Operator Display View Control Based on Tool Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operator instructions in industrial settings often require manual selection of viewing angles, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, especially when multiple views of an object are needed during processing.

Innovation Solution

A method and control device that automatically select the viewing direction of a model displayed on an operator's screen based on the tool's position relative to the object, using techniques like camera positioning or radio-based methods to determine the tool's location, allowing the use of 2D or 3D models to reflect the actual tool position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If multiple pictures depicting the object from different points of view are provided for operator instructions, then the completeness of processing information is improved, but the time required for the operator to select the right picture increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of processing informationVSAvoidtime required for picture selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically selects and displays the appropriate viewing direction of the object model based on the detected position of the tool relative to the object. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual selection by the operator, thereby reducing selection time while maintaining complete processing information across multiple viewing angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the position of the tool relative to the object and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust and update the displayed viewing direction. This real-time feedback loop ensures that the operator always sees the relevant view without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and selection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual selection of viewing angles is required for operator instructions, then the flexibility of the instruction system is improved, but the operational complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of instruction systemVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical selection process with an automated system that uses sensors to detect tool position and automatically determines the appropriate viewing direction. This substitution eliminates manual handling while preserving the flexibility to display multiple viewing angles, thereby reducing operational complexity without sacrificing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary automated selection mechanism that mediates between the multiple available viewing angles and the operator's needs. This intermediary automatically determines which viewing direction is most relevant based on tool position, eliminating the need for manual selection while maintaining system flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If positioning means are added to the tool for determining tool position, then the accuracy of automatic viewing direction selection is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of tool position determinationVSAvoidhardware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages existing positioning means in the tool that serve multiple functions, including determining the position of processing points and now also determining tool position for automatic viewing direction selection. This multi-functional use of existing hardware avoids additional device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the tool's existing positioning capabilities to serve the additional function of determining viewing direction. By making the positioning system self-sufficient for multiple purposes, no additional hardware is required, thus avoiding increased device complexity while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250282040A1Method and control device for displaying a model of an object being processed by a manually operated tool
Publication Date: 2025.09.11 ATLAS COPCO IND TECHNIQUE AB INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
  • US20250282040A1 patent drawing
  • US20250282040A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of controlling an operator display arranged to display a model of an object being processed by a manually operated tool is provided. The displayed model is part of an operator instruction of how to process the object using the tool. The method comprises determining a position of the tool in relation to the object; and, based on the determined position of the tool in relation to the object, automatically selecting a viewing direction of the model of the object to be displayed on the operator display. The operator may then not have to manually select a picture/viewing angle of the model. Instead, the selection is made automatically depending on where the operator holding the tool is located in relation to the object. Hence, usage of the operator instructions is facilitated for the operator and time consuming manual handing can be reduced.