Image output system, image output method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides an image output system, an image output method, and a program that enable users to recognize abnormalities in processed objects or other materials. [Solution] The image output system comprises a sensor and an output unit. The sensor detects physical quantities related to the vibration of a processing device that processes a workpiece. The output unit outputs an image containing correspondence information, which associates the processing position of the workpiece with the physical quantities detected by the sensor as processing is performed at the processing position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image output system, an image output method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-59342 (Patent Document 1) discloses a wear detection device for a cutting tool. In this wear detection device, frequency components within a predetermined range are extracted from the cutting sound in a cutting machine, and it is determined that the cutting tool is worn when the signal level of the frequency components within the predetermined range is not less than a set value (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the manufacturing process of a workpiece by a processing apparatus, various abnormalities may occur. For example, unexpected warping of the workpiece and abnormalities such as insufficient fixation of the workpiece to the processing apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as "abnormalities such as workpiece") may occur. If such abnormalities occur in the workpiece and the user does not recognize the abnormalities, further abnormalities may occur due to the abnormalities. However, a solution to such a problem is not disclosed in Patent Document 1 above.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image output system, an image output method, and a program capable of allowing a user to recognize abnormalities such as a workpiece.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An image output system according to a certain aspect of the present invention comprises a sensor and an output unit. The sensor detects physical quantities related to the vibration of a processing device that processes a workpiece. The output unit outputs an image containing correspondence information, which associates the processing position of the workpiece with the physical quantities detected by the sensor as processing is performed at the processing position.

[0007] The inventors have found that abnormalities in the workpiece can affect the vibration of the processing equipment. This image output system outputs an image containing correspondence information, which associates the processing position of the workpiece with the physical quantity related to vibration detected by a sensor as processing is performed at that position. Therefore, this image output system allows the user to visually recognize the physical quantity related to vibration corresponding to the processing position. As a result, this image output system allows the user to recognize abnormalities in the workpiece.

[0008] In the image output system described above, the image may include multiple pieces of corresponding information, and each of the multiple pieces of corresponding information may be associated with the processing position of the workpiece and a physical quantity detected by a sensor in accordance with the processing being performed at the processing position.

[0009] In this image output system, the output image contains multiple pieces of corresponding information. Therefore, this image output system allows the user to visually recognize physical quantities related to vibration corresponding to each processing position. As a result, this image output system allows the user to recognize abnormalities in the processed object, etc.

[0010] In the above image output system, the image may include a machining surface image showing the machined surface of the workpiece, the position on the machining surface image may correspond to the machining position, and the color applied to the machining surface image may correspond to the physical quantity.

[0011] In this image output system, the position on the processed surface image corresponds to the processed position, and the color applied to the processed surface image corresponds to the physical quantity related to vibration. Therefore, this image output system allows the user to easily visually recognize the physical quantity related to vibration that corresponds to the processed position. As a result, this image output system allows the user to easily recognize abnormalities in the processed object.

[0012] The above image output system may further include a control unit that inputs a spectrogram generated based on the above physical quantity to a trained model, and the trained model may be generated through machine learning that uses multiple spectrograms generated based on physical quantities detected by sensors as processing is performed at multiple processing locations as training data, and may output data related to the processing location in response to the input of the spectrogram.

[0013] In this image output system, a trained model outputs data about the processing position in response to a spectrogram generated based on physical quantities related to vibration. Therefore, this image output system makes it possible to identify the processing position on a workpiece even if the processing device does not have a function to identify the processing position.

[0014] In the image output system described above, the output unit may further output a message regarding the actions that the operator of the processing device should take, based on the characteristics of the image.

[0015] In this image output system, messages regarding the actions the processing machine operator should take are further output based on the characteristics of the output image. Therefore, this image output system allows the operator to recognize the next action they should take.

[0016] In the image output system described above, the processing device may be a grooving machine, and the workpiece may be a lapping plate before grooving.

[0017] An image output method according to another aspect of the present invention includes detecting a physical quantity related to the vibration of a processing apparatus that processes a workpiece, and outputting an image that includes correspondence information relating the processing position of the workpiece to the physical quantity detected in accordance with the processing being performed at the processing position.

