Processing device, processing method, system and computer program

Abstract

The processing device includes a communication unit and a processing unit that processes data received by the communication unit. During cutting, the communication unit receives sensor data, which is the output value of a sensor mounted on the cutting tool, from the cutting tool used in the cutting process, and receives position data, which represents the position of the cutting edge of the cutting tool, from a machine tool that performs cutting using the cutting tool. The processing unit synchronizes the position data with the sensor data, or calculates physical quantities related to the cutting process from the sensor data received by the communication unit and synchronizes the position data with the physical quantities.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing device, a processing method, a system, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Various forms of displaying the machining status of machine tools are known. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses displaying a graph of the time-dependent change in a physical quantity (such as the drive current supplied to the spindle) obtained from a sensor attached to the machine tool, and displaying an icon when an event condition is met (for example, when the physical quantity exceeds a predetermined value). Patent Document 2 below discloses detecting the spindle current of a machine tool, extracting feature values ​​from the value, and displaying the possibility of a tool abnormality as a contour line. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 below discloses displaying a 3D model of a machined product based on 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) design data for a machine tool that performs cutting processing according to a processing program, and automatically setting the processing process based on that model. Patent Document 3 also discloses displaying a simulation of the tool trajectory during the processing process as a 3D computer graphics animation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-25907 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-74821 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-39657 Summary of the Invention

[0004] A processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit and a processing unit that processes data received by the communication unit, wherein the communication unit receives, during cutting processing, sensor data that is the output value of a sensor mounted on a cutting tool from the cutting tool used in the cutting processing, and receives position data that indicates the position of the cutting edge of the cutting tool from a machine tool that performs cutting processing using the cutting tool, and the processing unit synchronizes the position data with the sensor data, or calculates physical quantities related to the cutting processing from the sensor data received by the communication unit and synchronizes the position data with the physical quantities. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the cutting tool (turning tool) shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sensor module attached to the cutting tool shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a milling tool. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the machine tool shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the data processing device shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the data processing device shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the cutting resistance and the trajectory (cutting edge position) of the cutting tool in synchronization with each other. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a heat map displayed on the data processing device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a heat map on which the trajectory of the cutting edge of the cutting tool is superimposed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a heat map displayed after FIG. 9 as the cutting process progresses. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a heat map at the end of cutting. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a heat map of cutting resistance in a turning process displayed as a three-dimensional distribution. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a heat map of cutting resistance due to milling displayed as a three-dimensional distribution. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the data processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a data processing device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an NC (Numerical Control) program. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a heat map on which the shape of the workpiece after cutting is superimposed. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a heat map on which a graphic representing a cutting tool is superimposed. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a heat map displayed after FIG. 19 as the cutting process progresses. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the data processing device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] [Problem to be solved by this disclosure] By analyzing data detected by sensors mounted on machine tools, it is possible to evaluate the machining state to a certain extent. However, even if the sensor data is analyzed alone and the results (cutting resistance, etc.) are displayed, it is not easy to accurately grasp the actual machining situation, such as the position of the cutting tool. Even if the tool path of the machining process can be simulated based on 3D CAD design data, it is not possible to obtain the actual cutting resistance during machining.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a processing device, a processing method, a system, and a computer program that enable easy understanding of the cutting processing status.

[0008] [Effects of this disclosure] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a processing device, a processing method, a system, and a computer program that make it possible to easily grasp the cutting processing status.

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] The contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described below. At least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any combination.

[0010] (1) A processing device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit and a processing unit that processes data received by the communication unit. During cutting, the communication unit receives sensor data, which is an output value of a sensor mounted on a cutting tool used in the cutting process, from the cutting tool used in the cutting process, and receives position data, which indicates the position of the cutting tool's cutting edge, from a machine tool that performs the cutting process using the cutting tool. The processing unit synchronizes the position data with the sensor data, or calculates a physical quantity related to the cutting process from the sensor data received by the communication unit and synchronizes the position data with the physical quantity. This makes it possible to easily grasp the cutting process status. In other words, by simultaneously displaying the cutting tool's cutting edge position during synchronized cutting, and the sensor data corresponding to the cutting edge position or the physical quantity related to the cutting process, the cutting process status can be easily grasped.

[0011] (2) In the above (1), the processing unit may calculate a physical quantity from the sensor data received by the communication unit, and the physical quantity may be cutting resistance. This makes it possible to easily grasp the cutting processing status.

[0012] (3) In the above (1) or (2), the processing device may further include a display unit that displays the processing results of the processing unit, the processing unit may synchronize the position data with the sensor data, and the display unit may display a heat map that represents the sensor data corresponding to the position data at the start of the cutting process to the latest position data based on changes in the position data. This makes it easy to understand the cutting process status.

[0013] (4) In the above (1) or (2), the processing device may further include a display unit that displays the processing results of the processing unit, the processing unit may calculate physical quantities from the sensor data received by the communication unit and synchronize the position data with the physical quantities, and the display unit may display a heat map that shows the physical quantities corresponding to the position data at the start of the cutting process to the latest position data based on changes in the position data. This makes it easy to understand the cutting process status.

[0014] (5) In the above (3) or (4), the display form of the heat map may include a two-dimensional distribution or a three-dimensional distribution, which makes it easier to intuitively grasp the distribution of the magnitude of the cutting resistance.

[0015] (6) In any one of (3) to (5) above, the display unit may display the trajectory of the cutting edge represented by the time-series position data received by the communication unit on a heat map. This makes it easier to grasp the change in the position of the cutting edge, i.e., the change in cutting resistance according to the trajectory.

[0016] (7) In any one of (3) to (6) above, the heat maps corresponding to each of the time-series position data may be displayed as animations in time series, which makes it easier to understand the changes in cutting resistance based on the cutting process.

[0017] (8) In any one of (3) to (7) above, the apparatus may further include a shape calculation unit that calculates the shape of the workpiece after cutting, which is the object of cutting, and the communication unit may receive a machining program used for cutting from the machine tool, and the shape calculation unit may identify a movement path of the cutting tool tip from the machining program and calculate the shape after cutting from the identified movement path and the shape of the workpiece before cutting, and the display unit may display the shape of the workpiece after cutting on a heat map. This makes it easy to understand which parts of the workpiece have large cutting resistance.

[0018] (9) In any one of (3) to (8) above, the display unit may display an image of the cutting tool at a position on the heat map corresponding to the position data. This allows the user to intuitively understand that the heat map displayed on the display unit represents cutting resistance, making it easier to visualize the actual cutting processing situation.

[0019] (10) A system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes a cutting tool equipped with a sensor, a machine tool that performs machining using the cutting tool, and any one of the processing devices described above in (1) to (9), wherein the cutting tool includes a first communication unit that transmits an output value of the sensor to the processing device, and the machine tool includes a second communication unit that transmits position data representing the cutting tool cutting edge position to the processing device. This makes it possible to easily grasp the cutting process status. In other words, by simultaneously displaying the cutting tool cutting edge position and sensor data or physical quantities related to the cutting process corresponding to the cutting edge position during synchronized cutting, the cutting process status can be easily grasped.

