Machining proposal table creation device and machining proposal table creation program

Abstract

Provided are a machining proposal table creation device and a machining proposal table creation program with which an adoption value after verification can be appropriately managed.　In a machining proposal table, machining condition information indicating an operation condition of a machine tool when executing machining on a workpiece, and time information related to a time for executing machining on the workpiece are set for each step. In at least one of the machining condition information and the time information, three values can be set, namely a calculation value which is calculated on the basis of a content of the machining on the workpiece, a performance value of actual machining in the past, and an adoption value which is a value verified by creating the machining proposal table as a new machining proposal table and then executing machining on the basis of the created new machining proposal table. A processing unit of the machining proposal table creation device creates a new machining proposal table, and then sets the adoption value of the new machining proposal table on the basis of information input via an input unit.

Description

Processing proposal table creation device and processing proposal table creation program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a machining proposal table creating device and a machining proposal table creating program that create a machining proposal table used in the field of machine tools.

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a machining information creation system that supports CAM, which creates NC data used for machining workpieces from part drawing data designed by CAD. The machining information creation system of Patent Document 1 inputs part drawing data and workpiece material drawing data, and performs division of machining processes, setup settings, setting of machining areas for each tool used in machining, and determination of machining order and conditions, etc., based on the input data.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 61-103212

[0004] Incidentally, when proposing the machining of a new workpiece or purchasing a machine tool for machining a new workpiece, a machining proposal table, or so-called tooling list, indicating the machining details of the workpiece may be created. This machining proposal table records the order in which the workpiece will be machined, the selection of cutting tools, the machining conditions, the cycle time, and the like. Once estimates of the cost required to machine the workpiece and the purchase price of the machine tool are approved using the machining proposal table, an NC program is created from the machining proposal table using an NC program creation tool such as CAM. After that, when the machine tool is assembled and actually operated using the NC program for verification, there is a risk that the values ​​may be adjusted to values ​​different from those set in the machining proposal table.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a processing proposal table creation device and a processing proposal table creation program that can appropriately manage adopted values ​​after verification.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present specification provides a processing proposal table creation device that creates a new processing proposal table using a processing proposal table stored in a storage device, the device comprising an input unit and a processing unit that processes information input from the input unit, wherein the processing unit receives, via the input unit, a selection of the processing proposal table to be used in creating the new processing proposal table from among a plurality of the processing proposal tables stored in the storage device, supplements information necessary to create the new processing proposal table for processing a new workpiece based on the selected processing proposal table, creates the new processing proposal table based on the information input via the input unit, and the processing proposal table contains processing information for performing processing on the workpiece. The present invention discloses a processing proposal table creation device in which processing condition information indicating the operating conditions of a processing machine and time information relating to the time for performing processing on the workpiece are set for each process, and in at least one of the processing condition information and the time information, three values ​​can be set: a calculated value calculated based on the processing content of the workpiece, an actual value from past actual processing, and an adopted value which is a value verified by performing processing based on the created new processing proposal table after creating the processing proposal table as the new processing proposal table, and after creating the new processing proposal table, the processing unit sets the adopted value of the new processing proposal table based on information input via the input unit.

[0007] Furthermore, the contents of the present disclosure are not limited to implementation as a processing proposal table creation device, but are also extremely effective when implemented as a processing proposal table creation program for creating a new processing proposal table, a storage medium storing a processing proposal table creation program, etc.

[0008] According to the machining proposal table creation device and machining proposal table creation program disclosed herein, it is possible to save adopted values ​​in addition to calculated values ​​and actual values ​​as past machining proposal tables. After creating a new machining proposal table using calculated values ​​and actual values, an NC program is created based on the new machining proposal table. When the NC program is used to operate a machine tool and perform machining on a workpiece, the values ​​in the new machining proposal table may be adjusted. Values ​​are changed based on the results of verification by operating the machine tool, such as when a value can be adjusted to further shorten the cycle time based on a user's request, or when a problem such as chatter that did not occur in past performance is detected and adjusted to resolve the problem. If the actual value is overwritten with this verified value, the value proposed in the new machining proposal table will not match the value saved as data. Furthermore, if only one value is saved after overwriting, it becomes unclear whether the value is the past actual value accumulated at the time the new machining proposal table was created or the adopted value verified after the new machining proposal table was created. Therefore, by saving the adopted value separately in addition to the calculated value and actual value, the adopted value after verification can be properly managed. Furthermore, when the data is reused to create a new processing proposal table next time, the adopted value, which is the final value after verification, can be clearly indicated to the user.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a processing proposal table creation system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a search screen when a search target image is input. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a search result screen for the processing proposal table. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing processing information, etc. in the processing proposal table. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing processing information, etc. in the processing proposal table. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a case where input restrictions are executed on adopted values. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen in which a processing proposal table in which adopted values ​​have not been set is read out when the adopted value confirmation / change button is operated. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen in which a processing proposal table in which adopted values ​​have been set is read out when the adopted value confirmation / change button is operated.

[0010] (Regarding the Processing Proposal Table Creation System 10) An embodiment of the processing proposal table creation device of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the processing proposal table creation system (hereinafter referred to as the creation system) 10 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the creation system 10 includes a processing proposal table creation device (hereinafter referred to as the creation device) 11 and client terminals 13 installed in each production factory 12. The creation system 10 is a system that provides a service for creating a processing proposal table from the creation device 11 to the client terminals 13.

[0011] The creation device 11 is, for example, a server device and includes a CPU 21, a storage device 22, a user IF (abbreviation of interface) 23, and a network IF 24. The CPU 21 and other components are connected to each other via a communication bus 25 and are capable of communicating with each other. The storage device 22 is, for example, a combination of RAM, ROM, a hard disk, etc. The storage device 22 stores an operating system (OS) 26, a processing proposal table creation program (hereinafter referred to as the creation program) 27, and management data 28. The OS 26 is, for example, Windows (registered trademark) Server OS, and controls the creation device 11 overall and provides basic services and functions to various application programs. The creation program 27 is an application program that creates the above-mentioned processing proposal table using the services and functions of the OS 26. By executing the OS 26 and the creation program 27 on the CPU 21, the creation device 11 performs processes such as sending and receiving data to and from the client terminal 13, and creating, saving, and outputting the processing proposal table. The management data 28 stores a plurality of processing proposal tables DT1. Details of the processing proposal tables DT1 will be described later. The OS 26 is not limited to a Windows (registered trademark) Server OS, but may also be a UNIX (registered trademark)-based Server OS such as Linux (registered trademark) using server software such as Apache (registered trademark). The OS 26 is not limited to a Server OS, but may also be a Windows (registered trademark) OS, Macintosh (registered trademark) OS, UNIX (registered trademark)-based OS, or other types of client OS. That is, the terminal on which the creation program 27 is installed is not limited to a server, but may also be a client terminal. The client terminal may be used directly by the user, or may be used remotely using a remote desktop function or the like.

[0012] Furthermore, the storage device 22 that stores the creation program 27 is not limited to the configuration described above. The storage device 22 may be a flash memory, an SSD, or a portable storage medium such as a USB memory or an external hard disk that is detachably attached to the creation device 11. The medium that stores the creation program 27 may also be a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

[0013] The user IF 23 includes, for example, a display device such as an LCD, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The network IF 24 is, for example, a LAN interface, and is connected to the network 15 via a router (not shown) or the like. The network 15 is, for example, a WAN such as the Internet.

