CL Data Standardization for Machine Tool NC Program Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conversion of CL data from different CAM manufacturers into an NC program requires developing proprietary post-processors for each machine tool, incurring significant cost and time, and often results in the omission of unique machine tool functions.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that standardizes CL data into a predetermined format, incorporating unique control information of the numerical control apparatus, machine tool, and user, enabling unified post-processors to generate optimized NC programs considering machine tool characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If proprietary post-processors are developed for each CAM device to convert CL data into NC programs, then conversion accuracy and machine tool function utilization are improved, but development cost and time increase enormously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion accuracyVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal post-processor that can handle multiple CAM device formats through automatic generation. The system generates post-processors dynamically based on machine tool information, allowing one post-processor to serve multiple CAM manufacturers' formats without requiring separate proprietary developers for each combination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automatic post-processor generation system as an intermediary between CAM devices and machine tools. This intermediary automatically creates the conversion logic based on standardized information, eliminating the need for manual proprietary post-processor development for each CAM device while maintaining accurate conversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If proprietary post-processors are developed for each CAM device, then conversion accuracy is improved, but device complexity and development cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a universal post-processor generation mechanism that handles multiple CAM formats through a single standardized interface. This reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate proprietary post-processors while maintaining the ability to accurately convert various CL data formats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter-based configuration where machine tool information and CL data format specifications are stored as standardized parameters. The automatic post-processor generation system dynamically adjusts conversion parameters based on the target machine tool and source CAM format, reducing the need for complex hard-coded conversion logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If general-purpose functions are used due to post-processor limitations, then ease of operation is improved, but machine tool performance utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidmachine tool performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic post-processor generation system acts as an intermediary that translates machine tool-specific optional functions into standardized NC program commands. This allows the simple operation of general-purpose post-processors to be maintained while the generated NC programs fully utilize machine tool performance through proper conversion of optional functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3964904B1Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 DMG MORI CO LTD
  • EP3964904B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3964904B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3964904B1 patent drawingFigure 3

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.