INC: a new type of computer numerical control

This paper introduces a new type of CNC (computer numerical control), which is named as INC. INC (integrated numerical control or intelligent numerical control) is conceived and designed to facilitate the work of a group, which includes computer-aided designers, computer-aided process planners, computer-aided manufacturers and NC workers. INC provides them a unified platform oriented to CNC manufacturing, which make their work turned from distributed work to collaborative work. In this paper, we describe the philosophy and constituent elements of INC, and analyze construction, organization & implementation of INC systematically. We also discuss the key technologies and CSCW (computer supported collaborative work) approaches using in INC, and a case is given to illustrate how INC works.