Information processing system, display method, and display program

Abstract

Provides technology to assist in understanding the condition history of machine tools. [Solution] A control unit of an information processing system executes processing to acquire state history information indicating the period during which a machine tool was in each state. The states of the machine tool include multiple main states and multiple sub-states, each belonging to one of the multiple main states. Each main state is associated with time information indicating a first period of the main state. Each sub-state is associated with time information indicating a second period of the sub-state. The control unit executes processing to display a history screen. The display processing includes processing to display, for each main state defined in the state history information, a first object indicating the first period in association with a time axis on the history screen, a processing to add up second periods included in the first period for each first object and for each type of sub-state, and a processing to display, on the history screen, a second object indicating the length of each added up period in association with the corresponding first object.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, a display method, and a display program. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 07-251356 (Patent Document 1) discloses a display analysis system capable of displaying the operating status of each of a plurality of pieces of equipment in the form of a Gantt chart. The operating statuses that can be displayed include a rolling process, a cutting process, and a cutting process. The operating status of each piece of equipment is displayed in a different display format in the Gantt chart for each operating status. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-251356 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to check the machining status of the machine tool, the manager may check the machine tool's status history on a screen. If the machine tool's status changes frequently, the manager may not be able to intuitively grasp the machine tool's status history.

[0005] In view of the above, there is a need for a technique for assisting in understanding the state history of a machine tool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one example of the present disclosure, an information processing system is provided. The information processing system includes a control unit. The control unit executes processing to acquire state history information indicating a period during which a machine tool was in each state. The states of the machine tool include a plurality of main states and a plurality of sub-states, each of which belongs to one of the plurality of main states. Each of the main states defined in the state history information is associated with first time information indicating a first period during which the machine tool was in the main state. Each of the sub-states defined in the state history information is associated with second time information indicating a second period during which the machine tool was in the sub-state. The control unit executes processing to display a history screen related to the state history information. The displaying process includes a process of displaying a first object indicating the first period on the history screen in association with a time axis for each of the main states defined in the state history information, a process of accumulating the second period included in the first period for each of the first objects and for each type of sub-state, and a process of displaying a second object indicating the length of each accumulated period obtained by the accumulating process on the history screen in association with the corresponding first object.

[0007] In one example of the present disclosure, the main state is a state whose occurrence period does not overlap with other types of main states, and the sub-state is a state whose occurrence period may overlap with other types of sub-states.

[0008] In one example of the present disclosure, the second object is displayed within the corresponding first object.

[0009] In one example of the present disclosure, the second object represents the length of the integration period by a width in a direction parallel to the time axis.

[0010] In one example of the present disclosure, the second object represents the length of the integration period by a width in a direction perpendicular to the time axis.

[0011] In one example of the present disclosure, the main state includes an operating state indicating that the machine tool was operating. If there are multiple first objects indicating the operating state during a period from the start of execution of a machining program to the end of execution of the machining program, the control unit integrates the multiple first objects and integrates the second objects included in each of the multiple first objects.

[0012] Another example of the present disclosure provides a display method executed in an information processing system. The display method includes a step of acquiring state history information indicating a period during which a machine tool was in each state. The states of the machine tool include a plurality of main states and a plurality of sub-states, each of which belongs to one of the plurality of main states. Each of the main states defined in the state history information is associated with first time information indicating a first period during which the machine tool was in the main state. Each of the sub-states defined in the state history information is associated with second time information indicating a second period during which the machine tool was in the sub-state. The display method further includes a step of displaying a history screen related to the state history information. The display step includes a step of displaying, for each of the main states defined in the state history information, a first object indicating the first period in association with a time axis on the history screen; a step of integrating, for each of the first objects and for each type of sub-state, the second period included in the first period; and a step of displaying, on the history screen, a second object indicating the length of each integrated period obtained by the integration process in association with the corresponding first object.

[0013] In another example of the present disclosure, a display program executed by a computer is provided. The display program causes the computer to execute a process of acquiring state history information indicating a period during which a machine tool was in each state. The states of the machine tool include a plurality of main states and a plurality of sub-states, each of which belongs to one of the plurality of main states. Each of the main states defined in the state history information is associated with first time information indicating a first period during which the machine tool was in the main state. Each of the sub-states defined in the state history information is associated with second time information indicating a second period during which the machine tool was in the sub-state. The display program further causes the computer to execute a process of displaying a history screen related to the state history information. The displaying process includes a process of displaying a first object indicating the first period on the history screen in association with a time axis for each of the main states defined in the state history information, a process of accumulating the second period included in the first period for each of the first objects and for each type of sub-state, and a process of displaying a second object indicating the length of each accumulated period obtained by the accumulating process on the history screen in association with the corresponding first object.

[0014] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a device configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a machine tool. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of state history information of a machine tool. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a state history screen according to a comparative example and a state history screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of state relationship information indicating a correspondence between a main state and a sub-state. [Figure 6]This is a diagram showing an example of a drive mechanism of a machine tool. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a CNC unit. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 10] This is a diagram for explaining the functions of an integration unit and a display control unit. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the flow of display processing of a state history screen. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing a state history screen according to Modification 1. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing a state history screen according to Modification 2.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] 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. Note that each embodiment and each modification described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

[0017] <A. Information Processing System 10> First, referring to FIG. 1, the device configuration of the information processing system 10 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of the information processing system 10.

[0018] The information processing system 10 includes an information processing apparatus 100 and a machine tool 200.

[0019] The information processing apparatus 100 is, for example, a notebook or desktop PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, or other computer having a communication function. The information processing apparatus 100 is configured to be communicable with the machine tool 200 via a network NW1 (for example, a local area network (LAN) or the Internet).

[0020] The machine tool 200 constituting the information processing system 10 may be one or a plurality. In the example of FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 includes two machine tools 200A and 200B. The machine tool 200A and the machine tool 200B may be installed in the same factory or in different factories.

