System for interfacing a computer to a machine

• US 4,396,976 A
• Filed: 09/22/1972
• Issued: 08/02/1983
• Est. Priority Date: 09/11/1972
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Gilbert P. Hyatt
• Original Assignee: Gilbert P. Hyatt
• Inventors: Hyatt, Gilbert P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ruggiero, Joseph F.
• Application Number:
  US05/291,394
• Time in Patent Office: 3,966 Days
• Field of Search: 364/130, 364/131-136, 364/167-171, 364/174, 364/175, 364/183, 364/188, 364/189, 364/200 MS File, 364/900 MS File
• US Class Current: 700/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0373 Voice control in general G10L
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/00 Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices characterised by cooling arrangements F21V29/508
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/897 using application of holographic techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/8977 using special techniques for image reconstruction, e.g. FFT, geometrical transformations, spatial deconvolution, time deconvolution
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/52026 Extracting wanted echo signals Doppler systems G01S15/50; Doppler short range imaging systems G01S15/8979
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/13318 Circuits comprising a photodetector
• CPC Class Codes: G03F 9/7049 Technique, e.g. interferometric
• CPC Class Codes: G03F 9/7088 Alignment mark detection, e.g. TTR, TTL, off-axis detection, array detector, video detection
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 99/006 Electronic time-pieces using a microcomputer, e.g. for multi-function clocks
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/351 the positional error is used to control continuously the servomotor according to its magnitude
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/408 characterised by data handling or data format, e.g. reading, buffering or conversion of data
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4083 Adapting programme, configuration
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4086 Coordinate conversions; Other special calculations
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/409 characterised by using manual data input [MDI] or by using control panel, e.g. controlling functions with the panel; characterised by control panel details or by setting parameters G05B19/408, G05B19/4093 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4093 characterised by part programming, e.g. entry of geometrical information as taken from a technical drawing, combining this with machining and material information to obtain control information, named part programme, for the NC machine
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/414 Structure of the control system, e.g. common controller or multiprocessor systems, interface to servo, programmable interface controller
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4142 characterised by the use of a microprocessor G05B19/4141 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23094 Debounce key
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/33182 Uart, serial datatransmission, modem
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35262 Macro instruction, canned cycles, subroutines, subprogram
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35263 : Using variables, parameters in program, macro, parametrized instruction
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35381 : Convert in real time input peripheral data to processor data, ouput data format
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35453 : Voice announcement, oral, speech input
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35588 : Pack, compress data efficiently in memory
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36227 : Assist operator to calculate unknown points, contours
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36333 : Selection from standard forms, shapes, partprograms, enter value for variable
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36395 : Load local computer program from host, data transfer ram to rom, BTR
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36502 : Ram for variable servo data, rom for fixed servo routine
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36506 : Store in Rom and Ram
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/49221 : Control of scale
• CPC Class Codes: G06J 1/00 : Hybrid computing arrangements digitally-programmed analogue computers G06G7/06
• CPC Class Codes: G07G 1/12 : electronically operated digital data processing aspects G06Q20/00
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 19/00 : Speech or audio signals analysis-synthesis techniques for redundancy reduction, e.g. in vocoders; Coding or decoding of speech or audio signals, using source filter models or psychoacoustic analysis in musical instruments G10H
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 11/565 : using capacitive charge storage elements
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 19/287 : Organisation of a multiplicity of shift registers
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 19/36 : using multistable semiconductor elements
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 27/00 : Electric analogue stores, e.g. for storing instantaneous values
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 27/04 : Shift registers
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 7/1042 : using interleaving techniques, i.e. read-write of one part of the memory while preparing another part
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/02 : Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]

Abstract

A machine control system employs a general purpose digital computer to directly interact with a machine, providing increased versatility and capability with reduced system cost. Machine control operations are performed under program control by the computer in real time and communicated to the machine through a minimal interface. Machine conditions are sampled under program control by the computer in real time through a minimal interface to the computer. Special system partitioning reduces interconnections and cabling to provide an improved machine interface.

