Information processor and program

Abstract

To provide a user interface capable of efficiently referring to a molding condition and a molding quality in a past manufacturing performance, the molding condition and the molding quality related to a molding condition about to set.SOLUTION: An information processor includes: acceptance means configured to accept, at a molding condition input part 311, an input of a molding condition in an injection molder; data acquisition means configured to acquire performance data of the molding condition in manufacturing a molding by the injection molder; calculation means configured to calculate a relation degree between the molding condition accepted at the acceptance means and the performance data acquired at the data acquisition means; and display means configured to display, at an input screen 310, related information presentation part 312 including the performance data and a calculation result by the calculation means for each piece of performance data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Injection molding machines perform injection molding according to set molding conditions to manufacture molded products. There are various conventional techniques for optimizing the molding conditions of injection molding machines. One example is a technique that inputs molding conditions, creates a prediction function that predicts molding quality, and calculates appropriate molding conditions by combining the prediction function with mathematical optimization technology.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a molding optimization method in which molding data during the molding process and evaluation information related to molding quality are set in a data processing unit as constraint conditions based on mathematical programming for molding data related to input parameters and output parameters, a prediction function based on neural network learning is set as an objective function, and an optimization processing program is set to obtain optimized molding conditions related to the input parameters that satisfy the constraint conditions and objective function by the mathematical programming, and during production operation, the data processing unit detects molding data related to the output parameters during the molding process, and based on the molding data related to the output parameters, optimized molding conditions are obtained by the optimization processing program, and the existing molding conditions are changed using the obtained molding conditions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-119425 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] If you have experience in manufacturing molded products using injection molding machines, you may be able to guess to some extent the molding conditions necessary to obtain the desired molding quality based on your past experience. In such cases, in order to set molding conditions efficiently, it is necessary to be able to refer to the molding conditions in past manufacturing results and the molding quality in manufacturing based on those molding conditions.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a user interface that allows efficient reference to molding conditions and molding quality based on past manufacturing results, which are related to the molding conditions to be set. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: a receiving means for receiving input of molding conditions for an injection molding machine; a data acquisition means for acquiring performance data of the molding conditions in the production of molded products by the injection molding machine; a calculation means for calculating the degree of association between the molding conditions received by the receiving means and the performance data acquired by the data acquisition means; and a display means for displaying the performance data and the calculation results by the calculation means for each of the performance data. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently refer to molding conditions and molding qualities related to molding conditions to be set, which are molding conditions and molding qualities in past manufacturing records. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an injection molding machine to which the present embodiment is applied; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a data processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a control device and a data processing device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an input screen used when setting molding conditions. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the input screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of the configuration of the input screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of the configuration of the input screen. [Figure 9] 9A and 9B are diagrams showing an example of a method for extracting performance data, in which FIG. 9A shows a method for extracting performance data having similar molding conditions, and FIG. 9B shows a method for extracting performance data having variation in molding conditions. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen that can control the variation in molding conditions when extracting performance data. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of an input screen capable of controlling the variation in molding conditions in extracting performance data. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of an input screen capable of controlling the variation in molding conditions in extracting performance data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Device configuration> 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an injection molding machine to which this embodiment is applied. The injection molding machine 10 includes an injection unit 20, a clamping unit 30, a control unit 100, a data processing unit 200, a display unit 300, and a database (DB) 40.

[0011] The injection device 20 is configured to include a cylinder for heating the molding material, a screw that is rotatable in the cylinder and axially movable, a rotary motor for driving the screw in the rotational direction, and a motor for driving the screw in the axial direction. The molding material is, for example, a resin. The injection device 20 rotates the screw while advancing it in a direction (forward) from the injection device 20 toward the mold clamping device 30, thereby injecting the molding material that has been heated and turned into a liquid in the cylinder, and filling it into the mold of the mold clamping device 30 disposed in front of the injection device 20. The injection device 20 performs, for example, a metering process, a filling process, a pressure holding process, and the like in the manufacturing process of the molded product. The filling process and the pressure holding process are collectively referred to as the injection process.

[0012] The clamping device 30 is configured to include a mold, a clamping mechanism for clamping the mold, a motor for driving the clamping mechanism, and the like. The clamping device 30 closes the mold and receives the molding material injected from the injection device 20 into the inside of the mold. At this time, the clamping device 30 clamps the mold using the clamping mechanism so that the mold does not open when the molding material is filled (mold clamping). A molded product is produced when the molding material filled in the mold solidifies. Thereafter, the clamping device 30 opens the mold and sends out the produced molded product. In the manufacturing process of the molded product, the clamping device 30 performs, for example, a mold closing process, a pressure increase process, a mold clamping process, a pressure release process, a mold opening process, and the like.

[0013] The database 40 holds and manages the performance data of injection molding obtained as the injection unit 20 and the mold clamping unit 30 operate. The database 40 acquires data on the molding conditions used when performing injection molding and data on the molding quality of the molded product manufactured under these molding conditions. The database 40 is connected to the data processing device 200, and acquires data on the molding conditions and molding quality (performance data) from the data processing device. The database 40 then associates and retains the acquired performance data on the molding conditions and molding quality. The database 40 may be realized, for example, by a server device connected to the data processing device 200, or may be realized as a so-called cloud server constructed using resources on a network.

[0014] The database 40 may acquire the performance data of the molding conditions directly from the control device 100, or may acquire the data from the injection unit 20 and the mold clamping unit 30 to be controlled. The database 40 may acquire the performance data of the molding quality directly from the injection unit 20 and the mold clamping unit 30, or may acquire the data from an inspection device of the injection unit 20 and the mold clamping unit 30. Furthermore, the database 40 may acquire the above performance data by manual input by the user via a terminal device or the like connected to the database 40.

