JP2001117616A - Method for supporting computer for generating phase characteristics for numerical control machine of workpiece - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a computer supporting method and a graphic tool for generating a numerical control program for performing the machine work of a work piece. SOLUTION: Plural phase characteristic types for defining the volume part of a work piece to be removed for forming a desired object as individual machine work characteristics are provided. The machine work characteristics are featured, based on the number and shapes of soft surfaces and/or hard surfaces.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention is directed to providing a computer assisted method for generating a numerical control program for machining a workpiece. More particularly, the present invention provides a method for assisting a user, such as a computer graphic tool and mechanic, in machining a workpiece.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems use numerically controlled machines for machining workpieces. Numerically controlled machines initially required manual programming. That is, the programmer needed to calculate all the coordinates traversed by the cutting tool of the machine to cut the workpiece and translate this information into a language that the machine tool could understand. This procedure is labor and time consuming.

[0003] Computer aided programming languages such as the Numerical Control Problem Language (APT) provide lines, arcs,
Geometries such as vectors, freeform curves, surfaces, etc. can be defined mathematically, and cutting tools can be programmatically driven along such geometries. Such computer-assisted programs perform most of the mathematical calculations to generate programs for machining workpieces, but require programmers to learn the complex language of such computer-assisted programs .
Many of the CAM systems in use today only add graphics and efficient number crunching capabilities (computation capabilities) to such manual computer assisted programming methods, and thus the above-described methods of such methods. There are disadvantages.

[0004] Another category of CAM systems uses automatic numerical control programming with the advent of solid modeling techniques. Such systems are divided into two major subdivisions: generative numerical control (GNC) systems and feature recognition systems. The GNC system is based on artificial intelligence and case-based zoneing.
-Reasoning (CBR) is a system that replaces a programmer by automatically forming the optimal NC programming in machining a workpiece by applying a method such as a solid model of the workpiece. However, using such a system is only practical in closed and controlled conditions. Therefore,
Such a system is not a general solution for automation of the machining process.

[0005] Unlike GNC systems, feature recognition systems do not completely replace programmers. This method requires the programmer to do the tedious and tedious work of generating the toolpath. However, such systems do not allow the programmer to make certain important decisions regarding the machining of the workpiece. For example, such systems programmatically determine the order of material removal from a workpiece by analyzing a solid model of the workpiece.

[0006] Thus, conventional systems do not sufficiently streamline the part programming process or deprive the mechanic of the opportunity to make certain critical decisions, such as the order in which to remove portions of the workpiece with respect to machining the workpiece. To automate either. This is a particular drawback because the experience of mechanics cannot be exploited in developing strategies for machining workpieces.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a computer assisted method for machining a workpiece to produce a physical object. The method of the present invention is a computer-aided design (CAD) system, such as the C-produced by Parametric Technology, Inc. of Waltham, Mass., USA under the trademark Pro / Engineer 2000i.
By using graphic software such as an AD / CAM system, a solid model of the physical object and a solid model of the workpiece are provided. Thereafter, the method of the present invention combines the solid model of the object with the solid model of the workpiece, for example, by overlapping the two models, to indicate the volume of the workpiece that needs to be removed to form the object. Provide a synthetic model. This composite model is referred to herein as a numerical control (NC) model.

Further, the method of the present invention provides a plurality of topological features in graphics software. The graphics software defines the volume portion of the NC model as a machined feature having a geometric shape that is topologically equivalent to at least one topological feature. In particular, a human user may define a plurality of volumes of the NC model that are not included in the model of the object, i.e., portions corresponding to the volumes of the workpiece that need to be removed to form the object. Use the topological feature type to divide into machined features. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a human user selects at least one of the topological feature types, selects a surface of the NC model, and associates the relevant part of the model with the selected surface with: Associated with the selected topological feature type. In this way, a human user can select a part with a selected surface,
Define a machined feature that is topologically equivalent to the selected topological feature type. Thus, a human user divides the volume to be removed into a number of machining features. Furthermore, the method of the present invention provides a tool path for machining a machining feature to form an object.

[0009]

According to one aspect of the invention, topological features include faces, slabs, pockets,
Includes through pockets, steps, profiles, channels, slots, bostops, flange faces, hole patterns, entry holes, through slots, undercuts, rib tops, top chamfers, top rounds, open profiles, and O-ring grooves. Each of these feature types is defined below.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer readable medium, such as a CD-ROM, floppy disk, or hard disk, holding computer-executable instructions for performing the method of the present invention is provided. Provided.

In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer readable medium holding computer executable instructions for defining a topological feature type of the invention.

Another feature of the present invention is a computer platform for executing a method according to the present invention for assisting a human mechanic in machining a workpiece to produce an object. Related to providing a transmission medium for transmitting possible instructions.

[0013] Yet another feature of the present invention defines a selected volume portion of a solid model formed by a CAD system such as, for example, a professional / engineer system manufactured by Parametric Technology, Inc. referred to above. Thus, it is associated with providing a computer system with a graphical user interface that allows a user to select at least one of a plurality of topological features provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a CAM system for assisting a human mechanic in machining a workpiece to form an object. The CAM system includes a solid model of the workpiece, a solid model of the object, a combination of the solid model of the object and the solid model of the workpiece, and a volume of the workpiece that needs to be removed to form the object. Software to form the NC model shown. The CAM system further includes software for defining a plurality of topological feature types for dividing the selected volume portion of the NC model into a plurality of machining features according to the method of the present invention. Furthermore, CAM
The system includes software for forming a tool path for machining a plurality of machining features. The tool path includes normal CL (cutter position) data. The data is later processed and put into the specific language of the machine tool to be used (Machine Control Data = MCD).

[0015] Computer programs for implementing the invention can be written in any suitable programming language. Such programming languages include C,
C ++, and Java (Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.), but is not limited to these languages. The method of the present invention can be implemented by using standard programming.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A computer-implemented method in accordance with the teachings of the present invention assists a human mechanic in machining a workpiece to form a physical object. In particular, the human mechanic advantageously interacts with the software implementing the method of the present invention to define the volume of the workpiece that needs to be removed as shown in the combined workpiece and object model. It can be divided into smaller and more manageable volumes. This helps to enable machining operations to be performed in the factory. These small volumes are referred to herein as machining features.
ure). The method of the present invention automatically creates these machined features when the user selects certain topological features provided by the present invention and when one or more surfaces of the design model are selected. I do. The machining feature of the invention advantageously has a hard and / or soft surface,
Thereby, as described below, an optimum tool path for machining the workpiece can be generated.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating components of an exemplary computer system 10 for implementing the illustrated embodiment. Computer system 10
Is a central processing unit (CPU) 12 for executing instructions.
including. Many peripherals, including a keyboard 14, video display 16, and mouse 18, are provided as part of the computer system 10. A modem that allows the computer system 10 to communicate over an analog telephone line and a network adapter 22 for easily connecting the computer system 10 to a local area network (LAN) may be provided. Computer system 10 may further include other components, such as a cable modem, to facilitate remote communication with a remote server (not shown).

Computer system 10 includes both primary storage 24 and secondary storage 26. Secondary storage 26 includes many different types of persistent storage. For example, secondary storage 26 may include a CD-ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, and / or any other suitable medium readable by a computer, such as optical, magnetic, or other media. Other devices that use the recording material are included. Also in the primary storage device 24,
Many different types of storage devices are included, such as DRAM, SRAM, and the like.

The computer system 10 further includes equipment for forming a solid model of the physical object. For example, a CAD system, such as the system manufactured by Parametric Technology, Inc. of Waltham, Mass. (Hereinafter "PTC") under the trademark of Pro / Engineer 2000i, can be stored in the secondary storage device 26 and the workpiece Used to produce objects to be produced by machining a model and / or workpiece.

The secondary storage device 26 further includes executable instructions for defining a plurality of topological features according to the present invention, as described below, and for machining a selected volume portion of the workpiece. Instructions for generating a tool path for In a preferred embodiment, such executable instructions are:
CA to help mechanics machine workpieces
It is built into the M system. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the computer system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

An exemplary embodiment of the method of the illustrated embodiment is illustrated by a solid model 28 of a physical object, referred to herein as a design model (see FIG. 2), and a solid model of a workpiece known as a stock model. 30 (see FIG. 3) will be described. The object is formed from a stock model. The workpiece is, for example, a slab of aluminum or the like. The preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a CAD system to produce the solid models 28 and 30.