[0018] In this image output method, an image is output that includes correspondence information, where the processing position of the workpiece is associated with the physical quantity detected by the sensor as processing is performed at that position. Therefore, this image output method allows the user to visually recognize the physical quantity related to vibration corresponding to the processing position. As a result, this image output method allows the user to recognize abnormalities in the workpiece or other objects.

[0019] A program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to perform the following processes: detecting physical quantities related to the vibration of a processing apparatus that processes a workpiece; and outputting an image containing correspondence information that associates the processing position of the workpiece with the physical quantities detected in accordance with the processing performed at the processing position.

[0020] When this program is executed by a computer, an image is output that contains correspondence information linking the machining position of the workpiece with the physical quantities detected by sensors as machining is performed at that position. Therefore, this program allows the user to visually recognize the physical quantities related to vibration corresponding to the machining position. As a result, this program allows the user to recognize abnormalities in the workpiece or other objects. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image output system, an image output method, and a program that enable users to recognize abnormalities in the workpiece or the like. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a diagram for explaining an image output system. [Figure 2] It is a plan view schematically showing a grooving machine. [Figure 3] It is a plan view schematically showing a lapping plate after grooving. [Figure 4] It is a diagram schematically showing the vicinity of a cutter shaft from the side. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a server. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a notebook PC. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a spectrogram generated based on vibration acceleration data collected through one operation. [Figure 8] It is a plan view schematically showing a table that holds a lapping plate in a grooving machine. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a first example of the magnitude of the vibration acceleration of a grooving machine at each grooving position of a lapping plate. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a second example of the magnitude of the vibration acceleration of a grooving machine at each grooving position of a lapping plate. [Figure 11] It is a plan view schematically showing a table including a plurality of support columns. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing a third example of the magnitude of the vibration acceleration of a grooving machine at each grooving position of a lapping plate. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing a fourth example of the magnitude of the vibration acceleration of a grooving machine at each grooving position of a lapping plate. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing a procedure for collecting vibration acceleration data. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing a procedure for image output.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment relating to one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "this embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Furthermore, each drawing is schematically depicted with parts omitted or exaggerated as appropriate for ease of understanding.

[0024] [1. Image Output System Configuration] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an image output system 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the image output system 10 includes a sensor 60, a notebook PC (Personal Computer) 200, and a server 100. The sensor 60 is attached to a grooving machine 50, which includes a cutter 54. The output of the sensor 60 is transmitted to the notebook PC 200. The notebook PC 200 and the server 100 can communicate via a network N1. As will be described in detail later, the image output system 10 generates image data based on the output of the sensor 60. The image output system 10 displays the image represented by this image data on a display 300. As will be described in detail later, by referring to the image represented by this image data, the user can determine whether or not any abnormality has occurred during processing using the grooving machine 50. The grooving machine 50, sensor 60, notebook PC 200, and display 300 are located in the same factory F1, for example.

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the grooving machine 50. Referring to Figure 2, the grooving machine 50 is configured to form multiple grooves on a lapping plate 70, for example, in the manufacturing process of a lapping plate 70. The lapping plate 70 is a component used in lapping, for example, to polish a workpiece. The grooving machine 50 has a gantry structure and includes a column 51, a cross rail 52, a cutter shaft 53, multiple cutters 54, a bed 55, and a table 56.

[0026] Column 51 is a gate-shaped member and includes two column members and a connecting member that connects the two column members. The connecting member extends along the Y-axis. One of the two column members extends downward along the Z-axis from one end of the connecting member on the Y-axis, and the other of the two column members extends downward along the Z-axis from the other end of the connecting member on the Y-axis. Cross rail 52 is fixed in front of column 51 (connecting member) and extends along the Y-axis. Cutter shaft 53 is attached to cross rail 52 and is configured to move along the Y-axis on cross rail 52. Multiple cutters 54 are attached to cutter shaft 53. Each of the multiple cutters 54 has a substantially circular shape and has sawtooth formed on its outer circumference. Each of the multiple cutters 54 rotates in accordance with the rotation of cutter shaft 53. Grooving is performed with carbide tips (not shown) attached to each tooth of the cutter 54.

