JP2007004239A - Design-support device, design-support method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a design-support device which supports and enables an unexperienced designer to more simply draw a shape of high degree of perfection in a short period in design work using a CAD which requires the understanding of order of processing, operations and so on, and prevents the occurrence of a situation in which processing is interrupted even if a large quantity of command processing is defined to a CAD application, and also provide a design-support method and a program therefor. <P>SOLUTION: The design-support device makes a CAD application 104 execute a plurality of CAD commands, which constitute composite commands, sequentially in the order of executions defined in a command definition file when command processing order, in which order of calling the composite commands defined in each command definition file stored in a command DB 102, is designated from a command processing order DB 101. At that time, the design-support device controls the CAD application to make the CAD application execute a next command according to notification that a command is finished from the CAD application 104. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a design support apparatus, a design support method, and a program that support design work using a CAD application.

  The CAD system is useful software in that it gives an image of an actual product, processes and designs, gives appropriate setting conditions, and shows what form it will take. For this reason, it was originally provided for designers with little experience, but as a recent CAD system has many functions added and becomes more sophisticated, skill is required to master it. I came. If the function becomes high, a complicated design can be performed in a short period of time, so that an inexperienced designer is further burdened.

In order to solve this problem, there is a demand for an invention that supports an operator or a designer. In Patent Document 1, when setting parameters, necessary knowledge and know-how are accumulated in a knowledge database and utilized. Even a person with little design experience can perform a design of a certain level in a short time. It also calls and supports optimization tools within the same system.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-230041

  However, with regard to a specific design environment set in advance, the main point is that the support system guides the user to perform a necessary operation, and flexible change in accordance with the design target and the characteristics of the designer cannot be performed. In addition, although it provides generous support within the scope of the knowledge database, it does not support where the work proceeds according to the processing order, and includes what the inexperienced designer should do next. Absent.

  In addition, since there is no interface with other tools, there is a problem that it cannot respond to design work linked with other tools.

  Furthermore, as a general problem of the CAD system, there is a problem that processing stops when a large number of commands are input at once.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to define a command definition data in which a plurality of commands executable by a CAD application are defined together with an execution order and defined as one composite command. The compound command defined in the command definition data stored in the storage means for storing a plurality of commands is designated, and the compound commands are executed in accordance with the designated calling order. The command is executed by causing the CAD application to sequentially execute a plurality of commands constituting the composite command in the execution order defined by the command definition data. At this time, according to the command end notification from the CAD application. Control the application to execute the following command: In the past, design work using CAD that required a lot of understanding, such as processing order and operation, can create a highly complete shape in a short time even for designers with little experience, In order to reliably process the start / end of processing in order for commands input to the CAD application, even if a large number of command processing is defined, processing may stop. It is to provide a design support apparatus, a design support method, a program, and a recording medium that can suppress the above-described problem.

  The present invention provides a design support apparatus for supporting a design work using a CAD application, wherein the first storage means is capable of storing a plurality of command definition data in which a plurality of commands executable by the CAD application are defined as one composite command. And specifying means for designating the calling order of the composite commands defined by the command definition data stored in the first storage means, and executing the composite command according to the calling order specified by the specifying means And the command definition data includes a definition of an execution order of a plurality of commands constituting the composite command, and the control means includes a plurality of commands constituting the composite command. Let the CAD application execute sequentially in the execution order defined in the command definition data. Are those, furthermore, the control means, said depending from the CAD application command completion notification, and controls so as to execute the next command in the application.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of commands that can be executed by a CAD application are defined together with an execution order, and are defined by each command definition data stored in a storage unit that stores a plurality of command definition data defined as one composite command. The compound command is called in a specified order, and the compound command is executed in accordance with the specified call order. In the execution of the compound command, a plurality of commands constituting the compound command are defined in the command definition. In this case, the CAD application is sequentially executed in the execution order defined by the data. At this time, in response to the command end notification from the CAD application, the application is controlled to execute the next command. CAD that requires a lot of understanding such as processing order and operation Design work that had a, in a short period of time a high shape degree of perfection even with a small designer of experience, can be created more easily.

