Method for setting up, operating and / or maintaining a manual or semi-automatic woodworking device and arrangement with a manual or semi-automatic woodworking device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for setting up, operating and / or maintaining a manual or semi-automatic woodworking device. The method comprises the following steps: generating at least one image (10) of at least parts of the woodworking device using a mobile device (1); displaying the at least one image (10) on a screen (2); comparing the at least one image (10) with stored comparative images of at least one product type of woodworking device; identifying the product type of the displayed woodworking device on the basis of a result of the comparison; retrieving information relating to the identified product type; providing the information relating to the identified product type on the screen (2). The invention also relates to an arrangement of a manual or semi-automatic woodworking device and a mobile device (1), wherein the mobile device (1) is designed to carry out a method of this type.

Description

[0001] Method for setting up, operating and / or maintaining a manual or semi-automatic woodworking device and arrangement comprising a manual or semi-automatic woodworking device

[0002] The invention relates to a method for setting up, operating, and / or maintaining a manual or semi-automatic wood processing device. The invention further relates to an arrangement with a manual or semi-automatic wood processing device for carrying out the method.

[0003] Such manual or semi-automatic woodworking devices are used for processing, in particular drilling, milling, and / or sanding, wooden workpieces. Woodworking devices are also used to press in threaded sleeves or other fitting parts. In addition to universal woodworking devices, the operation and use of which requires a high degree of manual skill, woodworking devices are also used, particularly in the furniture industry, that are specifically designed for specific sub-steps of a manufacturing process, for example, a furniture panel or a furniture body. Such woodworking devices often have stops, gauges, or other adjustment options that are configured for a specific workpiece and a specific processing step. In the furniture industry, they can be, and are often, operated by non-specialist personnel.

[0004] The woodworking machines described have often been in operation for many years, sometimes decades, or are available in an unchanged form. They are mechanically robust but generally not or only minimally digitized. Modern machines often support users in setting up, operating, or maintaining them. For this purpose, operating aids can be integrated, such as screens, other display elements, and / or voice output options. Such integrated operating aids are generally not used, or only to a very limited extent, in the woodworking machines mentioned.

[0005] Learning how to commission such a wood processing device, its operation and maintenance, including troubleshooting and, if necessary, error correction, is therefore traditionally done through training courses, operating instructions, manuals and, if necessary, supplementary video tutorials.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to simplify the setup, operation, and / or maintenance of such manual or semi-automatic wood processing devices. A further object is to provide an arrangement with such a wood processing device for carrying out the method.

[0007] This object is achieved by a method or arrangement having the features of the respective independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] A method according to the invention for setting up, operating, and / or maintaining a manual or semi-automatic wood processing device comprises the following steps: At least one image of at least parts of the wood processing device is created using a mobile device and displayed on a screen. The at least one image is compared with stored comparison images of at least one product type of wood processing devices, and the product type of the imaged wood processing device is identified based on the result of the comparison. Information about the identified product type is retrieved, and this information is displayed on the screen.

[0009] This displays an image of the wood processing device enriched with product-specific information. Identifying the product type of the wood processing device ensures that the information displayed actually relates to the wood processing device in question. This allows the required information to be found and viewed quickly and easily. There is no need to laboriously search for and work through manuals or other instructions. The at least one image can be a static camera image or a video and is preferably recorded by a camera on the mobile device. Images can be of the entire device, specific device parts, or identifiers attached to the device, such as nameplates or plaques with symbols (tags, QR codes, barcodes, etc.).In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the information relating to the identified product type is superimposed on the image of the wood processing device. For example, at least one symbol and / or at least one selection button can be displayed for the information, wherein the at least one symbol and / or the at least one selection button are preferably positioned in the image of the wood processing device such that they are spatially assigned to the components of the wood processing device to which they relate in terms of content. Through the spatial assignment and the use of symbols instead of textual descriptions, the information relevant to a specific process or problem can be found intuitively and without language barriers.

[0010] The information preferably relates to at least one functional component, at least one operating component, at least one setting component, and / or at least one replaceable component of the wood processing device. In order to be able to present the information, particularly extensive information, in a structured manner, it may be provided to display at least one selection menu for the information, via which different information can be presented and / or information can be presented in different ways. The information can be provided, for example, in the form of text, images, audio output, and / or videos.

[0011] In addition to information concerning functional components, information may also be offered on more general topics, for example with regard to assembly and / or setup of the woodworking device and / or troubleshooting of the woodworking device.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the comparison images and / or the information are stored locally on the mobile device. In particular, the comparison images are quickly accessible in this way, so that the imaged wood processing device can be located without significant delay. Furthermore, the method can be carried out autonomously and independently of network availability.

[0013] Alternatively, the comparison images and / or the information can be stored in a database that is accessed by the mobile device over a network. This has the advantage that updates can be made to the database entries without having to change data on the mobile device. Furthermore, less storage space is required on the mobile device. In a further alternative, it can be provided that at least one image is sent over the network to a remote computer, in particular a network server, on which the comparison with the comparison images is carried out. In this way, the computationally intensive image comparison can be shifted from the mobile device, which may not have a powerful processor, to a more powerful remote computer.

