Display devices and computer-readable storage media

The display device addresses the challenge of power consumption visibility in machine tools by displaying operation paths with varying modes based on power consumption, enhancing energy management.

JP7897427B2Active Publication Date: 2026-07-29FANUC LTD
View PDF 9 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
FANUC LTD
Filing Date
2023-05-10
Publication Date
2026-07-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Operators cannot accurately grasp how much power is consumed by a machine tool at specific positions along the operation path of the control axis during machining.

Method used

A display device that acquires path information and power consumption data to determine and display the operation path of a control axis in varying display modes based on power consumption, using units like path acquisition, power acquisition, determination, and display units.

Benefits of technology

Enables operators to visualize power consumption along the operation path, allowing for better understanding and optimization of energy usage in machine tools.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 0007897427000001
    Figure 0007897427000001
  • Figure 0007897427000002
    Figure 0007897427000002
  • Figure 0007897427000003
    Figure 0007897427000003
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This display device comprises: a route acquisition unit that acquires route information indicating an operation route of a control shaft; a power acquisition unit that acquires power information on power consumed by a processing machine when the control shaft moves on the operation route; a determination unit that determines a display mode of the operation route indicated by the route information acquired by the route acquisition unit on the basis of the power information acquired by the power acquisition unit; and a display unit that displays the operation route in the display mode determined by the determination unit.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device and a computer-readable storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a demand to reduce power consumption in a machine tool. In order to reduce power consumption in a machine tool, it is necessary for an operator to grasp how much power is being consumed when the machine tool is operating. As a technique for allowing an operator to grasp the power consumption in a machine tool, a technique of displaying the power consumption of the machine tool when the machine tool is operating on a display screen is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, even if the power actually consumed by the machine tool is displayed when the operation of the machine tool is completed, an operator cannot grasp how much power is consumed at which position of the workpiece being machined. In other words, an operator cannot grasp how much power is consumed when the control axis is moving at which position on the operation path. Therefore, a technique for allowing an operator to grasp how much power is consumed when the control axis is moving at which position on the operation path is required.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The display device of this disclosure includes: a path acquisition unit that acquires path information indicating the operating path of a control axis; a power acquisition unit that acquires power information relating to the power consumed by the machine when the control axis moves along the operating path; a determination unit that determines the display mode of the operating path indicated by the path information acquired by the path acquisition unit based on the power information acquired by the power acquisition unit; and a display unit that displays the operating path in the display mode determined by the determination unit.

[0006] The computer-readable storage medium of this disclosure stores instructions for a computer to perform the following actions: acquire path information indicating the operating path of a control axis; acquire power information relating to the power consumed by the machine when the control axis moves along the operating path; determine a display mode for the operating path indicated by the path information based on the power information; and display the operating path in the determined display mode. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a machining center. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the functions of a display device implemented in a numerical control device. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a processing program. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the control results acquired by the result acquisition unit. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of how the display unit shows the operation path on the display. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of an operation path displayed using multiple colors. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of a process performed by a display device. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a display device equipped with a reception area. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of how the display unit shows the operation path on the display. [Figure 10]This block diagram shows an example of the functions of a display device equipped with an extraction unit. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of how the display unit displays extracted power information on the display. [Figure 12] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a display device equipped with a simulation execution unit. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows an example of a process performed by a display device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, the display device and computer-readable storage medium according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplication of these components may be omitted.

[0009] In this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX," and includes cases where it is based on another element in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but also includes cases where it is based on something that has been calculated or processed from XX. "XX" is any element (for example, any information).

[0010] The display device is a device that displays power information related to the power consumed by a processing machine in a predetermined manner. Examples of processing machines include laser processing machines, electrical discharge machines, and machine tools.

[0011] The display device displays power information related to power consumption by displaying the operating path of the control axis of the processing machine in a predetermined display manner. The operating path of the control axis is a path formed by concatenating the coordinate values ​​of each control axis when the processing program is executed. If the processing machine is a laser processing machine, the operating path of the control axis is the movement path of the processing head. If the processing machine is an electrical discharge machining machine, the operating path of the control axis is the movement path of the wire electrode. If the processing machine is a machine tool, the operating path of the control axis is the movement path of the tool.

[0012] The display device is implemented, for example, in a numerical control device. The display device may be implemented in a PC (Personal Computer), a server, and a mobile terminal. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the display device implemented in the numerical control device will be described.

[0013] The numerical control device is a device for controlling a processing machine. The numerical control device controls the operations of each part of the processing machine based on a processing program.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a processing machine. The processing machine 1 includes, for example, a numerical control device 2, an input / output device 3, a servo amplifier 4, a servo motor 5, and a processing power supply 6.

[0015] The numerical control device 2 includes, for example, a hardware processor 201, a bus 202, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 203, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 204, and a non-volatile memory 205.

[0016] The hardware processor 201 is a processor that controls the entire numerical control device 2 using a system program. The hardware processor 201 reads out a system program stored in the ROM 203 via the bus 202. The hardware processor 201 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an electronic circuit.

[0017] The bus 202 is a communication path that connects each hardware of the numerical control device 2 to each other. Each hardware of the numerical control device 2 exchanges data via the bus 202.

[0018] The ROM 203 is a storage device that stores a system program and the like. The ROM 203 is a computer-readable storage medium.