[0027] The bed 55 extends along the X-axis and is positioned to penetrate the space enclosed by the column 51. The table 56 is configured to move along the X-axis on the bed 55. For example, a lapping plate 70 is fixed to the table 56. With the lapping plate 70 fixed to the table 56 and cutting being performed on the lapping plate 70 by multiple cutters 54, the table 56 moves along the X-axis. This creates multiple grooves on the lapping plate 70.

[0028] In other words, in the grooving machine 50, the relative positional relationship between the multiple cutters 54 and the lapping plate 70 is fixed in the Y-axis, and the relative positional relationship between the multiple cutters 54 and the lapping plate 70 is changed in the X-axis, thereby performing grooving on the lapping plate 70. When the table 56 moves to the target position along the X-axis, the cutter axis 53 moves along the Y-axis. Then, while the multiple cutters 54 are cutting the lapping plate 70, the table 56 moves again along the X-axis. As a result, multiple new grooves are formed on the lapping plate 70. The movement of the table 56 along the X-axis and the movement of the cutter axis 53 along the Y-axis are repeated while the position of the cutter axis 53 in the Y-axis is fixed. As a result, multiple grooves extending along the X-axis are formed at approximately equal intervals across the entire lapping plate 70.

[0029] Subsequently, for example, when the table 56 rotates 90° around the Z axis, the lapping plate 70 rotates 90° around the Z axis. Then, with the position of the cutter axis 53 on the Y axis fixed, the table 56 moves along the X axis and the cutter axis 53 moves along the Y axis, and this process is repeated. As a result, multiple grooves are formed on the lapping plate 70 at approximately equal intervals, each perpendicular to one of the previously formed grooves.

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the lapping plate 70 after grooving. As shown in Figure 3, the lapping plate 70 has multiple grooves C1 extending along the X-axis and multiple grooves C1 extending along the Y-axis. The area in which multiple grooves C1 are formed by a single movement of the table 56 along the X-axis is also called a "path". Multiple paths are aligned along the Y-axis before and after the lapping plate 70 rotates 90 degrees around the Z-axis.

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the vicinity of the cutter shaft 53 from the side. As shown in Figure 4, a sensor 60 is attached to the cutter shaft 53. The sensor 60 is configured to detect acceleration. For example, the sensor 60 detects the vibration acceleration of the grooving machine 50 (hereinafter also referred to as "vibration acceleration") when cutting the lapping plate 70.

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of server 100. Server 100 is implemented, for example, by a general-purpose computer. As shown in Figure 5, server 100 includes a control unit 110, a communication interface 130, and a storage unit 120. Each component is electrically connected via a bus. Note that the configuration of server 100 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 5.

[0033] The control unit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 112, RAM (Random Access Memory) 114, and ROM (Read Only Memory) 116, and is configured to control each component according to information processing.

[0034] The communication interface 130 is configured to communicate with the notebook PC 200 (Figure 1) via network N1. The communication interface 130 consists of, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) module or a wireless LAN module.

[0035] The memory unit 120 is composed of, for example, an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive. The memory unit 120 stores, for example, a control program 122 and a trained model 124. Various functions of the server 100 are realized when the control program 122 is executed by the CPU 112. The trained model 124 will be explained in detail later.

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the notebook PC 200. As shown in Figure 6, the notebook PC 200 includes a control unit 210, a communication interface 230, an operation unit 240, a display 250, and a storage unit 220. In the notebook PC 200, each component is electrically connected via a bus. Note that the configuration of the notebook PC 200 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 6.

[0037] The control unit 210 includes a CPU, RAM, and ROM, and is configured to control each component according to information processing. The communication interface 230 is configured to communicate with the server 100 via the network N1. The communication interface 230 is composed of, for example, a wired LAN module or a wireless LAN module. The operation unit 240 is configured to receive input from the user. The operation unit 240 is composed of, for example, some or all of a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, and microphone. The display 250 is configured to display images. The display 250 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) monitor.

