JP2007141270A - Design support system, method, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a design support system which can enhance reusability of historical data about past design work and improve work efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: Design work history data are divided according to an instruction to generate unit work history data, input work made by a person in charge of work in a history is retrieved, input of design support information for the work is accepted, and the input design support information is inserted into the unit work history data to be stored in a database 1. The person in charge of work who reuses the unit work history data performs design work with reference to the design work history data which are previously reproduced in a design support window shown on a display section 24 of a design support device 2 and the design support information contained in it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a design support system such as CAD (Computer Aided Design), and more particularly to improvement of work efficiency.

  In recent CAD, it is common practice to model a figure by combining basic figure elements called primitives, or by performing predetermined processing on primitives and combinations thereof. Specifically, when creating a shape in which one side of a cube is rounded into a curved surface, a figure is created by rounding the one side of the cube primitive. Create by extruding.

  Conventionally, as a CAD system, a history of work contents such as generation, arrangement, and processing of primitives is recorded as work history data, and data of a graphic itself (graphic data) created by this work history data is associated with the data shown in FIG. A CAD system that records and manages files as shown in FIG. In such a CAD system, work history data can be traced back to correct past work contents. For example, the history of design work for component elements such as bolts and nuts has a common design and structure, and its shape is simple, so it can be easily reused when designing other products. .

  By the way, in an actual design site, it is often performed to speed up design by sharing design work of one product by a plurality of design teams in parallel. Such design sharing is carefully determined so that the design results of individual teams do not conflict with the design of other teams, but it is difficult to completely eliminate this interdependence. For example, in the design of one vehicle body, the design of the outer shape of the body (also called the design surface) and the design of the individual components of each part of the body are performed by different teams. Since it must conform to the shape outside the body, it cannot be determined unless the shape outside the body is determined.

  However, in the above-mentioned conventional CAD system, for example, in designing a vehicle body part, the design and structure are different for each design object, the shape is complicated, and the work history data reaches 3000 to 7000 steps. For this reason, even if work history data is to be reused, it is not practical to reuse it if the necessary shape part is taken out of it and the overhead of grasping the meaning of the work of each step is taken into consideration. Therefore, the design work is started again from 1 and the work efficiency is low. Even if certain work history data consists of steps that can be reused by chance, if you do not know the meaning of information such as the direction of the line drawn during the work and the input coordinate values, the actual design It was difficult to reuse.

  On the other hand, when recording the history of each design work, specify the offset amount from the temporary design surface with reference to the temporary design surface, for example, while referring to the design surface at the time of the design work Therefore, even if the design surface is changed, it is easy to create a shape that conforms to the changed design surface by reproducing the shape with the offset amount from the changed design surface. Can be generated. However, if there is a change in the number of surfaces to be referred to between the temporary design surface and the changed design surface, the direction of the boundary line, or the like, a suitable shape cannot be generated correctly.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a design support system that can improve reusability of past work history data and improve work efficiency.

  In the design support system, the present invention for solving the problems of the conventional example described above divides a design work history for generating a shape model into parts of the shape model and holds a plurality of pieces as unit work history data. And a selecting means for extracting at least two selected unit work history data out of a plurality of unit work history data held in the holding means, and combining the at least two selected unit work history data. And combining means for outputting design work data for generating a composite shape model in which partial shape models corresponding to each unit work history data are connected.

  In addition, the present invention for solving the problems of the conventional example outputs work data for generating a shape model of the design object in order to generate a shape model of the design object that conforms to the reference shape. Unit work history data obtained by dividing each design work history corresponding to the shape model of each predetermined portion out of the history of design work performed with reference to the first reference shape , A means for accepting designation of data of the second reference shape, and a selection for retrieving a plurality of selected unit work history data from among the plurality of unit work history data held in the holding means And combining the extracted unit work history data and the design work included in the unit work history data with reference to the first reference shape. Means for reproducing design work with reference to the designated second reference shape and outputting work data corresponding to a composite shape model conforming to the second reference shape. .

  Here, it is also preferable to further include means for calculating at least one technical characteristic value with respect to the output work data with respect to the integrated shape model generated from the work data.

  Further, the holding means accumulates the technical conditions to be satisfied by the partial shape model generated from each unit work history data in association with each unit work history data, and calculates the calculated technical characteristic value and the work data. It is also preferable to provide a means for comparing the technical condition related to the unit work history data that is the basis of the above, and the result of the comparison is provided to a predetermined design process.

  Furthermore, it includes means for accepting designation of data of the third reference shape, and among the operations included in the output work data, for the work performed with reference to the second reference shape, the designated It is also preferable to reproduce the design work while referring to the third reference shape, convert the work data, and output the conversion work data corresponding to the shape model conforming to the third reference shape.

  Furthermore, when generating unit history data, a design work history is analyzed, means for extracting input work by the worker, and the extracted input work is presented to the worker, and design support information is input. And means for recording the design support information in the history of the design work to be displayed at the time of reuse and dividing it into unit history data when the design support information is input. Is preferred.

  The present invention for solving the problems of the conventional example described above is a design support system, which retains a series of design work history as work history data for reuse, and generates a shape based on the work history data In the design support system, the work history data is analyzed, means for extracting an input work by a worker, a means for presenting the extracted input work to the worker, and receiving input of design support information; And means for recording the design support information in the work history data so that the design support information is displayed at the time of reuse when the design support information is input. As a result, design support information describing the meaning of each work can be provided to the worker who intends to reuse the work, reusability is improved, and work efficiency is improved.

  The design support system preferably further includes means for generating unit work history data by dividing the work history data into work units determined in advance for each design object. Thereby, the work history data can be divided and registered into predetermined elements, and for example, the reuse of the work history data of only the side portion is promoted.

