Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

An information processing device (10) is provided with: a generation unit (12) that generates a reference signal and transmits the generated reference signal to a first device that is a transmission source of first information and a second device that is a transmission source of second information; and a processing unit (13) that: (a) receives first information transmitted by a first device that has received the reference signal, and receives, as a first reference signal, the reference signal transmitted by the first device while transmitting the first information; (b) receiving, as a second reference signal, second information transmitted by a second device that has received the reference signal, and receiving, as the second reference signal, the reference signal transmitted by the second device while transmitting the second information; and (c) integrating the first information and the second information into information having a common time axis using a time difference between the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. Background Art

[0002] There is disclosed a diagnostic device, a diagnostic system, and a program that, during processing such as cutting, grinding, or polishing a workpiece in a processing machine or the like, can analyze data output from a sensor provided independently of the processing machine by associating the data with a monitoring designation number for the processing, for each monitoring designation number (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-166543 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it is impossible to evaluate the vibration generated by the processing machine and the time-series data of the internal control signal or command value of the processing machine on a common time axis.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention provides an information processing device or the like that supports the evaluation of a plurality of time-series data on a common time axis.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] An information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that integrates first information and second information. The first information includes first values in a time series, where the first values in the time series are sensor values in a time series output by a sensor device provided in a processing machine or control values in a time series associated with the control of the processing machine. The second information includes second values in a time series, where the second values in the time series are sensor values in a time series output by the sensor device provided in the processing machine or control values in a time series associated with the control of the processing machine. The information processing apparatus includes: a generation unit that generates a reference signal and sends the generated reference signal to a first device that is a source of the first information and a second device that is a source of the second information; and a processing unit that performs the following processing: (a) receives the first information sent by the first device that has received the reference signal, and receives the reference signal sent by the first device at the same time as sending the first information as a first reference signal; (b) receives the second information sent by the second device that has received the reference signal, and receives the reference signal sent by the second device at the same time as sending the second information as a second reference signal; and (c) uses the time difference between the first reference signal and the second reference signal to integrate the first information and the second information into information having a common time axis.

[0011] Furthermore, these general or specific aspects can be implemented by a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or can be implemented by any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] The information processing apparatus of the present invention can support the evaluation of a plurality of time series data on a common time axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the information processing apparatus and system according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 is a first flowchart showing the processing of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 is a second flowchart showing the processing of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 is a third flowchart showing the processing of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a first explanatory diagram showing the integration process performed by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a second explanatory diagram showing the integration process performed by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a third explanatory diagram showing the integration process performed by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a fourth explanatory diagram showing the integration process performed by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 It is a fifth explanatory diagram showing the integration process performed by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 It is a sixth explanatory diagram showing the integration process performed by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display of integrated information performed by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. Detailed Embodiments

[0025] (Insight underlying the present invention)

[0026] The inventors of the present invention have found the following problems in the technology related to the processing machine described in the "Background Art" section.

[0027] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, after acquiring vibration data based on a machining feed signal, it is only possible to correspond the acquired vibration data with a sequence number for identifying a machining process.

[0028] Therefore, the following problem exists in the above technology: Since it is impossible to synchronize the information indicating the vibration generated by the machine tool with the time series data of the internal control signal or command value of the processing machine on the time axis, it is impossible to evaluate the vibration and the internal control signal or command value of the processing machine at the same time on a common time axis.

[0029] Therefore, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus and the like capable of evaluating a plurality of time series data on a common time axis.

[0030] Hereinafter, the invention obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be exemplified, and the effects obtained from the invention and the like will be described.

[0031] (1) An information processing apparatus integrates first information and second information, where the first information includes first values in a time series, and the first values in the time series are sensor values in a time series output by a sensor device provided in a processing machine or control values in a time series associated with the control of the processing machine. The second information includes second values in a time series, and the second values in the time series are sensor values in a time series output by the sensor device provided in the processing machine or control values in a time series associated with the control of the processing machine. The information processing apparatus includes: a generation unit that generates a reference signal and sends the generated reference signal to a first device that is a source of the first information and a second device that is a source of the second information; and a processing unit that performs the following processing: (a) receives the first information sent by the first device that has received the reference signal, and receives the reference signal sent by the first device at the same time as sending the first information as a first reference signal; (b) receives the second information sent by the second device that has received the reference signal, and receives the reference signal sent by the second device at the same time as sending the second information as a second reference signal; and (c) uses the time difference between the first reference signal and the second reference signal to integrate the first information and the second information into information having a common time axis.

[0032] According to the above method, the information processing apparatus integrates the first information and the second information into information having a common time axis. When integrating this information, the information processing apparatus pre-sends a reference signal to the first device and the second device, and uses the time difference between the first reference signal and the second reference signal respectively sent by the first device and the second device. Therefore, the first information and the second information can be appropriately integrated into information having a common time axis. In this way, the information processing apparatus can support the evaluation of multiple time series data on a common time axis.

[0033] (2) The information processing apparatus according to (1), where the generation unit repeatedly broadcasts and sends the reference signal to the first device and the second device, and the processing unit receives the first reference signal and the second reference signal repeatedly sent by the first device and the second device based on the reference signal repeatedly sent by the generation unit, and uses the first reference signal and the second reference signal to integrate the first information and the second information.

[0034] According to the above method, the information processing device can make both the first device and the second device receive a reference signal by broadcasting the reference signal. Moreover, the information processing device can integrate the first information and the second information in such a way that the first reference signal and the second reference signal transmitted from the first device and the second device are signals at the same moment, so that the above information can be integrated more easily. Therefore, the information processing device can more easily support the evaluation of multiple time-series data on a common time axis.

[0035] (3) The information processing device according to (2), wherein the sampling period of the first value of the time series is the same as the sampling period of the second value of the time series, and the processing unit arranges the first value of the time series and the second value of the time series in such a way that the first reference signal and the second reference signal based on the same reference signal are signals at the same moment, so as to integrate the first information and the second information.

[0036] According to the above method, the information processing device can more easily integrate the first information and the second information by arranging the first information and the second information in such a way that the first reference signal and the second reference signal are signals at the same moment. At this time, since the sampling period of the first value of the time series is the same as the sampling period of the second value of the time series, there is no need to adjust the time series values by a time interval or the like, and the first information and the second information can be integrated more appropriately. Therefore, the information processing device can more easily support the evaluation of multiple time-series data on a common time axis.

[0037] (4) The information processing device according to (2), wherein the sampling period of the first value of the time series is different from the sampling period of the second value of the time series, and the processing unit arranges the first value of the time series and the second value of the time series in such a way that, after arranging the one with the shorter sampling period among the first value of the time series and the second value of the time series, the first reference signal and the second reference signal based on the same reference signal are signals at the same moment and are separated by an interval corresponding to the ratio of the sampling period of the first value of the time series to the sampling period of the second value of the time series, so as to integrate the first information and the second information.

