Mode-Switched Machine Tool Display Control for Compact Consoles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Machine tools used for mass production have limited functionality and compact consoles, necessitating improved user-friendliness and increased operating efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A display control device that includes a display unit and a setting unit to automatically display the most relevant machine operation panel or keyboard based on the selected mode, reducing the need for additional user operations by associating modes with specific panels and keyboards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the machine tool console is made compact with limited functions for mass production, then the installation area is reduced, but the user-friendliness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation areaVSAvoiduser-friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the display content changeable based on the selected mode. The display unit dynamically switches between showing a machine operation panel or keyboard depending on whether machining mode or MDI mode is selected, allowing the compact console to adapt its interface to different operational contexts and maintain user-friendliness despite limited physical space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display unit serves multiple functions by displaying different interfaces (machine operation panel or keyboard) based on the mode selection. This multi-functionality allows a single compact display area to fulfill the needs of different operational modes, effectively reducing the overall console size while maintaining comprehensive operational capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple modes are provided for different operations, then the versatility is improved, but the complexity of panel selection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidpanel selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by automatically detecting the selected mode and responding by displaying the appropriate interface. The setting unit receives mode selection information and feeds back to the display unit, which automatically shows the corresponding machine operation panel or keyboard, eliminating the need for manual panel selection and reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The display control device performs self-service by automatically configuring its display content based on the selected mode without requiring user intervention for panel selection. The system autonomously determines whether to show the machine operation panel or keyboard based on the current mode, reducing the burden on the user and simplifying the interface management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3985464B1Display control device
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 DMG MORI CO LTD
  • EP3985464B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3985464B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3985464B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display control device includes a setting unit to set a mode selected by a user from a plurality of modes, and a display unit to display a machine operation panel and a keyboard on an operation screen of a machine operation panel. The modes include at least a machining mode for operating the machine tool to process a workpiece, and an MDI mode. When the mode is changed, the display unit displays a machine operation panel or a keyboard associated with the mode after the change on the operation screen.