Information processing method, information processing apparatus, and recording medium

Abstract

Disclosed is an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and a recording medium. The information processing method includes preparing first data containing information of a workpiece, information of a product, and information of a plurality of tools used for machining the workpiece to manufacture the product. The information processing method includes instructing a job for generating second data by using the first data. The second data contains information of respective paths of the plurality of tools. The information processing method includes displaying, on a display section, a status of information processing of the job after the job is instructed. The display includes displaying, on the display section, a status of first information processing of calculating a shape of machining formed by a first tool included in the plurality of tools and a status of second information processing of calculating a path of the first tool executed after the first information processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the processing of information related to the path of a tool. Background Technology

[0002] A machining support system is known that supports the machining of workpieces into products using numerical control (NC) machining devices. Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-269501 discloses a machining NC data generation tool application that generates machining NC data based on the shape information of the workpiece and product, and a machining process including tool type designed by a machining process design tool application. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-269501 discloses displaying the execution status of each computer-aided manufacturing application (CAM application) used for initial input commands on a client terminal.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-269501 discloses that the processing time for a machining NC data generation tool application is longer than that of other CAM applications. When processing a workpiece into a product using multiple tools, it takes even longer to generate the machining NC data for all multiple tools. This results in wasted waiting time and extended delivery times when a fault is discovered after such a long period. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an information processing method includes: preparing first data, the first data including information about a workpiece, information about a product, and information about a plurality of tools for machining the workpiece to manufacture the product. The information processing method includes: instructing an operation for generating second data using the first data. The second data includes information about the respective paths of the plurality of tools. The information processing method includes: displaying the status of information processing of the operation on a display unit after instructing the operation. The display includes: displaying on the display unit the status of a first information processing operation that calculates the shape of a machined part formed by a first tool included among the plurality of tools, and the status of a second information processing operation that calculates the path of the first tool, performed after the first information processing.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the invention, an information processing apparatus includes a processor. The processor is configured to perform processing for preparing first data, the first data including information about a workpiece, information about a product, and information about a plurality of tools for machining the workpiece to manufacture the product. The processor is configured to perform processing for instructing a task to generate second data using the first data. The second data includes information about the respective paths of the plurality of tools. The processor is configured to perform processing for displaying information processing of the task on a display unit after instructing the task. The display processing includes: displaying on the display unit the status of a first information processing that calculates the shape of a machined part formed by a first tool included among the plurality of tools, and the status of a second information processing that calculates the path of the first tool, performed after the first information processing.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the invention, an information processing method includes acquiring first data, the first data including information about a workpiece, information about a product, and information about a plurality of tools for manufacturing the product by machining the workpiece. The information processing method includes generating second data using the first data. The second data includes information about the respective paths of the plurality of tools. Generating the second data includes performing a first information processing step of calculating the shape of a machined part formed by a first tool included in the plurality of tools, and a second information processing step of calculating the path of the first tool, performed after the first information processing step.

[0007] Further features of the invention will become clear from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is an illustrative diagram showing an example of a system including an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a block diagram used to describe the functions of the information processing apparatus and server according to embodiments.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional model according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5B This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an example of an interface image according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 These are explanatory diagrams of interface images according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7A This refers to the Gantt chart showing the timeline generated by the tool path, which illustrates a comparative example.

[0016] Figure 7B This refers to a Gantt chart that shows a timeline generated according to the tool path in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 This is an illustrative diagram generated based on the tool path in the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9A This is an explanatory diagram of the reverse offset method according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9B This is an explanatory diagram of the reverse offset method according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9C This is an explanatory diagram of the reverse offset method according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10A This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an example of an interface image according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10B This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an example of an interface image according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10C This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an example of an interface image according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10D This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an example of an interface image according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 11A This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an example of an interface image according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 11B This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an example of an interface image according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 11C This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an example of an interface image according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 12A This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an example of an interface image according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 12B This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an example of an interface image according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 13A This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of simulation results of electrical discharge machining according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 13BThis is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of simulation results of electrical discharge machining according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an example of a system 1000 including an information processing apparatus 300 according to an embodiment. System 1000 is a client-server system. The information processing apparatus 300 includes at least a processor. The information processing apparatus 300 is a client personal computer—a client PC—composed of computers. The information processing apparatus 300 is connected to multiple servers 3 via router 1101, network 1100, and router 1102, enabling data transfer between them. Note that a storage device 916 is connected to the multiple servers 3. Each server 3 is a computing server composed of computers, and the storage device 916 is a data server.

[0034] The information processing apparatus 300 includes, for example, a display device 302 serving as a display unit and, for example, an input device 303 serving as an input unit. Examples of the display device 302 include a graphics tablet included in the information processing apparatus 300, a display device connected to the graphics tablet, etc., and are capable of displaying interface images used as a user interface. The display device 302 may have a single-monitor configuration or a multi-monitor configuration. The input device 303 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and receives input from the user. The user can input input information into the information processing apparatus 300 by operating the input device 303. It should be noted that the display unit and the input unit may also be composed of a touch panel, allowing the user to perform input operations on the touch panel by touching the screen.

[0035] Furthermore, the information processing device 300 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 311, which functions as a processor capable of performing information processing. Additionally, the information processing device 300 includes a read-only memory (ROM) 312, a random access memory (RAM) 313, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 314 as storage units. Furthermore, the information processing device 300 includes a recording disk drive 315 and a communication module 316. The CPU 311, ROM 312, RAM 313, HDD 314, recording disk drive 315, communication module 316, display device 302, and input device 303 are interconnected via a bus 310.

[0036] ROM 312 is a non-transient storage device. ROM 312 stores the basic program loaded by CPU 311 when the computer is started. RAM 313 is a transient storage device for arithmetic processing by CPU 311. HDD 314 is an example of an internal storage device and is a non-transient storage device that stores various data such as the results of arithmetic processing by CPU 311. In this embodiment, HDD 314 stores program 350 and computer-aided design software—CAD software—360. That is, program 350 and CAD software 360 ​​are installed in information processing device 300. Program 350 is application software. CPU 311 performs the processing described later by executing program 350. Furthermore, CPU 311 can generate CAD data based on input information from the user by executing CAD software 360 ​​and display an image corresponding to the CAD data on display device 302. Information processing device 300 is a computer in which program 350 can be executed by a processor (i.e., CPU 311). Display device 302, input device 303, communication module 316, etc., are not necessarily included in information processing device 300, but can be provided separately from information processing device 300 and attached to it from the outside.

[0037] The recording disk drive 315 can read various data, programs, etc., recorded on the recording disk 340. The communication module 316 is, for example, a local area network (LAN) module, and can communicate with the server 3 via wired or wireless communication with the router 1101.

