Machining Program Editor With Side-by-Side Tool Code Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining program editors for machine tools lack efficiency in allowing programmers to easily find and insert necessary codes, particularly due to the lack of organized and accessible information about tool specifications and control methods.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that display a program editing window alongside assistance windows, allowing programmers to select and insert tool information and control methods directly into the program code, with features like switchable assistance windows, input buttons for symbols, and display of cumulative tool wear, facilitating efficient programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If programmers manually search for and insert codes in machining programs, then programming can be completed, but the time required increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-organizes all necessary tool information and control methods in assistance windows before programming begins. Programmers can access pre-categorized G codes, M codes, tool specifications, and controlling methods without searching, allowing immediate insertion of required codes into the machining program.
Solution Approach 2:
The assistance window acts as an intermediary between the programmer and the machining program. It provides a structured interface that mediates the code insertion process by presenting organized tool information and control methods, eliminating the need for programmers to search through unorganized sources.
2Loss of information
If all tool information and control methods are displayed in one window, then information is comprehensive, but the window becomes cluttered and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The assistance window is segmented into multiple functional sections: G code section, M code section, tool information section, and controlling method section. Each section is further divided into sub-sections (e.g., tool information includes T number, name, dimension, and compensation parameters). This hierarchical segmentation allows comprehensive information to be organized in a navigable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the assistance window provide different types of information tailored to specific programming needs. The G code section provides motion control codes, the M code section provides auxiliary functions, the tool information section provides tool specifications, and the controlling method section provides operational procedures. Each section has its own format and organization optimized for its specific purpose.
3Device complexity
If assistance windows are fixed in position, then layout is simple, but programmers cannot optimize the view for different programming tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The assistance windows are designed to be dynamically repositionable and resizable. Programmers can move windows to different positions on the screen, change their sizes, and switch between different assistance windows (first assistance window, second assistance window) depending on the programming task at hand. This dynamic behavior allows the interface to adapt to various programming scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple underlying structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for editing a machining program for a machine tool includes: obtaining tool information regarding a tool mountable on a machine tool; displaying a program editing window and at least one assistance window such that the program editing window and the at least one assistance window are arranged side by side, the program editing window being for displaying a program code of the machining program for controlling the machine tool, the at least one assistance window being for displaying at least one piece of information selected from the tool information regarding a tool and a controlling method for controlling the tool; specifying, in the program code, an insertion position to insert a new code into the program code; and upon selection of the at least one piece of information from the tool information and the controlling method in the at least one assistance window, inserting a command into the program code at the insertion position, the command corresponding to the at least one piece of information.