Positional Information Display for Industrial Machine Touch Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for designating positional information on industrial machines using touch panels are not intuitive and struggle with accuracy, especially when the machining area is distant, requiring frequent alternation between the machining area and numerical operation screens.
Innovation Solution
A positional information display system that includes a control device, a conversion information calculation device, and an image information control device, which calculates and displays positional information on a touch panel, allowing for accurate and simple position designation by converting coordinate values between different systems and displaying grid or dot information for intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If coordinate values are input using MDI keys or numerical commands, then positional information can be designated, but the operation is not intuitive and is difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the machining area on the display screen, allowing operators to designate positions by touching the displayed image rather than inputting abstract numerical coordinates. This visual copy enables intuitive operation while maintaining accurate position designation through coordinate value notification to the control device.
2Ease of operation
If jog feeding or handle feeding methods are used for axis operation, then intuitive operation is possible by confirming the machining area and coordinate values, but frequent alternation between machining area and numerical operation screen is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the machining area display and coordinate value display into a single integrated screen. The display shows both the visual machining area and the corresponding coordinate values simultaneously, eliminating the need to alternate between different screens while maintaining operational intuitiveness.
3Ease of operation
If touch operation on a camera image is used for axis operation, then intuitive operation becomes possible, but designating and moving to accurate positions is difficult and operation is not simple
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by displaying the exact coordinate values corresponding to touched positions on the screen. When an operator touches a position on the displayed machining area, the system notifies the touched coordinate values, providing immediate feedback that enables both intuitive operation and accurate position designation.
4Ease of operation
If touch operation on a camera image is used, then intuitive operation becomes possible, but operation becomes complex requiring long pressing upon jog feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and displaying the coordinate values corresponding to different positions on the machining area before the operator makes a selection. This allows operators to see the outcome of their selection in advance, simplifying the operation process and eliminating the need for complex multi-step procedures like long pressing.
5Ease of operation
If the machining area is distanced from the operator, then operation becomes difficult, but no alternative method is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the distant machining area on the display screen, allowing operators to interact with the machining area remotely through touch operations on the displayed image. This virtual copy enables reliable operation even when the physical machining area is distanced from the operator.
Data Source
AI summary
A positional information display system includes a control device, a conversion information calculation device and an image information control device, in which the conversion information calculation device has a conversion information calculation portion which calculates conversion information representing a position and/or posture of a first coordinate system on a second coordinate system with a coordinate value of each axis of an industrial machine as a variable; and the image information control device has a coordinate information conversion portion which calculates a position and/or posture on the second coordinate system using conversion information and a coordinate value of each axis; a positional information calculation data setting portion which sets calculation data of positional information for visually displaying the position and/or posture in the first coordinate system by the third coordinate system of a display device; and a positional information display data calculation portion which calculates display data of the positional information.