  In addition, since the start / end of the process is surely processed in order for the command input to the CAD application, even if a large number of command processes are defined, the process may stop. An effect such as generation can be suppressed.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a design support apparatus showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a design support apparatus. In the design support apparatus 100, reference numeral 103 denotes a design support program, which sends a processing command to the CAD application 104 via the DDE 108 while searching the content of the command DB 102 in accordance with the content of the command processing order DB 101. The creation of a three-dimensional shape using the application 104 is supported. Further, the design support program 103 stores the result of the processing of the CAD application 104 in the result storage DB 107 if necessary.

  The design support 100 corresponds to DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange: one of procedures for exchanging data and commands between application software on Windows (registered trademark)) 108.

  Reference numeral 105 denotes a display device, specifically a display or the like. An input device 106 is specifically a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a device configuration of the design support apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that performs overall control of the entire design support apparatus 100 by executing a program stored in the ROM 203, the external memory 204, or other recording medium on the RAM 202. The RAM 202 is used as a work area for the CPU 201.

  A database (DB) 205 is held on the external memory 204. As shown in FIG. 3, the DB 205 includes the command processing order DB 101, the command DB 102, and the result storage DB 107 shown in FIG.

  Further, on the external memory 204, for example, a program for causing a computer to execute a function corresponding to an OS that implements the design support program 103, the CAD application 104, and the DDE 108 shown in FIG. Yes.

  Reference numeral 209 denotes a communication interface, which is a part connected to a transmission line such as the communication network 210.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a DB configuration of the DB 205 shown in FIG.

  The command processing order DB 101 stores a plurality of command processing order files shown in FIG. The command DB 102 stores a plurality of command definition files shown in FIG. The result storage DB 107 stores the processing result of the CAD application 104.

  Hereinafter, the command processing order file stored in the command processing order DB 101 and the command definition file stored in the command DB 102 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a data configuration diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a command processing order file stored in the command processing order DB 101 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3.

  The command processing order file manages the processing order of commands defined in the command definition file shown in FIG.

  This command processing order file is a set of a command Japanese name 1001 and a command definition file name 1002 or a plurality of document file names 1003 (holds with an order structure). ).

  The command definition file name 1002 corresponds to the file name of the command definition file (FIG. 5) in the command DB 102. Note that the command definition file may be an object that is held in advance by the CAD application 104 or an object that is created by the designer.

  A document file name 1003 corresponds to an arbitrary document file name stored in the external memory 204. The document file may be a document such as another tool such as word processing software or spreadsheet software, or may be another application such as CAM or CAE.

  When this command processing order file is designated, the design support program 103 sequentially calls and controls execution of the command definition file in the command DB 102 and the document file in the external memory 205 in accordance with the designated command processing order file.

  This command processing order file is created corresponding to the CAD application 104. That is, the CAD application 104 is not limited to a specific CAD application, but can be applied to any general CAD application in which commands can be exchanged by the DDE 108 or the like. Prepare a processing order file.

  FIG. 5 is a data configuration diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a command definition file stored in the command DB 102 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3.

  The command definition file includes a command name 901 indicating the Japanese name of the command, a folder name 902 holding the actual source of the command, a package name 903 of the command, a description (comment) 904 of the command content, It holds call names (CAD commands) 908 and 909 when actually calling the CAD application 104, and types 906 and initial values 907 of parameters (parameters necessary for command execution) when calling the commands.

  In addition, although this command definition file shall be produced | generated in CSV file format, for example, what kind of file format may be sufficient as it. The command definition file is generated in advance by an administrator, each designer, or the like and registered in the command DB 102.

  The design support program 103 sequentially calls CAD commands 908 and 909 according to the command definition file. At this time, the design support program 103 gives a parameter (specified by 906 and 907) to the CAD application 104 simultaneously with the command. As a result, the design process is executed using the CAD application 104.

