Shape data generation assistance device and shape data generation assistance method

Abstract

The present invention generates an inquiry, to a shape data generation device, corresponding to a requirement condition of a simulation device.　A shape data generation assistance device according to the present invention provides assistance for generating shape data used for simulating the operation of an industrial machine by a simulation device and comprises: an input unit that inputs first shape data related to the industrial machine and a requirement condition for shape data required in the simulation by the simulation device; an inquiry generation unit that acquires the first shape data related to the industrial machine and the requirement condition, and generates an inquiry; a transmission unit that transmits the inquiry to the shape data generation device; and a reception unit that receives, from the shape data generation device, second shape data generated by the shape data generation device on the basis of the inquiry received from the transmission unit, the second shape data being generated so as to satisfy the requirement condition.

Description

Shape data generation support device and shape data generation support method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a shape data generation support device and a shape data generation support method, and more particularly to a shape data generation support device and a shape data generation support method that support the generation of shape data used to simulate the operation of industrial machinery with a simulation device.

[0002] A simulation device that simulates the operation of industrial machinery, such as a machine simulation or machining simulation that includes interference checking, uses shape data of at least one of machine components, jigs, machined workpieces, tools, and the like.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a welding system that can easily generate teaching data for a welding robot. Specifically, Patent Document 1 describes that the welding system includes a welding robot teaching means and a welding robot, and that the welding robot teaching means includes a three-dimensional CAD system, a welding condition standard database, a conversion means, and a three-dimensional simulator. The three-dimensional CAD system generates IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) data indicating the three-dimensional shape of each member constituting a workpiece based on the three-dimensional CAD data and inputs the IGES data to a member shape conversion processor. The member shape conversion processor converts the IGES data into member data in a format that can be processed by the three-dimensional simulator and outputs the member data g to the three-dimensional simulator.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-353574

[0005] The geometry data used in simulation devices comes in multiple file formats, such as STEP and STL, and the file formats supported by each simulation device vary. Furthermore, while geometry data with high geometric accuracy enables accurate simulation, it also increases the processing load, so the element shapes and number of elements that can be used are often specified for each simulation device.

[0006] It takes knowledge and experience for a user to accurately understand the requirements of the simulation device, such as the file format, element shape, or number of elements, and to obtain shape data that meets the requirements from a component shape generation device. Therefore, a shape data generation support device and a shape data generation support method that support the generation of shape data that meets the requirements of a simulation device are desired.

[0007] A first representative aspect of the present disclosure is a shape data generation support device that supports the generation of shape data used to simulate the operation of an industrial machine with a simulation device, comprising: an input unit that inputs first shape data related to the industrial machine and requirements for shape data required for simulation with the simulation device; a query generation unit that acquires the first shape data related to the industrial machine and the requirements and generates a query; a transmission unit that transmits the query to the shape data generation device; and a receiving unit that receives from the shape data generation device second shape data that has been generated by the shape data generation device to satisfy the requirements based on the query received from the transmission unit.

[0008] A second representative aspect of the present disclosure is a shape data generation support method in which a computer serving as a shape data generation support device that supports generation of shape data used to simulate the operation of an industrial machine with a simulation device executes the following processes: inputting first shape data related to the industrial machine and requirements for shape data required in a simulation with the simulation device; acquiring the first shape data related to the industrial machine and the requirements to generate a query; transmitting the query to the shape data generation device; and receiving, from the shape data generation device, second shape data that has been generated by the shape data generation device to satisfy the requirements based on the received query.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a simulation system including a shape data generation support device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of query content; FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a shape data generation support device; FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a simulation system including a shape data generation support device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of query content before and after the addition of additional information in a case where a user has changed the additional information; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of query content before and after the addition of additional information in a case where a query generation unit does not change the additional information.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a simulation system including a shape data generation support device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the simulation system 10 includes a shape data generation support device 100, a shape data generation device 200, and a simulation device 300. In Fig. 1, the shape data generation support device 100 is provided separately from the shape data generation device 200 and the simulation device 300, but the shape data generation support device 100 may be included in the shape data generation device 200 or the simulation device 300.

[0011] The shape data generation support device 100 and the shape data generation device 200 are communicably connected to each other, and the shape data generation support device 100 and the simulation device 300 are communicatively connected to each other. The shape data generation support device 100, the shape data generation device 200, and the simulation device 300 may be connected to each other via a network or directly via a connection interface.

[0012] The network may be, for example, a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), or a combination thereof. There are no particular limitations on the specific communication method in the network, whether it is a wired connection or a wireless connection, etc.