[0038] The memory unit 220 is, for example, an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive. The memory unit 220 stores, for example, a control program 222. Various functions of the notebook PC 200 are realized when the control program 222 is executed by the CPU of the control unit 210.

[0039] [2. A pre-trained model for path determination] Regarding the operation of the grooving machine 50, the period from the start to the end of grooving on one lapping plate 70 is also referred to as "one operation." In one operation, grooving is performed in each pass before the lapping plate 70 rotates 90 degrees around the Z axis (hereinafter also referred to as the "first half of the operation"), and then grooving is performed in each pass after the lapping plate 70 rotates 90 degrees around the Z axis (hereinafter also referred to as the "second half of the operation").

[0040] In this embodiment, grooving is performed in five passes during the first half of the operation, and in five passes during the second half of the operation. The five passes used for grooving in the first half of the operation are assigned pass numbers 1-5, and the five passes used for grooving in the second half of the operation are assigned pass numbers 6-10. The number of passes is not necessarily limited to these numbers.

[0041] The trained model 124 is configured to output information (hereinafter also referred to as "path information") indicating which of the multiple paths included in the lapping plate 70 is being used for grooving during the grooving process on the lapping plate 70.

[0042] Figure 7 shows a spectrogram generated based on vibration acceleration data collected throughout one operation (hereinafter also referred to as "vibration acceleration data"). Referring to Figure 7, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents frequency. In this spectrogram, each part is assigned a color corresponding to its amplitude. Specifically, colors closer to red are assigned to larger amplitudes, and colors closer to blue are assigned to smaller amplitudes. As shown in Figure 7, the frequency characteristics and amplitude differ for each pass. The trained model 124 is configured to output pass information in response to input, for example, a spectrogram generated based on vibration acceleration data collected over one minute. Note that the vibration acceleration data used to generate the spectrogram does not necessarily have to be for one minute. The types of pass information output include pass numbers 1-10 and information indicating no cutting. Information indicating no cutting is output when grooving has not been performed on the lapping plate 70.

[0043] The trained model 124 is generated through machine learning. For example, a large number of one-minute vibration acceleration data points (hereinafter also referred to as "one-minute data") are extracted from the vibration acceleration data output over a long period of time by the sensor 60 during grooving. A spectrogram is generated based on each of the large number of one-minute data points. Each spectrogram is associated with a label indicating the path number of the path where grooving was performed when the one-minute data used to generate the spectrogram was collected. In machine learning, each spectrogram associated with a label indicating the path number is used as training data. Various known methods can be applied to machine learning, such as neural networks (e.g., convolutional neural networks (CNNs)), deep learning, decision tree learning, correlation rule learning, and Bayesian networks. The trained model 124 is generated through machine learning using such training data.

[0044] [3. Abnormalities that may occur during the processing] Various abnormalities can occur during the manufacturing process of the lapping plate 70 using the grooving machine 50. For example, residual stress is generated when the lapping plate 70 is subjected to heat treatment or grooving, and this residual stress may cause unexpected warping in the lapping plate 70. If unexpected warping occurs in the lapping plate 70, it may be necessary to perform processing such as surface grinding on the lapping plate 70.

[0045] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of the table 56 that holds the lapping plate 70 in the grooving machine 50. As shown in Figure 8, the table 56 includes a table body 57 that is circular in plan view and a plurality of fixing jigs 58. In the table 56, a plurality (4) of fixing jigs 58 are arranged around the periphery of the table body 57. In this example, the plurality of fixing jigs 58 are arranged at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction of the table body 57. Each of the plurality of fixing jigs 58 fixes the lapping plate 70 to the table body 57. In the manufacturing process of the lapping plate 70 using the grooving machine 50, an anomaly may occur, for example, insufficient fixing of one of the plurality of fixing jigs 58. If grooving is performed with insufficient fixing of the lapping plate 70, the depth of the groove C1 tends to vary. The inventors have found that these anomalies can affect the vibration of the grooving machine 50.