[0014] An inventive arrangement of a wood processing device and a mobile device is characterized in that the mobile device is configured to carry out such a method. This results in the advantages explained in connection with the method.

[0015] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and figures. The figures show:

[0016] Figures 1-3 each show a representation of a mobile device during the implementation of a method according to the application; and

[0017] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the application.

[0018] Figures 1 to 3 initially show, by way of example, a mobile device 1, with the aid of which an example of a method according to the application is carried out. The mobile device can be a commercially available telephone ("smartphone") or, for example, a tablet computer. A display 2 of the mobile device 1 displays a representation generated by a program ("app") with the aid of which the method is carried out.

[0019] Figure 4 depicts an embodiment of a method according to the application in a flowchart. The method is explained below by way of example with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0020] In a first step S1 of the method according to Figure 4, an image 10 of a wood processing device is created using the mobile device 1 and displayed on the mobile device 1. In Figures 1 and 2, the image 10 of two different wood processing devices is displayed on the screen 2. A camera present on the mobile device 1 can preferably be used for recording. As an alternative to a smartphone or tablet as the mobile device 1, the method can also be carried out using so-called VR (Virtual Reality) glasses or AR (Augmented Reality) glasses. Such glasses can have their own processing unit or be connected to a computer or mobile device. Models can also be used into which the mobile device is inserted, thus utilizing its screen and camera.With VR glasses, the user only sees the screen; with AR glasses, the environment is naturally visible and is only overlaid by a screen display.

[0021] In a next method step S2, an image comparison is performed between the image 10 and stored comparison images of various wood processing devices. These comparison images can be stored locally on the mobile device 1, e.g., in a local database 9a. It is also possible to retrieve the comparison images during the execution of the method from a remote database 9b, which is contacted, e.g., via an intranet or the Internet. The comparison images can be camera images or can represent the wood processing devices schematically in the form of scalable line drawings. Comparison images from different perspectives are preferably available.

[0022] If a match is found between image 10 and one of the comparison images, the depicted product type of the wood processing device is identified. Subsequently, information about this product type and thus the depicted wood processing device, which is either stored locally on mobile device 1, e.g., in the local database 9a, or stored in the aforementioned remote database 9b, is loaded.

[0023] Using this information, in a next step S3 additional information is superimposed on the image 10 on the screen 2, i.e. an “augmented reality” is displayed on the screen 2.

[0024] The information can specifically relate to certain components of the wood processing device depicted. In the illustrated embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, the components for which information is available are highlighted by symbols 3, and an associated selection button 4 is displayed next to the component. The symbols 3 and the selection buttons 4 are preferably positioned spatially adjacent to the components they relate to. In this way, the relevant and interesting information can be found quickly and without language barriers.

[0025] In particular, functional components 11, for example a drilling unit (Fig. 1) and a pressing unit (Figs. 1 and 2) in the wood processing devices shown are indicated by a symbol 3 of a drill or a symbol 3 of a pressing process. Furthermore, operating components 12 are indicated by means of a further symbol 3 which represents a row of buttons. Finally, adjustment components 13 are indicated by means of a symbol 3 which represents a scale. In the example in Figure 1, an exchangeable component 14 is also highlighted, here specifically a drilling gear, which is identified by a symbol 3 with gears. The associated selection button 4 is displayed next to each symbol 3, which can be clicked or tapped by the user of the mobile device 1 in order to obtain further information about the respective component 11, 12, 13, 14.

[0026] The flowchart in Figure 4 illustrates the selection of the associated selection button 4 in a next step S4. Depending on the selected selection button 4, the method branches to various further steps S5a through S5d, for example, in which the respective specific selected information is provided.

[0027] In one implementation of step S4, for example, it may be provided that a submenu opens, allowing further options to be selected. For example, upon selecting one of the selection buttons 4 associated with a functional component 11, such as "drilling" or "pressing," various videos may be offered explaining the steps required to correctly perform the corresponding function—drilling or pressing.

[0028] When selecting one of the selection buttons 4 that is assigned to an operating component 12, the various operating elements can be explained in more detail, for example by means of a textual explanation, a schematic illustration or with the aid of a video that can be started in the selection menu.

[0029] By selecting one of the selection buttons 4 assigned to an adjustment component 13, dimensions for stops, drilling depths, drilling diameters, etc. can be specified. Finally, by selecting one of the selection buttons 4 assigned to a replaceable component 14, the user can be given explanations of various steps with which the component can be replaced in the event of a fault or wear. This can again be done in the form of videos if necessary. It is also conceivable to accompany the replacement process step by step. In this case, additional images 10 of the wood processing device offer the possibility of monitoring and correcting the progress of the replacement process, so that subsequent steps are only displayed once the previous step has been properly completed.In addition, the replaceable components 14 can be identified by their image or individual marking and displayed to the user as suitable from a selection, particularly from a tool storage area. This allows errors to be avoided in advance.

