Information processing method, information processing device, program, and recording medium

Abstract

To provide a technology advantageous for decreasing a read time.SOLUTION: First data that contains information on a material, information on an article, and information on a plurality of tools utilized to process the material and to produce the article is prepared, and a job to create, by using the first data, second data including information on the path of each of the plurality of tools is prompted. After the job is prompted, the status of the process of the job is displayed on a display unit as an interface image I3. The interface image I3 displays the status of a first process of calculating a process shape by a first tool contained in the plurality of tools, and the status of a second process of calculating the path of the first tool subsequent to the first process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to information processing related to the path of a tool.

Background Art

[0002] A machining support system for assisting in machining an article from a workpiece using a numerically controlled (NC) machine is known. Patent Document 1 discloses that a machining NC data generation tool generates machining NC data based on the shape information of the workpiece and the article, and the machining process including the tool types designed by a machining process design tool. Patent Document 1 also discloses that the execution status of each CAM application tool for an initial input command is displayed on a client terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes that the processing of the machining NC data generation tool takes a longer processing time than the processing of other CAM application tools. When a plurality of tools are used to machine a workpiece into an article, it takes an even longer time to generate the machining NC data for all of the plurality of tools. If a defect is discovered after waiting for a long time, the waiting time is wasted and the lead time becomes long.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique advantageous for shortening the lead time.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of this disclosure comprises the steps of: preparing first data including material information, article information, and information on a plurality of tools used to process the material and manufacture the article; instructing a job to generate second data including information on the paths of each of the plurality of tools using the first data; and, after instructing the job, displaying the status of the job processing on a display unit, wherein the display step includes displaying on the display unit the status of a first process for calculating the processed shape by the first tool, and the status of a second process performed after the first process for calculating the path of the first tool, and the second process at least part of Execution and in parallel The information processing method is characterized by displaying the status of a third process, which is performed to calculate the path of a second tool used after machining with the first tool, based on the machining shape calculated in the first process, on the display unit.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a processor comprising: a process of preparing first data including material information, article information, and information of a plurality of tools used to process the material and manufacture the article; a process of instructing a job to generate second data including information of the paths of each of the plurality of tools using the first data; and a process of displaying the status of the job processing on a display unit after the job instruction, wherein the display process includes displaying on the display unit the status of a first process for calculating the processed shape by the first tool, and the status of a second process performed after the first process for calculating the path of the first tool, and the second process at least part of Execution and in parallel The information processing device is characterized by displaying the status of a third process, which is performed to calculate the path of a second tool used after machining with the first tool, based on the machining shape calculated in the first process, on the display unit.

[0008] A third aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: acquiring first data including material information, article information, and information on a plurality of tools used to process the material and manufacture the article; and generating second data using the first data, which includes information on the path of each of the plurality of tools, wherein the step of generating the second data includes a first process for calculating the processed shape by the first tool, and a second process performed after the first process for calculating the path of the first tool, and the second process at least some of execution And in parallel The information processing method is characterized by performing a third process to calculate the path of a second tool used after machining with the first tool, based on the machining shape calculated in the first process. A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a processor comprising: a process of acquiring first data including material information, article information, and information of a plurality of tools used to process the material and manufacture the article; a process of generating second data using the first data including information of the path of each of the plurality of tools, wherein the process of generating the second data includes a first process of calculating the processed shape by the first tool, and a second process performed after the first process of calculating the path of the first tool, and the second process at least some of execution And in parallel The information processing device is characterized by performing a third process to calculate the path of a second tool used after machining with the first tool, based on the machining shape calculated in the first process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that is advantageous for shortening lead times. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a system including an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the information processing device and server according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]It is a flowchart showing an information processing method according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing an information processing method according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] (a) is a schematic diagram of a 3D model according to an embodiment. (b) is an explanatory diagram of an example of an interface image according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram of an example of an interface image according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] (a) is a Gantt chart showing the schedule of tool path creation in a comparative example. (b) is a Gantt chart showing the schedule of tool path creation according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram of tool path creation according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams of the reverse offset method according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] (a) to (d) are explanatory diagrams of an example of an interface image according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams of an example of an interface image according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams of an example of an interface image according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing examples of the results of electric discharge machining simulation according to an embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a system 1000 including an information processing apparatus 300 according to an embodiment. The system 1000 is a client-server system. The information processing apparatus 300 includes at least a processor. The information processing apparatus 300 is a client PC configured by a computer. The information processing apparatus 300 is connected to a plurality of servers 3 via a router 1101, a network 1100, and a router 1102 so as to be capable of data communication. Note that a storage device 916 is connected to the plurality of servers 3. Each server 3 is a computing server configured by a computer, and the storage device 916 is a data server.

[0013] The information processing apparatus 300 includes a display device 302 which is an example of a display unit, and an input device 303 which is an example of an input unit. The display device 302 includes, for example, a graphic board built in the information processing apparatus 300, a display device connected to the graphic board, etc., and can display an interface image serving as a user interface. The display device 302 may have a single display configuration or a multi-display configuration. The input device 303 is composed of, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, etc., and receives user input. The user can input input information into the information processing apparatus 300 by operating the input device 303. Note that the display unit and the input unit may be composed of a touch panel on which a user can perform an input operation by touching the screen.

[0014] Further, the information processing apparatus 300 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 311 as a processor capable of information processing. The information processing apparatus 300 also includes, as a storage unit, a ROM (read only memory) 312, a RAM (random access memory) 313, and an HDD (hard disk drive) 314. The information processing apparatus 300 also includes a recording disk drive 315 and a communication module 316. The CPU 311, the ROM 312, the RAM 313, the HDD 314, the recording disk drive 315, the communication module 316, the display device 302, and the input device 303 are connected to each other by a bus 310.

[0015] ROM312 is a non-temporary storage device. ROM312 stores the basic program that is read by the CPU311 when the computer starts up. RAM313 is a temporary storage device used for the CPU311's arithmetic processing. HDD314 is an example of internal storage and is a non-temporary storage device that stores various data, such as the results of the CPU311's arithmetic processing. In this embodiment, HDD314 stores program 350 and CAD (computer-aided design) software 360. That is, program 350 and CAD software 360 ​​are installed in the information processing device 300. Program 350 is application software. The CPU311 executes the processing described later by executing program 350. Furthermore, by executing the CAD software 360, the CPU311 can generate CAD data based on user input information and display images corresponding to the CAD data on the display device 302. The information processing device 300 is a computer that makes program 350 executable by the processor (CPU311). The display device 302, input device 303, communication module 316, etc., do not need to be built into or included with the information processing device 300; they may be provided separately and attached externally.

