JP2005085003A - Information processor for supporting design, method of information processing, program for executing same method, and recording medium having same program recorded thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain reduction of a development period and improvement of the quality of a product. <P>SOLUTION: The information processor for performing simulation on the basis of the design information of a paper transport unit is provided with: a display means for displaying a display picture for setting an evaluation position to evaluate simulation results on a preset paper transport path; and a control means for altering the parameters of the paper transport unit and executing the simulation at the evaluation position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus for performing design support, an information processing method, and a program for executing the method.

  With the recent improvement in computer performance, CAD used in design work for designing machine units is rapidly shifting from two-dimensional CAD to three-dimensional CAD. Furthermore, in recent years, it has become common to perform design verification in advance using a three-dimensional CAD data using a simulator before manufacturing an actual machine.

  Even when designing a device that transports sheet-like members such as paper and film, such as copying machines, laser beam printers, inkjet printers, card printers, facsimiles, etc. There is a demand to verify the conveyance design (hereinafter referred to as “paper conveyance design”) of the sheet-like member before manufacturing the sheet.

  When performing the paper transport design verification, the designer first models the paper transport system unit on the three-dimensional CAD, defines the main cross section, cuts the cross section of the paper transport system unit, and creates a two-dimensional drawing. . Then, parameters necessary for simulation of paper conveyance such as paper path, sensor, conveyance roller, conveyance guide, mylar, and flapper are added as additional information to the created drawing.

  In actual simulation and paper transport analysis, based on the delivered drawing (design information), the shape of the transport guide, transport roller, etc. is input again on the simulator software, and the attributes of the transport guide, This is done after defining parameters such as the pressing force of the transport roller. The person in charge performs a paper transport simulation based on the input information, evaluates the analysis results, feeds back to the designer, evaluates the function of the unit, identifies problems, and verifies the data from actual machine verification. Transition to verification design is progressing.

  In recent years, simulations that perform not only verification of mechanism operation but also integrated verification of software and mechanism in cooperation with a control sequence have appeared on the market. As an example, after the actual machine is manufactured, rather than verifying the software toward the actual machine, the paper conveyance simulator and control software communicate with each other to build an environment that can virtually carry the paper and shorten the development period. Efforts are being made to improve software quality.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-309665 discloses a technique for verifying paper conveyance on a simulator on the premise of cooperation between a control sequence and a virtual mechanism. Specifically, a predetermined parameter is set. In addition, the movement of the paper is calculated based on the parameter, and the movement of the paper is displayed two-dimensionally.
JP 09-309665 A

  However, when designing a paper transport system unit, there are still many points to be solved in order to verify the effectiveness on the simulation without creating an actual machine.

  For example, even if the actual machine does not operate according to the simulation result and the operation is evaluated to be normal in the simulation, trouble may occur frequently when the software is operated on the actual actual machine.

  This is due to the friction coefficient of each paper guide, roller slip ratio, sensor response delay time, and paper friction coefficient in the simulation. These parameters are analyzed based on the results of repeated experiments. This is because a designer or a designer determines these parameters and obtains a final analysis result.

  In fact, each parameter varies depending on humidity and temperature, and due to roller wear depending on the frequency of use, parameters such as changes in slip rate, feed amount, and deterioration of electrical components cannot be determined uniquely. It is. In addition, depending on the tolerances of the mechanism itself and the assembly method, the mounting position of the sensor and motor may shift, and results different from the simulation may be obtained with the actual machine. As a result, in order to check the quality of software, there are currently tens of thousands of evaluation papers that must be passed as evaluation tests in the development of copying machines.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus that executes simulation based on design information of a paper transport unit, and evaluates a simulation result on a preset paper transport path. An information processing apparatus comprising: display means for displaying a display screen for setting an evaluation position; and control means for executing simulation by changing a parameter of the paper transport unit at the evaluation position. provide.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the development period can be shortened and the product quality can be improved.

  In addition, by verifying paper conveyance while giving variations in each parameter, troubles in the subsequent processes are reduced, the number of actual machines can be reduced, and the evaluation paper for evaluation can be reduced, reducing development costs. Can be connected.

  In addition, since the risk level and the jam occurrence rate are known in advance, it is possible to take measures before the actual machine is manufactured, thereby reducing operational troubles on the actual machine, leading to a reduction in development costs and a development period.

  In addition, even if a problem such as a paper jam occurred in the actual machine, it took time to determine whether it was a software bug or which parameter was caused by a jam. Which parameter is related according to the present invention? The verifier can quickly find the causal relationship.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration for explaining a preferred example of the information processing system as the design support apparatus of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, 17 is a central processing unit (CPU), 18 is a display device, 19 is an input device, and 20 is a storage device.

