Machining Path Display Patents (Class 700/184)
  • Patent number: 11951615
    Abstract: A driving force sensor detects a driving force in a rotating mechanism provided in an apparatus. A vibration sensor detects vibrations of the apparatus. A control unit determines a type of a malfunction of the apparatus in accordance with a combination of the detected driving force and the detected vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Hirose, Toru Takagi, Kouichi Oomori
  • Patent number: 11874678
    Abstract: There are disclosed a vibration control device and a vibration control method that control shaft torsional vibration and machine stand vibration without installing a special sensor or measurement instrument. A vibration control device includes an amplification factor change unit that changes an amplification factor of an amplification unit used for amplifying a deviation between a command value and a detection value in a servo amplifier, a vibration detection unit that measures the frequency and the amplitude of vibration superimposed on a moving part, and a filter change unit that changes a filter based on the frequency and the amplitude detected by the vibration detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: OKUMA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masashi Miyaji
  • Patent number: 11656599
    Abstract: A machining simulator that virtually executes a CNC program to simulate a machining result, includes: a 3D model generating unit that virtually executes a plurality of CNC programs to generate a 3D model from respective machining results obtained; a reference position specifying unit that specifies a predetermined coordinate common to a generated plurality of 3D models as a reference position; a superimposed model generating unit that generates a superimposed model in which a plurality of 3D models is superimposed at the reference position; a finite difference model generating unit that generates a finite difference model obtained by taking a finite difference of the 3D models included in the superimposed model generated; and a display control unit that controls display of at least one of the superimposed model generated and the finite difference model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroaki Hada
  • Patent number: 11652435
    Abstract: A command generation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a command receiving unit that receives a high-level command value related to motion of a motor from a host device, and an internal target generation unit that generates an internal target value of the motor, including a position target value and a rotational speed target value, based on the high-level command value. The internal target generation unit includes a feedback calculator that generates the internal target value corrected based on a difference between the high-level command value and the internal target value, and generates the internal target value corrected in a cycle shorter than a cycle of receiving the high-level command value with the command receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: NIDEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Linfeng Lan, Tomohiro Fukumura, Koichi Takae
  • Patent number: 11507044
    Abstract: An abnormality diagnosis apparatus includes: a friction identification unit that calculates a friction parameter that is a parameter used for calculation of frictional force of a power transmission mechanism connected to a motor; a model torque calculation unit that calculates model torque by performing a process of calculating an estimated value of torque of the motor by using a set value calculated in advance and the friction parameter; and an abnormality determination unit that diagnoses whether the power transmission mechanism is abnormal, on the basis of a result of comparison between the model torque and a motor torque detected by a motor torque detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Maekawa
  • Patent number: 11215968
    Abstract: A numerical control system determines iteratively a group of position setpoint values for axes of a production machine based on presets. When no risk of a collision of one moved element with another element exists, the group of position setpoint values is stored in a buffer store. Another already stored group of position setpoint values is read from the buffer store which then controls the axes and moves the element along a path defined by the sequence of the groups of position setpoint values. This process continues for as long as no risk of a collision exists. If a risk of a collision exists, the numerical control system brings the axes to a standstill. Previously unknown real time events are considered only in the determination of the groups of position setpoint values not yet stored in the buffer store. The groups of already stored position setpoint values are not altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jochen Bretschneider, Stephen Graham, Steffen Mihatsch, Peter Schiffer
  • Patent number: 10754321
    Abstract: Movement commands in a sequence of movement commands each define a position to be adopted by a tool of a processing machine relative to a workpiece. During the execution of the sequence of movement commands by a control device of the processing machine, the tool machines the workpiece at least intermittently. The movement commands, during their execution by the control device of the processing machine, are converted into a trajectory including the defined positions. A depiction of the trajectory defined by the sequence of movement commands is output to a user. The distances between the positions of directly successive movement commands are ascertained. Positions of directly successive movement commands whose distance is below a predetermined minimum distance are highlighted in the depiction by means of a marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Thilo Stolper
  • Patent number: 10628703