[0038] According to the above method, the information processing apparatus arranges the first information and the second information in such a way that the first reference signal and the second reference signal are signals at the same time, and can more easily integrate the first information and the second information. At this time, since the sampling period of the first value of the time series is different from the sampling period of the second value of the time series, by separating an appropriate time interval from the time series value with the longer sampling period, the first information and the second information can be appropriately integrated. Therefore, even when the sampling periods of the time series values are different, the information processing apparatus can more appropriately support the evaluation of a plurality of time series data on a common time axis.

[0039] (5) The information processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the generation unit repeatedly selects one of the first device and the second device, and unicasts the reference signal to the selected one device, and the processing unit receives the first reference signal and the second reference signal repeatedly transmitted by the first device and the second device based on the reference signal repeatedly transmitted by the generation unit, and uses the first reference signal and the second reference signal to integrate the first information and the second information.

[0040] According to the above method, the information processing apparatus can cause the first device and the second device to receive the reference signal by unicasting the reference signal to one of the first device and the second device repeatedly selected. Then, the information processing apparatus can integrate the above information by adjusting the times of the first information and the second information using the first reference signal and the second reference signal transmitted from the first device and the second device. Therefore, the information processing apparatus can more easily support the evaluation of a plurality of time series data on a common time axis.

[0041] (6) The information processing apparatus according to (5), wherein the sampling period of the first value of the time series is the same as the sampling period of the second value of the time series, and the processing unit performs the following processing: interpolating the un-received first reference signal using the received plurality of first reference signals; interpolating the un-received second reference signal using the received plurality of second reference signals; and integrating the first information and the second information by arranging the first value of the time series and the second value of the time series in such a way that the first reference signal and the second reference signal based on the same reference signal are signals at the same time.

[0042] According to the above method, the information processing device can more easily integrate the first information and the second information by arranging the first information and the second information in such a way that after interpolating the first reference signal and the second reference signal that are not received using the first reference signal and the second reference signal received from the first device and the second device, the first reference signal and the second reference signal are signals at the same time. At this time, since the sampling period of the first value of the time series is the same as the sampling period of the second value of the time series, there is no need to perform adjustments such as separating the time intervals of the time series values, and the first information and the second information can be more easily and appropriately integrated. Therefore, the information processing device can more easily support the evaluation of multiple time series data on a common time axis.

[0043] (7) The information processing device according to (5), wherein the sampling period of the first value of the time series is the same as the sampling period of the second value of the time series, and the processing unit performs the following processing: interpolating the first reference signal that is not received using the plurality of received first reference signals; interpolating the second reference signal that is not received using the plurality of received second reference signals; and after arranging (1) the shorter one of the sampling periods of the first value of the time series and the second value of the time series, arranging (2) the other of the first value of the time series and the second value of the time series that is different from the one in such a way that the first reference signal and the second reference signal based on the same reference signal are signals at the same time and are separated by an interval corresponding to the ratio of the sampling period of the first value of the time series to the sampling period of the second value of the time series, so as to integrate the first information and the second information.

[0044] According to the above method, the information processing device can more easily integrate the first information and the second information by arranging the first information and the second information in such a way that the first reference signal and the second reference signal after interpolation are signals at the same time. At this time, since the sampling period of the first value of the time series is different from the sampling period of the second value of the time series, the first information and the second information can be appropriately integrated by separating them by an appropriate interval from the time series value with the longer sampling period. Therefore, even when the sampling periods of the time series values are different, the information processing device can more appropriately support the evaluation of multiple time series data on a common time axis.

[0045] (8) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the first value of the time series or the second value of the time series is a sensor value of the time series or a control value of the time series, and the processing unit has an analysis unit for analyzing the sensor value of the time series or the control value of the time series.

[0046] According to the above method, the information processing device can obtain the analysis values of the time series by analyzing the sensor values or control values of the time series, so that the evaluation objects can be set on the common time axis. Therefore, the information processing device can support the evaluation of multiple time series data on the common time axis.

[0047] (9) The information processing device according to (8), wherein the analysis unit performs different types of analysis processing according to the types of the sensor values or control values of the time series to be analyzed.

[0048] According to the above method, the information processing device can obtain appropriate analysis values by performing appropriate analysis processing according to each type of sensor value or control value. Therefore, the information processing device can more appropriately support the evaluation of multiple time series data on the common time axis.

[0049] (10) The information processing device according to (8) or (9), wherein the processing unit has a determination unit, and the determination unit uses the analysis result of the analysis unit to determine the processing state of the processing machine.

[0050] According to the above method, the information processing device can obtain the determination result of the processing state of the processing machine by using the analysis value obtained from the sensor value, so that the evaluation object can be set on the common time axis. Therefore, the information processing device can more appropriately support the evaluation of multiple time series data on the common time axis.

[0051] (11) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the processing unit generates integrated information by integrating the first information and the second information, and the information processing device further includes a display unit for displaying the integrated information.

[0052] According to the above method, the information processing device can more easily evaluate multiple time series data on the common time axis by displaying the integrated information. Therefore, the information processing device can support the evaluation of multiple time series data on the common time axis.

[0053] (12) The information processing device according to (11), wherein the generation unit generates a new reference signal and sends the generated new reference signal, the processing unit receives new first information, a new first reference signal, new second information, and a new second reference signal, generates new integrated information by integrating the new first information and the new second information, and the display unit updates the display from the display of the integrated information to the display of the new integrated information.

[0054] According to the above method, the information processing device can update the display of the integrated information according to the passage of time, so that it can more easily evaluate multiple time-series data on a common time axis. Therefore, the information processing device can support the evaluation of multiple time-series data on a common time axis.

[0055] (13) The information processing device according to (11) or (12), wherein the display unit receives a selection by a user of one or more pieces of information included in the integrated information, and displays at least one piece of information among the one or more pieces of information according to the received selection.

[0056] According to the above method, the information processing device displays at least one piece of information selected by the user. Therefore, the user can make the information processing device display the information that the user wants to visually recognize, so that multiple time-series data can be set as the object to be evaluated on a common time axis. Therefore, the information processing device can support the evaluation of multiple time-series data on a common time axis.

[0057] (14) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the sensor device includes at least one of an acceleration sensor, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and a temperature sensor.

[0058] According to the above method, the information processing device can support the evaluation of time-series data related to at least one of an acceleration sensor, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and a temperature sensor on a common time axis.

[0059] (15) An information processing method is an information processing method executed by an information processing device that integrates first information and second information. In the information processing method, the first information includes first values in a time series, and the first values in the time series are sensor values in a time series output by a sensor device provided in a processing machine or control values in a time series associated with the control of the processing machine. The second information includes second values in a time series, and the second values in the time series are sensor values in a time series output by the sensor device provided in the processing machine or control values in a time series associated with the control of the processing machine. The information processing method includes the following steps: generating a reference signal and sending the generated reference signal to a first device that is the source of the first information and a second device that is the source of the second information; (a) receiving the first information sent by the first device that has received the reference signal, and receiving the reference signal sent by the first device at the same time as sending the first information as a first reference signal; (b) receiving the second information sent by the second device that has received the reference signal, and receiving the reference signal sent by the second device at the same time as sending the second information as a second reference signal; and (c) using the time difference between the first reference signal and the second reference signal to integrate the first information and the second information into information having a common time axis.

