(19)
(11)EP 0 264 919 A2

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43)Date of publication:
27.04.1988 Bulletin 1988/17

(21)Application number: 87115357.3

(22)Date of filing:  20.10.1987
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC)4G05B 19/18, G05B 19/42
(84)Designated Contracting States:
DE FR GB NL SE

(30)Priority: 21.10.1986 JP 250186/86
05.03.1987 JP 50839/87

(71)Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
Tokyo 141 (JP)

(72)Inventors:
  • Tetsuzo, Kuragano c/o Sony Corporation
    Shinagawa-ku Tokyo (JP)
  • Nobuo, Sasaki c/o Sony Corporation
    Shinagawa-ku Tokyo (JP)

(74)Representative: Schmidt-Evers, Jürgen, Dipl.-Ing. et al
Patentanwälte Mitscherlich & Partner, Postfach 33 06 09
80066 München
80066 München (DE)


(56)References cited: : 
  
      


    (54)Method for generating offset surface data


    (57) A method for generating offset surface data representing a tool path of tool traversing patches (S(u,v)) which are mutually adjoining at boundary lines (COM) where there is no continuity of tangential planes. The offset surface data (COFF, DOFF) is interpolated for the parts of the surface at which the offset surface data (SOFF) become mutually discontinuous at the boundary lines (COM) or for a patch having a sharp corner (P₀). The present invention is applicable to a NC (Numerical Control) machining center which can control a machine tool so as to prevent excessive milling by the tool at the discontinuous parts of the offset surface.




    Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION


    Technical Field



    [0001] The present invention relates to a method for generating offset surface data. The present invention is particularly applicable, but not exclusively, to a method for generating offset surface data in order to manufacture a contoured product using data representing a free surface generated through, e.g., a CAD (Computer Aided Design) or CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) method.

    Background Art



    [0002] In the case where the contour of an object described by the free surface is designed using, e.g., CAD technique (so called, geometric modeling), a designer generally specifies a plurality of points (articulation points) in a three dimensional space through which the surface is to pass and uses a computer to calculate a boundary line network interconnecting the plurality of specified articulation points on the basis of desired vector functions. A surface represented by a "wire frame" is thus generated. In this way, a multiple number of framed spaces enclosed with boundary lines can be formed. Such processing is called frame processing.

    [0003] The boundary line network formed through the above-described frame processing represents a rough sketch to be designed by the designer. If a surface which can be represented by predetermined vector functions using boundary lines enclosing each framed space can be interpolated, the free surface desired by the designer (which is impossible to be specified by means of a quadratic function) can, as a whole, be generated.

    [0004] A surface extended over each framed space forms a basic element constituting the whole surface and is called a "patch".

    [0005] To provide a more natural outer contour for the generated entire free surface, a free surface generating method has been proposed in which a control side vector around a common boundary is set again so as to extend a patch to satisfy the condition of continuity in the tangential planes in the common boundary bridging the two frame spaces.

    [0006] A Japanese Patent Application Non-Examined Publication No. Sho 62-135965 published on June 18, 1987 exemplifies the above-described free surface generating method.

    [0007] The free surface generating method disclosed in the above-identified Japanese Patent Application Publication will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 6.

    [0008] In the case where two patches S(u,v)1 and S(u,v)2 are smoothly connected to each other, e.g., as shown in Fig. 1, control side vectors a₁, a₂, c₁, and c₂ so as to establish a condition of continuity of the tangential plane are, in principle, set on a common boundary COM 12 bridging adjoining patches S(u,v)1 and (u,v)2 on the basis of articulation points P(00), P(30)1, P(33)1, P(03), P(33)2, P(30)2, and P(30)2 derived through the frame processing and internal control points P(11)1, P(12)1, P(11)2, and P(12)2 are set once again by means of these control side vectors.

    [0009] If the above-mentioned technique is applied to other common boundaries COM2, COM3, and COM4, the two patches S(u,v)1, and S(u,v)2, can be smoothly connected to other adjoining patches under the condition of continuity of the tangential planes. It is noted that the "tangential plane" means a plane formed by tangent vectors in u and v directions at each point of the common boundary. For example, when at each point on the common boundary COM 12 of Fig. 1, the tangential planes of the patches S(u,v)1 and S(u,v)2 are the same, the "condition of continuity of the tangential planes" is established.

    [0010] In details, the condition of continuity of the oscualting planes at a point (0, v), wherein u=0, v=v, on the common boundary COM12, is determined as shown in Fig. 2. That is to say, for the one patch S(u,v)1 a normal vector n₁ for a tangent vector Ha in a direction transversing the common boundary COM12 (, i.e., u direction) and a tangent vector Hb in a direction along the common boundary COM12 (, i.e., v direction) can be expressed in the following equation:
    n₁ = Ha x Hb .... (1)

    [0011] In addition, for the other patch S(u,v)2 a normal vector n₂ for a tangent vector Hc in a direction transversing the common boundary COM12 and a tangent vector Hb in a direction along the common boundary COM12 can be expressed in the following equation:
    n₂ = Hc x Hb .... (2)

    [0012] Since the two sets of tangent vectors Ha and Hb, and Hc and Hb must be present on the same planes, respectively, to establish the condition of continuity of the tangential planes under such a condition as described above, the two normal vectors n₁ and n₂ are consequently directed in the same sense.

    [0013] To achieve this condition for the two normal vectors n₁ and n₂, the internal control points P(11)1, P(21)1, P(12)1, P(22)1, and P(11)2, P(21)2, P(12)2, P(22)2, may be set so as to establish the following equation:



    [0014] In the equations (3), λ(v), µ(v), and γ(v) denote scalars.

    [0015] Furthermore, the patches S(u,v)1, and S(u,v)2, are represented using a parametric vector function S(u,v), of a cubic Bézier function as follows:
    S(u,v), = (1 - u + uE)²(1 - v + vF)³P(00) .... (4)

    [0016] It is noted that u and v denote parameters in the u direction and in the vi direction and E and F denote shift operators.

