JP2000132222A - Finishing machine remotely monitoring device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a finishing machine remotely monitoring device which makes a finishing machine to which various controllers including various old and new types are attached and its peripheral auxiliary machinery or the like object devices, effectively utilizes computer resources and development resources and can perform true help to a remotely monitoring operator. SOLUTION: This remotely monitoring device is provided with a finishing machine 1 being a remotely monitored object, its controlling part 2 and a client part 3 containing a character image displaying part 4, a three-dimensional shape representation interpretation displaying part 5 and a script language interpreting part 6, is provided with a server part 7 which extracts numeric data representing the operation state of the machine 1 from the part 2 and feeds it to the client part 3 and is provided with a file group service part 12 which transfers an index file 11, a three-dimensional shape file 8, an applet 9 and a bitmap file 10 to the client part 3 when a request comes from the client part 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring the operation of a processing machine in the field of processing and assembling mainly on metal processing. By drawing the three-dimensional model on a computer and changing the drawing state of the three-dimensional model based on real-time measurement values obtained by measuring the operating state of the processing machine, the operating state and the processing state of the processing machine can be changed. The present invention relates to a processing machine remote monitoring device configured to be able to monitor remotely.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIGS. 23 (a) to 23 (c) show "Mechanical Research News", 1997, published by the Institute of Industrial Technology, Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
No. It is explanatory drawing regarding the conventional processing machine remote monitoring apparatus shown by P4-6 of No.7. FIG. 23A is an explanatory diagram of a preparation step immediately before the start of remote monitoring, FIG. 23B is an explanatory diagram of an operation during remote monitoring, ie, a monitoring step,
FIG. 23C is a functional configuration diagram of the client unit. In the figure, 1 is a processing machine, 2 is an NC (Numerical)
control: Numerical control) A control unit implemented by a device, 3 is a client unit, 7 is WWW (World W)
ide Web) server unit implemented by server, 13
Is a network unit implemented by the Internet, 28
Is a static model, 29 is a VR (Virtual Real)
(virtual reality) initial model, 30 is a dynamic model, 3
1 is a parameter group, 32 is a real-time data port,
33 is a 3D animation engine, and 34 is a 3DVR model. The conventional processing machine remote control device is configured as described above. The control unit 2 is a personal computer NC. Therefore, the server unit 7 of the WWW server is a personal computer, and the client unit 3 is usually a personal computer having a display device such as a CRT, a keyboard, and a mouse.

[0003] A conventional remote control device for a processing machine operates as follows. First, the first step is a preparation step. As shown in FIG. 23A, the physical shape of the processing machine 1 is previously stored in a three-dimensional shape description language VRML (Vir).
tual RealityModeling Lan
In this case, the static model 28 expressed by using the WWW server is stored in the server unit 7 of the WWW server provided in the processing machine 1 and remote monitoring is started. Issue a transfer request and retrieve it. This is the VR in the client section 3
This is an initial model 29. These transfer requests and the transfer of the VR initial model 29 are performed via the network unit 13 via the Internet. All subsequent communication between the processing machine 1 and the client unit 3 is also performed via the network unit 13.

At this time, the three-dimensional shape is displayed on the CRT display device of the client unit 3 in a stationary state. Now you are ready and move on to the next step, the monitoring step.
In FIG. 23B, the control unit 2 by the NC of the processing machine 1
, The parameter group 31 of the working machine 1 is extracted.

[0005] The server unit 7 of the WWW server converts this into an HTTP format and waits for a parameter transfer request from the client unit 3. As a reply to the transfer request, the parameter group 31 is sent to the client unit 3 via the network unit 13 using the Internet.

The parameter group 31 is a real-time data port 3 described in JAVA language in the client unit 3.
2 and passed to the 3D animation engine 33 and subsequently to the 3D VR model 34.

[0007] Thereafter, the 3D VR model 34 displays a three-dimensional shape on the CRT display device of the client unit 3, moves the position of the displayed object as indicated by the parameter group 31, and performs remote monitoring. It can be realized.

[0008]

In the conventional remote control device for a processing machine as described above, the server unit 7 of the WWW server is used.
By distributing various data, remote monitoring can be performed by a plurality of clients, as shown in FIG.
In the serial software configuration of JAVA → JAVA → VRML as shown in (c), even if data can be acquired over the network in JAVA language, the VRM of the processing machine
In a configuration that cannot be passed to the L model and that can be passed temporarily, data cannot be obtained over the network, and a VRML language is generated in the JAVA part, resulting in a motion similar to a flip-flop cartoon. It is known from the results of coding experiments by the inventors that the desired operation cannot be performed as described above.

This is for the following reason. The basic idea of the conventional example is to describe the main loop of the client part program in the JAVA language, calculate the coordinate values of the three-dimensional object in it, and use the VRML browser only as a three-dimensional drawing plane. Become.

However, the VRML rules imply that the VRML browser has the control right of the main loop, and the VRML browser is also implemented based on it, so that it cannot operate in a configuration like the conventional example. , VRML
And the interpreter of JAVA need to be connected in parallel.

The static model 28 is described not only in the VRML language but also in the JAVA language, and it is necessary to store a class file called an applet after being compiled by the JAVA compiler.
It is effective to use a bitmap file such as JPEG for a part that cannot be expressed only by the language, and without this, the drawing expression power cannot be obtained practically.

Further, depending on the types of WWW browser software and VRML browser software used in the client unit 3, an HTML file is created and the HTML file is created in order to simultaneously send these Java class files and VRML files to the client unit 3.
It is necessary to include references to necessary files in the file even before the preparation stage. In a combination of WWW browser software and VRML browser software which does not require this, the latest security functions such as a digital signature for an applet cannot be used, and only 16 colors can be developed, so that subtle color expression cannot be performed.

In view of the above, it is considered that the processing machine remote monitoring device disclosed in the above-mentioned document is an idea only and does not actually work.

When a plurality of client units are provided,
Drawing update cycle based on the computing power of each client unit,
And a cycle in which data can be taken out from the NC control device, a control device other than the NC control device, for example, a data take-out cycle from the sequencer, and data from the NC device manufactured by old dedicated hardware other than the personal computer NC via the RS232 or the like. When the length of each cycle is different, such as in a takeout cycle, there is a problem that unless this is absorbed, the overall monitoring is limited to the longest cycle.

Furthermore, VRML can use its own animation function originally provided in the VRML browser, but this conventional example does not use this function and discretely moves an object to coordinate values calculated by a 3D animation engine. It is necessary to perform operations that do not need to be performed by the same engine.
It wastes computing power and slows down the overall operation. A JAVA algorithm is used even when drawing an object that does not cause any inconvenience even if the coordinate position of the rotating part is different from the original real thing, such as a drawing imitating a patrol light attached to a processing machine. It had to be coded in and actually calculated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. The present invention relates to a processing machine equipped with various control devices including various old and new models, and peripheral accessories therefor. The objective is to obtain a processing machine remote monitoring device that can effectively use computer resources and development resources while using realistic drawing, drawing with exaggerated omissions, etc. as the target device, and can truly assist the remote monitoring operator. .