[0016] The recording disk drive 315 can read various data and programs recorded on the recording disk 340. The communication module 316 is, for example, a LAN module, and can communicate with the server 3 by communicating with the router 1101 via wired or wireless communication.

[0017] In this embodiment, the non-temporary recording medium readable by the computer's processor is the HDD 314, and the program 350 is recorded on the HDD 314, but this is not the only possible representation. The program 350 may be recorded on any recording medium that is a non-temporary recording medium readable by the computer's processor. Examples of recording media that can be used to supply the program 350 to the computer include flexible disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory, and the like.

[0018] The router 1101 is connected to the storage device 14 and the processing device 17. This enables the information processing device 300 to communicate data with the storage device 14 and the processing device 17. The processing device 17 includes a processing machine 171 and a DNC device 172. Multiple tools are mounted on the processing machine 171. The DNC device 172 controls the processing machine 171 based on NC data, causing the processing machine 171 to process the material and manufacture an item.

[0019] In this embodiment, we will explain using the case where electrodes used to manufacture molds by electrical discharge machining of metal materials are manufactured by the processing device 17 as an example. That is, in this embodiment, we will explain using the case where the item manufactured by the processing machine 171 by processing the material is an electrode as an example. Multiple electrodes are required to manufacture a mold.

[0020] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the information processing device 300 and server 3 according to the embodiment. For ease of explanation, Figure 2 shows one of the multiple servers 3. The CPU 311 in Figure 1 functions as the interface unit 4 and transfer unit 13 in Figure 2 by executing the program 350. The interface unit 4 includes the functions of the setting unit 5, the display control unit 6, and the instruction unit 7. The server 3 includes a communication module 911, a route calculation module 11, and a simulation module 12. That is, each of the multiple servers 3 has a program installed that functions as the route calculation module 11 and a program that functions as the simulation module 12.

[0021] Figures 3 and 4 are flowcharts illustrating the information processing method according to the embodiment. Figure 3 shows a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the information processing device 300, and Figure 4 shows a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the server 3. Hereinafter, the case in which the multiple items to be manufactured by the processing device 17 have four electrodes will be explained as an example. The CPU 311 of the information processing device 300 functions as a setting unit 5, a display control unit 6, an instruction unit 7, and a transfer unit 13 by executing the program 350, and executes each step of the information processing method shown in Figure 3.

[0022] Figure 5(a) is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional model according to an embodiment. Figure 5(a) shows a piece model 140 corresponding to the pieces that make up the mold, and four electrode models 141 to 144 corresponding to the four electrodes used to form the pieces by electrical discharge machining. Each of the models 140 to 144 is associated with a material model 130 to 134 corresponding to the material. Each of the models 130 to 134 and 140 to 144 includes a three-dimensional model of CAD data (shape data) created by the CAD software 360, and material information.

[0023] Figure 5(b) is an explanatory diagram of an example of an interface image I1 according to the embodiment. For example, the model of the first material is material model 131, and the model of the second material is material model 132. Also, the model of the first article, i.e., the first electrode, is electrode model 141, and the model of the second article, i.e., the second electrode, is electrode model 142.

[0024] First, the display control unit 6 displays the interface image I1, which will serve as the user interface, on the display device 302 (S101).

[0025] Interface image I1 includes user-operable execution buttons 147, user-operable tree view screen 148, and user-operable model view screen 149. Interface image I1 is displayed on the display device 302 in a single window. The display control unit 6 may also use the functions of the CAD software 360 ​​to display interface image I1.

[0026] The display control unit 6 displays a tree structure on the tree display screen 148, showing "piece A" corresponding to the piece and "electrode A," "electrode B," "electrode C," and "electrode D" corresponding to the four electrodes. "Piece A" is the parent node. "Piece A" is assigned four child nodes: "electrode A," "electrode B," "electrode C," and "electrode D." The display control unit 6 also displays images 160 to 164 corresponding to models 140 to 144 on the model display screen 149.

[0027] "Electrode A" through "Electrode D" are linked to electrode models 141 through 144, respectively. In the following display screen, "Electrode A" refers to electrode model 141, "Electrode B" refers to electrode model 142, "Electrode C" refers to electrode model 143, and "Electrode D" refers to electrode model 144. Images 161 through 164 on model display screen 149 are linked to electrode models 141 through 144, respectively.

[0028] The setting unit 5 accepts user input on the interface image I1 (S102). When the user operates on the tree display screen 148, for example, "electrode A", the setting unit 5 selects the corresponding electrode model 141 as a candidate to load. When the user operates on the tree display screen 148, for example, "piece A", the setting unit 5 selects the four electrode models 141 to 144 as candidates to load. When the user operates on the model display screen 149, for example, image 161, the setting unit 5 selects the corresponding electrode model 141 as a candidate to load. When the user operates on the model display screen 149, for example, image 160, the setting unit 5 selects the four electrode models 141 to 144 as candidates to load. In this way, the user can select the electrode to be manufactured while viewing the interface image I1, thus improving the user's work efficiency. Furthermore, when the user operates on "piece A" or image 160 corresponding to piece model 140, all electrode models 141 to 144 are selected, further improving the user's work efficiency.

[0029] If the execution button 147 is not operated by the user (S103: NO), the setting unit 5 maintains a waiting state for the selection of a loading candidate. When the execution button 147 is operated by the user (S103: YES), the setting unit 5 loads data from the CAD software 360, including the electrode model selected as a loading candidate and the material model corresponding to that electrode model (S104). The loaded electrode model contains information about the electrode, i.e., information about the item. The loaded material model contains information about the material.

[0030] The setting unit 5 reads this data from the CAD software 360, but is not limited to this. For example, it may read from internal or external storage, or from an external device via a network. Also, the setting unit 5 starts the data reading operation when the execute button 147 is operated, but is not limited to this. For example, it may start the corresponding data reading operation each time the user operates on a part of the tree display screen 148 or the model display screen 149.

[0031] The following explanation will use the case where the setting unit 5 has read four electrode models 141 to 144 and four corresponding material models 131 to 134 as an example. Based on each of the read electrode models 141 to 144, the setting unit 5 automatically selects the corresponding processing pattern for each electrode model 141 to 144 by referring to pre-set data (S105). The data referenced by the setting unit 5 in this step S105 is data that has been created in advance by the operator after performing processing tests and adjusting the tool type, tool speed, rotation speed, processing type, etc.

