WO2018163211A1

WO2018163211A1 - System and method for monitoring and controlling cnc machine remotely

Info

Publication number: WO2018163211A1
Application number: PCT/IN2018/050129
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rohan Kelkar; Nitin KELKAR
Original assignee: Rohan Kelkar; Kelkar Nitin
Priority date: 2017-03-08
Filing date: 2018-03-08
Publication date: 2018-09-13

Abstract

Disclosed is a system and method for remote monitoring and controlling of CNC machine. In any of the existing configurations, human interference and physical presence is an utmost necessity in order to control the CNC machine. The present invention introduces new segments in the standard configuration of a CNC controller. The system works with an application module configured on a handheld, remote communication device (100). The system comprises of a standard CNC controller given internet access that is solely responsible to run the motors. The module configured on the remote handheld device (100) constantly communicates with the CNC controller via Wi-Fi or mobile data or the like. The user can monitor and control the CNC machine from anywhere in the world as the application module configured on the remote handheld communication device (100) is equipped with all the controls.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING CNC

MACHINE REMOTELY

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a machining apparatus and more particularly, to a system and platform for monitoring and controlling CNC machine remotely.

Background of the invention

The purpose of a CNC machine is to use a set of input specifications describing a physical object to produce a machined part according to the specifications. The part is typically formed from solid block stock material such as metal, and shaped by various machine tools such as drills, mills, lathes, electrostatic discharge machines (EDMs), gauging systems and the like.

Today's modern CNC controllers are configured in very specific ways. Over the years, the CNC controller manufacturers have made multiple changes in the controller but the configuration of all the components/stages has remained the same. The general overview of a CNC controller is as follows:

Human Machine Interface (HMI) ► CNC controller - Motors.

A lot of development has taken place in the HMI. Today we have colorful display panels with graphical capabilities along with touch controls. The CNC controller itself has gotten way more advanced due to constant R&D in the motion control segment. Therefore these controllers are now faster and more efficient than ever before. Thus, the basic configuration has remained the same but a lot of development has taken place in individual categories as mentioned above.

The CNC controllers are also of two types:

1. Stand alone DSP (Digital Signal Processor) based controllers. These controllers have DSP chipsets along with multiple peripherals designed around the basic architecture of the chipset. The control algorithm exists in this chipset and thus it also runs the motors. The DSP performs multiple tasks regarding motion control or basic I/O. 2. PC based controllers.

These controllers are Windows or Linux based CPU boards which run the control algorithm and control the motors. The CPU is also interfaced with an I/O board to carry out all the I/O operations.

In any of the existing configurations, in order to control the CNC machine, the user has to be present physically near the machine. Further, in the existing configurations of the CNC machines, a machining file has to be sent to the CNC machine via a wired medium such as Ethernet, USB and the like. Furthermore, to align the material block on the CNC machine, human interference and physical presence is an utmost necessity. Accordingly, there exists a need to system and method for monitoring and controlling CNC machine remotely which overcomes abovementioned drawbacks.

Objects of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a system for remote monitoring and controlling of CNC machine. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for remote monitoring and controlling of CNC machine.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system for remote monitoring and controlling of CNC machine that will enable the remote user to send the command file to the CNC machine. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system for real time monitoring and controlling of CNC machine.

Summary of the invention

In one aspect, the present invention provides a system for remote monitoring and controlling of computerized numerically controlled machine (CNCmachine); the system comprises of a CNC controller module, a module configured on a handheld communication device and an imaging device configured on the CNC machine. The CNC controller module is capable of running motors and thereby controlling CNCmachine operations. The CNCcontroller module is provided with an internet access. The module configured on a handheld communication device and adapted with means for constant communication with the CNCcontroller through internet, enables the user to receive real time updates of CNC machine. The imaging device configured on the CNC machine is adapted for sending a video feed of the work piece to the user through internet, thereby enabling the user to receive real time updating of work piece references. The system enables the real time monitoring and operation of the CNC machine by remotely accessing and monitoring the CNCcontroller through the module configured on handheld communication device. The internet access for the system is provided through any one selected from Ethernet and Wi-Fi or a dedicated SIM card with data connection.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for remote monitoring and controlling of CNC machine. The method comprises of setting the CNCmachine coordinate system to a reference coordinate system by sending a communication through the module configured on a handheld device adapted with means for constant communication with the CNC controller through internet. The real time video feed of a work piece is received on handheld communication device, depending on which the reference co-ordinates thereof are set through the function keys on handheld comm unication device. The machini ng com mand file is sent to the CNC controller and monitoring of the CNC machine operations is done through plurality of function keys provided on the application module. Brief description of the drawings

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein

Figure 1 shows a display of module on remote handheld communication device, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 and 3 show dialogue boxes appearing on the display of module on remote handheld communication device, on pressing of function keys, in accordance with the present invention;

Detailed description of the invention

The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiment.

The present invention provides a system and method for monitoring and controlling CNC machine remotely. The present invention introduces new segments in the standard configuration of a CNC controller. The system works with an application module configured on a handheld, remote communication device, for example a Smartphone. The system comprises of a standard CNC controller solely responsible to run the motors. In an embodiment, the CNC controller comprises of various peripherals built therein which handles operations such as I/O, interrupts and the like. The CNC machine also comprises of a peripheral which is given internet access via Ethernet, Wi-Fi or a dedicated SIM card with data connection.. Thus, the machine is now constantly connected to the internet.

The module configured on the remote handheld device constantly communicates with the CNC controller via Wi-Fi or mobile data or the like. The user can communicate with the CNC machine from anywhere in the world as the application module configured on the remote handheld communication device is equipped with all the controls.