[0038] It should be noted that in this embodiment, HDD 314 is a non-transient recording medium that can be read by a computer's processor and stores program 350. However, the configuration is not limited to this. Program 350 can be recorded on any recording medium, as long as the recording medium is a non-transient recording medium that can be read by a computer's processor. Examples of recording media for supplying program 350 to a computer include floppy disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, magnetic tapes, and non-volatile memory.

[0039] Router 1101 is connected to storage device 14 and machining apparatus 17. Therefore, information processing device 300 is able to communicate data with storage device 14 and machining apparatus 17. Machining apparatus 17 includes machining machine 171 and direct numerical control (DNC) equipment 172. Machining machine 171 is equipped with multiple tools. DNC equipment 172 controls machining machine 171 based on NC data, and thus machining machine 171 processes workpieces to manufacture products.

[0040] In this embodiment, an example of manufacturing an electrode by the machining apparatus 17 will be described. This electrode is used to manufacture a mold by electrical discharge machining of a metal workpiece. That is, in this embodiment, the case where the product manufactured by machining a workpiece by the machining machine 171 is an electrode will be described as an example. Multiple electrodes are required to manufacture the mold.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the information processing apparatus 300 and the server 3 according to an embodiment. For ease of description, Figure 2 Only one of the multiple servers 3 is shown in the diagram. Figure 1 The CPU 311 executes program 350, therefore it is used as Figure 2 The interface unit 4 and the transmission unit 13 are included. The interface unit 4 includes the functions of a setting unit 5, a display controller 6, and an indicator unit 7. The server 3 includes a communication module 911, a path calculation module 11, and a simulation module 12. That is, the program used as the path calculation module 11 and the program used as the simulation module 12 are installed in each of the plurality of servers 3.

[0042] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Each of the above is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment. Figure 3 The diagram shows a flowchart indicating the processing procedure of the information processing device 300. Figure 4 The diagram shows a flowchart indicating the processing procedure of server 3. The following description uses the case where multiple products to be manufactured by machining unit 17 have four electrodes as an example. By executing program 350, the CPU 311 of information processing unit 300 functions as setting unit 5, display controller 6, indicator unit 7, and transmission unit 13, and executes... Figure 3 Each step of the information processing method shown.

[0043] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional model according to an embodiment. Figure 5A The diagram illustrates a part model 140 corresponding to the part constituting the mold, and four electrode models 141 to 144 corresponding to the four electrodes used to form the part by electrical discharge machining. Models 140 to 144 are associated with workpiece models 130 to 134 corresponding to the workpiece, respectively. Models 130 to 134 and 140 to 144 contain three-dimensional models and material information of CAD data (shape data) generated by CAD software 360.

[0044] Figure 5BThis is an explanatory diagram of an example of interface image I1 according to an embodiment. Here, for example, workpiece model 131 is a model of a first workpiece, and workpiece model 132 is a model of a second workpiece. Furthermore, electrode model 141 is a model of a first electrode used as a first product, and electrode model 142 is a model of a second electrode used as a second product.

[0045] First, in step S101, the display controller 6 displays an interface image I1, which serves as a user interface, on the display device 302.

[0046] The interface image I1 includes an operable execution button 147, an operable tree display area 148, and an operable model display area 149. The interface image I1 is displayed as a window on the display device 302. It should be noted that the display controller 6 can use the functions of the CAD software 360 ​​to display the interface image I1.

[0047] The display controller 6 displays a tree in the tree display area 148 corresponding to "Part A" and the four electrodes "Electrode A", "Electrode B", "Electrode C", and "Electrode D". "Part A" is the parent node. "Part A" is assigned four child nodes "Electrode A", "Electrode B", "Electrode C", and "Electrode D". In addition, the display controller 6 displays images 160 to 164 corresponding to models 140 to 144 in the model display area 149.

[0048] Electrode A through Electrode D are associated with electrode models 141 through 144, respectively. In the display area, Electrode A refers to electrode model 141, Electrode B refers to electrode model 142, Electrode C refers to electrode model 143, and Electrode D refers to electrode model 144. Images 161 through 164 in the model display area 149 are associated with electrode models 141 through 144, respectively.

[0049] In step S102, the setting unit 5 receives operations from the user on the interface image I1. For example, when the user operates "Electrode A" in the tree display area 148, the setting unit 5 sets the corresponding electrode model 141 as a loading candidate. Furthermore, for example, when the user operates "Part A" in the tree display area 148, the setting unit 5 sets all four electrode models 141 to 144 as loading candidates. Furthermore, for example, when the user operates image 161 in the model display area 149, the setting unit 5 sets the corresponding electrode model 141 as a loading candidate. Furthermore, for example, when the user operates image 160 in the model display area 149, the setting unit 5 sets all four electrode models 141 to 144 as loading candidates. As described above, the user can select the electrode to be manufactured while viewing the interface image I1, thereby improving the user's operating efficiency. Furthermore, since all electrode models 141 to 144 are selected only by the user selecting "Part A" or the image 160 corresponding to part model 140, the user's operating efficiency is further improved.

[0050] If the user does not operate the execute button 147, that is, if the result of step S103 is "No", the setting unit 5 maintains a standby state for selecting loading candidates. If the user operates the execute button 147, that is, if the result of step S103 is "Yes", in step S104, the setting unit 5 loads data from the CAD software 360 ​​containing the electrode model set as a loading candidate and the workpiece model corresponding to the electrode model. The loaded electrode model serves as information for the electrode, that is, information for the product. Furthermore, the loaded workpiece model serves as information for the workpiece.

[0051] It should be noted that although it has been mentioned that the settings unit 5 loads this data from the CAD software 360, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the settings unit 5 can load this data from internal or external storage devices, or from an external device via a network. Furthermore, although the settings unit 5 starts the data loading operation when the execution button 147 is operated, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the loading operation of the corresponding data can be started each time the user operates a specific part of the tree display area 148 or the model display area 149.

[0052] The following description will take the case where the setting unit 5 loads four electrode models 141 to 144 and four corresponding workpiece models 131 to 134 as an example. In step S105, based on each loaded electrode model 141 to 144, the setting unit 5 automatically selects each machining mode corresponding to the electrode models 141 to 144 by referring to preset data. The data referred to by the setting unit 5 in this step S105 is data pre-generated by the operator by performing machining tests and adjusting the tool type, tool movement speed, rotation speed, machining type, etc.

[0053] The machining mode includes information about multiple tools used to manufacture the corresponding electrode by machining the corresponding workpiece, information about the machining type of each tool, and information about the machining conditions of each tool. The tool information refers to the tools set in the machining machine 171, and includes the type of tool, such as a drill or end mill, the diameter of the tool, and the length of the tool. The machining type information indicates the type of tool path, such as rough contour machining, fine contour machining, or surface machining. The machining condition information includes the tool's travel speed and rotational speed.

