connected to a machine unit for the control of the machine unit in accordance with the inventive concept.
  • Fig. 3 is schematic view of the graphical user interface module in Fig.1 connected to an external screen planning module.
  • Fig. 4 is a block diagram of an apparatus comprising the graphical user interface module in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic view of an example of data communication between the graphical user interface module of Fig. 1 and a CPU of a machine unit.
  • Fig. 6 is schematic view of an example of memory locations and associated data in a dual port memory in the graphical user interface module in Fig. 1
  • Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating different steps in controlling a machine unit with the graphical user interface module of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating different steps in modifying the graphical user interface module of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a graphical user interface module 1 in accordance with the inventive concept.
  • the graphical user interface module 1 sometimes also referred to as a PFD (Program-Free Display), may be used for controlling a machine unit 9 (see Fig. 2), together forming an apparatus 10 as shown in Fig. 4.
  • the graphical user interface module 1 is connected to the machine unit 9.
  • a status of the machine unit 9 can be displayed at a display module 2 of the graphical user interface module 1.
  • different control functions can be displayed on the display module 2.
  • a control function can be any type of function related to the control of the machine unit 9, e.g. if the machine unit 9 is a washing machine, one control function may be e.g. different washing temperatures and another may be different washing programs.
  • An input module 3 enables a user to select a specific control function to control the machine unit 9. In the above example, a user may thus e.g. select a washing temperature of 40° C.
  • the graphical user interface module 1 can be arranged to be compatible with machine units 9 with a standard type of connectors, such as a standard type of data communications bus.
  • the graphical user interface module 1 may be connected to the machine unit 9, forming the apparatus 10.
  • the graphical user interface module 1 may be built into the machine unit 9.
  • an external screen planning module 11 may be connected to the graphical user interface module 1.
  • the external screen planning module 11 can be used to modify e.g. control functions displayed on the display module 2. Modifying control functions should be construed as e.g.
  • control parameters should be understood as e.g. extend or limit the functionality of a control function.
  • the modification of the graphical user interface module 1 is performed prior to being connected to, or built into the machine unit 9.
  • the possibility of modifying control parameters may result in a graphical user interface module 1 suitable to control a wide range of different machine units 9, such as different models of washing machines, microwave ovens, video games, ATMs, and lighting systems.
  • it may be possible to provide a general type of graphical user interface module 1 suitable to control a wide range of different machine units 9, which thereby may save considerable development costs for the manufacturer of small-scale product lines of machine units 9.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates the graphical user interface module in Fig.1 connected to the machine unit 9, for the control of the machine unit 9 in accordance with the inventive concept.
  • the graphical user interface module 1 is in this example connected to the machine unit 9 via a data bus, e.g. a serial data bus or a parallel data bus.
  • the machine unit 9 comprises internal components, such as a CPU, which e.g. may be an embedded system, system ROM and system RAM, and I/O ports, which ports may be connectable to e.g. the graphical user interface module 1.
  • a user input signal from the input module 3 may be sent to the CPU of the machine unit 9, which CPU may in turn carry out the instructions encoded in the user input signal.
  • Status signals from the machine unit 9 may be sent to the graphical user interface module 1 for display on the display module 2. Communication between the machine unit 9 and the graphical user interface module 1 will be explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 4 below.
  • Fig. 3 is schematic view of the graphical user interface module in Fig.1 , connected to the external screen planning module 11.
  • the external screen planning module 11 can be connected to the graphical user interface module 1 to e.g. modify the control functions displayed on the display unit 2.
  • the external screen planning module 11 may for instance be a computer or a server.
  • the external screen planning module 11 may be connected to the graphical user interface module 1 by means of a data communications interface 8 such as an RS-232 interface or any other suitable data communications interface such as USB, Fire Wire, or Ethernet.
  • the data communications interface 8 may be arranged to support a wireless communications protocol such as any suitable protocol described in IEEE 802.11 or IEEE 802.15.
