Virtual Machine Tool for Intuitive Control System Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool control systems are complex and difficult to operate, lacking intuitive methods for generating and visualizing operating data through manual interaction, which limits the ability to directly check the effects of manual actions on virtual machine tools.
Innovation Solution
A control system that incorporates a visualization unit with an interaction unit allowing manual interaction, where operating data is generated and stored, and displayed in real-time, enabling the assignment of machine tool functions to manual interactions and visualizing these functions on a virtual machine tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual interaction is added to generate operating data, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A virtual machine tool is introduced as an intermediary between the operator and the real machine tool. The virtual machine tool receives manual interactions, generates operating data, and simulates machining operations, thereby simplifying the operator's interface while managing system complexity through software-based mediation rather than direct hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A virtual copy of the machine tool is created and displayed on the visualization unit. This virtual machine tool replicates the functions and operations of the real machine tool, allowing operators to interact with a simplified digital representation that generates the necessary operating data without requiring complex direct control mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If real-time visualization of manual interactions is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The physical visualization system is replaced with a digital/graphical display system on a visualization unit. Instead of using complex mechanical or physical indicators to show machining operations, the system uses software-based graphical representations that consume significantly less energy while providing precise real-time feedback on the virtual machine tool's operations
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to simplify the operability of a control system for a machine tool having a work space and machining units arranged therein, comprising a visualization controller, which, based on operational data and based on a stored machine model, represents the real machine tool, at least in the region of the work space thereof, in a visualization unit by means of visualizing elements as a virtual machine tool having virtual machining units provided in a virtual work space thereof, and which also represents the functions thereof, it is proposed that an interaction unit allowing manual interaction is associated with the visualization unit, that a function selection unit allowing a function of the machine tool to be associated with said manual interaction is associated with the visualization unit, and that a function data generator unit is provided, which generates operational data corresponding to the manual interaction, while taking the associated function into consideration, and transmits said operational data to the visualization controller in order to represent the function specified by the manual interaction on the visualization unit by means of the visualizing elements.