[0060] According to the above method, the same effect as the above information processing device is achieved.

[0061] (16) According to the information processing method described in (15), when the first information and the second information are integrated, integrated information obtained by integrating the first information and the second information is generated. In the information processing method, the integrated information is also displayed on a display unit.

[0062] According to the above method, the same effect as the above information processing device is achieved.

[0063] (17) A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method described in (15) or (16).

[0064] According to the above method, the same effect as the above information processing device is achieved.

[0065] In addition, these general or specific methods can be implemented either by a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or by any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0066] Next, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0067] In addition, the embodiments described below are all general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, configuration positions of components, connection methods, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the components of the following embodiments that are not described in the independent claims representing the highest concept are described as arbitrary components.

[0068] (Implementation Method)

[0069] In the present embodiment, an information processing device or the like that supports evaluation of a plurality of time-series data on a common time axis will be described.

[0070] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device 10 and a system 1 including the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0071] The system 1 includes an information processing device 10, a processing machine 20, and a sensor device 30. The information processing device 10 is connected to the processing machine 20 and the sensor device 30. The information processing device 10 may be a device (generally referred to as a diagnostic device or an analysis device) that diagnoses the processing machine 20 or the processing performed by the processing machine 20 by analyzing vibrations generated when processing is performed by the processing machine 20. In addition, the information processing device 10 may be configured in the above device as one of the functions of the above device.

[0072] First, the processing machine 20 and the sensor device 30 will be described.

[0073] The processing machine 20 is a device that processes the workpiece W. Processing includes cutting, grinding, or lapping. The processing machine 20 can output a control value related to the control of the processing machine 20 .

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, the processing machine 20 includes a control unit 21, an amplifier 22, a motor 23, an encoder 24, a spindle 25, and a tool 26. The processing machine 20 does not include a workpiece W as a component.

[0075] The control unit 21 controls the components of the processing machine 20. The control unit 21 includes a processor (for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)) (not shown), and the processor executes a predetermined program using a memory (not shown) to perform the above-mentioned control.

[0076] The control unit 21 controls the components included in the processing machine 20 to process the workpiece W. For example, the object of control is the spindle 25, and this case will be described as an example. However, the above components may also include the mounting table 27 or the like.

[0077] The control unit 21 controls the position of the spindle 25 so that the spindle 25 is located at an appropriate position. In addition, the control unit 21 controls the rotational speeds of the spindle 25 and the tool 26 so that the tool 26 processes the workpiece W. The control unit 21 supplies a signal for controlling the controlled position (also referred to as the control position), the controlled rotational speed (control rotational speed), or the torque (also referred to as the control torque) of the spindle 25 to the amplifier 22.

[0078] The amplifier 22 is an amplifier that drives the motor 23 by supplying electric power to the motor 23. The amplifier 22 can include a servo amplifier or a spindle drive amplifier. The servo amplifier drives the servo motor 23 that controls the position of the spindle 25, and the spindle drive amplifier drives the spindle drive motor 23 that controls the rotation of the spindle 25.

[0079] When the amplifier 22 acquires a signal for controlling the control position, the control rotational speed, or the control torque of the spindle 25 from the control unit 21, the amplifier 22 calculates the drive amount for changing the position, rotational speed, or torque of the spindle 25 of the motor 23 according to the control signal, and supplies electric power for driving the motor 23 with the calculated drive amount to the motor 23. In addition, the amplifier 22 can receive information indicating the position or rotational speed of the motor 23 from the encoder 24 as feedback, and can use the feedback to further adjust the position or rotational speed of the spindle 25. Since the motor 23 is directly connected to the spindle 25, the information indicating the position or rotational speed of the motor 23 can also be said to be the information indicating the position or rotational speed of the spindle 25. In addition, the number of amplifiers 22 required for driving one or more motors 23 is provided in the processing machine 20.

[0080] In addition, the amplifier 22 transmits the time series data of the control values associated with the control of the processing machine 20 to the information processing device 10 via a communication IF (not shown). The control values associated with the control of the processing machine 20 include information indicating the control position, the control rotational speed, or the control torque of the spindle 25, or information indicating the position, rotational speed, or torque of the spindle 25 acquired from the encoder 24. The amplifier 22 transmitting the control values to the information processing device 10 is equivalent to outputting the control values.

[0081] The motor 23 is a motor that controls the position or rotational speed of the spindle 25. The motor 23 can include a servo motor that controls the position of the spindle 25 or a spindle drive motor that controls the rotation of the spindle 25. The motor 23 is driven by the electric power supplied from the amplifier 22, thereby controlling the position or rotational speed of the spindle 25.

[0082] In addition, the number of motors 23 is not limited to one and can be more than one. For example, when controlling the position or rotational speed of the main shaft 25, one or more motors for controlling the position of the main shaft 25 and one or more motors for controlling the rotational speed of the main shaft 25 can also be provided. When the number of motors 23 is more than one, the number of amplifiers 22 required to drive the one or more motors 23 is provided. In addition, when the mounting table 27 is an object to be controlled by the control unit 21, it includes one or more motors for controlling the position of the mounting table 27.

[0083] The encoder 24 is a sensor that acquires information indicating the position or rotational speed of the main shaft 25. The encoder 24 provides the information indicating the position or rotational speed of the acquired main shaft 25 as feedback to the amplifier 22. The encoder 24 can be a linear encoder or a rotary encoder.

[0084] The main shaft 25 supports the tool 26 in a rotatable manner. Specifically, the main shaft 25 has a jig such as a holding disk for holding the tool 26, and holds the tool 26 using the jig. In addition, the main shaft 25 rotates the tool 26 around the rotation axis (i.e., self-rotation).

[0085] The tool 26 is a tool for machining the workpiece W. The tool 26 is supported by the main shaft 25 in a manner that can rotate around the rotation axis (i.e., self-rotation). The rotating tool 26 machines the workpiece W by contacting the workpiece W.

[0086] The mounting table 27 is a mounting table for mounting the workpiece W. The mounting table 27 can be either fixed or movable. When the mounting table 27 is movable, a motor (not shown) for moving the mounting table 27 is provided, and a servo amplifier (not shown) for supplying power to the motor is also provided.

[0087] The sensor device 30 is provided in the machine tool 20 and is a device for sensing a physical phenomenon and outputting a sensor value.

[0088] The sensor device 30 includes a sensor 31 and a converter 32.

