Cutting program determination device, cutting system, and cutting program determination method

Abstract

The cutting machine that executes the cutting program can be appropriately determined.SOLUTION: The machining program determination device 150 includes a first obtaining unit 152 that obtains a machining program PG1 including designated machine information 160 about a machining device 100 that machines a workpiece 5, a second obtaining unit 153 that obtains candidate machine information 180 about a plurality of machining devices 100 that are candidates for executing the machining program PG1 obtained by the first obtaining unit 152, an extraction unit 155 that compares the designated machine information 160 with the plurality of candidate machine information 180 and extracts a machining device 100 that can execute the machining program PG1 to machine the workpiece 5, and a determination unit 156 that determines to transmit the machining program PG1 obtained by the first obtaining unit 152 to the machining device 100 extracted by the extraction unit 155.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutting program determination device, a cutting system, and a cutting program determination method, and more particularly to a cutting program determination device that determines a cutting machine to which a cutting program is to be transmitted, a cutting system including the cutting program determination device, and a cutting program determination method that determines a cutting machine to which a cutting program is to be transmitted. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for creating a processing program for a dental processing machine. This processing program creation method includes steps A, B, and C. In step A, a processing program is prepared that defines the processing procedures to be executed by the dental processing machine. In step B, processing information related to the material or workpiece to be processed by the processing program is prepared. In step C, a file ID that identifies the processing program and a comment line containing the processing information are inserted into the processing program.

[0003] By creating the above-described processing program, it is possible to obtain the file ID and processing information from the processing program, which makes it easy to manage the processing information resulting from the execution of the processing program. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-135493 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, some users may manage multiple models of dental processing machines and use them depending on the type of object to be processed, etc. Here, for example, different models of dental processing machines may have different formats of processing programs that can be properly executed by the dental processing machines. As described above, for users who manage multiple models of dental processing machines, they must manually determine the dental processing machine that will execute the created processing program, which may prevent them from properly determining the dental processing machine that will execute the processing program.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and its object is to provide a cutting program determination device, a cutting system, and a cutting program determination method that can appropriately determine a cutting machine that will execute a cutting program. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The cutting program determination device according to the present invention includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, an extraction unit, and a determination unit. The first acquisition unit acquires a cutting program to which designated machine information related to a cutting machine that cuts a workpiece is attached. The second acquisition unit acquires candidate machine information related to a plurality of cutting machines that are candidates for executing the cutting program acquired by the first acquisition unit. The extraction unit compares the designated machine information with the plurality of candidate machine information and extracts the cutting machine that can execute the cutting program to cut the workpiece. The determination unit determines to transmit the cutting program acquired by the first acquisition unit to the cutting machine extracted by the extraction unit.

[0008] The cutting program determination device can acquire a cutting program with designated machine information for a cutting machine that can properly execute the cutting program. Then, by comparing the designated machine information with information on a plurality of candidate machines, it is possible to extract a cutting machine that can execute the cutting program to cut the workpiece, and determine to transmit the cutting program to the extracted cutting machine. Therefore, the cutting program can be transmitted to a cutting machine that is suitable for executing the cutting program.

[0009] The cutting program determination method according to the present invention includes a first acquisition step, a second acquisition step, an extraction step, and a determination step. In the first acquisition step, a cutting program is obtained that has designated machine information about a cutting machine that cuts a workpiece. In the second acquisition step, candidate machine information about a plurality of cutting machines that are candidates for executing the cutting program obtained in the first acquisition step is obtained. In the extraction step, the designated machine information is compared with the plurality of candidate machine information, and the cutting machine capable of executing the cutting program to cut the workpiece is extracted. In the determination step, it is determined that the cutting program obtained in the first acquisition step should be transmitted to the cutting machine extracted in the extraction step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cutting program determination device, a cutting system, and a cutting program determination method that can appropriately determine a cutting machine that will execute a cutting program. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a cutting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cutting mechanism of the cutting machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a tool magazine, a rotation support member, and a clamp of the cutting machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cutting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a cutting program. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing candidate aircraft information. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing types of aircraft states. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for determining a cutting machine to which a cutting program is to be transmitted. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining whether or not a cutting machine is to be extracted as a candidate cutting machine for executing a cutting program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, one embodiment disclosed herein will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiment described here is not intended to particularly limit the present invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to designate components and parts that perform the same functions, and redundant descriptions will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a cutting system 1 according to this embodiment. The cutting system 1 includes a plurality of cutting machines 100, a CAM device 110, and a cutting program determination device 150. In the cutting system 1, a cutting program PG1 (see FIG. 5) is created by the CAM device 110. The cutting program PG1 created by the CAM device 110 is transmitted from the CAM device 110 to the cutting program determination device 150. The cutting program determination device 150 determines, from among the plurality of cutting machines 100, a cutting machine 100 that will execute the cutting program PG1. The cutting machines 100, the CAM device 110, and the cutting program determination device 150 will be described below in that order.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1 , the multiple cutting machines 100 are partially of different models. Here, the multiple cutting machines 100 include cutting machines 100A, 100B, and 100C of different models. The number of models of the multiple cutting machines 100 is three here, but is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the number of cutting machines 100 of the same model among the multiple cutting machines 100 is not particularly limited. Here, the number of cutting machines 100A is two, and the number of cutting machines 100B and 100C is one each. In this embodiment, the multiple cutting machines 100 have the same basic configuration. Below, the basic configuration of the cutting machine 100 will be described.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the cutting mechanism 13 of the cutting machine 100. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the tool magazine 14, rotation support member 15, and clamp 16 of the cutting machine 100. In the drawings related to the cutting machine 100, the symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D respectively indicate the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom of the cutting machine 100. In this embodiment, the cutting machine 100 is disposed on a plane defined by the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, where the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are mutually orthogonal. The X-axis extends in the left-right direction, the Y-axis extends in the front-back direction, and the Z-axis extends in the up-down direction. Note that the directions in which the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis extend are not particularly limited. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis may simply intersect each other without being orthogonal to each other. In multiple cutting machines 100, the directions in which the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis extend and the angles at which the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis intersect may differ depending on the model. Furthermore, in the drawings relating to the cutting machine 100, the symbols θx, θy, and θz indicate the directions of rotation around the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. These directions are merely defined for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the installation mode of the cutting machine 100 or the present invention in any way.

[0016] The cutting machine 100 cuts a workpiece 5 (see FIG. 3 ) to produce an object. The type of the object is not particularly limited, but an example is a dental crown prosthesis. Examples of dental crown prostheses include inlays, crowns, and bridges. In this embodiment, the cutting machine 100 is used in the dental field, and produces a dental crown prosthesis from the workpiece 5. However, the field in which the cutting machine 100 is used is not limited to the dental field.

[0017] The shape of the workpiece 5 is, for example, a disk shape. The workpiece 5 is made of a variety of materials, such as zirconia, wax, polymethyl methacrylate resin (PMMA), hybrid resin, PEEK (polyether ether ketone resin), gypsum, etc. However, the shape and material of the workpiece 5 are not particularly limited.

[0018] In this embodiment, the cutting machine 100 has a cutting space 10 (see FIG. 2) inside. The workpiece 5 is cut in the cutting space 10. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the cutting machine 100 is equipped with a housing and a cover. An opening is formed in a part of the housing. The cover is provided on the housing so that the opening of the housing can be opened and closed. The cutting space 10 is provided inside the housing and communicates with the opening of the housing.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 3, the cutting machine 100 includes a cutting mechanism 13 (see Fig. 2), a tool magazine 14, a rotation support member 15, and a clamp 16. The cutting mechanism 13, the tool magazine 14, the rotation support member 15, and the clamp 16 are arranged in the cutting space 10, and are used when cutting the workpiece 5.