    [0017] It is also noted that a control point used in the description includes the articulation point and control point, each representing a boundary line in the framed space, and the internal control point representing the surface inside the patch.

    [0018] Suppose that a product having a contour represented by the surface data on the multiple number of patches S(u,v) generated under the above-described technique is milled using, e.g., a milling machine of an NC (Numerical Control) machine tool. In this case, offset surface data S(u,v) OFF corresponding to a single patch S(u,v) is defined by the following equation:
    S(u,v) OFF = S(u,v) +Rxn(u,v) .... (5)

    [0019] The center of the tool of a milling machine may supposed to move through a position expressed by the offset surface data S(u,v) OFF.

    [0020] The above equation (5) represents the generation of the offset surface data S(u,v) OFF constituted by a plane translated in the normal direction by a translation operation variable expressed by Rxn(u,v) with respect to position data representing a surface of the patch S(u,v) which is a target to be milled. It is noted that R denotes the distance from the center position of the tool to the edge of a blade of the tool.

    [0021] As shown in Fig. 4, the offset surface data S(u,v) OFF expressed by the equation (5) is supplied to a control unit of the machine tool, so that the tool is moved on a free surface expressed by the offset surface data S(u,v) OFF. Consequently, the blade edge moves on a surface parallel to the offset surface data S(u,v) OFF. Finally, the tool can mill the surface expressed by the patch S(u,v).

    [0022] In general, as described above with reference to Fig. 1, part of the contour surface of the product formed by sequentially connecting the two square patches S(u,v)1 and S(u,v)2 can easily be milled using the offset surface data S(u,v) OFF.

    [0023] In detail, the offset surface data S(u,v) OFF1 and S (u,v) OFF2 derived on the basis of the mutually adjoining two patches S(u,v)1 and S(u,v)2 are expressed as follows:
    S(u,v)OFF1 = S(u,v)1 + Rxn(u,v)1 .... (6)
    S(u,v)OFF2 = S(u,v)2 + Rxn(u,v)2 .... (7)

    [0024] In the case as described above with reference to Fig. 1, the mutually adjoining patches S(u,v)1 and S(u,v)2 are interconnected under the condition of continuity of the tangential planes, the normal vectors n(u,v)1 and n(u,v)2 coincide with each other at the position of the common boundary COM12. The translation data Rxn(u,v)1 and Rxn(u,v)2 (equations (6) and (7)) supplied during the milling operation become equal to each other. Consequently, the tool can continue the milling operation, smoothly passing through the boundary position under the same condition as the milling operation for the surfaces of the patches S(u,v)1 and S(u,v)2.

    [0025] However, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, in the case where, e.g., the tool mills a corner of the object to be milled, mutually adjoining two or three patches S(u,v)1,] and S(u,v)2, and/or s(u,v)3 are connected in a discontinuous state in which the condition of continuity of the tangential planes is not established on the common boundaries COM12, COM23, and COM31. The offset surface data S(u,v)OFF1, S(u,v)OFF2, and/or S(u,v)OFF 3 positions of the common boundaries COM12, COM23, and COM31 are broken off in the vicinity of the positions of the common boundaries COM12, COM23, and COM31. Consequently, a discontinuous space is generated in the vicinity of the above-described positions.

    [0026] In Fig. 6, PCON12, PCON23, and PCON31 denote control points representing the patches S(u,v)1 and S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3, respectively. The offset surface data S(u,v) OFF1, S(u,v) OFF2, and S(u,v) OFF3 for the three patches S(u,v)1 and S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3 on these three control points can be calculated using the following equations.
    S(u,v)OFF1 = S(u,v)1 + Rxn(u,v)1 .... (8)
    S(u,v)OFF2 = S(u,v)2 + Rxn(u,v)2 .... (9)
    S(u,v)OFF3 = S(u,v)3 + Rxn(u,v)3 .... (10)
    In this way, the positional data POFF1, POFF2, and POFF3 are calculated representing the offset surface data S(u,v)OFF1, S(u,v)OFF2, and S(u,v)OFF3 corresponding to the control points PCON12, PCON23, PCON31.

    [0027] When, in these calculations, the normal line vectors at points one the common boundaries COM12, COM23, and COM31 corresponding to control points P(0)123, P(1)12 to P(4)12, P(1)23 to P(4)23, P(1)31 to P(4)31 representing the common boundaries COM12, COM23, and COM31 have different values in the patches S(u,v)1 S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3, the positional data (P(01)123, P(11)12 to P(41)12) and (P(02)123, P(12)21 to P(42)21) on the offset surface data S(u,v)OFF1, S(u,v)OFF2 derived on the basis of calculations using the equations (8), (9) and (10) represent mutually different positions according to the values of the normal line vectors described above. In addition, the positional data (P(02)123, P(12)23 to P(42)23) and (P(03)123, P(13)32 to P(43)32) on the surface data S(u,v)OFF2 and S(u,v)OFF3 represent mutually different positions. Furthermore, the positional data (P(03)123, P(13)31 to P(43)31) and (P(01)123, (P(11)13 to (P(41)13) on the surface data S(u,v)OFF3 and S(u,v)OFF1 represent mutually different positions.

    [0028] No data specifying a movement trajectory of the tool cannot be obtained for the space SPC₁ between position data P(01)123, P(11)12 to P(41)12 and P(02)123, P(12)21 to P(52)21, the space SPC₂ between position data P(02)123, P(12)23 to P(42)23 and P(03)123, P(13)32 to P(53)32, and the space SPC₃ between the position data P(03)123, P(13)31 to P(43)31 and P(01)123, P(11)13 to P(41)13, and the space SPC₁₂₃ between a position of a common point P(0)123 common to the three patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2 and S(u,v)3 forming the corner part and position data P(01)123, P(02)123, and P(03)123 (the spaces SPC₁, SPC₂, SPC₃, ans SPC₁₂₃ are called discontinuous spaces).