[0015] The control device 100 is a device that controls the operations of the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30. The data processing device 200 is a device that processes data obtained as the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 operate. The data processing device 200 also generates an input screen for receiving information input by a user, and processes the data received by 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 acquired by the data processing device 200, processing results of the data processing device 200, etc. The display device 300 also displays an input screen for performing an operation to input commands and data to the control device 100 and the data processing device 200, other operation screens, a screen for presenting information to the user, etc.

[0016] <Configuration of the control device 100> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control device 100. The control device 100 controls the operations of the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30. The control device 100 is realized by, for example, a computer. 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 repeatedly perform 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 increase process, a mold clamping process, a filling process, a pressure holding process, a cooling process, a depressurization process, a mold opening process, and an ejection process. Hereinafter, these manufacturing processes may be collectively referred to as a "manufacturing process". In addition, a series of operations for obtaining a molded product, for example, an operation from the start of a metering process in the above manufacturing process to the start of the next metering process, is called a "shot", a "molding cycle", etc. Note that the above-mentioned processes for manufacturing a molded product are merely examples. For example, the processes executed in one shot may include other processes not included in the above.

[0017] The control unit 110 controls the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30 based on the control information. The control information is a condition set by the user, and is input by the user using, for example, an input device (not shown). The control information includes molding conditions such as resin temperature, mold temperature (cylinder temperature), injection pressure hold time, measurement value, VP switching position, pressure hold pressure, injection speed (filling speed), screw rotation speed, screw back pressure, and clamping force. A plurality of combinations of these molding conditions are determined according to the molded product and the mold. The combination data of the molding conditions is hereinafter also referred to as a molding condition data set. The molding condition data set is prepared according to the type of molded product and the mold, and is stored in the storage unit 130.

[0018] The control unit 110 controls the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30 using the above molding condition data set, and executes the process related to the production (shot) of a molded product, including each of the above processes. The control unit 110 reads out the molding condition data set corresponding to the molded product to be produced from the storage unit 130, for example, at the start of production of the molded product. Then, the control unit 110 controls the operation of the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30 based on the control information including the read molding condition data set. Specifically, the control unit 110 controls the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30 so that the data obtained from the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30 in the production process coincides with the set values ​​of the molding condition data set. The control unit 110 may also display the molding condition data set read out from the storage unit 130 on the display unit 300. The user may refer to the molding condition data displayed on the display unit 300 and perform operations such as modifying values ​​as necessary.

[0019] The molding condition setting unit 120 sets molding conditions used in the control of the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30 by the control unit 110. The molding conditions are set by the molding condition setting unit 120 writing a molding condition data set into the control information held in the storage unit 130. The molding conditions are also set based on information input by the user using an input screen to be described later. When the manufacturing process of the molded product is repeated, the state of the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30 changes, and this change in state of the units 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 of mass-producing the molded product, the molding condition setting unit 120 may automatically adjust the molding conditions.

[0020] The storage unit 130 holds control information 131 used for the control of the injection unit 20 and the mold clamping unit 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 in association with the molded product and the mold to be manufactured. The storage unit 130 holds a molding condition data set for each molded product and mold to be manufactured. The storage unit 130 also holds information on molding conditions input by a user (hereinafter referred to as "setting information") 132. The molding condition setting unit 120 writes the molding condition data set into the control information 131 based on the setting information 132.

[0021] In addition, although not shown, the storage unit 130 holds a program for the control unit 110 to control the injection unit 20 and the mold clamping unit 30, and a program for the molding condition setting unit 120 to set molding conditions. As will be described in detail later, the functions of the control unit 110 and the molding condition setting unit 120 are realized by the processor in the control device 100 reading and executing the programs held in the storage unit 130.

[0022] <Configuration of data processing device 200> 3 is a diagram showing the configuration 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 execute the operations in the steps related to the manufacture of the above-mentioned molded product. The data processing device 200 also accepts an input operation by a user, generates information (setting information 132) used by the molding condition setting unit 120 of the control device 100 to set molding conditions, and sends the information to the control device 100. The data processing device 200 is realized by, for example, a computer. The data processing device 200 includes a data acquisition unit 210, a processing unit 220, a storage unit 230, a display control unit 240, and a receiving unit 250.

[0023] The data acquisition unit 210 acquires data to be processed from the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30. Various sensors, detectors, and the like are attached to the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30. In addition, various measuring instruments may be connected to the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30. The data acquired using these sensors, detectors, measuring instruments, and the like (hereinafter referred to as "acquired data") is information that represents the molding results by the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30, and is used for quality control of molded products. Specifically, for example, the weight of the molded product, the dimensions of the molded product, the mold pressure, the minimum cushion position, and the characteristic amount of the waveform of the filling pressure are included. These acquired data are actual values ​​obtained in the manufacturing process of the molded product. The data acquisition unit 210 receives the acquired data transmitted from the sensors, detectors, and measuring instruments, and stores them in the storage unit 230. In addition, the data acquisition unit 210 transmits the acquired data to the database 40.

[0024] The processing unit 220 processes the acquired data stored in the storage unit 230. Specifically, the processing unit 220 performs processes such as extracting a representative value of the acquired data in each process and generating time-series data by chronologically serializing the acquired data in each process. In extracting the representative value, the processing unit 220 performs statistical processes on the acquired data such as calculating an average value, identifying a possible range of values, and identifying maximum and minimum values.