[0020] The cutting mechanism 13 cuts the workpiece 5. The cutting mechanism 13 cuts the workpiece 5 by rotating the cutting tool 8 and bringing it into contact with the workpiece 5. As shown in FIG. 2, the cutting mechanism 13 has a spindle 21 and a tool gripping portion 22 that grips the cutting tool 8. The spindle 21 rotates the tool gripping portion 22 and the cutting tool 8 gripped by the tool gripping portion 22 about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction. The spindle 21 extends, for example, in the vertical direction, and is configured to be rotatable around the Z axis θz.

[0021] The tool gripping portion 22 grips the cutting tool 8 and is provided on the spindle 21. More specifically, the tool gripping portion 22 is provided on the bottom surface of the spindle 21. The tool gripping portion 22 selectively grips one of the plurality of cutting tools 8. Here, as the spindle 21 rotates around the Z axis θz, the tool gripping portion 22 and the cutting tool 8 gripped by the tool gripping portion 22 rotate around the Z axis θz, in other words, around the central axis of the cutting tool 8.

[0022] In this embodiment, there are a plurality of cutting tools 8 held by the tool holding portion 22. The cutting tools 8 are rod-shaped and have a cutting tool portion 8a at the bottom. A plurality of types of cutting tools 8 with different shapes and diameters of the cutting tool portion 8a are prepared in advance in the cutting machine 100. A plurality of cutting tools 8 are arranged inside the cutting machine 100. During cutting, the cutting tool 8 held by the tool holding portion 22 is replaced with another cutting tool 8 as necessary.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3 , the tool magazine 14 is capable of accommodating a plurality of cutting tools 8. In this embodiment, the tool magazine 14 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A plurality of storage holes 35 for accommodating the cutting tools 8 are formed in the top surface of the tool magazine 14. The cutting tools 8 are inserted into the storage holes 35 with their tops exposed. The number of storage holes 35 is not particularly limited, but is ten in this example. Therefore, in the cutting machine 100, the tool magazine 14 can accommodate ten cutting tools 8. When replacing the cutting tool 8 held by the tool holder 22, the cutting tool 8 held by the tool holder 22 is returned to the storage hole 35. Then, the tool holder 22 is moved to a position above the next cutting tool 8 to be used. The tool holder 22 then grips the upper end of the cutting tool 8 positioned below the tool holder 22.

[0024] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the tool magazine 14 is provided with a first rotation shaft 41 that rotatably supports the rotation support member 15. The first rotation shaft 41 extends in the X-axis direction and is connected to the rotation support member 15. Although not shown, the tool magazine 14 is provided with a drive mechanism that rotates the first rotation shaft 41. The first rotation shaft 41 is configured to be rotatable about the X-axis θx by the drive mechanism. When the first rotation shaft 41 rotates about the X-axis θx, the rotation support member 15 rotates about the X-axis θx.

[0025] The rotation support member 15 rotatably supports the clamp 16. The rotation support member 15 is formed in a substantially C-shape in a plan view. The rotation support member 15 is connected to the tool magazine 14 via a first rotation shaft 41. The rotation support member 15 has a first portion 51, a second portion 52, and a third portion 53. The first portion 51 is disposed to the left of the tool magazine 14 and extends in the Y-axis direction. The second portion 52 extends leftward from the rear end of the first portion 51. The third portion 53 extends leftward from the front end of the first portion 51. The third portion 53 faces the second portion 52. In this embodiment, the clamp 16 is disposed between the second portion 52 and the third portion 53.

[0026] The clamp 16 is a member that supports the workpiece 5 when cutting the workpiece 5. In this embodiment, an adapter (not shown) is attached to the workpiece 5, and the clamp 16 supports the workpiece 5 via the adapter. For example, the clamp 16 has a shape that corresponds to a portion of the shape of the workpiece 5. Here, the clamp 16 is approximately C-shaped in a plan view. In this embodiment, cutting is performed on the workpiece 5 supported by the clamp 16. The clamp 16 is rotatably supported by the second portion 52 and the third portion 53 of the rotation support member 15. One end of the second rotating shaft 42 is connected to the rear portion of the clamp 16, and the second portion 52 is connected to the other end of the second rotating shaft 42. One end of the third rotating shaft 43 is connected to the front portion of the clamp 16, and the third portion 53 is connected to the other end of the third rotating shaft 43. In this embodiment, a drive motor (not shown) that rotates the clamp 16 around the Y axis in θy is provided in the third portion 53.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the cutting system 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the cutting machine 100 includes a movement mechanism 55 that changes the relative three-dimensional positions of the cutting mechanism 13 and the clamp 16. The movement mechanism 55 may be configured to move the cutting mechanism 13 relative to the clamp 16, or to move the clamp 16 relative to the cutting mechanism 13. The movement mechanism 55 may also be configured to move the cutting mechanism 13 in some of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions and move the clamp 16 in other directions. In this embodiment, changing the three-dimensional positions of the cutting mechanism 13 and the clamp 16 by the movement mechanism 55 changes the relative positional relationship between the cutting tool 8 (see FIG. 2) held by the tool holder 22 of the cutting mechanism 13 and the workpiece 5 (see FIG. 3) supported by the clamp 16, thereby changing the position on the workpiece 5 where the cutting tool 8 presses against and cuts the workpiece 5. This allows the workpiece 5 to be cut into a desired shape.

[0028] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the cutting machine 100 is equipped with a control device 60. The control device 60 is a device that controls the cutting of the workpiece 5. The configuration of the control device 60 is not particularly limited. For example, the control device 60 is made up of a microcomputer. The control device 60 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a ROM that stores programs to be executed by the CPU, and a RAM. Here, the cutting of the workpiece 5 is controlled using a program stored in the microcomputer.

[0029] The control device 60 is communicatively connected to the spindle 21 and controls the rotation of the spindle 21. Although not shown, the control device 60 is communicatively connected to the drive motor that rotates the clamp 16 around the Y axis θy and controls the drive motor. The control device 60 is communicatively connected to the movement mechanism 55 and controls the movement mechanism 55 to change the relative three-dimensional positions of the cutting mechanism 13 and the clamp 16. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 60 includes a machine memory unit 61, a machine transmitter 62, a machine receiver 63, and a cutting control unit 64.

[0030] The cutting machine 100 may be a cutting machine with a so-called disk changer. A disk changer is a cutting machine 100 that accommodates multiple workpieces 5. In the cutting machine 100 with a disk changer, multiple workpieces 5 are arranged within the cutting machine 100. In the cutting machine 100 with a disk changer, one workpiece 5 is selected from the multiple workpieces 5 accommodated therein and supported by the clamp 16. Note that a conventionally known disk changer can be used in this case. For example, the workpiece transport device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-89763 can be used as the disk changer. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , among the multiple cutting machines 100, cutting machines 100A and 100B are cutting machines with disk changers. The cutting machines 100A and 100B can accommodate multiple workpieces 5, and one workpiece 5 selected from the multiple workpieces 5 is supported by the clamp 16 to perform cutting.

[0031] Next, the CAM device 110 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The CAM device 110 is a device that creates a cutting program PG1 (see FIG. 5). Here, CAM stands for Computer Aided Manufacturing, and the CAM device 110 is called a computer-aided manufacturing device. The CAM device 110 is realized by, for example, a desktop or laptop personal computer. The CAM device 110 may be realized by a dedicated computer or a general-purpose computer. In this embodiment, the functions of the CAM device 110 are realized by installing CAM software.