Claims

1. A control system for controlling a physical system, said control system comprising:

a stored program data processor for processing digital information in response to a stored program, said data processor including

(a) a memory for storing the program,

(b) means for generating a first output signal under control of the program stored in said memory,

(c) means for generating a first time delay following generation of the first output signal under control of the program stored in said memory,

(d) means for generating a second output signal following said first time delay under control of the program stored in said memory,

(e) means for generating a second time delay following generation of the second output signal under control of the program stored in said memory, and

(f) means for generating a third output signal following said second time delay under control of the program stored in said memory; and

a controller for controlling a physical system, said controller including

(a) means for controlling a first operation of a physical system in response to the first output signal,

(b) means for controlling a second operation of a physical system in response to the second output signal, and

(c) means for controlling a third operation of a physical system in response to the third output signal.

2. The system as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said first operation controlling means includes means for controlling starting of a motor, wherein said second operation controlling means includes starting of a machine cutting operation after said first time delay, and wherein said third operation controlling means includes means for controlling stopping of a motor after said second time delay;

wherein said second time delay is related to an operation of a machine.

3. The system as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said controller includes a programmable interface for performing different tasks in response to execution of different task defining programs executed by said data processor;

said controller including a register for storing the first output signal, the second output signal, and the third output signal and a plurality of amplifiers for amplifying the first output signal, the second output signal, and the third output signal.

8. The system as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said system is a numerical control system for controlling a machine tool, wherein said controller includes interface storing means for storing a discrete command word, wherein said data processor includes means for packing the first output signal, the second output signal, and the third output signal into a discrete command word, wherein said controller further includes means for storing the discrete command word in said interface storing means.

13. The system as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said system is arranged for direct control of a machine operation in response to processing of the input command signals by said data processor operating under control of the stored program.

4. A control system for controlling a physical system, said system comprising:

a first feedback channel for generating a first feedback signal in response to a first condition of a physical system;

a second feedback channel for generating a second feedback signal in response to a second condition of a physical system;

a third feedback channel for generating a third feedback signal in response to a third condition of a physical system;

a data link for receiving data link commands from a remote computer;

an integrated circuit stored program computer for processing digital information in response to a stored program, said computer including

(a) an integrated circuit main memory for storing the computer program,

(b) means for generating a first time delayed signal in response to the first feedback signal,

(c) means for generating a first command signal in response to the first time delayed signal,

(d) means for generating a second time delayed signal in response to the second feedback signal,

(e) means for generating a second command signal in response to the second time delayed signal,

(f) means for generating a third command signal in response to the third feedback signal, and

(g) means for generating a fourth command signal in response to the data link commands from the remote computer; and

an interface for controlling a physical system in response to the command signals from said stored program computer;

wherein said interface includes

(a) a first controller for controlling the physical system in response to the first command signal,

(b) a second controller for controlling the physical system in response to the second command signal,

(c) a third controller for controlling the physical system in response to the third command signal, and

(d) a fourth controller for controlling the physical system in response to the fourth command signal.

5. The system as set forth in claim 4 above, wherein said three feedback channels are uncommitted discrete feedback channels, and wherein said computer further includes means for committing said uncommitted feedback channels to feedback operations of a physical system in response to execution of a stored program by said computer.

6. The system as set forth in claim 4 above, wherein said computer further includes means for defining the significance of said four command signal generating means in response to the stored program.

7. The system as set forth in claim 6 above, wherein said four command signal generating means are uncommitted to system operations, said computer including means for defining the significance of said uncommitted command signal generating means under control of the stored program to control said physical system.

9. A machine control system comprising:

input means for providing input command signals related to desired machine operations;

feedback means for providing a discrete feedback signal related to a discrete machine condition;

a stored program data processor for processing the input command signals from said input means under control of a stored program, said data processor including

(a) a program memory for storing a data processor program,

(b) receiving logic for receiving the discrete feedback signal from said feedback means under control of the program stored in said program memory, and

(c) processing logic for generating a plurality of discrete command signals in response to the discrete feedback signal under control of the program stored in said program memory, and

(d) output logic for outputting a sequence of two command signals having a timing interval therebetween under control of the program stored in said program memory in response to the plurality of discrete command signals generated with said processing logic; and

interface means for controlling a machine operation in response to a sequence of two discrete machine commands signals from said output logic;

said interface means including

(a) an interface register for storing the sequence of two discrete machine command signals output with said data processor output logic,

(b) an amplifier for generating a sequence of control signals in response to the sequence of two discrete machine command signals stored in said interface register, and

(c) means for controlling a machine in response to the control signals.