[0014] The production factory 12 has, for example, a production line with multiple machine tools. The client terminal 13 is, for example, a personal computer on which a CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) application program (hereinafter referred to as a CAM program) 17 is installed, enabling the creation of NC programs. Note that the client terminal 13 is not limited to a personal computer, and may be other information processing devices such as a laptop PC, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. The client terminal 13 is able to access the creation device 11 via a network 15.

[0015] The above-described configuration of the creation system 10 is merely an example. For example, the management data 28 may be stored in a device (such as a database server) separate from the creation device 11 (server). The creation device 11 may be installed within the local network of the production factory 12. A server using a cloud storage service such as AWS (Amazon Web Services, a registered trademark) may be used as the creation device 11. The device (creation device 11) that creates the machining proposal table and the terminal (client terminal 13) that uses it may be the same device. For example, both the creation program 27 and the CAM program 17 may be installed in the client terminal 13, and the client terminal 13 may be used to create both the machining proposal table and the NC program using the CAM program 17. Therefore, the machining proposal table creation device of the present disclosure may be a server device or a standalone device. In the case where the creation device 11, which is a server, accepts instructions from the client terminal 13 as in this embodiment, the network IF 24 that accepts instructions from the client terminal 13 is an example of an input unit in the present disclosure, and the CPU 21 is an example of a processing unit. In the case where the client terminal 13 executes the creation program 27 and accepts input of information in the new processing proposal table DT1, as in a standalone device, the user interfaces such as the keyboard and mouse that the client terminal 13 (personal computer) has are an example of an input unit in the present disclosure, and the CPU that executes the creation program 27 and the CAM program 17 in the client terminal 13 is an example of a processing unit.

[0016] (Regarding Creation of Processing Proposal Table DT1) Next, the creation of the processing proposal table DT1 executed by the creation device 11 will be described. For example, when the power is turned on, the creation device 11 executes the OS 26 on the CPU 21 to start the system, and then executes the creation program 27 on the CPU 21. When a user at the production factory 12 wants to create a processing proposal table DT1, the user operates the client terminal 13 to access the creation device 11. By executing the creation program 27, for example, the creation device 11 uses the services and functions of the OS 26 to support the creation of a new processing proposal table DT1 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a new processing proposal table) on a web server. For example, the user accesses the web page of the creation device 11 using browser software on the client terminal 13 to create a new processing proposal table. In the following description, the device that executes the program may be referred to simply by the program name. For example, "the creation program 27 receives information from the client terminal 13" means that the creation device 11 executes the creation program 27 on the CPU 21, and receives information from the client terminal 13 via the creation program 27.

[0017] FIG. 2 is an example of a web page of the creation device 11 accessed by the client terminal 13, showing a search screen 31 when a search target image 37 is input. As shown in FIG. 2, the creation program 27 displays a search screen 31 on the client terminal 13 in response to access from the client terminal 13. The search screen 31 is a screen for searching for a processing proposal table DT1 that matches the search criteria from among the processing proposal tables DT1 stored in the management data 28. Therefore, the creation device 11 accepts the creation of a new processing proposal table using a processing proposal table DT1 previously registered in the management data 28, and registers and outputs the new processing proposal table. The creation device 11 manages, for example, separate processing proposal tables DT1 available for each customer (user) using the creation system 10. In other words, a processing proposal table DT1 created by customer A can be reused only by customer A and is not searched for by customer B. The creation device 11 may also share processing proposal tables DT1 for multiple customers.

[0018] The creation program 27 displays an image input section 32, an image display section 33, a search condition input section 34, and a search button 35 on the search screen 31. The image input section 32 is a section for inputting a search target image 37, which is an image to be searched for. The creation program 27 displays the search target image 37 inputted into the image input section 32 on the image display section 33. A workpiece image 41 (see FIG. 4 ), which indicates the shape of the workpiece after machining, is stored in association with the processing proposal table DT1 of the management data 28. The creation program 27 is capable of receiving the search target image 37, and searching the management data 28 for a processing proposal table DT1 in which a workpiece image 41 similar to the received search target image 37 is associated, and displaying the processing proposal table DT1.

[0019] In the example shown in Figure 2, a differential case search target image 37 is displayed as the search target image 37. The creation program 27 also displays two radio buttons 38 (image similarity priority, recommendation index priority) above the search button 35. The two radio buttons 38 are buttons for selecting whether to prioritize sorting by image similarity or by recommendation index when listing the search results of the processing proposal table DT1. The recommendation index is set to a higher value the more often a past processing proposal table DT1 is reused to create a new processing proposal table.

[0020] When the creation program 27 receives an operation of selecting the search button 35 with the image similarity priority radio button 38 checked (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as a selection operation), the creation program 27 searches the processing proposal table DT1 stored in the management data 28 for a processing proposal table DT1 associated with a workpiece image 41 similar to the search target image 37, i.e., the differential case image. The selection operation here refers to an operation such as clicking or pressing the return key on the client terminal 13. The method for determining the similarity of the images is not particularly limited, and for example, a method of determining the similarity of images using an AI (artificial intelligence) program can be adopted. Note that the search target image 37 and the workpiece image 41 are not limited to two-dimensional images, and may be three-dimensional images.

[0021] The creation program 27 can also search the processing proposal table DT1 based on information input to the search condition input unit 34 of Fig. 2. The creation program 27 displays, for example, input fields for the workpiece name, product number, material, processing overview, manufacturing instruction number, customer name, and keyword in the search condition input unit 34. These workpiece name, product number, material, processing overview, manufacturing instruction number, and customer name are associated with each of the processing proposal table DT1 as described below (see Fig. 3).

[0022] The workpiece name is the name of the workpiece to be manufactured in the processing proposal table DT1, and is the name used as the name of the workpiece, typified by the differential case mentioned above. The product number is, for example, a number used by the client of the production factory 12 to identify the workpiece, and is a unique number assigned to each workpiece to be manufactured (processing proposal table DT1). The material is the name of the workpiece's material, for example, carbon steel, chrome molybdenum steel, etc. The processing summary is a term or description that indicates an overview of the processing of the workpiece to be performed in the processing proposal table DT1, such as sample number and product use. The manufacturing instruction number is, for example, the number of the document that instructs the production factory 12 to manufacture the workpiece (product), and is assigned for each processing step. The customer name is, for example, the name of the customer who requested the manufacture of the workpiece, and is the delivery destination of the workpiece manufactured in the processing proposal table DT1. The keyword is a field for entering the term to be searched for from among the terms included in the processing proposal table DT1.

[0023] FIG. 3 shows a search result screen 39 displaying the search results of the processing proposal table DT1. For example, it shows the search results obtained by entering only the search target image 37 and selecting the search button 35. As shown in FIG. 3, the creation program 27 displays information, such as check boxes, image similarity, workpiece name, material, shape, processing overview, manufacturing instruction number, and customer name, for multiple processing proposal tables DT1 searched from the management data 28 in a single row. When the image similarity priority radio button 38 shown in FIG. 2 is selected for a search, the creation program 27 vertically arranges the processing proposal tables DT1 in descending order of image similarity, as shown in FIG. 3. That is, the creation program 27 arranges the processing proposal tables DT1 so that the workpiece images 41 more similar to the search target image 37 are higher in the search results. The creation program 27 displays the workpiece images 41 associated with the processing proposal table DT1 in the "shape" column.