[0032] The CAM device 110 creates a cutting program PG1 based on data of the shape of one or more objects (hereinafter also referred to as object data) to be created by cutting the workpiece 5. The object data is STL data, and is data created by, for example, a computer-aided design (hereinafter abbreviated as CAD) device. In this embodiment, for example, CAD software is installed in the CAM device 110. The object data can be created using the CAD software. Note that the CAD software may be installed in a personal computer different from the CAM device 110, and the object data created by the different personal computer may be transmitted to the CAM device 110.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, the CAM device 110 includes a display screen 111, an operation means 112, and a CAM control device 115. The display screen 111 displays, for example, the above-mentioned CAM software or CAD software. The operation means 112 is operated by a user. For example, the user operates the operation means 112 to start CAD software on the display screen 111 and create object data. The user also operates the operation means 112 to start CAM software on the display screen 111, convert the object data, and create a cutting program PG1. The operation means 112 is realized by a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like.

[0034] The CAM control device 115 is, for example, a microcomputer. The CAM control device 115 includes, for example, an I / F, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CAM control device 115 is electrically connected to the display screen 111 and the operation means 112. In this embodiment, the CAM control device 115 has the above-described CAM software and CAD software installed therein. Here, the CAM control device 115 includes a CAM storage unit 116 and a CAM transmission unit 117.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a cutting program PG1. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the cutting program PG1 includes a cutting code CD1. The cutting code CD1 indicates the cutting procedure when the cutting machine 100 cuts the workpiece 5 to produce an object by indicating the position (in other words, coordinates) of the cutting tool 8 held by the tool gripper 22 of the cutting mechanism 13 and the position of the workpiece 5 supported by the clamp 16. The cutting code CD1 is expressed, for example, as an NC code. Here, even when producing the same object, different models of cutting machines 100 result in different cutting codes CD1 (e.g., the format of the cutting code CD1). In other words, for example, it may be impossible to perform cutting with the cutting machine 100B using the cutting code CD1 compatible with the cutting machine 100A.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, in a case where a user manages multiple models of cutting machines 100 (here, cutting machines 100A, 100B, and 100C), as in the cutting system 1 according to this embodiment, the user conventionally determines the destination of the cutting program PG1, for example. As a result, the cutting program PG1 created by the CAM device 110 may not be sent to the appropriate cutting machine 100. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cutting program determination device 150 automatically determines the destination of the cutting program PG1, i.e., the cutting machine 100 that will execute the cutting program PG1.

[0037] Next, a cutting program determination device 150 according to this embodiment will be described. The cutting program determination device 150 is a device that acquires a cutting program PG1 (see FIG. 5) from the CAM device 110 and determines a cutting machine 100 that will execute the acquired cutting program PG1. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the cutting program determination device 150 is communicably connected to the CAM device 110. The cutting program determination device 150 is also communicably connected to a plurality of cutting machines 100 (here, cutting machines 100A, 100B, and 100C). Here, the cutting program determination device 150 may be connected to the CAM device 110 and the plurality of cutting machines 100 via a wired or wireless connection. In this embodiment, the cutting program determination device 150 is communicably connected to the CAM device 110 and the plurality of cutting machines 100 via the Internet 200.

[0038] In this embodiment, the cutting program determination device 150 is, for example, a server. The cutting program determination device 150 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM in which a program executed by the CPU is stored, a RAM, and the like.

[0039] In this embodiment, in order for the cutting program determination device 150 to determine the destination of the cutting program PG1, as shown in FIG. 5 , designated machine information 160 is assigned to the cutting program PG1. Here, "assigning designated machine information 160" means writing the designated machine information 160 as a comment in the cutting program PG1. Here, the cutting program PG1 includes the above-mentioned cutting code CD1 and the designated machine information 160. The designated machine information 160 is information related to the cutting machine 100 that executes the cutting program PG1. As described above, the cutting code CD1 included in the cutting program PG1 is a code corresponding to the model of the cutting machine 100. The designated machine information 160 is information related to the cutting machine 100 that can execute the cutting code CD1 of the assigned cutting program PG1 to properly cut the workpiece 5.

[0040] The designated machine information 160 includes designated capability information 161, designated tool information 162, and designated workpiece information 163. Here, the designated machine information 160 is associated with the designated capability information 161, designated tool information 162, and designated workpiece information 163. The designated capability information 161 is information for specifying the cutting capability of the cutting machine 100 that cuts the workpiece 5. Here, the designated capability information 161 is information related to the capability of the cutting machine 100 that can execute the cutting program PG1 (more specifically, the cutting code CD1). The designated capability information 161 includes parameters of the cutting machine 100 that can execute the cutting program PG1.

[0041] In this embodiment, the specified capability information 161 includes, for example, a model name 161a. The model name 161a is the model name assigned to the cutting machine 100 that executes the cutting program PG1 (more specifically, the cutting code CD1). The model of the cutting machine 100 can be uniquely identified by the model name 161a. The capability of the cutting machine 100 can be identified from the model identified by the model name 161a. The model name 161a is written using, for example, letters, numbers, symbols, etc., or a string combining these. The model name 161a may be determined by the user, for example, or may be a model number assigned by the manufacturer of the cutting machine 100.

[0042] The specified capability information 161 may include items indicating the capabilities of the cutting machine 100 other than the model name 161a. The specified capability information 161 may include, for example, information about the rotation axes of the cutting machine 100, the maximum size of the cutting space 10 (see FIG. 2), the maximum feed rate of the movement mechanism 55 (see FIG. 4), and the maximum rotation speed of the spindle 21 (see FIG. 2) in the cutting mechanism 13. The information about the rotation axes of the cutting machine 100 is information about the presence or absence of rotation axes used when executing the cutting program PG1. For example, in the cutting machine 100 shown in FIG. 3, the information about the rotation axes is information indicating the presence of a first rotation axis 41 that rotates around the X-axis θx and second and third rotation axes 42, 43 that rotate around the Y-axis θy. The maximum size of the cutting space 10 refers to the maximum size of the cutting space 10 required when executing the cutting program PG1. The maximum feed rate of the movement mechanism 55 refers to the upper limit of the relative movement speed between the cutting mechanism 13 and the clamp 16 required when executing the cutting program PG1. The maximum rotation speed of the spindle 21 is the upper limit of the rotation speed of the spindle 21 required when executing the cutting program PG1.

[0043] The designated tool information 162 is information relating to the cutting tool 8 to be used when executing the cutting program PG1 (more specifically, the cutting code CD1). In other words, the designated tool information 162 is information relating to the cutting tool 8 to be used for cutting the workpiece 5 when the cutting machine 100 executes the cutting program PG1 to cut the workpiece 5. In the present embodiment, as described above, the cutting machine 100 produces an object by cutting the workpiece 5 using one or more cutting tools 8. Therefore, the designated tool information 162 includes information relating to one or more cutting tools 8.

[0044] Note that there is no particular limitation on the specific example of the designated tool information 162 as long as it can identify one or more cutting tools 8. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , the designated tool information 162 includes, for example, a tool name 162a. The tool name 162a is assigned to the cutting tool 8. The tool name 162a may be able to uniquely identify the cutting tool 8. The tool name 162a may also be able to uniquely identify the type of cutting tool 8. The tool name 162a is written, for example, using letters, numbers, symbols, etc., or a combination thereof. The tool name 162a may be determined, for example, by the user, or may be a model number assigned by a manufacturer that manufactures the cutting tool 8. Note that the designated tool information 162 may include, in addition to the tool name 162a, the tool diameter of the cutting tool 8, the tool length of the cutting tool 8 (here, the axial length of the cutting tool 8), the type of the cutting tool blade 8a, etc.

[0045] The designated workpiece information 163 is information about the workpiece 5 to be cut when the cutting program PG1 (more specifically, the cutting code CD1) is executed. In other words, the designated workpiece information 163 is information about the workpiece 5 to be cut by the cutting tool 8 to produce an object when the cutting program PG1 is executed by the cutting machine 100.

