Processing device, processing system, processing method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a processing device, processing system, processing method, and program that enable users to easily acquire machining information. [Solution] A processing device for processing processing information relating to a processing process performed using a processing device for processing a workpiece, comprising: a receiving unit for receiving processing information; and a processing unit for storing the processing information received by the receiving unit in a storage unit. The processing information includes workpiece information relating to the workpiece and processing process information relating to the processing steps included in the processing applied to the workpiece. For each processing process, the processing unit stores the workpiece information and the processing process information separately in the storage unit, with the workpiece information and processing process information associated with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing device, a processing system, a processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a system including a database that stores information representing know-how regarding machining methods has been known (for example, 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 above-described system, information regarding machining methods (machining information) is merely stored in the database, and there is a problem that it is difficult for a user to acquire necessary information.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a processing device, a processing system, a processing method, and a program that enable a user to easily acquire machining information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is a processing apparatus for processing processing information relating to a processing process performed using a processing apparatus for processing a workpiece, comprising: a receiving unit for receiving the processing information; and a processing unit for storing the processing information received by the receiving unit in a storage unit. The processing information includes workpiece information relating to the workpiece and processing process information relating to the processing steps included in the processing applied to the workpiece. For each processing process, the processing unit stores the workpiece information and the processing process information separately in the storage unit, while associating them with each other.

[0007] One aspect of the processing system of the present invention comprises the above-described processing device, an input unit on which a user can input the processing information received by the receiving unit, and a display unit on which the processing information can be displayed.

[0008] One aspect of the processing method of the present invention is a processing method for processing processing information relating to a processing process performed using a processing apparatus for processing a workpiece, comprising: receiving processing information which includes workpiece information relating to the workpiece and processing process information relating to the processing steps included in the processing applied to the workpiece; and storing the received processing information separately in a storage unit for each processing process, with the workpiece information and the processing process information associated with each processing process.

[0009] One aspect of the program of the present invention involves causing a computer to execute the above-described processing method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, users can easily obtain processing information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the processing system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the processing system in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of processing information stored in the first storage unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of processing information in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed in the processing apparatus of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of an operation screen displayed on the terminal device in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a search screen displayed on the terminal device in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows another example of the search screen displayed on the terminal device in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows yet another example of the search screen displayed on the terminal device in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the processing system in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] <First Embodiment> The processing system 100 shown in Figure 1 is a system that processes processing information MI related to processing performed using a processing device 30 that processes a workpiece W. The processing device 30 is a device that processes a workpiece W based on a numerical control (NC) program. The processing device 30 is an NC machine tool. The workpiece W is, for example, a metal material. The workpiece W can be any object that is subjected to processing. The workpiece W is processed while fixed by a jig J, for example. The processing device 30 comprises a processing device body 30a that performs processing and a numerical control device 30b that controls the processing device body 30a. The processing device body 30a has a tool T for processing the workpiece W. The tool T is, for example, a drill, an end mill, a milling cutter, etc. The tool T possessed by the processing device body 30a is not particularly limited as long as it is a tool for processing the workpiece W. The main body 30a of the processing device may have two or more tools T.

[0013] The numerical control device 30b can communicate with the processing device 10 via a communication network NW, such as an IP (Internet Protocol) network. As shown in Figure 2, the numerical control device 30b includes a third communication unit 31, a third control unit 32, and a third storage unit 33. The third communication unit 31 can communicate with the first communication unit 11 of the processing device 10, which will be described later, via the communication network NW. The third control unit 32 can perform machining operations on the workpiece W by executing a numerical control program stored in the third storage unit 33.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the processing system 100 comprises a processing unit 10, a terminal device 20, an imaging unit 40, and a recording unit 50. The terminal device 20 can communicate with the processing unit 10 via a communication network NW, such as an IP network. The terminal device 20 is a user terminal used by users of the processing system 100. In this embodiment, the terminal device 20 is a smart device such as a tablet or smartphone. The terminal device 20 can be any terminal as long as it can communicate with the processing unit 10. The terminal device 20 may be, for example, a personal computer. As shown in Figure 2, the terminal device 20 has a second communication unit 21, a second control unit 22, a second storage unit 23, a second input unit 24, and a second display unit 25. In other words, the processing system 100 comprises a second communication unit 21, a second control unit 22, a second storage unit 23, a second input unit 24, and a second display unit 25. The second communication unit 21 can communicate with the first communication unit 11 of the processing unit 10, which will be described later, via the communication network NW. The second control unit 22 controls various operations of the terminal device 20. The second control unit 22 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0015] The second input unit 24 is an input unit through which a user can input the processing information MI received by a reception unit 16 described later. The user can also input, via the second input unit 24, search information for searching the processing information MI, tag information TI for classifying the processing information MI, and specific information for specifying the processing information MI to which the tag information TI is to be added. The second display unit 25 is a display unit capable of displaying the processing information MI. The second display unit 25 can display the information output from an output unit 18 described later. The search result of the processing information MI is also displayed on the second display unit 25. In the present embodiment, the second input unit 24 and the second display unit 25 are the screen of a terminal device 20 which is a smart device. For example, when the terminal device 20 is a personal computer, the second input unit 24 is a pointing device such as a keyboard and a mouse. For example, when the terminal device 20 is a personal computer, the second display unit 25 is the screen of a display. The second storage unit 23 stores, for example, an application program for inputting and displaying the processing information MI and the search information. The second control unit 22 causes the second display unit 25 to display a screen on which the user can input various kinds of information by executing the application program.

[0016] The imaging unit 40 can image at least one of image data and video data as the processing information MI. In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 40 can image both image data and recording data. The imaging unit 40 is, for example, a digital camera, a video camera, or the like. The imaging unit 40 can image a workpiece W, a jig J, a tool T, and the like. The data imaged by the imaging unit 40 is sent to the processing device 10 by wire or wirelessly.