[0021] As used herein, the “machine tool” is a concept encompassing various devices having a function of processing a workpiece. The machine tool 200 may be a horizontal machining center or a vertical machining center. Alternatively, the machine tool 200 may be a lathe, or other cutting machine, grinding machine, machining center, 5-axis machining center, or the like. Further, the machine tool 200 is not limited to performing only removal machining. The machine tool 200 may perform additional machining in addition to removal machining.

[0022] <B. Machine Tool 200> Next, referring to FIG. 2, the machine tool 200 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a view showing the appearance of the machine tool 200.

[0023] The machine tool 200 has a tool storage unit 240A and a machine tool main body 240B. Each of the tool storage unit 240A and the machine tool main body 240B is partitioned by a cover.

[0024] The tool storage unit 240A is provided with a magazine 250 and an ATC (Automatic Tool Changer) 260. The machine tool main body 240B is provided with a spindle head 270.

[0025] The spindle head 270 includes a spindle barrel 275 and a spindle 280. The spindle 280 is rotatably supported by the spindle barrel 275 about its axial direction as the rotation center. The rotation of the spindle 280 is realized by a drive mechanism such as a motor, for example.

[0026] One tool selected from the magazine 250 is mounted on the spindle 280. More specifically, the machine tool 200 drives the magazine 250 to move one tool (hereinafter also referred to as "processing tool") corresponding to the processing step to the first tool change position. Also, the machine tool 200 drives the spindle head 270 to move the tool (hereinafter also referred to as "used tool") mounted on the spindle 280 to the second tool change position. Thereafter, the ATC 260 exchanges the processing tool waiting at the first tool change position with the used tool waiting at the second tool change position. The tool exchange is performed through a door D provided in a partition between the processing machine main body 240B and the tool storage part 240A. The door D is a slide-type door and is opened and closed by a drive source such as a motor. Thereafter, the machine tool 200 processes the workpiece using the processing tool mounted on the spindle 280.

[0027] In addition, the machine tool 200 is provided with an operation panel 400. The operation panel 400 includes a display 405 for displaying various information related to processing and operation keys 406 for receiving various operations on the machine tool 200.

[0028] <C. Overview> Next, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the main functions of the information processing system 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the state history information 124 of the machine tool 200.

[0029] The information processing system 10 acquires state history information 124 indicating the periods during which the machine tool 200 was in each state. The state of the machine tool 200 includes a plurality of main states and a plurality of sub-states.

[0030] The main state refers to a major classification in the operation of machine tool 200, and represents the main criterion for distinguishing the operating state of the entire machine. Each main state defined in state history information 124 is associated with time information indicating the period during which machine tool 200 was in that main state (hereinafter also referred to as the "main state period"). In the example of FIG. 3, main state "S1" is associated with time information defined by a start time "T1S" and an end time "T1E" as the main state period. Main state "S2" is associated with time information defined by a start time "T2S" and an end time "T2E" as the main state period.

[0031] A sub-state refers to a subcategory of state in the operation of machine tool 200. In other words, a sub-state is a state that is a more detailed classification of a main state, and represents detailed operating conditions and modes within that main state. A sub-state is a state that belongs to one of the main states. Each sub-state defined in state history information 124 is associated with time information that indicates the period during which machine tool 200 was in that sub-state (hereinafter also referred to as the "sub-state period"). In the example of FIG. 3, time information defined by a start time "T3S" and an end time "T3E" is associated as the sub-state period with sub-state "S2A."

[0032] The information processing system 10 has a function of displaying a history screen related to the state history information 124. Fig. 4 shows a state history screen 130X according to a comparative example and a state history screen 130 according to the embodiment.

[0033] On state history screen 130X, the main state and sub-state of machine tool 200 are displayed in association with the time axis TAX. In the example of Fig. 4, the occurrence periods of main state "S1", main state "S2", and sub-state "S2A" are displayed in association with the time axis TAX. Sub-state "S2A" is a state belonging to main state "S2".

[0034] As shown on state history screen 130X, when sub-states change frequently, the display becomes complicated. As a result, the administrator cannot grasp the state of machine tool 200 at a glance. Therefore, information processing system 10 displays sub-states, which are classified more precisely than main states, by grouping them into a series of main states.

[0035] More specifically, for each main state defined in the state history information 124, the information processing system 10 displays a main state object OB1 (first object) representing the occurrence period on the state history screen 130 in association with the time axis TAX.

[0036] In the example of FIG. 4, a main state object OB1_1 indicating the occurrence period of the main state "S1" and a main state object OB1_2 indicating the occurrence period of the main state "S2" are shown.

[0037] On the other hand, for sub-states defined in the state history information 124, the information processing system 10 displays sub-states collectively for each series of main states. More specifically, the information processing system 10 accumulates the sub-state periods included in each main state period of the main state object OB1 for each series of main state objects OB1 and for each type of sub-state. Then, the information processing system 10 associates a sub-state object OB2 (second object) representing the length of each accumulated period with the corresponding main state object OB1 and displays it on the state history screen 130.

[0038] In the example of FIG. 4, the sub-state period of the sub-state "S2A" is accumulated, and a sub-state object OB2_1 indicating the accumulated period is displayed in association with a higher-level main state object OB1_2.

[0039] This allows the administrator to understand how much time each sub-state takes up for each period during which the main state occurs, and as a result, the user can easily understand state history information 124 of machine tool 200.

[0040] The method of associating the main state object OB1_2 with the sub state object OB2_1 is arbitrary. In the example of Fig. 4, the information processing system 10 associates the main state object OB1_2 with the sub state object OB2_1 by displaying the sub state object OB2_1 inside the main state object OB1_2. This allows the administrator to easily recognize the correspondence between the main state object OB1_2 and the sub state object OB2_1.

[0041] As another example, the information processing system 10 associates the main state object OB1_2 with the sub state object OB2_1 by displaying the main state object OB1_2 and the sub state object OB2_1 side by side.