[0019] RAM204 is a memory device that temporarily stores various types of data. RAM204 functions as a workspace for the hardware processor 201 to process various types of data.

[0020] The non-volatile memory 205 is a storage device that retains data even when the power to the numerical control device 2 is turned off. For example, the non-volatile memory 205 stores processing programs. The non-volatile memory 205 is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, the non-volatile memory 205 consists of battery-backed memory or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0021] The numerical control device 2 further includes a first interface 206, an axis control circuit 207, and a second interface 208.

[0022] The first interface 206 connects the bus 202 and the input / output device 3. The first interface 206 sends various data processed by the hardware processor 201 to the input / output device 3, for example.

[0023] The input / output device 3 receives various data via the first interface 206 and displays the various data on the display. The input / output device 3 also receives various data input and sends the various data via the first interface 206 to, for example, the hardware processor 201.

[0024] The input / output device 3 is, for example, a touch panel. If the input / output device 3 is a touch panel, it is, for example, a capacitive touch panel. The touch panel is not limited to a capacitive type; it may be a touch panel of other types as well. The input / output device 3 is installed in the control panel (not shown) in which the numerical control device 2 is housed.

[0025] The axis control circuit 207 is a circuit for controlling the servo motor 5. The axis control circuit 207 receives control commands from the hardware processor 201 and sends various commands to the servo amplifier 4 to drive the servo motor 5. For example, the axis control circuit 207 sends a torque command to the servo amplifier 4 to control the torque of the servo motor 5.

[0026] The servo amplifier 4 receives commands from the axis control circuit 207 and supplies current to the servo motor 5.

[0027] The servo motor 5 is driven by a current supplied from the servo amplifier 4. The servo motor 5 includes, for example, an X-axis servo motor, a Y-axis servo motor, and a Z-axis servo motor. In this case, an axis control circuit 207 and a servo amplifier 4 are provided for each servo motor 5.

[0028] The servo motor 5 is connected, for example, to a ball screw that moves the structure of the machining center 1. When the servo motor 5 is driven, the structure of the machining center 1, such as the machining head, guide, table, and spindle head, moves along a predetermined control axis.

[0029] The servo motor 5 incorporates an encoder (not shown) that detects the position and feed rate of the control axis. The position feedback information and speed feedback information, which indicate the position and feed rate of the control axis detected by the encoder, are fed back to the axis control circuit 207. As a result, the axis control circuit 207 performs feedback control of each control axis.

[0030] The second interface 208 connects the bus 202 to the machining power supply 6. The second interface 208 sends commands processed by the hardware processor 201 to the machining power supply 6, for example.

[0031] The processing power supply 6 is a device for supplying power. If the processing machine 1 is a laser processing machine, the processing power supply 6 supplies power to the laser oscillator (not shown). If the processing machine 1 is a wire electrical discharge machining machine, the processing power supply 6 supplies power to the wire electrode. The processing power supply 6 supplies power based on commands received via the second interface 208.

[0032] The processing machine 1 may include peripheral equipment. Peripheral equipment may include, for example, a chiller, a blower, an air compressor, and a nitrogen generator.

[0033] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a display device 21 implemented in the numerical control device 2. The display device 21 comprises a program analysis unit 211, a control unit 212, a path acquisition unit 213, a result acquisition unit 214, a specification acquisition unit 215, a power acquisition unit 216, a determination unit 217, and a display unit 218. The program analysis unit 211, control unit 212, path acquisition unit 213, result acquisition unit 214, specification acquisition unit 215, power acquisition unit 216, determination unit 217, and display unit 218 are realized, for example, by a hardware processor 201 performing calculations using a system program stored in ROM 203 and various programs and data stored in non-volatile memory 205.

[0034] The program analysis unit 211 reads the machining program and analyzes it. The program analysis unit 211 reads the machining program from, for example, the program storage unit (not shown). The program analysis unit 211 analyzes the various codes specified in the read machining program.

[0035] The control unit 212 controls the machining machine 1 based on the machining program. The control unit 212 controls each part of the machining machine 1 based on the analysis results of the machining program by the program analysis unit 211. For example, the control unit 212 controls the operation of each control axis of the machining machine 1. That is, the control unit 212 controls the servo motors 5 that operate each control axis.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit 212 acquires machining conditions based on the machining program. The control unit 212 acquires machining conditions, for example, from a machining condition storage unit (not shown). Based on the acquired machining conditions, the control unit 212 controls the operation of the machining machine 1. The machining conditions include, for example, the feed rate of the machining head, laser power, laser frequency, laser duty cycle, assist gas pressure, assist gas type, assist gas settling time, and gap amount.

[0037] Figure 3 shows an example of a machining program. The code starting with "O" on the first line is a code that specifies the program name. In other words, the program name of the machining program shown in Figure 3 is "0001".

[0038] Sequence number "N01" is assigned the command "G92G90X0Y0Z0;". "G92" is a command for setting the coordinate system. "G92G90X0Y0Z0;" sets the current control axis position to (0,0,0) in the work coordinate system.

[0039] "G90" is an absolute command. In other words, in the machining program, the machining shape of the workpiece is specified by coordinate values ​​based on the origin of the workpiece coordinate system.

[0040] Sequence number "N02" is assigned the command "G00X10.Y10.Z10.;". "G00" is a positioning command. In other words, "G00X10.Y10.Z10.;" is a command to position the control axis at (10.,10.,10.).

