Abstract: A control system of a numerically controlled machine tool with a software structure, the control system including a program code of a control program specific to a machine tool and a framework that is independent of an application, wherein the framework is implemented in the form of a class library that has a first set of classes that define a functional structure of the control system. A second set of classes derived from the first set of classes of the framework, wherein the second set of classes contain the program code that is specific to the machine tool and that implements application specific functions of at least one of several functional groups associated with a man-machine interface, geometry processing, an interpolator, movement processing and a programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A machine tool control process employs an N.C. and separate software e.g. operating either in a separate processor or within the N.C. Sub-programs generated by the software may be introduced into the N.C. during pauses in the N.C. e.g. for measurement type inspection or re-configuring the paths of cutting tools. The generation of the sub-programs may be carried out while the N.C. is operating.

Abstract: A configurable running level model of a runtime system for the control tasks of an industrial controller for cyclical machines is created in a simple manner, enabling the programming of the machine sequence to take place in a sequential program. The wait_for_condition command in this case enables a user to wait for any desired conditions and respond with higher priority in the program flow. User programs can be additionally loaded into the user levels of the running level model.

Abstract: An input data check control portion, which compares input data with a decimal point check target word (step 64, 65) and, issues a warning when the input data is the decimal point check target word and the numerical value data of the input data is not given a decimal point (step 66), is provided. This structure enables the prevention of input mistakes of coordinate data and the like, which are easily made at the time of manual programming of a machining program for an NC machine tool, and also enables said input mistakes to be easily found.

Abstract: An automatic programming apparatus 1 comprises: a tool path data generating section 12 which generates movement path data for a semifinishing tool by analyzing an NC program; a work shape data generating section 16 which computes areas over which blank is to be machined on the basis of the movement path data, and which generates shape data of a semifinished workpiece by deleting the machined areas from the shape of the blank and also generates attribute data indicating that the faces newly generated by the deletion processing are machined faces; a CL data generating section 20 which generates CL data by setting the edges of the machined faces as machining portions on the basis of the shape data of the semifinished workpiece and attribute data; and an NC program generating section 23 which converts the CL data into the NC program for performing the chamfering.

Abstract: A computerized method for determining a tilt parameter of a cutting head of a fluid-jet apparatus. The method includes receiving a target-piece shape, describing an ordered path defining the target-piece shape, and segmenting the path into small straight lines of approximately equal length. The method further includes determining a cutting-head translation speed for each of the small straight lines, determining a tilt parameter of the cutting head with respect to the plane of the workpiece in response to the speed and a fluid jet-shape parameter for each of the small straight lines, storing the small straight lines and the determined tilt parameter associated with each small straight line in a memory, and sending the stored data to the fluid-jet apparatus. The method may include controlling the tilt of the cutting head in accordance with the tilt parameter for each small straight line as the cutting head cuts the workpiece.

Abstract: An executing apparatus for executing a motion program which contains both a motion instruction for controlling operation of a machine, and an instruction for controlling input/output with respect to an external appliance. The apparatus comprises a motion executing unit, an IO executing unit and an event managing unit. The motion executing unit contains an object memory for registering the motion instruction. An event registers an execution condition of the motion instruction. An action memory registers an execution command of the motion instruction. The IO executing unit contains an object memory for registering an output instruction used to control an output signal supplied to the external appliance. An event memory registers a condition of an input signal state supplied from the external appliance. An action memory executes the output instruction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a numerically controlled machine tool and a program transforming method therefor where a NC program is transformed into an optimum program even by a non-expert programmer. Particularly, the present invention provides a method for optimizing a NC program for operating a numerically controlled machine tool, comprising: making the NC program to be loaded into the numerically controlled machine tool; designating a portion of the NC program to be determined whether it is transformable and/or a portion of the NC program to be determined whether a command position is changeable; storing the NC program in a memory; determining whether the designated portion is transformable and/or whether the designated command position is changeable; and transforming the designated portion and/or changing the designated command position, and making an operating program file for the numerically controlled machine tool.