  • Updated configurations settings e.g. of control functions, sent from the external screen planning module 11 can be received by a control module 4 of the graphical user interface module 1.
  • Configuration settings should be construed as any settings that may be needed to control the machine unit 9, such as control functions, or an update of an operating system of the graphical user interface module 1.
  • the control module 4 further comprises a processing unit 5, a settings memory 6, and a dual port memory 7.
  • the configuration settings can be stored in the settings memory 6 and thereafter be accessed by the processing unit 5.
  • the processing unit 5 can then provide e.g. control functions to the the input module 3 and/or the display module 2.
  • the input module 3 may comprise a touch screen, i.e. the input module 3 and the display module 2 may be comprised within one module.
  • Fig. 4 is a block diagram of an apparatus 10 comprising the graphical user interface module 1 in Fig. 1.
  • the apparatus 10 further comprises the machine unit 9.
  • the graphical user interface module 1 is connected to the machine unit 9 enabling a user to control the machine unit 9.
  • the graphical user interface may be connected to the external screen planning module 11 to allow modification of the graphical user interface module 1 , i.e. to download configuration settings to the graphical user interface module 1, suitable for the control of the machine unit 9.
  • the external screen planning module 11 can be connected to the graphical user interface module 1 prior to being connected to the machine unit 9.
  • the machine unit 9 may communicate with the control module 4. For instance, a user input, resulting in a user input signal, from the input module 3 may be processed by the processing unit 5 of the control module 4, whereupon instructions associated with the user input signal can be saved in the dual port memory 7, which dual port memory may e.g. be a dual port RAM memory.
  • a user input is to be understood as a command to the machine unit 9.
  • the user input can be received by the input module 3, e.g. the selection of a washing temperature of 40 0 C in the example above.
  • the user input signal comprises a set of instructions, sent to the processing unit 5, which processing unit 5 may store these instructions at an address of the dual port memory 7.
  • the dual port memory 7 has two ports, a first and a second port, for connection of two different processors, enabling access to each memory location by the processing unit 5, and the CPU of the machine unit 9.
  • these can be accessed by the machine unit 9, and executed by the CPU of the machine unit 9.
  • the user input of a washing temperature of 40° C is encoded as a set of instructions in a user input signal, saved in a memory location of the dual port memory 7, whereupon the machine unit 9 may access the instructions from this memory location in order for the CPU of the machine unit 9 to execute the instructions of a washing temperature of 40° C.
  • messages regarding the status of the machine unit 9, such as the machine unit 9 declaring that the instructions from the user input have been carried out, or that a washing session is finished, may be sent to the dual port memory 7 and stored in an appropriate memory location.
  • the processing unit 5 and the CPU of the machine unit 9 may both read and write data in the dual port memory 7.
  • the status signal may be retrieved by the processing unit 5 and provided to the display module 2 in order for e.g. a user to be able to see the status of the machine unit 9.
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic view of an example of data communication between the graphical user interface module 1 of Fig. 1 and the CPU of the machine unit 9.
  • a Human-Machine (HMI) graphic engine 12 comprised by the processing unit 5, the settings memory 6, and the dual port memory 7, may communicate with the CPU and exchange data. Addresses of the dual port memory 7 are accessible by both the CPU and the input module 3 and display module 2, in this example embodied as a TFT LCD touch screen panel.
  • the data communications interface 8, arranged to be connected to the external screen planning device 11 may be an RSR-232 serial interface in the present example.
  • Fig. 6 is schematic view of an example of memory locations and associated data in a dual port memory in the graphical user interface module 1 in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating different steps in controlling a machine unit with the graphical user interface module of Fig. 1.
  • the processing unit 5 of the graphical user interface module 1 receives configuration settings from the external screen planning module 11 , the configuration settings being suitable for controlling the machine unit 9,
  • the processing unit 5 receives a user input signal from the input device 3, in a step S3, the user input signal is saved by the dual port memory, in a step S4, the user input signal is provided to the machine unit 9, in a step S5, the dual port memory receives a status signal from the machine unit 9, in a step S6, the status signal is stored in the dual port memory 7 of the graphical user Interface module, and in a step S7, the status signal is provided to the display module.
  • Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating different steps in modifying the graphical user interface module of Fig. 1.
  • a step ST the graphical user interface module 1 is connected to the external screen planning module 11 , in a step S2', the screen components of the graphical user interface module 1 are modified by means of the external screen planning module 11 , in a step S3', the modified screen components are stored in the settings memory 6 of the graphical user interface module 1 , and in a step S4', the graphical user interface module 1 is connected to the machine unit 9.
  • a program-free display device comprises an input module, a control module, and a display module, in which the input module can produce control signals to be sent to the control module;
  • the control module connects to an external screen planning module, a preset application system and an input module, and can receive the screen setting from the external screen planning module and stores the screen setting in the memory unit;
  • the memory unit contains a dual port memory unit (Dual Port RAM) to connect the external preset application system;
  • the control module can receive the control signals from the input module and store the data in the corresponding address at the dual port memory unit (Dual Port RAM) for the preset application system to access;
  • the display module can receive the screen setting from the control module to display the status of the screen and the screen components;
  • the screen planning module can edit the screen and the screen components for the display module, and perform object-oriented device design, edit and translation for screen and screen components, and produce the screen setting to the control module.
  • the input module further has a touch-screen panel that has the screen planning module to perform planning on screen components as well as completing the setting for the screen components.
  • control module further comprises a processing unit that can receive the screen setting from a screen planning module, and change the status for the displayed screen and screen components through accessing the value of the corresponding address at the dual-port memory unit (Dual Port RAM).
  • a processing unit that can receive the screen setting from a screen planning module, and change the status for the displayed screen and screen components through accessing the value of the corresponding address at the dual-port memory unit (Dual Port RAM).
  • the screen setting by the screen planning module can be stored in the memory unit through the control module.
  • the screen and the screen components by the screen setting correspond to the value of the corresponding address at the dual-port memory unit (Dual Port RAM), so the display module can change the status of the screen and the screen components according to the value of the corresponding address at the dual-port memory unit (Dual Port RAM).
  • Double Port RAM is used for the external preset application system to access the value of corresponding address inside.
  • the program-free display device in item 1 can be hardware like a single chip, a programmable controller, and IC, or software like FLASH program, C-Language program or JAVA program.
  • the program-free display device in item 1 for a program-free display device, the connected preset application system to the program-free display can be system that would use a display module and an input module, like an embedded system, industrial household automation system, monitoring system, human-machine interface, ATM (Automatic Teller Machine), medical system, video game system and CNC (Computer Numerical Control).

Abstract

It is presented a graphical user interface module (1) comprising an input module (3), a display module (2), and a control module (4) comprising a dual port memory (7). The graphical user interface module (1) is arranged to be connected to a machine unit (9). The dual port memory (7) may store user input signals provided by the input module (3) and status signals provided by the machine unit (9). The dual port memory (7) may provide the machine unit (9) with the input signals and the display module (2) with the status signals. Methods for controlling and updating a machine unit (9) are also presented.

Description

DISPLAY DEVICE
Technical field
The present inventive concept relates to the control of a machine unit by means of a graphical user interface module. More specifically, the present inventive concept relates to a graphical user interface module and a method for controlling the machine unit with the graphical user interface module.
Technical background
Graphical user interfaces are used to provide a simpler control of electric devices ranging from mobile phones and video games to microwave ovens. Implementing a graphical user interface may be expensive in respect of developing the appropriate software. For large scale manufacturing, it may not be as problematic with these costs, but however, for smaller production lines, and products that are frequently updated, and thereby in need of new graphical user interfaces, the development costs are not negligible. US7100118 discloses a graphical user interface engine for embedded systems. A control system for controlling a device operates such that the burden of accepting human input and providing output to a human user by means of a display, is laid on a second processor, other than the embedded processor. However, even though the burden of the handling of user input and output is laid on a second processor, the costs for developing a graphical user interface are still high, especially in view of smaller production lines.
