Information processing apparatus and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a storage medium, and provides a user interface for reducing the burden of a user in the input work of information related to the quality of a molded product. The information processing device includes: a display control means that causes a display device to display an input screen (310) for inputting information relating to the quality of a molded article manufactured by an injection molding machine; a receiving means for receiving an operation on the input screen (310); and a generation means for generating information pertaining to the quality of the molded article on the basis of the operation accepted by the acceptance means, the input screen (310) being a screen that has preset items, which are information pertaining to the quality of the molded article, and that displays the content of each item in the form of a graph (311). The input screen changes the display content of the chart (311) according to the operation accepted by the accepting mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-095660 filed on Jun. 9, 2023. The entire contents of this Japanese application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an information processing device and a storage medium. Background Art

[0003] An injection molding machine manufactures molded products by injection molding according to set molding conditions. There are various conventional technologies for optimizing the molding conditions of an injection molding machine. As an example, there is a technology that inputs information related to the quality of the manufactured molded product and uses machine learning to infer the molding conditions required to obtain the input molding quality.

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses an injection molding system comprising: a reward calculation unit, which calculates a reward based on physical quantity data obtained by performing injection molding and pre-set reward conditions; an operating condition adjustment learning unit, which performs machine learning on adjustments of operating conditions including molding conditions based on the rewards calculated by the reward calculation unit, the operating condition adjustments, and the physical quantity data; and an operating condition adjustment amount output unit, which determines the object and adjustment amount of the operating condition adjustment and outputs them based on the machine learning performed by the operating condition adjustment learning unit.

[0005] Patent document 2 discloses a device which is an operation quantity determination device for determining an operation quantity related to a molding machine. The device generates a state representation map representing the state of the molding machine based on observation data obtained by observing physical quantities related to molding when molding is performed by the molding machine, and outputs the operation quantity based on the state representation map.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-30152

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-59045

[0008] When the molding conditions are inferred using the data obtained by performing injection molding, it costs money to install an inspection device or perform data analysis and processing in order to obtain data as the injection molding is performed. In addition, it is conceivable that the user manually inputs the results of sensory evaluation of the molded product by the naked eye or the measured values ​​obtained using a measuring instrument such as a vernier caliper. However, this method requires labor and time for the input operation, which becomes a burden on the user. Summary of the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a user interface that reduces the burden on a user in inputting information related to the quality of a molded product.

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device, characterized in that it comprises: a display control mechanism, which causes a display device to display an input screen for inputting information related to the quality of a molded product manufactured by an injection molding machine; a receiving mechanism, which receives operations on the input screen; and a generating mechanism, which generates information related to the quality of the molded product based on the operations received by the receiving mechanism, wherein the input screen is a screen having pre-set items as information related to the quality of the molded product, and the content of each item is displayed in the form of a graph, and the display content of the graph is changed according to the operations received by the receiving mechanism.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a user interface that reduces the burden on a user in a task of inputting information related to the quality of a molded product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the structure of an injection molding machine to which the present embodiment is applied.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the structure of a control device.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the structure of a data processing device.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of a control device and a data processing device.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an input screen used when determining molding quality.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a modified example of the input screen using a radar chart.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing another modified example of the input screen using a radar chart.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing another configuration example of an input screen used when determining molding quality.

[0021] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing a modified example of the input screen using a bar graph.

[0022] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing another modified example of the input screen using a bar graph.

[0023] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing a structural example of an input screen for accepting character input.

[0024] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing another example of the structure of an input screen for receiving character input.

[0025] Explanation of symbols

[0026] 10-injection molding machine, 20-injection device, 30-mold clamping device, 100-control device, 110-control unit, 120-molding condition setting unit, 130-storage unit, 131-control information, 132-setting information, 200-data processing device, 210-data acquisition unit, 220-processing unit, 230-molding quality generation unit, 240-molding condition estimation unit, 250-storage unit, 260-display control unit, 270-receiving unit, 300-display device, 310-input screen, 311-radar chart (graph), 312-baseline, 313-quality image, 314a, 314b-enlightenment image, 320-input screen, 321-bar chart (graph), 322-baseline, 323a, 323b-enlightenment image, 330-input screen, 331-input column, 341-item selection column. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0028] <Device Structure>

[0029] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the structure of an injection molding machine to which the present embodiment is applied. The injection molding machine 10 includes an injection device 20 , a mold clamping device 30 , a control device 100 , a data processing device 200 , and a display device 300 .

[0030] The injection device 20 is configured to include a cylinder for heating the molding material, a screw that can rotate in the cylinder and can move forward and backward along the axial direction, a rotary motor that drives the screw in the rotational direction, and a motor that drives the screw in the axial direction. The molding material is, for example, a resin. The injection device 20 injects the molding material that is heated in the cylinder and becomes liquid by extending the screw in the direction (front) from the injection device 20 toward the clamping device 30 while rotating, and fills it into the mold of the clamping device 30 arranged in front of the injection device 20. The injection device 20 performs, for example, a metering process, a filling process, a pressure holding process, etc. in the manufacturing process of the molded product. The filling process and the pressure holding process are also collectively referred to as an injection process.

[0031] The mold clamping device 30 is configured to include a mold, a fastening mechanism for fastening the mold, a motor for driving the fastening mechanism, and the like. The mold clamping device 30 closes the mold and receives the molding material injected from the injection device 20 into the mold. At this time, the mold clamping device 30 fastens the mold using the fastening mechanism so that the mold will not open (mold clamping) due to the filling of the molding material. The molding material filled into the mold is solidified to generate a molded product. Then, the mold clamping device 30 opens the mold and delivers the generated molded product. The mold clamping device 30 performs, for example, a mold closing process, a pressure increasing process, a mold clamping process, a decompression process, a mold opening process, and the like in the manufacturing process of the molded product.

