XML Machining Data Structure for Automatic NC Process Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for manufacturing parts from plate workpieces require operators to manually assign machining processes to machining lines, leading to a significant data processing burden, as the type of machining process information is not adequately exchanged between design and machining systems.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that processes design information using a data structure in XML format, which includes shape and machining information for various machining processes such as laser cutting, punch cutting, and non-cutting processes, allowing the automatic extraction and processing of machining information to generate numerical control data, thereby reducing operator burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If design information is exchanged between design device and machining device, then manufacturing process can be automated, but machining process type information is lost in data exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the machining line information into distinct components: shape information (geometry) and machining information (process type). By separating these elements in the data structure, the system can selectively process and preserve machining process type information during data exchange between design and machining devices, preventing information loss while enabling automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the data structure by introducing machining information as a separate attribute dimension alongside shape information. This dimensional expansion allows the system to carry both geometric data and process type data simultaneously through the interface, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining automation capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If operator manually assigns machining process type to each machining line, then accurate NC data can be generated, but data processing burden on operator increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the design device to automatically generate and include machining information in the design information output. Instead of requiring operator intervention, the system self-services by embedding process type data directly in the exchanged information, thereby maintaining NC data accuracy while eliminating the operator burden of manual assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the assignment of machining process types in advance during the design phase, when the design device generates the design information. By completing this task preliminarily before data exchange, the system ensures accurate NC data generation is achieved without requiring subsequent operator intervention, thus reducing workload.
3Device complexity
If design information includes only shape information without machining process information, then data exchange between systems is simplified, but NC data generation requires additional manual processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges shape information and machining information into a unified data structure that is exchanged between systems. By combining these information types in a single integrated format, the system maintains simplicity of data exchange while eliminating the need for separate manual processing steps, thus resolving the time loss issue without increasing interface complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus is capable of reducing a burden on an operator to process data exchanged between systems. An information processing apparatus processes data including a data structure defining a plurality of machining processes selected from a laser cutting process, a punch cutting process, and a non-cutting process and implemented on a plate workpiece. The data structure includes shape information defining positions of machining lines that serve as targets of the machining processes, and machining information defining a type of each machining process corresponding to each machining line among the machining processes.