[0032] The machining pattern includes information on multiple tools used to machine the corresponding material and manufacture the corresponding electrode, information on the type of machining performed by each tool, and information on the machining conditions for each tool. The tool information is information on the tools set in the machining center 171, and includes information on the type of tool, such as a drill or end mill, the diameter of the tool, and the length of the tool. The machining type information indicates the type of tool path, such as roughing contour machining, finishing contour machining, and surface-following machining. The machining condition information includes information on the speed at which the tool moves and the rotational speed of the tool.

[0033] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an interface image I2 according to the embodiment. The display control unit 6 displays the interface image I2, which serves as the user interface (S106). The interface image I2 includes a text box 151, a reference button 152, a table 153, and an execute button 156 that can be operated by the user. The interface image I2 is displayed on the display device 302 in a single window.

[0034] In Figure 6, Table 153 displays a list of the names of the electrodes to be manufactured, such as Electrode A, Electrode B, Electrode C, and Electrode D, and the selection results of the processing patterns PA to PD corresponding to each electrode. Table 153 includes several items 154, 155, and 157. Item 154 displays the name of the item. Item 155 displays the name of the processing pattern. Item 157 displays the names of the child patterns of the multiple child patterns that make up the processing pattern.

[0035] Each electrode A to D corresponds to each machining pattern PA to PD. Each machining pattern PA to PD contains information on multiple tools. For example, machining pattern PA, which corresponds to electrode A, is described as containing information on four tools. Each machining pattern PA to PD has multiple sub-patterns A, B, C, ... Each sub-pattern A, B, C, ... contains information on one tool, information on the type of machining performed by the corresponding tool, and information on the machining conditions of the corresponding tool. Therefore, each machining pattern PA to PD, by having multiple sub-patterns, contains information on multiple tools, information on the type of machining performed by each of the multiple tools, and information on the machining conditions of each of the multiple tools.

[0036] Information for each tool is associated with the displayed names T1, T2, T3, ... That is, each name T1, T2, T3, ... represents information about each tool. Information for each machining type is associated with the displayed names P1, P2, P3, ... That is, each name P1, P2, P3, ... represents information about each machining type. Information for each machining condition is associated with the displayed names C1, C2, ... That is, each name C1, C2, ... represents information about each machining condition. As a result, the user can recognize information about multiple tools, machining types, and machining conditions for each electrode A to D by looking at the names displayed in Table 153.

[0037] The multiple tools used to fabricate each electrode A-D are used in the order of sub-patterns A, B, C, ... That is, the order of sub-patterns A, B, C, ... indicates the order in which the multiple tools are used. Alternatively, an external file containing predetermined tool usage orders for each name such as T1, T2, T3, ..., P1, P2, P3, ..., or C1, C2, ... may be read, and the tool usage order may be determined by the names listed in that file and the names displayed.

[0038] The setting unit 5 accepts user operations on the interface image I2 (S107). In table 153, the information (data) of each child pattern A, B, C, ... in each processing pattern PA to PD can be changed by the user by changing the name in table 153. The method of change can be either by the user selecting from a displayed list or by the user entering text. When the user changes the name of a child pattern in table 153, the setting unit 5 changes the information to correspond to the changed name. For example, if the name P2 of child pattern B corresponding to electrode A is changed to name P3 by the user, the setting unit 5 changes the information of the processing type corresponding to name P3 in processing pattern PA. In addition, the user can manually select a new electrode and a new processing pattern corresponding to the new electrode in table 153. By displaying table 153 on the interface image I2 in this way, it is no longer necessary to launch the interface image for each item, and the work of the operator to view, change or create new processing patterns becomes easier.

[0039] Text box 151 is a box for specifying the folder where the input data, including these processing patterns, will be saved. Browse button 152 is a button that displays the folders in a tree structure. The settings unit 5 maintains a waiting state for modification or creation of table 153 unless the execute button 156 is operated by the user (S108:NO).

[0040] When the execution button 156 is pressed by the user (S108: YES), the setting unit 5 stores the data, including the electrode model, material model, and processing pattern, as input data in the folder specified by the interface image I2 (S109). Through the processes S101 to S109 described above, the input data is prepared. The folder is, for example, a folder on HDD 314.

[0041] Specifically, the setting unit 5 prepares the first data, including the material model 131, electrode model 141, and processing pattern PA, as input data D11. The setting unit 5 prepares the third data, including the material model 132, electrode model 142, and processing pattern PB, as input data D12. The setting unit 5 prepares the fifth data, including the material model 133, electrode model 143, and processing pattern PC, as input data D13. The setting unit 5 prepares the seventh data, including the material model 134, electrode model 144, and processing pattern PD, as input data D14.

[0042] Next, the instruction unit 7 sends multiple jobs J1 to J4, which correspond to the multiple input data D11 to D14, to the server 3, thereby instructing the server 3 to perform the multiple jobs J1 to J4 (S110).

[0043] Job J1 is the first job, Job J2 is the second job, Job J3 is the third job, and Job J4 is the fourth job. Job J1 is a job that generates the second data, NC data D21, using input data D11, and corresponds to electrode A. Job J2 is a job that generates the fourth data, NC data D22, using input data D12, and corresponds to electrode B. Job J3 is a job that generates the sixth data, NC data D23, using input data D13, and corresponds to electrode C. Job J4 is a job that generates the sixth data, NC data D23, using input data D14 8 This job generates NC data D24, which corresponds to electrode D.

[0044] These input data D11-D14 and jobs J1-J4 are sent collectively to server 3 via network 1100 with a single user operation, such as pressing the execute button 156. This eliminates the need for the user to individually launch interface images for each of the multiple electrodes, and allows the user to instruct server 3 to run multiple jobs J1-J4 at once, thus improving user work efficiency. Furthermore, server 3 can continuously calculate the tool path, improving its work efficiency. This results in a reduction in lead time.

[0045] Each NC data set D21 to D24 generated on server 3 contains information (data) about the path of each of the corresponding tools. For example, NC data set D21 contains information (data) about the path of each of the four tools.