[0032] The control device 100 is a device for controlling the operation of the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30. The data processing device 200 is a device for processing data obtained as the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 operate. In addition, the data processing device 200 generates an input screen for receiving information input by the user, and processes the data received through the input screen. The display device 300 displays information related to the control of the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 by the control device 100, data obtained by the data processing device 200, and processing results of the data processing device 200. In addition, the display device 300 displays an input screen for inputting commands and data to the control device 100 and the data processing device 200, other operation screens, and screens for presenting information to the user.

[0033] <Configuration of Control Device 100 >

[0034] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing the structure of the control device 100. The control device 100 controls the actions of the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30. The control device 100 is realized by a computer, for example. The control device 100 includes a control unit 110, a molding condition setting unit 120, and a storage unit 130. The control device 100 controls the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 to repeat the processes related to the manufacture of the molded product, thereby repeatedly manufacturing the molded product. The processes related to the manufacture of the molded product include a metering process, a mold closing process, a pressure increasing process, a mold clamping process, a filling process, a pressure holding process, a cooling process, a decompression process, a mold opening process, and an ejection process. Hereinafter, these processes related to manufacture are sometimes collectively referred to as "manufacturing processes". In addition, a series of actions for obtaining a molded product, such as the actions from the start of the metering process to the start of the next metering process in the above-mentioned manufacturing process, are referred to as "injection", "molding cycle", etc. In addition, the above-mentioned processes for manufacturing a molded product are only examples. For example, as a process performed by one injection, other processes not included in the above may be included.

[0035] The control unit 110 controls the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30 according to the control information. The control information is a condition set by the user, for example, generated according to information input by the user using an input device not shown in the figure. The control information includes, for example, molding conditions such as resin temperature, mold temperature (cylinder temperature), injection holding time, metering value, VP switching position, holding pressure, injection speed (filling speed), screw speed, screw back pressure, and clamping force. Regarding these molding conditions, multiple combinations are determined according to the molded product and the mold. Hereinafter, the combination data of the molding conditions will also be referred to as a molding condition data set. The molding condition data set is prepared according to the type of the molded product and the mold, and is stored in the storage unit 130.

[0036] The control unit 110 uses the above-mentioned molding condition data set to control the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30, and implements the processes related to the manufacture (injection) of the molded product including the above-mentioned processes. When starting to manufacture the molded product, the control unit 110 reads the molding condition data set corresponding to the molded product to be manufactured from the storage unit 130. Then, the control unit 110 controls the operation of the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 according to the control information including the read molding condition data set. Specifically, the control unit 110 controls the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 so that the data obtained from the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 in the manufacturing process are consistent with the set value of the molding condition data set. In addition, the control unit 110 can make the display device 300 display the molding condition data set read from the storage unit 130. The user can refer to the molding condition data displayed on the display device 300 and perform operations such as modifying the value as needed.

[0037] The molding condition setting unit 120 sets the molding conditions used in the control of the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 by the control unit 110. The molding conditions are set by the molding condition setting unit 120 writing the molding condition data set into the control information stored in the storage unit 130. In addition, the molding conditions are set based on the information input by the user using the input screen described later. If the manufacturing process of the molded product is repeated, the state of the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 changes, and the state change of the device 20, 30 affects the quality of the molded product (hereinafter referred to as "molding quality"). Therefore, in order to maintain the molding quality during the operation when mass-producing molded products, the molding condition setting unit 120 can automatically adjust the molding conditions.

[0038] The storage unit 130 stores control information 131 used in the control of the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 by the control unit 110. The control information 131 includes a molding condition data set set by the molding condition setting unit 120. The molding condition data set is prepared by establishing a corresponding association with the molded product and the mold of the manufacturing object. The storage unit 130 stores a molding condition data set for each molded product or each mold of the manufacturing object. In addition, the storage unit 130 stores information 132 on the molding conditions generated by the user's input (hereinafter referred to as "setting information"). The molding condition setting unit 120 writes the molding condition data set into the control information 131 based on the setting information 132.

[0039] In addition, although not shown, the storage unit 130 stores a program for the control unit 110 to control the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30, and a program for the molding condition setting unit 120 to set the molding conditions. Although the details will be described later, the processor in the control device 100 reads and executes the program stored in the storage unit 130, thereby realizing the functions of the control unit 110 and the molding condition setting unit 120.

[0040] <Configuration of Data Processing Device 200 >

[0041] Figure 3 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the data processing device 200. The data processing device 200 acquires and processes data obtained as the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 perform the above-mentioned operations in the process related to the manufacture of the molded product. In addition, the data processing device 200 generates information (setting information 132) used by the molding condition setting unit 120 of the control device 100 in setting the molding conditions according to the user's operation, and sends it to the control device 100. The data processing device 200 is implemented by a computer, for example. The data processing device 200 includes a data acquisition unit 210, a processing unit 220, a molding quality generation unit 230, a molding condition estimation unit 240, a storage unit 250, a display control unit 260, and a receiving unit 270.

[0042] The data processing device 200 of this embodiment receives the operation performed by the user on the input screen, generates data of the target molding quality, and infers the molding conditions required to obtain the target molding quality based on the molding quality data. Then, the data processing device 200 sends the inferred molding conditions to the control device 100, and the control device 100 stores the received molding conditions as setting information 132 in the storage unit 130. In addition, the target molding quality is the molding quality at which the molded product is regarded as a qualified product.

