2011 Award Winners
Award-winning project: Intuitive software for a new optical tool presetting device
Project partners: NT TOOL CORPORATION | Steinbeis Transfer Center Quality Assurance and Image Processing/Ilmenau
The growing number of computer-controlled applications in industrial manufacturing often presents many workers with the difficult task of mastering several software interfaces, some of which are complex and confusing. This can result in operating errors or a lack of motivation. Optical tool presetters (OTPs) are now software-controlled and are used for the non-contact measurement and presetting of a wide variety of tools. They are used directly on the production floor, particularly by car manufacturers and their suppliers.
The award-winning transfer project is the first joint project between the Japanese company NT TOOL Corporation from Takahama City and the Steinbeis Transfer Centre for Quality Assurance and Image Processing in Ilmenau. The project’s objective was the conception, development, implementation and achievement of series-production readiness for a touchscreen-compatible, intuitive operating software for an OTP. Particular emphasis was placed on minimising the number of clicks required from the start of a measurement to the result, combined with an innovative design.
The OTP’s innovative software interface is characterised by a clear structure and, through five so-called ‘palettes’, precisely reflects the operator’s five most important work steps. All information relevant to the respective step is only made available when it is needed; non-essential information is hidden. Once the operator has made all the necessary settings for a step, the software automatically opens the next palette containing the subsequent step.
The transfer project also enabled several students involved in the project to undertake an overseas work placement at NT TOOL in Japan. For them, it was a milestone in their training, but also an important personal experience. During their stay in Japan, they acted as an important bridge between the Steinbeis Transfer Centre for Quality Assurance and Image Processing and NT TOOL, facilitating communication.