[0089] The sensor 31 is a sensor for sensing a physical phenomenon as a sensing object (generally also referred to as a sensor element). The sensor 31 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, or a temperature sensor. The sensor 31 provides an analog sensor value (also referred to as an analog sensor value) indicating the sensed physical phenomenon to the converter 32.

[0090] The converter 32 converts the analog sensor value provided by the sensor 31 into a digital sensor value (also simply referred to as a sensor value), and sends the digital sensor value to the information processing device 10. The converter 32 acquires the analog sensor value provided by the sensor 31, repeatedly converts it into a sensor value, and sends it to the information processing device 10. The converter 32 can repeatedly convert the analog sensor value into a sensor value at a prescribed period (also referred to as a sampling period). The conversion from the analog sensor value to the sensor value can include analog-to-digital conversion processing, filtering processing, buffering processing, etc. The converter 32 sending the sensor value to the information processing device 10 is equivalent to outputting the sensor value.

[0091] Next, the information processing device 10 will be described.

[0092] As Figure 1 shown, the information processing device 10 includes a communication IF 11, a generation unit 12, a processing unit 13, and a display unit 14. A part or all of the functions of the generation unit 12, the processing unit 13, and the display unit 14 are implemented by a processor (e.g., a CPU (Central Processing Unit)) (not shown) included in the information processing device 10 using a memory (not shown) to execute a prescribed program.

[0093] The information processing device 10 is an information processing device that integrates first information and second information.

[0094] The first information includes a time-series first value, and the time-series first value is a time-series sensor value output by the sensor device 30 or a time-series control value associated with the control of the processing machine 20. In addition, the second information includes a time-series second value, and the time-series second value is a time-series sensor value output by the sensor device 30 provided in the processing machine 20 or a time-series control value associated with the control of the processing machine 20. The source of the first information is also referred to as the first device, and the source of the second information is also referred to as the second device. The first device and the second device are different from each other.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the case where the first information has a time-series sensor value output by the sensor device 30 as the time-series first value and the second information has a time-series control value associated with the control of the processing machine 20 as the time-series second value will be described as an example. In this case, the first device is the sensor device 30, and the second device is the processing machine 20.

[0096] In addition, the first information, the second information, the first device, and the second device are not limited to the above cases. It is also possible that the first information has sensor values in a time series, and the second information has sensor values in a time series. Additionally, it is also possible that the first information has control values in a time series, and the second information has control values in a time series.

[0097] The communication IF 11 is a communication interface connected to the processing machine 20 (more specifically, the amplifier 22) and the sensor device 30 in a communicable manner. The communication standard of the communication IF 11 is, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) such as IEEE 802.3, but is not limited thereto, and it may also be a wireless LAN (such as the IEEE 802.11 series).

[0098] The generation unit 12 generates a reference signal and transmits the generated reference signal to the sensor device 30 and the processing machine 20 via the communication IF 11. The generation unit 12 repeatedly generates and transmits the reference signal. Each of the reference signals repeatedly generated by the generation unit 12 includes an identifier that can uniquely identify the reference signal. For example, the reference signal repeatedly generated by the generation unit 12 includes a value that is incremented by 1 successively (also referred to as a count value).

[0099] The generation unit 12 can transmit the reference signal either by broadcasting or by unicasting. When the generation unit 12 transmits the reference signal by unicasting, it repeatedly selects one device from the sensor device 30 and the processing machine 20 and unicasts the reference signal to the selected one device.

[0100] For example, the generation unit 12 alternately selects the sensor device 30 and the processing machine 20 as the above one device. In this case, the generation unit 12 alternately unicasts the reference signal to the sensor device 30 and the processing machine 20. In addition, the generation unit 12 can select either the sensor device 30 or the processing machine 20 at an arbitrary ratio, or can randomly select either the sensor device 30 or the processing machine 20. In addition, the case where the generation unit 12 continuously selects either the sensor device 30 or the processing machine 20 for many times (for example, about several tens to several hundreds of times or more) is excluded.

[0101] The processing unit 13 receives the first information transmitted by the sensor device 30 and the second information transmitted by the processing machine 20 via the communication IF 11 and integrates them.

[0102] Specifically, the processing unit 13 receives, via the communication IF 11, the first information transmitted by the sensor device 30 that has received the reference signal transmitted by the received generation unit 12. In addition, the processing unit 13 receives the reference signal transmitted by the sensor device 30 at the same time as transmitting the first information as the first reference signal. The first reference signal is the reference signal transmitted by the sensor device 30 that has received the reference signal transmitted by the received generation unit 12, and is the same signal as the reference signal transmitted by the processing unit 13. When the generation unit 12 repeatedly transmits the reference signal, the processing unit 13 receives the first reference signal transmitted by the sensor device 30 according to each of the repeatedly transmitted reference signals.

[0103] In addition, the processing unit 13 receives, via the communication IF 11, the second information transmitted by the processing machine 20 that has received the reference signal transmitted by the received generation unit 12. In addition, the processing unit 13 receives the reference signal transmitted by the processing machine 20 at the same time as transmitting the second information as the second reference signal. The second reference signal is the reference signal transmitted by the processing machine 20 that has received the reference signal transmitted by the processing unit 13, and is the same signal as the reference signal transmitted by the generation unit 12. When the generation unit 12 repeatedly transmits the reference signal, the processing unit 13 receives the second reference signal transmitted by the processing machine 20 according to each of the repeatedly transmitted reference signals.

[0104] Then, the processing unit 13 uses the time difference between the first reference signal and the second reference signal to integrate the first information and the second information into information having a common time axis. Specifically, the processing unit 13 uses the time difference between the first reference signal and the second reference signal to integrate the first information and the second information by setting the first reference signal and the second reference signal to signals at the same time. When the processing unit 13 has integrated the first information and the second information, it generates integrated information. In addition, when the generation unit 12 transmits a new reference signal, the processing unit 13 receives the new first information, the new first reference signal, the new second information, and the new second reference signal, and generates new integrated information by integrating the new first information and the new second information. The processing of the processing unit 13 integrating the first information and the second information will be described in detail later.

[0105] In addition, the processing unit 13 includes an analysis unit 131 and a determination unit 132.

[0106] The analysis unit 131 analyzes the time-series sensor values or time-series control values. Specifically, the analysis unit 131 obtains time-series analysis values by analyzing the time-series sensor values output by the sensor device 30 or the time-series control values output by the processing machine 20. The above analysis includes, for example, short-time frequency analysis (STFT (Short Time Fourier Transform)) processing, time-frequency analysis (wavelet analysis) processing, etc. In addition, the above analysis may also include processing for calculating the moving average value, effective value, maximum value, or minimum value of the signal.

[0107] The analysis unit 131 can perform different types of analysis processing according to the type of the time-series sensor value or time-series control value to be analyzed. For example, when the time-series sensor value is a time-series acceleration value, the analysis unit 131 performs short-time frequency analysis processing or time-frequency analysis (wavelet analysis) processing. In addition, when the time-series control value is a time-series control torque or control rotation speed, short-time frequency analysis processing is performed.