[0024] The creation program 27 also displays an arrow icon 43 below the list of search results for the processing proposal table DT1 to display any processing proposal table DT1 that could not be displayed. When a check box is selected, the creation program 27 displays a checked image 45 in the selected check box, indicating that the check box has been selected. Figure 3 shows the second processing proposal table DT1 from the top selected. The creation program 27 also displays a new creation button 47 and an adopted value confirmation / change button 48 below the list of search results for the processing proposal table DT1. The new creation button 47 is a button for creating a new processing proposal table. The adopted value confirmation / change button 48 is a button for confirming and setting the adopted values, which will be described later.

[0025] Furthermore, when the search button 35 is selected with search criteria entered in each field of the search criteria input section 34 of FIG. 2 , the creation program 27 executes a search based on the entered search criteria. For example, when a workpiece name is entered, the creation program 27 searches the management data 28 for a processing proposal table DT1 with the entered workpiece name and displays it on the search result screen 39. In this case, the "image similarity" field does not need to be displayed on the search result screen 39. The creation program 27 may also sort the search result processing proposal tables DT1 based on a predetermined criterion (such as creation date and time). For example, when a keyword is entered, the creation program 27 searches for and displays processing proposal tables DT1 that contain the characters of the entered keyword in any field of the processing proposal table DT1. The creation program 27 may also execute an AND search to search for processing proposal tables DT1 that satisfy all of the search criteria entered in the search criteria input section 34, or an OR search to search for processing proposal tables DT1 that satisfy at least one of the conditions.

[0026] When the user selects the New button 47 while any checkbox shown in FIG. 3 is selected, the creation program 27 displays a screen for creating a new processing proposal table, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 . The creation program 27 displays the information shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 based on the information in the processing proposal table DT1 selected by the checked image 45, for example, and accepts editing of the displayed information. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the creation program 27 displays workpiece information 61 and processing information 63. FIG. 4 shows the left side of the processing information 63, and FIG. 5 shows the right side of the processing information 63. The creation program 27 displays the information in the processing proposal table DT1 selected by the user as the initial value as information to be displayed in the workpiece information 61, etc., and accepts editing of the displayed information to create a new processing proposal table. The creation program 27 appropriately changes the display of this information in response to input (e.g., clicking, scrolling, or numeric input) by the user operating the client terminal 13. 4 and 5 are merely examples, and may be changed as appropriate depending on the type of workpiece, the configuration of the machine tool, the needs of the user, etc. Also, FIGS. 4 and 5 show only some of the multiple processes.

[0027] First, the workpiece information 61 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the processing proposal table DT1 includes information such as product number, manufacturing instruction number, customer name, workpiece name, material, and processing overview as the workpiece information 61. In the following description, the content and items described in the search screen 31 above will be omitted as appropriate. The creation program 27, for example, displays the workpiece information 61 together in the upper left corner of the displayed data. The creation program 27 accepts editing of the workpiece information 61 and other information shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. For example, when any item in the workpiece information 61 is selected, the creation program 27 accepts editing of the information of the selected item (such as product number or manufacturing instruction number).

[0028] The creation program 27 also displays a workpiece image 41 and a comment entry field 71 to the right of the workpiece information 61. The creation program 27, for example, displays the workpiece image 41 in the processing proposal table DT1 selected in FIG. 3 as the initial image of the workpiece image 41, and accepts changes to any workpiece image 41 to be associated with the new processing proposal table. The creation program 27, for example, displays an icon 73 in the display field for the workpiece image 41, and, in response to a selection operation of the icon 73, displays a pull-down menu of all workpiece images 41 included in all processing proposal tables DT1 stored in the management data 28 and accepts selection. The creation program 27 may also accept input of any workpiece image 41 that the user wishes to newly use. The comment entry field 71 is a field for inputting comments to be added to the new processing proposal table. The user can enter and save information that will be useful later regarding the new processing proposal table in the comment entry field 71. The creation program 27 also searches this comment entry field 71 as a search target for the characters entered in the keyword field of the search condition input unit 34 described above.

[0029] Next, the machining information 63 will be described. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the machining information 63 has machining objective information 75, machining content information 76, machining condition information 77, and time information 78. The machining information 63 stores the machining objective information 75 and the like in association with each process for machining the workpiece. Each row in Figures 4 and 5 represents one process. Each process is associated with model information 79 and process identification information 81. In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the creation program 27 displays, from the left, the model information 79, process identification information 81, machining objective information 75, machining content information 76, machining condition information 77, and time information 78.

[0030] The model information 79 is information indicating the model of the machine tool, such as the model number of the machine tool. The model information 79 is not limited to the model number of the machine tool, and may be other information capable of identifying the machine tool, such as the product name. Furthermore, if a machine tool has multiple spindles, the processes for machining the workpiece can be divided by spindle rather than by model. The following explanation mainly focuses on the case where one machine tool has only one spindle and processes are associated with the model, and the explanation of the case where processes are associated with the spindle will be omitted as appropriate. However, for example, if processes are associated with the spindle, this can be achieved by adding a "spindle" field instead of the "model" field, or by adding a field for selecting the "spindle" of the model in addition to the "model" field. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the model information 79 is displayed as "MT1, MT2, ...." For example, when an icon 83 in the model information 79 column is operated, the creation program 27 displays the models registered in the management data 28 in a pull-down menu and accepts a change of model.

[0031] The process identification information 81 identifies a process for machining a workpiece using a machine tool of the model indicated by the machine model information 79. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the process identification information 81 is displayed as "10, 20A, 20B, ...." For example, the earlier a process (i.e., the more upstream a process) is executed, the smaller the number assigned to the process identification information 81. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , each piece of data is displayed in process order from top to bottom. Furthermore, process identification information 81 with the same number but different letters, such as "20A" and "20B," indicates that the same process (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "same process") is executed in parallel on two or more machine tools. The "same process" refers to, for example, a process in which the same machining content is executed on multiple machine tools of the same or different models, or multiple spindles within a single machine tool. The process identification information 81 is not limited to a combination of numbers and letters, but may also be information using only numbers, only letters, or symbols.

[0032] The creation program 27 adds and deletes processes (rows) in response to a selection operation on a process icon 85 shown in the upper left of FIG. The creation program 27 displays, for example, a plus icon, a minus icon, a copy icon, and a search icon as the process icon 85. When the plus process icon 85 is selected with an arbitrary process (row) selected, the creation program 27 adds a new process after the selected process. For example, the creation program 27 assigns the added process a number next to the number indicated by the process identification information 81 of the selected process, and moves down the process identification information 81 of the added process and subsequent processes. For example, when the plus process icon 85 is selected with the topmost process "10" selected, the creation program 27 adds process "20" below process "10" and names the subsequent processes "30A, 30B, 40, 50, . . . "

[0033] Furthermore, when a minus process icon 85 is selected with an arbitrary process selected, the creation program 27 deletes the selected process and moves up the process identification information 81 for the deleted process and subsequent processes. When a copy process icon 85 is selected with an arbitrary process selected, the creation program 27 adds a copy of the selected process below the selected process and assigns or changes the alphabet to the process identification information 81 for the selected process, the added process, etc. For example, when the copy process icon 85 is selected with process "30," the creation program 27 changes process "30" to "30A" and adds a copy of process "30A" as "30B" below "30A." When a search icon process icon 85 is selected, the creation program 27 displays a screen (not shown) for inputting search criteria for a process. The creation program 27 extracts and displays processes matching the search criteria entered on the displayed screen from the processing proposal table DT1 registered in the management data 28, and accepts the selection of a process to be added from the displayed processes. The creation program 27 adds the selected process to the new processing proposal table next to the selected process, and moves down the process identification information 81, etc.

