Mitsubishi Electric CNC Meldas Magic 64 User's Manual

CUSTOM APPLICATION INTERFACE LIBRARY MANUAL (PROGRAMMING SECTION)

BNP-B2197 (ENG)

MELDASMAGIC is a registered trademark of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation

Other company and product names that appear in this manual are trademarks or

registered trademarks of the respective company.

Introduction

This instruction manual describes the Custom Application Interface Library (Custom API Library) used for developing the custom application of MELDASMAGIC Series. This instruction manual describes the programming and usage of the Custom API Function/variables used when developing custom applications. Please read this manual and the following manuals before programming.

MELDASMAGIC 64 Custom Application Interface Library Guide...... BNP-B2198 (Function Section)

MELDASMAGIC 64 Custom Application Interface Library Guide...... BNP-B2199 (Variable Section)

Please read the following "Precautions for Safety" to ensure safe use of MELDASMAGIC Series.

Precautions for Safety

Always read the specifications issued by the machine maker, this manual, related manuals and enclosed documents before starting installation, operation, programming, maintenance or inspections to ensure correct use. Thoroughly understand the basics, safety information and precautions of this numerical controller before using the unit. The safety precautions are ranked as "DANGER", "WARNING" and "CAUTION" in this manual.

When there is a great risk that the user could be subject to fatalities or serious injuries if handling is mistaken.

When the user could be subject to fatalities or serious injuries if handling is mistaken.

When the user could be subject to injuries or when physical damage could occur if handling is mistaken.

Note that even if the item is ranked as " CAUTION", incorrect handling could lead to serious results. Important information is described in all cases, so please observe the items.

DANGER

Not applicable in this manual.

WARNING

Not applicable in this manual.

CAUTION

Items related to product and manual For items described as "Restrictions" or "Usable State" in this manual, the instruction manual issued by the machine maker takes precedence over this manual. Items not described in this manual must be interpreted as "not possible". This manual is written on the assumption that all option functions are added. Refer to the specifications issued by the machine maker before starting use. Some screens and functions may differ or may not be usable depending on the NC system version.

DANGER

WARNING

CAUTION

Contents 1. Outline ............................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 System configuration................................................................................................. 1 1.1.1 General configuration ........................................................................................ 1 1.1.2 Outline of custom release system ..................................................................... 2

1.2 Software configuration............................................................................................... 3 1.2.1 Software configuration diagram......................................................................... 3 1.2.2 Software related to custom release ................................................................... 3

2. Setup of Programming Environment .............................................................................. 5

2.1 Before starting setup ................................................................................................. 5 2.2 Setting up of Custom API Library.............................................................................. 5 2.3 Before using .............................................................................................................. 6

3. Programming with Visual Basic ...................................................................................... 7

3.1 Before starting programming..................................................................................... 7 3.2 Using Custom API Library ......................................................................................... 8

3.2.1 How to use the Custom API Library................................................................... 8 3.2.2 Creation of application with Custom API Library ............................................... 9

3.2.2.1 Counter display application........................................................................ 9 3.2.2.2 Parameter setting application .................................................................... 16 3.2.2.3 File transfer application.............................................................................. 42 3.2.2.4 Improvement of counter display application .............................................. 73 3.2.2.5 Program in operation display application................................................... 85 3.2.2.6 Operation search application ..................................................................... 95 3.2.2.7 Alarm message display application ........................................................... 119

3.2.3 Helpful information for creating custom applications......................................... 128 3.2.3.1 How to access T_BIT data ......................................................................... 128 3.2.3.2 Precautions for using variables of String type ........................................... 128 3.2.3.3 Prohibition of Variant type for variable data type ....................................... 129 3.2.3.4 Calling custom application from MELDASMAGIC MMI Software (MAGIC.EXE)

(option)....................................................................................................... 129 4. API Test ............................................................................................................................. 130

4.1 API Test Outline ........................................................................................................ 130 4.2 Installing the API Test ............................................................................................... 131 4.3 Starting and Ending the API Test.............................................................................. 132

4.3.1 Starting the API Test.......................................................................................... 132 4.3.2 Ending the API Test........................................................................................... 132

4.4 API Test Basic Operation.......................................................................................... 133 4.4.1 Selecting the API Function ................................................................................ 133 4.4.2 Opening multiple windows ................................................................................. 134 4.4.3 Starting multiple API Tests ................................................................................ 135 4.4.4 Setting the API Test options .............................................................................. 135 4.4.5 Version information............................................................................................ 136