[0013] The shape data generation support device 100 is a device that provides shape data to a simulation device that simulates the operation of industrial machinery. The industrial machinery is, for example, a machine tool or a robot. Specifically, the shape data generation support device 100 generates a query including requirements for shape data required in a simulation by the simulation device 300 and shape data (first shape data) related to the industrial machinery, and transmits the query to the shape data generation device 200. The shape data generation support device 100 receives the shape data that satisfies the requirements, generated by the shape data generation device 200, and outputs the shape data to the simulation device 300. The configuration of the shape data generation support device 100 will be described later.

[0014] The shape data generation device 200 generates shape data (which becomes second shape data) that satisfies the required conditions based on the shape data received from the shape data generation support device 100, based on the query content including the required conditions and shape data, and transmits the shape data that satisfies the required conditions to the shape data generation support device 100. Here, "generation" includes converting the format of the received shape data so that it satisfies the required conditions, and creating new shape data that satisfies the required conditions based on the received shape data.

[0015] The shape data generating device 200 is, for example, a generative AI device. The generative AI device is preferably isolated from general networks and is a device that performs learning for generating shape data. An example of a generative AI device is described in "ChatGPT Basic Technology! GPT-3 and Few-shot learning" (https: / / blog.kikagaku.co.jp / chat-gpt-few-shot-learning). This generative AI device performs fine-tuning (or transfer learning) on ​​a model (LLM) that has been pre-trained with a large amount of data, by additionally learning data appropriate for the task of generating shape data.

[0016] The simulation device 300 simulates the operation of the industrial machine based on the shape data received from the shape data generation support device 100. The simulation is a simulation for checking, for example, the relative positional relationship between the tool and the workpiece during machining or interference with surrounding structures.

[0017] The following describes the configuration of the shape data generation support device 100. The shape data generation support device 100 includes an input unit 110, a query generation unit 120, a transmission unit 130, and a reception unit 140.

[0018] (Input Unit 110) The input unit 110 inputs at least one of shape data (first shape data) of a machine component, a jig, a machined workpiece, a tool, and a peripheral device, and at least one of required conditions including a file format, a file size, an element shape, the number of elements, and an allowable error amount. The shape data and required conditions are input to the input unit 110, for example, by operation of a user such as an operator or by transmission from the simulation device 300. The source from which the shape data and required conditions are obtained is not particularly limited, and the input unit 110 may obtain the shape data from a numerical control device, or the input unit 110 may obtain the required conditions from a storage device provided separately from the shape data generation support device 100.

[0019] When the input unit 110 inputs shape data by user operation, the input unit 110 is, for example, a keyboard or a touch panel of a liquid crystal display device, etc. When the input unit 110 inputs required conditions by transmission from the simulation device 300, the input unit 110 is, for example, a communication unit.

[0020] There are two examples of how the input unit 110 acquires the requirements: (1) The requirements are stored in text format in the directory where the simulation device 300 is installed. The input unit 110 can acquire the requirements by analyzing the text file. (2) The requirements are stored in memory that is expanded when the simulation device 300 is started. The input unit 110 acquires the requirements using an interface provided for acquiring data from the simulation device 300.

[0021] The shape of a machine component is, for example, the shape of a motor, a ball screw, etc. The shape of a machined workpiece is at least one of the shape of a target product and the shape of a raw workpiece. The shape of a peripheral device is, for example, at least one of the shape of a robot or the shape of a loader. The shape data input by the input unit 110 is the shape data itself or a file path to the shape data.

[0022] The required conditions are conditions for using shape data in the simulation device 300. The element shape and the number of elements refer to the shape and number of elements when the simulation device 300 divides a simulation target, such as a machine component, into a finite number of elements to perform a simulation. The element shape is a cylinder, a rectangular parallelepiped, or the like.

[0023] Representative specific examples of required conditions are described below. The required conditions for file format and file size are acquired from the simulation device 300 and are, for example, the following conditions: (1) The file format must be readable by the simulation device 300 (for example, file identifier .stl). (2) The upper limit file size per piece of shape data must be 1 Mbyte. (3) The upper limit file size for all shape data must be 100 Mbyte.

[0024] The following requirements may be added to the above requirements. The following requirements are acquired by user operation. (4) The upper limit of the total number of shape data files is 20 files. The total number of shape data files is, for example, the total number of shape data files for machine components, jigs, machined workpieces, tools, and peripheral devices. (5) Information on files that may be combined is shape files A, B, C, and shape files D, E. (6) The error between the original shape and the generated shape is 1 mm or less.

