초록 ▼

A method and unit for changing the configuration of an automatic machine, whereby a user selects a desired end configuration by means of a selection device, and a display device then displays an orderly list of all and only the operations to be performed on the machine to convert the machine from a

A method and unit for changing the configuration of an automatic machine, whereby a user selects a desired end configuration by means of a selection device, and a display device then displays an orderly list of all and only the operations to be performed on the machine to convert the machine from a current start configuration to the desired end configuration; the list is arranged according to the sequence in which the operations are performed, and for each operation are displayed the state of at least one respective operating value in the start configuration, and the state of the same operating value in the end configuration.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of producing various types of articles using a same automatic machine comprising a number of operating devices controlled by a control unit; the operating devices can operate in various modes, each of which is assigned and identified by a respective operating value; the method comprising

1. A method of producing various types of articles using a same automatic machine comprising a number of operating devices controlled by a control unit; the operating devices can operate in various modes, each of which is assigned and identified by a respective operating value; the method comprising the following steps:creating a configuration database, in which each work configuration is assigned a name, a description string, an image of the article corresponding to the work configuration, and a list of the respective operating value states corresponding to the work configuration, creating an operation database, which assigns each operating value a corresponding technical operation to be performed by the operator on the automatic machine to change the operating value; running the automatic machine set in a first configuration for producing a first type of articles; setting the automatic machine from the first configuration to a second configuration; and running the automatic machine set in the second configuration for producing a second type of articles; wherein the step of setting the automatic machine from the first configuration to the second configuration comprises the further step of: selecting the desired second configuration by means of a selection device; creating an orderly list of all and only the technical operations to be performed on the automatic machine to convert the automatic machine from the current first configuration to the desired second configuration by using the configuration database for entering into the list the operating values having different states in the current first configuration and the desired second configuration and by using the operation database for assigning each changed operating value the corresponding technical operation to be performed by the operator to change the operating value; and displaying, by means of a display device, the orderly list of all and only the technical operations to be performed on the automatic machine to convert the automatic machine from the current first configuration to said desired second configuration. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said operations has to be performed according to a given sequence; the operation in said list are listed according to said sequence.3. A method as claimed in claim 1, and comprising the further step of displaying, together with at least one said operation, the value of at least one respective operating parameter in the first configuration, and the value of the same operating parameter in the second configuration.4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said operating parameter is a numeric parameter of an operating member of the automatic machine.5. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said operating parameter is an identification code of a part of automatic machine.6. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in association with at least one said operation, a description is displayed of the operations to be performed to carry out said operation.7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said description comprises an orderly sequence of elementary operations to be performed to carry out the relative operation.8. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein a respective text description is displayed for at least one said elementary operation.9. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein a respective photographic image is displayed for at least one said elementary operation.10. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein a respective video film is displayed for each said elementary operation.11. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said video film is complete with sound.12. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when said operations shown in said list have all been performed, new operating parameters of the control unit relative to the desired second configuration are transferred to the control unit.13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein, to transfer the new operating parameters, an operator must first have confirmed performance of each operation in said list.14. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein starting with the detail display of the first technical operation, the operator is shown successively the detail displays of all the technical operations in list; before going on to the next technical operation display, the operator must first confirm performance of each technical operation in list.