NC Program Input With Function Abbreviation Auto-Completion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional numerical control devices require cumbersome input of function abbreviations, especially when they are longer, increasing program creation time and user burden, as they demand input of function abbreviations without a key and lack intuitive command methods for efficient editing of processing programs containing G codes.
Innovation Solution
A numerical control device with a control unit and storage unit that includes a key-in buffer, function abbreviation storage, and a function abbreviation candidate display unit, which retrieves and complements function abbreviation candidates, allowing for efficient and easy input of function abbreviations by converting them into program codes based on a correspondence relationship.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If function abbreviations are input manually without assistance, then program code accuracy is maintained, but user operation time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical input of function abbreviations with an automated information processing system. The control unit automatically retrieves function abbreviations from storage based on input characters, converting manual typing into an automated lookup process that maintains accuracy while reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically displaying relevant function abbreviations and descriptions without requiring user memorization or manual search. The control unit autonomously retrieves and presents the correct function abbreviation based on the input character, allowing users to simply select from displayed options rather than type everything manually.
2Ease of operation
If comprehensive function abbreviation lists are provided for selection, then input ease is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of displaying all possible function abbreviations at once, the system displays only those relevant to the current input context. The control unit filters and presents function abbreviations based on the specific character input and program context, reducing visual clutter and cognitive load while maintaining ease of selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary retrieval of function abbreviations based on the input character before the user needs to select. The control unit proactively fetches and displays relevant function abbreviations and their descriptions, so when the user needs to input a function, the appropriate options are already prepared and presented.
3Loss of information
If function abbreviations with descriptions are displayed for selection, then command code understanding is improved, but information processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system displays function abbreviation descriptions selectively based on what is needed for the current input context. Rather than showing complete detailed descriptions for all functions, the control unit provides just enough information (partial action) to help the user identify and select the correct function abbreviation, balancing understanding with efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A numerical control device for a machine tool including a key-in buffer storage unit storing a key-input character, a function abbreviation storage unit storing a function abbreviation and a correspondence relationship between the function abbreviation and a program code, a function abbreviation candidate display unit retrieving a function abbreviation candidate from the number of characters matched between a character and the function abbreviation, a function abbreviation character string complementing unit complementing a character before key-input of the function abbreviation candidate when the key-input character is a part of the function abbreviation candidate and the number of the function abbreviation candidates is one and returning the complemented function abbreviation candidate to the key-in buffer storage unit, and a function abbreviation-code conversion unit converting a character string indicating the function abbreviation candidate returned to the key-in buffer storage unit after the complement into a program code based on the correspondence relationship.