    Abstract: Technology for matching images (for example, video images, still images) of an identical infrastructure object (for example, a tower component of a tower supporting power lines) for purposes of comparing the infrastructure object to itself at different points in time to detect a potential anomaly and the potential need for maintenance of the infrastructure object. In some embodiments, this matching of images is done using creation of a three dimensional (#D) computer model of the infrastructure object and by tagging captured images with location on the 3D model across multiple videos taken at different points in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Udi Barzelay, Ophir Azulai, Yochay Tzur
  • Patent number: 10607107
    Abstract: Technology for matching images (for example, video images, still images) of an identical infrastructure object (for example, a tower component of a tower supporting power lines) for purposes of comparing the infrastructure object to itself at different points in time to detect a potential anomaly and the potential need for maintenance of the infrastructure object. In some embodiments, this matching of images is done using creation of a three dimensional (# D) computer model of the infrastructure object and by tagging captured images with location on the 3D model across multiple videos taken at different points in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Udi Barzelay, Ophir Azulai, Yochay Tzur
  • Patent number: 10456880
    Abstract: There is provided a processing machine and a processing machine line for which it is easy for an operator to view a screen display, including an operation panel with a free vertical and horizontal posture of a display in which a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension are different, in which a first display aspect which displays one screen that is displayed on the display and a second display aspect which is disposed lined up with two screens are switched. Switch buttons are set in order to perform switching between the first display aspect screen and the second display aspect screen, and the first display aspect screen and the second display aspect screen are mutually switched by operating the switching button, and during the switching, are rotated 90° with respect to the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuya Furukawa, Masahiko Mori, Shigefumi Suzuyama
  • Patent number: 10343289
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and software products that provide enhanced efficiency in automated and semi-automated manufacturing processes by employing process intelligence to verify that a user-selected manufacturing process to be applied to a workpiece corresponds to the manufacturing process actually designated for that workpiece, thereby avoiding potentially costly manufacturing errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Matthew Pistorius, Michael Bodach, Jonathan Fulton, Shibin Mathew, Nathan Lee Petty
  • Patent number: 10016832
    Abstract: A machining path drawing apparatus for a wire electric discharge machine that draws a machining path for the wire electric discharge machine having a core fixation function includes a machining shape information calculation unit for analyzing a machining program to determine machining shape information, a core fixation function operating region detection unit for determining a region where the core fixation function operates in the machining shape information, and a machining path drawing unit for drawing the region where the core fixation function operates with a display attribute changed when a machining path is drawn based on the machining shape information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Abe, Kaoru Hiraga
  • Publication number: 20150120036
    Abstract: A machine tool includes a movable structure 3, a numerical control unit 22, an external input unit 39 having a dedicated operation key for inputting an operation signal associated with at least a movement end point to which the movable structure 3 is moved, a display unit 39 displaying an image, a display control unit 25 controlling the display on the display unit 39, an input control unit 24 processing a signal input from the external input unit 39, and a movement path setting unit 32 receiving the operation signal input from the external input unit 39 and setting a movement path for moving the movable structure 3 corresponding to the operation signal to the movement end point according to a predetermined setting condition. The display control unit 25 displays an image relating to the movement path set by the movement path setting unit 32 on the display unit 39.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: DMG MORI SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yahaba, Takaaki Soga
  • Patent number: 8954181
    Abstract: A dental Computer-aided design (CAD)/Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) system forms a custom dental preparation guide for guiding a dental tool that alters a shapes a tooth structure to which a custom prosthetic dental item is to be attached. The system acquires an optical measurement and an x-ray of at least one dental structure. The system correlates the acquired optical measurement and the x-ray to form a model of the at least one dental structure. The system generates a model of a reduced tooth structure based on the model of the at least one dental structure. The system also provides at least one dental preparation guide based on the model of the reduced tooth structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Roddy MacLeod, Daniel Michaeli, Volker Wedler
  • Patent number: 8942843
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Doosan Infracore Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Gun Lee, Yong Tak Hyun
  • Patent number: 8805562
    Abstract: A level difference or a uncut portion is prevented from being left between adjoining worked regions without forming any useless worked region. A lathe sectional shape forming unit (222) produces a sheet model of a lathe sectional shape in an X-Z plane on the basis of the solid model of a lathe shape formed by a lathe shape forming unit (220). A first/second step working sectional shape forming unit (227) produces sheet models of the worked sectional shapes of the first step and the second step on the basis of the sheet model of the lathe sectional shape, a step dividing position and an overlap amount. A first step disused shape deleting unit (229) and a second step disused shape deleting unit (230) delete the shape needing no work, from the sheet models of the worked sectional shapes of the first step and the second step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Matsubara, Takashi Kamiya, Kenji Iriguchi, Hiroshi Katano, Mahito Matsuura
