GB1269432A - Opto-graphical memory and digitalized control system for precision machining - Google Patents

Abstract

1,269,432. Machine-tool control. OPTOGRAPHICS Inc. March 17, 1970, No. 12864/70. Heading G3N. A machine-tool control system includes an optical head for reading and following an edge. The head comprises four or more light fibres or sensitive chips forming an array which delivers signals for controlling stepping motors coupled to the head, and also for controlling the position of a secondary system which may be an actual machine tool or a writing head. As shown in Fig. 2, the system comprises a table 30, and optical system 25 for reading a master print 31 and thereby controlling the position of a workpiece 27 with respect to a tool 28. The print 31 carries an illuminated line drawing 32 which is followed by a head 34, the four sensors in which deliver a digital signal to a transistor logic circuit 40, the output from which controls stepping motors 36, 37, and similar devices for positioning the workpiece support 26. The digital signal is formed by the output of each sensor being compared with that of a fifth sensor arranged to receive background light, Figs. 3-6 (not shown). A similar arrangement may be used to produce a master print from data available in numerical form or a rough drawing. In such a system, the table 30 is replaced by a function generator, Fig. 12 (not shown), comprising straight edge and curved templates which are positioned by an operator and then read by an optical head as before. The output is used to control a pen or the like which inscribes an accurate line drawing on a suitable material. The system may be modified to operate in three dimensions.