[0042] The display destination of the status history screen 130 is arbitrary. As one example, the status history screen 130 is displayed on a display 106 (see FIG. 7) of the information processing device 100, which will be described later. As another example, the status history screen 130 may be displayed on a display provided in the machine tool 200. An example of a display provided in the machine tool 200 is the above-mentioned display 405 (see FIG. 2).

[0043] Typically, the state history screen 130 is displayed for each machine tool 200. In this case, the identifier of the machine tool 200 (for example, the name of the machine tool) is also written on the state history screen 130.

[0044] The information processing system 10 may display only the state history screen 130, or may display both the state history screen 130 and the state history screen 130X side by side. The display of the state history screens 130 and 130X may be switched in response to a user operation.

[0045] Further, the information processing system 10 may automatically switch the display of the state history screens 130 and 130X according to the screen magnification ratio. As an example, when the screen magnification ratio of the information processing system 10 is smaller than a predetermined value, the information processing system 10 displays the state history screen 130. On the other hand, when the screen magnification ratio of the information processing system 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the information processing system 10 displays the state history screen 130X.

[0046] <D. Specific Examples of the State of the Machine Tool 200> Next, referring to FIG. 5, specific examples of the above-described main state and the above-described sub-state will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of state relation information 126 indicating the correspondence between the main state and the sub-state.

[0047] As described above, the main state refers to a major classification in the operation of the machine tool 200 and represents a main criterion for distinguishing the operating state of the entire machine. The main state is a state in which the occurrence period does not overlap with other types of main states.

[0048] On the other hand, the sub-state is a state obtained by classifying the main state in more detail and represents detailed operating conditions and modes within the main state. The sub-state is a state in which the occurrence period may overlap with other types of sub-states.

[0049] As an example of the main state, there is the "power-off state". The "power-off state" is a state indicating that the power of the machine tool 200 is off. The on / off of the power of the machine tool 200 can be detected by any method.

[0050] As an example, sensors such as a voltage sensor and a current sensor are connected to the power supply of the machine tool 200, and when the detection value of the sensor is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the information processing system 10 determines that the state of the machine tool 200 is in the "power-off state". On the other hand, when the detection value of the sensor is greater than the predetermined value, the information processing system 10 determines that the state of the machine tool 200 is a main state other than the "power-off state".

[0051] As another example, the information processing system 10 may detect whether the power supply to the machine tool 200 is on or off by monitoring an input port of a PLC provided in the machine tool 200.

[0052] Another example of the main state is a "normal stop state." The "normal stop state" is a state indicating that machine tool 200 is powered on and has stopped normally. As an example, information processing system 10 determines that machine tool 200 is in the "normal stop state" when machine tool 200 is powered on, no abnormality has occurred in machine tool 200, and machining program 222 (see FIG. 8), which will be described later, is not being executed.

[0053] Yet another example of the main state is an "abnormal stop state." The "abnormal stop state" is a state indicating that machine tool 200 has been abnormally stopped while machine tool 200 is powered on. As an example, when machine tool 200 is powered on and some kind of abnormality has occurred in machine tool 200, information processing system 10 determines that the state of machine tool 200 is an "abnormal stop state."

[0054] The types of detectable abnormalities are not particularly limited. Examples of detectable abnormalities include a "damaged state" indicating that the tool is damaged and an "end of life state" indicating that the tool's life has expired.

[0055] Whether or not a tool is in a "damaged state" is detected, for example, by a damage sensor provided in machine tool 200. As an example, the damage sensor includes a tool outer shape measurement sensor. The measurement sensor is, for example, a distance sensor, a touch sensor, or any other sensor capable of detecting the tool outer shape. An example of detecting tool damage using a distance sensor will be described. Machine tool 200 acquires time-series data representing the tool outer shape from the distance sensor by rotating the tool attached to spindle 280 in front of the distance sensor. Machine tool 200 calculates the difference between the time-series data and a predetermined normal value, and if the absolute value of the difference result exceeds a predetermined value, determines that the tool is chipped. In this case, machine tool 200 determines that the state of the tool is "damaged."

[0056] As another example, the damage sensor includes a camera for photographing a tool inside machine tool 200. Machine tool 200 determines whether the tool is damaged by performing predetermined image processing on the image obtained from the camera. If machine tool 200 determines that the tool is damaged, it determines the state of the tool to be "damaged."

[0057] The "end of life state" is determined, for example, based on machining program 222 (see FIG. 8), which will be described later. More specifically, machine tool 200 monitors machining program 222 and determines whether each tool is being used for machining. Machine tool 200 counts down the remaining life of a tool that is in use. The remaining life of a new tool is determined in advance for each tool.

[0058] The term "remaining tool life" as used herein refers to the amount of tool life that can be used until the end of the tool life. The term "amount" is a concept that includes time, distance, and number of times. In other words, the "remaining usable amount of a tool" is a concept that includes the remaining time that a tool can be used until the end of its tool life, the remaining distance that a tool can move until the end of its tool life, and the remaining number of times that a tool can be used until the end of its tool life.

[0059] An example of a method for monitoring the remaining life of a tool will be described. The machining program 222 of the machine tool 200 is specified in G-code and includes a tool change command for specifying a tool to be attached to the spindle 280 and a drive command for rotating / feeding the spindle 280 and the tool. The machine tool 200 identifies the type of tool to be used for machining a workpiece based on the tool change command specified in the machining program 222. Next, the machine tool 200 starts counting down the remaining life of the tool based on the execution of a drive command specified in the machining program 222. Subsequently, the machine tool 200 stops counting down the remaining life of the tool based on the execution of a stop command or the final command specified in the machining program 222. In this way, the machine tool 200 monitors the remaining life of each tool. When the remaining life of a tool falls below a predetermined threshold, the machine tool 200 determines that the tool is in a "life-end state" based on the fact that the remaining life of the tool has reached zero.