4.5 Operation of the Function Execution window............................................................ 137 4.5.1 Common window operations.............................................................................. 137 4.5.2 Displaying the return value from the function .................................................... 138 4.5.3 Function window initial value ............................................................................. 138 4.5.4 System control commands ................................................................................ 139

4.5.4.1 melloctl....................................................................................................... 139 4.5.5 File access related commands.......................................................................... 140

4.5.5.1 melCloseDirectory...................................................................................... 140 4.5.5.2 melCopyFile ............................................................................................... 141

4.5.5.3 melDeleteFile ............................................................................................. 142 4.5.5.4 melGetDiskFree ......................................................................................... 143 4.5.5.5 melGetDriveList ......................................................................................... 144 4.5.5.6 melOpenDirectory ...................................................................................... 145 4.5.5.7 melReadDirectory ...................................................................................... 146 4.5.5.8 melRenameFile.......................................................................................... 147

4.5.6 Data access-related commands ........................................................................ 148 4.5.6.1 melCancelModal ........................................................................................ 148 4.5.6.2 melReadData ............................................................................................. 149 4.5.6.3 melReadModal........................................................................................... 150 4.5.6.4 melRegisterModal ...................................................................................... 151 4.5.6.5 melWriteData ............................................................................................. 152

4.5.7 Operation related commands ............................................................................ 153 4.5.7.1 melActivatePLC ......................................................................................... 153 4.5.7.2 melGetCurrentAlarmMsg ........................................................................... 154 4.5.7.3 melGetCurrentPrgBlock ............................................................................. 155 4.5.7.4 melSelectExecPrg ..................................................................................... 156

4.5.8 Input window...................................................................................................... 157 4.5.8.1 Integer type, real number type ................................................................... 157 4.5.8.2 Character string type.................................................................................. 158 4.5.8.3 Real number character string type............................................................. 159 4.5.8.4 Special type ............................................................................................... 160

4.5.9 Setting, Browse windows ................................................................................... 161 4.5.9.1 AddressSet window.................................................................................... 161 4.5.9.2 FileTypeSet window................................................................................... 162 4.5.9.3 OptionSet window ...................................................................................... 163 4.5.9.4 FileList window........................................................................................... 164

5. Restrictions ....................................................................................................................... 165 Appendix List of Sample Applications ............................................................................ 166 List of related documents .................................................................................................... 167 Index ...................................................................................................................................... 168

1

1. Outline

1.1 System configuration

1.1.1 General configuration

The applications (custom applications) for MELDASMAGIC 64 Series are developed on the IBM PC-AT compatible personal computer in which an NC Card has been mounted. All operations from programming to debugging are done on the personal computer.

Mount in expansion slot

IBM PC-AT compatible machine

Video monitor

Connection card

Ready Video

Key

Full key

Machine operation board

Track ball/mouse

NC Card

Remote DI/O

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1.1.2 Outline of custom release system

The following systems have been prepared for the custom release system of MELDASMAGIC 64 Series.

(1) Custom API (Application Interface) Library

This is a library where in the functions used to access the data and files in the NC Card from the custom application are found. The Custom API Library has several tens of functions including those listed below.

Reading of NC axis coordinate value Reading/writing of parameters in NC Card Getting of file information in NC Card Transferring of files between NC Card and personal computer Getting of NC alarm information, etc.

The Windows 95 DLL (Dynamic Link Library) format is used for the runtime library in the Custom API Library. Thus, there are no limits to the custom application development language as long as the programming language supports DLL. The user can freely select a programming language that fits the characteristics of the custom application to be developed.

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1.2 Software configuration

1.2.1 Software configuration diagram

NC Card Personal Computer

Custom Apprication

Custom Software for Windows

Custom API Library(DLL)

PC file server Task NC communication Task

Windows communication Driver

Windows95

NC Card Device Driver ISA bus Driver Device Drivers

PC H/WISA-BUS

NC System Software (M/L/D/G system)

CNC Card Access

Real Time Multi Task OS

EIA/ISO Process Control

Communi- cation Control

PLC Control

Servo Control

AT communication Driver

Windows (command/modal)

Operation Communication Display

1.2.2 Software related to custom release

(1) Custom application

This is an application developed by the user. The MELDASMAGIC 64 can be accessed by calling the Custom API Library, and screen display processing can be done using the Windows function, etc.

(2) Custom API Run-Time Library

This is a group of functions used to release the NC Card internal data or access files to support the custom application.

(3) NC Card Communication Task

This is a task used to communicate with the NC system in the NC Card. This task is driven by the messages from the Custom API Function.

(4) PC File Server Task

This is a task used to supply personal computer file data to the NC system in the NC Card. The task is driven by messages from the NC system. This task is used in the personal computer direct operation function (option function).