  The present invention for solving the problems of the conventional example is a design support system, in which a history of design work performed in the past is divided into work units determined for each design object. A unit for storing unit work history data including design support information related to input work among the design work, and designation of a design object, so that the unit work history can be selected. Means for presenting, means for sequentially reproducing the selected unit work history to generate a shape, and design related to the input work when the input work is required during reproduction of the unit work history And a means for providing support information.

  Further, in this design support system, during the reproduction of the unit work history, means for determining whether or not the work history to be reproduced matches a guide display condition set in advance, and the guide display condition is met. In some cases, it is preferable to include means for performing a guide display set in relation to the condition.

  Furthermore, the present invention for solving the problems of the conventional example described above is based on unit work history data obtained by dividing the history of design work performed in the past into work units determined for each design object in the design support system. The unit work history data including design support information related to the input work among the design work and the unit work history data are referred to and the design work history is sequentially reproduced. The first display means for displaying the shape of the design object obtained in this manner, the design work history is played back in advance of the playback status on the first display means, and the design support information contained in the unit work history data is And a second display means for displaying.

  Furthermore, the present invention for solving the problems of the conventional example described above is a design support method for holding a series of design work histories for reuse as work history data and generating a shape based on the work history data. Analyzing the work history data, extracting an input work by a worker, presenting the extracted input work to the worker, and receiving an input of design support information; and the design support information includes: A step of recording the design support information in the work history data so that the design support information is displayed at the time of reuse.

  The present invention for solving the problems of the conventional example is a design support method, in which a history of design work done in the past is divided into work units determined for each design object. The unit work history can be selected in response to the process of accumulating unit work history data including design support information related to the input work among the design work and the designation of the design object. A step of presenting, a step of sequentially reproducing the selected unit work history to generate a shape, and a design related to the input work when the input work is required during the reproduction of the unit work history Providing support information.

  Further, in this design support method, during the reproduction of the unit work history, it is determined whether or not the work history to be reproduced matches a guide display condition set in advance. Preferably, the method further includes a step of performing guide display set in relation to the condition.

  The present invention for solving the problems of the conventional example described above is unit work history data obtained by dividing the history of design work performed in the past into work units determined for each design object in the design support system. The unit work history data including design support information related to the input work among the design work, and the unit work history data are referred to and the design work history is sequentially reproduced. A first display means for displaying the shape of the design target object to be reproduced, and a history of design work is reproduced in advance of the reproduction status on the first display means, and design support information included in the unit work history data is displayed. And second display means.

  Further, the present invention for solving the problems of the conventional example described above is that a series of design work histories for generating a partial shape model is held in a database as work history data in a computer-aided design support method. And a step of extracting at least two selected work history data out of the plurality of held work history data, and combining the extracted at least two work history data according to a command input to the processor And a step of outputting design work data for generating an integrated shape model connecting partial shape models corresponding to each work history data.

  Furthermore, the present invention for solving the problems of the conventional example described above is that the computer generates a shape model of the design object that conforms to a desired reference shape by input to the processor. A design support method for outputting work data for generating a shape model, wherein a plurality of design work histories performed in the past with reference to a reference shape are held in the database as work history data, and a processor In response to the command input to the step, a step of accepting designation of data of the second reference shape, which is a desired reference shape, and a plurality of selected work history data out of the plurality of work history data held in the database are retrieved. And the extracted work history data are combined, and the design work included in the work history data is combined with the past. For the work done with reference to each standard shape, the design data is reproduced while referring to the designated second standard shape, and the work data corresponding to the composite shape model conforming to the second standard shape And a step of outputting. Here, each design work history to be synthesized may be obtained by referring to different reference shapes (different first reference shapes).

  Further, the present invention for solving the problems of the conventional example described above is that a series of design work histories are held for reuse as work history data, and the work histories according to commands input to the processor by the computer. In a design support method for generating a shape based on data, a process of analyzing the work history data by an input to a processor, extracting an input work by a worker, and presenting the extracted input work to the worker And receiving the design support information, and recording the design support information in the work history data so that the design support information is displayed at the time of reuse when the design support information is input. .

  Further, the present invention for solving the problems of the conventional example described above is a unit work history data obtained by dividing the history of design work performed in the past into work units determined for each design object in the design support method. The computer stores the unit work history data including design support information related to the input work among the design work, and the computer receives the designation of the design object and selects the unit work history. A step of presenting the selected unit work history, generating a shape by sequentially reproducing the selected unit work history, and when an input work is requested during the reproduction of the unit work history, Providing design support information to be performed.

  Further, here, during the reproduction of the unit work history data, it is determined whether or not the work history to be reproduced matches a guide display condition set in advance, and when the guide display condition is met, It is also preferable to further include a step of performing a guide display set in relation to the condition.

  According to the present invention, the design work history for generating the shape model is divided for each part of the shape model, and held as a plurality of unit work history data. Among the held unit work history data, A design support system for outputting design work data for extracting and synthesizing at least two selected unit work history data and generating a composite shape model connecting partial shape models corresponding to each unit work history data It is said. As described above, the history of design work is divided and held for each part, and later composition is possible, so that reusability of past work history data can be improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a design support system that outputs work data for generating a shape model of the design object in order to generate a shape model of the design object that conforms to a reference shape, A plurality of unit work history data obtained by dividing each design work history corresponding to the shape model of each predetermined portion out of the history of design work performed with reference to one reference shape is stored as a second reference The specification of the shape data is accepted, and among the plurality of unit work history data held, the selected unit work history data is extracted and combined, and together with the design work included in the unit work history data For the work done with reference to the first reference shape, the design work is reproduced while referring to the designated second reference shape, and the work corresponding to the composite shape model conforming to the second reference shape is reproduced. It is a design support system to output the data. In this way, the history of design work is divided and held for each part, and later composition is possible, so that reusability of past work history data can be improved.