[0043] The data acquisition unit 210 acquires data of the processing object from the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30. Various sensors, detectors, etc. are installed on the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30. In addition, various measuring devices are sometimes connected to the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30. The data acquired using these sensors, detectors, measuring devices, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "acquired data") is information representing the molding results based on the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30, and is used for quality management of molded products. Specifically, for example, it includes the weight of the molded product, the size of the molded product, the internal pressure of the mold, the minimum buffer position, the characteristic quantity of the filling pressure waveform, etc. These acquired data are actual values ​​obtained in the manufacturing process of the molded product. The data acquisition unit 210 receives the acquired data sent from the sensors, detectors, and measuring devices, and stores them in the storage unit 250. The data acquisition unit 210 is an example of a receiving mechanism.

[0044] The processing unit 220 processes the acquired data stored in the storage unit 250. Specifically, the processing unit 220 extracts representative values ​​of the acquired data in each process, generates time series data that time-series the acquired data in each process, and other processes. In extracting representative values, the processing unit 220 performs statistical processing on the acquired data, such as calculating an average value, determining a range of values, and determining a maximum value and a minimum value.

[0045] The molding quality generation unit 230 generates molding quality data based on the operation performed by the user on the input screen. The user operates an image representing information on molding quality on the input screen of the GUI (Graphical User Interface). Accordingly, the molding quality generation unit 230 generates molding quality data reflecting the operation content on the input screen. More specifically, data representing the difference between the molding quality of the manufactured molded product and the target molding quality is calculated. The generated molding quality data is data of items displayed as operation objects in the input screen, such as the weight of the molded product, the size of the molded product, the mold internal pressure, the minimum buffer position, and the characteristic quantity of the filling pressure waveform. Details about the input screen and its operation method, the method of generating molding quality, etc. will be described later. The molding quality generation unit 230 is an example of a generation mechanism.

[0046] The molding condition inference unit 240 infers the molding conditions required to obtain the molding quality based on the molding quality data generated by the molding quality generation unit 230. That is, the molding conditions required to eliminate the difference between the molding quality input in the input screen and the target molding quality and obtain the target molding quality are calculated. The inference of the molding conditions is performed using a known inference method corresponding to the input and output of multiple variables. For example, a mathematical model representing the relationship between the molding quality and the molding conditions, which has been learned in advance through machine learning, etc., using the molding conditions used in actual manufacturing in the past and the actual values ​​of the molding quality of the molded products manufactured under the molding conditions, can be used to infer the molding conditions based on the molding quality. The molding condition inference unit 240 is an example of an inference mechanism.

[0047] The storage unit 250 stores the acquired data acquired by the data acquisition unit 210. As the data format of the acquired data stored in the storage unit 250, for example, binary, text, CSV (Comma Separated Values), INI, YAML ("YAML Ain't Markup Language: another markup language), JSON (JavaScript Object Notation: JS object notation), etc. can be used. By using data files based on these general data formats, data files stored in the storage unit 250 can be exchanged with other information processing devices, or data files acquired from external devices can be edited. In addition, the storage unit 250 can store the molding quality data generated by the molding quality generation unit 230 and the molding condition data inferred by the molding condition inference unit 240.

[0048] In addition, although not shown in the figure, the storage unit 250 stores a program for the processing unit 220, the molding quality generating unit 230, and the molding condition estimating unit 240 to perform data processing, a program for the display control unit 260 to display a screen on the display device 300, and a program for the receiving unit 270 to receive an operation performed by a user on the operation screen. The details will be described later, but by the processor in the data processing device 200 reading and executing the program stored in the storage unit 250, the functions of the processing unit 220, the molding quality generating unit 230, the molding condition estimating unit 240, the display control unit 260, and the receiving unit 270 can be realized.

[0049] The display control unit 260 generates an operation screen for the user to perform various operations, and displays it on the display device 300. As an example, the display control unit 260 displays an input screen for the user to input molding conditions. The receiving unit 270 receives the user's operation on the operation screen displayed on the display device 300. Specifically, for example, the input of data to the input field of the input screen, the screen switching operation, etc. are received.

[0050] <Hardware Configuration of Control Device 100 and Data Processing Device 200>

[0051] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of a computer 400 that realizes the control device 100 and the data processing device 200 . Figure 4 The computer 400 shown has a processor 401 as a computing mechanism, a main storage device (main memory) 402 as a storage mechanism, and an auxiliary storage device 403. As the processor 401, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and various other computing circuits can be used. The processor 401 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage device 403 into the main storage device 402 for execution. As the main storage device 402, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) is used. As the auxiliary storage device 403, for example, a magnetic disk device or an SSD (Solid State Drive) is used. In addition, the computer 400 has a display mechanism 404 for displaying an image on a display device (display) 300 and an input device 405 as an input mechanism for the user to perform input operations on the computer. As the input device 405, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. are used. In addition, Figure 4 The structure of the computer 400 shown is only an example, and the computer 400 used in this embodiment is not limited to Figure 4 For example, a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory or a ROM (Read Only Memory) may be provided as a storage device.

[0052] In the control device 100 Figure 4 In the case of computer implementation shown, the functions of the control unit 110 and the molding condition setting unit 120 are implemented, for example, by the processor 401 reading and executing a program. The storage unit 130 is implemented by the auxiliary storage device 403, for example.

[0053] In the data processing device 200, Figure 4In the case of computer implementation shown, the functions of the data acquisition unit 210, the processing unit 220, the molding quality generation unit 230, and the molding condition estimation unit 240 are realized, for example, by the processor 401 reading and executing the program. The storage unit 250 is realized, for example, by the auxiliary storage device 403. The display control unit 260 is realized, for example, by the processor 401 reading and executing the program and the display mechanism 404. The receiving unit 270 is realized, for example, by the processor 401 reading and executing the program and the input device 405.