[0025] The processing unit 220 also calculates the degree of association between the molding conditions input by the user and the performance data of the molding conditions in the manufacture of past molded products. The molding conditions are input by the user using an input screen described later. The performance data of the molding conditions is acquired from the database 40. Note that, in order to avoid the calculation of the degree of association for a plurality of performance data under the same molding conditions and the display of such duplicated calculation results of the degree of association on the input screen, the calculation of the degree of association may be performed for only one of the performance data under the same molding conditions (e.g., the latest performance data) and displayed on the input screen. Also, after calculating the degree of association for each of the plurality of performance data under the same molding conditions, only one calculation result (e.g., the latest performance data) may be left and the other calculation results may be deleted and displayed on the input screen.

[0026] The calculation method of the degree of association between the input molding conditions and the performance data can be various known methods such as multivariate analysis, and is not particularly limited. As an example, the degree of association between the input molding conditions and the performance data may be specified based on a distance defined in consideration of the correlation between the items of the molding conditions. For example, the Mahalanobis distance is used as this distance. In this case, the smaller the Mahalanobis distance defined between the input molding conditions and the performance data, the higher the degree of association between the input molding conditions and the performance data. In addition, environmental information such as the temperature during the production of the molded product, time, etc. may be used to calculate the degree of association. Such information is obtained, for example, from log data of the manufacturing process of the molded product. In addition, whether or not these pieces of information are used to calculate the degree of association may be switched by a user's setting.

[0027] The processing unit 220 also accepts input of molding quality information by the user, and estimates molding conditions necessary to obtain the input molding quality. The user inputs molding quality information using an input screen described later. The molding conditions are estimated using a known estimation method that corresponds to multivariate input and output. For example, molding conditions can be estimated from molding quality using a mathematical model that represents the relationship between molding quality and molding conditions, which is learned in advance by machine learning or the like using molding conditions used in past actual production and the actual values ​​of molding quality of molded products manufactured under those molding conditions.

[0028] The processing unit 220 also predicts the molding quality of a molded product manufactured under molding conditions input by a user based on the molding conditions. The molding quality is predicted using a known estimation method that corresponds to multivariate input and output, similar to the estimation of the molding conditions described above. For example, the molding quality of a molded product manufactured under the molding conditions can be predicted from the molding conditions using a mathematical model that represents the relationship between the molding quality and the molding conditions and is trained using the molding conditions used in past actual manufacturing and the actual values ​​of the molding quality of the molded product manufactured under the molding conditions.

[0029] The storage unit 230 holds the acquired data acquired by the data acquisition unit 210. The data format of the acquired data held in the storage unit 230 may be, for example, binary, text, CSV (Comma Separated Values), INI, YAML ("YAML Ain't Markup Language), JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), or the like. By storing the data file in such a general-purpose data format, it becomes possible to exchange data files held in the storage unit 230 with other information processing devices, and to edit data files acquired from external devices.

[0030] Furthermore, although not shown, the storage unit 230 holds a program for the processing unit 220 to execute data processing, a program for the display control unit 240 to display a screen on the display device 300, and a program for the reception unit 250 to receive a user's operation performed on the operation screen. As will be described in detail later, the processor in the data processing device 200 reads and executes the programs held in the storage unit 230, thereby realizing the functions of the processing unit 220, the display control unit 240, and the reception unit 250.

[0031] The display control unit 240 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 240 displays an input screen for the user to input molding conditions. The reception unit 250 receives operations performed by the user on the operation screen displayed on the display device 300. Specifically, for example, the reception unit 250 receives data input performed in an input field on the input screen, screen switching operations, etc.

[0032] <Hardware configuration of the control device 100 and the data processing device 200> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer 400 that realizes the control device 100 and the data processing device 200. The computer 400 shown in FIG. 4 includes a processor 401 as a calculation means, and a main memory 402 and an auxiliary memory 403 as storage means. 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), or other various calculation circuits can be used. The processor 401 reads a program stored in the auxiliary memory 403 into the main memory 402 and executes it. As the main memory 402, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) is used. As the auxiliary memory 403, for example, a magnetic disk device or an SSD (Solid State Drive) is used. In addition, the computer 400 includes a display mechanism 404 for displaying an image on the display device 300, and an input device 405 as an input means for performing an input operation by a user of the computer. For example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. are used as the input device 405. Note that the configuration of the computer 400 shown in Fig. 4 is merely an example, and the computer 400 used in this embodiment is not limited to the configuration example shown in Fig. 4. For example, the computer 400 may be configured to include a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a storage device.

[0033] 4, the functions of the control unit 110 and the molding condition setting unit 120 are realized, for example, by the processor 401 reading and executing a program. The storage unit 130 is realized, for example, by the auxiliary storage device 403.

[0034] 4, the functions of the data acquisition unit 210 and the processing unit 220 are realized, for example, by the processor 401 reading and executing a program. The storage unit 230 is realized, for example, by an auxiliary storage device 403. The display control unit 240 is realized, for example, by the processor 401 reading and executing a program and a display mechanism 404. The reception unit 250 is realized, for example, by the processor 401 reading and executing a program and an input device 405.