[0017]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing machine remote monitoring apparatus, comprising: a processing machine to be remotely monitored, a control unit thereof, a character image display unit, and a three-dimensional shape expression interpretation display unit. And a client unit having a script language interpreting unit, a server unit for periodically or aperiodically extracting predetermined signals or numerical values from the control unit, and a three-dimensional expression interpretation display unit for interpreting a VRML language. To display a three-dimensional object using a character image display unit, or to display a three-dimensional object using a character image display unit by interpreting numerical data described in JAVA language The character image display unit displays characters and images that can be visually recognized by the surveillance operator. The script language interpreting unit displays a script described in JAVA language. Is intended to interpret the applet is a result of compiling in AVA compiler obtains numerical data by communicating with the server unit in the script,
It is described that this is to be passed to the three-dimensional expression interpretation display unit, and the three-dimensional expression language interpretation display unit repositions the three-dimensional object based on the passed numerical data, or changes the color or transparency of the three-dimensional object and re-executes it. It is characterized by drawing or adding or deleting a display object. The three-dimensional shape file uses a VRML language to pseudo-visualize the shape of the actual object to be monitored and the phenomenon during operation of the monitored object. The applet is a script described in the JAVA language or an actual three-dimensional object to be monitored by numerical data in addition to the script.
It describes a three-dimensional object shape and a data string representing a three-dimensional object shape for pseudo-visualizing a phenomenon during operation of a monitored object, using a class file compiled by a JAVA compiler. Information that cannot be expressed only by the three-dimensional shape file is defined as a bitmap file, and the three-dimensional shape file, the class file, and the bitmap file are stored. An index file listing a series of file names required for the remote monitoring operation is stored, and among the index file, the three-dimensional shape file and the applet, and the bit map file corresponding to the request from the client unit, are stored. File group service section that transfers files to the client section It includes those were.

Further, a processing machine remote monitoring device according to a second configuration of the present invention includes a processing machine to be remotely monitored, a control unit thereof, and a client unit, and a predetermined signal or numerical value is periodically transmitted from the control unit. In a remote monitoring device for a processing machine provided with a server unit that periodically or non-periodically, a network unit is provided, and a processing machine communication unit that directly exchanges signals and numerical data with a control unit of a processing machine to be monitored is provided in the server unit. A service unit for directly exchanging numerical data with the client unit is provided in the server unit, a shared memory unit is provided in the server unit, the processing machine communication unit and the service unit perform data communication via a shared memory of the computer, and the service unit. The client unit performs data communication via the network unit, and the service unit receives a separate data supply start request from the client unit. Starts operating as a process or a separate thread, then, in which each of the process or thread waiting client portion communicating with their up request for numerical data comes, and returns a response.

Further, in the machine monitoring remote device according to the third configuration of the present invention, when the machine is a wire cut electric discharge machine, each machine coordinate value of the main shaft of the machine and the door of the machining tank are provided. At least one of the open / closed state, the ebb and flow of the processing fluid in the processing tank, the wire feeding state, whether or not automatic connection is being performed, whether or not a processing pulse is being supplied to the wire, and an error occurrence state One or all of the states are taken out of the processing machine, and these states are drawn by the client unit.

Further, in the machine remote monitoring apparatus according to the fourth configuration of the present invention, when the machining machine is a die-sinking electric discharge machine, each machine coordinate value of a main shaft of the machining machine and a door of a machining tank are provided. Opening / closing state, ebb and flow of machining fluid in the machining tank, whether or not a machining pulse is supplied to the tool, error occurrence state, at least one or all of the states are taken out of the machining machine, The client unit draws these states.

Further, in the processing machine remote monitoring device according to the fifth configuration of the present invention, when the processing machine is a laser processing machine, each machine coordinate value of the main shaft of the processing machine and the laser oscillator are in an oscillating state. Whether or not at least one or all of the opening and closing of the shutter provided at the position where the laser beam is extracted from the laser oscillator and the error occurrence state are extracted from the processing machine, and the client unit performs these states. Is drawn.

Further, a processing machine remote monitoring device according to a sixth configuration of the present invention includes a processing machine to be remotely monitored, a control unit thereof, and a client unit, and a predetermined signal or numerical value is periodically transmitted from the control unit. A remote monitoring device equipped with a server unit that periodically or aperiodically retrieves contact data from the sequencer when a network unit is provided and an additional device such as a processing machine body or a work loader is controlled by the sequencer. A WWW gateway unit for extracting the data is provided, and a gateway communication unit for transferring data from the gateway unit to the server unit is provided in the server unit, and the communication system is based on the WWW system.

Further, a processing machine remote monitoring device according to a seventh configuration of the present invention includes a processing machine to be remotely monitored, a control unit therefor, and a client unit, and a predetermined signal or numerical value is periodically transmitted from the control unit. When processing time-series data such as coordinate values in the control unit of the processing machine or the server unit or the client unit in a processing machine remote monitoring device equipped with a A time-series data holding unit that holds a value together with the time at which the value was observed, and a time-series data complementing unit that predicts and calculates the value of the current time from a plurality of time-series data for each data request from the client unit Is provided.

Further, in the processing machine remote monitoring device according to the eighth configuration of the present invention, the coordinate value and the binary data are periodically sampled in the control unit or the server unit or the client unit of the processing machine, and the file or the memory is sampled. And a reproducing unit for reading coordinate values and binary data from a file or a memory area created by the recording unit and using the data instead of true data.

[0025]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a processing machine remote monitoring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a processing machine to be remotely monitored, 2 is its control unit, 3 is a client unit, 4 is a character image display unit of a client unit, 5 is a 3D shape expression interpretation display unit of a client unit, and 6 is a client. Script language interpreting unit, 7 is a server unit, 8 is a three-dimensional shape file, 9 is an applet, 10 is a bitmap file, 11 is an index file, 12 is a file group service unit, and CRT.
Is a CRT display device of the client unit.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the index file 11 in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of the control unit 2 and an operation of the server unit 7 in FIG. 1, and an exchange thereof, and FIG. 1 illustrates the exchange between the client unit 3 and the server unit 7 and the file group service unit 12 in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 illustrates the exchange and operation of the numerical data between the server unit 7 and the client unit 3 in FIG. Is a client unit 3 in which the processing machine remote monitoring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is executing a remote monitoring operation.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen displayed on the screen.

Here, as the three-dimensional shape file 8, V
RML format file, file in JAVA language as applet 9, J as bitmap file 10
An example will be described in which a file in a standard image data format such as the PEG or gif format and an HTML file as the index file 11 are used.

The control unit 2 of the processing machine 1 to be monitored
In the following, an example will be described in which a wire cut electric discharge machine having a control unit 2 using an NC device created by dedicated hardware is used instead of the personal computer NC.

Further, the server unit 7, the file group service unit 12 and the client unit 3 are all configured inside one PC-AT compatible personal computer.
RS2 between the PC-AT compatible personal computer and the control unit 2
An example of connection at 32C will be described.

In this example, one personal computer is used. However, the server unit 7, the file group service unit 12, and the client unit 3 can be distributed to three personal computers, but can be used in any combination. The same effect can be obtained by dispersing them in a. However, if the processing machine 1 and the client unit 3 are in the vicinity, the meaning of remote is lessened, but it is significant to visualize the processing phenomenon. In the case of a configuration using two or three personal computers, it is necessary to configure such that data can be exchanged between these two or three personal computers via a network such as an Ethernet or a public line network.

The client unit is provided with a CRT display CRT, and the video signal created by the character image display unit 4 is transmitted to the CRT display CR.
Flowing to T, the monitoring operator can perceive the displayed image.

When the control unit 2 is a personal computer NC, the control unit 2 may be connected to the server unit 7 via RS232 or may be connected to the server unit 7 using a network such as Ethernet. The same effect is obtained, although the monitoring information update speed and the smoothness of the animation change depending on the performance such as the bandwidth and the delay time.