[0041] Sequence number "N03" is assigned the command "E1;". "E1" is a command to call up and execute the processing conditions.

[0042] Sequence number "N04" is assigned the command "G01X0Y0;". "G01" is a linear interpolation command. In other words, "G01X0Y0;" is a command to move the control axis to (0,0,10) using linear interpolation.

[0043] Sequence number "N05" is assigned "M30;". "M30" is a program termination command. The execution of the machining program ends when "M30" is executed. Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 2.

[0044] The path acquisition unit 213 acquires path information indicating the movement path of the control axis. The path acquisition unit 213 acquires path information indicating the movement path when each control axis is controlled and moved by the control unit 212. In other words, the path information indicating the movement path of the control axis is information indicating the movement path of the control axis specified in the machining program.

[0045] The control axes include, for example, the X, Y, and Z axes. The control axes may also include the A, B, and C axes. Path information indicating the motion path of the control axes is represented, for example, by coordinate values ​​in the work coordinate system.

[0046] The operation path includes multiple paths, each specified in multiple blocks of the machining program. That is, in a machining program, one path is specified in one block. A block is a line in a machining program where various commands are specified. A single path can be a straight line or an arc.

[0047] The result acquisition unit 214 acquires the control results from the control unit 212. The control results are information about the control acquired when the control unit 212 controls the processing machine 1.

[0048] The control results include, for example, information indicating the output value of the laser oscillator and information indicating the current value of the servo motor 5 that drives the control axis. The control results may also include information indicating the current value of the current supplied to the peripheral device. The control results may also include information indicating the time it takes when each block of the machining program is executed. The result acquisition unit 214 may acquire information indicating coordinate values ​​that show the operating path of the control axis acquired by the path acquisition unit 213.

[0049] Figure 4 shows an example of the control results acquired by the result acquisition unit 214. Figure 4 shows the control results acquired by the result acquisition unit 214 when the machining program shown in Figure 3 is executed.

[0050] The result acquisition unit 214 acquires information indicating the time taken when each block of the machining program is executed. The result acquisition unit 214 also acquires information indicating the position of the control axis when each block of the machining program is executed.

[0051] The result acquisition unit 214 acquires information indicating the current value of the servo motor 5 that drives each control axis when each block of the machining program is executed. The information indicating the current value of the servo motor 5 when one block of the machining program is executed may be the median or average value of the current values ​​acquired during the execution of that one block.

[0052] The result acquisition unit 214 acquires information indicating the output value of the laser oscillator when each block of the processing program is executed. The information indicating the output value of the laser oscillator when one block of the processing program is executed may be the median or average value of the laser oscillator output values ​​acquired during the execution of that one block.

[0053] The result acquisition unit 214 acquires information indicating the current value of the current supplied to the peripheral device when each block of the machining program is executed. The information indicating the current value of the current supplied to the peripheral device when one block of the machining program is executed may be the median or average value of the current values ​​supplied to the peripheral device acquired during the execution of that one block.

[0054] For example, the result acquisition unit 214 acquires "0.1", which is the time it takes for the block with sequence number N1 to be executed. The result acquisition unit 214 also acquires "(0,0,0)", which indicates the position of the control axis when the block with sequence number N1 is executed.

[0055] Furthermore, the result acquisition unit 214 acquires "a1", which indicates the current value of the servo motor 5 that drives each control axis when the block with sequence number N1 is executed. "a1" is, for example, the sum of the current values ​​of multiple servo motors 5. "a1" is, for example, the sum of the current values ​​of the X-axis servo motor, the Y-axis servo motor, and the Z-axis servo motor.

[0056] Furthermore, the result acquisition unit 214 acquires "b1", which is the output value of the laser oscillator when the block with sequence number N1 is executed. In addition, the result acquisition unit 214 acquires "c1", which indicates the current value of the current supplied to the peripheral device when the block with sequence number N1 is executed.

[0057] Similarly, the result acquisition unit 214 acquires "0.3", "0.4", and "0.7", which are the times it takes for the blocks with sequence numbers N2, N3, and N4 to be executed.

[0058] Similarly, the result acquisition unit 214 acquires "(10,10,10)", "(10,10,10)", and "(0,0,10)", which indicate the positions of the control axes when the blocks with sequence numbers N2, N3, and N4 are executed.

[0059] Similarly, the result acquisition unit 214 acquires "a2", "a3", and "a4", which represent the current values ​​of the servo motors 5 that drive each control axis when the blocks with sequence numbers N2, N3, and N4 are executed. Similarly, the result acquisition unit 214 acquires "b2", "b3", and "b4", which are the output values ​​of the laser oscillator when the blocks with sequence numbers N2, N3, and N4 are executed.

[0060] Similarly, the result acquisition unit 214 acquires "c2," "c3," and "c4," which indicate the current values ​​of the current supplied to the peripheral devices when the blocks with sequence numbers N2, N3, and N4 are executed. The result acquisition unit 214 simply stores each acquired piece of information in a table. Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 2.

[0061] The specification acquisition unit 215 acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the processing machine 1. The specification information includes, for example, information indicating the oscillation efficiency of the laser oscillator and information indicating the characteristic values ​​of the servo motor 5.