  In the information processing system shown in FIG. 2, a central processing unit (CPU) 17 executes processing for various parameter settings and shape input of an input design target unit in accordance with an instruction input from an input device 19. Further, the display device (display) 18 displays the three-dimensional shape of the unit, displays input information (various parameters and route information), displays the process in the middle of processing, and the like according to the processing. The input device 19 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a pointing device, and the like, and is used to input designation information necessary for operation, input of information, a selection instruction to a menu, or other instructions. The storage device 20 stores information such as a program for executing processing of the information processing system and data corresponding to the 3D model. The information processing system includes each of the above devices as its main part. The storage device 20 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and various external storage devices provided separately.

  In this system, a printer (not shown) may be connected to the central processing unit 17 in order to output information displayed on the display device 18 to paper, and other peripheral devices may be connected if necessary. May be. These hardware configurations do not have to be dedicated devices, and a general computer system such as a personal computer can be used.

  Next, a preferred example of the operation of the paper conveyance design support apparatus in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, using the input device 19, modeling (design) of the outer shape of the components (parts) constituting the paper transport system unit is executed (step ST0).

  Next, component attributes (for example, a conveyance guide, a conveyance roller, and a flapper) are set for the component (parts) constituting the paper conveyance system designed in step ST0 (step ST1).

  Then, the main cross section displayed on the three-dimensional space of the transport system unit is defined (step ST2).

  Subsequently, a cross-sectional view of the parts of the transport system unit is created as necessary. At this time, it is possible to select whether the parts to be projected onto the cross section are only parts having the paper transport attribute of the roller / guide plate or all the constituent parts appearing in the cross section (step). ST3). Of course, which cross section is to be obtained may be individually specified or may be specified by region.

  Thereafter, each part is projected onto the main cross section by the method specified in step ST3 (step ST4).

  Subsequently, a paper transport path is set for the created sectional view. This is set so that the paper passes between the paired parts (step ST5).

  If there is a loop path in the paper transport path defined in step ST5, the branch position is designated (step ST6). If there is no loop path or the like and there is no need to set a branch position, the process proceeds to the next step.

  Next, the order in which the paper is transported along the paper transport path is defined (step ST7).

  When it is necessary to arrange a sensor for determining whether paper passes, a coordinate position on the sensor path is defined (step ST8). Of course, when there are a plurality of sensors, the coordinate position is defined for each sensor.

  The information defined in steps ST2 to ST8 is added as two-dimensional information to the main cross-sectional view. These shapes and paper transport attribute parameters are set as a set, and the data is transferred to the paper transport simulator.

  As described above, in this embodiment, modeling of the parts constituting the paper transport system unit is performed, and various parameters can be defined in the parts, those that are attributed to the parts, and those that should be given as two-dimensional information are: The cross-sectional view has attributes as two-dimensional information. The designer can output only necessary information from these pieces of information to the paper transport simulator.

(Details of part attribute addition)
Next, an example of the attribute data item and the attribute name regarding the input of the attribute data input in step ST1 of FIG. FIG. 3 shows an example of attribute grouping and typical attribute names related to paper conveyance.

  In FIG. 3, the attribute groups related to paper conveyance are roughly divided into six categories: “conveyance guide, conveyance roller, mylar, flapper sensor, paper path”. For each group, the attribute name and the output destination of the attribute are determined.

  Here, the material (friction coefficient) for the transport guide, the pressing force, driving conditions, friction coefficient, and inertia for the transport roller, and the material (Young's modulus) and material (friction coefficient) for Mylar ), A driving condition for the flapper, a driving condition for the sensor, and a path length for the paper path (two-dimensional information) are set as attribute names.

  FIG. 4 shows a data flow diagram for explaining an example of the data flow.

  FIG. 4 shows an example in which attribute items to be added to parts and surfaces are defined for the paper conveyance design support apparatus.

  The table shows an attribute group to be added to the part, its attribute name, type (character string type or numerical type), and an output destination simulator. In addition, a plurality of output destinations of the attribute are defined, and when the output destination matches the output destination specified by the user, the attribute value is output to an external file. Before adding an attribute to each part or surface in the paper conveyance design support apparatus, the user creates a table of this definition file and determines an attribute item to be added to each part.

  If one defined attribute value is determined, another attribute value may be determined. That is, when the material is determined, the friction coefficient is determined. In such a case, at the time of output, the attribute-parameter database table can be referenced to simultaneously output those values.

