JP2003058746A - Product specification input system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a product specification input system, by which a target product specification can be rightly inputted even when a client does not have sufficient knowledge on the product of a maker. SOLUTION: The product specification input system for inputting the specification of the product to be arranged with option parts to a maker side server, is composed of a product selecting means 1 for selecting the detailed specifications of the product and the option parts out of stored data, a layout generating means 4 for generating a layout drawing, a data extracting means 8 for extracting layout data from the layout drawing, and a communication means 9 for transmitting required data including the extracted layout data to the maker side server.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a product specification such as a rack, a unit type distribution board, a box for storing electric equipment, etc. when a client places an order or requests an estimate from a manufacturer. The present invention relates to a product specification input system capable of directly inputting to a manufacturer's server via.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Racks, unit type distribution boards, electric equipment storage boxes, etc. are manufactured by combining optional products with basic products prepared as standard equipment by the manufacturer and, if necessary, secondary processing. It When a manufacturer receives an estimate or order for a product such as a rack, distribution board, or box for storing electrical equipment from a client, the sales representative of the manufacturer's sales office or agent confirms the specifications requested by the client, A system is used in which data such as model numbers, mounting positions, and numbers of products or optional parts are input from a list-type input screen and transmitted to a manufacturer's server. However, in such a system, it is necessary to select a product required by the client from a huge product group and input a large number of items for mounting optional parts, etc. There is a problem that may occur.

When a client himself / herself uses such a system to send a request directly to a manufacturer's server via the Internet or the like to request a quote or place an order,
Clients had to have a good knowledge of the manufacturer's products and it was difficult to make them available to the general public. Furthermore, in such a system, when inputting, the model number is input referring to the catalog, but since only the model number and the number are displayed on the computer screen, imagine the appearance of the requested specifications. It is difficult to do so, and you select a member that does not conform to the standard for the outer box,
Even when the arrangement is improper from the viewpoint of weight distribution, heat generation, etc., there is a problem that the quotation is made as it is and the ordering is mechanically performed.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems and allows a target product specification to be correctly input even if the client does not have sufficient knowledge about the product of the manufacturer. It was made to provide an input system.

[0005]

The product specification input system according to the invention of claim 1 made to solve the above-mentioned problems, the client side in order to input the product specification to the server on the manufacturer side via the network. A product specification input system mounted on a computer, wherein product selection means for selecting detailed specifications regarding products in which optional parts are arranged from stored data, and layout for generating a layout drawing based on the selected detailed specifications The present invention is characterized in that a generation means, a data extraction means for extracting layout data from the layout diagram generated by the layout generation means, and a communication means for transmitting necessary data including the extracted data to a server on the manufacturer side are provided. Is.
A data acquisition unit that stores the accumulated data on the server side and allows the computer on the client side to acquire the accumulated data can be provided.

Further, the product specification input system of the invention of claim 3 made to solve the above-mentioned problem, the remote control of the server on the manufacturer side from the client via the network allows the server on the manufacturer side to specify the product specifications. A product specification input system for inputting a product, a product selecting means for selecting a detailed specification regarding a product in which an optional part is arranged from stored data, and a layout generating means for generating a layout drawing based on the selected detailed specification. Data extracting means for extracting layout data from the layout diagram generated by the layout generating means is provided in the server on the maker side, and remote operation means for remotely operating the server is provided in the client. In any of the inventions, it is preferable that the product selecting means includes an optional part selecting means for selecting and arranging the optional parts. The optional parts are arranged on the equipment mounting rails provided in the product, and the option part mounting points are specified at a fixed pitch on the equipment mounting rail, and the layout generation means sets them for each optional part. It is preferable that the layout drawing is generated by matching the fixed reference points with any one of them. Further, it is preferable that the product selection means is provided with a secondary processing means for selecting and arranging the contents of the secondary processing, and the layout generation means determines the validity of the layout of the generated layout drawing. Preferably, the arrangement determining means includes a rearrangement determining means for automatically rearranging the optional components on the equipment mounting rail.
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0007]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION (Outline of System) FIGS. 1 to 1
3 shows the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a product specification input system mounted on a client side computer, including product selection means 1, option component selection means 2, secondary processing selection means 3, layout drawing generation means 4, and display. It comprises a means 5, an arrangement determination means 6, a rearrangement means 7, a data extraction means 8 and a communication means 9. The contents and functions of each means will be described in detail below by taking the input of product specifications of the rack shown in FIG. 10 as an example. Note that this embodiment is a specification input for a product having a structure in which various optional parts are arranged on a device mounting rail having mounting holes with a fixed pitch, such as a rack, a unit type distribution board, and a box for storing electronic devices. Applied to.

