Machining system, information processing apparatus, cutting plotter, machining method, and program
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-01
AI Technical Summary
Existing cutting plotter systems require complex parameter settings that vary based on the type of cutting tool, necessitating user intuition and experience for accurate configuration.
A processing system that includes an information processing device displaying a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the medium, allowing users to visualize the processing state and set parameters intuitively, with features like adjustable views, recommended values, and warning notifications.
Simplifies the parameter setting process by providing a visual representation of the processing outcome, reducing errors, and making it easier for users to set parameters accurately.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a processing system, an information processing device, a cutting plotter, a processing method, and a program. [Background technology]
[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Processing devices such as cutting plotters that perform processes such as cutting on sheet-shaped media are widely used.
[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a processing device that cuts a medium to be cut by moving a pen block based on cutting data and controlling the pressure contact and separation of a cutting pen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-97563 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] As described in Patent Document 1, in order to process a medium into a desired shape by selectively pressing and separating a cutting tool such as a cutting pen, it is necessary to set various parameters.
[0006] However, there are a wide variety of parameter settings, and the types of parameters to be set differ depending on the type of cutting tool. As a result, the user's intuition and experience are required to accurately set the parameters to cut the media into the desired shape.
[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cutting system, an information processing device, a cutting plotter, a cutting method, and a program that allow for easy setting of cutting plotter parameters. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] A processing system according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an information processing device including an acquisition means for acquiring input values of parameters for a cutting plotter having a cutting tool to perform desired processing on a medium, a display control means for displaying on a display a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the medium after processing based on the input values of the parameters acquired by the acquisition means, and a setting means for setting the input values of the parameters as setting values for the cutting plotter, and the cutting plotter for processing the medium according to the setting values set by the setting information processing device.
[0009] With this configuration, the processing state of the medium in the depth direction is visualized as a vertical cross section, making it easier for the user to imagine the final product obtained by processing the medium, making it easier to set the parameters of the cutting plotter.
[0010] In the above-described processing system, the vertical cross-sectional view may display a base provided between the table of the cutting plotter and the medium. With this configuration, when processing a relatively deep vertical cut, the user can recognize the presence of the base, making it easier to set parameters.
[0011] In the above processing system, the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the medium may be displayed in different ways depending on the type of the medium. This configuration allows the user to intuitively set parameters. The type of medium refers to the material, structure, etc. of the medium. The structure refers to differences such as cardboard and corrugated cardboard.
[0012] In the processing system, recommended values of the parameters according to the type of the medium may be displayed. With this configuration, parameter setting is simplified.
[0013] In the processing system, when the medium is a cardboard box, the longitudinal cross-sectional view may display the corrugations of the cardboard box. With this configuration, when the medium is a cardboard box, the user can easily recognize the direction of the corrugations.
[0014] In the above processing system, a plurality of standard drawings that differ according to the input values of the parameters may be prepared in advance as the longitudinal cross-sectional views, and the display control means may select one of the plurality of standard drawings based on the input values of the parameters acquired by the acquisition means. This configuration simplifies the process of displaying the longitudinal cross-sectional views, for example by reducing the memory area required for the process of displaying the longitudinal cross-sectional views on the display.
[0015] In the processing system, the vertical cross-sectional view displayed on the display may be adjusted by a user, and the input values of the parameters may be changed according to the adjusted vertical cross-sectional view. With this configuration, the user can intuitively set the parameters.
[0016] In the machining system, the input value of the parameter may be selected from a plurality of preset fixed values. With this configuration, parameter setting is simplified.
[0017] In the above processing system, the longitudinal cross-sectional view may be enlarged. With this configuration, the user can easily recognize the details of the longitudinal cross-section of the processed medium.
[0018] The machining system may further include a notification unit that issues a warning when the input value of the parameter falls within a preset value that requires the user's attention. This configuration can reduce parameter setting errors.
[0019] In the above processing system, the longitudinal cross-sectional view may display a processing position relative to a planar direction of the medium. With this configuration, parameter setting is made easier.
[0020] In the above processing system, the desired processing may be a V-cut. With this configuration, parameter setting for performing a V-cut becomes easier.
[0021] In the above processing system, the V-cut may be any one of a single cut, a double cut, or a triple cut. This configuration makes it easier to set parameters according to the type of V-cut.
[0022] In the processing system, the vertical cross-sectional view may be displayed in a manner that the area to be cut out from the medium and other areas are displayed in different ways. With this configuration, the user can easily recognize the area to be cut out from the medium.
