Machine-tool or production machine with head-up display

• US 20050002151A1
• Filed: 06/04/2004
• Published: 01/06/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/06/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Siemens AG
• Original Assignee: Siemens AG
• Inventors: Dirnfeldner, Rainer
• Granted Patent: US 7,296,956 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/616
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 11/08 Protective coverings for parts of machine tools; Splash guards
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 11/0891 arranged between the working area and the operator
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 17/24 using optics or electromagnetic waves
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/32014 Augmented reality assists operator in maintenance, repair, programming, assembly, use of head mounted display with 2-D 3-D display and voice feedback, voice and gesture command
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/30392 with means to protect operative or machine [e.g., guard, safety device, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/309576 Machine frame

Abstract

A machine-tool production machine is disclosed, with a workspace that can be viewed by an operator through a window or transparent pane, whereby the window or transparent pane can be used with a projection unit as a head-up display for displaying information for the operator. The device provides the operator with a simple, cost-effective and clear representation of information about the manufacturing and production processes as well as other processes running on the machine.

Claims

1. A machine-tool or production machine, comprising

an enclosure defining a workspace;

at least one transparent window secured on the enclosure and enabling an operator to view the workspace;

a projection unit projecting a pattern onto the window, said pattern containing information to be displayed to the operator,

wherein said window with the projected pattern forms a head-up display.

2. The machine-tool or production machine of claim 1, wherein said window is configured so as to allow the operator to enter data or commands for controlling the machine, or both.

3. The machine-tool or production machine of claim 2, wherein the data and commands are recorded by a camera or a touch-sensitive screen disposed on or integrated with the window.

4. The machine-tool or production machine of claim 1, wherein the projection unit is mounted on an outside surface of the enclosure.

5. The machine-tool or production machine of claim 1, wherein the displayed information is selected from the group consisting of operating parameters, operating instructions, a graphic visualization of simulated machine processes, and a graphic visualization of process flows.

6. The machine-tool or production machine of claim 1, wherein the projected pattern comprises a three-dimensional holographic image that virtually extends into the workspace of the machine.

7. A method for producing a head-up display for a machine-tool or production machine, comprising:

providing in the machine a transparent window for allowing an operator to view a workspace; and

projecting a pattern onto the window, said pattern containing information to be displayed to the operator while viewing the workspace.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising imaging the window with a camera to record data or commands for controlling the machine, or both.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising recording data or commands for controlling the machine, or both, with a touch-sensitive screen disposed on or integrated with the window.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the displayed information is selected from the group consisting of operating parameters, operating instructions, a graphic visualization of simulated machine processes, and a graphic visualization of process flows.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the projected pattern comprises a three-dimensional holographic image that virtually extends into the workspace of the machine.