[0017] The recording unit 50 can record acoustic data as the processing information MI. The recording unit 50 is, for example, an IC recorder or the like. The recording unit 50 can record the sound generated when the processing is performed. The data recorded by the recording unit 50 is sent to the processing device 10 by wire or wirelessly.

[0018] The processing device 10 is a device that processes processing information MI regarding a processing operation performed using a processing device 30 that processes a workpiece W. In the present embodiment, the processing device 10 is a personal computer. In the present embodiment, the processing device 10 can communicate with a terminal device 20, a processing device 30, an imaging unit 40, and a recording unit 50 via a communication network NW represented by an IP network or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the processing device 10 includes a processing device main body 10a, a first input unit 14, and a first display unit 15. That is, the processing system 100 includes the processing device main body 10a, the first input unit 14, and the first display unit 15.

[0019] The first input unit 14 and the first display unit 15 are connected to the processing device main body 10a. The first input unit 14 is an input unit through which a user can input the processing information MI received by a reception unit 16 described later. The user can also input search information for searching the processing information MI, tag information TI for classifying the processing information MI, and specific information for specifying the processing information MI to which the tag information TI is to be added via the first input unit 14. The first display unit 15 is a display unit capable of displaying the processing information MI. The first display unit 15 can display the information output from an output unit 18 described later. The search result of the processing information MI is also displayed on the first display unit 15. In the present embodiment, the first input unit 14 is a pointing device such as a keyboard and a mouse. The first display unit 15 is a screen of a display.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the processing unit body 10a includes a first communication unit 11, a first control unit 12, and a first storage unit 13. The first communication unit 11 can communicate with the second communication unit 21 of the terminal device 20 and the third communication unit 31 of the processing device 30 via a communication network NW. The first control unit 12 controls each part of the processing unit body 10a. The first control unit 12 is a processor such as a CPU. In this embodiment, the first control unit 12 is the part that executes a processing method for processing processing information MI related to processing processing performed using the processing device 30 that processes a workpiece W. The first control unit 12 executes this processing method, for example, by executing a processing application program stored in the first storage unit 13. The first control unit 12 includes a receiving unit 16, a processing unit 17, and an output unit 18. In other words, the processing unit 10 includes a receiving unit 16, a processing unit 17, and an output unit 18.

[0021] The reception unit 16 receives various types of information input to the processing unit 10 via the first communication unit 11. The various types of information received by the reception unit 16 are input to the processing unit 17. The reception unit 16 is capable of receiving processing information MI. In other words, the processing method executed by the first control unit 12 includes receiving processing information MI. The processing information MI received by the reception unit 16 includes processing information MI automatically sent from the processing device 30, processing information MI input by the user from the first input unit 14, processing information MI input by the user from the second input unit 24, processing information MI automatically sent from the imaging unit 40, and processing information MI automatically sent from the recording unit 50. In this embodiment, the reception unit 16 is capable of receiving character data, image data, video data, and sound data as processing information MI.

[0022] The receiving unit 16 can receive tag information TI for classifying the processing information MI for each processing operation stored in the first storage unit 13. The tag information TI is added to the processing information MI. The tag information TI includes, for example, information indicating the success or failure of the processing operation, and information indicating the specialness of the processing operation. Examples of tag information TI added to processing information MI include "Tag #Success Case", "Tag #Failure Case", and "Tag #Special Processing". The receiving unit 16 can receive identification information for identifying the processing information MI to which the tag information TI is to be added. In other words, the processing method executed by the first control unit 12 includes receiving tag information TI for classifying the processing information MI for each processing operation stored in the first storage unit 13, and identification information for identifying the processing information MI to which the tag information is to be added.

[0023] The receiving unit 16 is capable of receiving search information for searching the machining information MI stored in the first storage unit 13. In other words, the processing method executed by the first control unit 12 includes receiving search information. In this embodiment, the receiving unit 16 is capable of receiving condition information CI, character information TXI, and tag search information TGI as search information. Condition information CI is information indicating predetermined conditions for searching the machining information MI. Condition information CI includes, for example, a mathematical formula indicating a range of numerical values ​​included in the machining information MI, conditions for identifying the material constituting the workpiece W, and conditions for identifying the tool to be used. Character information TXI is information indicating characters for searching the machining information MI. Tag search information TGI is information indicating tag information TI for searching the machining information MI.

[0024] The reception unit 16 is capable of receiving processing information MI sent from the processing device 30 while the workpiece W is being processed by the processing device 30. The processing information MI sent from the processing device 30 while the workpiece W is being processed by the processing device 30 includes, for example, the details of the processing step currently being performed, data related to the numerical control program currently being executed, and information related to the tool currently being used for processing.

[0025] The output unit 18 is the part that outputs the processing information MI stored in the first storage unit 13. The output unit 18 outputs the information output from the processing unit 17. The information output from the output unit 18 is displayed on the first display unit 15. The information output from the output unit 18 is sent to the terminal device 20 via the first communication unit 11 and the second communication unit 21 and displayed on the second display unit 25. The output unit 18 can also output the processing information MI as file data, and can send the processing information MI to a printer for printing. The output unit 18 can also group related processing information MI and output them in a converted data format. Examples of such converted data formats include formats compatible with display and printing on other computers, formats compatible with spreadsheet software, and formats suitable for display on terminals connected to an IP network.

[0026] The processing unit 17 stores the processing information MI received by the receiving unit 16 in the first storage unit 13. As shown in Figure 3, the first storage unit 13 can store multiple processing information MIs. As shown in Figure 4, the processing information MI includes workpiece information WI and processing step information PI.

