Abstract: In a method for positioning machine axes in machine tools, a numerical control converts setpoint positions of a tool, predefined in workpiece coordinates, into setpoint positions of machine axes based on a kinematic chain defined by a kinematic table. In this context, transformations of the coordinates are indicated in the kinematic table in a plurality of entries describing the kinematics of the machine tool, by specifying an axial direction and an associated transformation amount, respectively, per entry. For a machine axis having an error in a direction other than the respective axial direction, error transformation amounts dependent on the axial position are entered into the kinematic table.

Abstract: A scoring bridge includes a plurality of moveable mounted carriages. The carriages each have a rotor, and the bridge has a linear stator to move the carriages. The position of a carriage designated as a reference carriage is recorded as it moves past a motion detector. The position of each remaining carriages is recorded as they individually move past the detector. The difference between the position of a carriage and the position of the reference carriage is an offset that is added to the position reading of the carriage to accurately space the carriage form the reference carriage. Each of the carriages can have a scoring assembly that includes servomotor acting through a gear arrangement on a scoring wheel. The servomotor applies a constant load to the scoring wheel and adjusts the load for any positive or negative displacement of the scoring wheel from a reference position.

Abstract: To provide a method to carry out complicated surface machining such as graining or the like without decreasing machining accuracy and machining efficiency. In a machine tool including a main spindle head capable of relatively moving in three perpendicular directions with respect to a workpiece and an additional spindle being provided at the main spindle head and capable of moving in a Z spindle direction, while the main spindle head relatively moves with respect to a working surface S of the workpiece along a smoothly curved surface R which is smoothed so as to be restricted within the movement distance in the moving direction of the additional spindle, the additional spindle moves by a difference between the working surface S and the smoothly curved surface R, and makes a tool T to machine the working surface S.

Abstract: A numerical control (NC) hole-machining programming device includes: a tool information storing unit for storing tool information, including types and sizes of tools used for hole machining; a form recognizing unit for extracting a cylindrical surface and conical surface as a local geometry which constitutes a hole-machining form of target objects based on CAD data; a machining method determining unit which generates a hole-machining-form pattern based on the hole-machining form detected by the form recognizing unit and determines machining methods based on the hole-machining-form pattern; a tool determining unit for selecting a tool in accordance with the machining methods determined by the machining method determining unit with reference to the tool information; a tool path determining unit which determines a tool path for each tool selected by the tool determining unit; and an NC program generating unit which generates an NC program based on the tool paths determined by the tool path determining unit.

Abstract: A machining apparatus capable of irregularly forming a plurality of dimples on a surface of a workpiece in a short period of time. The machining apparatus includes a tool for machining a plurality of dimples on a surface of a workpiece, each dimple having a depth in a first direction; a drive unit for displacing the tool relative to the workpiece in the first direction and a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction; a controller for controlling the drive unit so as to displace the tool relative to the workpiece in the first direction such that the tool cuts into or leaves the workpiece, while the tool is being moved relative to the workpiece in the second direction, wherein a trigger of the displacement of the tool in the first direction is timing calculated by using a second waveform, the second waveform being determined by comparing the magnitude of a first waveform with a predetermined threshold, at least one of frequency and amplitude of the first waveform being irregular.

Abstract: A numerical control apparatus having tool cutting edge detecting unit for detecting a cutting edge position of a tool mounted on a tool rest, comprises detection signal determining unit for determining, as effective, only a detection signal that is first inputted from among a plurality of detection signals which are continuously inputted from the tool cutting edge detecting unit. A signal which is detected until a preset time is elapsed after a first signal is received when the tool comes into contact with the touch sensor, and/or until the tool moves a predetermined distance, is determined as erroneous detection by the detection signal determining unit, and the signal is disenabled.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a movement of a movable machine element of a machine tool or production machine with at least two drive axles are disclosed. At least one mechanical characteristic frequency is determined for each drive axle of the machine, and the lowest mechanical characteristic frequency is selected from the determined mechanical characteristic frequencies. For each drive axle of the machine, desired values are supplied to a control unit associated with the drive axle, whereby the desired values of the drive axles having a mechanical characteristic frequency higher than the lowest mechanical characteristic frequency are time-delayed. The disclosed method and device modify a method referred to as “Input Shaping” so that geometrically linked drive axles can be operated simultaneously.

