To efficiently estimate and detect a tool life of a machine tool while lowering an occupation ratio in a data band of a communication line between a machine tool and an upper-level controller, a management apparatus or the like. A machine tool to be managed by a production management apparatus includes a motor for moving one of a workpiece to be machined and a tool for performing a machining operation, an amplifier for driving the motor, a servo controller for controlling the motor via the amplifier based on a notification of a predetermined machining operation, and an NC device for notifying the servo controller of the predetermined machining operation. The servo controller obtains servo data representing a load on the amplifier, performs a first processing for compressing the servo data, and transmits the compressed data to the NC device.

A control system of a machine tool with a rotary type spindle and a feed axis which generates feed motion of the spindle, comprising a current detecting part which detects a current through a spindle motor for driving the spindle, a temperature detecting part which detects a motor temperature, a remaining time estimating part which uses a predetermined maximum allowable temperature and a detected temperature value by the temperature detecting part as the basis to estimate a remaining time until the motor temperature would reach the maximum allowable temperature on the assumption that the detected current value by the current detecting part at the time of the detected temperature value would continue to flow through the spindle motor, and a feed speed changing part which changes speed of the feed motion in accordance with the estimated value of the remaining time.

An electric power tool includes a wireless module, a controller, a stage-selection module, a trigger switch, a driver and a driving motor. The method for operating the electric power tool includes steps of receiving a wireless signal from the outside via the wireless module, wherein the wireless signal includes a plurality of control parameters; storing the control parameters into the memory; upon receiving a stage-selection signal, extracting a control parameter in accordance with the stage-selection signal from the memory; upon receiving a triggering signal, outputting a control signal to the driver so as to drive the driving motor, wherein the control signal is output based on a torque value of at least one control parameter which is corresponding to the stage-selection signal. It allows a user to change the settings of the electric power tool via wireless communication, thereby increasing the flexibility of using the electric power tool.

Methods, systems, and apparatuses relating to augmented-reality interfaces. Features of the present invention rely on robust touch detection methods, touch detection methods, calibration methods, and integrated projector and sensor apparatuses.

Methods and systems for monitoring tool device usage and, in particular, methods and systems including at least one sensor mechanism configured to detect at least one operational parameter of the tool device. Information regarding usage of the tool device may be communicated to a processing unit and further communicated to a network-connected storage and/or to a display device.

An operator defines a process, such as a process for the manufacturing of a product, using templates that may be edited graphically. Each process includes a set of steps that a user must perform in order to accomplish the process. Each step in the process may be associated with one or more pieces of machinery on the floor to achieve the execution of the process, either in advance or at execution time. Each step may also provide various forms of instruction, monitoring, and feedback to aid the user of the associated machinery in performing the process. Data may be collected regarding the user's performance, analyzed, and used to inform the operator who may in turn edit the process with the goal of improving its execution.

A measurement device (MD) includes a processor to sample electrical signals of a circuit connected to a sensor, such as a current transformer, and to provide measurement data to a processing system (PS) based on the sampled electrical signals. An electrical circuit carrying AC electricity to and from an electrical shop tool (EST) can pass through the sensor. The measurement data can represent use or non-use of the EST. An EST, such as a vehicle lift or wheel balancer, can comprise an electrical motor connected to the electrical circuit. An EST, such as an air compressor, can comprise an electrical pump connected to the electrical circuit. The PS can determine an actionable condition based on a single measurement value or an aggregate of measurement values and determine a notification to send to a destination regarding the actionable condition. The destination can be a user account, a smartphone, or another destination.

A processor receives measurement data from a measurement device (MD) connected to an electrical shop tool (EST). The MD can sample electrical signals of a circuit connected to a sensor, such as a current transformer, and provide measurement data based on sampled signals. The measurement data can represent use or non-use of the EST. An EST, such as a vehicle lift or wheel balancer, can comprise an electrical motor connected to the electrical circuit. An EST, such as an air compressor, can comprise an electrical pump connected to the electrical circuit. The processor can determine an actionable condition based on a single measurement value or an aggregate of measurement values and determine a notification to send to a destination regarding the actionable condition. The actionable condition can be based on a rule regarding a person's preferences and attributes. The destination can be a user account, a smartphone, or another destination.

An air tool monitoring apparatus includes a housing having a hollow chamber formed therein, and also having an inlet and an outlet formed therein, each of the inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. The apparatus also includes a first sensor for sensing a condition indicative of tool usage, a battery disposed in the housing, and a microprocessor operatively connected to the housing and including a timer, a memory storage module, and a unique identifier. The apparatus further includes a switch for starting and stopping the timer, and a communication device for sending data from the microprocessor to a data collection device. The apparatus may additionally include a second sensor for sensing a condition indicative of tool wear. Methods of using the apparatus, along with systems for monitoring and reporting on usage of multiple air tools equipped with the apparatus, are also described.

A main spindle failure detection device for a machine tool includes a rotation speed detection unit, a reach time estimation unit, and a determining unit. The reach time estimation unit is configured to estimate a reach time in which the rotation speed of the main spindle reaches a predetermined rotation speed threshold using a non-linear model based on a rotation speed of the main spindle detected at a start of an inertia operation and a rotation speed of the main spindle detected after an elapse of preset measurement time from the start of the inertia operation. The determining unit is configured to compare the reach time estimated by the reach time estimation unit with a preset reach time in which the rotation speed reaches the rotation speed threshold, so as to determine a failure in the main spindle based on a result of the comparison.