Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Plural physical display element control system – Segmented display elements
Patent
1997-08-05
2000-12-12
Hjerpe, Richard A.
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Plural physical display element control system
Segmented display elements
G09G 314
Patent
active
06160528&
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to a display apparatus mounted on the front face of a programmable logic controller equipped with an input--output module.
Currently, programmable logic controllers have, on the front face, lamps which signal in particular the execution of the program, a processor fault, a memory fault or an input--output fault.
The programmable logic controllers designed to process multiple inputs-outputs have a modular structure based on one or several containers, which are joined to one another and which contain couplers or modules. The main rack houses the central processing unit and modules or couplers. Each coupler is connected, by means of physical input or output channels, to the operating part (sensors, actuators, etc.). There are several categories of couplers: simple couplers such as AON couplers (All Or Nothing inputs) and intelligent couplers which process the signals that they receive or emit.
Generally, the condition of the inputs-outputs of a coupler is displayed on its front face. This technology does not permit an overall view of the condition of the inputs-outputs.
The purpose of the invention is to provide a display unit located on the front face of the programmable logic controller and designed to provide a centralized display of the condition of the inputs-outputs of several modules. This unit makes operator dialogue possible as well as commands to be made via push buttons, all centrally. It is driven remotely via a series connection and powered from the mother board of the programmable logic controller, which means it may therefore be located remotely. The use of an Application Specific Integrated Circuit in the unit allows various displays to be made. It is possible to display the condition of the channels, the condition of the channel faults, the condition of the module or coupler, both for the base rack and extensions, to display other information in hexadecimal (time, Grafcet step, words, etc.) or even to display information by means of 7 segment displays. The display unit is compact.
The display unit of the invention is characterized in that it is composed of a matrix of diodes driven by an integrated display circuit linked by a series connection to the digital-Boolean processor of the programmable logic controller.
According to a feature of the invention, the diode matrix is divided into several zones of diode sub-matrices driven by the display control circuit, which receives from the digital-Boolean processor, via the series connection, a frame composed of an address specific to a zone, this address being associated to data which is representative of the inputs-outputs.
According to another feature of the invention, the apparatus has at least one control button connected to an input of the display control circuit.
The invention will now be described in more detail by referring to an embodiment given by way of example and represented by the appended drawings, where:
FIG. 1 shows in perspective a programmable logic controller equipped with a display unit according to the invention,
FIG. 2 is a functional diagram of the electronic circuit of the apparatus,
FIG. 3 is a timing chart of the series connection of the apparatus,
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the various component parts of the apparatus,
FIG. 5 is a diagram of the electronic board that the apparatus is equipped with,
FIG. 6 is a diagram of the label fitted to the apparatus.
Referring to FIG. 1, the programmable logic controller fitted with the apparatus of the invention has a container 1 made of moulded, insulating material which forms modular compartments 11, in which functional modules or interface couplers such as 12 may be housed. The container 1 also has, on the left of the compartments 11, a compartment 13 for a central processing unit and a power supply.
The programmable logic controller has, on its front face, a display unit 2, the specific features of which will be described below.
The display of the inputs-outputs is made by a matrix 3 of display components 35, which here are of the Light Emitting Diod
REFERENCES:
patent: 3641390 (1972-02-01), Nakamura
patent: 3953834 (1976-04-01), Burkett et al.
patent: 4165534 (1979-08-01), Dummermuth et al.
patent: 5659705 (1997-08-01), McNutt et al.
patent: 5765000 (1998-06-01), Mitchell et al.
Carpine Alain
Chabert Jean-Marie
Godicke Antonia
Gosseaume Christian
Meurlay Alain
Hjerpe Richard A.
Laneau Ronald
Schneider Automation
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