Abstract: Method and apparatus to detect a change in a work tool with an engaging portion. A control system senses a change in the relationship between the engaging portion of the work tool and at least one of the work tool and another engaging portion of the work tool. If the change is greater than a predetermined value, the control system produces an error signal.

Abstract: A method and a data network for automatically configuring a parameterizing surface of at least one controller of machine tools or production machines. An actual machine topology is determined via a data network when the machine starts up and compared with stored desired machine topologies. If the actual machine topology differs from the desired machine topology, a corresponding dedicated parameterizing surface is generated from the determined actual machine topology, whereby for parameterizing the controller of the machine only the parameters and/or functions of the identified machine components are indicated to the user. In this way, a dedicated parameterizing surface matching the actual machine configuration can be easily generated.

Abstract: A method and a device for securely switching between operating modes of an industrial controller for machine tools or production machines are described. Before the operating mode is switched, the operator is identified by identification means that transmit to an operator's console of the controller a redundant binary enable signal after a successful identification. The operator is allowed to switch between operating modes by using the keys of the operator's console implemented in safe technology as long as the enable signal is received and is error-free. With the method and the device, the operating modes of an industrial controller for machine tools or production machines can be easily, reliably and cost-effectively switched.

Abstract: A circuit board manufacturing apparatus and a method of operating the same include a protection function for preventing a supervising/adjusting mode to which a limited user only is accessible, from being altered where the mode is left without being logged off. The apparatus and the method include a job mode in which the manipulation is allowed to be performed by general operators who have an authority to operate the apparatus and a supervising/adjusting mode in which the manipulation is not allowed by general operators, but is allowed only to a specified user. In the case that the apparatus is placed in the supervising/adjusting mode, a protection control is executed to automatically terminate the supervising/adjusting mode when a predetermined time period expires to prevent manipulation in that mode from being performed by the general operators.

Abstract: An integrated product data environment for system design and optimization, e.g., a Collaborative Engineering Environment (CEE). The CEE provides a multi-disciplinary engineering team with immediate access to all relevant product information. It is an enterprise system at the program as well as the company levels, managing product information as a program and corporate asset. Product-centric collaborative capabilities for the CEE are provided by extending the functionality of a commercial Product Data Management (PDM) System. Emerging web-centric commercial-off-tho-shelf (COTS) PDM capabilities, object-oriented technologies, associated rapid application development environments, sophisticated engineering toolsets, and COTS computing and communications technologies have been leveraged to establish the CEE for the complex electronic systems integration domain. The CEE offers substantial improvements in productivity, cost savings, cycle time reductions, product integrity and lifetime support of a system.

Abstract: A collaborative engineering environment (CEE) enables the effective capture, management, communication, and exploitation of all product related information to a project team. The systematic employment of this information offers substantial improvements in productivity, cost savings, cycle time reductions, product integrity, and lifetime supportability of the system. Advanced CEE capabilities exploit and leverage the engineering, architectural and technological expertise of enterprise subject matter experts (domain experts) across multiple complex systems development and integration activities. The CEE provides a tightly coupled process automation using reusable product elements for coupling information with engineering processes and ensuring adherence to repeatable and traceable engineering processes.

Abstract: A method is provided for assisting an operator in setting optimized machine parameters of a machine tool. The machine parameters are used for controlling the machining. The method comprises manual selecting priority values for at least two mutually dependent target values representing the machining performance and automatically determining the machine parameters based on the selected priority values. A corresponding operator support system is also provided.

Abstract: A method for generating and visualizing a task-oriented step representation of one or more parts programs in machine tools or production machines is described. A syntax analyzer searches the parts program for key terms, whereafter a task-oriented step representation of the parts program(s) is generated based on the key terms found in the search. The task-oriented step representation can then be visualized to a user. The disclosed method can advantageously be used to visualize and display parts programs of machine tools or production machines, which are available in ASCII code, in form of a step representation or step diagram without necessitating changes in the parts programs.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention concerns a method of manufacturing a window or a door. Different groups of components are defined. These components combine to form a window or door. The components that make up a group are monitored on a viewing screen during movement of those components through a manufacturing or assembly location. Practice of the invention facilitates setting up and identifying standard and custom groups for the Window and Door Industry. These groups include but are not limited to the following items, Glass, IG Units, Muntins, Gas, Frames, Sashes, Windows Lines and Window Styles. Such visual software helps set up a window manufacturing sequence criteria used for processing the various groups. It allows the set up of various multiple sort levels and sort criteria within the Groups.