[0046] Note that specific examples of the designated workpiece information 163 are not particularly limited as long as the type of the workpiece 5 can be identified by the designated workpiece information 163. In the present embodiment, the designated workpiece information 163 includes, for example, a workpiece name 163a. ​​The workpiece name 163a is assigned to the workpiece 5. The workpiece name 163a can uniquely identify the workpiece 5 and can also uniquely identify the type of the workpiece 5. Here, the type of the workpiece 5 refers to the size, shape, material, etc. of the workpiece 5. The workpiece name 163a is written, for example, using letters, numbers, symbols, etc., or a combination thereof. The workpiece name 163a may be determined by the user, or may be a model number assigned by a manufacturer that manufactures the workpiece 5. Note that the designated workpiece information 163 may include, in addition to the workpiece name 163a, the size, shape, material, etc. of the workpiece 5. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the designated workpiece information 163 may include information regarding whether the workpiece 5 has been cut. The information regarding whether the workpiece 5 has been cut is information indicating cut areas that have already been cut and uncut areas that have not yet been cut, within the entire area of ​​the target workpiece 5. For example, if the target workpiece 5 is new and has not yet been cut, the entire area of ​​the workpiece 5 will be an uncut area. Here, when cutting is performed on the target workpiece 5 by the cutting machine 100, cutting can be performed on the uncut areas based on the information regarding whether the workpiece has been cut. Note that when cutting is performed on the uncut areas, the uncut areas that have been cut are changed to cut areas.

[0047] The cutting program PG1 to which the designated machine body information 160 is assigned is created by a user operating the CAM device 110. For example, the user launches CAD software on the CAM device 110 and creates object data on the CAD software, relating to the shapes of one or more objects to be produced by cutting the workpiece 5. The user then launches the CAM software on the CAM device 110 and creates the cutting program PG1 on the CAM software. Here, the user selects the object data and the designated machine body information 160 to be assigned to the cutting program PG1 on the CAM software. For example, when the CAM software is launched, a selection screen is displayed on the display screen 111 of the CAM device 110 (see FIG. 4 ) to allow the user to select the object data and the designated machine body information 160. The user operates the operating means 112 to select the object data and the designated machine body information 160 on the selection screen. Here, the user selects the designated capability information 161, the designated tool information 162, and the designated workpiece information 163 related to the designated machine body information 160. In this way, after selecting the object data and designated machine body information 160, the object data is converted into cutting code CD1 by selecting an execute button (not shown) displayed on display screen 111. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, a cutting program PG1 to which designated machine body information 160 has been assigned and which has cutting code CD1 is created. The cutting program PG1 created here is stored in CAM storage unit 116 (see Figure 4) of CAM control device 115 of CAM device 110.

[0048] 6 is a conceptual diagram showing candidate machine information 180. In this embodiment, in order for the cutting program determination device 150 to determine the destination to which the cutting program PG1 is to be sent, candidate machine information 180 (see FIG. 6) exists for each of the multiple cutting machines 100. The candidate machine information 180 is current information about the cutting machine 100.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6, the candidate machine information 180 includes candidate capability information 181, candidate tool information 182, candidate workpiece information 183, and machine status 184. Here, the candidate machine information 180 associates the candidate capability information 181, candidate tool information 182, candidate workpiece information 183, and machine status 184. The candidate capability information 181 is information for specifying the cutting capabilities of multiple cutting machines 100 that are candidates for executing the cutting program PG1. The candidate capability information 181 corresponds to the designated capability information 161 (see FIG. 5) of the designated machine information 160. The candidate capability information 181 includes, for example, a model name 181a. The model name 181a is assigned to the corresponding cutting machine 100 and identifies the cutting machine 100 (for example, uniquely identifies the cutting machine 100). The model name 181a corresponds to the model name 161a (see FIG. 5) of the specified machine information 160, and is written, for example, by letters, numbers, symbols, etc., or a string of combinations of these.

[0050] Note that the candidate capability information 181 may include items other than the model name 181a that indicate the capabilities of the cutting machine 100. As with the above-described specified capability information 161, the candidate capability information 181 may include, for example, information about the rotation axis of the cutting machine 100, the maximum size of the cutting space 10, the maximum feed rate of the movement mechanism 55, the maximum rotation rate of the spindle 21 in the cutting mechanism 13, and the like.

[0051] The candidate tool information 182 is information relating to cutting tools 8 used by the corresponding cutting machine 100. Here, the candidate tool information 182 is information relating to cutting tools 8 stored in the tool magazine 14 (see FIG. 3) of the cutting machine 100. In this embodiment, the tool magazine 14 can store as many cutting tools 8 as there are storage holes 35. Therefore, the candidate tool information 182 includes information relating to one or more cutting tools 8.

[0052] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 , the candidate tool information 182 includes a tool name 191, a usage time 192, and a lifespan 193. The tool name 191 is the same as the tool name 162a (see FIG. 5 ) in the designated tool information 162 and can uniquely identify the cutting tool 8. The usage time 192 is the total time that the cutting tool 8 has been used up to that point. As shown in FIG. 2 , the usage time 192 of the cutting tool 8 is the total time that the cutting tool 8 has been held by the tool gripper 22 and rotated by the spindle 21. The lifespan 193 is the time after which it is recommended to replace the cutting tool 8 or discard the cutting tool 8. The lifespan 193 is the time after which it is guaranteed that the cutting tool 8 can be used to properly cut the workpiece 5. For example, when the usage time 192 exceeds the lifespan 193, it is recommended to replace the cutting tool 8. In addition, like the designated tool information 162, the candidate tool information 182 may include the tool diameter of the cutting tool 8, the tool length of the cutting tool 8 (here, the axial length of the cutting tool 8), the type of cutting tool portion 8a of the cutting tool 8, etc.

[0053] The candidate workpiece information 183 shown in FIG. 6 is information about the workpiece 5 placed in the corresponding cutting machine 100. In other words, the candidate workpiece information 183 is information about the workpiece 5 that is a candidate to be cut by the cutting machine 100. Here, the candidate workpiece information 183 includes information about the workpiece 5 supported by the clamp 16 of the cutting machine 100. Note that the candidate workpiece information 183 may include information about multiple workpieces 5. For example, the cutting machines 100A and 100B (see FIG. 1) are cutting machines with disc changers and can accommodate multiple workpieces 5. Therefore, the candidate workpiece information 183 of the cutting machines 100A and 100B with disc changers includes information about one or more workpieces 5 accommodated in the disc changer and information about the workpiece 5 supported by the clamp 16.

[0054] Although there are no particular limitations on the specific example of the candidate workpiece information 183, the candidate workpiece information 183, like the designated workpiece information 163, includes, for example, a workpiece name 183a (see FIG. 6) that can uniquely identify the workpiece 5 or the type of workpiece 5. However, like the designated workpiece information 163, the candidate workpiece information 183 may include, in addition to the workpiece name 183a, the size of the workpiece 5, the shape of the workpiece 5, the material of the workpiece 5, information regarding whether cutting has been completed (information indicating the cut area and the uncut area, as described above), and the like.

[0055] The machine status 184 indicates the status of the corresponding cutting machine 100. The machine status 184 of the cutting machine 100 here indicates whether or not the cutting machine 100 is able to start cutting. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the types of machine status 184. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the machine status 184 includes waiting S11, cutting in progress S12, error occurring S13, and cover open S14. However, the machine status 184 may include other states.

[0056] Standby S11 refers to the state of the cutting machine 100 in which the cutting machine 100 is waiting and not cutting the workpiece 5. In standby S11, the cutting machine 100 is waiting in a state in which it can perform cutting. Cutting S12 refers to the state in which the cutting machine 100 is performing cutting. In cutting S12, the cutting machine 100 is using the cutting tool 8 to cut the workpiece 5. When cutting is completed, the state of the cutting machine 100 switches from cutting S12 to standby S11. When cutting starts, the state of the cutting machine 100 switches from standby S11 to cutting S12.