Abstract: A quality control method for two-dimensional matrix codes on metallic workpieces, the codes being in the form of stamped marking dots is disclosed. The stamping process for the marking dots is carried out by a marking tool (17) with the aid of predetermined digital positional data. The corresponding image data is then recorded for analysis by an image processing device (22), exclusively at the locations that have been predetermined by the positional data, or additional image data that has been previously generated is also used for the analysis, to establish whether a correct marking dot with the required quality characteristics is present.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for guiding the movement of a movable machine element (8) of a numerically controlled tool machine or production machine on a predetermined movement path (s) of the machine element (8). Supporting points (32) are defined in the working area (31) of the machine. The maximum possible path jerk () and/or the maximum possible path acceleration ({umlaut over (s)}) and/or the maximum possible path speed ({dot over (s)}) of the machine element (8) is determined or predetermined at on each supporting point (32) and the movement of the machine element (8) on the displacement path (S) is carried out using the maximum possible path jerk () and/or the maximum possible path acceleration ({umlaut over (s)}) and/or the maximum possible path speed ({dot over (s)}) of the machine element (8).

Abstract: Method and system for a direct transmission of motion path data (310) from a generating system (204) to a control system (205) for use in controlling a servo-driven machine. For example, a machine tool for machining stock material, and the data generating system includes a computer-aided-design software package (301). Tool paths for directing the tool members of the machine tool can be extracted from a design file opened by the CAD software through the operation interface of the CAD software (302). Alternatively, the design file can be used to specify motion paths rather than end product geometry. The CAD interpreter application extracts the motion path data from the design file, eliminating the need to translate the data into another or intermediate form for controlling the machine tool.

Abstract: A machine has a tool head which rotates on a C-axis (about the Z-axis) and an A-axis (about the X-axis). A tool length vector is multiplied by a matrix whereby a misalignment component ?s-H and the incline error (?s-H, ?s-H, ?s-H) of a spindle are corrected so that the tool length vector due to the misalignment of the spindle is obtained. The vector thus obtained is further multiplied by a transformation matrix that includes a rotation instruction ? for the A-axis and misalignments of the A-axis ?a-H (?a-H, ?a-H, ?a-H) to correct the misalignment of the A-axis so that the tool length vector as found when the A-axis has rotated by an equivalent of instruction ? is determined.

Abstract: A multiple axis servo control implements a multi-tasking PWM control unit to provide PWM signals for multiple axes in a single unit. A time slice mechanism provides axis selection signals based on a system clock signal to permit control parameters of the selected axis to be processed to control the selected motor drive axis. The single unit PWM control mechanism eliminates complex and costly multiple axis networks typically associated with independent servo motor controls for each axis in a multi-axis system. A single PWM unit implementation also permits the reduction of components for closed loop current control and closed loop velocity control in the multi-axis servo control system.

Abstract: A working robot, which is able to perform a required operation by locating a tool on a working position of a moving object, comprises a robot body moving with the object according to the movement of the object with more than one degree of freedom; an actuator mounted on a free end of the robot body and including a tool mounting unit, on which the tool is mounted, connected by a passive joint which reacts passively to small displacement of the object for locating the tool on the working position; and a control device for controlling the robot body, the actuator, and the tool.

Abstract: A method and system can align a robot arm with a payload station. A probe and a contact detector may be positioned on the robot arm and three pins may be placed on the payload station. A controller may move the robot arm in a pattern over the payload station until contact may be made between the probe and one of the pins. A search about the contact location may be performed to obtain additional contacts. The search may be interrupted when contact is made between the probe and one of the pins. The position of the pin may be calculated from three such contacts on the spherical portion of the pin. The location of the probe at the time of contact may be stored and a localized search about the pin location may be performed. If the position of the pin cannot be resolved from three contacts, additional contacts may be made until a combination of three contacts does provide a solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing machining operations on an object includes a carriage, a movable head configurable with an operating attachment to perform the machining operations on the object, and a position determination system operable to determine the spatial relationship of the carriage and the object and provide a first signal representative thereof. The position determination system periodically determines the spatial relationship of the head to the object during machining operations on the object and provides a second signal representative thereof. The second signal is used to re-position the head to a desired position during the machining operations.

Abstract: A method and system for maximizing process capability in a progressive forming operation. The method compensates for deviations introduced by unformed components, and uses closed loop feedback to compensate for deviations introduced by forming tools. Fiducial features are detected on an incoming component, and a first compensation value is calculated from displacement of the fiducial features from an ideal forming location on the component. Component position with respect to a theoretical forming position is adjusted according to the first compensation value. Placement of a feature formed on the component at the adjusted position is detected and compared to the ideal forming location to obtain a difference value. A second compensation value is derived from a plurality of difference values. Forming positions for subsequent incoming components are adjusted with respect to the theoretical forming position according to first and second compensation values.