The product selecting means 1 has a function of selecting detailed specifications regarding a product from the stored data in the storage device. The initial screen is a screen for selecting a product type as shown in FIG. When the rack is selected as the item, the product designation screen of FIG. 5 is displayed, and when the product name (model number) is known, the model number is specified by directly inputting the model number or selecting from the list.

However, in many cases, detailed specifications such as color, size, usage conditions (seismic strength, waterproof / dustproof property, etc.) are specified and a product that meets those conditions is selected.
To use this method, move to the product search screen in FIG.
Enter data about colors, dimensions and conditions of use. The product selection means 1 searches for products that match the input conditions, and displays their product names (model numbers) and icons on the screen as shown in FIG. The client drags the icon to the layout diagram generation screen to display a product outline diagram described later on the screen and completes the product selection. It should be noted that right-clicking on the icon may display data such as the color, size, and usage condition of each product.

The rack thus selected is equipped with equipment mounting rails having mounting holes with a constant pitch,
Various optional components are mounted on the device mounting rail, and secondary processing such as cable entry holes is performed as necessary. Therefore, the product selection means 1 is connected to the option parts selection means 2 and the secondary processing selection means 3 and these are selected from the option parts selection screen of FIG. 8 and the secondary processing selection screen of FIG. 9 by the same method as described above. Be prepared to select the detailed specifications of. The above-mentioned product selecting means 1, optional part selecting means 2, secondary processing selecting means 3
Can be easily constructed by creating a database of detailed specifications regarding products and using a well-known database search function.

Further, the accumulated data in the storage device may be stored in the server side, and the client side may be provided with a data acquisition means for acquiring the accumulated data from the server. The data acquisition means may be one that acquires the update data that is automatically transmitted when updating the data on the server side, or that that accesses the data on the server side each time a product specification is selected. . By doing so, it is possible to reflect design changes and addition of new models made by the manufacturer in real time.

The data such as the products and the optional parts selected by the product selecting means 1, the optional part selecting means 2 and the secondary processing selecting means 3 are stored in the layout drawing generating means 4.
Is synthesized by. A product outline drawing and an optional component outline drawing are registered in the layout drawing generating means 4 in advance.
For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the outline drawing of the product only needs to know the rough shape, and it is not necessary to draw it with high accuracy. Normally, only the front view is required, but if attachment of optional parts or secondary processing covers other surfaces, those surfaces should also be displayed. The layout diagram generation screen is shown in Fig. 1.
The layout is started by dragging an icon such as an optional component on this screen.

As shown in FIG. 13, the layout diagram generating means 4 designates optional component mounting points on the device mounting rail on the product schematic drawing at a constant pitch. For example, in the case of a rack, all the mounting holes on the equipment mounting rail are designated as the mounting points for the optional parts. Similarly, specify a fixed reference point on the outline drawing of the optional part. For example, in the case of a shelf board, the fixed point at the upper left is set as the fixed reference point, and the layout drawing generation means 4 matches the fixed reference point set for each option component with any of the option component attachment points of the product. Generate a layout diagram.