(5) Windows command driver

This is the driver on the personal computer side that communicates with the NC Card connected with an ISA bus.

Commercial software Custom development software (created by user) Software provided by Mitsubishis

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(6) ISA Bus Driver

This is the device driver on the personal computer side used to access the device connected with an ISA bus.

(7) NC Card Driver

This is the device driver used to process various NC Card commands and messages from the NC Card.

(8) PC-AT driver

This is a driver on the NC side that communicates with the personal computer connected with an ISA bus.

(9) Command task

This is a task used to access the NC internal data and files and communicate with the personal computer.

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2. Setup of Programming Environment

2.1 Before starting setup

Before starting the setup of the custom application programming environment, confirm the details of the hardware, software and Custom API Library package being used.

(1) Confirmation of required system configuration

To develop the custom application, the following hardware and software are required besides the Custom API Library.

IBM PC/AT or compatible personal computer that satisfies the following: CPU that is i486SX 33MHz or more ISA bus Hard disk with 20Mbytes or more of free space One or more floppy disk drive compatible with the 3.5-inch, 1.44Mbyte format CRT compatible with Microsoft Windows 95, and having a resolution of 640 480 dots or more and 256 colors or more Memory that is 8Mbytes or larger (16MB or more is recommended) Mouse or compatible pointing device Microsoft Windows 95

When developing with Visual Basic Microsoft Visual Basic Professional Edition 4.0 32-bit version (Japanese version)

When developing with other programming languages Programming language that can be developed with Windows application, and which satisfies the following: Can develop Windows 32-bit application. Supports Windows DLL, and has a function to call DLL.

(2) Contents of Custom API Library

Before setting up the Custom API Library, confirm the contents of the Custom API Library.

"Setup Instruction Manual (BNP-B2191) MELDASMAGIC MMI Operation Manual (D/M) (BNP-B2193) MELDASMAGIC MMI Operation Manual (L/G) (BNP-B2194) "Custom Application Interface Library Guide (Programming Section) (BNP-B2197)" (This manual) "Custom Application Interface Library Guide (Function Section) (BNP-B2198)" "Custom Application Interface Library Guide (Variable Section) (BNP-B2199)" Floppy disk Custom API Library SDK1 Custom API Library SDK2 The floppy disk contains the README_E.TXT (English)/README_J.TXT (Japanese). The README_E.TXT (English)/README_J.TXT (Japanese) file describes the new information not described in the manual. Confirm the contents before setting up.

2.2 Setting up of Custom API Library

(1) Installation of Custom API Run-Time Library

Install the Custom API Run-Time Library before starting development of an application using the Custom API Library. When executing the operations up to debugging with the personal computer used to develop the application, the NC Card must also be installed. The method for installing the Custom API Run-Time Library and NC Card are described in the "MELDASMAGIC 64 Setup Instruction Manual (BNP-B2191)".

(2) Installation of Custom API Library

The method for installing the Custom API Library is described in the README_E.TXT/ README_J.TXT file. Read README_E.TXT/README_J.TXT, and install the Custom API Library.

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2.3 Before using

The Custom API Library runs on Windows, and is a support kit used to develop the application to operate MELDASMAGIC 64 Series. Thus, when using the Custom API Library, the user must basically understand Windows and the programming language used for the custom application development. These are not explained in this manual. For details on Windows and the programming language, refer to each manual enclosed with the respective software.

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3. Programming with Visual Basic

3.1 Before starting programming

(1) Custom API Library files to be used

The following files are used to program the custom application with Visual Basic.

NCMCAPI.BAS MELNCAPI.BAS MELTYPE.BAS MELERR.BAS MELSBERR.BAS

These files are located in the SDK32\INCLUDE\VB\ directory under the directory where the Custom API Library was installed.

1. NCMCAPI.BAS This is the code module that describes the declarations used to call the Custom API Functions prepared in the Custom API Library as procedures for Visual Basic.

2. MELNCAPI.BAS This is the code module that defines the constants used with the Custom API Functions and the procedures used for creating the function arguments.

3. MELTYPE.BAS This is the code module that defines the data type constants used with the Custom API Functions and defines the user defined type arrays.

4. MELERR.BAS This is the code module that defines the error code constants used with the Custom API Function and defines the procedures used for checking the error codes.

5. MELSBERR.BAS This is the code module that defines the procedure used when checking the sub-error codes and defines the sub-error code constants. These sub-error codes and definitions are detailed information of the error codes used in the Custom API Function.