[0046] This section describes the processing performed by Server 3 upon receiving jobs J1 to J4. Multiple Server 3 servers distribute the processing of the given jobs J1 to J4. The multiple Server 3 servers process jobs J1 to J4 in this order. Since the processing for multiple jobs J1 to J4 is substantially the same, the processing for job J1 will be described, and detailed explanations for jobs J2 to J4 will be omitted.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, if there is no instruction from the information processing device 300 (S121: NO), the server 3 is in a waiting state for instructions. If the server 3 receives an instruction from the information processing device 300 (S121: YES), it acquires the input data (S122) and executes the route calculation process (S123). For example, the server 3 acquires the input data D1 corresponding to job J1 along with job J1. 1 This is obtained from the information processing device 300 (S122). Then, the server 3 generates NC data D21 using the input data D11 corresponding to job J1 (S123). In this way, the server 3 generates NC data D21 corresponding to job J1.

[0048] First, we will specifically explain the process of calculating the path for the comparative example. Figure 7(a) is a Gantt chart showing the schedule for creating the tool path for the comparative example. When multiple processes are required to manufacture electrode A, one tool is used in each process. In cutting processes, the machinable area of ​​the tool differs depending on the tool diameter, tool length, and tool corner radius, and the shape of the remaining material also differs. Here, the tool used in the path calculation is a tool model based on tool information.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7(a), in the comparative example's path calculation, in process S201, the path of the first tool to the material shape is created. Next, in process S202, cutting is simulated on the material shape based on the path of the first tool. This calculates the remaining material shape from the material shape. Next, in process S203, the path of the second tool to the remaining material shape is created. Next, in process S204, cutting is simulated on the remaining material shape based on the path of the second tool. Thus, the calculation of the path of the second tool in process S203 cannot start until the remaining material shape in process S202 is calculated. Therefore, the calculation of tool paths and the calculation of the remaining material shape for all processes are performed in series, which takes time. In particular, processes S201 and S203 are time-consuming processes.

[0050] Figure 7(b) is a Gantt chart showing the schedule for tool path creation according to the embodiment. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of tool path creation according to the embodiment. Figure 8 shows the first tool 201, the second tool 202, and the third tool 203 among a plurality (four) of tools (tool models). Figure 8 shows the shape of the material model 131, the shape of the electrode model 141, the remaining material shape 759 which is the machining shape by the first tool 201, and the remaining material shape 769 which is the machining shape by the second tool 202.

[0051] In this embodiment, the path calculation module 11 of any one of the multiple servers 3 executes a process S211 to calculate the machining shape by the first tool 201, i.e., the remaining material shape 759. The tool 201 is the first tool, and process S211 may be the first process. The remaining material shape 759 calculated in this process S211 differs from the remaining material shape calculated based on the path calculation result in process S201, and may be calculated by the computationally less computationally intensive inverse offset method (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-242919). Information on the shape of the material (material model 131), information on the tool 201, and information on the shape of the final product (electrode model 141) may be used to calculate the remaining material shape 759. The information on the remaining material shape 759 calculated by this process S211 may be used in process S214 to calculate the path of the next second tool 202. Next, after process S211, the path calculation module 11 executes process S212 to calculate the path of the tool 201 based on the material model 131 that shows the material shape. Process S212 may be a second process. Process S212 corresponds to process S201 in Figure 7(a). Note that the information of the remaining material shape 759 calculated by process S211 does not need to be used in process S212 to calculate the path of the first tool 201.

[0052] In this embodiment, the path calculation module 11 of any one of the multiple servers 3 executes process S214 to calculate the path of the second tool 202 based on the remaining material shape 579 obtained by the calculation in process S211. The second tool 202 is a tool used after machining with the first tool 201. The second tool 202 may be the second tool, and process S214 may be the third process. Process S214 corresponds to process S203 in Figure 7(a). Process S214, which calculates the path of the second tool 202, uses information about the shape of the material when machining with the second tool 202 begins. The remaining material shape 759 corresponds to the shape of the material when machining with the first tool 201 ends, but also corresponds to the shape of the material when machining with the second tool 202 begins. Therefore, if the remaining material shape 759 is known by process S211, process S214 can be performed to calculate the path of the second tool 202. As can be seen from Figure 7(b), processes S212 and S214 can be performed in parallel on multiple servers 3.

[0053] The path calculation module 11 operates between processes S211 and S214, i.e., at the end timing T of process S211. S2 and the start timing of processing S214 T S4In between, process S213 is executed to calculate the machining shape by the second tool 202, i.e., the remaining material shape 769. Process S213 may be the fourth process. The remaining material shape 769 calculated in this process S213 may also be calculated using the inverse offset method, which has a low computational load. The calculation of the remaining material shape 769 may use the shape of the material (the remaining material shape 759 calculated in process S211), the information of the tool 202, and the shape of the final product (electrode model 141). The remaining material shape 769 calculated in this process S213 may be used in process S216 to calculate the path of the next third tool 203. Process S216 to calculate the path of the third tool 203 uses the information of the shape of the material when machining is started with the third tool 203. The remaining material shape 769 corresponds to the shape of the material when machining is completed with the second tool 202, but it also corresponds to the shape of the material when machining is started with the third tool 203. Therefore, if the remaining material shape 769 is known by process S212, the shape of the remaining material will be known with the third tool 20 3 The process S216 for calculating the path can be performed. The remaining material shape 769 calculated by process S213 does not need to be used in process S214 for calculating the path of the second tool 202. As can be seen from Figure 7(b), processes S212, S214, and S216 can be performed in parallel on multiple servers 3. In the case of relatively simple machining such as 3-axis machining, the material model 131 may be used instead of the remaining material shape 759 in process S213 for calculating the remaining material shape 769 by the second tool 202. In that case, the calculation of the remaining material shape 769 by the second tool 202 (S213) can be started without waiting for the calculation of the remaining material shape 759 of the previous tool (first tool 201) (S211), and for example, processes S211 and S213 can be performed in parallel. For relatively complex machining operations such as 4-axis or 5-axis machining, the calculation of the remaining material shape 769 may involve a process S213, which uses the remaining material shape 759 of the previous tool (the first tool 201) to calculate the remaining material shape 769 of the subsequent tool (the second tool 202). In other words, process S213 is performed after process S211.

[0054] As described above, in this embodiment, since the remaining material shape 759 is calculated using the inverse offset method in process S211, it is possible to perform the path calculation for tool 202 using the remaining material shape 759 in process S214, even if the path calculation for tool 201 has not been completed. Because parallel calculation is possible in this way, calculations can be performed efficiently, calculation time can be reduced, and lead time can be shortened. Furthermore, after the remaining material shape 759 is obtained in process S211, it is possible to immediately obtain the remaining material shape 769 in the next process S213. Therefore, since process S213 can be executed in parallel with the detailed path calculation in process S212, calculation time can be shortened and lead time can be shortened. Up to this point, the first and second tools have been described, but the same may apply to the third and fourth tools. Note that the calculations described as being processed in parallel by multiple processors (servers) can also be processed sequentially or in parallel by a single processor.