  The CAD command 908 (csi_create_rectangle) corresponds to a rectangle creation command on the work plane created by the CAD command 905. This CAD command 908 is sent to the CAD application 104 together with parameters (vertical “5”, horizontal “10”) and executed. In other words, a vertical “5” and horizontal “10” rectangle is created on the CAD application 104.

  Further, the CAD command 909 (csi_extend) corresponds to a command for pushing out the rectangle created by the CAD command 908. The CAD command 909 is sent to the CAD application 104 and executed together with the parameter (height “20”). That is, the rectangle is pushed out by the height “20” on the CAD application 104. As a result, a prism having a height “5”, a width “10”, and a height “20” is created.

  This command definition file is created in correspondence with the CAD application 104, and the designer prepares a command definition file according to the CAD application.

  As described above, the command definition file shown in FIG. 5 defines a plurality of commands that can be executed by the CAD application 104 (commands corresponding to the CAD application 104) as one composite command including the execution order. is there.

  The command processing file shown in FIG. 4 specifies the execution order of the composite commands defined in each command definition file shown in FIG.

  The CAD command execution process in the design support apparatus of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure in the design support apparatus of the present invention. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 loading the program stored in the external memory 204 shown in FIG. In the figure, S 401 to S 407 correspond to the processing in the design support program 103. Further, S411 to S412 correspond to processing in the DDE 108. S421 to S427 correspond to processing in the CAD application 104.

  First, in step S401, the design support program 103 controls to display the command processing order selection screen shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 on the display device 105, and accepts the selection of the command processing order from the designer.

  7 and 8 are diagrams showing an example of a command processing order selection screen in the design support apparatus of the present invention.

  7 and 8, reference numeral 701 denotes a command list, which displays a list of commands registered in the command DB 102 (command names 901 (FIG. 5) in the command definition file registered in the command DB 102). Reference numeral 702 denotes a command processing order (sequence) name selection field for inputting or selecting a new command processing order (sequence) name (selecting from the command processing order name registered in the command processing order DB 101). . Reference numeral 703 denotes command processing order (sequence) contents, and the contents of the command processing order displayed in the command processing order name selection column 702 are displayed. Note that the commands displayed in the command processing order (sequence) contents 703 are specified so that they are executed in order from the top.

  Reference numeral 704 denotes an add button. When this button is pressed (instructed by the input device 106), the design support program 103 selects the command selected in the command list 701 at the bottom of the command processing order (sequence) content 703. Add to Reference numeral 705 denotes a delete button. When this button is pressed (instructed by the input device 106), the design support program 103 changes the command selected in the command processing order (sequence) contents 703 to the command processing order (sequence) contents. Delete from 703.

  Reference numeral 706 denotes a registration button. When this button is pressed (instructed by the input device 106), the design support program 103 displays the commands displayed in the command processing order (sequence) contents 703 in the display order (from above). A command processing order file (FIG. 4) as executed in step S3 is created and controlled to be registered in the command processing order DB 101 with the name displayed in the command processing order name selection field 702. That is, the command processing order file (FIG. 4) is created so that the commands displayed in the command processing order (sequence) contents 703 are added in the display order.

  Reference numeral 707 denotes a command explanation column, and the design support program 103 displays the explanation (comment 904) of the command selected in the command list 701.

  Reference numeral 708 denotes a close button. When this button is pressed (instructed by the input device 106), the design support program 103 controls to close the command processing order selection screen.

  Reference numeral 709 denotes an execution button. When this button is pressed (instructed by the input device 106), the design support program 103 indicates that the commands displayed in the command processing order (sequence) contents 703 are displayed in the display order (from above). A command processing order file (FIG. 4) as executed in FIG. 4 is created and controlled to be registered in the command processing order DB 101 with the name displayed in the command processing order name selection field 702, and the command processing order (Sequence) is controlled to be executed (that is, the process proceeds to step S402).

