Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Abstract

To reduce a necessary time for each work step, and to facilitate a selection of means for reducing a production time.SOLUTION: An information processing device that extracts, for a control device that calculates output pulses to a motor contained in a work machine based on a processing program, means for reducing a production time relating to a pre-processing step, a processing step, and a post-processing step in the production of a processed workpiece by the control device includes: a storing unit that stores process relating information relating to the process on a workpiece and containing the processing program; a production time estimating unit which estimates at least one work step necessary for processing the workpiece from the process relating information stored in the storing unit, and which calculates the necessary production time for processing the workpiece by calculating the time necessary for the estimated work step; and a reducing means deciding unit that selects, among multiple means stored in the storing unit in advance, means for reducing the time of at least one work step estimated by the production time estimating unit, and for reducing the production time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In machining using a machine tool, in order to shorten the machining time, a numerical control device has been developed with a function of creating a speed profile in which a tool passes through a programmed path in the shortest time under constraint conditions. Further, by predicting the machining completion time of the machine tool and completing a preparation operation for performing workpiece replacement by a robot at the time when the machine tool completes machining, after machining is completed, the workpiece replacement operation is immediately performed on the robot, and a technique for improving the operating efficiency of the robot is known. For example, see Patent Document 1. Alternatively, a technique is known in which the machining time of each tool is calculated based on each tool corresponding to the machining shape and the cutting conditions of each tool, and the tool with the shortest machining time is automatically selected. For example, see Patent Document 2.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Incidentally, when mass-producing parts and dies by metal processing including, for example, cutting, pressing, electrical discharge machining, etc., the manufacturing time corresponds to the total time of the pre-processing step, metal processing, and post-processing step. As the time related to the pre-processing step, for example, the work installation time, the work transfer time from the previous step (for example, processing by another machine tool), etc. are included. Also, the time related to the post-processing step includes the time for removing chips in the machine tool generated by metal processing and the time for removing burrs generated on the work processing surface after metal processing. Recently, technologies such as the vibration cutting technology during lathe machining that reduce the size of chips have been developed. However, still, users themselves such as the operators of machine tools need to understand various functions and means for shortening the manufacturing time and judge their effectiveness or ineffectiveness from the results of test machining, etc. For this reason, it may be difficult to judge to what extent the manufacturing time can be shortened by selecting any function or means.

[0005] Therefore, an information processing apparatus and an information processing method that shorten the time required for each work process and enable easy selection of means for shortening the manufacturing time are desired.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] One aspect of the information processing apparatus of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus that extracts means for shortening the manufacturing time related to the pre-processing step, processing step, and post-processing step in the manufacturing of a workpiece by a control device that calculates output pulses to a motor included in a machine tool based on a machining program, including a storage unit that stores machining-related information related to the machining of a workpiece including the machining program, and estimating at least one work process required for the machining of the workpiece from the machining-related information stored in the storage unit, and calculating the manufacturing time required for the machining of the workpiece by calculating the time required for the estimated work process, and a shortening means determination unit that reduces the time of at least one work process estimated by the manufacturing time estimation unit and selects means for shortening the manufacturing time from among a plurality of means pre-stored in the storage unit.

[0007] One aspect of the information processing method of the present disclosure is an information processing method of an information processing apparatus that extracts means for shortening the manufacturing time related to the pre-processing step, processing step, and post-processing step in the manufacturing of a workpiece by a control apparatus that calculates output pulses to a motor included in a machine tool based on a machining program. The method includes a manufacturing time estimation step of calculating the manufacturing time required for machining the workpiece by estimating at least one work step required for machining the workpiece from machining-related information related to machining of the workpiece including the machining program stored in a storage unit included in the information processing apparatus and calculating the time required for the estimated work step, and a shortening means determination step of reducing the time of the estimated at least one work step and selecting means for shortening the manufacturing time from among a plurality of means stored in advance in the storage unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing method that can shorten the time required for each work step and easily select means for shortening the manufacturing time.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] <One Embodiment> First, an overview of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus analyzes from processing-related information such as a processing program stored in a storage unit included in the information processing apparatus and information regarding a workpiece, estimates work processes assumed for machining of the workpiece by a machine tool and work processes other than machining, such as a work process of transporting the workpiece, and calculates the time required for each estimated work process, thereby calculating the time required for each of the pre-processing step, the processing step, and the post-processing step related to the machining of the workpiece. The information processing apparatus selects, from among a plurality of means stored in advance in the storage unit, a means for reducing the time required for the work process from among the estimated work processes and shortening the total manufacturing time.

