Information processing method and information processing device

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing method and information processing device that can automatically determine the processing process, the tools to be used, and the processing conditions in computer-aided manufacturing. [Solution] The information processing method performed by the computer includes the steps of: acquiring overall machining shape data that shows the overall machining shape of the workpiece; dividing the overall machining shape data into a plurality of partial machining shape data, each showing the machining shape of a different part of the workpiece; determining the machining type for each partial machining shape data based on the machining shape of each partial machining shape data; and referring to a first database that stores actual information including actual machining shape data, actual machining process data, actual tool used data, and actual machining condition data, determining a first machining process, a first tool used, and first machining conditions according to the machining type for each part from the plurality of partial machining shape data.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method and an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.2023-98544 (Patent Document 1), it is known to generate an NC program used in a machine tool by using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). Specifically, after a tool path is generated by CAM software, the NC program is generated by software called a post-processor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] Preferably, each piece of performance information further includes actual machining results. In the step of determining the first machining process, the first tool used, and the first machining conditions, the first machining process, the first tool used, and the first machining conditions are determined from the partial machining shape data and each actual machining result.

[0008] Preferably, the information processing method further comprises the step of generating a first machining program based on first machining process data indicating a first machining process, first tool data indicating a first tool used, and first machining condition data indicating first machining conditions.

[0009] Preferably, the information processing method further comprises the steps of: generating a second machining program based on second machining process data, second tool data, and second machining condition data entered by a user; simulating the second machining program; and storing simulation information, including the second machining process data, second tool data, second machining condition data, and the simulation results of the second machining program, in a first database.

[0010] Preferably, the step of determining the first machining process, the first tool used, and the first machining conditions includes: calculating the degree of agreement between partial machining shape data and a plurality of actual machining shape data stored in the first database; selecting from a plurality of actual information stored in the first database the actual information containing the actual machining shape data with the highest degree of agreement that is above a threshold; determining the machining process indicated by the actual machining process data included in the selected actual information as the first machining process; determining the tool indicated by the actual tool used data included in the selected actual information as the first tool used; and determining the machining conditions indicated by the actual machining condition data included in the selected actual information as the first machining conditions.

[0011] Preferably, the information processing method further includes the step of determining a first machining process, a first tool to use, and first machining conditions by referring to a second database provided by a tool manufacturer, which stores recommended machining shapes and recommended machining processes for each of the multiple tools provided by the tool manufacturer, if there is no actual machining shape data in the first database whose degree of agreement is above a threshold.

[0012] Preferably, in the step of determining the type of machining, if the machining shape is cylindrical, the type of machining is determined to be hole machining; if the machining shape has a chamfered shape that is continuous with the cylindrical shape, the type of machining is determined to be chamfered hole machining; and if the machining shape is another cylindrical shape with a larger diameter that is continuous with the cylindrical shape, the type of machining is determined to be counterbore hole machining.

[0013] Preferably, in the step of determining the type of machining, if the machined shape consists of a single plane, the type of machining is determined to be planar machining, and if the machined shape consists of multiple planes and curved surfaces, the type of machining is determined to be pocket machining.

[0014] Preferably, the step of determining the first machining process includes the steps of: referring to a first database to obtain a plurality of recommended machining processes for each part based on the machining shape of each part machining shape data and the material of the workpiece; displaying the plurality of recommended machining processes on a display; accepting the selection of one recommended machining process from among the plurality of recommended machining processes; and determining the selected recommended machining process as the first machining process.

[0015] Preferably, one of several recommended machining processes is a balance cut, a draw, or a general-purpose turn.

[0016] In accordance with other aspects of this disclosure, the information processing device includes: acquisition means for acquiring overall machining shape data showing the overall machining shape of a workpiece; division means for dividing the machining shape data into a plurality of partial machining shape data, each showing the machining shape of a different part of the workpiece; first determination means for determining the machining type for each partial machining shape data based on the machining shape of each partial machining shape data; and second determination means for referring to a database storing actual information including actual machining shape data, actual machining process data, actual tool used data, and actual machining condition data, and determining the machining process, tool used, and machining conditions for each part according to the machining type based on the plurality of partial machining shape data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to this disclosure, the machining process, the tools to be used, and the machining conditions can be automatically determined. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the general configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the process of generating NC programs. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an example of the data structure for reference data. [Figure 4]This is a diagram for explaining a process of automatically determining a processing process and tool / processing conditions. [Figure 5] This is a diagram for explaining a process performed when newly adding and registering reference data in a database. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart for explaining a flow of a process executed by an information processing apparatus. [Figure 7] This is a functional block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of an information processing apparatus. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing a data table regarding a processing process stored in a database. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing a data table regarding specifications of a machine and a tool stored in a database. Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, each embodiment according to the present invention will be described while referring to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0020] <System Overview> FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an information processing apparatus 100, a database 200, and a database 300. Note that the information processing apparatus 100 is an example of the "computer" in the present disclosure.