Abstract: A first stage and a second stage are disposed to face each other. A first object is fixed on the first stage. A first displacement sensor attached on the first stage is used to measure a distance extending from the first displacement sensor to a plane disposed in front of the first displacement sensor. A second object is fixed on the second stage. A second displacement sensor attached on the second stage is used to measure a distance extending from the second displacement sensor to a plane disposed in front of the second displacement sensor. A moving mechanism is provided to move one of the first stage and the second stage, with the movement of one stage being relative to the other stage.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus is presented that includes a controller having a series connection of at least two integrators and an integrator output circuit for deriving an output quantity of the series connection of integrators. The controller also includes an integrator saturator that is operatively coupled to the integrator output circuit and having an operating area for passing through the output quantity and a saturation area for saturating the output quantity. A saturation control mechanism for controlling saturation sets an output quantity of at least one of the series-connected integrators to a neutral value, when the integrator saturator is in the saturation area, except when the output quantity of or an input quantity of at least one of the series-connected integrators has a value such that it would tend to bring the integrator saturator from the saturation area to the operating area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for determination of location information of a workpiece. To enable rapid calibration of a relative position of the workpiece (1) in relation to a tool provided for processing said workpiece, it is proposed that the device features a camera for recording at least a partial area of the workpiece, first processing means for determination of geometrical parameters on the basis of the partial area recorded by the camera, a memory for a geometry model of the workpiece and second processing means for determining the location in-formation of the workpiece by reconciling the geometrical parameters with the geometry model, with the location information being provided for determining the position of the workpiece in relation to a tool pro-vided for processing it.

Abstract: A numerical controller capable of obviating the waste of a workpiece by machining such that a position deviation by learning control is converged and automatically performing storage of correction data and actual machining. A tool and the workpiece are moved to noninterfering positions. In a learning control interval from the issuance of a learning control start command to the issuance of a learning control end command, the input and output are turned on so that the learning control is performed to input the position deviation and create and output the correction data. Processing in the learning control interval that involves the learning control is repeatedly executed a set number of times by idling operations. The obtained data is automatically stored in the numerical controller, the tool and the workpiece are moved to interfering positions, and the position deviation is corrected based on the correction data, whereby actual machining is performed.

Abstract: There is provided a machining tool for machining a workpiece on a workpiece support in response to control signals. The machining tool includes a cutting tool configured to cut a surface of the workpiece. The machining tool also includes a first displacement mechanism and a second displacement mechanism. The first displacement mechanism arranged to displace the cutting tool relative to the workpiece in a first set of coordinates in response to the control signals. The second displacement mechanism supported by the first translation mechanism and arranged to displace the cutting tool relative to the workpiece in a second set of coordinates, the second displacement mechanism capable of a higher frequency response than the first displacement mechanism. The machining tool also includes a controller configured to receive the control signals and synchronize the displacement of the cutting tool due to the first displacement mechanism with the displacement of the cutting tool due to the second displacement mechanism.

Abstract: An improved servo system for galvanometers, scanners and similar devices which uses digital processing to increase the dynamic range and provide greater effective resolution. The system provides digital control of a reference point that directly influences the excitation, which in turn directly influences the gain of the circuit. A high and low resolution switching path is provided to optimize dynamic range. Wide angle torque compensation improves uniformity of response at large angular deflections from zero. Improved thermal protection allows safe operation near system thermal limits. A graphical user interface allows adjustments and changes response on the fly for tuning due to input conditions or user control.

Abstract: An NC apparatus controls a position of a tool by driving a plurality of shafts with a plurality of servomotors. The shafts includes at least one clamp shaft that can be mechanically clamped or non-clamped. A clamp determining unit determines whether a state of the clamp shaft and outputs a signal based on the state. A correcting unit corrects a position instruction value or a position detection value of at least one shaft other than the clamp shaft based on the signal and a correction value so as to cancel an error in a position of the tool due to movement of the tool performed by the clamp shaft.

Abstract: A machine tool comprises a tool carrier moveable relative to a workpiece to be machined. A controller controls the relative movement of the tool carrier and the workpiece by means of a control program. If an unplanned event occurs during the operational movement of the machine, the relative movement of the tool and the workpiece is stopped, and a restart from a starting position is carried out later. The starting position is in this case approached along a trajectory, and the trajectory is determined automatically as a function of the machining operation in which the unplanned event occurred.

