Measurement device and measurement method
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/JP2025/005480
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-27
Smart Images
Figure JP2025005480_27082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Measuring Device and Measuring Method
[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device and a measuring method.
[0002] In the field of machine tools, in order to evaluate the operating state of a machine, etc., operating data is acquired and the data is analyzed in real time. Further, the data acquired from the machine tool is also used for preventive maintenance such as failure diagnosis. On the other hand, appropriate access management according to the user is required for the data of the machine tool.
[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a numerical control device that classifies (ranks) various data related to the numerical control device into data groups of ranks 1 to 5 in advance according to the content of the data, and determines whether each data group is publicly available or not according to the password input by the user.
[0004] International Publication No. 2023 / 062753
[0005] The data that can be acquired from the machine tool is widely used for applications such as machine adjustment, preventive maintenance, and IoT, etc., and the data is segmented by purpose and the types thereof are increasing. On the other hand, the types of data that the operator checks are actually limited according to the duties and tasks of the operator, etc., and are often known in advance. For example, the maintenance operator needs a wide range of data for analysis, etc., while the manufacturing operator only needs to be able to check the processing status of the machining program. Therefore, when data that the operator does not need is presented as a candidate for measurement targets, there are many unnecessary options, which places a burden on the operator.
[0006] The technology described in Patent Document 1 does not take into account the user's job duties or responsibilities, and presents all data in data groups that have been determined to be publicly accessible based on the password. Therefore, as the amount of data in a data group increases, the number of unnecessary options presented increases. Furthermore, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, the user must obtain a password for each pre-classified data group and enter it when using the data. As the number of data groups (ranks) of data to be retrieved increases, the burden of password management for the user becomes complicated, and convenience decreases. In addition, if there are any changes or additions to data groups or passwords, these must be reflected in the numerical control device, which creates a management burden.
[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the burden on users by limiting the target data that can be obtained from machine tools according to the user's permissions, thereby reducing the number of unnecessary options presented to the user.
[0008] One embodiment of the measuring device disclosed herein includes a user information input unit for inputting user information, a storage unit for storing measurable targets for each user's authority, an authority determination unit for determining the user's authority, a measurement target deletion unit for narrowing down measurement candidates based on the measurable targets, a measurement target selection unit for selecting a measurement target from the measurement candidates, an output unit for outputting information to the outside, and a communication unit for communicating with a numerical control device and measuring data, and acquires data of a machine tool from the numerical control device.
[0009] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a measurement system according to one embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of a measurable target database in a measurement device according to one embodiment. This is a diagram showing another example of a measurable target database in a measurement device according to one embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of a measurement target selection screen in a measurement device according to one embodiment. This is a diagram showing another example of a measurement target selection screen in a measurement device according to one embodiment. This is a flowchart explaining an example of the measurement process in a measurement device according to one embodiment. This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a measurement system according to a modification of one embodiment.
[0010] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. <One Embodiment> Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a measurement system according to one embodiment. The measurement system 1 of this embodiment comprises a measuring device 10, a numerical control device 20, and a machine tool 30. The measuring device 10 is connected to the numerical control device 20 of the machine tool 30 so as to be able to communicate with each other.
[0011] The measuring device 10 is composed of an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a mobile device such as a tablet. The measuring device 10 communicates with the numerical control device 20 to measure various data of the machine tool 30 and acquires data of the machine tool 30 from the numerical control device 20. The measuring device 10 and the numerical control device 20 may be directly connected to each other via a connection interface (not shown). Alternatively, the measuring device 10 and the numerical control device 20 may be connected to each other by wired or wireless connection via a network (not shown) such as a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, or Bluetooth (registered trademark (Bluetooth)). As will be described later, the measuring device 10 and the numerical control device 20 each have a communication unit for communicating with each other via such connection.
