JPS62105204A - Function input method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate the need to refer to an operation manual even when the correspondence between states and functions that keys have is not stored and to reduce the danger of erroneous input by storing the correspondence between respective states and functions in a memory and displaying the functions that keys have currently on a display screen together with key names. CONSTITUTION:Working processes are rearranged by using function keys (K0-K3). When a key K is pressed at each branch point Bi (i=0-3), a different state is obtained. Respective branch points Bi are placed in respective states (shown by square marks) of rearrangement and the correspondence between the respective states and keys is stored in a RAM; and in which state the working process is monitored and the function of a key (shown by circle) corresponding to the current state is displayed on a display device. In a figure, n(square) Ki(circle) m(square) indicates a change from a state (n) to a state (m) when a key Ki is pressed. For example, keys K0 and K1 can be pressed in a state zero and the state is changed to a state one with the K0 and to a state five with K2.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] <Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to a function input method, and particularly relates to a function input method that allows a device to perform a predetermined function by giving keys different functions depending on their respective states. .

<Prior Art> There is a device in which each key on a keyboard has a different function depending on its state, and by pressing a predetermined key in various states, the function of the key pressed in that state is executed.

Conventionally, in such devices, an operator memorizes the functions of keys in each state, presses a predetermined key in each state, inputs a desired function into the device, and causes the device to execute a process corresponding to the function. There is.

<Problem to be solved by the invention> However, with this conventional method, there is no problem if the operator memorizes the correspondence between the status and function, but if the operator does not memorize it, the operator must refer to the operation manual each time. This is undesirable in terms of operation, and what's worse is that you may forget to press the wrong key and enter an incorrect input.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a function input method that reduces the risk of erroneous input due to the need to refer to an operation manual even if the correspondence between states and functions is not memorized.

〈Means for solving problems〉 FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the present invention.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a main body of the apparatus, which has a microcomputer configuration, for example, and has a memory 1a.

A keyboard 2 is provided with a group of function keys 2a for one-man operation in addition to various keys.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a display device, in which the function of each key is displayed along with the key name in an operation method display area 3a of the CRT screen depending on the state.

Function> Each key 2a is provided with a different function depending on its state, and the correspondence between each state and the function of the key is stored in the memory 1a.

The processor of the device body 1 constantly monitors the current state, reads the functions of the keys in the current state from the memory 1a, and displays them in the operation method display area 3a of the display device 3.

As a result, the operator can refer to the display 7 and accurately input desired functions into the apparatus body 1 in each situation.

〈Example〉 Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an automatic programming device to which the method of the present invention can be applied. shall be taken as a thing.

11 is a processor, 12 is a ROM, 13 is a RAM 114
15 is a data input device such as a keyboard, 15 is a graphic display device, 16 is a working memory, 17 is an NC data output device, 18 is an NC tape, and 19 is a floppy disk device.

The data input device 4 includes an arrow key group 14a and an R key group 1.
4b1 Function input key group 14eX Other key group 1
4d is provided.

Also, when the power is turned on, RAM13 is loaded with FLO TSUBY FLP.
A system program is stored therein, and the system program includes information on the correspondence between each state at the time of modifying the flowchart of the machining process order and the function of each key (KO to 3).

Now, in a machining center, a material is processed into a desired shape through a plurality of processing steps. For example, the material is processed into a finished shape by performing predetermined surface processing, pocket processing, contour processing, and hole processing each time. To automatically create NC data for such machining processing (ai, define the processing for each machining surface, then edit the fbl processing process (determining the order of the processing steps), and finally (c) NC data is created using the data input in (al) according to the processing process order determined in the process editing work.

The reason why it is necessary to edit the processing steps in (bl) is as follows.In other words, the processing definition in (a) emphasizes ease of definition, so it is not necessary to edit the processing steps in (a). This is because if NC data is created, the desired shape may not be obtained using the NC data, or even if the desired shape is obtained, efficient machining cannot be performed and the machining time becomes longer.

In the editing work of this machining process, (i) First, the machining process order generated in the machining definition class is displayed in a flowchart, and in the -71: '' are arranged in series with each other, and ``things that have no processing order dependence'' are arranged in parallel with each other. (ii) The processing efficiency is calculated based on the flow chart 1. The order of processing steps for parallel connections is determined so as to improve the overall processing order, and the order of the entire processing steps is automatically determined. In addition, items that have no processing order dependence are those that can obtain the desired finished shape even if the order of the processing steps are changed, and items that have processing order dependence are those that have a processing order that can be changed. This refers to processing steps in which the desired finished shape cannot be obtained.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of editing work in the machining process, and FIG. 4 is a dialogue screen at each step.

