Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display driving control circuitry – Display power source
Reexamination Certificate
1998-02-17
2001-01-30
Cuchlinski, Jr., William A. (Department: 2774)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display driving control circuitry
Display power source
C345S211000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06181331
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to apparatus for controlling a voltage regulator and more particularly to a novel and highly effective “man-machine interface” that enables a user of the apparatus easily and efficiently to display and control selected parameters of the voltage regulator.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In conventional practice, the parameters of a voltage regulator are accessed by means of physical switch settings, both for viewing and for configuration. Some control systems employ numerical identification codes entered by a keypad for the purpose of viewing and modifying system parameters. These conventional mechanisms are limited in the number of physical parameters available for access because of physical space restrictions and often require a chart or index list that must be consulted by an operator in order to access the parameters.
Operation of a keyboard or other interfacing device for data input should be efficient, easy, and even to a degree intuitive. Though often criticized as less than perfect, the QWERTY layout of a conventional typewriter keyboard, for example, is preferred by most users to an alphabetical layout (ABC . . .) in part because the former places the “E” key and other relatively frequently used keys in positions that are more accessible than, for example, that of the “Q” key and other relatively infrequently used keys.
It has been found that interfaces developed heretofore for permitting access to various parameters of voltage regulators are very awkward to use.
Representative prior art relating to menus, user interfaces, and keypads is found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 361,730, 4,503,291, 4,628,158, 4,645,874 and 5,077,582. The apparatus and techniques disclosed in these patents are representative of the current state of the art in this field; they do not enable an operator of a voltage regulator control to gain access to system parameters for viewing and modification with great ease and efficiency.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to remedy the deficiencies of the prior art noted above and in particular to provide apparatus for controlling a voltage regulator that improves the ease and efficiency with which an operator of a voltage regulator can gain access to voltage regulator parameters for viewing and modification.
Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus for controlling a voltage regulator that enables an operator in effect to “scan” and, if necessary, adjust the operating parameters of a voltage regulator in rapid succession.
Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus for controlling a voltage regulator the operation of which requires no special training.
Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus for controlling a voltage regulator that enables a more rapid response to an alert condition or another condition requiring attention.
The foregoing and other objects are attained in accordance with the invention by the provision of apparatus for controlling a voltage regulator, the apparatus comprising: input means for designating selected operating parameters of a voltage regulator, the input means being formed with a dedicated function portion and a menu navigation portion and the parameters being divided into first and second categories; display means for displaying the parameters; and computer -means connected to the input means and the display means for controlling the display means in response to activation of the input means; the apparatus being constructed so that any parameter in the first category can be displayed on the display means by activation of the dedicated function portion and any parameter in the second category can be displayed on the display means by activation of the menu navigation portion.
Preferably, any parameter in the first category can also be displayed on the display means by activation of the menu navigation portion.
In the best mode for practicing the invention known to the inventors, the input means comprises a keypad, the dedicated function portion comprises a plurality of keys physically grouped together in a first area of the keypad, and the menu navigation portion comprises a plurality of keys physically grouped together in a second area of the keypad.
In accordance with an independent aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for controlling a voltage regulator, the method comprising the steps of: providing input means for designating selected operating parameters of a voltage regulator, the input means being formed with a dedicated function portion and a menu navigation portion and the parameters being divided into first and second categories; providing display means for displaying the parameters; activating the dedicated function portion to display parameters in the first category; and activating the menu navigation portion to display parameters in the first or second category.
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Bellin Michael A.
Hoffmann Mark R.
Laplace Carl J.
Trainor John J.
Cuchlinski Jr. William A.
Marc-Coleman Marthe Y.
Siemens Power Transmission & Distribution Inc.
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