[0012] The numerical control device 20 is a numerical control device (CNC) or the like, known to those skilled in the art. The numerical control device 20 is electrically connected to the machine tool 30 and controls the operation of the machine tool 30 based on a machining program that gives operation commands to the machine tool, for example. The numerical control device 20 also has a measurement function (not shown) in the measurement system 1. The measurement function of the numerical control device 20 performs tasks such as setting the measurement content (type of measurement data and measurement method, etc.) for the machine tool 30 and collecting measurement data. The measurement function of the numerical control device 20 may be performed based on input information from an input device (not shown) provided in the numerical control device 20, or on measurement setting information received from the measurement device 10, which will be described later.
[0013] The numerical control device 20 includes a control unit (CPU) consisting of a microcomputer (not shown) and a storage unit including ROM and RAM. The storage unit stores machining programs that give operation commands to the machine tool 30, as well as tool position data for the machine tool 30. Generally, a machining program contains multiple blocks corresponding to units of machining, and each block is preceded by a sequence number to identify the block in the order of execution. Therefore, the blocks of the machining program executed in the machine tool 30 can be identified using the sequence number. Although the numerical control device 20 is shown as a device independent of the machine tool 30, it may be included in the machine tool 30.
[0014] The machine tool 30 processes a workpiece (not shown) in accordance with control signals transmitted from the numerical control device 20. Here, the machine tool 30 is, for example, a milling machine, a turning machine, a machining center, a turning center, a grinding machine, a laser processing machine, and an injection molding machine, but is not limited to these. The machine tool 30 may also be equipped with various sensors and measuring instruments, such as a rotary encoder and a digital scale (not shown). The measurement function of the numerical control device 20 described above can collect various data, signals, and other information from the machine body and its various sensors and measuring instruments.
[0015] <Details of the measuring device> Next, the details of the measuring device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the measuring device 10 is composed of an input unit 11, a storage unit 12, an output unit 13, a control unit 14, and a communication unit 15. The input unit 11, the storage unit 12, the output unit 13, the control unit 14, and the communication unit 15 are interconnected via a communication path such as a bus.
[0016] <Input Unit 11> The input unit 11 has the function of receiving input from an external source, and for example, it receives information from input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, microphone, and camera that are provided as hardware in the measuring device 10. The input unit 11 outputs a signal corresponding to the input to the control unit 14.
[0017] <User Information Input Unit 111> The input unit 11 has the function of a user information input unit 111 into which user information (user, e.g., worker) is entered. The user information to be entered may be, for example, the user's name, employee number, assigned duties, etc., but is not limited to these. The user information to be entered into the user information input unit 111 may be, for example, selected by the user from a pull-down menu displayed on the screen when the measuring device 10 is started, or it may be entered by the user using a keyboard or touch panel, etc., but is not limited to these. For example, a card reader may be provided separately, and the user information may be read by holding an employee ID card with IC card functionality over the card reader. The user information entered in the user information input unit 111 is sent to the authorization determination unit 141, which will be described later, and used in the processing of the authorization determination unit 141.
[0018] <Storage Unit 12> The storage unit 12 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and has the function of storing various data, applications, programs, etc. The storage unit 12 stores information that sets the target data that can be obtained from the numerical control device 20 according to the user's authority.
[0019] <Measurable Target Database 121> Setting information for target data that can be acquired according to user privileges may be managed using, for example, a table or database. In this embodiment, as an example, management is performed using a database (measurable target database 121). The measurable target database 121 is used in the processing of the privilege determination unit 141, which will be described later.
[0020] Figure 2A shows an example of a measurable target database 121. As shown in Figure 2A, the measurable target database 121 may have a table structure that includes, for example, a "Employee Number" column, a "Name" column, a "Measurable Target" column, etc.
[0021] Next, we will explain each record shown in Figure 2A. The record with "Employee Number" as '00001' indicates that the employee's "Name" is 'Taro Measurement', and that the employee is authorized to acquire 'Operation Data 1', 'Operation Data 2', 'Command Data 1', 'Command Data 2', and 'Sequence Number' as set in the "Measurable Target" field. Here, 'Operation Data 1', 'Operation Data 2', 'Command Data 1', 'Command Data 2', etc. in the "Measurable Target" field are represented for convenience only, and in reality, they represent the types of data that can be acquired from the numerical control device 20.