Abstract: A programming device with a software tool provided to create a control program based on a control problem to be solved, e.g., controlling a technical process. A user is given information on software blocks (A-G) that are stored in the programming device (1) and/or in an automation device (4). In particular, the software blocks are configured for the programming device to recognize those software blocks that are stored in the programming device (1) and those that are stored in the automation device (4). The programming device, by performing a comparison, displays the comparison result for a user of the programming device.

Abstract: In a process for determining when tolerances are exceeded during generation of NC parts programs, the defined CAD geometry is converted into an equivalent grid, preferably a triangular grid. A surface corresponding to the NC parts programs in form of a triangular grid is generated after conversion of the CAD geometry. The parts program takes into consideration the geometric attributes of the milling tool (diameter, shape, etc.). After two triangular grids have been generated from the starting data, i.e. the CAD geometry and the NC parts program, the distance between the two grids can be calculated and visualized.

Abstract: A turning data generation unit and a drilling data generation unit generate machining data corresponding to machining forms generated by a machining form generation unit in consideration of the machining forms, and a machining program is generated to remove a machining form from a material form based on the machining data.

Abstract: A programmable controller comprises a speed pattern generator(12) including speed pattern generator units (12a-12n) that respond to input quantities of the amount of movement, speed, acceleration time and deceleration time by calculating a desired speed pattern for output to a servomotor (17). A desired speed pattern is generated by simultaneously operating any of the speed pattern generator units (12a-12n) of the speed pattern generator (12). The speed pattern provided by the speed pattern generator (12) is output to a console (14), on which the user can process the speed pattern freely.

Abstract: A project organization and dissemination system for a machine programming and control system includes a project development environment that communicates with a distributed communications system. The project development environment includes project tools for designing project elements. The project tools include a control logic module that generates and edits flowchart project elements that include flowchart blocks and contain control logic for operating a device to further a process. A project archival system communicates with the distributed communications system and stores the project elements. A web enabled device communicates with the distributed communications system and allows remote access to the project elements. Other project elements include human machine interface (HMI), databases, network layout, electrical and electromechanical devices, spatial arrangement, process logic and flow, and/or facility layout and design.

Abstract: A DNC system, method and computer-program product that utilize a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, to transfer numerical control (NC) programs to thereby control machine tool controllers is provided. The DNC system consists of at least one central processing element that includes at least one numerical NC program, and a workstation connected to the central processing elements via the WAN for selecting desired NC programs. Additionally, the system includes at least one machine tool controller for receiving the selected NC programs across the WAN from the central processing elements. Based upon the selected NC programs, the machine tool controllers can control the at least one machine tool during a manufacturing process. The system can further include at least one server processing element connected to the central processing elements via the WAN, and electrically connected to the machine tool controllers.

Abstract: A process for programming an automation application program on an automation equipment programming station, including defining several structured type objects each representing an input-output channel of automation equipment, declaring symbolic input-output variables of the program as an instance of a previously defined structured type object, a configuring symbolic input-output variables comprising a definition of the physical location of inputs-outputs of the automation equipment, automatically interpreting the program to execute it on the automation equipment, comprising replacing symbolic variables in the program with the complete topological address of corresponding input-output information.

Abstract: A machine tool control process employs an N.C. and separate software e.g. operating either in a separate processor or within the N.C. Sub-programs generated by the software may be introduced into the N.C. during pauses in the N.C. e.g. for measurement type inspection or re-configuring the paths of cutting tools. The generation of the sub-programs may be carried out whilst the N.C. is operating.

Abstract: A curve interpolation method capable of obtaining a curve approximating an original curve based on a sequence of command points within a tolerance set for the original curve, and performing interpolation on the obtained curve. Points Q1, . . . , Q2n are interpolated between respective two adjacent command points (P0, P1), (P1, P2), . . . , (Pn−1, Pn) as shape-defining points. The shape-defining points are positioned within a tolerance width 2w set to the original curve. One shape-defining point and shape-defining points surrounding the one shape-defining point are successively selected and an approximate curve for the selected shape-defining points is successively created. The one shape-defining point is moved towards the approximate curve to determine a modified shape-defining point for the one shape-defining point. A smooth curve passing a sequence of the modified shape-defining points is created and interpolation for machining is performed on the created curve.