[0108] The determination unit 132 uses the time-series sensor value or time-series analysis value to determine the processing state of the processing machine 20. The determination of the processing state includes the determination of the quality of the processing quality, such as good or bad. For example, when the determination unit 132 determines that the signal intensity of a specific frequency exceeds a preset threshold using the analysis value obtained as the result of the time-frequency analysis performed by the analysis unit 131, it can be determined that the processing quality is poor; on the other hand, when the above signal intensity does not exceed the threshold, it can be determined that the processing quality is good.

[0109] The display unit 14 has a display screen and displays an image on the display screen. Specifically, the display unit 14 displays the integrated information generated by the processing unit 13. In addition, when new integrated information is generated by the processing unit 13, the display unit 14 updates to display the new integrated information. In addition, the display unit 14 can also display information indicating the analysis result of the analysis unit 131 or information indicating the determination result of the determination unit 132. Examples of the integrated information displayed by the display unit 14 will be described later.

[0110] After that, the processing of the information processing device 10 will be described in detail.

[0111] Figure 2 It is the first flowchart showing the processing of the information processing device 10 of the present embodiment. Figure 2 The processing shown is a series of processes in which the generation unit 12 generates and sends a reference signal.

[0112] It is assumed that during Figure 2In the series of processes shown, the reference time has been determined in the generation unit 12. The reference time is the time determined as the time to send the reference signal.

[0113] In step S101, the generation unit 12 increments the count value. For example, before the generation unit 12 initially executes step S101, the count value is initialized to 0, and each time step S101 is executed, the count value increments as 1, 2,....

[0114] In step S102, the generation unit 12 determines whether the reference time has been reached. If it is determined that the reference time has been reached (in step S102, "yes"), the process proceeds to step S103. If it is determined that the reference time has not been reached (in step S102, "no"), step S102 is executed again. That is, the generation unit 12 enters a standby state in step S102 until the reference time is reached.

[0115] In step S103, the generation unit 12 generates a reference signal. The reference signal includes the count value.

[0116] In step S104, the generation unit 12 sends the reference signal generated in step S103 to the processing machine 20 and the sensor device 30 via the communication IF 11.

[0117] In step S105, the generation unit 12 sets the next reference time. The generation unit 12 can set the time after a specified time (for example, several milliseconds to several minutes) has elapsed from the reference time that arrived in step S102 as the next reference time. After step S105 is completed, step S101 is executed again.

[0118] Figure 3 It is the second flowchart showing the processing of the information processing device 10 of the present embodiment. Figure 3 The series of processes shown are a series of processes in which the processing unit 13 receives information and integrates it.

[0119] In step S201, the processing unit 13 determines whether it has received information from the sensor device 30 and the processing machine 20. Specifically, the above information includes first information and second information, and also includes first reference information and second reference information. If it is determined that the above information has been received (in step S201, "yes"), the process proceeds to step S202. If it is determined that the above information has not been received (in step S201, "no"), step S201 is executed again. That is, the processing unit 13 enters a standby state in step S201 until it receives information from the sensor device 30 and the processing machine 20.

[0120] In step S202, the processing unit 13 determines whether the information received in step S201 is an analysis target of the analysis unit 131. It is assumed that the information that is the analysis target of the analysis unit 131 has been determined in advance, for example, it is an acceleration value indicating the vibration of the workpiece W or an adjustment position of the main shaft 25, etc.

[0121] In step S203, the processing unit 13 (specifically, the analysis unit 131) performs an analysis process on the information received in step S201.

[0122] In step S204, the processing unit 13 performs an integration process on the information received in step S201 as an object, thereby generating integrated information. The detailed processes included in the integration process will be described in detail later.

[0123] In step S205, the display unit 14 generates an image representing the integrated information generated in step S204 and displays the generated image on the display screen. In addition, when an image representing the integrated information has already been displayed, when new integrated information is generated in step S204, the display unit 14 generates an image representing the new integrated information and displays it on the display screen, thereby enabling the update of the image. After step S205 is completed, step S201 is executed again.

[0124] Figure 4 This is a third flowchart showing the processing of the information processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment. Figure 4 The processing shown is Figure 3 the detailed processing included in the integration process of step S204.

[0125] Here, each value of the time-series first value included in the first information and the time-series second value included in the second information that are integration objects is also referred to as a time-series value.

[0126] In step S301, the processing unit 13 determines whether the transmission of the reference signal by the generation unit 12 is a unicast transmission. When it is determined that the transmission of the reference signal is a unicast transmission (in step S301, it is "yes"), the process proceeds to step S302. When it is determined that it is not a unicast transmission (in step S301, it is "no"), the process proceeds to step S303.

[0127] In step S302, the processing unit 13 interpolates the reference signal. Specifically, when the count values included in two adjacent reference signals in time are discontinuous (that is, the difference in count values is greater than 1), the processing unit 13 sets the count values between the count values included in the two reference signals at equal intervals between the two reference signals.

[0128] In step S303, the processing unit 13 determines whether the sampling periods of the two time series values are the same. If it is determined that the sampling periods are the same (Yes in step S303), the process proceeds to step S304. If it is determined that the sampling periods are different (No in step S303), the process proceeds to step S311.

[0129] In step S304, the processing unit 13 arranges one of the two time series values in the memory space. At this time, the processing unit 13 also arranges the reference signal and the count value corresponding to the time series value in the memory space together with the time series value. The same applies hereinafter.

[0130] In step S305, the processing unit 13 arranges the other time series value of the two time series values in the memory space. At this time, the processing unit 13 arranges the time series values in such a way that the two time series values have a common time axis. More specifically, the processing unit 13 arranges the time series values in such a way that the reference signals corresponding to the two time series values are signals at the same time.

[0131] In step S306, the processing unit 13 integrates the time series values arranged in steps S304 and S305.

[0132] In step S311, the processing unit 13 arranges the time series value with the shorter sampling period among the two time series values in the memory space.

[0133] In step S312, the processing unit 13 arranges the time series value with the longer sampling period (also referred to as the other time series value) among the two time series values in the memory space. At this time, the processing unit 13 arranges the time series values in such a way that the two time series values have a common time axis. More specifically, the processing unit 13 arranges the time series values in such a way that the reference signals corresponding to the two time series values are signals at the same time and are separated by an interval corresponding to the ratio of the sampling periods of the two time series values.

[0134] For example, if the ratio of the sampling periods of the two time series values is 2 times, the processing unit 13 arranges the other time series value at an interval of 2 times (that is, arranges every other one). If the ratio of the sampling periods of the two time series values is 3 times, the processing unit 13 arranges the other time series value at an interval of 3 times (that is, arranges every two).