[0055] Figures 9(a) to 9(c) are explanatory diagrams of the inverse offset method according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 9(a), the tool model 610 includes a body shape 601 and a holder shape 602. The path calculation module 11 uses the article model 600 and the tool model 610 to create the remaining material shape. First, the path calculation module 11 calculates the inverse tool model 650 for the tool model 610. Next, as shown in Figure 9(b), the path calculation module 11 sweeps the inverse tool model 650 so that its center point 605 always coincides with the surface of the article model 600, and determines the trajectory 606 drawn by the outermost surface of the inverse tool model 650. Next, as shown in Figure 9(c), the path calculation module 11 sweeps the tool model 610 so that its center point 603 always coincides with the trajectory 606. The path calculation module 11 then defines the area of ​​difference between the trajectory traced by the tip of the tool model 610 and the item model 600 as the remaining material shape 607. The remaining material shapes for the second and subsequent tools can be determined by applying the inverse offset method to the previous remaining material shape, including the item model. Alternatively, for the second and subsequent tools, a provisional remaining material shape can be determined using the inverse offset method with the item model 600, and the area where the remaining material shape from the previous tool and the provisional remaining material shape overlap can be defined as the remaining material shape. As mentioned above, when calculating the remaining material shape for the second and subsequent tools using the material model 131 instead of the remaining material shape from the previous tool, it is preferable to keep the holder shape 602 common across tools. The above describes an example of calculating the remaining material shape, but the method is not limited to the inverse offset method and can be used to calculate the remaining material shape without using tool paths. Alternatively, the tool model 610 may be pre-stored in the database on the server 3 side, or the information processing device 300 may include it as tool information in the input data D11 to D14 and send it to the server 3.

[0056] Here, the display control unit 6 of the information processing device 300 displays the processing status for each job J1 to J4 as an interface image on the display device 302 (S111) after the instruction unit 7 instructs jobs J1 to J4 in step S110. Figures 10(a) to 10(d) and 11(a) to 11(c) are explanatory diagrams of an example of an interface image I3 according to the embodiment. The interface image I3 shown in Figures 10(a) to 10(d) and 11(a) to 11(c) is displayed on the display device 302 after jobs J1 to J4 are instructed. The interface image I3 shown in Figures 10(a) to 10(d) and 11(a) to 11(c) displays the processing status for job J1 among the multiple jobs J1 to J4. The display control unit 6 displays interface images I3 on ​​the display device 302, such as those shown in Figures 10(a) to 10(d) and Figures 11(a) to 11(c), depending on the processing status of job J1. In other words, the interface image I3 changes according to the processing status of server 3, and is illustrated as an example in Figures 10(a) to 10(d) and Figures 11(a) to 11(c).

[0057] Server 3 transmits data indicating the processing status to the information processing device 300 at predetermined time intervals. The display control unit 6 updates the interface image I3 based on the processing status data received from Server 3. Therefore, the processing status of Server 3 is displayed on the interface image I3 in near real time, allowing the user to check the processing status of Server 3 in near real time. The processing status includes the calculation status and error status in the path calculation module 11 of each Server 3, and the calculation status and error status in the simulation module 12. The information processing device 300 displays the various received statuses on the interface image I3.

[0058] Errors occurring in the path calculation module 11 of server 3 include failures in set difference calculations and missing model faces included in the input data. Errors occurring in the simulation module 12 of server 3 include interference between the shank, holder, or spindle of the tool model and the material model. Errors occurring in the simulation module 12 of server 3 also include under-machining errors and over-machining errors. Under-machining errors and over-machining errors occur when the difference in a predetermined direction between the model face obtained by subtracting the portion of the material model obtained by scanning the tool model according to the path information from the material model, and the product model face, exceeds a threshold.

[0059] Interface image I3 includes a tree display screen 501 and a detailed display screen 502 that displays detailed information of the processing status corresponding to the node selected in the tree display screen 501. Display control unit 6, in the tree display screen 501, when the user selects the parent node "electrode A", displays the child nodes branching off from "electrode A" shape Expand and display options such as "Calculation," "Route Calculation," "Simulation," and "Transfer."

[0060] When the user selects "Calculate remaining material shape," the display control unit 6 displays the grandchild nodes branching off from "Calculate remaining material shape," namely "Tool 1," "Tool 2," "Tool 3," and "Tool 4," along with images showing the status of the corresponding processes. On the display screen, "Tool 1" refers to the first tool used, "Tool 2" refers to the second tool used after the first tool, "Tool 3" refers to the third tool used after the second tool, and "Tool 4" refers to the fourth tool used after the third tool. Multiple tools used to process a single item are considered a series of tools. These multiple tools (series of tools) correspond to the first set of multiple tools. For each of the "Tool 1," "Tool 2," "Tool 3," and "Tool 4" branching off from "Calculate remaining material shape," the calculation status of the remaining material shape by the corresponding tool in server 3 is displayed as one of icon images 511 to 514. When the user selects "Route Calculation," the display control unit 6 displays the grandchild nodes branching off from "Route Calculation," namely "Tool 1," "Tool 2," "Tool 3," and "Tool 4," along with images showing the status of the corresponding processes. For each of the "Tool 1," "Tool 2," "Tool 3," and "Tool 4" branching off from "Route Calculation," the calculation status of the corresponding tool's route in Server 3 is displayed using one of the icon images 511 to 514. Here, icon image 511, with two vertical bars, indicates not yet calculated; icon image 512, with a triangle, indicates calculation in progress; icon image 513, with a circle, indicates calculation complete; and icon image 514, with an X, indicates an error. By displaying the processing status of Server 3 hierarchically in a tree view on the tree display screen 501 in this way, the user can easily grasp the processing status of the job they have instructed Server 3 to perform. For example, in the interface image I3 shown in Figure 10(d), it can be easily understood from the two icon images 512 that the path calculation for the second tool (processing S214 in Figure 7(b)) and the path calculation for the third tool (processing S216 in Figure 7(b)) are being performed in parallel.For example, in the interface image I3 shown in Figure 11(b), it is easy to understand from the two icon images 512 that the path calculation for the first tool (processing S212 in Figure 7(b)) and the path calculation for the second tool (processing S214 in Figure 7(b)) are being performed in parallel. Even without displaying icon images 511-514 on the tree view screen 501, it is possible to understand that the path calculations for multiple tools are being performed in parallel by checking the calculation status of each process from the detailed display screen 502 for each tool. However, displaying the status of multiple processes using multiple icon images in the interface image I3 makes it easier to understand the status of multiple processes.