That is, in the product targeted by the product specification input system of the present embodiment, it is not possible to freely select the mounting positions of optional parts and the like, so the layout drawing generating means 4 automatically recognizes the mountable positions and uses the fixed reference. The layout of the option part is allowed only when the point coincides with any of the option part attachment points of the product. Specifically, when the layout is performed by dragging the icon of the optional part or the like onto the layout diagram generation screen, if the distance between the fixed reference point of the optional part and the mounting point of the optional part of the product is within a certain range. It is preferable to automatically attach the optional component. As a result, the closest reference point can be selected and the arrangement can be easily performed without accurately positioning the optional component on the screen.

As described above, various optional parts are sequentially dragged on the layout diagram generation screen to perform layout. However, doors, side plates, etc. are different from normal optional parts arranged on the equipment mounting rails. Position the hinges and mounting latches as the reference points for fixing optional parts. For special optional parts, such as the case where a ventilation fan is installed on the ceiling, the optional parts can be laid out at positions other than the equipment mounting rails.

Similarly, the secondary machining can be designated by dragging the secondary machining icon on the layout diagram generation screen. For example, if the secondary machining is perforating, double-clicking the perforating icon will display detailed information about the perforating at the bottom right of the screen. If you drag on the outline drawing of the product displayed on the generation screen, position the reference point for punching processing near the processing reference point of the product and drop it, the punching chart will be pasted on the product.

However, since there is a problem in the strength of the product when the product is perforated as described above, it is preferable to specify the prohibited area for each product. The prohibited area is displayed on the layout diagram generation screen so that the punching icon cannot be pasted in the prohibited area.

As described above, the layout diagram generating means 4
After laying out each optional component desired by the client on the equipment mounting rail on the schematic drawing of the product, the placement determining means 6 determines the suitability of the laid out optional component. Each optional component has detailed data such as weight, heat generation amount, and size, and these detailed data are registered when the optional component is registered. The placement determining means 6 checks the dimensions of the laid-out option parts, and checks the mutual interference of the option parts and the compatibility with the equipment mounting rail. For example, even if the selected product is a 19-inch rack, if a JIS standard unit is selected as an optional part, it is determined that there is no compatibility.

Further, the arrangement determining means 6 calculates the position of the center of gravity after layout from the weight of each option component, and issues a warning to the client when the position of the center of gravity is higher than the reference position. The reference position is preset for each product. When a warning is issued, the client may correct the layout, but the rearrangement means 7 automatically replaces the upper and lower parts of the optional parts and automatically corrects the layout so that the heavier the one, the lower the part. You can also

Further, the placement determining means 6 calculates the heat generation amount of each option component after layout and determines whether the total heat generation amount in the rack exceeds the reference value. When the standard value is exceeded, a warning is issued to the client and installation of cooling equipment or change of cooling equipment is urged. The reference value is preset for each product. As described above, the client can easily perform input while visually confirming the layout on the screen. Further, when an improper layout is selected, it is possible to immediately perform a rearrangement simulation.

In this way, when it is confirmed as a result of the placement determination that there are no incompatible optional parts and the like and there is no inappropriate placement, the data extraction means 8 extracts only the data required by the manufacturer. The extracted data is the selected product name, the optional part name selected for each product outline drawing, the secondary machining name, and the layout data indicating the position of the optional component and the secondary machining, which is used for the client. Image data or the like for indicating an image is unnecessary.

For the measurement of the layout position of the optional parts and the secondary processing, as shown in FIG. 13, the measurement reference points are set on the product outline drawing of the layout diagram, and the fixed position is set for each optional part. Set the coordinates of the reference point in the X-axis direction and Y
The reading method is divided into the axial directions. The measurement reference point is usually the upper left corner of the product outline drawing. Since the layout is performed on the screen as described above, such position measurement from the measurement reference point to the fixed reference point can be easily performed. The data thus extracted becomes a small amount of data and can be easily transmitted or stored.