Abstract: To provide a spectacle lens manufacturing system and a method of manufacturing a spectacle lens, as well as a program and a recording medium therefor, that can meet various demands for marking and by which customers can confirm the outer appearance or the like of the spectacle lens. In a spectacle lens manufacturing system, after acquiring mark information and lens information with a terminal, these mark information and lens information are output to a calculation server, and a determination unit of the calculation server determines whether or not marking is possible. If the determination unit determines that it is possible to mark, it is judged whether or not a spectacle lens is manufactured based on a simulation image of the spectacle lens displayed on an image display unit of the terminal, and if it is determined to manufacture the spectacle lens, a processing information-generating unit of the calculation server generates processing information for the spectacle lens.

Abstract: When creating other tool path from two tool paths for cutting a work accurately and efficiently, the data on the first tool path is composed of a position vector and a direction vector of a tool for use when the work is cut while moving the tool. The data on the second tool path is composed of a position vector and a direction vector of the tool for use when the work, which has been cut according to the first tool path, is further cut. A computer uses the first tool path data and second tool path data to calculate a position vector and a direction vector of a medium tool path that is between the first tool path and second tool path.

Abstract: Provided is a correction data checking system, for robots, which makes it easy to reveal the cause of a machining defect. A laser machining head and a distance sensor or a sensor for detecting a work line are attached to the distal end of a robot arm. A robot is driven based on a teaching program, and a copying control technique is implemented based on information sent from the sensor so that the distance between the laser machining head and a workpiece will be equal to a set value. A path of taught positions of the laser machining head and a path of actual positions thereof are displayed in comparison with each other on a display of a teaching console or the like. Moreover, the difference between the taught position and actual position is calculated and displayed.

Abstract: A motion event system for transmitting events between a motion program and a motion device. The motion event system comprises a driver component, a motion component, and a motion event component. The driver component is associated with the motion device. The motion component allows communication between the motion program and the at least one driver component. The motion event component configures at least one of the driver component and the motion component to recognize events to be transmitted between the motion program and the motion device.

Abstract: In accordance with a first preferred embodiment, a control method comprises monitoring a position of a motion control axis and controlling an output device responsive to the position of the motion control axis. The controlling step further includes latching a cam element that controls the output device, and unlatching the cam element that controls the output device. The manner in which the latching step is performed and the manner in which the unlatching step is performed are configurable in a programming interface. The programming interface is capable of receiving a latch position for the cam element and an unlatch position for the cam element. The programming interface is further capable of receiving additional configuration information to configure the manner in which the latching step is performed and different additional configuration information to separately configure the manner in which the unlatching step is performed.

Abstract: Method for processing parameters of a spatiotemporal trajectory of movement of a moving body, this method being characterized in that: after having collected the data of the trajectory, the curvilinear abscissa (s) of the trajectory is calculated at least for the point of origin (A, B, C, . . .

Abstract: There are provided a positioning control method and a positioning control device, which enables high speed positioning with low power consumption without repeating two or more acceleration and deceleration operations during travel from an original position to a target position. There is also provided an electronic component mounting apparatus, which enables high speed positioning with low power consumption and enables mounting of electronic components in a short period of time. When a movable body is moved from the original position to the target position, there is set an operational passing position for avoiding a passing avoidance region, and driving of a drive unit having a smaller travel distance from the original position to a coordinate of the operational passing position is started later than driving start timing of a drive unit having a longer travel distance, from the original position to another coordinate of the operational passing position, by a specified period of time.

Abstract: A method for generating a machining program includes inputting a coordinate value and a machining dimension of a portion to be machined with respect to the axis Z for forming a pair of restricting surfaces. The method includes determining the unit machining shape based on the inputted coordinate value and machining dimension and determining a tool in accordance with the determined unit machining shape. The method includes inputting data about cross-sectional shapes of the portion to be machined and a portion resulting from cutting; generating a machining path; and generating the machining program based on the generated machining path and the determined tool. Therefore, a machining program for forming a cut resulting portion eccentrically projecting is generated in an interactive manner.