[0011] Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing method that solve the problem of "enabling easy selection of means for shortening the time required for each work process and shortening the manufacturing time". The above is the overview of the present embodiment.

[0012] Next, the configuration of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, as the manufacturing time, the pre-processing step time required from a machine tool in the previous step to transport a metal workpiece and install the workpiece on a machine tool in the next step (i.e., the processing step), the metal processing time required to machine the workpiece by the machine tool in the current step, and the post-processing step time required to take out the workpiece machined by the machine tool in the current step, transport it to a measuring instrument, measure the machined workpiece, and perform deburring of the machined workpiece and removal of chips in the machine tool are exemplified. Note that, as will be described later, the pre-processing step time may include work time other than transporting the workpiece and setting the workpiece on the machine tool, and the post-processing step time may include work time other than measuring the workpiece, deburring, and removing chips.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of an information processing system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a machine tool 10, a control device 20, and an information processing apparatus 30. The machine tool 10, the control device 20, and the information processing device 30 may be directly connected to each other via a connection interface (not shown). Note that the machine tool 10, the control device 20, and the information processing device 30 may be connected to each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). In this case, the machine tool 10, the control device 20, and the information processing device 30 may be provided with communication units (not shown) for communicating with each other by such a connection. Note that, as will be described later, the information processing device 30 may be included in the control device 20. Also, as will be described later, the control device 20 may be included in the machine tool 10.

[0014] The machine tool 10 is a machine tool known to those skilled in the art. The machine tool 10, for example, based on an operation command from the control device 20, uses a tool such as a cutting tool attached to a spindle included in the machine tool 10 to perform metal processing such as cutting on a workpiece arranged on the machine tool 10. Note that the machine tool 10 may be, for example, a robot or a peripheral device that conveys a workpiece or attaches a workpiece to the machine tool.

[0015] The control device 20 is a numerical control device known to those skilled in the art, and acquires a machining program from an external device (not shown) such as a CAD / CAM device or the information processing device 30 described later. The control device 20 calculates output pulses to a motor (not shown) included in the machine tool 10 based on the acquired machining program to generate an operation command, and transmits the generated operation command to the machine tool 10. Thereby, the control device 20 can drive the machine tool 10. Note that when the machine tool 10 is a robot or the like, the control device 20 may be a robot control device or the like.

[0016] <Information processing device 30> The information processing apparatus 30 is a computer apparatus known to those skilled in the art, and as shown in FIG. 1, it has a control unit 310, an input unit 320, and a storage unit 330. Further, the control unit 310 has a manufacturing time estimation unit 311, a shortening means determination unit 312, a notification unit 313, and a means reflection unit 314. Further, the storage unit 330 stores manufacturing time estimation processing-related data 331 and an improvement means list 332.

[0017] <Input unit 320> The input unit 320 is, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc., and receives input from a user such as a worker.

[0018] <Storage unit 330> The storage unit 330 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc., and may store manufacturing time estimation processing-related data 331 and an improvement means list 332 together with various control programs.