[0025] (Query Generation Unit 120) The query generation unit 120 acquires shape data and required conditions to generate a query. The shape data is at least one of shape data of machine components, jigs, machined workpieces, tools, and peripheral devices. The required conditions are at least one of file format, file size, element shape, number of elements, and allowable error. The query is generated, for example, as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the query content. When the shape data generation device 200 is a generation AI device, the query can be composed of a character string called a prompt, and the query content shown in FIG. 2 is an example of a prompt.

[0026] (Transmitting Unit 130 and Receiving Unit 140) The transmitting unit 130 transmits a query to the shape data generating device 200. The receiving unit 140 receives shape data generated to satisfy the required conditions from the shape data generating device 200, and transmits the received shape data to the simulation device 300.

[0027] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the shape data generation support device 100 using a flowchart. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the shape data generation support device.

[0028] In step S11, the input unit 110 inputs at least one shape data of a machine component, a jig, a machined workpiece, a tool, or a peripheral device, and at least one required condition of a file format, a file size, an element shape, a number of elements, or an allowable error amount.

[0029] In step S12, the query generator 120 acquires the shape data and the required conditions and generates a query.

[0030] In step S13, the transmitting unit 130 transmits a query to the shape data generating device 200. The query includes shape data and a required condition.

[0031] In step S14 , the receiving unit 140 receives, from the shape data generating device 200 , shape data generated so as to satisfy the required conditions, and transmits the received shape data to the simulation device 300 .

[0032] According to the shape data generation support device 100 of this embodiment described above, a query to the shape data generation device 200 can be generated in accordance with the requirements of the simulation device without requiring the user's experience or knowledge.

[0033] Second Embodiment In this embodiment, the shape data output by the shape data generating device 200 is verified, and if the shape data needs to be changed based on the verification result, the inquiry content is changed.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a simulation system including a shape data generation support device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 4, in the simulation system 10A, the shape data generation support device 100 of the simulation system 10 shown in Fig. 1 is replaced with a shape data generation support device 100A. In the shape data generation support device 100A, a verification unit 150 and a storage unit 160 are added to the configuration of the shape data generation support device 100 shown in Fig. 1. The storage unit 160 is provided as needed.

[0035] The verification unit 150 receives the results of the simulation performed by the simulation device 300, verifies the shape data output by the shape data generation device 200, and outputs the verification result as an alarm to the query generation unit 120. The verification result indicates whether the simulation can be performed or whether the simulation results can be used. For example, the file format is other than stl and the simulation cannot be performed, or the simulation results cannot be used because the machining shape differs from the shape of the actual machined workpiece.

[0036] If the verification unit 150 is unable to execute a simulation or is unable to use the simulation results, it generates an alarm message including, for example, "The only file format that can be used is .stl," "The total number of files must be 100 or less," or "The maximum size of the entire file is 100 bytes." The query generation unit 120 can verify the shape data output by the shape data generation device 200 depending on whether an alarm is generated, and if the verification result indicates that the shape data needs to be changed, it can change the query content based on the alarm message. When changing the query content, it may be necessary to change only specific shape data among multiple shape data.

[0037] The storage unit 160 stores in advance the expected verification results to be obtained from the verification unit 150 and methods for changing the inquiry content in response to the obtained verification results. Table 1 shows, as an example of the stored contents, a table listing alarm numbers, alarm messages that are verification results, and methods for changing the inquiry content in response to the alarm messages.

[0038]

[0039] The query generator 120 can refer to the table and quickly select a method for modifying the query content in response to the alarm message. For example, when receiving an alarm message with alarm number ALM0002 saying "Keep the total number of files below 100," the query generator 120 refers to the table stored in the storage unit 160. Then, as shown in FIG. 5 , the query generator 120 adds to the query content the query modification method read from the storage unit 160, "Merge files so that the total number of files is below 100." FIG. 5 shows an example of the query content before and after the addition of additional information. If the query generator 120 simply modifies the query content in response to the alarm message, for example, the storage unit 160 may not be provided.

[0040] Third Embodiment In the second embodiment, an example was described in which, when the shape data needs to be changed based on the verification result, the query generation unit 120 changes the query content by referring to the table stored in the storage unit 160. In this embodiment, the query generation unit 120 performs machine learning on the verification result acquired from the verification unit 150 and changes to the query content in response to the acquired verification result, and changes the query content so that the query content intended by a user such as an operator is obtained.

[0041] The configuration of the shape data generation support device and simulation system in this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 4, except that the storage unit 160 is omitted.