The method of the present invention combines the solid models 28 and 30 as shown in FIG. 4 to indicate the volume of the workpiece that needs to be removed to form the object 28. A composite model 32 called a numerical control (NC) model is formed. Human mechanics are NC
Using the model 32 and various topological features provided below provided by the present invention, the volume to be removed can be divided into a plurality of machining features.

The topological features provided by the method of the present invention and used in the exemplary embodiments described below include faces, slabs, pockets, through pockets, steps,
Profile, channel, slot, bostop, flange face, hole pattern, entry hole,
Includes through slots, undercuts, rib tops, top chamfers, top round and open profiles, and O-ring grooves.

Each topological feature is defined in terms of the nature of the surface of the solid model that bounds the volume element that the feature defines. The interfaces of the volume elements are referred to herein as tops, floors, and walls. These surfaces are
In this specification, it is defined with respect to an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. In particular, the term top, as used herein, refers to a volume element whose average value of the Z coordinate (averaged over all points on the surface) is greater than the average value of the Z coordinate of other surfaces. Regarding the interface. The floor is a surface having the smallest average value of the Z coordinate. The remaining interface is referred to herein as a wall.

If a plurality of surfaces are adjacent and each of these surfaces has two adjacent surfaces, these surfaces form a closed loop. When a single surface is folded so that the first and last meet, the single surface forms a closed loop. For example, a single cylindrical surface forms a closed loop. Each surface surrounding the volume element may be a hard surface or a soft surface. The adjective "hard" used herein to describe the surface of the solid model describes the surface of the solid model with respect to the surface of the model corresponding to the surface of the object through which a tool bit, such as a milling bit, cannot penetrate. The adjective "soft" as used herein to refer to a surface through which a tool bit can penetrate. Furthermore, the term "wall chain" as used herein relates to a single wall or a number of adjacent, same or hard or soft walls. The wall chains can form either open or closed loops. Islands relate to closed loops of hard walls that are entirely contained in the floor of the topological features.

The various topological features of the present invention are defined as follows. The face features include a hard floor and a soft top, wherein a single chain of soft walls forming a closed loop, i.e., the outermost chain of soft walls, is formed by the method of the present invention.

The slab features include a hard floor and a soft top, including some hard walls and some soft walls. For example, slab features include multiple alternating chains of hard and soft walls forming a closed loop. In such a case,
Slab features include islands. In another aspect, the slab feature comprises a single chain of soft walls forming a closed loop. In this case, an island is inevitably formed.

The pocket features include a hard floor and a soft top, and further include a single chain of hard walls forming a closed loop. The through pocket feature includes a soft floor and a soft top, and further includes a single chain of hard walls forming a closed loop.

Step features include a hard floor and a soft top. The step feature further includes a single chain of soft walls and a single chain of hard walls forming a closed loop with each other. In another aspect, the step features include a single chain of hard walls forming a closed loop and a single chain of soft walls forming a closed loop that does not intersect the hard wall.

The profile features include a soft floor and a soft top. Further, the profile features include a single chain of soft walls and a single chain of hard walls forming a closed loop with each other. In another aspect, the profile features include a single chain of soft walls and a single chain of hard walls. The chains do not intersect, the hard walls form closed loops with each other and the soft walls form another closed loop with each other.

The channel features include a hard floor and a soft top. Channel features further include multiple alternating chains of hard and soft walls forming a closed loop with each other, where at least two chains of each type, hard and soft, are required.

[0032] Slot features include a hard floor and a soft top. In a first set of states, the slot feature comprises a number of alternating chains of hard and soft walls forming a closed loop with each other. If there are only two chains of each type, i.e. hard and soft, one chain of hard walls will have a right angle constant offset of the other.
nst offset). As used herein, a surface is characterized as a right angle constant offset of another surface because a vector emanating from any surface and perpendicular to that surface intersects the other surface at right angles and all this Such vectors are of the same length. In another aspect, in the second set of states, the slot features include one chain of soft walls and three chains of hard walls forming a closed loop with each other. The hard-walled chain facing the soft-walled chain must be of full radius, i.e. have a whole semi-cylindrical shape, and the remaining two chains of hard-walls are at constant right angles to each other. Must. In a third set of states, the slot comprises four chains of hard walls forming a closed loop with each other. Two of these chains facing each other each form an equal total radius. Furthermore, the remaining two chains of hard walls must be at a constant offset at right angles to each other.

[0033] The bostop features include a hard floor and a soft top. In addition, the Bostop feature includes a single chain of soft walls forming a closed loop with each other,
This is the soft wall chain closest to the floor.

[0034] Flange face features include a hard floor and a soft top. Further, the flange face feature includes two non-intersecting chains of soft walls, each of which forms a closed loop. In another aspect, the flange face includes a single chain of soft walls and a single chain of hard walls, wherein the chains do not intersect,
If each chain forms another closed loop, the hard-walled chain is completely contained within the soft-walled chain.

The hole pattern features include a hard floor and a soft top, but necessarily include a soft top.
Further, the hole pattern feature includes a set of one or more cylindrical rigid walls, each of which is separate from one another.

The entry hole features include a hard or soft floor, but must include a soft top. Further, the entry hole feature may include a single opening formed in an existing pocket, or in a through pocket, or in an existing slot containing four chains of hard walls forming a closed loop with each other, or in an O-ring groove. Including.

The through slot feature includes a soft floor and a soft top. In addition, the through slot feature includes one chain of soft walls and three chains of hard walls forming a closed loop with each other. Each of the hard-walled chains facing the soft-walled chain must be of full radius. The remaining two rigid-wall chains must be vertically constant offset from each other. In another aspect, the through slot includes four hard-walled chains, which form a closed loop. The walls of each of two of these chains form a total radius whose radius is equal to the other radius. The remaining two chains of hard walls must be at a constant vertical offset from each other.

The floor with the undercut feature can be hard or soft walled, but its top must be a hard surface. In addition, undercut features include one chain of soft walls and one chain of hard walls forming a closed loop with each other.

The rib top includes a hard floor and a soft top. Further, the rib top comprises a single chain of soft walls forming a closed loop with each other. In another aspect, the rib top comprises a single chain of soft walls and a single chain of hard walls forming a closed loop with each other. In yet another aspect, the rib top includes multiple alternating chains of soft and hard walls forming a closed loop with each other.

The top chamfer feature has a triangular cross section,
Includes a hard floor and a soft top formed of a chain made of a hard flat surface. Further, the top chamfer includes a soft walled chain.

Top round features include a hard floor and a soft top formed of a chain of cylindrical hard surfaces. The top round feature further includes a single chain of soft walls. The top round has a cylindrical convex floor.

The open profile features include a hard floor and a soft top. An open contour feature is a special case of either a face feature or a slab feature, and thus satisfies the status of one of these features. In addition, the hard floor of the open profile feature is either a non-planar surface or a flat or inclined surface that is not perpendicular to the Z axis of the active coordinate system.

[0043] O-ring groove features include a hard floor and a soft top. Further, the O-ring groove feature includes two chains of non-intersecting hard walls, each of which is at a constant vertical offset with respect to the other, each chain forming a closed loop.

FIG. 5 shows a graphical user interface (GUI) toolbar 34 according to the present invention. The interface includes a plurality of icons for selecting topological features provided by the present invention. Specifically, icon 36 represents a pocket feature, icon 38 represents a through pocket feature, icon 40 represents a channel feature, icon 42 represents a slot feature, icon 44 represents a step feature, and icon 46 represents a step feature.
Represents a face feature, an icon 48 represents a slab feature, an icon 50 represents a flange face feature, an icon 52 represents a profile feature, an icon 54 represents a Bostop feature, an icon 56 represents a hole pattern feature, 58 indicates the entry hall feature. Icons 60, 62, and 64 are not associated with the feature definition, but provide other functions. See icon 6
0 can be selected to display the NC model after removing all defined features. Icon 62 can be selected to form a toolpath that is not associated with the defined feature. In particular, selecting icon 62 allows the user to sketch the path of the cutting tool according to the existing edges of the NC model that the tool follows. Icon 64
Can be selected to provide a list of defined features. By selecting a feature in this list, the user can create a tool path for machining the feature.

A human user, such as a mechanic, can select one or more topological features to define the machining features that divide the volume of the NC model 32 that needs to be removed. For example, as the first step of machining the workpiece 30, the mechanic
By selecting 6, the topological feature that defines the face feature can be selected.