[0054] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of interface image I2 according to an embodiment. In step S106, the display controller 6 displays interface image I2, which serves as the user interface. Interface image I2 includes a text box 151, a browse button 152, a table 153, and an execute button 156. Interface image I2 is displayed as a single window on the display device 302.

[0055] exist Figure 6 In Table 153, the names of the electrodes used to manufacture the product (e.g., electrode A, electrode B, electrode C, and electrode D) and the selection results of the machining patterns PA to PD corresponding to each electrode are displayed as a list. Table 153 contains several items 154, 155, and 157. Item 154 displays the product name. Item 155 displays the machining pattern name. Item 157 displays the names of the sub-patterns that constitute the machining pattern.

[0056] Electrodes A through D correspond to machining patterns PA through PD, respectively. Each machining pattern PA through PD contains information about multiple tools. For example, we will describe the case where machining pattern PA corresponding to electrode A contains information about four tools. Each machining pattern PA through PD contains multiple sub-patterns A, B, C, ... Sub-patterns A, B, C, ... each contain information about one tool, information about the machining type of the corresponding tool, and information about the machining conditions of the corresponding tool. Therefore, as a result of containing multiple sub-patterns, each machining pattern PA through PD contains information about multiple tools, information about the machining type of each of the multiple tools, and information about the machining conditions of each of the multiple tools.

[0057] Information about each tool is associated with the displayed names T1, T2, T3... That is, names T1, T2, T3... are information about the respective tools. Information about each machining type is associated with the displayed names P1, P2, P3... That is, names P1, P2, P3... are information about the respective machining types. Information about each machining condition is associated with the displayed names C1, C2... That is, names C1, C2... are information about the respective machining conditions. Therefore, the user can identify information about multiple tools, machining types, and machining conditions for each of electrodes A to D by referring to the names displayed in Table 153.

[0058] Multiple tools used to manufacture each of electrodes A through D are used in the order of sub-patterns A, B, C... That is, the order of sub-patterns A, B, C... indicates the order in which multiple tools are used. Alternatively, the external document describes a predetermined order of tool use as a set of names—such as T1, T2, T3..., P1, P2, P3..., or C1, C2...—and the order of tool use can be determined based on the names described and displayed in the external document.

[0059] In step S107, the setting unit 5 receives user operations on the interface image I2. In table 153, the information (data) of sub-modes A, B, C... for each of the machining modes PA to PD can be changed by the user changing the name in table 153. This can be done by the user selecting from the displayed list or by text entered by the user. When the user changes the name of a sub-mode in table 153, the setting unit 5 changes the sub-mode information to the information corresponding to the changed name. For example, if the name P2 for sub-mode B corresponding to electrode A has been changed to P3 by the user, the setting unit 5 changes the machining type information in machining mode PA to the information corresponding to name P3. It should be noted that in table 153, the user can manually select a new electrode and the corresponding new machining mode. By displaying table 153 in the interface image I2, it is not necessary to open a different interface image for each product, and it becomes easier for the operator to view, change, or regenerate machining modes.

[0060] Text box 151 is used to specify the folder in which input data containing these machining patterns is stored. Browse button 152 is a button used to display a tree of folders. If the user does not operate the execute button 156, that is, if the result of step S108 is "No", the setting unit 5 maintains a standby state for changing or generating a new table 153.

[0061] When the user operates the execution button 156, that is, when the result of step S108 is "yes", in step S109, the setting unit 5 stores the data including the electrode model, the workpiece model, and the machining mode as input data in the folder specified in the interface image I2. As a result of the processing of the above steps S101 to S109, the input data is prepared. It should be noted that this folder is, for example, a folder in the HDD 314.

[0062] That is, the setting unit 5 prepares first data including workpiece model 131, electrode model 141, and machining mode PA as input data D11. The setting unit 5 prepares third data including workpiece model 132, electrode model 142, and machining mode PB as input data D12. The setting unit 5 prepares fifth data including workpiece model 133, electrode model 143, and machining mode PC as input data D13. The setting unit 5 prepares seventh data including workpiece model 134, electrode model 144, and machining mode PD as input data D14.

[0063] Next, in step S110, the instruction unit 7 sends the multiple jobs J1 to J4 corresponding to the multiple input data D11 to D14 to the server 3 together with the multiple input data D11 to D14, and thus instructs the server 3 to execute the multiple jobs J1 to J4.

[0064] Job J1 is used as the first job, job J2 as the second job, job J3 as the third job, and job J4 as the fourth job. Job J1 is used to generate NC data D21 as the second data using input data D11, and corresponds to electrode A. Job J2 is used to generate NC data D22 as the fourth data using input data D12, and corresponds to electrode B. Job J3 is used to generate NC data D23 as the sixth data using input data D13, and corresponds to electrode C. Job J4 is used to generate NC data D23 as the eighth data using input data D14, and corresponds to electrode D.

[0065] These input data D11 to D14 and jobs J1 to J4 are jointly sent to server 3 via network 1100 through a single user operation, such as user operation execution button 156. As a result, the user does not need to open the interface image separately for each of the multiple electrodes; instructions for multiple jobs J1 to J4 can be sent to server 3 at once, thus improving user operating efficiency. Furthermore, server 3 can continuously calculate the tool path, thereby improving server 3's operating efficiency. Therefore, delivery time is shortened.

[0066] The NC data D21 to D24 generated in server 3 each contain path information (data) for each of the multiple tools corresponding to them. For example, NC data D21 contains path information (data) for each of the four tools.

[0067] The processing of servers 3 that have received jobs J1 through J4 will be described. Multiple servers 3 perform distributed processing on the received jobs J1 through J4. Multiple servers 3 process jobs J1 through J4 sequentially. The processing for each of the multiple jobs J1 through J4 is substantially the same. Therefore, only the processing for job J1 will be described, and detailed descriptions of the processing for jobs J2 through J4 will be omitted.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, if no instruction is received from the information processing device 300, i.e., if the result of step S121 is "No", the server 3 is in a standby state for the instruction. If an instruction is received from the information processing device 300, i.e., if the result of step S121 is "Yes", the server 3 obtains input data in step S122 and performs path calculation processing in step S123. For example, in step S122, the server 3 obtains job J1 and the input data D11 corresponding to job J1 from the information processing device 300. Then, in step S123, the server 3 generates NC data D21 using the input data D11 corresponding to job J1. As described above, the server 3 generates NC data D21 corresponding to job J1.

