GB2153122A

GB2153122A - Data entry arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2153122A
Application number: GB08401752A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Frederick Gardner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1984-01-24
Filing date: 1984-01-24
Publication date: 1985-08-14
Also published as: GB8401752D0

Abstract

A data entry arrangement, particularly for programming apparatus for production equipment, comprises a visual display 10, different sets of selector keys 12, 14, 16 adjacent different sides of the display 10, and a numerical keyboard 18. A general function is selected using the keys 12, causing specific functions to be displayed adjacent the keys 14: when the required specific function is selected using keys 14, related parameters are displayed adjacent the keys 16. When the required parameter is selected on keys 16, a numerical value can be entered for this parameter on the keyboard 18. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Data entry arrangement This invention relates to a data entry arrangement particularly applicable to numerically controlled production equipment, for example lathes or other machining apparatus.

For example when programming numerically-controlled production equipment, a very large number of data items must be entered and these relate to respective ones of a plurality of functions of the equipment and of a plurality of parameters related to those functions. It is vital to be able to select quickly and accurately the correct function and parameter before the decimal number to be entered is in fact keyed-in and entered by the operator. However, present data entry arrangements require the operator to have extensive experience of the particular arrangement he is working on, so that he knows which combination or sequence of keys will select the required function and parameter each time.

In accordance with this invention, there is provided a data entry arrangement comprising a first set of keys, at least a second set of keys, a visual display and a numerical keyboard, the keys of the first set being provided with indicia defining respective general functions to which they relate, and each key of the first set, upon actuation, causing the visual display to display, in correspondence of the individual keys of the second set, respective specific functions or parameters appropriate to the general function selected by the associated key of the first set.

In a particularly advantageous data entry arrangement, there may be three sets of keys grouped around 3 sides of a visual display, for example a CRT display. Each key of the first set, provided with indicia in the form of writing or symbols, enables selection of a general function: actuation of this key causes the visual display to display indicia (again in the form of writing or symbols) defining specific functions or parameters appropriate to the general function selected by the key of the first set. The different keys of the first set will cause different specific functions or parameters to be defined, in correspondence of the keys of the second set, by the indicia displayed.Next, the appropriate key of the second set may be actuated and will cause the visual display to display indicia (again in the form of writing or symbols) in correspondence of the keys of the third set, these indicia defining specific parameters or functions for the different keys of the third set.

Having selected the general function, then say the specific function, then the parameter (analogous to seiecting a chapter of a book, then a page, then a line) by actuating a key of the first, second a third sets in order, the operator may then use the numerical keyborad to keyin a decimal number for data entry. Thus this decimal number may represent the value to be entered of the parameter which has been selected for the selected specific function of the selected general function.

In particular, the data entry arrangement very positively guides the operator as he makes his selections so enabling operators to become proficient very quickly.

As embodiment of this invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, the single figure of which is a diagrammatic representation of a front panel of a preferred form of a data entry arrangement.

A visual display 10 is provided, in the example shown a cathode ray tube display.

Three sets of keys 1 2, 14, 1 6 are provided, for example respectively along the top, down one side and along the bottom of the display 1 0. In the example shown, each set of keys comprises eight keys, but there may be a greater or lesser number and indeed different sets may have different numbers of keys, according to requirements. A numerical keyboard 1 8 is also provided.

The keys of the first set 10 are provided with indicia (either on them or adjacent them for example) defining general functions which they select. Actuation of each such key may energise an indicator on or adjacent that key to identify which key of the first set has been actuated: also, upon actuation of each of the keys 10, the visual display is caused to display, adjacent the respective keys 1 2 of the second set, different specific functions or parameters appropriate to the selected general function.Then the operator can select and actuate one of the keys 12, causing an indicator on or adjacent that key to be energised and also causing the visual display to display, adjacent the respective keys 1 4 of the third set, different parameters or functions appropriate to the specific function or parameter selected by the actuated key 1 2. Then the operator can select and actuate one of the keys 16, energising an indicator on or adjacent that key. The indicators for the keys of the three sets may comprise separate LED's or may be incorporated in the visual display 10.

Finally, the operator may key-in, on the keyboard 1 8, the required decimal number for the selected parameter. The keyed-in number may appear either on a separate numerical display 20, or on a portion of the display 10, for the operator to check and if necessary adjust (e.g. using increment and decrement keys I, D) before actuating an "enter" key (e.g. one of keys 16).

The visual display 10 may be arranged for a number of other uses, for example displaying the shape of a part to be machined according to the program being written or edited. The data entry arrangement may be used for a number of general functions (selected by keys 12), including programming, program selection, manual override, display of part shape.

In the example shown in the drawing, specifically for lathe control, one of keys 1 2 is shown for manual override and is provided with the legend "MAN OVER": this key is assumed to be actuated, causing display of "SPINDLE", "FEEDRATE", "ACC/DEC" (acceleration/deceleration) etc to be displayed alongside the keys 14. The "FEEDRATE" key is assumed to be actuated, causing the display 10 to display, alongside the keys 16, functions such as "RST", "INC", "DEC", etc (reset, increase, decrease etc).

Some of the keys 1 2 need not be dedicated, nor therefore provided with indicia or lables, so that the user may define their function, correspondingly defining the functions and corresponding displays of the keys 14 and keys 16.

In a modification, there may be an additional set of keys down the right hand side of the display 10, the order of selection being for example top set, left set, right set then bottom set (akin to selecting the volume, chapter, page and line of a book).

Claims

7. A data entry arrangement comprising a first set of keys, at least a second set of keys, a visual display and a numerical keyboard, the keys of the first set being provided with indicia defining respective general functions to which they relate, and each key of the first set, upon actuation, causing the visual display to display, in correspondence of the individual keys of the second set, respective specific functions or parameters appropriate to the general function slected by the associated key of the first set.
2. A data entry arrangement as claimed in claim 1. in which the visual display comprises a cathode ray tube and the different said sets of keys are disposed along different sides of the CRT screen.
3. A data entry arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which a decimal number entered on the numerical keyboard, after keys of the successive sets have been selected, appears on said visual display or on a separate display.
4. A programming apparatus in or for numerically controlled production equipment, said programming apparatus including a data entry arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. A programming apparatus as claimed in claim 5, the visual display being arranged to display the shape of a part to be produced in accordance with the program being written.