A description will be given with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8. Upon selection of the icon 46, a dialog box 46a appears, preferably with a Define Feature Floor op.
pre-selection) prompts the mechanic to select the surface of the design model that constitutes the hard floor of the volume to be defined as the face machining feature, and further provides an opportunity to name this machining feature. Provide to me.

In this illustrative example, the mechanic has a horizontal or perpendicular surface to the Z axis of the design model as a hard floor of a parallelepiped shaped volume 68 of height h, length l, and width w. Select 66. This is defined as the face machining feature, referred to herein as face 1. The method of the present invention then automatically defines the peripheral surfaces 70, 72, 74, and 76 of the volume 68 that are perpendicular or parallel to the Z axis as soft walls of the face machining feature, and A horizontal surface 78 offset from the floor 66 in the positive direction along the Z-axis by a distance h is defined as a soft top of the face feature 68. Thus, the method of the present invention allows a mechanic to define the volume element 68 as a face machining feature by simply selecting the hard floor 64, while at the same time the method automatically defines another surface of the face feature. To determine if these surfaces are hard or soft. Although this exemplary face machining feature has a parallelepiped shape, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the face feature according to the present invention can have any shape. The interaction between a human mechanic and a computer implemented method of the present invention offers advantages over many conventional feature-based manufacturing systems. Such conventional systems are typically very cumbersome and time consuming, either by manually selecting all surfaces of a feature, or by a rare and It required one of the attempts to generate features automatically, which can only be used in some cases.

FIG. 8 shows the NC model 32 after the face machining feature 68 has been removed. Divisions 32a and 32
Dark sections, such as b, indicate the remaining volume of the workpiece that needs to be removed to form the physical object 28. These remaining volumes are defined according to other topological features of the invention described above.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 9, 10, and 11, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, after forming the face feature 68, the mechanic places the icon 44 corresponding to the step topological feature on the toolbar. 34, a dialog box 44a can be obtained. Step topological features include a hard floor and a soft top, as described above. Further, one embodiment of the step feature includes a single chain of soft walls and a single chain of hard walls forming a closed loop in combination with the soft walls. The mechanic selects the horizontal surface 80 of the design model 28 as the hard floor of the volume to be defined as a step machining feature. When a mechanic selects a hard floor 80, the method of the present invention may be applied to surfaces 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d, 82
e, 82f, and 82g, a single chain of hard walls 82 including vertical walls 84a and 84b, and a single chain of soft walls 84, and face features 68 bounded by hard walls 82 and 84. The soft top 86, which is part of the floor, is automatically selected and the step machining feature 8
8 is formed. In this example, the step feature 88 is defined after the formation of the face feature 68, but the method of the present invention
One skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanic has complete control over the order in which the various features are defined.

FIG. 11 shows the NC model 32 after removal of the face features 68 and step features 88, referred to herein as large steps, with the remaining volume to be removed shown as dark sections. .

Referring to FIGS. 5, 12, 13, and 14, following the formation of the step feature 88, the mechanic can select an icon 52 from the toolbar 34 representing the profile topological feature. Upon selection of the profile topological feature 52, a dialog box 52a appears, in which the mechanic has one or more of the design models 28 as a hard wall of the volume of the NC model 30 to be defined as a profile machining feature. Prompt you to select the above surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanic has a surface 9
0a, 90b, and 90c, a single chain
The hard wall of the volume to be defined as a profile machining feature is defined, for example, by selecting the surface 90b. The method of the present invention provides a soft wall 92a and 9
A single chain containing 2b, soft top 94, and soft floor 96 are automatically selected to form profile machining features 98. The soft wall 92b is a part of the side wall of the workpiece 30 defined by the soft wall 92a and the hard wall 90a, and the soft floor 96 includes the hard walls 90a, 9a.
0b, 90c and a portion of the bottom side of the workpiece 30 bounded by the soft walls 92a and 92b. The combination of the hard walls 90a, 90b, 90c and the soft walls 92a and 92b of the profile feature 98 form a closed loop. In this exemplary embodiment, the hard surface 90a, 9
It is sufficient to select only one of 0b or 90c. Generally, the method of the present invention requires a mechanic to select one or more hard surfaces to provide sufficient information to create profile features.

FIG. 14 shows the NC after removing the face feature 68, the step feature 88, and the profile feature 98.
4 shows a model 32. The dark section indicates the remaining volume of the NC model that needs to be removed to obtain the physical object 28.

Referring to FIG. 16, it is shown that the design model 28 includes a central opening 100.
The central opening has an upper portion delimited by a single chain of wall 102 and a lower portion delimited by a single chain of wall 104 separated from a single chain of wall 102 by ledge 106. It is formed with.
The method of the invention advantageously offers the possibility to select another feature for defining the volume element to be removed. For example, a mechanic may define either a combination of a pocket feature and a through pocket feature or, alternatively, a combination of a through pocket feature and a step feature to define a machining feature corresponding to the central opening 100 as described below. Can be used. The flexibility provided by the method of the present invention is advantageous in selecting alternative features for defining the volume element. This is because the mechanic can use conventional machining experience and knowledge of the machining environment to optimally machine the volume element.

To define the central opening 100 by a combination of pocket and through pocket features, the mechanic can first select the icon 36 from the toolbar 34 (see FIG. 5). This corresponds to the pocket topological feature. Pocket features include a hard floor, a soft top, and a hard wall, as described above. Referring to FIGS. 15, 16, and 17, when the pocket feature 36 is selected, the definition feature floor option (Define F
A dialog box 36a appears with the feature floor option preselected.
The mechanic selects the ledge 106 to define a hard floor. This floor includes a ledge 106 and is bounded by a chain of walls 102 as a volume to be defined as a pocket feature. Upon selection of a hard floor, the method of the present invention provides for a closed loop forming surface 102a, 102
b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102
hard wall 1 containing g, 102h, 102i and 102j
02 and a soft top 108, which is part of the face feature 68 bounded by the chain of walls 102, is automatically selected from the hard floor 106 along the Z-axis. Offset by a single chain width h1 of the hard wall 102 in the forward direction to form the pocket machining feature 110.

FIG. 18 shows a face feature 68, a step feature 88, a profile feature 98, and a pocket feature 11.
The NC model 32 after removing 0 is shown. The dark segment is
Shows the remaining volume that needs to be removed to form the object 28.

Referring to FIGS. 19, 20, 21 and 22, in a subsequent step of the exemplary embodiment, the mechanic may, for example, select an icon 38 from the toolbar 34 to change the phase corresponding to the through pocket. Choose a characteristic. As a result, a dialog box 40a appears (see FIG. 19). As described above, the through pocket includes a single chain of soft floor, a soft top, and a hard wall forming a closed loop. Mechanic works on wall 10
One of the four single chain forming surfaces, eg, surface 104a, can be selected to define a single chain of hard walls for the volume to be defined as a through pocket machining feature. If surface 104a is selected as a hard wall, the method of the present invention may include surface 104b, surface 104c, surface 104d, surface 104e, surface 104f, surface 104
g, surface 104h, surface 104i, and surface 104j
Is automatically selected with the surface 104a as the surface forming a single chain of hard walls of the through pocket machining feature. Further, the method of the present invention provides a
Automatically selects a soft top 112 bounded by a ledge 106 that is part of the floor of a pocket feature 110 extending between an upper portion and a lower portion of the pocket feature 110 to form a through pocket feature 116 through the workpiece 28. Soft floor 1
14 is automatically selected. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that partial automation can also be used to select other surfaces of the through pocket feature after selection of the hard floor.

FIG. 22 shows face features 68, step features 88, profile features 98, pocket features 110,
And the NC model 32 after removal of the through pocket feature 116, showing that the central opening 100 has been formed by removing the pocket feature 110 and the through pocket feature 116. The dark sections indicate the remaining volume that needs to be removed from workpiece 30 to form object 28.