[0019] The manufacturing time estimation processing-related data 331 is information related to the processing of the workpiece required for estimating the manufacturing time, such as the material and shape of the workpiece including the processing program. Specifically, the manufacturing time estimation processing-related data 331 includes, for example, information related to processing including a processing program and workpiece information (material, shape), etc., information related to a tool including the tool diameter, tool material, number of tool edges, etc. of the tool used for processing, and information related to off-machine operations including workpiece mounting time, deburring time, chip removal operation time, and workpiece measurement time. In the information related to processing, for example, a processing program pre-input by the user via the input unit 320 or a processing program acquired from the control device 20 may be stored. Further, in the information related to processing, for example, workpiece information such as the material and shape of the workpiece pre-input by the user via the input unit 320 may be stored, or workpiece information such as the material and finish shape of the workpiece specified by analyzing the processing program may be stored. Information related to tools may store in advance the tool diameter, tool material, number of tool edges, etc. of all tools that can be attached to the machine tool 10. Information related to off-machine processing (work time list) may store in advance, according to the time taken for each process recorded some time ago, the conveyance time, workpiece mounting time, burr removal time, workpiece measurement time, and maintenance time of equipment for continuous processing (cleaning, component replacement, regular removal of chips), etc. in the pre-processing step time and post-processing step time, as defined from the actual performance time and prediction of each previous operation. Note that each of the conveyance time, workpiece mounting time, burr removal time, workpiece measurement time, and maintenance time, etc. in the pre-processing step time and post-processing step time of the information related to off-machine processing (work time list) may be sequentially measured by, for example, the control device 20 or the information processing device 30 and updated by the information processing device 30.

[0020] The improvement means list 332 has, for example, a plurality of means related to time reduction (such as addition or reduction of processing procedures, etc.) preset for each of the pre-processing step time, metal processing time, and post-processing step time. Specifically, since the improvement means list 332 includes, for example, the end time of the previous process and the conveyance time from the end time in the pre-processing step time, when the pre-processing step time is long, means such as "timing adjustment between the end time of the pre-processing step and the start time of the processing step" and "review of the conveyance route" may be stored.

[0021] Also, the improvement means list 332 may store, for example, means such as "a tool with less burr generation" when a workpiece made of a material prone to burr generation is selected even with the same processing program during the metal processing time. Alternatively, the improvement means list 332 may store means such as "redo the structural design to a shape with less burr generation" and "review the processing program" when the amount of burr generation is large during the metal processing time. Also, the improvement means list 332 may store means such as "oscillatory cutting function" when the cutting amount cut at one time by lathe processing is large during the metal processing time.

[0022] Also, in the improvement means list 332, for example, when in the post-processing process time, the time obtained by adding up the conveyance time to the deburring workplace and the work attachment time to the measuring instrument, etc., which account for the majority of the time compared to the deburring time, means such as "review of the conveyance route" and "review of the structure design of the attachment jig" may be stored. Also, in the improvement means list 332, in the post-processing process time, means such as a "rocking cutting function" for reducing the size of the chips in order to reduce the time required for chip removal may be stored.

[0023] <Control unit 310> The control unit 310 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM, a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) memory, etc., which are configured to be mutually communicable via a bus, and are well-known to those skilled in the art. The CPU is a processor that controls the entire information processing device 30. The CPU reads out the system program and application programs stored in the ROM via the bus, and controls the entire information processing device 30 according to the system program and application programs. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 310 is configured to realize the functions of the manufacturing time estimation unit 311, the shortening means determination unit 312, the notification unit 313, and the means reflection unit 314. Various data such as temporary calculation data and display data are stored in the RAM. Also, the CMOS memory is configured as a non-volatile memory that is backed up by a battery (not shown) and retains the storage state even when the power of the information processing device 30 is turned off.