[0027] Workpiece information WI is information relating to the workpiece W. Workpiece information WI includes, for example, information indicating the workpiece W, information indicating the processing steps included in the processing applied to the workpiece W, information indicating the processing equipment 30 used in the processing steps included in the processing applied to the workpiece W, and information relating to the time when the processing was performed.

[0028] Information indicating the workpiece W includes, for example, the name of the workpiece W, a drawing of the workpiece W, image data of the workpiece W, the drawing number of the workpiece W, the materials that make up the workpiece W, and information about the parts that are completed by processing the workpiece W. Information about the parts that are completed by processing the workpiece W includes, for example, a part drawing, part number, and customer information to which the parts are delivered. Information indicating the processing steps included in the processing includes, for example, a procedure manual for the entire processing process, a list of the steps included in the processing process, a setup diagram showing the setup for each step, a drawing of the jig used to fix the workpiece W in the processing process, a photograph of the jig, information about the method of fixing the workpiece W using the jig, and information showing the processing results. Information indicating the processing equipment 30 used in the processing steps includes, for example, the name of the processing equipment 30 used in the processing process, and a list of the processing equipment 30 used in the processing process. Information regarding the time when the processing was performed includes, for example, the start date and time of the processing process, and the completion date and time of the processing process.

[0029] Each of the workpiece information WIs described above can be divided into management information necessary for managing processing information MI and optional information that can be registered at will. Management information in workpiece information WIs includes, for example, the name of the workpiece W, the number of the part to be completed by processing workpiece W, a list of processing equipment 30 used for processing workpiece W, a procedure manual for the entire processing process, a list of processes included in the processing process, the start date and time of the processing process, and the completion date and time of the processing process. Optional information in workpiece information WIs includes, for example, workpiece information WIs other than management information.

[0030] Furthermore, the workpiece information WI is not particularly limited as long as it concerns the workpiece W, and is not limited to the examples described above. Similarly, the classification of workpiece information WI into management information and arbitrary information is not particularly limited and is not limited to the examples described above.

[0031] The machining process information PI is information about the machining processes included in the machining treatment applied to the workpiece W. The machining treatment includes one or more machining processes. The machining process information PI includes information indicating the machining process, information about the workpiece W in the machining process, information about the machining equipment 30 used in the machining process, and information about the numerical control program that drives the machining equipment 30 used in the machining process.

[0032] Information indicating the machining process includes, for example, the purpose of the machining process, setup information for the machining process, the method of fixing the workpiece W in the machining process indicated by machining process information PI, information on setup changes performed when performing the machining process indicated by machining process information PI, various parameters in the machining process, machining time, accuracy measurement results, and additional information such as user notes. Examples of the purpose of the machining process include reference surface machining, reference hole machining, rough machining, semi-finishing, and finishing. Setup information for the machining process includes, for example, information on jigs for fixing the workpiece W in the machining process, setup diagrams for the machining process, setup photos for the machining process, and additional information such as user notes. Various parameters in the machining process include, for example, spindle speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and cutting load information when cutting with a tool. Cutting load information includes maximum load and average load.

[0033] Information regarding the workpiece W in a machining process includes, for example, information indicating the state of the workpiece W before the machining process is performed, and information indicating the state of the workpiece W after the machining process is performed. This information regarding the workpiece W in a machining process is often, for example, still image data.

[0034] Information regarding the machining equipment 30 used in the machining process includes, for example, a list of tools used, tool types, tool names, tool numbers, tool dimensions, and tool life. Tool dimensions include, for example, the tool length and tool outer diameter.

[0035] Information regarding the numerical control program that drives the processing apparatus 30 used in the processing process includes, for example, the code information of the numerical control program and update information of the numerical control program.

[0036] The processing step information PIs described above can be divided into management information necessary for managing processing information MIs and optional information that can be registered at will. Management information in processing step information PIs includes, for example, information about the processing equipment 30 used in the processing step and information about the numerical control program. Optional information in processing step information PIs includes, for example, processing step information PIs other than management information.

[0037] Furthermore, the processing process information PI is not particularly limited to information relating to the processing process, and is not limited to the examples mentioned above. Also, the classification of processing process information PI into management information and arbitrary information is not particularly limited, and is not limited to the examples mentioned above.

[0038] The workpiece information WI and processing step information PI for the same processing operation are stored in the first storage unit 13 in an associated state. More specifically, address information for the location where the other information is stored is attached to both the workpiece information WI and the processing step information PI for the same processing operation, so that the user can access one from the other. In this way, the processing unit 17 stores the workpiece information WI and the processing step information PI separately in the first storage unit 13 in an associated state for each processing operation. In other words, the processing method executed by the first control unit 12 includes storing the received processing information MI separately in the first storage unit 13 in an associated state for each processing operation. Therefore, the processing information MI for each processing operation can be stored in the first storage unit 13 in an organized state, separated into workpiece information WI and processing step information PI. This makes it easier for the user to retrieve necessary information from the machining information MI within the first storage unit 13. Furthermore, by storing the information in the first storage unit 13 separately as workpiece information WI and machining process information PI, it is possible to store not only information for optimizing the numerical control program, but also various information necessary when machining the workpiece W in an organized manner. Therefore, the user can easily reproduce past machining processes based on the machining information MI stored in the first storage unit 13, and can easily plan the efficiency and optimization of the machining process. As a result, even engineers who do not possess advanced machining skills can easily plan optimal or near-optimal machining processes in a short time by referring to the machining information MI. In addition, even if the workpiece W is a small quantity to be machined, the user can easily perform efficient machining processes without sacrificing productivity by referring to past machining information MI for that workpiece W.

[0039] The processing information MI stored in the first storage unit 13 is appropriately stored in areas of the storage area of ​​the first storage unit 13 as instructed by the user, and in areas implicitly determined from the progress of the processing. The areas in the first storage unit 13 where the processing information MI is stored are not particularly limited, as long as the data is stored with the necessary associations between them.