Summary A general object is to provide a device and method for controlling a machine unit. This and further objects will be described further below.
According to a first aspect of the present inventive concept, it is provided a graphical user interface module arranged to be connected to a machine unit for controlling the machine unit, the graphical user interface module comprising: an input module being arranged to receive user input signals, a display module arranged to display a status of the machine unit; and a control module arranged to communicate with the display module, the input module and the machine unit, the control module comprising: a dual port memory arranged to store user input signals from the input module and status signals from the machine unit, and a processing unit operatively connected to the dual port memory, the control module being structured and arranged to retrieve the status signals from the dual port memory and sending them to the display module, and to retrieve user input signals from the dual port memory and sending them to the machine unit to control said machine unit.
Using the graphical user interface module according to this first aspect is an advantage for companies that have realised the importance of an intuitive and easily handled user interface, but who do not have the time or possess the knowledge of developing a high standard user interface. The graphical user interface module is for example of interest for companies producing small volumes of products. One reason for this is that the development of high standard user interfaces most often is related to software program- ming, and thereby the cost of developing a high standard user interfaces are usually not highly dependent on the number of products produced.
By including the graphical user interface module according to the first aspect in the products, the company obtain hardware and software dedicated and prepared for creation of a high standard user interface. A machine unit should be construed as a device comprising a CPU, which CPU, when receiving instructions, executes the instructions and thereby controls the device. The control module may provide user input signals to a processor of the machine unit. Accordingly, the CPU of the machine unit may execute the user input signals and thereby control the machine unit. Beneficially, the graphical user interface module may be used in connection with a variety of different types of machine units, such as e.g. washing machines, microwave ovens or other household appliances, or ATMs. Hence, an effect which may be obtainable thereby, is communication with, and control of machine units. The graphical user interface module may further comprises: a data communications interface being connectable to an external screen planning module for modifying the appearance of the graphical user interface module, and a settings memory for saving configuration settings of the graphical user interface module received from the external screen planning module.
The external screen planning module is defined as a device or system which, when connected to the graphical user interface, may modify the graphical user interface of the graphical user interface module to comprise control functions adapted to the particular machine unit. A control function can be any type of function related to the control of the machine unit, manifested as e.g. a graphical icon on the display module of the graphical user interface module. An effect which may be obtained thereby is providing a general graphical user interface module which may be adapted to a machine unit- specific graphical user interface. In particular, the time of developing a graphical user interface may be shortened, and the development costs of new software may be reduced. Consequently, a customized graphical user interface may quickly be obtained and thereby providing faster response to changes and updates in products, and supporting small production quantities in the reduced development costs.
The processing unit may be connected to a first port of the dual port memory and the machine unit may be connectable to a second port of the dual port memory, enabling simultaneous access to a value at an address in the dual port memory. Thereby, the dual port memory may act as a buffer in the sense that the input module, the display module, and the CPU of the machine unit may exchange user input signals and status signals. A status signal is defined as a signal comprising a status of the machine unit, provided by the CPU of the machine unit. Also, compatibility with a wider range of different types of machine units may be achievable.
The control module may be structured and arranged to receive status signals from the machine unit and modify a value in the dual port memory based on the status signals. Status signals may thus be provided to e.g. the display module, thereby achieving the modular design of the graphical user interface module and the machine unit, i.e. that the graphical user interface module may be provided by e.g. a second party manufacturer.
The input device may comprise a touch screen. Thereby, a user interaction with the machine unit through the graphical user interface module may be simplified.
