Touch-Panel Numerical Control Editing for Faster Data Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In numerical controllers, operators face challenges in efficiently editing operation data due to the large number of items on editing screens, leading to increased time and error rates during the editing process.
Innovation Solution
A numerical controller system that utilizes a touch panel interface to identify operation targets and types through touch operations, extracts relevant setting screen data, edits this data, and outputs it for correction, with features like highlighting and cursor placement to facilitate accurate editing, while also generating editing data based on tool and machining information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of editing items are provided on the editing screen, then the completeness of operation data editing is improved, but the time required for operators to locate and edit specific items increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the editing interface by providing a simulation screen that visually divides the workpiece into multiple regions (e.g., first region, second region, third region). Each region corresponds to specific editing items, allowing operators to locate and edit data by selecting the relevant visual region rather than searching through all items. This segmentation maintains comprehensive editing capability while significantly reducing search time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simulation screen as an intermediary between the operator and the editing items. The simulation screen visually represents the workpiece and its regions, serving as a mediator that translates complex editing items into intuitive visual selections. Operators interact with the simulation screen to select regions, which then automatically identifies and presents the relevant editing items, reducing the cognitive load and time required for data editing.
2Reliability
If traditional editing screens with multiple items are used, then comprehensive data editing is possible, but operator efficiency and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the editing interface by providing a simulation screen that visually divides the workpiece into multiple regions (e.g., first region, second region, third region). Each region corresponds to specific editing items, allowing operators to locate and edit data by selecting the relevant visual region rather than searching through all items. This segmentation maintains comprehensive editing capability while significantly reducing search time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional flat list of editing items to a two-dimensional simulation screen that visually represents the workpiece geometry. This dimensional change allows operators to spatially locate editing items based on their physical position on the workpiece, making the editing process more intuitive and efficient while maintaining access to all necessary editing functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A numerical controller which uses a simulation screen displayed on a touch panel so as to edit operation data of an industrial machine includes: a touch operation reception unit that receives a touch operation by an operator on the simulation screen; an operation identifying unit that identifies an operation target and an operation type on the simulation screen by the touch operation received; a setting screen data extraction unit that references the editing data storage unit for associating the operation target and the operation type and setting screen data including an editing item so as to store them so as to extract the setting screen data corresponding to the operation target and the operation type identified; an editing processing unit that edits the setting screen data extracted; and a setting screen output unit that outputs, to the touch panel 40, the setting screen data after being edited.