Hierarchical NC and Sequence Block Display for Machine Tool Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In machine tools with combined numerical control and programmable controller systems, the execution sequence and status of control programs are not easily recognizable due to differences in programming languages, making it difficult to detect abnormalities or debug programs efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A block execution sequence display system that visually represents both sequence and NC programs as hierarchical structures, allowing for easy recognition of execution sequences and statuses through a display device, enabling operators to distinguish active blocks and quickly identify issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If separate monitoring devices are used for sequence programs and NC programs, then each program type can be monitored individually, but the overall execution sequence and status become difficult to recognize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the monitoring of sequence programs and NC programs into a single integrated display interface. The display shows both program types together with their execution sequences, allowing operators to view the overall control program execution status in one place rather than switching between separate monitoring devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device is designed to handle multiple program types (sequence programs and NC programs) simultaneously with a unified display methodology. The system provides universal monitoring capabilities that adapt to different program types while maintaining consistent visualization of execution sequences and statuses.
2Ease of operation
If detailed NC program contents are displayed to enable visual recognition, then execution sequence can be understood, but the display becomes complex and requires knowledge of NC language
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different display characteristics to different program types within the same interface. Sequence program steps are displayed with visual indicators showing execution status, while NC program blocks are displayed with hierarchical structure. Each program type receives customized presentation tailored to its characteristics, making both easily recognizable without requiring detailed NC language knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The display divides the control program into distinct segments or blocks, where each block represents a sequence program step or an NC program section. This segmentation allows operators to view the overall execution sequence at a high level while being able to drill down into specific blocks if needed, reducing the complexity of displayed information.
3Reliability
If the monitoring device displays control circuits for sequence programs, then sequence execution can be tracked, but NC program execution status remains invisible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display of control circuits for sequence programs with the display of NC program execution status in a unified interface. When a sequence program step that calls an NC program is displayed, the corresponding NC program execution status is also shown, ensuring that both types of execution information are visible simultaneously without requiring separate displays.
Data Source
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AI summary
A block execution sequence display system includes: a machine tool (150) that has numerical control and sequence control; a programmable controller (10) that executes a sequence program (13a); a numerical control device (20) that executes a NC program (23a); block execution sequence array display means (116a) for displaying a block execution sequence array in which sequence functional blocks and a NC program execution block are arranged in an execution sequence; selecting means for selecting one of blocks in the array; and NC functional block execution sequence array display means (116c) for, when the NC program execution block is selected by the selecting means, displaying a NC functional block execution sequence array in which a plurality of NC functional blocks are arranged in an execution sequence.