[0021] ,Specifically, a plurality of information processing apparatuses 100 are communicably connected to the database 200 and the database 300. One information processing apparatus 100 is used by a machine tool manufacturer, and another information processing apparatus 100 is used by a user who operates a machine tool provided by the machine tool manufacturer.

[0022] Database 200 is typically managed by the machine tool manufacturer. The information stored in Database 200 will be described later. Database 300 is typically managed by the manufacturer that provides the tools used in the machine tools. Specifically, Database 300 stores the recommended machining geometry and recommended machining process for each of the multiple tools provided by the tool manufacturer.

[0023] The information processing device 100 comprises a processor 110, a memory 120, an input device 130, a display 140, and a communication interface 150. The processor 110 is connected to the memory 120, the input device 130, the display 140, and the communication interface 150.

[0024] The processor 110 executes the software and programs described later. The processor 110 displays various information, such as the execution results, on the display 140. The processor 110 receives information entered using input devices 130 such as a keyboard or touchscreen. The processor 110 communicates with databases 200 and 300 via the communication interface 150.

[0025] Memory 120 contains CAD software 121, CMA software 122, a post-processor 123, a simulation program 124, a cutting force optimization program 125, and an automatic determination program 126. Processor 110 executes these software and programs.

[0026] The CAM software 122 calculates toolpaths for the CAD data generated by the CAD software 121. Toolpaths are also referred to as cutting locations (CL). In this example, the CAM software 122 is interactive software. Therefore, the user simply needs to input data by following the instructions on the screen displayed on the information processing device 100.

[0027] The post-processor 123 converts the tool path according to the structure of the machine tool to be used and the specifications of the NC device. The post-processor 123 adds command codes such as feed rate, spindle speed, and various macros to the converted tool path and outputs an NC program determined for each NC device manufacturer. Note that the NC program is a machining program used in an NC machine tool. The NC program is a program that combines dedicated codes such as G codes and M codes.

[0028] The simulation program 124 is a program for cutting. The simulation program 124 simulates the NC program and performs evaluation of the machining shape, interference check, and prediction of machining time. The cutting force optimization program 125 evaluates the cutting load.

[0029] Specifically, the post-processor 123 automatically generates an NC program with optimized processing conditions based on the simulation results by the simulation program 124 and the evaluation results by the cutting force optimization program 125.

[0030] Note that the post-processor 123, the simulation program 124, and the cutting force optimization program 125 are provided, for example, as one integrated software. The post-processor 123 or the above integrated software may be provided as a part of the functions of the CMA software 122. That is, the post-processor 123 or the above integrated software may be an add-in to the CMA software 122.

[0031] Note that these software and programs do not necessarily have to be installed in the information processing device 100 and may be provided by a web browser.

[0032] <Generation of NC Program> Figure 2 is primarily a diagram illustrating the NC program generation process. For the sake of clarity, Figure 2 does not show the evaluation of the cutting load by the cutting force optimization program 125.

[0033] When CAD data for a model is generated using CAD software 121, the CAD data is input into CAM software 122, as shown in Figure 2. In other words, the model is imported into CAM (process (1)). Next, the user inputs the shape of the workpiece to be cut (material shape) into CAM software 122. This sets the material shape in CAM (process (2)).

[0034] Furthermore, the CAM software 122 recognizes the machining shape on the workpiece based on the imported model and the set material geometry (process (3)). Specifically, the CAM software 122 recognizes the machining shape (also referred to as "Feature") for each machining location. Process (3) further includes a process to determine the machining type.

[0035] More specifically, the CAM software 122 recognizes the overall machining shape of the workpiece (overall machining shape). Furthermore, the CAM software 122 divides the recognized overall machining shape into multiple machining shapes (partial machining shapes).