[0135] In addition, the processing of steps S311 and S312 described above is an example. As long as the same results as the processing of steps S311 and S312 described above can be obtained, other processing can also be performed instead of the processing of steps S311 and S312. For example, the processing unit 13 may first arrange the time series value with the longer sampling period among the two time series values, and then arrange the time series value with the shorter sampling period. In this case, when arranging the time series value with the shorter sampling period, the interval of the time series value with the longer sampling period may be set according to the ratio of the sampling periods (such as 2 times or 3 times).

[0136] In step S313, the processing unit 13 integrates the time series values arranged in steps S311 and S312.

[0137] When step S306 or step S313 is completed, the Figure 4 series of processes shown are ended.

[0138] Next, a specific example of the integration process performed by the information processing apparatus 10 will be described. Specifically, the following three cases will be described: (1) the case where the reference signal is broadcast and the sampling periods of the time series values are the same; (2) the case where the reference signal is broadcast and the sampling periods of the time series values are different from each other; and (3) the case where the reference signal is unicast and the sampling periods of the time series values are the same.

[0139] (1) The case where the reference signal is broadcast and the sampling periods of the time series values are the same

[0140] Figure 5 is the first explanatory diagram showing the integration process performed by the information processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment.

[0141] In Figure 5 (a) shows the information received by the information processing apparatus 10 from the sensor apparatus 30. Specifically, it shows a reference signal (recorded as reference signal A), a count value (recorded as count value A), and a time series value (time series value A).

[0142] In Figure 5 (a), the reference signal A, the count value A, and the time series value A arranged vertically (in other words, arranged at the same position in the left - right direction) are corresponded as signals or values at the same time. In addition, the horizontal axis corresponds to the time axis, and the more to the right the position is, the longer the elapsed time is.

[0143] In addition, the set of signals and values at the same time among the signals and values included in the information is also referred to as a value set.

[0144] The reference signal A is the reference signal received from the sensor device 30. The reference signal A corresponds to the count value A at the time point when the sensor device 30 receives the reference signal from the information processing device 10. The count value (such as 0, 1, 2, etc.) included in the reference signal A is recorded in the column of the reference signal A.

[0145] The count value A is the number corresponding to the time series value A respectively. The count value A increases every time at a time equivalent to the sampling period (such as 1 millisecond), and corresponds to the sensor value generated by the sensor device 30 (specifically, the converter 32).

[0146] The time series value A is the sensor value generated by the sensor device 30 (specifically, the converter 32). The time series value A is generated every time at a time equivalent to the sampling period. In other words, the time series value A is generated every time the count value A increases.

[0147] In Figure 5 of (a), a0 of the time series value A corresponds to 0 of the count value A. This means that when the count value A is 0 (i.e., at the start of measurement), the sensor device 30 generates the time series value A, and the value of the generated time series value A is a0.

[0148] In addition, 0 of the reference signal A and a1 of the time series value A correspond to 1 of the count value A. This means that when the count value A is 1, the sensor device 30 receives the reference signal from the information processing device 10, and the count value included in the reference signal is 0. In addition, it means that when the count value A is 1, the sensor device 30 generates the time series value A, and the value of the generated time series value A is a0.

[0149] In Figure 5 of (b), the reference signal (recorded as the reference signal B), the count value (recorded as the count value B), and the time series value (the time series value B) received by the information processing device 10 from the processing machine 20 are shown.

[0150] The reference signal B is the reference signal sent by the processing machine 20. The reference signal B corresponds to the count value B at the time point when the processing machine 20 receives the reference signal from the information processing device 10. The count value (such as 0, 1, 2, etc.) included in the reference signal B is recorded in the column of the reference signal B.

[0151] The count value B is the number corresponding to the time series value B respectively. The count value B increases every time at a time equivalent to the sampling period, and corresponds to the sensor value generated by the processing machine 20 (specifically, the amplifier 22). The sampling period is the same as the sampling period of the sensor device 30.

[0152] The time series value B is a sensor value generated by the sensor device 30, specifically the converter 32. The time series value B is generated at intervals corresponding to the sampling period. In other words, the time series value B is generated whenever the count value B increases.

[0153] In Figure 5 (b), b0 of the time series value B corresponds to 0 of the count value B. This means that when the count value B is 0 (i.e., at the start of measurement), the processing machine 20 generates the time series value B, and the value of the generated time series value B is b0.

[0154] In addition, 1 of the reference signal B and b3 of the time series value B correspond to 3 of the count value B. This means that when the count value B is 3, the reference signal is received from the information processing device 10, and the count value included in the reference signal is 1. In addition, it means that when the count value B is 3, the sensor device 30 generates the time series value B, and the value of the generated time series value B is b3.

[0155] Furthermore, the timing at which the processing machine 20 generates the time series value B is independent of the timing at which the sensor device 30 generates the time series value A and generally different from each other. In other words, Figure 5 the reference signal A, the count value A, and the time series value A shown in (a) of

[0156] In Figure 5 (a) and (b) of

[0157] Figure 6 shows a second explanatory diagram of the integration process performed by the information processing device 10 of the present embodiment. In Figure 6 is shown the integration information obtained by integrating the time series information shown in (a) of Figure 5 with the time series information shown in (b) of Figure 5

[0158] In Figure 6 the integration information shown, the reference signal, the count value A, the time series value A, the count value B, and the time series value B are represented as information having a common time axis. Figure 6 ​The integrated information shown is information generated by the processing unit 13 by arranging the time series value A and the time series value B such that the reference signal A and the reference signal B based on the same reference signal are signals at the same time.

[0159] Specifically, after the processing unit 13 arranges the time series value A ( Figure 5 (a) of Figure 4 step S304) in the memory space, the time series value B ( Figure 5 (b) of Figure 4 step S305) is arranged in a manner where the reference signal is arranged vertically, thereby generating the Figure 6 integrated information shown.

[0160] For example, the processing unit 13 generates the Figure 5 value set D13 shown by integrating the value set D11 shown in (a) of Figure 5 and the value set D12 shown in (b) of Figure 6 into signals at the same time.

[0161] In this way, the processing unit 13 integrates the time series value A transmitted by the sensor device 30 and the time series value B transmitted by the processing machine 20 to generate integrated information.

[0162] (2) Case where the reference signal is broadcast and the sampling periods of the time series values are different

[0163] Figure 7 is the third explanatory diagram showing the integration process performed by the information processing device 10 of the present embodiment.

[0164] In Figure 7 (a), the reference signal A, the count value A, and the time series value A received by the information processing device 10 from the sensor device 30 are shown. In Figure 7 (a), the contents of the reference signal A, the count value A, and the time series value A are the same as those in Figure 5 (a) of

[0165] In Figure 7 (b), the reference signal B, the count value B, and the time series value B received by the information processing device 10 from the processing machine 20 are shown. Figure 7 The time series value B shown in (b) of Figure 5 is a time series value generated with a sampling period twice that of the time series value B shown in (b) of Figure 7 . Since the time series value B shown in (b) of Figure 7 is a time series value generated with a sampling period twice as long, the number of time series values B generated during the period when the reference signal B increases by 1 is twice that of the time series value B shown in (b) of

[0166] Figure 8 is a fourth explanatory diagram showing the integration process performed by the information processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment. In Figure 8 is shown the Figure 7 time-series information shown in (a) and the Figure 7 time-series information shown in (b) integrated to obtain integrated information.

