JP2007179264A - Data conversion device, data conversion method and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically generate conversion data based on CAD data and data obtained by combining them, to perform storage, update and management after guaranteeing consistency in a product configuration unit, to perform efficient update processing, following revision of the conversion source CAD data, and to stably supply decided data even during the generation or update processing of the conversion data. <P>SOLUTION: The conversion source CAD data designated in the desired configuration unit are converted and stored, the consistency in the configuration unit is verified from a conversion result thereof, and the data obtained by combining individual pieces of the conversion data are generated when the combination is possible, and is provided to a user. Update information of the existing already converted data and the conversion source CAD data are compared, and a conversion necessity/unnecessity decision function for reconverting only the data requiring the update is added. A storage destination of the conversion data is divided into a working area and a disclosing area, and only the data decided from a verification result of the conversion result is reflected to the disclosing area, and is provided to a user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data conversion apparatus and data conversion method for converting data such as 3D-CAD data into data of various formats, and a control program for executing the data conversion method.

Conventionally, there is a technique for centrally managing data related to product design such as 3D model data created using CAD software, 3D data converted from CAD data, parts information, product configuration information, and the like. . As such a technique, for example, a PDM (Product Data Management), a PLM (Product Life Cycle Management) system, and the like are generally known. These systems are always provided as a mechanism for efficiently supplying information required by the user (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).
JP 2000-57169 A JP 2000-113007 A

  However, the above prior art has the following problems.

  (1) Storage / update / management of 3D-CAD data such as digital mockup data for configuring a mockup of a product generated by converting a 3D-CAD model and viewer data composed only of external model data Was done at the unit level. However, if this is applied to a large-scale 3D-CAD model at the product main body level, the following problem occurs. Since the size of the original 3D-CAD model data is large and the number of units constituting it is large, when digital mockup data is automatically generated, there is a case where the conversion becomes impossible due to insufficient memory. Furthermore, even if it can be converted, a great amount of processing time is required depending on the processing capability of the CPU.

  (2) Each time the user revises the original CAD data, the conversion data must be updated as appropriate. Furthermore, there is a case where the digital mockup data corresponding to the original 3D-CAD data designated by the user is recreated even though the digital mockup data has already been generated.

  (3) In the case where conversion data is generated and updated in units of the product body level by batch processing regardless of the user's judgment, all data is converted when conversion operation is performed again due to conversion failure of some units. The work of re-conversion is performed and work efficiency deteriorates.

  (4) While the conversion data is being generated and updated, the consistency in the unit of the product configuration including the conversion data at the product level is not guaranteed, so that information determined during that time cannot be provided to the user. .

  In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention automatically generates product-level 3D data, and can store, update, and manage the data as a data whose consistency is ensured in units of product configurations. An object of the present invention is to provide a data conversion method and a control program.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a data conversion apparatus, a data conversion method, and a control program that can reliably follow the revision of original CAD data and can save the time required for unnecessary conversion.

  Furthermore, a data conversion apparatus and data that can provide information guaranteed to the consistency in the unit of the product configuration including the conversion data at the product level even during the generation and update of the conversion data. It is an object to provide a conversion method and a control program.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention achieves the above-mentioned object, a unit registration means for registering conversion source data in units of products, a data conversion means for converting the data format of the conversion source data in units, and the data conversion means. Obtained by the data conversion means when it is determined that the data can be combined and the determination means determines whether the data can be combined. A data conversion comprising: combined data generation means for generating combined data obtained by combining the converted data and combined data storage means for storing the combined data generated by the combined data generation means in a storage destination Providing equipment.

  According to the present invention, data such as product-level 3D data can be automatically generated and stored together, updated, and managed as data in which consistency is guaranteed in the unit of product configuration.

  In addition, it is possible to reliably follow the revision of the conversion source data and to save the time required for unnecessary conversion.

  In addition, even during conversion data generation and update operations, it is possible to provide information that is guaranteed to be consistent in units of product configuration.

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

[First embodiment]
<Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a system including a data conversion apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  This system includes a 3D-CAD server 11-10, a conversion server 11-20, a file server 11-30, a database server 11-40, a user interface server 11-50, and a client computer 11-60. Has been. Hereinafter, the database server 11-40 is simply referred to as a DB server 11-40. The user interface server 11-50 is referred to as a UI server 11-50, and the client computer 11-60 is referred to as a client PC 11-60.