(a) Immediately after creating a new program using "Processing Definition", when "Editing Machining Process" is performed, or immediately after making a modification that changes the process configuration while executing "Processing Definition", "Machining Process Except when performing "editing", the modification menu selection screen shown in FIG. 4(A) will be displayed by "editing machining process". In addition, in the processing process chart (L), process numbers 01.
02... is attached 1-.

(bl On the modification menu selection screen, if you enter menu number 1 and select "New", the flowchart to be processed by the processor 11 will be in the initial state (order at the time of processing definition) (MPBFI → MPF). , M.P.B.I.
MPF means a flowchart in the initial state, and MPF means a flowchart in which the processor is currently in charge of processing.

(cl Also, if you enter menu number 2 on the correction menu selection screen and select "Edit process flow", flowchart 1 to be processed by the processor will be the flowchart after the previous correction (MPBF2 → MPF) .

In addition, if you enter the number 3 in the menu and select "Edit process chart", you will move to the step (hl) where you can manually edit the process chart.

(ii) In addition, when you perform "edit machining process" immediately after creating a new program with (i) r machining definition, or make modifications that change the process configuration while executing (iil r machining definition). When you "edit the machining process" immediately after the process, the Florchart MPF according to the machining definition order is the MP
Memorized and saved as BFI (MPF-MPBFI)
.

(, 1 step fbl to (di), the processor displays a flowchart correction screen on the CRT screen (see FIG. 4(B)).

It becomes possible to rearrange machining steps depending on the presence or absence of machining order dependence.

In the flowchart correction screen, fi) the display area 15a is a title display area that displays the title message of the screen; (11) the display area 15b is a flowchart display area;
Display the flowchart (FLC) showing the processing process order, and ! 1ii1 display area 15c is a detailed information display area that displays detailed information (processing process, shape name, etc.) at the position indicated by pointer PT on flowchart 1-FLC, and screen display area 15d is an operation method display area. The M display area 15a is a system message display area and displays input prompt messages and error messages from the system.fvi) Display area 15f is a question input area, (vl
The i1 display area 15g displays a message explaining how to use the R key.

On the flowchart modification screen, a portion of the flowchart representing the entire process is displayed. Then, use the pointer PT to point to a predetermined position displayed on the screen (see FIG. 4). This pointer PT is controlled by the arrow keys ↑, /, -1\, ↓ on the data input device 14 (see Figure 2).
, ←, ←, and Be move freely in the flowchart display area 15b character by character in the specified direction. For example, you can move the pointer PT up one character by pressing the ↑ key,
By pressing the key, it is possible to move one character to the right and one character up. When the pointer PT moves out of the 70-chart display area 15b, the flowchart is scrolled in units of screen size, so that the pointer position is always displayed on the screen.

In addition, the machining process is indicated at the position indicated by the pointer PT.
If n/mm (n is the machined surface number, mm is the process number at the time of definition) exists, detailed data of the process is displayed in the detailed information display area 15c on the right side of the screen.

Now, the operation of modifying the flowchart, in other words, the operation of rearranging the machining steps according to "the presence or absence of machining order dependence" is performed as follows.

Incidentally, the rearrangement or operation is performed by moving the pointer PT and using the function key 14c (KO~) provided on the data input device 14.
This is done using step 3). The general operation method is to move the pointer to the desired position, then press the specified key (K).
By pressing 3) on O-, the operation details (functions) are instructed. The general meaning of each key (KO-3) is as follows.

In other words, (ilKo key is a key to specify the start position of the movement source, (ii) K1 key is a key to specify the end position of the movement source, (iii) K2 key is a key to specify the movement destination or rearrangement. This is a key for specifying the forward position of the object, and the Gφ3 key is a key for specifying the destination of movement or the end position of the object to be rearranged, as well as for executing movement or rearrangement.

1) Series movement of processes Any one of the series-connected processes shown in Figure 5 (A)
To correct the position of one (for example, process A) as shown in FIG. If you press the 3 key (specify the destination) while moving the PT and instructing between processes B and C, flowchart 1 will be immediately changed from Figure 5 (A) to Figure 5 (B). Sai
do.

