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Full download Global tool-path smoothing for CNC machine tools with uninterrupted acceleration Shingo Tajima & Burak Sencer file pdf all chapter on 2024
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具有不间断加速的数控机 International Journal of Machine Tools & Manufacture 121 (2017) 81–95
床全局路径平滑
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Global tool-path smoothing for CNC machine tools with uninterrupted MARK
acceleration
⁎
Shingo Tajima, Burak Sencer
Oregon State University, Mechanical Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department, Corvallis, OR, USA
A BS T RAC T
Majority of tool-paths for high-speed machining is composed of series of short linear segments, so-called G01
moves. This discrete tool-path format limits the achievable speed and accuracy of CNC machines. To generate
continuous feed motion along sharp cornered tool-paths, most NC systems smooth corners locally using a pre-
specified curve or a spline and slow down to be able to change the feed direction within machine kinematic
limits. Path speed is dramatically reduced for accuracy if sharp corners are within close vicinity. This paper
proposes a new real-time interpolation algorithm for NC systems to generate continuous rapid feed motion
along short segmented linear tool-paths by smoothing local and adjacent corners that are within close vicinity.
Instead of locally modifying the corner geometry with a spline, the proposed algorithm directly blends axis
velocities between consecutive linear segments based on the jerk limited acceleration profile (JLAP) and
generates cornering trajectories within user-specified contour errors and kinematic limits of the drives. A novel
Look-Ahead Windowing (LAW) technique is developed to plan tangential feed profile with uninterrupted
acceleration to continuously smooth the path. The feed profile is optimized to generate rapid motion along
overlapping adjacent corners. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed
method to interpolate accurate Cartesian high-speed motion along short-segmented tool-paths for machining
free-form surfaces found in dies, molds and aerospace parts.
1. Introduction only position continuous, and they do not allow continuous interpola-
tion of the feed motion at the junction points, i.e. corners of
Parts for aerospace, and die-and-mould industries contain complex consecutive line segments. As a result, motion must stop momentarily
sculptured geometries that are designed on CAM systems using smooth at corners; otherwise, acceleration and jerk limits of the drives are
parametric curves such as splines and NURBS [1]. It has been reported violated, which can destroy the surface finish. Regardless, this stop-
that direct interpolation of these curves on CNC (computer numerical and-go motion planning leads elongated cycle times and generates
controlled) machine tools can provide the smoothest, fastest and rough, cornered surfaces with pronounced feed marks. This process is
accurate motion, and thereby most suitable for high-speed machining depicted in Fig. 1a and b.
[1–3]. However, deficiencies in the accurate calculation of curve The well-known approach to generate continuous non-stop motion
lengths, planning of time-optimal feed profiles, and feed fluctuations along polygonal tool-path geometries is to blend consecutive line seg-
hinder penetration of “direct spline interpolation” in CNC machines ments locally [10–12]. The idea is straightforward. In order to realize a
[4–8]. Most CAM systems do not export parametric spline tool-paths continuous feed motion, the sharp corner geometry between two linear
[3]. Instead, they discretize original smooth geometry with a series of segments is replaced by a smooth blending curve in by the NC system of
short line segments, and output a “polygonal” tool-path, which is to be the machine tool as shown in Fig. 1b. The final corner profile is no longer
interpolated using basic G01 commands [9]. Based on chord-length sharp, and the reference path deviates from the original corner geometry.
specifications, the point-to-points G01 moves range from 1 μm to As long as the deviation from original corner geometry is controllable, this
1 mm in length. As the curvature of the tool-path increases discretiza- approach is conveniently applicable to roughing and semi-finishing. Basic
tion becomes finer and denser generating NC part programs composed arcs, cubic, quadratic, quintic, B-splines or various curves are used to
of thousands of lines. Although size of the NC (numerical control) part generate a continuous motion transition around the corner profile well
program is not the bottleneck, its definition is. Polygonal tool-paths are documented in the literature [13–20].
⁎
Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: tajimas@oregonstate.edu (S. Tajima), burak.sencer@oregonstate.edu (B. Sencer).
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmachtools.2017.03.002
Received 4 November 2016; Received in revised form 22 February 2017; Accepted 10 March 2017
Available online 16 March 2017
0890-6955/ © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
S. Tajima, B. Sencer International Journal of Machine Tools & Manufacture 121 (2017) 81–95
82
S. Tajima, B. Sencer International Journal of Machine Tools & Manufacture 121 (2017) 81–95
⎧ j (t ) = Jx ⎫ ⎧ jy (t ) = Jy ⎫
⎪x ⎪ ⎪ ⎪
⎪ ax (t ) = Asx + Jxt ⎪ ⎪ ⎪ a y(t ) = Asy + Jyt ⎪
⎪
⎨ 1 2 ⎬and⎨ 1 2 ⎬ 0 ≤ t ≤ Tc
⎪xv ( t ) = Vsx + Asx t + J
2 x
t ⎪ ⎪y v ( t ) = Vsy + Asy t + J t ⎪
2 y
⎪ 1 1 3⎪ ⎪ 3⎪
⎩ s ( t ) = V t + A t 2
+ J t ⎪
⎭ ⎩ y s ( t ) = V t +
1
A t 2
+
1
J t ⎪
6 y ⎭
x sx sx x sy
2 6 2 sy
(1)
where θs and θe are entry and exit angles to a corner, i.e. orientation of
consecutive linear segments. The maximum cornering error ε must be
controlled by the user, which introduces the displacement constraint.