[0022] The operation data, such as 'operation data 1', 'operation data 2', etc., are measurement data relating to the operation of various drive mechanisms, such as drive shafts, in the machine tool 30, and include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: position, speed, current, torque feedback data.
[0023] The command data, represented as 'command data 1', 'command data 2', etc., is, for example, data relating to operation commands for controlling the machine tool 30, and includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: position, speed, current, torque, etc.
[0024] The sequence number is the sequence number of the block in the machining program that is running during measurement.
[0025] In this way, users registered in the measurable target database 121 are authorized to retrieve data for the information set in the "Measurable Target" column. The "Employee Number" record '00002' indicates that the employee's "Name" is 'Keisoku Hanako' and that retrieval of 'Operation Data 3', 'Command Data 3', and 'Sequence Number' set in the "Measurable Target" column is permitted. The "Employee Number" record '00003' indicates that the employee's "Name" is 'Monosaku Taro' and that retrieval of 'Operation Data 1' and 'Sequence Number' set in the "Measurable Target" column is permitted.
[0026] Furthermore, the measurable target database 121 may, for example, set target data that can be obtained from the machine tool 30 for users who do not have an individual employee number registered, taking into consideration business and / or security considerations. For example, a record with '-' set in the "Employee Number" column may be created, and users who do not have an individual employee number registered may be allowed to obtain the information set in the "Measurable Target" column of that record. In the example in Figure 2A, a record with "Employee Number" '-' is created, and the acquisition of 'Operation Data 1', 'Operation Data 2', 'Operation Data 3', 'Command Data 1', 'Command Data 2', 'Command Data 3', and 'Sequence Number' in the "Measurable Target" column is permitted.
[0027] Figure 2B shows another example of the measurable target database 121. As shown in Figure 2B, the measurable target database 121 may have a table structure with columns such as "assigned tasks" and "measurable targets". The "assigned tasks" column stores tasks such as 'maintenance' and 'manufacturing', but the types of tasks are not limited to these. The "measurable targets" column stores information such as the types of data that can be obtained from the numerical control device 20, similar to the example in Figure 2A.
[0028] Next, we will explain each record shown in Figure 2B. A record where "Assigned Duty" is 'Maintenance' indicates that the 'Maintenance' worker is authorized to retrieve 'Operation Data 1', 'Operation Data 2', 'Operation Data 3', 'Command Data 1', 'Command Data 2', 'Command Data 3', and 'Sequence Number', which are set in the "Measurable Object" field. A record where "Assigned Duty" is 'Manufacturing' indicates that the 'Manufacturing' worker is authorized to retrieve 'Operation Data 1' and 'Sequence Number', which are set in the "Measurable Object" field.
[0029] In this way, the measurable target database 121 manages information on target data that can be obtained according to the user's privileges.
[0030] <Output Unit 13> The output unit 13 has the function of outputting various information under the control of the control unit 14, and may include, for example, a display device such as a display provided as hardware in the measuring device 10, an audio output device such as a speaker, etc. The output unit 13 may also be integrated with the input unit 11 to form a touch panel. Furthermore, the output unit 13 can, for example, output data acquired by the measuring device 10 from the numerical control device 20 to a display device for display, allowing the user to visually confirm the data acquired from the numerical control device 20.
[0031] <Control Unit 14> The control unit 14 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, CMOS (Complete Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) memory, etc., which are configured to communicate with each other via a bus, and are known to those skilled in the art. The CPU is a processor that controls the measuring device 10 as a whole. The CPU reads system programs and application programs via the bus and controls the entire measuring device 10 according to the system programs and application programs. As a result, as shown in Figure 1, the control unit 14 is configured to realize the functions of the authorization determination unit 141, the measurement target deletion unit 142, and the measurement target selection unit 143. Various data such as temporary calculation data and display data are stored in the RAM. The CMOS memory is backed up by a battery (not shown) and is configured as a non-volatile memory that retains its memory state even when the power to the measuring device 10 is turned off.