  • Patent number: 8788083
    Abstract: A method of machining a work part in a numerically-controlled machining process with a selected tool, includes steps of inspecting actual geometric parameters of the selected tool and predicting cutting forces and this tool deflections based on given tool/part engagement conditions and pre-measured static stiffness of the selected tool, then modifying a tool path of the numerically-controlled machining process to compensate for the predicted tool deflections, and finally machining the work part to a desired profile by use of the selected tool to follow the modified tool path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Fuat Atabey
  • Publication number: 20140180467
    Abstract: A load display device for a machine tool acquires machine coordinate values and load values for axes of the machine tool for each predetermined time from an axis drive control unit for drivingly controlling the machine tool. Three-dimensional coordinate values of a tool center point is calculated to obtain a tool trajectory, based on the machine coordinate values for the axes acquired for each predetermined time and information on a configuration of the machine tool. As the tool trajectory is displayed by a display device, vectors of the load values for the axes stored for each predetermined time are displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: FANUC Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo SATO, Yamato IWAMURA
  • Patent number: 8761919
    Abstract: This invention pertains to machinery and methods for cutting a workpiece utilizing a cutting tool into at least two parts having prescribed shapes from a metal plate comprising the steps of: identifying each of the parts by one or more contour lines; cutting a workpiece along one of the identifying contour lines into one of the parts; creating at least one path diversion, wherein the diversion has an associated bounded region or opportunity; cutting the workpiece along a contour line associated with the opportunity; resuming the cutting of the part along the identifying contour line with minimal damage to the part being cut; finishing the cutting of the part and then moving the cutting tool to the opportunity and hence to an associated adjacent identifying contour line and then repeating the process until all parts have been manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew Fagan
  • Publication number: 20140172148
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: John W. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140172149
    Abstract: A system for assisting in the use by an operator of the operating element of a tool at desired locations at a worksite, includes a stationary control and a position sensor secured to the tool. The stationary control is located at the worksite, and has data stored therein specifying one or more desired locations for operation of the operating element of the tool at the worksite. A position sensor is mounted on the tool. The position sensor determines the position of the operating element of the tool. The position sensor includes a communication device for communicating with said stationary control, a sensor for determining its relative position with respect to said stationary control, and a display for providing indications to the user of the tool of the desired location for the operating element of the tool and of the actual location of the operating element of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Kent Kahle
  • Patent number: 8725283
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Hurco Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Gray, Jiang Lu, Kishore Lankalapalli
  • Patent number: 8694158
    Abstract: An off-line programming system (10) which includes a three-dimensional shape arranging unit (27) which fills in a curved surface or consecutive plurality of flat surfaces of a selected three-dimensional shape by selected operation patterns and arranges a three-dimensional shape in a virtual space so that the operation patterns will be projected on surfaces of the workpiece model, a working path preparing unit (28) which projects operation patterns on the surfaces of the workpiece model so as to prepare a working path of the tool, and a tool position/posture determining unit (29) which uses the prepared working path and normal direction of the surface of the workpiece model as the basis to automatically determined the position or position/posture of the tool model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Atohira
  • Patent number: 8688293
    Abstract: An apparatus on an integrated circuit, and method thereof, provides a real-time flexible interface between inputs from a vehicle components and outputs to the vehicle control components. The functions comprises of a programmable interconnection matrix, engine sensors and a control interface. Both engine sensors and control functions comprise of fixed hardwired functions and a customization hardware area. The apparatus therefore provides means for flexible powertrain events control target for the next generation of low-polluting power trains of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Scaleo Chip
    Inventors: Khaled Douzane, Stephane Le Merdy, Loic Vezier, Pascal Jullien
  • Patent number: 8666533
    Abstract: A system, method, machine-readable medium for accurate simulation of automated machinery. A method includes loading a machine operating model. The method also includes receiving machine-specific data from an automated machinery controller. The method also includes simulating a machine operation using the machine-specific data and the machine operating model to produce optimized motion data. The method includes transmitting the optimized data to the automated machinery controller by the simulation data processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc.
