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US 7,016,745 B1Granted
NC programming and predetermined practices integration
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsWade E. Dickerson, Amitabh Vyas
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A computer-based facility configured for programming of numerically controlled (NC) machines includes an NC data set generator component used in allowing a user to select data sets for NC programs that control the NC machines. For example, such data sets may include features, processes, tools, and functions combined in accordance with predetermined practices, such as best practices. Aspects of the facility allow for integration of generated data sets into a computer aided drafting/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) environment, such as CATIA.
Claims25
A method for programming numerically controlled machines, the method comprising:
- presenting a set of feature options, wherein each of the feature options from the set of feature options relates to a feature to be established with respect to a part;
- receiving a selection of one of the feature options from the first set of feature options;
- and
- presenting a set of process options, wherein each of the process options from the set of process options relates to a process that can be used to establish the selected feature option with respect to the part, and wherein each of the process options from the set of process options is consistent with at least one predetermined practice for establishing the selected feature options with respect to the part.
1 more element
A method for programming numerically controlled machines, the method comprising:
- obtaining a set of information associated with manufacturing a part, wherein the set of information includes options selected via a user interface that interactively guides a user through one or more available decision paths based on a set of predetermined practices for programming of the numerically controlled machines;
- and
- integrating the obtained set of information with information in a programming environment configured for facilitating the programming of numerically controlled machines, wherein integrating includes:
- identifying an incomplete machine operation definition from a set of incomplete machine operation definitions, wherein the incomplete machine operation definition is identified based on its compatibility with the obtained set of information;
- automatically populating variables of the incomplete machine operation definition, wherein the automatic population is based, at least in part, on the obtained information;
- and
- obtaining input from a user for further populating the variables of the incomplete machine operation definition.
4 more elements
A system for programming of numerically controlled machines, the system comprising:
- a data set generator configured for generating an information set used in generating programmed instructions for operating a numerically controlled machine, the data set generator comprising:
- a predetermined practices rules component for determining feature options, process options, and tool options for display;
- and
- a first user interface component for receiving selections of displayed options;
- a programming environment configured for generating programmed instructions for operating the numerically controlled machine, the programming environment comprising:
- a machine operation catalog for storing partially complete machining operations;
- a second user interface component;
- and
- a parts data component;
- and
- an integrator component configured for interacting with the programming environment, wherein the interacting includes:
- providing the information set to the programming environment so that a partially complete machining operation can be selected from the machine operation catalog;
- and
- facilitating the population of variables of the selected partially complete machining operation based on the information set.
11 more elements
A system for programming of numerically controlled machines, the system comprising:
- means for obtaining a set of information associated with manufacturing a part, wherein the set of information includes options selected via a user interface that interactively guides a user through one or more available decision paths based on a set of predetermined practices for programming of the numerically controlled machines;
- and
- means for integrating the obtained set of information with information in a programming environment configured for facilitating the programming of the numerically controlled machines, wherein integrating includes:
- identifying an incomplete machine operation definition from a set of incomplete machine operation definitions, wherein the incomplete machine operation definition is identified based on its compatibility with the obtained set of information;
- automatically populating variables of the incomplete machine operation definition, wherein the automatic population is based, at least in part, on the obtained information;
- and
- obtaining input from a user for further populating the variables of the incomplete machine operation definition.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.