  Reference numeral 710 denotes an execution button in the middle. When this button is pressed (instructed by the input device 106), the design support program 103 changes the command processing order (sequence) displayed in the command processing order (sequence) content 703. Control is executed so that the command selected in the command processing order (sequence) content 703 is executed.

  Reference numeral 711 denotes a sequence deletion button. When this button is pressed (instructed by the input device 106), the design support program 103 corresponds to the command processing order (sequence) displayed in the command processing order name selection field 702. The command processing order file (FIG. 4) to be controlled is deleted from the command processing order DB 101.

  Reference numeral 803 denotes an option button. When this button is pressed (instructed by the input device 106), the design support program 103 changes and displays the command processing order selection screen (as shown in FIGS. 7 to 8 or FIG. 8 to change as shown in FIG. That is, it is for instructing display / non-display of the option area.

  Reference numeral 805 denotes a document setting button. When this button is pressed (instructed by the input device 106), the design support program 103 adds an arbitrary document in the external memory 204 to the command processing order name selection field 702. The document setting dialog (not shown) is displayed.

  Reference numeral 801 denotes a document display instruction check box. When this check box is checked, the design support program 103 displays the document displayed in the command processing order (sequence) contents 703 when executing the process. Control is performed so that the display method (icon or window) selected in 802 is displayed. If the document display instruction check box 801 is not checked, the document displayed in the command processing order name selection field 702 is ignored when processing is executed.

  Reference numeral 804 denotes a parameter setting button. When this button is pressed (instructed by the input device 106), the design support program 103 displays a parameter setting dialog (not shown) so that the operator can easily specify parameters. A UI for displaying and guiding the meaning and the meaning of each parameter is displayed on the display device 105 to accept the parameter setting. Note that the parameters set here are stored in the command definition file of the corresponding command when the registration button 706 or the execution button 709 is pressed (for example, 906 and 907 in FIG. 5). For commands for which no parameters are set, default parameters are read from the parameter file stored in the external memory 204 and stored in the command definition file of the corresponding command. .

  Reference numeral 806 denotes a loop check box. When the execution button 709 is pressed while the loop check box is checked, the design support program 103 selects one or more commands selected in the command processing order contents 703. Is called multiple times.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the execution button 709 is pressed (instructed by the input device 106) on the command processing order selection screen shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the design support program 103 shifts the processing to step S402 and starts the CAD application 104. . The CAD application activated here is associated with the command processing order file corresponding to the command processing order name displayed in the command processing order name selection field 702 shown in FIGS. You may comprise so that it may be registered into order DB101. That is, the CAD application activated in step S402 may be changed according to the command processing order name selected in the command processing order name selection field 702 shown in FIGS.

  Next, in step S403, the design support program 103 executes the command from the command processing order file (FIG. 4) corresponding to the command processing order (sequence) displayed in the command processing order name selection field 702 on the command processing order selection screen. The contents of the processing order (for example, 1001, 1002) are read in one line.

  Next, in step S404, the design support program 103 determines whether or not the content of the command processing order read in step S403 indicates a command (command definition file), and determines that it indicates a command. In step S405, the process proceeds to step S405.

  Next, in step S405, the design support program 103 executes a CAD command call process (details are shown in FIG. 9) for the command.

  Hereinafter, the CAD command call processing in step S405 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a second control processing procedure in the design support apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to the CAD command call processing in step S405 of FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 loading the program stored in the external memory 204 shown in FIG. In the figure, S501 to S507 correspond to processing in the design support program 103.

  First, in step S501, the design support program 103 searches the command DB 102 and searches for a command definition file (FIG. 5) corresponding to the command read in step S403.

  In step S502, the design support program 103 determines whether or not the corresponding command definition file (FIG. 5) exists in the command DB 102 based on the search result in step S501. In this case, the process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. An error message may be displayed so that the operator is instructed whether to continue the process.

