Abstract: 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.

Abstract: There is provided a group management system including one or more manufacturing devices and one or more server devices. Each of the manufacturing devices includes a manufacturing device display unit configured to display information on the specified process, an acquiring unit configured to acquire information of respective parts of each of the manufacturing devices and an acquired information transmitting unit configured to transmit the acquired information to the server devices. Each of the server devices includes a storage unit configured to store the information transmitted from the acquired information transmitting unit, an analysis unit configured to analyze the stored information and a server device display unit configured to display the stored information and the analyzed information. Each of the manufacturing devices further includes a remote operation function unit configured to directly operate the server device display unit from the manufacturing device display unit.

Abstract: A cut optimization system controls chatter in a machine tool during a cutting operation. A microphone is configured to capture acoustic noise emitted by the machine tool during the cutting operation and to generate an AC signal corresponding to the captured acoustic noise. A filter is configured to attenuate frequencies of the AC signal outside of a frequency band and a rectifier is configured to rectify the filtered AC signal into a DC component. A controller is configured to compare the DC component with a threshold value and, if the DC component is greater than the threshold, cyclically vary the rotational speed of a spindle in the machine tool from a commanded speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool path forming method in a milling processing system, the method including: (A) a shape offset step; (B) a virtual wall forming step; (C) an interference region forming and shape revising step; (D) a closed shape forming step; (E) a cutting surface forming step; (F) tool path forming steps; (G) an unprocessed region detecting step; and (H) an uncut region tool path forming step.

Abstract: A waveform display device displaying by a waveform a time series of physical quantity data in a machine tool having a servo motor controlled by a numerical control device, the waveform display device including: a time series data acquisition part acquiring the time series of physical quantity data; a search condition setting part setting a search condition of the physical quantity data; a data search part searching for physical quantity data satisfying the search condition set from the acquired physical quantity data; and a search result display part extracting a time series of physical quantity data in a predetermined range including the searched physical quantity data or other physical quantity data corresponding to the searched physical quantity data from the acquired physical quantity data, and displaying the extracted time series of physical quantity data by a waveform.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a generalized kinematics library which may be used to control the motion of a machine tool system and to process data for other applications, such as simulation graphics. Methods are disclosed to interpolate the movement of various axes of a machine tool system through a machine singularity point.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a manufacturing process is optimized by enabling a user to specify a product to be manufactured, enabling the user to specify a manufacturing system for manufacturing the product, enabling the user to select parameters for the product and the manufacturing system, and automatically calculating manufacturing metrics for the manufacturing process based upon the user-specified models and user selections.

Abstract: A method is provided for specifying the parameters of control curves of equipment for controlling the environmental conditions of climate-controlled enclosed spaces, including the step of specifying at least one control curve for the equipment, which is formed by a sequence of pairs of values introduced in succession. Each pair identifying the value of a predetermined parameter in a corresponding instant of time, the curve, indicating the desired variation of the parameter in time, is used for reproducing the variation of the parameter in time in said space according to the specified curve. The method also includes preliminary plotting of the shape of a curve in a graphic system of Cartesian axes. The curve represents a previously selected variation of the predetermined parameter as a function of time.

Abstract: A method of controlling a machine tool and other controlled devices, as well as a programmable numerical control (PNC) system, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method of controlling includes receiving a first part program at a programmable logic controller (PLC), and storing the first part program in a string array library of a memory portion of the PLC. The method further includes communicating information between the PLC and an operator interface regarding the first part program, and providing a first signal from the PLC to a first port so as to cause the first machine tool to be operated in accordance with the first part program. Also, in at least some embodiments, the PNC system allows for control of multiple machine tools and/or other controlled devices, by way of one or more part programs, and/or for editing of a part program while that program is being executed.

