Information processing device and program

Abstract

When inspecting molded products using product manufacturing information included in 3D model data, it is possible to set measurement points for each piece of product manufacturing information being inspected, to check whether the part to be inspected is molded correctly. [Solution] The control unit 34 extracts PMIs that require inspection from 3D model data that includes PMIs necessary for manufacturing molded products, and identifies them as inspection targets. Then, the control unit 34 sets the measurement locations and the number of measurement locations to be measured for the inspection target area according to the information on the extracted PMIs of the inspection targets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a pseudo dimension acquisition apparatus that accurately acquires dimension values and tolerances.

[0003] Non-Patent Document 1 discloses an inspection form system that automatically generates an inspection form from drawings (DXF / DWG, PDF, images).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In recent years, in 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design), not only product shape information indicating the shape of a molded product, but also standard information such as reference dimensions (also called illustrated dimensions) and tolerances has come to be included in the 3D model data as product manufacturing information (hereinafter abbreviated as PMI (Product Manufacturing Information)). By doing so, when displaying the 3D model, the PMI can be displayed on the 3D model as a 3D annotation, and necessary information such as reference dimensions and tolerances can be grasped even without 2D drawings.

[0007] When inspecting whether a molded product represented by such 3D model data has been molded correctly, the user selects the PMI to be inspected from among the PMIs included in the 3D model data, and the dimensions of each part of the molded product to be inspected are measured using the selected PMI as the PMI to be inspected.

[0008] However, even if a dimension is defined by a single PMI (Product Manufacturing Unit), depending on the characteristics of the part of the molded product being inspected, measuring only one measurement point may not allow for a correct inspection. Conversely, if a dimension defined by a single PMI is measured at multiple measurement points, the molded product may fail inspection even if it is properly molded.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and program that, when inspecting a molded product using product manufacturing information contained in 3D model data, can set measurement points for each piece of product manufacturing information to be inspected, which can be used to check whether the part to be inspected is molded in the correct state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a processor, which extracts product manufacturing information requiring inspection from 3D model data containing product manufacturing information necessary for manufacturing a molded product, and identifies the product manufacturing information requiring inspection as the object of inspection. Based on the extracted information regarding the manufacturing process of the product to be inspected, the measurement locations and the number of such locations to be measured are set.

[0011] An information processing apparatus in a second aspect of the present invention, in an information processing apparatus in a first aspect, the processor sets the number of measurement points to be measured on the part to be inspected and the number of such measurement points, using at least one piece of information from the following: the type of product manufacturing information to be inspected, the shape, material, and color of the part to be inspected, the magnitude of the value of the reference dimension, the required accuracy, and the processing method.

[0012] In a third aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus, in the first or second aspect of the information processing apparatus, determines a number of measurement points suitable for determining whether or not a part to be inspected is molded in the correct state for the product manufacturing information of a single product to be inspected.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus in any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the processor determines an inspection method to be used when inspecting product manufacturing information, according to the extracted information on product manufacturing information to be inspected. The measurement locations and the number of measurement locations are set according to the determined inspection method.

[0014] In the fifth aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus, in the fourth aspect, determines an inspection method to be used when inspecting extracted product manufacturing information based on one of the following pieces of information: the type of product manufacturing information to be inspected, the shape, material, and color of the part to be inspected, the magnitude of the value of the reference dimension, the required accuracy, and the processing method, or a combination of at least two pieces of information.

[0015] In the sixth aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus, in the first aspect, when the processor extracts product manufacturing information defining size tolerances as an inspection target, sets the measurement locations and the number of such measurement locations using information indicating the processing method.

[0016] The information processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein when the processor extracts product manufacturing information defining geometric tolerances as inspection targets, the processor sets, as measurement locations, locations where theoretical dimensions related to the geometric tolerances are set.

[0017] The information processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the processor sets measurement locations and the number of the measurement locations according to the length or area of the shape of the inspection target part.

[0018] The information processing apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect, wherein the processor sets the number of measurement locations to increase as the length of the shape of the inspection target part increases or as the area widens.

[0019] The information processing apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the processor sets measurement locations and the number of the measurement locations according to the type of the shape of the inspection target part.

[0020] The program according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute steps of extracting, as inspection targets, product manufacturing information that needs to be inspected from three-dimensional model data including product manufacturing information required when manufacturing a molded product, and setting, according to information related to the extracted product manufacturing information to be inspected, measurement locations where the inspection target part should be measured and the number of the measurement locations.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the information processing apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, when inspecting a molded product using product manufacturing information included in three-dimensional model data, for each of the product manufacturing information to be inspected, it is possible to set measurement locations where it is possible to inspect whether the inspection target part is molded in a correct state.

[0022] According to the information processing apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set measurement locations according to the attributes of the product manufacturing information to be inspected.​

[0023] According to the information processing apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set the number of measurement locations according to the attributes of the product manufacturing information to be inspected.

[0024] According to the information processing apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to automatically determine the inspection method to be used and set the measurement locations according to the determined inspection method.

[0025] According to the information processing apparatus of the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set the measurement locations according to the attributes of the product manufacturing information to be inspected.

[0026] According to the information processing apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set the measurement locations suitable for the processing method.

[0027] According to the information processing apparatus of the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to make the dimensions of the location where the theoretical dimensions are set the inspection target.