Abstract: Control programs for machine tools and industrial machines include programs that control axis motion, and programs, that periodically execute machine sequence control. Both the axis motion control programs and the sequence programs are coded in an NC program format. The controller analyzes the sequence programs created in NC program format, converts them into executable form, and executes the executable-form programs periodically from when power to the machine is turned on until the power is shut down.

Abstract: A method and apparatus able to quickly and accurately automatically produce machining programs for complicated shapes of products without being affected by the level of knowledge or experience of the operator. A cutting-condition determination processing unit (20) of an automatic programming apparatus (10) specifies required standard cutting condition data from the type of material and the types of processes designated by an input unit (12) in a cutting condition data table (24) stored in a storage unit (18), specifies the tool data corresponding to the types of tools designated by the input unit in the tool data table (26) stored in the storage unit, and determines the cutting conditions relating to the type of material and the tools from the standard cutting condition data and the tool data.

Abstract: A wire winding machine includes two mandrels for winding wire alternately thereon. A traverse positions wire axially along each mandrel, and moves in an arcuate path to position wire adjacent one or the other mandrel. A single transfer arm transfers wire from a wound to an unwound mandrel by extending a wire guide adjacent the wound mandrel, retracting the wire guide to engage the wire, rotating to position the wire adjacent the wound mandrel, and extending to guide the wire into a clamping and cutting mechanism. The mechanism clamps and cuts the wire in response to the mandrel end cap being placed into position. The wire winding machine includes a portable operator console, and a network interface. A wire tension control unit includes a radiated signal source and detector to detect movement of a moveable pulley assembly relative to a fixed pulley assembly to control the supply of wire.

Abstract: A method for automatically generating a part program for us in a STEP-NC (STEP-Compliant Data Interface for Numerical Controls) controller in a SFP (shop-floor programming) system based on an ISO 14649 data model is provided. First, geometric kernel data is generated by interpreting a STEP physical file or an ISO 14649 part program. Then, manufacturing features are recognized from the geometric kernel data and a process plan according to the ISO 14649 is established. Thereafter, the process plan is edited and an ISO 14649 part program is generated. Subsequently, a tool path is created based on manufacturing feature information specified in the ISO 14649 part program and the produced tool path is verified in a CNC (computer-based numerical control) apparatus. By including functions of a CAD/CAPP/CAM system, the present invention makes it possible to readily generate a part program for use in the STEP-NC on the CNC controller.

Abstract: A method for programming axial movements and events for industrial controllers is disclosed. A user may use an input device to enter axial movements and events into an electronic computer system, and thereafter generate controller language or code. The language or code may be used to operate the controller.

Abstract: A plurality of fixed form programs used to create a processing program are stored. The fixed form programs include undefined data portions respectively. One fixed form program is selected, and data is key-inputted to the undefined data portion included in the fixed form program. Consequently, the processing program using the fixed form program to be used for a numerical control device is created.

Abstract: An interface tool is provided for a user to interface with a CAD/CAM software package, such as Pro/ENGINEER (tm) which is resident on the client computer or on a second server computer. The interface tool is resident on the client computer. Parameters are input by the user onto web pages, and then are transferred to Pro/ENGINEER by the interface tool. Pro/ENGINEER outputs drawings, 3-D models and machining codes by using the information that was transferred from the interface tool. The user can create or modify, and verify from various aspects, models of machineable process tooling such as “preformers”. Pro/ENGINEER can then create appropriate toolpaths and output the machining code for CNC (computerized numeric control) machines.

Abstract: Command path and command speed within a predetermined range are read. The predetermined range is time required for the object to move between two points on the command path. Speed command for each time is temporarily generated based on the read command path and the command speed. Frequency component that corresponds to mechanical vibration due to movement of the object and that is included in a speed command for the each time is calculated. Speed at which the frequency component becomes equal to or smaller than a preset reference value is determined as the permissible speed. Moving speed of the object is controlled so as not to exceed the calculated permissible speed.

