Unified Display Interface for Cutting Machine Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cutting machines require different software for different models, leading to complex display interfaces and a risk of operating the wrong machine, especially when switching between machines with and without automatic workpiece replacement functions.
Innovation Solution
A cutting system with a unified display interface that includes a basic screen displaying common items and specific screens for each machine, allowing easy switching between machine information and reducing the complexity of the display space to prevent operational errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different software is used for different cutting machine models, then each machine can be operated according to its specific functions, but the display space becomes complicated and operators may operate the wrong machine
Solution Approach 1:
The control terminal uses a single unified software application that can control multiple different models of cutting machines. The software automatically adapts to the specific machine model being controlled, providing machine-specific functions through a common interface rather than requiring separate software for each model.
Solution Approach 2:
The display interface is divided into a common area that shows identical information for all machine models and a specific area that displays model-specific information. This allows the interface to be tailored to each machine's capabilities while maintaining overall consistency and avoiding clutter.
2Loss of information
If multiple software interfaces are displayed simultaneously, then all machine information is accessible, but the display space becomes cluttered and confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is segmented into distinct functional areas: a common area that displays information applicable to all cutting machine models, and a specific area that displays information unique to the selected model. This segmentation allows comprehensive information display without clutter.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of displaying all machine information simultaneously in a two-dimensional space, the system uses a switcher to navigate between different information dimensions. The specific area can be switched to display either common items or model-specific items, effectively adding a temporal dimension to information presentation.
3Ease of operation
If a unified display interface is used for different machine models, then the display space is simplified and operation is easier, but machine-specific information may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The display interface is dynamic rather than static. The specific area of the display can be switched between showing common items and showing model-specific items based on the selected cutting machine model. This dynamic adaptation ensures that machine-specific information is preserved while maintaining interface simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The switcher acts as an intermediary between the unified display interface and the machine-specific information. It mediates by selectively displaying common or specific items in the specific area, ensuring that no machine-specific information is lost while maintaining the simplicity of the unified interface.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The controller 54 includes: a first display controller 56 that displays a basic screen 72X on a display device 70, the basic screen 72X including a common area 74 where a first screen 75 showing some of common items is displayed, and a specific area 90 where a second screen 91 showing some other ones of the common items or a second screen showing the other ones of the common items and specific items included in the first model information is displayed; a second display controller 58 that displays the first screen 75 in the common area 74; a switcher 62 that switches the display on the basic screen 72X; and a third display controller 60 that displays the second screen 91 associated with a first cutting machine 20A in the specific area 90 when display is switched to the first model information, and that displays the second screen 91 associated with a second cutting machine 20C in the specific area 90 when display is switched to the second model information.