As shown in Fig. 2a, cornering error occurs in the middle of the
cornering trajectory at t = Tc /2 due to symmetry and expressed as:
εx = ε cos(θε ) = xm − xc ⎫
⎬
εy = ε sin(θε ) = ym − yc ⎭ (3)
T 1 T 2 1 T 3⎫
xm = Vsx 2c + 2 Asx ( 2c ) + 6 Jx ( 2c ) ⎪
⎬
ym = Vsy 2c + 2 Asy ( 2c ) + 6 Jy( 2c ) ⎪
T 1 T 2 1 T 3
⎭ (4)
1 1
⎡ xc ⎤ VsxTc + 2 Asx Tc 2 + 6 JxTc 3 ⎡ cos(θs )⎤
Pc = ⎢ y ⎥ = ⎢ ⎥
⎣ c⎦ cos(θs ) + cos(θe ) ⎣ sin(θs ) ⎦
Lc (5)
1 1 ⎛1 3 ⎞ 1 ⎛1 7 ⎞
objective is to compute a cornering velocity Vc and acceleration Ac that VsxTc (cos(θe) − cos(θs )) + Asx Tc 2⎜ cos(θe) − cos(θs )⎟ + JxTc3⎜ cos(θe) − cos(θs )⎟
2 2 ⎝4 4 ⎠ 6 ⎝8 8 ⎠
εx =
yields the minimum cornering duration, Tc . cos(θs ) + cos(θe )
Typically, tool motion needs to be decelerated from path speed for (6)
cornering transition and accelerated back to the commanded feed of
the consecutive linear segment [16,17]. As shown in Fig. 2b, a Please note that the Y-axis component can be obtained by simply
piecewise constant jerk transition can ensure that tool motion decele- plugging corresponding parameters. The minimum cornering duration
rates to a cornering transition and accelerates back to the subsequent Tc is sought by simply saturating at least one of the axis’ acceleration or
segment without interrupting its acceleration. In other words, the jerk limits. The limiting axis can be identified from axis acceleration
motion should decelerate in-and-out of the corner without crossing a transitions, ΔAx = Aex − Asx and ΔAy = Aey − Asy . Assuming that
zero acceleration so that overall cycle time can be reduced. For a planar ΔAx > ΔAy , acceleration, velocity and position constraints for cornering
case, X and Y axis position s(t), velocity v(t), acceleration a(t), and jerk motion are collected from Eqs. (2) and (6) as:
j (t ) profiles can be written from Fig. 2b as:
83
S. Tajima, B. Sencer International Journal of Machine Tools & Manufacture 121 (2017) 81–95
Acc. Constraint : Ac cos(θe ) = − Ac cos(θs ) + JxTc and Jmax = 1 × 10 5 mm/s3, respectively. Eqs. (8) and (9) are used to
Vel. Constraint : Vc cos(θe ) = Vc cos(θs ) − Ac cos(θs )Tc +
1
JT2 compute the cornering velocities for each case. For the obtuse corner,
2 x c
the cornering speed is calculated to be Vc = 48 mm/s and for the acute
T 1 T 1 T 3 corner Vc = 23 mm/s. JLAP is used to decelerate and accelerate from
Disp. Constraint : ε cos(θε ) = ( 2c )(Vc − 2 Ac 2c )cos(θs ) + 6 Jx ( 2c ) cornering transitions. As shown, proposed 1-step AU-KCS technique
⎛ 1 ⎞ 1 can generate acceleration continuous motion profiles around a local
Tc⎜Vc − Ac Tc⎟cos(θs ) + JxTc3
⎝ 2 ⎠ 6
− cos(θs ) corner while saturating at least one axis kinematic limit to attain the
cos(θs ) + cos(θe )
fastest cornering motion.
(7)
84
S. Tajima, B. Sencer International Journal of Machine Tools & Manufacture 121 (2017) 81–95
⎧ J1 = Jmax, 0 ≤ t < t1 ⎧V k + A τ + 1 J τ 2, 1
0 ≤ t < t1, V1 = Vck + As T1 + 2 J1T12
⎪ ⎪ c s 1 2 11
⎪ J2 = 0, t1 ≤ t < t2 ⎪V1 + Aτ2, t1 ≤ t < t2, V2 = V1 + AT2
⎪ J3 = − Jmax, t 2 ≤ t < t3 ⎪
⎪ 1
⎪V2 + Aτ3 + 2 J3τ32,
1
t2 ≤ t < t3, V3 = V2 + AT3 + 2 J3T32
j (τ ) = ⎨ J4 = 0, t3 ≤ t < t4 ⎪
⎪J = − J , t4 ≤ t < t5 v(τ ) = ⎨V3, t3 ≤ t < t4, V4 = V3 = F
⎪ 5 max ⎪ 1 2 1
⎪ J6 = 0, t5 ≤ t < t6 ⎪V4 + 2 J5τ5 , t4 ≤ t < t5, V5 = V4 + 2 J5T52
⎪J = J , ⎪V + Dτ ,
⎩ 7 max t6 ≤ t ≤ t7 (11) ⎪ 5 6 t5 ≤ t < t6, V6 = V5 + DT6
⎪V + Dτ + 1 J τ 2, t6 ≤ t ≤ t7, Vck +1 = V6 + DT7 + 2 J7T72
1
⎩ 6 7 2 7 7 (13)
Integrating Eq. (11) with respect to time, t, reveals the trapezoidal
acceleration profile as,
Ti (i = 1…7) is the duration, Vi is the velocity reached at the end of the
⎧Ak + Jτ , ith phase. Consequently, integrating Eq. (13) with respect to time
0 ≤ t < t1, A1 = Ack + J1T1 = A
⎪ c 11 yields the displacement profile,
⎪ A, t1 ≤ t < t2, A2 = A1 = A
⎪A + J τ , t2 ≤ t < t3, A3 = A + J3T3 = 0
⎪ 3 3
a(τ ) = ⎨ 0, t3 ≤ t < t4, A4 = A3 = 0
⎪J τ , t4 ≤ t < t5, A5 = J5T5 = D
⎪ 55
⎪ D, t5 ≤ t < t6, A6 = A5 = D
⎪
⎩ D + J7τ7, t6 ≤ t ≤ t7, −Ack +1 = D + J7T (12)
85
S. Tajima, B. Sencer International Journal of Machine Tools & Manufacture 121 (2017) 81–95
s (τ )
⎧V τ + 1 A τ 2 + 1 J τ 3, 1 1
0 ≤ t < t1, S1 = VsT1 + 2 As T12 + 6 J1T13
⎪ s1 2 s 1 6 11
⎪ S + Vτ + 1 Aτ 2, t1 ≤ t < t2, S2 = S1 + VT
1 2
⎪ 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 + 2 AT2
⎪ 1 1 1
⎪ S2 + V2 τ3 + 2
Aτ32 + 6 J3τ33, t2 ≤ t < t3, S3 = S2 + V2T3 + 2 AT32
⎪ 1
⎪ + 6 J3T33
⎪
= ⎨ S3 + V3τ4, t3 ≤ t < t4, S4 = S3 + V3T4
⎪ 1 3 1
⎪ S4 + V4τ5 + 6 J5τ5 , t4 ≤ t < t5, S5 = S4 + V4T5 + 6 J5T53
⎪ 1 2 1
⎪ S5 + V5τ6 + 2 Dτ6 , t5 ≤ t < t6, S6 = S5 + V5T6 + 2 DT6 2
⎪ 1 2 1 3 1
⎪ S6 + V6τ7 + 2 Dτ7 + 6 J7τ7 , t6 ≤ t ≤ t7, Se = S6 + V6T7 + 2 DT72
⎪
⎪ 1
+ 6 J7T73 = Llk
⎩
(14) Fig. 6. Jerk limited acceleration profile (JLAP).
