CMM Display System with 360° State Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coordinate measuring machines with display systems lack comprehensive and easily understandable indicators for operators, especially in automated production contexts where machines are not always monitored by a dedicated operator.
Innovation Solution
A coordinate measuring machine equipped with a dual-display system consisting of 360° visible state light indicators and a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides detailed operational information, allowing operators to assess the machine's state from a distance and up close.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional display system with limited indicators is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the information completeness and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple independent components: 360° visible state light indicators for remote viewing, a graphical user interface for detailed information, and an information area for close-proximity viewing. Each segment serves a specific viewing distance and information need, collectively providing complete information without overwhelming complexity in any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of viewing distance by implementing indicators visible from different distances (360° indicators for remote viewing, GUI and information area for close viewing). This multi-dimensional approach allows operators to access appropriate information based on their location, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and system complexity.
2Productivity
If a single operator manages multiple machines in automated production, then productivity increases, but the ease of operation and monitoring deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The state light indicators use color changes to convey machine status information (e.g., green for normal operation, red for alarms, yellow for warnings). This allows operators to quickly assess multiple machines from a distance without needing to read detailed information, making it easier to monitor multiple machines simultaneously and maintain high productivity while ensuring operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is segmented into remote indicators for quick status checks and detailed displays for in-depth analysis. This segmentation allows operators to efficiently scan multiple machines for general status while being able to investigate specific issues in detail when needed, thereby maintaining both high productivity and ease of operation.
3Loss of time
If detailed operational information is displayed only on a close-proximity display, then the device complexity is reduced, but the speed of detection and response deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The 360° visible state light indicators provide preliminary status information from a distance, allowing operators to detect issues before approaching the machine. This preliminary detection reduces response time by enabling early warning, while the actual detailed information is available on the close-proximity display, distributing the information load and managing system complexity effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The state light indicators act as intermediaries between the machine's internal state and the operator. They provide a simplified, distance-visible representation of machine status that bridges the gap between detailed internal operations and operator awareness, enabling fast detection without requiring complex displays visible from a distance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The improved display system enables operators to quickly and accurately determine the machine's operating state from a distance, facilitating timely intervention and reducing the risk of unnoticed issues in automated production environments.
Implementation Method 1
first state light indicators located in a top portion of the machine and visible from a distance at 360°, said state light indicators being adapted to assume colours representative of different states of the machine
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~5d
Figure 6a
AI summary
A coordinate measuring machine comprising a movable unit (3) adapted to move a measuring head (15) in a measuring volume (V) and an operating state display system comprising first state light indicators (18) located in a top portion (12) of the machine (1) and visible from a distance at 360°, and a display (17) defining a graphical user interface (GUI) (20); the state light indicators (18) are configured to assume colours representative of different states of the machine (1), and the GUI (20) comprises at least one indicator (21) visible from a distance and representative of the state of the machine (1) and an information area (22) visible by an operator in close proximity to the machine (1) and containing operational details related to the state of the machine (1).