In another aspect, the central opening 100 can be formed by characterizing the volume element to be removed from the workpiece 30 with a combination of through pocket features and step features. In detail, FIG.
First, it is shown that a through pocket feature 118 extending over the entire width h of the workpiece 30 can be defined, for example, by selecting the surface 104a of the design model 28. When making such a selection, the method of the present invention involves
04b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, 1
04g, 104h, 104i, and 104j,
Each of these surfaces is extended to form a hard walled chain of through pocket features 118 at selected surfaces 104a over the entire width h of the workpiece 28. Further, the method of the present invention
A portion 120 of the upper surface of the workpiece 28 that is bounded by the rigid wall chain of the through pocket feature 118 intersecting with the upper surface of the workpiece as the soft top of the through pocket feature 118 is selected. Similarly, the method of the present invention comprises:
Hard floor chain with lower surface and soft floor 12 with feature 118
A part of the lower surface of the workpiece 28 whose limit is determined by crossing as 2 is selected.

After forming the through pocket feature 118,
Select the icon 44 from the toolbar 34 and
Can be defined as an input to the method of the present invention to define the step feature (see FIG. 24). When the mechanic makes such a selection, the method of the present invention defines the feature hard floor, ledge 108, and the surfaces 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102e,
102f, 102g, 102h, 102i, and 102
Step feature 124 is formed by selecting j as the hard wall of step feature 124. The method further selects the portion of the chain of walls of the through pocket 118 extending above the ledge 108 as the soft wall chain of the step feature 124. Workpiece 2 bounded by hard and soft wall chains of step feature 124
8 forms the soft top of the step feature 124. Thus, step feature 124 includes a single chain of hard walls forming a closed loop and a single chain of soft walls forming a closed loop that does not intersect with the hard wall. The central opening 100 is formed by removing the through pocket 118 and the step feature 124.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the formation of the step feature 124 must occur after the formation of the through pocket feature 118. This is because the soft wall chain of the step feature 124 can only be defined after the through pocket 118 has been formed. this is,
Certain conditions indicate that the various machining features that collectively define the volume elements of the workpiece must be defined in a particular order. Furthermore, this illustrates that the method of the invention advantageously allows the use of another aspect of the topological feature for defining the volume to be removed in some cases.

The remaining volume of the NC model 32 that needs to be removed can be defined as a step machining feature. For example, FIGS. 25 and 26 show surfaces 130a, 130b,
Shows a step machining feature 128 having a single chain of rigid walls 130 including This machining feature is referred to as a front step (FrontSt)
ep). Step feature 128 further includes a single chain of soft walls 132 including surfaces 132a and 132b, and a hard floor bounded by a closed loop formed by chains of hard walls 130 and chains of soft walls 132. In addition, step feature 128 includes a soft top 136 that is part of the floor of step feature 88 defined above, bounded by walls 130 and 132.
including. FIG. 27 shows the NC model 32 after removing the step feature 128, showing the remaining volume to be removed as a dark section. These volumes include part 1
38 and portion 140 are included. Portion 138 includes a triangular prism section 138a and a ledge section 138b.

As shown in FIG. 28 and FIG.
0 can be defined as a step machining feature by selecting surface 142 as the hard floor of the feature. This machining feature is referred to herein as a back step (Bac
k Step). Upon making such a selection, the method selects the surfaces 144a, 144b, and 144c as the hard walls of the step feature 140, and the surfaces 146a and 1
Select 46b as its soft wall. Finally, the method is
The surface 148 (shown as the hatched area) that is part of the hard floor of the face feature defined above is selected as the soft top of the step feature 140. NC
29, which is a schematic plan view of the model 32, better illustrates the geometric relationship between the hard and soft walls of the step machining feature 140, and FIG. 30 shows the NC model 32 after the step feature 140 has been removed. Is shown.

Conventional CAM systems have no inherent knowledge of hard or soft walls. These systems only assume that the cutting tool does not cross the boundary due to negligence. Thus, users of such conventional systems require a great deal of effort to insert the tool into the workpiece and / or
Or, it must either be positioned correctly on delivery or change what the system provides. This is time consuming and often does not provide a tool path with optimal efficiency.

Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, the triangular prism section 138a that needs to be stepped is a triangular hard floor 150, a hard wall 152, two soft walls 154 and 15
6, and a step machined feature having a triangular soft top 158 that is part of the floor of the face feature 68 defined above. FIG. 32 shows that the hard wall 152 and the soft walls 154 and 156 form a closed loop with a triangular cross section.

FIG. 33 shows the NC model 32 after removing the triangular prismatic features 138a. Referring again to FIG. 27, the ledge section 138b can also be defined as a step machining feature. The ridge section is a single chain of hard wall 160 including surfaces 160a, 160b, and 160c and surfaces 162a and 162, as shown in FIGS.
b having a single chain of soft walls. FIG.
The NC model 32 is shown after the ridge section 138b has been removed, showing the remaining volume 164 that needs to be removed as a dark section. These volumes can be defined as hole pattern features. By removing these volumes, the NC model 32 shown in FIG. 37 is formed.

Having defined the volume to be removed as a plurality of machining features, the mechanic can use the method of the present invention to form a tool path for machining the defined features. The method of the invention advantageously provides a special strategy of the toolpath for machining defined features.
In particular, the method of the invention uses information about the soft surface of the machining feature that defines a path for entering the tool bit into the volume represented by the machining feature. As an example embodiment, FIGS. 38 and 39 show a path 164 in which an example tool bit 164a, such as a milling bit, must traverse a step machining feature 88 defined above.

FIG. 39, which is a plan view of the tool path 164,
The soft walls 84a and 84b provide a surface for the tool bit 164a to enter and exit the step feature 88. That is, the tool bit 164a along the tool path 164
Starts and ends outside the soft walls 84a and 84b. Further, the tool bit 164a moves along the chain of the hard wall 82 without cutting into the hard wall. Thus, the exemplary tool path 164 completely removes soft walls without affecting hard walls. One skilled in the art will appreciate that tool paths other than tool path 164 can be used to machine step feature 88.

The exemplary embodiment described above allows a human mechanic to advantageously define, according to the method of the present invention, the volume of the workpiece that needs to be removed to obtain the desired object. Indicates that it is possible to determine which type of machining feature to use. Furthermore, the method of the present invention advantageously forms these features by requiring the mechanic to require minimal geometric selection, for example by selecting the hard floor of the features. Thus, the method of the present invention requires the formation of features by conventional CAM systems or by hand, by greatly reducing the time and effort required to identify the material to be removed from the workpiece. Provide advantages over systems based on the features described. Further, features provided by the method of the present invention include more machining information than provided by conventional systems. For example, the soft walls featured by the method of the present invention provide a safe and efficient route for a cutting tool to enter and exit a workpiece. Further, the method of the present invention
Advantageously, all soft walls are completely removed by machining. This could not be done with many conventional systems.

FIG. 40 shows a dialog box containing a list 166a of some of the aforementioned machining features interactively created by the mechanic as described above.
Although many GNC systems and feature recognition systems typically limit or disallow mechanics from choosing the order in which to remove various volume portions of a workpiece, the method of the present invention advantageously Allows the mechanic to select the order in which the defined machining features are machined to form the desired object. For example, the method of the present invention allows a mechanic to reorder items in list 166a. This advantageously allows the mechanic to use the prior experience of machining and the knowledge of the machining environment, such as the performance of the machine tool to be used, the orientation of the workpiece on the machine, and program zero, An optimal order for removing defined machining features can be defined.

Many of the topological features provided by the present invention can be defined in other ways. For example, the profile features 98 used in the example embodiment described above include a single chain of soft walls and a single chain of hard walls forming a closed loop with each other. FIG. 41 shows that the profile features can, in another aspect, include a single chain of non-intersecting soft walls and a single chain of hard walls. In this case, the hard walls form a closed loop with each other and the soft walls form a closed loop with each other. In particular, FIG. 41 shows the design model 28 entirely enclosed within the workpiece 168. The mechanic is provided with a peripheral surface 168a, 168b, 16
The volume elements that need to be removed as profile features from 8c and 168d can be defined in the following manner. The mechanic can select the profile feature icon 52 from the toolbar 34 (see FIG. 5) and then select the surface 28a of the design model 28 as one of the rigid walls of the volume element, defining it as a profile feature. When the mechanic makes such a choice, the method of the present invention will be applied to the peripheral surfaces 28a, 28
Define profile features that include a single chain of hard walls including b, 28c, 28d, 28e, 28f, and 28g and a single chain of soft walls 168a, 168b, 168c, and 168d of workpiece 168. . The hard wall does not intersect the soft wall at all. Further, each chain of walls, ie, soft walls and hard walls, forms a closed loop.
In addition, this profile feature includes a soft top 168e that is part of the upper surface of the workpiece 168 bounded by hard and soft walls, and a lower surface of the workpiece 168 bounded by soft and hard walls. It has a soft floor 168f that is part.