In the present embodiment, the file group service unit 12 and the server unit 7 use the file system of the operating system of the personal computer as it is, and the client unit 3 functions as the three-dimensional expression interpretation display unit 5. The SGI CosmoPlayer is used as the script language interpreter 6 and the WWW browser software Netscape Comm
The JAVA VM part of the unilator is used, and the character image display unit 4 uses the graphic card hardware and the device driver software of the personal computer.

The operation will be described below. First, in the preparation stage, the designer of the monitoring apparatus prepares a three-dimensional shape file 8 that simulates the physical shape of the processing machine 1 to be monitored.
Is created using three-dimensional CAD software that can handle VRML, for example, Cosmo World.
Alternatively, if the housing design drawing of the processing machine is written in CAD software, it can be automatically converted to VRML format to some extent, but fine objects are often generated in a meaningless manner. Fix this with software like

Since the purpose of creating the VRML is to monitor remotely, it is meaningless to completely describe all the processing machine parts or to pursue the accuracy of the curved surface. Omitting will reduce the amount of data,
You should focus on detailing the parts you want to monitor.
As will be described later, it is also effective to specify a shape, size, and motion different from those of the actual processing machine, to make a color impossible in reality, to write an object that does not exist, or to transmit light originally. In some cases, it is also effective to make a metal component transparent.

At this time, when an expression that cannot be drawn only by VRML is desired, the bitmap file 10 can be separately prepared and can be expressed by pasting on an object described on VRML.

Since version 2.0 or later of VRML, it is possible to execute an animation by VRML alone by using a description method called a time sensor and an interpolator. Good.

When the description of the shape in VRML is completed, the designer enters the script description in JAVA language.
The basic configuration consists of (1) a description for communicating with the server, and (2) a description for changing drawing attributes such as coordinate values and colors for an object name in a VRML file corresponding to an object to be moved. (3) In some cases, a description for drawing a character graphic on the client screen may be added.

The operation of the script language interpreting unit in the client unit 3 is implemented not by a format called a VRML script node according to a protocol called VRML97 but by using a protocol called EAI. By applying event routing to the object node described in the VRML language from the JAVA script side, the interpreting and executing operation of all JAVA applets can be performed by the three-dimensional shape expression interpretation display unit 5.
Is no longer used, and the JAVA library of the script language interpreter 6 can be used, so that the latest digital signature technology can be used and security can be enhanced. At first, there is no JAVA library belonging to the three-dimensional shape expression interpretation display unit 5 having the function at this time.
In the ML97 standard, there is no notation for specifying an applet with a digital signature.

Thereafter, the JAVA script file becomes a file called an applet 9 after being compiled by the JAVA compiler.

Further, it is necessary to create an index file 11 in which the file names of a plurality of VRML files 8, bitmap files 10, and applets 9 are described in some predetermined format. In the present embodiment, this is implemented using the HTML format. This H
FIG. 2 shows an example of the index file 11 in the TML format. In the figure, the file name of the bitmap file 10 as the background, the file name of the three-dimensional shape file 8 in VRML, and the file name of the applet 9 in JAVA language are described.

On the other hand, the control unit 2 of the present embodiment is a CNC controller of dedicated hardware, and an RS232C port provided in the CNC controller and an R port of the personal computer.
Connect the S232C port with an RS232C cable,
An implementation that adds, to the firmware of the NC control device, software capable of sequentially outputting numerical data representing the operating state of the processing machine 1 to be monitored to the RS232C port at a constant cycle or in response to a command string from the personal computer side. You are. For example, the machine coordinate values X, Y,
Z or 0 or 1 representing the open / closed state of the processing tank door is output. As a result, numerical data representing the operating state of the processing machine 1 can be read by the personal computer,
Uses this as input.

Now that the preparation has been completed, the relationship between the components and the details of the operation when the present embodiment starts operating as a processing machine monitoring device will be described. First, the exchange between the control unit 2 and the server unit 7 is shown in FIG. ST1 to ST10 indicate steps of software operation. ST1 to ST6 are operation steps in the server unit 7, and ST6 to ST10 are operation steps in the control unit 2. ST1 is initialization of variables and the like. ST2 is a step of preparing for receiving a numerical data transfer request from the client unit 3 and actually waiting for reception. The communication method between the client unit 3 and the server unit 7 uses a method called TCP / IP, which is widely used in the Internet and LAN, and details of the exchange will be described later. In ST3, it waits for a request for numerical data representing the state of the processing machine from the client unit 3. If there is a request, go to ST4; if not, go to S4
I keep waiting at T3. In ST4, it communicates with the control unit 2 of the processing machine 1. In the present embodiment, a command for acquiring numerical data is issued. ST5 reads numerical data corresponding to the request issued by itself in ST4. If numerical data does not come, wait until it comes. ST6 transfers the received numerical data to the client unit 3 which has issued a request to itself, and
Return to 3. ST7 initializes the program in the control unit 2. ST8 is a step of preparing for receiving a numerical data transfer request from the server unit 7, and actually waiting for reception. Step ST9 waits for the server section 7 to request numerical data representing the state of the processing machine. If there is a request, the process goes to ST10. If not, the process waits at ST9.
ST10 reads out the numerical data from within itself, transfers it to the server unit 7 which has issued a request to itself, and returns to ST9. This concludes the description of the operations and exchanges between the control unit 2 and the server unit 7.

Next, although the description of the overall operation of the present embodiment will be made slightly before and after, the exchange of the client unit 3, the file group service unit 12, and the server unit 7 and the respective operation contents will be described with reference to FIG. Will be explained.

Communication between the client unit 3, the server unit 7, and the file group service unit 12 uses a system called TCP / IP, which is widely used in the Internet or LAN, but the server unit 7 and the client are stored in one personal computer. When the unit 3 and the file group service unit 12 are mounted, TCP / IP operates as so-called inter-process communication. When the server unit 7, the client unit 3, and the file group service unit 12 are separated, communication is performed via a physical medium called a network. As a physical medium, Ethernet can be used for a LAN, and a public telephone network, an ISDN network, a dedicated line, or the like can be used for a wide area network.

In FIG. 4, ST12 is a step in which the client unit 3 requests the index file 11. ST13 is an operation of the file group service unit. The file group service unit 12, which has received the request, retrieves the file from the area storing the file based on the requested file name. The file storage area is usually a so-called secondary storage device such as a hard disk. ST14 is the index file 1
This is a step in which the main body 1 is transferred from the file group service unit 12 to the client unit 3. ST15 is an operation in the client unit 3, in which the contents of the index file 11 transferred in ST14 are interpreted by the client unit 3, and subsequently, it is a step to determine what file should be brought to the client unit 3. is there. In this example, the user intends to bring the bitmap file 10, the three-dimensional shape file 8, and the applet 9. ST16 is a step of requesting the three-dimensional shape file 8 by the client unit 3, ST17 is a step of the file group service unit 12 for answering the request, and ST18 is a transfer step of the three-dimensional shape file 8. ST19
Is the request of the applet 9 by the client unit 3 and ST
Reference numeral 20 denotes a step of the file group service unit 12 for answering this, and ST21 denotes a transfer step of the applet 9. ST22 is a request of the bitmap file 10 by the client unit 3, and ST23 is a step of the file group service unit 12 to answer the request, and ST24 is a transfer step of the bitmap file 10. Note that a series of processing of ST16, ST17, and ST18,
19, ST20, ST21, ST22, S
The series of processes of T23 and ST24 may be slightly reversed before and after the order shown in FIG.

