Jogbox with Touch Screen for Coordinate Measuring Machine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coordinate measuring machines lack a sophisticated and flexible jogbox that can effectively interact with dimensional metrology software applications, limiting their ability to control the coordinate measuring machine's functional aspects and communicate information seamlessly.
Innovation Solution
A jogbox with a display and touch screen that displays virtual interface elements, allowing users to select functionalities and send corresponding signals to the coordinate measuring machine controller, and also receives signals from a metrology application to control the coordinate measuring machine, enabling advanced interaction and communication protocols based on the recognized type of coordinate measuring machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional cable-connected jogbox is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different coordinate measuring machines and integration with software applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The jogbox is designed with multi-functional capabilities including touch screen interface, wireless communication, and software application integration, allowing it to serve multiple purposes across different coordinate measuring machine models and software platforms, thereby achieving universality without requiring multiple separate devices
2Ease of operation
If a jogbox with basic cable connection is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation for controlling coordinate measuring machine functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical cable connection and physical switches are replaced with a touch screen interface and wireless communication capabilities, allowing operators to control the coordinate measuring machine through intuitive graphical interfaces similar to mobile devices, significantly improving ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If a jogbox with touch screen and software integration is implemented, then the functionality and software interaction capability are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jogbox acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the coordinate measuring machine system, incorporating a microprocessor and communication interfaces that mediate between the touch screen inputs and the machine controller, enabling software application integration while managing system complexity through a dedicated intermediate device
Data Source
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AI summary
Coordinate measuring machines typically include a jogbox that allows an operator to control movements of a probe with a joystick and dedicated buttons. By facilitating advanced interaction between the jogbox and the dimensional metrology application, the jogbox may be used to control most or all of the functional aspects of the dimensional metrology application, including, in some instances, control of the coordinate measuring machine. The jogbox may include an adaptability of communications protocol such that it may interact with any one of a number of types or brands of coordinate measuring machines. A dynamic and flexible display and/or user input system may be employed to facilitate the use of a single jogbox with different systems. Further, the inherent flexibility of various jogbox embodiments disclosed herein may allow different categories of users to select and/or customize a jogbox interface.