[0036] In the following, when simply referred to as "machined shape," it refers to the machined shape of each part after division. Furthermore, when simply referred to as "machined shape data," it refers to the data of the partial machined shape (partial machined shape data). When referring to the overall machined shape before division, it is referred to as "overall machined shape" or "overall machined shape." When referring to data that shows the overall machined shape, it is referred to as "overall machined shape data." Process (3) above is the process of recognizing the partial machined shape. Process (3) includes the process of determining the machining type for each partial machined shape data. After that, the machining process is set (process (4)).

[0037] Once the machining process is set, the tools / machining conditions are set (process (5)). That is, the tools to be used and the machining conditions are set. In detail, the machining process includes roughing and finishing. Therefore, the tools to be used and the machining conditions are set for both roughing and finishing. The tools / machining conditions are the parameters for roughing and the parameters for finishing. The tool settings include the setting of the tool type, tool diameter, and tool length. The machining condition settings include the setting of each parameter such as cutting width, cutting depth (depth of cut), feed rate, and rotational speed.

[0038] As will be described in more detail later, in the information processing system 1, the information processing device 100 can automatically determine the machining process and tool / machining conditions by referring to the database 200 by executing the automatic determination program 126. Note that the machining process and tool / machining conditions can also be set manually by the user via the input device 130. Such manual input is performed when the machine tool manufacturer accumulates data in the database 200 prior to the actual operation of the information processing system 1.

[0039] Next, the CAM software 122 determines the toolpath based on the set machining process and the set tool / machining conditions (process (6)). This completes the processing by the CAM software 122.

[0040] The post-processor 123 performs post-processing based on the determined toolpath. Specifically, the post-processor 123 generates an NC program for the machine tool 400 (process (7)). Subsequently, the simulation program 124 performs a simulation using the NC program (process (8)). The post-processor 123 updates the NC program based on the simulation results.

[0041] Subsequently, the NC program is sent to the machine tool 400. The machine tool 400 executes the NC program, that is, the machine tool 400 performs actual machining on the workpiece. Data related to the actual machining performed by the machine tool 400 (actual machining information) is registered in the database 200.

[0042] In this example, the registration of actual machining information into the database 200 is performed by the control panel of the machine tool 400 (specifically, the computer within the control panel). However, this is not the only way to do it; it may also be performed by a device such as the information processing device 100.

[0043] <Database 200> In actual operation, the database 200 stores multiple reference data (Figure 3), each representing data related to the machining of a single machining shape (Feature), and which are referenced by the information processing device 100. Each reference data includes one piece of actual information and one piece of simulation information. Each piece of actual information includes programming information and actual machining information. Thus, each reference data includes programming information, actual machining information, and simulation information.

[0044] The programming information includes "actual workpiece material data" indicating the material of the actual workpiece, "actual tool data" indicating the actual tools used (type, diameter, length), "actual machining condition data" indicating the actual machining conditions, "actual machined shape data" indicating the actual machined shape, and "actual machining process data" indicating the actual machining process. The actual machining information includes "actual machine data" indicating the machine (machine tool) actually used, and "actual machining result data" indicating the actual machining results. The actual machining result data includes various types of information such as information indicating whether or not chatter vibration occurred, and information regarding tool life.

[0045] In the above, "actual" means "in past machining operations." For example, actual machining shape data is data showing the machining shape in past machining operations (more specifically, 3D model data). Actual machining process data is data showing the machining process in past machining operations. The machining process is a series of steps (methods of machining) to obtain the specified target shape (in this example, the partial machining shape mentioned above).

[0046] Note that each performance record represents the performance of a single machining shape. If multiple locations are machined on a single workpiece (i.e., if there are multiple machining shapes), multiple performance records for the machining of a single workpiece will be registered in database 200.

[0047] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of reference data. As shown in Figure 3, reference data D1 includes programming information, simulation information, and actual machining information.

[0048] The programming information includes NC program information (program name), actual machining shape data, and actual machining process data. Regarding the roughing process, the programming information includes actual machining data, actual tool data, and actual machining condition data. Similarly, regarding the finishing process, the programming information includes machining data, actual tool data, and actual machining condition data. In this example, roughing is assigned operation ID "001," and finishing is assigned operation ID "002." Reference data D1 is data for shallow pocket shapes.

