Patent Publication Number: US-2019196441-A1

Title: Apparatus, method, and computer readable media for controlling machining parameters

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201711446000.4 filed on Dec. 27, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     FIELD 
     The disclosure generally relates to control technology, and to an apparatus, method, and computer readable media for controlling machining, and particularly to an apparatus, method, and computer readable media for controlling machining parameters of a plurality of processing machines. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There is a need to adjust processing parameters of a processing machine in a process. Such processing parameters are conventionally adjusted manually. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the views. 
         FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for controlling machining parameters. 
         FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system for controlling machining parameters. 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling machining parameters. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiment described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. Further, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts may be exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  shows an machining parameters controlling apparatus  100  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The apparatus  100  can be used for controlling the machining parameters of a plurality of processing machines  200 . The apparatus  100  can communicate with each of the plurality of processing machines  200 . The processing machines  200  can be a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, a milling machine, or other machines. The processing machines  200  can be same or different. 
     The apparatus  100  includes a processor  10 , a storage unit  20 , a running state acquisition unit  30 , a detecting unit  40 , a display unit  50 , and an alarm unit  60 . The storage unit  20 , the running state acquisition unit  30 , the detecting unit  40 , the display unit  50 , and the alarm unit  60  are electrically coupled to the processor  10 . 
     The processor  10  can be a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, or a single chip, for example. 
     The storage unit  20  can be used to store data output by the running state acquisition unit  30 , the detecting unit  40 , the display unit  50 , and the alarm unit  60 . The storage unit  20  can be further used to store standard values of the machining parameters, a number of first preset values of error compensation and a tolerance range thereof, and a number of second preset values of error compensation. The first preset value of error compensation for one machining parameter is greater than the second preset value of error compensation. If the error compensation is less than the second preset value of error compensation, the machining parameter can be automatically adjusted. 
     In at least one embodiment, the storage unit  20  can be an internal storage system, such as a flash memory, a random access memory (RAM) for temporary storage of information, and/or a read-memory (ROM) for permanent storage of information. 
     In at least one embodiment, the storage unit  20  can also be a storage system, such as a hard disk, a storage card, or a data storage medium. The storage unit  20  can include volatile and/or non-volatile storage devices. 
     In at least one embodiment, the storage unit  20  can include two or more storage devices such that one storage device is a memory and the other storage device is a hard drive. Additionally, the storage unit  20  can be located either entirely or partially external relative to the apparatus  100 . 
     The running state acquisition unit  30  can be used to acquire a running state of each of the processing machines  200 . The running state acquisition unit  30  can be a monitoring device mounted above a processing machine  200 . In other embodiments, the running state acquisition unit  30  can be a detecting device mounted in the processing machine  200 . 
     The detecting unit  40  can be used to measure and detect workpieces being processed by the processing machines  200 , to detect and acquire information of the workpieces. The detecting information can include length, width, height, flatness value, or other data. The detecting unit  40  can be a measuring device, a flatness detecting device, or other detecting devices. The detecting unit  40  can be mounted in each of the processing machines  200 . In other embodiments, the detecting unit  40  can be an independent and separate device. 
     The display unit  50  can be used to display the detected information of the workpieces, the running state of the processing machines  200 , results of analysis of the error compensation, the calculated error compensation of the machining parameters, interfaces for controlling the machining parameters, and interfaces for controlling the running state of the processing machine and other controls. 
     The alarm unit  60  can be used to send an alert when the error compensation is greater than the first preset value. The alarm unit  60  can be further used to send an alarm for confirming the error compensation when the error compensation is greater than the second preset value but less than the first preset value. In at least one embodiment, the alarm unit  60  can be but is not limited to being visible warning device, voice warning device, or the like. 