[0060] Another example of the main state is the "operating state." The "operating state" is a state indicating that machine tool 200 is in machining. More specifically, information processing system 10 determines that the state of machine tool 200 is the "operating state" when machining program 222, which will be described later, is being executed.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 5, sub-states are associated with the main state. For example, the main state "normal stop state" is associated with the sub-state "operation state" and the sub-state "other state."

[0062] The sub-state "operation state" indicates a state in which an operator is operating an HMI (Human Machine Interface) of machine tool 200 while machine tool 200 is normally stopped. An example of the HMI is the above-mentioned control panel 400 (see FIG. 2). Information processing system 10 regards, for example, user operations performed on control panel 400 within a certain period of time (for example, within 30 seconds) as a series of "operation states." Examples of user operations include touching a screen, pressing a switch, and switching a switch.

[0063] The sub-state "other state" associated with the main state "normal stop state" is a state that belongs to the main state "normal stop state" and is a state other than the sub-state "operation state".

[0064] The main state "operating state" is associated with the sub-states "fast forward state", "cutting feed state", "spindle rotation state", "machining state", and "other states".

[0065] The sub-state "fast-forward state" is a state indicating that spindle 280 of machine tool 200 has been driven at fast forward. "Fast-forward" refers to control that drives spindle 280 at the maximum speed within a range that can be set in machine tool 200. Information processing system 10 determines that the state of machine tool 200 is the sub-state "fast-forward state" when a specific command code (for example, G-code "G00") defined in machining program 222 (see FIG. 8), which will be described later, is executed.

[0066] The sub-state "cutting feed state" is a state indicating that the spindle 280 of the machine tool 200 has been driven for feed. "Cutting feed" refers to control for driving the spindle 280 at a specified feed rate. The feed rate of the spindle 280 during cutting feed is slower than the feed rate of the spindle 280 during rapid feed. As an example, the information processing system 10 determines that the state of the machine tool 200 is the sub-state "cutting feed state" when a specific command code (for example, G-codes "G00" to "G03") defined in the machining program 222 (see FIG. 8) described below is executed.

[0067] The secondary state "spindle rotating state" is a state indicating that spindle 280 of machine tool 200 is rotating. The rotation means rotation about the axial direction of spindle 280. As an example, information processing system 10 determines that the state of machine tool 200 is the secondary state "spindle rotating state" when a specific command code (for example, G-codes "G00" to "G03") defined in machining program 222 (see FIG. 8) described below is executed.

[0068] The sub-state "machining state" indicates a state in which the tool is cutting the workpiece. Whether the state of machine tool 200 is in the "machining state" can be determined by various methods. As one example, information processing system 10 determines that the state of machine tool 200 is in the "machining state" when the state of machine tool 200 is the above-mentioned "cutting feed state" or "rapid feed state," and also the above-mentioned "spindle rotation state," and the tool is in contact with the workpiece.

[0069] Whether the tool is in contact with the workpiece is determined, for example, using an acceleration sensor provided on the spindle 280. More specifically, the information processing system 10 samples the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor at a predetermined sampling rate and performs a fast Fourier transform (FFT) on the sampling results. This results in a spectrum indicating vibration intensity for each frequency. If any of the vibration intensities included in the spectrum exceeds a predetermined value, the information processing system 10 determines that the tool is in contact with the workpiece.

[0070] As another example, the information processing system 10 may determine whether the tool is in contact with the workpiece based on the load on the spindle 280. More specifically, the information processing system 10 detects the output currents of motor drivers 231X, 231Y, 231Z, 231B, and 231C (see FIG. 6 ) for the spindle 280, which will be described later, as the spindle load. The output currents are detected, for example, by a current sensor. The information processing system 10 determines that the tool is in contact with the workpiece when the current value of any one of the output currents exceeds a predetermined value.

[0071] As yet another example, information processing system 10 may determine whether or not the tool is in contact with the workpiece by using a camera provided inside machine tool 200. The camera is provided inside machine tool 200 so that its imaging range includes spindle 280 and the workpiece.

[0072] The sub - states "other states" associated with the main state "operating state" are states other than the sub - states "fast - forward state", "cutting - feed state", "spindle - rotation state", and "processing state".

[0073] The main state "abnormal stop state" is associated with the sub - state "operation state" and the sub - state "other states".

[0074] The sub - state "operation state" indicates a state where an operator is operating the HMI of the machine tool 200 under the condition that the machine tool 200 has stopped abnormally. As an example of the HMI, the above - mentioned operation panel 400 (see Figure 2) can be cited. The information processing system 10 regards, for example, user operations performed on the operation panel 400 within a certain period (for example, within 30 seconds) as a series of "operation states". Examples of user operations include screen - touch operations, switch - pressing operations, and switch - switching operations, etc.

[0075] The sub - state "other states" associated with the main state "abnormal stop state" is a state belonging to the main state "abnormal stop state" and is a state other than the sub - state "operation state".

[0076] In the example of Figure 5, for the main state "power - off state", no sub - state is associated. Thus, the number of sub - states associated with the main state may be zero.

[0077] <E. Drive mechanism of the machine tool 200> Next, referring to Figure 6, the drive mechanism in the machine tool 200 will be described. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the drive mechanism of the machine tool 200.

[0078] As shown in Figure 6, the machine tool 200 includes a CNC unit 30, a drive unit 230A, and a drive unit 230B.

[0079] The CNC unit 30 controls various devices within the machine tool 200. The objects to be controlled by the CNC unit 30 include the drive unit 230A and the drive unit 230B.

[0080] The driving section 230A is a driving mechanism for moving the position of the main shaft 280. The driving section 230A may be configured with a single driving unit or may be configured with multiple driving units. In the example of Fig. 6, the driving section 230A is configured with motor drivers 231X to 231Z and motors 232X to 232Z.

[0081] The motor driver 231X sequentially receives input of target positions of the spindle 280 in the X-axis direction from the CNC unit 30, and outputs a current corresponding to the target positions to the motor 232X. This causes the motor 232X to drive the spindle 280 to any position in the X-axis direction. The motor 232X may be an AC motor, a stepping motor, a servo motor, or any other type of motor.