[0062] The specification information may include information indicating the specifications of peripheral devices. Information indicating the specifications of peripheral devices is, for example, information indicating the specifications of a motor in the peripheral device. Motor specifications include, for example, motor capacity, voltage, rated rotational speed, current characteristics, torque characteristics, and efficiency.

[0063] The power acquisition unit 216 acquires power information relating to the power consumed by the machining center 1 when the control axis moves along the operating path. The power information relating to power includes at least one of the power consumption and information calculated using the power consumption. The information calculated using the power consumption is, for example, the amount of power consumed.

[0064] The power acquisition unit 216 acquires power information based on the specification information acquired by the specification acquisition unit 215 and the control results acquired by the result acquisition unit 214.

[0065] The power acquisition unit 216 calculates the power consumption of the laser oscillator based, for example, on information indicating the output value of the laser oscillator and information indicating the oscillation efficiency. Specifically, the power consumption of the laser oscillator is obtained by multiplying the output value of the laser oscillator by a value indicating the oscillation efficiency.

[0066] The power acquisition unit 216 calculates the power consumption of the servo motor 5 based, for example, on information indicating the current value of the servo motor 5 that drives the control axis and information indicating the characteristic values ​​of the servo motor 5. The power acquisition unit 216 may also acquire the power consumption of each part and peripheral device of the processing machine 1 from a power meter.

[0067] The power acquisition unit 216 acquires power information for each path, for example. That is, the power acquisition unit 216 acquires power information regarding the power consumed by the processing machine 1 when the control axis moves along each path.

[0068] The determination unit 217 determines the display mode of the operation route indicated by the route information acquired by the route acquisition unit 213, based on the power information acquired by the power acquisition unit 216.

[0069] The decision unit 217 determines the display mode for each of the multiple routes. In other words, the decision unit 217 determines the display mode for each route.

[0070] For example, if the power consumption consumed when a control axis moves along a certain operating path is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the determination unit 217 decides to display the operating path as a solid line.

[0071] Furthermore, if the power consumption consumed when the control axis moves along another operating path is less than a predetermined value, the determination unit 217 decides to display the other operating path with a dashed line.

[0072] The display unit 218 displays the operation path in a display mode determined by the determination unit 217. The display unit 218 displays the operation path on the display of the input / output device 3, for example.

[0073] Figure 5 shows an example of how the display unit 218 displays the operation path on the display. Each side of the triangle, each side of the square, and each side of the pentagon are shown as solid lines. That is, the power consumption consumed when the control axis moves along the operation path indicated by each of these sides is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. For example, the power consumption exceeds a predetermined value when a laser is emitted from the processing head.

[0074] On the other hand, the lines connecting one vertex of a triangle to one vertex of a square, the lines connecting one vertex of a triangle to one vertex of a pentagon, and the lines extending from one vertex of a pentagon to the edge of the screen are shown as dashed lines. The power consumption consumed when the control axis moves along the motion paths shown by these dashed lines is less than a predetermined value. For example, the power consumption falls below a predetermined value when the laser output from the processing head is stopped.

[0075] The display method for the operation path may also use multiple types of colors.

[0076] Figure 6 shows an example of an operation path displayed in a manner in which multiple types of colors are used. The determination unit 217 determines the manner in which multiple types of colors are used based on the maximum and minimum values ​​of the numerical values ​​indicated by the power information. For example, the determination unit 217 divides the range from the minimum value to the maximum value of the numerical values ​​indicated by the power information into multiple numerical ranges.

[0077] For example, if the maximum value of the numerical value indicated by the power information is 100 and the minimum value is 50, the determination unit 217 divides the range into four parts: 50 or more and less than 60, 60 or more and less than 70, 70 or more and less than 80, 80 or more and less than 90, and 90 or more and 100 or less.

[0078] The determination unit 217 determines the display mode so that the operating path is displayed using multiple types of colors corresponding to each range. That is, the determination unit 217 sets the color gradient between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the numerical values ​​indicated by the power information. For example, the determination unit 217 associates a color with each range such that the color gradually changes from dark blue to purple, and then from purple to dark red, starting from the range containing the minimum value and moving towards the range containing the maximum value.

[0079] In the example shown in Figure 6, laser processing is performed, for example, along the operating paths corresponding to each side of the triangle, each side of the quadrilateral, and each side of the pentagon. Therefore, the numerical values ​​indicated by the power information become somewhat high. Accordingly, the determination unit 217 determines the display pattern for each side of the triangle, each side of the quadrilateral, and each side of the pentagon to be purple.

[0080] Furthermore, since laser output is generated at each vertex of the triangle, each vertex of the quadrilateral, and each vertex of the pentagon, and acceleration is applied to each control axis, the numerical value indicated by the power information becomes maximum. Therefore, the determination unit 217 determines the display mode for each vertex of the triangle, each vertex of the quadrilateral, and each vertex of the pentagon to be dark red.

[0081] Furthermore, in the operating paths corresponding to the lines connecting one vertex of the triangle to one vertex of the square, the lines connecting one vertex of the triangle to one vertex of the pentagon, and the lines extending from one vertex of the pentagon to the edge of the screen, the laser output is stopped, and the values ​​indicated by the power information are minimized.

