Machine Tool Control Apparatus Visualizing G-Code via Process Charts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators face difficulties in understanding and verifying machining programs for machine tools due to their complex nature in G-code, leading to time-consuming pre-checks and potential setting errors in spindle rotational speed, cutting feed speed, coordinate systems, and tool types.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a program analyzing section to parse machining programs, a process chart creating section to organize processes, and a displaying section to visualize the machining sequence, allowing operators to easily identify and correct errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a machining program is written with G-code to enable reuse and compatibility across machine tools, then the program can be standardized and reused, but the program becomes difficult to understand and verify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the machining program in the form of a process chart. This chart displays machining processes, tools, and parameters in a graphical format that is easily understandable, while the original G-code program remains unchanged for execution. The visual copy enables operators to verify program correctness without needing to understand complex G-code syntax.
2Reliability
If an operator manually checks a machining program for errors in spindle speed, feed speed, coordinate systems, and tool types, then setting errors can be detected, but the process requires much time and operator skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a process chart as an intermediary between the G-code program and the operator. This chart automatically extracts and displays critical machining parameters (spindle speed, feed speed, tools, coordinate systems) in a visual format, serving as a mediator that translates complex program data into easily verifiable information without requiring manual line-by-line checking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary extraction and organization of machining parameters into a process chart before the operator needs to verify the program. This advance preparation of visual information allows operators to quickly review critical parameters without having to parse the entire G-code program during the pre-check phase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a machining program is analyzed to extract machining conditions for database storage, then a knowledge base can be composed, but the program requires complex analysis and verification
Solution Approach 1:
The process chart serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays machining processes for operator verification, extracts machining conditions for database storage, and provides a visual representation for program validation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate complex analysis systems, as the same visual化 process serves both verification and knowledge extraction purposes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control apparatus (10) for controlling a machine tool (20) on the basis of a machining program is provided with a program analysis unit (22) which analyzes an input machining program (30), a process table creation unit (26) which, on the basis of the results of the analysis by the program analysis unit (22), creates a process table that sequentially lists processes according to the execution flow of the machining program (30), and a display unit (28) which displays the process table created by the process table creation unit (26).