Pulse distribution apparatus for linear interpolation in a numerical control system

A pulse distribution apparatus for distributing drive pulses to drive a plurality of servomechanisms in a numerical control system to thereby displace a movable member along a line segment to be linearly interpolated, comprising:

• a digital computer connected with said servomechanisms;
• a clock pulse generator for generating clock pulses at a predetermined frequency;
• a plurality of presettable counter means each respectively associated with one of said plurality of servomechanisms and each connected to said digital computer to receive a preset value therefrom and to said clock pulse generator to receive said clock pulses for generating an output command to said digital computer when receiving said clock pulses corresponding in number to said preset value therein;
• and
• gate means respectively connected between said counter means and said clock pulse generator for inhibiting the transmitting of said clock pulses to the corresponding counter means when the same generates said output command;
• said digital computer including:
• means for calculating from numerical control data the time which is required for said movable member to travel over the entire length of said line segment at a commanded feed rate,
• means for calculating periods for pulse distribution cycles for said respective servomechanisms, each of said cycles being determined to assign within said required time all of pulses to be distributed to one of said axes relating thereto, and
• means for distributing one drive pulse to one of said servomechanisms and for supplying the value of the period of one of said distribution cycles for said one servomechanisms as said preset value to one of said counter means each time the same generates said output command.