Abstract: When a position/speed feedback changes while a control system for driving a feed axis uses an integration gain during a shaft stopping, the control system goes unstable to cause a torque instruction to vibrate or diverge. In addition, only a single, narrow-range feed speed can be accommodated to find an out-of-range speed to be insufficient or excessive in compensation effects. After detecting the movement reversal of a feed axis, a control loop is modeled, a virtual internal model computing unit (21) using a constant separate from a constant used in a control loop is configured, a virtual torque instruction (22) computed by this computing unit (21) is added to a torque instruction (16) for driving the feed axis, this adding is terminated when the virtual torque instruction (22) reaches a specified value, and a value (25) of an integrator in a virtual internal model at the adding termination is added to the integrator (14) corresponding to a position/speed feedback loop.

Abstract: In a machine tool with a spindle capable of motion along at least three axes x, y, and z, the position of the spindle is checked by a device that operates utilizing electromagnetic signals sent out by four emitters, located externally of the machine tool, and picked up by a receiver mounted directly to the spindle. The signals are fed into a master control unit and processed by circuits in such a way as to produce an output that can be used to verify and if necessary correct the position of the spindle on the three axes X, Y, and Z.

Abstract: A numerically controlled lathe (10) includes a control unit (24) for controlling the operations of at least one spindle (14, 16) and at least one tool rest (18, 20) on a lathe bed (12) along a plurality of control axes in a plurality of lines.

Abstract: In a numerical control apparatus, a speed difference ?S between a program command value Sc of spindle speed and a spindle rotational speed Sov to which a spindle rotational override is applied is determined. From the speed difference ?S and a pitch command value P and a response sensitivity K of a servo system during thread cutting, a follow-up error variation ?Z of a feed axis caused by the speed difference ?S is calculated. The follow-up error variation ?Z is converted into a delay time Td of a movement start of the feed axis based on the thread pitch command value P during the thread cutting. And the movement start of the feed axis is carried out behind the converted delay time Td.

Abstract: A feature centric method of and system for monitoring the development and release process of a product, monitoring the development and release of a product, where the product is characterized by having a plurality of features is described. The method steps, which the system is configured to carry out, include enumerating features to be included in the product, enumerating tasks, task milestones, and task milestone completions identified to the features; enumerating required task approvals and feature approvals and completed task approvals and feature approvals, and enumerating required associated activities and completed associated activities. The enumeration preferably includes information to show linkages, associations, priorities, milestones, and missed milestones.

Abstract: A method for continuous-path control includes predefining at least two global tolerances to a numerical control and predefining, to the numerical control, a tool path including support points, a non-continuously differentiable corner of the tool path being situated at each support point. The method also includes assigning, by a tolerance-assignment unit, one of the at least two global tolerances determined to the corner at each support point. A global edge tolerance may be predefined when the tolerance-assignment unit recognizes that the corner at the support point leads to an edge in a workpiece. A global curve tolerance may be predefined when the tolerance-assignment unit recognizes that the corner at the support point approximates a curvilinear, continuously differentiable curve. A global edge tolerance may be predefined to be smaller than a global curve tolerance.

Abstract: A lithography system and method for calculating an optimal discrete time trajectory for a movable device is described. A trajectory planner of the lithography system calculates an optimal discrete time trajectory subject to maximum velocity and maximum acceleration constraints. The trajectory planner begins by calculating a continuous time, three-segment trajectory for a reticle stage, a wafer stage or a framing blade, including a first phase for acceleration at the maximum acceleration to the maximum velocity, a second phase for travel at the maximum velocity and a third phase for deceleration at the negative maximum acceleration to a final velocity. Next, the trajectory planner converts said continuous time, three-segment trajectory to a discrete time trajectory. The time of execution of the resulting trajectory is at most three quanta greater than the time of execution of the continuous time trajectory. One advantage of the system is the reduction of scanning times of a lithography system.

Abstract: A method is provided, the method comprising sampling at least one parameter characteristic of processing performed on a workpiece in at least one processing step, and modeling the at least one characteristic parameter sampled using an adaptive sampling processing model, treating sampling as an integrated part of a dynamic control environment, varying the sampling based upon at least one of situational information, upstream events and requirements of run-to-run controllers. The method also comprises applying the adaptive sampling processing model to modify the processing performed in the at least one processing step.

Abstract: An external drum laser imagesetter providing one or more imaging beams. The drum is rotated in a fast scan direction and the one or more beams are modulated while the beams are moved in a slow scan direction. In one embodiment, the imaging beams are deflected in a slow scan direction to compensate for the spiral advance.