[0069] First, the information processing for path calculation used in the comparison example will be described in detail. Figure 7A This is a Gantt chart illustrating the timeline of tool path generation for a comparative example. In the case where manufacturing electrode A requires multiple steps, a tool is used in each step. During cutting, the area that the tool can process varies depending on the tool's diameter, length, and roundness, and the shape of the uncut portion also varies. Here, the tool used for path calculation is a tool model based on tool information.

[0070] like Figure 7AAs shown, in the path calculation of the comparative example, in step S201, a path for a first tool corresponding to the workpiece shape is generated. Next, in step S202, the cutting of the workpiece shape is simulated based on the path of the first tool. As a result, the shape of the uncut portion is calculated based on the workpiece shape. Next, in step S203, a path for a second tool corresponding to the shape of the uncut portion is generated. Next, in step S204, the cutting of the uncut portion shape is simulated based on the path of the second tool. As mentioned above, the path calculation for the second tool in step S203 does not begin until the shape of the uncut portion is calculated in step S202. Therefore, the tool path calculation and the shape calculation of the uncut portion in all steps are serial calculations, which takes time to process. In particular, the processing of steps S201 and S203 takes time.

[0071] Figure 7B This is a Gantt chart illustrating the timeline generated by the tool path according to an embodiment. Figure 8 This is an illustrative diagram generated based on the tool path in the embodiment. Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the first tool 201, the second tool 202, and the third tool 203 in a set of four tool models. Figure 8 The figure shows the shape of the workpiece model 131, the shape of the electrode model 141, the shape 759 of the uncut portion as a machining shape formed by the first tool 201, and the shape 769 of the uncut portion as a machining shape formed by the second tool 202.

[0072] In this embodiment, the path calculation module 11 of one of the multiple servers 3 executes step S211, in which the cutting shape formed by the first tool 201, i.e., the uncut shape 759, is calculated. Tool 201 serves as the first tool, and step S211 can be used as first information processing. The uncut shape 759 calculated in step S211 differs from the uncut shape calculated based on the path calculation result in step S201, and can be calculated using the inverse offset method, which requires less computational load, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-242919. For the calculation of the uncut shape 759, information about the shape of the workpiece—i.e., workpiece model 131—, information about the tool 201, and information about the shape of the final product—i.e., electrode model 141—can be used. The information about the uncut shape 759 calculated in step S211 can be used in step S214, which is used to calculate the path of the second tool 202. Next, after step S211, the path calculation module 11 executes step S212, which calculates the path of the tool 201 based on the workpiece model 131 indicating the workpiece shape. Step S212 can be used as a second information processing step. Step S212 and... Figure 7A This corresponds to step S201. It should be noted that the information of the uncut portion shape 759 calculated in step S211 is not necessarily used in step S212 to calculate the path of the first tool 201.

[0073] In this embodiment, the path calculation module 11 of another of the plurality of servers 3 executes step S214, in which the path of the second tool 202 is calculated based on the uncut portion shape 759 obtained through the calculation in step S211. The second tool 202 is a tool used after the machining of the first tool 201. The second tool 202 serves as a second tool, and step S214 can be used as a third information processing step. Step S214 and Figure 7A This corresponds to step S203. For step S214, which calculates the path for the second tool 202, the shape information of the workpiece at the start of machining with the second tool 202 is used. The shape 759 of the uncut portion corresponds to the workpiece shape at the end of machining with the first tool 201, and also to the workpiece shape at the start of machining with the second tool 202. Therefore, if the shape 759 of the uncut portion is obtained in step S211, then step S214 for calculating the path for the second tool 202 can be executed. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different step.) Figure 7B As can be seen, steps S212 and S214 can be executed in parallel by multiple servers 3.

[0074] Path calculation module 11 between steps S211 and S214—that is, at the end time T of step S211. S2 and the start timing T of step S214 S4During the time period between steps, step S213 is performed to calculate the machining shape formed by the second tool 202—that is, the uncut portion shape 769. Step S213 can be used as a fourth information processing step. The uncut portion shape 769 calculated in step S213 can also be calculated using the computationally less computationally intensive inverse offset method. For the calculation of the uncut portion shape 769, information about the workpiece shape—that is, the uncut portion shape 759 calculated in step S211—, information about the tool 201, and information about the shape of the final product—that is, the electrode model 141—can be used. The information about the uncut portion shape 769 calculated in step S213 can be used in step S216, which is used to calculate the path of the third tool 203. In step S216 for calculating the path of the third tool 203, information about the workpiece shape when machining begins with the third tool 203 is used. The uncut portion shape 769 corresponds to the workpiece shape at the end of machining with the second tool 202, and also corresponds to the workpiece shape at the beginning of machining with the third tool 203. Therefore, when the uncut portion shape 769 is obtained in step S212, step S216 for calculating the path of the third tool 203 can be executed. The uncut portion shape 769 calculated in step S213 is not necessarily used in step S214 for calculating the path of the second tool 202. Figure 7B It can be seen that steps S212, S214, and S216 can be executed in parallel by multiple servers 3. It should be noted that in relatively simple machining operations such as 3-axis machining, the workpiece model 131 can be used instead of the uncut shape 759 in step S213 to calculate the uncut shape 769 formed by the second tool 202. In this case, the calculation of the uncut shape 769 formed by the second tool 202 in step S213 can begin before the calculation of the uncut shape 759 formed by the previous tool—i.e., the first tool 201—in step S211, and for example, steps S211 and S213 can be executed in parallel. In relatively complex machining operations such as 4-axis or 5-axis machining, the calculation of the uncut shape 769 formed by the next tool—i.e., the second tool 202—in step S213 can be performed using the uncut shape 759 formed by the previous tool—i.e., the first tool 201. That is, step S213 is executed after step S211.

[0075] As described above, according to this embodiment, since the uncut portion shape 759 is calculated using the inverse offset method in step S211, the path calculation of tool 202 can be performed in step S214 using the uncut portion shape 759 before the path calculation of tool 201 is completed. Because parallel calculation can be performed as described above, the calculation can be performed efficiently, thereby shortening the calculation time and delivery time. Furthermore, after obtaining the uncut portion shape 759 in step S211, the uncut portion shape 769 can be obtained immediately in the next step S213. Therefore, step S213 can be performed in parallel with the detailed path calculation in step S212, thereby shortening the calculation time and delivery time. The first and second tools have been described above, and this also applies to the third and fourth tools. It should be noted that the calculation described as being performed in parallel by multiple processors (servers) can be performed sequentially or in parallel by a single processor.