After the data extraction program is executed and the data is stored in the extracted data area, the communication means 9 inputs the extracted data to the manufacturer server via the network. The network may be an in-house LAN.

In the above description, the selected optional parts are attached to the selected product, but in some cases, the client orders only the product, and the optional parts are attached and the secondary processing is performed on the client side. Sometimes. In such a case, the data selection and communication may be directly performed from the product selection screen.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the processing flow in the server on the manufacturer side. When data is received from the client side via the network, the quotation database is searched to generate a quotation if there is a quotation request. Next, according to the data from the client side, search the drawing database for product drawings and optional part drawings,
A detailed product specification drawing is generated by combining the product drawing and the optional part drawing. Further, the generated product specification diagram is returned to the client together with the quotation if there is a request for quotation.

The above description is for a rack as shown in FIG. 10, but it goes without saying that it can be applied to input of product specifications such as a unit type distribution board and a box for storing electrical equipment which does not have equipment mounting rails. Yes. If the product database and optional parts database have unit prices for products and optional parts, when the layout diagram is completed and data is extracted, a rough estimate can be made on the client side before sending to the manufacturer server. There are advantages.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the hardware and software configuration of the client-side computer for carrying out the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, the computer hardware is CP
U10, mouse 11, keyboard 12, display 1
3, a printer 14, a communication port 15, a RAM 16, and a hard disk 17. The RAM 16 has a layout diagram data area 16a for temporarily storing layout diagram data, a display data area 16b for temporarily storing display data, an extraction data area 16c for temporarily storing extracted data, and an execution program temporarily. The execution program area 16d to be stored in is set.

Further, on the hard disk, a product selection program area 17a in which a product selection program is recorded, an option parts selection program area 17b in which an option parts selection program is recorded, a secondary machining selection program area 17c in which a secondary machining selection program is recorded, A layout diagram generation program area 17d in which a layout diagram generation program is recorded, an arrangement determination program area 17e in which an arrangement determination program is recorded, a rearrangement program area f in which a rearrangement program is recorded, a data extraction program area 17g in which a data extraction program is recorded, Each program area of the communication program area 17h in which a communication program is recorded, a product database area 17p in which a database of product data is recorded, and an optional part in which a database of optional parts is recorded Database region 17q, the database area of the secondary processing database area 17r for recording database secondary processing data is provided.

FIG. 14 shows the second embodiment. As in the first embodiment, a maker server and a client computer are connected via a network. Product selection means 1 for manufacturer server
01, optional component selection means 102, secondary processing means 1
03, layout diagram generation means 104, arrangement determination means 10
6, a rearrangement unit 107, and a data extraction unit 108 are provided. The contents and functions of each means provided in this server are the same as those in the above-described first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Further, the server includes a display creating unit 105.
And communication means 109 are provided. The communication means 109 is connected to the computer on the client side,
It is connected to each of the above-mentioned means, and transmits a remote operation signal from the client side, which will be described later, to each means. Further, the display creating means 105 is connected to the communication means 109, creates a result obtained by remotely operating each of the above means from the client side, and transmits the result to the communication means 109.

Further, a remote control means 110 and a display section 111 are respectively connected to the communication means 112 on the client side computer, and the remote control means 110 remotely controls the respective means on the manufacturer side, and at the same time, a display creating means. The operation result created in 105 is transmitted to the communication means 109,
It is displayed in real time on the display unit 111 of the client computer via 110 and the network.

In the present embodiment, the remote control means 110 of the client operates the above-mentioned means of the server to
The product specifications are input as in the above embodiment. That is, when the server is accessed from the client side and a layout diagram is generated by each means provided on the server, a screen as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the client side computer. All the results processed on the server are displayed on the computer screen on the client side via the communication units 109 and 110 and the network. Then, when the layout drawing is completed, the drawing is automatically created and estimated as in the first embodiment, and the result is displayed on the client side.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the product specifications are input by operating the server remotely, so that the product selecting means 101 may select the desired product specifications from the accumulated data of the server, which is performed by the manufacturer. It is possible to reflect design changes and addition of new models in real time. Further, since the client side computer does not have to have the accumulated data related to the product specifications, there is an advantage that the hardware resources of the client side computer can be saved.