[0057] Error Occurring S13 refers to a state in which an error has occurred in the cutting machine 100. In Error Occurring S13, the cutting machine 100 is in the process of cutting the workpiece 5, but an error has occurred that prevents the cutting machine 100 from continuing, and the cutting machine 100 has stopped the cutting process. Error Occurring S13 refers to a state in which cutting cannot be resumed or started until the error occurring in the cutting machine 100 is resolved. For example, when an error occurs in the cutting machine 100 in Cutting Process S12, the state of the cutting machine 100 switches to Error Occurring S13. Cover Open S14 refers to a state in which the cover of the cutting machine 100 is open. In Cover Open S14, the cutting machine 100 is not performing cutting. For example, if the cover of the cutting machine 100 is opened in Cutting Process S12, the state of the cutting machine 100 switches to Cover Open S14. Thereafter, when the cover is closed, the cutting machine 100 resumes cutting. At this time, the state of the cutting machine 100 switches from cover open S14 to cutting S12.

[0058] In this embodiment, when the cutting machine 100 is in the standby state S11, the cutting machine 100 is in a state where it is possible to start cutting. On the other hand, when the cutting machine 100 is in the cutting state S12, error occurring state S13, or cover open state S14, the cutting machine 100 is in a state where it is impossible to start cutting. For example, when the cutting machine 100 is in cutting state S12, the cutting machine 100 cannot start the next cutting process until the current cutting process is completed. Therefore, when the cutting machine 100 is in cutting state S12, it can be said that it is in a state where it is impossible to start cutting.

[0059] The candidate machine information 180 of the cutting machine 100 (more specifically, the candidate capability information 181 (model name 181a), the candidate tool information 182 (tool name 191, usage time 192, life time 193), the candidate workpiece information 183, and the machine status 184) is pre-stored in the corresponding cutting machine 100 (for example, the machine memory unit 61 of the control device 60 (see FIG. 4)). The usage time 192 of the candidate tool information 182 is updated every time the cutting tool 8 is used (i.e., rotated by the spindle 21).

[0060] In this embodiment, the cutting program determination device 150 determines the destination of the cutting program PG1, i.e., the cutting machine 100 that will execute the cutting program PG1, based on designated machine information 160 and candidate machine information 180. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the cutting program determination device 150 includes a storage 151, a first acquisition unit 152, a second acquisition unit 153, a simulation unit 154, an extraction unit 155, a determination unit 156, a temporary storage unit 157, a transmission unit 158, and a notification unit 159. Note that each of the units 151 to 159 that constitute the cutting program determination device 150 may be realized by one or more processors, or may be realized by a circuit.

[0061] Next, a control procedure in which the cutting program determination device 150 determines the cutting machine 100 to which the cutting program PG1 is to be transmitted and transmits the cutting program PG1 to the determined cutting machine 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0062] First, in step S101 of FIG. 8, the first acquisition unit 152 of FIG. 4 acquires the cutting program PG1 (see FIG. 5) to which the designated machine body information 160 has been assigned. The first acquisition unit 152 acquires the cutting program PG1 from the CAM device 110. For example, after the cutting program PG1 is created in the CAM device 110, the CAM transmission unit 117 (see FIG. 4) of the CAM device 110 transmits the cutting program PG1 to which the designated machine body information 160 has been assigned to the cutting program determination device 150. In the cutting program determination device 150, the first acquisition unit 152 receives and acquires the cutting program PG1 transmitted from the CAM transmission unit 117. The cutting program PG1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 152 is temporarily stored in the cutting program determination device 150.

[0063] Next, in step S102 of FIG. 8, the second acquisition unit 153 of FIG. 4 acquires candidate machine information 180. The second acquisition unit 153 acquires the candidate machine information 180 from each of the multiple cutting machines 100 communicatively connected to the cutting program determination device 150. For example, the second acquisition unit 153 transmits an acquisition signal to each cutting machine 100. In the cutting machine 100 that receives the acquisition signal, the control device 60 acquires candidate capability information 181, candidate tool information 182, candidate workpiece information 183, and machine status 184 at that time, and creates the candidate machine information 180. Thereafter, the machine transmission unit 62 of the control device 60 (see FIG. 4) transmits the candidate machine information 180 to the cutting program determination device 150. In the cutting program determination device 150, the second acquisition unit 153 receives and acquires the candidate machine information 180 transmitted from the machine transmission unit 62. The candidate machine information 180 acquired by the second acquisition unit 153 is temporarily stored in the cutting program determination device 150. In this way, the second acquisition unit 153 can acquire the candidate machine information 180 of each cutting machine 100.

[0064] Next, in step S103 of FIG. 8, the simulation unit 154 of FIG. 4 executes a simulation of virtually executing the cutting program PG1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 152. The simulation unit 154 virtually sequentially executes the cutting code CD1 (see FIG. 5) of the cutting program PG1. This virtually executes cutting processing of the workpiece 5 by executing the cutting code CD1. Therefore, it is possible to calculate the time required to cut the workpiece 5 when the cutting program PG1 is executed. Furthermore, by simulating the execution of the cutting program PG1, the simulation unit 154 can determine one or more cutting tools 8 to be used when executing the cutting program PG1, and can further calculate the expected usage time 195 of the one or more cutting tools 8 to be used (more specifically, the expected usage time 195 of each cutting tool 8 when executing the cutting code CD1). The expected usage time 195 of each cutting tool 8 calculated by the simulation unit 154 is temporarily stored in the cutting program determination device 150.

[0065] Next, in step S104 of FIG. 8, the extraction unit 155 of FIG. 4 compares the designated machine information 160 of the cutting program PG1 with the plurality of candidate machine information 180 to extract cutting machines 100 that can execute the cutting program PG1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 152 to appropriately cut the workpiece 5. In this embodiment, the extraction unit 155 extracts cutting machines 100 that correspond to the candidate machine information 180 that includes the designated machine information 160. Here, the extraction unit 155 extracts cutting machines 100 that correspond to the candidate machine information 180 when the designated capability information 161, designated tool information 162, and designated workpiece information 163 included in the designated machine information 160 of FIG. 5 are respectively included in the candidate capability information 181, candidate tool information 182, and candidate workpiece information 183 of the candidate machine information 180 of FIG. 6. Note that the number of cutting machines 100 extracted by the extraction unit 155 is not limited to one, and there may be multiple possibilities. It is also possible that the cutting machine 100 is not extracted by the extraction unit 155. Here, for example, a determination is made as to whether or not to extract the cutting machine 100 as a candidate cutting machine 100 that will execute the cutting program PG1, using a procedure in accordance with the flowchart in Fig. 9.

[0066] 9, the extraction unit 155 determines whether the designated capability information 161 (see FIG. 5) of the designated machine information 160 is included in the candidate capability information 181 (see FIG. 6) of the candidate machine information 180. Here, if the capability of the cutting machine 100 having the candidate capability information 181 is the same as or exceeds the capability of the cutting machine 100 having the designated capability information 161, the designated capability information 161 is considered to be included in the candidate capability information 181. In this embodiment, the extraction unit 155 determines whether the model name 161a (see FIG. 5) of the designated machine information 160 matches the model name 181a (see FIG. 6) of the candidate machine information 180. If the model name 161a matches the model name 181a, it can be said that the capabilities of the cutting machine 100 having the designated capability information 161 and the cutting machine 100 having the candidate capability information 181 are the same. In this case, it is determined that the specified capability information 161 is included in the candidate capability information 181, and the process proceeds to step S202 in Fig. 9. On the other hand, if the model name 161a and the model name 181a do not match, the capability of the cutting machine 100 having the specified capability information 161 differs from the capability of the cutting machine 100 having the candidate capability information 181, and so the specified capability information 161 may not be included in the candidate capability information 181. In this case, the process proceeds to step S206 in Fig. 9.