[0046] Figure 9 shows a first example of the magnitude of the vibration acceleration of the grooving machine 50 at each grooving position of the lapping plate 70. Referring to Figure 9, image IM1 includes an image of the machined surface (plane) of the lapping plate 70. The machined surface of the lapping plate 70 refers to the surface that is machined on the lapping plate 70, and in this example it is a plane. Note that the machined surface does not necessarily have to be a plane, but may be a curved surface. Each position on the machined surface image is colored to correspond to the vibration acceleration for each machined position. That is, image IM1 includes vibration acceleration data for each of the multiple grooving positions. In this example, the lapping plate 70 is curved along the Y-axis such that both ends of the lapping plate 70 protrude towards the viewer in the drawing compared to the central part of the lapping plate 70. Since both ends protrude towards the viewer in the drawing along the Z-axis, the depth of the groove C1 formed through grooving at both ends is deeper than the depth of the groove C1 formed through grooving at the central part, so the vibration acceleration during grooving at both ends is greater. This can be seen from image IM1.

[0047] Figure 10 shows a second example of the magnitude of the vibration acceleration of the grooving machine 50 at each groove cutting position on the lapping plate 70. Referring to Figure 10, image IM2 includes a machined surface image corresponding to the machined surface of the lapping plate 70. Each position on the machined surface image is colored to correspond to the vibration acceleration for each machining position. In this example, the lapping plate 70 is not sufficiently fixed by the fixing jig 58 in the lower left of the figure. The vibration acceleration during grooving near the area where the lapping plate 70 is not sufficiently fixed by the fixing jig 58 is greater than the vibration acceleration during grooving near the area where the lapping plate 70 is sufficiently fixed by the fixing jig 58. This can be seen from image IM2.

[0048] Furthermore, the configuration of the table 56 is not limited to that shown in Figure 8. Instead of the table 56, a table 56A including multiple support columns 59 may be used. In other words, the grooving machine 50 may include a table 56A instead of the table 56.

[0049] Figure 11 is a schematic plan view of a table 56A including multiple support columns 59. As shown in Figure 11, the table 56A includes a circular table body 57A in plan view, multiple fixing jigs 58A, and multiple support columns 59. In the table 56A, multiple (4) fixing jigs 58A are arranged around the periphery of the table body 57A. In this example, the multiple fixing jigs 58A are arranged at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction of the table body 57A. Each of the multiple fixing jigs 58A fixes the wrapping plate 70 to the table body 57A.

[0050] Furthermore, in the table 56A, multiple (4) support columns 59 are positioned radially inward of the table body 57A compared to multiple fixing jigs 58A. In this example, the multiple support columns 59 are positioned at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction of the table body 57A. Each of the multiple support columns 59 protrudes toward the front in the drawing along the Z-axis and supports the lapping plate 70 from below. During the manufacturing process of the lapping plate 70 using the grooving machine 50, an anomaly may occur, for example, in which the support of the lapping plate 70 by any of the multiple support columns 59 is insufficient. For example, such an anomaly may occur if one of the support columns 59 is not positioned.

[0051] Figure 12 shows a third example of the magnitude of the vibration acceleration of the grooving machine 50 at each groove cutting position on the lapping plate 70. Referring to Figure 12, image IM3 includes a machining surface image corresponding to the machined surface of the lapping plate 70. Each position on the machining surface image is colored to correspond to the vibration acceleration for each machining position. In this example, the support of the lapping plate 70 by each support column 59 is sufficient. The vibration acceleration during grooving near the part supported by the support column 59 is smaller than the vibration acceleration during grooving in the part away from the part supported by the support column 59. This can be seen from image IM3.

[0052] Figure 13 shows a fourth example of the magnitude of the vibration acceleration of the grooving machine 50 at each groove cutting position on the lapping plate 70. Referring to Figure 13, image IM4 contains a machining surface image corresponding to the machining surface of the lapping plate 70. Each position on the machining surface image is colored to correspond to the vibration acceleration for each machining position. In this example, the support of the lapping plate 70 by the support column 59 in the lower left of the figure is insufficient. The vibration acceleration during grooving near the area where the support column 59 is insufficient is greater than the vibration acceleration during grooving near the area where the support column 59 is sufficient. This can be seen from image IM4.