FIG. 42 shows the workpiece 168 after removal of this profile feature. 5, 43, and 44
Referring to, another topological feature provided by the present invention is a slot feature. This is the icon 4 from the toolbar 34
2 can be selected. Slot features include a hard floor and a soft top. As described above, in the first set of states, the slot features include a number of alternating chains of hard and soft walls forming a closed loop with each other, of which each type, i.e., hard and soft walls. Only two chains are shown. One chain of hard walls is a vertical constant offset of the other chain. FIG. 43 shows an NC model 170 including a design model 172 and a parallelepiped workpiece 174. FIG.
Shows a slot machining feature 176 that can be defined by selecting it as the floor of the slot.

In such a selection, the method of the present invention defines the surfaces 172b and 172c at a constant offset from each other as the hard walls of the slot feature 176 and the hard floor 172a.
And a portion of the surface 174a of the workpiece 174 bounded by the hard walls 172b and 172c is defined as one of the soft surfaces of the slot feature 176. Slot feature 17
To find the other soft surface of 6, the method of the invention comprises:
The hard walls 172b and 172c and the floor 172a extend in one direction until they intersect the surface 174b of the workpiece 174. The intersection is with the other hard surface of the slot feature 176 as the extended hard wall 172b and 17
A portion of surface 174b delimited between 2c and hard floor 172a is defined. The fact that the surfaces of the slot feature 176 are geometrically juxtaposed indicates that the slot feature 1
This is well shown in FIG. In particular, FIG. 44 shows that the two hard walls 172b and 172c are at a constant vertical offset from each other, and also shows the two soft walls 174a and 174b of the slot feature 176.

FIG. 45 shows the NC model 170 with the slot machining feature 176 removed. Slot features, in another aspect, include one chain of soft walls and three chains of hard walls forming a closed loop with each other. Hard-walled chains facing soft-walled chains must be of full radius. That is, it must have an overall semi-cylindrical shape and the remaining two chains of hard walls must be vertically offset from each other. FIG. 46, which is a partial view of the NC model 170 of FIG. 43, illustrates such a slot machining feature 178. Slot machining feature 1
To form 78, the mechanic selects surface 170a of NC model 170 as the hard floor of the feature. When a hard floor is selected in this manner, the method of the present invention provides for two surfaces 170b and 17
Choose 0c as the two hard walls of the slot feature 178. Further, the method of the present invention selects the semi-cylindrical surface 170d as another hard wall of the slot feature 178, and further includes the feature 170e opposite the semi-cylindrical surface 170d as feature
8 as the soft wall. In addition, the method of the present invention selects a portion 174c of the upper surface of the workpiece delimited by walls 170b, 170c, 170d, and 170e as the soft top of slot feature 178.

FIG. 47 is a plan view of the slot feature 178.
Shows three hard walls 170b, 170c, and 170d in combination with the soft wall 170e to form a closed loop, further indicating that the two hard walls 170b and 170c are vertically constant offset from each other. Further, FIG.
170d is the full radius wall and is positioned opposite soft wall 170e. FIG. 48 shows a portion of the NC model 170 after the slot feature 178 has been removed.

According to yet another definition, the slot feature comprises four chains of hard walls forming a closed loop with each other. Each of the two opposing chains of these chains must have the same radius of curvature as the opposing wall. The remaining two chains of hard walls must be at a constant vertical offset from each other. 49 and 50, which are partial views of the NC model 180 including the design model 182 enclosed within the workpiece 184, illustrate such a slot machining feature 186. The mechanic can select the surface 182a of the design model 182 as the hard floor of the slot feature 186. In making such a selection, the method of the present invention forms slot feature 186 by selecting two surfaces 182b and 182c that are vertically constant offset from each other as the two hard walls of slot feature 186. Further, the method selects the two opposing surfaces 182d and 182e as the other two hard walls of the slot feature 186. Further, the method of the present invention
Select a portion 184a bounded by walls 182b, 182c, 182d, and 182e and including the top surface of workpiece 184 as the soft top of feature 186.

FIG. 51, which is a schematic plan view of the slot feature 186, shows that each of the two surfaces 182d and 182e is a full radius and that the two surfaces 182b and 182c are vertically constant offset from each other. One skilled in the art will appreciate that each of the two surfaces of such a slot feature must be of full radius, but that the other two surfaces should have any shape, as long as they are at a constant vertical offset from each other. You will understand. FIG. 52 illustrates the slot feature 186.
2 shows a part of the NC model 180 from which is removed.

Another topological feature provided by the present invention is a channel feature. Illustrative examples of such channel features are shown in FIGS. In particular, FIG. 53 shows an NC model 188 having a design model 190 enclosed within a parallelepiped workpiece 192. After defining the pocket and through pocket features to provide a volume corresponding to the central opening 190a of the design model, the rigid walls 194a, 194b, 194c, 194d,
194e, 194f, 194g, 194h, 194i,
And 194j and a channel feature 194 that includes a chain of both soft walls 194k and 1941. Chains 194a, 194c, 194e, 194g, 19
4h and 194i include multiple walls not individually numbered in this embodiment. Channel features 194 are:
Further includes a hard floor 194m delimited by walls of channel features 194, and pads 190b, 190
c, 190d, 190e, 190f, and 190g including a soft top adjacent to the top surface. FIG. 55 shows the NC model 188 with the channel feature 194 removed.

Another topological feature provided by the method of the present invention is a hole pattern feature. A hole pattern feature may include either a hard floor or a soft floor, but each hole in the feature must necessarily include a soft top. To define the volume portion of the NC model as a hole pattern feature, the mechanic selects an icon 56 from the toolbar 34 (see FIG. 5). In such a selection, FIG.
A dialog box 56a appears, which allows the mechanic to quickly select one or more of the four options for selecting the holes to be included in the hole pattern. These options include (1) by diameter, (2) by all holes on the selected surface,
(3) according to parameters specified by the user, or (4)
Includes hole selection by individual selection. For option (1), i.e., selecting a diameter, the user selects one or more diameters from a list of all hole diameters provided in the model in which the system was generated.
Select all holes of a specific diameter. For option (2), ie, selecting a surface, the user selects one or more surfaces from the model. Select all holes that the system finds on the selected surface. In the case of option (3), that is, when selecting a parameter, the user specifies the name of the parameter as, for example, "B-hole". The system selects all holes in the model with specific parameters. For option (4), i.e., selecting an axis, the user selects the axis of each hole to be included in the hole pattern feature. The selection can be made graphically or from a list generated by the system. Furthermore, two or more of these programs can be used together to narrow the search.
For example, a user can ask the system to select all 0.25 inch diameter holes on a particular surface to be selected.

As an illustrative example of a hole pattern feature, FIG. 57 shows an NC model 196 having a hole pattern machining feature 198 containing four holes 198a, 198b, 198c, and 198d. Each hole has one cylindrical hard wall and a soft top. Furthermore, each hole is NC model 1
96, and thus penetrates the soft floor. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a hole pattern having holes with a hard floor can also be provided.

FIG. 58 shows the NC model 196 from which the hole pattern feature 198 has been removed. Another topological feature provided by the method of the present invention is a slab feature. As discussed above, the slab features include a hard floor and a soft top, and further include some hard walls and some soft walls. FIGS. 59 and 60 show examples of slab features.
Shows an NC model 200 including a design model 202 enclosed in a workpiece 204. To define the volume to be removed from the workpiece 204 as a slab feature, the mechanic selects the surface 202a of the design model 202 as the hard floor of the slab feature to be formed. In making such a selection, the method of the present invention involves the creation of two open loop surfaces 204a, 204b, 204 of the workpiece 204.
Find c, 204d, 204e, and 204f as soft walls with slab features. In addition, the method finds the semi-circular surfaces 202b and 202c and the surfaces 202d and 202e, each forming a closed loop, as hard walls of the slab feature 206. The portion 204i of the top surface of the workpiece 204 bounded by the hard and soft walls forms the soft top of the slab feature 206. In the illustrated example, each of the hard walls 202d and 202e forms an island entirely within the feature floor.