[0040] In this embodiment, the workpiece information WI includes information indicating the workpiece W, information indicating the processing steps included in the processing applied to the workpiece W, information indicating the processing apparatus 30 used in the processing steps included in the processing applied to the workpiece W, and information regarding the time when the processing was performed. Therefore, the user can suitably obtain information regarding the workpiece W.

[0041] In this embodiment, the machining process information PI includes information about the machining apparatus 30 used in the machining process and information about the numerical control program that drives the machining apparatus 30 used in the machining process. Therefore, the user can conveniently obtain information about the machining process.

[0042] In this embodiment, the machining process information PI includes a method for fixing the workpiece W in the machining process indicated by the machining process information PI. Therefore, the user can learn how to fix the workpiece W in the machining process by obtaining the machining process information PI. In this embodiment, the machining process information PI also includes information on setup changes performed when carrying out the machining process indicated by the machining process information PI. Therefore, the user can learn how to perform setup changes by obtaining the machining process information PI. The method for fixing the workpiece W and the information on setup changes are know-how that is not stored in conventional systems and is particularly difficult to retain. In this embodiment, this know-how can be stored as machining process information PI, making it possible to retain this know-how and pass on the technology.

[0043] In this embodiment, the reception unit 16 is capable of receiving character data as processing information MI, and is also capable of receiving image data, video data, and sound data as processing information MI. Therefore, the first storage unit 13 can store information other than character data as processing information MI. This allows the user to acquire processing know-how and other information more accurately and intuitively by acquiring data in formats other than character data. Furthermore, since processing information MI including data in formats other than character data is stored in a clear manner regarding the relationship between the numerical control program and the tool, the user can easily intuitively understand the improvement status of the processing. By acquiring processing information MI as image data and video data, the user can easily find out, for example, how the workpiece W was fixed using what kind of jig J, and the status of the processing. By acquiring processing information MI as sound data, the user can, for example, identify abnormal sounds during processing. The area in the first storage unit 13 where processing information MI is stored may be divided according to the format or attributes of the data to be stored.

[0044] In the example in Figure 4, the workpiece information WI and the three processing step information PIs for steps 1 through 3 are processing information MIs for the same processing operation and are related to each other. In the example in Figure 4, the processing step information PI for step 1 includes a still image, i.e., image data. For example, still images are stored in a memory area IMS where all still images are stored together. The processing step information PI for step 1 contains address information for the area where the still image is stored, and the user can view the still image based on this address information. For example, identification information and comment information indicating that the data is still image data are added to the processing step information PI. The same applies to video data and audio data.

[0045] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed in the processing unit 10. As shown in Figure 5, when a user initiates processing (step S101), the processing device 30 starts processing (step S102). Once processing has started, the processing device 30 transmits processing information MI to the processing unit 10 as appropriate (step S103). The processing unit 10 receives the processing information MI sent from the processing device 30 via the receiving unit 16 (step S104). In other words, in this embodiment, the receiving unit 16 can receive processing information MI sent from the processing device 30 while the processing device 30 is processing the workpiece W. To put it another way, the processing method executed by the first control unit 12 includes receiving processing information MI sent from the processing device 30 while the processing device 30 is processing the workpiece W. Therefore, the processing unit 17 can store the processing information MI that is automatically and in real time sent from the processing device 30 while processing is in progress in the first storage unit 13. As a result, the processing unit 17 can easily collect processing information MI during the processing process and store it in the first storage unit 13. Furthermore, at least a portion of the processing information MI obtained from the processing device 30 does not need to be manually entered by the user, thus reducing the user's workload.

[0046] In this embodiment, the processing unit 10 receives processing information MI sent from the processing device 30 while the workpiece W is being processed, and then the processing unit 17 determines the process currently being performed by the processing device 30 (step S105). In other words, in this embodiment, when the receiving unit 16 receives processing process information PI sent from the processing device 30 while the workpiece W is being processed by the processing device 30, the processing unit 17 determines the process currently being performed by the processing device 30. To put it another way, the processing method executed by the first control unit 12 includes determining the process currently being performed by the processing device 30 when the processing process information PI sent from the processing device 30 is being processed by the processing device 30.

[0047] In step S105, the processing unit 17 determines the process currently being performed by the processing device 30 based on the processing information MI sent from the processing device 30. After determining the process in step S105, the processing unit 17 stores the processing information MI in the first storage unit 13 (step S106). In step S107, the processing unit 17 stores the processing process information PI from the processing information MI in the first storage unit 13 as the processing process information PI for the process determined in step S105. In other words, in this embodiment, the processing unit 17 stores the processing process information PI received by the receiving unit 16 in the first storage unit 13 as the processing process information PI for the determined process. To put it another way, the processing method executed by the first control unit 12 includes storing the received processing process information PI in the first storage unit 13 as the processing process information PI for the determined process. Therefore, the processing process information PI sent from the processing device 30 can be automatically stored in the first storage unit 13 as information for that processing process. Therefore, the processing step information PI can be appropriately stored in the first storage unit 13.

[0048] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the information necessary for storing information about the processing treatment applied to a single workpiece W as processing information MI is automatically input from the processing device 30 to the processing device 10 and stored. This necessary information is, for example, the management information described above. If the processing unit 17 is missing the necessary information, it may cause the output unit 18 to output a screen or the like prompting the user to input the information.

[0049] When processing equipment 30 is processing a workpiece W, processing information MI is input from the user (step S107). The processing device 10 receives the processing information MI input by the user via the receiving unit 16 (step S108). In other words, in this embodiment, the receiving unit 16 is capable of receiving processing information MI input by the user. To put it another way, the processing method executed by the first control unit 12 includes receiving processing information MI input by the user. Therefore, the user can store any processing information MI in the first storage unit 13, and can store information that constitutes know-how for processing, such as handwritten notes by the user, in the first storage unit 13. In addition, the user can store image data and video data taken by the user, and audio data recorded by the user, in the first storage unit 13.