[0024] <Manufacturing time estimation unit 311> The manufacturing time estimation unit 311 estimates the pre-processing process, metal processing, and post-processing work processes required for the processing of the work from the processing-related data 331 for manufacturing time estimation stored in the storage unit 330, and calculates the manufacturing time required for the processing of the work by calculating the time required for each estimated work process. Specifically, the manufacturing time estimation unit 311 calculates the pre-processing step time based on, for example, the conveyance time from the previous machine tool, etc. in the pre-processing step time included in the information related to non-processing operations (operation time list) among the manufacturing time estimation processing-related data 331, and the work attachment time to the machine tool 10. Regarding the conveyance time in the pre-processing step, it may be calculated from the end time interval of the previous step by obtaining information from the previous machine tool, etc. at the scheduled end time of the previous step. Specifically, for example, even when the previous step is processed at 10-minute intervals, the conveyance time is 1 minute, and the main processing time is 4 minutes, since the previous step is processed at 10-minute intervals, the work arrives from the previous step every 10 minutes. That is, the end time interval (10-minute interval) of the previous step may be used as the conveyance time (pre-processing time). Further, the manufacturing time estimation unit 311 may analyze the machining program included in the information related to machining in the manufacturing time estimation machining-related data 331 in advance by simulation or the like to predict the machining completion time in the machining process and calculate the metal machining time. Alternatively, the manufacturing time estimation unit 311 may calculate the metal machining time based on the actual machining time of the metal machining. Also, the manufacturing time estimation unit 311 calculates the post-processing step time based on the work information (material, shape) included in the information related to machining in the manufacturing time estimation machining-related data 331 and the information related to non-processing operations (operation time list). Hereinafter, examples of means for shortening the post-processing step time will be described. Specifically, two examples, example (a) and example (b), will be described. Here, as example (a), regarding deburring, the post-processing step time when burrs are likely to occur in the machining shape during machining, for example, when a vertical tool path occurs, and as example (b), in turning, when there is a straight machining command without a relief during machining, for example, in lathe machining and when it is determined that the cutting amount is large from a comparison of the coordinate values with the original work shape, or when there is a long cutting block without an interruption point, the post-processing step time will be described.

[0025] First, a method for calculating the post-processing step time including the part that occupies a large time in the post-processing step time in example (a) (specifically, the deburring operation time) will be described. Regarding the deburring in Example (a), a method for calculating the post-processing time in the case where burrs are likely to occur in terms of the processed shape during processing, specifically when a vertical tool path occurs and the material of the workpiece is a highly viscous material such as aluminum. The manufacturing time estimation unit 311 calculates the burr generation amount from the formula (right-angled machining surface area) × (burr generation amount per cm) based on, for example, workpiece information (material, shape). The right-angled machining surface area is the part where the angle between the machining surfaces of the workpiece is 90 degrees, and the burr generation amount per cm is the burr generation amount per unit length. Then, the manufacturing time estimation unit 311 calculates the burr removal time from the formula (burr generation amount) × (aluminum burr removal time per unit amount) + (operator's break time). The aluminum burr removal time per unit amount is the preset burr removal time per unit amount when the workpiece is aluminum. Also, the operator's break time is set when the burr generation amount is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value, and it can be either a measured value or an empirical value. Next, the manufacturing time estimation unit 311 calculates the measurement-related time from the formula (transportation time to the measurement area) + (workpiece mounting time) + (measurement time) based on the information related to non-processing operations (work time list). Then, the manufacturing time estimation unit 311 calculates the post-processing time from the formula (transportation time to the burr removal area) + (burr removal time) + (measurement-related time) based on the information related to non-processing operations (work time list). Regarding the deburring in Example (a), in the case where burrs are likely to occur in terms of the processed shape during processing, specifically when a vertical tool path occurs, the manufacturing time estimation unit 311 can calculate the post-processing time in the same manner as described above for workpieces made of materials other than aluminum. In this case, for workpieces made of low-viscosity materials other than aluminum, the part of (burr generation amount) decreases.

[0026] Regarding a method for calculating the post-processing time in the turning process of Example (b) when there is a straight machining command without a relief during processing. The manufacturing time estimation unit 311 calculates the amount of chip generation from, for example, the formula of (linear movement distance) × (depth of cut) based on workpiece information (material, shape). The linear movement distance is the movement distance of straight turning obtained by analyzing the machining program. Then, the manufacturing time estimation unit 311 calculates the chip removal time from the formula of (function related to the amount of chip generation and the number of cutting passes) + (worker's break time). The function related to the amount of chip generation and the number of cutting passes may be, for example, (amount of chip generation) × (number of cutting passes) 2 × (reference removal time), or it may be obtained from an actual result table (not shown) of the actual removal time required for each amount of chip generation. The reference removal time is a preset time required for chip removal as a reference. Note that the chip removal time varies depending on the metal material of the workpiece to be machined because the chip shape changes. Next, the manufacturing time estimation unit 311 calculates the measurement-related time from the formula of (transportation time to the measurement area) + (workpiece mounting time) + (measurement time) based on the information related to off-machine operations (work time list). Then, when measurement and chip removal can be performed in parallel, for example, the manufacturing time estimation unit 311 calculates the post-processing time as the larger value between (measurement-related time) and (chip removal time). As described above, the manufacturing time estimation unit 311 calculates the manufacturing time by adding up the pre-processing time, metal processing time, and post-processing time.