The description of the operation will be continued. During the operation of ST22 in the client unit 3, the bitmap file 9 is requested in the ST22 since the index file 11 describes that the bitmap file 10 is necessary, but the bitmap file 9 is required for the applet 9. May be described in some cases, or may be described in the three-dimensional shape file 8 as necessary. In this case, after the applet 9 or the three-dimensional shape file 8 is transferred to the client unit 3, it is determined that the applet 9 or the three-dimensional shape file 8 is necessary when the interpretation starts, and a step of issuing a transfer request to the file group service unit 12 is added. . Incidentally, even if the bitmap file 10 cannot be transferred for some reason, the whole operation may not be affected.

Now, since the necessary files are prepared in the steps up to this point, the client unit 3 starts the remote monitoring operation. That is, it communicates with the server unit 7, acquires numerical data representing the operating state from the target processing machine 1 via the control unit 2, and performs drawing on the character image display unit 4 based on this. ST25 is a preparation step for starting operation of the client unit 3. ST26 is the server unit 7 by the client unit 3.
And a step of requesting numerical data.
ST27 is a step in which the server unit 7 tries to answer ST26 to the server unit 7. The server unit 7 issues a request to the control unit 2 and extracts the latest numerical data (described above). This part is from ST3 to ST6 in FIG.
In the operation steps from ST9 to ST10 are performed. ST28 is a step in which the server unit 7 transfers the numerical data to the client unit 3. ST29 is a step in which the client unit 3 interprets the numerical data and performs a predetermined drawing. After the drawing is completed, a request for new numerical data is issued in ST30. Hereafter, ST30, S
T31, ST32, ST33, ST34, ST35, S
Taking the same steps as in T36, the client unit 3 can remotely monitor the state of the processing machine 1 at that time by performing continuous drawing.

Thereafter, if a request for numerical data from the client unit 3 to the server unit 7 is stopped for a certain period of time, for example, 5 minutes, the server unit 7 terminates the remote monitoring work in the client unit 3 or the client unit 3 It is determined that a failure has occurred in the abnormally terminated network on the intermediate route, and the operation is terminated in ST37.

Although the example in which the server unit 7 processes a request from one client unit 3 has been described above, it is also possible to configure so that requests from a plurality of client units 3 can be processed. Server unit 7 in the configuration in this case
Will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 5, ST38 is a step of initializing a socket library program variable for the TCP / IP communication in the server unit 7. ST39 is a preparation step for starting reception in the server unit 7. ST40 is a step of waiting for a connection request from the client unit 3. If a connection request is received, the server unit 7 proceeds to ST41. If not, it waits for a connection request in ST40. ST41 is a step of activating a new separate process, thread, or task for each client. If a new process (same for thread and task) is started, the process returns to ST40. From ST42,
The operation is performed in a new process (same for a thread and a task) started by the server unit 7. ST42 is a processing step for accepting a connection request. ST43 is a step of starting a service of numerical data. ST
Numeral 44 is a numerical data requesting step from the client unit 3, which waits until a request is received from the client unit 3.
However, with no request from the client unit 3,
After a predetermined time elapses, the process proceeds to ST45,
This other process ends. ST46 is a step of reading numerical data from the control unit 2, ST47 is a step of preparing the data into TCP / IP packets to transfer the data, and ST48 is a step of actually sending the numerical data to the client unit 3 as TCP / IP packets. is there. Eventually, the client unit 3 communicates with the server unit 7, obtains numerical data representing the operating state from the target processing machine 1 via the control unit 2, and draws the character data on the character image display unit 4 based on this to remotely monitor. Operation is realized. In addition,
The content drawn on the character image display unit 4 is a CRT as a video.
The operator can recognize the contents as the video signal flows.

FIG. 6 shows a monitoring screen 35 displayed on the CRT in the client unit 3 during the remote monitoring operation according to the present embodiment. A three-dimensional model simulating the wire-cut electric discharge machine 1 is displayed on the client unit 3, and a machining phenomenon occurring in the wire-cut electric discharge machine 1 is displayed on the CRT of the client unit 3. 3
The operator can freely observe the dimensional model by changing its direction, size, and zoom ratio by operating a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

As described above, in remote monitoring of a processing machine, a three-dimensional model equivalent to a processing machine installed in a remote place is drawn on the screen of a personal computer in front of the operator, and realistic drawing and exaggeration are omitted. There is an effect that a remote monitoring device capable of monitoring the operation state of a processing machine in a remote place by drawing or the like can be obtained. The control unit 2 and the server unit 7
By devising the way of connecting various C including old and new models
The effect that the processing machine provided with the NC control device can be monitored can be obtained.

In the processing machine remote monitoring apparatus of the present invention, the position of the movable part such as the spindle at the current time of the processing machine is three-dimensionally drawn on a personal computer or the like at hand of the monitoring operator, and the processing liquid or the like is contained in or contained in the tank. It is also displayed as an image at hand, based on the signal as to whether there is any. It operates as a monitoring device in which the state of the processing machine at the current time and the processing history are reproduced at the hands of the monitoring operator.

As an additional description of the effect, unlike the surveillance by the camera, the effect that the viewpoint can be freely changed can be obtained because it is a three-dimensional model.

Further, although it is necessary to prepare in advance, when a component to be monitored is located at a position that is difficult to be seen from the outside, an effect can be obtained by making the component in front of the component transparent.

Further, a phenomenon that is difficult to see by the eyes can be visualized by visually displaying a three-dimensional object, or by enlarging or enlarging the three-dimensional object, or by changing the color, thereby obtaining an effect of making it easier to notice an obstacle.

As a result, there is an effect of obtaining a processing machine remote control device capable of truly assisting remote operation. Even when the client unit 3 is located near the processing machine, there is an effect of visualizing the phenomenon.

Embodiment 2 An embodiment of a processing machine remote monitoring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment, the three-dimensional shape file 8 is VRM
The example using L has been described. In the present embodiment, the three-dimensional shape file is expressed in the JAVA language according to the array data description format of the JAVA language. This description is made in a preparation stage. Since the description is a file in the JAVA language, it is compiled by a JAVA compiler and stored in the file group service unit 12 like the applet 9 describing the JAVA script. The operation after the remote monitoring is started is almost the same as in the first embodiment. The difference is that the client unit 3 implements the three-dimensional shape expression interpretation display unit 5 with a VRML browser called CosmoPlayer, but this part is a WWW browser software used as the script language interpretation unit 6 Netscape Commerce of Netscape Corp.
nicator will be used.

As a result, the same effect as that of the first embodiment is obtained, and the advantage that the load on the personal computer of the client unit 3 may be reduced because task switching does not occur between the interpretation of VRML and the interpretation of JAVA is obtained as an effect. .

Embodiment 3 FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a processing machine remote monitoring device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the file group service unit 12 is
S file system, but as shown in FIG.
This is an example in which this is configured using W server software. Even in this case, the basic operation is the same as in the first and second embodiments.
Is completely equivalent to the above, and in addition to the above effects, the following effects are further obtained. Unlike network file sharing such as Network, LAN manager, etc., file data is sent over TCP / IP used on the Internet, so that the three-dimensional shape file 8 can be distributed via the Internet, and a worldwide network configuration Has the effect of being easily monitored.

It is to be noted that the Internet can usually have an advantage that an inexpensive line can be used. Further, there is an effect that an advantage that the OS of the client unit 3 and the OS of the file group service unit 12 may be different is obtained. Further, there is an effect that products for strengthening the security of WWW on the market can be introduced almost as they are. However, the data size of the three-dimensional shape file 8, applet 9, and bitmap file 10 may be as large as about several megabytes.