[0053] As described above, the inventors have found that various abnormalities occurring during the manufacturing process of the lapping plate 70 can affect the vibration of the grooving machine 50. In the image output system 10, images showing the magnitude of vibration acceleration for each grooving position (for example, images IM1, IM2, IM3, IM4) are displayed on the display 300, for example. Therefore, the image output system 10 allows the user to visually recognize the vibration acceleration of the grooving machine 50 for each grooving position. As a result, the image output system 10 allows the user to recognize various abnormalities occurring during the manufacturing process of the lapping plate 70.

[0054] [4. Operation] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure for collecting vibration acceleration data. The process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals by the control unit 210 of the notebook PC 200 when the lapping plate 70 is processed by the grooving machine 50.

[0055] Referring to Figure 14, the control unit 210 detects vibration acceleration by receiving vibration acceleration data output by the sensor 60 and performs processing to store the received vibration acceleration data in the storage unit 220 (step S100). The control unit 210 determines whether the vibration acceleration data newly stored in the storage unit 220 since the time the previous vibration acceleration data was sent to the server 100 has reached a predetermined time (step S110). The predetermined time is, for example, 1 minute.

[0056] If it is determined that the vibration acceleration data newly stored in the storage unit 220 since the last transmission of vibration acceleration data to the server 100 has not reached a predetermined time (NO in step S110), the control unit 210 executes the process in step S100 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the vibration acceleration data newly stored in the storage unit 220 since the last transmission of vibration acceleration data to the server 100 has reached a predetermined time (YES in step S110), the control unit 210 controls the communication interface 230 to transmit the vibration acceleration data for the predetermined time that has been newly stored in the storage unit 220 to the server 100 (step S120). The process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed, so that the vibration acceleration data for the predetermined time is transmitted sequentially to the server 100.

[0057] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the image output procedure. The process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the control unit 110 of the server 100 when the lapping plate 70 is processed by the grooving machine 50.

[0058] Referring to Figure 15, the control unit 110 determines whether or not it has received vibration acceleration data for a predetermined time from the notebook PC 200 (step S200). If it is determined that vibration acceleration data for a predetermined time has not been received (NO in step S200), the control unit 110 executes the process in step S200 again.

[0059] On the other hand, if it is determined that vibration acceleration data for a predetermined time has been received (YES in step S200), the control unit 110 generates a spectrogram based on the received vibration acceleration data for the predetermined time (step S210). Various known algorithms can be applied to generate the spectrogram.

[0060] The control unit 110 inputs the generated spectrogram to the trained model 124 and acquires path information output by the trained model 124 in response to the input of the spectrogram (step S220). The control unit 110 generates image data including a machined surface image corresponding to the machined surface of the lapping plate 70 (step S230). In the image data, each position in the path corresponding to the acquired path information is colored to correspond to the vibration acceleration detected during grooving at that position. Specifically, the control unit 110 generates image data by arranging the colors corresponding to each detected vibration acceleration in the path corresponding to the acquired path information in chronological order. If image data was generated one cycle ago, the control unit 110 generates the latest image data by updating the image data generated one cycle ago.

[0061] The control unit 110 determines whether or not any abnormality has occurred based on the latest image data (step S240). The control unit 110 may determine that some abnormality has occurred, for example, if the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the detected vibration acceleration data is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Alternatively, the control unit 110 may determine, for example, whether or not the wrapping plate 70 is warped, the wrapping plate 70 is not properly fixed, or the wrapping plate 70 is not properly supported, based on the bias of the detected vibration acceleration data.

[0062] If it is determined that some kind of abnormality has occurred based on the latest image data (YES in step S240), the control unit 110 controls the communication interface 130 to send the latest image data and a message indicating the action that the user (operator) should take in light of the abnormality to the notebook PC 200 (step S250). The control unit 210 of the notebook PC 200 controls the display 300 so that the image and message indicated by the received latest image data are displayed. Alternatively, the latest image data and message may be displayed on the display 250 of the notebook PC 200.