[0027] <Shortening means determination unit 312> The shortening means determination unit 312 selects, from among a plurality of means pre-stored in the improvement means list 332 of the storage unit 330, a means for reducing the time of at least one work process among the pre-processing time, metal processing time, and post-processing time estimated by the manufacturing time estimation unit 311 and shortening the manufacturing time. As in the above-described example (a), regarding deburring, the operation of the shortening means determination unit 312 for determining shortening means in the case where, during machining, a tool path where the angle between machining surfaces in the workpiece becomes 90 degrees, which is a portion where burrs are likely to occur in terms of the machining shape, will be described. First, the shortening means determination unit 312 extracts, for example, by analyzing the machining program, a portion where burrs are likely to occur in terms of the machining shape with a surface angle near 90 degrees among the tool paths, and extracts the angle of the portion as a portion to be considered for whether it can be changed. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of burr suppression. As shown in FIG. 2, for the cutting area (if the distance is short, the burrs are also small) of the extracted portion, the shortening means determination unit 312 may select, as a means for modifying (designing) the machining program, a means such as "redo from the structural design to a shape less likely to generate burrs" from the improvement means list 332 so as to give an inclination like chamfering instead of being perpendicular. Alternatively, for example, when a workpiece made of a material prone to burr generation is selected even with the same machining program, the shortening means determination unit 312 may select a means such as "a tool less likely to generate burrs". However, in such a case, in order to reduce the amount of burrs, it is necessary to change the structure of the workpiece, which will change the original desired shape, so it is necessary to recalculate the strength etc. of the workpiece. Then, a review at the design stage before machining becomes necessary. For this reason, as will be described later, the notification unit 313 can notify the operator that such work is necessary.

[0028] Next, the operation of the shortening means determination unit 312 in the case where, during turning machining in the above-described example (b), there is a straight machining command without a relief (for example, in lathe machining and when there is a portion determined to have a large cutting amount from a comparison of coordinate values with the original workpiece shape, or when there is a portion with a long cutting block without an interruption point) will be described. In such a case, the larger the size of the chips, the more the chips get entangled with each other, and the time required to take them out from inside the machine tool 10 increases dramatically. Particularly in the case of turning (lathe work), depending on the machining program, chips several tens of centimeters long may frequently be generated. Therefore, for example, when the shortening means determination unit 312 detects, by analyzing the machining program, a part where the chips become large in turning (such as a part where the moving distance of straight-line cutting is long) in the machining program, it may select a means such as a "rocking cutting function" that finely divides the chips from the improvement means list 332. By doing so, for example, based on information related to off-machine work (work time list) corresponding to the size of the chips, the time required to take them out from inside the machine tool 10 may be calculated. Also, since the horizontal machining center as the machine tool 10 discharges chips more smoothly than the vertical machining center, the shortening means determination unit 312 may select, depending on the equipment status, the use of a separate machine as a means to shorten the manufacturing time. However, in such a case, the notification unit 313 described later can notify the operator whether it is possible to change to a horizontal machining center.

[0029] Note that the shortening means determination unit 312 is not limited to selecting one means to shorten the manufacturing time, and may select two or more means. However, when a plurality of means of "tools that are less likely to generate burrs" are selected, the shortening means determination unit 312 may select the means of "selecting a tool that is less likely to generate burrs" from the improvement means list 332. Also, the shortening means determination unit 312 may select a means to shorten the manufacturing time and calculate the increase or decrease time of the manufacturing time when the selected means is applied.