[0028] According to the information processing apparatus of the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set the measurement locations according to the characteristics of the part to be inspected.

[0029] According to the information processing apparatus of the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the shape of the part to be inspected is long or the area is large, many setting locations can be set.

[0030] According to the information processing apparatus of the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set the number of setting locations according to the type of the part to be inspected.

[0031] According to the program of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when inspecting a molded product using the product manufacturing information included in the three-dimensional model data, for each of the product manufacturing information to be inspected, it is possible to set the measurement locations capable of inspecting whether the part to be inspected is molded in the correct state.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] [Figure 1]This figure shows the system configuration of a drawing data processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of 3D model data including PMI. [Figure 3] This is an example of an inspection sheet generated by extracting inspection specifications from 3D model data. [Figure 4] This is a list of abbreviations for the testing equipment used as indicated in the testing method in the test sheet shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5(A) shows an example of the drawing in a 3D model, and Figure 5(B) shows the measurement location when draft angles are not permitted. [Figure 6] Figure 6(A) shows the appropriate measurement location when the PL position is specified at one location, and Figure 6(B) shows the appropriate measurement location when the PL position is specified at another location, in cases where there is no instruction that draft angle is not permitted. [Figure 7] A block diagram showing the hardware configuration of terminal device 10 in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a terminal device 10 in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This flowchart outlines the process of automatically generating inspection sheets from 3D model data. [Figure 10] This figure shows examples of criteria for determining the testing method. [Figure 11] This figure shows examples of criteria for determining the testing method. [Figure 12] This flowchart illustrates part of the process for determining the inspection method using the decision criteria shown in Figures 10 and 11. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the normals of two surfaces being inspected facing each other. [Figure 14] This figure shows a specific example of a case where the area to be inspected is the external shape. [Figure 15]This diagram shows how the inspection method column in the inspection sheet is filled in as the inspection method for each inspection standard is automatically determined. [Figure 16] This figure shows a part 61 having a recess 62. [Figure 17] This figure shows that in part 61 shown in Figure 16, a size tolerance of 2 ± 0.3 is specified for the plate thickness in the circular recess 62. [Figure 18] This figure shows examples of setting criteria for determining the measurement points and the number of measurement points. [Figure 19] This figure shows an example of 3D model data when setting the number of measurement points based on the magnitude of the reference value of the object being inspected. [Figure 20] This diagram shows how, when setting the number of measurement points based on the magnitude of the standard value of the object being inspected, three additional rows are added to one row of the inspection sheet, resulting in a total of four rows. [Figure 21] This figure shows an example of 3D model data for setting the number of measurement points when the shape of the area to be inspected is a circle. [Figure 22] This diagram shows how, when the shape of the area to be inspected is a circle, three additional rows are added to the single inspection row in the inspection sheet, resulting in a total of four rows. [Figure 23] This figure shows an example of 3D model data when setting the measurement points and the number of measurement points based on the instruction that draft angles cannot be used. [Figure 24] This diagram shows how, when setting the measurement points and the number of measurement points based on the instruction that draft angles are not permitted, an additional line is added to the single inspection line in the inspection sheet, resulting in a total of two lines. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 shows the system configuration of a drawing data processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, a drawing data processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention consists of a plurality of terminal devices 10 interconnected by a network 30 and a drawing data management server 20. The drawing data management server 20 manages drawing data such as component drawings and product drawings used when designing various products. The terminal devices 10 are information processing devices that have the function of downloading and displaying drawing data managed by the drawing data management server 20, and performing various operations such as modifying and changing the downloaded drawing data and uploading it back to the drawing data management server 20.

[0036] Here, the drawing data managed by the drawing data management server 20 is, for example, 3D model data that includes not only product shape information showing the shape of a molded product, but also standard information such as reference dimensions and tolerances as PMI.

[0037] An example of 3D model data including such PMIs is shown in Figure 2. Referring to Figure 2, you can see that various PMIs such as size tolerances, geometric tolerances, and theoretically exact dimensions (hereinafter abbreviated as theoretical dimensions) are displayed on the 3D model as 3D annotations.

[0038] When inspecting whether a molded product represented by such 3D model data has been molded correctly, the user selects the PMI to be inspected from among the PMIs included in the 3D model data, and the dimensions of each part of the molded product to be inspected are measured using the selected PMI as the PMI to be inspected.

[0039] In recent years, it has become common practice to automatically extract information such as dimensions and tolerances from 3D model data to create inspection sheets as inspection standards.

[0040] An example of an inspection sheet generated in this way is shown in Figure 3. In the inspection sheet shown in Figure 3, it can be seen that the items for inspection number, notes, reference dimensions, upper tolerance limit, lower tolerance limit, entry of inspection results, and inspection method are listed for each inspection standard extracted from the 3D model data.

[0041] Figure 4 shows a list of abbreviations for the inspection equipment used as inspection methods in the inspection table shown in Figure 3. In the inspection methods, CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) stands for 3D measuring machine, OC stands for Vision Measuring System, HG (Height Gauge) stands for height gauge, MIC (Micrometer) stands for micrometer, DC stands for caliper, CG (Checking Gauge) stands for check gauge, PRO (Profile Projector) stands for projection inspection machine, BG (Block Gauge) stands for block gauge, TG (Thickness Gauge) stands for thickness gauge, SG (Screw Gauge) stands for screw gauge, PG (Pin Gauge) stands for pin gauge, and LSM (Laser Scan Machine) stands for laser scanning device. These abbreviations will also be used in the following explanations.

