Machine tool

Abstract

To provide an alarm notification technique for facilitating cause identification and solution of an abnormality of a machine tool by an operator.SOLUTION: Provided is a machine tool having an alarm notification function for facilitating cause identification and solution of an abnormality of a machine tool by an operator. The machine tool includes: a storage part that stores alarm data; a control part that selects one or more alarms 720A, 720B output from the alarm data on the basis of one or more acquired signals; and an output part that changes a display form of each of the one or more selected alarms 720A, 720B and outputs the result to a screen, according to an alarm type.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to machine tools, and more particularly to alarm notification techniques.

Background Art

[0002] Machine tools may be equipped with a function to output an alarm in order to ensure the safety of operators and prevent damage to the machine tools themselves. As an example, the alarm may be output to a display device provided on the machine tool.

[0003] Regarding alarm notification techniques, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-122613 (Patent Document 1) discloses a machine tool having an alarm notification function. The machine tool "has a control panel, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor for measuring the temperature and humidity inside the control panel, a water vapor amount calculation unit for calculating the amount of water vapor based on the temperature and humidity, and a water vapor amount storage unit for storing the amount of water vapor. Further, based on the amount of water vapor calculated by the water vapor amount calculation unit and the amount of water vapor stored in the water vapor amount storage unit, a water vapor amount change rate calculation unit for calculating the water vapor amount change rate, a water vapor amount change rate threshold setting unit for holding a preset threshold value, a water vapor amount change rate comparison unit for determining whether the water vapor amount change rate is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and an alarm notification unit for notifying an alarm when the water vapor amount change rate is equal to or greater than the threshold value" (see [Summary]).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, it may be possible to notify an operator of an abnormality in a machine tool. However, the abnormalities that occur in a machine tool are diverse. Therefore, when the alarm includes only a simple error code, the operator may require a great deal of man-hours to identify the cause of the abnormality in the machine tool after checking the alarm. Accordingly, an alarm notification technology for facilitating the identification and resolution of the cause of an abnormality in a machine tool by an operator is required.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above background, and an object in one aspect is to provide an alarm notification technology for facilitating the identification and resolution of the cause of an abnormality in a machine tool by an operator.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] According to an embodiment, a machine tool is provided. The machine tool includes a storage unit that stores alarm data, a control unit that selects one or more alarms to be output from the alarm data based on one or more acquired signals, and an output unit that changes the display format of each of the selected one or more alarms according to the alarm type and outputs the same to a screen.

[0008] According to another embodiment, another machine tool is provided. The machine tool includes a storage unit that stores alarm data, a control unit that selects one or more alarms to be output from the alarm data based on one or more acquired signals, and an output unit that arranges the selected one or more alarms in chronological order and outputs the same to a screen.

[0009] Also, according to another embodiment, another machine tool is provided. The machine tool includes a storage unit that stores alarm data, a control unit that selects one or more alarms to be output from the alarm data based on one or more acquired signals, and an output unit that outputs the selected one or more alarms to a screen. The screen includes a first area including one or more icons and a second area including one or more pieces of information regarding the machine tool. The selected one or more alarms are displayed on the screen so as to cover a part of the second area.

[0010] In one aspect, the alarm data includes an ID (Identifier) for each of the one or more alarms and one or more display items related to the content, cause, or solution method of the abnormality. Each of the one or more alarms includes one or more display items associated with each of the one or more alarms.

[0011] In one aspect, the machine tool further includes an input unit that receives an input from a user. The output unit displays or hides the one or more alarms based on the input unit receiving a display switching input for the one or more alarms.

[0012] In one aspect, the output unit changes the display position of the one or more alarms based on the input unit receiving a movement input for the one or more alarms.

[0013] In one aspect, the output unit outputs an indicator indicating the occurrence of the one or more alarms to the screen. Displaying or hiding the one or more alarms based on the input unit receiving a display switching input for the one or more alarms includes displaying or hiding the one or more alarms based on the indicator being operated.

[0014] In one aspect, each of the one or more alarms is output to the screen as each of the one or more pop-ups. The one or more pop-ups arranged in chronological order are configured to be scrollable and configured to be able to switch the display and non-display of the one or more display items.

[0015] In a certain situation, one or more pop - ups include display items for displaying detailed information of each of one or more alarms. The output unit outputs the detailed information of the one or more alarms to the screen based on the operation of the display items.

[0016] In a certain situation, any one of the one or more alarms includes a message that the opening operation of the shutter was not completed within the allowable time.

[0017] According to another embodiment, a control method for a machine tool is provided. The control method includes referring to alarm data stored in a storage unit, selecting one or more alarms output from the alarm data based on one or more signals acquired by a control unit, and changing the display format of each of the selected one or more alarms according to the alarm type and outputting it to the screen.

[0018] Also, according to another embodiment, another control method for a machine tool is provided. The control method includes referring to alarm data stored in a storage unit, selecting one or more alarms output from the alarm data based on one or more signals acquired by a control unit, and arranging the selected one or more alarms in chronological order and outputting them to the screen.

[0019] Also, according to another embodiment, another control method for a machine tool is provided. The control method includes referring to alarm data stored in a storage unit, selecting one or more alarms output from the alarm data based on one or more signals acquired by a control unit, and outputting the selected one or more alarms to the screen. The screen includes a first area including one or more icons and a second area including one or more pieces of information about the machine tool. The selected one or more alarms are displayed on the screen so as to cover a part of the second area.

[0020] Also, according to another embodiment, a control program for a machine tool is provided. The control program causes the machine tool to refer to alarm data stored in a storage unit, select one or more alarms output from the alarm data based on one or more signals acquired by a control unit, and change the display format of each of the selected one or more alarms according to the alarm type and output the changed alarms to a screen.

[0021] Also, according to another embodiment, another control program for a machine tool is provided. The control program causes the machine tool to refer to alarm data stored in a storage unit, select one or more alarms output from the alarm data based on one or more signals acquired by a control unit, and arrange the selected one or more alarms in chronological order and output them to a screen.

[0022] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, another control program for a machine tool is provided. The control program causes the machine tool to refer to alarm data stored in a storage unit, select one or more alarms output from the alarm data based on one or more signals acquired by a control unit, and output the selected one or more alarms to a screen. The screen includes a first region including one or more icons and a second region including one or more pieces of information about the machine tool. The selected one or more alarms are displayed on the screen so as to cover a part of the second region.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to one embodiment, an alarm notification technique can be provided to facilitate identification and resolution of the cause of an abnormality in a machine tool by an operator.

[0024] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the disclosure, which is to be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technical idea according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Further, each embodiment, each modification example, each software configuration, each hardware configuration, each function, and each process, etc. may be selectively combined as appropriate.