[0023] In the above processing system, the longitudinal cross-sectional view may display the order of processing the medium. With this configuration, the user can easily recognize the order of processing the medium.
[0024] In the machining system, when an input value of a predetermined parameter is acquired, values of the other parameters corresponding to the acquired input value may be displayed as recommended values. With this configuration, parameter setting is made easier.
[0025] In the above processing system, information indicating an origin position in the depth direction of the medium may be displayed together with the longitudinal cross-sectional view. With this configuration, parameter setting errors can be reduced.
[0026] An information processing device of a second aspect of the present invention comprises an acquisition means for acquiring input values of parameters for a cutting plotter having a processing tool to perform desired processing on a medium, a display control means for displaying on a display a longitudinal cross-sectional view that schematically shows the longitudinal cross-section of the medium after processing based on the input values of the parameters acquired by the acquisition means, and a setting means for setting the input values of the parameters as setting values of the cutting plotter.
[0027] A cutting plotter according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises an acquisition means for acquiring input values of parameters that a cutting plotter having a cutting tool uses to perform desired processing on a medium, a display control means for displaying on a display a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the medium after processing based on the input values of the parameters acquired by the acquisition means, a setting means for setting the input values of the parameters as setting values for the cutting plotter, and a processing means for processing the medium based on the parameters set by the setting means.
[0028] A fourth aspect of the processing method of the present invention includes a first step in which an acquisition means acquires input values of parameters for a cutting plotter having a cutting tool to perform desired processing on a medium; a second step in which a display control means displays on a display a longitudinal cross-sectional view that schematically shows the longitudinal cross-section of the medium after processing based on the input values of the parameters acquired by the acquisition means; and a third step in which a setting means sets the input values of the parameters as setting values for the cutting plotter.
[0029] A fifth aspect of the program of the present invention causes a computer to function as an acquisition means for acquiring input values of parameters for a cutting plotter having a cutting tool to perform desired processing on a medium, a display control means for displaying on a display a longitudinal cross-sectional view that schematically shows the longitudinal cross-section of the medium after processing based on the input values of the parameters acquired by the acquisition means, and a setting means for setting the input values of the parameters as setting values of the cutting plotter. [Effects of the Invention]
[0030] An object of the present invention is to provide a cutting system, an information processing device, a cutting plotter, a cutting method, and a program that allow for easy setting of cutting plotter parameters. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a parameter setting screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram relating to parameter setting by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of a workpiece when a single cut is performed on the workpiece of an embodiment, where (A) is when the V-cut Z-remaining amount is 0.1 mm or more, and (B) is when the V-cut Z-remaining amount is 0 mm or less. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of a workpiece when a double cut is performed on the workpiece of an embodiment, where (A) is when the V-cut Z-remaining amount is 0.1 mm or more, and (B) is when the V-cut Z-remaining amount is 0 mm or less. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of a workpiece when triple cutting is performed on the workpiece of the embodiment, where (A) is when the V-cut Z-remaining amount is 0.1 mm or more, and (B) is when the V-cut Z-remaining amount is 0 mm or less. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a parameter setting process according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a workpiece according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Hereinafter, a processing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic overall view of the processing system 10 according to the present embodiment.
[0033] The processing system 10 includes a cutting plotter 12 and an information processing device 14 .
[0034] The cutting plotter 12 is a processing device that performs various processes on a sheet-like medium (hereinafter referred to as a "workpiece") 22 placed on a table 20 using a cutting tool.
[0035] The cutting plotter 12 includes a head 26 to which a plurality of cutting tools are attached. The head 26 moves relative to a workpiece 22 placed on a table 20 (for example, moves in the X and Y directions), so that the cutting tools perform processing on the workpiece 22.
[0036] Types of cutting tools include, for example, V-cut, pen, eccentric cut, flat blade, roller, router, reciprocating, etc.
[0037] In this embodiment, a V-cut is taken as an example of a desired processing performed by the user. The V-cut can be selected from a single cut, a double cut, which is a V-shaped cut made by two cuts, and a triple cut, which is a V-shaped cut made by three cuts.
[0038] The information processing device 14 is a desktop or laptop computer equipped with a display 30 such as a liquid crystal display for displaying images and an input device 32 such as a keyboard or mouse for receiving various inputs, and is capable of communicating with the cutting plotter 12. The information processing device 14 may also be a portable information processing device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal equipped with a touch panel display. The processing system 10 may include one or more information processing devices 14.