[0034] The machining objective information 75 includes, for example, information such as No., cutting tool No., target surface roughness, target tolerance, and roundness. The machining objective information 75 is not limited to these information, and other information capable of expressing the objective of a process, such as fit tolerance and geometric tolerance, can also be used. The "No." column is a number for identifying each process, and integers such as "1, 2, 3, ..." are assigned in order of process. The "No." column is assigned numbers in ascending order even for the same process identification information 81. For example, in the case of a turret-type lathe, the "Cutting Tool No." column is a holder number indicating which of the multiple holders on the turret is attached to which cutting tool (such as a cutting tool or rotary tool). The target surface roughness is the target surface roughness (surface roughness) of the surface to be machined in that process. The target tolerance is the general tolerance allowed for the machining of that process. For example, when a curved surface is machined in a process, the roundness is the target shape tolerance of the curved surface to be machined.

[0035] Next, the processing content information 76 will be described. The processing content information 76 includes, for example, information on the cutting tool shape, processing content (text), and processing content (diagram). The cutting tool shape is an image showing the shape of the cutting tool used in that process. The creation program 27, for example, associates and manages the cutting tool number in the processing objective information 75 with the cutting tool shape in the processing content information 76. When either one of the icons 91 displayed in the cutting tool number or cutting tool shape column is selected and changed by selecting from a pull-down menu, the creation program 27 also changes the other information according to the change. Note that, to avoid cluttering the drawing, FIG. 4 shows only one image of the cutting tool shape.

[0036] The processing content (characters) is character information indicating the processing content of the process, such as the "outer diameter" for processing the outside of the workpiece along the spindle, the "inner diameter" for processing the inside of the workpiece along the spindle, and the "end face" for processing in a direction perpendicular to the spindle. The processing content (diagram) is an image showing the processing content (characters) in a diagram. The creation program 27 manages the processing content (characters) and the processing content (information) in association with each other, similar to the cutting tool number and cutting tool shape described above, and changes them in conjunction with each other in response to a selection operation on the icon 92, etc. The creation program 27 does not need to execute a process for linking the cutting tool number and cutting tool shape, or the processing content (characters) and (information).

[0037] Next, the machining condition information 77 will be described. The machining condition information 77 indicates the operating conditions of the machine tool when machining a workpiece. As shown in FIG. 5 , the machining condition information 77 includes, for example, information on selection, reason, cutting diameter 1, cutting diameter 2, rotation speed, cutting speed, cutting depth, path, cutting length, and feed. The "Adopted Value" row provided for each process will be described later. The "Selection" column indicates whether the calculated value or the actual value was selected for that process, and includes check boxes for selecting two values. The "Reason" column is a column for inputting the reason for the selection column. The "Cutting Diameter 1" column indicates the radial position (perpendicular to the spindle) at which machining for that process begins. In the case of an "end face," machining is performed in a direction perpendicular to the spindle, so two pieces of information (cutting diameter 1, cutting diameter 2) representing the outer and inner radial positions are set as "cutting diameter" information. The "Rotational Speed" column indicates the rotational speed of the workpiece (spindle) for that process. The "Cutting speed" column indicates, for example, the cutting speed per minute, and is a column indicating the peripheral speed at which the cutting tool cuts the workpiece in that process. The cutting speed can be calculated, for example, using the following formula: Cutting speed (m / min) = 3.14 * cutting diameter * rotation speed (min －１ ) / 1000 ... (formula) The "cutting depth" column is, for example, the area where the cutting tool comes into contact with the workpiece, and is a column showing the depth (length) that the cutting tool cuts into the workpiece in one feed (pass). The "pass" column is, for example, a column showing the number of cuts (number of passes) in a direction parallel to the spindle or in a direction perpendicular to the spindle. The "cutting length" column is a column showing the total length that is removed by cutting. "Cutting length" is, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the cutting length per pass by the number of passes. The "feed" column is, for example, the distance (feed amount) that the cutting tool advances per rotation of the workpiece in the case of a cutting tool (chip), or the distance that the cutting tool advances per rotation of the rotary tool in the case of a rotary tool such as a drill.

[0038] Next, the time information 78 will be described. The time information 78 is information related to the time required to perform machining on a workpiece. As shown in FIG. 5 , the time information 78 includes information on cutting time, positioning time, and tool indexing time. The "Cutting Time" column indicates the total time required to machine the workpiece with the cutting tool in that process. The "Positioning Time" column indicates the time required to position the cutting tool, i.e., the time required for the cutting tool to be out of contact with the workpiece, i.e., the time other than cutting time. Specifically, the "Positioning Time" column indicates, for example, the total of three times: the time required to move the cutting tool to the start position of the next pass after one pass is completed, multiplied by the number of passes; the time required to move the cutting tool to the index position; and the time required to move the cutting tool from the index position to the initial machining position. The "Tool Indexing Time" column indicates the time required to index the cutting tool for that process in a turret-type tool post.

[0039] Here, the machining condition information 77, such as cutting diameter and rotational speed, and the time information 78, such as cutting time, may be set by calculating theoretical calculated values ​​based on the conditions of the machining objective information 75 and the machining content information 76, or by setting actual values ​​based on past machining results. The calculated values ​​are calculated values ​​derived based on the above-mentioned conditions, while the actual values ​​are values ​​set and adjusted based on the user's experience and judgment. This is because errors may occur between the calculated values ​​and the actual values ​​depending on the machining situation, such as the actual rigidity of the machine tool. Therefore, when past results are available, users may wish to use the actual values. On the other hand, if the machining conditions are improved, such as when a cutting tool is improved, users may want to try machining using theoretical calculated values. Therefore, the machining proposal table DT1 of the present disclosure is designed to clarify whether a calculated value or an actual value was used when reviewing a past machining proposal table DT1, and the reasons for this can also be clearly stated. In other words, the selection field for calculated value or actual value is information that indicates whether the user adopted and set a theoretical value when creating a new processing proposal table, or whether they set a value based on actual results (such as adjustments up to shipment, as described below).

[0040] As described above, the processing proposal table DT1 has a selection field with check boxes indicating whether the calculated value or the actual value is selected for the processing condition information 77 and the time information 78, and a reason field indicating the reason for the selection. This allows the user, when referring to a past processing proposal table DT1, to confirm whether the values ​​are calculated based on ideal processing conditions or actual values ​​based on past processing conditions, and to determine the reason for the selection. Furthermore, when creating a new processing proposal table, the user can refer to the reason and select whether to use the calculated value, the actual value, or a value obtained by modifying or otherwise modifying either of these values. This allows for more appropriate processing conditions to be set.

