A novel motor controller controls a stepping motor and includes a command value calculator to calculate and output a speed command value and an angle command value based on a reference clock. A control method selector is included to select one of the open-loop control and the closed-loop control in accordance with the speed command value. A command value output unit is included to output a first target value as the first current command value when the open-loop control is selected and outputs a second target value as the second current command value when the closed-loop control is selected. The motor controller controls the stepping motor based on the first target value when the open-loop control is selected and the second target value when the closed-loop control is selected.

A system, method, and device for automated precision control of a computer numerical control (CNC) machine to a workpiece. The system receives via at least one visual input device at least one detectable marking on a workpiece. The system decodes the at least one detectable marking and determines a stored and pre-defined movement routine of a cutting element attached to the CNC machine relative to the workpiece based on the at least one marking. The system then determines, using the at least one visual input device and/or another visual input device, a current position of a working end of the cutting element relative to the at least one marking. Finally, the system performs the pre-defined movement routine including cutting into the workpiece with the cutting element.

A position sensing tool for enabling topographical measurements of a working surface is provided. The tool includes sensors for mapping the tool environment and for positioning of the tool within the environment. The tool enables tracking of tool activity within the environment. The tool enables design and fabrication collaboration with other computer systems. The tool enables user and tool environment safety using tool positional, user position and tool environment awareness. Certain embodiments of the tool permit automated guidance of tasks in the tool environment.

A position sensing tool for enabling topographical measurements of a working surface is provided. The tool includes sensors for mapping the tool environment and for positioning of the tool within the environment. The tool enables tracking of tool activity within the environment. The tool enables design and fabrication collaboration with other computer systems. The tool enables user and tool environment safety using tool positional, user position and tool environment awareness. Certain embodiments of the tool permit automated guidance of tasks in the tool environment.

A system and method for improving additive manufacturing, including additive manufacturing toolpaths, is provided. The system and method includes a toolpath generator that obtains initial toolpaths of an object, identifies isolated paths in the toolpaths, and adds bridge connections between neighboring isolated paths in each layer to improve the toolpaths. The bridge connections facilitate the continuous and non-stop deposition of each layer according to improved toolpaths during additive manufacture, which can reduce total deposition time and improve the resultant additive manufacture.

A system and method for improving additive manufacturing, including additive manufacturing toolpaths, is provided. The system and method includes a toolpath generator that obtains initial toolpaths of an object, identifies isolated paths in the toolpaths, and adds bridge connections between neighboring isolated paths in each layer to improve the toolpaths. The bridge connections facilitate the continuous and non-stop deposition of each layer according to improved toolpaths during additive manufacture, which can reduce total deposition time and improve the resultant additive manufacture.

A method for capturing a tool path, applicable to a machine tool having a controller and furnished with a tooling, includes the steps of: obtaining a data update frequency of the controller; calculating a feed rate of the controller, determining whether or not the feed rate is obtained, going to next step if positive, and going to the previous step if negative; reading G-codes of the controller to confirm the feed rate; and, based on the confirmed feed rate, recording machine coordinates transmitted from the controller for synthesizing a tool path file. The tool path file is used for simulation and analysis of machining of the machine tool. In addition, a device for capturing the tool path is also provided.

A method for capturing a tool path, applicable to a machine tool having a controller and furnished with a tooling, includes the steps of: obtaining a data update frequency of the controller; calculating a feed rate of the controller, determining whether or not the feed rate is obtained, going to next step if positive, and going to the previous step if negative; reading G-codes of the controller to confirm the feed rate; and, based on the confirmed feed rate, recording machine coordinates transmitted from the controller for synthesizing a tool path file. The tool path file is used for simulation and analysis of machining of the machine tool. In addition, a device for capturing the tool path is also provided.

A system, method, and device for automated precision control of a computer numerical control (CNC) machine to a workpiece. The system receives via at least one visual input device at least one detectable marking on a workpiece. The system decodes the at least one detectable marking and determines a stored and pre-defined movement routine of a cutting element attached to the CNC machine relative to the workpiece based on the at least one marking. The system then determines, using the at least one visual input device and/or another visual input device, a current position of a working end of the cutting element relative to the at least one marking. Finally, the system performs the pre-defined movement routine including cutting into the workpiece with the cutting element.

A system, method, and device for automated precision control of a computer numerical control (CNC) machine to a workpiece. The system receives via at least one visual input device at least one detectable marking on a workpiece. The system decodes the at least one detectable marking and determines a stored and pre-defined movement routine of a cutting element attached to the CNC machine relative to the workpiece based on the at least one marking. The system then determines, using the at least one visual input device and/or another visual input device, a current position of a working end of the cutting element relative to the at least one marking. Finally, the system performs the pre-defined movement routine including cutting into the workpiece with the cutting element.