[0039] The information processing device 14 sets parameters used by the cutting plotter 12 to perform desired processing on the workpiece 22. The information processing device 14 then transmits the parameter setting values to the cutting plotter 12 along with processing data indicating the shape to be cut out of the workpiece 22, the positions of holes to be drilled, and the like. The processing data is expressed as a plan view corresponding to the XY plane. The cutting plotter 12 drives the cutting tool to process the workpiece 22 based on the parameter setting values and the processing data. The processing data may be created by the information processing device 14, or processing data created by another information processing device may be input to the information processing device 14.
[0040] 2 shows a parameter setting screen 40 displayed on the display 30. The information processing device 14 of this embodiment displays, on the display 30, a workpiece cross-sectional view 42, which is a vertical cross-sectional view that schematically shows a vertical cross-section of the workpiece 22 after machining, in the parameter setting screen 40 based on input values of parameters (hereinafter referred to as "parameter input values"). In other words, the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 shows the machining state of the workpiece 22 in the depth direction.
[0041] 2, the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 is displayed at the top of the parameter setting screen 40, but this is just one example, and the display position of the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 may be other positions within the parameter setting screen 40. Furthermore, the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 may be displayed on the display 30 without being included in the parameter setting screen 40.
[0042] 2, a workpiece cross-sectional view 42 shows a V-cut cut line 46 as a dashed line on a workpiece diagram 44 representing the workpiece 22, and it can be seen that the workpiece 22 will be cut by a single V-cut. In this way, the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 visualizes the machining state of the workpiece 22 in the depth direction, making it easy for the user to imagine the final product obtained by machining the workpiece 22, which simplifies the setting of parameters for the cutting plotter 12.
[0043] In this embodiment, the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 displays a pedestal provided between the table 20 and the workpiece 22 of the cutting plotter 12 as a pedestal view 48. The pedestal, which may be, for example, felt, is a protective material that is placed under the workpiece 22 to protect the surface of the table 20. Here, for example, when the workpiece 22 is machined to a depth greater than the thickness of the workpiece 22, parameter setting becomes more difficult. Therefore, by displaying the pedestal view 48 in the workpiece cross-sectional view 42, the user can recognize the presence of the pedestal when machining the workpiece 22 relatively deeply in the vertical direction, which simplifies parameter setting. In FIG. 2, the table 20 is displayed as a table view 50. Furthermore, when a pedestal is not placed on the table 20 during actual machining, the pedestal view 48 is set not to be displayed in the workpiece cross-sectional view 42.
[0044] When machining different positions or ranges of the same workpiece 22 using different parameters, a workpiece cross-sectional view 42 is displayed according to the parameter input values for each position or range. The workpiece cross-sectional view 42 in this embodiment is, for example, a still image. Further details of the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 will be described later.
[0045] 3 is a functional block diagram relating to parameter setting by the information processing device 14 of this embodiment. The information processing device 14 includes a display 30, an input device 32, a calculation unit 60, a storage unit 62, and a communication unit 64.
[0046] The calculation unit 60 is a computer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and includes a parameter input value acquisition unit 66, a parameter display control unit 68, a parameter setting unit 70, and a warning notification unit 72. The functions of the parameter input value acquisition unit 66, the parameter display control unit 68, the parameter setting unit 70, and the warning notification unit 72 are realized by executing a program stored in a storage unit 62 provided in the information processing device 14.
[0047] The parameter input value acquiring unit 66 acquires the parameter input values. As an example, the parameter input value acquiring unit 66 acquires, as the parameter input values, values input by the user into the text boxes 52 on the parameter setting screen 40 via the input device 32. However, this is not limiting, and the information processing device 14 may read a data file in which the parameter input values are written, the parameter input values written in the data file may be input into the text boxes 52, and the parameter input value acquiring unit 66 may acquire the parameter input values written in the data file.
[0048] As described above, the cutting tool of this embodiment is a V-cut, for example. The parameters for the V-cut include, for example, the cutting edge angle, workpiece thickness, speed, Z-position, V-cut method, V-cut Z-remaining amount, and V-cut folding width, as shown in Fig. 2. In addition to these, the parameters also include V-cut theta correction, Z-origin setting, Z-origin offset, and, when triple cut is selected, the amount of shift in the cutting position.
[0049] In this embodiment, "Z" indicates the vertical direction of the workpiece 22, and the Z origin is the origin for the depth direction of the workpiece 22. In this embodiment, information indicating the origin position (Z origin) for the depth direction of the workpiece 22 is displayed on the display 30 together with the workpiece cross-sectional view 42. An example of information indicating the origin position is a Z position bar 54 that is displayed parallel to the vertical direction of the workpiece 22 on the right side of the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 shown in FIG. 2. The position indicated by "0" in the Z position bar 54 is the Z origin.