Consider a configuration in which only the client is installed at a location where data must be transmitted over a low-speed or high-cost line, such as on the opposite side of the earth. At this time, when it is necessary to always distribute the latest three-dimensional shape file 8, applet 9, and bitmap file 10, these files are usually updated less frequently. Therefore, the client unit 3 and the file group service unit 12 are composed of one personal computer, and these files are previously stored in a remote location using a removable secondary storage medium such as a magneto-optical disk, tape, other magnetic media, or CDROM. It is advantageous to send it and use it in this file group service unit 12.

The communication rate between the client unit 3 and the server unit 7 is insignificant, and depends on the capabilities of the client unit 3 and is, for example, in the range of 50 bytes / sec to 390 bytes / sec. It is sufficient to use a low-speed line, and in this case, there is an effect that a processing monitoring device capable of remote monitoring even using a low-speed line is obtained.

Embodiment 4 FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a processing machine remote monitoring device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation and exchange of the control unit 2 and the processing machine communication unit 14 in FIG. 8, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of operations of the server unit 7. In the figure, 1 is a processing machine, 2 is a control unit thereof, 3 is a plurality of client units whose numbers are dynamically changed.
7 is a server unit, 13 is a network unit, 1
Reference numeral 4 denotes a processing machine communication unit, and 15 denotes a service unit whose number dynamically changes according to the number of client units.
It is assumed that there are up to three, and 16 is a shared memory unit.

First, a rough description of the operation will be given. The processing machine 1 is controlled by the control unit 2. The control unit 2 is usually a CNC device. At this time, the processing machine communication unit 14 acquires numerical data representing the operation state of the processing machine 1 from the control unit 2 by a communication method such as RS232C, and
Write to 6.

On the other hand, a plurality of client units 3 operated by an operator for the purpose of monitoring the operation state of the processing machine 1 are provided. In this example, there are three personal computers,
3-2, 3-3. Client unit 3-1 to 3-
The data communication between the server 3 and the server unit 7 can be performed by a network unit 13 mounted using Ethernet. At this time, when the remote monitoring is started in each client unit 3, the service unit 15 dedicated to each client unit 3 is started, and the same number of client units 3 that started the remote monitoring are eventually started. The numerical data is read from one shared memory 16 and the numerical data is periodically transferred to each client unit 3. Each client unit 3 draws this numerical data on a graphic screen using characters, numbers, and graphics, and performs the purpose of monitoring.

A characteristic feature of the above operation is that the cycle of communication between the client unit 3 and the service unit 15 changes depending on the arithmetic capacity of the personal computer on which the client unit 3 is mounted. Therefore, each service unit 15 also uses the shared memory 1
6 is different from the processing cycle, and the processing machine communication unit 1
The cycle of the exchange with the shared memory 16 also changes in 4 depending on the data exchange method and the physical medium between the processing machine 1 and the control unit 2 or between the control unit 2 and the processing machine communication unit 14. The fact that these cycles can all be different has the effect described below.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 2 of the processing machine 1 to be monitored is not a personal computer NC but a wire cut electric discharge machine having an NC control unit by an NC device using dedicated hardware. 2 and processing machine communication unit 1
4 describes an example in which data communication is performed by RS232C. However, even when the control unit 2 is a personal computer NC, R
The present invention achieves the same effect even if the connection is made to the server unit via S232 or the connection is made using a network such as Ethernet. The same applies to processing machines other than wire-cut electric discharge machines.

Next, the operation of each section will be described in detail.
First, the operation and exchange between the control unit 2 and the processing machine communication unit 14 will be described. The operation of the shared memory 16 will also be described. FIG.
, ST49 to ST53 are operations of the processing machine communication unit 14, and ST54 to ST57 are operations of the control unit 2. First, in the processing machine communication unit 14, ST49 is for initializing the processing machine communication unit 14, and in this embodiment, setting of communication parameters of the RS232 port is performed. ST50 is about to execute the following steps in a fixed cycle, and waits for the time. Waiting for the specified time to elapse without doing anything. If the time has elapsed, the process proceeds to ST51. In ST51, a command character string for requesting the control unit 2 to transfer the latest numerical data is created and sent to the control unit 2. ST52 is the control unit 2.
Since a result corresponding to the command character string of ST51 is returned from the above, processing for receiving the result is performed. In ST53, the numerical data, which is sent as a character string, is overwritten on the shared memory 16 in a predetermined format at a predetermined address. In the present embodiment, a so-called little endian binary format is used. Thereafter, the process returns to ST50 and waits for a predetermined time. The above is the operation of the processing machine communication unit 14.

On the other hand, the operation of the control unit 2 will be described.
ST54 is a step of performing initialization as an NC device. ST55 is a step of performing processing for starting command reception. ST56 is a command waiting state, and waits for a command character string from the processing machine communication unit 14, and if it does, proceeds to ST57. ST57 creates a character string corresponding to the response to the command, sends it out, and returns to ST56. Thick arrows drawn from ST51 to ST56 and from ST57 to ST52 indicate the processing machine communication unit 14 and the control unit 2 here.
Represents that they are interacting. The control unit 2, the processing machine communication unit 14, and the shared memory 16 operate as described above,
In the shared memory 16, numerical data representing the current operating state of the processing machine is updated. The above is the operation and exchange of the control unit 2 and the processing machine communication unit 14, and the operation of the shared memory 16.

Next, the operation of the shared memory 16 and the server unit 7 will be described. In FIG. 10, ST58 is a step of initializing a socket library program variable for the TCP / IP communication in the server unit 7. ST59 is a preparation step for starting reception in server section 7. ST60 is a step of waiting for a connection request from the client unit 3. If a connection request is received, the server unit 7 proceeds to ST61. If not come ST60
Keep waiting for a connection request. ST61 is a step of activating a new separate process, thread, or task for each client. If a new process (same for thread and task) is started, the process returns to ST60.
From ST62, the operation is performed in a new process (same for a thread and a task) started by the server unit 7.
ST62 is a processing step for accepting a connection request. ST63 is a step of starting a service of numerical data. ST64 is a step of requesting numerical data from the client unit 3, and waits until a request is received from the client unit 3. However, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed without a request from the client unit 3, the process proceeds to ST65, and this another process ends. ST6
Numeral 6 is a step of reading numerical data from the shared memory 16, ST67 is a step of preparing a TCP / IP packet for transferring the numerical data, and ST68 is a step of actually sending the numerical data to the client unit 3 as a TCP / IP packet. The shared memory 16 and the service unit 15 operate as described above, and each client unit can acquire the current operation state of the processing machine.

The working machine remote monitoring device of the present embodiment has the following effects. In this embodiment, as in the previous embodiments, the position of the movable part such as the main spindle at the current time of the processing machine is three-dimensionally drawn on a personal computer or the like at hand of the monitoring operator. Since it is displayed as an image at hand based on a signal indicating whether or not it has entered, it operates as a monitoring device in which actual processing phenomena such as the state of the processing machine at the current time and the processing history are reproduced at hand of the monitoring operator. The effect is obtained.

In addition to the above, in the present embodiment, the processing machine communication section 14 and the plurality of service sections 15 in the server section 7 are provided.
However, in the cycle according to each situation, the shared memory 16
Since writing and reading are performed, a drawing update cycle based on the computing capacity of each client unit and a cycle in which data can be taken out from the control device, or a cycle in which data is taken out from a control device other than the NC control device, for example, a sequencer, Or from an NC device manufactured with old dedicated hardware other than PC NC, RS2
If the length of each cycle is different, such as a data retrieval cycle via 32, etc., these can be absorbed,
This has the effect of solving the problem that the overall monitoring is limited by the longest cycle. That is, it is an effect of the present invention that it is possible to avoid disadvantages that may occur due to differences in capabilities and configurations of hardware. If this configuration is not used, it is necessary to synchronize the entire cycle with the cycle having the longest time, and the overall operation may be slowed down.