[0049] Simulation information includes machining process data, tool data, and machining condition data used during the simulation. Simulation information also includes simulation results (e.g., whether chatter occurred).

[0050] <Automatic decision processing> Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the process when the processor 110 of the information processing device 100 executes the automatic determination program 126. More specifically, Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the process of automatically determining the machining process and the tool / machining conditions.

[0051] Referring to Figure 4, the information processing device 100 includes a determination unit 180 that automatically determines the machining process and the tool / machining conditions (specifically, the tool used and machining conditions) for each machining shape. The determination unit 180 is a functional block realized by the processor 110 executing the automatic determination program 126.

[0052] When the information processing device 100 recognizes a machining shape (see process (3)), it stores machining shape data 127 indicating the recognized machining shape in the memory 120 for each machining shape. In addition to the software and programs described above, the memory 120 also stores information on usable machine tools, material information for usable workpieces, usable tool information, and so on.

[0053] More specifically, the information processing device 100 acquires overall machining shape data that shows the overall machining shape of the workpiece. The information processing device 100 then divides the overall machining shape data into multiple machining shape data 127, each showing the machining shape of a different part of the workpiece.

[0054] Here, "usable" refers to machine tools being installed at the target site, and tools being present at the site. Information on usable machine tools, information on the materials of usable workpieces, and information on usable tools may include information on multiple different machine tools, multiple different materials, and multiple different tools, respectively. Here, "different" includes different types of machine tools, and different diameters and lengths of tools, in addition to different types.

[0055] The decision unit 180 reads the machining shape data 127, information on available machine tools, material information for the workpiece, and information on available tools from the memory 120. Then, the decision unit 180 accesses the database 200. The decision unit 180 refers to the various performance information stored in the database 200.

[0056] The decision unit 180 determines the machining process, the tools to be used, and the machining conditions based on the above information read from the memory 120 and the actual performance information in the database 200. More specifically, the decision unit 180 determines the machining process, the tools to be used, and the machining conditions based on the machining shape data 127, under the constraints of the available machine tools, the material of the workpiece, and the available tool information. More specifically, the decision unit 180 determines the machining process, the tools to be used, and the machining conditions by referring to the actual machining result data in the database 200.

[0057] Specifically, the decision unit 180 selects actual machining process data, actual tool data, and actual machining condition data, each associated with actual machining results that meet predetermined criteria. More specifically, the decision unit 180 selects actual machining process data, actual tool data, and actual machining condition data included in the performance information, which includes actual machining result data that meets predetermined criteria. The decision unit 180 then determines the selected actual machining process data, actual tool data, and actual machining condition data to be used as the machining process, tool, and machining conditions, respectively, to be set in the CAM software 122.

[0058] The processing of the determination unit 180 is described further as follows: The determination unit 180 calculates the degree of agreement between the acquired machining shape data 127 and each actual machining shape data included in multiple performance information in the database 200. The determination unit 180 selects the performance information that includes the actual machining shape data with the highest degree of agreement that is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0059] In more detail, from among multiple pieces of performance information, which include actual machine data indicating the same machine as one of the available machine tools stored in memory 120, actual workpiece material data indicating the same material as one of the available workpiece materials, and actual tool data indicating the same tool as one of the available tool information, the performance information containing the actual machining shape data with the highest degree of matching that is above a predetermined threshold is selected.

[0060] Furthermore, the determination unit 180 determines the machining process indicated by the actual machining process data included in the selected performance information as the machining process to be set in the CAM software 122. Similarly, the determination unit 180 determines the tool indicated by the actual tool used data included in the selected performance information as the tool to be used in the CAM software 122. The determination unit 180 determines the machining conditions indicated by the actual machining condition data included in the selected performance information as the machining conditions to be set in the CAM software 122.

[0061] If no actual machining shape data with a degree of agreement equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is found in the database 200, the determination unit 180 refers to the database 300 to determine the machining process, the tools to be used, and the machining conditions. The determination unit 180 may also be configured to determine the tools to be used and the machining conditions based on the machining shape data 127 and the machining process entered by the user.

[0062] Through the processing of the determination unit 180 as described above, the information processing device 100 can automatically determine the machining process and tool / machining conditions to be set in the CAM software 122. The determined machining process and tool / machining conditions are then input into the CAM software 122, respectively.