[0167] In Figure 8 the shown integrated information, the reference signal, the count value A, the time-series value A, the count value B, and the time-series value B are represented as information having a common time axis. Figure 8 The shown integrated information is information generated by the processing unit 13 by arranging the time-series value A in the memory space and then arranging the time-series value B with an interval corresponding to the ratio of the sampling periods of the reference signal A and the reference signal B based on the same reference signal being at the same time and separating the time-series value A and the time-series value B by the ratio of the sampling periods.

[0168] Specifically, the processing unit 13 arranges the time-series value B ( Figure 7 (b) of Figure 4 (step S311 of Figure 5 ) in the memory space and then arranges the time-series value A ( Figure 4 (a) of Figure 8 ) with the reference signal arranged vertically and separated by an interval corresponding to the ratio of the sampling periods, thereby generating the

[0169] shown integrated information. Here, since the ratio of the sampling periods is 2, the processing unit 13 arranges the time-series value A at an interval of 2 times (that is, arranges every other one with respect to the time-series value B). Figure 7 For example, the processing unit 13 generates the Figure 7 shown value set D23 by integrating the value set D21 shown in (a) of Figure 8 and the value set D22 shown in (b) of

[0170] into signals at the same time.

[0171] (3) Case where the reference signal is unicast transmitted and the sampling periods of the time-series values are the same

[0172] Here, an example is described where the generation unit 12 of the information processing apparatus 10 alternately selects the sensor device 30 and the processing machine 20 and unicast transmits the reference signal.

[0173] Figure 9 This is the fifth explanatory diagram showing the integration process performed by the information processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment.

[0174] In Figure 9 (a) of Figure 9 the reference signal A, count value A, and time series value A received by the information processing apparatus 10 from the sensor device 30 are shown. In Figure 5 (a) of Figure 9 the reference signal A is the same as that in Figure 5 (a) of Figure 9 (a) of

[0175] In Figure 9 (b) of

[0176] the information processing apparatus 10 alternately selects the sensor device 30 and the processing machine 20 and unicasts the reference signal. Therefore, the reference signal A of the processing machine 20 becomes every other reference signal among the reference signals transmitted by the information processing apparatus 10. In Figure 9 (b) of

[0177] Figure 10 This is the sixth explanatory diagram showing the integration process performed by the information processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment. In Figure 10 the integrated information obtained by integrating the time series information shown in Figure 9 (a) of Figure 9 and the time series information shown in

[0178] In Figure 10 the integrated information shown, the reference signal, count value A, time series value A, count value B, and time series value B are represented as information having a common time axis. Figure 10 The integrated information shown in

[0179] When the count values included in two reference signals adjacent in time are not continuous (i.e., the difference between the count values is greater than 1), count values between the count values included in the two reference signals are set at equal intervals therebetween, thereby performing interpolation of reference signal A.

[0180] For example, in Figure 9 (a) of, the count value of reference signal A included in value set D31 is 0, and the count value of reference signal A included in value set D33 of reference signal A adjacent to the above-mentioned reference signal A is 2. In this case, the processing unit 13 performs interpolation by setting a reference signal A with a count value of 1 in value set D32 located in the middle between value set D31 and value set D33.

[0181] Similarly, in Figure 9 (b) of, the count value of reference signal B included in value set D34 is 1, and the count value of reference signal B included in value set D36 of reference signal B adjacent to the above-mentioned reference signal B is 3. In this case, the processing unit 13 performs interpolation by setting a reference signal B with a count value of 2 in value set D35 located in the middle between value set D34 and value set D36.

[0182] After that, after the processing unit 13 arranges the time series values A ( Figure 9 (a) of Figure 4 ) in the memory space (step S304 of Figure 9 ), the time series values B ( Figure 4 (b) of Figure 10 ) are arranged in a manner of being arranged longitudinally with respect to the reference signal, thereby generating the integrated information shown in

[0183] For example, the processing unit 13 integrates the value set D32 shown in Figure 9 (a) of and the value set D35 shown in Figure 9 (b) of in such a way that they become signals at the same time, thereby generating the value set D37 shown in Figure 10 .

[0184] In this way, the processing unit 13 integrates the time series value A transmitted by the sensor device 30 and the time series value B transmitted by the processing machine 20 to generate integrated information.

[0185] In addition, when the sampling periods of the time series value A and the time series value B are different from each other, after the processing unit 13 performs interpolation on the reference signal A and the reference signal B, the integrated information is generated in the same manner as the methods shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 .

[0186] Figure 11It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of integrated information performed by the information processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment. Figure 11 The shown example of the display of integrated information is an example in which the analysis value of the time series value A and the integrated information obtained by integrating the time series value A and the time series value B in a manner having a common time axis are shown on the common time axis.

[0187] In Figure 11 an image of the integrated information obtained by integrating the time series value A and the time series value B into information having a common time axis is shown. More specifically, in Figure 11 three charts of the upper part, the middle part, and the lower part are shown.

[0188] The upper chart is a chart representing the time series value A. The horizontal axis of this chart is time, and the vertical axis shows the amplitude of acceleration in arbitrary units.

[0189] The middle chart is a chart representing the analysis result of the time series value A. The horizontal axis of this chart is the same time as that of the upper chart, the vertical axis is frequency, and the shade of color in the chart represents the intensity of each frequency component at each moment.

[0190] The lower chart is a chart representing the time series value B. The horizontal axis of this chart is the same time as that of the upper chart and the middle chart, and the vertical axis shows the position of the main shaft 25 in arbitrary units.

[0191] In addition, the integrated information displayed by the display unit 14 may also be only the integrated information obtained by integrating the time series value A and the time series value B. In other words, it may also be the integrated information including only Figure 11 the upper chart and the lower chart shown. In addition, the integrated information displayed by the display unit 14 may selectively display one or more pieces of information included in the integrated information.

[0192] In addition, in the above-described embodiment and modification, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware or may be implemented by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded in a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. Here, the software for implementing the control method and the like of the processing machine of the above-described embodiment and modification is a program as follows.