10. The system as set forth in claim 9 above, wherein said program memory is a monolithic read only memory for storing the plurality of instructions.

11. The system as set forth in claim 9 above, wherein said data processor processing logic includes means for packing the plurality of discrete command signals into a digital command word under control of the stored program.

12. The system as set forth in claim 9 above, wherein said interface means includes means for providing a sequence of control signals in response to the sequence of command signals to control a sequential machine operation, wherein said sequence of command signals is stored in said interface register with a time interval between command signals related to the time for said machine to perform a commanded operation, and wherein said data processor further includes means for defining the time interval under control of the stored program and means for storing one of the sequence of discrete command signals in said interface register after the time interval has elapsed under control of the stored program.

14. The system as set forth in claim 9 above, wherein said system is a numerical control system for controlling a machine tool and wherein said interface means is an elemental interface means dependent on data processor co-action for control of a machine.

15. The system as set forth in claim 9 above wherein said data processor includes means for providing the machine command signals in real time having a format related to the operating elements of said machine;

said machine being responsive to the machine command signals without computational operations for providing the commanded machine operations.

16. A machine control system having a stored program data processor for providing magnetics computational operations to eliminate machine magnetic devices used for control of a machine;

said system comprising;

input means for providing input command signals related to desired machine operations;

feedback means for providing a discrete feedback signal related to a discrete machine condition;

a stored progam data processor for processing the input command signals from said input means under control of a stored program, said data processor including

(a) a program memory for storing a data processor program,

(b) receiving logic for receiving the discrete feedback signal from said feedback means under control of the program stored in said program memory, and

(c) processing logic for generating a plurality of discrete command signals in response to the discrete feedback signals under control of the program stored in said program memory, and

(d) output logic for outputting a sequence of two command signals having a time interval therebetween under control of the program stored in said program memory in response to the plurality of discrete command signals generated with said processing logic; and

interface means for controlling a machine operation in response to a sequence of two discrete machine command signals from said output logic; and

interface means including

(a) an interface register for storing the sequence of two discrete machine command signals output with said data processor output logic,

(b) an amplifier for generating a sequence of control signals in response to the sequence of two discrete machine command signals stored in said interface register, and

(c) means for controling a machine in response to the control signal.

17. A machine control system comprising:

a data link for communicating machine control information with a remote computer;

machine feedback means for generating a machine feedback signal related to a machine operation, said machine feedback means including

(a) a transducer for generating a transducer signal in response to a controlled machine operation and

(b) feedback interface circuitry for generating the machine feedback signal in response to the transducer signal from said transducer;

an integrated circuit stored program computer for generating a machine command signal in response to the machine feedback signal from said machine feedback means, said computer including

(a) an integrated circuit main memory for storing a program,

(b) an integrated circuit operand memory for storing machine control operands,

(c) integrated circuit data link input circuitry for loading machine control operands into said operand memory in response to the machine control information communicated with said data link,

(d) integrated circuit machine feedback input circuitry for generating a computer input signal in response to the machine feedback signal from said machine feedback means,

(e) integrated circuit processing circuitry for processing the machine control operands stored in said operand memory in response to the computer input signal from said machine feedback input circuitry and under control of the program stored in said main memory, and

(f) integrated circuit output circuitry for generating the machine command signal in response to the computer input signal responsive processing of the machine control operands with said processing circuitry;

interface circuitry for generating a machine control signal in response to the machine command signal from said computer output circuitry, said interface circuitry including

(a) means for storing an interface signal in response to the machine command signal from said computer output circuitry and

(b) means for generating the machine control signal in response to the interface signal stored with said interface signal storing means.

18. The system as set forth in claim 17 above, further comprising a lathe for performing a lathe operation in response to the machine control signal from said interface circuitry, wherein said machine control system is a lathe control system, wherein said lathe includes a translational member for translating a tool and a rotational spindle for rotating a workpiece, wherein said feedback means is a spindle feedback means for generating a machine spindle feedback signal related to a machine spindle rotational operation, and wherein said machine control signal responsive lathe operation is a translational operation for translating said tool in response to the machine control signal.

