Image reader graphic input method

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Details

364190, 36447424, 36447426, 36447427, 340706, G05B 19405, G05B 19403

Patent

active

048020834

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
DESCRIPTION

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to a graphic input method and, more particularly, to a graphic input method well-suited for application to an automatic programming unit which automatically creates NC program data.
2. Background Art
Arrangements in which a modern NC unit is equipped with a "conversational-type automatic programming function" through which the unit creates NC program data while conversing with the operator are increasing in number. Such conversational-type automatic programming is disclosed in e.g. the specification of U.S. Ser. No. 642,685 filed Aug. 14, 1984, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,148, (entitled "Part Program Creation Method"). In order to create NC data by means of an automatic programming function, it is required that a graphic of the final shape of a workpiece be inputted to the NC unit. Accordingly, the development of a technique through which graphic data maybe inputted simply and in an easily understood manner is a topic in the art.
However, the techniques which have been put into practical use or proposed are unsatisfactory in this respect and there is room for improvement in terms of shortening training time and the time needed to perform the graphic input.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method of inputting graphic data simply, in an easily understood manner and in a short period of time.
A graphic is prepared by providing the starting points or end points of straight lines and circular arcs (referred to generically as "graphic elements") which constitute the graphic with identifiable marks such as black circles, and the graphic is read by an image reader. An image processor processes the data from the image reader and extracts the graphic elements and black circles. A display unit displays each of the extracted graphic elements and black circles on a display screen as well as inquiries calling for the coordinates of the positions at which the black circles are provided and the nature of the graphic elements between black circles. The black circles relating to inquiries are made distinguishable from other black circles by being displayed in e.g. blinking fashion. Thereafter, the coordinates of a black circle which is made to blink and the nature of a graphic element (i.e. whether the element is a straight line or circular arc) are inputted from a keyboard in response to the inquiries. As a result, the next black circle blinks and the relevant inquiry is displayed. Data are thereafter inputted in similar fashion until all of the graphic data are finally inputted.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an NC unit equipped with a conversational-type automatic programming section;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a display unit;
FIG. 3 is an example of a graphic used in the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of processing according to the invention:, and
FIG. 5 is an example of a conversational display.


DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an NC unit for realizing the present invention. In the Figure, numeral 1 denotes an NC unit main body, and numeral 2 represents a conversational type automatic programming section. In the conversational type automatic programming section 2, numeral 2a denotes a processor, 2b a ROM, 2c a RAM, 2d a display unit, 2f a keyboard, 2g a keyboard controller, 2h a image reader such as an image sensor, 2i an image processor, 2j an external memory medium for storing NC data, 2k a data input/output unit, and 2m an interface.
As shown in FIG. 2, the display unit 2d includes a computerized display controller DSC, an image buffer GIB for storing a graphic image, an image buffer CIB for storing a character image, a timing signal generator TSG for generating horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals, read controllers CIR, GIR for reading and outputting the images from the corresponding image buffers in synchronism with the raster scanning of a beam of a CRT, a combining circuit for combining the image signals output

REFERENCES:
patent: 4295198 (1981-10-01), Copeland et al.
patent: 4429364 (1984-01-01), Maruyama
patent: 4506336 (1985-03-01), Hird
patent: 4550250 (1985-10-01), Mueller et al.
patent: 4576482 (1986-03-01), Pryor
patent: 4627003 (1986-12-01), Kishi et al.
patent: 4660148 (1987-04-01), Kishi et al.
patent: 4697249 (1987-09-01), Kishi et al.

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