[0032] Next, the functions of the control unit 14 will be described in more detail. <Authority Determination Unit 141> The authorization determination unit 141 determines whether a user has the authority to measure data in the measurement system 1 based on the user information entered in the user information input unit 111 and the information in the measurable target database 121 of the storage unit 12. The authorization determination unit 141 uses the user information entered in the user information input unit 111 as a key to read the corresponding record from the measurable target database 121 and determines whether there is a data setting in the measurable target field of that record. For example, if the name of the user entered in the user information input unit 111 is 'Taro Measurement', the authorization determination unit 141 refers to the measurable target database 121 shown in the example in Figure 2A and reads the record with the corresponding employee number '00001'. The authorization determination unit 141 confirms that 'Operation Data 1', 'Operation Data 2', 'Command Data 1', 'Command Data 2', and 'Sequence Number' are set in the measurable target field of the read record and determines that the user has the authority to measure data. On the other hand, the authorization determination unit 141 determines that a user does not have permission to measure data if the user's name is not registered in the measurable target database 121, or if the measurable target field is empty (null) even if the user's name is registered. In the example shown in Figure 2A, if a record with employee number "-" is set in the measurable target database 121, even if a user does not have an individual employee number registered, the system will refer to the employee number "-" and determine that the user has permission to measure data. Furthermore, the user information used by the authorization determination unit 141 is not limited to names; employee numbers or sets of employee numbers and names may also be used. In any case, the system will use the measurable target database 121 based on the entered user information to determine whether or not the user has permission to measure data.
[0033] Furthermore, the configuration of the measurable target database 121 used by the authorization determination unit 141 is not limited to the example in Figure 2A; for example, the measurable target database 121 shown in Figure 2B may be used. In this case, the user's assigned tasks information required when searching the measurable target database 121 may be extracted from the user information entered in the user information input unit 111, or the user's assigned tasks may be extracted from a separately stored table or the like based on the user's name or employee number entered in the user information input unit 111. Also, each user is not limited to having only one assigned task; multiple assigned tasks may be assigned simultaneously. In either case, the measurable target database 121 is searched using the acquired user's assigned task information as a key, and if data is set in the measurable target column of the corresponding record, it is determined that the user has the authority to measure data. For example, if the user's assigned task entered in the user information input unit 111 is 'manufacturing', it is confirmed that 'operation data 1' and 'sequence number' are set in the measurable target items, and it is determined that the user has the authority to measure data. On the other hand, the authorization determination unit 141 determines that a user does not have the authority to measure data if the user's assigned tasks are not registered in the measurable target database 121, or if the assigned tasks are registered but the measurable target column is empty (null).
[0034] Furthermore, the measurable target databases 121 in the examples of Figure 2A and Figure 2B are not limited to being used individually. The measurable target databases 121 in Figure 2A and Figure 2B may be used in combination. For example, if the assigned task of 'Keisoku Hanako' is 'manufacturing', then both the 'operation data 3', 'command data 3', and 'sequence number' set for the "employee number" '00002' in the example of Figure 2A, and the 'operation data 1' and 'sequence number' set for the "assigned task" 'manufacturing' in the example of Figure 2B may be used as data that 'Keisoku Hanako' can acquire.
[0035] If the authorization determination unit 141 determines that the user has the authority to measure data, it retrieves information about the measurable target from the corresponding record in the measurable target database 121 and sends the retrieved information to the measurable target deletion unit 142.
[0036] <Measurement Target Deletion Unit 142> The measurement target deletion unit 142 narrows down the measurement candidates based on the information of measurable targets sent from the authorization determination unit 141. Specifically, the measurement target deletion unit 142 sets the measurement candidates to the information of measurable targets sent from the authorization determination unit 141. For example, if the authorization determination unit 141 sends the information of measurable targets for 'Taro Monosaku', namely 'operation data 1' and 'sequence number', the measurement target deletion unit 142 narrows down the measurement candidates to be presented to the user to 'operation data 1' and 'sequence number' and sets them. Alternatively, the measurement target deletion unit 142 may maintain or acquire a list of data obtainable from the numerical control device 20, and set the results of narrowing down the list by comparing it with the information of measurable targets sent from the authorization determination unit 141 to the measurement candidate information. The measurement target deletion unit 142 sends the information of the measurement candidates set in the measurement target deletion unit 142 to the measurement target selection unit 143.