[0042] The query generator 120 stores a plurality of alarm message patterns, which serve as basic rules, and a method for changing the query content for each pattern. Table 2 shows an example of a plurality of alarm message patterns and a method for changing the query content for each pattern.

[0043] The query generator 120 generates queries based on the rules listed in Table 2. The user evaluates the generated queries. The query generator 120 rewards the query if it is acceptable as is, and learns the changes made by the user if they are changed.

[0044] For example, if the alarm message resulting from the verification is "The maximum number of files is 100," the query generator 120 generates "Change the maximum number of files to 100" based on the rules listed in Table 2. In this case, since it is appropriate to reduce the number of files by combining them rather than changing the number of files, the user changes the query to "Merge files to 100" via the input unit 110, as shown in FIG. 6 . The query generator 120 adds the modified "Merge files to 100" to the query. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of query content before and after the addition of additional information when the user changes the additional information. In the case of an alarm message containing "The maximum number of files is ***," the query generator 120 learns to generate "Merge files to ***." As described above, the query content is modified so that the query content intended by the user is obtained.

[0045] As another example, if the verification result alarm message is "Please keep the upper limit size of each file at 1 MB or less," the query generator 120 generates "Please keep the upper limit size of each file at 1 MB or less" based on the rules listed in Table 2. In this case, the user does not need to make any changes, so they input "No changes necessary" via the input unit 110. If no changes are necessary, the query generator 120 receives a reward. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of query content before and after the addition of additional information when the query generator does not change the additional information.

[0046] Through the learning described above, the query generator 120 can generate optimized queries by adding rewards and selecting queries with larger rewards.

[0047] According to the shape data generation support devices of the second and third embodiments described above, a simulation can be performed by changing the query content even in cases where a simulation cannot be performed or the simulation results cannot be used using the shape data output by the shape data generation device 200. Furthermore, when a generation AI device is used as the shape data generation device 200, it is possible to easily verify whether the response by the generation AI device is correct, and it becomes possible to improve the query when the response is incorrect.

[0048] In order to realize the functional blocks included in the shape data generation support device in each embodiment described above, the shape data generation support device can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of these. Here, being realized by software means being realized by a computer reading and executing a program.

[0049] To realize the components included in the shape data generation support device by software or a combination thereof, the shape data generation support device includes a processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit functions as an execution unit. The shape data generation support device also includes an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that stores various control programs such as application software or an OS (Operating System), and a main storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that stores data temporarily required for the processing unit to execute the programs.

[0050] The shape data generation support device has an arithmetic processing unit that reads application software or an OS from the auxiliary storage device, and then loads the loaded application software or OS into the main storage device while performing arithmetic processing based on the application software or OS. Furthermore, based on the results of this arithmetic processing, the device controls various hardware components. This realizes the functional blocks of this embodiment.

[0051] The components included in the shape data generation support device can be realized by hardware including electronic circuits, etc. When the shape data generation support device is configured by hardware, some or all of the functions of the components included in the shape data generation support device can be configured by an integrated circuit (IC), such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a gate array, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device).

[0052] The program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). The program may also be supplied to the computer by various types of transient computer readable media.

[0053] According to the shape data generation support device of the present disclosure, including the embodiments described above, queries to the shape data generation device can be generated in accordance with the requirements of the simulation device without requiring the user's experience or knowledge.

[0054] Although the above-described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention can be implemented in various modified forms within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0055] The following supplementary note is further disclosed regarding the above embodiment: (Supplementary Note 1) A shape data generation support device (100) that supports the generation of shape data used to simulate the operation of an industrial machine with a simulation device (300), comprising: an input unit (110) that inputs first shape data related to the industrial machine and requirement conditions for shape data required for simulation with the simulation device, a query generation unit (120) that acquires the first shape data related to the industrial machine and the requirement conditions and generates a query, a transmission unit (130) that transmits the query to the shape data generation device, and a reception unit (140) that receives from the shape data generation device second shape data that has been generated by the shape data generation device so as to satisfy the requirement conditions based on the query received from the transmission unit.

[0056] (Supplementary Note 2) The shape data generation support device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the first shape data and the second shape data are shape data of at least one of a machine component, a jig, a machined workpiece, a tool, and a peripheral device.

[0057] (Supplementary Note 3) The shape data generation support device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the required conditions include at least one of a file format, a file size, an element shape, a number of elements, and an allowable error amount.

[0058] (Supplementary Note 4) The shape data generation support device according to claim 1, wherein the shape data generation device (100) is a generation AI device.