[0054] <Input of molding quality for setting molding conditions>

[0055] Next, the method for setting the molding conditions based on the present embodiment is described. Consider a case where a user newly sets molding conditions. As a case of newly setting molding conditions, there are, for example, a case where conditions are set for achieving improved molding quality, a case where molding conditions are set for manufacturing new molded products, and the like. In this case, if the user is a person with little experience in molding products using an injection molding machine, it is sometimes difficult to determine which item of the molding conditions should be set. On the other hand, even such a user with little experience can sometimes determine the required molding quality. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the input of molding quality information by the user is accepted, the required molding conditions are inferred based on the input molding quality information, and the inferred molding conditions are used in the control device 100 for controlling the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a graphical user interface is provided for inputting information on molding quality. The details will be described later, but in this embodiment, an image representing the contents of molding quality is displayed on the input screen displayed on the display device 300, and operations on the image are accepted. The user determines the desired molding quality by operating the image. By adopting such an interface, the burden on the user when inputting information on molding quality can be reduced.

[0057] <Structure example of input screen>

[0058] Figure 5 310 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an input screen used when determining molding quality. The input screen 310 is displayed on the display device 300 under the control of the display control unit 260 of the data processing device 200. On the input screen 310, a graph 311 showing molding quality is displayed together with the identification information of the shot. Figure 5 In the example shown, a radar chart is used as the graph 311. Hereinafter, the radar chart as an example of the graph 311 is also denoted by the same reference numeral 311. Figure 5 In the example shown, the identification information of the shot is displayed as “Shot ID: 123” in the upper right corner of the input screen 310 .

[0059] Figure 5 The radar chart 311 shown is a pentagonal chart having five items, "burr", "sink mark", "short circuit", "inner diameter", and "weight", as items indicating molding quality. "Burr", "sink mark", and "short circuit" are types of defective molded products and are qualitative indicators. "Inner diameter" and "weight" are elements indicating the state of the molded product and are quantitative indicators. In addition, Figure 5 The items of the radar chart 311 shown are only examples, and the information indicating the molding quality is not limited to the items shown in the figure. As the items of the radar chart 311, in addition to the items shown in the figure, information indicating various molding quality such as the size of the molded product, the mold internal pressure, the minimum buffer position, and the characteristic amount of the waveform of the filling pressure can be used depending on the molded product to be manufactured, the type of mold, the specifications of the injection molding machine 10, etc.

[0060] The radar chart 311 displays a reference line 312 and a quality image 313. The reference line 312 is an image showing the reference for a molded product to become a qualified product in each item of molding quality (hereinafter referred to as a "qualified product reference"). The content of the reference is set for each item. Figure 5 In the example shown, a dotted pentagonal reference line 312 is displayed, which sets the acceptable product reference of each item at an equal distance from the center of the radar chart 311 and connects the acceptable product references of each item. The molding quality represented by the reference line 312 is the molding quality that is the target in the manufactured molded product. The user can input the molding quality of the obtained molded product based on the reference line 312.

[0061] The quality image 313 is an image showing the input molding quality. Figure 5 In the example shown, a pentagonal quality image 313 is displayed, which indicates the content of the molding quality of each item by the distance from the center of the radar chart 311. For example, when a mouse is used as the input device 405, the user can change the content of the input molding quality by selecting and dragging the vertex corresponding to the desired item of the quality image 313 through mouse operation. In addition, when a touch panel is used as the input device 405, the user can change the content of the input molding quality by touching and sliding the vertex corresponding to the desired item of the quality image 313 with a finger.

[0062] The radar chart 311 is produced based on actual data obtained by actually manufacturing a molded product. Information on the molding quality of each item is input by the user. The user evaluates the molding quality of each item in the molded product by observing the manufactured molded product or measuring it using a measuring device. Then, the input device 405 is operated based on the evaluation result to produce the quality image 313. In addition, depending on the type of item represented by the radar chart 311, the quality image 313 can be produced based on information obtained from sensors, detectors, etc. provided in the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30 without relying on the user's operation.

[0063] If you use Figure 5 When the quality image 313 is determined by the user's operation on the input screen 310 as shown in FIG. 1 , the molding quality generating unit 230 of the data processing device 200 generates data indicating the difference between the molding quality indicated by the quality image 313 and the target molding quality indicated by the reference line 312. Then, the molding condition inference unit 240 infers the molding conditions required to obtain the target molding quality based on the generated molding quality difference data. The data processing device 200 sends the molding conditions inferred by the molding condition inference unit 240 to the control device 100. The control device 100 stores the received molding conditions as setting information 132 in the storage unit 130, and sets them as molding conditions used in the control of the control unit 110 through the molding condition setting unit 120.

[0064] Figure 6 3 is a diagram showing a modified example of the input screen 310 using the radar chart 311. Figure 6 In the radar chart 311 shown, a prompt image 314 (314a, 314b) is displayed to prompt the molding quality that determines the molded product as a good product when the user operates the radar chart 311. The reference line 312 and the prompt image 314 shown in the radar chart 311 are examples of reference images.

[0065] The items indicating molding quality include an item for determining the boundary between qualified and unqualified products and an item for determining the range in which the molded product is judged as a qualified product. For the former item, a revelation image 314a indicating the boundary between qualified and unqualified products is displayed, and for the latter item, a revelation image 314b indicating the range in which the molded product is judged as a qualified product is displayed.

