Modular CNC Controller Software for Rapid Machine Tool Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional numerical controller software for machine tools is inflexible, requiring separate software sets for different machine types, leading to high costs and labor-intensive reconfiguration when hardware changes occur, such as upgrading from three-axis to five-axis controllers.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for dynamically generating numerical controller software using a software function-specification managing unit, function-module storage unit, and function-module composing unit to create a text description file, function module table, and compose executable software from reusable function modules, allowing for rapid adaptation to various machine tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional numerical controller software is designed for specific machine tools, then the software can control the specific machine tool, but the software cannot be reused for other machine tools requiring complete repurchase and reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the numerical controller software into multiple independent function modules (e.g., motion control module, interpolation module, coordinate transformation module, I/O control module). Each module performs a specific function and can be independently selected and configured. This segmentation enables the software to be adapted to different machine tools by selecting appropriate modules without requiring complete software replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal function module library that can serve multiple machine tool types. The same base modules (such as motion control, interpolation, and coordinate transformation) can be reused across different machine tools with varying degrees of freedom (3-axis, 5-axis, lathe, etc.). This universality reduces software complexity and enables adaptability without complete repurchase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complete software sets are stored for different machine tools in the cloud, then each machine tool type can be supported, but large memory space is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing complete software sets for each machine tool type, the patent segments the software into modular function modules and stores only these individual modules in the cloud. When a machine tool needs software, the system dynamically selects and assembles the required modules from the library. This approach dramatically reduces memory space requirements while maintaining support for multiple machine tool types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where a complete numerical controller software is composed of nested function modules, which themselves may contain sub-modules. This hierarchical nesting allows the system to store only the essential base modules in the cloud, with complete software configurations being dynamically assembled locally by combining these nested modules according to specific machine tool requirements.
3Productivity
If conventional software compilation methods are used, then executable files can be generated, but hardware changes require complete software recompilation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary compilation of function modules into intermediate code or bytecode that can be executed by an interpreter or virtual machine. The function modules are pre-compiled and stored in the cloud, ready for rapid assembly. When hardware changes occur, the system does not need to recompile the entire software; instead, it dynamically assembles the appropriate pre-compiled modules and generates the executable quickly, thereby maintaining high productivity and hardware adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for dynamically generating numerical controller software of machine tool includes a software function-specification managing unit, a function-module storage unit and a function-module composing unit. The software function-specification managing unit is to produce a text description file describing function modules required by the numerical controller software, and then for performing specification analysis upon the text description file to generate a function module table including the function modules. The function-module storage unit is to memorize and manage the function modules, wherein the function-module storage unit confirms whether or not the function-module storage unit has been furnished with the f function modules required by the numerical controller software. The function-module composing unit is to retrieve the required function modules from the function-module storage unit, and further to set the connection among the function modules to compose the numerical controller software. In addition, a method for the device is also provided.