[0042] In this automatically generated inspection sheet, one measurement point is set for each inspection standard defined by a single PMI. However, depending on the characteristics of the part of the molded product being inspected, measuring at only one measurement point may not allow for a correct inspection. Conversely, if multiple measurement points are used for the same dimension defined by a single PMI, the molded product may fail inspection even if it is properly molded.

[0043] For example, in areas where draft angles are prohibited in the drawing, only draft angles that keep the dimensions within tolerance across the entire draft direction are permitted. Therefore, it is necessary to measure dimensions at least at two points in the draft direction: the tip and the base. In areas where draft angles are not prohibited, i.e., areas where draft angles are applied in the direction of reducing material within a specified angle, the measurement point is selected as the area with the most material, i.e., the area with the largest dimension. This draft direction will vary depending on the position of the PL (Parting Line), which indicates the point where the die is divided. In short, the measurement points where dimension values ​​should be measured in the drawing depend on whether draft angles are prohibited or not, and where the PL is located.

[0044] The differences in measurement locations due to such processing method instructions will be explained with reference to Figures 5 and 6. For example, the measurement locations when measuring the dimension value labeled C in the case where the illustration shown in Figure 5(A) is made in the 3D model will be explained. If there is an instruction that no draft angle is allowed for this part, then at least two measurement locations 51 and 52 are required at the tip and base of the part in the draft direction, as shown in Figure 5(B).

[0045] In contrast, Figure 6 shows the appropriate measurement locations when there is no instruction against drafting at this location. If the PL is set at the position shown in Figure 6(A), it is necessary to measure the measurement location 53 at the base in the drafting direction. Also, if the PL is set at the position shown in Figure 6(B), it is necessary to measure the measurement location 54 at the base in the drafting direction.

[0046] Let me explain in detail why it is necessary to set measurement points that take the draft angle into consideration. For example, if the measurement target is a part with a height of 5 mm and a draft angle of 1 degree, the following dimensional difference will occur between the tip and base of the slope.

[0047] Dimensional difference = 5 (mm) × tan(1°) ≈ 0.087 (mm)

[0048] Specifically, the dimensional difference between the tip and the base is approximately 0.087 mm, meaning there is a difference of nearly 0.1 mm between the tip and the base. Depending on the set tolerance, such a dimensional difference can be significant and cannot be ignored. If the measurement point is incorrectly set, the molded product may fail inspection even if it has been manufactured correctly.

[0049] Therefore, in the drawing data processing system of this embodiment, when inspecting a molded product using PMI included in the 3D model data, the system sets appropriate measurement points and the number of measurement points for each part to be inspected according to the characteristics of the part to be inspected, thereby enabling proper inspection of whether the part to be inspected is molded in the correct state.

[0050] Furthermore, various inspection methods exist for measuring the dimensions of the parts to be inspected, including measurement with calipers, measurement with a CMM, measurement with pin gauges, and measurement with gauge blocks. Therefore, it is necessary to select an appropriate inspection method for each PMI (Perimeter-Minute Inspection) according to the required accuracy, the shape of the part to be inspected, and other factors.

[0051] However, for those unfamiliar with the process, selecting the appropriate testing method for each target area can be difficult. Furthermore, the choice of testing method and the resulting test results (pass / fail) can vary depending on the person making the decision. Additionally, manually determining the testing method for each PMI is time-consuming.

[0052] Therefore, in the drawing data processing system of this embodiment, by performing the control described below, the system automatically determines the inspection method to be used for each PMI to be inspected when inspecting molded products using PMIs included in the 3D model data.

[0053] Next, Figure 7 shows the hardware configuration of the terminal device 10 in the drawing data processing system of this embodiment.

[0054] As shown in Figure 7, the terminal device 10 includes a CPU 11, memory 12, a storage device 13 such as a hard disk drive, a communication interface (abbreviated as IF) 14 for sending and receiving data to and from external devices via a network 30, a display device 15 such as a liquid crystal display, and an operation input device 16 including a touch panel or keyboard. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 17.

[0055] The CPU 11 is a processor that controls the operation of the terminal device 10 by executing predetermined processes based on a control program stored in the memory 12 or storage device 13. In this embodiment, the CPU 11 is described as reading and executing a control program stored in the memory 12 or storage device 13, but it is not limited to this. This control program may be provided in the form of a computer-readable recording medium. For example, this program may be provided in the form of a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM recorded on an optical disc, or in the form of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and memory card recorded on a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, this control program may be obtained from an external device via a communication line connected to the communication interface 14.

[0056] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 10 realized by the execution of the control program described above.

[0057] As shown in Figure 8, the terminal device 10 of this embodiment includes an operation reception unit 31, a display unit 32, a data transmission / reception unit 33, a control unit 34, and a data storage unit 35.

[0058] The data transmission / reception unit 33 transmits and receives data with external devices such as the drawing data management server 20.

[0059] The display unit 32 is controlled by the control unit 34 and displays various information to the user. The operation reception unit 31 receives various operations performed by the user.