    [0029] In the discontinuous spaces SPC₁, SPC₂, SPC₃, and SPC₁₂₃, the tool which has continued the milling operation up to the positions of the common boundaries COM12, COM23, and COM31 of the patches S(u,v)1,S(u,v)2 and S(u,v)3 may operate to draw an abnormal movement trajectory in the vicinities of the common boundaries COM12, COM23, and COM31. If the abnormal movement trajectory is left unchanged, the tool may unnecessarily mill and cut out portions of the surfaces near the common boundaries COM12, COM23, and COM31 of the object to be processed by the milling machine.

    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION



    [0030] It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide a method for easily generating offset surface data to enable a milling machine to mill a contoured surface, even if a discontinuous space occurs between the offset surface data, without producing tool interference.

    [0031] It is another object of the present invention to provide the method for generating offset surface data for use by a milling machine, in which the offset surface data represents a free surface, in a manner so that no tool interference occurs in the discontinuous space generated between the offset surface data on at least two mutually adjoining patches.

    [0032] The above-described objects can be achieved by providing a method for generating offset surface data representing a tool path using a free surface formed with at least two patches sequentially interconnected, the method comprising the steps of: (a) generating first surface data representing a first offset surface opposing the patches and second surface data representing a second offset surface formed at a position separate by a first predetermined distance from a position on a boundary line of the patches where there is no continuity of tangential planes; and (b) interpolating the second surface data for the first surface data so that when the tool traverses the boundary line, the object represented by the free surface is not excessively milled.

    [0033] In particular, the method generates offset surface data with data defining a free surface formed with at least first and second patches sequentially interconnected as a target to be milled, and comprises the steps of: (a) deriving an outwardly directed first vector normal to a first discontinous end surface represented by first offset surface data corresponding to the first patch at each control point representing a common boundary of the first and second patches, and simultaneously deriving a second vector comprising a normal line vector represented by second offset surface data corresponding to the second patch; and (b) deriving a position of intersection between a plane of the second vector and the first vector and interpolating the intersection position data a third offset surface data at the discontinuous soace generated between the first and second offset surface data.

    [0034] In a preferred emboidment, the offset surface data is generated with a free surface formed with at least first, second, and third patches sequentially interconnected as a target to be milled. In such case, the method comprises the steps of (a) deriving first, second, and third normal line vectors on points corresponding to points common to the offset surface data of the mutually connected first, second, and third patches; (b) deriving an inersection of planes of the first, second, and third normal line vectors; and (c) interpolating the position data for the intersection as the offset surface data at a discontinuous space generated at the corner.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0035] 

    Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a boundary line interconnecting two patches disclosed in a Japanese Patent Application Non-Examined Publication Sho 62-135965.

    Fig. 2 is a vector diagram for explaining a condition of continuity of tangential planes.

    Fig. 3 is a vector diagram for explaining an offset vector.

    Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a movement trajectory of the tool.

    Figs. 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams for explaining discontinuous spaces generated between offset surfaces.

    Fig. 7 is a processing flowchart in a first preferred embodiment of a method for generating offset surface data according to the present invention.

    Figs. 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams of a method for generating a tubular offset surface for interpolating discontinuous spaces generated in boundary lines.

    Figs. 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams of offset surfaces interpolated by means of a tubular offset surface and a spherical offset surface, respectively.

    Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of the spherical offset surface for a sharp corner.

    Figs. 13 and 14 are schematic diagrams for explaining selection methods for the offset surfaces.

    Fig. 15 is a processing flowchart in a second preferred embodiment of the method for generating offset surface data according to the present invention.

    Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining a procedure for generating interpolation data for a discontinuous space in a corner of the offset surface.

    Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram of the offset surface data derived as a result of the interpolation calculation.

    Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram of a procedure for generating the interpolation data of the discontinuous space generated between the two patches.


    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS



    [0036] Reference will hereinafter be made to the drawings in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention.

    [0037] A previously proposed method for generating offset surface data disclosed in a Japanese Patent Application Non-Examined Publication sho 62-135965 has been described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 6.

    (A) First Preferred Embodiment



    [0038] Fig. 7 shows a processing flow chart which illustrates the program followed by a Central Processing Unit (CPU) (not shown) of a computer constituting an apparatus for generating the offset surface data to define the path to be followed by the tool of a milling machine in milling an object. The milling machine is of the type having a tri-axial control type ball end mill (not shown). The CPU begins executing an interpolation calculation program for the offset surface data from a step SP¹ in Fig. 7, by reading data representing a multiple number of patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, S(u,v)3, ... (refer to Figs. 10 and 11) already designed by means of a free surface generating appartaus, such as a CAD/CAM system, as required by the shape of the object to be milled.

    [0039] In a step SP2, the CPU derives an offset variable E(n) (refer to the equation (7)) of the offset surface with respect to patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, S(u,v)3, ... which provide targets to be milled on the basis of the profile data on the tool supplied via an input unit of the computer, such as a keyboard by an operator at some other time.

    [0040] In a step SP3, the CPU mathematically divides each patch S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2 S(u,v)3, ... into a multiple number of square surface elements, generates data representing a first offset surface on the basis of the above-described equations (5) and (6), and stores the data as an offset surface SOFF (SOFF1, SOFF2, SOFF3, ...) into the computer's digital memory (not shown).

    [0041] Thereafter, the routine goes to a step SP4 in which the CPU determines whether the patch boundary lines establish the conditions of continuity of the tangential planes represented by the equations (1) to (3) on the basis of the data for the patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3.

    [0042] Since the free surfaces actually designed are sequentially connected to each other via boundary lines, the CPU processes the data to detect all boundary lines which do not establish the conditions of continuity of the tangential planes. Such boundary lines which do not satisfy the conditions of continuity of the tangential planes can be derived on the basis of the equations (1) and (2), i.e., they can be detected when normal line vectors n₁ and n₂ for the boundary lines between the adjoining patches S(u,v)1 and S(u,v)2, and between S(u,v)2 and S(u,v)3, ... do not coincide with each other, or when no patch adjoining one of the boundary lines is present.