[0020] (11) A processing method according to a third aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: a communication device receiving, during cutting, sensor data from a cutting tool used in cutting; the communication device receiving, during cutting, position data representing the position of the cutting tool's cutting edge from a machine tool that performs cutting using the cutting tool; and a processing device synchronizing the position data and the sensor data, or calculating a physical quantity related to cutting from the sensor data received by the communication device and synchronizing the position data and the physical quantity. This makes it possible to easily grasp the cutting status. In other words, by simultaneously displaying the cutting edge position of the cutting tool during synchronized cutting and the sensor data corresponding to the cutting edge position or the physical quantity related to cutting, the cutting status can be easily grasped.

[0021] (12) A computer program according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following functions: receive, during cutting, from a cutting tool used in cutting, sensor data that is an output value of a sensor mounted on the cutting tool; receive, during cutting, position data that indicates the position of the cutting tool's cutting edge from a machine tool that performs cutting using the cutting tool; and synchronize the position data and the sensor data, or calculate a physical quantity related to cutting from the received sensor data and synchronize the position data and the physical quantity. This makes it possible to easily grasp the cutting status. In other words, by simultaneously displaying the cutting edge position of the cutting tool and the sensor data corresponding to the cutting edge position or the physical quantity related to cutting during synchronized cutting, the cutting status can be easily grasped.

[0022] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] In the following embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their names and functions are also the same, so detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0023] (First embodiment) (Overall composition) Referring to FIG. 1 , a system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a data processing device 102, a communication device 104, and a machine tool 106. The machine tool 106 is, for example, a lathe. A cutting tool 108 (a turning tool and a milling tool) including a sensor module 122 is mounted on a tool holder 110 of the machine tool 106. A workpiece 900, which is an object (workpiece) of cutting processing, is held by a chuck 112. A spindle on which the chuck 112 is mounted is rotated by a drive device (such as a motor), thereby rotating the workpiece 900. While the workpiece 900 is rotating, the tool holder 110 is moved to bring the cutting edge of the cutting tool 108 into contact with the workpiece 900, thereby machining the workpiece 900. The machining state of the cutting tool 108 is reflected in a measurement value (i.e., a sensor output value) of the sensor module 122. The sensor output value is transmitted wirelessly. The communication device 104 outputs the sensor output value received from the sensor module 122 to the data processing device 102 .

[0024] Data processing device 102 acquires information about machining from machine tool 106 via communication line 114. Data processing device 102 is realized by, for example, a computer. Note that while FIG. 1 shows a case where communication device 104 is disposed outside data processing device 102, communication device 104 may be included in data processing device 102. Furthermore, data processing device 102 may be included in machine tool 106.

[0025] (Turning tool configuration) Referring to FIG. 2, a turning tool is shown as an example of a cutting tool 108. The cutting tool 108 includes a shank 120 and multiple sensor modules 122 (specifically, sensor module 122A and sensor module 122B). The number of sensor modules arranged on the cutting tool is not limited to two. The cutting tool may have one sensor module, or three or more sensor modules. The cutting blade 124 is detachably attached to the shank 120 by a fixing member 126 and a fixing member 128. The cutting tool 108 is a replaceable cutting tool, i.e., a throw-away cutting tool. The cutting blade 124 has a tip 130 that abuts against the workpiece to turn the workpiece. The shank 120 may have a cutting blade instead of being attachable to the cutting blade. FIG. 2 shows orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes set for the cutting tool 108. The direction of the central axis 132 of the cutting tool 108 is the Z-axis, and the direction perpendicular to the side surface of the cutting tool 108 is the X-axis. During cutting, the cutting tool 108 is fed toward the cutting target (workpiece 900) along, for example, the Z-axis direction by movement of the tool holder 110.

[0026] The sensor module 122A is disposed on a side surface of the shank 120, and the sensor module 122B is disposed on the top surface (upper surface) of the shank 120. Both the sensor module 122A and the sensor module 122B are disposed at the center in the width direction of the surface on which they are disposed. FIG. 2 shows an example of the positions of the sensor module 122A and the sensor module 122B in the Z axis direction, and the positions of the sensor module 122A and the sensor module 122B in the Z axis direction are arbitrary. The sensor module 122A and the sensor module 122B may be disposed in the same position in the Z axis direction, or the sensor module 122A may be disposed closer to the cutting edge 124 than the sensor module 122B. The sensor module 122A and the sensor module 122B include the same type of sensor and have the same configuration. Therefore, when there is no need to distinguish between them, they will be referred to as sensor module 122.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 3, the sensor module 122 includes a sensor 140, an AD conversion unit 142, a memory 144, a control unit 146, a communication unit 148, a bus 150, and a power supply unit 152. The sensor 140 is disposed at a position corresponding to either the sensor module 122A or the sensor module 122B shown in FIG. 2. The sensor 140 is, for example, a strain sensor. The sensor 140 may be a sensor other than a strain sensor, for example, an acceleration sensor. The AD conversion unit 142 converts an input analog signal into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal. That is, the AD conversion unit 142 samples the analog signal (i.e., the output value) output from the sensor 140 at a predetermined sampling frequency to generate a digital signal (hereinafter referred to as sensor data). The generated sensor data is transmitted to the memory 144 via the bus 150. The memory 144 is, for example, a rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and stores the sensor data transmitted via the bus 150. The memory 144 also stores a computer program (hereinafter simply referred to as a program) that the control unit 146 executes.

[0028] The control unit 146 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 146 reads sensor data stored in the memory 144 and outputs it to the communication unit 148. The communication unit 148 transmits the input sensor data to the outside of the sensor module 122, i.e., to the communication device 104. The communication unit 148 has a wireless communication function, such as Wi-Fi. Specifically, the communication unit 148 generates and transmits a communication packet including the sensor data input from the control unit 146, the address of the communication device 104 as a destination address, and the address of the communication unit 148 as a source address. As a result, the communication packet transmitted from the communication unit 148 is received by the communication device 104 and output to the data processing device 102. As a result, the data processing device 102 can acquire sensor data from the sensor module 122A and the sensor module 122B. The data processing device 102 can determine whether the data was acquired from the sensor module 122A or the sensor module 122B based on the source address included in the communication packet. The bus 150 transmits data exchanged between the AD conversion unit 142, the memory 144, and the control unit 146. The power supply unit 152 supplies the power necessary for the functions of each unit constituting the sensor module 122. The power supply unit 152 is, for example, a battery.

[0029] The sensor data may be transmitted immediately from the sensor module 122, or may be transmitted after being buffered for a certain amount of time. When the sensor data is transmitted immediately, the data processing device 102 stores the time of reception in association with the sensor data. When the sensor data is transmitted after being buffered, the sensor module 122 transmits the sensor data with information indicating the time of generation of the sensor data attached. If the sampling period is constant, for example, the time of generation of the first data may be attached and the data may be transmitted in a format that indicates the sampling order (such as arranging the data in the order of sampling). The data processing device 102 can calculate the time corresponding to each received sensor data from the sampling period stored in advance.