[0060] The control unit 34 receives drawing data from the drawing data management server 20 via the data transmission / reception unit 33 and stores it in the data storage unit 35, and displays the drawing data stored in the data storage unit 35 on the display unit 32. In addition, based on user operations received by the operation reception unit 31, the control unit 34 extracts information such as size tolerances and geometric tolerances from the drawing data stored in the data storage unit 35 as inspection standards and generates an inspection sheet.

[0061] First, the control unit 34 extracts PMIs that require inspection from the 3D model data, which includes PMIs necessary for manufacturing molded products, as targets for inspection.

[0062] Then, the control unit 34 sets the measurement locations and the number of measurement locations to be measured for the target area, according to the extracted PMI information of the target area.

[0063] Specifically, the control unit 34 uses at least one piece of information from the following: the type of PMI to be inspected, the shape, material, and color of the part to be inspected, the magnitude of the reference dimension, the required accuracy, and the processing method, to set the measurement points and the number of measurement points to be measured on the part to be inspected.

[0064] The control unit 34 determines a number of measurement points suitable for determining whether the part to be inspected is molded correctly for each PMI of the object to be inspected.

[0065] Here, when the control unit 34 extracts a PMI that defines the size tolerance as the inspection target, it sets the measurement location and the number of measurement locations using the information instructed by the processing method.

[0066] Furthermore, when the control unit 34 extracts a PMI that defines a geometric tolerance as the inspection target, it sets the location where the theoretical dimension related to this geometric tolerance is set as the measurement location.

[0067] Furthermore, the control unit 34 sets the measurement points and the number of measurement points according to the length or area of ​​the shape of the part to be inspected.

[0068] Specifically, the control unit 34 is configured so that the number of measurement points increases as the length of the shape of the part to be inspected increases or the area increases.

[0069] Furthermore, the control unit 34 sets the measurement points and the number of measurement points according to the type of shape of the part to be inspected, for example, whether the part to be inspected is a hole or a surface.

[0070] Furthermore, the control unit 34 determines the inspection method to be used when inspecting the PMI of the object to be inspected, based on the information about the PMI of the object to be inspected extracted from the 3D model data. Here, the inspection method indicates what kind of measuring instrument, measuring device, measuring instrument, or inspection instrument should be used to measure or inspect the set measurement points.

[0071] Furthermore, since the appropriate measurement points and the number of measurement points vary depending on the inspection method, the control unit 34 may set the measurement points and the number of measurement points according to the determined inspection method after the inspection method has been decided.

[0072] Specifically, the control unit 34 determines the inspection method to be used when inspecting the extracted PMI based on one of the following pieces of information, or a combination of at least two pieces of information: the type of PMI to be inspected, the shape, material, and color of the part to be inspected, the magnitude of the reference dimension value, the required accuracy, and the processing method.

[0073] The control unit 34 selects a measuring instrument that meets the requirements for inspecting the PMI to be inspected from among several measuring instruments with different measurement accuracies, and determines that the inspection method using the selected measuring instrument should be used as the inspection method to be used when inspecting the extracted PMI.

[0074] Furthermore, the control unit 34 determines the inspection method to be used when inspecting the PMI, based on information about the PMI to be inspected, using pre-set, stepwise configured decision criteria.

[0075] For example, the control unit 34 determines the inspection method to be used when inspecting a PMI in a stepwise manner, using the first criterion as the type of PMI to be inspected, the second criterion as the shape of the part to be inspected, and the third criterion as the magnitude of the reference dimension value and the width of the tolerance, in the order of the first criterion, the second criterion, and the third criterion.

[0076] Here, the control unit 34 narrows down the range of inspection methods to be used when inspecting PMI in the order of the first decision criterion, the second decision criterion, and the third decision criterion, and when only one inspection method remains available, it determines that inspection method to be used when inspecting PMI.

[0077] Furthermore, the control unit 34 may use the measurement efficiency, which indicates the ease of measurement when measuring the dimensions of the part to be inspected, as a fourth determination criterion, and use the fourth determination criterion after the third determination criterion to determine the inspection method to be used when inspecting PMI in a stepwise manner.

[0078] Furthermore, when the control unit 34 determines the inspection method using the fourth determination criterion, it may determine that selecting an inspection method that reduces the number of times the inspection method needs to be switched when continuously measuring the dimensions of different parts to be inspected is efficient in terms of measurement.

[0079] Next, the operation of the terminal device 10 in the drawing data processing system of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0080] First, the general operation of the terminal device 10 of the drawing data processing system of this embodiment when an inspection sheet is automatically generated from 3D model data will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0081] In this embodiment, the case in which an inspection sheet is created on the terminal device 10 is described, but the inspection sheet may also be created on the drawing data management server 20 from the 3D model data.

[0082] First, in step S101, the control unit 34 extracts the size tolerances and geometric tolerances to be inspected from the 3D model data for which the inspection sheet is to be created, as inspection standards. Next, in step S102, the control unit 34 assigns an inspection number to each of the extracted inspection standards.

[0083] Then, in step S103, the control unit 34 determines an inspection method that can appropriately measure or inspect the dimensional values ​​in each of the extracted inspection standards. Specific examples of the criteria for determining this inspection method will be described later.

[0084] Next, in step S104, the control unit 34 sets the measurement locations and the number of measurement locations for each inspection standard extracted from the 3D model data, so that the dimensional values ​​in that inspection standard can be appropriately measured or inspected. Specific examples of the setting criteria for setting these measurement locations and the number of measurement locations will be described later.