[0066] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, "burr", "sink mark" and "short circuit" among the five items indicating molding quality are items that determine the boundary between qualified products and unqualified products, and a revelation image 314a indicating the boundary between qualified products and unqualified products is displayed. The revelation image 314a is an image formed by a line segment indicating the boundary and an arrow indicating the side determined as a qualified product. Figure 6 In the illustrated example, the disclosure image 314 a is a diagram in which a line segment is arranged at the position of the vertex corresponding to each item of the reference line 312 , and an arrow pointing inward (toward the center of the radar chart 311 ) from the line segment is displayed.

[0067] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, with reference to the quality image 313, “sink marks” are contents that are determined to be qualified products because they are on the side (inner side) to which the arrow points relative to the boundary represented by the revelation image 314a. On the other hand, “burrs” and “short circuits” are contents that are determined to be unqualified products because they are on the opposite side (outer side) of the arrow relative to the boundary represented by the revelation image 314a. Therefore, the molding quality generation unit 230 generates data representing the difference between the quality image 313 and the baseline 312 at least with respect to “burrs” and “short circuits”. Then, the molding condition inference unit 240 infers the conditions for obtaining good quality that is greater than the difference represented by the data generated by the molding quality generation unit 230, at least with respect to the items of molding conditions that are the causes of “burrs” and “short circuits”. This means that, in Figure 6 In the radar chart 311 shown, the respective items of “burr”, “sink mark” and “short circuit” as qualitative indicators are estimated to be molding conditions that are further inside and closer to the center than the reference line 312 as shown in the revelation image 314 a .

[0068] And, in Figure 6 In the radar chart 311 shown, "inner diameter" and "weight" of the five items representing molding quality are items that determine the range of qualified products, and a revelation image 314b indicating the range of qualified products is displayed. The revelation image 314b is an image composed of two parallel line segments representing the range and two-way arrows pointing to each line segment between the two line segments. Figure 6 In the example shown, the revelation image 314 b is displayed as a vertex corresponding to each item across the reference line 312 , and a double-headed arrow is shown along a direction from each vertex toward the center of the radar chart 311 .

[0069] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, if the quality image 313 is referred to, the "weight" is the content that is judged as a qualified product because it is within the range represented by the revelation image 314b. On the other hand, the "inner diameter" is the content that is judged as a defective product because it is outside the range represented by the revelation image 314b. Therefore, the molding quality generation unit 230 generates data representing the difference between the quality image 313 and the baseline 312 at least with respect to the "inner diameter". Then, the molding condition inference unit 240 infers the conditions for eliminating the difference represented by the data generated by the molding quality generation unit 230 with respect to at least the items of the molding conditions that affect the "inner diameter". This means that in Figure 6In the above, it is estimated that the molding conditions such as the items of "weight" and "inner diameter" which are quantitative indicators are within the range shown in the revelation image 314b.

[0070] In addition, Figure 6 In the example shown, the radar chart 311 does not distinguish between items judged as qualified products and items judged as unqualified products, but they can also be displayed in a recognizable manner. Specifically, for example, the display of items judged as qualified products (in the example shown in the figure, the display of "sink mark" and "weight") and the display of items judged as unqualified products (in the example shown in the figure, the display of "burr", "short circuit" and "inner diameter") can be displayed in a different display mode such as display color and display font. In this way, the user can easily visually distinguish the items that should change the molding quality in the radar chart 311.

[0071] Figure 7 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another modified example of the input screen 310 using the radar chart 311. Figure 7 In the radar chart 311 shown, the items that determine the boundary between qualified products and unqualified products ("burrs", "sink marks", "short circuits") and the items that determine the range of qualified products ("inner diameter", "weight") are identifiably displayed among the five items representing molding quality. Figure 7 In the example shown, in the quality image 313, the area including the items that determine the boundary between qualified products and unqualified products is displayed as blank, and the area including the items that determine the range of qualified products is displayed as shaded. In this way, the user can easily visually distinguish the items that determine the boundary between qualified products and unqualified products and the items that determine the range of qualified products in the radar chart 311.

[0072] <Another example of input screen configuration>

[0073] Figure 8 3 is a diagram showing another example of the structure of an input screen used when determining molding quality. The input screen 320 is displayed on the display device 300 under the control of the display control unit 260 of the data processing device 200. In the input screen 320, a graph 321 showing molding quality is displayed together with the identification information of the shot. Figure 8 In the example shown, a bar graph is used as the graph 321. Hereinafter, the bar graph as an example of the graph 321 is also denoted by the same reference numeral 321. Figure 8 In the example shown, the identification information of the shot is displayed as “Shot ID: 123” in the upper right corner of the input screen 320 .

[0074] Figure 8The bar graph 321 shown is a graph having five items, "burr", "sink mark", "short circuit", "inner diameter", and "weight", as items indicating molding quality. "Burr", "sink mark", and "short circuit" are types of defective molded products. "Inner diameter" and "weight" are elements indicating the state of the molded product. In addition, Figure 8 The items in the bar graph 321 shown are only examples, and the information indicating the molding quality is not limited to the items shown in the figure. As the items in the bar graph 321, in addition to the items shown in the figure, various information indicating the molding quality, such as the size of the molded product, the mold internal pressure, the minimum buffer position, and the characteristic amount of the filling pressure waveform, can be used depending on the molded product to be manufactured, the type of mold, the specifications of the injection molding machine 10, etc.

[0075] The bar graph 321 displays a reference line 322. The reference line 322 is an image showing the reference for a molded product to be a qualified product in each item of molding quality (hereinafter referred to as a "qualified product reference"). The content of the reference is set for each item. Figure 8 In the example shown, a reference line 322 is displayed, which is a dashed straight line connecting the good product references of each item and setting the good product reference of each item at an equal distance from the origin (left end) of the bar graph 321. The user can input the molding quality of the obtained molded product based on the reference line 322.