[0082] Therefore, the determination unit 217 determines that the display of the line connecting one vertex of the triangle to one vertex of the square, the line connecting one vertex of the triangle to one vertex of the pentagon, and the line extending from one vertex of the pentagon to the edge of the screen will be dark blue.

[0083] The display unit 218 displays the operation path in a display mode determined by the determination unit 217.

[0084] Furthermore, the display method for the movement path is not limited to a method using multiple colors. For example, the display method for the movement path may also use multiple line types. Multiple line types include, for example, solid lines, dashed lines, dotted lines, and double-dotted lines.

[0085] The method of displaying the movement path may involve using lines of multiple thicknesses. The method of displaying the movement path may also involve representing it with varying shades of color.

[0086] The display method for the operating path may also be such that power information regarding the power consumed when the control axis moves along each path is displayed numerically adjacent to each path.

[0087] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process performed by the display device 21. First, the program analysis unit 211 in the display device 21 analyzes the machining program (step SA1).

[0088] Next, the control unit 212 controls the machining machine 1 based on the machining program (step SA2). Then, the path acquisition unit 213 acquires path information indicating the operating path in which the control axis moves when the machining program is executed (step SA3).

[0089] Next, the result acquisition unit 214 acquires the control result from the control unit 212 (step SA4). Next, the specification acquisition unit 215 acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the processing machine 1 (step SA5).

[0090] Next, the power acquisition unit 216 acquires power information related to the power consumed by the processing machine 1 (step SA6). Then, the determination unit 217 determines the display mode of the operation path (step SA7).

[0091] Finally, the display unit 218 displays the operation path in the display mode determined by the determination unit 217 (step SA8), and the process ends.

[0092] In the embodiment described above, the display device 21 includes a program analysis unit 211 and a control unit 212. However, the program analysis unit 211 and the control unit 212 may be provided in the numerical control device 2 instead of the display device 21.

[0093] The display device 21 may display power information relating to the power consumed by the machine 1 when the control axis moves along the operating path selected by the operator. In this case, the display device 21 includes a reception unit that receives operator input.

[0094] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a display device 21 equipped with a reception unit. Of the functions of the display device 21 shown in Figure 8, those that are the same as those of the display device 21 shown in Figure 2 will not be explained.

[0095] The display device 21 includes a program analysis unit 211, a control unit 212, a path acquisition unit 213, a result acquisition unit 214, a specification acquisition unit 215, a power acquisition unit 216, a determination unit 217, and a display unit 218, as well as a reception unit 219. The reception unit 219 is realized, for example, by a hardware processor 201 performing calculations using the system program stored in the ROM 203 and various programs and data stored in the non-volatile memory 205.

[0096] The reception unit 219 accepts the selection of at least one of several paths on which the control axis moves. The reception unit 219 accepts, for example, the operation to select at least one of several paths displayed on the display screen of the input / output device 3.

[0097] The power acquisition unit 216 acquires received power information relating to the power consumed by the processing machine 1 when the control axis moves along at least one path accepted by the reception unit 219. In other words, the power information acquired by the power acquisition unit 216 includes received power information relating to the power consumed by the processing machine 1 when the control axis moves along at least one path accepted by the reception unit 219.

[0098] For example, when the reception unit 219 receives a selection of one path, the power acquisition unit 216 acquires received power information relating to the power consumed by the processing machine 1 when the control axis moves along that path.

[0099] When the reception unit 219 receives the selection of two or more paths, the power acquisition unit 216 acquires received power information regarding the power consumed by the processing machine 1 when the control axis moves along those two or more paths. The display unit 218 displays the received power information. In other words, the received power information displayed by the display unit 218 is the total power or energy consumed by the processing machine 1 when the control axis moves along one or more paths received by the reception unit 219.

[0100] Figure 9 shows an example of how the display unit 218 displays the operation paths on the display. For example, the operator selects two paths from the operation paths of the control axes displayed on the display. In this case, the reception unit 219 accepts the selection of the two paths.

[0101] The power acquisition unit 216 acquires received power information relating to the power consumed by the processing machine 1 when the control axis moves along the two paths received by the reception unit 219. The received power information is, for example, an amount of energy. The power acquisition unit 216 acquires, for example, an amount of energy of 0.03 [kWh] as received power information.

[0102] The display unit 218 displays, for example, the received power information in the upper left portion of the display. The display unit 218 displays, for example, "0.03 [kWh]" in a display area enclosed by a rectangular frame. This allows the operator to confirm that the total amount of power consumed by the processing machine 1 when the control axis moves along the two paths is 0.03 [kWh].

[0103] The display device 21 may acquire the amount of power consumed by the machining machine 1 when the control axis moves along a path where machining is not performed, and determine the display mode for paths where machining is not performed. In this case, the display device 21 includes an extraction unit that extracts paths where machining is not performed.

[0104] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a display device 21 equipped with an extraction unit. Of the functions of the display device 21 shown in Figure 10, those that are the same as those of the display device 21 shown in Figure 2 will not be explained.

[0105] The display device 21 includes a program analysis unit 211, a control unit 212, a path acquisition unit 213, a result acquisition unit 214, a specification acquisition unit 215, a power acquisition unit 216, a determination unit 217, and a display unit 218, as well as an extraction unit 220. The extraction unit 220 is realized, for example, by a hardware processor 201 performing calculations using the system program stored in the ROM 203 and various programs and data stored in the non-volatile memory 205.