[0067] In step S202, the extraction unit 155 determines whether the designated tool information 162 of the designated machine information 160 is included in the candidate tool information 182 of the candidate machine information 180. Here, the designated tool information 162 and the candidate tool information 182 each include information about one or more cutting tools 8. Therefore, when the tool names 162a (see FIG. 5) of all cutting tools 8 included in the designated tool information 162 are included in the tool names 191 (see FIG. 6) of cutting tools 8 included in the candidate tool information 182, the extraction unit 155 determines that the designated tool information 162 is included in the candidate tool information 182. In this way, if the designated tool information 162 is included in the candidate tool information 182, the process proceeds to step S203 in FIG. 9. On the other hand, if the designated tool information 162 is not included in the candidate tool information 182, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0068] Next, in step S203, the extraction unit 155 determines whether the total time 196 obtained by adding the usage time 192 and the above-mentioned expected usage time 195 (see FIG. 8 ) for all cutting tools 8 included in the specified tool information 162 with the same tool name 191 is equal to or less than the life time 193. Here, the total time 196 of the usage time 192 and the expected usage time 195 refers to the usage time of the cutting tool 8 after the cutting program PG1 is executed. Therefore, when the total time 196 is equal to or less than the life time 193, this means that even if the cutting program PG1 is executed, the corresponding cutting tool 8 is unlikely to be replaced. On the other hand, when the total time 196 is longer than the life time 193, this means that the corresponding cutting tool 8 is likely to be replaced if the cutting program PG1 is executed. In this embodiment, when the total time 196 is equal to or less than the life time 193 for all cutting tools 8 included in the specified tool information 162, the process proceeds to step S204 in FIG. 9. On the other hand, if the total time 196 is longer than the life time 193 for any of the cutting tools 8 included in the specified tool information 162, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0069] Next, in step S204, the extraction unit 155 determines whether the designated workpiece information 163 of the designated machine information 160 is included in the candidate workpiece information 183 of the candidate machine information 180. Here, in the case of the candidate machine information 180 for the cutting machines 100A, 100B (see FIG. 1) with disc changers as described above, the candidate workpiece information 183 may include information on multiple workpieces 5. If the workpiece name 163a (see FIG. 5) of the designated workpiece information 163 matches any of the workpiece names 183a (see FIG. 6) of the candidate workpiece information 183, the extraction unit 155 determines that the designated workpiece information 163 is included in the candidate workpiece information 183. Here, if the designated workpiece information 163 is included in the candidate workpiece information 183, the process proceeds to step S205 of FIG. 9. On the other hand, if the designated object to be cut information 163 is not included in the candidate object to be cut information 183, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0070] In step S205, the extraction section 155 extracts the cutting machine 100 corresponding to the candidate machine body information 180 as a cutting machine 100 that is a candidate for executing the cutting program PG1. On the other hand, in step S201, when the specified capability information 161 is not included in the candidate capability information 181 (in other words, the model name 161a of the specified machine information 160 does not match the model name 181a of the candidate machine information 180), when the specified tool information 162 is not included in the candidate tool information 182 in step S202, when the total time 196 for all cutting tools 8 included in the specified tool information 162 with the same tool name 191 is longer than the life time 193 in step S203, or when the specified workpiece information 163 is not included in the candidate workpiece information 183 in step S204, the extraction unit 155 does not extract the cutting machine 100 corresponding to the candidate machine information 180 as a candidate cutting machine 100 for executing the cutting program PG1 in step S206.

[0071] As described above, in step S104 of Fig. 8, the extraction unit 155 extracts cutting machines 100 that are capable of executing the cutting program PG1 to cut the workpiece 5, and then the process proceeds to step S105 of Fig. 8. In step S105, the determination unit 156 of Fig. 4 determines to transmit the cutting program PG1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 152 to the cutting machines 100 extracted by the extraction unit 155. That is, the determination unit 156 determines the cutting machine 100 that will execute the cutting program PG1. In this embodiment, the determination unit 156 determines the cutting machine 100 that will execute the cutting program PG1 based on the machine state 184 of the candidate machine information 180 (see Fig. 7).

[0072] In this embodiment, the determination unit 156 in FIG. 4 determines to transmit the cutting program PG1 to a cutting machine 100 that is capable of starting cutting, among the cutting machines 100 extracted by the extraction unit 155. Here, it is possible to determine whether the cutting machine 100 is in a state where it is capable of starting cutting, based on the machine status 184 of the candidate machine information 180. Here, when the machine status 184 is standby S11, it can be said that the cutting machine 100 is in a state where it is capable of starting cutting. Therefore, the determination unit 156 determines to transmit the cutting program PG1 to a cutting machine 100 whose machine status 184 in the candidate machine information 180 is standby S11. If there are multiple cutting machines 100 extracted by the extraction unit 155 and whose machine status 184 is standby S11, the determination unit 156 determines the cutting machine 100 that satisfies a predetermined priority condition as the cutting machine 100 to which the cutting program PG1 is to be transmitted. This predetermined priority condition is not particularly limited and may be the cutting machine 100 that will be released for sale the soonest, or a randomly selected cutting machine 100. If all of the cutting machines 100 extracted by the extraction unit 155 are in a state where they are unable to start cutting, the determination unit 156 determines that there is currently no cutting machine 100 that executes the cutting program PG1. Here, if the machine status 184 is anything other than "standby" S11, i.e., "cutting in progress" S12, "error occurring" S13, or "cover open" S14, it can be said that the cutting machine is in a state where it is unable to start cutting. Therefore, if the machine status 184 of all of the cutting machines 100 extracted by the extraction unit 155 is "cutting in progress" S12, "error occurring" S13, or "cover open" S14, the determination unit 156 determines that there is currently no cutting machine 100 that executes the cutting program PG1.

[0073] Next, in step S106 of FIG. 8, the transmitter 158 of FIG. 4 transmits the cutting program PG1 acquired by the first acquirer 152 to the cutting machine 100 determined by the determiner 156. In the cutting machine 100, the machine receiver 63 of FIG. 4 receives the cutting program PG1 transmitted by the transmitter 158. Thereafter, the cutting control unit 64 of the cutting machine 100 (see FIG. 4) executes the cutting program PG1 to rotate the cutting tool 8 held by the tool holder 22 with the spindle 21, thereby cutting the workpiece 5 supported by the clamp 16. Here, by sequentially executing the cutting codes CD1 of the cutting program PG1, the workpiece 5 is cut, and an object obtained by executing the cutting program PG1 can be produced.

[0074] In this embodiment, in step S105 of Fig. 8, if all of the cutting machines 100 extracted by the extraction unit 155 are in a machine state 184 that makes it impossible to start cutting, in other words, if the machine state 184 is other than standby S11 (i.e., cutting in progress S12, error occurring S13, or cover open S14), there is no cutting machine 100 determined by the determination unit 156, and there is currently no cutting machine 100 that executes the cutting program PG1. In this case, the temporary saving unit 157 of Fig. 4 temporarily saves the cutting program PG1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 152 in storage 151 (see Fig. 4). Then, based on the designated machine information 160 assigned to the cutting program PG1 stored in storage 151, when the cutting machine 100 extracted by the extraction unit 155 enters machine state 184 in which it is possible to start cutting, that is, when the machine state 184 of the cutting machine 100 enters standby S11, the determination unit 156 in Fig. 4 determines to send the cutting program PG1 stored in storage 151 to the cutting machine 100 that has entered machine state 184 in which it is possible to start cutting (standby S11 in this case). Note that when the destination of the cutting program PG1 is determined in this way, the cutting program PG1 stored in storage 151 may be deleted from storage 151.