[0035] <Molding condition settings> Next, a method for setting molding conditions according to this embodiment will be described. Consider a case where a user sets new molding conditions. For example, molding conditions are set to improve molding quality, or molding conditions are set to manufacture a new molded product. In such a case, if the user has experience in manufacturing molded products using an injection molding machine, the user can make a rough estimate of the molding conditions required to obtain the desired molding quality based on experience, rather than trying and erroring from scratch. In this embodiment, the input of molding conditions is accepted on the input screen, and the performance data of molding conditions in the manufacture of past molded products is displayed, making it possible to compare the input molding conditions with the input molding conditions, thereby supporting the user in setting new molding conditions as described above.

[0036] <Example of input screen configuration> 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an input screen used when setting molding conditions. The input screen 310 is displayed on the display device 300 under the control of the display control unit 240 of the data processing device 200. The input screen 310 displays a molding condition input section 311 and a related information presentation section 312. The user operates the input device 405 shown in FIG. 4, for example, to input molding conditions in the molding condition input section 311 of the input screen 310. When the molding conditions are input, the processing unit 220 of the data processing device 200 calculates the relevance of the input molding conditions to the performance data of the molding conditions in the past production of molded products held in the database 40, and displays it in the related information presentation section 312.

[0037] The molding condition input section 311 is a display area that displays molding conditions input by a user's input operation. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the molding condition input section 311 displays an input value display field 311a that displays the input value of the molding condition, a relevance update button 311b, and an apply button 311c.

[0038] The input value display field 311a shown in Fig. 5 shows the VP switching position (indicated as "VP" in the figure), dwell pressure, and dwell time as setting items of molding conditions. Values ​​input by the user are displayed in input boxes provided to the right of each setting item. Note that the setting items of molding conditions are not limited to the items shown in Fig. 5. In addition to the above setting items, various molding conditions such as resin temperature, mold temperature (cylinder temperature), injection speed (filling speed), screw rotation speed, screw back pressure, and mold clamping force can be presented as setting items depending on the type of molded product or mold to be manufactured, the specifications of the injection molding machine 10, and the like.

[0039] The relevance update button 311b is a button object for updating the relevance of the performance data to the input molding conditions. After the molding conditions are input by the user's input operation, when the relevance update button 311b is selected, the processing unit 220 of the data processing device 200 calculates the relevance of each performance data of the molding conditions stored in the database 40 in response to this selection operation. Then, according to this calculation result, the display of the related information presentation unit 312 is updated. The relevance update button 311b is selected, for example, by operating the mouse as the input device 405, placing the mouse pointer on the relevance update button 311b, and clicking the mouse button.

[0040] Here, the input of molding condition values ​​by the user may be performed for at least one of the setting items displayed in the input value display field 311a shown in Fig. 5. For example, when only the VP switching position and the holding pressure value are input and the holding time field is left blank, the association degree update button 311b is selected, and the association degree is calculated using only the information on the VP switching position and the holding pressure, ignoring the information on the holding time, and the display in the associated information presentation section 312 is updated.

[0041] The apply button 311c is a button object for transmitting the input molding conditions to the control device 100. When the user sets the molding conditions of the control device 100 with the contents input in the molding condition input section 311, the user selects the apply button 311c. When the apply button 311c is selected, the information of the input molding conditions (molding conditions displayed in the input value display field 311a) is transmitted from the data processing device 200 to the control device 100 in response to this selection operation. The control device 100 holds the molding information received from the data processing device 200 in the storage unit 130 as the setting information 132. As a result, the molding conditions input in the molding condition input section 311 are applied as control conditions when manufacturing a molded product in the control device 100. The apply button 311c is selected, for example, by operating a mouse as the input device 405, placing the mouse pointer on the apply button 311c, and clicking the mouse button.

[0042] The related information presentation section 312 is an area that displays information on the relevance of the performance data to the molding conditions input in the molding condition input section 311. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the related information presentation section 312 displays information on each of the items of shot number (shown as "Shot Count" in the figure), performance conditions, performance quality, and relevance for each production (shot) of a molded product. In addition to the items shown in the figure, the related information presentation section 312 may display information based on performance data such as the time when the molded product was produced. Also, the information displayed in the related information presentation section 312 may be selectively set in addition to the performance conditions and performance quality. As shown in the related information presentation section 312.

[0043] The actual conditions are the actual data of the molding conditions for each shot. In other words, they are data showing the molding conditions applied when manufacturing the molded product in that shot. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the actual conditions show the VP switching position (indicated as "VP" in the figure), dwell pressure, and dwell time, which are the same as the molding conditions displayed in the input value display field 311a of the molding condition input unit 311. In the box to the right of each item, the value is displayed as the actual data of the corresponding molding condition. Note that the molding condition items displayed in the actual conditions are not limited to the items shown in FIG. 5. The actual conditions show the actual values ​​of the items corresponding to the setting items of the molding conditions displayed in the input value display field 311a.

[0044] The actual quality is actual data of the molding quality for each shot. That is, it is data showing the molding quality of the molded product manufactured under the molding conditions shown in the actual conditions for each shot. The information on the actual quality is directly acquired from sensors, detectors, measuring instruments, etc. provided in the injection unit 20 and the mold clamping unit 30. In addition, depending on the item of the actual quality, the user inputs information obtained by inspecting the manufactured molded product using an input device (not shown). In the example shown in FIG. 5, burrs, sink marks, and weight are shown as items showing the actual quality. The content of the quality for each item is displayed in the frame on the right side of each item. Specifically, for example, for burrs and sink marks, the presence or absence and the degree are displayed, and for weight, the weight value of the molded product is displayed. Note that the items of the molding quality displayed in the actual quality are not limited to the items shown in FIG. 5. In addition to the above items, the actual quality may present various information showing the molding quality such as the dimensions of the molded product, the mold pressure, the minimum cushion position, and the characteristic amount of the waveform of the filling pressure as items showing the molding quality, depending on the type of molded product and mold to be manufactured, the specifications of the injection molding machine 10, etc.