[0106] The extraction unit 220 extracts at least one non-processing path from among multiple paths in which processing is not performed by the processing machine 1. The extraction unit 220 extracts at least one non-processing path in which processing is not performed, for example, based on the results of the processing program analysis by the program analysis unit 211.

[0107] The power acquisition unit 216 acquires extracted power information relating to the power consumed by the processing machine 1 when the control axis moves along at least one non-processing path extracted by the extraction unit 220. In other words, the power information acquired by the power acquisition unit 216 includes extracted power information relating to the power consumed by the processing machine 1 when the control axis moves along at least one non-processing path extracted by the extraction unit 220. The display unit 218 displays the extracted power information.

[0108] Figure 11 shows an example of how the display unit 218 displays extracted power information on the display. In Figure 11, the paths shown by solid lines are machining paths in which machining is performed by the machining machine 1. The paths shown by dashed lines are non-machining paths in which machining is not performed by the machining machine 1. In other words, the paths shown by dashed lines are paths in which the control axis moves at rapid traverse.

[0109] On the non-processing path indicated by the dashed line, extracted power information regarding the power consumed by the processing machine 1 when the control axis moves along the non-processing path is displayed, for example, as a bar graph. This allows the operator to check the extracted power information regarding the power consumed by the processing machine 1 when the control axis moves along a path where no processing is performed. Note that the display method of the extracted power information is not limited to a bar graph. For example, the extracted power information may be displayed numerically.

[0110] The display device 21 may perform an operation simulation of the processing machine 1 to acquire power information and determine the display mode of the operation path based on the power information. In this case, the display device 21 includes a simulation execution unit.

[0111] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a display device 21 equipped with a simulation execution unit. Of the functions of the display device 21 shown in Figure 12, those that are the same as those of the display device 21 shown in Figure 2 will not be explained.

[0112] The display device 21 includes a program analysis unit 211, a path acquisition unit 213, a result acquisition unit 214, a specification acquisition unit 215, a power acquisition unit 216, a determination unit 217, and a display unit 218, as well as a simulation execution unit 221. The simulation execution unit 221 is realized, for example, by a hardware processor 201 performing calculations using the system program stored in the ROM 203 and various programs and data stored in the non-volatile memory 205.

[0113] The simulation execution unit 221 performs an operation simulation of the machining center 1 based on the machining program. The simulation execution unit 221 performs an operation simulation of the machining center 1 based on the analysis results of the machining program by the program analysis unit 211.

[0114] The simulation execution unit 221 performs an operation simulation using, for example, a virtual model of the machining center 1 stored in the model storage unit (not shown). The virtual model of the machining center 1 includes models of the structures that make up the machining center 1, and models of peripheral equipment.

[0115] The models of the structures constituting the processing machine 1 include, for example, a model of the laser oscillator and a model of the servo motor 5. The models of the peripheral devices include, for example, a model of the motor that drives the peripheral devices.

[0116] The simulation execution unit 221 acquires machining conditions based on the machining program. The simulation execution unit 221 acquires machining conditions, for example, from a machining condition storage unit (not shown). Based on the acquired machining conditions, the simulation execution unit 221 performs an operation simulation using a virtual model of the machining center 1.

[0117] The path acquisition unit 213 acquires path information indicating the movement path of the control axes. The path acquisition unit 213 acquires path information indicating the movement path when each control axis of the virtual model moves during the motion simulation performed by the simulation execution unit 221.

[0118] The result acquisition unit 214 acquires the simulation results from the simulation execution unit 221. The simulation results are information about the simulation acquired when the simulation execution unit 221 performs an operation simulation of the machining center 1.

[0119] The simulation results may include, for example, information indicating the output value of the laser oscillator model and information indicating the current value of the servo motor 5 model that drives the control axis. The simulation results may also include the current value of the current supplied to the peripheral device models. The simulation results may also include the time taken when each block of the machining program is executed.

[0120] Furthermore, the result acquisition unit 214 may acquire coordinate values ​​indicating the operating path of the control axis acquired by the path acquisition unit 213.

[0121] The specification acquisition unit 215 acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the processing machine 1. The specification information includes, for example, information indicating the oscillation efficiency of the laser oscillator and information indicating the characteristic values ​​of the servo motor 5.

[0122] The specification information may include specification information indicating the specifications of peripheral devices. Peripheral device specification information may include, for example, information indicating the specifications of a motor in the peripheral device. Motor specifications may include, for example, motor capacity, voltage, rated rotational speed, current characteristics, torque characteristics, and efficiency.

[0123] The power acquisition unit 216 acquires power information based on the specification information acquired by the specification acquisition unit 215 and the simulation results acquired by the result acquisition unit 214. The power information includes power and information calculated using power. Information calculated using power is, for example, energy quantity.

[0124] The power acquisition unit 216 calculates the power consumption of the laser oscillator based, for example, on information indicating the laser output value and information indicating the oscillation efficiency.

[0125] The power acquisition unit 216 acquires power information for each path. Specifically, the power acquisition unit 216 acquires power information related to the power consumed by the virtual model of the processing machine 1 when the control axis moves along each path, based on the motion simulation.

[0126] The determination unit 217 determines the display mode of the operation route acquired by the route acquisition unit 213 based on the power information acquired by the power acquisition unit 216.