[0075] In this embodiment, it is possible that no cutting machine 100 is extracted by the extraction unit 155 in step S104 of FIG. 8 . In such a case, the notification unit 159 of FIG. 4 may notify the user of this fact. Here, the notification unit 159 notifies the user that no cutting machine 100 suitable for executing the cutting program PG1 is available. Note that the method by which the notification unit 159 notifies the user is not particularly limited. For example, the notification unit 159 may instruct the CAM device 110 to display a message on the display screen 111 of the CAM device 110 (see FIG. 4 ) indicating that no cutting machine 100 suitable for executing the cutting program PG1 is available. In this case, in the CAM device 110, the CAM control device 115 of FIG. 4 displays the message on the display screen 111. By visually checking the message displayed on the display screen 111, the user can know that no cutting machine 100 suitable for executing the cutting program PG1 is available.

[0076] As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the cutting system 1 includes a cutting program determination device 150 and a plurality of cutting machines 100 communicatively connected to the cutting program determination device 150. As shown in FIG. 4, the cutting program determination device 150 includes a first acquisition unit 152, a second acquisition unit 153, an extraction unit 155, and a determination unit 156. In step S101 of FIG. 8, the first acquisition unit 152 acquires a cutting program PG1 (see FIG. 5) to which designated machine information 160 related to the cutting machine 100 that will cut the workpiece 5 has been assigned. In step S102 of FIG. 8, the second acquisition unit 153 acquires candidate machine information 180 (see FIG. 6) related to a plurality of cutting machines 100 that are candidates for executing the cutting program PG1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 152. 8, the extraction unit 155 compares the designated machine information 160 with the plurality of candidate machine information 180, and extracts cutting machines 100 that are capable of executing the cutting program PG1 to cut the workpiece 5. In step S105 of FIG. 8, the determination unit 156 determines to transmit the cutting program PG1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 152 to the cutting machines 100 extracted by the extraction unit 155.

[0077] This makes it possible to assign to the cutting program PG1 designated machine information 160 of a cutting machine 100 that can appropriately execute the cutting program PG1. Then, by comparing the designated machine information 160 with a plurality of candidate machine information 180, it is possible to extract cutting machines 100 that can execute the cutting program PG1 to cut the workpiece 5, and to decide to send the cutting program PG1 to the extracted cutting machine 100. Therefore, it is possible to send the cutting program PG1 to a cutting machine 100 that is suitable for executing the cutting program PG1.

[0078] 1, the cutting system 1 includes a CAM device 110 that creates a cutting program PG1 to which designated machine body information 160 is assigned. A first acquisition unit 152 of the cutting program determination device 150 can acquire the cutting program PG1 from the CAM device 110 that creates the cutting program PG1. Furthermore, a second acquisition unit 153 of the cutting program determination device 150 can acquire candidate machine body information 180 from the cutting machine 100.

[0079] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, designated machine information 160 includes designated capability information 161 for specifying the cutting capability of the cutting machine 100 that will execute the cutting program PG1. As shown in Fig. 6, candidate machine information 180 includes candidate capability information 181 for specifying the cutting capabilities of multiple cutting machines 100 that are candidates for executing the cutting program PG1. The extraction unit 155 extracts cutting machines 100 that correspond to the candidate machine information 180 for which the designated capability information 161 is included in the candidate capability information 181. This makes it possible to extract cutting machines 100 that have the capability to execute the cutting program PG1 as destinations for the cutting program PG1.

[0080] 5 and 6, in this embodiment, the designated capability information 161 and the candidate capability information 181 include model names 161a, 181a of the cutting machine 100. The extraction unit 155 extracts cutting machines 100 corresponding to the candidate machine information 180 whose model names 161a, 181a match the designated machine information 160. This makes it possible to extract cutting machines 100 of a model suitable for executing the cutting program PG1 as the transmission destination of the cutting program PG1.

[0081] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , cutting machine 100 is configured to cut workpiece 5 using a plurality of cutting tools 8. As shown in FIG. 5 , designated machine information 160 includes designated tool information 162 related to cutting tools 8 used when executing cutting program PG1. As shown in FIG. 6 , candidate machine information 180 includes candidate tool information 182 related to cutting tools 8 arranged in cutting machine 100. Extraction unit 155 extracts cutting machines 100 corresponding to candidate machine information 180 in which designated capability information 161 is included in candidate capability information 181 and designated tool information 162 is included in candidate tool information 182. This makes it possible to extract cutting machines 100 arranged with cutting tools 8 required when executing cutting program PG1 as destinations for transmitting cutting program PG1.

[0082] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 , candidate tool information 182 includes usage time 192 of cutting tool 8 and lifespan 193 at which it is determined that cutting tool 8 should be replaced. As shown in FIG. 4 , cutting program determination device 150 includes simulation unit 154. In step S103 of FIG. 8 , simulation unit 154 executes a simulation of executing cutting program PG1 acquired by first acquisition unit 152, and calculates expected usage time 195 when cutting program PG1 is executed on cutting tool 8 included in specified tool information 162. Extraction unit 155 extracts cutting machines 100 whose specified tool information 162 corresponds to candidate machine information 180 included in candidate tool information 182, and whose sum of usage time 192 and expected usage time 195 (here, total time 196) corresponding to cutting tool 8 in candidate tool information 182 is less than or equal to lifespan 193, and whose specified capability information 161 corresponds to candidate machine information 180 included in candidate capability information 181. This makes it possible to extract cutting machines 100 that are unlikely to require replacement of the cutting tool 8 even after the cutting program PG1 has been executed, as destinations for the cutting program PG1.

[0083] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the designated machine information 160 includes designated object to be cut information 163 relating to the object to be cut 5 when the cutting program PG1 is executed. As shown in Fig. 6, the candidate machine information 180 includes candidate object to be cut information 183 relating to the object to be cut 5 placed in the cutting machine 100. The extraction unit 155 extracts cutting machines 100 corresponding to the candidate machine information 180 in which the designated capability information 161 is included in the candidate capability information 181 and the designated object to be cut information 163 is included in the candidate object to be cut information 183. In this way, cutting machines 100 in which the object to be cut 5 of the type to be cut when the cutting program PG1 is executed is placed can be extracted as the destination of the cutting program PG1.

[0084] 6 , the candidate machine information 180 includes a machine status 184 indicating whether the cutting machine 100 is capable of starting cutting. The determination unit 156 determines to transmit the cutting program PG1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 152 to a cutting machine 100, among the cutting machines 100 extracted by the extraction unit 155, that has a machine status 184 that allows it to start cutting. By determining the cutting machine 100 in a state that allows it to start cutting as the transmission destination of the cutting program PG1 in this way, the cutting machine 100 can execute the cutting program PG1 immediately after receiving it, and cut the workpiece 5.

[0085] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , the cutting program determination device 150 includes a storage 151 and a temporary storage unit 157. When all of the cutting machines 100 extracted by the extraction unit 155 are in a machine state 184 in which cutting cannot be started, the temporary storage unit 157 stores the cutting program PG1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 152 in the storage 151. When the cutting machines 100 extracted by the extraction unit 155 enter a machine state 184 in which cutting can be started, the determination unit 156 determines, based on the designated machine information 160 assigned to the cutting program PG1 stored in the storage 151, to transmit the cutting program PG1 stored in the storage 151 to the cutting machines 100 that have entered the machine state 184 in which cutting can be started. This allows the cutting program PG1 to be transmitted to the cutting machines 100 when they become able to start cutting, even if they are in a state in which cutting cannot be started.