[0063] If it is determined that no abnormalities have occurred based on the latest image data (NO in step S240), the control unit 110 controls the communication interface 130 to send the latest image data to the notebook PC 200 (step S260). The control unit 210 of the notebook PC 200 controls the display 300 so that the image indicated by the received latest image data is displayed. Alternatively, the image indicated by the latest image data may be displayed on the display 250 of the notebook PC 200.

[0064] [5. Features] As described above, the image output system 10 according to this embodiment outputs an image containing correspondence information that associates the groove cutting position of the lapping plate 70 with a physical quantity related to vibration (vibration acceleration) detected by the sensor 60 in accordance with the groove cutting process at the groove cutting position. Therefore, the image output system 10 allows the user (operator) to visually recognize the vibration acceleration corresponding to the groove cutting position. As a result, the image output system 10 allows the user to recognize abnormalities in the lapping plate 70, etc.

[0065] Furthermore, in the image output system 10, the trained model 124 outputs path information in response to the input of a spectrogram generated based on vibration acceleration. Therefore, according to the image output system 10, for example, even if the grooving machine 50 does not have a function to identify the grooving position, the grooving position (path) on the lapping plate 70 can be identified.

[0066] Furthermore, the image output system 10 outputs a message regarding the actions that the user of the grooving machine 50 should take, based on the characteristics of the output image. Therefore, the image output system 10 makes it possible to make the user aware of the next action they should take.

[0067] [6. Other Embodiments] The concept of the above embodiments is not limited to those described above. Examples of other embodiments to which the concept of the above embodiments can be applied will be described below.

[0068] <6-1> In the above embodiment, it was determined whether or not an abnormality had occurred based on the latest image data generated by the control unit 110 of the server 100 (step S240 in Figure 15). However, such a determination is not necessarily required. As the latest image data is generated, the control unit 110 may control the communication interface 130 to send the latest image data to the notebook PC 200. The notebook PC 200 or the display 300 does not need to display a message indicating the next action the user should take. The notebook PC 200 or the display 300 only needs to display the image indicated by the received latest image data.

[0069] <6-2> In the above embodiment, path information was generated by the trained model 124. However, the method of generating path information is not limited to this. For example, if the grooving machine 50 has a function to recognize the coordinate information of the cutter axis 53, the control device of the grooving machine 50 may generate path information based on the coordinate information. Alternatively, for example, the coordinate information recognized by the control device of the grooving machine 50 may be transmitted to the server 100, and the control unit 110 of the server 100 may generate path information based on the coordinate information. Furthermore, if the grooving machine 50 has a function to recognize the coordinate information of the cutter axis 53, path information may not be generated, and image data may be generated or updated based on the coordinate information of the cutter axis 53. Additionally, for example, the elapsed time from the start of grooving may be measured, and the control unit 110 of the server 100 may generate path information or information indicating the grooving position based on the measured elapsed time.

[0070] <6-3> In the above embodiment, the image output by the image output system 10 is associated with a color representing the vibration acceleration of the grooving machine 50 for each grooving position on the lapping plate 70. However, the object associated with each grooving position on the lapping plate 70 does not necessarily have to be the vibration acceleration of the grooving machine 50. The object associated with each grooving position on the lapping plate 70 can be any physical quantity related to the vibration of the grooving machine 50, for example, it may be data representing the vibration velocity or displacement of the grooving machine 50, or it may be data representing the sound pressure or AE (Acoustic Emission) wave generated by the grooving machine 50. Furthermore, multiple types of physical quantities related to the vibration of the grooving machine 50 may be associated with each grooving position on the lapping plate 70. For example, a color representing the vibration acceleration and a color representing the vibration velocity of the grooving machine 50 may be associated with each grooving position on the lapping plate 70.

[0071] <6-4> Furthermore, in the above embodiment, during grooving, the lapping plate 70 moved along the X-axis and the cutter 54 moved along the Y-axis. However, the direction of movement of the lapping plate 70 and the cutter 54 is not limited to this. For example, the lapping plate 70 may move along the Y-axis and the cutter 54 may move along the X-axis. Alternatively, for example, the lapping plate 70 may not move, and the cutter 54 may move along the Y-axis and the X-axis respectively. Alternatively, for example, the cutter 54 may not move, and the lapping plate 70 may move along the Y-axis and the X-axis respectively.