In this embodiment, the shared memory 16 is used by a shared memory (available in most OSs recently) used in the UNIX of the System V system.
However, since the processing machine communication unit 14 and the service unit 15 are all implemented as threads, the same variable can be referred to from one process, and this can be used as the shared memory 16. A similar effect is achieved.

Embodiment 5 FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a processing machine remote monitoring device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The server unit 7 of the processing machine remote monitoring device according to the first embodiment is a server unit referred to in the present embodiment. Has been replaced. The operation is the same as in the first and fourth embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted.
In this example, since the three-dimensional rendering is performed by the client unit, the processing is very heavy, the difference in the computing power and the rendering power of the client personal computer appears remarkably, and the cycle for each client unit 3 is greatly different. Appears and is very effective. Actually, a drawing cycle of about two digits differs between a notebook personal computer and a personal computer equipped with a plurality of CPUs and a high-speed graphic card assuming that three-dimensional CAD is run.

Embodiment 6 FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a processing machine remote monitoring device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. A CNC control device controls a processing machine body, and a sequencer controls a work loader that attaches and removes a work to and from the processing machine. The configuration when controlling is shown. In the figure, 17 is a work loader and 18 is a sequencer. The processing machine communication unit 14 extracts the latest numerical data from each of the sequencer 18 and the control unit 2.
4-2 are provided. RS from sequencer 18
Numerical data is acquired by 422, which is serial communication and operates in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment by RS232. The shared memory unit is provided with an area for storing numerical data extracted from the sequencer 18 and an area for storing numerical data extracted from the control unit 2, and each writes to the shared memory in an independent cycle. . Other operations are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The processing machine remote monitoring device of this embodiment
The following effects are obtained. In the present embodiment, in the server unit 7, the plurality of processing machine communication units and the plurality of service units perform writing and reading to and from the shared memory 16, so that a cycle in which data can be extracted from the CNC control unit, Control units other than the control unit, such as a cycle for fetching data from a sequencer, a cycle for fetching data from an NC device made of old dedicated hardware other than a personal computer NC via RS232, etc. If this is not the case, this can be absorbed and the effect of solving the problem that the overall monitoring is governed by the longest cycle can be solved.

Embodiment 7 FIG. An embodiment of a machine remote monitoring device for a wire cut electric discharge machine according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 shows a control unit 2, a server unit 7, and a client unit 3 when the machining remote monitoring device shown in the first embodiment is applied to a wire cut electric discharge machine.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram in which a format of numerical data exchanged between the two is described in a C language grammar. By exchanging numerical data representing the state of the processing machine in this format, the CRT display device of the client unit 3 performs drawing as shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, reference numeral 35 denotes a processing machine remote monitoring screen displayed on the CRT. FIG. 14A shows a state in which the door 36 of the processing tank of the processing machine is open, and FIG.
Is closed. FIG. 14C shows a state where the processing liquid 37 in the processing tank has been drained and the door 36 is also open.
FIG. 14D shows a state where the door 36 is closed and the working fluid 37 is filled. The remote monitoring of the wire-cut electric discharge machine according to the present invention, during the machining setup, during machining, can be seen at a glance the state of the global machine at a glance, it is possible to see more detailed parts of the machine, This has the effect of being useful for remote monitoring of phenomena during processing.

Embodiment 8 FIG. An embodiment of a machining machine remote monitoring device of a die sinking electric discharge machine according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 15 shows a case where the machining machine remote monitoring device according to the first embodiment is applied to a Die-sinker EDM.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram in which a format of numerical data exchanged between a control unit 2, a server unit 7, and a client unit 3 is described in a C language grammar. By exchanging numerical data representing the state of the processing machine in this format, the CR
At T, drawing as shown in FIG. 16 is performed. In FIG. 16, reference numeral 35 denotes a processing machine remote monitoring screen displayed on the CRT. FIG. 16A shows a state where the door 36 of the processing tank of the processing machine is open, and FIG. 16B shows a state where it is closed. is there. FIG. 16C shows a state in which the processing liquid 37 in the processing tank has been drained and the door 36 is open, and FIG.
Is closed and the working fluid 37 is filled. The remote monitoring of the machining machine of the die sinking electric discharge machine according to the present invention can show at a glance the state of the general machining machine such as during machining setup, machining, etc., and can see the detailed part of the machine in more detail, This has the effect of being useful for remote monitoring of phenomena during processing.

Embodiment 9 FIG. An embodiment of a processing machine remote monitoring device for a laser processing machine according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 17 shows a format of numerical data exchanged between the control unit 2, the server unit 7, and the client unit 3 in a C language grammar when the processing machine remote monitoring device of the first embodiment is applied to a laser processing machine. FIG. By exchanging numerical data representing the state of the processing machine in this format, the client unit 3 performs drawing on the CRT as shown in FIG. In FIG. 18, reference numeral 38 denotes a remote monitor screen of the laser oscillator displayed on the CRT. FIG. 18A shows a state where the lamp 39 is turned off and the laser oscillator of the processing machine is completely stopped. Is a state where the oscillation is started with the lamp 39 turned on and the shutter for sending the laser beam to the processing head is also open. The processing machine remote monitoring of the laser processing machine according to the present invention includes:
At a glance, the general state of the processing machine, such as during processing setup and processing, can be seen at a glance, and the detailed parts of the machine can be seen in more detail, which is useful for remotely monitoring the phenomenon during processing.

Embodiment 10 FIG. FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram showing a processing machine remote monitoring device according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 19 is a WWW gateway unit, 20 is a sequencer library as an implementation example of a WWW gateway, 21 is a CGI program for a sequencer as an implementation example of a WWW gateway, 22 is a WWW server, and 23 is a gateway communication unit. WWW gateway unit 19
And the sequencer 18 are connected by an RS422-RS232C conversion cable. RS42 on the sequencer 18 side
2. The WWW gateway unit 19 is RS232C. Note that the WWW gateway unit is implemented by a PC-AT compatible machine. In the WWW gateway unit 19, a sequencer library 20, which is library software for reading the state of the sequencer on a personal computer provided by the manufacturer of the sequencer, is provided, and a CGI (Comm) for the sequencer is provided.
An on Gateway Interface program 21 calls the sequencer library 20 to obtain the state of the input / output contact of the sequencer 18, and the state of the contact reaches the gateway communication unit 23 in the server unit 7 via the WWW server 22. Gateway communication unit 23 and WW
HTTP (HyperText T) between the W servers 22
transfer Protocol). For example, when the number of contacts is eight, the data format is written, for example, as FF at a specific bit of the data character string. In this case, all contacts are 1
It is determined in advance to represent the case where. The gateway communication unit 23 operates at regular intervals with the WWW server 22
And performs an operation of obtaining contact information.

The above-described processing machine remote monitoring device has the following effects. Data from the sequencer can be taken out via the Ethernet or the Internet, which has the effect of increasing the degree of freedom in wiring. By preparing several CGI programs for the sequencer for each combination of contacts, there is an effect that monitoring for a purpose other than the remote monitoring method of the present case and concurrent operation can be performed.