[0037] <Measurement Target Selection Unit 143> The measurement target selection unit 143 selects a measurement target based on the information of measurement candidates sent from the measurement target deletion unit 142. The measurement target selection unit 143 may, for example, generate and display a measurement target selection screen to allow the user to select a measurement target, and allow the user to select a measurement target.
[0038] Figures 3A and 3B show examples of measurement target selection screens in a measuring device according to one embodiment. The screen examples shown in Figures 3A and 3B may be displayed in response to user operation, or they may be displayed in response to receiving measurement candidate information from the measurement target deletion unit 142.
[0039] The screen examples shown in Figures 3A and 3B both show the user switching tabs and selecting the measurement target on each tab's screen. Furthermore, selecting an "axis" name on each tab's screen displays a list of selectable measurement candidates for the selected axis. In the example screen shown in Figure 3A, with the user having selected "X" as the "axis," the "Type" field displays selectable measurement candidates such as 'Operation Data 1,' 'Operation Data 2,' 'Operation Data 3,' 'Operation Data 4,' 'Command Data 1,' 'Command Data 2,' 'Command Data 3,' and 'Sequence Number.' These selectable data are displayed based on the measurement candidate information sent from the measurement target deletion unit 142. The screen example shown in Figure 3B shows a different user, distinct from the example in Figure 3A, with "X" selected as the "axis." In this case, the "Type" field displays 'Operation Data 1' and 'Sequence Number' depending on the user's authority. Thus, the measurement target selection screen displays different options to the user depending on their authority.
[0040] Furthermore, in the example screens shown in Figures 3A and 3B, when a user makes a selection from the information displayed in the "Type" column, a mark (not shown) indicating that the selected information has been selected may be displayed. For example, if 'Operation Data 1' is selected, a check mark (e.g., a checkmark) may be displayed next to 'Operation Data 1'. It may also be possible to deselect the displayed mark. Note that in the examples in Figures 3A and 3B, data that the user does not need to acquire is hidden, but this is not limited to this. It may also be displayed in a grayed-out state, making it unselectable.
[0041] In the example screens shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the user can switch tabs to flexibly set the data to be acquired from the machine tool 30. For example, if the machine tool 30 is a 3-axis machining center, the user may set different axes in each of the "CH1" to "CH3" tabs to perform measurements, but is not limited to this. For example, the user may select 'X' for the "axis" in the "CH1" and "CH2" tabs and 'Y' for the "axis" in the "CH3" tab, or the same 'X' may be selected for the "axis" in all of the "CH1" to "CH3" tabs. Furthermore, the number of tabs available on the measurement target selection screen is not limited to three. For example, the machine tool 30 controlled by the numerical control device 20 may be a multi-axis machine tool such as a 5-axis machining center, and the number of tabs may be five or more. Also, the measurement target selection screen may not use tabs.
[0042] Next, Figure 3C shows another example of a measurement target selection screen in a measuring device according to one embodiment. In the example screen of Figure 3C, it is possible to select measurement targets for multiple axes on a single screen without using tabs. In the example screens of Figures 3A and 3B, it is necessary to switch tabs to select a measurement target each time an axis is selected. On the other hand, in the example screen of Figure 3C, it is possible to select measurement targets for multiple axes on a single screen. Specifically, for example, in the example screen of Figure 3C, when "axis" is selected as 'X', 'operation data 1' and 'sequence number' are displayed as selectable items in the "type" item, linked to axis 'X'. When 'operation data 1' is selected, a check mark (✓) appears to the left of it, indicating that the data has been selected. Next, in the example screen of Figure 3C, for example, if "axis" is switched to 'Y' (not shown), selectable data for axis 'Y' is displayed, and the user can select it. Also, in the example screen of Figure 3C, items that the user does not need to measure are hidden, but this is not limited to that. They may be displayed in a grayed-out state and cannot be selected.