[0085] Then, in step S105, the control unit 34 generates one inspection line for one inspection standard extracted from the 3D model data. This inspection line refers to a line in the inspection sheet that corresponds to one measurement point or inspection point. Specifically, an inspection line refers to each line in the example inspection sheet shown in Figure 3 that is provided for recording the inspection result for each reference dimension.

[0086] Next, in step S106, the control unit 34 expands a single inspection line into multiple lines for inspection standards in which multiple measurement points are set in step S104. For example, if it is determined in step S104 that four measurement points are required for a particular inspection standard, three lines of inspection lines are added to that inspection standard, resulting in a total of four lines.

[0087] Finally, in step S107, the control unit 34 outputs the generated inspection sheet in a predetermined format.

[0088] In this embodiment of the drawing data processing system, the processing in steps S103, S104, and S106 is particularly distinctive, and therefore, the following description will focus on the details of that processing.

[0089] First, Figures 10 and 11 show examples of decision criteria for determining the inspection method, as explained in step S103 of the flowchart in Figure 9. Note that the decision criteria shown in Figures 10 and 11 are merely examples and represent only a partial representation.

[0090] The process for determining the testing method is primarily based on the following criteria.

[0091] A: Selection of inspection method based on the type of inspection standard. (1) The procedure differs depending on whether the inspection standard is a size tolerance or a geometric tolerance.

[0092] (2) If the inspection standard is a size tolerance, the processing will be further divided depending on whether the inspection standard is for length dimensions, diameter dimensions, angle dimensions, chamfers, or threads.

[0093] (3) When the inspection standard is a size tolerance and is a length dimension, the procedure differs depending on whether the size tolerance is a datum-based value or a local dimension that is not datum-based. If it is a datum-based value, measurement using a three-dimensional measuring machine (abbreviated as CMM) is determined to be the inspection method to be used.

[0094] (4) If the size tolerance is a local dimension, the inspection method shall be determined using the shape of the part to be measured, the magnitude of the reference dimension, and the width of the tolerance.

[0095] (5) If the inspection standard is a geometric tolerance, the inspection method is further selected based on the type of geometric tolerance, whether it is straightness, flatness, or profile, etc. For example, if the type of geometric tolerance is profile, measurement using a 3D measuring machine is determined to be the inspection method to be used.

[0096] B: Selection of inspection method based on the type of inspection standard (1) First, the process differs depending on whether the shape of the part to be measured is an external shape like a convex shape or an internal shape like a hole. In other words, if the part to be measured is an external dimension, the inspection method should be selected using a measuring instrument that can clamp the part to be measured, such as a micrometer or caliper.

[0097] (2) Even if the part to be measured is an external dimension, it is not possible to measure by clamping unless the measuring surfaces are facing each other. In other words, if the two measuring surfaces are facing the same direction, or if one measuring surface is tilted relative to the other, clamping measurement is impossible. Furthermore, even if the two measuring surfaces are facing each other and clamping measurement is possible, if the reference dimension exceeds, for example, 100 mm, it will be determined that measurement with a micrometer is not suitable and another inspection method will be selected.

[0098] C: Selection of inspection method based on standard dimensions and tolerances (1) Each measuring instrument and measuring device has a measurable range. Therefore, the inspection method is selected based on the criterion of whether the reference dimension is within the measuring range of the measuring instrument and measuring device. In addition, the inspection method is selected using the criterion of whether various gauges such as gauge blocks and measuring probes can be inserted into the part to be measured.

[0099] (2) Furthermore, each measuring instrument and device has a set dimensional accuracy that it can measure. Therefore, if measuring instruments with low accuracy are used, they may not be suitable for measuring dimensional values ​​with very narrow tolerances. For this reason, the inspection method using the appropriate measuring instrument is determined according to the width of the tolerance. For example, if measuring instruments are arranged in order of highest accuracy, the order is pin gauge > micrometer > caliper, and when the tolerance is narrow, the inspection method using a measuring instrument with higher accuracy is selected.

[0100] In this way, the control unit 34 determines the inspection method to be used when inspecting the PMI, based on the information about the PMI to be inspected, using the stepwise determination criteria shown in Figures 10 and 11. In other words, the control unit 34 can determine the inspection method to be used by applying the determination criteria shown in Figures 10 and 11 sequentially from left to right.

[0101] A portion of the process for determining the inspection method using the decision criteria shown in Figures 10 and 11 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 12. The flowchart in Figure 12 shows an example of a determination when the inspection standard type is a size tolerance and the dimension is a length.

[0102] First, in step S201, the control unit 34 determines whether the type of inspection standard is local dimension or not. If in step S201 it is determined that the type of inspection standard is not local dimension, that is, if it is determined that it is a datum-based dimension, then in step S217 the control unit 34 selects an inspection method using CMM (abbreviation for 3D measuring machine) or PRO (abbreviation for projection inspection machine) as the inspection method.

[0103] Then, in step S201, if it is determined that the type of inspection standard is local dimensions, the control unit 34 determines in step S202 whether or not this inspection standard includes either contacts or intersections. If it is determined in step S202 that this inspection standard includes either contacts or intersections, the control unit 34 determines in step S203 whether or not this inspection standard includes contacts.