86
S. Tajima, B. Sencer International Journal of Machine Tools & Manufacture 121 (2017) 81–95
2 ⎫
(Ack ) A − Ack A ⎪
A= Jmax(F − Vck ) + 2
→ T1 = Jmax
, T3 =
Jmax ⎪
⎬
(Ack +1)
2
Ack +1 − D D
⎪
D=− Jmax(F − Vck +1) + → T7 = J , T5 = −J ⎪
2 max max ⎭ (15)
F − Vck k 2 ⎫
T2 = −
Amax
+
1 (Ac )
⎪
⎪
Amax Jmax 2 Amax Jmax
⎬
k +1 2 ⎪
F − Vck +1 Amax 1 (Ac )
T6 = − + 2A J ⎪
Amax Jmax max max ⎭ (16)
Fig. 7. Feed adjustment in-between local corners.
Otherwise, constant acceleration phase simply does not exist,
T2 = T6 = 0 .
1 1 D−A ⎫
Finally, the distance between cornering transitions, Llk , should be a= 2D
− 2A
, b= 2Jmax
, ⎪
traveled by all the stages of interpolation. If the linear distance between ⎛ (A k ) 4 4⎞ ⎛ (A k +1)2V k +1 2 ⎞ ⎪
corners is long enough, programmed feedrate of the block, F should be c=L+
1
⎜ c
−
(Ack +1)
⎟ +
1
⎜ c c
−
(Ack ) Vck
⎟ ⎪
8Jmax 2 ⎝ A D
⎠ 2Jmax ⎝ D A
⎠ ⎪
⎪
achieved implying that T4 ≥ 0 . The total distance traveled along the 7- ⎬
(Vck ) ⎪
3 3 2 2 2
segmented JLAP is can be computed from Eqs. (14)–(16) as: (Ack +1) − (Ack ) (Ack ) A − (Ack +1) D (2Ack − A)Vck − (2Ack +1 − D )Vck +1
+ + + + 2A ⎪
3Jmax 2 4Jmax 2 2Jmax
2 2
⎪
(F 2 − (Vck ) ) ((Vck +1) − F 2 ) A(F + Vck ) D(F + Vck +1) k +1 2 ⎪
Llk = T4F +
(V
− c2D
)
⎪
+ + − ⎭
2A 2D 2Jmax 2Jmax
⎛ k +1 4 k 4⎞ k 3 k +1 3
(20)
1 ⎜ (Ac ) (A ) ((Ac ) − (Ac ) )
+ − c ⎟⎟ + If Eq. (19) possesses complex roots, consecutive cornering velo-
8Jmax 2 ⎜⎝ D A ⎠ 3Jmax 2
cities Vck , Vck+1 and accelerations Ack , Ack+1 need to be adjusted to find a
2 2 ⎛ k 2 k 2 ⎞ feasible solution for planning the JLAP. Non-linear optimization
((Ack +1) D − (Ack ) A) 1 ⎜ (Ac ) Vc (Ack +1) Vck +1 ⎟
+ + ⎜ − ⎟ techniques [31] can be used to plan a time optimal motion. However,
4Jmax 2 2Jmax ⎝ A D ⎠ utilizing iterative schemes for optimizing such a short motion is not
(Ack +1Vck +1 − Ack Vck ) feasible in real-time implementation, and should not improve the
+ overall cycle time significantly. Thus, the following analytical approach
Jmax (17)
is developed to determine a sub-optimal cornering velocity to plan a
and cruise velocity duration T4 is revealed from Eq. (17) as: feasible JLAP for stitching the cornering transitions as follows.
Firstly, as shown in Fig. 7 consecutive block's cornering speeds are
⎡ ⎧⎛ 2 k 2⎞ ⎛ k +1 2 ⎞ ⎫⎤ lowered to the minimum
⎢ ⎜(Vc ) − F 2⎟
⎪ ⎜⎝F − (Vc ) ⎟⎠ ⎝ ⎠ A(F + Vck ) D(F + Vck +1) ⎪⎥
⎢ ⎪ 2A
+ 2D
+ 2Jmax
− 2Jmax ⎪⎥ Vck = Vck +1 = min{Vck , Vck +1} (21)
⎢ ⎪ ⎪⎥
⎢ ⎪ 1
⎛ (A k +1) 4
(Ack )
4 ⎞ ⎪⎥ Notice that lowering cornering velocities reduces cornering errors
⎪ + 8J 2 ⎜ D − A ⎟+
c
⎢ ⎪⎥
1⎢ ⎪ max ⎝ ⎠ ⎪⎥ εk , εk+1 from their preset tolerance as well. Consequently, corner
T4 = ⎢Llk − ⎨ ⎛ 3 3⎞ ⎛ k +1 2 2 ⎞
⎬⎥ ≥ 0
transition lengths Lck , Lck+1 are shortened, and this elongates Llk (See
F⎢ ⎪ ⎜(Ac ) − (Ac ) ⎟
k k +1
⎜(Ac ) D − (Ac ) A⎟ k ⎪⎥
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
⎢ ⎪ + + 2J
1 ⎪⎥ Fig. 7). Eq. (17) is then used to plan a feasible JLAP motion to stitch
⎢ ⎪ 3Jmax
2
4 Jmax
2
max ⎪⎥ consecutive cornering transitions. If a feasible JLAP can be planned,
⎢ ⎪ ⎛ k2 k 2 ⎞ (A k +1V k +1 − A k V k ) ⎪⎥
⎪ (Ac ) Vc (Ack +1) Vck +1 ⎪⎥ then consecutive cornering velocities are increased to reduce the cycle
⎢ ⎜ A − ⎟+ c c c c
⎪ ⎪⎥
⎢⎣ ⎩ ⎝ ⎠ time. The following analytical technique is developed to search for
D Jmax
⎭⎦
feasible cornering velocities in a computationally efficient and real-time
(18) suitable scheme.
