Workpiece Representation Display for Conveyor-Based Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for sorting workpieces produced by flat-bed machine tools, such as laser cutting machines, are inefficient and prone to errors due to the need for manual inspection of documents and the limitations of human perception, especially in environments with unfavorable lighting or part overlapping, which can lead to incorrect sorting and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that displays workpiece representations and order information on a monitor near the sorting point, synchronized with the conveyor belt's movement, allowing workers to sort workpieces efficiently by providing geometric data-based images and order data in a sequence that matches the physical arrangement of the workpieces, thus enhancing ergonomic sorting and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection of documents is used for sorting workpieces, then workers can identify workpiece information, but sorting efficiency is reduced and errors increase due to unfavorable lighting and part overlapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical scanning to create digital copies of workpiece information and displays them on a screen, replacing manual document inspection. This allows workers to view clear digital representations of workpieces and their associated order data, eliminating the problems of unfavorable lighting and part overlapping while maintaining accurate information access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of inspecting physical documents with an automated optical scanning and digital display system. The scanner automatically captures workpiece information, the processor retrieves corresponding order data, and the display unit presents synthesized information, eliminating manual labor and improving both speed and accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If workers inspect physical documents and workpieces in unfavorable lighting conditions, then sorting can be performed, but perception is limited and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies of workpiece information through optical scanning and displays them on a screen with optimal lighting and clarity. This eliminates the need for workers to physically inspect workpieces under unfavorable lighting conditions while maintaining complete and accurate information access.
3Loss of information
If all workpiece information is displayed simultaneously, then complete information is available, but information overload occurs and sorting speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent synthesizes and displays information in a structured, segmented format on the display unit, presenting only the most relevant order data and workpiece characteristics needed for sorting decisions. This selective information presentation reduces cognitive load while maintaining completeness of essential data, enabling faster sorting without information overload.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for displaying a series of workpiece representations and/or job information in the production of workpieces (13A, ...) in order to support a sorting process, wherein manufactured workpieces (13A, ...) are transported to a sorting station (21) by means of a conveying device (9) in accordance with a sequence and arrangement specified by the processing plan (7). Workpiece image data (10) and/or job data (8B) provided by the machine tool control system (5) are received by a display unit and are displayed in an order and arrangement in such a way that the order and/or arrangement of the workpiece image data (10) and/or of the job data (8B) corresponds to the sequence and/or arrangement of the workpieces (13A, ...) transported to the sorting station (21) by the conveying device (9).