  With the above mechanism, the part attribute and the sectional view attribute are input in ST1 of FIG. 1. However, it is possible to add / delete the input items simply by modifying the table, and the system can be defined. The attribute name can be changed flexibly.

  Further, as shown in the screen shown in FIG. 5A, the designer can confirm the friction coefficient corresponding to the material of the guide plate from the parameter DB, so that it is very effective when selecting the material of the guide plate. The material can be determined while confirming as an index.

(Details of input screen for adding part attributes)
FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining a preferred example of an input screen defined for adding attributes to parts. As shown in FIG. 5B, buttons (“sensor”, “guide”, “roller”, “paper transport path”) corresponding to the attribute name are added. FIG. 4 shows an example of an attribute table. In the case of “sensor”, attribute names relating to delay and chattering are defined as driving conditions. As shown in FIG. 5B, when the sensor button is pressed, input items for chattering and delay appear. That is, buttons are added / modified / deleted for the items for which the category has been input and arranged. Similarly, input fields for the defined attribute items are added / modified / deleted for the buttons for each category. As an attribute setting method for a part, it is set by specifying a part of a 3D model displayed on the screen and selecting a button.

(Details of section drawing creation / section drawing attribute addition)
FIG. 6 shows how the main cross section of the unit of the paper transport system is set in step ST2 of FIG. FIG. 6 shows a state in which a two-dimensional main cross section is defined in the 3D space and the main cross section is displayed on the screen. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the position is set at the center of the transport roller that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the transport roller of the transport system unit. FIG. 7 shows a state of the main cross section after the projection processing is performed in step ST4 of FIG.

  In step ST3 of FIG. 1, other parts not related to the paper conveyance system (screws / exterior parts, etc.) are also projected onto the main cross section, or the conveyance guide attribute, conveyance roller attribute, mylar defined in ST1 of FIG. It is selected whether to project only the parts whose flags relating to the paper conveyance system such as flapper and sensor attribute are ON.

  FIG. 8 shows a state where the paper transport path is input in ST5 of FIG. 1 with respect to the cross-sectional view of FIG. The element is composed of spline, arc, and straight line elements. The paper transport path can be set by connecting the vicinity of the center of the paired elements on the cross-sectional view shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of inputting a branch point on the cross-sectional view. In step ST6 of FIG. 1, when there is a special point (point) on the transport path, such as when a branch point appears to form a closed loop for performing double-sided copying on the cross-sectional view, the point is set. It can be specified and set to separate elements.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of inputting a paper route. FIG. 10A shows a processing state for designating in what order the paper flows based on the elements delimited at step ST6 in FIG. When paper is transported according to the arrows in the figure, the paper path setting button is selected, and the transport section is set according to the normal path. The paper transport route can be confirmed as shown in FIG. In addition, the paper conveyance path can be schematically displayed (FIG. 10C).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of inputting a sensor position for detecting arrival of paper. FIG. 11 shows a state in which the position of the sensor is designated on the paper transport path defined up to step ST6 in step ST8 of FIG.

  In the above process, the data is transferred to the paper transport simulator.

(Overall view of the system)
FIG. 13 is an overall view of the information processing system. Here, the entire system shows how the data set by the processing of the program of the 3D CAD device is transferred to the simulator. As shown in FIG. 13, in the program processing of the 3D CAD apparatus, input settings for the unit shape and parameters necessary for paper conveyance are performed, and the set information is transferred to a program for executing the paper conveyance simulator. The paper conveyance sequence is executed while communicating the ON / OFF signal value of the sensor and the ON / OFF signal value of the motor to the control sequence program.

(Parameter change method on the paper transport simulator side)
FIG. 12 shows a mechanism for performing variation evaluation while changing the shape data received from the 3D CAD apparatus and the simulation parameters on the paper transport simulator side. As the simulation parameters, sensor delay characteristics (ON → OFF / OFF → ON), motor settling time, total length of paper, paper initial setting position, roller diameter, roller slip ratio, electromagnetic clutch delay characteristics, paper transport position (from inside) , From outside, standard).

  First, in step ST10, the maximum value, minimum value, and standard value of each parameter are set. If the standard value is defined on the 3D CAD apparatus, the value is used. If not defined, the standard value is defined on the paper transport simulator side.

  Next, in step ST11, as information for evaluating simulation, a position to be evaluated on the route, a trigger signal at the position, and early arrival / delay / dwell time are set.

  Thereafter, in step ST12, it is selected whether or not to calculate the contribution.

