Coordinate value calculating device and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

This coordinate value calculating device comprises: a coordinate value calculating unit that analyzes a machining program and calculates point sequence data of a tool trajectory for simulation; an accuracy determining unit that determines the required accuracy of the point sequence data requested by the simulation; an extraction method selecting unit that refers to candidate information in which point sequence data calculation methods and a simulation reproducibility are associated with one another, and selects an extraction method for extracting point sequence data with a reproducibility satisfying the required accuracy; a coordinate value extracting unit that uses the selected extraction method to extract the point sequence data; and a coordinate value output unit that outputs the extracted point sequence data.

Description

Coordinate value calculation device and computer-readable storage medium

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

[0002] A numerical control device analyzes a machining program, calculates the coordinate values ​​of the tool path, and controls the machine tool. In a simulation, the machining program is analyzed, the coordinate values ​​of the tool path are calculated by simulating the calculations of the numerical control device, and the tool path is reproduced as an image. The degree of reproduction of the image depends on the number of coordinate values ​​of the tool path. In other words, calculating the same number of coordinate values ​​as the numerical control device increases the degree of reproduction of the image. However, increasing the number of coordinate values ​​increases the memory capacity required to store them or increases the load on the network during transfer.

[0003] The degree of reproduction required for a simulation varies depending on the processing content and processing pattern. For example, in the case of a simulation of processed surface quality, a low degree of reproduction is acceptable for speed-prioritized parts, but a high degree of reproduction is required for shape-prioritized parts.

[0004] There is a trade-off between the degree of simulation reproduction and the memory capacity required to store coordinate values ​​and the amount of data that needs to be transferred. To maintain the required reproducibility, there are simulation devices that adjust the amount of data used in the simulation (the number of coordinate values) depending on the tool movement status and the display mode of the simulation. For example, see Patent Document 1.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-56835

[0006] In existing simulations, coordinate values ​​(point sequence data) calculated by a numerical control device are acquired and some of the data is thinned out to reduce the load required for generating a simulation image. However, because this technology thins out the acquired point sequence data, it is not possible to reduce the memory capacity or data transfer capacity required when acquiring the point sequence data.

[0007] In the field of simulation, it is desirable to reduce the amount of coordinate data while maintaining the required degree of reproduction for a simulation image.

[0008] A coordinate value calculation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a coordinate value calculation unit that analyzes a machining program and calculates point sequence data of a tool trajectory for a simulation; an accuracy determination unit that determines the required accuracy of the point sequence data required for the simulation; an extraction method selection unit that refers to candidate information linking the extraction method of the calculated point sequence data with the reproducibility of the coordinate values ​​to be output, and selects an extraction method for extracting point sequence data with a reproducibility that satisfies the required accuracy; a coordinate value extraction unit that extracts point sequence data to be output using the selected extraction method; and a coordinate value output unit that outputs the extracted point sequence data.

[0009] 1 is a block diagram of a coordinate value calculation device. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between a machining program and coordinate values. FIG. 2 is a table showing the relationship between commands and machining patterns. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing changes in machining patterns in a machining program. FIG. 4 is a graph showing changes in required accuracy over time. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between a machining method and required accuracy. FIG. 6 is a table showing the relationship between a machining pattern and required accuracy. FIG. 7 is a table showing the relationship between operator settings and required accuracy. FIG. 8 is a table showing the priority of elements used to determine required accuracy. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between required accuracy and the number of point sequence data. FIG. 10 is a table explaining candidate information. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram explaining the operation of a coordinate value calculation device. FIG. 12 is a hardware configuration diagram of a coordinate value calculation device.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of these components may be omitted.

[0011] In the present application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and includes cases where the coordinate value is based on another element in addition to XX. The coordinate value calculation device 100 will be described below. The coordinate value calculation device 100 calculates point sequence data of a tool used in a simulation.

[0012] 1 is a block diagram of a coordinate value calculation device 100. The coordinate value calculation device 100 includes a coordinate value calculation unit 1, an accuracy determination unit 2, an extraction method selection unit 3, a coordinate value extraction unit 4, and a coordinate value output unit 5.

