Method and System for Programmable Numerical Control

A method of controlling a controlled device, the method comprising:

• receiving at least one part program at a programmable logic controller (PLC);
• storing the at least one part program in a string array library of a memory portion of the PLC;
• communicating information to an operator interface regarding the stored at least one part program;
• receiving a first selection signal at the operator interface indicating a first selection of a first of the at least one part program and communicating the first selection to the PLC;
• copying the selected part program to an active program buffer of the memory portion;
• receiving a second selection signal at the operator interface indicating a second selection of a machine tool that is to perform a process in accordance with the selected part program;
• decoding the selected part program into commands and associated real value axis positions;
• storing the commands and associated real value axis positions and generating instructions to execute the commands;
• and
• communicating the commands and associated real value axis positions at least indirectly to both the operator interface and machine tool, so that the machine tool operates based upon the selected part program and so that a representation of an execution of the selected part program is displayed at the operator interface.

A programmable numeric control (PNC) system comprising:

• an operator interface;
• first and second ports respectively capable of at least indirectly interfacing first and second controlled devices, respectively;
• and
• a programmable logic controller (PLC) coupled to each of the operator interface and the first and second ports, wherein the PLC further includes a processing portion and a memory portion, and wherein the memory portion further includes
• a part program library capable of storing a plurality of part programs;
• and
• an offset library capable of storing offset information associated with the part programs,
• wherein the PLC is capable of sending control signals via the first and second ports that are suitable for controlling the first and second controlled devices in accordance with at least one of the part programs.