A display unit which displays information obtained from a machine tool that executes a machining program including a plurality of blocks as a plurality of program blocks identified by sequence numbers, includes: a data acquisition unit which acquires state information that indicates the state of the machine tool being operated as an amount of variation and a time axis, and timing information which indicates predetermined timing of the machining program executed by the machine tool; a chronological information generation unit which generates chronological information based on the state information and the timing information acquired; a superimposition unit which makes the timing indicated in the timing information coincide and which superimposes a plurality of pieces of the chronological information; and a display portion which displays the pieces of chronological information which are superimposed.

A processing control device controls a tool for processing a first workpiece. The processing control device includes a driving unit to drive the tool, an output unit, and a control unit to control the driving unit and the output unit. Processing information obtained by performing preliminary processing on a second workpiece before performing first processing on the first workpiece is transmitted by the control unit to the output unit and accordingly the processing information is outputted from the output unit. The control unit generates a control command for performing second processing that is performed on the first workpiece after the first processing. The control unit controls the driving unit according to the control command.

A method for the representation and operation of production resources, in particular for the plastics-processing industry, on one or several central operating units, preferably a computer or control station. Symbols for the production resource connected via a network or the management tools associated with the production resource, such as configuration systems or database systems, are present and selectable on the central operating unit, wherein after selection of one or several symbols on the screen of the operating unit, the visualization, in particular the visualization component from the associated production resources or management tool is started or executed on the operating unit. Subsequently, complete representation and operation is possible through the cooperation of the visualization software available at the operating unit and a control software running decentrally in the production resources.

A processing control device controls a tool for processing a first workpiece. The processing control device includes a driving unit to drive the tool, an output unit, and a control unit to control the driving unit and the output unit. Processing information obtained by performing preliminary processing on a second workpiece before performing first processing on the first workpiece is transmitted by the control unit to the output unit and accordingly the processing information is outputted from the output unit. The control unit generates a control command for performing second processing that is performed on the first workpiece after the first processing. The control unit controls the driving unit according to the control command.

A display unit which displays information obtained from a machine tool that executes a machining program including a plurality of blocks as a plurality of program blocks identified by sequence numbers, includes: a data acquisition unit which acquires state information that indicates the state of the machine tool being operated as an amount of variation and a time axis, and timing information which indicates predetermined timing of the machining program executed by the machine tool; a chronological information generation unit which generates chronological information based on the state information and the timing information acquired; a superimposition unit which makes the timing indicated in the timing information coincide and which superimposes a plurality of pieces of the chronological information; and a display portion which displays the pieces of chronological information which are superimposed.

A human interface technique is disclosed for industrial automation systems. The technique allows for visualizations to be distributed to interfaces, such as thin client interfaces, from automation components, such as automation controllers and other sources of visualization content. Access and delivery may be controlled by a visualization manager that stores policies for access to relevant content, such as based on an event, a user, a location of the user, and so forth. Upon occurrence of a particular event, such as relating to a machine or process that is monitored and/or controlled, the visualization manager may allow access to visualizations based upon the relevance factors.

A method for the representation and operation of production resources, in particular for the plastics-processing industry, on one or several central operating units, preferably a computer or control station. Symbols for the production resource connected via a network or the management tools associated with the production resource, such as configuration systems or database systems, are present and selectable on the central operating unit, wherein after selection of one or several symbols on the screen of the operating unit, the visualization, in particular the visualization component from the associated production resources or management tool is started or executed on the operating unit. Subsequently, complete representation and operation is possible through the cooperation of the visualization software available at the operating unit and a control software running decentrally in the production resources.