(2) Premise and supplement for explanations in this manual

This explanation of the program in this manual is premised on the Visual Basic Professional Edition version 4.0 (Japanese version). Thus, the details may differ when using other versions of Visual Basic. When using the program explained in this manual with the English version of Visual Basic, some Visual Basic function names may differ. The functions that require changes between the Japanese and English versions are as follow.

Function name in Japanese version Function name in English version InStrB InStr

MidB, MidB$ Mid, Mid$ LeftB, LeftB$ Left, Left$

RightB, RightB$ Right, Right$ Len B, Len B$ Len, Len$

Important technical information for programming the custom application is described in the following sections of the Visual Basic programming guide. Please read these sections before starting programming.

"Call of procedures in DLL" "Compatibility with other Visual Basic versions" "Specifications and limits"

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3.2 Using Custom API Library

3.2.1 How to use the Custom API Library

Incorporate the code modules for the Custom API Library into the project When using the custom application using the Custom API Library, the following code modules for the Custom API Library will be incorporated in the project.

NCMCAPI.BAS MELNCAPI.BAS MELTYPE.BAS MELERR.BAS MELSBERR.BAS

The Visual Basic [File] menu [Add File.....] function is used to incorporate the code module.

How to call the Custom API Functions

The functions (Custom API Functions) prepared in the Custom API Library are called as Visual Basic statements or functions. The Custom API Functions are DLL procedures. To call the DLL procedure from Visual Basic, each DLL procedure must be declared beforehand using a declare statement. For the Custom API Function the procedure is declared with the NCMCAPI.BAS of the code module for the Custom API Library, so declaring again is not required.

The Custom API Function calling method is explained using melReadData as an example. The Custom API Functions are function procedures that return a long value for the function return value, so they are called as follows for example.

lRetVal = melReadData (Me.hWnd, lAddress, lSectionNum, lSubSectionNum, lReadData, lReadType)

Custom API Function error check

Each Custom API Function return value has a return value or error code determined for each function. Thus, check the return value for errors before using the value. Use the RetvIsError procedure to check whether the Custom API Function return value is an error code. The RetvIsError procedure is defined in the MELERR.BAS code module for the Custom API Library. An example of the error check is shown below.

If RetvIsError (lRetVal) = True Then 'The error process is described

End If

There are Custom API Functions that can retrieve a more detailed error code when an error occurs. This detailed error information is called a sub-error No. The sub-error code is retrieved using GetLastError() of Windows API. Call GetLastError() immediately after calling Custom API Function. It may not be possible to retrieve the sub-error code correctly if, directly after calling the Custom API Function, another Custom API or Windows API is called instead of GetLastError(). Refer to "Custom Application Interface Library Guide (Function section)(BNP-B2198)" for sub-error code details, usage, and the types of Custom API Functions that support the sub-error codes.

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3.2.2 Creation of application with Custom API Library

3.2.2.1 Counter display application

What is a counter display application?

This counter display application (Position Counter) is a monitor used to display the NC's current position. The current positions for the No. 1 axis to No. 3 axis are displayed on the window. The No. of axes and axis names displayed are fixed. The displayed current position is updated in a 100ms cycle.

Custom API Functions to be used

melReadData

Creation of counter display application

With this application, a procedure called GetAxisPosition is created to get the current position of each axis from the NC Card. The GetAxisPosition is a function procedure used to return the current position of the axis having the axis No. designated with the argument. The current position returned by GetAxisPosition is a double type (double precision real number).

'Get current position of the designated axis 'The axis designation is 1 origin Private Function GetAxisPosition (ByVal iAxisNum As Integer) As Double

Dim dwStatus As Long

Dim lAddress As Long Dim lSectionNum, lSubSectionNum As Long Dim dReadData As Double Dim lReadType As Long

Dim Message As String

'Variable to get return value from API function

'Variable to designate address 'Variable to designate NC Data Access Variable No. 'Variable to store read data 'Variable to designate requested data type

'Set address of data to be read 'NC Card No. = 1, system designation = No. 1 system, axis No. designation = 1_ lAddress = ADR_MACHINE (1) Or ADR_SYSTEM (1) Or ADR_AXIS (iAxisNum)

'Set NC Data Access Variable No. 'Set current position data (Section No. = 21, Sub-section No. = 20032) lSectionNum = 21 lSubSectionNum = 20032

'Set read data type 'Set double precision floating type (8-byte floating type) lReadtype = T_DOUBLE

'Read current position data from the NC Card dwStatus = melReadData (Me.hWnd, lAddress, lSectionNum, lSubSectionNum, dReadData, lReadType)

'Check API function call for errors Call APIErrorCheck (dwStatus, "GetAxisPosition")