[0027] <Configuration of the System> First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation outline and hardware configuration of the machine tool 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The machine tool 100 is any device that processes a workpiece. As an example, the machine tool 100 may be a machining center. Further, the machine tool 100 may be a horizontal machining center or a vertical machining center. In a certain aspect, the machine tool 100 may be an NC (Numerically Controlled) machine tool, a lathe, a milling machine, an additional processing machine, or other cutting or grinding machines.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overview of the operation of the machine tool 100 according to the present embodiment. The machine tool 100 operates according to a control command executed by the control device 200 (see FIG. 2). The machine tool 100 includes one or more arbitrary sensors (not shown). As an example, the machine tool 100 includes a sensor that detects the opening and closing of a shutter. As another example, the machine tool 100 includes a sensor that detects the rotation speed of a spindle that holds a tool. Further, the machine tool 100 is configured to be able to attach one or more peripheral devices such as a shutter. The machine tool 100 determines the presence or absence of an abnormality in the machine tool 100 based on one or more signals acquired by the control device 200. As an example, the one or more signals acquired by the control device 200 include a control command input by an operator, signals output by various sensors, signals output by the machine tool 100, signals output by peripheral devices of the machine tool 100, signals indicating the state inside the control panel, and signals from the OS (Operating System) of the operation panel of the machine tool 100. Further, the one or more signals acquired by the control device 200 include combinations of these signals. The control command input by the operator includes, as an example, commands by a program, button operations, selections of a rotary switch, and the like. The signal indicating the state inside the control panel includes a signal indicating the on / off of a breaker and the like. The peripheral devices include, as an example, any peripheral devices such as a shutter, a robot, and a high-pressure coolant unit. When peripheral devices such as a robot and a high-pressure coolant unit are in an alarm state (abnormal state), these peripheral devices output a signal indicating the alarm state. The machine tool 100 acquires the signal. The signal output by the peripheral device may include signals indicating various states other than the signal indicating the alarm state.

[0029] When one or more abnormalities exist, the machine tool 100 outputs one or more alarms. Each of the one or more alarms may correspond to each of the one or more abnormalities. Some alarms may correspond to a plurality of abnormalities. More specifically, the machine tool 100 outputs one or more alarms to the screen 120 of the display device 110. The operator 130 can identify and solve the cause of the abnormality of the machine tool 100 by referring to the alarms included in the screen 120 of the display device 110.

[0030] The screen 120 includes some information to facilitate the identification and resolution of causes by the operator. As an example, the machine tool 100 outputs one or more alarms in chronological order to the screen 120. By displaying one or more alarms in chronological order, the operator 130 can investigate the abnormalities of the machine tool 100 in the order in which they occurred. Also, the machine tool 100 changes the display format of each of the one or more alarms according to the alarm type. The display format may include color, highlighting, presence or absence of a frame, presence or absence of blinking, brightness, any other arbitrary display format, or a combination thereof. As an example, the alarm type may be the urgency of the alarm. As another example, the alarm type may be the attribute of the alarm (such as a tool alarm, a shutter alarm, etc.). By changing the display format of each of the one or more alarms, the operator 130 can easily distinguish important alarms from non-important alarms, etc. Also, the operator 130 can deal with important alarms.

[0031] Also, each of the one or more alarms may include one or more arbitrary items such as a summary, a problem, possible causes, countermeasures, and a countermeasure instruction, etc. In a certain situation, each of the one or more alarms may include different items. As an example, assume that alarm A includes a summary, a problem, possible causes, countermeasures, and a countermeasure instruction. In this case, alarm B may include only a summary and a problem. In other situations, each alarm may include the same items. As an example, alarms A and B may both include a summary, a problem, a countermeasure method, and a countermeasure instruction code. By each alarm including a plurality of items necessary for identifying and resolving the cause of the abnormality of the machine tool 100, the operator 130 can easily narrow down the cause of the abnormality of the machine tool 100 and quickly resolve the abnormality.

[0032] Also, the screen 120 may include an indicator for notifying the presence or absence of an alarm. The indicator is, for example, an icon. The indicator blinks when an alarm occurs. By the screen 120 including an indicator, the operator 130 can immediately notice the occurrence of an alarm.

[0033] Further, the screen 120 is configured to be able to switch between displaying and not displaying one or more alarms based on receiving the input of the operator 130. The input of the operator 130 may be, for example, pressing an indicator. In this case, the machine tool 100 is configured to be able to switch between displaying and not displaying one or more alarms by being pressed on the indicator. The operator 130 can prevent important information on the screen 120 from being hidden behind one or more alarms by switching between displaying and not displaying the one or more alarms.

[0034] Furthermore, the screen 120 is configured to be able to move one or more alarms within the screen 120 based on receiving the input of the operator. The operator 130 can prevent important information on the screen 120 from being hidden behind one or more alarms by moving the one or more alarms.

[0035] Also, the machine tool 100 is configured to be able to switch between displaying and not displaying one or more items in each of the one or more alarms. As an example, each of the one or more alarms may include a display switching item. The machine tool 100 switches between displaying and not displaying one or more items of each alarm based on the display switching item of each alarm being pressed. As an example, assume that a summary of alarm A is displayed on the screen 120. In this case, assume that the operator 130 presses the display switching item of alarm A. At this time, the machine tool 100 displays, on the screen 120, in addition to the summary, the remaining items of alarm A (problems, countermeasures, countermeasure command codes, etc.). Conversely, assume that all items of alarm A are displayed on the screen 120. In this case, assume that the operator 130 presses the display switching item of alarm A. At this time, the machine tool 100 makes the items other than the summary of alarm A not displayed on the screen 120. The operator 130 can prevent important information on the screen 120 from being hidden behind one or more alarms by switching between displaying and not displaying one or more items of each alarm.

[0036] Further, the machine tool 100 is configured such that all of the one or more alarms displayed on the screen 120 can be scrolled. The operator 130 can check a large number of alarms that do not fit on the screen 120 by scrolling the one or more alarms.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 200 and the display device 110 of the machine tool 100. The control device 200 is a device that controls the machine tool 100. The device configuration of the control device 200 is arbitrary. The control device 200 may be composed of a single control unit or a plurality of control units. As an example, the control device 200 may include an NC (Numerical Control) unit or a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The display device 110 is a device configured to be detachable from the machine tool 100. The display device 110 can display information acquired from the machine tool 100. Further, the display device 110 is configured to be able to receive an operation input from the operator 130. Furthermore, the display device 110 can send a command to the machine tool 100.

[0038] In one aspect, the control device 200 and the display device 110 may be realized as an integrated device. In another aspect, the display device 110 may have all the functions related to alarm output. In this case, the display device 110 may include any one or more arbitrary configurations (such as the control unit 202, the storage unit 213, etc.) provided in the control device 200. The display device 110 may acquire one or more signals acquired by the control device 200 from the control device 200. Also, the display device 110 may execute all the processes related to the alarms disclosed in this specification based on one or more signals acquired by the control device 200.

