Yoshiaki Ikeda

Numerical control apparatus and method for controlling a machine

A numerical control apparatus allows a portion of a prototype or the like to be easily machined without an operator being concerned with a coordinate system, origins, and other data. A guidance function executing unit displays guidance information on a display unit. According to the displayed guidance information, the operator enters machining commands using a keyboard, etc. A pulse distributing unit sends present positions from present position registers to the guidance function executing unit. The guidance function executing unit calculates a movement command from command values commanded by the operator and the present positions, and sends the calculated movement command to the pulse distributing unit, which outputs distributed pulses to drive the machine tool.