'Return read current position GetAxisPosition = dReadData

End Function

10

In GetAxisPosition, the Custom API Function melReadData is called, and the current position data for each axis is gotten from the NC Card. When calling melReadData in GetAxisPosition, address (lAddress) and NC Data Access Variable (lSectionNum, lSubSectionNum) are used to designate the current position data for each axis. The storage variable (dReadData) and requested data type (lReadType) is transferred to store the gotten current position. The address is a long type (long integer type) data, and instructs the operation target for the Custom API Function. The Custom API Function knows which axis in which system of the NC Card to operate according to the address. The address designation is required when using most Custom API Functions. The NC Card, system and axis do not all need to be designated in all cases for the address designation. Depending on the Custom API Function, the system and axis, etc., may not need to be designated. The system and axis may need to be designated for the melReadData used here depending on the type of data to be gotten. Whether the address is required for the Custom API Function to be used and what needs to be designated is described in the "Custom Application Interface Library Guide (Function Section) (BNP-B2198)". ADR_MACHINE( ), ADR_SYSTEM( ) and ADR_AXIS( ) are used when creating the address in GetAxisPosition. These are procedures used to create the address, and are defined in the Custom API Library file MELNCAPI.BAS.

The NC Data Access Variables are Nos. assigned to the data in the NC Card. In the custom application, the data in the NC Card is read out by designating this No. and calling melReadData. The NC Data Access Variables include Section Nos. and Sub-section Nos., and one data item is designated with these two section Nos. The Section No. and Sub-section No. data is long type (long integer type) data. The details of the NC Data Access Variable section Nos. are described in the "Custom Application Interface Library Guide (Variable Section) (BNP-B2199)".

The requested data type designated the type of data to be read out by the custom application in regard to the Custom API Function. The custom application has variables of the data types to be read out (this is called the requested data type), and transfers that variable and type to the Custom API Function. The Custom API Function converts the data type originally held by the NC Card (this is called the default data type) into the requested data type, and returns it to the custom application. The types of data that can be requested to the Custom API Function are as follow.

Data types that can be requested to the Custom API Function

Data type Type of variable prepared by custom application

T_CHAR 1-byte integer type Byte Byte type

T_SHORT 2-byte integer type Integer Integer type

T_LONG 4-byte integer type Long Long integer type

T_DOUBLE 4-byte real number type Double Double precision real number type

T_STR Character string type STRINGTYPE User defined array for character string data

T_DECSTR Decimal integer character string type STRINGTYPE User defined array for character string data

T_HEXSTR Hexadecimal character string type STRINGTYPE User defined array for character string data

T_BINSTR Binary character string type STRINGTYPE User defined array for character string data

T_FLOATSTR Real number character type FLOATSTR User defined array for real number character string data

11

It must be noted here that there are cases where the conversion into the requested data type may not be done correctly depending on the default data type of data to be read out. For example, the character string type (T_STR) data cannot be converted into a numerical value type such as the 4-byte integer type (T_LONG). If the 4-byte integer type (T_LONG) is converted into a 2-byte integer type (T_SHORT), the high-order 2-byte data of the 4-byte integer will be lost, and when the 4-byte real number type (T_DOUBLE) is converted into a 4-byte integer type (T_LONG), the data after the decimal point will be cut off. The combination of the default data type and requested data type is shown below.

The combination of the default data type and requested data type

Requested data type

Default data type

T_BIT T_CHAR T_SHORT T_LONG T_DOUBLE T_STR T_DEC STR

T_HEXS TR

T_BINS TR

T_FLOATS TR

T_CHAR

T_SHORT

T_LONG

T_DOUBLE

T_STR

T_DECSTR

T_HEXSTR

T_BINSTR

T_FLOATSTR

: Conversion is possible : Conversion is possible, but some data may be lost : Conversion is not possible (An error will occur.)