Firstly, linear distance between smoothened corners, Llk is typically
If Eq. (18) does not hold, T4 < 0 , it is set to zero T4 = 0 , and the
very small < 1 mm in dense short-segmented tool-paths, and this
maximum reachable feedrate Fnew is computed from the solution of the
makes planning a complete 7-segmented JLAP unlikely. Instead, a
following quadratic equation:
shortened 3-segmented JLAP is planned to interpolate an acceleration
aFnew 2 + bFnew + c = 0 uninterrupted cornering transitions. It is assumed that the constant
(19)
feed, acceleration, and deceleration sections of the 7-segmented JLAP
where are non-existing, T4 = T2 = T6 = 0 , and it is assumed that if Vck > Vck+1
the motion starts with an acceleration decrease stage (T1 = 0 ).
Similarly, if Vck +1 > Vck , a deceleration increase section does not exist
87
S. Tajima, B. Sencer International Journal of Machine Tools & Manufacture 121 (2017) 81–95
Ac′ k = α Ack ⎫
⎪
Vc′ = αVck ⎬ whereα ≥ 1
k
⎪
Lc′ k = α 2Lck ⎪
⎭ (22)
The achievable feedrate F and deceleration D values are determined
based on the 3-segmented JLAP as,
(Ac′ k )
2 ⎫
F = Vc′ k + ⎪
⎪
2Jmax
⎬
(Ac′ k ) + (Ack +1) ⎪
2 2
D=− (Vc′ k − Vck +1)Jmax + ⎪
2 ⎭ (23)
and corresponding segment durations are obtained;
Ac′ k D A ′ k +1 − D
T3 = , T5 = , T7 = c
Jmax −Jmax Jmax (24)
The total displacement traveled can be computed by integrating the
acceleration profile with the durations from Eq. (24) and amplitudes
from Eqs. (22) and (23) as:
3 2 2 3
(Ack ) (Ack ) Ack +1 (Ack ) D (Ack +1) Ack +1D 2 D3
L= 2
+ 2
− 2
+ 2
− 2
+ 2
3Jmax 2Jmax Jmax 6Jmax Jmax Jmax
αVck k
+ (Ac + Ack +1 − 2D ) + (α 2 − 1)Lck = Llk
Jmax (25)
Finally, the scaling factor α is calculated analytically from Eq. (25):
aα + bα 3 + cα 2 + dα + e = 0
4
3
(Vck ) 2Ack Vck
a = 1, b = − 2 + ,
Jmax(Lck ) JmaxLck
⎛ 2 2⎞ 2
3 3 ⎜3(Ack +1) − (Ack ) ⎟(Vck )
4(Ack ) + (Ack +1) ⎝ ⎠ 2Vck +1Ack +1 2(Lck + Llk )
c=− + 2 + −
6Jmax 2Lck 6Jmax 2(Lck ) JmaxLck Lck
2
Vck +1(Vck )
− 2
Jmax(Lck ) Fig. 8. Overlapping corner smoothing strategy.
⎛ 8A k (A k +1)
3
(Ack )
4
3(Ack +1)
4 2
(Ack ) (Ack +1)
2 2
(Vck +1)
d=− Vck ⎜ c c 2 + 2 − 2 − 2 − 2 ⎧ A ′ k = αA k ⎫ ⎧ A ′ k +1 = αA k +1 ⎫
⎝ 12Jmax3(Lck ) 12Jmax3(Lck ) 12Jmax3(Lck ) 12Jmax3(Lck ) Jmax(Lck ) ⎪ c c ⎪ ⎪ c c ⎪
2 ⎞ ⎨Vc′ k = α 2Vck ⎬ and ⎨Vc′ k +1 = α 2Vck +1⎬where 0 ≤ α ≤ 1
2Ack (Lck + Llk ) (Ack − Ack +1) Vck +1 ⎪
+ + ⎟ ⎪ L ′ k = α 3L k ⎪
⎪ ⎪
⎪ L ′ k +1 = α 3L k +1⎪
⎪
Jmax(Lck )
2 2
Jmax (Lck )
2
⎠ ⎩ c c⎭ ⎩ c c ⎭ (27)
2
⎛ k 3 3⎞
2 2 2 ⎜(Ac ) − (Ack +1) ⎟ and the associated scaling factor α can be calculated analytically
(Ack ) (Ack +1) (Ack − Ack +1) ⎝ ⎠
e= 2 − 2
following the similar procedure presented above.
4
8Jmax (Lck ) 72Jmax 4(Lck )
4 4 3 2 2
(A k +1) − 3(Ack ) + 8(Ack ) Ack +1 − 6(Ack ) (Ack +1) 3.2. Motion planning along overlapping corners
+ Vck +1 c 3 k2
12Jmax Lc
⎛ 3 3⎞
2⎜(Ack ) − (Ack +1) ⎟(Lck + Llk ) 2 Previous section presented planning of a continuous and rapid
⎝ ⎠ −2Ack +1Vck +1(Lck + Llk ) (Lck + Llk )
− 2 + 2 + 2 motion along locally corner-smoothed tool-path. If locally smoothed
2
3Jmax (Lck ) Jmax(Lck ) (Lck )
corners are not overlapping as shown in Fig. 5a, the approach
⎛ k 2 2⎞ 2
⎜(Ac ) − (Ack +1) ⎟(Vck +1) 3 presented in the Section 3.1 is effective to plan a jerk limited motion
⎝ ⎠ (Vck +1)
+ 2 + 2 analytically at low computational expense. Nevertheless, if linear
2Jmax 2(Lck ) Jmax(Lck )
segment lengths are short and cornering errors are large, locally
(26) smoothened corners overlap each other as shown in Fig. 5b. This
The cornering velocity is obtained based on α without the need of section presents planning of an uninterrupted jerk limited feed motion
iterative procedure from Eq. (22). This approach provides an effective along overlapping corners.