Abstract: A computer-aided-design (CAD) system design-support program and design methods are provided where a generation command to generate a target shape is extracted from existing CAD data. The generation command is displayed so as to make it possible to arbitrarily select a parameter included in the generation command. An operator is allowed to add a shape command to the selected parameter. Together with the parameter that includes the added shape command, the generation command is stored as a macro program. The macro program is activated and executed by inputting parameters provided with the shape commands, so as to change a target shape into a desired shape. With these arrangements, a CAD system as well as a design-support program and a design method allows more efficient operation of a user.

Abstract: A motion data command system for a motion program having a numerical controller for controlling a servo amplifier in accordance with a given motion command. A memory is provided in the numerical controller for storing as variables motion command data. A motion API called by an application program on a personal computer is provided which gives a motion command via a bus to the numerical controller; and indirectly specifying the address of a variable of motion command data present in the memory by way of said motion API.

Abstract: A numerical control device for compound machine tool has an interactive facility software to enable a working program and various sorts of data to be input in an interactive form. With the interactive facility software, various sorts of data such as a tool compensation amount required for a working operation and a work coordinate system can be read at any time by accessing to a memory storing a lathe turning control software and a milling control software.

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: For facilitating and making more efficient the setting of the operating parameters of a bonding tool that is used to form a wire loop into a desired shape, when an editing handle is dragged, the loop shape of a wire loop line drawing displayed on a display screen is redrawn as a secondary loop line drawing. The values of the operating parameters corresponding to the loop shape of the drawn or redrawn secondary loop line drawing are calculated, and the results are displayed in a parameter list.

Abstract: Functional blocks (a numerical control unit 22, servo control unit 26, PLC control unit 24, sizing control unit 23, sampling control unit 25, and display control unit 21) carry out their respective functions of control processing. Numerical control data, PLC control data, and sizing data as details of numerical control processing, PLC control processing, and sizing processing, respectively, are sampled and recorded by sampling control processing. The three kinds of recorded data are displayed together on one display unit 80 by display control processing when a display instruction is given by an operator of a control system 10 through an input control unit 90. Thus, an operator of the control system 10 can carry out the work of tracing the cause of the trouble of a machine tool 70 and of examining efficient machining processes of the machine tool 70 by simultaneously watching the control data displayed on one display unit 80. This provides a control system of the machine tool that can improve workability.

Abstract: A graphical programming system allows a user to place geometric shapes onto a scaled image, the shape having associated behavior that operates on the image or on the object of which the image is formed. In a preferred embodiment, the shapes are objects in the Visio program by Microsoft Corporation. The shapes are dragged from a stencil onto an image provided by ion beam or electron microscope image. The shape invokes software or hardware to locate and measure features on the image or to perform operations, such as ion beam milling, on the object that is imaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic programming and simulation apparatus which can easily modify an automatically created NC program and start a machining simulation from a modified portion of the NC program. The automatic programming and simulation apparatus comprises: A simulation section (20) adapted to receive a coordinate position linputted on a screen image displayed on the display device (31), to detect process specification related to a pixel corresponding to the inputted coordinate position, to transmit the detected process specification information to an interactive inputting/editing section (11), and to cause the interactive inputting/editing section to perform a data editing operation for a machining process specified by the process specification information received by the interactive inputting/editing section.

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 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 method and system are disclosed for creating programs executable on an industrial controller to control an industrial process. The method includes providing a plurality of templates from at least one library, where each template has at least one respective control variable. The method also includes receiving selections of at least some of the plurality of templates, and identifying at least some of the control variables as replacement fields. The method further includes creating at least one interface mapping to link to the replacement fields, where the first and second templates linked by the interface mapping form at least a portion of a compound template. The method additionally includes instantiating an object using the compound template, where the object forms at least a portion of the control program.

Abstract: In a method for machining a contoured recess, a digital control is used to predetermine elementary surfaces, which are linked in a contouring expression using logical operators to form a resulting surface. Various help types are offered to the user on a graphical user interface of the digital control. The operators are explained using graphic symbols and help text. The resultant surface is represented on the user interface.

Abstract: A drive controller operator interface and serial protocol therefor are provided for controlling electric motors and other electrical devices which are typically powered by inverters that convert input power to control input signals for the motor or other electrical device. The system includes a removable keypad/display unit controller which can serve a number of drives, as well as an improved serial protocol, that includes a provision for data indicating the type of device to which the drive is attached.