[0041] The information content and the position of the information in the machining proposal table DT1 (new machining proposal table) shown in Figures 4 and 5 are merely examples. For example, the creation program 27 may display a basic information setting table showing, for each process, the number of machine tools (machining units) used for each process and model information 79 (see Figure 4) based on the information in the machining proposal table DT1. The machining proposal table DT1 may also include information on the cycle time for each machining process shown in Figures 4 and 5. Specifically, in addition to the cutting time, positioning time, and tool indexing time described below, the table may also include the time for the spindle chucking operation, the time for the workpiece unchucking operation, the time for opening and closing the automatic door of the machine tool, the braking time for stopping the spindle, the time for cleaning the backing metal, etc. The machining proposal table DT1 may also include information on the cycle time related to the operation of a robot that transports the workpiece to the spindle, etc. Specifically, the machining proposal table DT1 may include the time it takes for the robot to transport the workpiece to the spindle or each peripheral device (such as an inlet stocker) as information on the cycle time for each process. Furthermore, common data related to the machining cycle time (such as spindle chucking time) that can be determined depending on the type of machine tool and common data related to the robot cycle time (travel speed and acceleration) may be set as a model list compiled for each machine tool model, and this model list may be associated with the machining proposal table DT1 and stored in the management data 28. Alternatively, the machining proposal table DT1 may include information on the configuration (layout, etc.) of the equipment on the production line.

[0042] The creation program 27 accepts editing of each piece of information shown in Figures 4 and 5. When the creation program 27 accepts a change to any piece of information, it automatically calculates and changes information related to that information. For example, the cutting length and the pass are correlated (cutting length = cutting length per pass * pass). Therefore, when one value is changed, the creation program 27 automatically calculates and changes the other value. Note that the creation program 27 does not necessarily have to automatically calculate and update such related information.

[0043] 5, the creation program 27 displays a save button 93 and a create button 95 above the time information 78. When the save button 93 is selected, the creation program 27 stores the displayed information (workpiece information 61, processing information 63, etc.) as a new processing proposal table DT1 (new processing proposal table) in the management data 28. At this time, the creation program 27 may assign identification information for identifying the processing proposal table DT1 and the creation date and time to the new processing proposal table.

[0044] Furthermore, when the create button 95 is selected, the creation program 27 outputs the displayed information (such as the workpiece information 61) in a predetermined format. The predetermined format here can be any of a variety of formats desired by the user (such as a machining proposal table format or a report format). Specifically, for example, a user who is a manufacturer selling machine tools can select the information necessary as a reference when proposing a machine tool that matches the workpiece desired by the customer. For example, the creation program 27 outputs the information, and upon receiving an instruction from the user to print, etc., ends the process of creating a new machining proposal table. Furthermore, when the back button of the web browser is selected, for example, the creation program 27 redisplays the search result screen 39 for selecting the machining proposal table DT1 shown in FIG. 3.

[0045] (Regarding adopted values) As shown in Figure 5, the new machining proposal table creation screen allows the user to select between calculated values ​​and actual values, and the selection results and reasons for the selection can be saved as a machining proposal table DT1. For example, a user at production factory 12 uses the new machining proposal table created by the creation system 10 to negotiate with the workpiece delivery destination and decides to introduce the machine tool proposed in the new machining proposal table. Next, a production line is constructed that connects one or more machine tools based on the machining proposal table DT1. The machine tool manufacturer assembles the production line within the machine tool manufacturing factory or within the delivery destination production factory 12. In addition, an NC program is created using CAM program 17 based on the data in the new machining proposal tables shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0046] For example, as described above, if a new machining proposal table is created using calculated values ​​to use a new cutting tool, adjustments to the machining condition information 77 and the time information 78 may be required when the machine tool (production line) is actually operated using an NC program. Even when past actual values ​​are used, adjustments to the machining condition information 77 and the time information 78 may be required due to factors specific to the device (such as assembly errors). That is, when a production line is actually assembled and verified, the values ​​may be adjusted to values ​​different from those set in the new machining proposal table. Until the final product is delivered, adjustments to the machining condition information 77 and the time information 78 are performed according to the customer's requirements (such as required specifications). The values ​​adjusted at the delivery stage are actual values ​​from the perspective of creating the next new machining proposal table, but from the perspective of creating the already created machining proposal table DT1 (including the current new machining proposal table), they are the latest actual values ​​adjusted to suit the machine tool to be delivered, unlike past actual values.

[0047] Furthermore, the calculated values ​​and actual values ​​selected and set in the new machining proposal table are optimal values ​​selected and set at the creation stage of the new machining proposal table. Furthermore, they are values ​​shown in the new machining proposal table submitted to the machine tool delivery destination or the workpiece delivery destination. Therefore, if the values ​​in the created new machining proposal table are overwritten at the product delivery stage, i.e., after the new machining proposal table has already been created, only the final adjusted values ​​(adopted values) that differ from the values ​​at the time of proposal remain as past data, resulting in a discrepancy between the proposed content and the remaining data. Furthermore, users who later refer to the data will be unable to tell whether the values ​​are from the creation stage or values ​​adjusted after creation. Therefore, the creation program 27 of this embodiment sets adopted values ​​as data items in the machining proposal table DT1, as shown in FIG. 5, in addition to calculated values ​​and actual values. The adopted values ​​are left unset at the creation stage of the new machining proposal table, and are accepted after the NC program is created, the production line is assembled, and adjustments are made at the time of product delivery. The adopted values ​​are then stored as data separate from the calculated values ​​and actual values. The adjustment of the machining condition information 77 and the time information 78 may be performed after the machine tool is delivered to a customer and actually used by the customer. Therefore, the adopted values ​​are not limited to those at the time of delivery of the machine tool, but may be values ​​adjusted after the machine tool is delivered and the user actually operates the production line.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, rows (input fields) for adopted values ​​are provided below rows of calculated values ​​(actual values), and are provided for each process. The rows for adopted values ​​have fields for setting each item of processing condition information 77 and time information 78, just like the calculated values ​​and actual values. When the new creation button 47 in FIG. 3 is selected and creation of a new processing proposal table is started, the creation program 27 sets the adopted value fields to an unset state (e.g., blank) with no values ​​set, as shown in FIG. 5. The user creates, saves, prints, etc., the new processing proposal table while the adopted values ​​remain unset.

[0049] The creation program 27 restricts the setting of values ​​for the adopted value while a new processing proposal table is being created. The period during which a new processing proposal table is being created refers to, for example, the period from when the New Creation button 47 is selected and the creation of the new processing proposal table shown in Figures 4 and 5 is initiated until the screen for creating the new processing proposal table is hidden (closed). Alternatively, the period during which a new processing proposal table is being created may refer to the period from when the creation of the new processing proposal table is initiated until the new processing proposal table is saved for the first time. The creation program 27 does not allow input into the adopted value field, even if the mouse pointer is placed on the adopted value field and double-clicked, or the return key is used to select. This prevents erroneous value settings while a new processing proposal table is being created.

[0050] The method for restricting input of the adopted value is not limited to the above-described method. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the adopted value column may be grayed out to restrict input while a new processing proposal table is being created. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, a warning message 86 may be displayed when an attempt to input a value is made. Specifically, when an input operation is made in the adopted value column, a message such as "Create a new processing proposal table and enter the adopted value after adjustment on the production line" may be displayed. This allows the user to recognize the reason for the input restriction.