[0013] The coordinate value calculation unit 1 acquires a machining program and calculates the coordinate values ​​(point sequence data) of the tool path according to the machining program. The method for calculating coordinate values ​​is an existing technology, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Figure 2 shows the relationship between the machining program and coordinate values. The solid line in Figure 2 indicates the tool path, and the black circles indicate the coordinate values ​​of the tool. In this example, the starting point of the tool is "X0Y0." When the command "M10" and "G02X10.Y10.R10" are read, the coordinate value calculation unit 1 calculates coordinate values ​​so that the tool moves along a path with a radius R of "10" from the start point of "X0Y0" and the end point of "X10.Y10." The coordinate value calculation unit 1 creates point sequence data that interpolates this path in accordance with the control cycle. The point sequence data calculated by the coordinate value calculation unit 1 has a high degree of simulation reproducibility.

[0014] The accuracy determination unit 2 determines the accuracy required for the simulation (referred to as the required accuracy). The required accuracy is determined using the processing pattern, operator settings, processing method, etc.

[0015] First, we will explain how to determine the required accuracy from the machining pattern. Machining patterns include standard, speed priority, and shape priority. The accuracy determination unit 2 determines the machining pattern from the command value. Figure 3 shows the relationship between commands and machining patterns. The command "G08.1P" can specify the machining pattern using the numerical value after "P". In the example of Figure 2, "G08.1P0" is standard, "G08.1P1" is speed priority, and "G08.1P2" is shape priority.

[0016] An example of a machining program is shown in Figure 4. In the machining program in Figure 4, "G08.1P1" is commanded in the block on the first line, making the machining pattern "speed priority," and "G08.1P0" is commanded in the latter half, making the machining pattern "standard."

[0017] In this way, the required accuracy of the machining program changes for each block. Figure 5 shows the changes in the required accuracy. In Figure 5, the vertical axis represents the required accuracy, and the horizontal axis represents time. In Figure 5, the required accuracy for "Block 1" and "Block 2" is "low (time priority)," while the required accuracy for "Block 3" is "high (accuracy priority)."

[0018] Next, a method for determining the required accuracy from the operator's settings will be described. The simulation device has a function for accepting the simulation accuracy setting from the operator. Settings include "accuracy priority" and "accuracy not important." This function allows the operator to set "accuracy not important" when the machining time is long or when the operator wants to check only the tool movement, or to set "accuracy priority" when the operator wants to check the tool movement or the machined surface in detail. The accuracy determination unit 2 acquires the operator's setting (parameter N in FIG. 8) from the simulation device.

[0019] Next, we will explain how to determine the required accuracy from the machining method. Figure 6 shows the relationship between machining method and required accuracy. Even with the same machining program, the required accuracy differs between rough machining and finish machining. Rough machining requires lower accuracy, while finish machining requires higher accuracy. The accuracy determination unit 2 determines whether the command for each block is rough machining or finish machining based on the type of command and the tool used for machining. Rough machining commands include "G71: outer diameter rough cutting cycle" and "G74: end face rough cutting cycle." Finish machining commands include "G70: finishing cycle" and "G72: finishing cycle." These commands are just examples, and the notation of commands varies depending on the manufacturer. The accuracy determination unit 2 may also determine the machining accuracy from the type of tool used. The type of tool can be determined from the M code.

[0020] The accuracy determination unit 2 quantifies (converts into a numerical value) the required accuracy obtained by the above-described method. In this embodiment, the accuracy determination unit 2 quantifies the required accuracy using a table. However, the quantification method is not limited to using a table.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a table that links machining patterns with required accuracy. In this table, the machining pattern "standard" is linked to a required accuracy of "50%," the machining pattern "speed priority" is linked to a required accuracy of "50%," and the machining pattern "shape priority" is linked to a required accuracy of "100%". FIG. 8 is a table that links parameter N (operator setting) to required accuracy. In this table, parameter N "0 (accuracy priority)" is linked to a required accuracy of "100%," and parameter N "1 (accuracy not important)" is linked to a required accuracy of "50%". Although not shown in the figure, the table can also be used to quantify required accuracy from a machining method.

[0022] In the above-described method, there are multiple factors for determining the required accuracy, such as the processing pattern, operator settings, and processing method. Each factor may produce different results. Therefore, priorities may be set for the factors. FIG. 9 shows an example of setting priorities. In the example of FIG. 9, operator settings take priority over processing patterns and processing methods, and processing patterns take priority over processing methods. If the priority of operator settings is set high, the required accuracy will be low if the operator has set "no accuracy requirement" even if the processing pattern requires high accuracy.

[0023] The required accuracy means the ratio of the number of point sequence data required for simulation to the number of point sequence data for actual machining. The required accuracy will be explained with reference to Fig. 10. If the same number of coordinate values ​​as the actual machining point sequence data are required, the required accuracy is 100%. If half the number of coordinate values ​​as the actual point sequence data are required, the required accuracy is 50%.