    Inventors: Ulrich Wolfgang Lorenz, Peter Heinrich Armbrust
  • Publication number: 20130338816
    Abstract: A tool path display apparatus includes a display unit for displaying at least two of a program path, a command path and an actual path so that the paths can be compared with each other. The tool path display apparatus further includes a tool vector display unit for displaying tool vectors representative of tool postures corresponding to these paths so that the tool vectors can be compared with each other. Each tool vector is displayed as a line segment connecting a tool tip point and a reference point distant from the tool tip point toward a tool base end side by a predetermined distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichi TEZUKA, Hajime OGAWA
  • Patent number: 8594831
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a conversational automatic programming device or the like capable of generating an NC program in a simpler manner and in a shorter period of time. The automatic programming device is provided with, a machining-profile setting processor in which based on data for specifying a geometric entity selected as a contour shape of a machined portion, out of geometric entities of a geometry defined by two-dimensional CAD data, the geometric entity corresponding to the data is recognized, and based on the recognized geometric entity, a machining profile which is the contour shape of the machined portion is set; a CL-data generating processor for generating tool path data based on the set machining profile; and an NC-program generating processor for generating an NC program based on the generated tool path data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bingyan Zhao, Jui-jen Chuang, Jiewu Lu, Meng Wang
  • Patent number: 8588958
    Abstract: A computer program product and an apparatus for preparing a moving program for controlling the operation of a working robot which can move a known working apparatus relative to a workpiece and which can perform desired work on the workpiece. Movement information of the working apparatus may be input to a text entry screen on a character basis. Movement information of the working apparatus may also be input via a figure entry screen as a path on a two-dimensional plane in correlation with height information. The movement information that is input on the text entry screen is output in real time as the path on the two-dimensional plane and the height information thereof on the figure entry screen. The movement information that is input on the figure entry screen is output in real time to the text entry screen on the character basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Musashi Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazumasa Ikushima
  • Patent number: 8583274
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Mohr, David W. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8532812
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclose a method for determining defects of a surface of a model of an object generated from a model of an original object by a simulation of a machining process. The method determines orientations and rate of change in the orientation of the surface based on normal vectors to the surface and identifies the defects of the surface based on the rate of change and a threshold. The threshold is determined based on the machining process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Sullivan, Arun R. Yoganandan
  • Patent number: 8521322
    Abstract: In automatic programming for creating a multi-path program for a machine having a plurality of control paths performing one or more machining processes of a machining program for machining a workpiece, the machining time of each of the machining processes is calculated, workable paths are input for each of the machining processes, and then workable orders of the machining processes are input. For each of the machining processes, simultaneously workable machining processes are input if any among other machining processes. On the basis of the above results, machining programs that provide the shortest machining time are selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Maeda, Shinya Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8504188
    Abstract: In a method, device and in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for computer-assisted generation of a manipulator path of a computer-controlled manipulator, a processor is loaded with a virtual tool and generates a virtual tool path based in a virtual component and the loaded virtual tool. The processor is also loaded with a virtual manipulator kinematic and generates a virtual manipulator path based on the virtual tool path and the virtual manipulator kinematic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Kuka Laboratories GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Keibel
  • Patent number: 8483865
    Abstract: Coordinate values of a tool center point is calculated by obtaining coordinate values at each time of respective drive axes driven by a numerical controller. A tool radius compensation vector connecting the calculated tool center point at each time and an actual machining point is obtained. Then, coordinate values of the actual machining point are calculated based on the calculated coordinate values of the tool center point and the obtained tool radius compensation vector, and the trajectory of the actual machining point is displayed on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventors: Yasusuke Iwashita, Tadashi Okita, Junichi Tezuka
  • Patent number: 8483858
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclose a method for optimizing a simulation of a machining of a workpiece performed by removing a set of swept volumes from a volume of the workpiece, wherein the volume is partitioned into a set of cells, comprising the steps of: associating with each cell a subset of distance fields representing a subset of swept volumes intersecting with the cell, wherein at least part of the subset of swept volumes forms a composite surface of the cell; subjecting the cell with a set of rays incident to the cell from at least one direction; and selecting a distance field of the subset of distance fields into an optimal subset associated with the cell, wherein a boundary of the swept volume represented by the distance field intersects with at least one ray at a point of intersection lying on the composite surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Sullivan, William S. Yerazunis