[0076] The bar graph 321 is created based on actual data obtained by actually manufacturing a molded product. Information on the molding quality of each item is input by the user. The user evaluates the molding quality of each item in the molded product and operates the input device 405 to create a graph. In addition, depending on the type of item represented by the bar graph 321, the graph can be created based on information obtained from sensors, detectors, etc. provided in the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30, regardless of the user's operation.

[0077] If you use Figure 8 When the graph representing the molding quality is determined by the user's operation on the input screen 320 as shown in FIG. 1 , the molding quality generating unit 230 of the data processing device 200 generates data representing the difference between the molding quality represented by the bar graph 321 and the target molding quality represented by the reference line 322. Then, the molding condition estimating unit 240 estimates the molding conditions required to obtain the target molding quality based on the generated data of the difference in molding quality. The data processing device 200 sends the molding conditions estimated by the molding condition estimating unit 240 to the control device 100. The control device 100 stores the received molding conditions as the setting information 132 in the storage unit 130, and sets them as the molding conditions used in the control of the control unit 110 by the molding condition setting unit 120.

[0078] Fig. 93 is a diagram showing a modified example of an input screen 320 using a bar graph 321. Fig. 9 In the bar graph 321 shown, a revelation image 323 (323a, 323b) is displayed to indicate the molding quality that requires the molded product to be determined as a good product when the user operates the bar graph 321. The reference line 322 and the revelation image 323 shown in the bar graph 321 are examples of reference images.

[0079] The items indicating molding quality include items for determining the boundary between qualified and unqualified products and items for determining the range within which the molded product is judged as qualified. For the former items, a revelation image 323a indicating the boundary between qualified and unqualified products is displayed, and for the latter items, a revelation image 323b indicating the range within which the molded product is judged as qualified is displayed.

[0080] exist Fig. 9 In the example shown, "burr", "sink mark" and "short circuit" among the five items indicating molding quality are items that determine the boundary between qualified products and unqualified products, and a revelation image 323a indicating the boundary between qualified products and unqualified products is displayed. The revelation image 323a is an image formed by a line segment indicating the boundary and an arrow indicating the side determined as a qualified product. Fig. 9 In the illustrated example, the disclosure image 323 a is a diagram in which a line segment is arranged at the position of the reference line 322 of each item, and an arrow is displayed from the line segment toward the origin (left end) of the bar graph 321 .

[0081] exist Fig. 9 In the example shown, referring to the bar graph 321, "sink marks" are contents that are determined to be qualified products because they are on the side (left side) to which the arrow points relative to the boundary represented by the revelation image 323a. On the other hand, "burrs" and "short circuits" are contents that are determined to be unqualified products because they are on the opposite side (right side) of the arrow relative to the boundary represented by the revelation image 323a. Therefore, the molding quality generation unit 230 generates data representing the difference between the bar graph 321 and the reference line 322 at least with respect to "burrs" and "short circuits". Then, the molding condition inference unit 240 infers the conditions for eliminating the difference represented by the data generated by the molding quality generation unit 230 at least with respect to the items of molding conditions that are the causes of "burrs" and "short circuits".

[0082] And, in Fig. 9 In the bar graph 321 shown, "inner diameter" and "weight" of the five items representing molding quality are items that determine the range of qualified products, and a revelation image 323b indicating the range of qualified products is displayed. The revelation image 323b is an image formed by two parallel line segments representing the range and two-way arrows pointing to each line segment between the two line segments. Fig. 9In the example shown, a revelation image 323 b is displayed at a location across the baseline 322 of each item, and a double-headed arrow extends in a direction from each vertex to the bar graph 321 .

[0083] exist Fig. 9 In the example shown, referring to the bar graph 321, the “weight” is the content that is determined as a qualified product because it is within the range indicated by the revelation image 323b. On the other hand, the “inner diameter” is the content that is determined as a defective product because it is outside the range indicated by the revelation image 323b. Therefore, the molding quality generation unit 230 generates data indicating the difference between the bar graph 321 and the reference line 322 at least with respect to the “inner diameter”. Then, the molding condition inference unit 240 infers the conditions for eliminating the difference indicated by the data generated by the molding quality generation unit 230 at least with respect to the items of molding conditions that affect the “inner diameter”.

[0084] In addition, Fig. 9 In the example shown, the items judged as qualified products and the items judged as unqualified products are not distinguished in the bar graph 321, but they can also be displayed in a recognizable manner. Specifically, for example, the display of the items judged as qualified products (in the example shown in the figure, the display of "sink mark" and "weight") and the display of the items judged as unqualified products (in the example shown in the figure, the display of "burr", "short circuit" and "inner diameter") can be displayed in a different display mode such as display color and display font. In this way, the user can easily visually distinguish the items that should change the molding quality in the bar graph 321.

[0085] Fig.10 3 is a diagram showing another modified example of the input screen 320 using the bar graph 321. Fig.10 In the bar graph 321 shown, the items that determine the boundary between qualified products and unqualified products ("burrs", "sink marks", "short circuits") and the items that determine the range of qualified products ("inner diameter", "weight") are identifiably displayed among the five items representing molding quality. Fig.10 In the example shown, in the bar graph 321, the chart 324a including the items for determining the boundary between good and bad products is displayed as blank, and the chart 324b including the items for determining the range of good products is displayed as shaded. In this way, the user can easily visually distinguish the items for determining the boundary between good and bad products and the items for determining the range of good products in the bar graph 321.