  According to the present invention, a design support system that retains a series of design work histories for reuse as work history data and generates a shape based on the work history data, analyzes the work history data, Extracting the input work by the person in charge, presenting the extracted input work to the person in charge of the work, accepting the input of design support information, and when design support information is input, work to display this when reused Since it is recorded in the history data, the reuse of the work history data is promoted, and the efficiency of the design work is improved.

  Further, the work history data is divided into work units determined in advance for each design object, and is stored as unit work history data, whereby reusability can be further improved.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the history of design work performed in the past is unit work history data divided into work units determined for each design object, and the design work related to the input work among the design work Unit work history data including support information is accumulated, design object is specified, unit work history is presented to be selectable, and the selected unit work history is reproduced sequentially to generate a shape. Since the design support system provides the design support information related to the input work when the input work is requested during the reproduction of the unit work history, the meaning of each input work and the understanding of the contents can be understood. This facilitates the reuse of work history data and improves the efficiency of design work.

  Further, here, during the reproduction of the unit work history, it is determined whether or not the work history to be reproduced matches a guide display condition set in advance. By performing the related guide display, more detailed information is provided, the work history data can be easily understood, and the efficiency of the design work is further improved.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the design support system according to the present embodiment includes a database 1 as means for accumulating work history data and a design support apparatus 2. The design support apparatus 2 basically includes a control unit 21 (processor), a storage unit 22, an external storage device 23, a display unit 24, and an operation unit 25. The database 1 and the design support apparatus 2 are connected via a network or the like.

  The database 1 holds a record of design work performed by the design support apparatus 2 in the past as design work history data. What is characteristic in the present embodiment is that the design work history data held in the database 1 is divided and registered for each work unit set in advance for each design object. Hereinafter, this work unit is referred to as unit work history data. In other words, if it is a body part of a vehicle, units such as “side” and “center” are determined in advance, and the design work history data is divided for each of these parts of data as unit design work history data. Registered in database 1.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the history of design work performed in the past is divided into unit work histories for each design object, and each database is registered with its name in the database 1 (A). . Moreover, it is preferable that the shape as the execution result of the unit work history is registered together (B).

  Further, the present embodiment is characterized in that the unit support history data includes design support information set by the worker. The setting of the design support information will be described later together with the operation of the control unit 21.

  The control unit 21 of the design support apparatus 2 basically performs a process corresponding to the design work (design process) and a process of editing the contents of the design work (edit process). Each of these processes will be described in detail later. The storage unit 22 is a hard disk or the like, and stores programs for design processing and editing processing executed by the control unit 21. The external storage device 23 reads a program from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD and outputs the program to the control unit 21. The read program is installed in the storage unit 22 by the control unit 21. The display unit 24 is a display or the like, and performs display processing in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 21. The operation unit 25 is a mouse, a keyboard, or the like, and outputs the operation content of the worker in charge to the control unit 21.

[Control section processing]
Here, the design process and editing process of the control unit 21 will be specifically described. As a design process, the control unit 21 displays a design window screen (main window), and processes the same design work as a conventional parametric CAD. Then, the contents of this design work are registered in the database 1 as work history data.

[Edit processing]
The control unit 21 starts to analyze the work history data registered in this way according to the instruction of the person in charge of the work, and starts the editing process shown in FIG. The control unit 21 reads out the work history data to be processed (S1), and searches for input work of the worker in charge from the work history data (S2). Here, input operations include, for example, specification of primitives, input of coordinate values, operation instructions (instructions for summation (combination) and difference (cutout) of primitives A and primitives B, products) (product extraction), and their order (The order of subtracting B from A or subtracting A from B).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the input work has been found by the search (S3), and if found (if Yes), the contents of the input work at that time are highlighted on the display unit 24 (S4). The person in charge is requested to input design support information such as comments and the meaning of the work (S5). When design support information is input or when there is an instruction not to input (S6), it is determined which case it is (S6). When design support information is input (input) The input information is inserted into the work history data in association with the input work (S7), and the process returns to the process S2 to continue the process. If no design support information is input in process S6 (no input), the process returns to process S2 and continues.

  Further, in the process S3, when no further input work is found by the search (when the processes S4 to S7 are completed for all the input works), the processed work history data is registered in the database 1. The process ends.

  Here, the highlighting in the process S4 is performed, for example, by alternately displaying the state of the shape before and after the work and displaying it as an animation or displaying a work command. By this editing process, the means and procedure for extracting the input work of the present invention, receiving the design support information and recording it in the work history data are realized in software.

[Generate unit work history data]
Further, the control unit 21 extracts data from the first position specified in the work history data to the second position, stores the data with a name, and registers the data in the database 1 as unit work history data. Process. Thereby, a means and a procedure for generating unit work history data are realized.

  Specifically, a case where an L-shaped member is designed and then divided to generate unit work history data will be described. First, when designing the L-shape, the two sides constituting the L-shape can be designed and combined separately. That is, a first cross-sectional shape is generated, and a design operation for extending the generated first cross-sectional shape is performed to create a columnar shape (first side), which is orthogonal to the first side. As described above, a second cross-sectional shape is generated, and a design operation for extending the generated second cross-sectional shape is performed to create another columnar shape (second side). Then, since a 1st edge | side and a 2nd edge | side are produced | generated, these are joined next and L shape is designed. Here, the first cross-sectional shape may be different from the second cross-sectional shape. In this case, both cross-sectional shapes are interpolated to form a joint portion (a joint block).

  Next, unit work history data is generated by dividing the history of the L-shaped design work designed in this way. The unit of division can be arbitrarily determined. For example, it can be divided into a first side, a second side, and a joint block.

  In the work history, the control unit 21 stores data from an instruction to generate the first cross-sectional shape (first position) to an instruction to generate a columnar shape by extending it (second position). Receives an operation to be taken out as history data from the person in charge of the work, inquires the person in charge of the name assigned to the extracted unit work history data, receives the input of the name, and together with this name, the unit work history taken out earlier Register the data in the database 1.