FIG. 61 is a view showing N in which the slab feature 206 has been removed.
3 shows a C model 200. Another topological feature provided by the method of the present invention is an entry hole. Referring to FIGS. 5, 62 and 63, the mechanic can form an entry hole by selecting the icon 58 from the toolbar 34 and obtaining a dialog box 58a. The dialog box 58a allows the mechanic to quickly select the desired diameter of the hole. In addition, the mechanic indicates that a hole, an existing feature, should be formed. Selectable features include pocket features, through pocket features, and O-
Includes a ring groove feature and a slot feature with four chains of hard walls forming a closed loop with each other. The entry hole has a single cylindrical hard wall, a soft top, and either a hard floor or a soft floor depending on whether the hole extends completely through the workpiece.

FIG. 63 illustrates an exemplary entry hole feature 208 having a hard floor formed into a pocket feature. The entry hole feature 208 advantageously facilitates entry of a tool bit, such as a milling cutter, into the pocket feature. In particular, an entry hole 208 is drilled in the workpiece prior to milling or turning of the pocket features to allow a cutting tool to enter the workpiece.

Another topological feature provided by the method of the present invention is a flange face feature. The mechanic can select the icon 50 from the toolbar 34 (see FIG. 5) and obtain the dialog box 54a shown in FIG. 64, preferably with the Define Features Floor option (Define).
Feature Floor option) is pre-selected. The dialog box 54a allows the mechanic to quickly select one representation of the design model as the hard floor of the feature. Upon such selection, the method of the present invention finds one closed loop of the soft wall as the outer boundary of the feature, and furthermore, either one of the closed loop of the soft wall or one closed loop of the hard wall defines the inner boundary of the feature. Find out what to configure. 65 and 66 illustrate exemplary flange features of the NC model 212. Here, the feature is the soft wall 2
10a as its outer boundary, the soft wall 21
0b is included as its inner boundary.

FIG. 67 shows the NC model 212 with the flange face feature 210 removed. Another topological feature provided by the method of the present invention is a through slot feature. The through slot includes a soft floor and a soft top. In one form, the through slot feature includes one chain of soft walls and three chains of hard walls, wherein the soft and hard walls form a closed loop with each other. The hard-walled chain facing the soft-walled chain is of full radius. Fig. 68
Indicates that the mechanic can define the through slot feature 214 in the design model 216 by selecting the hard wall 214a of the design model 216. When making such a selection, the method of the present invention involves two additional hard walls 21
4b and 214c, soft wall 214d, soft floor 214
e, and forming the through slot feature 214 by finding the soft top 214f. FIG. 69, which is a plan view of the through-slot feature 214, shows that the rigid walls 214b and 214c are constantly offset from each other and the soft wall 2
This indicates that the rigid wall 214a facing 14b has a full radius. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the rigid walls 214b and 214c can be any shape as long as they are offset from each other by a constant amount.

FIG. 70 shows the design model 216 after the through slot feature 214 has been removed. The example through slot feature 218 of the design model 216 shown in FIG. 71 includes rigid walls 220 and 222 that are vertically constant offset from each other. Here, the chain 220 has surfaces 220a, 220
b, and 220c, and the chain 222 has a surface 222
a, 222b, and 222c. The through slot feature 218 further includes two rigid walls 224 and 226. Here, each of these hard walls is of full radius.
In addition, the through slot feature 218 includes a soft top 228 that is part of the upper surface of the design model 216 bounded by the wall of the feature 218 and a lower surface of the design model 216 bounded by the wall of the feature 218. It has a soft floor 230 as a part. The method of the present invention forms a through slot feature 218 when selecting a surface of the design model 216, such as surface 222 b, as one hard surface of the feature 218.

FIG. 72 shows the design model 216 after the through slot feature 218 has been removed. The top stop features provided by the present invention include a hard floor, a soft top, and a single chain of soft walls forming a closed loop with each other. FIG. 74 illustrates an exemplary top feature 232 according to the teachings of the present invention formed within a pre-formed pocket feature 234a of the NC model 234. Mechanic Toolbar 34
By selecting the icon 54 from FIG. 5 (see FIG. 5), the button stop feature 232 can be formed. In making such a selection, the method of the present invention provides a dialog box 54a as shown in FIG. 73, wherein the mechanic views the surface of the design model 234 as a hard floor of the volume to be defined as a bostop machining feature. Choose quickly. In this illustrative example, the mechanic has a horizontal surface
Select as 32 hard floors. In making such a selection, the method of the present invention selects a cylindrical soft wall 232b and a soft top 232c as the other surface of the bostop feature 232. Although the soft wall 232b of this exemplary embodiment is cylindrical, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the soft wall 232b may be of any shape.

FIG. 75 shows the design model 234 after the Bostop feature 232 has been removed. Another topological feature according to the teachings of the present invention is an O-ring groove. The O-ring groove is
Includes two chains of hard walls that do not intersect, including a hard floor and a soft top, each chain being vertically constant offset from the other, and each chain forming a closed loop. FIG. 76 illustrates an exemplary O-ring groove machining feature 236 of the present invention for the NC model 238. Mechanic, design model 2
The surface 238a of 38 is selected as the hard floor of feature 236. In making such a selection, the method of the present invention selects a chain of hard walls 238b, another chain of hard walls 238c, and a soft top 238d to form feature 236. FIG. 77, which is a plan view of the O-ring groove 236,
The chain of wall 238b and the chain of wall 238c are shown to be at a constant vertical offset with respect to each other, and furthermore each chain of the hard wall forms a closed loop.

FIG. 78 shows the design model 238 after the O-ring groove 236 has been removed. Another topological feature taught by the present invention is an open profile feature that includes a hard floor and a soft top. The hard floor of the open profile feature is either a non-planar surface or a flat or inclined surface that is not perpendicular to the machine tool spindle. FIG. 79 shows
4 shows a volume element 240a of the NC model 240. This volume element is shown separated from another part of the design model defined as an open contour feature in accordance with the teachings of the present invention for clarity. In particular, the open contour feature 240a includes a hard ramp 24 selected by the user.
0b, three surrounding soft walls (two of which are shown 240c and 240d), a hard wall 240e, and a soft top 2
40f.

The undercut topological features according to the present invention include a hard top and a floor, which may be hard or soft. Further, undercut features include hard-walled chains and soft-walled chains that form closed loops with each other. FIG. 8 shows an example of the undercut feature.
0 indicates the design model 242. The volume 244 of the design model has been removed. The removed portions are hard top 244a, soft walls 244b, 244c and 244d,
It was defined as an undercut machining feature with a hard wall 244e and a hard floor 244f.

Another topological feature provided by the method of the present invention is top chamfering, including a hard floor and a soft top. Further, the top chamfer includes a soft walled chain that can form either an open loop or a closed loop. FIG.
Design model 24 enclosed within parallelepiped workpiece 248
6 is shown. The volume 250 of the workpiece 248 to be removed as shown in FIG. 82 to form the chamfer 252
Are the hard floor 250a that is the surface of the chamfer 252, the soft top 250b that is a part of the upper surface of the workpiece 248, and the soft walls 250c, 250d, and 25 that form an open loop.
Defined as top chamfer machining feature with 0e.

Referring to FIGS. 83 and 84, the volume 25 surrounding the previously formed through pocket feature 256
By defining 8 as a top chamfer machining feature, another chamfer 254 surrounding the opening 256 can be formed. The top chamfer feature 258 includes a hard floor that is the surface of the chamfer 254, a soft top 258a that is part of the top surface of the workpiece 248, and a closed loop chain 25 with a soft wall.
8b.

FIG. 85 shows the volume 260 removed from the periphery of the pocket feature 262 formed in the workpiece 264 to form the round feature 266. The removed volume 260 is defined as a top-round machining feature in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and includes a hard floor that is the surface of the round feature 266 itself, a soft top 260a that is part of the top surface of the workpiece 264, and a closed loop. It has a soft wall chain 260b to be formed. FIG. 85 further shows another volume 268 removed from the edge of the workpiece 264 to form another round feature 270. This volume part 2
68 may be defined as a top round machined feature having the surface of the round feature 270 as its hard floor, and further having a soft top 270a and a chain of soft walls 270b forming an open loop.

Another topological feature according to the present invention is a rib top feature. For example, FIG. 86 illustrates a volume portion 272 defined as a rib top machining feature removed from a workpiece to form a rib design feature 274 in the design model 276.
Is shown. The rib top features 272 include a hard floor 272a that is the surface of the design model 276, one chain of soft walls 272b, and another chain of soft walls opposite the chain 272 (not shown). Further, the rib top feature 272 has rigid walls at both ends, one of the rigid walls being shown, namely rigid wall 272c.