    [0043] The CPU, then, generates in a step SP5 a tubular second offset surface data COFF, i.e., COFF12 in the case of Fig. 10 and COFF12, COFF23, COFF31 in the case of Fig. 11 on the boundary surfaces which do not establish the condition of continuity of the tangential planes.

    [0044] For example, as descirbed with reference to Fig. 5, when the two sheets of patches S(u,v)1 and S(u,v)2 are interconnected under the condition of non-continuity of the tangential planes at the boundary line COM12, the CPU generates a tubular surface at each point on the boundary line COM12, the tubular surface having a radius corresponding to the length of an offset vector F(n), i.e., | F(n) | (which corresponds to a radius R in the case of a ball end mill) as shown in Fig. 8 and having a semicircular cross section. The tubular surface is used as a second offset surface COFF (= COFF12).

    [0045] The second offset surface COFF (= COFF12) is connected to offset surfaces SOFF1 and SOFF2 opposing the patches S(u,v)1 and S(u,v)2 at arbitrary points on the boundary line COM12 as shown in Fig. 8. An interpolation of the offset surface can be carried out such as to enclose a discontinuous space GP12 between the offset surfaces SOFF1 and SOFF2 at a position remote by a distance | F(n) | (= R) from the boundary line COM12 with the second offset surface COFF (= COFF12).

    [0046] Since the tool constituted by the tri-axial control type ball end mill is actually mounted so as to move in a Z axis direction form an upward position to a downward position, only an upward part of the tubular surface can effectively be used when the tool is moved along the second offset surface COFF (= C OFF12). Hence, the CPU uses the tubular surface having the semiciruclar cross section as the second offset surface COFF (= COFF12) to draw upper semicircles (P0A to P0B) to P4A to P4B) with cut points P₀ to P₄ as centers placed on the boundary line COM12, as shown in Fig. 9.

    [0047] In the same way, as described with reference to Fig. 6, when the three patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3 are connected under condition of non-continuity of the tangential planes at the boundary lines COM12, COM23, and COM31, the CPU generates an offset surface COFF constituted by a tubular surface having a semicircular cross section and a radius corresponding to a length | F(n) | (= R) of an offset vector F(n) for each point on the boundary lines COM12, COM23 and COM31.

    [0048] The CPU detects a sharpened corner from the surface data of patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, ... in a step SP6.

    [0049] In the processing of this step SP6, when a plurality of boundary lines intersect on articulation points placed at both ends of the boundary lines enclosing each patch, the CPU determines that the corner is not sharpened at the articulation point if at least one boundary line satisfying the condtion of continuity of the tangential planes is included. On the other hand, the CPU determines that a corner at which the articulation point is present is sharpened if there is no boundary line satisfying the condition of continuity of the tangential planes of where there is no patch to be connected to the position adjoining the corner.

    [0050] In detail, for example, when the three patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3 are interconnected, the three boundary lines COM12, COM23, and COM31 intersect on the articulation point P(0)123, as can best be appreciated from Fig. 11. However, since none of the boundary lines COM12, COM23, or COM31 establishes the condition of continuity of the tangential planes, the CPU determines that a part located at one end of the boundary lines COM12, COM23, and COM31 and in which the articulation point P(0)123 is present is a sharp corner.

    [0051] After the CPU detects whether the corner is sharp, the CPU generates a third offset surface DOFF constituted by a spherical surface at the sharp corner in a step SP7, as shown in Fig. 12.

    [0052] The offset surface DOFF comprises, as shown in Fig. 12, a sphere having a semiciruclar cross section and having a radius corresponding to an offset quantity of the tool, i.e., | F(n) | (= R) with an articulation point P(0)123 of the sharp corner as a center.

    [0053] Since in this embodiment the tool comprises the tri-axial control type ball end mill, the third offset surface DOFF is selected to be a semispherical surface comprising an upper part of the sphere as a movable range of the tool to mill the object. The data for the third offset surface DOFF is stored in the CPU's memory (not shown).

    [0054] In summary, then, in the steps SP1 to SP7 the CPU generates the tubular second offset surface COFF (= COFF12, COFF23, COFF31) if there is a discontinuous space GP (= GP12, GP23, GP31) along the boundary lines COM12, COM23, and COM31 for the first offset surface SOFF (= SOFF1, SOFF2, SOFF3) formed on the basis of the surface data which forms the patches, e.g., as shown in Fig. 11. If there is a sharp corner, the CPU generates the spherical third offset surface DOFF (=DOFF123) for the discontinuous space GP123 generated due to the presence of the sharpened corner. Thereafter, the CPU generates data defining a tool path on the basis of the first, second, and third offset surfaces SOFF, COFF, and DOFF in a step SP8. In a step SP9, the above-described processing program routine shown in Fig. 7 ends.

    [0055] Since, as shown in Fig. 10, the boundary line COM12 of the patches S(u,v)1 and S(u,v)2 is connected under the condition of non-continuity of the tangential planes for those patches, the discontinuous space GP (= GP12) is present between the offset surfaces SOFF1 and SOFF2 opposing the patches S(u,v)1 and S(u,v)2. In this case, the CPU interpolates the tubular second offset surface COFF (= COFF12) formed over the discontinuous space GP (=GP12) with the boundary line COM12 as a center.

    [0056] The tubular offset surface COFF (= COFF12) can now connect between the offset surfaces SOFF1 and SOFF2 opposing the patches S(u,v)1 and S(u,v)2 by means of the tubular surface separated by the offset quantity | F(n) | (= R) from the boundary line COM12 at the discontinuous space GP (=GP12), as shown in Fig. 13.

    [0057] The CPU selects a part of the second offset surface COFF12 which is hidden by the inside of the offset surfaces SOFF1 and SOFF2 opposing the patches S(u,v)1 and S(u,v)2 so as not to use the part as the offset surface (Fig. 13). The CPU then derives the offset surface representing a tool path by selecting only the part of surface having positional data for the outermost part from the generated surfaces SOFF1, SOFF2, and COFF12.