[0050] After receiving the processing information MI in step S108, the processing device 10 uses the processing unit 17 to determine the process currently being performed by the processing device 30 (step S109). In other words, in this embodiment, when the receiving unit 16 receives processing information MI input by the user while the processing device 30 is processing the workpiece W, the processing unit 17 determines the process currently being performed by the processing device 30. To put it another way, the processing method executed by the first control unit 12 includes determining the process currently being performed by the processing device 30 when the processing information MI input by the user is received while the processing device 30 is processing the workpiece W. The method for determining the process in step S109 is the same as the method for determining the process in step S105.

[0051] After determining the process in step S109, the processing unit 17 stores the processing information MI in the first storage unit 13 (step S110). In step S110, the processing unit 17 determines whether the processing information MI to be stored is the processing process information PI for the process determined in step S109, and stores the processing information MI in the first storage unit 13 based on the determination result. In step S110, if the processing unit 17 determines that the processing information MI is the processing process information PI for the process determined in step S109, it stores the processing information MI in the first storage unit 13 as the processing process information PI for the determined process. In other words, the processing method executed by the first control unit 12 includes storing the processing information MI in the first storage unit 13 as the processing process information PI for the determined process when it is determined that the processing information MI is the processing process information PI for the determined process. Therefore, when a user inputs processing process information PI for the currently performed processing step, the user can easily store that processing process information PI in the first storage unit 13 as information for the appropriate processing step. Consequently, the effort required for the user to classify the processing information MI can be reduced.

[0052] In step S110, the processing unit 17 determines, based on the information input by the user, whether the processing information MI input by the user is processing process information PI for the currently performed processing process. For example, when inputting processing information MI, the user can choose whether or not to store the processing information MI for the currently performed processing process. Based on the selected information, the processing unit 17 determines whether or not the input processing information MI is processing process information PI for the currently performed processing process. When inputting processing information MI, the user can arbitrarily select the processing process to which the processing information MI is associated. In step S110, the processing unit 17 may also automatically identify the processing process to which the processing information MI is associated and stored based on the content of the processing information MI input by the user, and store the processing information MI in the first storage unit 13 as the processing information MI for the identified processing process.

[0053] When the processing device 30 is processing the workpiece W, processing information MI is sent from the imaging unit 40 or the recording unit 50 (step S111). The processing device 10 receives the processing information MI sent from the imaging unit 40 or the recording unit 50 via the receiving unit 16 (step S112). After receiving the processing information MI in step S112, the processing device 10 uses the processing unit 17 to determine the process currently being performed by the processing device 30 (step S113). The method for determining the process in step S113 is the same as the method for determining the process in step S105.

[0054] After determining the process in step S113, the processing unit 17 stores the processing information MI in the first storage unit 13 (step S114). In step S114, the processing unit 17 stores the processing process information PI from the processing information MI in the first storage unit 13 as the processing process information PI for the process determined in step S113. In other words, in this embodiment, the processing unit 17 stores the processing information MI acquired by the imaging unit 40 and the processing information MI acquired by the recording unit 50 in the first storage unit 13. Therefore, image data, video data, and audio data can be automatically stored in the first storage unit 13. In this embodiment, the processing unit 17 determines the currently performed processing process, similar to the processing process information PI sent from the processing apparatus 30, and stores the processing process information PI in the first storage unit 13 as information for the determined processing process.

[0055] The processing unit 10 accepts processing information MI from the user even after the processing is completed (step S115). When processing information MI is input from the user after the processing is completed (step S116), the processing unit 10 receives the processing information MI input by the user via the receiving unit 16 (step S117). Thus, in this embodiment, the receiving unit 16 can accept processing information MI from the user even while the processing is being executed or even after the processing is completed. Therefore, the user can store the processing information MI in the first storage unit 13 at any time. This makes it easier for the user to store the processing information MI in the first storage unit 13. After receiving the processing information MI in step S117, the processing unit 17 stores the processing information MI in the first storage unit 13 (step S118). In step S118, the processing unit 17 stores the processing information MI in the first storage unit 13 in association with the processing specified by the user.

[0056] Furthermore, the order in which steps S103, S107, and S111 are performed is not particularly limited and may be performed in any order. Also, one or more of steps S103, S107, and S111 may not be performed while the machining process is in progress.

[0057] The processing unit 17 extracts processing information MI based on the search information received by the reception unit 16. The extracted processing information MI is output from the output unit 18. In other words, the output unit 18 outputs the extracted processing information MI. To put it another way, the processing method performed by the first control unit 12 includes extracting processing information MI based on search information and outputting the extracted processing information MI. Therefore, the user can extract the desired processing information MI from the first storage unit 13 by inputting search information from the first input unit 14 or the second input unit 24 to the reception unit 16. Furthermore, the user can easily obtain the desired processing information MI by viewing the extracted processing information MI through the first display unit 15 or the second display unit 25. When the user inputs search information from the first input unit 14, the processing information MI extracted based on that search information is displayed on the first display unit 15. When the user inputs search information from the second input unit 24, the processing information MI extracted based on that search information is displayed on the second display unit 25. In this way, the user can search within the first storage unit 13 to obtain the desired machining information MI. Therefore, even if the machining information MI is old and some time has passed, the user can easily obtain it and efficiently plan the machining process.