[0030] Although the above description has been given assuming that one sensor module includes one sensor, this is not limiting. One sensor module 122 may include multiple sensor modules. For example, one sensor module 122 may include two sensors, each of which may be located at a position corresponding to sensor module 122A and sensor module 122B shown in FIG. 2 . In this case, the sensor module 122 includes two AD converters 142, one for each of the two sensors 140. Each AD converter 142 samples the output value of the corresponding sensor 140 to generate a digital output value, which is then stored in memory 144 as time-series data. When transmitting sensor data to the communication device 104 via the communication unit 148, the control unit 146 transmits the sensor data in a manner that allows the data processing device 102 to distinguish which sensor each piece of sensor data belongs to. For example, the control unit 146 may transmit the sensor data together with information (sensor ID) identifying the sensor corresponding to the sensor data.

[0031] The cutting tool 108 may be a milling tool. Referring to FIG. 4, the milling tool 200 is a milling tool such as an end mill having a cutting portion 210. The cutting portion 210, indicated by a diagonal line pattern, includes a peripheral cutting edge formed on the side surface of a cylinder and a bottom cutting edge formed on a tip portion 212, and is brought into contact with the workpiece 900 to cut the workpiece 900. The milling tool 200 has sensor modules 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D arranged on the side surface of the milling tool 200. The spacing between adjacent sensor modules 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D in the rotational direction is 90 degrees around the rotation axis (i.e., the central axis) of the milling tool 200. The sensor modules 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D include the same type of sensors and have the same configuration. 4 shows orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes that are set with respect to milling tool 200. The rotation axis of milling tool 200 is the Z axis, and the X axis is set in a direction from the rotation axis through sensor module 202A (specifically, the sensor) toward the outside of milling tool 200. The Y axis is set in a direction from the rotation axis through sensor module 202B (specifically, the sensor) toward the outside of milling tool 200. Note that the sensors included in sensor module 202A, sensor module 202B, sensor module 202C, and sensor module 202D may be disposed on the side surface of milling tool 200, and the portions of each sensor module excluding the sensors may be housed in a cylindrical housing (not shown) that is disposed around milling tool 200.

[0032] (Machine tool configuration) 5, machine tool 106 includes a control panel 160 and a processing unit 162 that performs processing under the control of control panel 160. Processing unit 162 includes a drive unit 176 such as a motor for rotating the spindle, and a sensor 178 disposed in drive unit 176 or the like.

[0033] The control panel 160 includes a control unit 164, a memory 166, an IF unit 168, an operation unit 170, a display unit 172, and a bus 174. The control unit 164 is configured to include a CPU. The memory 166 is, for example, a rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and stores the programs executed by the control unit 164. The memory 166 may be an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The memory 166 provides a work area for the programs executed by the control unit 164. The memory 166 also stores information related to the machine tool 106 (hereinafter referred to as machine tool data). As will be described later, the machine tool data is transmitted to the data processing device 102.

[0034] The machine tool data includes information about the machine tool itself (such as the rapid-feed rate of the cutting tool), a cutting program (hereinafter also referred to as an NC program), information about the cutting tool (hereinafter referred to as tool data), and machining conditions (such as the rotational speed of the spindle and the feed rate of the cutting tool). The tool data includes information about the shape, dimensions, material, number of cutting edges, position of each cutting edge, and location of the sensor module of the cutting tool (see cutting tool 108 and milling tool 200). The tool data may be stored in memory 182 of the data processing device 102 (described later). In this case, the machine tool data stored in memory 166 of the control panel 160 does not need to include the tool data. Machining conditions may also be directly described in the NC program. The machine tool data further includes information during cutting. The information during cutting is, for example, information indicating the current position of the cutting tool's cutting edge (hereinafter referred to as position data). As described above, the cutting edge contacts the workpiece, thereby cutting the workpiece. When a cutting tool is mounted on the tool holder 110, the position of the cutting tool's cutting edge relative to the tool holder 110 is fixed. The control unit 164 uses a sensor 178 to detect the position of the tool holder 110, which is driven and displaced by a drive unit 176 during cutting, and calculates cutting edge position data using the detection result and the initial position of the cutting edge (hereinafter referred to as a correction value). When manually acquiring the cutting edge position, the cutting edge is manually brought into contact with the workpiece before cutting, and the position coordinates of the tool holder 110 at that time are used as the correction value. When a touch sensor is used, the cutting edge is brought into contact with a touch sensor installed inside the machine tool before cutting, and the current position of the touch sensor at the time of contact is compared with the preset initial position of the touch sensor to calculate the correction value. The control unit 164 may also calculate cutting edge position data during cutting from the NC program used for cutting and tool data.

[0035] As with the sensor data described above, the cutting edge position data may be transmitted with time information included, or may be transmitted at a predetermined fixed interval. When the cutting edge position data is transmitted immediately, the data processing device 102 stores the received time in association with the cutting edge position data. When the cutting edge position data is buffered and then transmitted, information indicating the generation time of the cutting edge position data is added and transmitted. If the generation period of the cutting edge position data is constant, for example, the generation time of the first position data may be added and the data may be transmitted in a format that indicates the chronological order (such as by arranging the data in the order of generation). The data processing device 102 can calculate the time corresponding to the received cutting edge position data from the pre-stored interval. As will be described later, the generation times of the sensor data and the position data are used to associate the cutting resistance calculated from the sensor data with the cutting edge position data. Therefore, when each piece of data is transmitted immediately, the reception time of each piece of data by the data processing device 102 is used. In this case, the clock of the data processing device 102 is used, so the clock of the sensor module 122 and the clock of the machine tool 106 do not need to be synchronized. When each piece of data is buffered and then transmitted, the time information added to the transmitted data is used. In this case, it is necessary to synchronize the clock of the sensor module 122 with the clock of the machine tool 106. To synchronize the clocks, for example, a trigger signal may be sent from one device to the other, or time synchronization may be performed at regular time intervals.

[0036] The operation unit 170 includes, for example, a computer keyboard and a touch panel. The display unit 172 includes an image display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The operation unit 170 and the display unit 172 may be an integrated touch panel display. The IF unit 168 is an interface for exchanging data with the operation unit 170, the display unit 172, and the external data processing device 102. The IF unit 168 transmits instructions input by operating the operation unit 170 to the control unit 164 via the bus 174. A part of the memory 166 functions as a video memory that stores video data corresponding to images to be displayed on the display unit 172. The IF unit 168 transmits data from the video memory of the memory 166 to the display unit 172 and causes the display unit 172 to display the data as an image (such as the operation screen of the machine tool 106).

[0037] The IF unit 168 transmits the above-mentioned machine tool data (information related to the machine tool 106) to the data processing device 102 via the communication line 114. The IF unit 168 has, for example, a serial interface (RS232C, etc.) function to communicate with the data processing device 102 via the communication line 114. The interface for communicating with the data processing device 102 is not limited to a serial interface. If the communication line 114 is an Ethernet communication cable, the IF unit 168 has a function to communicate in accordance with a communication protocol such as TCP / IP. The IF unit 168 also has a wireless communication function to communicate with the sensor module 122 mounted on the cutting tool 108. The control unit 164 communicates wirelessly with the sensor module 122 and executes a process to synchronize the clocks of both devices. Communication between the control panel 160 and the data processing device 102 may be executed by the wireless communication function of the IF unit 168.