[0082] The motor driver 231Y sequentially receives input of target positions of the spindle 280 in the Y-axis direction from the CNC unit 30, and outputs a current corresponding to the target positions to the motor 232Y. This causes the motor 232Y to drive the spindle 280 to any position in the Y-axis direction. The motor 232Y may be an AC motor, a stepping motor, a servo motor, or any other type of motor.

[0083] The motor driver 231Z sequentially receives input of target positions of the spindle 280 in the Z-axis direction from the CNC unit 30, and outputs a current corresponding to the target positions to the motor 232Z. This causes the motor 232Z to move the spindle 280 to any position in the Z-axis direction. The motor 232Z may be an AC motor, a stepping motor, a servo motor, or any other type of motor.

[0084] The drive unit 230B is a drive mechanism for rotationally driving the main shaft 280. The drive unit 230B may be composed of a single drive unit or a plurality of drive units. In the example of FIG. 6, the drive unit 230B is composed of motor drivers 231B, 231C and motors 232B, 232C.

[0085] The motor driver 231B sequentially receives an input of the target rotation angle or the target rotation speed of the main shaft 280 centered on the Y-axis direction from the CNC unit 30, and outputs a current corresponding to the target rotation angle or the target rotation speed to the motor 232B. The motor 232B rotationally drives the main shaft 280 centered on the Y-axis direction. The motor 232B may be an AC motor, a stepping motor, a servo motor, or other types of motors.

[0086] The motor driver 231C sequentially receives an input of the target rotation angle or the target rotation speed of the main shaft 280 centered on the axial direction of the main shaft 280 from the CNC unit 30, and outputs a current corresponding to the target rotation angle or the target rotation speed to the motor 232C. The motor 232C rotationally drives the main shaft 280 centered on the axial direction of the main shaft 280. The motor 232C may be an AC motor, a stepping motor, a servo motor, or other types of motors.

[0087] <Hardware Configuration of the Information Processing Apparatus 100> Next, referring to FIG. 7, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 described above will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 100.

[0088] The information processing apparatus 100 includes a control circuit 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a communication interface 104, a display interface 105, an input interface 107, and an auxiliary storage device 120. These components are connected to an internal bus 109.

[0089] The control circuit 101 is an example of the control unit 50 of the information processing system 10. The control circuit 101 is configured, for example, by at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may be configured, for example, by at least one CPU, at least one GPU, at least one ASIC, at least one FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0090] The control circuit 101 controls the operation of the information processing device 100 by executing various programs such as a display program 122. Upon receiving an execution command for the display program 122, the control circuit 101 reads the display program 122 from the ROM 102 or the auxiliary storage device 120 to the RAM 103. The RAM 103 functions as a working memory and temporarily stores various data required for executing the display program 122.

[0091] A LAN, an antenna, and the like are connected to communication interface 104. Information processing device 100 exchanges data with external devices via communication interface 104. The external devices include, for example, machine tool 200, control panel 400, and other communication devices.

[0092] A display 106 is connected to the display interface 105. The display interface 105 sends an image signal for displaying an image to the display 106 in accordance with a command from the control circuit 101 or the like. The display 106 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or other display device. The display 106 may be configured integrally with the information processing device 100 or may be configured separately from the information processing device 100.

[0093] An input device 108 is connected to the input interface 107. The input device 108 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or other device capable of receiving user operations. Note that the input device 108 may be integrally configured with the information processing apparatus 100 or may be configured separately from the information processing apparatus 100.

[0094] The auxiliary storage device 120 is, for example, a hard disk, a flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and other storage media. The auxiliary storage device 120 stores the display program 122, the above-described state history information 124, the above-described state relation information 126, and the like. These storage locations are not limited to the auxiliary storage device 120 and may be stored in the storage area of the control circuit 101 (for example, cache memory, etc.), ROM 102, RAM 103, other devices, or the like.

[0095] The display program 122 is a program for realizing some or all of the functions described in this specification. The display program 122 may be provided not as a single program but incorporated into a part of any program. In this case, the transfer control process by the display program 122 is realized in cooperation with any program. Even a program that does not include such a part of the module does not deviate from the gist of the display program 122 according to the present embodiment. Furthermore, some or all of the functions provided by the display program 122 may be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 100 may be configured in a form such as a so-called cloud service in which at least one server executes a part of the processing of the display program 122.

[0096] <Hardware Configuration of G.CNC Unit 30> Next, referring to FIG. 8, the hardware configuration of the CNC unit 30 shown in FIG. 6 described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the CNC unit 30.

[0097] The CNC unit 30 includes a control circuit 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a communication interface 204, and an auxiliary storage device 220. These components are connected to an internal bus 209.

[0098] The control circuit 201 is an example of the control unit 50 of the information processing system 10. The control circuit 201 is configured, for example, by at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may be configured, for example, by at least one CPU, at least one GPU, at least one ASIC, at least one FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0099] The control circuit 201 controls the operation of the CNC unit 30 by executing various programs such as a workpiece machining program 222. Upon receiving an execution command for the machining program 222, the control circuit 201 reads the machining program 222 from the ROM 202 to the RAM 203. The RAM 203 functions as a working memory and temporarily stores various data required for executing the machining program 222.

[0100] The communication interface 204 is an interface for periodic communication with external devices using a field network. Examples of such external devices include the above-mentioned drive units 230A and 230B. Examples of the field network that may be used include EtherCAT, EtherNet / IP, CC-Link, and CompoNet.