[0193] That is, the program causes a computer to execute a program for an information processing method performed by an information processing device that integrates first information and second information. In the information processing method, the first information includes first values in a time series, where the first values in the time series are sensor values in a time series output by a sensor device provided in a processing machine or control values in a time series associated with the control of the processing machine. The second information includes second values in a time series, where the second values in the time series are sensor values in a time series output by the sensor device provided in the processing machine or control values in a time series associated with the control of the processing machine. The information processing method includes the following steps: generating a reference signal and sending the generated reference signal to a first device that is the source of the first information and a second device that is the source of the second information; (a) receiving the first information sent by the first device that has received the reference signal, and receiving the reference signal sent by the first device at the same time as sending the first information as a first reference signal; (b) receiving the second information sent by the second device that has received the reference signal, and receiving the reference signal sent by the second device at the same time as sending the second information as a second reference signal; and (c) using the time difference between the first reference signal and the second reference signal to integrate the first information and the second information into information having a common time axis.

[0194] As described above, the information processing device and the like according to one or more aspects have been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. As long as it does not depart from the gist of the present invention, aspects obtained by making various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art to the present embodiment and aspects constructed by combining constituent elements in different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more aspects.

[0195] Industrial Applicability

[0196] The present invention can be applied to a diagnostic device or the like as an information processing device for diagnosing the state, processing phenomena, or processing of processing using a processing machine.

[0197] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0198] 1: System; 10: Information processing device; 11: Communication IF; 12: Generation unit; 13: Processing unit; 14: Display unit; 20: Machine tool; 21: Control unit; 22: Amplifier; 23: Motor; 24: Encoder; 25: Spindle; 26: Tool; 27: Worktable; 30: Sensor device; 31: Sensor; 32: Converter; 131: Analysis unit; 132: Determination unit; D11, D12, D13, D21, D22, D23, D31, D32, D33, D34, D35, D36, D37: Value sets; W: Workpiece.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus integrates first information and second information, where the first information includes first values in a time series, and the first values in the time series are sensor values in a time series output by a sensor device provided in a processing machine or control values in a time series associated with the control of the processing machine; the second information includes second values in a time series, and the second values in the time series are sensor values in a time series output by the sensor device provided in the processing machine or control values in a time series associated with the control of the processing machine; the information processing apparatus includes: a generation unit that generates a reference signal and transmits the generated reference signal to a first device that is a transmission source of the first information and a second device that is a transmission source of the second information; and a processing unit that performs the following processing: (a) Receives the first information transmitted by the first device that has received the reference signal, and receives the reference signal transmitted by the first device at the same time as transmitting the first information as a first reference signal; (b) Receives the second information transmitted by the second device that has received the reference signal, and receives the reference signal transmitted by the second device at the same time as transmitting the second information as a second reference signal; and (c) Uses the time difference between the first reference signal and the second reference signal to integrate the first information and the second information into information having a common time axis.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, where the generation unit repeatedly broadcasts and transmits the reference signal to the first device and the second device, the processing unit receives the first reference signal and the second reference signal repeatedly transmitted by the first device and the second device based on the reference signal repeatedly transmitted by the generation unit, and uses the first reference signal and the second reference signal to integrate the first information and the second information.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, where the sampling period of the first values in the time series is the same as the sampling period of the second values in the time series, the processing unit arranges the first values in the time series and the second values in the time series in such a way that the first reference signal and the second reference signal based on the same reference signal are signals at the same time to integrate the first information and the second information.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, where the sampling period of the first values in the time series is different from the sampling period of the second values in the time series, The processing unit integrates the first information and the second information by arranging the first value of the time series and the second value of the time series after the one with the shorter sampling period, and arranging the other of the first value of the time series and the second value of the time series different from the one so that the first reference signal and the second reference signal based on the same reference signal are signals at the same time and are separated by an interval corresponding to the ratio of the sampling period of the first value of the time series to the sampling period of the second value of the time series.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generating unit repeatedly selects one device from the first device and the second device, and unicasts the reference signal to the selected one device, the processing unit receives the first reference signal and the second reference signal repeatedly transmitted by the first device and the second device based on the reference signal repeatedly transmitted by the generating unit, and integrates the first information and the second information using the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sampling period of the first value of the time series is the same as the sampling period of the second value of the time series, the processing unit performs the following processing: interpolating the un-received first reference signal using the received plurality of first reference signals; interpolating the un-received second reference signal using the received plurality of second reference signals; and integrating the first information and the second information by arranging the first value of the time series and the second value of the time series so that the first reference signal and the second reference signal based on the same reference signal are signals at the same time.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sampling period of the first value of the time series is the same as the sampling period of the second value of the time series, the processing unit performs the following processing: interpolating the un-received first reference signal using the received plurality of first reference signals; interpolating the un-received second reference signal using the received plurality of second reference signals; and integrating the first information and the second information by (1) arranging the one with the shorter sampling period among the first value of the time series and the second value of the time series, and (2) arranging the other of the first value of the time series and the second value of the time series different from the one so that the first reference signal and the second reference signal based on the same reference signal are signals at the same time and are separated by an interval corresponding to the ratio of the sampling period of the first value of the time series to the sampling period of the second value of the time series.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first value of the time series or the second value of the time series is a time series of sensor values or a time series of control values. The processing unit has an analysis unit that analyzes the sensor values in the time series or the control values in the time series.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the analysis unit performs different types of analysis processing according to the type of the sensor values in the time series or the control values in the time series that are the objects of the analysis.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the processing unit has a determination unit that uses the analysis result of the analysis unit to determine the processing state of the processing machine.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit generates integrated information by integrating the first information and the second information, and the information processing apparatus further includes a display unit that displays the integrated information.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the generation unit generates a new reference signal and transmits the generated new reference signal, the processing unit receives new first information, a new first reference signal, new second information, and a new second reference signal, and generates new integrated information by integrating the new first information and the new second information, and the display unit updates the display from the integrated information to the display of the new integrated information.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the display unit accepts a user's selection of one or more pieces of information included in the integrated information, and displays at least one piece of information among the one or more pieces of information according to the accepted selection.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device includes at least one of an acceleration sensor, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and a temperature sensor.

15. An information processing method, which is an information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus that integrates first information and second information. In the information processing method, the first information includes first values in a time series, and the first values in the time series are sensor values in the time series output by a sensor device provided in a processing machine or control values in the time series associated with the control of the processing machine, the second information includes second values in a time series, and the second values in the time series are sensor values in the time series output by a sensor device provided in the processing machine or control values in the time series associated with the control of the processing machine, and the information processing method includes the following steps: generating a reference signal and transmitting the generated reference signal to a first device that is the transmission source of the first information and a second device that is the transmission source of the second information; (a) receiving the first information transmitted by the first device that has received the reference signal, and receiving the reference signal transmitted by the first device at the same time as transmitting the first information as a first reference signal; (b) Receive the second information sent by the second device that has received the reference signal, and receive the reference signal sent by the second device at the same time as the second information is sent as a second reference signal; And (c) Use the time difference between the first reference signal and the second reference signal to integrate the first information and the second information into information having a common time axis.

16. The information processing method according to claim 15, wherein When the first information and the second information are integrated, integrated information obtained by integrating the first information and the second information is generated, In the information processing method, the integrated information is also displayed on a display unit.

17. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 15 or 16.

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