List 1-1 COUNTER32.VBP project file

Form=Frmposit.frm Module=Module1; Common.bas Module=melerr; ..\..\include\vb\Melerr.bas Module=melsberr; ..\..\include\vb\Melsberr.bas Module=melncapi; ..\..\include\vb\Melncapi.bas Module=meltype; ..\..\include\vb\Meltype.bas Module=ncmcapi. ..\..\include\vb\Ncmcapi.bas Object={BDC217C8-ED16-11CD-956C-0000C04E4C0A}#1.0#0; TABCTL32.OCX Object={3B7C8863-D78F-101B-B9B5-04021C009402}#1.0#0; RICHTX32.OCX Object={FAEEE763-117E-101B-8933-08002B2F4F5A}#1.0#0; DBLIST32.OCX Object={00028C01-0000-0000-0000-000000000046}#1.0#0; DBGRID32.OCX Reference=*\G{BEF6E001-A874-101A-8BBA- 00AA00300CAB}#2.0#0#C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\OLEPRO32.DLL#Standard OLE Types Reference=*\G{00025E01-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}#3.0#0#C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\MICROSOFT SHARED\DC:\PROGRAM FIL#Microsoft DAO 3.0 Object Library Object={0BA686C6-F7D3-101A-993E-0000C0EF6F5E}#1.0#0; THREED32.OCX Object={B16553C3-06DB-101B-85B2-0000C009BE81}#1.0#0; SPIN32.OCX Reference=*\G{EF404E00-EDA6-101A-8DAF-00DD010F7EBB}#4.0#0#C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT VISUAL BASIC\vbext32.C:\#Microsoft Visual Basic 4.0 Development Environment Object={6B7E6392-850A-101B-AFC0-4210102A8DA7}#1.0#0; COMCTL32.OCX Object={F9043C88-F6F2-101A-A3C9-08002B2F49FB}#1.0#0; COMDLG32.OCX ProjWinSize=200,391,243,281 ProjWinShow=0 IconForm="frmPosit" HelpFile=""

12

Title="COUNTER32" ExeName32="counter32.exe" Name="Project1" HelpContextID="0" StartMode=0 VersionCompatible32="0" MajorVer=1 MinorVer=0 RevisionVer=0 AutoIncrementVer=0 ServerSupportFiles=0

List 1-2 FRMPOSIT.FRM Form module

VERSION 4.00 Begin VB.Form frmPosit Appearance = 0 'Flat BackColor = &H00C0C0C0& BorderStyle = 1 'Fixed (solid line) Caption = "Position Counter" ClientHeight = 1728 ClientLeft = 3120 ClientTop = 1716 ClientWidth = 2775 BeginProperty Font

name = "System" charset = 128 weight = 700 size = 13.2 underline = 0 'False italic = 0 'False strikethrough = 0 'False

EndProperty ForeColor = &H80000008& Height = 2112 Left = 3072 LinkTopic = "Form1" MaxButton = 0 'False ScaleHeight = 1728 ScaleWidth = 2772 Top = 1380 Width = 2868 Begin VB.Timer timPosition

Interval = 100 Left = 2400 Top = 1320

End Begin Threed.SSPanel Pnl3dAxis

Height = 540 Index = 0 Left = 372 TabIndex = 3 Top = 72 Width = 2268 _Version = 65536 _ExtentX = 3995 _ExtentY = 953 _StockProps = 15 BevelInner = 1 Begin VB.Label lblAxisPosition

13

Alignment = 1 'Flush right BackStyle = 0 'Transparent Caption = "-1234.1234" Height = 390 Index = 0 Left = 75 TabIndex = 6 Top = 75 Width = 1965

End End Begin Threed.SSPanel Pnl3dAxis

Height = 540 Index = 1 Left = 372 TabIndex = 4 Top = 600 Width = 2268 _Version = 65536 _ExtentX = 3995 _ExtentY = 953 _StockProps = 15 BevelInner = 1 Begin VB.Label lblAxisPosition

Alignment = 1 'Flush right BackStyle = 0 'Transparent Caption = "-1234.1234" Height = 390 Index = 1 Left = 75 TabIndex = 7 Top = 75 Width = 1965

End End Begin Threed.SSPanel Pnl3dAxis

Height = 540 Index = 2 Left = 375 TabIndex = 5 Top = 1125 Width = 2265 _Version = 65536 _ExtentX = 3995 _ExtentY = 953 _StockProps = 15 BevelInner = 1 Begin VB.Label lblAxisPosition

Alignment = 1 'Flush right BackStyle = 0 'Transparent Caption = "-1234.1234" Height = 390 Index = 2 Left = 75 TabIndex = 8 Top = 75 Width = 1965

End End Begin VB.Label lblAxisName

Appearance = 0 'Flat BackColor = &H80000005&

14

BackStyle = 0 'Transparent Caption = "Z" BeginProperty Font

name = "Courier" charset = 0 weight = 700 size = 15 underline = 0 'False italic = 0 'False strikethrough = 0 'False

EndProperty ForeColor = &H80000008& Height = 255 Index = 2 Left = 120 TabIndex = 2 Top = 1140 Width = 255

End Begin VB.Label lblAxisName

Appearance = 0 'Flat BackColor = &H80000005& BackStyle = 0 'Transparent Caption = "Y" BeginProperty Font

name = "Courier" charset = 0 weight = 700 size = 15 underline = 0 'False italic = 0 'False strikethrough = 0 'False