  Next, when calculating the contribution, the process proceeds to step ST13, and all the parameters are set as standard values. Then, only one parameter is changed once at maximum and at minimum (other parameters are fixed), and simulation is performed in each case. This operation is performed for each parameter. Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined evaluation value is satisfied at each evaluation position (SN1, SN2,...) In the preset paper conveyance path, and at the same time, the risk is calculated. These processes are performed in sequence while selecting parameters for changing one by one. Then, the parameter with the highest risk level and the causal relationship are automatically investigated at each evaluation position. This evaluation position and risk level will be described later.

  Next, in step ST15, the respective parameter contributions are calculated. In step ST16, the calculation result obtained in step ST15 is displayed in a graph.

  In step ST12, when the contribution is not obtained, the process proceeds to step ST7, and the parameters are manually set.

  Next, in step ST18, paper conveyance simulation is performed using the manually determined parameter values.

  Next, in step ST19, a graph of the simulator result for flowing the paper is displayed.

  Next, in step ST20, the presence / absence of occurrence of a paper jam at each evaluation position and the result of the risk level of the paper jam are displayed.

  Next, in step ST11, timing diagrams and graphs of logic analyzer diagrams are displayed.

(How to set each parameter value)
14 shows an example of how each parameter setting method is performed in step ST10 in FIG. First, set the parameter group name. When calculating the contribution degree of each parameter, grouping is performed for each of several parameters, and calculation of each parameter is executed for each group. The group name of the parameter is set as “P-Group1 to P-GroupN” or the like, and is selected from the toggle.

  Also, the parameters on the screen shown in FIG. 14 are extracted from the data acquired from the three-dimensional CAD apparatus, and the maximum value, the minimum value, and the specified value are set on this screen. . Here, as the standard value, a value set on the 3D CAD apparatus is used as the standard value.

  Further, in step ST17 in FIG. 12, specific values of the respective parameters are manually designated. A simulation result is obtained based on the designated parameter.

(Evaluation position setting)
Next, the setting of evaluation points will be described in detail. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining how to set the evaluation position and the evaluation time on the screen of the paper transport path (SN1, SN2,...) On the paper transport simulator side in step ST11 in FIG. FIG.

  In FIG. 15, SN1 to SN4 each indicate an evaluation position in the paper conveyance path, and an example of setting an evaluation time at the evaluation position SN3 therein. In the graph shown here, an example is shown in which the evaluation is made with reference to the time during which the leading edge (or trailing edge) of the sheet-like paper passes within a predetermined time from the trigger signal input. Here, the risk is represented as risk (%) = tx / t1, where t1 is an allowable delay time set in FIG. 16 and tx is a delay time calculated by simulation.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a screen for setting an evaluation position and an evaluation time. The evaluator can set the evaluation position at an arbitrary position on the paper path by clicking on the path on the screen or inputting a coordinate value using the input device 19. This evaluation position may be arranged at the position of a sensor that is actually arranged on the machine, or may be newly defined as a point for evaluation. Further, each time an evaluation position is set, a trigger signal corresponding to the evaluation position is set. The trigger signal here is determined by the timing of turning on the designated sensor or the timing of turning on the designated motor. Then, the design value is from the trigger signal sent to the paper transport simulator until time t0. If the paper is turned on within the time t0-t2 and t0 + t1, it is not regarded as a jam. On the other hand, if it does not fall within that time, it is determined that there is a fast arrival jam or a delayed jam. On the other hand, if the paper does not turn off the evaluation point within the time t0 + t4 from the input of the trigger signal, it is determined that the paper is jammed. The above-mentioned jam is evaluated, and furthermore, the degree of risk can be calculated based on the evaluation time.

(Risk level display)
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the graph display of the contribution degree in step ST6 of FIG. A graph showing which of the risks is high when each parameter is changed at each evaluation position is a mechanism that can be seen at a glance. In the present embodiment, a graph is formed for each evaluation position.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining how a paper diagram is output in step ST21 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a time axis on the X axis, a distance on the vertical axis, and a transition of the movement distance from the paper feed position at the leading edge and the trailing edge of the paper conveyance path for each time unit. It is also possible to superimpose and display how these diagrams change when parameters are changed, and it is possible to examine fluctuations in paper motion.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a logic analyzer diagram (logic analyzer diagram). This shows the change (msec) of the signal for each time on the horizontal axis, and shows the state of ON / OFF change of each signal. In FIG. 19, when each signal is turned on, the vertical axis rises by one section, and when it is turned off, it falls by one section. In addition, the data after the parameter change can be displayed in an overlapping manner, and the state of ON / OFF change with time can be examined.