According to a second aspect of the present inventive concept, an apparatus is provided, comprising a graphical user interface module according the first aspect of the inventive concept, and the machine unit. According to a third aspect of the present inventive concept, it is provided a method for adapting a graphical user interface module to a machine unit, the method comprising: connecting the graphical user interface module to an external screen planning module, modifying screen components of the graphical user interface module by means of the external screen planning module, storing the modified screen components in a settings memory of the graphical user interface module, and connecting the graphical user interface module to the machine unit. According to a forth aspect of the present inventive concept, it is provided a method in a graphical user interface module for controlling a machine unit, said graphical user interface module comprising an input device, a dual port memory and a display module, the method comprising: receiving configuration settings from an external screen planning module, the configuration settings being suitable for controlling the graphical user interface module of the machine unit, receiving a user input signal from the input device, storing the user input signal in the dual port memory, providing the user input signal to the machine unit, from the dual port memory, receiving a status signal from the machine unit, storing the status signal in the dual port memory of the graphical user Interface module, and providing the status signal to the display module. Additional possible features and preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims and disclosed in the following.
Brief description of the drawings
The inventive concept and further advantages will now be described by way of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a graphical user interface module in accordance with the inventive concept. Fig. 2 illustrates the graphical user interface module in Fig.1 connected to a machine unit for the control of the machine unit in accordance with the inventive concept.
Fig. 3 is schematic view of the graphical user interface module in Fig.1 connected to an external screen planning module. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of an apparatus comprising the graphical user interface module in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a schematic view of an example of data communication between the graphical user interface module of Fig. 1 and a CPU of a machine unit.
Fig. 6 is schematic view of an example of memory locations and associated data in a dual port memory in the graphical user interface module in Fig. 1
Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating different steps in controlling a machine unit with the graphical user interface module of Fig. 1.
Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating different steps in modifying the graphical user interface module of Fig. 1.
Description of embodiments of the inventive concept
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a graphical user interface module 1 in accordance with the inventive concept. The graphical user interface module 1 , sometimes also referred to as a PFD (Program-Free Display), may be used for controlling a machine unit 9 (see Fig. 2), together forming an apparatus 10 as shown in Fig. 4. In use, the graphical user interface module 1 is connected to the machine unit 9. A status of the machine unit 9 can be displayed at a display module 2 of the graphical user interface module 1. In an embodiment, different control functions can be displayed on the display module 2. A control function can be any type of function related to the control of the machine unit 9, e.g. if the machine unit 9 is a washing machine, one control function may be e.g. different washing temperatures and another may be different washing programs. An input module 3 enables a user to select a specific control function to control the machine unit 9. In the above example, a user may thus e.g. select a washing temperature of 40° C.
Advantageously, the graphical user interface module 1 can be arranged to be compatible with machine units 9 with a standard type of connectors, such as a standard type of data communications bus. Thus, the graphical user interface module 1 may be connected to the machine unit 9, forming the apparatus 10. In an embodiment, the graphical user interface module 1 may be built into the machine unit 9. In order to adapt the graphical user interface module 1 to control the machine unit 9, e.g. so that the graphical user interface module 1 can display correct control functions, relevant for the specific machine unit 9, an external screen planning module 11 may be connected to the graphical user interface module 1. The external screen planning module 11 can be used to modify e.g. control functions displayed on the display module 2. Modifying control functions should be construed as e.g. deleting unnecessary control functions, to create new control functions, to adapt control parameters, to translate, to rotate control parameters, or any combination of the above. Adaptation of control parameters should be understood as e.g. extend or limit the functionality of a control function. For the example with the washing machine above to e.g. extend the number of different washing programs available for a specific washing machine. In an embodiment, the modification of the graphical user interface module 1 is performed prior to being connected to, or built into the machine unit 9. The possibility of modifying control parameters may result in a graphical user interface module 1 suitable to control a wide range of different machine units 9, such as different models of washing machines, microwave ovens, video games, ATMs, and lighting systems. Hence, it may be possible to provide a general type of graphical user interface module 1 , suitable to control a wide range of different machine units 9, which thereby may save considerable development costs for the manufacturer of small-scale product lines of machine units 9.