[0030] <Notification unit 313> The notification unit 313 notifies the means to shorten the manufacturing time selected by the shortening means determination unit 312. Specifically, the notification unit 313 may display, for example, means for shortening the selected manufacturing time on a display device (not shown) such as a liquid crystal display included in the information processing apparatus 30. Alternatively, the notification unit 313 may output, for example, means for shortening the manufacturing time as sound from a speaker (not shown) included in the information processing apparatus 30. Note that when it is clear that the means for shortening the manufacturing time selected by the shortening means determination unit 312 can be reflected, the notification unit 313 may not notify the means for shortening the selected manufacturing time. In this case, the means reflection unit 314 described later may automatically reflect the means for shortening the selected manufacturing time in the processing program, the control device 20, and / or the machine tool 10.

[0031] <Means reflection unit 314> The means reflection unit 314 receives an instruction from the user via the input unit 320 on whether to apply the means for shortening the manufacturing time. When applying the means for shortening the manufacturing time, the means reflection unit 314 may reflect the means for shortening the manufacturing time in the processing program and / or the machine tool 10. Specifically, for example, when the means of "redoing the structural design to a shape less likely to generate burrs" is notified by the notification unit 313 as described above, the means reflection unit 314 receives an instruction from the user via the input unit 320 on whether to perform the means of "redoing the structural design to a shape less likely to generate burrs". When the means reflection unit 314 receives an instruction to perform the means of "redoing the structural design to a shape less likely to generate burrs", it may change the structure of the workpiece processed to reduce the amount of burrs. In this case, since it is changed from the original desired shape, it is necessary to recalculate the strength, etc. of the workpiece, so a review at the design stage before processing will be involved. Further, when the means reflecting unit 314, for example, is notified of the means of "a tool with less burr generation" by the notification unit 313, it receives an instruction from the user via the input unit 320 on whether to use the means of "a tool with less burr generation". When the means reflecting unit 314 receives an instruction to use the means of "a tool with less burr generation", it may change the machining program to replace it with a tool with less burr generation. In addition, when the notification unit 313 notifies two or more means of "a tool with less burr generation", the means reflecting unit 314, for example, makes a judgment on the necessity of each tool by the user and selects one of the plurality of tools based on the increase or decrease time related to the manufacturing time when each tool is applied, which is displayed on the display device (not shown) of the information processing device 30.

[0032] Further, when the means reflecting unit 314, for example, is notified of the means of "oscillating cutting function" by the notification unit 313, it receives an instruction from the user via the input unit 320 on whether to use the means of "oscillating cutting function". When the means reflecting unit 314 receives an instruction to use the means of "oscillating cutting function", it may change the machining program to perform oscillating cutting. In this case, for example, a table of recommended values of parameters related to oscillating cutting may be stored in the storage unit 330 in advance. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a table of recommended values. In addition, in the case of oscillating cutting, since there is also a program command to enable / disable oscillating cutting, the notification unit 313 may offer the option of setting it to be invalid first and then valid. Also, as described above, when the notification unit 313 notifies the user of the advisability of applying a horizontal machining center instead of a vertical machining center, it receives an instruction from the user via the input unit 320 on whether to apply the vertical machining center, and may change the machine tool in the machining process to apply the vertical machining center.

[0033] Note that when the means reflection unit 314 is notified by the notification unit 313 of the means for shortening the manufacturing time, it receives from the user via the input unit 320 whether to apply the notified means for shortening the manufacturing time, but is not limited thereto. For example, as described above, when it is clear that the means for shortening the manufacturing time selected by the shortening means determination unit 312 can be reflected, the means for shortening the selected manufacturing time may be automatically reflected in the machining program, the control device 20, and / or the machine tool 10.

[0034] <Manufacturing Time Shortening Process of Information Processing Apparatus 30> Next, an example of the operation related to the manufacturing time shortening process of the information processing apparatus 30 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the manufacturing time shortening process related to metal processing of the information processing apparatus 30.

[0035] In step S11, the manufacturing time estimation unit 311 estimates the work processes of the pre-processing step, metal processing, and post-processing step required for machining the workpiece from the machining-related data 331 for manufacturing time estimation, and calculates the time required for each estimated work process.

[0036] In step S12, the manufacturing time estimation unit 311 adds the pre-processing step time, metal processing time, and post-processing step time to calculate the manufacturing time.