Abstract: A machine, functioning as a unit, is composed of a main module and at least one replacable module having an ID. The main module includes (i) an ID recognition unit programmed to receive ID information from each replacable module, and (ii) an action decision unit including a decision algorithm programmed to select an action based on preselected signals. The decision algorithm is adjusted based on the ID information. The at least one replacable module includes (iii) an ID information unit storing ID information identifying the at least one replaceable module, and (iv) an action actuation unit including an action algorithm programmed to actuate the at least one replaceable module based on signals from the action decision unit; wherein the main module and the at least one replaceable module are communicated via an interface. The decision algorithm provided in the main module is adjusted based on the ID information, so that proper control can always be accomplished adaptively to the used replacable module.

Abstract: The invention includes: a numerical controller for controlling a servo amplifier in accordance with a given motion command; a memory for storing as variables motion command data such as speeds and positions; a motion API which is called by an application program on a personal computer and which gives a motion command via a bus such as a PCI bus to the numerical controller; and means for indirectly specifying the address of a variable of motion command data present in the memory by way of the motion API.

Abstract: In a car development system, a control specification development computer transmits Excel-format matching data of a car manufacturer to an XML database computer of an ECU supplier. The XML database computer converts the Excel-format data to XML-format data, and stores the data into an XML database. A software development computer of the ECU supplier requests text-format matching data, and the XML database computer extracts the matching data from the XML database, converts the data to text-format data and then transmits the data to the software development computer. A matching computer of the car manufacturer can likewise store ASAP2-format data into the XML database computer or extract the data from the XML database computer.

Abstract: A numerical controller capable of quickly sending/receiving data of a machining program to/from a storage device or medium and quickly editing the data of the machining program. The machining program is divided into a plurality of program blocks and additional information is added to each of the program blocks to be associated therewith to form input/output units. The additional information includes front and rear link data designating input/output units immediately preceding and following each input/output unit, respectively, in a sequence of the machining program, and data of an effective character length of the program block. In executing the machining program while reading the machining program stored in the storage device or medium, the input/output units are successively read and executed according to the front/rear link data.

Abstract: In NC data creating device and method, a data input portion separates part data of a part to be mounted and mount coordinate data indicating the mount position of the part from design information of a board input and stores the production time of the board input, a feeding means characteristic management portion creates and manages feeding means characteristic data indicating the relationship between the part and the part feeding means on the basis of the part data, a recognizing method management portion creates and manages recognizing method data indicating the relationship between the part and a method of recognizing the part on the basis of the part data, a mount time management portion creates and manages the mount time data indicating the mount time required for mounting onto the board every part type on the basis of the part data, and numerical control data creating means creates numerical control data on the basis of the data of each storage portion and each management portion.

Abstract: A robot controller capable of minimizing an increase in the tact time during work, reducing changes in joint axes of the robot, thereby providing the structure with long mechanical life. The robot controller i) stores a plurality of movement data formed of amount and time for movement; ii) checks whether a movement of a robot has acceleration exceeding a predetermined level by calculation on the basis of the stored movement data; iii) increases the time for movement of the corresponding movement data, the preceding and following data to the movement data, if the calculation indicates over-acceleration; and iv) controls the robot according to the time-increased movement data.

Abstract: A machining program of a machine includes a number of machining modes, and a number of other or different machining modes, to be selected by users and to be conducted by the machine to work on work pieces at any time without stopping the machine. The machining modes may be shown in a screen and to be easily selected by the users, and may be the multi-slot or single slot modes, or the surface modes, and may be pre-programmed, for allowing the users to easily select and change to conduct the required machining modes without writing further programs while working the work pieces.

Abstract: The automatic machine application program development system has a tool area in which a new component as an element for describing a program as a flowchart is installed, and a drawing area in which a flowchart is created using this new component. The new component includes at least one of a parallel execution component and a parallel execution waiting component being in pair with this parallel execution component, an interruption component, and a subroutine component in which a subroutine program can be described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a maintenance system, which centrally performs a management operation on the life expectancies of expendable components of machine tools (21) provided in a plant for systematic maintenance of the machine tools (21). The maintenance system comprises a plurality of machine tools (21) and a management unit (20) connected to the machine tools (21). The management unit (20) comprises: a life expectancy determining section (92) for determining the degrees of wear of driver mechanisms on the basis of data indicative of the operating conditions of the driver mechanisms received from a controller (80) provided in each of the machine tools (21); a data storage section (91) for storing data indicative of the wear degrees determined by the life expectancy determining section (92), and an output section (93, 95) for outputting information on the wear degrees stored in the data storage section (91).