[0050] Also, a note regarding Z origin setting may be displayed on the display 30. The note may be, for example, "The position of 0 changes depending on the Z origin offset of the machine." In this way, the Z position bar 54 is displayed on the display 30 together with the workpiece cross-sectional view 42, thereby preventing the user from making an error in setting parameters. Note that by pressing a predetermined button (not shown) included in the parameter setting screen 40, the Z position bar 54 and the note are displayed.
[0051] In the example of FIG. 2, the bottom surface of the workpiece 22, i.e., the top surface of the base, is set as the Z origin, but this is just one example. The user may set the Z origin as desired, for example, the top surface of the workpiece 22 may be set as the Z origin. The position of the Z origin can be changed by adjusting the Z origin offset. To ensure that the workpiece 22 is cut out accurately, the Z origin offset should be input as, for example, "1.0."
[0052] The Z position is the target position of the tip of the cutting tool relative to the Z origin, or in other words, the machining depth of the cutting tool. The V-cut Z-remaining amount is the length that is not cut relative to the bottom surface of the workpiece 22, or in other words, the cross-sectional length of the portion of the workpiece 22 that is left uncut. The V-cut Z-remaining amount is indicated by "a" in FIG. 2. Note that "b" included in the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 in FIG. 2 indicates the V-cut folding width, and numerical values are displayed for "a" and "b." The parameter setting screen 40 may also have a text box 52 for inputting both the Z position and V-cut Z-remaining amount parameters, or a text box 52 for inputting only one of the parameters.
[0053] Among the parameters, the cutting edge angle is determined first, and the ranges of the other parameters may be determined depending on the cutting edge angle. Note that if the created product from the machined workpiece 22 is, for example, a cube, the cutting edge angle is set to 45°.
[0054] The input value of the parameter may be selected from a number of preset fixed values. For example, the cutting edge angle for a V-cut may be selected from fixed values such as 15°, 22.5°, 30°, and 45°. This simplifies parameter setting.
[0055] The parameters also include the type of workpiece 22. The type of workpiece 22 is, for example, plain paper or cardboard. If the workpiece 22 is cardboard, the parameters also include the corrugations of the cardboard. Either vertical or horizontal corrugations of the cardboard are selected.
[0056] Furthermore, when the parameter input value acquisition unit 66 acquires a predetermined parameter input value, the value of another parameter corresponding to the acquired input value may be displayed as a recommended value. This simplifies parameter setting. For example, when a double cut or triple cut is selected as the V-cut and the V-cut blade angle and the V-cut remaining amount are acquired as parameter input values, a recommended value for the fold width corresponding to the blade angle is displayed on the parameter setting screen 40. In the example of FIG. 2, if the check box 53 located to the left of the text box 52 corresponding to the V-cut fold width is unchecked, a recommended value for the V-cut fold width corresponding to the blade angle and the V-cut remaining amount is input. On the other hand, if the check box 53 is checked, the user manually enters the value for the V-cut fold width. Note that when the V-cut fold width and the V-cut blade angle are acquired as parameter input values, a recommended value for the V-cut remaining amount corresponding to the V-cut fold width and the V-cut blade angle may be displayed.
[0057] The parameter display control unit 68 displays the parameter setting screen 40 on the display 30, and displays the parameter input values in the text boxes 52 on the parameter setting screen 40. Furthermore, the parameter display control unit 68 of this embodiment displays a workpiece cross-sectional view 42 based on the parameter input values acquired by the parameter input value acquisition unit 66.
[0058] The parameter setting unit 70 sets the parameter input value as the setting value (hereinafter referred to as the "parameter setting value") of the cutting plotter 12. Specifically, when the user presses the approval button 56 displayed on the parameter setting screen 40, the parameter input value displayed on the parameter setting screen 40 is sent to the cutting plotter 12 as the parameter setting value.
[0059] The warning notification unit 72 issues a warning when the parameter input value falls within a value (hereinafter referred to as the "warning set value") that is preset as requiring the user's attention. For example, the warning notification unit 72 issues a warning when the parameter input value falls within the warning set value for cutting out the workpiece 22. For example, when the V-cut Z remaining amount is input as 0 or less for double cuts and triple cuts in V-cuts, the warning notification unit 72 issues a warning indicating that the workpiece 22 will be cut out. Furthermore, when the workpiece thickness is unexpectedly thick or thin for the type of workpiece 22 that has been input, the warning notification unit 72 issues a warning. This makes it possible to prevent the user from setting parameters incorrectly.