[0043] FIG. 3D is a diagram showing another example of a measurement target selection screen in the measurement device according to an embodiment. In the screen example of FIG. 3D, unselected measurable targets and selected measurement targets are displayed in a list. Note that the screen example of FIG. 3D is in a state where an axis of a measurement target (for example, axis 'X') has already been selected on another screen not shown, and it is a screen for setting measurement targets with respect to the selected axis.
[0044] In the screen example of FIG. 3D, unselected data is displayed in the "Measurement Items" box on the left side, and selected data is displayed in the "Measurement Target" box on the right side. For example, when data to be added to the measurement target is selected from the data displayed in the "Measurement Items" box on the left side and the "Add >>" button is pressed, the selected data can be moved to the "Measurement Target" box on the right side and added. Conversely, when data to be deleted is selected from the data in the "Measurement Target" box on the right side and the "<< Delete" button is pressed, the selected data can be returned to the "Measurement Items" box on the left side.
[0045] On the screens of the examples of FIGS. 3A to 3D, an "OK" button for determining the content selected on each screen and a "Cancel" button for canceling the selected content are displayed. When the user finishes selecting the measurement target and presses the "OK" button, the measurement target selection unit 143 determines the content set on the measurement target selection screen as measurement setting information to be transmitted to the numerical control device 20. Then, the measurement target selection unit 143 transmits the determined measurement setting information to the numerical control device 20 via the communication unit 15. At that time, the measurement target selection unit 143 may be configured to store the measurement setting information in the storage unit 12 of the measurement device 10. On the other hand, when the "Cancel" button is pressed, the measurement target selection unit 143 deletes or saves the content set on the measurement target selection screen and ends the display of the measurement target selection screen. The user may, based on a user operation, display the measurement target selection screen again and re-set the measurement setting information from the beginning or change the saved content.
[0046] <Communication Unit 15> The communication unit 15 transmits and receives data between the measuring device 10 and the numerical control device 20. The data transmitted to the numerical control device 20 via the communication unit 15 includes the measurement setting information set by the above-described measurement target selection unit 143, and the data received from the numerical control device 20 includes data obtained from the machine tool 30 and the like.
[0047] <Measurement Process in the Measuring Device> Next, an example of the operation related to the measurement process in the measuring device 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the measurement process in the measuring device according to an embodiment. The flow shown here is executed each time a measurement start instruction is received from a user (user, for example, an operator).
[0048] In step S11, the user inputs the user's information to the user information input unit 111.
[0049] In step S12, the authority determination unit 141 determines whether the user has the authority to measure data in the measurement system 1 based on the user information received in step S11 and the information in the measurable target database 121 of the storage unit 12. If it is determined that the user has the authority to measure data (YES in step 12), the authority determination unit 141 reads out the record of the corresponding user from the measurable target database 121, acquires the information of the measurable target, and sends the acquired information of the measurable target to the measurement target deletion unit 142, and proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, in step S, 12, if it is determined that the user does not have the authority to measure data (NO in step 12), the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, for example, since the user does not have the authority to measure data, a message such as "Data measurement is not possible" is displayed on the display device of the output unit 13, and the measurement process is terminated.
[0050] In step S13, the measurement target deletion unit 142 narrows down the measurement candidates based on the information of the measurable target sent from the authority determination unit 141, and sets the information of the measurement candidates to be presented to the user. The measurement target deletion unit 142 sends the set information of the measurement candidates to the measurement target selection unit 143, and proceeds to step S14.
[0051] In step S14, the measurement target selection unit 143 selects a measurement target using the measurement candidate information sent from the measurement target deletion unit 142. The measurement target selection unit 143 generates and displays a measurement target selection screen from the measurement candidate information sent from the measurement target deletion unit 142, allowing the user to select a measurement target. After the user has finished selecting a measurement target on the measurement target selection screen, they press the "OK" button to confirm the measurement setting information. Once the measurement setting information is confirmed in the measurement target selection unit 143, the process proceeds to step S15.