[0039] The control device 200 includes a processor 210, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, a storage unit 213, an output unit 214, an input unit 215, a first communication unit 216, a second communication unit 217, and a bus 218. In one aspect, the processor 210, the RAM 211, and the ROM 212 may be configured as a control unit 202. The control unit 202 can be implemented as one substrate or chip. In another aspect, the output unit 214 and the input unit 215 may be implemented as one external device connection unit. The display device 110 includes an output device 232 and an input device 234.

[0040] The processor 210 is, for example, constituted by at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit can be constituted by, for example, at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit), at least one GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), at least one ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof, etc.

[0041] The processor 210 realizes the display process of the alarm disclosed in this specification by executing the alarm program 220. Based on receiving an execution instruction of the alarm program 220, the processor 210 reads the alarm program 220 from the storage unit 213 or the ROM 212 into the RAM 211.

[0042] The RAM 211 functions as a working memory. The RAM 211 temporarily stores various data necessary for the execution of the alarm program 220, such as the alarm program 220 and the alarm data 222. Also, the RAM 211 can temporarily store any other programs executed by the processor 210 and any data referenced by the processor 210. In a certain aspect, the RAM 211 can be realized by a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), etc.

[0043] The ROM 212 is a non-volatile memory and stores programs executed by the processor 210. In a certain aspect, the ROM 212 can be realized by an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a flash memory, etc.

[0044] The storage unit 213 is a non-volatile memory and stores the alarm program 220 executed by the processor 210 and the alarm data 222 referenced by the processor 210. In a certain aspect, the storage unit 213 can be realized by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an EPROM, an EEPROM or a flash memory, etc.

[0045] The alarm program 220 is a program for realizing the processing related to the alarm disclosed in this specification. The alarm data 222 is data for realizing the processing related to the alarm disclosed in this specification. The alarm data 222 may include various information necessary for the display of the alarm. The processor 210 refers to the alarm data 222 and executes the alarm program 220. By doing so, the processor 210 realizes the processing related to the alarm disclosed in this specification. In a certain aspect, the alarm program 220 may be a part of the control program for controlling the machine tool 100. In this case, the alarm program 220 includes control commands for the machine tool 100. Also, the alarm program 220 is configured to be able to output an alarm based on one or more signals acquired by the control device 200.

[0046] The output unit 214 can be connected to an arbitrary output device. The output unit 214 is connected to the output device 232. In a certain aspect, the output unit 214 can be realized by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal, a D-sub terminal, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) terminal, an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal, a display port terminal, etc.

[0047] The input unit 215 can be connected to an arbitrary input device. The input unit 215 is connected to the input device 234. In a certain aspect, the input unit 215 can be realized by a USB terminal, a PS / 2 terminal, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module, etc. In a certain aspect, the output unit 214 and the input unit 215 may be realized as one external device connection part. In this case, the external device connection part is connected to the external device connection part of the display device 110.

[0048] The first communication unit 216 is an interface for realizing communication with various units connected to the field bus. Examples of the units connected to the field bus include a PLC, an I / O unit, etc. The first communication unit 216 can acquire one or more signals from various sensors, the machine tool 100, and peripheral devices. When the alarm program 220 is executed, the control device 200 can refer to these signals acquired by the first communication unit 216.

[0049] The second communication unit 217 is connected to other devices via a wired network or a wireless network. In one aspect, the second communication unit 217 can be realized by a wired LAN (Local Area Network) port, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) (Wireless Fidelity) module, etc. In other aspects, the second communication unit 217 can transmit and receive data using communication protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol).

[0050] The bus 218 communicatively connects the processor 210, the RAM 211, the ROM 212, the storage unit 213, the output unit 214, the input unit 215, the first communication unit 216, and the second communication unit 217 to each other.

[0051] The output device 232 is an arbitrary output device such as a cathode ray tube display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The input device 234 is an arbitrary input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, or a game pad. In one aspect, the input device 234 can include a touch panel that is used in an overlapping manner with the output device 232. In one aspect, the output device 232 and the input device 234 may be realized as part of the display device 110. In other aspects, the output device 232 and the input device 234 may be realized as independent devices.

[0052] <Display> Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 14, the details of one or more alarms displayed on the screen of the display device 110 will be described. The one or more alarms displayed on the screen are generated by the control device 200 or the display device 110. Further, the control device 200 or the display device 110 changes the display of one or more alarms displayed on the screen based on an operation input by the operator 130. As an example, the control device 200 or the display device 110 can switch the display and non-display of one or more alarms, or move one or more alarms. The control device 200 and the display device 110 can operate as part of the machine tool 100. Therefore, it can be said that the machine tool 100 generates one or more alarms displayed on the screen. Also, it can be said that the machine tool 100 changes the display of one or more alarms displayed on the screen.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of the screen. The screen 300 is a screen when no alarm has occurred. The screen 300 includes a first region 302 and a second region 304. The first region 302 includes various icons and the like. In a certain aspect, the first region 302 may include any information related to the machine tool 100 in addition to the icons. The second region 304 includes one or more pieces of information related to the machine tool 100. The one or more pieces of information related to the machine tool 100 include, as an example, a machine model view, a work offset, settings of the machine tool 100, tool coordinates, and the like. In a certain aspect, the one or more pieces of information related to the machine tool 100 can be displayed in the second region 304 as a window or a dialog. In other aspects, the first region 302 and the second region 304 may be displayed in any display format other than a window.

[0054] In the first area 302, a first window 320 is displayed. In the second area 304, a plurality of windows are displayed in parallel. The first window 320 may include an indicator 310 as one of various icons. The indicator 310 indicates the presence or absence of an alarm. In a certain situation, the indicator 310 may be realized as an icon. In other situations, the indicator may be realized by an off-screen LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a button with an LED, etc. When there is no alarm, the indicator 310 does not blink. Also, when there is no alarm, the indicator 310 may be displayed on the screen 300 in a non-conspicuous display format. Alternatively, when there is no alarm, the indicator 310 may not be displayed on the screen 300.