Abstract: A program controlled machine wherein signals produced in response to execution of programs control operation of machine devices includes a control for storage, retrieval and presentation of audio/video information. The control includes devices for presentation of audio/video information and stored programs including programs for enabling storage of audio/video information files while the machine is in a manual mode of operation and programs for controlling the presentation by the audio/video presentation devices of selected audio/video information from the stored files. The control provides facilities for recording audio/video information and for manually controlled presentation of audio/video information as well as for automatic presentation of audio/video information in response to detection of occurrence of a particular event.

Abstract: A machining program for a NC machine tool including a NURBS interpolation command is input as a source file, the input machining program is sequentially analyzed in such a way that the portions other than the NURBS interpolation command portion are left as they are, and the NURBS interpolation command portion is converted into a minuscule line segment interpolation command, a spline interpolation command or a NURBS interpolation command of a differently presented specification by the conversion unit. In accordance with the conversion mode selectively set by a conversion mode setting unit, the portions other than the NURBS interpolation command portion are left as they are, while the NURBS interpolation command portion is converted into a minuscule line segment interpolation command, a spline interpolation command or a NURBS interpolation command of a differently presented specification thereby to generate destination file.

Abstract: A machining program is read in and interpreted and a determination is made as to whether the amount of movement called for by a block of commands is larger or smaller than a minimum amount of movement that is established by a feed speed and a one sampling period of a numerical control apparatus. If the amount of movement called for is greater than the minimum amount of movement, feed control is performed in accordance with the current block. If the amount of movement called for by the current block of commands is smaller than the minimum movement amount, an immediate subsequent block of commands is concatenated with the current block, and this concatenation of command blocks is continued until a synthesized block calling for an amount of movement greater than the minimum amount of movement is obtained, this synthesized block then being used to perform feed control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system of a CNC machine tool with cyclically recurring sequences. The control system has a data input and visualization unit, a machine check unit and a NC control unit with at least one stored NC program for generating movement sequences for the CNC machine. Functional data which are required for the machining of a specific work piece and which have been fed into the data input and visualization unit or selected in the unit are conveyed from the data input and visualization to the NC control unit. The machine check unit calls up function modules of the NC control program according to selected control data and by means of control codes, said function modules representing part programs, and proceeds from one function module to the next independently of its hierarchical position in the tree structure. In so doing, the machine check unit deactivates the hold commands in each function module by means of the control codes.

Abstract: In a device and a method for generating and/or editing NC programs, where in a programming mode, input fields for machining data and selection lists belonging to the input fields and including permissible machining data are displayed on a display unit. In a configuration mode, the contents of a selection list for an input field is configured via an assigned configuration datum, the configuration datum including at least one executable selection instruction. In the programming mode, the selection instruction is executed such that the result is the selection list is filled with the selected data, and the configured selection list is displayed on the display unit, in that, via the selection instruction, a selective access is made to at least one database having available machining data.

Abstract: An method for creating an image on a photosensitive material with enhanced inside corner resolution using a raster scan exposure system. The photosensitive material may comprise a layer of an unexposed photomask. An energy beam scan is extended by one or more addressable locations beyond the boundaries of the desire pattern at inside corner locations in both X and Y axes. Thus, the image formed in the photosensitive material and, in turn, the attenuator material more accurately reflects the desired image as defined in a data file.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a number of machining processes on a machine tool with the help of a control device (20) that controls at least one tool for performing said number of machining processes under the direction of a control program, whereby the control program is created using a description of the tools required for performing the machining processes, and whereby the data for describing the tool are hereby divided in memories (24, 25) of the control device (20) into: (a) abstract tool data for describing a standard tool (V1, V2), and (b) specific tool data for correcting and/or adapting the abstract tool data to the actually used tool (R1, R2) or to machine-specific characteristics, whereby the tool description in the control program is obtained by linking the abstract tool data with the specific tool data.