analytical planning of a near-time optimal JLAP to stitch consecutive The general geometry for two locally smoothed overlapping corners
cornering transitions. If a feasible solution could not be found from Eq. is presented in Fig. 8. Local corner trajectories are planned based on
(26), both current and next segment velocities Vck andVck+1 need to be the technique presented in Section 2. The idea is to connect mid-points
further lowered. This can be done by scaling consecutive cornering of overlapping corners to generate an acceleration un-interrupted rapid
velocities simultaneously by cornering motion (See Fig. 8a). The mid-point kinematics during
88
S. Tajima, B. Sencer International Journal of Machine Tools & Manufacture 121 (2017) 81–95
Acc. Constraint : k +1
amx k
= amx + jm1x λx Tm + jm2x (1 − λx )Tm ⎫ aα 4 + bα 3 + cα 2 + dα + e = 0
⎪ ⎧ k 2 k k k k
Vel. Constraint : v mx = vmx + amxλx Tm + 2 jm1x λx Tm + (amx + jm1x λx Tm )⎪ ⎪ a = 4(vmx ) + 6amxxc − 6amxsmx
k +1 k k 1 2 2 k
⎪ ⎪ b = − 6a k +1x k + 6a k +1s k + 2a k v k T + 6j x k T
1
(1 − λx )Tm + 2 jm2x (1 − λx )2 Tm 2 ⎪ ⎪ mx c mx mx mx mx m m1x c m
⎪ ⎪
⎪ k
− 6jm1x smxTm
Disp. Constraint : skmx+1 = smx
k k
+ vmx
1 k
λx Tm + 2 amx
1
λx 2Tm 2 + 6 jm1x λx 3Tm 3 ⎬ ⎪
⎪
⎪ ⎨ c = − 8vmxk k +1
vmx + (amx k 2 2
) Tm + 6amx k +1 k k
vmxTm − 2jm1x vmx Tm 2
k k 1 2 2
+ (vmx + amxλx Tm + 2 jm1x λx Tm )(1 − λx )Tm ⎪ ⎪
⎪ ⎪ d = − 6amxxc + 6amxsmx − 8amxvmx Tm + 3amxamx Tm
k k k k +1 k k +1 k k +1 2
1 k 2 2
+ 2 (amx + jm1x λx Tm )(1 − λx ) Tm + 6 jm2x
1 ⎪ ⎪
⎪ k +1 2
⎪ e = 4(vmx ) + 6amx k +1 k
xc − 6amx k +1 k +1
smx − 6jm1x xck Tm
3 3 ⎪ ⎪
(1 − λx ) Tm ⎭
⎪ k +1 k +1
jm1x Tm 3 − 4jm1x vmx
k +1 2
⎩ + 6jm1x smx Tm + amx Tm (33)
(29)
either analytically or using a simple Newton-Raphson [31] type
Above, Tm is the motion duration, jm1x and jm2x are the jerk
iterative technique, both of which are computationally efficient. If a
amplitudes, and 0 < λx < 1 controls timing of jerk transition (See
feasible solution could be obtained, α is used to scale both corner
Fig. 8b). Note that the Y-axis complement of Eq. (29) can be written
velocities simultaneously similar to Eq. (27) (See Section 3.1), and all
with λ y , jm1y , jm2y . There are total of 7 unknowns,
the unknowns can be determined analytically.
Tm, λx , λ y , jm1x , jm2x , jm1y , jm2y that needs to be solved from total 6
equalities (X and Y axis contributions) given in Eq. (29). The solution
can be obtained in 2 steps. Firstly, λx = 0.5 is set to divide X-axis 4. Illustrative examples
motion into half. Three of the unknowns, Tm , jm1x and jm2x are calculated
from Eq. (29). Using Tm , the remaining unknowns λ y , jm1y and jm2y are This section presents application of the methods introduced in
obtained from the Y -axis complement. Notice that the following Sections 3.1 and 3.2 on a simple short-segmented tool-path. When
kinematic limits need to be satisfied to plan a feasible motion: corners are not overlapping, we identify the case as “local cornering”
and apply the acceleration uninterrupted corner smoothing technique
⎧ jm x ⎫ presented in Section 2 jointly with the feed planning method presented
⎪ 1 ⎪
⎧ λx ⎫ ⎪ jm2x ⎪ in Section 3.1. If local corners are overlapping, we will identify the case
0 ≤ Tm, 0<⎨ ⎬<1, − Jmax ≤ ⎨ j ⎬ ≤ Jmax as “global cornering” and apply the method presented in Section 3.2.
λ
⎩ y⎭ ⎪ m1y ⎪
⎪j ⎪ As shown in Fig. 9, the test tool-path consists of 3 linear moves
⎩ m2y ⎭ (30) generating 2 right-handed 45° corners. The length of linear segments
before and after the two corners are fixed to 10 mm, and the length of
If Eq. (30) is not satisfied, Vck and/or Vck+1 should be reduced to linear segment between corners is set to 0.5 mm. Programmed feedrate
satisfy the constraints. The problem could be formulated as a non- is F = 100 mm/s, and acceleration and jerk limits of the drives (X and Y
linear optimization problem and solved numerically. In order to avoid axis) are set to Amax = 3 × 103 mm/s2 and Jmax = 1 × 10 5 mm/ s 3, respec-
costly iterative schemes, the following analytical approach is developed tively.
to determine a sub-optimal cornering velocity. Fig. 9 (left hand side) shows application of “local corner smoothing”
Firstly, the cornering velocities are set identical to with a corner tolerance of ε = 9 μm . In this case, corners are well
Vck = Vck +1 = min{Vck , Vck +1}, and existence of a feasible solution is separated and thus they can be smoothened locally. Both axis jerk
checked from Eqs. (29) and (30). If a feasible solution could not be limits are utilized to generate fast cornering trajectories. Cornering
obtained, a scaling parameter is used to capture the relationship, velocities are computed identically as Vc = 13.26 mm/s. The JLAP profile
to stitch local corners is generated analytically, and the resultant total
⎧ a ′ k = αa k ⎫ ⎧ a ′ k = αa k ⎫
⎪ my my ⎪ cycle time is 0.357 s.
⎪ mx mx ⎪ ⎪ k ⎪
⎨ vmx k 2
′ = α vmx k ⎬, ⎨ vmy 2 k
′ = α vmy ⎬ where0 ≤ α ≤ 1 On the other hand, when the cornering tolerance increased to
⎪
⎪ s ′ k = α 3(s k − x k ) + x k ⎪
⎪ ⎪ k ⎪ ε = 80 μm , locally smoothened corner trajectories overlap as discussed
⎩ mx c⎭
⎪ smy 3 k k k⎪
mx c ⎩ ′ = α (smy − yc ) + yc ⎭ in Section 3.2. Since the linear distance between locally smoothened
(31) corners is less than zero the algorithm presented in Section 3.2 is
applied. As shown in Fig. 9 (right hand side), overlapping corners are
and seek for a faster cornering motion. Including the scaling factor, α , traveled in an uninterrupted fashion. The overlapping corner inter-
the total unknowns to plan overlapping cornering motion becomes 8; polation can keep cornering velocity higher as compared to the local
namely, α , Tm, λx , jm1x , jm2x , λ y , jm1y , jm2y . Firstly, the interpolation time corner interpolation technique. Fig. 9c and d show generated axis
Tm is approximated using linear distance in between the corners and the acceleration and jerk profiles. As shown, the acceleration and jerk
average velocity as: limits of the drives are fully utilized, the motion is continuous and
smooth, and the total cycle time could be reduced to 0.317 s.