Abstract: A method and a device for securely switching between operating modes of an industrial controller for machine tools or production machines are described. Before the operating mode is switched, the operator is identified by identification means that transmit to an operator's console of the controller a redundant binary enable signal after a successful identification. The operator is allowed to switch between operating modes by using the keys of the operator's console implemented in safe technology as long as the enable signal is received and is error-free. With the method and the device, the operating modes of an industrial controller for machine tools or production machines can be easily, reliably and cost-effectively switched.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and system for manufacturing documentation for standardizing product manufacturing in an enterprise. The system creates data records representing work instructions, stores the data records in a database and enables the system's users to search the database for specific data records to view, edit, re-use or copy. The data records include process design data having both a fixed (bit-mapped) graphical component and a modifiable (object-oriented) graphical component, and the system enables one group of users to view the fixed graphical component and another group of users to both view and/or modify the modifiable graphical component. In order to maintain control over edits made to data records, the system maintains a log of additions, changes or deletions made to the data records.

Abstract: A measuring and simulation system for a machine-tool or production machine is described. Measurement results and simulation results are visualized simultaneously side-by-side on a common monitor display screen. A user can then easily set and optimize the control parameters of the machine-tool or production machine by a straightforward comparison between the measurement results and the simulation results.

Abstract: A method for generating and visualizing a task-oriented step representation of one or more parts programs in machine tools or production machines is described. A syntax analyzer searches the parts program for key terms, whereafter a task-oriented step representation of the parts program(s) is generated based on the key terms found in the search. The task-oriented step representation can then be visualized to a user. The disclosed method can advantageously be used to visualize and display parts programs of machine tools or production machines, which are available in ASCII code, in form of a step representation or step diagram without necessitating changes in the parts programs.

Abstract: A method of determining compatibility of user input parameters for use with a laser drilling system includes providing compatibility data characteristic of a plurality of laser drilling operations, receiving input parameters characteristic of a desired laser drilling operation, and comparing the input parameters to the compatibility data, thereby determining whether the input parameters are incompatible.

Abstract: There is provided a serial transmitting section for serially transmitting a command frame 100 which is sent from a host controller 1 to a positioning type servo amplifier 30 and a command follow-up type servo amplifier 50. In the command frame 100, an information section, into which information to be transmitted is inputted, has discrimination data for showing a selection between the positioning type servo amplifier 30 and the command follow-up type servo amplifier 50. In the positioning type servo amplifier 30 and the command follow-up type servo amplifier 50, there is provided information reading section for reading the content of an information section after the discrimination data of the command frame 100 by the discrimination data of the command frame 100.

Abstract: In a wire electric discharge machining apparatus, data on the number of machining shapes and the machining frequency of each of the machining shapes are acquired by analyzing the machining program and acquiring data on the machining starting positions, and those data are stored. Displaying the stored data on a screen is used to check as to whether the number of machining shapes and the machining frequency relating to each machining shape have been programmed correctly or not.

Abstract: To at least one of mark and drill holes in a workpiece spectacle lens, a position of bores of a lens template is scanned, in which the template includes one of a template spectacle lens, a pattern disk and a support disk. The scanning is performed by a scanning arrangement situated in one of a device for coquilles, a device to cut support disks for spectacle frames, and a spectacle lens edging machine. Data is acquired concerning the position of the bores in accordance with the scanning, and is then fed to a computer. The data includes at least one of rectangular and polar coordinates of the position of the bores. At least one of marking and drilling the holes in the workpiece spectacle lens is performed using a Computer-Numeric-Controlled device in accordance with the data concerning the position of the bores.

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: A system and method for inscribing a bullion article, including a first processor having a display terminal and a mouse controller. A drawing program generates and displays a selected font illustration. The processor incorporates a program for rendering a single line art representation of the displayed font, typically through the use of the mouse to retrace a center line of the font. The manual redrawing is then saved as a file in a first format and converted to a second format for subsequent transmission and execution by a numerical controller. A milling tool is instructed by the controller to inscribe, to a selected depth, the surface of the bullion article in single pass fashion. A CNC Mill, sander, polish and polishing cloths, and sealant for treating and finishing the inscribed articles are provided, such articles typically including both minted and milled/inscribed faces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a more convenient machining simulation apparatus for simulating a machining operation in accordance with an NC program. The machining simulation apparatus is adapted to display the configuration of a tool and the configuration of a workpiece on a display device (31) and change the tool configuration and the workpiece configuration on the display device (31) in accordance with the NC program so as to check the movement and machining state of the tool on the display device (31). The apparatus includes a process image data storage section (27) for storing therein pixel data generated at the end of a machining process precedent to the designated machining process from the process image data storage section (27) to display the tool configuration and the workpiece configuration on the display device (31) and successively re-generates pixel data to display the tool configuration and the workpiece configuration on the display device (31).

