Numerical Controller Teaching Operation Axis Estimation

Solution Overview

Problem

In creating teaching-playback machine control programs, operators face difficulties in identifying and accurately programming multiple mechanism sections, leading to potential erroneous teaching operations due to the complexity of inputting identification data for each section.

Innovation Solution

A numerical controller with a program selection unit, control object axis extraction unit, manual operation unit, operation history recording unit, teaching object axis estimating unit, and erroneous teaching preventing unit, which estimates the teaching object axis based on manual operation history and prevents erroneous teaching by ensuring the axis position is only reflected in the correct program.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If identification data is simultaneously input for each mechanism section during teaching, then erroneous input is prevented, but operations become complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of teaching operationVSAvoidcomplexity of teaching operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the teaching object axis based on the currently operated axis without requiring manual input of identification data. The teaching object axis determination unit automatically identifies which axis should be taught by monitoring which axis is currently being operated, eliminating the need for operators to manually input identification data while maintaining accurate teaching operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback by highlighting the teaching object axis on the display screen during teaching operations. This feedback mechanism helps operators confirm which axis is currently being taught, preventing erroneous input while keeping the operation interface simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If programs for multiple mechanism sections are created by a single control panel, then control is unified, but operators cannot easily identify the mechanism section for which programs are created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to control multiple mechanism sectionsVSAvoididentification of mechanism section

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses visual highlighting (color changes) on the display screen to indicate which mechanism section or axis is currently the teaching object. This visual identification method allows operators to easily distinguish between different mechanism sections when creating programs on a single control panel, preventing confusion about which section a program belongs to while maintaining unified control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If positions are recorded by teaching operation without axis identification, then teaching is simplified, but programs for controlling mechanism sections against operator's intention may be taught

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of teaching operationVSAvoidcorrectness of program teaching

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the teaching object axis based on the currently operated axis without requiring manual input of identification data. The teaching object axis determination unit automatically identifies which axis should be taught by monitoring which axis is currently being operated, eliminating the need for operators to manually input identification data while maintaining accurate teaching operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9857787B2Numerical controller configured to perform teaching operation with mechanism sections switched

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A numerical controller extracts control object axis from an axis control program to be taught. On the other hand, history information on an axis movement caused by an operator's manual operation is recorded, and an axis (teaching object axis) to be taught by the operator is estimated from the recorded history information. If the estimated teaching object axis is not included in the control object axis, reflection of the position of the axis on the program by a teaching operation is prohibited.