Abstracted display building method and system

Abstract

A machine can be accessed and controlled with the help of an interface device. The customizable interface device contains device elements that define features relating to the external representation and internal functionality of the interface device, as linked to one or more machines. An operator can use a configuration station to implement single or reoccurring queries that interact with the interface device and corresponding machines. In particular, the queries target the configuration of device elements in the interface device. The process can include temporarily unloading unused features from active memory and mirroring property changes initialized by a source. An emulator can assist in the configuration process by providing a preliminary software representation of the interface device hardware. A user can develop, test, and reconfigure functions on the emulator before loading the finalized platform to the interface device.

1 . A system that facilitates industrial control, comprising: 
 an interface screen that includes all device elements related to operation of an interface device; and    an unloaded interface screen that retains a subset of all the device elements related to the operation of the interface device.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , the subset of all the device elements represents aspects necessary to maintain operation of the interface device.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , all the device elements represent display properties and functional properties of the interface device.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3 , the display properties comprise features in font, size, color, position, and text and the functional properties comprise features in measurement and observation.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , the subset of all the device elements represents functional properties of the interface device.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 5 , the functional properties comprise features in measurement and observation.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , the unloaded interface screen unloads device elements that are not required for continuous operation of the interface device and maintains device elements that are required for continuous operation of the interface device.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , the unloaded interface screen suppresses device elements that are not required for seamless operation of the interface device.  
   
   
       9 . A method that facilitates industrial control, comprising the following acts: 
 maintaining device elements of a main interface screen; and    unloading a subset of the device elements of an unloaded interface screen for a temporary period of time.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising reinstating the unloaded subset of the device elements after the temporary period of time lapses.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9 , the device elements of the main interface screen comprise visual and operational aspects of an interface device.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9 , the unloaded subset of the device elements comprises visual aspects of an interface device.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 9 , each device element is loaded when necessary for operation of the interface device and unloaded when not necessary for operation of the interface device.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising suppressing at least one device element during the temporary period of time.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , the at least one suppressed device element is not required for continual operation of the interface device.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising adding new device elements to the unloaded interface screen.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising checking status of the device elements at regular time intervals, the device elements that are idle are marked for unloading.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising checking status of the device elements at random time intervals, the device elements that are idle are automatically unloaded.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising checking status of the device elements upon an event predetermined by the user or triggered by the interface device, the device elements that are idle are immediately unloaded.  
   
   
       20 . A system that facilitates industrial control, comprising: 
 means for temporarily unloading device elements unnecessary for continuous operation of the interface device; and    means for reinstating the temporarily unloaded device elements when necessary for continuous operation of the interface device.