  • Patent number: 8478438
    Abstract: A main control process is made common to all machine tools by describing in a NC program a tool trajectory including a change in posture in a coordinate system (30) fixed to a machining object (W), fixedly arranging a preparatory reference coordinate system (20) on a machine table (2), representing an installation position of the machining object (W) and a position of a spindle (91) on which a tool (11) is mounted in the preparatory reference coordinate system (20), and containing portions relating to a configuration of axes in a conversion function group of correlation between the position (q) of the spindle (91) and an axis coordinate (r). Thus, the processes of reading the NC program, correction of the tool trajectory and conversion into the trajectory of a spindle position based on the installation position of the machining object, the tool shape, and tool dimensions are made completely common.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Shin Nippon Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobutaka Nishibashi
  • Publication number: 20130144425
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a five-axis flank milling system for machining a curved surface and a tool-path planning method. The method generates a tool path comprising a series of cutter locations by optimization with minimizing machining errors. The tool path planning method includes a reciprocating tool path planning method and a multi-pass tool path planning method. The reciprocating tool path planning method eliminates the “forward only” limitation. The tool is allowed to move backward in certain regions, producing smaller machining errors compared with forward only cutter movement. Furthermore, the multi-pass tool path planning method computes various tool paths applied to finish milling multiple times. Each path can be chosen to be generated by minimizing undercut error, overcut error, or the total machining error. The machining errors are reduced in a progressive manner, resulting in better machining quality than single pass tool path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chih-Hsing Chu, Hsin-Ta Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8447438
    Abstract: An apparatus on an integrated circuit provides a real-time flexible interface between inputs from a vehicle components and outputs to the vehicle control components. The functions comprises of a programmable interconnection matrix, engine sensors and a control interface. Both engine sensors and control functions comprise of fixed hardwired functions and a customization hardware area. The apparatus therefore provides means for flexible powertrain events control target for the next generation of low-polluting power trains of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Scaleo Chip
    Inventors: Khaled Douzane, Stephane Le Merdy, Loic Vezier, Pascal Jullien
  • Patent number: 8433435
    Abstract: This invention pertains to machinery and methods for cutting a workpiece utilizing a cutting tool into at least two parts having prescribed shapes from a metal plate comprising the steps of: identifying each of the parts by one or more contour lines; cutting a workpiece along one of the identifying contour lines into one of the parts; creating at least one path diversion, wherein the diversion has an associated bounded region or opportunity; cutting the workpiece along a contour line associated with the opportunity; resuming the cutting of the part along the identifying contour line with minimal damage to the part being cut; finishing the cutting of the part and then moving the cutting tool to the opportunity and then to an associated adjacent identifying contour line and then repeating the process until all parts have been manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew Fagan
  • Patent number: 8428765
    Abstract: An optimal process determining system executes a step of calculating a temporary process that includes information of a plurality of individual processes. According to an example, each process includes a tooling including of a tool, a holder, a tool projection length, and a sequence of the plurality of individual processes. A similarity between the toolings of two individual processes is calculated. In addition, a calculation is performed relating to a plurality of integrated processes for which the tooling of one of the individual processes having a high similarity is integrated into the tooling of the other one of the individual processes. In addition, an optimal process is determined from the plurality of integrated processes on the basis of an actual machining time in each of the integrated processes, a unit integration reduction time reduced as one of the toolings of the individual processes is integrated, and the number of the individual processes integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Okita, Yoshimasa Kuwano, Kazunari Teramoto
  • Patent number: 8355813
    Abstract: A machining status monitoring apparatus is provided on a machine tool, and has a plurality of actual CCD cameras for imaging the tool and workpiece from different view points and generating actual two-dimensional image data thereof, a virtual image generating section having a plurality of virtual CCD cameras corresponding to the actual CCD cameras, in which the tool and workpiece of three-dimensional model are imaged by the virtual CCD cameras from each point and virtual two-dimensional image data thereof are generated, and a display control section for selecting one virtual CCD camera corresponding to the virtual two-dimensional image data in which the distal end of the tool is not hidden by the workpiece among the generated two-dimensional image data, and displaying the actual two-dimensional image data generated by the actual CCD camera corresponding to the selected virtual CCD camera on a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Mori, Xiaodong Tian, Bingyan Zhao, Makoto Fujishima, Zhe Jin
  • Publication number: 20120290122
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: FIDIA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe MORFINO, Carla FRANCESE, Mario VESCO, Edoardo GHEZZO
  • Publication number: 20120136475