[0038] (Configuration of data processing device) 6, data processing device 102 includes control unit 180, memory 182, IF unit 184, operation unit 186, display unit 188, and bus 190. Control unit 180 is configured to include a CPU. Memory 182 is, for example, a rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and stores programs executed by control unit 180. Memory 182 may be a HDD. Memory 182 provides a work area for programs executed by control unit 180. Operation unit 186 includes, for example, a computer keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. Display unit 188 includes an image display device such as a liquid crystal display device.

[0039] As will be described later, the data processing device 102 stores and analyzes data (sensor data, machine tool data, etc.) acquired via the communication device 104 and the communication line 114, calculates the cutting resistance related to the cutting tool in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 186, and displays the calculated cutting resistance on the display unit 188.

[0040] The IF unit 184 is an interface for exchanging data with the external communication device 104 and machine tool 106, as well as with the internal operation unit 186 and display unit 188. The IF unit 184 transmits data (i.e., sensor data) transmitted from the communication device 104 to the memory 182 via the bus 190 for storage. The IF unit 184 has, for example, a serial interface (such as RS232C) for communicating with the machine tool 106 via the communication line 114. The IF unit 184 transmits data (such as machine tool data) transmitted from the machine tool 106 to the memory 182 via the bus 190 for storage. The interface for communicating with the machine tool 106 is not limited to a serial interface. If the communication line 114 is an Ethernet communication cable, the IF unit 184 has a function for communicating in accordance with a communication protocol such as TCP / IP. The IF unit 184 may have a wireless communication function similar to that of the communication unit 148 of the sensor module 122 described above.

[0041] IF unit 184 transmits instructions input by operating operation unit 186 to control unit 180 via bus 190. In response to this, control unit 180 executes processing described below and stores the processing results in memory 182. A part of memory 182 functions as a video memory that stores video data corresponding to images to be displayed on display unit 188. IF unit 184 transmits data from the video memory of memory 182 to display unit 188, causing display unit 188 to display the data as an image. As described above, memory 182 also stores sensor data received via communication device 104 and machine tool data received via communication line 114.

[0042] (Functional configuration of data processing device) The functions of data processing device 102 will be described. With reference to Fig. 7, data processing device 102 includes a communication unit 300, a storage unit 302, a display unit 304, and a processing unit 306. Communication unit 300 receives sensor data transmitted from sensor module 122 of cutting tool 108 and machine tool data transmitted from machine tool 106 via communication line 114. The received sensor data and machine tool data are output to storage unit 302. Communication unit 300 is realized by communication device 104 and IF unit 184 described above. Storage unit 302 stores data input from communication unit 300. Storage unit 302 is realized by memory 182.

[0043] The processing unit 306 calculates the cutting resistance from the sensor data stored in the memory unit 302 and synchronizes the cutting resistance with the position data of the cutting tool cutting edge transmitted from the machine tool 106. The processing unit 306 is realized by the control unit 180. "Synchronization" refers to matching the cutting resistance with the trajectory of the cutting tool cutting edge identified by continuous position data. In particular, it refers to matching the cutting resistance calculated from sensor data acquired during cutting with the trajectory of the cutting tool cutting edge during cutting. For example, when the execution of an NC program (cutting) starts, the sensor module 122 of the cutting tool 108 transmits sensor data from the communication unit 148 until the NC program ends. As described above, the transmitted sensor data is received by the communication unit 300 via the communication device 104 and stored in the memory unit 302 as time-series data. The NC program includes a process of moving the cutting tool to a target position without contacting the workpiece, as a process other than cutting, and sensor data is transmitted from the sensor module 122 during this process. However, the cutting resistance calculated from the sensor data acquired during processes other than cutting is 0. Note that 0 does not necessarily mean 0 in the strict sense, but rather means that the absolute value is within an error range (for example, less than a predetermined value). If the magnitude of the cutting resistance is greater than a predetermined value (a value close to 0), it is determined that the workpiece is being cut, and a period during which cutting resistance greater than the predetermined value continues can be identified as cutting. One trajectory of the cutting edge is identified by the cutting edge position data corresponding to one identified period. As described above, time information is added to each of the sensor data and cutting edge position data stored in memory 182. Therefore, the cutting resistance and the trajectory of the cutting edge during cutting can be matched based on the time information.

[0044] As described above, the processing unit 306 calculates the cutting resistance of the cutting tool from the sensor data. Assume that the memory unit 302 stores sensor data received from the sensor module 122A and the sensor module 122B of the cutting tool 108. The processing unit 306 reads the stored sensor data (e.g., strain values) of each of the sensor modules 122A and 122B. The processing unit 306 also reads the machine tool data from the memory unit 302. The processing unit 306 calculates the cutting resistance, which is the load acting on the cutting tool 108, from the sensor data using the shape and material (e.g., Poisson's ratio) of the cutting tool 108 included in the machine tool data and the arrangement positions of the sensor module 122A and the sensor module 122B. The processing unit 306 stores each component (X component, Y component, and Z component) of the calculated cutting resistance in the memory unit 302 as time-series data.

[0045] The processing unit 306 identifies a period during which cutting resistance greater than a predetermined value continues from the cutting resistance stored in the memory unit 302, as described above. The processing unit 306 uses the cutting edge position data corresponding to the identified period as information identifying one cutting edge trajectory. For example, the processing unit 306 associates the identified position data with information identifying the trajectory. FIG. 8 shows a synchronized display of the calculated cutting resistance magnitude and the corresponding cutting edge trajectory. The vertical axis represents the calculated cutting resistance, and the horizontal axis represents the time axis. The time axis indicates the generation time of the sensor data from which the cutting resistance was calculated. Below the time axis, the cutting edge trajectory number corresponding to the sensor data (i.e., information identifying the cutting edge trajectory during cutting) is shown. For example, the cutting resistance calculated from the sensor data obtained between time t1 and time t2 is 0. In other words, cutting is not being performed, and therefore, in FIG. 8, "non-machining" is displayed. A cutting edge trajectory may be formed even in processes in which cutting is not being performed. However, as will be described later, this is not subject to display by the display unit 304 and does not need to be considered. The cutting resistance calculated from the sensor data obtained between time t2 and time t3 is greater than 0. Between time t2 and time t3, cutting of the workpiece is performed, and one trajectory (indicated by trajectory j (j is a natural number)) is formed. The processing unit 306 associates trajectory j with the position data received from the machine tool 106 between time t2 and time t3. Similarly, between time t3 and time t4, no cutting is performed, and this is displayed as "non-machining." Between time t4 and time t5, cutting of the workpiece is performed, and the processing unit 306 associates trajectory j+1 with the position data received from the machine tool 106 between time t4 and time t5.