  Next, taking the instruction for generating the second cross-sectional shape as the first position and extending the instruction for generating the second columnar shape as the second position, the unit work history data is similarly extracted and the database 1 Register with. In addition, what is characteristic in the present embodiment is that an instruction for generating a joint block from the first cross-sectional shape to the second cross-sectional shape can also be registered in the database 1 as unit work history data. It is.

  Here, the first cross-sectional shape and its extension, and the second cross-sectional shape and its extension instruction may be instructed as an offset value from a predetermined design surface. That is, each vertex of the cross-sectional shape, the extending direction, the amount of extension, and the like may be specified based on the coordinate value of the surface element that forms the design surface specified separately. In addition, in each instruction, conditions (design requirements) such as dimension values necessary for the design part to exhibit the required performance, conditions of values necessary for the processing technology of the part (production technology requirements), etc. May be included. In the interpolation, an interpolation process is performed according to the interpolation parameter instructed by the worker, and the shape of the joint block is slightly different depending on the interpolation parameter.

  The unit work history data registered in the database 1 in this way is used in actual design processing.

[Design process]
Next, a design process of the control unit 21 of the design support apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the process of the design process, an operation for supporting the process of taking in the contents of the design work performed in the past for reuse is performed. That is, the control unit 21 receives an instruction to read out unit work history data from the database 1 and starts the process shown in FIG. 4 to name the unit work history data related to the design object that is currently designed ( (Or a shape obtained thereby) is read out and presented on the display unit 24 in a selectable manner (S11). This display mode may be a list of names as shown in FIG. 5 (a), and preferably a shape is displayed in a list as shown in FIG. 5 (b). It may be. When one of the unit work history data is selected by operating the mouse of the operation unit 25 or the like, the control unit 21 reads the unit work history data from the database 1 (S12) and displays a design support window. (S13) A process of sequentially executing unit work history data one by one is performed (S14), and when the execution is completed, the process is terminated. In this way, the database 1 in which a plurality of unit work history data is accumulated can be called a “shelf” of unit work history data, and the person in charge of the work takes out the unit work history data from this “shelf” and diverts it. Design can be done while doing so.

  Here, the process S14 for sequentially executing the unit work history data takes out the next one work procedure of the read unit work history data as shown in FIG. 6 (S20), and whether it is an input work or not. (S21). This input work includes, for example, specification of primitives, input of coordinate values, instructions for calculation instructions, and the like. If it is not an input work (if No), the work is reproduced in the main window (S22) (that is, a shape is generated), and the process returns to the process S20 to continue the process.

  On the other hand, if the extracted work procedure is an input work (if Yes) in process S21, it is determined whether there is design support information associated therewith (S23), and if there is design support information (Yes). If so, the design support information is displayed on the design support window (S24), and the operation is waited (S25). If the operation performed in the process S25 is an instruction to execute the unit work history data as it is (approval instruction), the process returns to the process S20 to continue the process (B). On the other hand, if there is no design support information in the process S23 (if No), a display for inquiring to the person in charge of the work whether or not the work procedure extracted in the process S20 can be executed as it is is performed (S26). Migrate to

  Further, when the operation performed in the process S25 is an operation different from the unit work history data (separate operation), the operation on the shape in the main window is executed according to this operation (S27), and the next input work is performed. The search is performed (that is, the current input work is skipped) (S28), the process returns to the process S20, and the process is continued from the searched input work. If there is no next work in process S20, or if the next input work cannot be retrieved in process S28, the process ends.

  Here, when the work procedure extracted in step S20 is executed during the display in steps S24 and S26, it is preferable to display in the design support window what shape will result. This is performed by reproducing the procedure up to the next input work command in the design support window. In other words, the display in the design support window is synchronized with the design status being performed in the main window, and a work procedure different from the unit work history data being reused is applied to the work shape in the middle. However, synchronization is resumed from the next input operation. Note that here, when an operation different from the unit work history data is performed, the corresponding operation is skipped (step S28). However, the operator is inquired whether or not to skip this operation. Thus, the processing S28 may be executed only when there is an instruction to skip, and when it is not, the processing may be repeatedly executed from the processing S23.

[Support information not input by the person in charge of work]
In the description so far, the design support information that is performed in conjunction with the display performed in step S24 or S26 is set in advance by the creator (or editor) of the unit work history data being reproduced. For example, a guide display in which information indicating a display mode is associated with a command indicating a specific operation such as an input operation when a line shape is input, an input operation when a single shape is set by a number of steps, an operation of moving a predetermined shape, etc. The conditions are accumulated in the storage unit 22, and it is determined whether or not the command related to the work history being reproduced matches the guide display condition, and when the command matches, the display mode information associated with the command is used. It is also preferable to perform a predetermined guide display within the design support window. This guide display is performed, for example, in a manner as shown in FIG. That is, for a line segment input operation, highlighting indicating the direction of the line segment is performed by representing an arrow (X) (FIG. 7A), and when a large number of steps are required to be input. A number indicating the input order is displayed (Y) in the vicinity of the shape set by each input (FIG. 7B). Further, for the movement of the figure, the movement direction is displayed by an arrow (Z) (FIG. 7C). In addition, the highlighting of the reproduction part (FIG. 7D), the input order of the shape elements in the calculation (FIG. 7E), and the like are also displayed.

  Furthermore, when the work history includes a shape (sketch) that is defined by inputting only the size instead of being generated through a procedure, display of coordinate axes used for defining the shape (FIG. 7). (F)), display of size conditions (constraint conditions) (FIG. 7 (g)), display of captured sketch elements (FIG. 7 (h)), etc. are also executed as guide display.