Abstract: A tip-based computer controlled system for a dental delivery device is disclosed. The system automatically controls an operating characteristic such as power control or fluid flow based on tip identification and history. The operating characteristic may also be controlled in response to particular conditions throughout the dental procedure, such as (but not limited to) temperature, dental hygiene material, fluid type, etc. The system may provide an alert or shut off if unsafe conditions occur and/or error circumstances are detected. An operator interface is provided to configure the system and augment/override an executing control algorithm during a procedure. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: A controller for a machine tool has a program storage section in which an NC program is stored, a program analyzing section analyzing the NC program block by block in sequence and extracts operation commands for a feed mechanism, an execution control section executing the extracted operation commands and thereby controlling the feed mechanism, e program editing section changing the NC program, and a change information storage section in which change information relating to the changed portion of the NC program is stored. The execution control section, when executing the operation commands, checks whether the block of each operation command is the block immediately preceding a block relating to the changed portion, and when judging that it is the immediately preceding block, temporarily stops the operation of the feed mechanism before or after the execution of the operation command.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for evaluating quality control data of a product manufactured by a partially automated manufacturing process. In the method, a database is generated which includes design specifications for the product. Manufacturing data generated from inspection of the product at each stage of the partially automated process is then received. The manufacturing data is then compared with the design specifications to determine whether the manufacturing data meets the design specifications. In one embodiment, the product is an induction coil used in electric motors.

Abstract: Developable surfaces are generated by interactively evolving curves on a 2D surface embedded in 3D space using an iterative process to produce a model for the construction of a stylized three dimensional sculpture. Each iteration includes tessellating loops formed by the curves on the surface and unfolding the resulting tessellated strips onto a 2D plane. Collisions between the unfolded tessellated strips in 2D and between the loops in 3D are resolved, and the rendered evolved curve in 3D and tessellated strips in 2D are displayed simultaneously during the evolution. A graphical user interface allows the curve network, tessellated strips, and curve evolution parameters to be modified by a user. 2D textures may be mapped to the unfolded tessellated strips, and a set of tool paths may be output for cutting a 2D material.

Abstract: A gesture detection device detects a gesture of a user, which is a movement which is carried out by a hand or by both hands of the user on an existing example of the work piece, or on an image of an existing example of the work piece. An identification device identifies the gesture as a predefined gesture, which represents a symbol. A selection device selects a measurement result in dependence on the identified gesture. The measurement result can then be displayed or marked.

Abstract: A self-service, fully-automatic kiosk for duplicating keys includes a kiosk housing having a customer interface for receiving payment from a customer for the purchase of at least one duplicate of the customer's key. A key analysis system within the housing analyzes the blade of a key inserted in the key-receiving entry to determine whether the inserted key matches one of a group of preselected key types and, if so, which preselected key type is matched. A key blank extraction system extracts from a magazine within the kiosk a key blank for the preselected key type matched by the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry. Then a key duplicating system within the kiosk replicates the tooth pattern of the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry, on the blade of the extracted key blank. The kiosk includes a processor coupled to sensors and controllable devices within the kiosk and to a communications port for communicating with a remote central server.

Abstract: A coordinate positioning apparatus including: a coordinate positioning machine having a measuring probe for interacting with an artefact to obtain measurement data regarding the artefact. The measuring probe and artefact are moveable relative to each other in at least one machine degree of freedom. The apparatus further includes a hand-held device, moveable in free-space in a plurality of device degrees of freedom, for controlling movement of the measurement probe relative to the artefact. The hand-held device includes at least one motion sensor for sensing movement of the hand-held device in free-space. The apparatus is configured such that the relative movement of the measurement probe and artefact is controlled by said movement of the hand-held device in free-space.

Abstract: A numerical controller for controlling a machine tool includes a display which displays a virtual control panel composed of an operation key for operating a machine and a lamp indicating operating information of a machine. A plurality of components (buttons and lamps) of each virtual control panel are defined. Each virtual control panel composed of the defined components is associated with a command code to be given by an NC program, and whether to display or hide the virtual control panel is set. When an NC program is executed, and a command code is read, a virtual control panel corresponding to the command code is displayed or hidden.