[0060] As an example, the warning setting value is set as a range of values that require a warning. However, without being limited to this, a range of normal values may be set, and values outside the set normal range may be set as the warning setting value. The warning notification unit 72 may notify the warning by, for example, displaying a pop-up message, or may display the text box 52 in which a parameter input value that is within the warning setting value range has been entered in a different color from the other parts, such as in red or yellow.
[0061] The communication unit 64 transmits and receives information to and from the cutting plotter 12. The communication unit 64 of this embodiment transmits to the cutting plotter 12 processing data indicating the processing details for the workpiece 22 and parameter setting values.
[0062] The storage unit 62 stores a program for executing parameter setting, image data such as a plurality of standard drawings (to be described later), and various other programs and data.
[0063] Next, the work cross-sectional view 42 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG.
[0064] The workpiece diagram 44 constituting the workpiece cross-sectional diagram 42 is displayed in different modes depending on the type of workpiece 22. For example, the workpiece diagram 44 is displayed in a color, pattern, etc. that evokes the material of the workpiece 22. The type of workpiece 22 refers to the material and structure, etc., of the workpiece 22. The structure refers to differences such as cardboard and corrugated cardboard. This allows the user to intuitively set parameters while looking at the workpiece cross-sectional diagram 42. The display mode of the workpiece diagram 44 may be selected by the user, or may be automatically selected in advance depending on the type of workpiece 22 input as a parameter input value.
[0065] Furthermore, recommended values of parameters according to the type of workpiece 22 may be set as parameter input values. For example, if the workpiece 22 is cardboard, a recommended value is input as an input value for speed in the text box 52. This simplifies parameter setting. Note that by storing an input value history that associates the type of workpiece 22 with the parameter input value, more appropriate recommended values according to the type of workpiece 22 may be displayed.
[0066] In the case where the work 22 is a cardboard box, the corrugations of the cardboard box are displayed in the work cross-sectional view 42. In the example of FIG. 2, multiple vertical lines in the work diagram 44 represent the corrugations of the cardboard box. In addition, if the corrugations of the cardboard box are horizontal, the corrugations in the work diagram 44 are displayed horizontally. This allows the user to easily recognize the direction of the corrugations when the work 22 is a cardboard box.
[0067] Furthermore, the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 of this embodiment displays a machining position mark 58 that indicates the machining position relative to the planar direction of the workpiece 22. The machining position is based on the machining data, and the cutting tool machines the workpiece 22 by targeting the machining position. As an example, the machining position mark 58 of this embodiment is displayed as a triangular mark whose vertex indicates the machining position. Displaying the machining position on the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 allows the user to visually set parameters.
[0068] The workpiece cross-sectional view 42 can be enlarged. This allows the user to easily recognize the details of the longitudinal cross section of the workpiece 22 after machining. The enlarged workpiece cross-sectional view 42 may be displayed on a screen different from the parameter setting screen 40. Furthermore, instead of enlarging the entire workpiece cross-sectional view 42, the user may be allowed to select a partial area of the workpiece cross-sectional view 42, and that partial area may be enlarged.
[0069] In this embodiment, a plurality of standard drawings that differ depending on the parameter input values are prepared in advance as the workpiece cross-sectional view 42. Then, the parameter display control unit 68 selects one of the plurality of standard drawings based on the parameter input values acquired by the parameter input value acquisition unit 66. An example of the standard drawing is the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 shown in Figures 4 to 6.
[0070] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view 42 of a workpiece 22 when a single cut is made, and there is one cut line 46. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view 42 of a workpiece 22 when a double cut is made, and there are two cut lines 46. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view 42 of a workpiece 22 when a triple cut is made, and there are three cut lines 46.
[0071] Figures 4(A), 5(A), and 6(A) show cases where the V-cut Z-remaining amount is 0.1 mm or more, while Figures 4(B), 5(B), and 6(B) show cases where the V-cut Z-remaining amount is 0 mm or less. In this embodiment, the V-cut Z-remaining amount can be input in increments of 0.1 mm, for example. That is, when the V-cut Z-remaining amount is 0.1 mm or more, the workpiece 22 is not cut out, whereas when the V-cut Z-remaining amount is 0 mm or less, the workpiece 22 is cut out. Note that, when the parameter input values are as shown in Figures 5(B) and 6(B), the V-cut remaining amount a is displayed as a negative value, and the warning notification unit 72 issues a warning indicating that the workpiece 22 will be cut out.