[0051] The creation program 27 also displays a notification date setting field 87 above the processing condition information 77 in FIG. 5 to accept the setting of the notification date. This notification date is a date notifying that an adopted value has not been set. Specifically, it is a date on which an adopted value is likely to be set, such as the planned delivery date of a production line based on a new processing proposal table. The creation program 27 determines whether there is a processing proposal table DT1 among the multiple management data 28 stored in the management data 28 for which an adopted value has not been set and the current date and time has reached the notification date. The creation program 27 executes the above-described determination process, for example, each time the current date and time changes. If the creation program 27 detects a processing proposal table DT1 that meets the above conditions, it notifies the user that an adopted value has not been set. The creation program 27 displays a message, for example, "There is a processing proposal table for which an adopted value has not been set" on the top page of the webpage. In addition, the creation program 27 may display, along with the above message, a button or URL that displays the processing proposal table DT1 in which the adopted value has not been set and the current date and time is the notification date. This prevents the adopted value from being left unset indefinitely. Even if, after creating a new processing proposal table, the user forgets to set the adopted value before the product is delivered, a notification can be issued to prompt the user to set it. Note that the creation program 27 does not have to issue the above notification. In this case, the creation program 27 does not have to provide the notification date setting field 87 on the screen of FIG. 5.

[0052] 3, the creation program 27 displays an adopted value confirmation / change button 48 at the bottom of the search result screen 39. The adopted value confirmation / change button 48 is a button for confirming and setting the adopted value. When the adopted value confirmation / change button 48 is selected, the creation program 27 displays the information in FIGS. 4 and 5 based on the information in the processing proposal table DT1 selected in the checked image 45, and also accepts the setting of the adopted value. In other words, when the new creation button 47 is selected, input of the adopted value is restricted, whereas when the adopted value confirmation / change button 48 is selected, input of the adopted value is permitted.

[0053] Therefore, after creating a new machining proposal table and storing it as a machining proposal table, the creation program 27 accepts the selection of a machining proposal table for which an adopted value is to be set from among the multiple machining proposal tables DT1 stored in the management data 28. FIG. 7 shows a screen displayed when the Adopted Value Confirm / Change button 48 is operated to read out a machining proposal table DT1 for which an adopted value has not yet been set. As shown in FIG. 7 , for example, the creation program 27 displays a screen similar to that shown in FIG. 5 and accepts input into the adopted value field. Specifically, for example, the user aligns the cursor 96 with the desired adopted value field, selects it by double-clicking, or the like, and enters the adopted value. The example shown in FIG. 7 shows a state in which values ​​different from the calculated values ​​(actual values) have been entered for the cutting speed in the machining condition information 77 and the cutting time in the time information 78. This allows the user to set values ​​for the machining condition information 77 and the time information 78 that have been adjusted before the delivery (shipment) of the product after creating the new machining proposal table.

[0054] 7, when the adopted value confirmation / change button 48 is operated, the creation program 27 displays a copy button 97 and an adopted value save button 98 instead of the save button 93 and create button 95 shown in FIG. 5. As described above, in the machining proposal table DT1, it is possible to select and set either the calculated value or the actual value for both the machining condition information 77 and the time information 78. Hereinafter, when creating a new machining proposal table, the selected value of either the calculated value or the actual value will be referred to as the "selected value." FIG. 7 shows an example in which only the adopted values ​​for the cutting speed and cutting time of the first process "10" from the top are changed from the selected values.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 7 , the creation program 27 displays the selected value (calculated value or actual value) and adopted value vertically for each item (parameter in each column) of the machining condition information 77 and the time information 78. This makes it easier to set and check the parameters for each item, and reduces the occurrence of erroneous input of adopted values. Note that the selected value and adopted value items (parameters) do not have to be displayed vertically. For example, the selected value parameters may be displayed horizontally, and then the adopted value parameters may be displayed horizontally to the right of them. In other words, the selected value and adopted value may be displayed horizontally.

[0056] In this embodiment, machining condition information 77 and time information 78 are used as items for setting adopted values. As shown in FIG. 4 , machining content information 76 indicating the machining content for the workpiece is stored for each process in the machining proposal table DT1. The machining condition information 77 is information indicating the operating conditions of the machine tool when executing the machining content indicated by the machining content information 76. The time information 78 is information related to the time for executing the machining content. Since the machining condition information 77 and the time information 78 may be changed after the creation of a new machining proposal table and before shipment, it is extremely useful for users who will later view or reuse the data to keep the adopted values. For this reason, input fields for adopted values ​​corresponding to such machining condition information 77 and time information 78 are provided, and values ​​can be set and stored for later reference, thereby providing useful information to the user.

[0057] When the copy button 97 is selected, the creation program 27 copies the value of the selected value to the value of the adopted value. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the value of each selected value item is copied to the adopted value item directly below it. At this time, items that already have values ​​entered, i.e., items into which the user has already entered an adopted value, are not copied (overwritten). This reduces the burden of input work on the user. Furthermore, when the adopted value confirmation / change button 48 is selected, the creation program 27 preferably restricts changes to values ​​other than the adopted value (such as the selected value). In other words, it may be possible to prohibit modifications to an already created processing proposal table DT1.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 7 , when setting an adopted value, the creation program 27 accepts reason information indicating the reason for changing the selected value to the adopted value. For example, the creation program 27 sets a field for inputting the reason for the adopted value below the field for inputting the reason for the calculated value (actual value). For example, input to this reason field for the adopted value is also restricted while creating the new machining proposal table shown in FIG. 5 , but is enabled when setting the adopted value shown in FIG. 7 . The creation program 27 then associates the information entered in the reason field for the adopted value (an example of the reason information of the present application) with the adopted value of that row, i.e., with the process for setting the adopted value, and stores it as data in the selected machining proposal table DT1. This allows the reason for changing the selected value to the adopted value to be retained as data. For example, information such as "The actual value before creating the new machining proposal table was like this, but after actually assembling the machine tool and actually running it this time, the following adjustment was made" can be retained. In the example of process "10" shown first from the top in FIG. 7 , reason information indicating "Adjustment to increase the cutting speed was made" is entered. For example, if more appropriate machining conditions than previously selected values ​​are found, the cutting speed can be increased, but conversely, if machine-specific chatter occurs, the cutting speed must be adjusted downward. By checking the reason information for the adopted value, the user can find out why the value was changed from the previously selected value.

[0059] When the Save Adopted Value button 98 is selected, the creation program 27 associates the value entered in the adopted value field shown in FIG. 7 and the reason information with the selected processing proposal table DT1 and stores them. This completes the setting of the adopted value, etc. The creation program 27 may use a flag value to manage whether an adopted value has been set or not for multiple processing proposal tables DT1 stored in the management data 28. For example, when the Save button 93 shown in FIG. 5 is operated to store a new processing proposal table, the creation program 27 associates a flag value indicating that an adopted value has not been set with the new processing proposal table to be stored. Furthermore, when the Save Adopted Value button 98 in FIG. 7 is selected, the creation program 27 changes the flag value of the stored processing proposal table DT1 from a value indicating that the adopted value has not been set to a value indicating that the adopted value has been set. This allows a processing proposal table DT1 whose adopted value has been edited to be treated as having been set.