Abstract: An information transmission system according to the present invention is constructed by connecting a transmission device which transmits information to an NC machine tool 20 via a network 2. The NC machine tool 20 comprises an operating panel 25 including an operation key 22, a keyboard 23, and a screen display section 24, and a control device 29 consisting of an input/output control section 40 which has a display control section 42. The display control section 42 receives information transmitted from the transmission device via the network 2, and display the same on the screen display section 24. Since the received information is automatically displayed on the screen display section 24 of the operating panel 25 being frequently looked at while an operator operates the NC machine tool 20, and that makes it possible to certainly give information to be given to the operator quickly and efficiently.

Abstract: A system and method allows visual programming of simultaneous and synchronous machining operations on multi-axis lathes. The system and method accounts for different combinations of simultaneous and synchronized lathe operations on the spindles which can utilize multiple tools. A graphic synchronization icon is assigned to each mode that preferably represents the lathe operation. Appropriate synchronous operations are grouped together in synchronization groups. The system and method are universal since a postprocessor processes the synchronization modes and synchronization groups, and translates them for use with computer programs understood by a particular CNC lathe.

Abstract: A control unit for a machine tool or a coordinate measuring apparatus includes a control console having at least one operator-controlled element and a display screen. The operator-controlled element and the display screen are connected to a computer of the machine tool or the coordinate measuring apparatus. A converter expands or compresses a display screen signal outputted by the computer so that the entire content of the display screen on the control console is filled out with the display screen content of the computer independently of the image resolution of the display screen signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production control system which ensures easy storage and management of information, and prompt and proper retrieval of necessary information in production sites. The production control system comprises a plurality of terminals provided in production sites and a central processor (5) connected to the terminals via a network (2). The central processor (5) comprises a production control information storage section (7,8,9) which stores information on production control, and a data distributing section (6) for retrieving production control information from the production control information storage section (7,8,9) in response to a request from any of the terminals and transmitting the retrieved production control information to the terminal having requested the information. The production control system can centrally manage the production control information on a paperless basis, and promptly and properly retrieve the necessary production control information.

Abstract: In wire electrical discharge machining, to make it possible to determine the state of rough machining or finishing in various stages, the machining speed, the working voltage, and execution portion information are stored as a set for each movement of a fixed distance in the process of execution of a plurality of times of machining in which rough machining through finish machining are consecutively executed, and are displayed in a two-dimensional graph.

Abstract: An NC data service business is created, by making use of a numerical control (NC) data service provider company PC1 provided with associated devices necessary for NC data preparation such as a CAD system, a CAM system, a dedicated NC post processor, an NC machining simulator and an NC machining unit. An NC data service provider company transmits a home page relating to the data service via a communication line, through a dialog with an NC data service user company via the home page, provides data service relating to the NC data requested by the user company and receives payment of the consideration for the service.

Abstract: The machine controlled by the device comprises a set of cutting tools interchangeable in dependence on the blank to be cut, means adjustable in dependence on the jobs to be performed by each tool, and means for actuating the adjustable means. The control device comprises a memory (1) associated with each cutting tool in order to store the data relating to the characteristics of the tool and of the operations for adjusting the machine (5) in order to use the tool, reading means (2) for reading the data in the said memory, means (3) for displaying a menu relating to the data and control means (4) for generating and transmitting control signals (6, 7, 8) to the actuating means in dependence on the menu.

Abstract: A system for universal guidance and control of automated machines incorporates with an IMU (Initial Measuring Unit) installed at an end effector of a motion element of an automated machine, fast-response feedback control for both position and angle servo-loops (for the end effector) greatly decreases the operational time needed to complete a preplanned trajectory. In addition, the closed-control loop design provides stabilization and isolation of the end effector from external disturbances. This unique navigation solution is based upon the uses of a set of equations performing an open loop computation with the inertial data as its input. This formulation of equations requires a periodic update of the open loop solution in order to bind the growth of system errors. The source of this update is the automated machine position measurement derived from the mechanical sensors in the system.