  FIG. 20 shows a state in which the evaluation position is set on the paper conveyance path set in the present embodiment, and a display example of the presence / absence of a jam and the result of the risk level in step ST20 of FIG. P-Group1 to P-Group3 in the first line in the display example of the presence / absence of jam occurrence and the risk level represent the parameter combination group names determined in FIG. As shown in FIG. 20, the degree of danger and the type of danger (jam due to early arrival, delay, and stay of paper) at each evaluation position are shown. In this display example, F represents early arrival, L represents delay, and S represents staying. If the degree of danger exceeds 100%, it is determined as a jam, and the simulation is terminated there. In case of jam, early arrival jam: F-Jam Delayed jam: L-Jam Retention jam: S-Jam is displayed. By checking this table, the presence or absence of jam or the danger level of jam is grasped. be able to.

  For example, by confirming the result of SN1, whether the paper is accurately fed within the paper feeding time, what is the error that the top position of the paper is allowed, and what is the wear amount of the paper feeding roller is allowed. You can also investigate whether or not.

  Further, by confirming the result of SN3, it is possible to evaluate an image system problem such as which parameter is most caused by the accuracy of image transfer caused by the inrush blur to the drum. In addition, by confirming the result of SN4, it is possible to determine whether the paper reversing operation is successfully performed or whether the residence time is long.

  As described above, the designer can set the evaluation position and can instantly determine how each parameter affects each evaluation position. It can be applied, and it can quickly cope with troubles at the time of verification after manufacturing the actual machine.

It is a flowchart which shows the outline of operation | movement of the design support apparatus in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information processing system as a paper conveyance design support apparatus applied in each embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the attribute group and attribute name of this invention. It is the schematic diagram which showed an example of the data flow which defines a component attribute. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the display structure of an input part. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen for defining the main cross section of the unit of a paper conveyance system. It is a figure for showing an example of the display screen of the main section after performing the projection processing of a unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a display screen on which a paper conveyance path is input. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the display screen which designated the branch point on sectional drawing of a unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a flow of processing for defining a paper path of a paper transport path element. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the display screen after carrying out definition input of the position of a sensor. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of operation | movement of the design support apparatus by the side of a paper conveyance simulator. It is a typical block diagram for demonstrating the data flow of the whole system. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the flow of the process which sets a parameter. It is a figure for demonstrating the meaning of the evaluation right in a path | route, and the meaning of the risk degree. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting method of the evaluation point in a path | route, and the setting method of evaluation time. It is a figure of an example for demonstrating the graph display screen of the contribution rate of each parameter. It is a graph showing the movement distance of the leading edge and trailing edge of the paper for each time, and is a diagram for explaining the state of a paper diagram that can also see the influence of parameter changes. It is a graph showing the state of change of each signal for each ON / OFF time, and is a diagram for explaining the state of a logic analyzer diagram in which the influence of parameter change can also be seen. In order to explain the result display screen that shows whether or not a jam has occurred at each evaluation point and the result of the risk after setting evaluation points on the paper transport path, selecting various parameter combinations, and running a simulation. It is a figure of an example.

Explanation of symbols

17 Central processing unit 18 Display device 19 Input device 20 Storage device

Claims (11)

In an information processing apparatus that performs simulation based on design information of a paper transport unit,
Display means for displaying a display screen for setting an evaluation position for evaluating a simulation result on a preset paper conveyance path;
An information processing apparatus comprising: control means for executing simulation by changing a parameter of the paper transport unit at the evaluation position.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the design information includes at least one of a part position, a part shape, a paper transport path, and sensor position information that configure a paper transport mechanism.   2. The information processing according to claim 1, wherein the parameters include a sensor delay characteristic, a motor settling time, a total paper length, a paper initial position, a roller diameter, a roller slip ratio, an electromagnetic clutch delay characteristic, and a paper passage position. apparatus.   4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display unit further displays a screen for setting the minimum value, the maximum value, and the specified value of the parameter.   5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit further represents a relationship between a time after the paper starts to move and a paper transport distance based on the paper transport operation information which is a simulation result. And a logic analyzer diagram representing a time diagram from when the paper starts to move, a motor drive timing, and a sensor detection timing.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs simulation on whether or not the paper can be conveyed within a predetermined period at the evaluation position.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit calculates a risk degree of the evaluation position based on a ratio of a delay time obtained by simulation with respect to a preset allowable delay time.   8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the display unit displays the degree of risk obtained when the simulation is executed by changing each parameter one by one. In an information processing method for executing simulation based on design information of a paper transport unit,
Set the evaluation position for evaluating the simulation result on the preset paper transport path,
An information processing method, wherein simulation is executed by changing a parameter of the paper transport unit at the set evaluation position.   A program for executing the information processing method according to claim 9.   A storage medium storing the program according to claim 10.

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