Standardized CL Data Conversion for Machine Tool NC Programs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The generation of NC programs for machine tools is hindered by the need for proprietary post-processors for each CAM device, leading to high development costs and time, as well as difficulties in converting CL data into NC programs that utilize the optional functions of various machine tools.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that standardizes CL data into a predetermined format, incorporating unique control information from numerical control apparatuses, machine tools, and users, allowing for the generation of optimized NC programs that can be universally converted and utilized across different machine tools, reducing the need for multiple post-processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary post-processors are developed for each CAM device, then CL data can be converted into NC programs, but development costs and time increase enormously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal post-processor that can handle multiple CAM device formats through standardized CL data conversion. The system defines a standardized CL data format that serves as an intermediate representation, allowing a single post-processor to convert from various proprietary formats to NC programs without requiring separate developers for each CAM vendor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces standardized CL data as an intermediary format between proprietary CAM device formats and NC program formats. This intermediate standardization layer acts as a mediator that decouples the conversion process, allowing the post-processor to work with a consistent input format regardless of the source CAM device.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single post-processor is used for multiple machine tools, then development costs are reduced, but conversion of optional functions may be omitted or incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the post-processing functionality into modular components that can be independently configured. The system allows selective activation of optional functions based on the target machine tool's capabilities, enabling a single post-processor to correctly handle different machine configurations by enabling or disabling specific conversion routines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configuration capabilities in the post-processor, allowing it to adapt its behavior based on the target machine tool's optional functions. The system can dynamically load or activate specific conversion routines depending on the required machine tool capabilities, ensuring accurate conversion while maintaining a single versatile post-processor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If CL data is standardized according to ISO, then compatibility improves, but proprietary formats with unique functions cannot be fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite data structure for standardized CL data that combines ISO-standard elements with extensions for proprietary functions. The standardized format incorporates both universal ISO-compliant components and machine-specific optional function components, allowing simultaneous achievement of broad compatibility and preservation of unique control information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different parts of the CL data structure to have different levels of standardization. Core positioning and motion data follow ISO standards for broad compatibility, while optional function sections can incorporate proprietary formats to preserve unique control information specific to certain machine tools or CAM devices.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an information processing apparatus for fully utilizing the functions of a machine tool by correctly converting CL data into an NC program. The information processing apparatus includes a CL data acquirer that can acquire CL data including standardization information based on a rule defined among a plurality of output devices, thereby acquiring CL data including the standardization information associated with at least one of unique control information of the numerical control apparatus, unique control information of the machine tool, and unique control information of a user of the machine tool, and an NC program generator that acquires an NC code corresponding to the standardization information included in the CL data, and generates an NC program including the NC code based on the NC code and the CL data.