Embodiment 11 FIG. In the eleventh embodiment,
An example in which a time-series data complementing unit is provided in the server unit 7 of FIG. 8, which is an embodiment of the processing machine remote monitoring device of the fourth embodiment, will be described. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the control unit 2, the shared memory 16, and the processing machine communication unit 14, and FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the server unit 7. In the shared memory 16 of the server unit 7, numerical data representing the latest state of the processing machine, which is obtained from the control unit 2 by the processing machine communication unit 14, has been stored in a row. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the shared memory 16 is extended so that two or more sets of two sets of numerical data can be stored together with the time at which the numerical data was acquired. The unit of time is from milliseconds to microseconds is appropriate for the speed of the client according to the present embodiment. In this example, microseconds are used. Also,
The latest numerical data is stored in the shared memory A (ST69) and the numerical data obtained one time ago from the control unit 2 is stored in the shared memory B (ST69).
(ST70), as shown in FIG.
At 78, a step of transferring the contents of the shared memory A (ST69) to the shared memory B (ST70) as the numerical data immediately before is shown.

On the other hand, FIG. 21 shows the operation of the server unit. In step ST94, however, a step of performing a complementary operation from the contents of shared memory A (ST69) and shared memory B (ST70) is shown. . The complement is a value that changes continuously with time, such as a machine coordinate value, and it does not make sense to supplement binary information such as a sequencer. For example, when a complement to the X coordinate, at been time x ₁ stored in the shared memory A, at time x ₂ stored in the shared memory B, and X coordinates stored in the shared memory A y
_1, X coordinates stored in the shared memory B is the current time in the y ₂ when was X, the value Y of the X-coordinate to be sent to the client to linear interpolation as follows.

[0086]

(Equation 1)

As a result, the machine coordinate value sent to the client unit 3 is calculated from the values stored in the shared memory for the past two times, and is different from the actual position of the processing machine. Therefore, there is an advantage that the image of the remote monitoring is smoothly updated. When the client unit 3 periodically updates an image, the client smoothly updates the image even if periodicity such as communication instability is disrupted in the middle of the path from the control unit 2 to the client unit 3. The effect is obtained. In addition, although the interpolation procedure is so-called linear interpolation, each axis of the processing machine changes its acceleration, but it moves for a long time in a straight line. Relatively good results can be obtained without performing higher-order complementing by drawing with complementation.

Embodiment 12 FIG. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a processing machine remote monitoring device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 24 is a recording unit, 25 is a file system such as a hard disk for storing contents to be recorded, 26 is a reproducing unit, and 27 is a file system for storing contents read by the reproducing unit.

The file system 25 and the file system 27 are set for file sharing on a network, and the recording unit 24 and the reproducing unit 26 are configured to be able to read and write both file systems. Each time the processing machine communication unit 14-1 reads out the numerical data from the control unit 2, the recording unit 2
4 to pass the numerical data. The recording unit 24 additionally records the record in the file system 25 in a predetermined format as one record together with the time at which the numerical data was obtained. On the other hand, the reproducing unit performs an operation of reading the time-added numerical data previously recorded in the recording unit 24 from the file system 27 and passing it to the processing machine communication unit 14-2. It operates to read the time of each record, calculate the time between records, and write it to the processing machine communication unit 14-2 after an appropriate time has elapsed. If it is known that the processing machine communication unit 14-1 always takes out data from the control unit 2 at a constant time period, it is not necessary to record the time in a record, and the reproduction unit also has the same period. Alternatively, the data may be read out at a different fixed cycle depending on the purpose.

The working machine remote monitoring apparatus according to the present embodiment has the following effects. Record the details of the operation of the processing machine,
The operation of the processing machine can be replayed later and observed with a three-dimensional model, which has the effect of contributing to the discovery of problems such as various NC programs.

[0091]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

According to the processing machine remote monitoring apparatus according to the first configuration of the present invention, the position of the movable part such as the spindle at the current time of the working machine is three-dimensionally drawn on a personal computer or the like at hand of the monitoring operator, and the processing fluid and the like are also drawn. Based on the signal of whether or not the machining fluid is actually contained in the tank, it is displayed as an image at the operator's hand, and the state of the machining machine at the current time and the machining history are reproduced at the operator's hand. There is an effect that a monitoring device can be obtained. In addition, since it is a three-dimensional model, there is an effect that, unlike monitoring by a camera, the viewpoint can be freely changed and the direction and size of the processing machine itself can be changed. Further, although it is necessary to prepare in advance, when a component to be monitored is located at a position that is difficult to be seen from the outside, there is an effect that the component in front of the component can be dealt with by making it transparent. In addition, a phenomenon that is difficult to see with the eyes can be visualized by displaying a three-dimensional object virtually.
Enlarging or changing the color and highlighting has the effect of making it easier to notice obstacles. These have the effect of providing a processing machine remote control device that can truly assist remote operation. Even when the client unit 3 is located near the processing machine, there is an effect of visualizing the phenomenon.

Further, according to the processing machine remote monitoring device according to the second configuration of the present invention, the monitoring in which the actual processing phenomena such as the state of the processing machine at the current time and the processing history are reproduced by a plurality of monitoring operators. The effect of operating as a device is obtained. In addition, the drawing update cycle based on the computing power of each client unit, and the cycle in which data can be extracted from the control unit, or the control unit other than the NC control unit, such as the data extraction cycle from the sequencer, or the old dedicated hardware other than the personal computer NC Produced
When the length of each cycle is different, such as the data fetch cycle when data is sent from the NC device via RS232, etc., these can be absorbed and the effect of solving the problem that the overall monitoring is limited by the longest cycle can be solved. is there.

Further, according to the processing machine remote monitoring apparatus according to the third to fifth configurations of the present invention, it is possible to know at a glance the state of the processing machine at a glance, such as during the process setup and during the process, and at the same time, the machine operation is performed. There is an effect that a processing machine remote monitoring device capable of seeing the details in more detail can be obtained.

Further, according to the processing machine remote monitoring device of the sixth configuration of the present invention, there is an effect that the degree of freedom of wiring for extracting data from the sequencer is increased. Also,
By preparing several CGI programs for the sequencer for each combination of contacts, there is an effect that monitoring for a purpose other than the remote monitoring method of the present case and concurrent operation can be performed.

Further, according to the processing machine remote monitoring device of the seventh configuration of the present invention, there is an effect that the image of the remote monitoring is smoothly updated. Even if the periodicity of data transfer is disturbed such as instability of communication in the middle of the communication path, there is an effect that a remote monitoring device that allows a client to smoothly update an image can be obtained.

Further, according to the processing machine remote monitoring device according to the eighth configuration of the present invention, the contents of the operation of the processing machine are recorded,
The operation of the processing machine can be reproduced later and observed with a three-dimensional model, which has an effect of contributing to finding problems such as various NC programs.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a processing machine remote monitoring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an index file 11 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of a control unit 2 and an operation of a server unit 7 in FIG. 1 and exchanges thereof.

FIG. 4 shows a client unit 3 and a server unit 7 in FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an exchange with a file group service unit 12.

FIG. 5 shows a server unit 7 and a client unit 3 in FIG.
It is explanatory drawing about exchange of numerical data and operation | movement.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring screen displayed on the client unit 3 during execution of the remote monitoring operation by the processing machine remote monitoring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram illustrating a processing machine remote monitoring device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a processing machine remote monitoring device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

9 is an explanatory diagram of operations and exchanges of the control unit 2 and the processing machine communication unit 14 in FIG.

FIG. 10 shows a shared memory 16 and a server unit 7 in FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a processing machine remote monitoring device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a processing machine remote monitoring device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a format of numerical data exchanged among the control unit 2, the server unit 7, and the client unit 3 when the machining remote monitoring apparatus shown in the first embodiment is applied to the wire cut electric discharge machine, in C language. FIG.