[0052] In step S15, the measurement target selection unit 143 transmits the measurement setting information confirmed in step S14 to the numerical control device 20 via the communication unit 15. Based on the measurement setting information received from the measurement target selection unit 143, the numerical control device 20 executes its measurement function (not shown) and performs data measurement, etc. The measurement function of the numerical control device 20 may be configured to start measurement when the "OK" button on the measurement target selection screen is pressed in step S14. Alternatively, the measurement function of the numerical control device 20 may be configured so that the user can specify a sequence number to indicate the start of data measurement on the measurement target selection screen of the measurement device 10. In this case, the measurement function of the numerical control device 20 may be configured to start data measurement when the processing of the block of the machining program corresponding to the specified sequence number is started.
[0053] In step S16, the control unit 14 acquires data of the machine tool 30, including data collected by the measurement function of the numerical control device 20, from the numerical control device 20 via the communication unit 15.
[0054] In step S17, the control unit 14 displays the data acquired in step S16 on the display device of the output unit 13 and terminates the measurement process.
[0055] As described above, the measuring device 10 according to one embodiment can reduce the burden on the user by limiting the target data that can be acquired from the machine tool 30 according to the user's authority, thereby reducing the number of unnecessary choices presented to the user. Furthermore, the measuring device 10 can improve user convenience by eliminating the need for the user to manage and enter passwords for each pre-classified data group. In addition, the measuring device 10 can appropriately manage the range of data that each user can measure by setting data measurement authority according to the user's assigned tasks, etc. Moreover, by managing user authority on the measuring device 10 side rather than on the numerical control device 20 side, it is possible to eliminate the need for the numerical control device 20 side to take action when there is a change in user authority, etc.
[0056] <Modification> Next, a modification of one embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a measurement system according to a modification of one embodiment. The measurement system according to the modification shown in Figure 5 is the same as the measurement system 1 according to the embodiment described above, except for the description below.
[0057] In the modified example shown in Figure 5, the measuring device 10 can communicate with multiple numerical control devices 20-1 to 20-4 via a network 40 such as a LAN, the Internet, or a communication line, either by wire or wirelessly. In the modified example shown in Figure 5, the measurable target database 121 stored in the storage unit 12 may have numerical control devices that can be accessed set according to the user's privileges. The measurement target selection unit 143 may also allow the user to set the measurement target for each numerical control device by switching tabs on the measurement target selection screen. Furthermore, the measurement setting information confirmed in the measurement target selection unit 143 may be simultaneously transmitted to any numerical control devices 20-1 to 20-4 connected to the network 40, and the measurement functions (not shown) of each numerical control device may be executed simultaneously to perform data measurement, etc., and the machine tool data, including the collected data, may be acquired from the numerical control devices. Alternatively, the measurement setting information determined in the measurement target selection unit 143 may be transmitted to any one of the numerical control devices 20-1 to 20-4 connected to the network 40, causing the numerical control device to execute its measurement function and perform data measurement, and the machine tool data, including the collected data, may be obtained from the numerical control device. Alternatively, the measurement setting information determined in the measurement target selection unit 143 may be transmitted sequentially to any of the numerical control devices 20-1 to 20-4 connected to the network 40, causing each numerical control device to execute its measurement function sequentially and perform data measurement, and the machine tool data, including the collected data, may be obtained from the numerical control device. In Figure 5, an example is shown where four numerical control devices are connected to the network 40, but the number of connected numerical control devices is not limited to this. In addition, devices and equipment other than numerical control devices, such as a management PC, may be connected to the network 40.
[0058] Thus, in this modified embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, the user's burden can be reduced when it is necessary to acquire data from multiple machine tools according to the user's authority. Furthermore, by connecting a numerical control device to the network 40, the target of data measurement in the measurement system 1 can be easily added or changed.
[0059] Although one embodiment and a modified version thereof have been described above, the measuring device 10 is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modified version, and may include modifications, improvements, etc., to the extent that the objective can be achieved.
[0060] Furthermore, each function included in the measuring device 10 in the above-described embodiment and modified embodiment can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, realization by software means that it is realized by a computer reading and executing a program.
[0061] Programs can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitor computer-readable media. Non-transitor computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitor computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, RAMs). Furthermore, programs may be supplied to the computer by various types of temporary computer-readable media. Examples of temporary computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Temporary computer-readable media can be supplied to the computer via wired communication channels such as electric wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication channels.