[0076] Figures 9A to 9C This is an explanatory diagram of the reverse offset method according to an embodiment. For example... Figure 9A As shown, the tool model 610 includes a main body shape 601 and a support shape 602. The path calculation module 11 generates the shape of the uncut portion using the product model 600 and the tool model 610. First, the path calculation module 11 calculates the inverse tool model 650 corresponding to the tool model 610. Next, as... Figure 9B As shown, the path calculation module 11 moves the inverse tool model 650 in a scanning manner, ensuring that the center point 605 of the inverse tool model 650 always coincides with the surface of the product model 600, and obtains the trajectory 606 drawn from the outermost peripheral surface of the inverse tool model 650. Next, as... Figure 9CAs shown, the path calculation module 11 moves the tool model 610 in a scanning manner, ensuring that the center point 603 of the tool model 610 always coincides with the trajectory 606. Then, the path calculation module 11 sets the region representing the difference between the trajectory drawn by the front end of the tool model 610 and the product model 600 as the uncut portion shape 607. Second and subsequent uncut portion shapes can be obtained by applying an inverse offset method to the preceding uncut portion shape, such as the product model. Furthermore, for the second and subsequent tools, temporary uncut portion shapes can be obtained by using an inverse offset method on the product model 600, and the portion overlapping the uncut portion shape formed by the previous tool and the temporary uncut portion shape can be set as the uncut portion shape. It should be noted that, as described above, when calculating the uncut portion shape formed by the second and subsequent tools using the workpiece model 131 instead of the uncut portion shape formed by the tool immediately preceding the tool of interest, it is preferable that the support shape 602 is set to be the same for all tools. Although an example of calculating the uncut portion shape has been described above, the method for calculating the uncut portion shape is not limited to the inverse offset method, as long as the method does not use a tool path. Furthermore, the tool model 610 can be pre-stored in a database in the server 3, or it can be included as tool information in the input data D11 to D14 and sent from the information processing device 300 to the server 3.

[0077] Here, after the instruction unit 7 has sent the instruction to execute jobs J1 to J4 in step S110, in step S111, the display controller 6 of the information processing device 300 displays the processing status of each of jobs J1 to J4 as an interface image on the display device 302. Figures 10A to 10D and Figures 11A to 11C This is an explanatory diagram of an example of interface image I3 according to an embodiment. Figures 10A to 10D and 11A to Figure 11C The interface image I3 shown is displayed on the display device 302 after instructions are given for tasks J1 to J4. Additionally, in Figures 10A to 10D and Figures 11A to 11C The interface image I3 shown displays the processing status of job J1 out of multiple jobs J1 to J4. For example... Figures 10A to 10D and Figures 11A to 11C As shown, the display controller 6 displays the interface image I3 on ​​the display device 302 according to the processing status of job J1. That is, the interface image I3 changes according to the processing status of server 3, therefore... Figures 10A to 10D and Figures 11A to 11C The example is shown below.

[0078] Server 3 sends data indicating processing status to information processing device 300 at predetermined time intervals. Display controller 6 updates interface image I3 based on the processing status data received from server 3. Therefore, the processing status of server 3 is displayed in interface image I3 almost in real time, allowing the user to identify the processing status of server 3 almost in real time. The processing status includes the calculation status and error status in the path calculation module 11 of each server 3, the calculation status and error status in the simulation module 12, etc. In information processing device 300, the various statuses that have been received are displayed in interface image I3.

[0079] It should be noted that examples of errors occurring in the path calculation module 11 of server 3 include failures in the difference set operation and missing model surfaces contained in the input data. Furthermore, examples of errors occurring in the simulation module 12 of server 3 include interference between the tool model's handle, support, or spindle and the workpiece model. Additionally, examples of errors occurring in the simulation module 12 of server 3 include undercutting errors and overcutting errors. Undercutting errors and overcutting errors correspond to the following situation: where the difference in a predetermined direction between the model surface obtained by subtracting the portion in which the tool model moves relative to the workpiece model in a scanning manner according to path information and the product's model surface is equal to or greater than a threshold.

[0080] The interface image I3 includes a tree display area 501 and a details display area 502 that displays detailed information about the processing status corresponding to the node selected in the tree display area 501. When the user selects "Electrode A" as the parent node in the tree display area 501, the display controller 6 expands and displays "Uncut Part Shape Calculation", "Path Calculation", "Simulation", "Transfer", etc., as child nodes branching from "Electrode A".

[0081] When the user selects "Uncut Part Shape Calculation," the display controller 6 shows "Tool 1," "Tool 2," "Tool 3," and "Tool 4," which are grandchild nodes branching from "Uncut Part Shape Calculation," and displays images indicating the corresponding processing status. In the displayed screen, "Tool 1" represents the first tool used, "Tool 2" represents the second tool used after the first tool, "Tool 3" represents the third tool used after the second tool, and "Tool 4" represents the fourth tool used after the third tool. Multiple tools used to machine a product are considered a series of tools. Multiple tools—a series of tools—correspond to the first set of multiple tools. For each of "Tool 1," "Tool 2," "Tool 3," and "Tool 4" branching from "Uncut Part Shape Calculation," one of the icon images 511 to 514 indicates the calculation status of the uncut part shape of the corresponding tool in the server 3. When the user selects "Path Calculation," the display controller 6 shows "Tool 1," "Tool 2," "Tool 3," and "Tool 4," which are grandchild nodes branching from "Path Calculation," and displays images indicating the corresponding processing status. For each of the "Tool 1", "Tool 2", "Tool 3", and "Tool 4" branches from "Path Calculation", one of the icon images 511 to 514 indicates the calculation status of the corresponding tool's path in server 3. Here, icon image 511 containing two vertical bars indicates "Not Calculated", icon image 512 containing a triangle indicates "Calculating", icon image 513 containing a circle indicates "Calculation Completed", and icon image 514 containing an x ​​mark indicates an error. By displaying the processing status of server 3 hierarchically in a tree structure in the tree display area 501, the user can easily grasp the processing status of the job assigned to server 3. For example, in Figure 10D In the interface image I3 shown, it can be easily seen from the two icon images 512 that the path calculation of the second tool ( Figure 7B Step S214) and the path calculation of the third tool ( Figure 7B Step S216) is executed in parallel. For example, in Figure 11B In the interface image I3 shown, it can be easily seen from the two icon images 512 that the path calculation of the first tool ( Figure 7B Step S212) and path calculation of the second tool Figure 7B Step S214) is executed in parallel. It should be noted that even if icon images 511 to 514 are not displayed in the tree display area 501, the fact that the path calculations of multiple tools are executed in parallel can be identified by checking the processing calculation status of each tool in the tool details display area 502. However, by displaying the status of multiple icon images in the interface image I3, it is easier to grasp the processing status of multiple tools.