[0058] The processing unit 17 can add tag information TI to the processing information MI in the first storage unit 13 based on the tag information TI received by the receiving unit 16 and the identification information for identifying the processing information MI to which the tag information TI is to be added. In other words, the processing unit 17 associates the tag information TI with the processing information MI identified by the identification information and stores it in the first storage unit 13. To put it another way, the processing method executed by the first control unit 12 includes associating the tag information TI with the processing information MI identified by the identification information and storing it in the first storage unit 13. Therefore, the user can classify multiple processing information MIs stored in the first storage unit 13 by attaching the same tag information TI to multiple processing information MIs. This allows the user to easily extract multiple processing information MIs with the same tag information TI from within the first storage unit 13. Consequently, the user can more easily search for processing information MIs and more easily obtain processing information MIs. Figure 3 shows an example where "Tag A" is added to processing information MIs "Processing Information 1" and "Processing Information 3," "Tag B" is added to processing information MI "Processing Information 2," and "Tag C" is added to processing information MI "Processing Information 5." For example, if tag information TI is added to workpiece information WI, the same tag information TI may be automatically added to the processing process information PI associated with the workpiece information WI.

[0059] As described above, the reception unit 16 can accept condition information CI, character information TXI, and tag search information TGI as search information. Therefore, the processing unit 17 can extract processing information MI from the first storage unit 13 based on the condition information CI, character information TXI, and tag search information TGI, respectively. This makes it easier for the user to search for processing information MI.

[0060] Figure 6 shows an example of an operation screen displayed on the terminal device 20. In this embodiment, when a user inputs processing information MI using the terminal device 20, they launch an application program stored in the terminal device 20. This application program is software for inputting and displaying processing information MI and search information from the terminal device 20. Alternatively, the user may operate the terminal device 20 to launch a processing application program stored in the first storage unit 13 of the processing unit 10. In this case, the screen of the processing application program is displayed on the screen of the terminal device 20, i.e., on a browser launched on the second display unit 25. This processing application is a program that the first control unit 12 executes when it carries out the processing method of this embodiment.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6, the operation screen 60a displays a processing information input button 61 and a processing information search button 62. By tapping the processing information input button 61, the user can switch the operation screen 60a to an input screen for inputting processing information MI. From this input screen, the user can input various types of processing information MI, such as text data, image data, video data, and audio data. The processing information MI entered by the user is sent to the processing device 10 via the second communication unit 21 and stored in the first storage unit 13 as described above. An input screen for inputting processing information MI may be provided separately for each type of processing information MI data to be input.

[0062] The user can switch the operation screen 60a to a search screen for searching processing information MI by tapping the processing information search button 62. The user can choose whether to use condition information CI, text information TXI, or tag search information TGI to search for processing information MI.

[0063] Figure 7 shows an example of a search screen displayed on the terminal device 20. Figure 7 shows an example of a search screen 60b for searching for processing information MI by inputting condition information CI. In the example in Figure 7, the condition information CI is information that specifies the material of the workpiece W to be "XX". As shown in Figure 7, the search screen 60b extracts and displays processing information MI where the material of the workpiece W is "XX" as a search result.

[0064] Figure 8 shows another example of a search screen displayed on the terminal device 20. Figure 8 shows an example of a search screen 60c for searching for processed information MI by inputting character information TXI. As shown in Figure 8, the search screen 60c extracts and displays processed information MI containing the entered character information TXI "ABC" as search results. In addition, the search results also extract processed information MI containing words that partially contain the characters "ABC", such as "ABCDE" and "FABC" in Figure 8.

[0065] Figure 9 shows yet another example of a search screen displayed on the terminal device 20. Figure 9 shows an example of a search screen 60d for searching for processing information MI by inputting tag search information TGI. As shown in Figure 9, the search screen 60d extracts and displays processing information MI with the same tag information TI as the entered tag search information TGI, "Tag A," as search results.

[0066] Users can further refine the processed information MIs extracted through a search by using one of the following search criteria: conditional information CI, text information TXI, or tag search information TGI. This makes it easier for users to extract the desired processed information MIs.

[0067] When a user inputs various information from the first input unit 14 of the processing unit 10, the operation screen 60a and the search screens 60b, 60c, and 60d described above are displayed on the first display unit 15. The user may also connect a storage medium such as flash memory to the processing unit 10 and input processing information MI from the storage medium to the processing unit 10.

[0068] The processing unit 10 is a computer that executes the processing method of this embodiment described above. The processing unit 10 has a program installed that causes the processing unit 10, being a computer, to execute the processing method described above. This program is, for example, stored in the first storage unit 13 and executed by the first control unit 12. This program is an application program for the processing described above. At least a part of the functions of each component in the first control unit 12 of the processing unit 10 is realized, for example, by executing a program, i.e., software, stored in the first storage unit 13. Note that this program may be stored in a storage unit other than the first storage unit 13.

[0069] At least some of the functions of each component in the first control unit 12 of the processing unit 10 may be implemented by hardware including circuit parts such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or by the cooperation of software and hardware. The first storage unit 13, which stores a program that causes the processing unit 10, which is a computer, to execute the processing method of this embodiment described above, is implemented by a storage medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (hard disk drive), and flash memory. The first storage unit 13 is not particularly limited as long as it can store a program that causes the computer to execute the processing method of this embodiment described above, and may be a microcomputer or a disk medium such as a CD-ROM. The first storage unit 13 may be provided separately from the processing unit 10. In this case, the processing unit 10 may communicate with the first storage unit 13 by wired communication or wireless communication and execute the program stored in the first storage unit 13. In this case, the processing unit 17 may communicate with the first storage unit 13 via wired or wireless communication and store the processing information MI in the first storage unit 13.

