Numerical Controller MDI Program Recommendation via Status Similarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing numerical controllers require significant labor to find and categorize frequently used MDI programs, and re-categorization is time-consuming and error-prone, especially when work contents change.
Innovation Solution
A numerical controller with an operation history information storage area, MDI operation command unit, operation execution unit, status acquisition unit, and operation history information scoring unit that stores and scores the similarity between current status data and past operation history, automatically recommending MDI programs based on similarity, reducing the need for manual registration and categorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all MDI programs are registered in advance in memory for reuse, then program reuse efficiency is improved, but the time to find a target program increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the search criterion from categorical classification to operational status similarity. Instead of searching within predefined categories, the system compares multiple parameters including modal information, machine tool operation signals, user-defined signals, and timing information to calculate similarity scores. This allows the system to efficiently retrieve appropriate MDI programs by matching operational contexts rather than browsing through categorized lists.
2Ease of operation
If MDI programs are classified into categories to reduce search labor, then program retrieval efficiency is improved, but the complexity of categorization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically perform the categorization function through status-based similarity scoring. When an MDI program is executed, the system automatically records the operational status parameters and uses them to calculate similarity scores with current operations. This eliminates the need for manual categorization by operators while providing automatic, context-aware program recommendations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-recording operational status parameters alongside executed MDI programs. This historical status data is stored and made available for future similarity comparisons, allowing the system to quickly retrieve appropriate programs without requiring real-time analysis of operational context.
3Ease of operation
If manual categorization of MDI programs is performed, then program organization is improved, but labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically organizing MDI programs based on operational status similarity. The status acquisition unit collects relevant parameters, the scoring unit calculates similarity scores, and the system automatically presents sorted program candidates. This eliminates manual categorization labor while maintaining effective program organization based on actual operational contexts.
4Reliability
If MDI programs are re-categorized when work contents change, then program accuracy is improved, but labor and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the program recommendation system adaptive to changing work conditions. Instead of requiring static re-categorization when work contents change, the system dynamically calculates similarity scores based on current operational status parameters. This allows the system to automatically adapt to new work conditions without manual intervention, maintaining program accuracy while eliminating re-categorization time.
Data Source
AI summary
A numerical controller stores status data representative of its status in association with a manual data input program executed in this status. In performing a manual data input operation, the stored status data is scored based on its similarity to the current status, and manual data input programs executed in the past are recommended to an operator in the order of priority based on the result of the scoring.