[0024] The extraction method selection unit 3 selects a method for extracting point sequence data based on the candidate information. The candidate information is information about candidate extraction methods. The candidate information will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The candidate information links the extraction method, the reproducibility, and the number of extracted points. The reproducibility means what percentage of point sequence data is extracted from the number of point sequence data in actual processing. The number of extracted points indicates the number of point sequence data extracted by each extraction method. In the candidate information in FIG. 11, the number of extracted points indicates the order (from least to most) of the number of coordinate values ​​to be extracted.

[0025] FIG. 11 illustrates three extraction methods: extraction method a, extraction method b, and extraction method c. Extraction method a extracts all point sequence data. The reproducibility of extraction method a is "100%". Extraction method b extracts only point sequence data at the start and end points of blocks in the machining program and numbers divisible by 2. The reproducibility of extraction method b is "50%". Extraction method c extracts only point sequence data at the start and end points of blocks and numbers divisible by 4. The reproducibility of extraction method c is "25%".

[0026] The extraction method selection unit 3 searches for an extraction method that extracts a number of point sequence data that satisfies the required accuracy. If there are multiple extraction methods that satisfy the required accuracy, the extraction method with the fewest number of extracted points is selected. For example, when the required accuracy is "50%," in the candidate information of Figure 11, extraction method a with a reproducibility of "100%" and extraction method b with a reproducibility of "50%" satisfy the required accuracy of "50%". Since there are multiple extraction methods that satisfy the required accuracy, the extraction method selection unit 3 selects extraction method b with the fewest number of extracted points.

[0027] 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of the coordinate value calculation device 100. The accuracy determination unit 2 acquires data that serves as a criterion for determining the required accuracy of a simulation. Data that serves as the criterion for determining the required accuracy includes the processing pattern, operator settings, and processing method. The processing pattern and processing method change depending on commands. The operator settings also change. The extraction method selection unit 3 refers to candidate information according to changes in the situation and selects an extraction method that satisfies the required accuracy while requiring the fewest extraction points.

[0028] The coordinate value extraction unit 4 extracts point sequence data using an extraction method that extracts a small number of points while satisfying the required accuracy. The coordinate value output unit 5 outputs the extracted point sequence data. The output destination may be a memory such as a RAM 113 or a non-volatile memory 114, which will be described later, or an external device 120 connected via interfaces 115, 118, and 119.

[0029] In the coordinate value calculation device 100 of this embodiment, a portion of the point sequence data is extracted and output using an extraction method that satisfies the reproducibility. For example, when extraction method b is selected, data with a reproducibility of "50%" is stored in memory or output to an external device 120 on the network. When the required accuracy is high, the number of extracted points increases, but when the required accuracy decreases, the number of extracted points can be reduced. When the number of extracted points decreases, the amount of data output by the coordinate value calculation device 100 also decreases, thereby reducing the required memory capacity and the network load. Reducing the network load can avoid data loss and delays.

[0030] The hardware configuration of the coordinate value calculation device 100 to which the present disclosure is applied will be described below. Fig. 13 is a hardware configuration diagram of the coordinate value calculation device 100. As shown in Fig. 13, the coordinate value calculation device 100 includes a CPU 111 that controls the entire coordinate value calculation device 100, a ROM 112 that records programs and data, and a RAM 113 for temporarily expanding data. The CPU 111 reads out a system program recorded in the ROM 112 via a bus and calculates a threshold value according to the system program.

[0031] The nonvolatile memory 114 is backed up by, for example, a battery (not shown), and the stored state is maintained even when the power supply of the coordinate value calculation apparatus 100 is turned off. The nonvolatile memory 114 stores various data such as programs read from the external device 120 via the interfaces 115, 118, and 119 and operation inputs input via the input device 20. The nonvolatile memory 114 may store programs and data for executing the coordinate value calculation apparatus 100 of this embodiment.

[0032] The interface 115 is an interface for connecting the coordinate value calculation apparatus 100 to an external device 120 such as an adapter. Programs, various parameters, etc. are loaded from the external device 120. The interface 118 is an interface for connecting the coordinate value calculation apparatus 100 to a display device 30 such as a liquid crystal display. The display device 30 displays various data loaded into memory, data obtained as a result of executing programs, etc. The interface 119 is an interface for connecting the coordinate value calculation apparatus 100 to an input device 20 such as a keyboard or pointing device. The input device 20 passes commands, data, etc. based on operations by an operator to the CPU 111 via the interface 119.

