Numerical Controller Memo Management with Screen Image Association
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional numerical controllers lack the ability to create and manage memos with image data internally, making it difficult to record and retrieve information about issues during machining program debugging.
Innovation Solution
A numerical controller with a screen display section, image storage section, memo input section, and memo management section that associates screen identifiers with memo data, allowing for the creation, storage, and display of memos on the controller's screen, including a memo mark display section to indicate memo existence and allow editing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If image data is output from the numerical controller to external devices, then information can be recorded outside the controller, but the controller cannot manage or retrieve the recorded information efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the screen image data and stores it within the numerical controller's memory, associating it with screen identifiers and program information. This internal copying mechanism eliminates the need for external storage while maintaining information accessibility and manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by displaying memo marks on the screen to indicate where memos have been created, and by enabling cursor movement to automatically navigate to the under-execution position associated with each memo. This feedback loop allows operators to efficiently retrieve and manage memo information within the controller interface.
2Reliability
If manual searching and correction of machining programs is performed, then problems can be identified, but the debugging process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent automatically records the under-execution position (program number, line number, position) at the time each memo is created. This preliminary action of capturing context information eliminates the need for manual searching during debugging, as the system already knows exactly where to navigate when a memo is referenced.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical process of manual program searching and line-by-line checking with an automated electronic system that stores and retrieves program position information digitally. The cursor movement function automatically navigates to the correct position, substituting manual mechanical searching with automated electronic navigation.
3Loss of information
If sticky notes or white boards are used for memos, then information can be recorded, but the information cannot be integrated with the controller's operation or retrieved efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the memo recording function with the controller's existing screen display and program execution systems. Memos are not separate physical notes but are integrated as digital data structures that include screen image data, screen identifiers, program information, and under-execution positions, all managed within the controller's memory and interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The memo system serves multiple functions: it records screen images, stores program position information, provides visual indicators through memo marks, and enables automated navigation via cursor movement. This multi-functional design allows a single memo mechanism to replace multiple separate tools (sticky notes, white boards, manual logging).
Data Source
AI summary
A numerical controller includes: a screen display section that displays a screen to which a screen identifier identifying a screen is added; an image storage section that stores, as image data, the screen displayed on the screen display section; a memo input section that adds memo data to the image data; and a memo management section that records the memo data and the screen identifier so as to be associated with each other.