Mode-Adaptive Machine Tool Display Interface for Compact Consoles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools used in mass production have limited functionality and compact consoles, necessitating improved user-friendliness to enhance operating efficiency, particularly in processing large quantities of workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A display control device that dynamically displays a machine operation panel and keyboard on an operation screen, allowing users to select from multiple modes and automatically changing the displayed interface based on the selected mode, reducing the need for additional panel selection operations by initially showing the most relevant panel for each mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the console is made compact with limited functions for mass production, then the installation area is reduced, but the user-friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic display switching based on the selected mode (machining mode, edit mode, MDI mode). The display control device automatically changes the displayed panel and keyboard information according to the current operational mode, making the compact console adaptive and context-aware. This resolves the contradiction by enabling a small console to provide mode-appropriate information dynamically without requiring additional physical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The display control device serves multiple functions within a single compact unit: it displays machine operation panels, keyboard information, and mode-specific data. By integrating these diverse functions into one universal display system that adapts to different modes, the patent achieves both compactness and comprehensive functionality, improving user-friendliness without increasing installation area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple panels are provided for different modes, then the functionality is improved, but the number of panel changes required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display control device is pre-configured with multiple panels and keyboard information corresponding to different modes. When a mode is selected, the system automatically displays the appropriate pre-prepared panel without requiring manual switching operations. This preliminary preparation of mode-specific displays eliminates the time loss associated with manual panel changes while maintaining full functionality across all modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The display control device automatically determines and switches between different panels based on the currently selected mode, without requiring user intervention for panel selection. The system serves itself by monitoring mode changes and autonomously displaying the appropriate information, thereby reducing the number of manual panel changes while preserving adaptability to different operational modes.
3Ease of operation
If the console provides comprehensive information for all modes, then the user-friendliness is improved, but the display complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display control device provides different information content tailored to each specific mode rather than displaying all possible information simultaneously. In machining mode, it shows machine operation panels; in edit mode, it displays editing-related information; in MDI mode, it shows MDI-specific data. This localized information provision improves user-friendliness by showing only relevant information while reducing display complexity by avoiding the need to present all information at once.
Data Source
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.