[0045] The relevance is a value of the relevance between the performance conditions (performance data of molding conditions) in each shot and the molding conditions input in the molding condition input unit 311. The relevance is calculated by the processing unit 220 of the data processing device 200. The method of displaying the relevance is not particularly limited. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the relevance value of the performance data that completely matches the molding conditions input in the molding condition input unit 311 is set to 100, and a converted numerical value is displayed so that the value becomes smaller as the distance (for example, Mahalanobis distance) from the input molding conditions increases. Referring to FIG. 5, the relevance of the performance conditions of shot number 15 is 100, the relevance of the performance conditions of shot number 3 is 95, the relevance of the performance conditions of shot number 12 is 74, and the relevance of the performance conditions of shot number 16 is 73. In this case, the molding conditions input in the molding condition input unit 311 match the performance conditions of shot number 15. It can be seen that the degree of relevance to the molding conditions input in the molding condition input section 311 decreases in the order of shot numbers 15, 3, 12, and 16.

[0046] By referring to the input screen 310, the user can check the molding quality of a molded product manufactured under molding conditions close to the input molding conditions, and can determine or change the molding conditions to be newly set. In addition, the past conditions of shot number 15, which has a relevance of 100, are the same as the input molding conditions. This means that there is a history of manufacturing molded products under the input molding conditions. When the user is going to try new molding conditions and there is a shot with a relevance of 100, the user may change the input molding conditions. In this way, it is possible to avoid a situation where the same or similar molding conditions as those used in the past are unintentionally used repeatedly. In addition, when the user is simply going to evaluate the input molding conditions, the user can predict the molding quality when manufactured under the input molding conditions by referring to the past quality of the shot number with a high relevance (large value).

[0047] 5 presents information on four shots, the number of shots presented on the related information presenting section 312 is not limited to four. The number of shots may vary depending on the size of the screen of the display device 300 and the amount of information to be displayed for each shot (such as the number of items of performance conditions and performance quality). Also, the screen may be configured to present information on a larger number of shots by scrolling the screen.

[0048] In the related information presentation unit 312 shown in Fig. 5, the information on each shot is displayed in descending order of relevance. This allows the user to quickly find shots performed under molding conditions close to the input molding conditions or shots with a relevance of 100, and allows the user to efficiently adjust molding conditions and predict molding quality. The order of the information on each shot in the related information presentation unit 312 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 5. For example, the information can be presented based on various policies, such as the order of shot numbers.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the input screen 310. In addition to the molding condition input section 311 and the related information presentation section 312 described with reference to FIG. 5, the input screen 310 shown in FIG. 6 displays a molding quality input section 313. When the data processing device 200 acquires information on molding quality, the information may be acquired directly from sensors, detectors, measuring instruments, etc. provided in the injection unit 20 and the mold clamping unit 30, or may be manually input by a user. The input screen 310 shown in FIG. 6 is used when information on molding quality is input by such manual input by a user. When displaying the molding quality input section 313 for inputting information on molding quality, the input screen 310 may be configured not to display the related information presentation section 312.

[0050] The molding quality input section 313 is a display area that displays the molding quality input by the user's input operation. The shot for which the molding quality is to be input is the shot performed under the molding conditions displayed in the input value display field 311a of the molding condition input section 311. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the molding quality input section 313 displays an input content display field 313a in which the input content of the molding quality is displayed, and a confirmation button 313b.

[0051] In the input content display field 313a shown in Fig. 6, flash, sink marks, and weight are shown as items representing molding quality. These items are the same as the items shown in the actual quality of the related information presentation unit 312. The contents of the corresponding items entered by the user are displayed in the input boxes provided to the right of each item. Note that the molding quality items displayed in the input content display field 313a are not limited to the items shown in Fig. 6. Similar to the items of actual quality of the related information presentation unit 312 described with reference to Fig. 5, various information may be presented as items representing molding quality.

[0052] Incidentally, the molding quality information inputted by the molding quality input unit 313 must be correctly associated with the molding conditions in the shot to which the molding quality information is to be inputted. For this reason, for example, when the molding quality information is inputted by the molding quality input unit 313, the input of the molding conditions by the molding condition input unit 311 may not be accepted. Also, when the confirm button 313b is operated on the input screen 310, the molding conditions actually used in the shot to be inputted at that time may be acquired from the control device 100, the injection unit 20 and the mold clamping unit 30, and associated with the molding quality information inputted by the molding quality input unit 313. At this time, a warning may be given to the user indicating that the molding conditions currently set by the control device 100 for the injection unit 20 and the mold clamping unit 30, rather than the molding conditions inputted by the molding condition input unit 311, are associated with the molding quality information inputted by the molding quality input unit 313.

[0053] In addition, when the input of the molding conditions by the molding condition input unit 311 is accepted, if the molding conditions actually used in the input shot are different from the input molding conditions, the operation of the Confirm button 313b of the molding quality input unit 313 may not be accepted, or when the Confirm button 313b is operated, a warning may be issued indicating that the molding conditions actually used in the input shot are different from the input molding conditions. Furthermore, when the molding conditions input by the molding condition input unit 311 are different from the molding conditions actually used in the input shot, the user may be able to select which of the molding conditions input by the molding condition input unit 311 and the molding conditions actually used in the input shot is to be associated with the information on the molding quality input by the molding quality input unit 313. In addition, when the input of the molding quality by the molding quality input unit 313 is accepted, the molding condition input unit 311 may not be displayed, and the molding conditions used in the input shot may simply be displayed on the input screen 310.

