Machine Tool NC Screen Layout for Fewer Screen Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing numerical control systems for machine tools face challenges in efficiently displaying and accessing various types of information and functions due to limited screen space, leading to increased operator effort in switching between screens and reduced work efficiency, especially as machine tools and software technologies evolve.
Innovation Solution
A numerical control system that includes a touch panel screen with a control unit capable of displaying a basic work screen and associated auxiliary information and function buttons, allowing users to select and designate additional information and functions through a designation screen, thereby enhancing versatility and operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate work screens are prepared for different work processes, then each screen can display specific information and functions for that process, but the operator has to switch between screens frequently, increasing operation time and reducing work efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate work screens into a single integrated screen that can display multiple basic work screens and their corresponding auxiliary information and function buttons simultaneously. This allows operators to access different work process information without switching screens, resolving the contradiction by combining the benefits of specialized screens while eliminating the need for frequent screen switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal screen that can display various basic work screens (tool preparation, program creation, machining) and their auxiliary functions simultaneously. This multi-functional screen adapts to different work processes while providing a consistent interface, allowing operators to perform different tasks on a single screen without losing process-specific functionality.
2Area of stationary object
If the screen display area is limited, then the device structure remains simple, but it becomes difficult to display all necessary information and functions simultaneously, requiring screen switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension of the screen by arranging auxiliary information and function buttons in a stacked layout below the basic work screen content. This allows multiple elements to be displayed within the limited horizontal space by extending into the vertical dimension, effectively increasing the information display capacity without requiring a larger screen area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests auxiliary information and function buttons within the same screen space as the basic work screen, rather than requiring separate screens. The auxiliary elements are embedded in the available screen real estate, allowing multiple layers of information to coexist in a compact arrangement that maximizes the use of limited display area.
3Productivity
If new functions are added to machine tools over time, then productivity increases, but it becomes difficult to add and use these new functions on existing work screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic screen configuration where auxiliary information and function buttons can be freely selected, added, removed, and repositioned by users. This dynamic adaptability allows the screen to evolve with new machine tool functions, enabling operators to customize the display to match new capabilities without being constrained by a fixed screen layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows users to change the parameters of the screen display by selecting different combinations of auxiliary information and function buttons. This flexibility enables the screen to adapt to new machine tool functions by modifying which elements are displayed and how they are arranged, allowing existing systems to accommodate new capabilities without hardware changes.
4Device complexity
If work screens are prepared in advance for each work process, then the system structure is simple, but the information and functions displayed do not match the specific needs of different operators, reducing work efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables operators to independently customize their own work screens by selecting and arranging auxiliary information and function buttons according to their specific needs and preferences. This self-service capability allows each operator to create a personalized screen configuration without requiring system administrator intervention, maintaining simple system structure while improving work efficiency through customized displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides a designation screen that allows operators to pre-configure their preferred auxiliary information and function button arrangements before actual work begins. This preliminary customization enables operators to set up their ideal workspace layout in advance, so that during actual operation, they can immediately access all needed functions without searching or adjusting the display, thereby improving work efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A numerical control system for a machine tool includes a display screen, a storage unit, and a control unit. The control unit executes a step of displaying, on the display screen, a designation screen that selects and designates one or more pieces of auxiliary information and auxiliary functions corresponding to each of basic work screens prepared for each work process using the machine tool, and associating with the basic work screen and storing in the storage unit one or more pieces of auxiliary information and auxiliary functions selected and designated by a user through the designation screen, and a step of simultaneously displaying, on the display screen, one basic work screen designated by the user among the basic work screens, and one or more virtual buttons that select one or more pieces of auxiliary information and one or more auxiliary functions, associated with the user-designated basic work screen.