[0072] Thus, in this embodiment, as an example, when the machining of the workpiece 22 is a V-cut, six types of standard diagrams are prepared depending on whether a single cut, double cut, triple cut, or cutout is present in the workpiece 22. Note that the standard diagrams are stored in the storage unit 62, as an example, and are read out from the storage unit 62 by the parameter display control unit 68 in accordance with the parameter input values. This simplifies the process for displaying the workpiece cross-sectional diagram 42, for example by reducing the memory area required for the process for displaying the workpiece cross-sectional diagram 42 on the display 30.
[0073] Furthermore, the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 displays a cutout area 80, which is an area to be cut out from the workpiece 22, in a different manner from other areas. In the example of FIG. 5, the area surrounded by two cut lines 46 by a double cut (the area surrounded by double dashed lines) is the cutout area 80. In the example of FIG. 6, the area surrounded by three cut lines 46 by a triple cut (the area surrounded by double dashed lines) is the cutout area 80. The cutout area 80 is represented, for example, by a color or pattern that is different from the other areas that will not be cut out. This allows the user to easily recognize the area to be cut out from the workpiece 22.
[0074] The workpiece cross-sectional view 42 displays the order in which the workpiece 22 will be machined. For example, in a double cut, two cuts are made to the workpiece 22. In a triple cut, three cuts are made to the workpiece 22. Therefore, in the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 of this embodiment, numbers 1 to 3 are displayed in circles indicating the order in which the workpiece 22 will be machined. This allows the user to easily recognize the order in which the workpiece 22 will be machined.
[0075] 4 to 6, the thickness of the workpiece drawing 44 and the angle of the cutting line 46 do not change regardless of the parameter input values. However, this is not limiting, and a configuration in which the thickness of the workpiece drawing 44 and the angle of the cutting line 46 change based on the parameter input values may also be used.
[0076] In this embodiment, the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 displayed on the display 30 can be adjusted by selecting a portion thereof, and the parameter input values may change according to the adjusted workpiece cross-sectional view 42. For example, the user may use the input device 32 to select an auxiliary line (arrow line or dashed line) indicating the V-cut remaining amount a or an auxiliary line indicating the V-cut folding width b displayed on the workpiece cross-sectional view 42, and adjust the length of the selected auxiliary line to change the parameter input values for the V-cut remaining amount and the V-cut folding width. Also, when the user selects a V-cut cutting line 46 and adjusts the angle of the cutting line 46, the parameter input value for the V-cut angle changes. This allows the user to intuitively set parameters.
[0077] 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the parameter setting process executed by the information processing device 14. The parameter setting process is executed by a program stored in the storage unit 62 provided in the information processing device 14.
[0078] First, in step 100, the parameter input value acquisition unit 66 acquires a parameter input value. For example, the parameter input value acquisition unit 66 acquires, as the parameter input value, a value entered in the text box 52 for each parameter on the parameter setting screen 40. If the parameter input value falls within the range of the warning setting value, the warning notification unit 72 issues a warning.
[0079] In the next step 102 , the parameter display control unit 68 causes the display 30 to display the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 based on the parameter input values acquired by the parameter input value acquisition unit 66 .
[0080] In the next step 104, the parameter input value acquisition unit 66 determines whether or not there has been a change in the parameter input value, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 106, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 108. Note that also in step 104, if the parameter input value is within the range of the warning set value, the warning notification unit 72 issues a warning.
[0081] In step 106, the parameter display control unit 68 updates the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 in accordance with the changed parameter input value and displays it on the display 30.
[0082] In step 108, the parameter setting unit 70 determines whether an instruction to send parameters has been issued, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 110, and if the determination is negative, the process returns to step 104. Note that the instruction to send parameters is issued, for example, when the user presses the approval button 56 on the parameter setting screen 40.
[0083] In step 110, the parameter setting unit 70 transmits the parameter input values displayed on the parameter setting screen 40 as parameter setting values to the cutting plotter 12 via the communication unit 64. In addition to the parameter setting values, machining data indicating a machining diagram is also transmitted from the information processing device 14 to the cutting plotter 12, and the cutting plotter 12 performs machining on the workpiece 22 based on these.