[0054] The Confirm button 313b is a button object for confirming the molding quality of the input shot to the content displayed in the input content display field 313a. When the user confirms the molding quality of the corresponding shot with the content input in the molding quality input section 313, the user selects the Confirm button 313b. When the Confirm button 313b is selected, the input molding quality information is associated with the molding condition information of the corresponding shot in response to this selection operation and stored in the database 40. The Confirm button 313b is selected, for example, by operating a mouse as the input device 405, placing the mouse pointer on the Confirm button 313b, and clicking the mouse button.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing yet another example of the configuration of the input screen 310. FIG. 7 shows only a part of the input screen 310 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. The input screen 310 shown in FIG. 7 shows the molding condition input section 314 and the molding quality input section 315, and the related information presentation section is omitted. In the input screen 310 shown in FIG. 7, when molding quality information is input in the input field 315a of the molding quality input section 315, recommended molding conditions are calculated based on the input molding quality information, and the calculated molding conditions are displayed in the molding condition input section 314. The input screen 310 shown in FIG. 7 is used when the molding conditions required to obtain such molding quality are presented as recommended conditions in response to the input of the required molding quality.

[0056] An input value display field 314a, a recommended value calculation button 314b, a prediction button 314c, a relevance update button 314d, and a send button 314e are displayed in the molding condition input section 314. Among these, the input value display field 314a, the relevance update button 314d, and the send button 314e are similar to the input value display field 311a, and the relevance update buttons 311b and c shown in FIG.

[0057] The recommended value calculation button 314b is a button object for executing calculation of molding conditions necessary to obtain the molding quality inputted in the molding quality input section 315. The user inputs information of the desired molding quality in the molding quality input section 315 and selects the recommended value calculation button 314b. When the recommended value calculation button 314b is selected, the processing section 220 of the data processing device 200 estimates (calculates) molding conditions necessary to obtain the molding quality inputted in the molding quality input section 315 in response to this selection operation. The calculated estimated values ​​of the molding conditions are displayed in the input value display field 314a as recommended values ​​of the molding conditions. The user may refer to the displayed recommended values ​​and use them as molding conditions to be set, or may change them to different values ​​by input operations. When using the displayed recommended values ​​as molding conditions to be set, the user selects the send button 314e. The user may also select the relevance update button 314d to check the relevance of the performance data to the recommended values ​​of the molding conditions. These button objects are selected, for example, by operating a mouse as the input device 405, placing the mouse pointer on the target button object, and clicking the mouse button.

[0058] The prediction button 314c is a button object for predicting the molding quality of a molded product when manufactured under the molding conditions input in the molding condition input section 314. When the user does not decide the molding conditions by referring to the related information presentation section 312 but intends to decide the molding conditions based on the molding quality predicted from the input molding conditions, the user inputs molding quality information in the molding quality input section 315 and selects the prediction button 314c. When the prediction button 314c is selected, the processing section 220 of the data processing device 200 predicts the molding quality when the molded product is manufactured under the molding conditions input in the molding condition input section 314 in response to this selection operation. The predicted result of the molding quality is displayed in the molding quality input section 315. The user may refer to the displayed predicted result of the molding quality and use the molding conditions input in the molding condition input section 314 as the molding conditions to be set, or may further change the molding conditions to different values ​​by input operations. When the molding conditions input in the molding condition input section 314 are used as the molding conditions to be set, the user selects the send button 314e. The user may also select the relevance update button 314d to check the relevance of the performance data to the input molding conditions. These button objects are selected, for example, by operating the mouse as the input device 405, placing the mouse pointer on the target button object, and clicking the mouse button.

[0059] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing yet another example of the configuration of the input screen 310. Fig. 8 shows only a part of the input screen 310 shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The input screen 310 shown in Fig. 8 shows a related information presentation section 316, and a molding condition input section for inputting molding conditions is omitted. The input screen 310 shown in Fig. 8 can be used in place of the input screen 310 described with reference to Figs. 5 to 7.

[0060] The related information presentation section 316 shown in FIG. 8 is an area that displays information on the relevance of the performance data to the molding conditions input in the molding condition input section 311. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the related information presentation section 316 presents information on each item of the shot number (indicated as "ShotCount" in the figure), performance conditions, performance quality, and relevance for each production (shot) of a molded product. In the related information presentation section 316, the items of the performance quality and relevance shown for each shot number are the same as the performance quality and relevance in the related information presentation section 312 shown in FIG. 5. Note that the related information presentation section 316 shown in FIG. 8 may also display information based on performance data such as the time when the molded product was produced, similar to the related information presentation section 312 shown in FIG. 5. In addition to the performance conditions and performance quality, the information displayed in the related information presentation section 312 may be selectively set.

[0061] The actual conditions are the actual data of the molding conditions for each shot. In the related information presentation unit 316, the actual conditions for each shot are displayed by a radar chart. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the radar charts for the VP switching position (denoted as "VP" in the figure), the dwell pressure, and the dwell time, which are the same as those shown in the actual case of the related information presentation unit 312 shown in FIG. 5, are displayed. The specific display method of the radar chart is not particularly limited. As an example, one of the value inputted to the molding condition input unit 311 and the value of the corresponding item in the actual data may be used as the reference value of the radar chart, and the other may be displayed in a relative positional relationship with the reference value. In this way, the user can intuitively recognize how much larger or smaller the value inputted to the molding condition input unit 311 is than the value of the actual data by referring to the radar chart.