  Note that the input order of the shape elements in the calculation is, for example, by subtracting the next input shape element (subsequent shape element) from the previous input shape element (preceding shape element), and adding a new shape element. When creating, a different shape element is prevented from being created in the opposite direction, that is, by subtracting the preceding shape element from the succeeding shape element.

  The first display means of the present invention is realized by the process of displaying the main window, and the second display means of the present invention is realized by the process of displaying the design support window.

[Regeneration based on specified design surface]
In the design process by the control unit 21, the unit work history data is based on the design surface (original design surface (first reference shape in the present invention)) used in the past design, for example, from the design surface. A work history may be configured using an offset value. In this way, the shape element (point, line segment, surface, etc.) as a reference defines another shape element (that is, another shape element referred to here refers to the data of the shape element as a reference). Design can be performed while adapting to a specific design surface. The unit work history data may be created by design work based on different design surfaces. That is, there may be a plurality of the first reference shapes.

  In this case, prior to the design process, a design surface to which the design content should be adapted is received, and the designated design surface (the first design in the present invention) is reproduced in the reproduction of the procedure shown in FIG. The offset value included in the work history is used on the basis of (2 reference shape).

  Here, the design surface is generally designed by combining shape elements of a plurality of surfaces, and it is designated as the reference after receiving the specification of which surface (or which surface group) the reproduction procedure is based on. The work history is reproduced based on the surface shape. Thereby, the design of the member suitable for the designated design surface can be performed based on the past design history.

  Thus, about the design result of the member which adapts to a designated design surface, the control part 21 performs a strength analysis etc. by methods, such as a finite element method, and calculates the value (technical characteristic value) which shows a technical characteristic. The result is presented to the worker.

[Use of design requirements and production technology requirements]
In addition, by comparing this technical characteristic value with the design requirements and production technology requirements included in the work history, and presenting the results to the worker, the results of the evaluation of the design contents are given to the worker. Is provided at any time, it becomes easy to grasp the fluctuation of the technical characteristic value due to the shape change (design history editing), etc., and to design while maintaining the technical characteristic value at an appropriate value.

[Composition of two or more unit work history data]
The person in charge of work can also synthesize two or more unit work history data extracted in the design process to generate one composite shape. For example, the first unit work history that is the work history that designed the side portion and the second unit work history that is the work history that designed the middle bone portion are extracted, and the end points for which these shapes are designated Instruct to join at the part. This instruction may be an instruction for newly specifying an interpolation parameter for the shape of the end to be joined, or by extracting a joint block registered in the database 1 as unit work history data. In addition, an instruction to join using the interpolation parameter included as the joint block may be used. According to the latter, the past design history can be utilized and the design work can be simplified.

  The composite shape generated in this way is generated by a history of a series of work procedures obtained by combining a plurality of unit work data. Further, it is preferable that the series of work procedures after the synthesis can be sequentially executed one by one. In this case, the next one work procedure is sequentially taken out from the series of work procedures obtained by the synthesis, and the same process as the process shown in FIG. 6 is executed. That is, for the extracted procedure, it is checked whether it is an input work (primitive designation, coordinate value input, calculation instruction instruction, etc.). If it is not an input work, the work is reproduced in the main window. If it is an input operation (ie, a shape is generated), it is determined whether there is design support information associated therewith. If there is design support information, this design support information is displayed in the design support window. Display and wait for operation. If there is no design support information, a display for inquiring to the person in charge of whether or not the work procedure can be executed as it is is performed, and the operation is waited.

  Here, the worker in charge inputs an instruction (approval instruction) to be executed as it is or performs a different operation (separate operation). When the approval instruction is input, the work data is executed as it is, and the process returns to the process of retrieving the next procedure and the process is continued.

  When another operation is performed, the operation on the shape in the main window is executed in accordance with the operation, the next input work is searched (that is, the current input work is skipped), and the search is performed. Take input work and continue processing. Note that the processing is terminated when there is no next operation or when the next input operation cannot be retrieved.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even for a history of a series of work procedures obtained as a result of synthesizing unit work history data, the person in charge of the work does not need to be aware of the connection (composite point) of each unit history data. The procedure is sequentially reproduced and design support information is provided.

[basic action]
Next, the basic operation of the design support system of this embodiment will be described. The database 1 stores a plurality of past design work histories as unit work history data for each design object. A person in charge of designing a new product inputs design object information and design information to the design support apparatus 2 and causes the display unit 24 to display unit work history data associated with the design object. . When the person in charge of the operation performs an operation of selecting one of the displayed unit work history data, a design support window is displayed, and reproduction of the selected unit work history data is started.

  The person in charge of the work refers to the shape that is reproduced first in the design support window, and when using it as it is, approves the reproduction, and when changing or adding, replaces a part of the work history. Or in addition to performing design operations.

  In addition, the design support apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, when there is information (designation of primitives, input of coordinate values, and other information) to be input by the worker in the process of reproduction, When design support information is included in the work history data, the information is displayed. Further, when there is a guide display corresponding to a predetermined command, the guide display is performed.

  By looking at the design support information, the person in charge of the work can know information such as the meaning of each input work, and more detailed information about the contents of the work can be obtained by the guide display. Thereby, the reuse of work history data is promoted, and the efficiency of design work is improved.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an interface for searching for input work included in the design work history data obtained in this way and for requesting input of design support information for each input work is provided. . As a result, it is possible to reduce the time and labor required for the operator to input the design support information.

[Design operation based on design surface]
In addition, an operation when performing design based on the design surface using the design support system of the present embodiment will be described. The database 1 stores a plurality of past design work histories as unit work history data for each design object. The unit work history data accumulated here is designed based on the design surface (original design surface) used in the past design work.

  A worker in charge of designing a new member suitable for the new design surface inputs information on the new design surface to the design support apparatus 2. Thereafter, the design support apparatus 2 reproduces the work history data with reference to the new design surface.