  On the other hand, if the design support program 103 determines in step S502 that the corresponding command definition file (FIG. 8) exists in the command DB 102, the command definition file is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S504. Then, one CAD command is read from the command definition file (the corresponding parameter is also read).

  Next, in step S504, the design support program 103 transmits the CAD command read in step S503 to the DDE. At this time, the parameter is also transmitted.

  In step S <b> 505, the design support program 103 waits for a CAD command end signal or error signal returned via the DDE 108.

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the CAD command is transmitted to the DDE 108 by the CAD command calling process in step S405, the DDE 108 transmits the CAD command to the CAD application 104 received from the design support program 103 in step S411. At this time, the parameter is also transmitted. As a result, the CAD command is called by the CAD application 104.

  In step S421, the CAD application 104 controls to display a CAD dialog as shown in FIG. 10 on the display device 105 in accordance with the called CAD command, and waits until there is an approval input in the CAD dialog ( S422). For a CAD command for which no CAD dialog exists, control is performed so that the process proceeds to step S423 as it is.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a CAD dialog in the design support apparatus of the present invention, where (a) corresponds to the CAD command 908 (rectangular creation command) shown in FIG. 9, and (b) is shown in FIG. Corresponds to the CAD command 909 (rectangular extrusion command).

  In FIG. 10, reference numeral 1301 denotes a parameter input field that displays parameters received together with the CAD command from the DDE 108. The user can edit the parameters in the parameter input field 1301 with the input device 106. Reference numeral 1302 denotes an OK button (re), which can be processed by pressing the OK button (re) 1302 (instructed by the input device 106).

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the OK button (re) 1302 in FIG. 10 is pressed (instructed by the input device 106) in step S422, the CAD application 104 shifts the processing to step S423 and executes the CAD command called from the DDE 108.

  11 and 12 are diagrams showing examples of CAD command execution results in the design support apparatus of the present invention. 11 corresponds to the execution result of the CAD command 908 (csi_create_rectangle) shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 12 corresponds to the execution result of the CAD command 909 (csi_extend) shown in FIG.

  When the CAD command 908 (csi_create_rectangle) shown in FIG. 5 is given to the CAD application 104, the CAD dialog shown in FIG. 10A is displayed in step S421, and parameters are changed in the parameter input field 1301 as necessary. When an OK button (2) 1302 is pressed, a CAD command 908 (csi_create_rectangle) is executed on the CAD application 104, and a rectangle 1101 is created on the CAD application 104 as shown in FIG.

  When the CAD command 909 (csi_extend) shown in FIG. 5 is given to the CAD application 104, the CAD dialog shown in FIG. 10B is displayed in step S421, and parameters are entered in the parameter input field 1301 as necessary. When the OK button (2) 1302 is pressed, a CAD command 909 (csi_extend) is executed on the CAD application 104, and a rectangle is pushed out on the CAD application 104 as shown in FIG. (Cuboid) 1201 is created.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the CAD application 104 determines in step S424 that the error has ended, the process immediately proceeds to step S427, and an error signal is transmitted to the DDE 108.

  On the other hand, if the CAD application 104 determines in step S424 that the error has not ended (normal end), the process proceeds to step S425, and the execution result of the CAD command is stored in the RAM 202. In step S426, the CAD application 104 transmits an end signal to the DDE 108 simultaneously with the end of the CAD command.

  In step S <b> 412, the DDE 108 transmits the error signal or the end signal transmitted from the CAD application 104 to the design support program 103.

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, in step S505, when the design support program 103 determines that the end signal or error signal corresponding to the CAD command transmitted in step S504 has been received from the DDE 108, the process proceeds to step S506.

  In step S506, the design support program 103 determines whether or not the signal received in step S505 is an error signal. If the design support program 103 determines that the signal is an error signal, the process returns to step S504, and the same processing is performed again. Control to send a CAD command to the DDE 108.

  On the other hand, if the design support program 103 determines in step S506 that the signal received in step S505 is not an error signal (end signal), the process proceeds to step S507.