[0086] <Combination use with other input mechanisms>

[0087] Above, reference Figures 5 to 10Two types of input screens 310 and 320 have been described. In the present embodiment, the input of information on molding quality using different input mechanisms may be accepted together with the above-mentioned input screens 310 and 320. For example, the data processing device 200 may accept the content and value of molding quality input using a keyboard as the input device 405. Furthermore, the data processing device 200 may include a voice input mechanism and accept the input of commands and values ​​by the user based on voice.

[0088] Used Figures 5 to 10 The user can intuitively operate the GUI-based input of the input screens 310 and 320 shown, but character input using a keyboard is sometimes easier when inputting a specific numerical value, etc. Therefore, an input screen that accepts character input based on a keyboard may be displayed instead of the input screens 310 and 320.

[0089] Fig.11 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an input screen for accepting character input. The input screen 330 is displayed on the display device 300 under the control of the display control unit 260 of the data processing device 200. An input field 331 for accepting input from a user and displaying the input molding quality information is displayed on the input screen 330. In addition, the identification information of the shot "shot ID: 123" is displayed in the upper right corner of the input screen 330.

[0090] exist Figure 6 and Fig. 9 In the description, it is explained that the items indicating molding quality include items for determining the boundary between qualified and unqualified molded products and items for determining the range of molded products to be qualified. In the former items, whether a molded product is qualified or unqualified is determined by the presence or absence and degree of the corresponding phenomenon. In the latter items, whether a molded product is qualified or unqualified is determined by the numerical value indicating the state of the corresponding item. Fig.11 In the input screen 330 shown, check boxes are provided for the former items, and character input fields for inputting numerical values ​​are provided for the latter items.

[0091] exist Fig.11 In the input column 331 shown, as an item indicating the molding quality, Figures 5 to 10 The input screens 310 and 320 shown in the figure have the same five items, namely "burr", "sink mark", "short circuit", "inner diameter", and "weight". Here, the three items "burr", "sink mark", and "short circuit" are items for determining the boundary between qualified and unqualified products with respect to molded products, and the two items "inner diameter" and "weight" are items for determining the range of molded products to be judged as qualified products. Therefore, in Fig.11In the input field 331, check boxes are provided for the three items of "burr", "sink mark", and "short circuit", and character input fields are provided for the two items of "inner diameter" and "weight".

[0092] exist Fig.11 In the input screen 330 shown, the checkbox for the "burr" item is checked, indicating that burrs exist in the molded product. In addition, the value "10" is entered in the character input column for the "inner diameter" item, and the value "3" is entered in the character input column for the "weight" item. Only numerical values ​​are shown in the figure, but appropriate units (mm, g, etc.) are set as the dimensions of the molded product. In addition, Fig.11 The items in the input column 331 shown are only examples. In addition to the items shown in the figure, various information indicating molding quality, such as the size of the molded product, the mold internal pressure, the minimum buffer position, and the characteristic amount of the waveform of the filling pressure, can be used as the items in the input column 331, depending on the molded product to be manufactured, the type of mold, the specifications of the injection molding machine 10, etc.

[0093] Fig.12 3 is a diagram showing another configuration example of an input screen for accepting character input. The input screen 340 is displayed on the display device 300 under the control of the display control unit 260 of the data processing device 200. The input screen 340 displays an item selection column 341 for specifying an item of molding quality to be input and a character input column 342 for accepting character input based on the keyboard. In addition, the identification information of the shot "shot ID: 123" is displayed in the upper right corner of the input screen 340.

[0094] exist Fig.12 In the item selection column 341 shown, "sink mark" and "burr" are shown as items indicating molding quality. The user selects which item to input by checking the check box. In the example shown in the figure, the "sink mark" check box is checked and the item "sink mark" is selected. In addition, Fig.12 The items in the item selection column 341 shown are only examples. As the items in the item selection column 341, in addition to the items shown in the figure, various information indicating molding quality, such as the size of the molded product, the mold internal pressure, the minimum buffer position, and the characteristic amount of the waveform of the filling pressure, can be appropriately used, and items suitable for inputting characters can be used according to the molded product to be manufactured, the type of mold, the specifications of the injection molding machine 10, etc.

[0095] The content input to the character input column 342 may differ depending on the type of the molding quality item selected in the item selection column 341. Fig.12 In the example shown, a value "1.5" indicating the size of a "sink mark" generated in a molded product is input. Fig.12In the example shown, the input value "0.1" indicating the size of "burr" is also displayed. These values ​​can be values ​​preset by the user or the like as relative values ​​indicating the degree of the phenomenon corresponding to each item. For these values, a threshold indicating the boundary between a qualified product and a defective product can also be set. For example, if the threshold for "sink mark" is set to "1.0", Fig.12 As shown, when the value input to the character input field 342 is "1.5" which is larger than the threshold value "1.0", the molded product can be determined as a defective product.

[0096] Fig.11 and Fig.12 The input screens 330 and 340 shown are similar to those in the reference Figures 5 to 10 The input screens 310 and 320 described above are configured differently. The display of the input screens 330 and 340 is performed under the control of the display control unit 260 of the data processing device 200, for example, when a screen switching operation is performed on the input screens 310 and 320. The switching operation is performed, for example, by operating a mouse as the input device 405 on the input screens 310 and 320, overlapping the mouse pointer with an item for character input, and clicking a mouse button.

[0097] And, in the above example, with reference Figures 5 to 10 The input screens 310 and 320 described above are different from the input screens 330 and 340 for accepting character input, but it is also possible to accept character input in the input screens 310 and 320. In this case, for example, when a selection operation is performed on an item for character input, a text box for character input can be displayed near the selected item. The item selection operation can be, for example, an operation such as operating a mouse as the input device 405, overlapping the mouse pointer with the item for character input, and clicking a mouse button.