[0084] Although the present invention has been described above using the above-mentioned embodiment, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-mentioned embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be made to the above-mentioned embodiment without departing from the gist of the invention, and such changes or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
[0085] In the above embodiment, a V-cutting tool has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other cutting tools may be used. For example, in a configuration in which the cutting tool is a reciprocating (vibration cutter), the coordinates at which the blade is raised and lowered relative to the workpiece 22, the interval at which the blade is raised and lowered relative to the workpiece 22, the Z position of the blade, and the like are displayed on the workpiece cross-sectional view 42. Furthermore, in a case in which the cutting tool is a marking roller, the Z position of the marking roller and the like are displayed on the workpiece cross-sectional view 42. Figure 8 is a workpiece cross-sectional view 42 in which the cutting tool is a reciprocating tool. In the example of Figure 8, the reciprocating tool raises and lowers the blade along the cutting line 46, and the processing position corresponds to the coordinates at which the blade is raised and lowered. Furthermore, C in the figure is the interval at which the blade is raised and lowered.
[0086] In the above embodiment, the work cross-sectional view 42 is described as a still image, but the present invention is not limited to this, and in order to express the processing speed by the cutting tool, the work cross-sectional view 42 may include a moving image to show the processing process in a moving image.
[0087] In the above embodiment, the machining system 10 is described as being composed of the cutting plotter 12 and the information processing device 14, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cutting plotter 12 may be equipped with a parameter input value acquisition unit 66, a parameter display control unit 68, a parameter setting unit 70, and a warning notification unit 72. The workpiece cross-sectional view 42 may be displayed on a display equipped in the cutting plotter 12.
[0088] In the above embodiment, the processing device is described as a cutting plotter 12, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the processing device may be a device other than the cutting plotter 12 as long as it is a processing device that can be equipped with multiple processing tools.
[0089] (Effects of the embodiment)
[0090] (1) The processing system 10 of this embodiment includes an information processing device 14 that includes a parameter input value acquisition unit 66 that acquires input values of parameters for a cutting plotter 12 having a cutting tool to perform desired processing on a workpiece 22, a parameter display control unit 68 that displays on a display 30 a workpiece cross-sectional view 42 that schematically shows a vertical cross-section of the workpiece 22 after processing based on the input values of the parameters acquired by the parameter input value acquisition unit 66, and a parameter setting unit 70 that sets the input values of the parameters as setting values for the cutting plotter 12, and a cutting plotter 12 that performs processing on the workpiece 22 in accordance with the setting values set by the information processing device 14.
[0091] This allows the depthwise machining state of the workpiece 22 to be visualized as a vertical cross section, making it easier for the user to imagine the final product obtained by machining the workpiece 22, thereby simplifying the setting of parameters for the cutting plotter 12.
[0092] (2) In the machining system 10 of this embodiment, the work cross-sectional view 42 may display a pedestal provided between the table 20 of the cutting plotter 12 and the workpiece 22. This allows the user to recognize the presence of the pedestal when machining relatively deep vertically, making it easier to set parameters.
[0093] (3) In the machining system 10 of this embodiment, the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 may display the workpiece 22 in different modes depending on the type of workpiece 22. This allows the user to intuitively set parameters.
[0094] (4) In the machining system 10 of the present embodiment, recommended values of parameters may be displayed according to the type of workpiece 22. This simplifies the setting of parameters.
[0095] (5) In the processing system 10 of this embodiment, when the workpiece 22 is cardboard, the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 may display the corrugations of the cardboard. This allows the user to easily recognize the direction of the corrugations when the workpiece 22 is cardboard.
[0096] (6) In the machining system 10 of this embodiment, a plurality of standard drawings that differ according to the input values of parameters may be prepared in advance as the workpiece cross-sectional view 42, and the parameter display control unit 68 may select one of the plurality of standard drawings based on the input values of the parameters acquired by the parameter input value acquisition unit 66. This simplifies the process for displaying the workpiece cross-sectional view 42, for example by reducing the memory area required for the process for displaying the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 on the display 30.
[0097] (7) In the machining system 10 of this embodiment, a portion of the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 displayed on the display 30 can be adjusted by the user, and the input values of the parameters may change according to the adjusted workpiece cross-sectional view 42. This allows the user to intuitively set the parameters.
[0098] (8) In the machining system 10 of this embodiment, the input value of a parameter may be selected from a plurality of preset fixed values, which simplifies parameter setting.
[0099] (9) In the machining system 10 of this embodiment, the work cross-sectional view 42 may be enlarged, allowing the user to easily recognize the details of the vertical cross section of the machined workpiece 22.
[0100] (10) The machining system 10 of this embodiment may include a warning notification unit 72 that issues a warning when the input value of a parameter falls within a preset value that requires the user's attention. This can reduce parameter setting errors.