  When the worker in charge inputs the design object and the design, unit work history data associated with the design object is displayed on the display unit 24. When the person in charge of the operation performs an operation of selecting one of the displayed unit work history data, a design support window is displayed, and reproduction of the selected unit work history data is started. At the time of this reproduction, the work performed on the basis of the original design surface is reproduced on the basis of the newly designated design surface.

  That is, the selected unit work history data is created by work using offset values (a1, a2...) With the original design surface (D1) as a reference, as shown in FIG. When a concave shape is formed on the plate along, the minimum value of the width L of the concave portion is set as a design requirement for the unit work history data, and the inner wall of the concave portion and the plate parallel to the design surface Assume that the minimum and maximum values of the angle θ are set. Here, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, a state in which the design surface is broken at a certain surface is illustrated.

  When the design surface (D2) shown in FIG. 8 (b) is newly designated, the unit work history data in FIG. 8 (a) has an offset value (a1, a2) based on this design surface D2. ...) is reproduced, and a shape F having a recess is designed.

  The person in charge of the work refers to the shape F to be reproduced earlier in the design support window, approves the reproduction when using it as it is, and replaces it with a part of the work history when changing or adding it. Or perform design operations.

  In addition, the design support apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, when there is information (designation of primitives, input of coordinate values, and other information) to be input by the worker in the process of reproduction, When design support information is included in the work history data, the information is displayed. Further, when there is a guide display corresponding to a predetermined command, the guide display is performed.

  In addition, when the worker in charge instructs the evaluation at this time, the technical characteristic value is calculated by a finite element method or the like, and the design requirement or production technical requirement is compared with the calculated technical characteristic value. The result is presented to the worker.

  By looking at these design support information and the calculation results of technical characteristic values, the person in charge of the work can know information such as the meaning of each input work, and more detailed information about the work contents by the guide display You will be able to know. Furthermore, appropriate design is performed based on the calculation result of the technical characteristic value. In this way, reuse of work history data is promoted, and the efficiency of design work is improved.

[Conversion to formal design]
By the way, as already described, the design of the design surface may be performed in parallel with the design of the member to be made in conformity with the design surface. In this case, the member design is performed on the basis of the temporary design surface, and when the design of the final design surface (the present design surface) is completed, the temporary design surface (the second reference shape according to the present invention is first used). The design history performed on the basis of the design surface is replaced with the design history based on the design surface, and a member conforming to the design surface (corresponding to the third reference shape of the present invention) is designed.

  At this time, the following technical problems may occur. That is, (1) errors due to changes in the number of constituent faces, (2) errors due to changes in the direction and number of boundary lines, (3) errors due to reversal of the orientation of faces, and (4) errors due to bending of faces. To do. Specifically, (1) an error associated with a change in the number of constituent surfaces is designed based on certain surface elements A and B on the temporary design surface 102 as shown in FIG. When there is a conditioned surface 104, in this design, if the design surface 102a corresponding to the temporary design surface 102 is composed of three surface elements C, D, and E, the reference surface to be referred to is C, It means that it is not clear which side of D and E corresponds, and the judgment on the system side becomes impossible.

  (2) An error due to a change in the direction or number of the boundary line is derived from the fact that the surface is represented by a loop of loops that define the boundary line. This loop is clockwise or counterclockwise. For example, if the loop that was clockwise in the temporary design is counterclockwise in this design, the shape generated by the result of the work performed on the basis of the boundary line is not intended. Become. Further, (3) an error associated with the reversal of the direction of a surface is the “positive direction” (for example, when the right screw is turned in the direction of the loop defining the surface, the direction of travel of the screw) In some cases, a specified shape is generated. In this type of work, if the orientation of the surface is reversed, the shape to be formed will be different from the intended one.

  Here, since the individual surface elements are generated internally by the CAD system, the orientation of the corresponding surface is reversed between the temporary design surface and the present design surface without the designer's knowledge of the design surface. It can happen.

  Furthermore, the error due to (4) plane bending is an error that occurs when a plurality of surface elements that are smoothly connected in the temporary design are not smoothly connected in the present design. Specifically, when a line is projected onto a curved surface and the shape is formed by cutting the surface by the projection line, another operation may be performed with reference to the projection line. At this time, since the projection line obtained from the smoothly connected surface element group draws a single smooth curve, another work performed with reference to this corresponds to the single curve. It becomes. However, if the surface group corresponding to the projection line is not smoothly connected, the projection line becomes a broken line and is composed of a plurality of line segments. Therefore, for the work performed with reference to one curve, it becomes impossible to specify the projection line of the reference destination, and an error occurs.

  In view of these circumstances, design support information may be displayed in the same manner as when designing by combining unit work history data. However, since there is no significant difference between the temporary design and the present design, the surface groups can be associated with each other between the surface element included in the temporary design and the surface element included in the present design. . Therefore, this association is performed before the procedure is reproduced based on the present design. Specifically, in this association, the worker in charge displays the temporary design surface and the present design surface, sets a surface group for both, and assigns an ID to each. Then, the corresponding face group is designated. Thereby, the association of the face group is set, and the ID of the corresponding face group is registered as a pair. In addition, by making the association in this way, it is possible to determine whether or not the direction of the loop that defines the corresponding surface has been changed, and it is also possible to determine the orientation of the surface. Therefore, the above problems (1) to (3) are solved by performing such association in advance.

  Also, by examining the connection relationships of the surface elements included in each associated surface group (each of the surface group of the temporary design and the surface group of the present design), one is connected smoothly and the other is smooth If it is not connected to the work station, the person in charge of the work is informed so that the design work of the member is edited and the designer of the design surface is requested to eliminate the breakage. The occurrence of errors can be eliminated.