[0055] In the second area 304, any number of windows are displayed vertically side by side. Also, some of the windows are displayed horizontally side by side within the second area 304. In the example of FIG. 3, in the second area 304, a second window 331, a third window 332, a fourth window 333, a fifth window 334, a sixth window 335, a seventh window 336, and an eighth window 337 are displayed. The combined horizontal width of the second window 331 and the third window 332 is equal to the horizontal width of the first window 320. Similarly, the combined horizontal width of the fourth window 333 and the fifth window 334 is equal to the horizontal width of the first window 320. The combined horizontal width of the sixth window 335 and the seventh window 336 is equal to the horizontal width of the first window 320. The horizontal width of the eighth window 337 is equal to the horizontal width of the first window 320.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second example of the screen. The screen 400 is a screen when one alarm occurs. The screen 400 includes an indicator 310 and an alarm popup 420. The popup 420 includes a display switching item 430. In some situations, one or more alarms on the screen may be displayed in any display form such as a window or a dialog instead of a popup. One or more alarms on the screen will continue to be displayed on the screen until the operator 130 makes an operation input to cancel the alarm on the screen. As shown in FIG. 4, one or more alarms (popup 420) are displayed on the screen 400 so as to cover a part of the second area 304. Similarly, in the examples after FIG. 5, one or more alarms are displayed on the screen of the display device 110 so as to cover a part of the second area 304. More specifically, one or more alarms are displayed so as to cover a part of the windows within the second area 304. However, the horizontal width of one or more alarms is shorter than the horizontal width of the window behind. Therefore, one or more alarms do not completely hide the window behind. That is, one or more alarms are displayed leaving a gap such that it can be seen what window the window behind is. In the example of FIG. 4, the popup 420 is displayed so as to cover the second window 331. However, the horizontal width of the popup 420 is shorter than the horizontal width of the second window 331. Also, the vertical height of the popup 420 is shorter than the vertical height of the second window 331. That is, the popup 420 is displayed leaving a gap such that it can be seen that the window behind is the second window 331.

[0057] As described above, the horizontal widths of the second window 331 and the third window 332 are equal to the horizontal width of the first window 320. Also, the horizontal width of one or more alarms (popup 420) is shorter than the horizontal width of the window behind (the second window 331). One or more alarms (popup 420) are displayed leaving a gap such that it can be seen that the window behind is the second window 331.

[0058] The indicator 310 is displayed in the first area 302. When an alarm occurs, the indicator 310 is displayed on the screen 400 in a prominent display format. As an example, when an alarm occurs, the indicator 310 may blink. Also, when an alarm occurs, the indicator 310 may be displayed on the screen 400 in a prominent display format such as red and yellow. Furthermore, when an alarm occurs, the indicator 310 may blink and be displayed on the screen 400 in a prominent display format such as red and yellow.

[0059] The pop-up 420 contains alarm information. In the initial state, a summary 440 and a display switching item 430 are displayed on the pop-up 420. The pop-up 420 corresponds to one alarm. Also, one alarm corresponds to one abnormality in the machine tool 100.

[0060] The display switching item 430 is an item for switching the display on the pop-up 420. The display device 110 has the function of a touch panel. The operator 130 can switch the display of the pop-up 420 by pressing the display switching item 430 on the screen 400.

[0061] As described above, each alarm may include one or more items such as a summary, a problem, a possible cause, a countermeasure, and a countermeasure instruction. In the initial state, only the summary 440 is displayed on the pop-up 420. When the display switching item 430 is pressed in this state, the machine tool 100 displays the remaining items 530 on the pop-up 420 as shown in the screen 500 (see FIG. 5). That is, based on the fact that the display switching item 430 is pressed, the machine tool 100 switches the display and non-display of one or more items associated with a certain alarm.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a third example of a screen. Screen 500 is a screen after the display switching item 430 is pressed in screen 400. Screen 500 includes an indicator 310 and an alarm popup 420. Popup 420 includes a summary 440, remaining items 530, and a display switching item 430. One or more alarms (popup 420) may be displayed vertically long. At this time, one or more alarms (popup 420) are displayed so as to cover a plurality of windows. That is, one or more alarms may be displayed so as to straddle a plurality of windows. In the example of FIG. 5, one or more alarms (popup 420) are displayed so as to cover the second window 331 and the fourth window 333. As described above, the horizontal width of one or more alarms is shorter than the horizontal width of the underlying window. Therefore, even when the remaining items 530 are displayed, a part of the second window 331 and the fourth window 333 is not hidden by the popup 420. Thereby, the user can recognize that the second window 331 and the fourth window 333 are behind the popup 420.

[0063] If the method of dealing with the abnormality cannot be understood even by looking only at the summary 440, the operator 130 can check the remaining items 530 by pressing the display switching item 430. The remaining items 530 include at least a countermeasure for the alarm. In addition to the countermeasure, the remaining items 530 may include at least one of possible factors, problems, and countermeasure instructions. "Possible factors" indicate mechanical or electrical root causes that cause problems and problems with the operation method. "Problem" indicates the event that has occurred and is a more detailed summary. "Countermeasure" indicates a countermeasure method for eliminating the cause of the alarm. "Countermeasure instruction" indicates a code for realizing the countermeasure. Thereby, the operator 130 can refer to more information necessary for identifying and solving the cause of the abnormality of the machine tool 100. In addition, the operator 130 can hide the remaining items 530 by pressing the display switching item 430 again. Thereby, the operator 130 can hide unnecessary information so that other important information is not hidden behind the alarm (popup 420).

[0064] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a fourth example of the screen. The screen 600 is a screen after the indicator 310 is pressed in the screen 400 or the screen 500. Based on the pressing of the indicator 310, the machine tool 100 switches the display and non-display of one or more alarms.

[0065] More specifically, assume that the indicator 310 is pressed on the screen 400 or the like where one or more alarms are being displayed. In this case, the machine tool 100 turns off one or more alarms. Conversely, assume that the indicator 310 is pressed on the screen 600 or the like where no alarms are being displayed. In this case, the machine tool 100 turns on one or more alarms if there are any.

[0066] That is, the machine tool 100 includes an input unit 215 that receives an input from a user (operator 130). The output unit 214 displays or turns off one or more alarms based on the input unit 215 receiving an input for switching the display of one or more alarms. The input unit 215 is, for example, a touch panel. Also, the input for switching the display of one or more alarms is, for example, an operation input for pressing the indicator 310. Displaying or turning off one or more alarms is, for example, switching the display and non-display of the pop-up of each alarm.

[0067] In one aspect, the output unit 214 changes the display position of one or more alarms based on the input unit 215 receiving an input for moving one or more alarms. For example, the machine tool 100 can move an alarm (pop-up) on the screen based on receiving an operation (movement input) such as drag and drop.

[0068] Also, as described above, the output unit 214 outputs an indicator 310 indicating the occurrence of one or more alarms to the screen. Based on the input unit 215 receiving a display switching input for one or more alarms, displaying or hiding one or more alarms includes displaying or hiding one or more alarms based on the indicator 310 being operated (pressed). As an example, the output unit 214 outputs (displays) the indicator 310 to the first region 302.

[0069] The operator 130 can prevent other important information from being hidden behind one or more alarms by hiding one or more alarms. Also, the operator 130 can prevent other important information from being hidden behind one or more alarms by moving one or more alarms.