The configuration of this system will include all the following configurations and also similar configurations which allow the user to control and monitor everything about the CNC machine:

Configuration 1:

Remote Handheld Communication Device -> Intermediate Software ->CNC Controller -> Motors

Configuration 2: Remote Handheld Communication Device -> CNC Controller -> Motors

This system of monitoring and controlling the CNC machine remotely acts as a platform to build new features. Thus it opens doors to various other applications to be added in the already existing electronic and software design. The applications configured on a remote handheld communication device are as follows. The application module configured on a remote handheld communication device enables the user to monitor the CNC machine in real time. The application module configured on a remote handheld communication device is constantly communicating with the CNC machine and therefore it keeps updating the status in real time. If the user owns multiple machines, he/she is given an option to select the desired machine. In an embodiment, the user also receives notifications regarding error alarms, job complete status, job reminders and the like. However, it may be evident to those skilled in the art to incorporate other notifications in the system as per the requirement of the user Using the application module configured on the remote handheld communication device, the user can move the individual axis motors of the machine remotely. The user also can send a machining file directly from the remote handheld communication device to the machine from anywhere in the world. Once the machine receives this file, it proceeds to carry out the activity based on the data mentioned in the file. The system also includes a camera configured on the machine which sends the user a video feed of the work piece. The user can set the job references directly from the mobile app by selecting the job reference. The machine will automatically be notified of this action after which a measuring machine/gauge measures the references of the work piece accurately and thus the machine will start milling. In this way, the user will be able to start a milling operation remotely using our mobile application. The user also gets the option to configure the tool bank directly from the remote handheld communication device based on the requirements of the current job to be machined. The user will also be able to schedule or edit an existing plan of the components to be manufactured directly from the remote handheld communications device. Thus all kinds of features can be built over this platform.

The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures.

Referring to fig 1, fig 2 and fig 3 a display (100) of module on handheld communication device is shown. A plurality of function keys are provided on the display (100). Using the function keys on the handheld communication device, the user sends commands to the CNC controller. CNC machine coordinate system is set to a reference co-ordinate system, by pressing 'machine home' key (5). On receiving command from the handheld communication device, the CNC controller sets the machine coordinates to reference co-ordinates and sends the signal accordingly to the handheld communication device. All the other function keys are disabled till the message of setting of reference co-ordinates is received. The system can be reset by pressing 'reset' button (10). All the information related to the relative and absolute co-ordinate settings, broadcasted by the CNC machine at a frequency less than a second, is displayed in the first dialog box (45). The information regarding spindle speed and feed override, broadcasted by the CNC machine, is displayed in the second dialogue box (50). A plurality of toggle keys (55) provided on the display invoke a single one time action on the CNC machine side. The manual pulse generator key (60) indicates the status of its activation in terms of whether it is switched off or switched on.

Pressing the 'set job' key (15), 'machining' key (30) and settings' key (35) generates an action in the action box (40). When user presses the 'set job' key (15), a dialog box opens in action box (40) displaying the reference coordinates, general coordinates etc. User can set the reference coordinates and general coordinates using the dialog box. In an embodiment, the preset keys (G54, G55, G56, and G57) for the reuse of the previous job are provided. After setting up reference and general co- ordinates, user can save this data to one of the four available presets. Saved preset values are displayed below the corresponding the preset keys (G54, G55, G56, and G57).

In another embodiment, when user presses 'machining' key (30), a dialog box opens in the action box (40) displaying the plurality of keys like 'file', 'edit', 'cycle start5', 'pause', 'abort', etc. Command files for machining process, saved in the handheld communication device can be loaded in the action box (40). User is able to edit the loaded files, using 'edit' key, which is enabled only after loading of the command file. The command file is sent to the CNC machine to start the machining cycle. The 'abort' and 'pause' keys enable the user to abort or pause the machining process.

It is obvious to the skil led in the art that the functions of the application module configured on a remote handheld com munication device are not l im ited to the above mentioned functions and may be extended as per user requi rement .

Advantages of the invention

1. The system and method enables the user to literally control and monitor everything of the CNC machine

2. The system and method acts as a platform on which new features can be built. The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention described in the present embodiment. Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein; however, it is, understood that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or matter. The embodiments of the invention as described above and the methods disclosed herein will suggest further modification and alterations to those skilled in the art. Such further modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A system for remote monitoring and controlling of computerized numerically controlled machine (CNCmachine); the system comprising: a CNC controller module capable of running motors and thereby controlling CNCmachine operations; the CNC controller provided with an internet access; a module configured on a handheld communication device and adapted with means for constant communication with the CNC controller through internet, thereby enabling the user to receive real time updates of CNCmachine; and an imaging device configured on the CNC machine, adapted for sending a video feed of the work piece to the user through internet, thereby enabling the user to receive a real time update of work piece references; wherein, real time monitoring and operation of the CNCmachine is done by remotely accessing and monitoring the CNC controller through the module configured on handheld communication device.

2. The system for remote monitoring and controlling of CNC machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handheld communication device is a smart phone.

The system for remote monitoring and controlling of CNC machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the internet access is provided through any one selected from Ethernet, Wi-Fi and a dedicated SIM card with data connection.

A method for remote monitoring and controlling of CNC machine, the method comprising: setting the CNC machine coordinate system to a reference co ordinate system by sending communication through a module configured on a handheld device adapted with means for constant communication with the CNCcont roller through internet; receiving the real time video feed of a work piece on handheld communication device; setting the reference co-ordinates of the work piece through the module configured on the handheld communication device; sending the machining file to the CNC controller through the module configured on the handheld communication device; monitoring the CNC machine operations through the plurality of function keys provided on the handheld communication device.

The method for remote monitoring and controlling of CNC machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handheld communication device is a smart phone.

6. The system for remote monitoring and controlling of CNCmachine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internet access is provided through any oneselected from Ethernet, Wi-Fi and adedicated SIM card with data