[Perform overall work]
Thus, according to the design support system (this system) according to the present embodiment, a design flow as shown in FIG. 10 can be realized. Here, a case of designing a vehicle will be described. First, the person in charge of work divides and cuts out a history of design work performed on the basis of a design of a certain body shape (first reference shape) in arbitrary units, and registers it in the database 1 as unit work history data. (S31). The unit work history data thus registered is organized and registered in units for each design object for later reuse to form a “shelf” (A). In addition, when registering for reuse in this way, this system finds out the procedure entered by the worker, asks for the design support information, and includes the entered design support information in the procedure. And register.

  At this stage, the unit work history data registered in the database 1 is registered as a versatile procedure that does not depend on a specific design or a specific joint relationship. For this reason, when designing a member suitable for a new body, it is possible to design using this unit work history data. In other words, the worker in charge sets the new body shape based on the shape (second reference shape) presented by the body design department as a temporary design.

  Then, the unit work history data is extracted from the database 1 (“shelf”), and the design work is performed (S32). At this time, in addition to the main window M reflecting the actual design contents, the unit work history data is reproduced prior to the actual design contents, and a sub window S for design support showing the result is displayed. If there is input design support information, it is displayed in this sub-window S (FIG. 11). Thereby, the person in charge of work can know the input contents to be specified at this time, and the reuse is smoothly performed. Here, the person in charge of the work may newly perform a design work without using the unit work history data.

  The person in charge of the operation diverts the unit work history data in this way, or combines the newly designed elements, generates a “joint” that joins each element, and performs operations such as forming a synthesized shape, The design of the member conforming to the second reference shape is performed, and the work history data of the temporary design original drawing is generated.

  Here, work history data obtained by editing unit work history data or newly performing design work is divided into arbitrary units as necessary and stored in the database 1 as unit work history data. It is registered (S33). In this way, reuse and registration are appropriately performed, and the contents of the database 1 are enriched.

  Furthermore, at this stage, it is evaluated whether the technical characteristic value based on the shape generated by the unit work history data for conforming to the second reference shape has the required design requirements and production technology requirements. The result is presented (S34). In response to this presentation, the person in charge of the work further edits the work history data and changes the design so as to satisfy the required requirements. Thereby, the characteristic analysis of the parts can be performed before the formal design is finished, and the design work can be performed smoothly.

  When the body design department completes the design of the formal design (this design; the third reference shape), the reference shape (design surface) referenced by the work history data of the temporary design original drawing is replaced, Work history data of the design original drawing is generated (S35). Prior to the generation of the work history data for this design, surface groups are associated between the temporary design and the present design, and the reference surface or line is referred to while referring to the association of each surface group. Design replacement is achieved while taking into account the direction of the minute, the direction of the surface, and the like. In addition, when a face group is broken, work history data for generating a shape suitable for the design can be obtained by editing the design face and work history data. The work history data obtained in this way is used in subsequent processes such as a mold design process.

  In the above description, the design support information is displayed in the sub-window S. However, the window displaying the design support information and the window reflecting the actual design contents are independent from each other. It may be realized as a window. Such an implementation can be performed by writing a program so that each window is managed separately, for example, in one design support application, and by creating a separate application corresponding to each window, It can also be implemented by operating on the OS. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, each window can be tiled (arranged) and displayed, and the window reflecting the actual design content is closed and only the window displaying the design support information is displayed. It can also be displayed.

1 is a configuration block diagram of a design support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of work history data accumulated in a database 1. FIG. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of an edit process. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of a design process. It is explanatory drawing showing the example of a selection screen. It is a flowchart figure which illustrates a part of design process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a guide display. It is explanatory drawing showing the relationship between a design surface and work history data. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the condition of the error generation at the time of design replacement. It is a flowchart showing the design flow by the design support system of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of a screen display. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of a screen display. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the content of the file of design data.

Explanation of symbols

  1 database, 2 design support device, 21 control unit, 22 storage unit, 23 external storage device, 24 display unit, 25 operation unit.

Claims (22)