[0070] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a fifth example of the screen. The screen 700 is a screen when a plurality of alarms occur. The screen 700 includes an indicator 310 and pop-ups 720A, 720B for a plurality of alarms. The pop-ups 720A, 720B each include display switching items 730A, 730B. In a certain situation, one or more alarms on the screen can be displayed in any display format such as a dialog instead of a pop-up.

[0071] When an alarm occurs, the indicator 310 is displayed on the screen 700 in a prominent display format. The pop-ups 720A, 720B contain alarm information. Each of the pop-ups 720A, 720B corresponds to an individual alarm. In the initial state, on the pop-up 720A, a summary of the alarm and the display switching item 730A are displayed. Similarly, in the initial state, on the pop-up 720B, a summary of the alarm and the display switching item 730B are displayed.

[0072] When multiple alarms occur, the machine tool 100 displays pop-ups for each alarm on the screen in chronological order. In a certain situation, the machine tool 100 may display the pop-ups arranged in ascending or descending chronological order on the screen. By displaying one or more alarms in chronological order, the operator 130 can investigate the abnormalities of the machine tool 100 in the order in which they occurred.

[0073] Also, the machine tool 100 can change the display format (the display format of each pop-up) for each alarm according to the alarm type. The alarm type is, for example, the degree of urgency. An abnormality with a high probability of causing the machine tool to stop can be defined as having a high degree of urgency. Also, an abnormality with a low probability of causing the machine tool 100 to stop can be defined as having a low degree of urgency. In a certain situation, the display format may be color. For example, the pop-up for an alarm with a high degree of urgency may be displayed in red. Also, the pop-up with a medium degree of urgency may be displayed in yellow. Further, the pop-up with a low degree of urgency may be displayed in blue. In a certain situation, the display format may be the presence or absence of a frame, shape, etc. Also, in other situations, the display format may be other arbitrary decorations of the pop-up, etc. By changing the display format of each of one or more alarms, the operator 130 can easily distinguish important alarms from non-important alarms, etc. Also, the operator 130 can deal with important alarms. Also, the operator 130 can deal with important alarms.

[0074] The machine tool 100 switches the display of the pop-up 720A based on the operation (press) of the display switching item 730A. Also, the machine tool 100 switches the display of the pop-up 720B based on the operation of the display switching item 730B. This display switching includes switching the display and non-display of one or more items such as problems, possible causes, countermeasures, and countermeasure commands on each pop-up. By switching the display and non-display of one or more items of each alarm, the operator 130 can prevent important information on the screen 120 from being hidden behind one or more alarms (pop-ups 720A, 720B).

[0075] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a sixth example of a screen. Screen 800 is a screen after display switching item 730A is pressed in screen 700. On alarm pop-up 720A, not only a summary but also the remaining items are displayed. If the operator 130 cannot understand how to handle the abnormality even by looking only at the summary on pop-up 720A, the operator 130 can check the remaining items by pressing display switching item 730A. Thereby, the operator 130 can refer to more information necessary for identifying and resolving the cause of the abnormality of the machine tool 100. Further, the operator 130 can hide the remaining items on pop-up 720A by pressing display switching item 730A again. Thereby, the operator 130 can hide unnecessary information so that other important information is not hidden behind the alarm (pop-up 720A).

[0076] As described above, one or more alarms (pop-ups 720A, 720B) may be displayed vertically long. At this time, one or more alarms (pop-ups 720A, 720B) are displayed so as to cover a plurality of windows. That is, one or more alarms may be displayed so as to straddle a plurality of windows. In the example of FIG. 8, one or more alarms (pop-ups 720A, 720B) are displayed so as to cover the second window 331, the fourth window 333, and the sixth window 335. As described above, the horizontal width of one or more alarms is shorter than the horizontal width of the underlying window. Therefore, even in this case, a part of the second window 331, the fourth window 333, and the sixth window 335 is not hidden by pop-ups 720A, 720B. Thereby, the user can recognize that the second window 331, the fourth window 333, and the sixth window 335 are behind pop-ups 720A, 720B.

[0077] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a seventh example of a screen. Screen 900 is a screen after the display switching item 730B is pressed in screen 700. On the alarm popup 720B, not only the summary but also the remaining items are displayed. If the operator 130 cannot understand how to handle the abnormality even by looking only at the summary on the popup 720B, the operator 130 can check the remaining items by pressing the display switching item 730B. Thereby, the operator 130 can refer to more information necessary for identifying and resolving the cause of the abnormality of the machine tool 100. Also, the operator 130 can hide the remaining items on the popup 720B by pressing the display switching item 730B again. Thereby, the operator 130 can hide unnecessary information so that other important information is not hidden behind the alarm (popup 720B).

[0078] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an eighth example of a screen. Screen 1000 is a screen after the display switching items 730A and 730B are pressed in screen 700. On the alarm popups 720A and 720B, not only the summary but also the remaining items are displayed. If the operator 130 cannot understand how to handle the abnormality even by looking only at the summaries on the popups 720A and 720B, the operator 130 can check the remaining items by pressing the display switching items 730A and 730B. Thereby, the operator 130 can refer to more information necessary for identifying and resolving the cause of the abnormality of the machine tool 100. Also, the operator 130 can hide the remaining items on the popup 720A by pressing the display switching item 730A again. Similarly, the operator 130 can hide the remaining items on the popup 720B by pressing the display switching item 730B again. Thereby, the operator 130 can hide unnecessary information so that other important information is not hidden behind the alarms (popups 720A and 720B).

[0079] As described above, the machine tool 100 may include at least a storage unit 213 that stores alarm data, a control unit (control device 200) that selects one or more alarms to be output from the alarm data based on one or more acquired signals, and an output unit 214 that changes the display format of each of the selected one or more alarms according to the alarm type and outputs the alarms to the screen.

[0080] Also, as described above, the machine tool 100 may include at least a storage unit 213 that stores alarm data, a control unit (control device 200) that selects one or more alarms to be output from the alarm data based on one or more acquired signals, and an output unit 214 that arranges the selected one or more alarms in chronological order and outputs the alarms to the screen.

[0081] Furthermore, as described above, the machine tool 100 may include at least a storage unit 213 that stores alarm data, a control unit (control device 200) that selects one or more alarms to be output from the alarm data based on one or more acquired signals, and an output unit 214 that outputs the selected one or more alarms to the screen. The screen includes a first area 302 that includes one or more icons and a second area 304 that includes one or more pieces of information about the machine tool 100. The selected one or more alarms are displayed on the screen so as to cover a part of the second area 304.

[0082] In one aspect, the machine tool 100 may execute only any one of the three processes of changing the display format of each of the selected one or more alarms according to the alarm type and outputting the alarms to the screen, arranging the selected one or more alarms in chronological order and outputting the alarms to the screen, and displaying the selected one or more alarms on the screen so as to cover a part of the second area 304. Also, the machine tool 100 may execute any two of these three processes. Furthermore, the machine tool 100 may execute all of these three processes.