19. The system as set forth in claim 17 above, wherein said feedback means is a translational feedback means for generating the machine feedback signal related to a machine translational motion operation and wherein said interface circuitry further includes means for controlling a translational operation for translating said translational member in response to the machine control signal.

20. The system as set forth in claim 17 above, wherein said stored program computer main memory is an integrated circuit read only memory.

21. The system as set forth in claim 17 above, wherein said transducer includes a resolver for generating the transducer signal in response to motion of a machine element and wherein said machine control signal generating means includes a closed loop servo for generating the machine control signal in a closed loop manner in response to the interface signal stored with said interface signal storing means.

22. The system as set forth in claim 17 above, wherein said transducer includes a mechanical contact transducer having a mechanical bounce characteristic, wherein said transducer signal includes a signal bounce characteristic, and wherein said computer input circuitry includes means for compensating for the signal bounce characteristic of the machine feedback signal under control of the program stored in said main memory to generate the computer input signal in response to the machine feedback signal.

23. The system as set forth in claim 17 above, further comprising a machine having a rotary spindle for providing spindle rotation and a machine translation element for providing translation relative to spindle rotation in response to the machine control signal from said interface circuitry, wherein said interface circuitry further includes means for controlling a spindle rotation operation, wherein said transducer is a spindle rotation transducer, wherein the transducer signal is a spindle rotation transducer signal, and wherein the machine feedback signal is related to spindle rotation.

24. The system as set forth in claim 17 above, wherein said computer output circuitry includes means for generating the machine command signal having a time delay determined by the processing of operands with said computer processing circuitry under control of the program stored in said main memory and wherein said machine control signal generated with said interface circuitry includes a time delay related to a characteristic of said machine.

25. The system as set forth in claim 17 above, wherein said computer output circuitry includes means for packing a plurality of digital bits into a digital word to generate the machine command signal in response to the processing of operands with said processing circuitry, wherein said storing means in said interface circuitry includes a register for storing the digital word, and wherein said machine control signal generating means in said interface circuitry includes a plurality of amplifiers wherein each amplifier provides for amplifying a different digital bit in said digital word stored in said storing means to generate a plurality of discrete control signals.

26. The system as set forth in claim 17 above, wherein said storing means in said interface circuitry includes a closed loop servo for storing the interface signal in response to the machine command signal to provide closed loop control of a machine operation.

27. The system as set forth in claim 17 above, further comprising a disk memory for generating a disk memory machine command signal, wherein said stored program computer in said machine control system further includes integrated circuit disk memory input command circuitry for generating a disk memory input machine command signal in response to the disk memory machine command signal from said disk memory, and wherein said processing circuitry includes means for processing operands stored in said operand memory in response to the disk memory input machine command signal from said disk memory input command circuitry under control of the program stored in said main memory.

28. The system as set forth in claim 17 above, further comprising:

an input interface for generating a plurality of input signals, said input interface including,

(a) a momentary switch for generating a momentary switch input signal,

(b) a keyboard for generating a plurality of keyboard input signals,

(c) a typewriter for generating a typewriter input signal,

(d) an input converter for generating a digital input signal in response to an analog signal,

(e) a machine for generating a machine input signal,

(f) a tape reader for generating a tape input signal, and

(g) a disk memory for generating a disk input signal;

wherein said computer includes means for generating digital control signals in response to the plurality of input signals from said input interface and an output interface for performing output operations in response to the control signals, said output interface including

(a) a printer for printing information in response to the control signals,

(b) an output converter for generating an analog signal in response to the control signals,

(c) a machine servo controller for controlling a machine tool along a contour in response to the control signals,

(d) a data link for communicating information to a remote location in response to the control signals,

(e) a tape recorder for recording information on a tape in response to the control signals, and

(f) a disk memory for storing information in response to the control signals.

