Mini controller

Details Mini controller Mini controller

2000-05-26

2003-10-14

Bella, Matthew C. (Department: 2676)

Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system

Display peripheral interface input device

Including keyboard

Reexamination Certificate

active

06633278

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a mini-controller, in particular to a programmable and/or parameterizable controller, such as a logic relay, having at least the following integrated units: an intelligent central processing unit, a memory unit, an operating unit, and a display unit for implementing automation processes.
RELATED TECHNOLOGY
Devices of this kind are already known. The logic module of the firm Siemens (LOGO! manual, 1996, order no. 6ED1 050 1AA00-0DE0) is a programmable mini-controller of the species for managing smaller control tasks. The device also includes the integrated units described above. Here, the disadvantage is that the device's design makes programming complicated. The average user is unfamiliar with the procedure used to program devices of this kind, because a conventional wiring circuit diagram must be converted into logic symbols. However, the user must first familiarize himself with the completely strange and complicated operation of the device. Another drawback is the low information density available to the user due to the symbology and the only very small displays of such devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to devise a mini-controller, which offers a higher information density and renders possible a clearly simpler operation of the device.
The present invention provides a mini-controller, in particular a logic relay, having an intelligent central processing unit (
2
), a memory unit (
8
), an operating unit (
4
), and a display unit (
6
). The display unit (
6
) is subdivided into a character matrix of n*m character positions, and a specific object type having a fixed character length is assigned to each character position. The character positions are provided by columns for an operand object type, a connection object type, and for an allocation object type. The memory unit (
8
) has a non-volatile memory area for storing the various object types in an object allocation table, and a volatile memory area for storing the mapping of the character matrix. The various object types being able to be linked to one another in such a way that lines including current paths producing a logic array are formed on the display unit (
6
), and the mapping of the character matrix located in the volatile memory area of the memory unit (
8
) is able to be executed by the central processing unit (
2
). By permanently allocating specific object types to corresponding character positions of the n*m character matrix of the display unit, the input processes for operating the device become routine to the user within a very short time. In one preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, the individual object types are configured in the form of circuit diagram symbols. This enables even the inexperienced user to use the device according to the present invention intuitively. The need is eliminated for learning new symbols and programming techniques, which is time-consuming. Another advantage is the high information density attained by segmenting the display unit in a fixed manner and by integrating circuit diagram symbols.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3964026 (1976-06-01), Yamauchi et al.
patent: 5613115 (1997-03-01), Gihl et al.
patent: 5659705 (1997-08-01), McNutt et al.
patent: 32 22 305 (1982-12-01), None
patent: 0 092 312 (1983-10-01), None
patent: 0 251 699 (1988-01-01), None
patent: 0 477 760 (1988-01-01), None
patent: 0 435 188 (1991-07-01), None
patent: 89 1201 (1989-02-01), None
patent: 97 09661 (1997-03-01), None
* Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 10, No. 288, Sep. 30, 1986 and JP 61 105605, (Fanuc ltd.) May 23, 1986.
* Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 12, No. 71, Mar. 5, 1988 and JP 62 210572, (Toshiba Corp.) Sep. 16, 1987.
Patent Abstracts of Japan, JP 8 77 872 , Mar. 22, 1996 (Fuji Electric Co. Ltd.).
Röschke, “Das Maximum in Miniformat: Schalten und Steuern: Ganz einfach mit LOGO”, Messen, Prüfen, Automatisieren (mpa) Jul./Aug. 1997; pp. 3,6,8,10 and 15.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Mini controller does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Mini controller, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Mini controller will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3125410