[0046] The processing unit 306 calculates the cutting resistance from the sensor data obtained during machining and notifies the display unit 304 that the corresponding trajectory (time-series position data) of the cutting tool's cutting edge during machining has been identified. In response to this, the display unit 304 reads the cutting resistance and the trajectory of the cutting edge from the memory unit 302 and displays them. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a window 320 displaying a heat map is displayed on the display unit 188. The window 320 displays a graphic 902 representing a workpiece 900 (see FIG. 1) rotated by a spindle and a heat map showing the cutting resistance as a two-dimensional distribution during cutting by a turning tool (e.g., the cutting tool 108 shown in FIG. 2) (i.e., from the start of cutting to the present). The cutting resistance that can be displayed includes, for example, the magnitude of the vector and each component (X component, Y component, and Z component). If information regarding the shape of the workpiece 900 before cutting is input in advance through operation of the operation unit 186 and stored in the storage unit 302 (memory 182), the processing unit 306 (control unit 180) can generate the graphic 902 using that information. Information regarding the shape of the workpiece 900 may be transmitted from the machine tool 106 to the data processing device 102. In FIG. 9, the left-pointing arrow indicates the start position of cutting, and the right-pointing arrow indicates the current position of the cutting tool's cutting edge. Note that the arrows in FIG. 9 are displayed for convenience and may not actually be displayed in the window 320. A scale indicating the magnitude of cutting resistance is displayed in the lower right corner of the window 320. The cutting resistance is represented by a color corresponding to its magnitude. For example, the cutting resistance can be displayed in color using a color with a hue corresponding to the magnitude of the cutting resistance. When colors of the same hue and saturation are used, the magnitude of the cutting resistance may be displayed by brightness (e.g., a black and white grayscale image). In FIG. 9, the boundaries between different pattern regions are shown for convenience, and may not be displayed in the actual heat map.

[0047] The cutting tool cutting edge moves leftward from the position indicated by the left-pointing arrow, maintaining the specified depth of cut, to the specified position (the left end of the cutting range). Upon reaching the specified position, the cutting edge changes the depth of cut (to make it deeper) and moves rightward to the specified position (the right end of the cutting range). The cutting tool cutting edge further changes the depth of cut and moves leftward, and is currently at the position indicated by the right-pointing arrow. Window 320 displays, at the corresponding cutting edge position, each cutting force calculated from sensor data measured during cutting from the start of cutting to the present. As mentioned above, cutting forces calculated from sensor data while the cutting tool is moving without cutting are not displayed. This makes it easier to intuitively grasp the distribution of cutting force magnitude.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10 , the trajectory of the cutting tool's cutting edge (see dashed line) may be superimposed on the heat map of cutting resistance. Dashed line trajectory 350 represents the trajectory of the cutting edge when the cutting edge of the cutting tool is moved leftward from the cutting start position to a specified position (the left end of the cutting range) while maintaining a specified depth of cut, as described above. Dashed line trajectory 352 represents the trajectory of the cutting edge when, after the cutting edge reaches the specified position, the cutting edge of the cutting tool is moved rightward to the specified position (the right end of the cutting range) with a changed (deeper) depth of cut. Dashed line trajectory 354 represents the trajectory of the cutting edge when the cutting edge of the cutting tool is further moved leftward to the current position with a changed depth of cut. By superimposing the trajectory of the cutting edge of the cutting tool on the heat map of cutting resistance in this way, it becomes easier to grasp the change in cutting resistance according to the trajectory.

[0049] As cutting processing progresses further from the state shown in FIG. 9, the heat map displayed in window 320 changes, for example, as shown in FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, as in FIG. 9, the current position of the cutting edge is indicated by a right-pointing arrow. As cutting processing progresses, a new trajectory of the cutting edge is formed, and the cutting resistance calculated from the sensor data is displayed at the corresponding position in a color according to its magnitude. As cutting processing progresses further and is completed, a heat map such as that shown in FIG. 12 is displayed in window 320.

[0050] Each time the processing unit 306 acquires sensor data and cutting tool cutting edge position data, it calculates the cutting resistance and identifies the corresponding position data, and the display unit 304 adds the calculated cutting resistance to the displayed heat map for display. This makes it possible to simultaneously visually confirm the cutting tool cutting edge position and cutting resistance during cutting, making it easy to grasp the cutting process status.

[0051] In the above, a case where a heat map of cutting resistance is displayed as a two-dimensional distribution in window 320 has been described, but the display format of the heat map is not limited to this. Similar to the three-dimensional display of the workpiece, a heat map of cutting resistance may also be displayed as a three-dimensional distribution. For example, in the case of turning, as shown in FIG. 13, the workpiece is displayed three-dimensionally and the heat map is superimposed on it to display a three-dimensional distribution. FIG. 13 shows the cutting resistance shown as a two-dimensional distribution in FIG. 12 as a three-dimensional distribution. In the case of milling, the heat map is displayed as a three-dimensional distribution, as shown in FIG. 14. Note that FIG. 14 is a brightness image created from a color image in which the heat map is displayed using a color scale. Therefore, the scale displayed in the lower right of FIG. 14 does not monotonically change brightness according to the cutting resistance value. Displaying the heat map three-dimensionally makes it easier to grasp the distribution of cutting resistance magnitude.

[0052] The display unit 304 may superimpose the trajectory on the heat map (FIGS. 11 and 12) displayed as the cutting process progresses, as shown in FIG. 10. This makes it easier to understand the trajectory, i.e., the change in cutting resistance according to the change in the position of the cutting edge.

[0053] After the cutting process is completed, the display unit 304 may use the cutting resistance and cutting edge position data stored in the memory unit 302 to display an animated heat map in the window 320 in chronological order (in the order of Figures 9, 11, and 12) according to the progress of the cutting process. This makes it easier to understand the changes in cutting resistance based on the cutting process. The animation display may take any form. For example, an image of the heat map may be displayed at a constant speed according to the progress of the cutting process. Operation buttons for performing operations such as pausing and resuming playback may also be displayed in the window 320 during the animation.

[0054] (Operation of data processing device) The operation of data processing device 102 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. The processing shown in Fig. 15 is realized by control unit 180 (see Fig. 6) reading out and executing a predetermined program from memory 182 in response to an instruction being input to data processing device 102 by operating operation unit 186.

[0055] In step 400, control unit 180 performs initial setting. Specifically, control unit 180 acquires the above-mentioned machine tool data from machine tool 106. The machine tool data includes an NC program, tool data, machining conditions, and the like. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 402. Note that control unit 180 may execute processing to synchronize the clocks of machine tool 106 and cutting tool 108 as part of the initial setting.

[0056] In step 402, control unit 180 determines whether cutting has started. For example, when machine tool 106 starts cutting, it transmits predetermined start information to data processing device 102. If control unit 180 receives the start information, it determines that cutting has started, and control proceeds to step 404. If not, step 402 is repeated.

[0057] In step 404, control unit 180 receives sensor data transmitted from sensor module 122 of cutting tool 108 being used for cutting processing and position data of the cutting tool's cutting edge transmitted from machine tool 106. Control unit 180 stores the received sensor data and cutting edge position data in chronological order in memory 182. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 406.

[0058] In step 406, the control unit 180 calculates the cutting resistance as described above from the sensor data stored in the memory 182 in step 402, and stores the calculated cutting resistance in the memory 182. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step 408.

[0059] In step 408, the control unit 180 synchronizes the cutting resistance calculated in step 406 with the trajectory determined by the cutting edge position data received in step 404. As described above as a function of the processing unit 306, the control unit 180 executes the process of associating the cutting resistance with the cutting edge trajectory. The control unit 180 stores information representing the synchronization results in the memory 182. For example, the control unit 180 associates a trajectory number (see FIG. 8 ) with information (data numbers) identifying the first and last data of the cutting resistance corresponding to the trajectory, and stores the information in the memory 182. The trajectory number is assigned to a set of position data (for example, identified by the first and last data of multiple time series). Thereafter, control proceeds to step 410.