[0062] Furthermore, the step of writing the program to be recorded on the recording medium includes not only processes that are performed chronologically in that order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically, but are executed in parallel or individually.
[0063] In other words, the measuring device of this disclosure can take various forms having the following configurations.
[0064] (1) The measuring device 10 of the present disclosure includes a user information input unit 111 for inputting user information, a storage unit 12 for storing measurable targets for each user's authority, an authority determination unit 141 for determining the user's authority, a measurement target deletion unit 142 for narrowing down measurement candidates based on the measurable targets, a measurement target selection unit 143 for selecting a measurement target from the measurement candidates, an output unit 13 for outputting information to the outside, and a communication unit 15 for communicating with a numerical control device (20, or 20-1 to 20-4) and measuring data, and can acquire data of a machine tool from the numerical control device.
[0065] (2) In the measuring device 10 described in (1), measurement setting information can be transmitted to the numerical control device, and the numerical control device can perform data measurement of the machine tool based on the measurement setting information.
[0066] (3) In the measuring device 10 described in (1), the measurable object may include at least one of operation data, command data, and sequence number.
[0067] (4) In the measuring device 10 described in (1), the user information may include at least one of the user's name, employee number, and assigned duties.
[0068] (5) In the measuring device 10 described in any of (1) to (4), the measurement target selection unit 143 can generate a measurement target selection screen based on the narrowed-down measurement candidates and display it on the display screen of the output unit 13.
[0069] (6) In the measuring device 10 described in any of (1) to (5), the measurement target selection screen may hide or gray out items that the user does not need to measure, making them unselectable.
[0070] (7) In the measuring device 10 described in any of (1) to (6), the communication unit 15 can communicate with a plurality of numerical control devices and measure data.
[0071] (8) The measurement method performed by the measuring device 10 of the present disclosure may include the steps of: inputting user information (step S11); storing measurable targets for each user's authority; determining the user's authority (step S12); narrowing down measurement candidates based on the measurable targets (step S13); selecting a measurement target from the measurement candidates (step S14); outputting information to the outside (step S17); communicating with a numerical control device and measuring data (step S15); and acquiring machine tool data from the numerical control device (step S16).
[0072] 1 Measurement System 10 Measurement Device 11 Input Unit 111 User Information Input Unit 12 Storage Unit 121 Database of Measurable Targets 13 Output Unit 14 Control Unit 141 Authority Determination Unit 142 Measurement Target Deletion Unit 143 Measurement Target Selection Unit 15 Communication Unit 20, 20-1 to 20-4 Numerical Control Devices 30, 30-1 to 30-4 Machine Tools 40 Network
Claims
1. A measuring device comprising: a user information input unit for inputting user information; a storage unit for storing measurable targets for each user's authority; an authority determination unit for determining the user's authority; a measurement target deletion unit for narrowing down measurement candidates based on the measurable targets; a measurement target selection unit for selecting a measurement target from the measurement candidates; an output unit for outputting information to the outside; and a communication unit for communicating with a numerical control device and measuring data, wherein the measuring device acquires data from a machine tool from the numerical control device.
2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein measurement setting information is transmitted to the numerical control device, and the numerical control device performs data measurement of the machine tool based on the measurement setting information.
3. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the measurable object includes at least one of operation data, command data, and sequence number.
4. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the user information includes at least one of the user's name, employee number, and assigned duties.
5. The measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the measurement target selection unit generates a measurement target selection screen based on the narrowed-down measurement candidates and displays it on the display screen of the output unit.
6. The measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the measurement target selection screen hides or grays out items that the user does not need to measure, making them unselectable.
7. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the communication unit communicates with a plurality of numerical control devices and measures data.
8. A measurement method performed by a measuring device, comprising: inputting user information; storing measurable objects for each user's authority; determining the user's authority; narrowing down measurement candidates based on the measurable objects; selecting a measurement object from the measurement candidates; outputting information to an external source; communicating with a numerical control device and measuring data; and acquiring machine tool data from the numerical control device.