  The 3D-CAD server 11-10 stores a CAD data storage area 11-12 in which a plurality of 3D-CAD data 11-13 serving as conversion source data is stored, and management information of these conversion source 3D-CAD data. And a database 11-11. The plurality of conversion source 3D-CAD data is a model of each unit constituting the product.

  The conversion server 11-20 stores a data conversion program main body 11-21 for realizing the main features of the present embodiment. The file server 11-30 includes a conversion data storage area 11-31. The conversion data storage area 11-31 includes a conversion work area 11-32. The conversion work area 11-32 stores the converted 3D data 11-33 and the combined 3D data 11-34 generated by the data conversion program 11-21.

  The DB server 11-40 stores a conversion management information database 11-41 that is one of the characteristic parts of the present embodiment. The UI server 11-50 stores a structural unit registration server program 11-51, a conversion data designation server program 11-52, and a conversion data reference server program 11-53. Hereinafter, the structural unit registration server program 11-51 is simply referred to as a registration SB program 11-51, and the conversion data designation server program 11-52 is referred to as a designation SB program 11-52. Also, the conversion data reference server program 11-53 is simply referred to as a reference SB program 11-53.

  The registration SB program 11-51 has a function of registering the association between unit-unit conversion source CAD data and product configuration units in the database 11-41. The designated SB program 11-52 has a function of registering data conversion designation information input by the user in the database 11-41. The reference SB program 11-53 stores the management information of the converted 3D data 11-33 and the combined 3D data 11-34 stored in the conversion work area 11-32 via the database 11-41. Has a function to be referred to. The reference SB program 11-53 also has a function of supplying a data file to the user's PC environment.

  The client PC 11-60 used by the user stores a client program 11-61 for registering a structural unit and a client program 11-62 for designating conversion source data. Further, a conversion data reference client program 11-63 and a conversion data utilization application program 11-64 are also stored. Hereinafter, the client program 11-61 for registering the structural unit is simply referred to as a registered CL program 11-61, and the client program 11-62 for specifying conversion data is simply referred to as a specified CL program 11-62. Further, the conversion data reference client program 11-63 is simply referred to as a reference CL program 11-63, and the conversion data utilization application program 11-64 is simply referred to as a utilization application 11-64.

  The registered CL program 11-61 has a function to execute the same function by communicating with the registered SB program 11-51, and the CL program 11-62 communicates with the designated SB program 11-52 to execute the same function. It has a function. The CL program 11-63 has a function of communicating with the reference SB program 11-53 to execute the same function. The application 11-64 has a function of communicating with the reference SB program 11-53 and using the converted 3D data 11-33 and the combined 3D data 11-34.

  The reference CL program 11-63 indicates a Web browser for referring to the data list, and the use application 11-64 is an arbitrary one corresponding to each data type such as digital mockup data and viewer data. Refers to the application.

  The above devices are connected by a network 11-01 and can communicate with each other. Note that a plurality of 3D-CAD servers 11-10 can exist on the network 11-01, and the database 11-41 can manage scattered conversion source 3D-CAD data. Further, the conversion data storage area 11-31 only needs to be logically arranged in an arbitrary external storage device as a part of the apparatus configuration of the present invention, and is necessarily stored in the independent file server 11-30. There is no.

<Device configuration of each server and CL>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the device configuration of each server and client PC of FIG.

  Each server and client PC 2-2 shown in FIG. 1 are connected to a communication line 2-1 via a communication control device 2-10. The main storage device 2-3, CPU (central processing unit) 2-4, input device 2-5, display device 2-6, printing device 2-7, external storage device 2-8, input / output control device 2- 9 and a communication control device 2-10.

  The main storage device 2-3 is constituted by a RAM or the like, and stores temporary data used by a processing program for realizing the present invention. A CPU (central processing unit) 2-4 performs each process based on each program. . The input device 2-5 is a device for registering product configuration units for each unit, designating conversion source data, converting and combining instructions. The display device 2-6 displays a data list and data entities after conversion and combining. It is a device for displaying. The printing device 2-7 is a device for printing a data list and data entities after conversion and combination.

  The external storage device 2-8 is configured by a storage medium such as a hard disk, and a processing program main body 11-21, a database 11-41, and a data entity 11-32 after conversion and combination, which realize the features of the present embodiment. Is a device for storing. The input / output control device 2-9 is a device that controls the input device 2-5, the display device 2-6, the display device 2-7, and the external storage device 2-8. The communication control device 2-10 This is a device that controls data communication with other servers and CL devices.