[0060] In step 410, the control unit 180 causes the display unit 188 to display a heat map of cutting resistance. The display unit 188 displays the heat map as shown in Fig. 9, for example. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step 412.

[0061] In step 412, control unit 180 determines whether or not to display the trajectory of the cutting tool cutting edge. Information indicating whether or not to display the trajectory may be stored in advance in memory 182, for example, as a predetermined flag. For example, the initial value of the flag is set to 0 (the trajectory is not displayed), and to display the trajectory, a person operates operation unit 186 to set the flag to 1. If the flag is 1, it is determined that the trajectory is to be displayed, and control proceeds to step 414. Otherwise (the trajectory is not displayed), control proceeds to step 416.

[0062] In step 414, control unit 180 causes display unit 188 to display the trajectory of the cutting tool cutting edge, superimposed on the heat map displayed in step 410. The trajectory of the cutting tool cutting edge is identified by time-series position data corresponding to the trajectory number stored in memory 182. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 416.

[0063] In step 416, the control unit 180 determines whether machining of one workpiece has ended. For example, if the sensor data received from the sensor module 122 indicates a specific change, the control unit 180 determines that machining of one workpiece has ended. A specific change means, for example, that the sensor data remains below a specific threshold (a value smaller than the sensor data value during actual cutting) for a specific period of time. Alternatively, the machine tool 106 may transmit specific end information. In this case, upon receiving the end information, the control unit 180 determines that machining of one workpiece has ended. If it is determined that machining of one workpiece has ended, control proceeds to step 418. Otherwise, control returns to step 404. As a result, while the NC program is being executed, the sensor data and the cutting tool cutting edge position data are stored in chronological order in the memory 182, and the cutting resistance calculated from the sensor data is displayed as a heat map.

[0064] In step 418, control unit 180 determines whether or not to display the heat map as an animation. Whether or not to display the heat map as an animation is instructed to control unit 180 by a person operating operation unit 186. If an instruction to display the heat map as an animation has been issued, control proceeds to step 420. Otherwise, control proceeds to step 422.

[0065] In step 420, the control unit 180 displays an animated heat map of cutting resistance according to the progress of cutting on the display unit 188. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step 422.

[0066] In step 422, control unit 180 determines whether to terminate the program. If control unit 180 receives an instruction to terminate, it determines to terminate. For example, control unit 180 determines to terminate when an instruction to terminate is input by a human operating operation unit 186. Control unit 180 may receive an instruction to terminate from machine tool 106. For example, when performing the same cutting process on a lot (multiple workpieces), machine tool 106 transmits an instruction to terminate once cutting of all workpieces included in one lot is completed, and if unmachined workpieces remain, it does not transmit an instruction to terminate and continues machining. If it is determined to terminate, the program terminates. Otherwise, control returns to step 402.

[0067] This allows data processing device 102 to process a combination of cutting resistance calculated from sensor data from sensor module 122 mounted on cutting tool 108 and position data of the cutting tool cutting edge transmitted from machine tool 106. Therefore, it is possible to display the cutting resistance at the cutting tool cutting edge position during cutting, thereby allowing the cutting tool cutting edge position and cutting resistance to be visually confirmed at the same time, making it easy to grasp the cutting process status.

[0068] The flowchart shown in Figure 15 can be executed with various modifications. For example, the order of steps 406 and 408 may be reversed. That is, after synchronizing the sensor data with the cutting edge position data, the cutting resistance may be calculated from the sensor data during the period when cutting is actually being performed. This also makes it possible to synchronize the cutting resistance with the cutting edge position data.

[0069] Furthermore, to facilitate data management by machining unit, with each workpiece treated as a machining unit, the processing results from steps 404 to 408 may be stored as a single machining unit before proceeding to step 418. For example, the control unit 180 stores the processing results from steps 404 to 408 in memory 182 in association with information identifying each workpiece. This allows, for example, after machining multiple workpieces, the machining results of each workpiece to be displayed and compared as a heat map, making it easier to understand the differences in machining between workpieces. Furthermore, the data stored in memory 182 can be statistically processed for each machining unit. Storing the processing results from steps 404 to 408 as a single machining unit over a long period of time allows the data to be referenced or otherwise utilized later. Furthermore, the processing results from steps 404 to 408 stored in memory 182 can be transferred from the data processing device 102 to another device, and the above-described processing can be performed thereon.

[0070] (Second embodiment) The form in which the cutting resistance during cutting is displayed as a heat map is not limited to the above. The data processing device according to the second embodiment displays additional information superimposed on the heat map of cutting resistance. The data processing device according to the second embodiment is configured similarly to the data processing device 102 shown in FIG. 6 as the first embodiment. The overall configuration of the system in which the data processing device according to the second embodiment is used, the machine tool, and the cutting tool are similar to those of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 5).

[0071] (Functional configuration of data processing device) Referring to FIG. 16, the data processing device according to the second embodiment includes a communication unit 300, a storage unit 302, a display unit 304, a processing unit 306, and a shape calculation unit 308. FIG. 16 is the same as FIG. 7, which shows the functions of the data processing device according to the first embodiment, except that the shape calculation unit 308 has been added. The communication unit 300, storage unit 302, display unit 304, and processing unit 306 shown in FIG. 16 have the same functions as those shown in FIG. 7. Therefore, the following description will not be repeated and will focus mainly on the differences. Furthermore, reference numerals from FIGS. 1 to 6 will be quoted as appropriate.

[0072] The processing unit 306 receives the sensor data and the machine tool data. The machine tool data includes an NC program. As described above, the processing unit 306 calculates the cutting resistance from the received sensor data and displays it as a heat map (see FIG. 9).

[0073] The shape calculation unit 308 reads the NC program from the storage unit 302, analyzes it, and calculates the shape of the workpiece after the NC program is executed. An NC program consists of multiple blocks, and analyzing the description (text information) of each block allows the process (such as the movement of the cutting tool) to be identified. Figure 17 shows an example NC program. In Figure 17, the block numbers of the NC program are shown on the left side. A block is defined from the beginning of a line to a ";" (;). Hereinafter, "i" is a natural number, and the description (block) on the i-th line is referred to as "block i." Note that a block does not have to consist of a single line; multiple lines may constitute a single block. Each block contains instructions for the cutting tool. Instructions are written using G-code, M-code, position information (X, Y, Z), and machining parameters (such as S for specifying the spindle speed and F for specifying the feed rate). Therefore, the processing content can be identified by analyzing the description (text) of each block and identifying the symbol (G, M, S, F, X, Y, Z, etc.) and the numerical value that follows it.

[0074] For example, in Figure 17, block 1 is an instruction to rotate forward (M3) at ** rotations per minute (S**) and fast forward (G00) to the reference position (X0, Y0). Note that in Figure 17, "**" represents an arbitrary value; in an actual NC program, specific values ​​are set. Block 2 is an instruction to fast forward to the machining height specified by Z**. Block 3 is an instruction to fast forward to a position (Y25) next to the edge where machining begins. Cutting begins in block 4. Block 4 is an instruction to fast forward to X38. Block 5 is an instruction to perform circular interpolation (G03) counterclockwise (i.e., move in an arc) at feed rate ** (F**) from the position specified by I6 (increase the X coordinate by 6) to a specified position (X6, Y-6). The numbers following I, J, and K specify the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the center of the circular interpolation, respectively. It is assumed that the instructions in the blocks up to this point will not cause the cutting tool to come into contact with the workpiece, and cutting will not be performed. Cutting begins in block 6. Block 6 is an instruction to perform linear interpolation (G01) (i.e., move in a straight line) at feed rate ** (F**) to a specified position (X32). Blocks 7 and onwards can be interpreted in the same way.