EndProperty ForeColor = &H80000008& Height = 255 Index = 1 Left = 120 TabIndex = 1 Top = 660 Width = 255

End Begin VB.Label lblAxisName

Appearance = 0 'Flat BackColor = &H80000005& BackStyle = 0 'Transparent Caption = "X" BeginProperty Font

name = "Courier" charset = 0 weight = 700 size = 15 underline = 0 'False italic = 0 'False strikethrough = 0 'False

EndProperty ForeColor = &H80000008& Height = 255 Index = 0 Left = 120 TabIndex = 0 Top = 180 Width = 255

End End

15

Attribute VB_Name = "frmPosit" Attribute VB_Creatable = False Attribute VB_Exposed = False

Option Explicit

'Get current position of the designated axis 'The axis designation is 1 origin Private Function GetAxisPosition(ByVal iAxisNum As Integer) As Double Dim dwStatus As Long 'Variable to get return value from API function

Dim lAddress As Long 'Variable to designate address Dim lSectionNum, lSubSectionNum As Long 'Variable to designate NC data Access Variable No. Dim dReadData As Double 'Variable to store read data Dim lReadType As Long 'Variable to designate requested data type

Dim Message As String

'Set address of data to be read 'NC Card No. = 1, system designation = No. 1 system, axis No. designation = 1~ lAddress = ADR_MACHINE(1) Or ADR_SYSTEM(1) Or ADR_AXIS(iAxisNum) 'Set NC Data Access Variable No. 'Set current position data (Section No. = 21, Sub-section No. 20032) lSectionNum = 21 lSubSectionNum = 20032 'Set read data type 'The double precision floating type (8-byte floating type) is set lReadType = T_DOUBLE

'Read current position data from the NC Card dwStatus = melReadData(Me.hWnd, lAddress, lSectionNum, lSubSectionNum, dReadData, lReadType) 'Check API function call for errors Call APIErrorCheck(dwStatus, "GetAxisPosition")

'Return read current position GetAxisPosition = dReadData

End Function

'Timer process of Position Counter window Private Sub timPosition_Timer() Dim dReadData As Double 'Variable to store read data Dim iAxisNum As Integer 'Loop counter 'Get current positions for 3 axes and display on screen For iAxisNum = 0 To 2 'Get current position dReadData = GetAxisPosition(iAxisNum + 1)

'Display read current position on screen lblAxisPosition(iAxisNum).Caption = Format$(dReadData, "0.000") Next

End Sub

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List 1-3 COMMON.BAS code module

Option Explicit

'Check if API function return value is an error 'If return value is an error, display message, and 'quit application Sub APIErrorCheck (dwStatus As Long, FunctionName As String) Dim Message As String If RetvIsError(dwStatus) = True Then 'Error occurrence 'Display error message Message = "Error occurred in API function call" Message = Message + Chr$(10) + "Error occurrence place is " + FunctionName + "." Message = Message + Chr$(10) + "Error No. is &h" + Hex$(dwStatus) + "." MsgBox (Message) 'Quit application 'Stop End End If

End Sub

3.2.2.2 Parameter setting application

What is the parameter setting application?

The parameter setting application (Parameter Setup) is a tool for setting the NC parameters. The three machining parameters in [ProcessParameter], [WorkCountM] (M code for counting No. of workpiece machinings), [WorkCount] (No. of workpiece machinings to this point) and [WorkLimit] (Max. No. of workpiece machinings), and the three control parameters in [ControlParameter], [MacroSingle] (macro single valid), [CollectAlarmOFF] (interference version) and [CollectCheckOFF] (interference check invalid), are displayed on the window. For each parameter in the [ProcessParameter], a numerical value is input in the text box, and the [Enter] key is pressed to write the set data in the NC Card. If each item for the [ControlParameter] parameters is clicked, the ON/OFF status of the parameter will change, and the setting value will be simultaneously written into the NC Card. When the application is started, each parameter value will be read from the NC Card and displayed.

Custom API Function to be used

melReadData melWriteData

Creation of parameter setting application

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Getting of parameter values

In this application, the following procedure is created to get the parameter values from the NC Card. These procedures get the parameter values from the NC Card and display the gotten values. These procedures are sub-procedures and do not have a return value.

