Color-Coordinated Display for Printing Press Operator Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing machines lack coordinated visual feedback between optical signaling devices on printing units and display devices, leading to potential operator confusion and inefficiencies, particularly during job changes and setup processes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where a computer-connected display device and optical signaling devices on printing units use color-coordinated displays to show operating states, allowing for simultaneous or alternating color usage to indicate multiple statuses, and providing a user interface with timelines and masks to guide operators through print job changes and setup processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If optical signaling devices and display devices show operating states independently without color coordination, then each device can function autonomously, but operator confusion increases and information clarity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-coded visual signaling where optical signaling devices on printing units and the display device use coordinated color tones to represent different operating states. This allows operators to quickly identify machine status, warnings, and errors through color recognition, reducing information loss while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized color protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device creates a visual copy or representation of the physical printing unit's operating states using the same color tones. This graphical copy mirrors the actual machine status, allowing operators to monitor system state remotely without confusion, as the displayed information accurately reflects the physical device's condition through color coordination.
2Loss of information
If multiple operating states are displayed simultaneously on optical signaling devices, then comprehensive status information is provided, but visual complexity increases and may cause operator overload
Solution Approach 1:
The optical signaling devices are segmented into multiple independent light sources or color zones, each representing a specific operating state. This segmentation allows comprehensive status information to be displayed simultaneously while maintaining visual clarity, as each segment conveys distinct information without overwhelming the operator with undifferentiated visual complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions or segments of the optical signaling device display different color tones corresponding to different operating states. This local differentiation allows comprehensive status information to be presented in an organized manner, with each local area providing specific status details that contribute to overall system understanding without creating cognitive overload.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a printing press (1) with printing units (2), a computer (6), and a display device (5), wherein the printing units (2) have optical signaling devices (7) which are connected to the computer (6), and wherein the computer (6) is connected to the display device (5). The invention is characterized in that the printing press (1) is configured such that the computer (6) displays the operating states of the printing press (1) on the display device (5) in colors matching the operating state indications on the optical signaling devices (7) of the printing units (2).