    [0058] When the tool's blade edge has reached a position on the boundary line COM12 at which the condition of continuity of the tangential planes is not established, while milling the patch S(u,v)1, the tool center is controlled so as to move on the offset surface COFF12 interpolated so as to cover the discontinuous space GP12. Thereafter, the tool moves on the offset surface SOFF2 opposing the patch S(u,v)2. Hence, when the tool moves across the discontinuous space GP12, the edge of the blade does not drop to a position deeper than the position of the boundary line COM12. Therefore, the tool can sufficiently and desirably mill the two patches S(u,v)1, and S(u,v)2 connected via the boundary line COM12 which does not satisfy the condition of continuity of tangential planes.

    [0059] Consider now the case where a free surface connecting the three patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2 and S(u,v)3 exhibits non-continuity of the tangential planes and is to be milled.

    [0060] In such a case, the CPU, as shown in Fig. 11, interpolates the discontinuous spaces GP12, GP23, and GP31 which are generated between the offset surfaces SOFF1, SOFF2, and SOFF3 and which oppose these patches, using the second offset surface COFF12, COFF23, and OFF31.

    [0061] In this addition, the articulation point P(0)123, to which the three patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3 are commonly connected, forms the sharpened corner as described above with reference to Fig. 6. The corner is interpolated by means of the above-described third offset surface DOFF123.

    [0062] In this case, the CPU can form a whole offset surface determining the trajectory of the tool, i.e., tool path, by selecting from the tubular second offset surfaces COFF12, COFF23, COFF31, spherical third offset surface DOFF123 and the first offset surfaces SOFF1, SOFF2, and SOFF3 opposing the patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3, as shown in Fig. 14, one of the three offset surfaces located at the outermost of the three offset surfaces.

    [0063] In the above configuration of the first embodiment, the CPU interpolates the tubular offset surface C0FF for the boundary line of each patch forming the free surface to be a target of milling and for a boundary line of which there is non-continuity of non-continuity of the tangential planes. In addition, when the corner of one end of the boundary line is sharpened, the CPU interpolates the spherical offset surface DOFF. When the tool moves and mills the free surface which is the milling target, the milling operation for a single patch is ended. Thereafter, when the tool moves across the boundary line, the CPU can easily form the tool path which prevents the tool mill from cutting excessively off the boundary line of the patch which is the milling target.

    [0064] In the above-described preferred embodiment, the milling machine using the tri-axial control type tool in which the tool blade edge is attached thereto so as to be directed downward in the Z axis direction to mill the object.

    [0065] Another tool which can arbitrarily change the direction of the edge of blade may, alternatively, be used in the milling machine.

    [0066] In such case, the tubular second offset surface COFF (COFF12,COFF23, COFF31) is formed on a boundary line where there is non-continuity of the tangential planes is not satisfied. When the spherical third offset surface DOFF (DOFF123) is formed on a sharp corner, with the tool of the tri-axial control type ball end mill attached vertically in the Z direction taken into account, lower halves of the tubular offset surface COFF and spherical offset surface DOFF are not actually used to form the tool path. Therefore, the lower halves thereof are omitted in the preferred embodiment. However, in the case where the machine tool whose blade eage can arbitrarily change its direction is used, the CPU generates a cylindrical surface having a circle in cross section as the second offset surface and generates the spherical surface having a circle in cross section as the third offset surface. Various types of tools can be used such as flat end mills whole blade edge is flat and tools having blades edges which are combinations of ball end mills and flat end mills. In the combination end mill case, the offset vector F(n) in the second terms in the equations (5) and (6) are selected on the basis of the tool profile so that the second and third offset surfaces COFF and DOFF are interpolated for the offset surface SOFF. A tool path can be generated wherein the tool blade edge is prevented from unnecessarily milling the target surface.

    [0067] Athough, in the first preferred embodiment, the first offset surface SOFF and the second and third offset surfaces COFF and DOFF are cut in square surface elements having predeterined sizes and an offset polyhedron is formed on the basis of data on their vertex positions, the polyhedron may be formed by calculating such a function as Bézier function or B-spline equation.

    (B) Second Preferred Embodiment



    [0068] The CPU which generates the offset surface data described above reads the data for the three patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3 forming the corner already generated by means of the apparatus for generating the free surface (, e.g., a CAD/CAM system (not shown)) and the offset surface data S(u,v)OFF1, S(u,v)OFF2, and S(u,v)OFF3 (Fig. 6) generated on the basis of this patch data as required for defining the surface to be milled. The CPU, at this time, enters the interpolation calculation program for the offset surface data from a step SP100 of Fig. 15.

    (G1) Interpolation of Discontinuous Spaces SPC₁, SPC₂, and SPC₃



    [0069] Referring to Fig. 17, the CPU interpolates the offset surface data Q(0)12 to Q(5)12, Q(0)23 to Q(5)23, andQ(0)31 to Q(5)31 for the discontinuous spaces SPC₁, SPC₂, and SPC₃, (an end surface enclosing each discontinuous space is referred to as a dscontinuous end surface) generated between offset surface data S(u,v) OFF1 and S(u,v) OFF2, S(u,v) OFF2, and S(u,v) OFF3, and S(u,v) OFF3 and S(u,v) OFF1 corresponding to the respective two patches S(u,v)1 and S(u,v)2, S(u,v)2 and S(u,v)3, and S(u,v)3 and S(u,v)1.

    [0070] In detail, the CPU checks to confirm whether the normal line on the common boundaries COM12, COM23, and COM31 are mutually common to the patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3 in a step SP110 or Fig. 15. If the answer is YES in the step SP110, the CPU determines that the patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3 are mutually connected so as to satisfy the condition of continuity of the tangential planes as described above with reference to Fig. 2. In this case, no discontinuous space is generated between the offset surface data S(u,v)OFF1, S(u,v)OFF2, and S(u,v)OFF3. The CPU, therefore, executes the contents of step SP132, i.e., ends the processing program shown in Fig. 15.

