Gesture-Based Workpiece Data Linking for Flat-Bed Machine Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manual sorting processes for laser-cut or punched sheet metal parts on machine tools are prone to errors due to the need for operators to physically move between the sorting table and the operator terminal for booking rejected parts, leading to increased walking distances and potential errors in data assignment.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing gesture-based control, where operators use specific hand movements or gestures to select workpieces on a sorting table, with the help of location systems and sensors, to link information directly to the corresponding workpiece data records, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator physically moves between the sorting table and the operator terminal for booking rejected parts, then the sorting process can be completed, but the walking distance increases and errors in data assignment occur
Solution Approach 1:
A wearable device with positioning system and gesture recognition capabilities serves as an intermediary between the operator and the machine control system. The device tracks the operator's hand position and recognizes gestures to automatically book rejected parts without requiring physical movement to a terminal, thereby eliminating data assignment errors and reducing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the operator to perform data booking operations themselves through gesture recognition and positioning technology. The wearable device automatically identifies workpiece positions and books rejected parts based on operator gestures, making the operator self-sufficient without needing to access a separate terminal
2Productivity
If multiple correction entries are made at once by the operator, then the sorting process is faster, but errors in data assignment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system continuously tracks the operator's hand position and the system pre-identifies workpiece locations before rejection booking. This preliminary positioning and identification enables rapid batch processing of rejected parts while maintaining accuracy, as each workpiece is already located and identified before the operator makes rejection entries
3Reliability
If the operator visually compares each cut part with the job drawing, then accurate identification of rejected parts is achieved, but the sorting process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual visual comparison process is replaced with an automated optical positioning system and gesture recognition technology. The system uses positioning sensors and cameras to automatically identify workpiece locations and match them with job drawings, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection while maintaining identification accuracy and significantly reducing processing time
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for using gestures to link a workpiece-specific information item stored in a database (8A) to a workpiece data set of a workpiece (9) in a flat-bed machine tool (3), in particular a laser-cutting or stamping flat-bed machine tool, in which method at least one workpiece (9) is selected and thus a workpiece data set is chosen by means of a first selection gesture by an operator (11), for example tapping with a stylus or with the hand, and the workpiece-specific information item is linked to the workpiece data set by means of a second gesture by the operator (11). For this purpose the operator (11) wears a selection support unit (33), in particular a glove, an armband, an input stylus or a mobile unit (33B) worn near the hand. The position of the hand (75) of the operator (11) is determined by means of a tracking system (31) based on one or more cameras (45), or ultrawideband tracking.