[0062] <Setting the range of performance data presentation> In the input screen 310 described with reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8, the performance data of each shot is arranged in the related information presentation section 312, 316 in descending order of relevance. In this example, it is easy to refer to the molding quality obtained under molding conditions similar to the molding conditions inputted in the molding condition input section 311, but the performance data displayed in the related information presentation section 312, 316 is biased toward those with similar molding conditions. On the other hand, when a user sets molding conditions, there are cases where the user wants to know what kind of molding quality can be obtained under molding conditions different from the molding conditions assumed by the user. Therefore, it is considered to extract performance data with different molding conditions from the performance data and display them in the related information presentation section 312, 316. In this case, it is desired to extract performance data so that the molding conditions of each extracted performance data have appropriate variation, rather than extracting performance data completely randomly.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a method for extracting performance data, in which FIG. 9(A) shows a method for extracting performance data with similar molding conditions, and FIG. 9(B) shows a method for extracting performance data with variation in molding conditions. FIG. 9(A) and (B) show an example of extracting performance data by focusing on the relationship between the dwell time and the dwell pressure among the molding conditions. In FIG. 9(A) and (B), the circles "●" and "◯" in the diagram indicate performance data, and the cross marks "×" indicate molding conditions inputted in the molding condition input section 311. The circles "●" indicate performance data extracted as a target for display in the related information presentation sections 312 and 316, and the circles "◯" indicate performance data that was not extracted. In the example shown in FIG. 9(A) and (B), an example of extracting three performance data is shown.

[0064] In the example described with reference to Figures 5, 6 and 8, the relevance of the molding conditions was calculated for each piece of performance data, and performance data with high relevance was extracted. As a result, as shown in Figure 9(A), performance data close to the input molding conditions (the performance data closest to the cross mark "x" in the figure) is extracted.

[0065] On the other hand, when extracting performance data with variation in molding conditions, first, cluster analysis is performed based on the relationship between the molding conditions (here, the dwell time and the dwell pressure), and each performance data is classified into a plurality of clusters. In the example shown in FIG. 9(B), the entire performance data is classified into six clusters. Then, the degree of association between the representative performance data of each cluster (the performance data indicated by the black circle "●" in the figure) and the input molding conditions is calculated, and performance data with a high degree of association is extracted. For example, the representative performance data of a cluster may be obtained by calculating the average value of the performance data of the molding conditions for each cluster, and the performance data closest to this average value may be used as the representative. In addition, when the k-means method is used for the cluster analysis, the performance data that is the centroid of each cluster is specified, and such performance data may be used as the representative of the cluster. By extracting performance data in this manner, it is possible to extract highly related performance data in cluster units that group together performance data with similar molding conditions.

[0066] When the performance data is classified into clusters as described above and the relevance of the representative performance data for each cluster is calculated, the calculated relevance of the representative performance data for each cluster may be displayed in the related information presentation section 312 of the input screen 310 in order of increasing relevance. When the relevance of the representative performance data for each cluster is calculated, the related information presentation section 312 of the input screen 310 displays the performance data of the molding quality of the molded product manufactured under the molding conditions as the representative of each cluster in association with the performance data of the molding conditions. Furthermore, even when the relevance of the representative performance data for each cluster is calculated, the input screen 310 may display the molding conditions estimated (calculated) based on the information on the molding quality input in the molding quality input section 315, as described with reference to FIG. 7. Even when the relevance of the representative performance data for each cluster is calculated, the molding quality of the molded product manufactured under the molding conditions input in the molding condition input section 314 may be predicted, and the predicted result may be displayed on the input screen 310.

[0067] Also, the degree of variation in molding conditions in extracting the performance data may be selectable by a user operation. In the example described with reference to FIG. 9, the performance data is classified into clusters, and the relevance is calculated for each cluster, thereby providing variation in the performance data displayed in the related information presentation section 312 of the input screen 310. Here, when classifying the performance data into clusters, the size of the clusters can be controlled by specifying the number of clusters and the number of performance data included in each cluster. Then, by controlling the size of the clusters, the variation in the extracted molding conditions changes. Specifically, the larger the cluster, the larger the variation in the molding conditions, and the smaller the cluster, the smaller the variation in the molding conditions.

[0068] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen 310 capable of controlling the variation of molding conditions in the extraction of performance data. The input screen 310 shown in Fig. 10 displays a presentation range selection section 317 together with a molding condition input section 311 and a related information presentation section 312 similar to those of the input screen 310 shown in Fig. 5. The presentation range selection section 317 shown in Fig. 10 is configured to select a presentation range from a pull-down menu by a user operation. In the example shown in Fig. 10, three types of selectable presentation ranges are displayed: "narrow", "medium", and "wide".

[0069] In the method of extracting performance data shown in Figs. 9(A) and (B), when performance data with high relevance is extracted for each performance data, the range of the extracted performance data is narrow (see Fig. 9(A)), whereas when performance data with high relevance is extracted for each cluster, the range of the extracted performance data is wide (see Fig. 9(B)). Therefore, when "narrow" is selected in the presentation range selection unit 317, performance data extracted based on the relevance calculated for each performance data is displayed in the related information presentation unit 312. When "medium" is selected, performance data extracted based on the relevance calculated for each cluster is displayed in the related information presentation unit 312. Furthermore, when "wide" is selected, the performance data is classified into a larger cluster than in the case of "medium", and the performance data extracted based on the relevance calculated for each cluster is displayed in the related information presentation unit 312.