2) Parallel movement of processes As shown in Fig. 6(A), any one of the series-connected processes (for example, process A) can be moved in parallel to process C as shown in Fig. 6(B). To correct this, first specify the destination by pressing the KO primary key with the pointer PT pointing to process A, then move the pointer PT to point between processes B and C. Then press the 2 key to specify the start position of the destination), then move the pointer to indicate the backward position of process C and press the 3 key (specify the end position of the destination). The flow rate of 1,000 yards should be immediately revised from Figure 6 (A) to Figure 6 (B).

3) Series movement of multiple processes To correct the position of any multiple processes (for example, process ASB) among the series-connected processes shown in FIG. 7(A) as shown in FIG. 7(B), first With the pointer PT pointing to the northern position of process A, press the KO main key (specify the starting position of the movement source), then move the pointer PT to point between processes B and C and press the 1 key. If you press the 3 key (specify the destination) while moving the pointer PT to indicate between steps C and D, the flowchart will immediately change to the flowchart shown in Figure 7. (A) has been revised to the same figure (B).

4) Parallel movement of multiple processes The positions of any plural processes (for example, processes A and B) among the series-connected processes shown in Figure 8 (A) can be moved as shown in Figure 8 (B). To make the correction (so that they are parallel), first point the pointer PT to the upper position of process A, then press the KO key to specify the starting position of the movement source), then move the pointer PT to specify the upper position of process B, Specify the end position of the movement source by pressing the 1 key while specifying between C)
, After that, move the pointer PT to indicate between processes C and D and press the 2 key to specify the beginning position of the destination), and finally move the pointer PT to indicate the rear position of the process. If you press the 3 key (specify the end position of the movement destination) while the 7° chart is
) to (B) in the same figure.

5) Parallel-Series Conversion To convert the processes connected in parallel as shown in Figure 9 (A) (for example, the parallel connection of processes B and C) to the series connection as shown in Figure 9 CB), first Process A with pointer PT,
If you press the 2 key while specifying between B to specify the starting position of the conversion target), then move the pointer PT and press the 3 key while specifying between processes C and D (
Identification of end position of conversion vs. raw and execution of conversion) Flowchart 1
- is immediately revised from FIG. 9(A) to FIG. 9(B).

6) Series → Parallel Conversion To convert the steps connected in series (for example, the series connection of steps B and C) as shown in FIG. 10(A) to the parallel connection as shown in FIG. 10(B), First, with the pointer PT pointing between processes A and B, press the 2 key to specify the starting position of the conversion target), then move the pointer PT to point between processes C and D, and then press the 3 key. When the key is pressed (specifying the end position of the conversion target and executing the conversion), the flowchart is immediately modified from FIG. 10(A) to FIG. 10(B).

In other words, by the operations 1) to 6) above, the arrow keys 14a
to position the pointer PT and press the specified key (
KO-K 3) 14 The processing steps are rearranged by pressing c.

By the way, it is difficult to correctly perform operations 1) to 6) without looking at the operating manual. Therefore, in the present invention, CR7
Key names and their functions are displayed for each step (state) of sorting in the operation method display area 15d (see Figure 4) of the screen, so that operations 1) to 6) can be easily performed without mistakes. ing. These points will be explained in detail below.

Now, the relationship between the keys and the operation procedures in the rearrangement of 1) to 6) is illustrated in FIG. 11. Referring to FIG. 11, the operation content (function) of each key differs depending on which branch point Bi (i=o to 5) it is pressed. Therefore, each branch point Bi is set as one state for sorting, the correspondence between each state and the key function is stored in the RAM 13, and the current state is monitored, and the key function according to the current state is is displayed in the operation method display area 15d (FIG. 4).

In Figure 12, each state is represented by a mouth, the K key is represented by a circle, and the corresponding state number and key number are attached inside the mouth and Q, and 1 is pressed on the key by 1-e-day. It is expressed that state n changes to state m by doing this. Therefore, for example, in state 0 (initial state), the key KO
1! 2 can be pressed on :, and φ can be pressed by pressing the KO key.
It changes to state 1, and changes to state Ws5 by pressing the K2 key.

In addition, in state O, keys other than KO1K2 (K1゜K3
), an error message will be displayed in the display area 15a as an error.

FIG. 13 is a chart showing the correspondence between states 0 to 5 and function messages.