[0082] When the user selects any one of "Tool 1", "Tool 2", "Tool 3", and "Tool 4" in the tree display area 501, the display controller 6 displays the corresponding detailed information in the details display area 502. The details display area 502 displays multiple boxes 521 to 527. Each of boxes 521 to 527 displays detailed information as an image easily recognizable by the user, such as a string image. In box 521, a string image indicating the processing is displayed, making it easy to understand whether the calculation is for an uncut shape or a path. In box 522, a string image assigned to a tool is displayed, making it clear which of the multiple tools the processing corresponds to. In box 523, a string image indicating the status of the corresponding calculation in server 3 is displayed. In box 524, an image indicating the start time of the corresponding calculation is displayed, and in box 525, an image indicating the end time of the corresponding calculation is displayed. In box 526, the name of server 3 performing or having performed the corresponding calculation is displayed as a string image. In box 526, if an error occurs in the corresponding calculation, an image corresponding to the error is displayed, such as an error code image.

[0083] like Figure 10A and Figure 10B As shown, when the user selects "Tool 1" which branches out from "Uncut Part Shape Calculation", the display controller 6 displays the information from server 3 in the details display area 502. Figure 7B The status of step S211. If the calculation of the shape of the uncut portion is not completed normally in step S211, the path calculation module 11 of server 3 notifies the information processing device 300 of an error message. When an error has occurred in step S211, the display controller 6 displays the icon image 514 in the tree display area 501 and the error code in the frame 527 of the details display area 502 as an image corresponding to the error, such as... Figure 10B As shown in the image. Therefore, in the event of an error in the calculation of the shape of the uncut portion used as the machining shape, the user can identify the error by viewing the interface image I3 before the tool path calculation. As described above, errors can be identified at an early stage, thus allowing for rapid correction of subsequent input data D11, thereby shortening delivery time.

[0084] In addition, such as Figure 10C and Figure 10D As shown, when the user has selected "Tool 1" from the "Path Calculation" branch, the display controller 6 displays the server 3 in the details display area 502. Figure 7BThe status of step S212. If the path calculation in step S212 is not completed normally, the path calculation module 11 of server 3 notifies the information processing device 300 of an error message. When an error occurs in step S212, the display controller 6 displays the icon image 514 in the tree display area 501 and the error code in the frame 527 of the details display area 502 as an image corresponding to the error, such as... Figure 10D As shown in Figure I3, if an error occurs during the tool's path calculation process, the user can identify the error by viewing the interface image I3. As described above, errors can be identified at an early stage, allowing for rapid correction of subsequent input data D11, thereby shortening delivery time.

[0085] Similarly, such as Figure 11A As shown, when the user has selected "Tool 2" branched out from "Uncut Part Shape Calculation", the display controller 6 displays the server 3 in the details display area 502. Figure 7B The status of step S213.

[0086] Similarly, such as Figure 11B and Figure 11C As shown, when the user has selected "Tool 2" from the "Path Calculation" branch, the display controller 6 displays the server 3 in the details display area 502. Figure 7B The status of step S214. If the path calculation in step S214 is not completed normally, the path calculation module 11 of server 3 notifies the information processing device 300 of an error message. When an error occurs in step S214, the display controller 6 displays the icon image 514 in the tree display area 501 and the error code in the frame 527 of the details display area 502 as an image corresponding to the error, such as... Figure 11C As shown in Figure I3. Therefore, if an error occurs during the path calculation process of the tool, the user can identify the error by viewing the interface image I3. As mentioned above, in the case of parallel processing, errors can be identified at an early stage, thus allowing for rapid execution of subsequent input data D12 correction operations, thereby shortening delivery time.

[0087] Therefore, users can take actions such as instructing server 3 to stop processing, correcting input data, or notifying the administrator of server 3, depending on the content of the processing and the nature of the error. Furthermore, since users can identify the processing status, errors can be handled quickly. Because the processing status is displayed as icon images 511 to 514 in the tree display area 501, users can identify multiple processing statuses and thus take rapid response actions. Additionally, the display controller 6 displays the server name in box 526 as information indicating the server. In the case of a user sending a notification to the administrator of server 3, a more appropriate response can be taken by notifying them along with the server name and error code.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, by notifying the administrator of server 3 of the error displayed in interface image I3, the administrator can quickly correct the error. Therefore, the time from error occurrence to error correction can be shortened, and increases in delivery time can be avoided.

[0089] Furthermore, based on the error code, the user can update the version of program 350 installed in information processing device 300. Additionally, based on the error code, the user can change the allowed values ​​for logical calculations used in path calculation module 11 of server 3, and cause path calculation module 11 to perform a recalculation.

[0090] Furthermore, since the processing status of steps S212 and S214 being executed in parallel in server 3 is also displayed in interface image I3, the user can identify the status of steps S212 and S214 in interface image I3.

[0091] After performing path calculations for the four tools corresponding to electrode A, server 3 stores the path information (data) of the four tools as NC data D21 in storage device 916. Then, in step S124, server 3 simulates cutting based on the path information of each of the four tools contained in NC data D21. This step S124 is used as the fifth information processing step. That is, simulation module 12 performs a machining simulation test based on the NC data D21 generated by path calculation module 11. As a result of this cutting simulation, interference can be automatically checked, thereby improving operational efficiency.

[0092] Meanwhile, in step S111, the display controller 6 of the information processing device 300 displays the status of step S124 of the server 3 in the interface image I3. Figure 12A This is an explanatory diagram of an example of interface image I3 according to an embodiment.

[0093] When the user selects "Simulation" in the tree display area 501, the display controller 6 displays the simulation processing status of step S124 in the server 3 in the details display area 502, such as... Figure 12A As shown in the diagram. When an error occurs during the processing in step S124, the display controller 6 displays the error content in the icon image 514 in the tree display area 501 and the frame 527 in the details display area 502 as an image corresponding to the error, such as... Figure 12A As shown in the image.

[0094] In step S125, after the simulation processing, the server 3 sends the NC data D21 to the information processing device 300.

[0095] On the other hand, when the interface image I3 is displayed on the display device 302 in step S111 of the information processing device 300, the processing in the server 3 may sometimes stop due to instructions or errors from the user.

[0096] In step S112, the display controller 6 determines whether server 3 has stopped processing, and if processing has stopped, i.e., if the result of step S112 is "yes", processing ends. Therefore, the user can change the corresponding electrode model among electrode models 141 to 144 based on the error, or notify the administrator of server 3 of the error. Thus, the user can quickly handle errors. It should be noted that the stopping of processing can be performed for each of jobs J1 to J4, or for each tool within each of jobs J1 to J4.

[0097] If the processing is not stopped, that is, if the result of step S112 is "no", the display controller 6 waits for NC data D21 in step S113, and if the NC does not receive data D21, that is, if the result of step S113 is "no", it returns to step S112.

