Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Specific application – apparatus or process – Robot control
Reexamination Certificate
1998-01-29
2001-09-18
Grant, William (Department: 2121)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Specific application, apparatus or process
Robot control
C700S017000, C901S003000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06292712
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to interactive computer-based interface systems. More particularly, this invention relates to multi-media application software operating on a computer comprised of text, audio, video and computer graphics animation for interfacing an operator with an operable device, such as a robotic device, machining tool or other automatic tool in an environment outside the computer.
2. Related Art
Operation of a numerically controlled (NC) robotic system or machine tool can be a difficult and complex process. NC machine tools must be preprogrammed with custom settings and configurations that are specific to certain parts before the tool can perform any tooling operations. Also, operation of the NC machine tool, after initial settings are configured, requires constant complicated and esoteric monitoring and control by the operator. Consequently, not every machine tool operator can operate an NC machine tool. Instead, usually only tool operators with special required NC machine tool training can operate these NC machine tools.
Thus, current NC machine tools have several drawbacks. First, every operator that operates an NC machine tool must be extensively trained on complicated NC machine tool operation, NC machine tool computer programming and engineering part processing. This is an expensive and time consuming process. As such, most NC machine tools can be operated by only a very small number of operators. Next, even if a specially trained NC machine tool operator is used to operate and control an NC machine tool, the element of human error is still present. Even the best NC machine tool operator can make improper tool and part settings due to the complexity of the NC machine tool.
Therefore, what is needed is an interface system for allowing a person, such as a tool operator, to easily operate and monitor an NC machine tool automatically with easy to use and friendly user interfaces and controls. What is additionally needed is an interface system that has preprogrammable tool settings and part setting to thereby eliminate human error during part processing. What is further needed is an interface system that is preprogrammable for allowing a tool operator to perform less custom and configuration settings. Whatever the merits of the above mentioned systems and methods, they do not achieve the benefits of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To overcome the limitations in the prior art described above, and to overcome other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention is an interactive multi-media interface system which incorporates text, audio, video graphics, animation and other tools to interface a user (in the description that follows, the term user is used interchangeably with the term operator) with a device in an outside environment, such as a robotic system, which can include a machining or other tool.
The interface system includes a computer workstation to allow inputs from a user, such as a machine operator, computer memory, and an interface computer program operating on the computer (hereinafter, the term “interface system” will refer to the entire system, while the term “interface software” will refer to a software component of the “interface system”). The computer program has a graphical user interface for interfacing the operator with the workstation and to allow interactive operation and control of the robotic system. The operator can provide inputs to the interface system by various input devices such as a keyboard, cursor, mouse, a stylus pointing device or a touch sensitive screen. The interface computer program (interface software) shares access to and exchanges data with the computer memory. Thus, the entire robotic system can be interactively operated and controlled by an operator via the interface system of the present invention.
The interface system provides distributive attributes as well as interactive capabilities, such as instantaneous monitoring and control, while unique numerical controlled (NC) code relating to the particular robotic system and/or particular part is processed. As a result, continuous motion control interaction of the robotic system is possible through database management as well as through interactive graphics control using the graphical user interface. Moreover, the interface system of the present invention does not require operator input to determine motion control determinants and rules. Instead, the interface system of the present invention has built-in logic that adjusts in real-time or “on the fly” to variations in the conditions surrounding and affecting the motion of the robotic system.
Specifically, the graphical user interface includes a Main Menu area which allows the user to select a specific part to be assembled, machined, and/or processed by the robotic system. Once the specific part to be assembled, machined, and/or processed has been selected, a submenu requiring operator and part authorization must be completed. This submenu prevents unauthorized operation of the robotic system or machine tool as well as unauthorized machining of the specific part. A series of operation and monitoring menus are included to aid in preprogrammed machining operations of the parts and to provide monitoring of the NC machining tool, respectively. The graphical user interface is friendly and easy to use.
The interface system can additionally include a training system with training software operating on the computer for training the operator on how to operate the outside device. The training software comprises numerous interactive training tutorials for providing “hands on” realistic training to trainees. The training system can further include a remote station linked to the computer memory of the interactive computer. An instructor can be located at the remote station for monitoring and supervising the operator in real time. Moreover, the remote station can share access to and exchange data with the computer memory.
A feature of the present invention is the interactive software modules that allows real time operation and control of the outside devices. Another feature of the present invention is the easy to use and friendly graphical user interfaces and controls. Yet another feature of the present invention is the interface system that is preprogrammable for reducing the amount of custom and configuration settings that a tool operator must perform. An advantage of the present invention is that the interface system allows a person, such as a tool operator, to easily operate and monitor a robotic system or an NC machine tool automatically. Another advantage of the present invention is that the interface system controls part and tool settings, thereby eliminating erroneous human settings.
The foregoing and still further features and advantages of the present invention as well as a more complete understanding there of will be made apparent from a study of the following detailed description of the invention with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.
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Anderson Terry J.
Bahta Kidest
Grant William
Hoch, Jr. Karl J.
Northrop Grumman Corporation
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