The invention relates to a method for operating software-controlled devices.
The invention relates, moreover, to a device for operating software-controlled devices.
The predominant number of electrical and electronic devices which are in use are equipped with software which facilitates the control and operation of the devices. For service technicians who maintain and/or repair such devices, and in connection with training for operating such devices, the problem occurs that the individual devices are equipped with very different controls and operating surfaces. It has therefore been found very difficult if a service technician or a not specifically trained operating person is supposed to carry out for the first time repairs, maintenance sequences or operating sequences on a device which the respective person is not yet familiar with.
In the following, the respective operating problems as well as the solution according to the invention for these problems will be described in connection with the example of radar devices which are used in the maritime field. This description in connection with an example can also be transferred to the operation of all other software-controlled devices without this being mentioned expressly in each individual case.
It is the object of the present invention to improve a method of the above-described type in such a way that a user is supported by receiving an increased familiarity with the operation of software-controlled devices.
In accordance with the invention, this object is met by storing at least a portion of software for controlling at least two different devices in the field of at least one data storage unit and making the software activatable in such a way that it becomes possible for the user, after a selection of a concrete device, that the control software required for this device is available and to operate the device.
Another object of the present invention is to construct a device of the above-stated type in such a way that an operation of software-controlled devices is facilitated.
In accordance with the invention, this object is met by storing at least a portion of software for controlling at least two different devices in the area of at least one data storage unit, and to construct an activation for the software in such a way that, after a selection of a concrete device, the control software assigned to this device is activatable.
By making available specific software for different devices, it is possible to make available with few configuration sequences the software required for operating a specific device. A service technician who is working to repair or maintain a specific device, can now access a collection of software, he can activate the actually required software, and he can allow the device to be maintained automatically to assume the desired state of operation. Also, it is possible already prior to a direct contact with the actual device, to activate the corresponding software and to train in cooperation with an actually existing device or a simulated device the operation of the respective device. As a result, it is provided that in the event of a contact with the actual device, the required operations can be carried out without significant time delay.
A typical application takes place in connection with control software for radar devices. The radar devices can be used, for example, for maritime applications, in airplanes, in the field of flight security, or in military fields.
A use at any desired location is reinforced by the fact that a storage of the individual control software of the device takes place in a spatial vicinity to a visual display and a manual input device for the user.
A universal data access is supported by the fact that a storage of the individual software for controlling the concrete device takes place at a faraway location to a user and a transmission through a data connection is carried out.
With respect to applications in connection with service and repair, it is intended that the control software cooperates with a device which is present as hardware.
When applied for training, it is found to be useful that the software cooperates with a software module which simulates the actual device.
Also, in connection with schooling or an operating training, it is being considered in particular that with the use of an interactive plane, a device operation takes place as a remote control. Typically, a remote control takes place in such a way that an access to the original software of the device to be controlled is provided.
In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are schematically illustrated. In the drawing:
a is a device-technological overview illustration for use in the training field;
It is particularly intended to make available to the service technician at least two different functionalities. In accordance with a first functionality, it is possible with the use of the operating surface to transfer the radar device 5 automatically into a defined state in order to be able to carry out predetermined maintenance or service work. The defined state may comprise, for example, a set of parameters which reproduces one or more sets of measured values of the radar device 5.
In accordance with a second functionality, it is possible to generate, in the area of the operating computer with the use of the maintenance instructions 7, defined service instructions which make it possible for the service technician to carry out a targeted operation of the radar device 5 without the service technician having to be familiar with all the functionalities of the radar device 5. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the service technician receives in the area of the display 3 of his operating computer 2 a display which corresponds to the actual displays of the radar device 5.
In the following, a second embodiment for applications in connection with conducting training or education is explained.
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in
The storage device 1 is coupled to an application server 5, a logic component 6 and a contents storage 7. The application server 5 is additionally directly coupled to the logic component 6. Also provided is a direct coupling between the logic component 6 and the contents storage 7.
In the area of the web server, a home page or a learning management system (LMS) may be made available.
Based on the data in the supply storage 9, a concretely required software module 11 is made available for the individual user, wherein the software module includes the, the corresponding operating system, a control unit (LC, logic controller), a communication program (VMRC, virtual machine remote console), as well as an interactive plane (IAE).
During a use by the user, displays are generated on the operating computer 2 within the scope of the operating training, wherein the displays correspond to displays of the actual device. The user can carry out operating inputs through the interactive plane which, due to the imitation of the actual device, generate reactions on the display which correspond to an actual sequence. As a result of the concept according to the invention, several operating layers are placed on top of each other.
The interactive plane in a simplified manner carries out the function of a mask provided with holes. The contents made available by the logic controller are displayed in the movable windows and operating activities of the user in the movable windows are reported back to the logic controller. Also user inputs are forwarded to the logic controller by using a mouse or a keyboard of the operating computer 2. Because of the simulation software which has been made available, the corresponding inputs lead exactly to the same reactions as if the operation had been carried out on the actual devices.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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10 2010 011 873.7 | Mar 2010 | DE | national |