29. A machine control system comprising:

a data link for communicating input machine command signals from a remote computer;

an input command memory for storing input machine command signals communicated from said remote computer with said data link;

machine feedback means for generating a machine feedback signal related to a machine operation, said machine feedback means including

(a) a transducer for generating a transducer signal in response to a controlled machine operation and

(b) feedback interface circuitry for generating the machine feedback signal in response to the transducer signal from said transducer;

an integrated circuit stored program computer for generating a machine command signal in response to the machine feedback signal from said machine feedback means, wherein said computer includes

(a) an integrated circuit main memory for storing a program,

(b) an integrated circuit operand memory for storing machine control operands,

(c) edit means for editing the input machine command signals stored in said input command memory under control of the program stored in said main memory,

(d) integrated circuit command memory input circuitry for loading machine control operands into said operand memory in response to the input machine command signals stored in said input command memory,

(e) integrated circuit machine feedback circuitry for processing the machine control operands stored in said operand memory in response to the machine feedback signal from said machine feedback means,

(f) integrated circuit processing circuitry for processing the machine control operands stored in said operand memory in response to the computer input command signals stored in said input command memory under control of the program stored in said main memory, and

(f) integrated circuit output circuitry for generating the machine command signal in response to the processing of the machine control operands with said machine feedback circuitry and with said processing circuitry; and

interface circuitry for generating a machine control signal in response to the machine command signal from said computer output circuitry, said interface circuitry including

(a) means for storing an interface signal in response to the machine command signal from said computer output circuitry and

(b) means for generating the machine control signal in response to the interface signal stored with said storing means.

30. A machine control system comprising:

a data link for communicating machine commands from a remote location;

machine feedback means for generating a machine feedback signal related to a machine operation, said machine feedback means including

(a) a transducer for generating a transducer signal in response to a controlled machine operation and

(b) feedback interface circuitry for generating the machine feedback signal in response to the transducer signal from said transducer;

a stored program computer for generating a machine command signal in response to the machine feedback signal from said machine feedback means, said computer including

(a) a computer main memory for storing a program,

(b) machine input circuitry for generating a machine input signal in response to the machine feedback signal from said machine feedback means,

(c) data link input circuitry for generating a data link input signal in response to the machine commands communicated with said data link,

(d) processing circuitry for processing the machine input signal from said machine input circuitry in response to the data link input signal from said data link input circuitry under control of the stored program from said main memory, and

(e) control circuitry for generating the machine command signal in response to the processing of the machine input signal with said processing circuitry; and

interface circuitry for generating a machine control signal in response to the machine command signal from said computer processing circuitry, said interface circuitry including

(a) means for storing an interface signal in response to the machine command signal from said computer output circutry and

(b) control means for generating the machine control signal in response to the interface signal stored with said storing means.

31. The system as set forth in claim 30 above, further comprising a machine for performing a machine operation in response to the machine control signal from said interface means.

32. The system as set forth in claim 31 above, wherein said machine includes a translational member for translating a tool and a rotational spindle for rotating a workpiece, wherein said feedback means is a spindle feedback means for generating a machine spindle feedback signal related to a machine spindle rotational operation, and wherein said interface circuitry further includes means for controlling a translational operation for translating said tool in response to the machine control signal.

33. The system as set forth in claim 31 above, wherein said feedback means is a translational feedback means for generating the machine feedback signal related to translation of a plurality of machine axes and wherein said interface circuitry further includes means for controlling a multi-axis translational operation for translating said plurality of machine axes in response to the machine control signal from said interface circuitry.

34. The system as set forth in claim 30, above, wherein said stored program computer memory is an integrated circuit read only memory.

35. The system as set forth in claim 30 above, wherein said computer is an integrated circuit computer, wherein said computer mean memory includes an integrated circuit read only memory for storing the program and an integrated circuit alterable memory for storing information processed with said processing circuitry, wherein said machine input circuitry is integrated circuit machine input circuitry, wherein said data link input circuitry is integrated circuit data link input circuitry, wherein said processing circuitry is integrated circuit processing circuitry, and wherein said control circuitry is integrated circuit control circuitry.

36. The system as set forth in claim 30 above, wherein said transducer is a synchro for generating the machine feedback signal in response to motion of a machine element and wherein said control means includes a closed loop servo for controlling a machine in a closed loop manner in response to the interface signal stored with said storing means.