[0104] In step S203, if it is determined that the inspection standard does not include contacts, meaning it includes intersections, the control unit 34 selects the CMM or PRO inspection method in step S217. If it is determined in step S203 that the inspection standard does include contacts, the control unit 34 leaves the inspection method for this standard blank in step S216. This is because there are many different methods for inspecting contacts, making it difficult to determine a unique method, so the field is left blank to the inspector's judgment.

[0105] If, in step S202, it is determined that neither contacts nor intersections are included in this inspection standard, the control unit 34 determines in step S204 whether the normals of the two surfaces to be inspected are facing each other.

[0106] Figure 13 shows how the normals of the two inspection surfaces are opposite each other. As shown in Figure 13, the fact that the normals of the two inspection surfaces are opposite each other means that the two inspection surfaces are parallel planes and that the shape of the inspection area is a hole.

[0107] Then, in step S204, if it is determined that the normals of the two surfaces to be inspected are opposite each other, that is, if it is determined that the shape of the part to be inspected is a hole, the control unit 34 determines in step S210 whether or not the tolerance is less than 0.2 mm.

[0108] If the control unit 34 determines in step S210 that the tolerance is less than 0.2 mm, it selects the inspection method using BG (abbreviation for block gauge) in step S213. However, if the dimensions of the hole in the part to be inspected are such that a BG cannot be used, the control unit 34 selects the inspection method using PG (abbreviation for pin gauge). Furthermore, if the dimensions of the hole in the part to be inspected are such that a PG cannot be used, the control unit 34 selects the inspection method using DC (abbreviation for caliper).

[0109] If, in step S210, it is determined that the tolerance is 0.2 mm or more, the control unit 34 will determine in step S211 whether or not the reference dimension is 50 mm or less.

[0110] If, in step S211, the control unit 34 determines that the reference dimension exceeds 50 mm, in step S218, it selects the inspection method using a CMM.

[0111] If, in step S211, the control unit 34 determines that the reference dimension is 50 mm or less, then in step S212, it determines whether the tolerance is less than 0.3 mm.

[0112] If, in step S212, the control unit 34 determines that the tolerance is less than 0.3 mm, then in step S218, the control unit 34 selects the inspection method using a CMM.

[0113] If the control unit 34 determines in step S212 that the tolerance is 0.3 mm or more, in step S215, it selects a DC inspection method as the inspection method.

[0114] If, in step S204, it is determined that the normals of the two surfaces to be inspected are not opposite each other, that is, if it is determined that the area to be inspected is an outer shape, then in step S205, the control unit 34 determines whether the normals of the two surfaces to be inspected are pointing outwards to each other. A specific example of the case where the area to be inspected is an outer shape is shown in Figure 14.

[0115] If, in step S205, the control unit 34 determines that the normals of the two surfaces to be inspected are pointing outwards, then in step S207, the control unit 34 determines whether the other surface overlaps the opposite side of the normal of the other surface. In other words, in step S207, the control unit 34 determines whether the two surfaces to be inspected are misaligned.

[0116] In step S207, if it is determined that the other surface overlaps the normal of the other surface, that is, if it is determined that the two surfaces to be inspected are not misaligned, the control unit 34 determines in step S208 whether the reference dimension is 100 mm or less.

[0117] Then, in step S208, if it is determined that the reference dimension is 100 mm or less, the control unit 34 determines in step S209 whether or not the tolerance is less than 0.3 mm.

[0118] Then, in step S209, if it is determined that the tolerance is less than 0.3 mm, the control unit 34 selects the inspection method using an MIC (micrometer) in step S214.

[0119] Then, if it is determined in step S208 that the reference dimension is not 100 mm or less, and if it is determined in step S209 that the tolerance is not less than 0.3 mm, the control unit 34 selects the DC inspection method as the inspection method in step S215.

[0120] Furthermore, if in step S205 it is determined that the normals of the two surfaces to be inspected are not pointing outwards, the control unit 34 determines in step S206 whether or not the edges of the two surfaces to be inspected overlap in the direction of their normals.

[0121] If, in step S206, the control unit 34 determines that the edges of the two surfaces to be inspected overlap in the normal direction, then in step S215, the control unit 34 selects a DC inspection method as the inspection method.

[0122] Furthermore, if in step S206 it is determined that the edges of the two surfaces to be inspected do not overlap in the normal direction, the control unit 34 selects the inspection method using a CMM in step S218.

[0123] Furthermore, in the example of decision criteria shown in Figure 10, the flowchart shown in Figure 12, and the specific example in Figure 14 where the inspection target area is an external shape, the judgment criteria (1) to (4) correspond to each other.

[0124] Finally, Figure 15 shows how the inspection method column in the inspection sheet is filled in as the control unit 34 automatically determines the inspection method for each inspection standard. Referring to Figure 15, it can be seen that the inspection method for each inspection standard in the inspection sheet is determined without requiring any human intervention.

[0125] Furthermore, when determining the inspection method, the control unit 34 may decide on the inspection method not solely based on the characteristics of the area to be inspected, such as the shape of the object to be inspected, reference dimensions, and tolerances, but also based on the measurement efficiency, which indicates how easy it is to actually measure the dimensions of the area to be inspected.

[0126] It is time-consuming for the person taking the measurement to switch measuring instruments or devices. Therefore, for example, if the inspection method is determined based on criteria other than measurement efficiency as described above, even if the order of inspection is CMM → caliper → CMM, it is more efficient to perform inspections continuously with the same measuring device, such as CMM → CMM → CMM. Thus, when the control unit 34 determines the inspection method using measurement efficiency as a determination criterion, it judges that selecting an inspection method that reduces the number of times the inspection method is switched when continuously measuring the dimensions of different parts to be inspected is efficient.