[0070] <Second Embodiment> As shown in Figure 10, the processing system 200 of this embodiment comprises a processing unit 210, a terminal device 20, an imaging unit 40, and a recording unit 50. In this embodiment, the processing unit 210 is a server. The processing unit 210 is the same as the processing unit 10 in the first embodiment, except that it does not have a first input unit 14 and a first display unit 15. In this embodiment, the user inputs and searches for processing information MI via the terminal device 20. The other configurations of the processing system 200 are the same as the other configurations of the processing system 100 in the first embodiment.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and other configurations and methods may be adopted within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. The processing device may be configured so as to be unable to communicate with other devices. The processing device may have any configuration as long as it comprises a receiving unit and a processing unit. A storage unit may be provided separately from the processing device, and processing information may be stored in the separately provided storage unit by the processing unit. In this case, an output unit may be provided in the device having the separately provided storage unit, and the user may obtain the processing information output from the output unit. The processing device may be capable of storing processing information input by the user from the numerical control device of the processing device in its storage unit. The processing device does not have to have a function to search for processing information. In this case, the user may be able to search for processing information stored in the storage unit by the processing device using another device. The processing unit may have any configuration as long as it can store workpiece information and processing process information separately in its storage unit while associating them for each processing process. An imaging unit may be provided in the processing device. An imaging unit may not be provided. A recording unit may be provided in the processing device. A recording unit may not be provided.

[0072] Furthermore, this technology can be configured as follows: (1) A processing apparatus for processing processing information relating to a processing process performed using a processing device for processing a workpiece, comprising: a receiving unit for receiving the processing information; and a processing unit for storing the processing information received by the receiving unit in a storage unit, wherein the processing information includes workpiece information relating to the workpiece and processing process information relating to the processing steps included in the processing applied to the workpiece, and the processing unit stores the workpiece information and the processing process information separately in the storage unit for each processing process, with the processing unit relating the workpiece information and the processing process information. (2) The processing apparatus according to (1), comprising an output unit that outputs the processing information stored in the storage unit, wherein the receiving unit is capable of receiving search information for searching the processing information stored in the storage unit, the processing unit extracts the processing information based on the search information, and the output unit outputs the extracted processing information. (3) The processing apparatus according to (2), wherein the receiving unit is capable of receiving tag information for classifying the processing information for each processing process stored in the storage unit, and identification information for identifying the processing information to which the tag information is to be added, and the processing unit associates the tag information with the processing information identified by the identification information and stores it in the storage unit. (4) The processing apparatus according to (3), wherein the receiving unit is capable of receiving at least one of the following as search information: information indicating predetermined conditions for searching the processing information, character information for searching the processing information, and information indicating the tag information for searching the processing information. (5) The processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein it is capable of communicating with the processing apparatus, the processing apparatus is a device that processes the workpiece based on a numerical control program, and the receiving unit is capable of receiving the processing information sent from the processing apparatus when the workpiece is being processed by the processing apparatus. (6) The processing unit according to (5), wherein when the processing unit receives the processing process information sent from the processing device while the workpiece is being processed by the processing device, the processing unit determines the process currently being performed by the processing device, and stores the processing process information received by the receiving unit in the storage unit as the processing process information for the determined process. (7) The receiving unit is capable of receiving the processing information entered by the user, as described in any one of (1) to (6). (8) The processing unit according to (7), wherein when the processing unit receives the processing information input by the user while the workpiece is being processed by the processing device, the processing unit determines the process currently being performed by the processing device, and when it determines that the processing information is the processing process information for the determined process, it stores the processing information in the storage unit as the processing process information for the determined process. (9) The processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the workpiece information includes at least one of: information indicating the workpiece; information indicating the processing steps included in the processing applied to the workpiece; information indicating the processing apparatus used in the processing steps included in the processing applied to the workpiece; and information regarding the time at which the processing was performed. (10) The processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the processing process information includes at least one of the processing apparatus used in the processing process and the numerical control program for driving the processing apparatus used in the processing process. (11) The processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the processing information includes a method for fixing the workpiece in the processing step indicated by the processing information. (12) The processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the processing process information includes information regarding setup changes performed when carrying out the processing process indicated by the processing process information. (13) The processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the receiving unit is capable of receiving character data as processing information, and is capable of receiving at least one of image data, video data, and sound data as processing information. (14) A processing system comprising the processing device described in any one of (1) to (13), an input unit on which a user can input the processing information received by the receiving unit, and a display unit on which the processing information can be displayed. (15) The processing system according to (14), comprising a terminal device capable of communicating with the processing device, wherein the terminal device has the input unit and the display unit. (16) The processing system according to (14) or (15), comprising: an imaging unit capable of capturing at least one of image data and video data as processing information; and a recording unit capable of recording sound data as processing information, wherein the processing unit causes the processing information acquired by the imaging unit and the processing information acquired by the recording unit to be stored in the storage unit. (17) A processing method for processing processing information relating to a processing process performed using a processing apparatus for processing a workpiece, comprising: receiving processing information which includes workpiece information relating to the workpiece and processing process information relating to processing steps included in the processing applied to the workpiece; and storing the received processing information separately in a storage unit for each processing process, with the workpiece information and the processing process information associated with each processing process. (18) The processing method according to (17), which includes receiving search information for searching the processing information stored in the memory unit, extracting the processing information based on the search information, and outputting the extracted processing information. (19) The processing method according to (18), which includes receiving tag information for classifying the processing information for each processing process stored in the storage unit and identification information for identifying the processing information to which the tag information is to be added, and associating the tag information with the processing information identified by the identification information and storing it in the storage unit. (20) The processing method according to any one of (17) to (19), which includes receiving processing information sent from the processing device when the processing of the workpiece is being performed by the processing device that processes the workpiece based on a numerical control program. (21) The processing method according to (20), which includes, when processing the workpiece is being processed by the processing device, receiving the processing process information sent from the processing device, determining the process currently being performed by the processing device, and storing the received processing process information in the storage unit as the processing process information for the determined process. (22) The processing method according to any one of (17) to (21), which includes receiving the processing information entered by the user. (23) The processing method according to (22), which includes, when the processing device is processing the workpiece and the processing information input by the user is received, determining the process currently being performed by the processing device, and if it is determined that the processing information is the processing process information for the determined process, storing the processing information in the storage unit as the processing process information for the determined process. (24) A program that causes a computer to perform any of the processing methods described in (17) through (23).