[0072] <6-5> Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15 was executed by the control unit 110 of the server 100. However, the server 100 may, for example, primarily function as a storage medium, and each process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15 may be executed by a separate processing PC. Also, the various functions provided by the server 100 may be provided through cloud computing. That is, the control program 122 and the trained model 124, etc., may be started on an external computer, and their functions may be realized on a client terminal such as a notebook PC 200.

[0073] <6-6> Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a lapping plate 70 was given as an example of an object to be processed. However, the object to be processed does not necessarily have to be a lapping plate 70. The object to be processed may be, for example, a rod-shaped member (hereinafter also referred to as "rod-shaped member") on which grooves are cut into the outer circumference. In this case, the processed surface will be the side surface of the rod-shaped member. By displaying an image of the processed surface when the rod-shaped member is grooved, the user can be made aware of abnormalities such as poor fixing of the rod-shaped member and poor fixing of the cutter that performs groove cutting on the rod-shaped member.

[0074] Embodiments of the present invention have been described illustratively above. That is, a detailed description and accompanying drawings have been disclosed for illustrative purposes. Therefore, some of the components described in the detailed description and accompanying drawings may not be essential for solving the problem. Consequently, the mere fact that these non-essential components are described in the detailed description and accompanying drawings does not mean that they should be immediately assumed to be essential.

[0075] Furthermore, the above embodiments are merely illustrative in every respect of the present invention. The above embodiments can be improved or modified in various ways within the scope of the present invention. For example, at least a part of the configuration of one embodiment may be combined with at least a part of the configuration of any other embodiment. In other words, in carrying out the present invention, specific configurations can be appropriately adopted depending on the embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 10 Image output system, 50 Grooving machine, 51 Column, 52 Cross rail, 53 Cutter shaft, 54 Cutter, 55 Bed, 56 Table, 57 Table body, 58 Fixing jig, 59 Support column, 60 Sensor, 70 Lapping plate, 100 Server, 110, 210 Control unit, 112 CPU, 114 RAM, 116 ROM, 120, 220 Memory unit, 122, 222 Control program, 124 Trained model, 130, 230 Communication I / F, 200 Notebook PC, 240 Operating unit, 250, 300 Display, C1 Groove, F1 Factory, H1 Hole, IM1-IM4 Image, N1 Network.

Claims

1. A sensor that detects physical quantities related to the vibration of a processing machine used to process an object, An image output system comprising: an output unit that outputs an image containing correspondence information, which associates the processing position of the workpiece with the physical quantity detected by the sensor in accordance with the processing being performed at the processing position.

2. The aforementioned image includes multiple pieces of correspondence information, The image output system according to claim 1, wherein in each of the plurality of corresponding pieces of information, the processing position is associated with the physical quantity detected by the sensor in accordance with the processing being performed at the processing position.

3. The aforementioned image includes a processed surface image showing the processed surface of the workpiece, The image output system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the position on the processed surface image corresponds to the processed position, and the color applied to the processed surface image corresponds to the physical quantity.

4. The system further includes a control unit that inputs a spectrogram generated based on the aforementioned physical quantity into a trained model. The image output system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the trained model is generated through machine learning using a plurality of spectrograms generated based on the physical quantities detected by the sensor as the processing is performed at a plurality of processing locations as training data, and the system outputs data relating to the processing location in response to the input of the spectrograms.

5. The image output system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the output unit further outputs a message regarding the actions that the operator of the processing apparatus should take, based on the characteristics of the image.

6. The aforementioned processing device is a grooving machine, The image output system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the workpiece is a lapping plate before grooving.

7. To detect physical quantities related to the vibration of a processing device used to process an object, An image output method, comprising outputting an image that includes correspondence information relating the processing position of the object to be processed to the physical quantity detected in accordance with the processing being performed at the processing position.

8. A process for detecting physical quantities related to the vibration of a processing device that performs processing on a workpiece, A program that causes a computer to perform a process of outputting an image containing correspondence information, which associates the processing position of the object to be processed with the physical quantity detected in accordance with the processing being performed at the processing position.

Images