[0127] Furthermore, the control unit 34 may determine the inspection method to be used based on criteria such as how to avoid interference between the surrounding shape and the measuring instrument when measuring the dimensions of the part to be measured, and which measuring instrument should be used to measure the dimensions of the part to be measured without requiring cutting of the part.

[0128] Specifically, we will explain using the example of measuring the dimensions of a recess 62 in a part 61 of a certain shape, as shown in Figure 16. In this part 61, a size tolerance of 2 ± 0.3 is specified for the plate thickness of the circular recess 62, as shown in Figure 17. When attempting to measure this size tolerance, let's assume that the inspection method selected based on the determination criteria described above is the inspection method using calipers.

[0129] However, when attempting to measure the dimensions of a certain part using calipers, it is necessary to clamp the part to be measured with the jaws of the calipers. Therefore, when attempting to measure the thickness of the recess 62 using calipers, the jaws of the calipers interfere with parts of the part 61 other than the recess 62, making it impossible to apply the jaws of the calipers to the part to be measured. As a result, when attempting to measure the thickness of the recess 62 of this part 61, it is necessary to cut the part 61 at the section indicated by the cross-sectional line EE and then take the measurement.

[0130] On the other hand, while a micrometer, which is more precise than a caliper, measures by clamping the part to be measured in the same way as a caliper, its shape is a so-called C-shape, which allows it to measure without interfering with the surrounding shape. Therefore, using this micrometer, it is possible to measure the thickness of the recess 62 while avoiding interference with parts other than the recess 62 of the part 61, and it is possible to measure the thickness of the recess 62 without cutting the part 61.

[0131] Alternatively, by selecting an inspection method using a CMM, the position of the two surfaces can be measured to determine the thickness of the recess 62, thus enabling dimensional measurement without the need to cut the part 61. In this way, when the shape of the part to be inspected and its surrounding shape interfere with a measuring instrument or measuring device, and it is possible to measure without interference by using a more accurate measuring instrument or measuring device, selecting an inspection method using a measuring instrument or measuring device that does not interfere makes it possible to select an inspection method with better measurement efficiency.

[0132] Next, Figure 18 shows an example of the setting criteria for determining the measurement points and the number of measurement points, as explained in step S104 of the flowchart in Figure 9. Note that the example setting criteria shown in Figure 18 is merely one example and represents only a partial excerpt.

[0133] The control unit 34 determines the setting criteria shown in Figure 18 in a stepwise manner, in the order of standard type, shape, and processing method, and finally sets the number of measurement points and the measurement locations based on conditions such as the standard dimensions of the object to be inspected.

[0134] For example, in the example setting criteria in Figure 18, the control unit 34 sets at least two measurement points when the inspection standard type is "size tolerance," "length dimension," and "datum criterion," the processing method is "injection molding," and "draft angle is not permitted." The control unit 34 also changes the measurement points according to the length perpendicular to the draft direction / length dimension direction. Note that if the draft direction and the length dimension direction are the same, the control unit 34 does not expand the draft direction, but sets the number of setting points for each of the two perpendicular directions according to the judgment criteria described above. Furthermore, if positional tolerance is also included, the control unit 34 also adds the number of setting points for positional tolerance.

[0135] Furthermore, in the example setting criteria in Figure 18, the control unit 34 changes the measurement points according to the length perpendicular to the draft direction / length dimension direction when the inspection standard type is "size tolerance," "length dimension," and "datum criterion," the processing method is "injection molding," and "draft angle is less than or equal to a predetermined angle." The control unit 34 also sets the number of measurement points for each of the two perpendicular directions according to the judgment criteria described above when the draft direction and length dimension direction are the same. Additionally, if the surface to be measured is a circle, the control unit 34 sets measurement points every 90 degrees of the circle if the diameter of the circle is 5 mm or more. In other words, the control unit 34 expands one inspection row in the inspection sheet into four rows. Furthermore, if positional accuracy is also included, the control unit 34 simultaneously adds the number of positional accuracy setting points.

[0136] The process for setting the measurement points and the number of measurement points is carried out using criteria such as those described below.

[0137] (1) If the shape of the area to be inspected is large or long, increase the number of measurement points. For example, if the shape of the area to be inspected is a flat or cylindrical surface, the number of measurement points will be changed as follows depending on the length or arc length of the reference value to be inspected.

[0138] • If the measurement is 100mm or less, the measurement point will remain at one location. • If the measurement exceeds 100mm but is 300mm or less, two measurement points should be used. (That is, one additional measurement line should be added, for a total of two lines.) • If the measurement exceeds 300mm but is 500mm or less, there will be three measurement points. (That is, two additional inspection lines will be added, for a total of three lines.) • If the measurement exceeds 500mm, the number of measurement points will be increased by one for every 200mm. (This means there will be a total of four or more inspection lines.)

[0139] Figure 19 shows an example of how the number of measurement points is set based on the magnitude of the reference value of the object being tested.

[0140] In the example shown in Figure 19, the reference value for the object being inspected, indicated by inspection number 26, is "523.9 ± 0.5," and the length of the object being inspected, indicated by the thick dotted line in the figure, exceeds 540 mm and 500 mm in the direction perpendicular to it.