[0037] In step S13, the shortening means determination unit 312 selects from the improvement means list 332 the means for reducing the time of at least one work process among the pre-processing step time, metal processing time, and post-processing step time estimated in step S11 to shorten the manufacturing time.

[0038] In step S14, the shortening means determination unit 312 determines whether the means for shortening the manufacturing time has been selected in step S13. If the means for shortening the manufacturing time has been selected, the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if the means for shortening the manufacturing time has not been selected, the manufacturing time shortening process ends.

[0039] In step S15, the notification unit 313 notifies means for shortening the manufacturing time selected in step S13.

[0040] In step S16, the means reflection unit 314 determines whether an instruction to apply the means notified in step S16 is received from the user via the input unit 320. If the notified means is to be applied, the process proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if the notified means is not to be applied, the manufacturing time shortening process ends.

[0041] In step S17, the means reflection unit 314 reflects the means for shortening the manufacturing time in the machining program, the control device 20, and / or the machine tool 10.

[0042] As described above, the information processing apparatus 30 of one embodiment estimates the work processes such as the machining of the workpiece and the conveyance of the workpiece from the machining-related data 331 for manufacturing time estimation stored in the storage unit 330, and calculates the time required for each estimated work process, thereby calculating the manufacturing time required for the machining of the workpiece. The information processing apparatus 30 reduces the time of each estimated work process and selects means for shortening the manufacturing time from among a plurality of means pre-stored in the improvement means list 332. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 30 can easily select means for shortening the time required for each work process and shortening the manufacturing time. In addition, it is possible to facilitate the user's determination of the necessity of reducing the manufacturing time and to lead to the shortening of the manufacturing time.

[0043] Although one embodiment has been described above, the information processing apparatus 30 is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes variations, improvements, etc. within the range that can achieve the object.

[0044] <Modification Example> In the above-described embodiment, the information processing apparatus 30 is a device different from the control device 20 and the machine tool 10, but is not limited thereto. For example, the information processing apparatus 30 may be included in the control device 20. Further, the control device 20 may be included in the machine tool 10.

[0045] Note that each function included in the information processing apparatus 30 in one embodiment can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, being realized by software means being realized by a computer reading and executing a program.

[0046] The program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and supplied to a computer. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-R, CD-R / W, semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM). Also, the program may be supplied to a computer by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer readable media can supply the program to a computer via wired communication paths such as electric wires and optical fibers, or wireless communication paths.

[0047] Note that the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium includes not only processes that are performed in chronological order along with that order, but also processes that are executed in parallel or individually even if they are not necessarily processed in chronological order.

[0048] In other words, the information processing apparatus and information processing method of the present disclosure can take various embodiments having the following configurations.

[0049] (1) The information processing apparatus 30 of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus that extracts means for shortening the manufacturing time related to the pre-processing step, processing step, and post-processing step in the manufacturing of a workpiece by the control device 20, which calculates output pulses to a motor included in the machine tool 10 based on a processing program. The information processing apparatus 30 includes a storage unit 330 that stores manufacturing time estimation-related processing data 331 related to the processing of a workpiece including a processing program, and estimates at least one working step required for the processing of the workpiece from the manufacturing time estimation-related processing data 331 stored in the storage unit 330, and calculates the manufacturing time required for the processing of the workpiece by calculating the time required for the estimated working step. The information processing apparatus 30 further includes a shortening means determination unit 312 that reduces the time of at least one working step estimated by the manufacturing time estimation unit 311 and selects, from among a plurality of means pre-stored in the storage unit 330, a means for shortening the manufacturing time. According to this information processing apparatus 30, it is possible to shorten the time required for each working step and easily select a means for shortening the manufacturing time.

[0050] (2) The information processing apparatus 30 described in (1) may include a notification unit 313 that notifies a means for shortening the manufacturing time selected by the shortening means determination unit 312. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 30 can present a means for shortening the optimal manufacturing time to the user.

[0051] (3) In the information processing apparatus 30 described in (2), the shortening means determination unit 312 may calculate the increase or decrease time of the manufacturing time when the selected means for shortening the manufacturing time is applied, and the notification unit 313 may notify the means for shortening the manufacturing time selected by the shortening means determination unit 312 and the calculated increase or decrease time. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 30 can facilitate the user's determination of the necessity of the means for shortening the manufacturing time.