Fig. 2 illustrates the graphical user interface module in Fig.1 connected to the machine unit 9, for the control of the machine unit 9 in accordance with the inventive concept. The graphical user interface module 1 is in this example connected to the machine unit 9 via a data bus, e.g. a serial data bus or a parallel data bus. The machine unit 9 comprises internal components, such as a CPU, which e.g. may be an embedded system, system ROM and system RAM, and I/O ports, which ports may be connectable to e.g. the graphical user interface module 1. A user input signal from the input module 3 may be sent to the CPU of the machine unit 9, which CPU may in turn carry out the instructions encoded in the user input signal. Status signals from the machine unit 9 may be sent to the graphical user interface module 1 for display on the display module 2. Communication between the machine unit 9 and the graphical user interface module 1 will be explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 4 below.
Fig. 3 is schematic view of the graphical user interface module in Fig.1 , connected to the external screen planning module 11. As explained above, the external screen planning module 11 can be connected to the graphical user interface module 1 to e.g. modify the control functions displayed on the display unit 2. The external screen planning module 11 may for instance be a computer or a server. In an embodiment, the external screen planning module 11 may be connected to the graphical user interface module 1 by means of a data communications interface 8 such as an RS-232 interface or any other suitable data communications interface such as USB, Fire Wire, or Ethernet. Alternatively, the data communications interface 8 may be arranged to support a wireless communications protocol such as any suitable protocol described in IEEE 802.11 or IEEE 802.15.
Updated configurations settings, e.g. of control functions, sent from the external screen planning module 11 can be received by a control module 4 of the graphical user interface module 1. Configuration settings should be construed as any settings that may be needed to control the machine unit 9, such as control functions, or an update of an operating system of the graphical user interface module 1. The control module 4 further comprises a processing unit 5, a settings memory 6, and a dual port memory 7. The configuration settings can be stored in the settings memory 6 and thereafter be accessed by the processing unit 5. The processing unit 5 can then provide e.g. control functions to the the input module 3 and/or the display module 2. In an embodiment, the input module 3 may comprise a touch screen, i.e. the input module 3 and the display module 2 may be comprised within one module.
Fig. 4 is a block diagram of an apparatus 10 comprising the graphical user interface module 1 in Fig. 1. The apparatus 10 further comprises the machine unit 9. The graphical user interface module 1 is connected to the machine unit 9 enabling a user to control the machine unit 9. The graphical user interface may be connected to the external screen planning module 11 to allow modification of the graphical user interface module 1 , i.e. to download configuration settings to the graphical user interface module 1, suitable for the control of the machine unit 9. In an embodiment, the external screen planning module 11 can be connected to the graphical user interface module 1 prior to being connected to the machine unit 9.
The machine unit 9 may communicate with the control module 4. For instance, a user input, resulting in a user input signal, from the input module 3 may be processed by the processing unit 5 of the control module 4, whereupon instructions associated with the user input signal can be saved in the dual port memory 7, which dual port memory may e.g. be a dual port RAM memory. A user input is to be understood as a command to the machine unit 9. The user input can be received by the input module 3, e.g. the selection of a washing temperature of 40 0C in the example above. The user input signal comprises a set of instructions, sent to the processing unit 5, which processing unit 5 may store these instructions at an address of the dual port memory 7. The dual port memory 7 has two ports, a first and a second port, for connection of two different processors, enabling access to each memory location by the processing unit 5, and the CPU of the machine unit 9. Thus, when instructions from the input module 3 have been saved in the dual port memory 7, these can be accessed by the machine unit 9, and executed by the CPU of the machine unit 9. In the example above, the user input of a washing temperature of 40° C is encoded as a set of instructions in a user input signal, saved in a memory location of the dual port memory 7, whereupon the machine unit 9 may access the instructions from this memory location in order for the CPU of the machine unit 9 to execute the instructions of a washing temperature of 40° C. Moreover, status signals from the machine unit 9, i.e. messages regarding the status of the machine unit 9, such as the machine unit 9 declaring that the instructions from the user input have been carried out, or that a washing session is finished, may be sent to the dual port memory 7 and stored in an appropriate memory location. Thus, the processing unit 5 and the CPU of the machine unit 9 may both read and write data in the dual port memory 7. The status signal may be retrieved by the processing unit 5 and provided to the display module 2 in order for e.g. a user to be able to see the status of the machine unit 9.