  In step S507, the design support program 103 determines whether there is a remaining CAD command in the corresponding command definition file (FIG. 5). If it is determined that there is a remaining CAD command, step S503 is performed. The process is returned to and the next CAD command is read.

  On the other hand, if the design support program 103 determines in step S507 that there is no remaining CAD command in the corresponding command definition file (FIG. 5), the CAD command calling process is terminated as it is, and the flowchart of FIG. Return processing to.

  When the CAD command calling process executed in step S405 in FIG. 6 is completed, the design support program 103 shifts the process to step S407.

  On the other hand, in step S405, the contents of the command processing order read by the design support program 103 in step S403 does not indicate a command (command definition file) (document file or the like (for example, 1003 in FIG. 4)). ), The process proceeds to step S406.

  In step S406, the design support program 103 expands the document file. That is, control is performed so that an application corresponding to the document file is activated and the document file is displayed on the display device 105. Then, the process proceeds to step S407.

  In step S407, the design support program 103 determines whether there is a remaining command in the corresponding command processing order file (FIG. 4). If it is determined that there is a remaining command, the design support program 103 proceeds to step S404. The processing is returned and the next command is read from the corresponding command processing order file.

  On the other hand, if the design support program 103 determines in step S407 that there are no remaining commands in the corresponding command processing order file (FIG. 4), the processing ends.

  Before the process is completed, the design support program 103 may be configured to transmit an end result storage command specifying the result storage DB 107) as a storage location to the DDE 108. As a result, the DDE 108 transmits this save command to the CAD application 104. The CAD application 104 executes this save command, and controls to save the result in the designated save location (result save DB 107).

  A screen image of the CAD application 104 when the sequence corresponding to the command processing order file shown in FIG. 4 is executed is schematically shown below with reference to FIGS.

  13 to 16 are schematic diagrams showing screen images of the CAD application 104 when the sequence corresponding to the command processing order file shown in FIG. 4 is executed.

  First, as shown in FIG. 13, when a sequence corresponding to the command processing order file shown in FIG. 4 is selected on the command processing order selection screen 1201 displayed on the display device 105 and execution is instructed, Then, the command “Create prismatic” is executed, and a prism 1202 is created on the CAD application as shown in FIG. 14 according to the input from the user.

  Further, the document “Holesize.xls” shown in FIG. 4 is developed on the display device 105 as indicated by 1203 in FIG. The user can refer to the contents of “Holesize.xls” and use it for the subsequent input. For example, by storing data used by a skilled person in “Holesize.xls” and referring to the data, even an inexperienced designer can design with a high degree of completion.

  Further, the command “Create hole” shown in FIG. 4 is executed, and a hole 1204 is created in the prism 1202 on the CAD application as shown in FIG. 16 according to the input from the user.

  Hereinafter, the design procedure of the designer (user) is compared between the case where the design is performed by directly operating the CAD application 104 without using the design support program 103 and the case where the design is performed using the design support program 103. To do. Here, the case where the prism shown in FIG. 14 is created (that is, the prism shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 described above) is described as an example.

  First, when the CAD application 104 is directly operated without using the design support program 103, the designer needs to perform the following operations (1) to (10).

  (1) First, the user presses a work plane button on the screen of the CAD application 104. (2) The user presses a new button on the screen of the CAD application 104. (3) The user presses the 2D creation button on the screen of the CAD application 104.

  (4) The user presses a rectangular button on the screen of the CAD application 104. (5) On the screen of the CAD application 104, the user selects one point on the upper left corner of the rectangle. (6) The user selects the lower right point, which is another point on the diagonal line, on the screen of the CAD application 104.

  (7) The user presses a machining button on the screen of the CAD application 104. (8) The user presses the push button on the screen of the CAD application 104. (9) The user inputs the push distance on the screen of the CAD application 104. (10) The user presses an OK button on the screen of the CAD application 104.

  Hereinafter, when the operation is performed using the design support program 103, the designer needs to perform the following operations (11) to (10).