[0059] (Supplementary Note 5) The shape data generation assistance device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the generation AI device is isolated from a general network and performs learning for generating shape data.

[0060] (Supplementary Note 6) The shape data generation support device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein at least one of the requirements input by the input unit (110) is acquired from the simulation device (300).

[0061] (Supplementary Note 7) The shape data generation assistance device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein at least one of the requirements input by the input unit (110) is information input by a user.

[0062] (Appendix 8) The shape data generation support device according to appendix 1, further comprising a verification unit (150) that verifies the shape data output by the shape data generation device (200) based on the results of applying the shape data received by the receiving unit (140) to the simulation device (300) and executing a simulation, and the query generation unit (120) changes the query content based on the verification results of the verification unit (150).

[0063] (Supplementary Note 9) The shape data generation support device according to Supplementary Note 8, further comprising a memory unit (160) that pre-registers the expected verification results obtained from the verification unit (150) and changes to the inquiry content in response to the obtained verification results.

[0064] (Supplementary Note 10) The shape data generation support device described in Supplementary Note 8, wherein the query generation unit (120) performs machine learning on the verification results obtained from the verification unit (150) and changes to the query content in response to the obtained verification results, and changes the query content so as to obtain the query content intended by the user.

[0065] (Supplementary Note 11) A shape data generation support method in which a computer as a shape data generation support device (100) that supports generation of shape data used to simulate the operation of an industrial machine in a simulation device (300) executes the following processes: inputting first shape data related to the industrial machine and requirement conditions for shape data required in a simulation in the simulation device; acquiring the first shape data related to the industrial machine and the requirement conditions and generating a query; transmitting the query to the shape data generation device; and receiving from the shape data generation device second shape data that has been generated by the shape data generation device so as to satisfy the requirement conditions based on the received query.

[0066] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Simulation system 100 Shape data generation support device 110 Input unit 120 Query generation unit 130 Transmission unit 140 Reception unit 150 Verification unit 160 Storage unit 200 Shape data generation device 300 Simulation device

Claims

1. A shape data generation support device for assisting in generating shape data used to simulate the operation of an industrial machine by a simulation device, comprising: an input unit that inputs first shape data related to the industrial machine and a requirement condition of the shape data required in the simulation by the simulation device; an inquiry generation unit that acquires the first shape data related to the industrial machine and the requirement condition and generates an inquiry; a transmission unit that transmits the inquiry to a shape data generation device; and a reception unit that receives, from the shape data generation device, second shape data generated to satisfy the requirement condition based on the inquiry received from the transmission unit.

2. The shape data generation support device according to claim 1, wherein the first shape data and the second shape data are shape data of at least one of machine components, jigs, processed workpieces, tools, and peripheral devices.

3. The shape data generation support device according to claim 1, wherein the requirement condition includes at least one of a file format, a file size, an element shape, the number of elements, and an allowable error amount.

4. The shape data generation support device according to claim 1, wherein the shape data generation device is a generation AI device.

5. The shape data generation support device according to claim 4, wherein the generation AI device is isolated from a general network and performs learning for shape data generation.

6. The shape data generation support device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the requirement conditions input by the input unit is acquired from the simulation device.

7. The shape data generation support device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the requirement conditions input by the input unit is information input by a user.

8. The shape data generation support device according to claim 1, further comprising a verification unit that verifies the shape data output by the shape data generation device based on the result of applying the shape data received by the reception unit to the simulation device to execute a simulation, and the inquiry generation unit changes the inquiry content based on the verification result of the verification unit.

9. The shape data generation support device according to claim 8, further comprising a storage unit that pre-registers an assumed verification result acquired from the verification unit and a change content of the inquiry content with respect to the acquired verification result.

10. The inquiry generation unit machine-learns the verification result obtained from the verification unit and the change in the inquiry content for the obtained verification result, and changes the inquiry content so as to obtain the inquiry content intended by the user. The shape data generation support device according to claim 8.

11. A computer as a shape data generation support device for supporting the generation of shape data used to simulate the operation of an industrial machine in a simulation device performs a process of inputting the first shape data related to the industrial machine and the requirement conditions of the shape data required in the simulation in the simulation device, a process of acquiring the first shape data related to the industrial machine and the requirement conditions and generating an inquiry, a process of transmitting the inquiry to a shape data generation device, and a process of receiving, from the shape data generation device, second shape data generated to satisfy the requirement conditions in the shape data generation device based on the received inquiry. A shape data generation support method for executing.

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