[0061] When the user selects one of the following in the tree view screen 501, the display control unit 6 displays the corresponding detailed information on the detailed display screen 502. The detailed display screen 502 displays multiple boxes 521 to 527. Each of the boxes 521 to 527 displays detailed information using images that are easily recognizable to the user, such as text images. Box 521 displays a text image indicating the processing content, so that it is clear whether the remaining material shape is being calculated or the path is being calculated. Box 522 displays a text image assigned to a tool so that it is clear which of the multiple tools the processing corresponds to. Box 523 displays a text image indicating the status of the corresponding calculation on server 3. Box 524 displays an image indicating the start time of the corresponding calculation, and box 525 displays an image indicating the end time of the corresponding calculation. Box 526 displays the name of server 3 that is performing or has performed the corresponding calculation as a text image. Box 526 displays an image corresponding to the error, such as an error code image, if an error occurs in the corresponding calculation.

[0062] When the user selects "Tool 1" which branches off from "Calculation of remaining material shape", the display control unit 6 displays the status of processing S211 in server 3 (Figure 7(b)) on the detailed display screen 502, as shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b). In processing S211, if the calculation of the remaining material shape does not complete successfully, the path calculation module 11 of server 3 notifies the information processing device 300 of the error information. When an error occurs in processing S211, the display control unit 6 displays an icon image 514 on the tree display screen 501 or displays the error code in box 527 on the detailed display screen 502, as shown in Figure 10(b). As a result, if an error occurs during the calculation of the remaining material shape, which is the machining shape, the user can recognize the error before the tool path calculation by looking at the display of interface image I3. In this way, errors can be recognized at an early stage, so subsequent correction work on input data D11, etc. can be performed quickly, and the lead time can be shortened.

[0063] Furthermore, when the user selects "Tool 1" which branches off from "Route Calculation," the display control unit 6 displays the status of process S212 in server 3 (Figure 7(b)) on the detailed display screen 502, as shown in Figures 10(c) and 10(d). In process S212, if the route calculation module 11 of server 3 does not complete the route calculation successfully, it notifies the information processing device 300 of the error information. When an error occurs in process S212, the display control unit 6 displays an icon image 514 on the tree display screen 501 or displays an error code in box 527 on the detailed display screen 502, as shown in Figure 10(d), as an image corresponding to the error. This allows the user to recognize the error by looking at the interface image I3 display if an error occurs during the calculation process of the tool's route calculation. In this way, errors can be recognized at an early stage, allowing for quick correction of subsequent input data D11 and other data, thereby shortening the lead time.

[0064] Similarly, when the user selects the "second tool" branching off from the "calculation of remaining material," the display control unit 6 displays the status of processing S213 in the server 3 as shown in Figure 7(b) on the detailed display screen 502, as shown in Figure 11(a).

[0065] Similarly, when the user selects the "second tool" branching off from "path calculation," the display control unit 6 displays the status of process S214 in server 3 (Figure 7(b)) on the detailed display screen 502, as shown in Figures 11(b) and 11(c). In process S214, if the path calculation module 11 of server 3 fails to complete the path calculation successfully, it notifies the information processing device 300 of the error information. When an error occurs in process S214, the display control unit 6 displays an icon image 514 on the tree display screen 501 or an error code in box 527 on the detailed display screen 502, as shown in Figure 11(c), as an image corresponding to the error. This allows the user to recognize the error by looking at the interface image I3 display if an error occurs during the calculation process of the path calculation of tools being processed in parallel. In this way, errors can be recognized at an early stage when parallel processing is in place, allowing for quick correction of subsequent input data D12 and other data, thereby shortening the lead time.

[0066] Therefore, depending on the processing content and error content, the user can take appropriate action such as instructing server 3 to interrupt processing, correcting input data, or notifying the administrator who owns server 3. Furthermore, since the user can check the processing status, early action can be taken if an error occurs. In the tree view screen 501, the processing status is displayed using icon images 511-514, allowing the user to check multiple processing statuses and take early action. The display control unit 6 also displays the server name in box 526 as information indicating the server. When the user notifies the administrator who owns server 3, notifying them of the server name along with the error code allows for more appropriate action to be taken.

[0067] Furthermore, by communicating the error details displayed in interface image I3 to the administrator of server 3, the administrator can quickly begin correcting the error. This reduces the time from error occurrence to error correction, thus avoiding an increase in lead time.

[0068] Furthermore, the user can upgrade the program 350 installed on the information processing device 300 according to the error code. The user can also change the allowable values ​​for the logical operations used in the route calculation module 11 of the server 3, and cause the route calculation module 11 to recalculate, according to the error code.

[0069] Furthermore, the status of processes S212 and S214, which are being executed in parallel on server 3, is also displayed in interface image I3, allowing the user to check the status of processes S212 and S214 in interface image I3.

[0070] Server 3 performs path calculations for the four tools corresponding to electrode A, and then saves the path information (data) for these four tools as NC data D21 in the storage device 916. Then, Server 3 simulates the cutting process based on the path information for each of the four tools contained in the NC data D21 (S124). This step S124 is the fifth process. That is, the simulation module 12 performs a simulated machining test according to the NC data D21 generated by the path calculation module 11. This cutting simulation automates interference checks, further improving work efficiency.

[0071] Meanwhile, in step S111, the display control unit 6 of the information processing device 300 displays the processing status of step S124 of the server 3 on the interface image I3. Figure 12(a) is an explanatory diagram of an example of the interface image I3 according to the embodiment.

[0072] When "Simulation" is selected by the user on the tree display screen 501, the display control unit 6 displays the status of the simulation process in step S124 on the server 3 on the detailed display screen 502, as shown in Figure 12(a). When an error occurs in the process of step S124, the display control unit 6 displays an icon image 514 on the tree display screen 501 as an image corresponding to the error, as shown in Figure 12(a), and displays the details of the error in the box 527 on the detailed display screen 502.

[0073] After the simulation processing, Server 3 sends the NC data D21 to the information processing device 300 (S125).