[0127] The display unit 218 displays the operation path in the display mode determined by the determination unit 217. The display unit 218 displays the operation path on the display of the input / output device 3, for example.

[0128] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the process performed by the display device 21. First, the program analysis unit 211 in the display device 21 analyzes the machining program (step SB1).

[0129] Next, the simulation execution unit 221 performs an operation simulation of the machining center 1 based on the machining program (step SB2). Then, the path acquisition unit 213 acquires path information indicating the operation path of the control axis when the operation simulation was performed (step SB3).

[0130] Next, the result acquisition unit 214 acquires the simulation results (step SB4). Then, the specification acquisition unit 215 acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the processing machine 1 (step SB5).

[0131] Next, the power acquisition unit 216 acquires power information regarding the power consumed by the virtual model of the processing machine 1 (step SB6). Then, the determination unit 217 determines the display mode of the operation path (step SB7).

[0132] Finally, the display unit 218 displays the operation path in the display mode determined by the determination unit 217 (step SB8), and the process ends.

[0133] In the embodiments described above, an example was given in which the display device 21 is implemented in the numerical control device 2. However, the display device 21 may also be implemented in the simulation device. In this case, the program analysis unit 211 and the simulation execution unit 221 may be provided in the simulation device instead of the display device 21.

[0134] As described above, the system includes a path acquisition unit 213 that acquires path information indicating the operating path of the control axis, a power acquisition unit 216 that acquires power information relating to the power consumed by the processing machine 1 when the control axis moves along the operating path, a determination unit 217 that determines the display mode of the operating path indicated by the path information acquired by the path acquisition unit 213 based on the power information acquired by the power acquisition unit 216, and a display unit 218 that displays the operating path in the display mode determined by the determination unit 217.

[0135] Therefore, the display device 21 can display the operating path in a predetermined manner according to the power information. As a result, the display device 21 can allow the operator to understand how much power is being consumed at each position along the operating path where the control axis is moving.

[0136] Furthermore, the display modes include modes in which multiple types of colors are used, and the determination unit 217 determines the mode in which multiple types of colors are used based on the maximum and minimum values ​​of the numerical values ​​indicated by the power information.

[0137] Therefore, the display device 21 allows the operator to easily and visually understand how much power is being consumed at each position along the operating path of the control axis.

[0138] Furthermore, the display device 21 includes a control unit 212 that controls the processing machine 1 based on a processing program, a specification acquisition unit 215 that acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the processing machine 1, and a result acquisition unit 214 that acquires the control results by the control unit 212. The power acquisition unit 216 acquires power information based on the specification information acquired by the specification acquisition unit 215 and the control results acquired by the result acquisition unit 214.

[0139] Therefore, the display device 21 can display power information regarding the power consumed by the processing machine 1 when it actually operates according to the processing program.

[0140] Furthermore, the display device 21 includes a simulation execution unit 221 that performs an operation simulation of the processing machine 1 based on a processing program, a specification acquisition unit 215 that acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the processing machine 1, and a result acquisition unit 214 that acquires the simulation results from the simulation execution unit 221. The power acquisition unit 216 acquires power information based on the specification information acquired by the specification acquisition unit 215 and the simulation results acquired by the result acquisition unit 214.

[0141] Therefore, the display device 21 can display power information regarding the power consumed by the processing machine 1 based on the results of the operation simulation of the processing machine 1.

[0142] Furthermore, the operation path includes multiple paths specified in multiple blocks of the machining program, and the determination unit 217 determines the display mode for each of the multiple paths.

[0143] Therefore, the display device 21 can display power information for each path based on the power information when the processing machine 1 moves along each path.

[0144] Furthermore, the display device 21 includes a receiving unit 219 that accepts the selection of at least one of a plurality of paths, and the power information acquired by the power acquisition unit 216 includes received power information relating to the power consumed by the processing machine 1 when the control axis moves along at least one path accepted by the receiving unit 219, and the display unit 218 displays the received power information.

[0145] Therefore, the display device 21 can display the received power information for each path, or the integrated value of the numerical values ​​indicated by the received power information for each path, on the display. As a result, the display device 21 can allow the operator to understand how much power is being consumed when the control axis is moving at each position along the operating path.

[0146] Furthermore, the display device 21 includes an extraction unit 220 that extracts at least one non-processing path from among multiple paths in which processing is not performed by the processing machine 1. The power information acquired by the power acquisition unit 216 includes extracted power information relating to the power consumed by the processing machine 1 when the control axis moves along the at least one non-processing path extracted by the extraction unit 220, and the display unit 218 displays the extracted power information.

[0147] Therefore, the display device 21 can display extracted power information on the display regarding the power consumed by the processing machine 1 in the non-processing path.

[0148] Furthermore, processing machine 1 includes a laser processing machine. Therefore, the display device 21 can display at least one of the power consumption and energy consumption amount for each path in the laser processing machine.

[0149] While this disclosure has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure, or from the gist of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination.