[0101] The auxiliary storage device 220 is, for example, a hard disk, a flash memory, an SSD, and other storage media. The auxiliary storage device 220 stores a processing program 222 and the like. The storage location of the processing program 222 is not limited to the auxiliary storage device 220 and may be stored in the storage area of the control circuit 201 (for example, cache memory), ROM 202, RAM 203, an external device (for example, a server), etc. of the information processing apparatus 100. Also, at least one of the above-described display program 122, the above-described state history information 124, and the above-described state relation information 126 may be stored in the auxiliary storage device 220 of the machine tool 200 instead of the auxiliary storage device 120 of the information processing apparatus 100.

[0102] <H. Functional Configuration of Information Processing System 10> Next, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the functional configuration of the information processing system 10 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 10.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 9, the information processing system 10 includes a control unit 50. The configuration of the control unit 50 is arbitrary. As an example, the control unit 50 is composed of at least one of the control circuit 101 (see FIG. 7) of the above-described information processing apparatus 100 and the control circuit 201 (see FIG. 8) of the above-described CNC unit 30.

[0104] The control unit 50 includes, as a functional configuration, a state detection unit 52, an integration unit 54, and a display control unit 56. Hereinafter, these functional configurations will be described in order.

[0105] Note that each functional configuration may be implemented in any device within the information processing system 10. Part or all of the functional configuration shown in FIG. 9 may be implemented in the above-described information processing apparatus 100 (see FIG. 1) or may be implemented in the above-described machine tool 200 (for example, CNC 200A).

[0106] In one aspect, state detection unit 52, accumulating unit 54, and display control unit 56 are all implemented in information processing device 100 or machine tool 200. In another aspect, state detection unit 52 is implemented in machine tool 200, and accumulating unit 54 and display control unit 56 are implemented in information processing device 100. In yet another aspect, state detection unit 52 and accumulating unit 54 are implemented in machine tool 200, and display control unit 56 is implemented in information processing device 100.

[0107] (H1. Status detection unit 52) First, the function of the state detection unit 52 shown in FIG. 9 will be described.

[0108] State detection unit 52 detects various states related to the operation of machine tool 200, and stores the occurrence period of each state in the above-mentioned state history information 124. The states to be detected are the above-mentioned main state and sub-state. The main state and sub-state have been described above, so their description will not be repeated.

[0109] (H2. Integration Section 54) Next, the function of the integrating section 54 shown in Fig. 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the function of the integrating section 54 and a display control section 56, which will be described later.

[0110] The main state period TS1 shown in Fig. 10 indicates the period during which the main state "S1" occurs. The main state period TS2 shown in Fig. 10 indicates the period during which the main state "S2" occurs. The main state periods TS1 and TS2 are defined in the state history information 124 described above.

[0111] The substate period TS2A shown in FIG. 10 indicates the period during which the substate "S2A" occurs. The substate period TS2B shown in FIG. 10 indicates the period during which the substate "S2B" occurs. The substate periods TS2A and TS2B are defined in the above-mentioned state history information 124. The substates "S2A" and "S2B" belong to the main state "S2".

[0112] The accumulator 54 accumulates the sub-state periods included in each series of main state periods by type of sub-state. In the example of Fig. 10, the accumulator 54 accumulates the sub-state periods TS2A belonging to the series of main state periods TS2. The accumulator 54 also accumulates the sub-state periods TS2B belonging to the series of main state periods TS2. The accumulation results by the accumulator 54 are output to the display controller 56.

[0113] (H3.Display control unit 56) Continuing with reference to FIG. 10, the function of the display control unit 56 shown in FIG. 9 will be described.

[0114] The display control unit 56 displays, on the state history screen 130, a main state object OB1 representing the occurrence period of each of the main states "S1" and "S2" defined in the state history information 124 in association with the time axis TAX. In the example of Fig. 10, a main state object OB1_1 indicating the occurrence period of the main state "S1" and a main state object OB1_2 indicating the occurrence period of the main state "S2" are displayed on the state history screen 130.

[0115] On the other hand, the display control unit 56 displays a sub-state object OB2_1 representing the accumulated period of occurrence of the sub-state "S2A" and a sub-state object OB2_2 representing the accumulated period of occurrence of the sub-state "S2B" based on the accumulation result by the accumulation unit 54.

[0116] The sub-state objects OB2_1 and OB2_2 are displayed in association with a main state object OB1_2 that indicates the occurrence period of the higher-level main state "S2." As an example, the display control unit 56 associates the main state object OB1_2 with the sub-state objects OB2_1 and OB2_2 by displaying the sub-state objects OB2_1 and OB2_2 inside the main state object OB1_2.

[0117] Preferably, the sub-state objects OB2_1 and OB2_2 displayed in association with the main state object OB1_2 represent the length of the integrated period by the width in the direction parallel to the time axis TAX (i.e., the width in the left-right direction on the paper surface of FIG. 10). In this case, the sub-state objects OB2_1 and OB2_2 are displayed in multiple rows parallel to each other.

[0118] This allows the administrator to grasp the cumulative period of the sub-state using the time axis TAX as a scale.

[0119] As an example, if the main state "S2" is the "operating state" and the sub-state "S2A" or the sub-state "S2B" is either the "rapid forward state," the "cutting feed state," or the "spindle rotation state," the manager can easily grasp the machining efficiency.

[0120] As another example, if the main state "S2" is a "normal stop state" and the sub-state "S2A" or the sub-state "S2B" is an "operation state," the administrator can easily grasp the work efficiency of the operator when the machine tool 200 is stopped normally.

[0121] As yet another example, if the main state "S2" is an "abnormal stop state" and the sub-state "S2A" or the sub-state "S2B" is an "operating state," the administrator can easily grasp the work efficiency when the machine tool 200 abnormally stops.

[0122] <I.フローチャート> Next, a control flow relating to the display processing of the above-mentioned state history screen 130 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the display processing of the state history screen 130.

[0123] 11 is realized, for example, by control unit 50 of information processing system 10 executing display program 122 (see FIG. 8) described above. In another aspect, some or all of the processing may be performed by circuit elements or other hardware.