       FIG. 2  shows a machining parameter control system  2 . The machining parameter control system  2  can include a plurality of modules. The plurality of modules can include a running state acquisition module  21 , a detecting module  22 , a compensation calculating module  23 , a logic operation module  24 , a parameter adjusting module  25 , a control module  26 , and a shut-down module  27 . The running state acquisition module  21 , the detecting module  22 , the compensation calculating module  23 , the logic operation module  24 , the parameter adjusting module  25 , the control module  26 , and the shut-down module  27  can be stored in the storage unit  20  of the machining parameter control apparatus  100 , and further applied on the processor  10  of the machining parameter control apparatus  100 . The modules of the machining parameter control system  2  can include separated functionalities represented by hardware or integrated circuits, or as software and hardware combinations, such as a special-purpose processor or a general-purpose processor with special-purpose firmware. 
     The running state acquisition module  21  is configured for acquiring the running states of the processing machines  200 . 
     The detecting module  22  is configured for detecting and acquiring information of the workpieces processed by the processing machines  200 . 
     The compensation calculating module  23  is configured for calculating the error compensation depending on the detected information of the workpieces and a mathematical model. 
     The logic operation module  24  is configured for comparing the error compensation with the first preset value. The logic operation module  24  is further configured for comparing the error compensation with the second preset value. If the error compensation is greater than the second preset value, the parameter cannot be automatically adjusted. If the error compensation is not greater than the second preset value, the parameter can be automatically adjusted. The second preset value can be set as demanded. For example, the second preset value can be 0.01. 
     The parameter adjusting module  25  is configured for receiving the error compensation, and automatically adjusting the machining parameters accordingly. 
     The control module  26  is configured for controlling the alarm unit  60  to send the alert when the error compensation is greater than the first preset value. The control module  26  is further configured for controlling the display unit  50  to display the error compensation, and controlling the alarm unit  60  to send the alarm for confirming the error compensation displayed on the display unit  50 , when the error compensation is greater than the second preset value but less than the first preset value. 
     The shut-down module  27  is configured for stopping the processing machine  200 . The shut-down module  27  can receive a signal from the logic operation module  24 , and transmit a code to the processing machine  200 , thus the processing machine  200  can execute the code and shut-down at a specific moment. After exceptions are handled, the shut-down module  27  can be further configured for unlocking and restarting the processing machine  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling the processing parameter is shown, the notification method can begin at step  310 . 
     In step  310 , the running state acquisition module  21  acquires the running state of the processing machine  200 . 
     In step  320 , the detecting module  22  detects and acquires information of the workpieces acquired by the detecting unit  40 . 
     In step  330 , the compensation module  23  calculates the error compensation of the machining parameter depending on the detected information of the workpieces and the mathematical model. 
     In step  340 , the logic operation module  24  compares the error compensation with a first preset value, and determines whether the error compensation is greater than the first preset value. If yes, the process goes to step  380 , otherwise, the process goes to step  350 . 
     In step  350 , the logic operation module  24  compares the error compensation with a second preset value, and determines whether the error compensation is greater than the second preset value. If yes, the process goes to step  370 , otherwise, the process goes to step  360 . 
     In step  360 , the parameter adjusting module  25  receives the error compensation, and automatically adjusts the machining parameter of the processing machine  200 . 
     In step  370 , the control module  27  controls the display unit  50  to display the error compensation, and controls the alarm unit  60  to send an alarm to an operator for confirming the error compensation. 
     In step  380 , the shut-down module  27  controls the processing machine  200  to stop processing, and the control module  27  controls the alarm unit  60  to send an alert. 
     In other embodiments, the display unit  50  can be omitted. 
     In other embodiments, step  310  can be omitted, and the process begin at step  320 . 
     The apparatus, method, and computer readable media for controlling machining parameters, are capable of calculating the error compensation of the machining parameters, and further adjusting the machining parameters automatically. Manual adjustment of the machining parameters is not required, thus the cost is saved, and the production efficiency is improved. The apparatus and method can detect the workpieces as they are being processed, and calculate the error compensation depending on the detected information and the mathematical model. The apparatus and method can in real time control and adjust the processing parameters. The apparatus, method, and computer readable media can control the machining parameters for a plurality of processing machines. 
     It is to be understood, however, that even through numerous characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure have been set fourth in the foregoing description, together with details of assembly and function, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in details, especially in the matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.