Machine tool control apparatus

A machine tool control apparatus for a machine tool including a plurality of moving parts each provided with a detection means for detecting the operation state of the moving part, comprising:

• control means for controlling the machine tool;
• simulation means for operating a three-dimensional model of the machine tool in synchronism with operation of the machine tool;
• storage means for storing step sequence data representing a sequence of operation steps, data representing ladder circuits related to the steps, each of the ladder circuits being configured by connecting elements, including the detection means, in series and/or parallel, and moving parts relevant data which relate each detection means to a moving part whose operation state is detected by the detection means;
• display means for displaying at least the three-dimensional model of the machine tool operated through simulation, and the step sequence data;
• and
• abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality having occurred in one of the operation steps, wherein
• the control means controls the machine tool in a sequence according to the step sequence data and the ladder circuits;
• the control means can determine on the basis of a detection signal from each detection means whether an element corresponding to the detection means has completed its operation;
• and
• when the abnormality detection means detects an abnormality, the control means extracts, from a ladder circuit corresponding to a step in which an abnormality has been detected, an element to be operated in response to completion of operation of a preceding element in the ladder circuit, or an element not having completed its operation, specifies a detection means corresponding to the extracted element or a moving part corresponding to the detection means, and displays at least one of the specified detection means or moving part in the three-dimensional model displayed on the display means such that the detection means or moving part can be distinguished.