Abstract: A workstation utilized in machine control. The workstation comprises a computer having an open control interface and a computer numerical control resident on the workstation. Communications between the computer and the computer numerical control are converted into an acceptable protocol for the receiving entity and communicated through a PCI connection. The workstation also is configured for connection to a network for communication with other networked devices.

Abstract: A workstation utilized in machine control. The workstation comprises a computer having an open control interface and a computer numerical control resident on the workstation. Communications between the computer and the computer numerical control are converted into an acceptable protocol for the receiving entity and communicated through a PCI connection. The workstation also is configured for connection to a network for communication with other networked devices.

Abstract: A system combines an open control interface workstation, e.g., a properly configured personal computer, with a networked computer numerical control. The personal computer and CNC are preferably linked to a local area network such as an Ethernet network. The open control interface is configured to utilize Windows DDE, or other protocol, to accomplish process-to-process communications with other DDE-compliant Windows applications. Additionally, the open control interface is designed to allow DDE-compliant Windows applications to communicate with one or more networked computer numerical controls while minimizing data flow over the network.