[0098] The user's input of commands and values ​​based on voice can be achieved, for example, by providing a function for accepting voice-based input in the data processing device 200 and connecting a microphone as a sound acquisition mechanism. The acceptance of voice-based input can be achieved, for example, by performing sound analysis using program control in the processing unit 220. In the case of inputting commands and values ​​by voice, it can be a structure that pronounces information and commands according to a predetermined form, or it can be a structure that inputs by free speech. In the latter case, information and commands can be extracted from the speech sound by natural language analysis. If the input of commands and values ​​based on voice can be accepted, the user can input the information on the molding quality obtained by the measuring instrument without removing his hands from the measuring instrument while operating the measuring instrument to obtain the molding quality of the molded product.

[0099] In addition, in the present embodiment, the input mechanisms including the input screens 310 and 320 are described as being used to input information on molding quality for obtaining molding conditions. However, these input mechanisms can be used as mechanisms for inputting information on molding quality as a processing object in various processes in the control device 100 and the data processing device 200. For example, it can be used to input information on molding quality as learning data to generate a mathematical model representing the relationship between actual data and molding quality for predicting molding quality based on actual data related to the manufacture of molded products. The actual data includes the molding conditions set in the control device 100 and observation data such as the pressure waveform obtained from the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30 in the manufacturing process. At this time, if the user uses the input screens 310, 320, etc. to input information on the molding quality of the manufactured molded product, the input molding quality information is associated with the actual data obtained when the molded product is manufactured and saved as learning data. By having such a structure, it is possible to obtain learning data by inputting information on molding quality immediately after obtaining the molded product. Therefore, it is not necessary to manage the shots for generating learning data, as in the case where the log data of each shot obtained during molding is associated with the quality information of the molded product of the corresponding shot after the molding operation is completed to generate learning data, and the time from the end of molding to the generation of learning data can be shortened. In addition, each input mechanism including the input screens 310 and 320 can be used to input the information of the molding quality as learning data to generate a mathematical model representing the relationship between the molding quality and the molding conditions used to infer the molding conditions in the molding condition inference unit 240.

[0100] The above is a description of the embodiments of the present invention, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the above embodiments, the data processing device 200 generates input screens 310, 320, 330, 340 through the display control unit 260, and displays them on the display device 300 connected to the data processing device 200, but it can also be a structure in which an information processing device that is separate from the data processing device 200 performs display control of the input screens 310, 320, 330, 340 and accepts input. Specifically, a personal computer, a tablet information terminal, a smart phone, and other information equipment with a display mechanism can have the functions of the display device 300 and the display control unit 260 to realize the display of the input screens 310, 320, 330, 340 and the acceptance of input. In addition, various changes and structural substitutions that do not depart from the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention are also included in the present invention.

Claims

1. An information processing device, characterized in that: have: a display control mechanism that causes the display device to display an input screen for inputting information related to the quality of a molded product manufactured by the injection molding machine; An accepting mechanism for accepting an operation on the input screen; and a generating means for generating information related to the quality of the molded product based on the operation received by the receiving means, The input screen is a screen having pre-set items as information related to the quality of the molded product, and displaying the content of each item in a graphical form. The input screen changes display content of the graph according to the operation accepted by the acceptance unit.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The items shown in the graph of the input screen are items preset as input information to an inference unit that infers molding conditions required to obtain the quality based on information related to the quality of the molded product.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The display control means displays, for each of the items, in the graph of the input screen, a reference image indicating a reference for judging a molded product as a non-defective product in the item.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The reference image displayed in the graph of the input screen includes an image showing the range of the item that determines the range for determining the molded product as a non-defective product.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that The display control means identifiably displays the items defining the range displayed in the graph of the input screen, the items whose values ​​determined by the operation accepted by the acceptance means are included in the range determined as non-conforming products, and other items.

6. The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The reference image displayed in the graph of the input screen includes an image showing the boundary between the items for determining the boundary between the non-defective products and the defective products with respect to the molded product.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The display control means displays, regarding the item for defining the boundary displayed in the graph of the input screen, a region on the side where the molded product is determined to be a good product and a region on the side where the molded product is determined to be a bad product with respect to the boundary so as to be distinguishable.

8. The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The display control means displays, as the reference image, an image indicating the range of the item for determining the range of the molded product as a qualified product, and displays an image indicating the boundary of the item for determining the boundary between a qualified product and a defective product for the molded product.

9. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display control means displays a character input field for inputting a value for at least a part of the item on the input screen displaying the graph or on an input screen different from the input screen.

10. The information processing device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The display control means is configured to display the character input field for the designated item on the input screen in response to an operation of designating the item displayed in the chart of the input screen.

11. The information processing device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The display control means switches the display to the different input screen having the character input field for the designated item in response to an operation of designating the item displayed in the chart of the input screen.

12. The information processing device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: The display control unit changes display content of the graph according to a value input to the character input field.

13. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Also available: The voice input unit receives voice input for at least a part of the items displayed in the graph of the input screen.

14. A storage medium storing a program that enables a computer to implement the following functions: A function of causing a display device to display an input screen for inputting information related to the quality of a molded product manufactured by the injection molding machine; A function for accepting an operation on the input screen; and a function for generating information related to the quality of the molded product based on the operation accepted by the acceptance function, In the function of causing the display device to display the input screen, A screen is displayed which has pre-set items as information related to the quality of the molded product and displays the content of each item in a graphical form, The displayed content of the graph is changed according to the operation performed on the input screen.

Images