[0150] The following are additional notes regarding embodiments of this disclosure. Note [1] A display device comprising: a path acquisition unit that acquires path information indicating the operating path of a control axis; a power acquisition unit that acquires power information relating to the power consumed by the processing machine when the control axis moves along the operating path; a determination unit that determines the display mode of the operating path indicated by the path information acquired by the path acquisition unit based on the power information acquired by the power acquisition unit; and a display unit that displays the operating path in the display mode determined by the determination unit. Note [2] The display device according to Appendix [1], wherein the display mode includes a mode in which multiple types of colors are used, and the determination unit determines the mode in which multiple types of colors are used based on the maximum and minimum values ​​of the numerical values ​​indicated by the power information. Note [3] The display device according to Appendix [1] or [2] further comprises a control unit that controls the processing machine based on a processing program, a specification acquisition unit that acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the processing machine, and a result acquisition unit that acquires the control results from the control unit, wherein the power acquisition unit acquires the power information based on the specification information acquired by the specification acquisition unit and the control results acquired by the result acquisition unit. Note [4] The display device according to Appendix [1] or [2] further comprises: a simulation execution unit that performs an operation simulation of the processing machine based on a processing program; a specification acquisition unit that acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the processing machine; and a result acquisition unit that acquires the simulation results from the simulation execution unit, wherein the power acquisition unit acquires the power information based on the specification information acquired by the specification acquisition unit and the simulation results acquired by the result acquisition unit. Note [5] The operation path includes a plurality of paths specified in a plurality of blocks of the processing program, and the determination unit determines the display mode of each of the plurality of paths, as described in Appendix [3] or [4]. Note [6] The device further comprises a receiving unit that accepts the selection of at least one of the plurality of paths, wherein the power information acquired by the power acquisition unit includes received power information relating to the power consumed by the processing machine when the control axis moves along the at least one path accepted by the receiving unit, and the display unit is a display device as described in Appendix [5] that displays the received power information. Note [7] The device further comprises an extraction unit that extracts at least one non-processing path from among the plurality of paths in which processing is not performed by the processing machine, the power information acquired by the power acquisition unit includes extracted power information relating to the power consumed by the processing machine when the control axis moves along the at least one non-processing path extracted by the extraction unit, and the display unit is a display device according to Appendix [5] or [6] that displays the extracted power information. Note [8] The processing machine is a display device as described in any of the appendices [1] to [7], including a laser processing machine. Note [9] A computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions for a computer to perform the following actions: acquire path information indicating the operating path of a control axis; acquire power information relating to the power consumed by the machine when the control axis moves along the operating path; determine a display mode for the operating path indicated by the path information based on the power information; and display the operating path in the determined display mode. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0151] 1 Processing machine 2 Numerical control device 201 Hardware Processor Bus 202 203 ROM 204 RAM 205 Non-volatile memory 206 First Interface 207 Axis control circuit 208 Second Interface 21 Display device 211 Program Analysis Department 212 Control Unit 213 Route acquisition unit 214 Result acquisition part 215 Specification Acquisition Section 216 Power acquisition section 217 Decision Section 218 Display section 219 Reception Department 220 Extraction part 221 Simulation Execution Unit 3 Input / Output Devices 4 Servo amplifier 5. Servo motor 6 Power supply for processing

Claims

1. A path acquisition unit that acquires path information indicating the operating path of the control axis, A power acquisition unit that acquires power information relating to the power consumed by the processing machine when the control shaft moves along the operating path, A determination unit determines the display mode of the operation path indicated by the route information acquired by the route acquisition unit, based on the power information acquired by the power acquisition unit. A display unit that displays the operation path in the display mode determined by the determination unit, A display device equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned display modes include modes in which multiple types of colors are used. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the configuration in which the plurality of colors are used based on the maximum and minimum values ​​of the numerical values ​​indicated by the power information.

3. A control unit that controls the processing machine based on a processing program, A specification acquisition unit that acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the aforementioned processing machine, The system further comprises a result acquisition unit that acquires the control result from the control unit, The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power acquisition unit acquires the power information based on the specification information acquired by the specification acquisition unit and the control result acquired by the result acquisition unit.

4. A simulation execution unit that performs an operation simulation of the machining machine based on the machining program, A specification acquisition unit that acquires specification information indicating the specifications of the aforementioned processing machine, The system further comprises a result acquisition unit that acquires the simulation results from the simulation execution unit, The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power acquisition unit acquires the power information based on the specification information acquired by the specification acquisition unit and the simulation results acquired by the result acquisition unit.

5. The aforementioned operation path includes multiple paths specified in each of the multiple blocks of the machining program, The display device according to claim 3, wherein the determination unit determines the display mode for each of the plurality of paths.

6. The system further includes a reception unit that accepts the selection of at least one of the aforementioned multiple routes, The power information acquired by the power acquisition unit includes received power information relating to the power consumed by the processing machine when the control shaft moves along the at least one path received by the receiving unit. The display unit is a display device according to claim 5, which displays the received power information.

7. The system further includes an extraction unit that extracts at least one non-processing path from among the plurality of paths in which processing is not performed by the processing machine, The power information acquired by the power acquisition unit includes extracted power information relating to the power consumed by the processing machine when the control axis moves along the at least one non-processing path extracted by the extraction unit. The display unit is a display device according to claim 5, which displays the extracted power information.

8. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing machine includes a laser processing machine.

9. To obtain path information indicating the operating path of the control axis, The acquisition of power information relating to the power consumed by the machine when the control axis moves along the operating path, Based on the power information, the display mode of the operation path indicated by the path information is determined, Displaying the operation path in the determined display mode, A computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions for a computer to execute.