[0063] Next, the toolpath is calculated by the CAM software 122 (process (6)). Furthermore, the post-processor 123 generates an NC program based on the machining process data showing the automatically determined machining process, the tool used data showing the automatically determined tools, and the machining condition data showing the automatically determined machining conditions (process (7)).

[0064] When actual machining is performed on the machine tool 400 based on the NC program, performance information related to that machining is newly registered in the database 200.

[0065] In the above explanation, we have used as an example a configuration in which actual performance information is registered in the database 200 and the decision unit 180 refers to the registered actual performance information. However, the decision unit 180 may also refer to simulation information, including simulation results, the machining process used in the simulation, the tools used, and the machining conditions, to determine the machining process, tools used, and machining conditions. For example, if a large amount of actual performance information is not stored in the database 200, the decision unit 180 may use not only actual performance information but also simulation results to determine the machining process, tools used, and machining conditions.

[0066] <Database 200 Update> Figure 5 illustrates the process of adding new reference data to database 200. Note that, as shown in Figure 5, database 200 already contains multiple reference data entries D1, D2, D3, D4, ...

[0067] The calculation results from the CAM software 122 and the data entered through interaction with the CAM software 122 are recorded as programming information for newly added reference data. The CAM software 122 generates toolpaths using APT (Automatically Programmed Tool), which is a programming language used to generate commands for NC machine tools.

[0068] The post-processor 123 analyzes the generated toolpath. The information processing device 100 records the results of the toolpath analysis by the post-processor 123 as programming information for newly added reference data, for each machining shape (each operation ID) recognized by the CAM software 122.

[0069] The programming information includes NC program information. The machining shape data, machining process data, and tool / machining condition data set in the CAM software 122 are registered in the programming information of the database 200 as actual machining shape data, actual machining process data, actual tool data, and actual machining condition data.

[0070] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 records the simulation results of the NC program by the simulation program 124 as simulation information in newly added reference data.

[0071] When the machine tool 400 performs actual machining based on the NC program, the control panel of the machine tool 400 records various information from the actual machining as actual machining information for newly added reference data.

[0072] <Control Structure> Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow performed by the information processing device 100. As shown in Figure 6, in step S1, the processor 110 recognizes (generates) machining shape data indicating the machining shape of the workpiece using the CAM software 122.

[0073] In more detail, in step S1, the processor 110 acquires overall machining shape data, which represents the overall machining shape of the workpiece, using the CAM software 122. Next, the processor 110 divides the overall machining shape data into multiple partial machining shape data, each representing a different part of the workpiece (partial machining shape). This generates machining shape data that represents the machining shape of the workpiece.

[0074] In step S2, the processor 110 determines the machining type for each partial machining shape data based on the machining shape (features) of the multiple partial machining shape data. For example, if the machining shape is cylindrical, the processor 110 determines (recognizes) the machining type as hole machining. If the machining shape has a chamfered shape continuous with the cylindrical shape, the processor 110 determines the machining type as chamfered hole machining. If the machining shape is a cylindrical shape (first cylindrical shape) with a larger diameter and continuous with another cylindrical shape (second cylindrical shape), the processor 110 determines the machining type as counterbore hole machining. If the machining shape consists of a single plane, the processor 110 determines the machining type as planar machining. If the machining shape consists of multiple planes and curved surfaces, the processor 110 determines the machining type as pocket. If the machining shape is screw-shaped, the processor 110 determines it as screw hole.

[0075] The rules for determining the machining type can be freely set. For example, the second cylindrical shape, which was previously determined to be a counterbore, may be determined to be a single hole, separately from the original cylindrical shape. Repeat this process until the machining type for all partial machining shape data has been determined.

[0076] In step S3, the processor 110 sets the number (N) of machining locations (machining shape data). In step S4, the processor 110 sets the value of variable i to 1.

[0077] In step S5, the processor 110 (determination unit 180) refers to the database 200 and determines the machining process for the workpiece, the tools to be used for machining the workpiece, and the machining conditions for the workpiece from the i-th machining shape data. In step S6, the processor 110 calculates the toolpath using the CAM software 122.

[0078] In step S7, the processor 110 increments the value of variable i. That is, the processor 110 increases the value of variable i by 1. In step S8, the processor 110 determines whether the value of variable i has become N.