    [0071] If the answer is No in the step SP110, the CPU executes the contents of step SP112. As described below, the CPU starts the execution of interpolation calculations of corresponding discontinuous spaces SPC₁, SPC₂, and SPC₃ sequentially using the data for the common boundaries COM12, COM23, and COM31.

    [0072] That is to say, the CPU starts execution of interpolation on the point P(0)123 (Fig. 6) of the zero order from among control points representing the common boundary COM12 in the step SP112.

    [0073] For the control point P(0)123 representing the point expressed as u=0 and v=0, the vectors A and B are derived from the data for the points P(01)123 and P(11)12corresponding to the control points P(0)123 and P(1)12 representing the common boundary COM12 from among the offset surface data S(u,v)OFF1 for the first patch S(u,v)1 as shown in Fig. 18. The vectors A and B can be expressed in the following equation.
    A = P(01)123 - P(0)123 = Rxn (0,0)1 .... (11)
    B = P(11)12 -Rxn (11)12) - (P(0)123 + Rxn(01)123) ... (12)

    [0074] The vector A represents parallel surface data (second term of the quation (8)) on the point P(0)123 and comprises a difference vector from the point P(0)123 to the point P(0)123.

    [0075] The vector B represents a point P(11)12 on the offest surface data S(u,v)OFF1 corresponding to the point P(1)12 of u=0 and v=¹ representing the common boundary with respect to a position vector P(01)123 represented by the vector A.

    [0076] The generated vectors A and B represent a height of the end surface part enclosed by points P(01)123 - P(11)12 - P(1)12 - P(0)123 - P(01)123 with the point P(01)123 as a center among the offset surface data S(u,v)OFF1 associated with the patch S(u,v)1 and discontinuous space SPC₁ generated int he common boundary COM12 and gradient of the end surface at the point P(01)123, respectively.

    [0077] Hence, if a vector product is derived using the following equation:
    n(01)123 = A x B .... (13)
    the normal line vector n(01)123 at a point P(01)123 of the end surface parts P(01)123 - P(1)12 - P(1)12 - P(0)123 - P(01)123 can be derived.

    [0078] Hence, at step 112 the CPU can derive data on the normal line vector n(01)123 representing the height and gradient of the discontinuous end surface P(01)123 - P(11)12 - P(1)12 - P(1)123 - P(01)123 on the basis of the data in the vicinity of the point P(0)123 of the zero order representing the common boundary COM12 from the offset surface data for the first patch S(u,v)1.

    [0079] The CPU next executes the step SP114 in which the CPU calculates the following equation using the point P(02)123 on the offset surface data S(u,v)OFF2 corresponding to the control point P(0)123 representing the common boundary COM12 derived from the offset surface data S(u,v)OFF2 on the second patch S(u,v)2:
    G = P(02)123 - P(0)123
    = Rxn(0,0)2 .... (14)

    [0080] The vector G is from the point P(0)123 to the point P(02)123. The normal line vector n(02)123 at the point P(02)123 in the same direction as the vector G can be derived as the data representing the points P(02)123 - P(12)21 - P(1)12 - P(02)123 - P(02)123, i.e., the end surface portion of the discontinuous end surface at the position of the common boundary COM12.

    [0081] As shown in broken line of Fig. 18, the normal line vector n(02)123 may be considered as a plane M(02)123 at the point P(02)123. A plane on which the normal line vector n(02)123 is a normal line and is called a plane of the normal line vector n(02)123. The CPU calculates, in a step SP116, a position vector Q(0)12 representing an intersection of a plane M(02)123 of the normal line vector n(02)123 and of the normal line vector n(02)123 at the point P(01)123.

    [0082] The position vector representing the point Q(0)12 which can be derived as a result of calculation described above is placed on a line extending in a direction orthogonal to the discontinuous end surface at the point P(01)123 on the offset surface dat S(u,v)OFF1 on the patch S(u,v)1 including the point P(0)123 representing the common boundary COM12, as shown in Fig. 18, and is placed within a plane M(02)123 orthogonal to the normal line vector n(02)123 of the point P(02)123 on the offset surface data S(u,v)OFF2 of the second pathc S(u,v)2.

    [0083] Hence, during the process in which the center of the tool mills the surfaces S(u,v)1 and S(u,v)2 on the line represented, for example by v=0, passing on the common boundary surface COM12 on the basis of the offset surface data S(u,v) OFF1 and S(u,v) OFF2of the first patch S(u,v)1, the center of tool finally reaches a point P(01)123 on the first patch S(u,v)1. At this time, the center of tool is moved from the point P(01)123 to the point Q(0)12 while the subsequent milling on the second patch S(u,v)2 is started from the point P(02)123. Then, when the center of tool is moved from the point P(01)123 to the point Q(0)12, the tool blade edge of can be moved from the point P(01)123 on the first offset surface data S(u,v)OFF1 to the point P(02)123 on the second offset surface data S(u,v)OFF2.

    [0084] Thus, although the center of the tool is moved from the point P(01)123 of the offset surface data S(u,v)OFF1 of the first patch S(u,v)1 to the point P(02)123 of the offset surface data S(u,v)OFF2 of the second patch S(u,v)2, a tool path is generated wherein the tool blade edge is prevented from unnecessarily milling the target surface.

    [0085] When the center of the tool reaches the point P(02)123 corresponding to the point P(0)123 on the common boundary COM12 of the second patch Su,v)2, the center of tool, thereafter, moves on the offset surface data S(u,v)OFF2. The CPU can generate data such that the tool blade edge can restart the milling on the second patch S(u,v)2 from the point P(0)123 on the common boundary COM12.