Abstract: A numerical controller has a work supporting control part that supports a work in manufacture or maintenance of a machine tool to be controlled. The work supporting control part has a motor drive command storage part that stores motor drive commands associated with work items. When a work item is selected on a screen, a guidance that describes the content of the work item and a setting item or check item associated with the work item are displayed on the screen. Then, in response to an operation signal output from an operation part, a motor drive command associated with the selected work item is read from the motor drive command storage part and output to a driving control part.

Abstract: It is proposed that an interaction unit which allows a manual interaction is associated with a visualization unit, that a function selection unit which allows an association of a function of a machine tool with this manual interaction is associated with the visualization unit, and that a function data generator unit is provided that generates operating data which correspond to the manual interaction, while taking the associated function into account, and transmits these operating data to a visualization controller in order to represent, on the visualization unit, using visualization elements, the function specified by the manual interaction.

Abstract: To make corrections as effectively as possible according to an environmental temperature of an installation location, an electric discharge machine includes a temperature-displacement measurement unit that measures a transition of a displacement of a reference position and a transition of detected values of temperature sensors, a correction-coefficient calculation unit that calculates correction-coefficient calculated values based on a measurement result of the temperature/displacement measurement unit, a confirmation display unit that displays the measurement result of the temperature/displacement measurement unit and that prompts to input whether to use the correction-coefficient calculated values, and a change-agreement confirmation unit that updates correction-coefficient set values stored in a correction-coefficient set-value storage unit to the correction-coefficient calculated values when an input to an effect of using the correction-coefficient calculated values is received.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recognizing surface characteristics of metallurgical products, especially continuously cast products and rolled products. According to said method, a defined section of the product surface (12, 12?) is irradiated by at least two radiation sources of different wavelengths, from different directions, and the irradiated surface section is optoelectronically detected. Three light sources (21, 22, 23) are oriented towards the product surface (12, 12?), as radiation sources, under the same angle (a), the positions thereof being in three planes (E1, E2, E3) forming a 120 DEG angle and being perpendicular to the product surface (12, 12?). In this way, instructive information about metallurgical products can be determined and stored in a very short space of time such that the products can be determined in a perfectly identified manner for the reprocessing, in terms of the surface quality or surface structure thereof.

Abstract: A method of configuring a dicing device 101, which dices along a cutting line of a workpiece 111 according to a dicing step, is disclosed. Numerical input of a dicing order of the dicing device 101 to dice a workpiece 111 is time-consuming and prone to errors. The disclosed method comprises the step of depicting a graphical user interface 202, which includes a layout 203 of the workpiece 111 that further includes a plurality of cut lines relating to respective cutting lines along the workpiece 111. The disclosed method further comprises the step of graphically contacting a cut line from the layout 203 through a user-interface device 201, to allow selection of the cut line before the selected cut line is assigned to the dicing step of the dicing device 101. By providing the plurality of cut lines in the layout 203 that are graphically contactable through the user-interface device 201, the method advantageously allows an easier process of configuring the dicing step of the dicing device 101.

Abstract: A self-service, fully-automatic kiosk for duplicating keys includes a kiosk housing having a customer interface for receiving payment from a customer for the purchase of at least one duplicate of the customer's key. A key analysis system within the housing analyzes the blade of a key inserted in the key-receiving entry to determine whether the inserted key matches one of a group of preselected key types and, if so, which preselected key type is matched. A key blank extraction system extracts from a magazine within the kiosk a key blank for the preselected key type matched by the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry. Then a key duplicating system within the kiosk replicates the tooth pattern of the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry, on the blade of the extracted key blank.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems for steering machine tools and in particular to systems that display information to an operator of the machine tool. Such a system comprises a manually controlled cutting tool. The system receives data that defines a model of a desired cut to be made on a workpiece by the cutting tool. The system receives further data related to the current position of the cutting tool in, at least, two dimensions. A processor generates from the received data a display. The display shows the desired cut to be made and a cutting tool icon at the current position of the cutting tool relative to the desired cut. The display also shows an indication of the current error between either the current position, or direction of travel, of the cutting tool and the desired cut. An operator does not need to look at the workpiece, a drawing and the Digital Read Out simultaneously as with existing systems.