[0079] If the value of variable i becomes N (YES in step S8), the processor 110 generates an NC program based on each toolpath using the post-processor 123 in step S9. If the value of variable i is less than N (NO in step S8), the processor 110 returns to step S5.

[0080] <Functional configuration> Figure 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information processing device 100. As shown in Figure 7, the information processing device 100 comprises an acquisition unit 160, a division unit 170, and a determination unit 180. The acquisition unit 160 and the division unit 170 are functional blocks realized by the processor 110 executing the CAM software 122.

[0081] The acquisition unit 160 acquires overall machining shape data that shows the overall machining shape of the workpiece. The division unit 170 divides the acquired overall machining shape data into multiple partial machining shape data, each showing the machining shape of a different part of the workpiece. The determination unit 180 determines the machining type for each partial machining shape data based on the machining shape of each partial machining shape data. Furthermore, the determination unit 180 refers to a database 200 that stores actual information including actual machining shape data, actual machining process data, actual tool used data, and actual machining condition data, and determines the machining process, tool used, and machining conditions for each part based on the multiple partial machining shape data.

[0082] <Advantages> The following describes some of the components of this disclosure and their advantages. The following description will focus on the information processing method by the information processing device 100.

[0083] [A] The phase of automatic decision-making using database 200 (1) As described above, the information processing method includes the step of acquiring overall machining shape data that shows the overall machining shape of the workpiece. The information processing method further includes the step of dividing the overall machining shape data into a plurality of machining shape data (specifically, partial machining shape data) each showing the machining shape of a different part of the workpiece. The information processing method further includes the step of determining the machining type for each partial machining shape data based on the machining shape of each partial machining shape data. The information processing method further includes the step of referring to a database 200 that stores actual information including actual machining shape data, actual machining process data, actual tool used data, and actual machining condition data, and determining the machining process, tool used, and machining conditions for each part from the plurality of machining shape data, according to the machining type. With this method, the machining process, the tool used, and the machining conditions can be determined automatically. Specifically, with this method, the machining process, the tool used, and the machining conditions can be determined automatically according to the machining type determined for each partial machining shape data.

[0084] (2) In the step of determining the machining process, tools to be used, and machining conditions, the information processing method determines the machining process, tools to be used, and machining conditions from the machining shape data and each actual machining result. With this configuration, it is possible to determine the machining process, tools to be used, and machining conditions that take into account the actual machining results. For example, it is possible to determine the machining process, tools to be used, and machining conditions so that chatter vibration does not occur.

[0085] (3) The information processing method further comprises the step of generating a machining program based on machining process data indicating the machining process, tool data indicating the tools used, and machining condition data indicating the machining conditions. With this method, it becomes possible to generate an NC program based on the machining process, tools used, and machining conditions determined using the database 200.

[0086] (4) The step of determining the machining process, the tools to be used and the machining conditions includes the following five steps (i) to (v):

[0087] (i) A step of calculating the degree of agreement between the machined shape data and multiple actual machined shape data stored in the database 200. (ii) A step of selecting from among multiple pieces of performance information stored in the database 200 the performance information that contains the actual processed shape data with a degree of agreement that is equal to or greater than a threshold. (iii) A step in which the machining process indicated by the actual machining process data included in the selected performance information is determined to be the machining process. (iv) The step of determining the tool to be used based on the actual tool usage data included in the selected performance information. (v) Step of determining the processing conditions to be those indicated by the actual processing condition data included in the selected performance information. This method allows us to determine the machining process, tools, and conditions based on the data associated with the highly matching actual machining shape data (actual machining process data, actual tool data used, actual machining condition data) among multiple actual machining shape data. In this way, it becomes possible to determine the machining process, tools, and conditions that are suitable for the machining shape data.

[0088] (5) The information processing method further includes the step of determining the machining process, the tool to be used, and the machining conditions by referring to a database 300 provided by the tool manufacturer, which stores recommended machining shapes and recommended machining processes for each of the multiple tools provided by the tool manufacturer, if there is no actual machining shape data in the database 200 that matches or exceeds a threshold. With this method, even if suitable data does not exist in the database 200, the machining process, the tool to be used, and the machining conditions can be automatically determined by using the database 300 as a second-best option.

