Re: [Emc-developers] conversational programming

[Jon E. <el...@pi...>]

Ray Henry wrote:
> I grit my teeth each time I hear conversational programming around the
> EMC project because of the US Patent owned by Hurco.  I'm wondering how
> we intend to relate to that patent and the recent enthusiasm for higher
> order part program blocks like surfacing, bolt circles, and such.  
> 
> An excerpt from that patent says,
>         
>         "entering the mode type and dimensional parameters for a
>         machining operation into a microcomputer memory as a data
>         block; 
>         
Is a PC a "microcomputer"?
>         "repeating said entering step for data blocks for any further
>         operations and dimensions as necessary to complete processing of
>         the workpiece; and 
>         
>         "executing a microcomputer program utilizing said data blocks to
>         direct a machine to perform said operations on a workpiece; 
>         
This patent seems insanely broad.  If the microcomputer thing is 
applicable to a PC, then I think any form of computer 
programming, that has any relation to manufacturing might be 
considered infringing.  Also, what about APT?  Was that 
microcomputer thing above meant to exclude APT because it used 
to run on IBM mainframes?  It seems like the type of computer 
might be a red herring, and APT ought to be clear evidence of 
prior art.
>         "displaying on screen sequentially for observation and response
>         by the operator, a plurality of inquiries regarding mode and
>         dimensional parameters for individual data blocks; and 
>         
Are we talking about filling out a menu, here?  Gosh, how novel 
a development THAT is!
>         
>         United States Patent 4,477,754  Roch , et al. October 16, 1984
Isn't this patent EXPIRED by 6 years?  Isn't the term of a 
patent 17 years?

Jon