[0073] The configurations and methods described herein can be combined as appropriate, within the bounds of non-inconsistency. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 10,210…Processing device, 14…First input unit (input unit), 15…First display unit (display unit), 16…Reception unit, 17…Processing unit, 18…Output unit, 20…Terminal device, 24…Second input unit (input unit), 25…Second display unit (display unit), 30…Processing device, 40…Imaging unit, 50…Recording unit, 100,200…Processing system, MI…Processing information, PI…Processing process information, TI…Tag information, TXI…Character information, W…Workpiece, WI…Workpiece information

Claims

1. A processing device for processing information relating to a processing operation performed using a processing device for processing a workpiece, A receiving unit that receives the aforementioned processing information, A processing unit that causes the processing information received by the receiving unit to be stored in a storage unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned processing information is Workpiece information relating to the aforementioned workpiece, Processing process information relating to the processing steps included in the processing treatment applied to the workpiece, Includes, The processing unit is a processing device that stores the workpiece information and the processing process information separately in the storage unit for each processing process, while associating them with each other.

2. The system includes an output unit that outputs the processing information stored in the storage unit, The receiving unit is capable of receiving search information for searching the processing information stored in the storage unit, The processing unit extracts the processing information based on the search information, The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the extracted processing information.

3. The aforementioned reception unit is Tag information for classifying the processing information for each processing operation stored in the storage unit, Identification information for identifying the processing information to which the tag information is added, It is possible to accept this, The processing unit according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit associates the tag information with the processing information identified by the specific information and stores it in the storage unit.

4. The processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the receiving unit is capable of receiving at least one of the following as search information: information indicating predetermined conditions for searching the processing information, character information for searching the processing information, and information indicating the tag information for searching the processing information.

5. The processing device is capable of communicating with the aforementioned processing device. The aforementioned processing apparatus is an apparatus that processes the workpiece based on a numerical control program, The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit is capable of receiving the processing information sent from the processing device when the processing device is processing the workpiece.

6. The processing unit according to claim 5, wherein when the processing unit receives the processing process information sent from the processing device while the workpiece is being processed by the processing device, the processing unit determines the process currently being performed by the processing device, and stores the processing process information received by the receiving unit in the storage unit as the processing process information for the determined process.

7. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit is capable of receiving the processing information entered by the user.

8. The processing unit according to claim 7, wherein when the processing unit receives the processing information input by the user while the workpiece is being processed by the processing device, the processing unit determines the process currently being performed by the processing device, and when it determines that the processing information is the processing process information for the determined process, it stores the processing information in the storage unit as the processing process information for the determined process.

9. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece information includes at least one of the following: information indicating the workpiece; information indicating the processing steps included in the processing treatment applied to the workpiece; information indicating the processing apparatus used in the processing steps included in the processing treatment applied to the workpiece; and information regarding the time at which the processing treatment was performed.

10. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing process information includes at least one of: information relating to the processing apparatus used in the processing process; and information relating to a numerical control program for driving the processing apparatus used in the processing process.

11. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing step information includes a method for fixing the workpiece in the processing step indicated by the processing step information.

12. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing process information includes information regarding setup changes performed when carrying out the processing process indicated by the processing process information.

13. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit is capable of receiving character data as processing information, and is capable of receiving at least one of image data, video data, and sound data as processing information.

14. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The aforementioned receiving unit has an input unit into which the user can input the processing information received by the receiving unit, A display unit capable of displaying the aforementioned processing information, A processing system equipped with the following features.

15. The processing device is equipped with a terminal device capable of communicating with the aforementioned processing device, The aforementioned terminal device is The input unit and, The display unit and, The processing system according to claim 14, having the following features.

16. The processing information includes an imaging unit capable of capturing at least one of image data and video data, The aforementioned processing information includes a recording unit capable of recording acoustic data, Equipped with, The processing system according to claim 14, wherein the processing unit causes the processing information acquired by the imaging unit and the processing information acquired by the recording unit to be stored in the storage unit.

17. A processing method for processing processing information relating to a processing operation performed using a processing device for processing a workpiece, The system receives processing information which includes workpiece information relating to the workpiece and processing information relating to the processing steps included in the processing applied to the workpiece. The processing information received is stored separately in the storage unit for each processing step, with the workpiece information and the processing step information associated with each processing step. A processing method that includes this.

18. The memory unit receives search information for searching the processing information stored in the memory unit, Extracting the processing information based on the search information, Outputting the extracted processing information, The processing method according to claim 17, including the method described in claim 17.

19. The memory unit receives tag information for classifying the processing information for each processing operation stored in the memory unit, and identification information for identifying the processing information to which the tag information is to be added. The process information identified by the specified information is associated with the tag information and stored in the storage unit, The processing method according to claim 18, including the method described in claim 18.

20. The processing method according to claim 17, further comprising receiving the processing information sent from the processing device when the processing of the workpiece is being performed by the processing device which processes the workpiece based on a numerical control program.

21. The processing method according to claim 20, which includes, when the processing device is processing the workpiece and the processing device receives the processing process information sent from the processing device, determining the process currently being performed by the processing device, and storing the received processing process information in the storage unit as the processing process information for the determined process.

22. The processing method according to claim 17, further comprising receiving the processing information entered by the user.

23. The processing method according to claim 22, which includes, when the processing device is processing the workpiece and the processing information input by the user is received, determining the process currently being performed by the processing device, and, if it is determined that the processing information is the processing process information for the determined process, storing the processing information in the storage unit as the processing process information for the determined process.

24. A program that causes a computer to execute the processing method described in any one of claims 17 to 23.

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