[0089] [B] The phase of updating database 200 The information processing method includes the step of generating a machining program based on machining process data, tool usage data, and machining condition data entered by the user. The information processing method includes the step of simulating the machining program. The information processing method further includes the step of storing simulation information, including machining process data, tool usage data, machining condition data, and the simulation results of the machining program, in a database 200. This method enables the automatic determination of the machining process, the tools to be used, and the machining conditions using the simulation information.

[0090] <Variation> In the above, the information processing device 100 automatically determined the machining process. Below, we will describe a method for determining the machining process with user selection. In the following, the user inputs not only the shape of the workpiece to be cut, but also the material of the workpiece into the CAM software 122. Examples of workpiece material include steel, non-ferrous metals, difficult-to-machine materials, and resins. Two examples will be given below.

[0091] (First variation) The system may also be configured to retrieve multiple machining processes (recommended machining processes) corresponding to the machine specifications of the machine tool 400 from the database 200, and to present these recommended machining processes to the user in the recommended order. Such a configuration will be described below.

[0092] In this case, the user further inputs the specifications of the machine tool 400 (specifically, a portion of the specifications) and the tool inventory into the information processing device 100. The specifications of the machine tool 400 include, for example, the number of tool posts and whether or not the oscillating cutting option is available. The tool inventory information includes, for example, whether or not there are specialized tools for pull machining. Below, we will explain using the example where the specifications of the machine tool 400 are entered as having two tool posts and no oscillating cutting option.

[0093] Figure 8 shows a data table 500 related to machining processes stored in database 200. As shown in Figure 8, the data table 500 includes general-purpose turning, drawing, and balance cutting as machining processes. Note that the machining processes are not limited to these three; other machining processes may also be prepared in the data table 500.

[0094] In Data Table 500, each of these three machining processes is associated with information on the target machining shape, the target workpiece material, the required specifications, and information indicating the benefits. The information on the target machining shape includes whether or not it corresponds to the end face, outer diameter, and inner diameter. The information on the target workpiece material includes whether or not it corresponds to steel, non-ferrous metals, difficult-to-machine materials, and resins. The information on the required specifications includes information on the machine specifications and tool specifications. The machine specifications indicate, for example, the required number of tool posts. The information indicating the benefits includes information on machining quality and machining time. In Data Table 500, "OK" indicates that it is compatible. "GOOD" indicates that it is compatible and is more suitable than "OK". "NG" indicates that it is not compatible.

[0095] For example, in the case of machining the outer diameter, and when the workpiece material is difficult to machine, general turning, drawing, and balanced cutting are applicable. In particular, balanced cutting is suitable in this case. Therefore, the information processing device 100 recommends balanced cutting as the first-ranked machining process. Specifically, balanced cutting requires two tool posts. On the other hand, the user has input that the machine tool 400 has two tool posts as a specification. For this reason, the information processing device 100 can recommend balanced cutting.

[0096] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 recommends drawing and general-purpose turning as second and third place, respectively. The reason for ranking drawing higher than general-purpose turning is that the information processing device 100 determined, based on the advantages of the data table 500, that general-purpose turning requires less workpiece processing time than drawing.

[0097] Specifically, the information processing device 100 displays balance cutting, pull machining, and general-purpose turning on the display 140, along with their recommended order of priority, for selection. The information processing device 100 accepts a user operation (input operation) to select one of the machining processes from balance cutting, pull machining, and general-purpose turning. This selection determines the machining process for the workpiece. The information processing device 100 may also display the recommended order of priority and the reason for that priority on the display 140.

[0098] Note that inputting tool inventory is not always mandatory. In this case, the information processing device 100 can simply select a machining process that is not required in the tool specifications of the data table 500.

[0099] Thus, the method for determining the machining process may include the steps of: referring to the database 200 and obtaining multiple recommended machining processes for each part (different parts of the workpiece) based on the machining shape of each part machining shape data, the material of the workpiece, and the specifications of the machine tool 400 that will machine the workpiece; displaying the multiple recommended machining processes on the display 140; accepting the selection of one recommended machining process from among the multiple recommended machining processes; and determining the selected recommended machining process as the machining process. With such a configuration, the user can freely select a machining process from among the recommended machining processes.

[0100] (Second variation) In the above explanation, a single machine tool 400 was used as an example of a machine tool for processing a workpiece. Below, we will explain the case where there are multiple machine tools capable of processing a workpiece. Specifically, we will explain using the example of a case where a user has access to two machine tools with different specifications. In detail, we will explain the configuration in which the information processing device 100 proposes a recommended order of combinations of machine tools and processing processes.