37. The system as set forth in claim 30 above, wherein said transducer includes a mechanical contact transducer having contact bounce, wherein said transducer signal includes contact bounce, and wherein said machine input circuitry includes means for compensating for the contact bounce of the machine feedback signal under control of the program stored in said computer main memory to generate the machine input signal in response to the machine feedback signal.

38. The system as set forth in claim 31 above, wherein said machine includes a rotary spindle for providing spindle rotation and a machine translation element for providing translation relative to spindle rotation in response to the machine control signal from said interface circuitry, wherein the machine control signal responsive machine operation is a spindle rotation operation, wherein said transducer is a spindle rotation transducer, wherein the transducer signal is a spindle rotation transducer signal, and wherein the machine feedback signal is related to spindle rotation.

39. The system as set forth in claim 30 above, wherein said control circuitry includes means for generating the machine command signal having a time delay determined by the processing of operands with said processing circuitry under control of the program stored in said computer main memory, and wherein said machine control signal generated with said control means includes a time delay for providing a delayed machine operation.

40. The system as set forth in claim 30 above, wherein said control circuitry includes means for packing a plurality of digital command bits into a digital command word to generate the machine command signal under control of the program stored in said computer main memory, wherein said storing means in said interface circuitry includes a register for storing the digital command word, wherein said control means in said interface circuitry includes a plurality of amplifiers, and wherein each amplifier provides for amplifying a different digital bit in said digital command word stored in said storing means to generate a plurality of discrete control signals.

41. The system as set forth in claim 30 above, wherein said storing means in said interface circuitry includes a closed loop servo for generating the interface signal to provide closed loop control of a machine operation.

42. A machine control system comprising:

a data link for communicating machine commands from a remote location;

machine feedback means for generating a machine feedback signal related to a machine operation, said machine feedback means including

(a) a transducer for generating a transducer signal in response to a controlled machine operation and

(b) feedback interface circuitry for generating the machine feedback signal in response to the transducer signal from said transducer;

a machine command memory for storing machine commands communicated with said data link from said remote location;

a stored program computer for generating a machine command signal in response to the machine feedback signal from said machine feedback means, wherein said computer includes

(a) a computer main memory for storing a program,

(b) machine input circuitry for generating a machine input signal in response to the machine feedback signal from said machine feedback means,

(c) edit means for editing the machine commands stored in said machine command memory under control of the program stored in said computer main memory,

(d) processing circuitry for processing the machine input signal from said machine input circuitry in response to the machine commands stored in said machine command memory under control of the program stored in said main memory, and

(e) control circuitry for generating the machine command signal in response to the processing of the machine commands with said processing circuitry; and

interface circuitry for generating a machine control signal in response to the machine command signal from said computer processing circuitry, said interface circuitry including

(a) means for storing an interface signal in response to the machine command signal from said computer output circuitry and

(b) control means for generating the machine control signal in response to the interface signal stored with said storing means.

43. A machine control system comprising:

a data link for communicating machine commands from a remote location;

a disk memory for storing the machine commands communicated with said data link as a disk command signal;

machine feedback means for generating a machine feedback signal related to a machine operation, said machine feedback means including

(a) a transducer for generating a transducer signal in response to a controlled machine operation and

(b) feedback interface circuitry for generating the machine feedback signal in response to the transducer signal from said transducer;

a stored program computer for generating a machine command signal in response to the machine feedback signal from said machine feedback means, wherein said computer includes

(a) a computer main memory for storing a program,

(b) machine input circuitry for generating a machine input signal in response to the machine feedback signal from said machine feedback means,

(c) disk input circuitry for generating a disk input signal in response to the disk command signal from said disk memory,

(d) processing circuitry for processing the machine input signal from said machine input circuitry in response to the disk command signal from said disk input circuitry under control of the program stored in said main memory, and

(e) control circuitry for generating the machine command signal in response to the processing of the machine input signal with said processing circuitry; and

interface circuitry for generating a machine control signal in response to the machine command signal from said computer processing circuitry, said interface circuitry including

(a) means for storing an interface signal in response to the machine command signal from said computer output circuitry and

(b) control means for generating the machine control signal in response to the interface signal stored with said storing means.