[0060] Furthermore, when the Save Adopted Value button 98 is selected and data is saved, the creation program 27 may determine whether the adopted value is set correctly. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a check box may be provided in the adopted value column to indicate whether an adopted value changed from a selected value has been set. If the user has changed a value changed from a selected value as the adopted value, that is, if at least one parameter of the machining condition information 77 and the time information 78 has been changed, the user checks the check box. Then, a value different from the selected value is set as the adopted value.

[0061] As shown in the first step "10" from the top in Fig. 7, if an adopted value different from the selected value is set, a check mark is placed in the check box. For a step with a checked check box, the creation program 27 determines that the step is set correctly if at least one adopted value (cutting speed and cutting time in the illustrated example) different from the selected value is set and the other values ​​are set to the same adopted value as the selected value, as shown in Fig. 8, for example.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in the second-from-top step "20A" in FIG. 7 , if there is no change between the selected value and the adopted value, i.e., if no adjustments are required before delivery, the checkbox is not checked. For a step with an unchecked checkbox, the creation program 27 determines that the settings are correct, for example, if all adopted values ​​are set to the same value as the selected value. When the Save Adopted Values ​​button 98 is selected, the creation program 27 determines whether the adopted values ​​are set correctly for all steps, and if they are, saves the data. Furthermore, if the adopted values ​​for at least one step are incorrect, the creation program 27 may not save the data, but may instead display a warning to notify the user of the incorrectly set steps. This ensures that the settings of the adopted values ​​are correctly completed when the Save Adopted Values ​​button 98 is selected and saved. Furthermore, providing checkboxes makes it easier to determine which steps have changed from the selected values. The creation program 27 does not need to perform the aforementioned determination of the adopted values ​​when the Save Adopted Values ​​button 98 is operated. In this case, the aforementioned checkboxes may not be provided.

[0063] While the above description has been given of a case where the adopted value is changed from the search result screen 39 of Fig. 3, the method of selecting the processing proposal table DT1 for which the adopted value is to be set is not limited to this. For example, the creation program 27 may display a search button 36 on the search screen 31, as shown in Fig. 2, which lists only processing proposal tables DT1 for which an adopted value has not been set. When the search button 36 is selected, the creation program 27 may list only processing proposal tables DT1 for which the above-mentioned unset flag value has been set, out of the multiple processing proposal tables DT1 stored in the management data 28.

[0064] FIG. 8 also shows a screen displayed when the Confirm / Change Accepted Value button 48 is selected and the machining proposal table DT1 with accepted values ​​set is retrieved. As shown in FIG. 8 , when displaying the machining proposal table DT1 with accepted values ​​set, the creation program 27 displays the selected value and the accepted value items one above the other. The example shown in FIG. 8 illustrates a case where the Copy button 97 and the Save Accepted Value button 98 are selected and saved in the state shown in FIG. 7 . That is, this illustrates a case where only the cutting speed and cutting time of process "10" are changed to the accepted values. When displaying the machining proposal table DT1 with accepted values ​​set, the creation program 27 highlights the accepted values ​​that have been changed from the selected values ​​compared to the unchanged accepted values. As shown by the hatching in FIG. 8 , for example, the creation program 27 may highlight only the columns of the changed accepted values ​​in red or yellow and display the other columns in white. This makes it easy to see which accepted values ​​have been changed. The highlighting method is not limited to coloring, and may also include enlarging the text, for example. Furthermore, the creation program 27 does not need to perform the above-mentioned highlighting.

[0065] 8 is selected on the search result screen 39 and the new creation button 47 is selected, i.e., when the creation of a new processing proposal table is started by reusing the processing proposal table DT1 in which an adopted value has already been set, the creation program 27 updates the selected value with the adopted value. Specifically, there are the following four cases of combinations of selected value and adopted value: (1) The selected value is a calculated value and the adopted value is changed. (2) The selected value is an actual value and the adopted value is changed. (3) The selected value is a calculated value and the adopted value is unchanged. (4) The selected value is an actual value and the adopted value is unchanged.

[0066] Case (1) is an example shown in step "10" at the top of Figure 8, in which a calculated value is selected when a new processing proposal table is created. Adjustments are also made using the adopted value. In this case, the creation program 27 changes the check box for selecting the calculated value or actual value from a checked box for the calculated value to a checked box for the actual value. It also updates the values ​​of the processing condition information 77 and time information 78 in the row of the selected value with the adopted value. It also updates the reason information for the selected value with the reason information for the adopted value. The row of the adopted value (including the reason) is then left unset. Whether adjustments have been made using the adopted value can be determined by checking whether the check box in the adopted value column is checked. The creation program 27 also unchecks the check box in the adopted value column in conjunction with leaving the row of the adopted value unset.

[0067] In case (2), the actual value is selected when the new processing proposal table is created. Adjustments are also made based on the adopted value. In this case, the creation program 27 leaves the check box for selecting the calculated value or actual value checked, with the actual value checked. It also updates the values ​​of the processing condition information 77, etc. in the row of the selected value with the adopted value. It also updates the reason information for the selected value with the reason information for the adopted value. Then, the row of the adopted value is left unset, and the check box in the column of the adopted value is left unchecked.

[0068] In cases (3) and (4), when a new processing proposal table is created, the calculated value (3) or the actual value (4) is selected. Furthermore, no adjustments are made based on the adopted value. In this case, the creation program 27 does not change the check box for the calculated value or actual value selection, does not change the value in the selected value row, and does not change the reason information for the selected value. Furthermore, the creation program 27 leaves the row for the adopted value unset and leaves the check box in the adopted value column unchecked. This allows the new processing proposal table to be created next time reflecting the adopted value, i.e., the value that was finalized before delivery. After starting creation of the new processing proposal table, values ​​such as the processing condition information 77 and time information 78 are changed by the user's adjustments, and the new processing proposal table is created. The creation program 27 does not necessarily have to automatically update the selected value based on the adopted value. For example, the creation program 27 may display a screen such as that shown in FIG. 8 , and for each highlighted item in the machining condition information 77 and time information 78, i.e., each item that has been changed with an adopted value, the user may confirm whether to update the selected value to the adopted value before creation. Alternatively, the creation program 27 may display the screen shown in FIG. 8 , and while not accepting changes to the adopted value, allow copying of the value from the adopted value to the selected value. This allows the user to create a new machining proposal table while checking the calculated value, actual value, adopted value, and each reason for each. Then, when the new machining proposal table is saved, the adopted value may be left unset.

[0069] As described above, the adopted value is a value that is set after the new processing proposal table is created. While the new processing proposal table is being created, the adopted value is left unset (e.g., blank). Therefore, when the create button 95 in FIG. 5 is selected and the new processing proposal table is output (e.g., printed), the creation program 27 may execute control to not output the adopted value column. For example, when outputting the new processing proposal table in the same format as that shown in FIG. 5, the creation program 27 may delete only the adopted value row and output (e.g., print). This prevents unnecessary information from being provided to the delivery destination, such as a customer, and thus prevents misunderstandings. Furthermore, the creation program 27 may hide the adopted value row (including reason information) while creating the new processing proposal table shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In other words, the unset adopted value does not need to be displayed during the creation stage.