[0124] In step S110, the control unit 50 determines whether or not it has received a display operation of the status history screen 130 (see FIG. 10). When the control unit 50 determines that it has received a display operation of the status history screen 130 (YES in step S110), the control switches to step S112. Otherwise (NO in step S110), the control unit 50 re-executes the process of step S110.

[0125] In step S112, the control unit 50 acquires the above-described status history information 124 (see FIG. 3).

[0126] In step S114, the control unit 50 functions as the above-described integration unit 54 (see FIG. 9), refers to the status history information 124, and integrates the sub-status periods included in each series of main status periods according to the type of sub-status. Since the integration function is as described above, the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0127] In step S116, the control unit 50 functions as the above-described display control unit 56 (see FIG. 9) and displays the above-described status history screen 130 (see FIG. 10). On the status history screen 130, a main status object OB1 indicating the occurrence period of the main status and a sub-status object OB2 indicating the integrated period of the sub-status are displayed. Since the display function of the status history screen 130 is as described above, the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0128] <J. Modified Example 1> Next, referring to FIG. 12, another example of the status history screen 130 shown in FIG. 10 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the status history screen 130 according to Modified Example 1.

[0129] In the example of FIG. 10 described above, the sub-status objects OB2_1 and OB2_2 represented the length of the integrated period by the width in the direction parallel to the time axis TAX. However, when the width of the main status object OB1_2 is short, the sub-status objects OB2_1 and OB2_2 also become short. In such a case, it becomes difficult for the operator to grasp the integrated time of the sub-statuses S2A and S2B.

[0130] Therefore, in the display mode according to this modification example, the sub-state objects OB2_1 and OB2_2 represent the length of the integration period by the width in the direction orthogonal to the time axis TAX. Thereby, even when the main state object is short, it becomes easier for the operator to grasp the integration period of the sub-state object.

[0131] In the example of FIG. 12, a main state object OB1_1 indicating the occurrence period of the main state "S1", a main state object OB1_2 indicating the occurrence period of the main state "S2", and a sub-state object OB2_1 indicating the integration period of the sub-state "S2A" are displayed on the state history screen 130.

[0132] The occurrence period of the main state "S1" is represented by the width of the main state object OB1_1 in the direction parallel to the time axis TAX (that is, the width in the left-right direction of the paper surface of FIG. 12). Similarly, the occurrence period of the main state "S2" is represented by the width of the main state object OB1_2 in the direction parallel to the time axis TAX (that is, the width in the left-right direction of the paper surface of FIG. 12).

[0133] On the other hand, the integration period of the sub-state "S2A" is represented by the width of the sub-state object OB2_1 in the direction orthogonal to the time axis TAX (that is, the width in the up-down direction of the paper surface of FIG. 12).

[0134] <K. Modification Example 2> Next, referring to FIG. 13, another example of the state history screen 130 shown in FIG. 10 will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the state history screen 130 according to Modification Example 2.

[0135] When some abnormality occurs during the execution of the processing program 222, the main state object OB1 indicating the occurrence period of the main state "operating state" separates. The information processing system 10 according to this modification example integrally displays the separated main state objects OB1 in a series of processes.

[0136] 13, the period from the start of execution of the machining program 222 to the end of execution is shown as an execution period ΔT. The information processing system 10 determines that execution of the machining program 222 has started when a specific command code defined in the machining program 222 is executed. Examples of the command code include a code indicating a cycle start of the machining program 222 (for example, an M code "M03" or "M04" or the first line in the program).

[0137] Furthermore, the information processing system 10 determines that the execution of the machining program 222 has ended when a specific command code defined in the machining program 222 has been executed. Examples of the command code include M codes "M02" and "M30."

[0138] In the example of Fig. 13, a main state object OB1 indicating the period during which the main state "operating state" occurred is separated into a main state object OB1_1 and a main state object OB1_2 during the execution period ΔT of the machining program 222. Between the main state objects OB1_1 and OB1_2, a main state object OB1 indicating an "abnormal stop state" and a main state object OB1 indicating a "normal stop state" are shown. This means that some kind of machining occurred during machining of a workpiece, the machine tool 200 then abnormally stopped, and the operator took measures to restore operation.

[0139] In this way, when there are multiple main state objects OB1 indicating the main state "operating state" during the execution period ΔT of the machining program, the information processing system 10 integrates the multiple main state objects OB1 and also integrates the sub-state objects OB2 included in each of the multiple main state objects OB1.

[0140] 13 shows a state history screen 130A before integration and a state history screen 130B after integration. The main state objects OB1_1 and OB1_2 that are separated on the state history screen 130A before integration are integrated into a main state object OB1X on the state history screen 130B after integration. Furthermore, the sub state object OB2_1 included in the main state object OB1_1 and the sub state object OB2_1 included in the main state object OB1_2 are integrated into a sub state object OB2_1X. Furthermore, the sub state object OB2_2 included in the main state object OB1_1 and the sub state object OB2_2 included in the main state object OB1_2 are integrated into a sub state object OB2_2X.

[0141] By checking the integrated state history screen 130B, the worker can check the accumulated time of the sub-states, focusing on the period from the start to the end of the execution of the machining program 222. This makes it easier for the manager to grasp the machining efficiency for a series of machining programs 222.

