Machine Tool Display Control for Operator Workload Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operation of machine tools has become increasingly complex due to the advancement of functions, leading to a higher number of operations required by operators, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially when transitioning between different machine tools or operation modes.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus for machine tools that includes a display part, a display control part, and a storage part, allowing for preset operation modes and automatic switching of displays based on the operator's actions or the machine tool's state, reducing the number of operations needed by the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the machine tool provides many functions to improve productivity and capability, then the functionality and versatility are enhanced, but the operation complexity and number of operations required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically switching to frequently used screens based on operation mode changes. When the operation mode is changed, the display control part automatically displays the screen that is frequently used in that mode, eliminating the need for operators to manually navigate through multiple screens and reducing operational steps.
2Productivity
If the machine tool provides many functions to improve productivity, then the capability is enhanced, but the number of operations required increases leading to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The display control part is configured to automatically switch to frequently used screens when operation modes are changed. This preliminary automation of screen switching reduces the time operators need to spend navigating through multiple screens and performing repetitive display selection operations.
3Loss of information
If the display shows all available information and functions, then the information completeness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of displaying all information uniformly, the system applies local quality by showing different screens based on the specific operation mode. The display control part automatically selects and displays the screen that is frequently used in the current operation mode, providing relevant information locally rather than overwhelming the operator with all possible information simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
This control device for a machine tool is provided with: a display unit that displays information relating to a machine tool; a display control unit that controls the display of the display unit; and a storage unit. A display setting of the display unit that corresponds to an operation of an operator or the condition of the machine tool is stored in advance in the storage unit. The display control unit acquires an operation of the operator or the condition of the machine tool, reads the display setting corresponding to the operation of the operator or the condition of the machine tool from the storage unit, and changes the display of the display unit on the basis of the display setting.