    [0086] The CPU calculates the data for the point Q(0)12 at step 116. Thereafter, in a step SP118, the CPU similarly calculates data for the points P(1)12, P(2)12, P(3)12, P(4)12, and P(5)12 representing the common boundary COM12. Thus, after the data calculation for the points Q(1)12, Q(2)12, Q(3)12, Q(4)12, and Q(5)12 corresponding to the discontinuous space SPC₁ using the similar technique, the positional data Q(0)12 to Q(5)12 derived through the same calculation are interpolated as the surface data representing the movement position of the tool at hte discontinuous space SPC₁ between the offset surface data S(u,v)OFF1 and S(u,v)OFF2.

    [0087] The CPU generates and interpolates the offset surface data (Q(0)12, Q(1)12, Q(2)12, Q(3)12, Q(4)12, Q(5)12) on the discontinuous space SPC₁ in steps SP112 to SP120 in Fig. 15. In the subsequent step SP122, the CPU generates and interpolates the offset surface data (Q(0)23, Q(1)23, Q(2)23, Q(3)23, Q(4)23, Q(5)23) and (Q(0)31, Q(1)31, Q(2)31, Q(3)31, Q(4)31, Q(5)31) for the discontinuous spaces SPC₂ and SPC₃ in the same way as described above.

    [0088] Consequently, the CPU ends the interpolation program on the offset surface data on the discontinuous spaces SPC₁, SPC₂, and SPC₃ in the steps SP112 to SP122 described above.

    [0089] When the tool of the milling machine is moved using the offset surface data generated in the way described above, the center of tool is moved along the offset surface data S(u,v)OFF1, S(u,v)OFF2, and S(u,v)OFF3 corresponding to each patch S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3 whereby each patch S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3 is milled.

    [0090] At the same time, while the tool is moved on the basis of the offset surface data S(u,v)OFF1, S(u,v)OFF2, or S(u,v)OFF3 of the first, second and third patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3, the tool mills the offset surface data on other patches passing through the common boundaries COM12, COM23, and COM31. At this time, as described above with reference to Fig. 6, the discontinuous spaces SPC₁, SPC₂, and SPC₃ are generated due to no connection under the condition of continuity in the tangential plane between the adjoining patches. The positional data of the points Q(0)12 to Q(5)12, Q(0)23 to Q(5)23, Q(0)31 to Q(5)31, are interpolated as the offset surface data. Consequently, the object to be milled by means of the machining tool can smoothly be milled using the free surface represented by the data on the first, second, and third patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3 and the interpolated offset surface data Q(0)12 to Q(5)12, Q(0)23 to Q(5)23 and Q(0)31 to Q(5)31.

    [0091] Thus, a tool path can be generated wherein the tool blade edge is prevented from unnecessarily milling the target surface.

    (G2) Interpolation of the Discontinuous Space SPC₁₂₃



    [0092] The CPU calculates data for the discontinuous space SPC₁₂₃ of the corner part generated between the data for the common points of the three patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3 and the three offset surface data S(u,v)OFF1, S(u,v)OFF2, and S(u,v)OFF3 in the following procedure.

    [0093] The operator, in a step SP124, operates the CPU to display the surface data on the generated three patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3 on a screen of a display unit. After the visual inspection of the corner common point P(0)123 to be interpolated, the operator designates data representing a discontinuous end surface of the offset surface data S(u,v)OFF1, S(u,v)OFF2, and S(u,v)OFF3 around the common point P(0)123.

    [0094] The CPU, at step 126 in response to the designation of the data, derives the normal line vector n(01)123, n(02)123, and n(03)123 at the points P(01)123, P(02)123, and P(03)123 on the basis of the data for the points P(01)123, P(02)123, and P(03)123.

    [0095] These normal line vectors n(01)123, n(02)123, and n(03)123 represent the height and gradient of the three discontinuous end surfaces with the common point P(0)123 of the discontinuous space SPC₁₂₃ as a center, i.e., the three discontinuous end surfaces expressed as P(0)123 - Q(0)12 - P(02)123 - P(0)123, P(0)123 - P(02)123 - Q(0)23 - P(03)123 - P(0)123 - P(03)123 - Q(0)31 - P(01)123 - P)0)123, by means of the normal line vectors n(01)123, n(02)123, and n(03)123 since the points P(01)123, P(02)123, and P(03)123 generate on an extension line from the vector represented by translation quantity data Rxn(0,0)1, Rxn(0,0)2 and Rxn(0,0)3 expressed in the second terms of the equations (8), (9) and (10).

    [0096] Next, the CPU, in a step SP128, derives an intersection R₁₂₃ of planes π(01)123, π(02)123, and π(03)123 on the normal line vectors n(01)123, n(02)123, and n(03)123.

    [0097] The planes π(01)123, π(02)123, and π(03)123 of the normal line vectors n(01)123, n(02)123, and n(03)123 form planes normal to the normal line vectors n(01)123, n(02)123, and n(03)123 at positions of the points P(01)123, P(02)123, and P(03)123. When the three planes π(01)123, π(02)123, and π(03)123 mutually intersect, only a single intersection point R₁₂₃ common to these three planes can be identified.

    [0098] That is to say, the point at which the planes π(01)123, and π(02)123 intersect lies on a straight line denoted by a broken line L1 in Fig. 16. In addition, an intersection point of planes π(03)123 and π(01)123 is present on the straight line denoted by a broken line L2. Hence, if the intersection R₁₂₃ of the straight lines L1 and L2 is derived, only a single intersection R₁₂₃ common to the three planes π(01)123, π(02)123 and π(03)123 can be identified.

    [0099] Next, the CPU, in a step SP130, interpolates the positional data on the intersection R₁₂₃ as the offset surface data on the discontinuous space SPC₁₂₃ generated at the corner. Thereafter, the CPU ends the program in the step SP132.

    [0100] In this way, when the discontinuous space SPC₁₂₃ is generated on the corner from among the offset surface data used when the free surface is milled in which the three patches S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, and S(u,v)3 are mutually adjoined and connected under no establishment of condition of continuity in tangential plane, the intersection R₁₂₃ of Fig. 16 is used as the interpolation data for milling so the corner part represented by the position of point P(0)123 is not excessively milled.