[0033]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the client selects the required product body,
Product specifications such as selection of optional parts, placement, selection of secondary processing, placement, etc. can be visually input while looking at the layout diagram showing the appearance of the product on the screen, so imagine the finished product from the screen Since there is no need to input detailed model numbers, product numbers, numerical values, etc., there is an advantage that input errors are unlikely to occur. In addition, if the accumulated data is stored on the server side, it is possible to respond in real time to design changes and addition of new models.

Furthermore, if each means is provided on the server side and the server is controlled by the client, design changes and addition of new models can be dealt with in real time, and hardware resources on the client side can be saved.
Also, if there is an optional part that does not match or is improperly arranged in the input layout diagram, it will be displayed, so by correcting it, it is possible to avoid issuing a defective product as it is and avoid receiving an order. Since relocation is easy, there is an advantage that various recombination simulations can be performed before sending to the manufacturer's server. Furthermore, the necessary data is extracted from the completed layout diagram, and the extracted data can be directly input to the manufacturer's server, so even if the client does not have sufficient knowledge about the manufacturer's product, You can enter the desired product specifications correctly without waste.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a client side showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of first processing of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a hardware configuration of a system on a client side.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a rack.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing on the maker side.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an input screen on which a product schematic diagram is displayed.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a relationship between a measurement reference point and a fixed reference point.

FIG. 14 is a system configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Product selection means 2 Optional parts selection means 3 Secondary processing selection means 4 Layout diagram generation means 5 Display means 6 Placement determination means 7 Relocation means 8 Data extraction means 9 Communication means

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A product specification input system installed on a computer on a client side for inputting product specifications to a server on the manufacturer side via a network, and accumulates detailed specifications regarding products in which optional parts are arranged. Product selecting means for selecting from data, layout generating means for generating a layout drawing based on the selected detailed specifications, data extracting means for extracting layout data from the layout drawing generated by the layout generating means, and the extracted data A product specification input system, which is provided with a communication means for transmitting necessary data including the above to a server on the manufacturer side. 2. The product specification input system according to claim 1, wherein the accumulated data is stored on the server side, and a computer on the client side is provided with data acquisition means for acquiring the accumulated data. 3. A product specification input system for inputting product specifications to a server on the manufacturer side by remotely operating a server on the manufacturer side from a client via a network, and detailed specifications regarding products in which optional parts are arranged. The manufacturer includes a product selecting means for selecting the stored data from the stored data, a layout generating means for generating a layout drawing based on the selected detailed specifications, and a data extracting means for extracting the layout data from the layout drawing generated by the layout generating means. A product specification input system, characterized in that a remote control means is provided on the server on the side of the server, and remote control means for remotely controlling the server is provided on the client. 4. The product selection means selects optional parts.
The product specification input system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an optional component selection means for placement. 5. The option component is arranged on a device mounting rail provided in the product, and the option component mounting points are designated on the device mounting rail at a constant pitch, and the layout generation means sets each option component. The product specification input system according to claim 4, wherein the layout drawing is generated by matching the fixed reference point set in any one of them. 6. The product selection means selects the contents of secondary processing.
2. A secondary processing means for placement is provided.
The product specification input system according to any one of 3 to 3. 7. The product specification input system according to claim 5, wherein the layout generation means includes layout determination means for determining the validity of the layout of the generated layout diagram. 8. The product specification input system according to claim 7, wherein the arrangement determining means includes a rearrangement determining means for automatically rearranging the optional parts on the equipment mounting rail.