    Abstract: A system for assisting in the use by an operator of the operating element of a tool at desired locations at a worksite, includes a stationary control and a position sensor secured to the tool. The stationary control is located at the worksite, and has data stored therein specifying one or more desired locations for operation of the operating element of the tool at the worksite. A position sensor is mounted on the tool. The position sensor determines the position of the operating element of the tool. The position sensor includes a communication device for communicating with said stationary control, a sensor for determining its relative position with respect to said stationary control, and a display for providing indications to the user of the tool of the desired location for the operating element of the tool and of the actual location of the operating element of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Kent Kahle
  • Patent number: 8190287
    Abstract: Time information t and positional information about each axis are obtained, and the three-dimensional coordinates of tool center point Pe at time t are calculated to display the path of the tool center point Pe at time t. Then, whether a fixed time has elapsed or not is decided. If the fixed time has elapsed, the coordinates of the tool vector start point Ps at time t are calculated to display a line segment connecting between tool vector start point Ps and tool center point Pe, which is the end point of the tool vector. This display enables the orientation of the tool at each tool center point to be grasped at a glance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasusuke Iwashita, Tadashi Okita, Junichi Tezuka, Kazuyuki Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8185228
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: .Decimal, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Sweat
  • Patent number: 8155773
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: .Decimal, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Sweat
  • Patent number: 8121720
    Abstract: A tool-path calculation apparatus for a numerical controlled system and a method for operating the same are applied to a CNC tool machine. The tool-path calculation apparatus includes an upper controller and a servo driver. Firstly, an interpreter is provided to interpret the tool paths to produce a plurality of executable instructions. Afterward, the executable instructions are sent from the upper controller to the servo driver through a serial communication interface and stored in a queue buffer. Finally, the executable instructions are received and calculated by a tool path calculator to produce a plurality of points along the tool paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ching-Shiong Tsai
  • Patent number: 8078295
    Abstract: A method for controlling acceleration and deceleration before interpolating is provided. The method includes steps of previewing and analyzing a processing program to estimate a limitation of a processing velocity and distributing a processing velocity according to the limitation. The step of previewing and analyzing a processing program includes sub-steps of providing the processing program including a pathway formed by plural blocks, unitizing the motion vector of each block into the unit vector ( N ^ i = N _ i ? N _ i ? ) , calculating a length (DVi=?{right arrow over (DV)}i?) of a vector difference in the unit vectors between each block and its next block ({right arrow over (DV)}i={circumflex over (N)}i?{circumflex over (N)}i+1), calculating a sum of the length of the vector difference in a distance from a starting block (S=?DVn), and calculating the limitation of the processing velocity for an end of each block (Vlim) according to an inverse ratio of the sum (1/S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chin-Chu Sun, Shih-Chang Liang, Wan-Kun Chang, Yung-Ming Kao, Cheng-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 8050786
    Abstract: A method for modifying a computer-aided design model of a three-dimensional object, the method comprising establishing a threshold wall width, providing at least one sliced layer polyline of the computer-aided design model, determining a first distance between first and second portions of the at least one sliced layer polyline, and adjusting locations of the first and second portion to provide a second distance if the first distance is less than the threshold wall width, where the second distance is about equal to the threshold wall width, or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Stratasys, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Holzwarth
  • Patent number: 8024060
    Abstract: A method for defining machine cutting path safety zones for use in laser machining devices. The method includes indentifying safety zone positional coordinates in a computer aided design model, using a machine vision system to image the modeled physical machining device, determining the positional difference between the design model safety zone points and the imaged points and converting the design model safety zone coordinates into machine specific coordinates for input into a machining cutting path program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mehmet E. Alpay, Heny Sadikin, David Childers
  • Patent number: 8010328
    Abstract: Provided is a method performed on a processor for simulating the milling of an object by moving a shape along a path intersecting the object. A composite adaptively sampled distance field (ADF) is generated to represent the object, where the composite ADF includes a set of cells. Each cell in the composite ADF includes a set of distance fields and a procedural reconstruction method for reconstructing the object within the cell. The shape is represented by a shape distance field. The path is represented by a parametric function. A swept volume distance field is defined in a continuous manner to represent a swept volume generated by moving the shape along the path according to a swept volume reconstruction method which reconstructs the swept volume distance field at a sample point. The composite ADF is edited to incorporate the swept volume distance field into the composite ADF to simulate the milling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah F. Frisken, Ronald N. Perry, Alan Sullivan