Workpiece Image Visualization for Faster Sheet Metal Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In sheet metal processing, machine operators lack efficient and ergonomic visualization of manufacturing process information, particularly during the sorting of workpieces cut from flat materials, which hinders targeted and fast assignment and quality control.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for visualizing manufacturing process information using a flatbed machine tool, where workpiece image data is displayed on a display unit with specific illustration options associated with manufacturing features, such as cutting quality indicators, to enhance operator understanding and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If camera-based support systems are used to monitor processing operations, then workpiece sorting can be observed, but the machine operator does not receive comprehensive manufacturing process information in an efficient or ergonomic way
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process information is segmented into workpiece-specific data elements that are individually processed and displayed. Each workpiece receives its own dedicated information display with specific manufacturing features, allowing the operator to access comprehensive information without being overwhelmed by a single large data set.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D camera monitoring to a multi-dimensional information display system that includes workpiece images, manufacturing features, and process information displayed together on a screen. This adds informational dimensions beyond simple visual monitoring, providing depth and context to the data presentation.
2Productivity
If traditional camera-based systems are used for monitoring, then basic sorting observation is possible, but targeted and fast assignment of workpieces is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
Manufacturing process information is captured and stored during the cutting process itself, before the workpieces are sorted. This preliminary data collection includes manufacturing features that are then immediately available to support fast and targeted assignment during the sorting phase, eliminating the need for subsequent information gathering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback by displaying manufacturing process information alongside workpiece images during sorting. This immediate feedback loop allows operators to make informed decisions about workpiece assignment based on actual manufacturing features, significantly improving sorting speed and accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive workpiece-specific manufacturing process information is displayed, then quality control improves, but the complexity of the display system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system applies local quality by providing workpiece-specific information tailored to each individual workpiece or small group of workpieces. Rather than displaying all manufacturing data uniformly, the system selectively presents relevant manufacturing features for each workpiece, maintaining high quality control information while avoiding overwhelming the operator with unnecessary complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method visualizes manufacturing process information during manufacturing of workpieces with a flatbed machine tool. The workpieces are output as cut material on a pallet of the flatbed machine tool, a sorting table, or a conveyor belt. Workpiece image data is provided in a control system. The image data is associated with a workpiece and is for display on a display unit. Workpiece-specific manufacturing process information is provided in the manufacturing control system, and is acquired during manufacturing of the workpieces and includes features of cutting processes. A database of illustration options is provided in the manufacturing control system, the options are associated with a specific manufacturing feature and are applicable to the workpiece image data to cause an illustration of the respective workpiece image data on the display unit. The workpiece image data is displayed on the display unit, while taking into account illustration options in the workpiece-specific manner.