[0033] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the gist of the present disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, these embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these.

[0034] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-described embodiment and modified examples. (Supplementary Note 1) A coordinate value calculation device (100) includes a coordinate value calculation unit (1) that analyzes a machining program and calculates point sequence data of a tool trajectory for a simulation, an accuracy determination unit (2) that determines the required accuracy of the point sequence data required for the simulation, an extraction method selection unit (3) that references candidate information linking the calculated extraction methods of the point sequence data with the reproducibility of the point sequence data to be output and selects an extraction method for extracting point sequence data with a reproducibility that satisfies the required accuracy, a coordinate value extraction unit (4) that extracts the point sequence data to be output using the selected extraction method, and a coordinate value output unit (5) that outputs the extracted point sequence data. (Supplementary Note 2) The candidate information includes information regarding the order of the number of extraction points of the point sequence data extraction methods, and the extraction method selection unit (3) selects an extraction method with the fewest number of extraction points from among the extraction methods for extracting point sequence data with a reproducibility that satisfies the required accuracy. (Supplementary Note 3) The extraction method includes an extraction method that extracts a predetermined proportion of coordinate values ​​in addition to the start point and end point of a block. (Supplementary Note 4) The accuracy determination unit (2) determines a machining pattern based on commands in a machining program, and determines the required accuracy based on the machining pattern. (Supplementary Note 5) The accuracy determination unit (2) determines the required accuracy based on a simulation accuracy setting. (Supplementary Note 6) The accuracy determination unit (2) determines a machining method based on commands in a machining program, and determines the required accuracy based on the machining method. (Supplementary Note 7) The reproducibility is the proportion of the number of extracted point sequence data. (Supplementary Note 8) The computer-readable storage medium (112, 113, 114) stores instructions for causing one or more processors (111) to analyze a machining program, calculate point sequence data of a tool trajectory for simulation, determine the required accuracy of the point sequence data required in the simulation, refer to candidate information linking the calculation method of the point sequence data with the reproducibility of the simulation, select an extraction method for extracting point sequence data with a reproducibility that satisfies the required accuracy, extract the point sequence data using the selected extraction method, output the extracted point sequence data, and execute processing.

[0035] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Coordinate value calculation device 1 Coordinate value calculation unit 2 Accuracy determination unit 3 Extraction method selection unit 4 Coordinate value extraction unit 5 Coordinate value output unit 111 CPU 112 ROM 113 RAM 114 Non-volatile memory

Claims

1. A coordinate value calculation device comprising: a coordinate value calculation unit that analyzes a machining program and calculates point sequence data of a tool trajectory for a simulation; an accuracy determination unit that determines the required accuracy of the point sequence data required in the simulation; an extraction method selection unit that references candidate information linking the extraction method of the calculated point sequence data with the reproducibility of the point sequence data to be output, and selects an extraction method for extracting point sequence data with a reproducibility that satisfies the required accuracy; a coordinate value extraction unit that extracts point sequence data to be output using the selected extraction method; and a coordinate value output unit that outputs the extracted point sequence data.

2. The coordinate value calculation device according to claim 1, wherein the candidate information includes information regarding the order of the number of extraction points of the point sequence data extraction method, and the extraction method selection unit selects an extraction method with the fewest number of extraction points from among extraction methods that extract point sequence data with a reproducibility that satisfies the required accuracy.

3. The coordinate value calculation device according to claim 1, wherein said extraction method includes an extraction method for extracting a predetermined proportion of coordinate values ​​in addition to the start point and end point of a block.

4. The coordinate value calculation device according to claim 1, wherein said accuracy determination unit determines a machining pattern based on commands in a machining program, and determines the required accuracy based on the machining pattern.

5. The coordinate value calculation device according to claim 1, wherein the accuracy determination unit determines the required accuracy based on a setting of the accuracy of the simulation.

6. The coordinate value calculation device according to claim 1, wherein said accuracy determination unit determines the machining method based on commands in a machining program, and determines the required accuracy based on the machining method.

7. The coordinate value calculation device according to claim 1, wherein the reproducibility is a ratio of the number of extracted point sequence data.

8. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for causing one or more processors to analyze a machining program, calculate point sequence data of a tool trajectory for simulation, determine the required accuracy of the point sequence data required in said simulation, refer to candidate information linking point sequence data calculation methods with simulation reproducibility, select an extraction method for extracting point sequence data with a reproducibility that satisfies the required accuracy, extract point sequence data using the selected extraction method, and output the extracted point sequence data.

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