[0141] Therefore, as shown in Figure 20, the control unit 34 sets the number of measurement locations to four and adds three rows to the one inspection row in the inspection sheet, expanding it to a total of four rows.

[0142] (2) When the shape of the area to be inspected is a circle, four points (top, bottom, left, and right) are generally used as reference points. In this case, for example, four measurement points may be used only when the reference dimension is 5 mm or more, and one point may be used when it is less than 5 mm.

[0143] Figure 21 shows an example of how to set the number of measurement points when the shape of the area to be inspected is a circle.

[0144] In the example shown in Figure 21, since the shape of the measurement location to be inspected, indicated by inspection number 50, is a circle, the control unit 34 determines that there are four appropriate measurement locations and expands the inspection sheet to a total of four rows by adding three rows to the one inspection row shown in Figure 22.

[0145] (3) For areas to be inspected that have a protruding shape such as a comb-like shape, add inspection lines so that the number of measurement points corresponds to the number of protrusions.

[0146] (4) The number of measurement points is changed according to the tolerance ratio to the reference dimension.

[0147] For example, the control unit 34 doubles the number of rows added to the original inspection row if the ratio of the size tolerance to the reference dimension is less than or equal to ±0.1 mm per 100 mm of reference dimension.

[0148] (5) The measurement points and the number of measurement points will be changed depending on whether a draft angle is not possible or if the draft angle is less than or equal to a specified angle.

[0149] Figure 23 shows an example of how the measurement points and the number of measurement points are set based on whether or not there is an instruction that draft angles cannot be used.

[0150] In the example shown in Figure 23, the reference dimension indicated by inspection number 8 is "3 + 0.014 - 0", and the processing conditions are injection molding with flag (= number enclosed in a pentagon) 17 indicating no draft angle.

[0151] Therefore, the control unit 34, referring to the example setting criteria shown in Figure 18, determines that the type of inspection standard is "size tolerance," "length dimension," and "local dimension," the processing method is "injection molding" and "draft angle not permitted," and the lengths (not shown) perpendicular to the draft direction / length direction are 4 mm and 30 mm or less, so M=1, and thus the number of appropriate measurement points is 2, at the base and tip in the draft direction. As a result, the control unit 34 expands the inspection sheet to a total of 2 lines by adding another line to the existing 1 line of inspection lines, as shown in Figure 24.

[0152] (6) A single theoretical dimension, which serves as the source data for determining geometric tolerances such as contour degree, is expanded into multiple measurement items in separate rows. However, the additional rows themselves are not individually judged but are treated as reference values.

[0153] (7) The number of measurement points should be changed depending on the measurement method. For example, if the measurement method for a cylindrical hole is to use a pin gauge, one measurement point should be set, but if the measurement method is a micrometer or caliper, at least two measurement points should be set, one vertical and one horizontal.

[0154] The control unit 34 sets appropriate measurement points and the number of measurement points according to the characteristics of the area to be inspected, based on the various setting criteria described above.

[0155] In each of the embodiments described above, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0156] Furthermore, the processor operations in each of the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 10 Terminal devices 11 CPU 12 memory 13 Storage device 14. Communication Interface 15 Display device 16. Operation Input Device 17 Control bus 20. Drawing Data Management Server 30 Networks 31 Operation reception section 32 Display section 33 Data transmission and reception unit 34 Control Unit 35 Data Storage Unit 51-54 Measurement points 61 parts 62 recesses

Claims

1. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, From 3D model data containing product manufacturing information necessary for manufacturing molded products, product manufacturing information requiring inspection is extracted as the target of inspection. Using at least one of the following pieces of information extracted from the product manufacturing information of the product to be inspected, the shape, material, and color of the part to be inspected, the magnitude of the reference dimension, the required precision, and the processing method, the measurement points to be measured on the part to be inspected and the number of such measurement points are set. Information processing device.

2. The processor determines, based on the extracted information regarding the product manufacturing information to be inspected, the inspection method to be used when inspecting the product manufacturing information. The information processing device according to claim 1, which sets the measurement locations and the number of measurement locations according to the determined inspection method.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processor determines an inspection method to be used when inspecting extracted product manufacturing information based on one of the following pieces of information: the type of product manufacturing information to be inspected, the shape, material, and color of the part to be inspected, the magnitude of the value of the reference dimension, the required accuracy, and the processing method, or a combination of at least two pieces of information.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein when product manufacturing information defining size tolerances is extracted as an inspection target, the processor sets the measurement locations and the number of said measurement locations using information on the processing method instructed for the inspection target part.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor sets the measurement locations and the number of measurement locations according to the length or area of ​​the shape of the part to be inspected.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the processor is set to increase the number of measurement points as the length of the shape of the part to be inspected increases or the area increases.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor sets the measurement locations and the number of measurement locations according to the type of shape of the part to be inspected.

8. The steps include: extracting product manufacturing information that requires inspection from 3D model data containing product manufacturing information necessary for manufacturing molded products, and identifying the product manufacturing information to be inspected as the target of inspection; The steps include setting the measurement points and the number of measurement points to be measured on the product to be inspected, using at least one piece of information from the extracted product manufacturing information, the shape, material, and color of the part to be inspected, the magnitude of the reference dimension, the required precision, and the processing method; A program that causes a computer to execute something.

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