    [0101] When, e.g., the tool milling the first patch S(u,v)1 is moved across the discontinuous space SPC₁₂₃, the tool blade edge arrives at the point P(0)123 of the corner. At this time, the center position of the tool is once moved to the position R₁₂₃ so that the tool blade edge is separated from the point P(0)123.

    [0102] Thereafter, when the center of tool is moved to the point P(02)123 (or P(03)123) of the second (or third) patches S(u,v)2 (or S(u,v)3), the tool blade edge again contacts the point P(02)123 and thereafter mills the patch S(u,v)2 (or S(u,v)3.

    [0103] As described hereinabove, according to the present invention, to mill an object having a free surface represented by a plurality of patches interconnected with no continuity of the tangential planes, the offset surface data representing the movement trajectory of the tool (tool path) of the machine is first generated. Then for the position of the common boundary at which there is no continuity of the tangential planes, the offset surface data representing the movement points of the tool is interpolated so that the object represented by the free surface is not excessively milled.


    Claims

    1. A method for defining a path on a target surface for a milling tool having a blade (MB) by generating offset surface data (SOFF) using a free surface formed with at least two patches (S(u,v)) sequentially interconnected at a boundary line where there is non-continuity of tan­gential planes, characterized in that the method comprising the steps of:

    (a) generating first surface data (SOFF) representing a first offset surface opposing the patches and second surface data (COFF representing a second offset surface formed at a position separated by a first predetermined distance from a position ont he boundary line of the patches; and

    (b) interpolating the second surface data (COFF) for the first surface data (SOFF) so that when the tool traverses the boundary line, a tool path can be generated wherein the tool blade edge is prevented from unnecessarily milling the target surface.


     
    2. The method as recited in claim 1, characterized in that the second offset surface is a tubular surface having a predetermined radius (F(n)) with the boundary line (COM12) as a center axis.
     
    3. The method as recited in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that there are additionally sharp corner (P₀) surfaces at the ends of the boundary line, and in that the method further comprises the steps of: (c) generating third surface data (DOFF) representing a third offset surface formed at a position separated by a second predetermined distance from a sharp corner (P₀) on the ends of the boundary line of the patches; and (d) interpolating the second and third data (COFF, DOFF) for the first surface data (SOFF) so that when the tool traverses the boundary line and the sharp corner, the tool path is defined so that the tool does not excessively mill the target.
     
    4. The method as recited in claim 3, characterized in that the third offset surface is spherical surface having a predetermined radius (F(n)) with the sharp corner (P₀) present on one end of the boundary line as a center.
     
    5. A method for defining a path on a target surface for a milling tool having a blade (MB) by generating offset surface data using a free surface formed with at least two patches (S(u,v)1, SS(u,v)2) sequentially interconnected at a boundary line where there is non-continuity of the tangential planes, characterized in that there is a first discontinuous end surface represented by first offset surface data (SOFF1) corresponding to a first one of the patches (S(u,v)1) at each control point representing a common boundary (COM12) of the first one (S(u,v)1) of the patches and a second one (S(u,v)2) of the patches, and in that the method comprises the steps of:

    (a) deriving an outwardly directed first vector a normal to the first discontinuous end surface and simultaneously deriving a second vector (C) comprising a normal line vector represented by second offset surface data (SOFF2) corresponding to the second one of the patches (S(u,v)2); and

    (b) deriving a position of intersection between a plane of the second vector and the first vector so that that the intersection position data is interpolated as a third offset surface data (C OFF ) at a discontinuous space generated between the first and second offset surface data.


     
    6. A method for defining a path on a target surface for a milling tool having a blade (MB) by generating offset surface data using a free surface formed with at least three patches (S(u,v)1, S(u,v)2, S(u,v)3 interconnected in pairs at separate boundary lines where there is non-con­tinuity of the tangential planes, characterized in that the method comprising the steps of:

    (a) generating first surface data (SOFF1) representing a first offset surface opposing one of the patches of a first pair of the patches and second surface data (COFF) representing a second offset surface formed at a position separated by a first predetermined distance from a position on the boundary line of the first pair of the patches;

    (b) interpolating the second surface data (COFF) for the first surface data (SOFF1) so that when the tool traverses the boundary line between the first pair of the patches, a tool path can be generated wherein the tool blade edge is prevented from unnecessarily milling the target surface; and

    (c) repreating steps (a) and (b) for each of the other pairs of patches .


     
    7. The method as recited in claim 6, characterized in that the second offset surface (COFF) is a tubular surface having a predetermined radius (F(n)) with the boundary line (COM12) as a center axis.
     
    8. The method as recited in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that there are additionally sharp corner surfaces at the ends of the boundary lines, and in that the method further comprises the steps of:

    (d) generating third surface data (DOFF) representing a third offset surface formed at a position separated by a second predetermined distance from a sharp corner (P₀) among corners present on the ends of the boundary lines of the patches;

    (e) interpolating the second and third data (COFF, DOFF) for the first surface data (SOFF) so that when the tool traverses the boundary line and the sharp corner, the tool path is defined so that the tool does not excessively mill the target; and

    (f) repreating steps (d) and (e) for each sharp corner.


     
    9. The method as recited in claim 8, characterized in that the third offset surface (DOFF) is a spherical surface having a predetermined radius (F(n)) with the sharp corner (P₀) present on one end of the boundary line as a center.
     
    10. A method for defining a path on a target surface for a milling tool having a blade (MB), characterized by generating first, second and third offset surface data using a free surface formed with at least first, second, and third patches as a target to be milled, the patches being sequentially interconnected at boundary lines where there is non-continuity of the tangential planes, and in that the method comprising the steps of:

    (a) deriving first, second, and third normal line vectors (A, B, C) on points corresponding to common points to the first, second, and third offset surface data of points corresponding to the common points from among the offset surface data of the mutually connected first, second, and third patches;

    (b) deriving an intersection of planes of the first, second, and third normal line vectors;

    (c) interpolating the position data for the intersection as the offset surface data at a discontinuous space generated at the corner.


     




    Drawing