[0086] In this embodiment, the cutting program determination device 150 includes a transmission unit 158 ​​(see FIG. 4) that transmits the cutting program PG1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 152 to the cutting machine 100 determined by the determination unit 156 in step S106 of FIG. 8. This allows the cutting program PG1 to be transmitted to the cutting machine 100 determined by the determination unit 156. Therefore, the cutting machine 100 can cut the workpiece 5 based on the transmitted cutting program PG1.

[0087] In this embodiment, the cutting program determination device 150 includes a notification unit 159 (see FIG. 4) that notifies the user when there is no cutting machine 100 extracted by the extraction unit 155. This allows the user to know from the notification by the notification unit 159 that there is no cutting machine 100 suitable for executing the cutting program PG1.

[0088] In this embodiment, designated capability information 161 of designated machine information 160 and candidate capability information 181 of candidate machine information 180 include model names 161a, 181a, and a determination was made as to whether the model names 161a, 181a match. However, a determination as to whether the model names 161a, 181a match in designated capability information 161 and candidate capability information 181 does not have to be made. In this case, even if the models are different, the capability of cutting machine 100 included in designated capability information 161 may be compared with the capability of cutting machine 100 included in candidate capability information 181. In this case, even if the cutting machine 100 having the designated machine information 160 and the cutting machine 100 having the candidate machine information 180 are of different models, if the capabilities of the cutting machine 100 having the designated capability information 161 are included in the capabilities of the cutting machine 100 having the candidate capability information 181, the extraction unit 155 may extract the cutting machine 100 corresponding to the candidate machine information 180 as the destination of the cutting program PG1.

[0089] This embodiment provides a cutting program determination method. The cutting program determination method includes a first acquisition step, a second acquisition step, a simulation step, an extraction step, a determination step, a temporary storage step, a transmission step, and a notification step. Here, the cutting program determination method is embodied by a cutting program determination device 150. The first acquisition step, second acquisition step, simulation step, extraction step, determination step, temporary storage step, transmission step, and notification step included in the cutting program determination method are embodied by a first acquisition unit 152, a second acquisition unit 153, a simulation unit 154, an extraction unit 155, a determination unit 156, a temporary storage unit 157, a transmission unit 158, and a notification unit 159 of the cutting program determination device 150, respectively. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1. Cutting processing system 5 Workpiece 8 Cutting Tools 100 cutting machine 110 CAM equipment 150 Cutting program determination device 151 Storage 152 First acquisition part 153 Second Acquisition Department 154 Simulation Department 155 Extraction part 156 Decision Section 157 Temporary storage section 158 Transmitter 159 Notification Department 160 Designated aircraft information 161 Specified ability information 161a Model name 162 Designated tool information 163 Specified cutting object information 180 Candidate aircraft information 181 Candidate Ability Information 181a Model name 182 Candidate Tool Information 183 Candidate cutting object information 184 Aircraft Status 192 Usage time 193 Lifetime 195 expected usage hours PG1 Cutting Program

Claims

1. a first acquisition unit that acquires a cutting program to which specified machine information related to a cutting machine that cuts a workpiece is added; a second acquisition unit that acquires candidate machine information regarding a plurality of cutting machines that are candidates for executing the cutting program acquired by the first acquisition unit; an extraction unit that compares the designated machine information with a plurality of pieces of candidate machine information and extracts the cutting machine that can cut the workpiece by executing the cutting program; a determination unit that determines to transmit the cutting program acquired by the first acquisition unit to the cutting machine extracted by the extraction unit; A cutting program determination device comprising:

2. the designated machine information includes designated capability information for identifying the cutting capability of the cutting machine that executes the cutting program, the candidate machine information includes candidate capability information for identifying capabilities related to cutting of the plurality of cutting machines that are candidates for executing the cutting program; The cutting program determination device according to claim 1 , wherein the extraction unit extracts the cutting machine whose designated capability information corresponds to the candidate machine information included in the candidate capability information.

3. the designated capability information and the candidate capability information include a model name of the cutting machine; 3. The cutting program determination device according to claim 2, wherein the extraction unit extracts the cutting machine corresponding to the candidate machine information whose model name matches the designated machine information.

4. The cutting machine is configured to cut the workpiece using a plurality of cutting tools; the designated machine information includes designated tool information regarding the cutting tool to be used when executing the cutting program; the candidate machine information includes candidate tool information related to the cutting tool arranged in the cutting machine; 3. The cutting program determination device according to claim 2, wherein the extraction unit extracts the cutting machine whose designated capability information is included in the candidate capability information and whose designated tool information corresponds to the candidate machine information included in the candidate tool information.

5. the candidate tool information includes a usage time of the cutting tool and a life time at which it is determined that the cutting tool should be replaced; a simulation unit that executes a simulation of the execution of the cutting program acquired by the first acquisition unit, and calculates an expected usage time when the cutting program is executed for the cutting tool included in the designated tool information, 5. The cutting program determination device according to claim 4, wherein the extraction unit extracts the cutting machine whose designated tool information corresponds to the candidate machine information included in the candidate tool information, and whose sum of the usage time and the expected usage time corresponding to the cutting tool in the candidate tool information is less than or equal to the lifespan, and whose designated capability information corresponds to the candidate machine information included in the candidate capability information.

6. the designated machine body information includes designated workpiece information regarding the workpiece to be cut when the cutting program is executed; the candidate machine information includes candidate workpiece information regarding the workpiece arranged in the cutting machine; 3. The cutting program determination device according to claim 2, wherein the extraction unit extracts the cutting machine corresponding to the candidate machine information in which the designated capability information is included in the candidate capability information and the designated workpiece information is included in the candidate workpiece information.

7. the candidate machine information includes a machine status indicating whether the cutting machine is capable of starting cutting; 2. The cutting program determination device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines to transmit the cutting program acquired by the first acquisition unit to a cutting machine, among the cutting machines extracted by the extraction unit, that is in a machine state in which cutting can be started.

8. Storage and a temporary storage unit that stores the cutting program acquired by the first acquisition unit in the storage when all of the cutting machines extracted by the extraction unit are in the machine state in which cutting cannot be started; Equipped with 8. The cutting program determination device according to claim 7, wherein the determination unit determines, based on the designated machine information assigned to the cutting program stored in the storage, that when the cutting machine extracted by the extraction unit reaches the machine state in which cutting can be started, to transmit the cutting program stored in the storage to the cutting machine that has reached the machine state in which cutting can be started.

9. The cutting program determination device according to claim 1 , further comprising a transmission unit that transmits the cutting program acquired by the first acquisition unit to the cutting machine determined by the determination unit.

10. 2. The cutting program determination device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a user when the cutting machine extracted by the extraction unit is not present.

11. A cutting program determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; a plurality of the cutting machines connected to the cutting program determination device so as to be able to communicate with each other; Equipped with A cutting system, wherein the second acquisition unit of the cutting program determination device acquires the candidate machine body information from the cutting machine.

12. a CAM device that creates the cutting program to which the specified machine body information is assigned, The cutting system according to claim 11 , wherein the first acquisition unit of the cutting program determination device acquires the cutting program from the CAM device.

13. a first acquisition step of acquiring a cutting program to which specified machine information related to a cutting machine that cuts a workpiece is assigned; a second acquisition step of acquiring candidate machine information regarding a plurality of cutting machines that are candidates for executing the cutting program acquired in the first acquisition step; an extraction step of comparing the designated machine information with a plurality of pieces of candidate machine information and extracting the cutting machine capable of cutting the workpiece by executing the cutting program; a determination step of determining to transmit the cutting program acquired in the first acquisition step to the cutting machine extracted in the extraction step; A cutting program determination method comprising the steps of:

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