[0075] Execution of each block causes the cutting tool, i.e., its cutting edge, to move. Depending on the block description, the cutting edge may remain stationary. Each block specifies the movement path of the cutting tool cutting edge. In this way, by analyzing the NC program, the movement path of the cutting tool cutting edge can be specified, and the shape of the workpiece after cutting can be calculated from the shape of the workpiece before cutting and the movement path of the cutting edge. Information regarding the shape of the workpiece 900 before cutting is stored in the storage unit 302 (memory 182). For example, information regarding the shape of the workpiece 900 before cutting may be input in advance by operating the operation unit 186 and stored in the memory 182. Information regarding the shape of the workpiece 900 before cutting may be transmitted from the machine tool 106 to the data processing device 102 and stored in the memory 182.

[0076] The shape calculation unit 308 outputs data (e.g., image data) specifying the calculated shape of the workpiece after cutting to the storage unit 302, where it is stored. The shape calculation unit 308 notifies the display unit 304 that the shape of the workpiece after cutting has been specified. In response to this, the display unit 304 reads out the data specifying the shape of the workpiece after cutting from the storage unit 302 and displays it superimposed on the displayed heat map, as shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 shows a diagram 360 representing the shape of the workpiece after cutting displayed on the heat map shown in FIG. 9. As the cutting process progresses, the heat map is updated and displayed while maintaining the display of the diagram 360 representing the shape of the workpiece after cutting. For example, the diagram 360 representing the shape of the workpiece after cutting displayed on the heat map shown in FIG. 11. This makes it easy to understand which parts of the workpiece have high cutting resistance.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 19 , an image representing a cutting tool may be superimposed on the heat map. FIG. 19 shows a state in which an icon 372 representing the cutting tool 108 is displayed on the heat map, as shown in FIG. 10 , with a trajectory 370 of the cutting tool's cutting edge superimposed thereon. The cutting edge 374 of the icon 372 is displayed in a color that represents the magnitude of the cutting resistance corresponding to its position. FIG. 20 shows a heat map corresponding to a state in which the cutting process has progressed further. In FIG. 20 , the cutting edge 374 is also displayed in a color that represents the magnitude of the cutting resistance corresponding to its position. The cutting edge 374 in FIG. 20 is displayed in a darker color than the cutting edge 374 in FIG. 19 , indicating a greater cutting resistance. By superimposing the cutting tool icon on the heat map in this way, the user can intuitively understand that the displayed heat map represents the cutting resistance, making it easier to visualize the actual cutting process.

[0078] (Operation of data processing device) The operation of the data processing device 102 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 21. The processing shown in Fig. 21 is realized by the control unit 180 (see Fig. 6) reading and executing a predetermined program from the memory 182 in response to an instruction being input to the data processing device 102 by operating the operation unit 186. Fig. 21 is the same as the flowchart shown in Fig. 15, with steps 430 to 436 added. The other steps in Fig. 21 are the same as the steps with the same reference numerals in Fig. 15. The following description will not be repeated and will mainly focus on the differences.

[0079] If it is determined in step 402 that machining is to start, then in step 430, the control unit 180 determines whether or not to display the shape of the workpiece after cutting (hereinafter referred to as the after-machining shape). Information indicating whether or not to display the after-machining shape may be stored in advance in the memory 182, for example, as a predetermined flag. For example, if the initial value of the flag is 0 (the after-machining shape is not displayed) and the after-machining shape is to be displayed, a person operates the operation unit 186 to set the flag to 1. If the flag is 1, it is determined that the after-machining shape is to be displayed, and control proceeds to step 432. Otherwise (the after-machining shape is not displayed), control proceeds to step 404.

[0080] In step 432, the control unit calculates the post-machining shape of the workpiece and displays the post-machining shape on the display unit 188. This corresponds to the functions of the shape calculation unit 308 and the display unit 304 described above. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 404.

[0081] As described above, a heat map of cutting resistance is displayed in steps 404 to 414. As described above, the after-machining shape is displayed on display unit 188 in step 432, so if step 414 is not performed, the heat map of cutting resistance and the after-machining shape of the workpiece are displayed superimposed on each other, for example, as shown in Fig. 18. If step 414 is performed, the trajectory of the cutting tool cutting edge (see trajectories 350 to 354 in Fig. 10) is also displayed superimposed on Fig. 18.

[0082] In step 434, control unit 180 determines whether or not to display an icon representing a cutting tool. Information indicating whether or not to display an icon may be stored in advance in memory 182, for example, as a predetermined flag. For example, if the initial value of the flag is 0 (no icon is displayed), and the icon is to be displayed, a person operates operation unit 186 to set the flag to 1. If the flag is 1, it is determined that the icon is to be displayed, and control proceeds to step 436. Otherwise (no icon is to be displayed), control proceeds to step 416.

[0083] In step 436, the control unit reads out an icon representing the cutting tool from memory 182 and displays the icon on the heat map. That is, as shown in Fig. 19, the icon is displayed on the heat map so that the cutting edge portion is located at a position specified by the cutting edge position data corresponding to the cutting resistance calculated in step 406. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 416.

[0084] Steps 404 to 414, step 434, and step 436 are repeated until it is determined in step 416 that machining of one workpiece has finished. Therefore, if the setting is such that a cutting tool icon is displayed, as the cutting process progresses and new cutting resistance is calculated in step 406, the icon is displayed so that the cutting edge is positioned at a new position specified by the cutting edge position data corresponding to that cutting resistance (see FIG. 20). Therefore, it can be intuitively understood that the displayed heat map represents the cutting resistance, making it easy to imagine the actual cutting process situation.

[0085] In the above description, the data processing device 102 receives an NC program from the machine tool 106 and analyzes the NC program to calculate the post-machining shape of the workpiece. However, this is not limiting. The machine tool 106 may transmit information representing the post-machining shape of the workpiece to the data processing device 102. The machine tool 106 can calculate the post-machining shape of the workpiece by analyzing the NC program as described above. If CAD data representing the post-machining shape of the workpiece is stored in the memory 166 of the machine tool 106, the CAD data may be transmitted to the data processing device 102. The data processing device 102 can use the information representing the post-machining shape of the workpiece received from the machine tool 106 to display the post-machining shape of the workpiece superimposed on a heat map of cutting resistance, as shown in FIG. 18. Alternatively, the CAD data representing the post-machining shape of the workpiece may be input directly to the data processing device 102. If the IF unit 184 of the data processing device 102 has a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface function, the CAD data can be input to the data processing device 102 via a USB memory.