[0074] On the other hand, in the information processing device 300, while the interface image I3 is being displayed on the display device 302 in step S111, the server 3 may interrupt processing based on user instructions or due to an error.

[0075] The display control unit 6 determines whether the server 3 has interrupted processing (S112), and if it has interrupted processing (S112: YES), it terminates the processing. This allows the user to change the corresponding electrode model from electrode models 141 to 144 in response to the error, or to notify the administrator who owns the server 3 that an error has occurred. Thus, the user can respond to errors quickly. Processing interruption may be performed on a job-by-job basis (J1 to J4), or it may be performed on a tool basis within each job (J1 to J4).

[0076] If the processing has not been interrupted (S112:NO), the display control unit 6 waits for NC data D21 (S113). If NC data D21 has not been received (S113:NO), it returns to the processing in step S112.

[0077] If the display control unit 6 receives NC data D21 (S113: YES), and there are no errors in the path calculation or simulation (S114: NO), the transfer unit 13 automatically transfers the NC data D21 to the storage device 14 or the processing device 17 (S115). Here, data transfer includes copying and moving the data.

[0078] If there is an error in the path calculation or simulation (S114: YES), the transfer unit 13 waits for instructions from the user on whether or not to transfer the data (S116). This allows the user to determine whether or not there is a problem with the received NC data 21. If the user determines that there is no problem, the user simply inputs an instruction to transfer the NC data D21 to the information processing device 300. If the user determines that there is a problem, the user simply inputs an instruction not to transfer the NC data D21 to the information processing device 300. If the transfer unit 13 receives an instruction to transfer (S116: YES), it transfers the NC data D21 to the storage device 14 or the processing device 17 (S115). If the transfer unit 13 receives an instruction not to transfer (S116: NO), it terminates processing without transferring the NC data D21.

[0079] The above example describes the case where Server 3 executes Job J1. However, in this embodiment, since Server 3 receives multiple Jobs J1 to J4, it executes multiple Jobs J1 to J4 in this order.

[0080] Figure 12(b) is an explanatory diagram of an example of an interface image I3 according to the embodiment. The display control unit 6 displays the processing status of job J2 corresponding to electrode B on the tree display screen 501 and the detailed display screen 502 of the interface image I3, as shown in Figure 12(b), in response to user operation. "Tool 1" to "Tool 4" shown in Figure 12(b) are multiple tools (a series of tools) used for machining electrode B, and correspond to the second set of multiple tools.

[0081] Depending on the number and processing capacity of Server 3, Server 3 may process these jobs J1 to J4 in parallel. In this way, Server 3 obtains NC data D21 to D24 in step S123 and performs a cutting simulation based on each of the NC data D21 to D24 in step S124. Then, as Server 3 sequentially transmits the NC data D21 to D24 (S125), the information processing device 300 receives the NC data D21 to D24 sequentially from Server 3 (S113: YES).

[0082] Here, step S124 described the case of simulating cutting using multiple tools (tool models), but it is also possible to perform electrical discharge machining (EDM) simulation using the electrode model created by the cutting simulation. Figures 13(a) and 13(b) are schematic diagrams showing examples of the results of the EDM simulation according to the embodiment. Depending on the shape and location of the uncut portion on the electrode, there are cases where it is a problem in EDM and cases where it is not. Figure 13(a) shows the mold model 821 and electrode model 822 formed by the EDM simulation. As shown in Figure 13(a), when the uncut portions 823 and 824 are located at the base of the shaft of the electrode model 822, there is almost no effect on the shape of the formed mold model 821. However, in Figure 13(b), when the uncut portion 825 is located at the tip of the shaft of the electrode model 822, i.e., the part to be EDM machined, the uncut portion 825 is close to the surface of the mold model 821, and therefore may affect the shape of the formed mold model 821. In such cases, displaying the error on interface image I3 allows the user to recognize the error.

[0083] As described above, according to this embodiment, the user can specify input data D11 to D14 corresponding to multiple electrodes at once. Furthermore, the server 3 can perform path calculations in parallel for each of these input data D11 to D14. In addition, the user can check the calculations of the server 3 in near real time on the interface image I3. This reduces the user's work time and the server 3's calculation time, thereby shortening the lead time.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, a case was explained in which route calculation and simulation are performed by distributed processing across multiple servers 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied even if there is only one server 3, as long as multitasking is possible.

[0085] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment described a case in which the information processing device 300 instructs the server 3 to perform tool path calculation and simulation, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 300 may have a path calculation function and a simulation function separate from the functions of the program 350. Alternatively, for example, the information processing device 300 may have a simulation function separate from the functions of the program 350 and perform simulation using NC data received from the server 3.

[0086] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment described a case in which machining such as cutting is simulated, the present invention is also applicable even when such simulation is omitted.

[0087] Furthermore, although the above embodiments described the case where there are multiple electrodes, the present invention is not limited to this case, and can also be applied when there is only one electrode.

[0088] Furthermore, although electrodes were described as an example of an article in the embodiments described above, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to any article.

[0089] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment described a case in which the information processing device 300 transfers NC data to the storage device 14 or the processing device 17 via a network such as a LAN, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the NC data may be copied or moved from the information processing device 300 to a storage device not shown, such as a USB memory, and the NC data held in the storage device may be supplied to the processing device 17.

[0090] The embodiments described above can be modified as appropriate without departing from the technical concept. Furthermore, some aspects of the embodiments can be deleted or replaced. New aspects can also be added to the embodiments. In describing the embodiments, the first tool was exemplified as the first tool 201 (the first tool), and the second tool was exemplified as the second tool 202 (the second tool). However, the first tool can be any tool in a series of tools except the last tool, and the second tool can be any tool in a series of tools except the first tool, as long as it is used after (typically next to) the first tool. The first process can be a process that calculates the shape remaining after cutting by the first tool, and the second process can be a process that calculates the path of the first tool. Therefore, the first and second processes are not limited to the first tool 201, but can also relate to the second tool 202 or the third tool (the third tool). Similarly, the third process can be any process that calculates the path of the second tool, and the fourth process can be any process that calculates the shape remaining after cutting by the second tool. Therefore, the third and fourth processes are not limited to the second tool 202, but can also relate to the third tool 203 (third tool) or the fourth tool (fourth tool).