Abstract: The measurement data fairing method includes: determining an interval in which a geometrical element is to be fitted to measurement data; extracting, from the data, interval measurement data of the fitting interval and robustly fitting the element; removing, on the basis of a result of the robust fitting, outlier from the interval measurement data; computing a statistic of a residual of the interval measurement data after the outlier removing step; and removing, as invalid data, measurement data that exceeds a predetermined limit value of the statistic of the residual from the interval measurement data after the outlier removing step on the basis of the statistic of the residual computed in the computing step.

Abstract: A method and computer program providing for substantially automated CAD/CAM design and manufacture of custom workholding fixtures used to locate and secure workpieces on which work, such as, for example, machining, welding, or assembly, is to be performed, wherein computer models of support structures and locating and clamping devices, including dimensions and mounting geometries associated therewith, facilitate development and testing of a workholding concept, production of fixture drawings, and generation and formatting of a corresponding control program for controlling a CNC or CAM machine for manufacturing the fixture.

Abstract: An information transmission system according to the present invention is constructed by connecting a transmission device which transmits information to an NC machine tool 20 via a network 2. The NC machine tool 20 comprises an operating panel 25 including an operation key 22, a keyboard 23, and a screen display section 24, and a control device 29 consisting of an input/output control section 40 which has a display control section 42. The display control section 42 receives information transmitted from the transmission device via the network 2, and display the same on the screen display section 24. Since the received information is automatically displayed on the screen display section 24 of the operating panel 25 being frequently looked at while an operator operates the NC machine tool 20, and that makes it possible to certainly give information to be given to the operator quickly and efficiently.

Abstract: With respect to two or more NC data points among a group of dots together representing a tool locus, a curvature radius of the tool locus is determined. Then, the NC data point and its succession with other points is displayed in a display color determined according to the magnitude of the curvature radius. Alternatively, a movement direction of each minute segment relative to a specific axis selected from the three (XYZ) axes is determined as either positive, negative, or zero, and the minute segment or an end point thereof is display with the display property determined according to the movement direction. Still alternatively, after a specific axis is selected from the three (XYZ) axes, a region relative to the selected region is divided along the selected axis, for predetermined dividing width, first beginning with a predetermined reference point, and the resultant divided regions are given predetermined display properties.

Abstract: A method for presenting performance data from a process flow includes providing a tool link associated with a first subset of the performance data for at least one tool in the process flow; providing a recipe link associated with a second subset of the performance data for at least one recipe in the process flow; displaying the first subset of the performance data in response to the tool link being selected; and displaying the second subset of the performance data in response to the recipe link being selected.

Abstract: A production machine that allows a machine user to accurately and simply determine a parts code for a desired part in order to replace a defective or exhausted part. A production machine includes a production machine body and a controller for controlling the machine. The controller has a parts registration device for registering therein information identifying parts constituting the production machine body and a parts retrieval device. The controller preferably includes a parts identification information transmission device for transmitting parts identification information retrieved by the parts retrieval device, to an information processing device of a parts supplier. The parts retrieval device includes a specification device for specifying a part and a parts device for allowing a display device to display a parts code for the specified part. The parts display device can enlarge each component of the production machine body as required.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for monitoring one or more manufacturing machines having a plurality of component tools and engaged in repetitive machining of a part is provided. An input device detects occurrence of a machine cycle. A counter stores the number of detected machine cycles as a count value. A machine speed processor estimates a temporal rate at which the machine cycles occur. A data storage device stores a maintenance schedule indicating the number of machine cycles between recommended replacements for each tool. A tools processor estimates a remaining operating time for each tool before scheduled replacement. A machine viability processor estimates a remaining operating time for the machine before schedule replacement of each of the component tools. A display device displays the operating time for the machine before scheduled replacement of each of the component tools.

Abstract: A laser controller interconnected with an electric discharge laser communicates with a remote computer incorporating a display screen programmably emulating a conventional keyboard. The display screen has a plurality of imaged virtual keys each programmably emulating a physical key of a conventional keyboard. Some virtual keys programmably emulate a prescribed sequence of keystrokes, which control, monitor, and record the laser operation. A prescribed sequence can optionally be automated, conditional, or interrupted by operator prompts. The remote computer communicates serially with the laser controller through an electrically conductive cable, a fiberoptic link, or a wireless channel. A keystroke is typically applied by manually pressing the position of a corresponding virtual key on a touch sensitive screen, or alternatively by actuating a conventional pointing device.

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.