Tomaruba, in state O, the message "KO: Move"
"K2: Conversion" is displayed in the display area 15d. Then, the message "K2: Conversion" is displayed in the display area 15d.
KO: Move” and press the key KO 1) to 4)
It is shown that sorting by movement as explained in ``K2: Conversion'' is possible, and pressing 2 on the key with the message "K2: Conversion" shows that sorting by serial/parallel conversion as explained in 5) to 6) is possible. Show me.

Further, in state 1, the message "Kl: End of movement source K2: Parallel K3: Series" is displayed in the display area 15d. And message °゛1
: End of the movement source” indicates that you can instruct the final machining process of the movement source by pressing the key 1, and the message “K” is displayed.
2j parallel'' indicates that parallel movement is possible by pressing the key 2, and the message ``K3: serial'' indicates that serial movement can be executed by pressing the key 3.

In state 2, the message "K3: End of destination" is displayed in the display area 15d. Then, this message indicates that if the key 3 is pressed, the rear position of the parallel movement destination can be specified, and that the parallel movement will be executed.

In state 3, the message "Kz: parallel K38 series" is displayed in the display area 15d. And the message'
"2N Parallel" indicates that pressing 2 on the key will allow multiple processes to be moved in parallel, and the message 'K' will be displayed.
3: Serial” indicates that pressing 3 on the key will execute serial movement of multiple steps.

In state 4, the message "K3: End of destination" is displayed in the display area 15d. Then, this message indicates that if the key 3 is pressed, the rear position of the parallel movement destination can be specified, and moreover, parallel movement of multiple steps will be executed.

In state 5, the message "3: Conversion end" is displayed in the display area 15d. This message indicates that if the key 3 is pressed, the final position of the object to be converted is specified and that parallel-to-serial conversion or parallel-to-serial conversion is to be executed.

(When the specifying process for "presence or absence of machining order dependence" is completed by rearranging the flowcharts f1 and above, the RO key is pressed. As a result, the processor 11
The latest modified flowchart generated in step tel is stored as PFB2.

(g) After the processing, the processor 11 performs a process so as not to disturb the machining order dependence specified in step tel, and to improve machining efficiency (for example, to reduce the number of tool changes).
Determine the processing order. That is, the processor sets the processing order of the series-connected parts to be serial layers, determines the order of processing steps for each parallel-connected part, and automatically determines the order of all processing steps.

(h) When the automatic determination process is completed, the processor displays the process chart editing screen shown in FIG. 4(C) on the CRT screen.

Note that on the process chart editing screen, processes are displayed in the automatically determined order, and by pressing the KO/Kl key, the process order continuing to the previous page/next page is displayed.

While the process chart editing screen is displayed, the order of the machining steps can be corrected by inputting the start and end of the range to be moved and the destination from the data input device 14.

(1) When the RO key is pressed after the manual editing process of the process sheet is completed, the processor deletes the process file MPF and ends the editing process of the machining process.

Although the present invention has been described for a case where the present invention is applied to rearrangement of processing steps, the present invention is not limited to such a case.

<Effects of the Invention> According to the present invention, the correspondence between the state and the function of the key is stored in the memory, the current state is monitored, and the function of the key in the current state is displayed on the display screen. Since the display is configured so that a predetermined function can be inputted accurately and quickly in each state without looking at the operation manual.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a device that implements the method of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a block diagram when the method of the present invention is applied to an automatic programming device, Fig. 3 is a flowchart of editing processing of the machining process, and Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a device that implements the method of the present invention. Dialogue image examples at each step, Figures 5 to 10 are diagrams for explaining flowchart modification, Figure 11 is a relationship diagram between keys and operation procedures, Figure 12 is a relationship diagram between states and key operation procedures, and Figure 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between keys and operation procedures. FIG. 13 is a chart showing the correspondence between states and key function messages. Patent Applicant Fanuc Co., Ltd. Agent Patent Attorney Chiki Saito Figure 1 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure (A) (J (8) (3) Figure 11
Figure 12

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In a function input method, keys have different functions depending on the state, and when a predetermined key is pressed in each state, the device executes the function of the pressed key. A function input method characterized by storing correspondences with functions of keys in a memory, monitoring the current state of the keys, and displaying the functions of the keys in the current state together with the key names on a display screen. (2) The function input method according to claim (1), characterized in that only key functions that are valid in the current state are displayed.