Laser Machining Operation Panel for Visual Device Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser beam machining systems lack an intuitive and efficient method for selecting manual operation targets, making it difficult for users to easily identify and operate specific devices within the machine.
Innovation Solution
An operation panel and controller system that utilizes a display to model the laser beam machine and its devices, allowing users to select and operate devices through an inputter, with a computing apparatus executing processes to output signals for manual operation and generate control commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional operation panel is used for laser beam machining equipment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because it is difficult to easily select manual operation target devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual model (copy) of the laser beam machining equipment that displays multiple devices and their arrangements. This model serves as an intuitive interface where users can easily identify and select target devices for manual operation without navigating through complex menus or controls. The visual representation simplifies the selection process while maintaining accurate device identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation panel acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex laser beam machining system. It provides a simplified interface that translates user selections into appropriate control signals, mediating between the user's intent and the actual device operation. This intermediary layer shields users from the underlying system complexity while enabling precise device selection and control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are operable in the laser beam machine, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in identifying and selecting specific devices
Solution Approach 1:
The operation panel divides the complex laser beam machining system into distinct, visually separable device representations. Each operable device is displayed as a separate entity in the model, allowing users to easily distinguish between multiple devices. This segmentation of the interface enables users to identify and select specific devices without being overwhelmed by the overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation panel utilizes visual differentiation (including color changes) to distinguish between multiple operable devices in the laser beam machine. By applying different visual characteristics to represent different devices, users can easily identify specific devices for manual operation. The visual model dynamically updates to reflect the current operational state and selected device, enhancing user awareness and selection accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
An operation panel for a laser beam machine includes a display, an inputter, and a computing apparatus. The display is configured to represent, using a laser beam machine model modeling the laser beam machine and a plurality of device models respectively modeling a plurality of devices that are operable, an arrangement of the plurality of devices in the laser beam machine. The inputter is configured to receive user input. The computing apparatus is configured to execute, in response to a first device model being selected via the inputter out of the plurality of device models displayed on the display, a first process that allows outputting a signal to manually operate a first device corresponding to the first device model, and to execute, in response to a second device model being selected via the inputter out of the plurality of device models displayed on the display, a second process that allows outputting a signal to manually operate a second device corresponding to the second device model.