A holding means for dividing a history of design work for generating a shape model into parts of the shape model and holding a plurality of pieces as unit work history data;
A selection means for retrieving at least two selected unit work history data from among the plurality of unit work history data held in the holding means;
A synthesis means for synthesizing the selected at least two unit work history data and outputting design work data for generating a composite shape model connecting partial shape models corresponding to each unit work history data;
A design support system characterized by including: A design support system that outputs work data for generating a shape model of a design object in order to generate a shape model of the design object that conforms to a reference shape,
Holding means for holding a plurality of unit work history data obtained by dividing each design work history corresponding to the shape model of each predetermined portion of the history of the design work performed with reference to the first reference shape; ,
Means for accepting designation of data of the second reference shape;
Selecting means for extracting a plurality of unit work history data selected from the plurality of unit work history data held in the holding means;
Each of the extracted unit work history data is synthesized, and among the design work included in the unit work history data, those performed with reference to the first reference shape, the specified second reference Means for reproducing design work while referring to the shape, and outputting work data corresponding to the composite shape model conforming to the second reference shape;
A design support system characterized by including: The design support system according to claim 2,
A design support system further comprising means for calculating at least one technical characteristic value with respect to the output work data with respect to a composite shape model generated from the work data. The design support system according to claim 3,
The holding means stores each unit work history data in association with technical conditions to be satisfied by the partial shape model generated by each unit work history data,
Means for comparing the calculated technical characteristic value and the technical condition related to the unit work history data from which the work data is based;
A design support system, wherein a result of the comparison is provided to a predetermined design process. The design support system according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
And a means for accepting designation of data of the third reference shape,
Of the operations included in the output operation data, for operations performed with reference to the second reference shape, design operations are reproduced while referring to the specified third reference shape, and the operations are performed. A design support system which converts data and outputs conversion work data corresponding to a shape model conforming to the third reference shape. The design support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:
When generating unit history data,
A means of analyzing the history of design work and extracting input work by workers,
Means for presenting the extracted input work to a person in charge and receiving input of design support information;
When the design support information is input, the design support information is recorded in the history of the design work so as to be displayed at the time of reuse, and divided into unit history data;
A design support system characterized by including: In a design support system that retains a series of design work history as work history data for reuse, and generates a shape based on the work history data,
Means for analyzing the work history data and extracting input work by a worker;
Means for presenting the extracted input work to a person in charge and receiving input of design support information;
Means for recording the design support information in the work history data to be displayed at the time of reuse when the design support information is input;
A design support system characterized by including: The design support system according to claim 7,
A design support system further comprising means for generating unit work history data by dividing the work history data into work units determined in advance for each design object. Unit work history data in which the history of design work done in the past is divided into work units determined for each design object, and the unit includes design support information related to input work among the design work Means for accumulating work history data;
Means for receiving the designation of the design object and presenting the unit work history in a selectable manner;
Means for sequentially reproducing the selected unit work history to generate a shape;
Means for providing design support information related to the input work when the input work is requested during the reproduction of the unit work history;
A design support system characterized by including: The design support system according to claim 9, further comprising:
Means for determining whether or not the work history to be reproduced matches a guide display condition set in advance during the reproduction of the unit work history;
Means for displaying a guide set in association with the condition when the guide display condition is satisfied;
A design support system characterized by including: Unit work history data in which the history of design work done in the past is divided into work units determined for each design object, and the unit includes design support information related to input work among the design work Means for accumulating work history data;
First display means for referring to the unit work history data and displaying the shape of the design object obtained by sequentially reproducing the history of design work;
Second display means for reproducing design work history while preceding the reproduction status on the first display means and displaying design support information included in unit work history data;
A design support system characterized by including: A series of design work histories for generating partial shape models are held in the database as work history data.
By the command input to the processor
A step of retrieving at least two selected work history data from the plurality of work history data held;
Synthesizing the extracted at least two work history data, and outputting design work data for generating an integrated shape model connecting partial shape models corresponding to each work history data; and
A computer-aided design support method characterized by: A design support method in which a computer outputs work data for generating a shape model of a design object in order to generate a shape model of the design object that conforms to a desired reference shape by input to a processor. And
In the past, a plurality of design work histories performed with reference to the reference shape in the past are held in the database as work history data,
By the command input to the processor
Receiving a designation of data of a second reference shape which is a desired reference shape;
Of the plurality of work history data held in the database, a step of extracting a plurality of selected work history data;
Each of the extracted work history data is synthesized, and the design work included in the work history data that has been performed with reference to the respective reference shapes in the past is designated as the second reference. Reproducing the design work while referring to the shape, and outputting work data corresponding to the composite shape model conforming to the second reference shape;
A design support method characterized by: In a design support method in which a series of design work histories are retained for reuse as work history data, and a computer generates a shape based on the work history data according to a command input to the processor.
Analyzing the work history data by input to a processor and extracting input work by a worker;
The extracted input work is presented to a person in charge, receives design support information, and when the design support information is input, the design support information is displayed in the work history data to be displayed upon reuse. Recording process;
A design support method comprising: The history of design work done in the past is unit work history data divided into work units determined for each design object, and the computer includes design support information related to input work among the design work A process of accumulating unit work history data,
A computer receiving designation of a design object and presenting the unit work history in a selectable manner;
Generating the shape by sequentially reproducing the selected unit work history; and
Providing input of design support information related to the input work when the input work is requested during the reproduction of the unit work history;
A design support method comprising: The design support method according to claim 15,
While the unit work history data is being played back, the computer determines whether the work history to be played matches a guide display condition set in advance, and when it matches the guide display condition, A design support method further comprising a step of performing guide display set as described above. On the computer,
A procedure for maintaining a plurality of design work histories as work history data for generating a partial shape model,
A procedure for retrieving at least two selected work history data from among the plurality of work history data held;
A procedure of synthesizing the extracted at least two work history data and outputting design work data for generating an integrated shape model connecting partial shape models corresponding to each work history data;
Design support program characterized by causing On the computer,
A design support program for outputting work data for generating a shape model of a design object in order to generate a shape model of the design object suitable for a desired reference shape,
A procedure for storing a plurality of design work histories performed with reference to the first reference shape as work history data;
Receiving a designation of data of a second reference shape which is a desired reference shape;
A procedure for retrieving a plurality of selected work history data from the plurality of held work history data;
Each of the extracted work history data is synthesized, and among the design work included in the work history data, the design work performed with reference to the first reference shape, the specified second reference shape is used. A procedure for reproducing design work while referring to and outputting work data corresponding to an integrated shape model conforming to the second reference shape;
A design support program characterized by causing a computer to execute. On the computer,
A procedure for storing a series of design work history as work history data for reuse,
A procedure for analyzing the work history data and extracting an input work by a worker;
A procedure for presenting the extracted input work to a person in charge and receiving an input of design support information;
When the design support information is input, a procedure for recording the design support information in the work history data to be displayed at the time of reuse;
Design support program characterized by causing On the computer,
Unit work history data in which the history of design work done in the past is divided into work units determined for each design object, and the unit includes design support information related to input work among the design work Procedure for accumulating work history data,
In response to designation of the design object, a procedure for presenting the unit work history in a selectable manner;
A procedure for sequentially reproducing the selected unit work history to generate a shape;
A procedure for providing design support information related to the input work when the input work is requested during the reproduction of the unit work history;
Design support program characterized by realizing The design support program according to claim 20,
During playback of the unit work history, it is determined whether or not the work history to be played matches a guide display condition set in advance. A design support program further comprising a procedure for performing the displayed guide display.   A computer-readable recording medium storing the design support program according to any one of claims 17 to 21.

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