NC Machine Tool Programming via Visual Sequence Templates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The programming of numerically controlled machine tools is complex and inefficient, often leading to errors due to the high complexity of G code programs, making it difficult for users to create intuitive and error-free machining sequences.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for creating sequence programs for numerically controlled machine tools using a graphical user interface on the machine controller, allowing users to visually create and edit machining sequences through a touchscreen interface with gesture control, and automatically generating G code or NC code for execution on the machine tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If G code programming is used for controlling machine tools, then precise machining control is achieved, but programming complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer between the simple graphical user interface and the complex G code system. Users interact with intuitive visual elements (buttons, sliders, graphical representations) rather than directly writing G code. The control device automatically translates these user-friendly inputs into precise G code commands, thereby maintaining machining precision while eliminating programming complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of writing and editing text-based G code with an automated electronic translation system. The control device's processor automatically converts graphical interface selections into G code sequences, substituting the manual mechanical process of code writing with an automated computational process that maintains precision without requiring user expertise in G code syntax.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional NC control devices are used, then machine tool control functions are provided, but ease of operation is reduced due to complex programming requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of the machine tool's control functions through the graphical user interface. Instead of requiring users to understand and manipulate complex G code text, the interface presents visual copies of control operations (graphical buttons, sliders, and representations of machining operations) that mirror the actual machine functions while being much easier to operate. This visual copying layer maintains full control functionality while dramatically improving ease of operation.
3Productivity
If G code programs are created manually, then machining sequences can be programmed, but error occurrence increases due to high complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control device automatically validates and checks the generated G code before execution. The system provides real-time feedback to the user about potential errors, warnings, or issues with the programmed sequence through the graphical interface. This automated feedback loop catches errors that would otherwise require manual checking, thereby maintaining productivity while significantly improving reliability by reducing programming errors.
4Ease of operation
If visual graphical user interface is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the control interface from a one-dimensional text-based G code editor to a two-dimensional or three-dimensional graphical user interface. Instead of linear text input, users interact with visual elements arranged in spatial dimensions (buttons, sliders, graphical representations of workpieces and tool paths). This dimensional change provides intuitive visual feedback and easier operation while the automated translation process manages the underlying complexity, effectively hiding device complexity from the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a numerically controlled machine tool to design, create, modify and/or execute a sequence program for machining a workpiece, comprising the steps of: displaying, on a graphical user interface, a project library with a plurality of project templates. Each project template comprises a preconfigured sequence of operations for machining the workpiece according to the sequence program. selecting a project template by a user. displaying, on the user interface, a parameter display for setting a plurality of process parameters for the sequence program. setting the plurality of process parameters by the user and storing the process parameters. displaying, on the user interface, a schedule with a plurality of operations and an order of the plurality of operations. displaying, on the user interface, an operation library with a plurality of operation templates. selecting an operation template by the user and placing and/or relocating the operation template at a desired position of an operation in the schedule. repeating the selecting and placing and/or relocating of operation templates until the schedule is completed. generating a sequence program with corresponding machine and/or control functions according to the schedule and the process parameters and outputting the sequence program to a controller of the machine tool via a control interface.