[0070] The processing proposal table creation device 11 is an example of a computer in the present disclosure. The CPU 21 is an example of a processing unit. The network IF 24 is an example of an input unit in the present disclosure.

[0071] As described above, the present embodiment provides the following advantages. In the processing proposal table DT1, which is one aspect of the present embodiment, in addition to the calculated values ​​and actual values, the processing condition information 77 and the time information 78 can include adopted values, which are values ​​verified by creating the processing proposal table DT1 as a new processing proposal table and then performing processing based on the created new processing proposal table. The creation program 27 (processing proposal table creation device 11) then creates a new processing proposal table and sets the adopted values ​​for the new processing proposal table based on information input by the user. This allows the adopted values ​​to be saved as past processing proposal tables DT1 in addition to the calculated values ​​and actual values. By saving the adopted values ​​separately in addition to the calculated values ​​and actual values, the adopted values ​​after verification can be properly managed. Furthermore, when the past processing proposal table DT1 is reused to create a new processing proposal table, the adopted values, which are the final values ​​after verification, can be clearly displayed to the user.

[0072] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, the information stored in the processing proposal table DT1 in the above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the item names, number, and types of information to be stored may be changed as appropriate. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the processing proposal table DT1 allows either a calculated value or an actual value to be checked in a check box for each process, and only one of these values ​​can be set in the processing condition information 77 and time information 78 columns. However, the processing proposal table DT1 may be configured to allow both a calculated value and an actual value to be set for each process. For example, the processing condition information 77 and time information 78 for each process may have a column (row) for calculated values ​​and a column (row) for actual values. Then, either one of these values ​​may be used in the check box. In this case, although both data can be set in the processing proposal table DT1, the checked value may be used for calculating the cycle time, etc. That is, although only one value is used in actual machining, the data may include both data. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the machining proposal table DT1 is described as using multiple types of machine tools, but the creation program 27 may create the machining proposal table DT1 using only one type of machine tool. The processing content of the creation program 27 described above is an example. For example, the creation program 27 accepts both the machining condition information 77 and the time information 78 as the adopted value, but it may accept only one of the values. Furthermore, the machining proposal table DT1 does not need to have a column for entering the reason for selecting the calculated value or the actual value, or a column for entering the reason for changing to the adopted value.

[0073] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the dependent relationships described in the claims. For example, this specification also discloses a technical idea in which "the processing proposal table creation device according to claim 3" in claim 5 is changed to "the processing proposal table creation device according to claim 3 or claim 4." It also discloses a technical idea in which "the processing proposal table creation device according to claim 1 or claim 2" is changed to "the processing proposal table creation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5" in claim 6.

[0074] 11 Machining proposal table creation device (computer), 21 CPU (processing unit), 22 storage device, 24 network IF (input unit), 27 Machining proposal table creation program, 77 Machining condition information, 78 Time information, DT1 Machining proposal table.

Claims

1. A machining proposal table creating device for creating a new machining proposal table using a machining proposal table stored in a storage device, comprising: an input unit; and a processing unit for processing information input from the input unit, wherein the processing unit: receives, via the input unit, a selection of a machining proposal table to be used in creating the new machining proposal table from among a plurality of the machining proposal tables stored in the storage device; supplements information necessary for creating the new machining proposal table for machining a new workpiece based on the selected machining proposal table; and creates the new machining proposal table based on the information input via the input unit, wherein the machining proposal table includes machining condition information indicating the operating conditions of a machine tool when machining a workpiece, and time information relating to the time for performing machining on the workpiece, set for each process, and wherein three values ​​can be set in at least one of the machining condition information and the time information: a calculated value calculated based on the machining content of the workpiece, an actual performance value in past actual machining, and an adopted value which is a value verified by performing machining based on the created new machining proposal table after creating the machining proposal table as the new machining proposal table, and wherein the processing unit: After creating the new processing proposal table, the processing proposal table creating device sets the adoption value of the new processing proposal table based on information inputted via the input section.

2. The processing unit of claim 1, when creating the new processing proposal table based on the selected processing proposal table, updates the actual value of the selected processing proposal table with the adopted value and leaves the adopted value of the new processing proposal table unset.

3. The processing unit, after creating the new processing proposal table, stores the created new processing proposal table in the memory device as the processing proposal table, accepts via the input unit a selection of the processing proposal table for which the adopted value is to be set from among the multiple processing proposal tables stored in the memory device, and sets the adopted value of the selected processing proposal table based on the information input via the input unit. A processing proposal table creation device as described in claim 1 or claim 2.

4. A processing proposal table creation device as described in claim 3, wherein the processing proposal table is capable of setting either the calculated value or the actual value, and the adopted value, for both the processing condition information and the time information, and when the processing unit sets the adopted value for the selected processing proposal table based on information inputted via the input unit, it displays the calculated value or the actual value and the adopted value side by side for each item of the processing condition information and the time information.

5. The processing unit, when setting the adopted value of the selected processing proposal table based on information inputted via the input unit, accepts reason information indicating the reason for the change to the adopted value, associates the accepted reason information with the adopted value to be set, and stores it in the memory device as data of the selected processing proposal table. The processing unit is a processing proposal table creation device as described in claim 3.

6. A processing proposal table creation device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein in addition to the processing condition information and the time information, processing content information indicating the processing content for the workpiece is stored for each process, the processing condition information is information indicating the operating conditions of the machine tool when performing the processing content indicated by the processing content information, and the time information is information relating to the time for performing the processing of the processing content.

7. The processing unit restricts the setting of values ​​for the adopted values ​​that have been left unset in the new processing proposal table while creating the new processing proposal table based on the selected processing proposal table, accepts a selection of a processing proposal table in which the adopted value has not been set from among the multiple processing proposal tables stored in the memory device via the input unit, and sets a value based on information input via the input unit to the adopted value of the selected processing proposal table. The processing unit is a processing proposal table creation device as described in claim 2.

8. The processing proposal table creation device according to claim 2, wherein the new processing proposal table is capable of setting a notification date for notifying that the adopted value has not been set, and the processing unit notifies that the adopted value has not been set for a processing proposal table among the multiple processing proposal tables stored in the storage device, for which the adopted value has not been set and the current date and time has reached the notification date.

9. A machining proposal table creating program for causing a computer to execute a process of creating a new machining proposal table using a machining proposal table stored in a storage device, comprising an input unit, causing the computer to execute the following processes: accepting, via the input unit, a selection of a machining proposal table to be used in creating the new machining proposal table from among a plurality of machining proposal tables stored in the storage device; supplementing information required to create the new machining proposal table for machining a new workpiece based on the selected machining proposal table, and creating the new machining proposal table based on the information input via the input unit; in the machining proposal table, machining condition information indicating the operating conditions of a machine tool when machining a workpiece and time information relating to the time to perform machining on the workpiece are set for each process; and in at least one of the machining condition information and the time information, three values ​​can be set: a calculated value calculated based on the machining content of the workpiece, an actual performance value in past actual machining, and an adopted value which is a value verified by creating the machining proposal table as the new machining proposal table and then performing machining based on the created new machining proposal table; and and after creating the new processing proposal table, the processing proposal table creating program causes the adopted values ​​of the new processing proposal table to be set based on information input via the input unit.

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