89
S. Tajima, B. Sencer International Journal of Machine Tools & Manufacture 121 (2017) 81–95
Fig. 9. Right-handed consecutive corner smoothing using local and overlapping cornering interpolation techniques.
5. Experimental results mented tool-path shown in Fig. 11. A part from the first and last long
linear moves, the spiral geometry is discretized densely with 1 mm long
Experimental validation and benchmark comparisons of the linear segments. The “local” and “global” corner smoothing algorithms
proposed technique are performed on the Cartesian X-Y motion from Sections 3.1 and 3.2 are implemented separately. These two
system shown in Fig. 10. The planar X-Y motion table is driven by 3 interpolation algorithms are then compared to a point-to-point (P2P)
linear motors. The heavier X-axis is designed as gantry and carries interpolation technique, which demands a full stop at each corner. All
the lighter Y-axis. In order to implement proposed algorithms, servo algorithms are sampled and commanded in real-time to the servo
amplifiers are set to operate in torque (current) control mode. Closed controllers. The desired feedrate is set to F = 100 mm/s. Axis accelera-
loop control is implemented in the Dspace DS1103® real time tion and jerk limits are fixed to Amax = 2000 mm/s2 and
control system by reading linear encoder feedback at a resolution Jmax = 50,000 mm/s3, respectively.
of 0.1 µm and commanding torque signal to the servos at a closed Fig. 11 illustrates the tool-path geometry smoothened by “local”
loop sampling interval of Ts = 0.1 ms. Both X and Y drives are and “global” corner smoothing methods. The desired cornering toler-
controlled by P-PI cascade motion controllers with velocity feed- ance is set to ε = 50 μm . Both, local and the global corner smoothing
forward action. The position feedback control bandwidths of the algorithms successfully smoothen the discrete path geometry and
axes are roughly matched at ωn = 50 Hz to ensure good motion deliver a continuous motion. Nevertheless, the “local” corner-smooth-
synchronization and contouring [32]. ing algorithm lowers the predefined cornering tolerance if the corners
Firstly, 3 different interpolation algorithms are implemented and are close to each other. This is because local corner smoothing
compared experimentally on smoothing a “spiral shaped” short-seg- algorithm cannot interpolate overlapping corners and so it enforces
90
S. Tajima, B. Sencer International Journal of Machine Tools & Manufacture 121 (2017) 81–95
some linear distance in-between corners. Cornering errors are reduced motion scheme is barely utilized in modern machine tools. It is
from the preset value down to ε = 0.4–13.3 μm based on the corner implemented there to highlight the importance of corner smoothing.
angle. On the other hand, the “global” corner interpolation algorithm The local cornering technique, on the other hand, delivers a faster
generates smoothed cornering trajectory while mostly reaching the motion time. The acceleration profile is continuous, and limits of the
desired cornering tolerance. drives are fully utilized at every corner. Due to the obtuse corner
Fig. 12 presents the resultant kinematic profiles. As expected, the geometry, mostly jerk limits of the drives are saturated. Similar to the
P2P motion strategy shows cyclic motion kinematics and delivers the P2P interpolation scheme, feed profile is fluctuating and motion
longest cycle time. Due to short linear moves, commanded feedrate decelerates and accelerates in-between corners as it attempts to attain
along the tool-path is never reached. Please note that this type of higher speeds. Finally, the proposed global corner smoothing technique
91
S. Tajima, B. Sencer International Journal of Machine Tools & Manufacture 121 (2017) 81–95
Table 1
Cycle time and contouring performance comparison along spiral tool-path.
Algorithms Cycle time Cycle time Contour error Computational time [s] Unit computational effort
Reduction in [μm] (Total computation time/total cycle
percentage time)
[s] [%]
RMS Max
92
S. Tajima, B. Sencer International Journal of Machine Tools & Manufacture 121 (2017) 81–95
93
S. Tajima, B. Sencer International Journal of Machine Tools & Manufacture 121 (2017) 81–95
Table 2 geometries. As shown, the proposed method, FIR filtering and the
Cycle time and contouring performance comparison. Bezier spline techniques all smoothen “local” corners at ε = 100 μm
tolerance. However, along short-segmented regions of the tool-path,
Algorithms Cycle Cycle time Contour error [μm]
time reduction in Bezier method overrides the set cornering tolerance to generate feasible
[s] percentage [%] RMS Max trajectories. Thus, it locally smoothens the path, which in return
elongates cycle times and generates interrupted motion with large
Global 3.457 45.0 2.4001 12.7891
fluctuation in acceleration and jerk profiles. The FIR filtering method
(overlapping)
Interpolation cannot cope with short-segmented sections either. In this experiment,
FIR Interpolation 3.774 39.8 2.1930 8.7736 FIR filter parameters are iteratively tuned to make sure that the corner
Bezier (Local) 4.092 34.7 2.1038 9.0324 tolerance and axis kinematic limits are respected along the short-
Interpolation segmented section of the path. In fact, the FIR technique needs to be
P2P Interpolation 6.270 Base 2.1446 12.0504
re-tuned different tool-paths.
Fig. 15 depicts the kinematic motion profiles of each method. The
However, the unit computational expense for interpolating the global programmed feedrate is F = 150 mm/s, and axis acceleration and jerk
and local corner smoothing algorithms with the proposed LAW limit are set to Amax = 2000 mm/s2 and Jmax = 50,000 mm/s3, respectively.
technique requires very comparable computational effort to local Fig. 15a shows the path (tangential) velocity profiles. As shown,
corner smoothing technique. This justifies that the proposed method proposed global interpolation algorithm delivers the fastest cycle time.