44. A control system comprising:

a feedback device for generating a feedback signal related to a monitored condition;

an operator command device for generating an operator command signal in response to operator actuation;

a data link for communicating a remote command signal from a remote computer;

an integrated circuit stored program computer for generating an output command signal in response to the feedback signal from said feedback device and in response to the command signals from said operator command device and from said data link, said computer including

(a) an integrated circuit main memory for storing a program,

(b) an integrated circuit operand memory for storing control-related operands,

(c) integrated circuit feedback input circuitry for generating a computer input feedback signal in response to the feedback signal from said feedback device,

(d) integrated circuit operator command input circuitry for generating a computer input operator command signal in response to the operator command signal from said operator command device,

(e) integrated circuit data link input circuitry for generating a computer input data link command signal in response to the remote command signal from said data link,

(f) integrated circuit processing circuitry for processing the control related operands stored in said operand memory to generate a time delay in response to the computer input feedback signal from said feedback input circuitry and in response to the input command signals from said operator command input circuitry and said data link input circuitry under control of the program stored in said main memory, and

(g) integrated circuit output circuitry for generating the output command signal after a time delay in response to the processing of control-related operands with said processing circuitry; and

interface circuitry for generating a control signal in response to the output command signal from said computer output circuitry to initiate a controlled operation after a feedback signal related time delay, said interface circuitry including

(1) a register for storing the output command signal and

(2) amplifying means for generating the control signal in response to the output command signal stored in said register.

45. The system as set forth in claim 44 above, further comprising a machine for operating in response to the control signal from said interface circuitry.

46. The system as set forth in claim 45 above, wherein said machine is a lathe, wherein said lathe includes a translational member for translating a tool and a rotational spindle for rotating a workpiece, wherein said feedback means is a spindle feedback means for generating a machine spindle feedback signal related to a machine spindle rotational operation, and wherein said control signal responsive controlled operation in a translational operation for translating said tool in response to the machine control signal from said interface circuitry.

47. The system as set forth in claim 44 above, wherein said stored program computer main memory includes an integrated circuit read only memory.

48. The system as set forth in claim 45 above, wherein said machine includes a rotary spindle for providing spindle rotation and a machine translation element for providing translation relative to spindle rotation in response to the machine control signal from said interface circuitry, wherein the machine feedback sigal related condition is a spindle rotation condition, wherein said feedback device is a spindle rotation transducer, wherein the feedback signal is a spindle rotation feedback signal, and wherein the feedback signal is related to spindle rotation.

49. The system as set forth in claim 44 above, wherein said computer output circuitry includes means for generating a time delayed output command signal having a time delay determined by the processing of the control-related operands with said computer processing circuitry under control of the program stored in said main memory.

50. A control system comprising:

a feedback device for generating a feedback signal related to a monitored condition;

an operator command device for generating an operator command signal in response to operator actuation;

a data link for communicating remote command signals from a remote computer;

an input command memory for storing the remote command signals from said data link;

an integrated circuit stored program computer for generating an output command signal in response to the feedback signal from said feedback device and in response to the command signal free said opertor command device and the remote command signals stored in said input command memory, said computer includes

(a) an integrated circuit main memory for storing a program,

(b) an integrated circuit operand memory for storing control-related operands,

(c) means for editing the input commands stored in said input command memory under control of the program stored in said main memory,

(d) integrated circuit feedback input circuitry for generating a computer input feedback signal in response to the feedback signal from said feedback device,

(e) integrated circuit operator command input circuitry for generating a computer input operator command signal in response to the operator command signal from said operator command device,

(f) integrated circuit command memory input circuitry for generating a computer input command memory signal in response to the remote command signals stored in said input command memory,

(g) integrated circuit processing circuitry for processing the control-related operands stored in said operand memory to generate a time delay in response to the computer input feedback signal from said feedback input circuitry and in response to the input command signal from said operator command input circuitry and to response to the input command memory signal under control of the program stored in said main memory, and

(g) integrated circuit output circuitry for generating the output command signal after a time delay in response to the processing of control-related operands with said processing circuitry; and

interface circuitry for generating a control signal in response to the output command signal from said computer output circuitry to initiate a controlled operation after a feedback signal related time delay, said interface circuitry including

(1) a register for storing the output command signal and

(2) amplifying means for generating the control signal in response to the output command signal stored in said register.