FIG. 87 shows another rib top feature 278 of the design model 280 formed by removing the volume 282. This is defined as a rib top machining feature according to the teachings of the present invention. Rib top feature 28
2 is a hard floor 282 which is the surface of the design model 280.
a. The remaining surfaces of the rib top feature 282 may be soft surfaces such as surfaces 282b, 282c, 282d and walls 28.
2b is a soft wall (not shown) on the opposite side.

FIG. 88 shows another example of the rib top feature.
Shows a volume portion 284 defined as a rib top feature that is removed from the workpiece to form a freeform rib top design 286. The rib top features 284 include a hard floor 284a, a soft top 284b, and soft walls 284c and 284d. Further, rib top feature 284 includes another soft wall (not shown) opposite wall 284c.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above illustrative embodiments, various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the intended scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it can be done.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating components of an exemplary computer system suitable for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a solid model of an object formed by machining a workpiece.

FIG. 3 is a solid model of a workpiece on which the object of FIG. 2 is formed.

FIG. 4 is a numerical control (NC) model that is a combination of the solid models of FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a toolbar of a graphical user interface in accordance with the teachings of the present invention showing icons for selecting various topological features of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a dialog box that appears when the icon representing a face feature is selected from the toolbar of FIG. 5 and allows a mechanic to define a face machining feature.

FIG. 7 is a diagram defining a volume portion of the NC model of FIG. 4 as a face machining feature.

8 is a diagram showing the NC model of FIG. 4 from which the face features of FIG. 7 have been removed.

FIG. 9 is a dialog box that appears when the icon representing a step topological feature is selected from the toolbar of FIG. 5 and allows a mechanic to define a step machining feature.

FIG. 10 defines a volume portion of the NC model to be removed as a step machining feature.

11 is a diagram showing the NC model of FIG. 4 from which the face feature of FIG. 7 and the step feature of FIG. 10 have been removed.

12 is a dialog box that appears when a mechanic selects an icon representing a profile topological feature from the toolbar of FIG. 5 and allows a mechanic to define a profile machining feature.

FIG. 13 defines the volume part of the NC model to be removed as a profile machining feature.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state where the face feature of FIG. 7, the step feature of FIG. 10, and the profile feature of FIG. 13 are removed;
It is a figure showing a C model.

FIG. 15 is a dialog box that appears when the icon representing a pocket topological feature is selected from the toolbar of FIG. 5 and allows a mechanic to define a pocket machining feature.

FIG. 16 defines a volume portion of the NC model to be removed as a pocket machining feature.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the pocket feature of FIG. 16;

18 is a diagram showing the NC model of FIG. 4 from which the face feature of FIG. 7, the step feature of FIG. 10, the profile feature of FIG. 13, and the pocket feature of FIG. 16 have been removed.

FIG. 19 is a dialog box that appears when a mechanic selects an icon representing a through pocket topological feature from the toolbar of FIG. 5 and allows a mechanic to define a through pocket machining feature.

FIG. 20 defines a volume portion of the NC model to be removed as a through pocket machining feature.

21 is a plan view of the NC model of FIG. 20, showing the hard wall of the through pocket feature of FIG. 20.

22 is a diagram showing the NC model of FIG. 4 from which the face feature of FIG. 7, the step feature of FIG. 10, the profile feature of FIG. 13, the pocket feature of FIG. 16, and the through pocket feature of FIG. 20 have been removed.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the NC model of FIG. 4 including a design model enclosed within the workpiece, showing through-pocket features extending across the entire width of the workpiece.

FIG. 24 illustrates the step features defined in the NC model following the definition of the through pocket features of FIG. 23;
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the NC model of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the NC model of FIG. 24, showing the NC model with the step machining feature formed.

FIG. 26 is a plan view of the step machining feature of FIG. 25, showing the hard and soft walls of the feature.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the NC model of FIG. 25 from which the step machining feature of FIG. 26 has been removed;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the NC model of FIG. 4 with the volume portion defined as another step machining feature.

FIG. 29 is a plan view of the step feature defined in FIG. 28, showing the hard and soft walls of the feature.

30 is a diagram showing the NC model of FIG. 28 from which the step features of FIG. 29 have been removed.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the NC model of FIG. 4, showing a triangular prismatic volume defined as a step machining feature.

FIG. 32 is a plan view of the step machining feature of FIG. 31 showing the hard and soft walls of the feature.

FIG. 33 is a diagram of the NC model of FIG. 31 with the step machining feature of FIG. 32 removed.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the NC model of FIG. 4, showing the ridge section as a step machining feature.

FIG. 35 is a plan view of the step feature of FIG. 34, showing the hard and soft walls of the feature.

FIG. 36 is a diagram of the NC model of FIG. 34 with the step features of FIG. 35 removed, showing the remaining volume to be removed as dark sections.

FIG. 37 shows the NC model of FIG. 36 after removing the remaining volume to be removed as three hole patterns to obtain the design model shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 38 is an illustration of a tool path formed in accordance with the teachings for machining the step features of FIGS. 9-11.

FIG. 39 is a plan view of the tool path shown in FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a diagram of a dialog box provided by a preferred method of the present invention, including a list of some of the machining features shown in the preceding figures.

FIG. 41 shows the design model of FIGS. 2 and 3 enclosed in a workpiece, with the peripheral surface extending beyond the peripheral surface of the design model, showing the portion of the peripheral volume to be removed from the workpiece as a profile machining feature. It is a perspective view of the NC model containing.

42 is a diagram showing the NC model of FIG. 41 after removing the profile features shown in FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an NC model showing the volume to be removed as a slot machining feature.

FIG. 44 is a plan view of the slot feature of FIG. 43, showing the hard and soft walls of the feature.

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a part of the NC model of FIG. 43 after removing the slot feature defined in FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 shows the NC model showing the volume to be removed of the model as a slot with two chains of hard walls perpendicular to each other, a full radius hard wall, and a soft wall facing the full radius hard wall. FIG.

FIG. 47 is a plan view of the slot feature of FIG. 46, showing the hard and soft walls of the feature.

FIG. 48 is a partial view of the NC model of FIG. 46 after removal of the slot feature of FIG. 46;

FIG. 49 is a partial perspective view of an NC model in which the volume is defined as a slot feature having two hard walls at a constant offset from each other, and two opposed hard walls each having a full radius.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the slot feature of FIG. 49 showing the surface forming the feature;

FIG. 51 is a view of the rigid wall of the slot feature of FIG. 50.

FIG. 52 is a partial view of the NC model of FIG. 49 with the slot feature removed.

FIG. 53: N where the volume is defined as a channel feature
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a C model after forming pocket features and through-pocket features according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 54 is a plan view of the channel feature of FIG. 53, showing the hard and soft walls of the feature.

FIG. 55 is a diagram of the NC model in FIG. 53 from which channel features have been removed.

FIG. 56 is a dialog box provided by the method of the present invention when a mechanic selects an icon representing a hole pattern feature from the toolbar of FIG. 5;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of an NC model in which a volume portion is defined as a hole pattern feature.

FIG. 58 after removing the hole pattern feature.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an NC model of FIG.

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of an NC model whose volume is defined as a slab feature.

FIG. 60 is a plan view of the slab feature of FIG. 59.

FIG. 61 after removing slab machining features.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an NC model of FIG.

FIG. 62 is a dialog box provided by the method of the present invention when a mechanic selects an icon representing an entry hole feature from the toolbar of FIG. 5;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of an NC model showing an entry hole feature in a pocket feature.

FIG. 64 is a dialog box provided by the method of the present invention when a mechanic selects an icon representing a flange face feature from the toolbar of FIG.

FIG. 65 is a partial perspective view of an NC model showing flange face features in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 66 is a plan view of the flange face feature of FIG. 65.

FIG. 67 after removing the flange face feature.
4 is a diagram of the NC model of FIG.

FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a design model with a volume defined as a through slot feature in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 69 is a plan view of the through slot feature of FIG. 68.

70 is a perspective view of the design model of FIG. 68 with the through slot feature of FIG. 68 removed.

FIG. 71 defining the second through slot feature.
3 is a perspective view of the design model of FIG.