  (11) The user selects a command processing order (sequence) on the command processing order selection screen shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and instructs execution of the processing. (12) The user inputs the vertical and horizontal values of the rectangle in the CAD dialog shown in FIG. (13) Press the OK button in the CAD dialog.

  (14) The user inputs the height value of the prism in the CAD dialog shown in FIG. (15) Press the OK button in the CAD dialog.

  As described above, when the operation is performed using the design support program 103, the designer can perform the design with a small number of procedures. In this way, the design support program 103 guides the operation with less procedures than usual so that even an inexperienced designer can design reliably and easily.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the design support program 103, the CAD application 104, the DDE 108, the command processing order DB 101, and the command DB 102 have been described on the same apparatus. The support program 103, the command processing order DB 101, the command DB 102, and the CAD application 104 may be provided on different apparatuses. The embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the design support apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 17, reference numeral 200 denotes a server device, and 220 denotes a client device. In the design support system of the present embodiment, a server device 200 and a client device 220 are connected via a network 210 so that they can communicate with each other.

  The server apparatus 200 includes a design support program 103, a DDE 108, a command processing order DB 101, and a command DB 102.

  The client device 220 is provided with a CAD application 104 and a DDE 108.

  In the present embodiment, the design support program 103 on the server device 200 and the CAD application 104 on the client device 220 can exchange commands via the DDE 108 and the communication interface 209.

  As described above, a command in which a CAD application function (CAD command), the type and value of a parameter to be set, an explanation (comment) regarding the parameter, etc. are set is registered in advance in the command DB 102 as a command definition file (FIG. 5). The designer sets the command processing order in the command DB 102 in the command processing order file (FIG. 4) and executes it, so that even an inexperienced designer can create a model in a short time in the same procedure as an expert. It is possible to create.

  The command processing order can be set so that not only commands registered in the command DB 102 but also other documents and applications such as design documents and analysis tools can be called in an arbitrary order. During this process, it is possible to easily call a document that the designer wants to refer to or another application that the designer wants to use.

  As a result, even an inexperienced designer can perform a highly complete design while referring to a document or the like used by an expert.

  In addition, the design support program 103 of the present embodiment communicates via a DDE (Dynamic data exchange) 108 or the like to freely call other applications outside the CAD application, including the CAD application, and instruct processing. The results are sequentially executed from the dialog as shown in FIG. 10 while the designer confirms the processing results in the order determined in the command processing order file (FIG. 4), and executed reliably for each CAD command. Can do.

  Therefore, by providing functions such as correct processing order, operation support, and calling of other tools, designers with less experience in designing work using CAD, which conventionally required a lot of understanding, such as processing order and operation, etc. However, there is an effect that a highly complete shape can be easily created in a short time.

  In addition, since there is a flexible mechanism in which the function of the CAD application can be called completely from the outside, and the application and other analysis tools can be easily defined in the scenario, there is an effect that can be used in various design forms.

  Further, since the start / end of processing is surely processed in order while receiving an end signal for each command from the CAD application in response to a CAD command input to the CAD application, processing of a large number of commands is defined. Even in such a case, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the processing is stopped.

  Therefore, managing CAD function calls when operating CAD applications, displaying the meaning of numerical values to be input, examples of results, etc., minimizes the operations performed by the designer, and exceeds a certain level in a short time. It is possible to support the design by the CAD application so that the modeling at the level can be performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration is such that the user inputs an approval input in the CAD dialog for each CAD command. However, all commands are executed with the parameter values defined in the command definition file without allowing the user to input the approval. You may comprise so that it may be performed. In this case, the user selects a command processing order in the command processing order (sequence) name selection field 702 on the command processing order selection screen shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and the command processing order (sequence) as necessary. All the composite commands described in the selected command processing order can be executed by the CAD application 104 simply by editing the contents 703 and pressing the execute button 709 (instructed by the input device 106).