FIG. 14 is a drawing of a drawing example in the client unit 3 of the embodiment of the machine remote monitoring device of the wire cut electric discharge machine.

FIG. 15 shows a format of numerical data exchanged between the control unit 2, the server unit 7, and the client unit 3 when the machining machine remote monitoring device shown in the first embodiment is applied to a die sinking electric discharge machine. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram described in a grammar of the C language.

FIG. 16 is a drawing of a drawing example in the client unit 3 of the embodiment of the machining machine remote monitoring device of the die sinking electric discharge machine.

FIG. 17 shows a format of numerical data exchanged among the control unit 2, the server unit 7, and the client unit 3 when the processing machine remote monitoring device according to the first embodiment is applied to a laser processing machine, using a C language grammar. FIG.

FIG. 18 is a drawing of a drawing example in the client unit 3 of one embodiment of the processing machine remote monitoring device of the laser processing machine.

FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram illustrating a processing machine remote monitoring device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

20 is an explanatory diagram of operations of the control unit 2, the shared memory 16, and the processing machine communication unit 14 in one embodiment of the processing machine remote monitoring device. FIG.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of the server unit 7 in one embodiment of the processing machine remote monitoring device.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a processing machine remote monitoring device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration and operation of a conventional processing machine remote monitoring device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 processing machine, 2 control unit, 3 client unit, 4 client unit character image display unit, 5 client unit 3D shape expression interpretation display unit, 6 client unit script language interpretation unit, 7 server unit, 8 3D shape Files, 9 applets, 10 bitmap files,
11 index file, 12 file group service section, 13 network section, 14 processing machine communication section, 1
5 service section, 16 shared memory section, 17 work loader, 18 sequencer, 19 WWW gateway section,
20 sequencer library, 21 sequencer CG
I program, 22 WWW server, 23 gateway communication unit, 24 recording unit, 25 file system such as hard disk for storing contents to be recorded, 26 playback unit, 27 file system for storing contents read by playback unit, 28 static model, 29 VR early model, 3
0 dynamic model, 31 parameter group, 32 real-time data port, 33 3D animation engine, 34 3D VR model.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04L 12/46 G06F 15/62 350A 12/28 H04L 11/00 310C H04Q 9/00 361

Claims (8)

[Claims] A processing unit to be remotely monitored, a control unit thereof, a client unit including a character image display unit, a three-dimensional shape expression interpretation display unit, and a script language interpretation unit; A three-dimensional expression interpretation display unit is provided with a server unit that periodically or aperiodically extracts a predetermined signal or numerical value, and displays a three-dimensional object using a character image display unit by interpreting a VRML language. Alternatively, a three-dimensional object is displayed using a character image display unit by interpreting numerical data described in the JAVA (registered trademark) language, and the character image display unit displays characters that can be visually recognized by a monitoring operator. And a script language interpreter. The script language interpreter interprets the script written in the JAVA language with a JAVA compiler and compiles the application. In the script, it is described that the script communicates with the server unit to acquire numerical data and passes it to the three-dimensional expression interpretation display unit. Based on the passed numerical data, the three-dimensional object is re-drawn by changing its position or changing its color or transparency, or a display object is added or deleted. The three-dimensional shape file is a VRML language. Is a data sequence that describes the actual object shape of the monitoring target and the object shape for pseudo-visualizing the phenomenon during the operation of the monitoring target. The applet is a script written in JAVA language or In addition to the numerical data, data representing the actual three-dimensional object shape of the monitoring target and the three-dimensional object shape for pseudo-visualizing the operating phenomenon of the monitoring target are displayed. A column file is also described. Using a class file compiled by a JAVA compiler, information that cannot be expressed only by the three-dimensional shape file is defined as a bitmap file, and the three-dimensional shape file and the class File and the above bitmap file,
An index file listing a series of file names necessary for a remote monitoring operation at a desired client unit in the group of files is stored, and the index file, the three-dimensional shape file, and the file corresponding to a request from the client unit are stored. A processing machine remote monitoring device comprising: an applet; and a file group service unit for transferring a requested one of the bitmap files to a client unit. 2. A processing machine provided with a processing machine to be remotely monitored, a control unit therefor, and a client unit, and a server unit which periodically or aperiodically extracts a predetermined signal or numerical value from the control unit. In the remote monitoring device, a network section is provided, a processing machine communication section is provided in the server section for directly exchanging signals and numerical data with the control section of the processing machine to be monitored, and a service for directly exchanging numerical data with the client section in the server section. A processing unit communication unit and a service unit perform data communication through a shared memory of a computer; a service unit and a client unit perform data communication through a network unit; and a service unit. Starts operation as a separate process or a separate thread for each data supply start request from the client. A remote monitoring device for a processing machine, wherein each process or thread waits until a request for numerical data is received from a client unit communicating with itself, and returns a response. 3. The remote monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein when the processing machine is a wire-cut electric discharge machine, each machine coordinate value of a main shaft of the processing machine and an open / closed state of a door of a processing tank. , The ebb and flow of the processing fluid in the processing tank, the wire feed state, whether or not automatic wiring is in progress, whether or not a processing pulse is being supplied to the wire, and at least one of error occurrence states, Alternatively, a processing machine remote monitoring apparatus characterized in that all states are taken out of the processing machine and these states are drawn by a client unit. 4. The machining machine remote monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein when the machining machine is a die sinking electric discharge machine, each machine coordinate value of a main shaft of the machining machine, and an open / close state of a door of a machining tank. ,
At least one or all of the state of the machining fluid in the machining tank, whether or not a machining pulse is being supplied to the tool, and the error occurrence state, are taken out of the machining machine, and these are taken out by the client unit. A processing machine remote monitoring device characterized by drawing a state of a processing machine. 5. The processing machine remote monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein when the processing machine is a laser processing machine, each machine coordinate value of a main shaft of the processing machine and whether or not the laser oscillator is in an oscillation state. Opening and closing of a shutter provided at a position where a laser beam is extracted from a laser oscillator, and an error occurrence state, at least one or all of the states are extracted from the processing machine, and the client unit draws these states. A processing machine remote monitoring device, characterized in that: 6. A processing machine including a processing machine to be remotely monitored, a control unit therefor, and a client unit, and a server unit that periodically or aperiodically extracts a predetermined signal or numerical value from the control unit. In the remote monitoring device, a network unit is provided, and when an additional device such as a processing machine main body or a work loader is controlled by a sequencer, a WWW gateway unit for extracting contact opening / closing data from the sequencer is provided. A processing machine remote monitoring device, comprising a gateway communication unit for transferring data from the gateway unit to the server unit, wherein the communication system is a WWW system. 7. A processing machine provided with a processing machine to be remotely monitored, a control unit therefor, and a client unit, and a server unit which periodically or aperiodically extracts a predetermined signal or numerical value from the control unit. In a remote monitoring device, when handling time-series data such as coordinate values in a control unit or a server unit or a client unit of a processing machine, a time-series in which a plurality of true values in the past are stored together with a time at which the value was observed. A processing machine remote monitoring device comprising: a data holding unit; and a time series data complementing unit for predicting and calculating a current time value from a plurality of time series data for each data request from a client unit. 8. The processing machine remote monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the coordinate value and the binary data are periodically sampled in a control unit, a server unit, or a client unit of the processing machine, and are added to a file or a memory. A processing machine remote monitoring device comprising: a recording unit; and a reproducing unit for reading coordinate values and binary data from a file or a memory area created by the recording unit and using the data instead of true data.