[0091] Furthermore, the disclosures in this specification include not only what is explicitly stated herein, but also all matters that can be understood from this specification and the drawings attached thereto. In addition, the disclosures in this specification include the complement of the individual concepts described herein. That is, if this specification states, for example, "A is B," then even if the description of the case where "A is not B" is omitted, this specification can be said to disclose the case where "A is not B." This is because the statement "A is B" presupposes that the case where "A is not B" is being considered.

[0092] (Other examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 300... Information processing device, 302... Display device (display unit), 311... CPU (processor)

Claims

1. A step of preparing first data including information on materials, information on articles, and information on multiple tools used to process the materials and manufacture the articles, A step of instructing a job to generate second data, which includes information on the paths of each of the aforementioned multiple tools, using the first data, The process includes the step of displaying the status of the job's processing on a display unit after the job has been instructed. The aforementioned display step is, The system includes displaying on the display unit the status of a first process for calculating the machining shape using a first tool, and the status of a second process performed after the first process for calculating the path of the first tool. The system includes displaying the status of a third process, which is performed in parallel with at least a portion of the second process, and which calculates the path of a second tool used after machining with the first tool based on the machining shape calculated in the first process, on the display unit. An information processing method characterized by the following:

2. The aforementioned display step is, The process includes displaying a corresponding image on the display unit when an error occurs in the first process. The information processing method according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned display step is, The process includes displaying a corresponding image on the display unit when an error occurs in the second process. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned display step is, The display unit includes displaying the status of a fourth process, which is performed between the end of the first process and the start of the third process, for calculating the machining shape by the second tool. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned display step is, The system includes displaying the status of a fifth process, which simulates machining based on the path information of each of the multiple tools included in the second data, on the display unit. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned display step is, The fifth process includes displaying a corresponding image on the display unit when an error occurs in the fifth process. The information processing method according to feature 5.

7. The fifth process further comprises the step of transferring the second data to a storage device or processing apparatus. The information processing method according to feature 5.

8. The steps to be prepared as described above are: The information of the aforementioned multiple tools is automatically set based on the information of the aforementioned items. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The first data includes information indicating the order in which the plurality of tools are used. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The first data includes information indicating the type of machining performed by each of the plurality of tools, The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The material is the first material, the article is the first article, the plurality of tools are the first plurality of tools, and the job is the first job. The steps to be prepared as described above are: This includes preparing third data which includes information on a second material, information on a second article, and information on a second set of tools used to process the second material and manufacture the second article, The aforementioned steps are: This includes instructing a second job to generate a fourth data, which includes information about the paths of each of the second plurality of tools, using the third data, The aforementioned display step is, The process includes displaying the status of the processing of the second job on the display unit. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The steps to be prepared as described above are: The display unit includes displaying a table containing information about the first plurality of tools and the second plurality of tools. The information processing method according to feature 11.

13. The steps to be prepared as described above are: An interface image including an image corresponding to the information of the first article and an image corresponding to the information of the second article is displayed on the display unit. The information of the first item and the information of the second item, which have been manipulated using the interface image, is read and the information of the first item and the information of the second item is prepared. The information processing method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by the features described herein.

14. The first article and the second article are, respectively, a first electrode and a second electrode used to process a metal material into a mold by electrical discharge machining. The steps to be prepared as described above are: This includes displaying an image of the first electrode, an image of the second electrode, and an image of the mold on the display unit. The information processing method according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. The shape processed by the first tool is the shape of the material after processing the material with the first tool. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The shape processed by the first tool is the shape of the material remaining after processing the material with the first tool. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. After the status of the first process and the status of the second process are displayed on the display unit, the user inputs information via the input unit. The method includes a step of modifying at least one of the material information, the article information, the first tool information, and the second tool information based on the input information acquired in the aforementioned acquisition step. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The first process is a process of calculating the machining shape by the first tool based on the material information, the article information, and the first tool information. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The further step includes communicating with a server that performs the first, second, and third processes. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. The aforementioned display step is, The status of the first process, the second process, and the third process on the server are displayed on the display unit. The information processing method according to feature 19.

21. A program for causing a processor to execute the information processing method described in any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. A processor-readable recording medium on which the program described in claim 21 is recorded.

23. A processor that executes the program described in claim 21, An information processing device characterized by the following:

24. The system further includes a communication module capable of communicating with the server that performs the first and second processes. The information processing apparatus according to feature 23.

25. The processor displays the status of the first process and the status of the second process in the server on the display unit. The information processing apparatus according to feature 24.

26. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, A process to prepare first data including information on materials, information on articles, and information on multiple tools used to process the materials and manufacture the articles, A process that instructs a job to generate second data, which includes information on the paths of each of the aforementioned multiple tools, using the first data, After issuing the job instruction, the process of displaying the status of the job processing on the display unit is executed. The aforementioned display process is, The system includes displaying on the display unit the status of a first process for calculating the machining shape using a first tool, and the status of a second process performed after the first process for calculating the path of the first tool. The system includes displaying the status of a third process, which is performed in parallel with at least a portion of the second process, and which calculates the path of a second tool used after machining with the first tool based on the machining shape calculated in the first process, on the display unit. An information processing device characterized by the following:

27. A step of acquiring first data including information on materials, information on articles, and information on multiple tools used to process the materials and manufacture the articles, The process includes the step of generating second data, which includes information on the path of each of the plurality of tools, using the first data, The step of generating the second data is: The process includes a first process for calculating the machining shape using a first tool, and a second process performed after the first process for calculating the path of the first tool. In parallel with the execution of at least a part of the second process, a third process is executed to calculate the path of the second tool used after machining with the first tool, based on the machining shape calculated in the first process. An information processing method characterized by the following:

28. The machining process is simulated based on the information of each of the multiple tools included in the second data. The information processing method according to feature 27.

29. A fourth process for calculating the machining shape by the second tool is performed between the end of the first process and the start of the third process. The information processing method according to claim 27 or 28, characterized by the features described above.

30. The machining shape calculated in the first process is not used in the second process. The information processing method according to any one of claims 27 to 29, characterized by the features described herein.

31. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, A process for acquiring first data including information on materials, information on articles, and information on multiple tools used to process the materials and manufacture the articles, Using the first data, a process is performed to generate second data containing information about the paths of each of the multiple tools, and this process is executed. The process for generating the second data is as follows: The process includes a first process for calculating the machining shape using a first tool, and a second process performed after the first process for calculating the path of the first tool. In parallel with the execution of at least a part of the second process, a third process is executed to calculate the path of the second tool used after machining with the first tool, based on the machining shape calculated in the first process. An information processing device characterized by the following:

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