Procedures created to get parameters: GetCollectAlarm GetCollectCheck GetMacroSingle GetWorkCount GetWorkCountM GetWorkLimit

'Get interference evasion parameter value from the NC Card and display Private Sub GetCollectAlarm() Dim dwStatus As Long ' Variable to get return value from API function Dim lAddress As Long 'Variable to designate address Dim lSectionNum, lSubSectionNum As Long 'Variable to designate NC Data Access Variable No. Dim nReadData As Integer 'Variable to store read data (short type) Dim lDataType As Long 'Variable to designate requested data type 'Set address of data to be read 'NC Card No. = 1, system designation = No. 1 system lAddress = ADR_MACHINE(1) Or ADR_SYSTEM(1) '********************************************* 'Read the interference evasion parameter value '********************************************* 'Set NC Data Access Variable No. 'Designate interference evasion parameter (Section No. = 1, Sub-section No. = 193) lSectionNum = 1 lSubSectionNum = 193 'Set read data type 'Set integer type (2-byte integer type) lDataType = T_SHORT

'Read data from the NC Card dwStatus = melReadData(Me.hWnd, lAddress, lSectionNum, lSubSectionNum, nReadData, lDataType) 'Check API function call for errors Call APIErrorCheck(dwStatus, "GetCollectAlarm")

'Get only the interference evasion parameter value from the read data nReadData = nReadData And &H20 'Turn check box ON/OFF according to the read parameter value If nReadData <> 0 Then 'Parameter ON 'Set check box to check state ChkCollectAlarm.Value = 1 Else 'Parameter OFF 'Set check box to not-check state ChkCollectAlarm.Value = 0 End If

End Sub

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'Get interference Check invalid parameter value from the NC Card and display Private Sub GetCollectCheck() Dim dwStatus As Long ' Variable to get return value from API function Dim lAddress As Long 'Variable to designate address Dim lSectionNum, lSubSectionNum As Long 'Variable to designate NC Data Access Variable No. Dim nReadData As Integer 'Variable to store read data (short type) Dim lDataType As Long 'Variable to designate requested data type 'Set address of data to be read 'NC Card No. = 1, system designation = No. 1 system lAddress = ADR_MACHINE(1) Or ADR_SYSTEM(1) '************************************************** 'Read the interference check invalid parameter value '************************************************** 'Designate NC Data Access Variable No. 'Set interference check invalid parameter (Section No. = 1, Sub-section No. = 198) lSectionNum = 1 lSubSectionNum = 198 'Set read data type 'Set integer type (2-byte integer type) lDataType = T_SHORT 'Read data from the NC Card dwStatus = melReadData(Me.hWnd, lAddress, lSectionNum, lSubSectionNum, nReadData, lDataType) 'Check API function call for errors Call APIErrorCheck(dwStatus, "GetCollectCheck") 'Get only the interference check invalid parameter value from the read data nReadData = nReadData And &H40 'Turn check box ON/OFF according to the read parameter value If nReadData <> 0 Then 'Parameter ON 'Set check box to check state ChkCollectCheck.Value = 1 Else 'Parameter OFF 'Set check box to not-check state ChkCollectCheck.Value = 0 End If

End Sub

'Get Check macro single valid parameter value from the NC Card and display Private Sub GetMacroSingle() Dim dwStatus As Long ' Variable to get return value from API function Dim lAddress As Long 'Variable to designate address Dim lSectionNum, lSubSectionNum As Long 'Variable to designate NC Data Access Variable No. Dim nReadData As Integer 'Variable to store read data (short type) Dim lDataType As Long 'Variable to designate requested data type 'Set address of data to be read 'NC Card No. = 1, system designation = No. 1 system lAddress = ADR_MACHINE(1) Or ADR_SYSTEM(1) '************************************************** 'Read the macro single parameter value '************************************************** 'Designate NC Data Access Variable No. 'Set macro single parameter (Section No. = 1, Sub-section No. = 194) lSectionNum = 1 lSubSectionNum = 194

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'Set read data type 'Set integer type (2-byte integer type) lDataType = T_SHORT 'Read data from the NC Card dwStatus = melReadData(Me.hWnd, lAddress, lSectionNum, lSubSectionNum, nReadData, lDataType) 'Check API function call for errors Call APIErrorCheck(dwStatus, "GetMacroSingle")

'Get only the macro single parameter value from the read data nReadData = nReadData And &H40 'Turn check box ON/OFF according to the read parameter value If nReadData <> 0 Then 'Parameter ON 'Set check box to check state ChkMacroSingle.Value = 1 Else 'Parameter OFF 'Set check box to not-check state ChkMacroSingle.Value = 0 End If

End Sub

'Get No. of workpiece machinings parameter value from the NC Card and display Private Sub GetWorkCount() Dim dwStatus As Long ' Variable to get return value from API function Dim lAddress As Long 'Variable to designate address Dim lSectionNum, lSubSectionNum As Long 'Variable to designate NC Data Access Variable No. Dim nReadData As Long 'Vari