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of the design model of FIG. 71 after removing the through slot feature shown in FIG. 71;

FIG. 73 is a dialog box that appears when an icon representing a bostop feature is selected from the toolbar in FIG. 5;

FIG. 74 is a perspective view of a design model in which a volume within a pocket feature is defined as a bostop machining feature;

75 is a perspective view of the design model of FIG. 74 with the bostop machining features of FIG. 74 removed.

FIG. 76 is a perspective view of an NC model where the volume is defined as an O-ring groove machining feature.

FIG. 77 is a plan view of the O-ring groove feature of FIG. 76.

78 is a perspective view of the NC model of FIG. 76 with the O-ring groove feature shown in FIG. 76 removed.

FIG. 79 is a perspective view of a model in which the volume is defined as an open contour feature.

FIG. 80 is a perspective view of a design model with a volume portion defined as an undercut machining feature in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 81 is a perspective view of an NC model where the width volume portion to be removed is defined as a top chamfer machining feature.

FIG. 82 is a perspective view of the design model of FIG. 81 with a chamfer formed by removing a volume defined as the top chamfer feature shown in FIG. 81;

FIG. 83 is a perspective view of the NC model of FIG. 81, defining the volume surrounding the through pocket feature as a top chamfer machining feature;

FIG. 84 is a view of the NC model of FIG. 81 after removing the top chamfer feature.

FIG. 85 is a perspective view of two volumes defined as a design model and a top-round machining feature.

FIG. 86 is a perspective view of a design model having a rib design feature formed by removing a volume defined as a rib top machining feature.

FIG. 87 is a perspective view of a design model having a rib design feature formed by removing a volume defined as a rib top machining feature.

FIG. 88 is a perspective view of a design model having a fee-shaped rib design feature formed by removing a volume defined as a rib top machining feature.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 computer system 12 central processing unit 14 keyboard 16 video display 18 mouse 22 network adapter 24 primary storage device 26 secondary storage device

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. A computer assisted method for machining a workpiece to produce a physical object, the method comprising: providing a solid model of the object and a solid model of the workpiece by using graphics software. Combining the model of the object with the model of the workpiece to form a numerical control model indicating a volume portion of the workpiece to be removed to form the object; and Providing a plurality of topological features; and dividing the volume to be removed into a plurality of machining features, wherein each machining feature comprises a human user having said plurality of features. Selecting one of the types and one surface of the numerical model and associating a part of the model having the surface with the selected feature type; Serial formed by defining each machining features, including a step, and a step of providing a tool path for machining each of the machining feature, the computer aided method. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the dividing step comprises forming each of the machining features after a human user selects a surface of the numerical model. 3. The graphic software is a CAD.
The method of claim 1, wherein the method is a system. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of topological features are face, slab, pocket, through pocket, step, profile, channel, slot, bostop, flange face, hole pattern, entry hole, through slot, undercut, rib top. , Top chamfer,
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting from the group consisting of a top round and an open profile and an O-ring groove. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the face features include a single floor of a hard floor, a soft top, and a soft wall. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the slab features include a hard floor, a soft top, and hard and soft walls. 7. The method of claim 4, wherein the pocket features include a hard floor, a soft top, and a single chain of hard walls forming a closed loop. 8. The method of claim 4, wherein the through-pocket features include a single chain of a hard floor, a soft top, and a hard wall forming a closed loop. 9. The method of claim 4, wherein the step features include a hard floor, a soft top, a single chain of soft walls, and a single chain of hard walls. 10. The method of claim 4, wherein the profile features include a soft floor, a soft top, a single chain of soft walls, and a single chain of hard walls. 11. The channel feature includes a hard floor,
5. The method of claim 4, comprising a plurality of alternating chains of a soft top and hard and soft walls forming a closed loop. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the combining step includes the step of superimposing the model of the object on the model of the workpiece. 13. A computer-aided method for representing a volume of an NC model by a plurality of machining features, providing a plurality of topological features; and for each volume of the NC model, the topological features of the NC model. Selecting at least one of the surfaces and at least one surface of the volume portion to form a machining feature representing the volume portion having the selected surface. 14. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of topological features comprises a face,
Slab, pocket, through pocket, step, profile, channel, slot, bostop, flange face, hole pattern, entry hole, through slot, undercut, rib top, top chamfer, top round, and open contour, and O 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of selecting from the group consisting of ring grooves.
3. The method according to 3. 15. A CAM system for assisting a human mechanic in manufacturing a workpiece by machining a workpiece, a solid model of the workpiece, a solid model of the workpiece, and the machining. Means for combining the solid model of the object with the solid model of the object to form a numerical control model indicating a volume portion of the workpiece to be removed to form the object; and the numerical control Means for defining a plurality of topological feature types for dividing a volume portion of a model into a plurality of machining features, wherein the mechanic selects the volume portion and represents each of the volume portions Means for selecting at least one of the plurality of feature types to be used for: and a hand for forming a tool path for machining the plurality of machining features. And, including, CAM system. 16. The CAM system according to claim 15, wherein the model is manufactured using a CAD system. 17. The plurality of topological features include: face, slab, pocket, through pocket, step, profile, channel, slot, bostop, flange face, hole pattern, entry hole, through slot, undercut, rib. 16. The CAM system of claim 15, wherein the CAM system is selected from the group consisting of top, top chamfer, top round, and open contour, and O-ring grooves. 18. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for assisting a human mechanic in machining a workpiece according to a method comprising the steps of: Manufacturing a model and a solid model of the workpiece; combining the model of the workpiece with the model of the workpiece to indicate a volume of the workpiece to be removed to form the workpiece. Forming a numerical control model; providing a plurality of topological feature types; and dividing the volume to be removed into a plurality of machining features, wherein each machining feature comprises the human A mechanic selects at least one of the plurality of feature types and one surface of the numerical model, and selects a volume of the model having the surface. Forming a machining feature in association with the selected feature type, and providing a tool path for machining each of the machining features. A computer-readable medium. 19. The plurality of topological features include: face, slab, pocket, through pocket, step, profile, channel, slot, bostop, flange face, hole pattern, entry hole, through slot, undercut, rib. 19. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the medium is selected from the group consisting of top, top chamfer, top round, and open contour, and O-ring groove. 20. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the computer readable medium comprises a CD-ROM. 21. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the computer readable medium comprises a floppy disk. 22. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the computer readable medium comprises a hard disk. 23. A computer medium for transmitting instructions executable by a computer to implement a method for assisting a human mechanic in machining a workpiece into an object on a computer platform. Wherein the method comprises: producing a solid model of the object and a solid model of the workpiece; combining the model of the object with the model of the workpiece to form the object. Forming a numerical control model indicative of the volume of the workpiece to be removed; providing a plurality of topological features; and dividing the volume to be removed into a plurality of machining features. Wherein each machining feature is characterized in that the human mechanic selects at least one of the plurality of feature types and one surface of the numerical model, A process formed by defining a machining feature in association with a volume of the model having a surface with the selected feature type; and providing a tool path for machining each of the machining features. A computer platform, comprising: 24. Face, slab, pocket, through pocket, step, profile, channel, slot, bostop, flange face, hole pattern, entry hole, through slot, undercut, rib top, top chamfer, top round, and 20. The computer readable medium of claim 18, holding executable instructions to define a plurality of topological features selected from the group consisting of: an open contour; and an O-ring groove. 25. In a computer system, a graphical user interface for allowing a user to select at least one of a plurality of topological feature types to define a selected volume portion of a solid model. 26. The graphic user interface according to claim 25, wherein the solid model is formed by a CAD system. 27. The topological features include face, slab, pocket, through pocket, step, profile, channel, slot, bostop, flange face, hole pattern, entry hole, through slot, undercut, rib top, 26. The graphic user interface of claim 25, wherein the graphic user interface is selected from the group consisting of top chamfers, top rounds, and open contours, and O-ring grooves. 28. A computer holding computer-executable instructions for assisting a human mechanic in machining a workpiece represented by a solid model to produce an object represented by the solid model. Is a readable medium, wherein the two solid models are combined to form an NC model indicating a volume of the workpiece to be removed to form the object, the method comprising: Providing a feature type, and dividing the volume to be removed into a plurality of machining features, wherein each machining feature is characterized in that the human mechanic is one of the plurality of feature types. And machining a volume of the model having the surface in association with the selected feature type. Is formed by defining a symptom, process and includes the steps of providing a tool path for machining each of the machining feature, it can be computer reads the medium.