can be implemented in modern NC systems conveniently. Observed from the jerk profiles, the motion profiles are smoother with
Finally, a more complicated tool-path in the shape of a “hearth” shown less fluctuation in velocity, acceleration and jerk. Proposed method
in Fig. 14 is smoothened to benchmark contribution of the “global” corner uses significantly less jerk to interpolate along densely discretized tool-
smoothing technique. The tool-path consists of long linear segments with path section. This is mainly due to the fact that the proposed global
separated corners, and short ( < 2 mm) dense linear segments in the smoothing technique can interpolate overlapping corners with unin-
middle section. Motion direction also changes suddenly in the center of terrupted acceleration profiles. Notice that Bezier technique exceeds
the tool-path. 4 Different methods are compared to each other; namely jerk limits of the drives due to deficiencies in the real-time interpola-
the proposed 1-step “global” corner smoothing method, the 1-step “FIR” tion stated in the literature [6,8] and mentioned in Section 1 of the
filtering method [25], the “Bezier Spline” based 2-step local corner manuscript. Similarly, the FIR filtering method exceeds jerk limits of
smoothing technique [16], and finally the basic P2P interpolation. The the drives during short-segmented section of the tool-path. Both
FIR filtering method is a 1-step method since it directly filters the techniques deliver significantly more fluctuating feedrate profiles.
reference tool-path. It is capable of controlling separated corner toler- This typically results in a rougher surface finish of the manufactured
ances. But, it is not capable of accurately controlling cornering tolerance of parts. The cycle time comparison is presented in Table 2. The proposed
overlapping sections. Therefore, FIR filter parameters are hand tuned by global smoothing technique can reduce cycle time almost by half as
trial-and-error to make sure that the cornering tolerance is respected in compared to the basic P2P type interpolation. It also delivers faster
the middle of the tool-path, both axis acceleration and jerk limits are cycle time than Bezier and FIR filtering methods.
respected, and a rapid feed motion is achieved. Similarly, the Bezier spline Finally, experimental contouring errors are presented in Fig. 16. As
based corner smoothing technique is only capable of controlling local shown, the root mean square (RMS) average errors (See Table 2) are
cornering errors. very similar. The maximum contour errors are also comparable. The
The cornering tolerance is set to ε = 100 μm for all the methods, and Bezier corner smoothing technique generates interrupted acceleration
Fig. 14 shows actual and smoothened, i.e. interpolated, tool-path profiles. Hence, this adverse effect is particularly clear from contouring
94
S. Tajima, B. Sencer International Journal of Machine Tools & Manufacture 121 (2017) 81–95
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95
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un calme que démentait le trouble de sa voix.
«Boucbélère, dit-il d’abord, veuillez vous retirer.»
Puis, quand le délinquant fut parti, l’oreille basse:
«Ma chère Ida et vous, monsieur Delannes, je vous fais juges, tous deux,
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détresse humaine, cela ne se défend que par l’excellence du but que l’on
veut atteindre. Un pareil spectacle force à réfléchir, à rentrer en soi-même;
il apporte une leçon douloureuse et, par conséquent, un bienfait. On oublie
si vite sa santé! Être normal, cela paraît tout naturel; on n’y songe pas... Je
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Il se tut, il s’éloigna d’un pas rapide, sentant qu’il ne se tenait plus en
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Mme Randal ne paraissait nullement émue.
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Il ne restait à Delannes que de prendre congé.
XI
Pendant le jour, Mathieu errait souvent aux abords du camp, et le soir,
après la fermeture des grilles, s’attardait en de longues causeries, jusqu’à
l’heure où un tintement de cloche annonçait pour tous la fin de la veillée.
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pratiques; je les suis.
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corde, ses projets, ses tentatives, ses erreurs et ses réussites. Le ton sincère
qu’il met à m’expliquer tout cela finit par me convaincre. Je partage bientôt
ses peines et ses plaisirs... Il m’arrive de chercher avec lui quelque
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D’autres me racontent de belles histoires, simples comme des images
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certains préjugés: elle se méfiera volontiers de quelqu’un que les enfants ni
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Ils se quittent.
Le paysage vaut, en effet, d’être contemplé longuement. Immobiles, sans
un frisson de feuilles, les arbres se dressent, tout argentés, devant leurs
ombres bleues, et le gazon prend d’étranges teintes mauves. Enfin, sur la
mer, c’est une vaste scintillation de féerie, une piste éblouissante, poudrée
de diamants pour quelque divine chevauchée.
Le camp, moins silencieux que d’habitude, ne dort pas encore. Des feux
brillent de-ci, de-là, on entend parfois sonner des rires... Un peu de musique
passe, poussive ou grêle, qui n’offre rien d’émouvant mais qui n’inquiète
pas trop l’oreille.—Sans doute, Sam Harland joue-t-il de l’accordéon, sa
pipe à la bouche, l’œil malin, l’air bonhomme et satisfait, puis ce sera John
Plug, palefrenier de son état, acrobate à ses heures et connu par sa virtuosité
sur un instrument soufflé en figure obèse de citrouille, dont il se sert à
merveille au cours d’un numéro de clowneries fantasques. De ce fruit
démesuré qu’il lui faut saisir à pleins bras, il tire une toute petite mélodie
dessinée en fil de fer, qui monte et se tortille, anormale et falote, presque
plaisante.
On chante aussi: chansons populaires, sentimentales, souvenirs du pays
natal, évocations d’images lointaines... près du foyer, là-bas, une mère
tricote, elle attend; penchée à sa fenêtre, une fiancée rêve; sujets de cartes
postales. Aucun hymne: la fête gardera, ce soir, un ton laïque, un ton très
moral aussi, car personne, bien entendu, ne boit de vin, à l’intérieur du
camp, et toute joie grossière est interdite par un règlement signé James
Randal, dûment affiché, qui, en paragraphes précis, loue ou réprouve,
conseille ou blâme les formes diverses du plaisir. On s’y conforme; on ne
s’amuse pas moins.
Mathieu reste debout devant une barrière de bois, non loin du hangar
illuminé, ruche de chants et de rires. On l’aperçoit, on crie aussitôt à l’ami
«français» d’entrer au plus vite; il est reçu avec des paroles bruyantes de
bon accueil où le «welcome!» domine.
XII
Plus tard, Mathieu se rappela souvent cette nuit et son croissant de lune
et cette longue veillée.