[0052] (4) In the information processing apparatus 30 according to any one of (1) to (3), an input unit 320 that receives an input from a user, and a means for receiving an instruction from the user as to whether to apply means for shortening the manufacturing time via the input unit 320, and when applying means for shortening the manufacturing time, a means reflection unit 314 that reflects the means for shortening the manufacturing time in the machining program, the control device 20, and / or the machine tool 10 may be further provided. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 30 can easily reflect the selected means for shortening the manufacturing time in the machining program and / or the machine tool.

[0053] (5) The information processing method of the present disclosure is an information processing method of an information processing apparatus 30 that extracts means for shortening the manufacturing time related to the pre - processing step, the processing step, and the post - processing step in the manufacturing of a workpiece by the control device 20 that calculates an output pulse to a motor included in the machine tool 10 based on a machining program. The method includes a manufacturing time estimation step of estimating at least one work step required for machining the workpiece from the machining - related data 331 for manufacturing time estimation related to the machining of the workpiece including the machining program stored in the storage unit 330 included in the information processing apparatus 30, and calculating the time required for the estimated work step to calculate the manufacturing time required for machining the workpiece, and a shortening means determination step of reducing the time of the estimated at least one work step and selecting means for shortening the manufacturing time from among a plurality of means pre - stored in the storage unit 330. According to this information processing method, the same effect as (1) can be achieved.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0054] 1 Information processing system 10 Machine tool 20 Control device 30 Information processing apparatus 310 Control unit 311 Manufacturing time estimation unit 312 Shortening means determination unit 313 Notification unit 314 Means reflection unit 320 Input unit 330 Memory unit 331 Processing-related data for manufacturing time estimation 332 List of improvement measures

Claims

1. An information processing device extracts means for shortening a manufacturing time for a pre-machining process, a machining process, and a post-machining process in manufacturing a workpiece by a control device that calculates an output pulse to a motor included in a machine tool based on a machining program, the information processing device comprising: A storage unit for storing machining-related information related to machining of a workpiece, the machining information including the machining program; A manufacturing time estimation unit that estimates at least one work process required for machining the work from the machining-related information stored in the storage unit and calculates a time required for the estimated work process, thereby calculating a manufacturing time required for machining the work; a shortening means determination unit that shortens the time of at least one work process estimated by the manufacturing time estimation unit and selects a means for shortening the manufacturing time from a plurality of means pre-stored in the storage unit; an input unit for accepting input from a user; a means reflecting unit that receives an instruction from the user via the input unit as to whether or not to apply the means for shortening the manufacturing time, and, when the means for shortening the manufacturing time is to be applied, reflects the means for shortening the manufacturing time in the machining program, the control device, and / or the machine tool; An information processing device comprising:

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a notification unit that notifies the means for shortening the manufacturing time selected by the shortening means determination unit.

3. the shortening means determination unit calculates an increase or decrease in the manufacturing time when the selected means for shortening the manufacturing time is applied, The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the notification unit notifies the means for shortening the manufacturing time selected by the shortening means determination unit and the calculated increase or decrease time.

4. 1. An information processing method of an information processing device for extracting means for shortening manufacturing times for pre-machining processes, machining processes, and post-machining processes in manufacturing a workpiece by a control device that calculates output pulses to a motor included in a machine tool based on a machining program, the information processing method comprising: a manufacturing time estimation step of estimating at least one work process required for machining the work from machining-related information related to the machining of the work, including the machining program stored in a storage unit included in the information processing device, and calculating a manufacturing time required for the estimated work process; a shortening means determining step of shortening the time of at least one estimated work process and selecting a means for shortening the manufacturing time from a plurality of means pre-stored in the storage unit; an input step of accepting an input from a user; a means reflecting step of receiving an instruction from the user via the input step as to whether or not to apply the means for shortening the manufacturing time, and, if the means for shortening the manufacturing time is to be applied, reflecting the means for shortening the manufacturing time in the machining program, the control device, and / or the machine tool; An information processing method comprising:

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