Abstract: Gauge system, including methods and apparatus, for positioning workpieces according to entered and/or calculated target dimensions and processing the workpieces with a tool to generate products having the target dimensions.

Abstract: There is provided a control apparatus for controlling a device having a movable unit movable by a plurality of drive shafts. The control apparatus includes: target trajectory generation means for generating a target trajectory for a movement section defined by a start point and an end point; remaining distance estimation means for estimating a remaining distance along the target trajectory from a current position to the end point; acceleration calculation means for calculating an acceleration involved in varying a current movement velocity of the movable unit to a target velocity corresponding to a movement velocity to be satisfied by the movable unit at the end point of the target trajectory, such that a distance that the movable unit will have traveled substantially matches the remaining distance; and movement velocity updating means for calculating a new target movement velocity value by correcting the current movement velocity with the acceleration calculated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing machine tools are provided. When a current abnormality occurs in one of at least one machine tool, a specific failure category is determined according to the current abnormality, and at least one suggested combination of parameters is generated according to the specific failure category and a transaction database, wherein the specific failure category is one of a plurality of predefined failure categories, and each suggested combination of parameters includes a plurality of associated parameters, which are commonly retrieved for the specific failure category. Each transaction data in the transaction database records a plurality of parameters corresponding to a failure category, wherein the parameters are the parameters whose parameter values are retrieved from the at least one machine tool, having the abnormality according to the failure category.

Abstract: Computer-enabled methods and devices allow for the ready set-up for machine instruction generation by addressing various combinations of machining patterns and tool axis orientations via the selection or designation of a machining pattern and the selection or designation of a tool axis orientation via exemplary separate menus of a user interface.

Abstract: A CNC machine, or CNC machining centre, for the automated and computer-controlled production or machining of components. The CNC machine does not have any operator module attached to it, or any operator module connected to it, that remains permanently connected to the CNC machine during the operation of the CNC machine.

Abstract: A numerical control apparatus provides for manual shift operation involving feed shafts of a machine tool in terms of a work coordinate system easily and readily understood by an operator. The numerical control apparatus includes a manual shift amount input unit for receiving an amount of manual shift involving linear feed shafts as operator-input data in terms of a work coordinate system defined on the work revolved or rotated by a rotary feed shaft. The numerical control apparatus further includes a manual shift amount cumulative storage for cumulatively storing the received amount of manual shift in terms of a work coordinate system. Also included is a cumulative shift amount coordinate converter for converting the cumulative amount of shift from the work coordinate system data to data in terms of machine coordinate system defined on the machine tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for tuning control parameters are disclosed. The apparatus includes a parameter database, a user interface, a processing unit and a control unit. The parameter database stores several control parameter sets, which are classified into several data groups respectively corresponding to several total machining points. The user interface is for selecting one of the total machining points, and distributing the selected total machining point to at least one machining item to generate distribution data of points. The user interface is further for inputting embryo data. The processing unit selects one of the control parameter sets corresponding to the distribution data of points and the embryo data from the parameter database. The control unit controls a machine tool according to the corresponding one of the control parameter sets.

Abstract: A method includes opening an access member of a sensing assembly to access programming features of the sensing assembly. Operating instructions for the sensing assembly are selected, and then a teaching actuator is actuated. The method further includes indicating the teaching actuator has been actuated, such as by visually indicating with an LED, and ceasing the indication. The method further includes implementing the operating instructions if the teaching actuator is released within a predetermined time period from cessation of the indication.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and appropriate devices for safely, unequivocally and exclusively, temporarily assigning the command authority of an operator (1) to a controllable technical system (60) using a mobile control device (2) which is technically suitable for periodically controlling a plurality of controllable technical systems (60), which is equipped as standard with safety switch elements (38, 39) such as an emergency stop switch, ok key and operating mode selection switches and for a data coupling with the controllable technical system (60) in spite of having only normal transmission means (6) or network technologies without any particular features specific to safety function.

