Eaton Corporation

Edwin C Witte

Richard L Rejret

Fred W Haselow

Thomas A Karnowski

A user interface including a dual navigational menu system forming part of a configuration or programming procedure in a process control device such as a flow controller. The controller includes key pad by which the user enters instructions and data into the device, a display for displaying alphanumeric information and a key pad monitoring means for detecting a predetermined user input indicating that a configuration mode is desired. When in the configuration mode, the pressing of direction keys is detected to sequentially advance through a menu system comprised of a matrix of menu items arranged in rows and columns. Means is also provided for detecting the entry of position data which operates to directly select a given menu item to obviate the need for sequentially advancing through all prior items in order to reach the desired menu item. When a given menu item is activated, random access memory forming part of the device is used to store data entered by the user. A help system is also implemented including a key designated as a 'help key' which displays context sensitive information for an activated menu item whenever the 'help' key is pressed.

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Watertown, WI, United States of America

Edwin C Witte