Fig. 5 is a schematic view of an example of data communication between the graphical user interface module 1 of Fig. 1 and the CPU of the machine unit 9. A Human-Machine (HMI) graphic engine 12 comprised by the processing unit 5, the settings memory 6, and the dual port memory 7, may communicate with the CPU and exchange data. Addresses of the dual port memory 7 are accessible by both the CPU and the input module 3 and display module 2, in this example embodied as a TFT LCD touch screen panel. The data communications interface 8, arranged to be connected to the external screen planning device 11 , may be an RSR-232 serial interface in the present example.
Fig. 6 is schematic view of an example of memory locations and associated data in a dual port memory in the graphical user interface module 1 in Fig. 1.
Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating different steps in controlling a machine unit with the graphical user interface module of Fig. 1. In a step S1 , the processing unit 5 of the graphical user interface module 1 receives configuration settings from the external screen planning module 11 , the configuration settings being suitable for controlling the machine unit 9, In a step S2, the processing unit 5 receives a user input signal from the input device 3, in a step S3, the user input signal is saved by the dual port memory, in a step S4, the user input signal is provided to the machine unit 9, in a step S5, the dual port memory receives a status signal from the machine unit 9, in a step S6, the status signal is stored in the dual port memory 7 of the graphical user Interface module, and in a step S7, the status signal is provided to the display module. Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating different steps in modifying the graphical user interface module of Fig. 1.
In a step ST, the graphical user interface module 1 is connected to the external screen planning module 11 , in a step S2', the screen components of the graphical user interface module 1 are modified by means of the external screen planning module 11 , in a step S3', the modified screen components are stored in the settings memory 6 of the graphical user interface module 1 , and in a step S4', the graphical user interface module 1 is connected to the machine unit 9.
The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.
Embodiments Below follows an itemized list of embodiments:
1. A program-free display device comprises an input module, a control module, and a display module, in which the input module can produce control signals to be sent to the control module; the control module connects to an external screen planning module, a preset application system and an input module, and can receive the screen setting from the external screen planning module and stores the screen setting in the memory unit; the memory unit contains a dual port memory unit (Dual Port RAM) to connect the external preset application system; the control module can receive the control signals from the input module and store the data in the corresponding address at the dual port memory unit (Dual Port RAM) for the preset application system to access; the display module can receive the screen setting from the control module to display the status of the screen and the screen components; the screen planning module can edit the screen and the screen components for the display module, and perform object-oriented device design, edit and translation for screen and screen components, and produce the screen setting to the control module.
2. The program-free display device in item 1 , the input module further has a touch-screen panel that has the screen planning module to perform planning on screen components as well as completing the setting for the screen components.
3. The program-free display device in item 1 , the control module further comprises a processing unit that can receive the screen setting from a screen planning module, and change the status for the displayed screen and screen components through accessing the value of the corresponding address at the dual-port memory unit (Dual Port RAM).
4. The program-free display device in item 3, the screen setting by the screen planning module can be stored in the memory unit through the control module. Particularly, the screen and the screen components by the screen setting correspond to the value of the corresponding address at the dual-port memory unit (Dual Port RAM), so the display module can change the status of the screen and the screen components according to the value of the corresponding address at the dual-port memory unit (Dual Port RAM).
5. The program-free display device in item 3, the dual port memory unit
(Dual Port RAM) is used for the external preset application system to access the value of corresponding address inside.