[0083] In addition, each of the one or more alarms (pop-ups) includes one or more display items. The one or more display items include, by way of example, a summary, a problem, possible causes, countermeasures, and countermeasure instructions, etc. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the machine tool 100 can switch the display and non-display of the one or more display items of each of the one or more alarms (pop-ups). In a certain situation, the summary may always be displayed on the pop-up regardless of the operation of the display switching item.

[0084] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a ninth example of the screen. The screen 1100 is a screen when a plurality of alarms occur. The screen 1100 includes an indicator 310 and pop-ups 1120A, 1120B, 1120C, 1120D of a plurality of alarms. When a large number of alarms occur, not all alarms may fit on the screen. In this case, the machine tool 100 displays a scroll bar 1150 on the screen that spans the pop-ups of the plurality of alarms. In a certain situation, the machine tool 100 may switch the display and non-display of the scroll bar according to the number of alarms. By way of example, the machine tool 100 does not display the scroll bar on the screen if the number of alarms is three or less, and displays the scroll bar on the screen if the number of alarms is four or more.

[0085] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a tenth example of the screen. The screen 1200 is a screen after moving the scroll bar 1150 displayed on the screen 1100 downward on the screen. The operator 130 can refer to a large number of alarms on one screen by moving the scroll bar 1150.

[0086] As described above, each of the one or more alarms is output to the screen as each of the one or more pop-ups. The one or more pop-ups arranged in chronological order are configured to be scrollable as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Also, the one or more pop-ups arranged in chronological order are configured to be able to switch the display and non-display of the one or more display items as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10.

[0087] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an eleventh example of a screen. The screen 1300 is a screen that displays the detailed information of an alarm separately from a pop-up. Below one or more alarms, display items 1305 for displaying the detailed information of the alarm are displayed. The display item 1305 is realized as a maintenance button as an example. In a certain situation, the display item 1305 may be displayed at any position above, below, to the left, or to the right of the pop-up. In another situation, the display item 1305 may be displayed inside the pop-up.

[0088] When the maintenance button (display item 1305) is pressed, the machine tool 100 displays the detailed information 1310 of the alarm on the screen. The detailed information 1310 includes the detailed information of each of any number of alarms. In the example of FIG. 13, the detailed information 1310 includes detailed information 1320A and 1320B. Each of the detailed information 1320A and 1320B of the alarm may include more detailed information that is not displayed in the pop-up. Or, each of the detailed information 1320A and 1320B of the alarm may be the information displayed in the pop-up displayed in a larger window. By displaying the detailed information of the alarm in a larger window, the operator 130 can easily view the detailed information of each alarm. Each of the detailed information 1320A and 1320B includes each of the display switching items 1330A and 1330B.

[0089] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a 12th example of a screen. Screen 1400 is a screen after display switching item 1330A is pressed on screen 1300. On detailed information 1320A, the remaining items that were not displayed in FIG. 13 are also displayed. If the operator 130 cannot find a way to handle an abnormality even by looking only at the default display of the detailed information, the operator 130 can check the remaining items by pressing the display switching item 1330A. Thereby, the operator 130 can refer to more information necessary for identifying and resolving the cause of the abnormality of the machine tool 100. Further, the operator 130 can hide the remaining items on the detailed information 1320A by pressing the display switching item 1330A again. Thereby, the operator 130 can hide unnecessary information so that other important information is not hidden behind the detailed information 1320A. The display switching item is provided in the detailed information of each alarm. The operator 130 can check the hidden items (remaining items) of the detailed information of each alarm by pressing the display switching item of the detailed information of each alarm.

[0090] As described above, one or more pop-ups include display items 1305 for displaying the detailed information of each of one or more alarms. The output unit 214 outputs the detailed information 1310 of one or more alarms to the screen based on the fact that the display item 1305 has been operated (pressed). Further, the detailed information 1310 includes the detailed information of individual alarms.

[0091] <Data Structure> Next, the data structure of the data stored and referred to by the control device 200 or the display device 110 will be described. The control device 200 or the display device 110 can generate and output one or more alarms by referring to the data described below. Each of the various data described below is included in the alarm data 222. Each of the various tables described below is only an example. The alarm data 222 may include data in any format. The alarm data 222 only needs to associate each of one or more alarms with one or more display items, urgency levels, and display formats by some data structure.

[0092] Each alarm is implemented as part of the alarm program 220. Each alarm can be subdivided according to the state of each component. In certain situations, some of the one or more alarms implemented in the machine tool 100 may respond to two or more abnormalities. An alarm that responds to two or more abnormalities also includes one or more display items. By checking these one or more display items, the operator 130 can easily isolate the problem.

[0093] Each alarm may be classified into multiple types. As an example, an alarm may include an abnormality alarm indicating an abnormality of the machine tool 100. Also, as another example, it may include a command error alarm indicating that an executable command is being attempted when a certain initial condition (interlock) is present. Further, as another example, an alarm may include a guidance alarm indicating information that is not a direct abnormality but is desirable to notify the operator 130.

[0094] In certain situations, the machine tool 100 may include an alarm classification table that associates each alarm with the type of each alarm. As an example, the alarm classification table may include an alarm ID (Identifier) and an alarm classification ID. Also, the machine tool 100 may include a classification master table that includes an alarm classification ID and the name of the alarm classification. In this case, the alarm data 222 may include the alarm classification table and the classification master table. In other situations, the classification of the alarm may be used as a criterion for changing the display format of the alarm (popup).

[0095] Each of the codes of one or more alarms included in the alarm program 220 includes the occurrence conditions of each alarm. The machine tool 100 can output an alarm according to the occurrence conditions by executing the alarm program 220. In a certain aspect, the occurrence conditions of each of the codes of one or more alarms may be realized as an occurrence condition table which is part of the alarm data 222. When using the occurrence condition table, the machine tool 100 compares one or more signals acquired by the control device 200 with the occurrence conditions. Then, the machine tool 100 may determine whether an alarm has occurred based on the result of the comparison.

[0096] In a certain aspect, the alarm data 222 may include a summary table including a summary of the alarm. The machine tool 100 can obtain the summary associated with the occurred alarm by referring to the summary table. In a certain aspect, the summary of each alarm may be generated by fitting text into a template prepared for each type of occurrence condition.

[0097] In a certain aspect, the alarm data 222 may include a display item table for associating each alarm with one or more display items. The machine tool 100 can obtain one or more display items associated with the occurred alarm by referring to the display item table. Each alarm is associated with one or more arbitrary numbers of display items. Also, each alarm may not have some display items.