[0086] In the above description, the data processing device 102 calculates cutting resistance from sensor data, synchronizes the cutting resistance with position data of the cutting tool's cutting edge, and displays the cutting resistance as a heat map based on changes in the position data. However, this is not limiting. The data processing device 102 may also display a physical quantity related to cutting other than cutting resistance (such as torque) as a heat map. The data processing device 102 may synchronize sensor data itself (e.g., output values ​​of a strain sensor) during cutting with position data of the cutting tool's cutting edge, and display the sensor data itself during cutting as a heat map based on changes in the position data. Furthermore, the sensor may be a sensor other than a sensor that directly detects the state of cutting (such as a strain sensor). For example, it may be a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the cutting tool. The data processing device 102 may synchronize sensor data obtained by a temperature sensor during cutting with position data of the cutting tool's cutting edge, and display the temperature of the cutting tool during cutting as a heat map based on changes in the position data.

[0087] In the above, a case where a heat map is displayed on the display unit 198 of the data processing device 102 has been described, but this is not limiting. The data processing device 102 may execute a process of synchronizing the cutting resistance calculated from the sensor data or the sensor data itself with the position data of the cutting edge of the cutting tool. The data after the synchronization process may be transferred to another device having a display device and displayed as a heat map based on changes in the position data. The data after the synchronization process may be transferred to another device by transmitting it from the data processing device 102 via the communication device 104 (see FIG. 6 ) or by manually transferring it via a portable storage medium (such as a USB memory).

[0088] Each process (each function) in the above-described embodiments may be implemented by a processing circuit including one or more processors. The processing circuit may be configured by an integrated circuit that combines one or more memories, various analog circuits, and various digital circuits in addition to the one or more processors. The one or more memories store programs (instructions) that cause the one or more processors to execute the processes. The one or more processors may execute the processes according to the programs read from the one or more memories, or according to logic circuits pre-designed to execute the processes. The processor may be a CPU, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other processor suitable for computer control.

[0089] Also, a recording medium can be provided that stores a program that causes a computer to execute the processes of the data processing device 102 (for example, the processes shown in FIGS. 15 and 21). The recording medium is, for example, an optical disc (such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)) or a removable semiconductor memory (such as a USB memory). Although the computer program can be transmitted via a communication line, the recording medium is a non-transitory recording medium. By loading the program stored in the recording medium into a computer, the computer can display the heat map of cutting resistance as described above.

[0090] (Addendum) That is, the computer-readable non-transitory recording medium is On the computer, a function of receiving, during cutting processing, sensor data from a cutting tool used in the cutting processing, the sensor data being an output value of a sensor mounted on the cutting tool; a function of receiving, during the cutting process, position data representing a position of a cutting edge of the cutting tool from a machine tool that performs the cutting process using the cutting tool; a function for synchronizing the position data with the sensor data; or The computer program stores a function of calculating a physical quantity related to the cutting process from the received sensor data and synchronizing the position data with the physical quantity.

[0091] Although the present disclosure has been described above by explaining the embodiments, the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to only the above-described embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims in the scope of the claims, taking into consideration the description of the detailed description of the invention, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wordings described therein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 100 systems 102 Data processing device 104 Communication equipment 106 Machine tools 108 Cutting tools 110 Tool holding stand 112 Zipper 114 Communication Line 120 shank 122, 122A, 122B, 202A, 202B, 202C, 202D Sensor Modules 124 cutting edge 126, 128 Fixing members 130, 212 Tip 132 Central axis 140, 178 sensors 142 AD conversion section 144, 166, 182 memory 146, 164, 180 Control section 148, 300 Communications Department 150, 174, 190 buses 152 Power supply section 160 Control Panel 162 Processing Department 168, 184 IF Section 170, 186 Operation section 172, 188, 304 display section 176 Drive Unit 200 Turning Tools 210 Cutting section 302 Storage section 306 Processing Section 308 Shape calculation section 320 Window 350, 352, 354, 370 locus 360, 902 figures 372 icons 374 Cutting edge 900 Work material X, Y, and Z axes

Claims

1. Communications Department and, It includes a processing unit that processes data received by the communication unit, The aforementioned communication unit, during the cutting process, From the cutting tool used in the aforementioned cutting process, sensor data, which is the output value of a sensor mounted on the cutting tool, is received. The machine tool that performs the cutting process using the cutting tool receives position data representing the position of the cutting edge of the cutting tool. The processing unit synchronizes the position data and the sensor data, The system further includes a display unit that displays the processing results from the aforementioned processing unit, The display unit is a processing device that displays a heat map representing the sensor data corresponding to each of the position data based on the changes in the position data.

2. The processing unit calculates the physical quantity from the sensor data received by the communication unit. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned physical quantity is cutting resistance.

3. A communication unit, It includes a processing unit that processes data received by the communication unit, The aforementioned communication unit, during the cutting process, From the cutting tool used in the aforementioned cutting process, sensor data, which is the output value of a sensor mounted on the cutting tool, is received. The machine tool that performs the cutting process using the cutting tool receives position data representing the position of the cutting edge of the cutting tool. The processing unit calculates physical quantities related to the cutting process from the sensor data received by the communication unit, and synchronizes the position data and the physical quantities. The system further includes a display unit that displays the processing results from the aforementioned processing unit, The display unit is a processing device that displays a heat map representing the physical quantity corresponding to each of the position data based on the change in the position data.

4. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heat map display format includes a two-dimensional distribution or a three-dimensional distribution.

5. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display unit displays the trajectory of the cutting edge, represented by the time-series position data received by the communication unit, on the heat map.

6. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display unit displays the heatmap corresponding to each of the time-series position data as an animation in the time series.

7. The system further includes a shape calculation unit that calculates the shape of the workpiece, which is the object to be cut, after the cutting process. The communication unit receives a machining program used for the cutting process from the machine tool. The shape calculation unit, The movement path of the cutting tool's cutting edge is identified from the machining program. The shape after machining is calculated from the identified movement path and the shape of the workpiece before machining. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display unit displays the shape of the workpiece after cutting on the heat map.

8. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display unit displays an image representing the cutting tool at a position on the heat map corresponding to the position data.

9. A cutting tool equipped with a sensor, A machine tool that performs machining using the aforementioned cutting tool, The apparatus includes the apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 3, The cutting tool includes a first communication unit that transmits the output value of the sensor to the processing unit. The machine tool system includes a second communication unit that transmits position data representing the cutting edge position of the cutting tool to the processing unit.

10. The communication device receives sensor data, which is the output value of a sensor mounted on a cutting tool, from the cutting tool used in the cutting process during the cutting process. The communication device receives position data representing the position of the cutting edge of the cutting tool from a machine tool that performs the cutting process using the cutting tool during the cutting process, The processing device performs the steps of synchronizing the position data and the sensor data, The display device includes a display step of displaying the processing result of the processing device, The display step is a processing method comprising the step of the display device displaying a heat map representing the sensor data corresponding to each of the position data based on the change in the position data.

11. On the computer, During machining, the cutting tool used for the machining process has a function to receive sensor data, which is the output value of a sensor mounted on the cutting tool. During the aforementioned cutting process, the machine tool performing the cutting process using the cutting tool has a function to receive position data representing the position of the cutting edge of the cutting tool, A function to synchronize the position data and the sensor data, This implements a display function that shows the processing results obtained by the aforementioned synchronization function, The display function is a computer program that includes a function to display a heat map representing the sensor data corresponding to each of the position data based on the changes in the position data.

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