[0098] If the display controller 6 has received the NC data D21, that is, if the result of step S113 is "yes", and if no error has occurred in the path calculation or simulation, that is, if the result of step S114 is "no", the transmission unit 13 automatically transmits the NC data D21 to the storage device 14 or the machining device 17 in step S115. Here, examples of data transmission include copying and moving data.

[0099] If an error occurs during path calculation or simulation, i.e., if the result of step S114 is "yes", in step S116, the transmission unit 13 waits for an instruction from the user regarding whether to transmit data. Therefore, the user can determine if there is a problem with the received NC data 21. If the user determines there is no problem, the user can input an instruction to transmit the NC data D21 to the information processing device 300; if the user determines there is a problem, the user can input an instruction not to transmit the NC data D21 to the information processing device 300. If the transmission unit 13 receives an instruction to transmit data, i.e., if the result of step S116 is "yes", in step S115, the transmission unit 13 transmits the NC data D21 to the storage device 14 or the machining device 17. If the transmission unit 13 has received an instruction not to transmit data, i.e., if the result of step S116 is "no", the transmission unit 13 ends processing without transmitting the NC data D21.

[0100] The above description uses the case of server 3 executing job J1 as an example. In this embodiment, since server 3 receives multiple jobs J1 to J4, server 3 executes multiple jobs J1 to J4 sequentially.

[0101] Figure 12B This is an explanatory diagram of an example of interface image I3 according to an embodiment. The display controller 6 displays the processing status of job J2 corresponding to electrode B in the tree display area 501 and the detail display area 502 of interface image I3 based on user input, such as... Figure 12B As shown in the image. Figure 12B The “tool 1” to “tool 4” shown are multiple tools (a series of tools) used for machining electrode B, and correspond to a second set of tools.

[0102] It should be noted that server 3 can process jobs J1 to J4 in parallel depending on the number of servers 3 and their processing performance. In this way, server 3 obtains NC data D21 to D24 in step S123, and performs a cutting simulation based on each of the NC data D21 to D24 in step S124. Then, server 3 sequentially sends the NC data D21 to D24 in step S125, so the information processing device 300 sequentially receives the NC data D21 to D24 from server 3, that is, the result of step S113 is "yes".

[0103] Here, in step S124, although the case of performing a cutting simulation by using multiple tools (tool models) has been described, the simulation of electrical discharge machining can also be performed by using an electrode model generated by the cutting simulation. Figure 13A and Figure 13BEach figure is a schematic diagram illustrating the simulation results of electrical discharge machining according to an embodiment. Depending on the shape and position of the uncut portion in the electrode, there are cases where problems occur and cases where no problems occur during electrical discharge machining. Figure 13A The figure shows mold model 821 and electrode model 822, formed through electrical discharge machining simulation. Figure 13A As shown, even with uncut portions 823 and 824 at the root of the shaft of electrode model 822, the shape of the mold model 821 to be formed is almost unaffected. However, in Figure 13B In this case, an uncut portion 825 exists at the tip of the axis of the electrode model 822, that is, at the part where electrical discharge machining is performed. The uncut portion 825 is close to the surface of the mold model 821, which may affect the shape of the mold model 821 to be formed. Moreover, in this case, the error can be displayed in the interface image I3, so that the user can identify the error.

[0104] As described above, according to this embodiment, the user can issue instructions for input data D11 to D14 corresponding to multiple electrodes simultaneously. Furthermore, in server 3, path calculations can be performed in parallel for each of the input data D11 to D14. Additionally, the user can check the calculations in server 3 almost in real-time in the interface image I3. Therefore, the user's operation time and the server 3's calculation time can be reduced, thereby shortening delivery time.

[0105] It should be noted that although the above embodiments have described the scenario of performing path calculation and simulation through distributed processing among multiple servers 3, the configuration is not limited to this. Even if only one server 3 is provided, as long as server 3 is capable of multitasking, the present invention can be applied.

[0106] Furthermore, although the above embodiments have described the situation where the information processing device 300 instructs the server 3 to perform a task and causes the server 3 to execute the tool's path calculation and simulation, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 300 may also have path calculation and simulation functions in addition to the functions of the program 350. Alternatively, for example, the information processing device 300 may also have simulation functions in addition to the functions of the program 350, and may perform simulation by using NC data received from the server 3.

[0107] Furthermore, although the above embodiments have described machining scenarios such as simulating cutting, the present invention can also be applied to cases where simulation is omitted.

[0108] Furthermore, although the configuration with multiple electrodes has been described in the above embodiments, it is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to the case of a single electrode.

[0109] Furthermore, although the above embodiments have been described using the product as an electrode as an example, the invention is not limited thereto and can be applied to any product.

[0110] Furthermore, although the above embodiments have described the case where the information processing device 300 sends NC data to the storage device 14 or the machining device 17 via a network such as a LAN, it is not limited thereto. For example, NC data may be copied from or moved from the information processing device 300 to a storage device not shown, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory, and NC data stored in the storage device may be supplied to the machining device 17.

[0111] The above embodiments can be appropriately modified within the technical concept. Furthermore, parts of the embodiments can be removed or replaced. Additionally, new content can be added to the embodiments. In the description of the embodiments, the first tool is exemplified as first tool 201 (tool 1), and the second tool is exemplified as second tool 202 (tool 2). However, the first tool can be any tool in the series except the last tool, and the second tool can be any tool in the series except the first tool used, as long as the second tool is used after (usually immediately following) the first tool. Furthermore, the first information processing can be a process for calculating the shape of the uncut portion formed by the first tool, and the second information processing can be a process for calculating the path of the first tool. Therefore, the first and second information processing are not limited to the processing of the first tool 201, and can be processes related to the second tool 202 or the third tool (tool 3). Similarly, the third information processing can be a process for calculating the path of the second tool, and the fourth information processing can be a process for calculating the shape of the uncut portion formed by the second tool. Therefore, the third and fourth information processing are not limited to the processing of the second tool 202, but can be processing related to the third tool 203 (tool 3) or the fourth tool (tool 4).

[0112] It should be noted that the disclosure in this specification is not limited to what is explicitly described herein, but includes all content that can be understood from this specification and the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the disclosure in this specification includes a complementary set of the various concepts described herein. That is, for example, if the description "A is B" is included in this specification, then this specification discloses the case where "A is not B," even if the description "A is not B" is omitted. This is because the case where "A is B" is described based on the consideration of the case where "A is not B."

[0113] As described above, this disclosure provides a technology that can help shorten delivery time.