[0101] Figure 9 shows a data table 600 containing machine and tool specifications stored in database 200. In addition to data table 500, database 200 also contains data table 600. As shown in Figure 9, data table 600 associates machine specifications and tool specifications with each of the identifiers (machine IDs) of the two machine tools.

[0102] The information processing device 100 determines the recommended order of machining processes by referring only to the merits listed in the data table 500 (Figure 8) for "outer diameter" and "difficult-to-machine material" among the multiple items (conditions) listed in the data table 500. In this example, the information processing device 100 determines that balance cutting, drawing, and general-purpose turning are ranked 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, respectively.

[0103] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 refers to the data table 600 to determine the recommended order of combinations of machine tools and machining processes. In this example, since balance cutting requires two tool posts, the device recommends performing the balance cutting using machine #2, which is equipped with two tool posts, as the first recommendation.

[0104] Machine #1 cannot perform balance cutting. Machine #1 cannot perform pulling operations because it does not have a dedicated tool for pulling operations. Therefore, the information processing device 100 recommends that the pulling operation, which is ranked second in the processing process priority, be performed by machine #2, which has a dedicated tool for pulling operations, as the second priority.

[0105] Since general-purpose turning, which ranks third among machining processes, can be performed on both machine #1 and machine #2, the information processing device 100 recommends performing general-purpose turning on machine #1 and performing general-purpose turning on machine #2, both as being ranked third.

[0106] Specifically, the information processing device 100 displays on the display 140, along with the recommended order, the combinations of machine #2 and balance cutting, machine #2 and drawing, machine #1 and general-purpose turning, and machine #2 and general-purpose turning, so that users can select one of these combinations. The information processing device 100 accepts a user operation (input operation) to select one combination from among these multiple combinations. This selection determines the machining process for the workpiece and the machine tool that will perform that machining process. In this modified example, the information processing device 100 may also display on the display 140 the reason for the recommended order, along with the recommended order.

[0107] In this manner, the information processing device 100 first refers to the data table 500 and obtains multiple recommended machining processes for each part based on the machining shape of each part's machining shape data (specifically, whether or not outer diameter machining is performed) and the material of the workpiece W (specifically, whether or not it is a difficult-to-machine material). Next, the information processing device 100 refers to the data table 600 and determines one or more recommended combinations of multiple machine tools and multiple recommended machining processes based on the specifications of multiple machine tools.

[0108] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 displays the determined recommended combinations on the display 140. The information processing device 100 accepts the selection of one recommended combination from among the recommended combinations. The information processing device 100 sets the recommended machining process included in the selected recommended combination to be the machining process corresponding to the machining type for each part as described above. The information processing device 100 sets the machine tool included in the selected recommended combination to be the machine tool that will execute the recommended machining process included in the selected recommended combination.

[0109] With this configuration, when multiple machine tools are available, the user can freely select a combination of machining process and machine tool from among the recommended combinations of machining process and machine tool.

[0110] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not limited to those described herein. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included.

[0111] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-187506, filed with the Japan Patent Office on 24 October 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 1 Information processing system, 100 Information processing device, 110 Processor, 120 Memory, 121,122 Software, 123 Post-processor, 124 Simulation program, 125 Cutting force optimization program, 126 Automatic determination program, 127 Machining shape data, 130 Input device, 140 Display, 150 Communication interface, 160 Acquisition unit, 170 Segmentation unit, 180 Determination unit, 200,300 Database, 400 Machine tool, D1,D2,D3,D4 Reference data.

Claims

[Claim 1] Steps include acquiring machining shape data that shows the machining shape of the workpiece, The steps include dividing the aforementioned machining shape data into multiple divided machining shape data, The steps include determining the processing type based on the divided processing shape indicated by the divided processing shape data, The steps include: accessing a database that stores multiple pieces of actual performance information, including actual machining shape data, actual machining process data, actual tool used data, and actual machining condition data, and selecting the actual performance information from the multiple pieces of actual performance information according to the divided machining shape and the machining type; An information processing method comprising the step of determining the tool indicated by the actual tool data included in the selected performance information as the tool to be used to process the portion of the divided machining shape in the workpiece.

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