6. The program-free display device in item 1, the screen planning module can be hardware like a single chip, a programmable controller, and IC, or software like FLASH program, C-Language program or JAVA program. 7. The program-free display device in item 1 for a program-free display device, the connected preset application system to the program-free display can be system that would use a display module and an input module, like an embedded system, industrial household automation system, monitoring system, human-machine interface, ATM (Automatic Teller Machine), medical system, video game system and CNC (Computer Numerical Control).

Claims

1. A graphical user interface module (1 ) arranged to be connected to a machine unit (9) for controlling the machine unit (9), the graphical user interface module (1) comprising:
- an input module (3) being arranged to receive user input signals,
- a display module (2) arranged to display a status of the machine unit (9); and
- a control module (4) arranged to communicate with the display module (2), the input module (3) and the machine unit (9), the control module (4) comprising: a dual port memory (7) arranged to store user input signals from the input module (3) and status signals from the machine unit (9), and a processing unit (5) operatively connected to the dual port memory (7), the control module (4) being structured and arranged to retrieve the status signals from the dual port memory (7) and sending them to the display module (2), and to retrieve user input signals from the dual port memory (7) and sending them to the machine unit (9) to control said machine unit (9).
2. The graphical user interface module (1) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the graphical user interface module (1) further comprises:
- a data communications interface (8) being connectable to an external screen planning module (11) for modifying the appearance of the graphical user interface module (1), and
- a settings memory (6) for saving configuration settings of the graphical user interface module (1) received from the external screen planning module (11).
3. The graphical user interface module (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing unit (5) is connected to a first port of the dual port memory and the machine unit is connectable to a second port of the dual port memory (7), enabling simultaneous access to a value at an address in the dual port memory (7).
4. The graphical user interface module (1) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the control module (4) is structured and arranged to receive status signals from the machine unit (9) and modify a value in the dual port memory (7) based on the status signals.
5. The graphical user interface module (1) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the input device comprises a touch screen.
6. An apparatus (10) comprising a graphical user interface module (1 ) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1-5, and the machine unit (9).
7. A method for adapting a graphical user interface module to a machine unit, the method comprising:
- connecting (S1 ') the graphical user interface module to an external screen planning module,
- modifying (S2') screen components of the graphical user interface module by means of the external screen planning module,
- storing (S31) the modified screen components in a settings memory of the graphical user interface module, and
- connecting (S41) the graphical user interface module to the machine unit.
8. A method in a graphical user interface module for controlling a machine unit, said graphical user interface module comprising an input device, a dual port memory and a display module, the method comprising:
- receiving (S1) configuration settings from an external screen planning module, the configuration settings being suitable for controlling the graphical user interface module of the machine unit,
- receiving (S2) a user input signal from the input device,
- storing (S3) the user input signal in the dual port memory,
- providing (S4) the user input signal to the machine unit, from the dual port memory,
- receiving (S5) a status signal from the machine unit,
- storing (S6) the status signal in the dual port memory of the graphical user Interface module, and
- providing (S7) the status signal to the display module.
PCT/EP2008/062162 2007-09-14 2008-09-12 Display device WO2009034170A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TW96215514 2007-09-14
TW96215514U TWM337805U (en) 2007-09-14 2007-09-14 Programming-free display device
CN200720181916.7 2007-10-12
CN200720181916 2007-10-12

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WO2009034170A2 true WO2009034170A2 (en) 2009-03-19
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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0747789A2 (en) * 1995-06-05 1996-12-11 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Automated system for production facility
GB2381431A (en) * 2001-10-09 2003-04-30 Hewlett Packard Co Personalising a user interface
US7100118B1 (en) * 1999-03-05 2006-08-29 Amulet Technologies, Llc Graphical user interface engine for embedded systems

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0747789A2 (en) * 1995-06-05 1996-12-11 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Automated system for production facility
US7100118B1 (en) * 1999-03-05 2006-08-29 Amulet Technologies, Llc Graphical user interface engine for embedded systems
GB2381431A (en) * 2001-10-09 2003-04-30 Hewlett Packard Co Personalising a user interface

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