<Data to be stored in the database>
FIG. 3 is a table showing an example of data stored in the database 11-41 according to the first embodiment.

  A value representing a product ID corresponding to a product configuration unit is stored in 3-1 of FIG. 3, and a specification indicating whether or not to newly generate or update combined 3D data of the product configuration unit is stored in 3-2. Stores the value. The start date / time of the data combination process is stored in 3-3, and the end date / time of the data combination process is stored in 3-4.

  3-5 stores a specified value (processing status) indicating the processing status of the data combining process, and 3-7 stores the combined 3D data 11- stored in the conversion work area 11-32. 34 location information is stored. A value representing a unit ID corresponding to each unit included in the product structural unit is stored in 3-11, and whether to generate or update newly converted 3D data of each unit is stored in 3-12. The specified value to be stored is stored. 3-13 stores the start date and time of the data conversion process, and 3-14 stores the end date and time of the data conversion process.

  A specified value (processing status) indicating the execution status of the data conversion process is stored in 3-15, and location information of the 3D-CAD data 11-13 that is the conversion source is stored in 3-16. Also, 3-17 stores the location information of the converted 3D data 11-33 stored in the conversion work area 11-32.

  The product ID 3-1 is the primary key, the unit ID 3-11 is the secondary key, and the combination of the product ID 3-1 and the unit ID 3-11 is a unique key of the table constituting the database 11-41.

<Processing form of the present embodiment>
Hereinafter, an example of the processing mode of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(A) First pre-processing First, as the first pre-processing, the conversion source 3D-CAD data is related to the product constituent unit desired by the user. Using the registered SB program 11-51, the identification information of the conversion source 3D-CAD data 11-13 is read from the database 11-11. And it outputs to the display apparatus 2-6 in a list form like the example shown in FIG. 4 via the registration CL program 11-61, and prompts the user for input.

  In FIG. 4, reference numeral 8-1 denotes a user's client PC 11-60, and 8-2 denotes a window displayed by executing the registered CL program 11-61. 8-3 is identification information of the conversion source 3D-CAD data 11-13, and 8-4 is identification information representing a product structural unit desired by the user.

  When selection of the data registration button 8-5 is detected by the user via the input device 2-5, the identification information 8-3 of the conversion source 3D-CAD data and the identification of the product constituent unit input in the input field Information on the correspondence relationship with the information 8-4 is output to the UI server 11-50 by executing the registered CL program 11-61 of the client PC 11-60. Then, by executing the registration SB program 11-51 of the UI server 11-50, the information is registered in the database 11-41.

  At this time, the identification information 8-4 of the product configuration unit is set in the table item 3-1, and the identification information 8-3 of the conversion source 3D-CAD data is set in the table item 3-11. Then, a new table record is added so that individual conversion source 3D-CAD data can be related to the subordinate units in the structural unit. At this time, the location information of the conversion source 3D-CAD data 11-13 is read from the database 11-11 and set in the table item 3-16 for storing a link pointer pointing to the actual data file. Note that this user interface is merely an example, and a detailed format such as a screen design and an operation method is not particularly specified as long as a similar data input process can be realized.

(B) Second Preprocessing Next, as the second preprocessing, the designation information of the conversion source 3D-CAD data to be processed instructed by the user is registered in the database 11-41.

  By executing the designated SB program 11-52, the CPU of the UI server 11-50 receives the identification information of the product configuration unit and the identification information of the conversion source 3D-CAD data of the subordinate unit from the database 11-41. Read to -60. Then, as in the example shown in FIG. 5, the data is output to the display device 2-6 of the client PC in a tree-like list format, and the user is prompted to input.

  In FIG. 5, 9-1 is the user's client PC 11-60, 9-2 is a window displayed by executing the designated CL program 11-62, and 9-4 is this conversion source 3D-CAD data to be converted this time. A check box for the user to select and enter whether or not is shown.

  When selection of the process execution button 9-5 is detected by an input operation of the user input device 2-5, information on the check box ON / OFF state is passed to the UI server 11-50 according to the detection information. Then, the information is registered in the database 11-41 by executing the designated SB program 11-52 of the UI server 11-50. At this time, the conversion source 3D-CAD data whose check box is ON sets the conversion processing target flag of the table item 3-12 to “1”. Further, the conversion source 3D-CAD data with the check box OFF sets the conversion processing target flag of the table item 3-12 to blank and updates the table record.