  The configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the design support apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a recording medium (storage medium) that stores various data processing programs readable by the design support apparatus according to the present invention.

  Although not specifically shown, information for managing a program group stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a recording medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, A silicon disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It becomes.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and each modification of each embodiment mentioned above are also included in this invention.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the design assistance apparatus which shows 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the apparatus structure of the design support apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows DB structure of DB shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a data configuration diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a command processing order file stored in a command processing order DB illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 4 is a data configuration diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a command definition file stored in a command DB illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st control processing procedure in the design assistance apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the command processing order selection screen in the design support apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the command processing order selection screen in the design support apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd control processing procedure in the design assistance apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the CAD dialog in the design support apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the CAD command execution result in the design support apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the CAD command execution result in the design support apparatus of this invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a screen image of a CAD application when a sequence corresponding to the command processing order file shown in FIG. 4 is executed. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a screen image of a CAD application when a sequence corresponding to the command processing order file shown in FIG. 4 is executed. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a screen image of a CAD application when a sequence corresponding to the command processing order file shown in FIG. 4 is executed. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a screen image of a CAD application when a sequence corresponding to the command processing order file shown in FIG. 4 is executed. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the design assistance apparatus which shows 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the recording medium (storage medium) which stores the various data processing program which can be read by the design support apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 Design support device 101 Command processing order DB
102 Command DB
103 Design Support Program 104 CAD Application 105 Display Device 106 Input Device 107 Result Storage DB
108 DDE
201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
204 External memory 205 DB

Claims (9)

In a design support apparatus that supports design work using a CAD application,
First storage means capable of storing a plurality of command definition data defining a plurality of commands executable by the CAD application as one composite command;
Designating means for designating the calling order of the composite commands defined in each command definition data stored in the first storage means;
Control means for executing the composite command in accordance with the calling order designated by the designation means;
The command definition data includes a definition of an execution order of a plurality of commands constituting the composite command,
The control means causes the CAD application to sequentially execute a plurality of commands constituting the composite command in an execution order defined by the command definition data,
Furthermore, the control means controls to cause the CAD application to execute the next command in response to a command end notification from the CAD application. A second storage means capable of storing a plurality of calling order data specifying the calling order of the composite command defined in each command definition data stored in the first storage means;
The designation means designates any call order data stored in the second storage means, edits the designated call order data, and stores each command definition data stored in the first storage means. 2. The design support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a calling order of the composite commands defined in (1) is designated. The command definition data includes parameters necessary for execution of a plurality of commands constituting the composite command and parameter values thereof.
3. The design support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means gives a plurality of commands constituting the composite command to a CAD application together with parameters defined by the command definition data to be executed.   When the designation means designates the calling order of the composite command defined by each command definition data stored in the first storage means, each designation necessary for executing a plurality of commands constituting the composite command 4. The design support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a parameter value for the parameter can be designated.   The specification means performs guide display for notifying a setter of the meaning of each parameter when specifying a parameter value for each parameter necessary for executing a plurality of commands constituting the composite command. Item 5. The design support device according to Item 4.   The specifying means can specify calling of predetermined application data different from the composite command in an arbitrary order within the calling order of the composite command when specifying the calling order of the composite command. The design support apparatus according to claim 1. In a design support method in a design support apparatus that supports design work using a CAD application,
Designates the calling order of the compound commands defined in the command definition data stored in the storage means for storing a plurality of command definition data in which a plurality of commands executable by the CAD application are defined as one compound command. A specified step;
Executing the composite command according to the specified calling order;
The command definition data includes a definition of an execution order of a plurality of commands constituting the composite command,
The execution step is to cause the CAD application to sequentially execute a plurality of commands constituting the composite command in an execution order defined by the command definition data.
Furthermore, the execution step controls the CAD application to execute the next command in response to a command end notification from the CAD application.   A program for causing a computer to execute the design support method according to claim 7.   A recording medium storing a computer-readable program for causing a computer to execute the design support method according to claim 7.

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