[0098] As described above, the alarm data 222 (display item table) may include the alarm ID of each of one or more alarms and one or more display items. Each of the one or more alarms (pop-up) includes one or more display items associated with each of the one or more alarms. The one or more display items associated with each of the one or more alarms may include at least a part of a summary, a problem, a solution method, and a solution command code.

[0099] In a certain situation, the alarm data 222 may include an alarm table that associates each alarm with an urgency level. Further, the alarm data 222 may include an urgency master table for associating a display format and a response command (alarm code) for each urgency level. By referring to the urgency table and the urgency master table, the machine tool 100 can obtain the urgency level, display color (display format), and alarm code (response command) associated with the generated alarm.

[0100] <Alarm> Next, with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18, the alarms displayed on the screen of the display device 110 will be described. The machine tool 100 refers to each of the aforementioned tables. Then, the machine tool 100 can generate the display information of the alarms shown in FIGS. 15 to 18 by combining the data obtained from each table. The display information of the alarms shown in FIGS. 15 to 18 is displayed in a popup or detailed information on the screen of the display device 110.

[0101] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first example of the display information of an alarm. In FIG. 15, the display information 1510 and 1520 of the alarm are shown. The display information 1510 is the display information of an abnormality-based alarm. The display information 1510 includes, as one or more display items, a summary, a possible cause, and a countermeasure. The display information 1520 is the display information of a command error-based alarm. The display information 1520 includes, as one or more display items, a summary, a problem, a countermeasure, and a response command.

[0102] Similar to the display information 1510 and 1520, the display information of each alarm may include different display items. In a certain situation, the display items associated with each alarm may be defined by the alarm data 222. In another situation, the display items associated with each alarm may be described in the alarm program 220. Among the display items associated with each alarm, items other than the summary can be configured to be switchable between display and non-display in a popup or the like.

[0103] In a certain situation, the display information of each alarm may be generated by fitting characters into a template prepared according to the type of the alarm. In this case, the alarm data 222 includes a template and a character information table storing the characters to be fitted into the template. As an example, the machine tool 100 may fit a program error message into a template. As another example, the machine tool 100 may fit the characters selected from the character information table into a template. The character information table may associate each character with one or more signals and the like acquired by the control device 200. The machine tool 100 can select the words to be fitted into the template from the character information table based on one or more signals and the like acquired by the control device 200. In another situation, the display information of each alarm may be registered in the machine tool 100 in advance for each alarm. In this case, the alarm data 222 includes the display information of each alarm.

[0104] As described above, for example, any one of the one or more alarms includes a message that the opening operation of the shutter did not complete within the allowable time.

[0105] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second example of the display information of the alarm. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a third example of the display information of the alarm. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a fourth example of the display information of the alarm. The display information of the alarm may include information described in Japanese, such as the display information 1600, 1700, 1800. Also, the display information of the alarm may include information described in English, such as the display information 1610, 1710, 1810. Furthermore, the display information of the alarm may include information described in any other language. The machine tool 100 can change the language of the display information of the alarm based on the input language setting.

[0106] <System Processing> Next, with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the procedure of the processing of the machine tool 100 will be described. The processing of FIGS. 19 and 20 can be executed by the control device 200 or the control unit of the display device 110. In one aspect, the processor 210 may read a program for performing the processing of FIGS. 19 and 20 from the ROM 212 or the storage unit 213 into the RAM 211 and execute the program. In other aspects, part or all of the processing may also be realized as a combination of circuit elements configured to execute the processing.

[0107] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the procedure of the alarm display processing by the machine tool 100. In step S1910, the machine tool 100 refers to the signal acquired by the control device 200. As an example, the machine tool 100 may acquire signals output by various sensors, signals output by the machine tool 100, and signals output by peripheral devices such as shutters. Also, the machine tool 100 may acquire an operation input via a button or the like by the operator 130 as part of one or more signals acquired by the control device 200.

[0108] In step S1920, the machine tool 100 determines whether an alarm has occurred. As an example, the machine tool 100 may determine whether an alarm has occurred based on the output (error information, etc.) of the alarm program 220. The alarm program 220 may be configured to output an alarm using one or more signals acquired by the control device 200 or a combination thereof as generation conditions. As another example, the machine tool 100 may search for alarm data 222 using one or more signals acquired by the control device 200 or a combination thereof as generation conditions. In this case, if an alarm matching the generation conditions exists in the alarm data 222, the machine tool 100 may determine that an alarm has occurred. When the machine tool 100 determines that an alarm has occurred (YES in step S1920), the control proceeds to step S1930. Otherwise (NO in step S1920), the machine tool 100 returns the control to step S1910.

[0109] In step S1930, the machine tool 100 acquires a summary and one or more display items associated with the generated alarm. As an example, the machine tool 100 may search the alarm data 222 using the alarm ID as a search key to acquire the summary and one or more display items.

[0110] In step S1940, the machine tool 100 acquires the urgency of the generated alarm. As an example, the machine tool 100 may search the alarm data 222 using the alarm ID as a search key to acquire the urgency and display format (such as color) of the generated alarm.

[0111] In step S1950, the machine tool 100 outputs the alarm to the screen of the display device 110. When multiple alarms are output to the screen, the machine tool 100 displays each alarm on the screen in chronological order.

[0112] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the procedure for alarm display switching processing by the machine tool 100. The processing shown in FIG. 20 is processing for an operation input on the screen of the display device 110 by the operator 130.

[0113] In step S2010, the machine tool 100 determines whether the indicator 310 has been pressed. When the machine tool 100 determines that the indicator 310 has been pressed on the screen (YES in step S2010), the control proceeds to step S2020. Otherwise (NO in step S2010), the machine tool 100 proceeds the control to step S2030.

[0114] In step S2020, the machine tool 100 switches the display and non-display of the pop-up of one or more alarms on the screen of the display device 110. As an example, the machine tool 100 switches the display and non-display of the pop-up like the screens 500, 600.

[0115] In step S2030, the machine tool 100 determines whether a display switching item on the pop-up is pressed. If the machine tool 100 determines that the display switching item on the pop-up is pressed (YES in step S2030), it transfers the control to step S2040. Otherwise (NO in step S2030), the machine tool 100 transfers the control to step S2050.

[0116] In step S2040, the machine tool 100 switches the display and non-display of one or more display items on the pop-up. As an example, the machine tool 100 switches the display and non-display of one or more display items on the pop-up as in the screens 400 and 500.

[0117] In step S2050, the machine tool 100 determines whether a display item for detailed information is pressed. The display item for detailed information is, for example, displayed on the screen as a maintenance button. The display item for detailed information can be arranged above, below, to the left, to the right, or inside a pop-up of one or more alarms. If the machine tool 100 determines that the display item for detailed information is pressed (YES in step S2050), it transfers the control to step S2060. Otherwise (NO in step S2050), the machine tool 100 transfers the control to step S2070.