  In FIG. 5, whether or not to generate combined 3D data in which conversion source 3D-CAD data in units of units instructed to be converted this time is combined in units of product components is designated by ON / OFF of a check box 9-3. It is also possible. When the check box is ON, the join processing target flag of the table item 3-2 is set to "1". When the check box is OFF, the join processing target flag of the table item 3-2 is set to blank, and the table record Update.

  The windows in FIGS. 4 and 5 are examples for carrying out the present embodiment, and the detailed format such as the screen design and the operation method is not particularly defined as long as the same data input processing can be performed.

(C) Data conversion process Next, the data conversion process is started.

  When the second preprocessing ends normally, the UI server 11-50 instructs the start of execution of the data conversion program 11-21 of the conversion server 11-20 by executing the designated SB program 11-52. As another execution method, it is also possible to automatically execute a program at a predetermined time by using a program schedule execution function generally incorporated in the server device.

  Hereinafter, the processing mode by execution of the data conversion program 11-21 of the conversion server 11-20 will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing data conversion processing of the conversion server 11-20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The processing shown in FIG. 6 is executed by the CPU of the conversion server 11-20 based on the data conversion program 11-21.

  It is assumed that the current date and time information held by all the computers shown in FIG. 1 is set to be synchronized in advance and completely matches.

  First, the product ID 3-1 is read out and acquired from the database 11-41 as product configuration unit information that is an execution unit of this processing (step S41). Next, as the conversion source data designation information, all the unit IDs 3-11 whose conversion processing target flag to be processed this time is “1” are read and acquired using the product ID 3-1 as a key, and temporarily stored in the main storage device 2-3. Store (step S42).

  The following steps S44 to S48 are repeated for all the 3D-CAD data corresponding to the stored conversion target unit ID 3-11 for the number of designated units (step S43).

  The current date and time information held by the conversion server 11-20 executing this processing is transmitted to the database 11-41, and the database 11-41 is instructed to set the information in the processing start time stamp item 3-13 (step S44). At this time, the database 11-41 updates the processing status 3-15 to a value “1” indicating “conversion processing in progress” and performs conversion processing start setting. Subsequently, the conversion server 11-20 acquires location information 3-16 of the conversion source 3D-CAD data from the database 11-41. Then, based on the location information 3-16, the corresponding conversion source CAD data 11-13 is acquired from the CAD data storage area 11-12 of the 3D-CAD server 11-10 (step S45).

  The acquired conversion source 3D-CAD data is converted into 3D data in another format desired by the user (for example, digital mockup data for configuring a mockup of a product or viewer data composed only of external model data). . Any conversion converter that exists for each data type is used for data conversion. It is also possible to combine a plurality of conversion converters in this step and simultaneously create a plurality of types of conversion data from one conversion source 3D-CAD data (step S46).

  The conversion server 11-20 transmits the converted 3D data to the file server 11-30, and stores it as converted 3D data 11-33 in the conversion work area 11-32 of the conversion data storage area 11-31. Instruct. Then, the location information of the stored converted 3D data 11-33 is acquired from the file server 11-30, and the database 11-41 is instructed to set to the table item 3-17 holding the link pointer pointing to the actual data file. (Step S47).

  When step S44 to step S47 are completed, an instruction to set the current date and time information in the processing end time stamp item 3-14 of the database 11-41 is given to the database 11-41 as in step S44. Further, the processing result is output to the database 11-41 and an instruction to set the processing status 3-15 is given (step S48). The processing status 3-15 is updated to a value “3” representing “conversion result OK” when all of steps S44 to S44 are processed normally. If any one of steps S44 to S47 is not processed normally, the value is updated to “2” representing “conversion result NG”.

  The above is the processing that is repeated for the number of units specified in step S43 (step S49).

  Next, the conversion server 11-20 checks the value of the combination processing target flag 3-2 from the database 11-41 in order to confirm whether or not to generate combined 3D data by combining the 3D data converted in units. Is read (step S50). Then, when the value of the combination process target flag 3-2 is “1”, the following process is performed. When the value of the combination process target flag 3-2 is blank, the process ends (step S51).