[0101] (11) In the machining system 10 of this embodiment, the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 may display the machining position relative to the planar direction of the workpiece 22. This makes it easier to set parameters.
[0102] (12) In the processing system 10 of this embodiment, the desired processing may be a V-cut. This makes it easier to set parameters when performing a V-cut.
[0103] (13) In the processing system 10 of this embodiment, the V-cut may be any of a single cut, a double cut, or a triple cut. This makes it easier to set parameters according to the type of V-cut.
[0104] (14) In the machining system 10 of this embodiment, the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 may be displayed in a manner that differs between the area to be cut out from the workpiece 22 and the other areas. This allows the user to easily recognize the area to be cut out from the workpiece 22.
[0105] (15) In the machining system 10 of this embodiment, the workpiece cross-sectional view 42 may display the order of machining the workpiece 22. This allows the user to easily recognize the order of machining the workpiece 22.
[0106] (16) In the machining system 10 of the present embodiment, when an input value of a predetermined parameter is acquired, the value of another parameter corresponding to the input value may be displayed as a recommended value. This makes it easier to set parameters.
[0107] (17) In the machining system 10 of this embodiment, information indicating the origin position in the depth direction of the workpiece 22 may be displayed together with the workpiece cross-sectional view 42. This can prevent parameter setting errors. [Explanation of symbols]
[0108] 10 Processing System 12 Cutting Plotter (Cutting Plotter 12) 14 Information processing equipment 22 Work (medium) 30 Display 42 Work cross section (longitudinal cross section) 66 Parameter input value acquisition unit (acquisition means) 68 Parameter display control unit (display control means) 70 Parameter setting unit (setting means) 72 Warning notification unit (notification means)
Claims
1. A means for acquiring input values of parameters for a cutting plotter having a cutting tool to perform a desired process on a medium, A display control means that displays a schematic longitudinal section diagram of the processed medium on a display based on the input values of the parameters obtained by the acquisition means, An information processing device comprising setting means for setting the input value of the parameter to the set value of the cutting plotter, A cutting plotter that performs processing on the medium according to the set value set by the information processing device, A processing system equipped with the following features.
2. The processing system according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal section view shows the medium in different ways depending on the type of medium.
3. The processing system according to claim 1, wherein recommended values for the parameters according to the type of medium are displayed.
4. The processing system according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal section view shows the corrugations of the corrugated cardboard when the medium is corrugated cardboard.
5. Multiple standard diagrams are prepared in advance as the aforementioned longitudinal cross-sectional view, depending on the input value of the parameter. The processing system according to claim 1, wherein the display control means selects one of a plurality of standard diagrams based on the input value of the parameter acquired by the acquisition means.
6. The aforementioned desired processing is a V-cut, The processing system according to claim 1, wherein the V-cut is one of a single cut, a double cut, or a triple cut, which is a V-shaped cut made by performing two cuts.
7. The processing system according to claim 1, wherein information indicating the origin position in the depth direction of the medium is displayed together with the longitudinal cross-sectional view.
8. A means for acquiring input values of parameters for a cutting plotter having a processing tool to perform a desired processing on a medium, A display control means that displays a schematic longitudinal section diagram of the processed medium on a display based on the input values of the parameters obtained by the acquisition means, A setting means that sets the input value of the parameter to the setting value of the cutting plotter, An information processing device equipped with the following features.
9. A means for acquiring input values of parameters for a cutting plotter having a cutting tool to perform a desired process on a medium, A display control means that displays a schematic longitudinal section diagram of the processed medium on a display based on the input values of the parameters obtained by the acquisition means, A setting means that sets the input value of the parameter to the setting value of the cutting plotter, Processing means for processing the medium based on the parameters set by the setting means, A cutting plotter equipped with a cutting plotter.
10. A first step involves an acquisition means acquiring input values for parameters that a cutting plotter having a cutting tool uses to perform a desired process on a medium. A second step in which, based on the input values of the parameters acquired by the acquisition means, the display control means displays a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional diagram on the display that shows the longitudinal cross-section of the processed medium, A third step in which the setting means sets the input value of the parameter to the setting value of the cutting plotter, A processing method that is possessed.
11. Computers, A means for acquiring input values of parameters for a cutting plotter having a cutting tool to perform a desired process on a medium, A display control means that displays a schematic longitudinal section diagram of the processed medium on a display based on the input values of the parameters obtained by the acquisition means, A setting means that sets the input value of the parameter to the setting value of the cutting plotter, A program designed to function as such.