Unified Machine Tool Display for Measurement and NC State Checks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators face reduced work efficiency due to the need to check measurement information on separate display screens from measurement devices and state information on numerical control devices, requiring them to change the position of installation of these devices.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device connected to both measurement and numerical control devices, featuring a display unit that acquires and displays both measurement and state information on a single screen, eliminating the need for separate installations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If measurement device and numerical control device are installed separately, then each device can display its information independently, but the operator must check multiple display screens reducing work efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation accessibilityVSAvoidwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the display functions of the measurement device and numerical control device into a single display unit. The display control unit integrates measurement information from the measurement device and state information from the numerical control device, presenting both on one screen. This eliminates the need for operators to switch between multiple display screens, directly resolving the contradiction by maintaining full information accessibility while improving work efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display unit is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it displays measurement information from the measurement device, state information from the numerical control device, and can switch between different information types as needed. This multi-functional display unit resolves the contradiction by providing universal access to all necessary information through a single interface, eliminating the need for separate display devices.

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

2Ease of operation

If measurement device and numerical control device are installed close together, then operators can access both displays easily, but installation position flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation checking convenienceVSAvoidinstallation position flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the display functions into a single display unit, the system eliminates the spatial separation requirement between measurement device and numerical control device displays. The merged display can be installed at any convenient location, providing ease of operation while maintaining full installation flexibility. Operators gain convenient access to integrated information without being constrained by the need to position multiple separate displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal display unit consolidates multiple information sources into one location, making the system adaptable to various installation positions. Whether mounted on the machine tool, control panel, or remote location, the single display provides access to all necessary information, thereby improving operational convenience without sacrificing installation versatility.

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

3Loss of information

If separate display screens are used for measurement information and state information, then information display functionality is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation display capabilityVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple display functions into a single display unit controlled by a display control unit. Instead of maintaining separate display screens for measurement information and state information, the system integrates both information types into one display interface. This reduces the number of separate display components while maintaining full information display capability, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display unit is designed as a multi-functional component that handles both measurement information display and state information display through a single interface. This universal display approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized display devices, reducing system complexity while preserving comprehensive information display capabilities.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11409258B2Information processing device and information processing method
Publication Date: 2022.08.09 FANUC LTD
  • US11409258B2 patent drawing
  • US11409258B2 patent drawing
  • US11409258B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing device is connected to a measurement device provided in the vicinity of a machine tool for machining a workpiece using a tool and a numerical control device configured to control the machine tool. The information processing device includes: a display unit configured to display information; a first acquisition unit configured to acquire, from the measurement device, measurement information measured by the measurement device; a second acquisition unit configured to acquire, from the numerical control device, state information indicating a state of the machine tool; and a display control unit configured to cause the display unit to display the measurement information and the state information.