Abstract: Large machines, especially those having working envelopes in excess of fifteen feet, exhibit unacceptable errors because of thermal expansion and mechanical misalignments between the axes. The errors have traditionally been minimized by enclosing the machine in a thermal enclosure, by careful calibration, or by mounting a laser interferometer on each axis. These solutions are costly, may require frequent recalibration, and do not correct for small rotations of one axis relative to another axis due to wear etc. The present invention uses an interferometric laser tracker or a comparable 3D position sensor to measure the position of a retroreflector attached to the end effector, e.g. a machine head when the machine comes to rest. A computer compares the measured position to the desired position according to the machine media, and adds the appropriate correction with trickle feed media statements to move the machine to the correct position prior to further machining.

Abstract: Decorative wall panels are produced by providing mathematical formulae which define a contoured surface, and then cutting a portion of the defined surface into a board or boards. By defining a surface which has little or no repeats in the patterns defined in the surface (which can be done even for repeating functions by incorporating random number generators and/or conditional statements into the formulae defining the surface), and by cutting panels in accordance with different sections of the defined surface, panels may be produced which have little or no repeats and thereby have a highly customized and attractive appearance. Additionally, changes in panel designs may be accommodated without the need to generate new molds or dies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the position for work devices (41) of mobile machines (40). The inventive device comprises a measuring device (1,2) for measuring an angle (?) which is formed between a level (42) that is determined by the position of the work device (41) and the direction of the gravitational force (g). The inventive device also comprises an angle transmitter (5) for predetermining an angle (??) which is formed between a level (42) that is determined by the position of the work device (41) and the direction of the gravitational force (g). The inventive device further comprises a controller (3, 4, 6–16) for controlling the angle (?) between the level (42) of the work device (41) and the direction of the gravitational force (g) in such a way that the measured angle (?) matches the predetermined angle (??).

Abstract: A method for processing one or more manufactured parts is provided. The method includes generating a number of tool paths corresponding to a feature to be added to the one or more manufactured parts. Each of the tool paths has an effect on a respective one of the representative manufactured parts. The method further includes clustering the tool paths into a number of clusters based on the respective effect and a tolerance of the feature being added to the representative manufactured part and processing a manufactured part using one of the tool paths, which corresponds to a respective subpopulation in which the manufactured part lies.

Abstract: In a numerically controlled method of moving an object to be controlled along a predetermined locus, controlling control axes, the locus is made approximate to a spatial polynomial, a polynomial is converted into a polynomial as time function, the polynomial converted as time function is distributed to each control axis, control command in each control axis is produced on the basis of the polynomial distributed to each axis as time function, and the object to be controlled is moved along the locus, controlling each control axis on the basis of the control command. The velocity, the acceleration and the jerk of the object to be controlled can be easily obtained concerning each control axis in advance by differentiating the polynomial expressed by time function. The object to be controlled is controlled so as to move along the locus expressed by the polynomial, feeding irregularity or position shift is reduced and curved face machining at high accuracy is possible.

Abstract: A method for controlling a mechanism through the use of higher-dimensional n-curves is disclosed. An electronically-controlled mechanism is provided. Electronic communication is established between a computer and the electronically-controlled mechanism. A controller is running or executing on the computer to send mechanism commands to the electronically-controlled mechanism. Process control software is used to control the electronically-controlled mechanism. The process control software uses higher-dimensional n-curves to control the electronically-controlled mechanism.

Abstract: A method of locating an assembly point (P) on a first part (40), at which assembly point the first part is to be joined to a second part (1), the method comprising the steps of: determining an assembly location (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) in respect of the second part; measuring a portion (42a, 42b, 42c) of a surface (43) of the first part, the surface being spaced away from the second part, so as to define the position and orientation of the surface; and, calculating the assembly point on the surface of the first part, where the surface of the first part is intersected by a vector (N) passing between the determined assembly location and the surface of the first part.

Abstract: A position control apparatus and method has been devised which provides for an improved means of suppressing tracking error from a variable position reference occurring when a control object positioned via a transmission mechanism with mechanical transmission error resumes movement from a state stopped at a target position. A selection between two alternative tracking error compensating means within the control apparatus is made based on whether the detected position of the control object changes in a period after the control object stops and before the variable position reference is input again to a control deviation generating unit.

Abstract: A system and method for performing trajectory generation, interpolation, and control for a motion control application, where the trajectory generation, interpolation, and control are performed in parallel with each other. In one embodiment, an FPGA in a motion control device may be configured to perform the trajectory generation, interpolation, and control in parallel. Performing trajectory generation, interpolation, and control in parallel on an FPGA may increase the efficiency of the motion control application.