[0118] In step S2060, the machine tool 100 displays the detailed information of one or more alarms on the screen. As an example, the machine tool 100 displays the detailed information of one or more alarms on the screen as in the screen 1300.

[0119] In step S2070, the machine tool 100 determines whether a display switching item within the detailed information is pressed. More specifically, the machine tool 100 determines whether a display switching item within the detailed information of an individual alarm is pressed. If the machine tool 100 determines that the display switching item within the detailed information is pressed (YES in step S2070), it transfers the control to step S2080. Otherwise (NO in step S2070), the machine tool 100 transfers the control to step S2010.

[0120] In step S2080, the machine tool 100 switches between displaying and not displaying some of the detailed information. As an example, the machine tool 100 switches between displaying and not displaying some of the detailed information as shown in screens 1300 and 1400.

[0121] As described above, the machine tool 100 can execute the method shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 by executing the alarm program 220. That is, the control program (alarm program 220) at least refers to the alarm data 222 stored in the storage unit 213, selects one or more alarms output from the alarm data 222 based on one or more signals acquired by the control unit (control device 200), and can cause the machine tool 100 to change the display format of each of the selected one or more alarms according to the alarm type and output it to the screen.

[0122] Also, the control program (alarm program 220) at least refers to the alarm data 222 stored in the storage unit 213, selects one or more alarms output from the alarm data 222 based on one or more signals acquired by the control unit (control device 200), and can cause the machine tool 100 to arrange the selected one or more alarms in chronological order and output them to the screen.

[0123] Furthermore, the control program (alarm program 220) at least refers to the alarm data stored in the storage unit 213, selects one or more alarms output from the alarm data based on one or more signals acquired by the control unit (control device 200), and can cause the machine tool 100 to output the selected one or more alarms to the screen. The screen includes a first area 302 containing one or more icons and a second area 304 containing one or more pieces of information about the machine tool 100. The selected one or more alarms are displayed on the screen so as to cover a part of the second area 304.

[0124] In a certain situation, the control program (alarm program 220) can cause the machine tool 100 to execute only any one of the following three processes: changing the display format of each of the selected one or more alarms according to the alarm type and outputting the result to the screen, arranging the selected one or more alarms in chronological order and outputting the result to the screen, and displaying the selected one or more alarms on the screen so as to cover a part of the second area 304. Also, the control program (alarm program 220) may cause the machine tool 100 to execute any two of these three processes. Further, the control program (alarm program 220) may cause the machine tool 100 to execute all of these three processes.

[0125] <Summary> As described above, the machine tool 100 according to the present embodiment includes a storage unit 213 that stores alarm data, a control unit 202 that selects one or more alarms output from the alarm data based on one or more acquired signals, and an output unit 214 that changes the display format of each of the selected one or more alarms according to the alarm type and outputs the result to the screen. Thereby, the user can immediately determine the type of the alarm by referring to the alarm displayed on the screen.

[0126] Also, in a certain situation, the machine tool 100 includes a storage unit 213 that stores alarm data, a control unit 202 that selects one or more alarms output from the alarm data based on one or more acquired signals, and an output unit 214 that arranges the selected one or more alarms in chronological order and outputs the result to the screen. Thereby, the user can refer to a plurality of alarms in chronological order by referring to the alarms displayed on the screen.

[0127] Furthermore, in other aspects, the machine tool 100 includes a storage unit 213 that stores alarm data, a control unit 202 that selects one or more alarms to be output from the alarm data based on the acquired one or more signals, and an output unit 214 that outputs the selected one or more alarms to the screen. The screen includes a first area including one or more icons and a second area including one or more pieces of information regarding the machine tool, and the selected one or more alarms are displayed on the screen so as to cover a part of the second area. That is, the alarms do not hide a part of the second area. Thereby, the user can determine what is displayed behind the alarms.

[0128] Also, each of the one or more alarms (pop-ups) includes one or more display items. The one or more display items include, as an example, a summary, a problem, possible causes, countermeasures, and countermeasure instructions, etc. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the machine tool 100 can switch the display and non-display of the one or more display items of each of the one or more alarms (pop-ups).

[0129] By displaying the one or more alarms in chronological order, the operator 130 can investigate the abnormalities of the machine tool 100 in the order in which they occurred. Also, by changing the display format of each of the one or more alarms, the operator 130 can easily distinguish important alarms from non-important alarms, etc. Also, the operator 130 can take countermeasures from important alarms. Furthermore, since each alarm includes a plurality of items necessary for identifying and resolving the abnormality of the machine tool 100, the operator 130 can easily narrow down the cause of the abnormality of the machine tool 100 and quickly resolve the abnormality.

[0130] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims be included. Also, the disclosed contents described in the embodiments and each modification example are intended to be implemented alone or in combination as much as possible.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0131] 100 Machine tool, 110 Display device, 120, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400 Screens, 130 Operator, 200 Control device, 202 Control unit, 210 Processor, 211 RAM, 212 ROM, 213 Storage unit, 214 Output unit, 215 Input unit, 216 First communication unit, 217 Second communication unit, 218 Bus, 220 Alarm program, 222 Alarm data, 232 Output device, 234 Input device, 302 First area, 304 Second area, 310 Indicator, 320 First window, 331 Second window, 332 Third window, 333 Fourth window, 334 Fifth window, 335 Sixth window, 336 Seventh window, 337 Eighth window, 420, 720A, 720B, 1120A, 1120B, 1120C, 1120D Pop-ups, 430, 730A, 730B, 1330A, 1330B Display switching items, 440, 1802 Summaries, 530 Items, 1150 Scroll bar, 1305, 1912 Display items, 1310, 1320A, 1320B Detailed information, 1510, 1520, 1600, 1610, 1700, 1710, 1800, 1810 Display information.

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores alarm data; a selection unit that acquires at least one of an output signal of the machine tool, an input from an operator, and an output signal of a peripheral device in order to identify an abnormality in the machine tool, and selects an alarm to be output to a screen from the alarm data based on the acquired signal; an output unit for outputting a selected alarm on a screen including an area in which a plurality of windows for displaying information about the machine tool are vertically arranged, The output unit is displaying the selected first alarm in the foreground of the area so as to fit within one of the windows; A machine tool, in which, when the first alarm is displayed in the foreground of the area and a second alarm is subsequently selected, the second alarm is displayed below the display of the first alarm.

2. a horizontal length of the first alarm and the second alarm is shorter than a horizontal length of the one window; the first alarm and the second alarm cover a portion of the one window, and another portion of the one window is drawn on the screen; the left ends of the first alarm and the second alarm are at the same position as the left end of the one window; The machine tool according to claim 1 , wherein right ends of the first alarm and the second alarm are positioned more inward than a right end of the one window.

Images