Une trentaine de convives sont installés autour de quelques tréteaux,
devant de hautes cruches pleines de limonade. Chacun a son gobelet;
certains l’accrochent à leur ceinture et, souffrant de rester immobiles,
marchent de long en large, la pipe à la bouche, puis reviennent boire;
certains jouent aux dominos, aux dames, d’autres au bilboquet, le plus
sérieusement du monde, en comptant les coups, sauf un maladroit qui
s’excuse de ses ratés par des contorsions burlesques.—Peu de femmes: miss
Jones, la dactylographe du chef, trois écuyères mariées, la caissière,
personne mûre dont les lunettes n’attristent pas le visage souriant et joufflu;
celle-ci tricote des bas et cause avec tout le monde; qui donc l’a surnommée
«Joy-for-ever», à cause de sa constante et facile gaîté? on ne l’appelle pas
autrement. Sous la visière de sa casquette, une maigre, très maigre dame
interprète, qui sait mal toutes les langues parlées, discourt de mille choses,
sur quel ton d’assurance! enfin Rachel Boucbélère, minuscule, vêtue de
noir, fripée, l’air mécontent et boudeur, fait sans trêve des patiences sur le
coin d’un tréteau, manie nerveusement ses cartes crasseuses, puis son
collier d’ambre, quand «ça ne vient pas», et prend, en désespoir de cause,
une expression sournoise du plus haut comique pour tricher inaperçue.
Boucbélère la surveille de loin, gras, sale, des bagues aux doigts.
Mathieu s’assit entre Sam Harland et Avery Leslie.
«Vous auriez dû arriver plus tôt, dit Harland, notre camarade Boucbélère
vient de chanter une chanson que je n’ai pas très bien comprise, mais qui...
—Ah! c’est qu’il y avait de l’argot de Paris, s’écria Boucbélère d’une
voix alliacée, si vous voulez...
—Merci, je dois la connaître, interrompit Mathieu, craignant qu’il ne
recommençât.
—Un de ces soirs, fit Avery Leslie, moi aussi, je vous chanterai une
chanson. Je l’ai entendue, d’abord, en me promenant sur les quais du Havre,
la nuit, devant les bateaux, et je n’ai pas été long à l’apprendre... Je ne sais
pas qui la chantait. C’est une chanson pour monter le long de la corde
oblique, avec le balancier ou le parasol. Elle exprime le danger, la joie,
l’espoir d’arriver et la prudence qu’il faut garder jusqu’au bout, et
l’impatience qui me travaille à mi-chemin... Je la chanterai en moi-même,
pour moi-même; elle sera mon guide... Non, je ne vous la chanterai pas ici,
car vous n’entendriez rien du tout; c’est une chanson pour le cœur.
—Et comment avez-vous senti que cette chanson vous était destinée?
—Je vais vous le dire, monsieur Mathieu, mais il ne faudra pas vous
moquer... Tous ces cordages, n’est-ce pas, tendus devant la mer, éclairés par
la lune et les feux, et qui s’entre-croisaient, cela me faisait tourner la tête; je
souffrais de ce vertige dont j’ai peur quand je travaille... Mais la chanson
montait si droit, malgré les ficelles et les lumières, qu’elle me rendait toute
ma confiance, tout mon équilibre; le malaise disparut et j’appris la chanson.
—Mon cher Leslie, répondit Mathieu, chacun de nous a besoin d’une
chanson pareille pour les passages difficiles de sa vie, mais certains ne la
trouvent jamais; il faut, je crois, la mériter d’abord, à votre façon.
—Tu vois, Avery, dit Sam Harland, que M. Mathieu n’avait pas envie de
se moquer de toi.»
Auprès des autres causeries, plus bruyantes, celle-ci, à voix presque
basse, se perpétuait entre Mathieu, le danseur de corde et l’écuyer.
«Déjà, dit Mathieu, quand vous montez le long de la corde, vous avez
soin de fixer votre regard à son extrémité. Vous ne faites pas autre chose,
quand vous chantez en vous-même: vous fixez votre pensée...
—Oh! oui!...
—Moi aussi, monsieur Mathieu, dit Sam Harland, je fixe ma pensée. Le
métier d’écuyer, ce n’est pas une route unie. Il faut prendre garde à la
bouteille de gin sur la droite, à la bouteille de whisky sur la gauche, qui
vous font signe, toutes deux, de descendre et de goûter, et puis il y a des
fossés et des caniveaux que l’on ne voit pas d’abord, où le cheval
s’embronche, et surtout, il y a la fatigue de rester en selle si longtemps,
quand on pourrait être mieux assis dans un bar, avec des camarades et des
compagnes, ce qui ne servirait qu’à mener ces hommes et ces femmes dans
la même prison... Alors, moi, pour ne pas trop pécher, je fixe ma pensée,
comme vous dites, je fixe ma pensée sur une belle image, et, tout de suite,
je n’ai plus envie de boire ni de toucher au vice.»
Il parlait simplement, tranquillement, semblant avoir peur de faire des
phrases ou de paraître trop sérieux. Afin de s’excuser un peu, il
accompagna ses dernières paroles d’un sourire...
Mais un incident sut distraire tout le monde. La porte du fond s’ouvrit,
chacun se leva. On se mit à chanter de nouveau, un chœur cette fois, que
l’on eût dit entonné par ordre ou pour faire honneur.
Quelqu’un entrait.
Le chant montait, unanime, véritable hymne de salutation. Les amateurs
de bilboquet haussèrent leurs boules à bout de bras et John Plug, étreignant
passionnément sa citrouille, la délivra d’un cri de petit pourceau...
«Ratée! pour la septième fois!» gémit Rachel Boucbélère en brouillant
ses cartes...
Alors, on vit s’avancer, coiffée d’un voile gris qui serrait ses cheveux,
vêtue d’un tailleur gris de coupe nette, une badine à la main, souriante,
élégante, élancée, le regard posé devant elle comme sur des sujets de sa
dépendance, la reine de la troupe, son idole peut-être: Ida Randal.
XIII
Cette entrée fit sensation. Mathieu songeait à des scènes de cinéma où
l’héroïne, impatiemment attendue, paraît enfin; et pourtant, quoi de plus
naturel? Ida Randal se joignait aux réjouissances de sa troupe réunie, un
soir de fête.
«Plug! s’écria-t-elle en riant clair, n’oubliez surtout pas ce que vous avez
inventé, à l’instant: ce cri nouveau, sorti de votre citrouille! Je vous promets
un beau succès si vous le retrouvez au cirque, dans un sketch!
—On inventerait bien autre chose pour l’amuser, dit Avery Leslie à mi-
voix.
—Ah! pour sûr! affirma Sam Harland, en passant sa pipe dans le coin
gauche de sa bouche.
—Et tous, mes amis, je vous remercie de cet accueil... Bonsoir,
Boucbélère, Leslie, Harland; bonsoir, Joy-for-ever.»
Ravie, les yeux au ciel, la caissière soupira:
«Dear lady!
—Bonsoir, Rachel! Ah! monsieur Delannes, c’est gentil de nous rendre
visite.
—Madame, je passe une soirée excellente...»