Abstract: A method and a device for operating a machine tool are disclosed, wherein a machining operation of the machine tool is controlled by a parts program by storing a simulated configuration of the machine tool in the parts program, determining an actual configuration of the machine tool, comparing the actual configuration with the simulated configuration of the machine tool stored in the parts program, and generating a warning message if the actual configuration is not in conformance with the simulated configuration. This prevents errors in the machining process resulting from a discrepancy between the configuration of the machine tool used in the simulation of the parts program and the configuration of the actual machine tool during the actual machining operation.

Abstract: Continuous change of state directions are graphically provided on a display screen to assist a user in performing necessary action(s) for transitioning between operating modes in a medical robotic system or performing corrective action. A graphical representation of a target state of an element of the medical robotic system is displayed on a display screen viewable by the user. Current states of the element and indications directing the user to manipulate the element towards the target state are continuously determined and graphical representations of the continuously determined current states and indications are displayed on the display screen along with that of the target state.

Abstract: A device for operating an automated machine for handling, assembling or machining workpieces, comprising: a display apparatus having a screen for displaying a graphic user interface for controlling and/or monitoring machine functions of the machine, an operating apparatus for inputting command-triggering operator actions for controlling functions of the machine and controlling functions of the graphic user interface, and a controller for implementing input command-triggering operator actions into control commands for controlling functions of the machine and/or functions of the graphic user interface. The operating apparatus comprises an apparatus for inputting manual operator actions and an apparatus for inputting contact-free operator actions.

Abstract: A numerically controlled machine tool, and method for control thereof, to display virtual two-dimensional future positions to be adopted by a workpiece and by the machine tool in a pre-set predictive time window. The system and method calculate target coordinate values defining positions of the tool along axes of the machine tool on the basis of a machining program. While machining is in progress, a processor receives the calculated target coordinate values to generate and display image data on the basis of the target coordinate values and of stored mathematical models of the machine, of the workpiece, and of the tool.

Abstract: A computer numerical control (CNC) machine includes a case, a communication plug, a first switch, a number of second switches, and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a first switch control unit to receive a first switch signal from the first switch, a second switch control unit to receive second switch signals from the second switches, a control unit, a command signal converting unit, a pulse signal generating unit, and an operation signal output unit. The control unit receives the first and second switch signals, determines the work mode of the CNC machine according to the first switch signal, and convert the second switch signals to command signals. The command signal converting unit converts the command signals into operation signals. The pulse signal generating unit generates pulse signals. The operation signal output unit outputs the operation signals and the pulse signals to the CNC machine via the communication plug.

Abstract: A method, a computer-readable medium, a software application, and a computer-based apparatus for initially establishing communication with a device on a local area network (LAN) in a substantially automated manner. A broadcast discovery request is transmitted over the network and the network is monitored for responses from devices connected to the network. A responding device is selected and a determination is made as to if a primary IP address of the selected device is within a predetermined subnet. Otherwise, a determination is made as to if a current alternate IP address of the selected device is within the predetermined subnet. Otherwise, a new alternate IP address is generated and may be conditionally assigned to the selected device. One of the primary IP address, the current alternate IP address, or the new alternate IP address is used to connect to the selected device for the purpose of communicating with the selected device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a fastener system. A fastener installation tool may be placed on a surface of an object. An elongate structure may be attached to the fastener installation tool and may have a length. A camera may be associated with the fastener installation tool in which the camera may be configured with a focal length corresponding to the length of the elongate structure. The camera also may be configured to capture an image at least a portion of the fastener system when the elongate structure is placed against the surface of the object on which the fastener system is located. The image of the at least a portion of fastener system may be captured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool path forming method in a milling processing system, the method including: (A) a shape offset step; (B) a virtual wall forming step; (C) an interference region forming and shape revising step; (D) a closed shape forming step; (E) a cutting surface forming step; (F) tool path forming steps; (G) an unprocessed region detecting step; and (H) an uncut region tool path forming step.