Abstract: A machine programming and control system includes a computer including a processor, memory, a display and a device associated with a process. A flowcharting module executed by the computer generates and edits a flowchart that contains action and decision blocks which define logic for operating the device to further the process. The flowcharting module allows active description objects to be added to the flowchart. The active description objects provide information relating documentation of the process, maintenance of said device, control variables and the flowchart.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus that generates an NC program efficiently by using programming base data for a previously similar machined products. The apparatus comprises: a historical data storing section 16 for prestoring programming base data which is base data for NC program generation and comprises machining element data including configuration data concerning a workpiece and a product and process data concerning the kind of machining, and tool-related data concerning a tool and machining conditions; a machining element data generating section 13 for generating the machining element data for the product to be machined, based on three-dimensional shape data for the product to be machined and the workpiece; and a searching section 15 for searching in the historical data storing section 16 on the basis of the generated machining element data, and for extracting programming base data for a product similar to the product to be machined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus able to quickly and accurately automatically produce machining programs for complicated shapes of products without being affected by the level of knowledge or experience of the operator. A cutting-condition determination processing unit (20) of an automatic programming apparatus (10) specifies required standard cutting condition data from the type of material and the types of processes designated by an input unit (12) in a cutting condition data table (24) stored in a storage unit (18), specifies the tool data corresponding to the types of tools designated by the input unit in the tool data table (26) stored in the storage unit, and determines the cutting conditions relating to the type of material and the tools from the standard cutting condition data and the tool data.

Abstract: A computer numerical control system for controlling and monitoring machine motion. The CNC system combines a CNC executive and a logic engine for controlling execution of a part program. The logic engine is capable of executing under an operating system of a personal computer. The logic engine is coupled to the CNC executive such that the logic application can be executed in synchronization with the CNC executive.

Abstract: This invention provides an integrated support system for supporting sheet metal machining adapted to store and reuse the know how of skilled machine operators and improve the quality of sheet metal products and the rate of operation of machine tools by shifting the arrangement operation from the actual machining phase to the design phase. An integrated support system for supporting sheet metal machining according to the invention is adapted to collect actual machining information obtained during the actual machining process on the machining site and site-specific attribute information that provide the basis for actual machining data and feed back the collected actual machining information and the site-specific attribute information to a sheet metal machining data storing means containing machining information for controlling the machine tools and machining support information relating to the machining information.

Abstract: In NC data creating device and method, a data input portion separates part data of a part to be mounted and mount coordinate data indicating the mount position of the part from design information of a board input and stores the production time of the board input, a feeding means characteristic management portion creates and manages feeding means characteristic data indicating the relationship between the part and the part feeding means on the basis of the part data, a recognizing method management portion creates and manages recognizing method data indicating the relationship between the part and a method of recognizing the part on the basis of the part data, a mount time management portion creates and manages the mount time data indicating the mount time required for mounting onto the board every part type on the basis of the part data, and numerical control data creating means creates numerical control data on the basis of the data of each storage portion and each management portion.

Abstract: A networked system combines multiple workstations, storage devices and file handlers with multiple computer numerical controls. Typically, each workstation comprises a personal computer with a Windows-based operating system utilizing a standard process-to-process communication protocol, such as Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE). This type of system allows a wide variety of M-to-N topologies in CNC environments. Further, the use of a file management system, according to the present invention, allows the activation and execution of part program operations at a computer numerical control on files accessed through standard open networks.

Abstract: The parameterization information needed in a universal motion controller UMC (description of system variables, alarms, and commands) is generated from a uniform description language via a central converter (U) and distributed to the engineering system (ES1-ES4), run time system (RTS1-RTS4), and output media (AM) for documentation. This ensures the consistency of parameterization data for all system parts. In addition, configuration information (FWK) from technology packets (TP) can be imported into the engineering (ES1-ES4) and run time RTS1-RTS4) systems of the controller.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a computer-aided design (CAD) system for dynamically switching from one CAD platform to another CAD platform. The invention includes building a library of generic CAD functions, each for directing a graphical manipulation process. Each one of the generic CAD functions is based on a platform-specific CAD function, there being a large number of common CAD functions among many different CAD platforms. The invention interprets received function calls and translates the call to a generic function call for invoking a generic CAD function. A processor then executes the generic CAD function, irrespective of the platform used to call the function.