A method and apparatus includes a monitor in communication with, e.g., a work glove with built-in sensors to track an operator's physical activities including intermittently using hand tools, hand motion, and position or location in a work area. The sensors provide time-series data representative of the activities, and the monitor classifies and sequences the activities based on the time-series data along with, optionally, machine tool operational data. The classified and sequenced activities may then compared to instructed work procedures, ensuring correct work materials are used in production, and ensuring an operator's safety by detecting unsafe or abnormal work conditions.

A machine tool controlled by a numerical controller is provided with an additional-axis composed of a tilting table and a rotary table. The controller displays, in a display section thereof, a diagram representative of an actual state in which an additional shaft is mounted so that an operator can select how to mount the additional shaft on the machine tool and collectively set parameters based on the selection.

An object is to provide a machine tool operation system that enables inputs to an NC device of a machine tool by use of a tablet terminal from any location and an operation method using the system. The machine tool operation system includes an NC device, a computer connected to the NC device, and a tablet terminal that is in wirelessly communication with the computer and enables inputs and outputs of signals for the NC device via the computer. The tablet terminal includes a display unit that make to display a menu screen on a display screen, an input unit that receives an input from a user, and an input processing unit that outputs an input signal transmitted to the computer based on the input. The computer includes a signal processing unit that outputs a command signal for a machine tool operation based on the input signal. A wireless communication unit to wirelessly send and receive signals between the tablet terminal and computer, and a transmission unit to transmit signals between the computer and NC device are provided.

An object is to provide a machine tool operation system that enables inputs to an NC device of a machine tool by use of a tablet terminal from any location and an operation method using the system.

The machine tool operation system includes an NC device, a computer connected to the NC device, and a tablet terminal that is in wirelessly communication with the computer and enables inputs and outputs of signals for the NC device via the computer. The tablet terminal includes a display unit that make to display a menu screen on a display screen, an input unit that receives an input from a user, and an input processing unit that outputs an input signal transmitted to the computer based on the input. The computer includes a signal processing unit that outputs a command signal for a machine tool operation based on the input signal. A wireless communication unit to wirelessly send and receive signals between the tablet terminal and computer, and a transmission unit to transmit signals between the computer and NC device are provided.

A method and apparatus includes a monitor in communication with, e.g., a work glove with built-in sensors to track an operator's physical activities including intermittently using hand tools, hand motion, and position or location in a work area. The sensors provide time-series data representative of the activities, and the monitor classifies and sequences the activities based on the time-series data along with, optionally, machine tool operational data. The classified and sequenced activities may then compared to instructed work procedures, ensuring correct work materials are used in production, and ensuring an operator's safety by detecting unsafe or abnormal work conditions.