Abstract: A tip-based computer controlled system for a dental delivery device is disclosed. The system automatically controls an operating characteristic such as power control or fluid flow based on tip identification and history. The operating characteristic may also be controlled in response to particular conditions throughout the dental procedure, such as (but not limited to) temperature, dental hygiene material, fluid type, etc. The system may provide an alert or shut off if unsafe conditions occur and/or error circumstances are detected. An operator interface is provided to configure the system and augment/override an executing control algorithm during a procedure. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for distributed control of a machining tool (24), in particular a laser machining tool, which comprises a machining area (31) which is surrounded by a protective housing (22) and has at least one area (27, 28) for access to the machining area (31) which is monitored, and comprising a control which is operated by at least one operator panel (21) to start the machining tool (24), wherein the machining tool is controlled by means of one or more multifunction keys (16), and at least one multifunction key (16) is associated with the at least one access area (27, 28), and when the respective multifunction key is pressed, (16) a work step of an operating sequence for the machining tool (24) is actuated which is next in a repetitive sequence of consecutive work steps of the operating sequence.

Abstract: A numerically controlling apparatus is provided in which the automatic operation of a machine tool can be stopped at a desired block and yet at plurality of desired blocks without changing NC programs. In this numerically controlling apparatus, an operator performs a change into the “EDIT” mode with a mode selecting switch on a keyboard 18 and makes the cursor shifted up to the block, at which the automatic operation is desired to be stopped, with the keyboard 18, in the state where the NC program for setting stop points is displayed in the image 20. By pushing the “SET STOP POINT” key 24A provided in the key display area 24, the stop point 25 indicated with a “red circle” is set ahead of the block. When, in the course of the automatic operation of the machine tool, the action due to the command of the block, for which the stop points 25 is set, has been completed, the automatic operation of the machine tool becomes stopped.

Abstract: Automating the process for providing a radiation filter is based on different software programs executed by a computer system. The software programs include customer interface software, tool path generation software and manufacture scheduling software. The customer interface software imports into a database a customer file for the radiation filter, and each of the different software programs set a flag in the database upon completion of their task. Tracking software tracks progress on manufacture of the radiation filter based on the different corresponding flags set in the database. The customer file is provided by a customer, and the customer remotely accesses the database to view progress on the manufacture of the radiation filter.

Abstract: In a machine tool which includes a rotary shaft configured to allow a tool or a workpiece to be attached thereto, a driving unit for causing the rotary shaft to rotate is regulated to change a rotation speed of the rotary shaft in such a manner that the rotation speed oscillates with a given amplitude and a given period with respect to a given mean rotation speed, so that chatter vibrations can be suppressed. A parameter display control unit configured to cause a display device to display parameter information related to predetermined parameters for changing at least one of the mean rotation speed, the amplitude and the period is provided so that the parameters can be changed based upon the parameter information displayed in the display device.

Abstract: Automating the process for providing a radiation filter is based on different software programs executed by a computer system. The software programs include customer interface software, tool path generation software and manufacture scheduling software. Each software program performs a specific function for automating the process. The manufacture scheduling software determines available tooling machines to manufacture the radiation filter based on the generated tool path from a plurality of tooling machines, and selects one of the available tooling machines based on availability for manufacture of the radiation filter. The manufactured radiation filter is shipped, and the customer is then invoiced for the order.

Abstract: A machining-related data processing system has a configuration in which a controller for machine tool comprising an NC device and an assisting device is connected to a data processing device via a telecommunication line.

Abstract: A guidance system of an industrial process captures process parameter data that is correlated with a human-machine interface (HMI) in order to learn how an experienced operator selects visualizations of key performance indicators (KPI) in order to take a corrective action to address an abnormal or non-optimal performance condition. Such solution learning can be invoked to recognize onset of another similar occurrence and responding by suggesting visualizations utilized by the experienced operator to diagnose the problem. Analytics can further determine which visualizations provided useful information relative to the problem. In addition, the corrective action can be suggested or automatically implemented.

Abstract: A machine tool is controlled using a pointing device coupled to two rotatable hand wheels. The pointing device tracks movement of the two hand wheels and communicates the movement to a control system which controls a moveable element.