[0142] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 10 Information processing system, 30 CNC unit, 50 Control unit, 52 Status detection unit, 54 Integration unit, 56 Display control unit, 100 Information processing device, 101 Control circuit, 102 ROM, 103 RAM, 104 Communication interface, 105 Display interface, 106 Display, 107 Input interface, 108 Input device, 109 Internal bus, 120 Auxiliary storage device, 122 Display program, 124 Status history information, 126 Status related information, 130 Status history screen, 130A Status history screen, 130B Status history screen, 130X Status history screen, 200 Machine tool, 200A Machine tool, 200B Machine tool, 201 Control circuit, 202 ROM, 203 RAM, 204 Communication interface, 209 Internal bus, 220 Auxiliary storage device, 222 Machining program, 230A Drive unit, 230B drive unit, 231B motor driver, 231C motor driver, 231X motor driver, 231Y motor driver, 231Z motor driver, 232B motor, 232C motor, 232X motor, 232Y motor, 232Z motor, 240A tool storage unit, 240B machine body, 250 magazine, 270 spindle head, 275 spindle tube, 280 spindle, 400 operation panel, 405 display, 406 operation key, D door, NW1 network, OB main state object, OB1 main state object, OB1X main state object, OB1_1 main state object, OB1_2 main state object, OB2 sub-state object, OB2_1 sub-state object, OB2_1X sub-state object, OB2_2 sub-state object, OB2_2X Substate object, TAX time axis, TS1 main state duration, TS2 main state duration, TS2A substate duration, TS2B substate duration, ΔT execution duration.

Claims

1. An information processing system, A control unit is provided, the control unit executes a process of acquiring state history information indicating a period during which the machine tool was in each state; The state of the machine tool is a plurality of main states; a plurality of sub-states, each of which belongs to one of the plurality of main states; each of the plurality of main states is a state in which an occurrence period does not overlap with other types of main states; each of the plurality of substates is a state whose occurrence period may overlap with other types of substates; each of the main states defined in the state history information is associated with first time information indicating a first period during which the machine tool was in that main state; each of the sub-states defined in the state history information is associated with second time information indicating a second period during which the machine tool was in the corresponding sub-state; the control unit executes a process of displaying a history screen relating to the state history information, The display process includes: a process of displaying, on the history screen, a first object indicating the first period in association with a time axis for each of the main states defined in the state history information; a process of accumulating the second period included in the first period for each of the first objects and for each of the types of sub-states; and displaying, on the history screen, second objects representing the lengths of the respective integration periods obtained in the integration process in association with the corresponding first objects.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the second object is displayed within the corresponding first object.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the second object represents the length of the integration period by a width in a direction parallel to the time axis.

4. An information processing system, A control unit is provided, the control unit executes a process of acquiring state history information indicating a period during which the machine tool was in each state; The state of the machine tool is a plurality of main states; a plurality of sub-states, each of which belongs to one of the plurality of main states; each of the main states defined in the state history information is associated with first time information indicating a first period during which the machine tool was in that main state; each of the sub-states defined in the state history information is associated with second time information indicating a second period during which the machine tool was in the corresponding sub-state; the control unit executes a process of displaying a history screen relating to the state history information, The display process includes: a process of displaying, on the history screen, a first object indicating the first period in association with a time axis for each of the main states defined in the state history information; a process of accumulating the second period included in the first period for each of the first objects and for each of the types of sub-states; a process of displaying, on the history screen, second objects representing the lengths of the respective integration periods obtained in the integration process in association with the corresponding first objects; An information processing system, wherein the second object represents the length of the integration period by its width in a direction perpendicular to the time axis.

5. An information processing system, A control unit is provided, the control unit executes a process of acquiring state history information indicating a period during which the machine tool was in each state; The state of the machine tool is a plurality of main states; a plurality of sub-states, each of which belongs to one of the plurality of main states; each of the main states defined in the state history information is associated with first time information indicating a first period during which the machine tool was in that main state; each of the sub-states defined in the state history information is associated with second time information indicating a second period during which the machine tool was in the corresponding sub-state; the control unit executes a process of displaying a history screen relating to the state history information, The display process includes: a process of displaying, on the history screen, a first object indicating the first period in association with a time axis for each of the main states defined in the state history information; a process of accumulating the second period included in the first period for each of the first objects and for each of the types of sub-states; a process of displaying, on the history screen, second objects representing the lengths of the respective integration periods obtained in the integration process in association with the corresponding first objects; the second object is displayed within a corresponding first object; the main status includes an operating status indicating that the machine tool was operating; The control unit, when there are multiple first objects indicating the operating state during the period from the start of execution of the machining program to the end of execution of the machining program, integrates the multiple first objects and integrates the second objects included in each of the multiple first objects.

6. A display method executed in an information processing system, comprising: acquiring state history information indicating a period during which the machine tool was in each state; The state of the machine tool is a plurality of main states; a plurality of sub-states, each of which belongs to one of the plurality of main states; each of the plurality of main states is a state in which an occurrence period does not overlap with other types of main states; each of the plurality of substates is a state whose occurrence period may overlap with other types of substates; each of the main states defined in the state history information is associated with first time information indicating a first period during which the machine tool was in that main state; each of the sub-states defined in the state history information is associated with second time information indicating a second period during which the machine tool was in the corresponding sub-state; The display method further includes a step of displaying a history screen relating to the state history information, The displaying step includes: displaying, on the history screen, a first object indicating the first period in association with a time axis for each of the main states defined in the state history information; accumulating the second period included in the first period for each of the first objects and for each of the types of sub-states; and displaying second objects representing the lengths of the respective integration periods obtained in the integration process on the history screen in association with the corresponding first objects.

7. A display program executed on a computer, the display program causes the computer to execute a process of acquiring state history information indicating a period during which the machine tool was in each state; The state of the machine tool is a plurality of main states; a plurality of sub-states, each of which belongs to one of the plurality of main states; each of the plurality of main states is a state in which an occurrence period does not overlap with other types of main states; each of the plurality of substates is a state whose occurrence period may overlap with other types of substates; each of the main states defined in the state history information is associated with first time information indicating a first period during which the machine tool was in that main state; each of the sub-states defined in the state history information is associated with second time information indicating a second period during which the machine tool was in the corresponding sub-state; the display program further causes the computer to execute a process of displaying a history screen relating to the state history information; The display process includes: a process of displaying, on the history screen, a first object indicating the first period in association with a time axis for each of the main states defined in the state history information; a process of accumulating the second period included in the first period for each of the first objects and for each of the types of sub-states; and a process of displaying, on the history screen, second objects representing the lengths of the respective integration periods obtained in the integration process in association with the corresponding first objects.

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