[0070] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of an input screen 310 capable of controlling the variation of molding conditions in the extraction of performance data. In the input screen 310 shown in FIG. 11, a presentation range selection section 318 is displayed together with a molding condition input section 311 and a related information presentation section 312 similar to those of the input screen 310 shown in FIG. 5. In the presentation range selection section 318 shown in FIG. 11, a button object consisting of a plus (+) button and a minus (-) button is displayed. The user controls the size of the cluster of performance data by operating the button object of the presentation range selection section 318. That is, when the plus button is operated, the cluster of performance data is reclassified so as to be a larger cluster than when the relevance of the performance data currently displayed in the related information presentation section 312 is calculated, and the performance data extracted based on the relevance calculated in the new cluster unit is displayed in the related information presentation section 312. On the other hand, when the minus button is operated, the cluster of performance data is reclassified to a smaller cluster than that used when the relevance of the performance data currently displayed in the related information presentation section 312 was calculated, and the performance data extracted based on the relevance calculated in this new cluster unit is displayed in the related information presentation section 312.

[0071] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of an input screen 310 capable of controlling the variation of molding conditions in the extraction of performance data. In the input screen 310 shown in FIG. 12, a presentation range selection section 319 is displayed together with a molding condition input section 311 and a related information presentation section 312 similar to those of the input screen 310 shown in FIG. 5. The presentation range selection section 319 shown in FIG. 12 is configured to specify the presentation range by a slider. The user operates the slider of the presentation range selection section 319 to control the size of the cluster of performance data. That is, the size of the cluster is set according to the position of the slider on the slider bar, and performance data extracted based on the relevance calculated in this set cluster is displayed in the related information presentation section 312. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the further to the left of the slider position of the slider bar, the smaller the cluster, and the narrower the range of the extracted performance data. Conversely, the further to the right of the slider position of the slider bar, the larger the cluster, and the wider the range of the extracted performance data.

[0072] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the data processing device 200 generates the input screen 310 by the display control unit 240 and displays it on the display device 300 connected to the data processing device 200. However, an information processing device provided separately from the data processing device 200 may control the display of the input screen 310 and accept input. Specifically, a personal computer, a tablet information terminal, a smartphone, or other information device equipped with a display means may be provided with the functions of the display device 300 and the display control unit 240 to realize the display of the input screen 310 and the acceptance of input.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the molding condition input section 311 and the related information presentation section 312 are displayed on the input screen 310 shown in Fig. 5, but the molding condition input section 311 and the related information presentation section 312 may be configured as separate screens. These displays may also be displayed on separate display devices. The same applies to the molding quality input section 313 on the input screen 310 shown in Fig. 6, the molding condition input section 314 and the molding quality input section 315 shown in Fig. 7, and the related information presentation section 316 shown in Fig. 8. Various other modifications and alternative configurations that do not depart from the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention are included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 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... storage unit, 240... display control unit, 250... reception unit, 300... display device, 310... input screen, 311, 314... molding condition input unit, 312, 316... related information presentation unit, 313, 315... molding quality input unit

Claims

1. A receiving means for receiving input of molding conditions in the injection molding machine; a data acquisition means for acquiring performance data of the molding conditions in the production of a molded product by the injection molding machine; a calculation means for calculating a degree of association between the molding conditions received by the reception means and the performance data acquired by the data acquisition means; a display means for displaying the performance data and a calculation result by the calculation means for each performance data; An information processing device comprising:

2. The information processing device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the degree of association between the molding conditions accepted by the accepting means and the performance data acquired by the data acquiring means is specified based on a distance defined taking into account the correlation between items of the molding conditions.

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the distance is a Mahalanobis distance, and the smaller the value of the Mahalanobis distance, the higher the degree of association between the molding conditions accepted by the accepting means and the performance data acquired by the data acquiring means.

4. the calculation means classifies the performance data based on correlations between items of molding conditions, and calculates a degree of association between a representative value of each classification and the molding conditions received by the receiving means for each classification unit; The display means displays the representative values ​​of the classifications and the calculation results by the calculation means for each representative value of the classifications. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said display means displays said performance data in descending order of the degree of association calculated by said calculation means.

6. The data acquisition means further acquires performance data on molding quality of a molded product manufactured under the molding conditions indicated in the performance data, The display means displays the result data of the molding conditions and the result data of the molding quality in association with each other.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein:

7. The method further includes a prediction unit for predicting a molding quality when a molded product is manufactured under the molding conditions accepted by the acceptance unit, The display means further displays the molding conditions received by the receiving means and prediction data of the molding quality predicted by the prediction means based on the molding conditions.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein:

8. The molding method further includes estimating means for estimating molding conditions required to obtain a target molding quality according to the target molding quality, The receiving means receives an input of the target molding quality, The display means further displays molding conditions estimated based on the target molding quality received by the receiving means.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein:

9. the display means displays a display section that displays the information on the molding conditions received by the receiving means, and an operation object for setting molding conditions for manufacturing a molded product by the injection molding machine; When the operation object is operated, the information on the molding conditions displayed on the display unit is applied as the molding conditions in the production of a molded product by the injection molding machine.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein:

10. On the computer, A process of receiving input of molding conditions for the injection molding machine; A process of acquiring performance data of the molding conditions in manufacturing a molded product by the injection molding machine; A process of calculating a degree of association between the molding conditions and the performance data; a process of displaying the performance data and the calculation result of the degree of association for each performance data on a display device; A program characterized by executing the above.

Images