[0030] In addition to the symbols 3 and associated selection buttons 4, which relate to functional components 11, 12, 13 of the wood processing device and which are displayed directly superimposed on the image 10 of the wood processing device, further symbols 5 with associated selection buttons 4 can be displayed. These refer to information that is not specific to the functional components 11, 12, 13 but of a general nature. For example, in Figures 1 and 2, in the upper right area of ​​the screen 2, further symbols 5 are shown which relate to commissioning of the wood processing device and to troubleshooting.

[0031] In the embodiment of Figure 2, in the area below image 10, there is another symbol 5 with an associated selection button 4, which does not directly refer to a specific functional component 11, 12, 13. This additional symbol 5 refers to instructions or support for assembly during initial commissioning of the wood processing device. For reasons of space and to better protect the wood processing device during transport, the wood processing device shown in Figure 2 is delivered pre-assembled in modules, but not fully assembled. The assembly of the modules can be guided, for example, by animated videos.It is also conceivable that during assembly, additional images 10 of the wood processing device are captured and evaluated. These images are used to analyze the progress of the assembly and, if necessary, correct the assembly by pointing out assembly errors. Furthermore, information symbols 6 can be used that are not assigned a selection button but instead directly display information, for example, about a pressure range to be set for a compressed air supply to the wood processing device.

[0032] Furthermore, in the embodiment of Figure 1, a row of application icons 7 are shown in a lower area of ​​the screen 2 of the mobile device 1, again with associated selection buttons 4. In this row, various applications or possible uses for the wood processing device shown are symbolized.

[0033] Five applications are provided here as examples and symbolized by application symbols 7. Specifically, from left to right, the first application is processing a furniture panel to insert a hinge, the second application is inserting a connecting fitting, the third application is creating a row of holes, the fourth application is attaching a handle, and the fifth application is attaching a (drawer) guide. These five application examples represent typical manufacturing steps in furniture construction that can be performed with the wood processing device shown.

[0034] By pressing one of the selection buttons 4 assigned to these use cases, various information and explanations on the use cases can be called up directly or via one or more further selection menus 8. Figure 3 shows, starting from Figure 1, the selection of the selection button 4 assigned to the first use case. This opens a first selection menu 8 on the left side of screen 2 with further options. After clicking on the upper option, as shown here, a second selection menu 8 opens on the right side of screen 2, from which the desired information can then be accessed.

[0035] After retrieving the information, the user is given the option of retrieving further information on the imaged wood processing device in a next step S6 during the further course of the method and, for this purpose, branching back to step S4. Alternatively, the method can be restarted with step S1 or can also be ended. The method according to the application offers support with setup, operation and / or maintenance at any time and independently of, for example, a service department, including troubleshooting and, if necessary, error correction. Should the method not lead to the desired success, a further development can provide for the mobile device 1 to also be used to transmit the images 10 of the wood processing device recorded during the method to a service department or for the service department to be interactively integrated into the method.In this way, difficulties and, where appropriate, language barriers that arise when problems are described purely over the telephone are avoided.

[0036] Reference symbol

[0037] 1 mobile device

[0038] 2 screens

[0039] 3 Symbol

[0040] 4 Selection button

[0041] 5 additional symbols

[0042] 6 Information symbol

[0043] 7 Application icon

[0044] 8 Selection menu

[0045] 9a local database

[0046] 9b remote database

[0047] 10 Image of a wood processing device

[0048] 11 Functional component

[0049] 12 Operating components

[0050] 13 Adjustment component

[0051] 14 replaceable components

[0052] S1-S6 process step

Claims

Claims 1 . A method for setting up, operating and / or maintaining a manual or semi-automatic wood processing device, comprising the following steps: - Creating at least one image (10) of at least parts of the wood processing device using a mobile device (1); - displaying the image (10) on a screen (2); - comparing the image (10) with stored comparison images of at least one product type of wood processing devices; - Identifying the product type of the wood processing device shown based on a comparison result; - Retrieving information on the identified product type; - Providing information on the identified product type on the screen (2).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the information on the identified product type is displayed superimposed on the at least one image (10) of the wood processing device.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one information symbol (3, 5) and / or at least one selection button (4) is displayed for the information.

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein the at least one information symbol (3, 5) and / or the at least one selection button (4) are positioned in the at least one image (10) of the wood processing device such that they are spatially associated with the component of the wood processing device to which they relate in terms of content.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information relates to at least one functional component (11), at least one operating component (12), at least one setting component (13) and / or at least one replaceable component (14) of the wood processing device.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which at least one selection menu (8) is displayed for the information, via which different information can be displayed and / or information can be displayed in different ways.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information is provided in the form of texts, audio outputs and / or videos.

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein information relates to an assembly and / or a setup of the wood processing device and / or a troubleshooting of the wood processing device.

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the comparison images and / or the information are stored locally on the mobile device (1).

10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the comparison images and / or the information are stored in a remote database (9b) which is contacted by the mobile device (1) via a network.

11. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the image (10) is at least a static camera image or a video.

12. Arrangement of a manual or semi-automatic wood processing device and a mobile device (1), wherein the mobile device (1) is configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 11.

Images