[0114] Other embodiments

[0115] One or more embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by a computer of a system or apparatus, wherein the computer reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transient computer-readable storage medium") to perform the functions of the one or more embodiments described above, and / or the computer includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of the one or more embodiments described above, and is implemented by a computer of a system or apparatus through methods performed, for example, reading and executing computer-executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of the one or more embodiments described above and / or controlling one or more circuits to perform the functions of the one or more embodiments described above. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)) and may include a network of individual computers or individual processors to read and execute the computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may, for example, be provided to the computer from a network or storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), storage devices for distributed computing systems, optical discs (such as compact discs (CDs), digital variety discs (DVDs), or Blu-ray discs (BDs)). TM One or more of the following: flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0116] Other embodiments

[0117] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (programs) that perform the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device reads out and executes the program.

[0118] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An information processing method, characterized in that, include: Prepare the first data, which includes information about the workpiece, information about the product, and information about multiple tools used to machine the workpiece to manufacture the product; The instruction is for generating second data using first data, which contains information about the respective paths of the plurality of tools; as well as After instructing a task, the status of the task processing information is displayed on the display unit. The display includes: displaying on a display unit the status of a first information processing step, which calculates the shape of a machining operation formed by a first tool included among the plurality of tools, and the status of a second information processing step, which calculates the path of the first tool, performed after the first information processing. The display includes displaying the status of a third information processing on a display unit. The third information processing calculates the path of a second tool to be used after the machining of the first tool based on the shape of the machining calculated in the first information processing. The third information processing is executed together with the second information processing.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The display includes: when an error occurs in the first information processing, displaying a corresponding image on the display unit.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The display includes: displaying a corresponding image on the display unit when an error occurs in the second information processing.

4. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The display includes: displaying on the display unit the status of a fourth information processing that calculates the shape of the machining formed by the second tool, the fourth information processing being executed between the end timing of the first information processing and the start timing of the third information processing.

5. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The display includes: displaying on a display unit information simulating the fifth information processing state of machining based on the respective paths of the plurality of tools contained in the second data.

6. The information processing method according to claim 5, wherein, The display includes: when an error occurs in the fifth information processing, displaying a corresponding image on the display unit.

7. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The preparation includes automatically setting the information of the multiple tools based on product information.

8. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The first data contains information indicating the order in which the various tools are used.

9. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, The first data contains information about the respective machining types of the plurality of tools.

10. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in, The workpiece is a first workpiece, the product is a first product, the plurality of tools are a first plurality of tools, and the operation is a first operation. The preparation includes: preparing third data, which includes information about the second workpiece, information about the second product, and information about a second plurality of tools for manufacturing the second product by machining the second workpiece. The instructions include: instructions for a second task to generate fourth data using third data, the fourth data containing information about the respective paths of the second plurality of tools, and The display includes displaying the status of information processing for the second task on a display unit.

11. The information processing method according to claim 10, wherein, The preparation includes displaying a table on the display unit containing information related to the first plurality of tools and the second plurality of tools.

12. The information processing method according to claim 10, in, The preparation includes: An interface image is displayed on the display unit, the interface image including an image corresponding to information about a first product and an image corresponding to information about a second product; and Prepare the information for the first product and the second product by loading the information of the first product and the second product that have been operated on in the interface image.

13. The information processing method according to claim 10, in, The first product and the second product are respectively a first electrode and a second electrode used for performing electrical discharge machining on metal materials and machining metal workpieces into molds, and The preparation includes displaying an image of the first electrode, an image of the second electrode, and an image of the mold on a display unit.

14. The information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising: After the status of the first information processing and the status of the second information processing are displayed on the display unit, input information from the user via the input unit is obtained. as well as Based on the obtained input information, at least one of the following is corrected: information about the workpiece, information about the product, information about the first tool, and information about the second tool.

15. A non-transient processor-readable recording medium, characterized in that, The processor is stored with a program for executing the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. An information processing device, characterized in that, Including processors, The processor is configured to perform the following processes: The first data is prepared for processing. This first data includes information about the workpiece, product information, and information about multiple tools used to machine the workpiece to manufacture the product. The instructions specify the processing for generating second data using first data, the second data containing information about the respective paths of the plurality of tools, and After instructing a task, the status of the task processing information is displayed on the display unit, and... The display process includes: displaying on the display unit a state of first information processing for calculating the shape of a machining operation formed by a first tool included among the plurality of tools, and a state of second information processing for calculating the path of the first tool, performed after the first information processing. The display process includes displaying the status of a third information processing on the display unit. The third information processing calculates the path of a second tool to be used after the machining of the first tool based on the shape of the machining calculated in the first information processing. The third information processing is executed together with the second information processing.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising: A communication module configured to communicate with a server configured to perform first and second information processing. The processor displays the status of the first information processing and the status of the second information processing in the server on the display unit.

18. An information processing method, characterized in that, include: Obtain first data, which includes information about the workpiece, information about the product, and information about multiple tools used to manufacture the product by machining the workpiece; as well as The second data is generated by using the first data, and the second data contains information about the respective paths of the plurality of tools. The generation of the second data includes: performing a first information processing to calculate the shape of the machining process formed by a first tool included in the plurality of tools, and a second information processing to calculate the path of the first tool after the first information processing. The generation of the second data includes performing a third information processing, which calculates the path of the second tool to be used after the machining of the first tool based on the shape of the machining calculated in the first information processing. The third information processing is performed together with the second information processing.

19. The information processing method according to claim 18, wherein, The generation of the second data includes: performing third information processing to calculate the path of the second tool among the plurality of tools used after the machining of the first tool.

20. The information processing method according to claim 18, wherein, In the third information processing, the path of the second tool is calculated based on the shape of the machining process formed by the first tool, which was calculated in the first information processing.

21. The information processing method according to claim 18, wherein, The second and third information processing are performed in parallel.

22. The information processing method according to claim 18, comprising: The machining process is simulated based on the information of the respective paths of the plurality of tools contained in the second data.

23. A non-transient processor-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a processor to perform the information processing method according to any one of claims 18 to 22.

24. An information processing apparatus, comprising a processor, in, The processor is configured to: Obtain first data, which includes information about the workpiece, information about the product, and information about multiple tools used to machine the workpiece to manufacture the product; and The second data is generated by using the first data, and the second data contains information about the respective paths of the plurality of tools; When generating the second data, a first information processing is performed to calculate the shape of the machining formed by the first tool, and a second information processing is performed after the first information processing to calculate the path of the first tool. as well as A third information processing is performed, which calculates the path of the second tool to be used after the machining of the first tool based on the machining shape calculated in the first information processing. The third information processing is performed together with the second information processing.

25. A processing machine that processes a workpiece based on second data generated by the information processing method according to claim 18.

26. A method for manufacturing a product, the method comprising manufacturing the product by machining a workpiece using a machining machine based on second data generated by the information processing method according to claim 18.

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