  The conversion server 11-20 determines whether all the converted 3D data converted in units of units has been normally stored in the conversion work area 11-32 of the file server 11-30. With reference to the product ID 3-1, the value of the processing status 3-15 is read for the unit ID 3-2 whose conversion processing target flag to be processed at this time is “1”, and the value “3” all indicating “conversion result OK”. If is set, it is determined that consistency is achieved and that it can be combined. On the other hand, if at least one value “2” ′ representing “conversion result NG” is set, it is determined that the consistency is not achieved and the combination is impossible, and the process is terminated without performing the following processing (step S52). ).

  Thereafter, the conversion server 11-20 instructs to set the current date and time information held by the conversion server 11-20 that executes this process in the process start time stamp item 3-3 of the database 11-41. Further, the processing status 3-5 indicating the data conversion status by the conversion server 11-20 is instructed to be set to a value “1” representing “combining processing” (step S53). The conversion server 11-20 refers to the product ID 3-1, and all the unit IDs 3-in which the conversion processing target flag in the table item 3-12 is “1” and the processing status 3-15 is “3”. The location information of the converted 3D data corresponding to 11 is read from the table item 3-17. Then, the conversion server 11-20 acquires the converted 3D data 11-33 stored in the conversion work area 11-32 from the location information, and combines them. For data combination, an arbitrary conversion converter or combination program that exists for each data type is used. It is also possible to combine a plurality of conversion converters or combining programs and simultaneously create a plurality of types of combined data from one conversion source CAD data (step S54). Then, the conversion server 11-20 instructs the file server 11-30 to store the combined 3D data as the combined 3D data 11-34 in the conversion work area 11-32 of the conversion data storage area 11-31. (Step S55).

  When step S54 to step S55 are completed, as in step S53, the current date and time information is set in the process end time stamp item 3-4 of the database 11-41, and an instruction to set the process result in the process status 3-5 is issued. Do. The processing status 3-5 is updated to a value “3” representing “joining result OK” when all of steps S54 to S55 are processed normally. If any one of steps S54 to S55 is not processed normally, the value is updated to “2” representing “joining result NG” (step S56).

  The above is the outline of the conversion data generation processing form in the present embodiment.

<Processing form for making the user refer to the generated conversion data>
Next, a processing mode for causing the user to refer to the conversion data generated in the present embodiment will be described.

  First, a list of the converted 3D data 11-33 and the combined 3D data 11-34 stored in the conversion work area 11-32 is displayed on the user's PC screen as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a display screen diagram showing a screen example of the user interface according to the present embodiment.

  This list screen is an example in which the product ID 3-1 and the unit ID 3-11 are read from the database 11-41 by the reference SB program 11-53 and output to the display device 2-6 via the reference CL program 11-63. .

  In FIG. 7, 10-1 displays the user's client PC 11-60, and 10-2 displays the window of the reference CL program 11-63. Reference numeral 10-3 denotes identification information of the product constituent unit, and reference numeral 10-4 denotes identification information of individual units included in the product constituent unit, which are displayed hierarchically. The character string portion of the identification information 10-3 and 10-4 can be pointed from the input device 2-5 such as a mouse.

  For example, it is assumed that either the identification information 10-3 or 10-4 is selected. In this case, the link pointer is acquired from the table items 3-17 and 3-7 which are the storage locations of the corresponding data read from the database 11-41, using the corresponding product ID 3-1 or unit ID 3-11 as a key. That is, a link pointer to the actual data file of the converted 3D data 11-33 and the combined 3D data 11-34 stored in the conversion work area 11-32 is acquired. Then, the location information of the actual data file is transferred to the use application 11-64, and the application is activated. If the link pointers in the table items 3-17 and 3-7 are not set, the corresponding data cannot be displayed.

  FIG. 8 is an example of a screen displayed based on the usage application 11-64.

  1-2 in the figure is a user's client PC 11-60. By executing the use application 11-64, the converted 3D data 11-33 and the combined 3D data 11-34 stored in the storage location are acquired from the location information passed from the reference CL program 11-63, and the display device Output to 2-6.

  Finally, the 3D data in another format converted from the conversion source CAD data 1-1 is displayed as shown in the windows 1-3, 1-4, and 1-5 displayed by the execution of the usage application 11-64. Is done. Further, there is no conversion-source CAD data, and the combined 3D data 11-34 generated in the present embodiment is displayed like a window 1-6, and is ready for use by the user.

  The usage application 11-64 is an arbitrary application that exists for each data type, such as a digital mockup or a 3D data viewer. Further, in the present embodiment, the display device 2-6 is used for output from the reference CL program 11-63 and the use application 11-64. Saving to the external storage device 2-8 of the client PC 11-60 is also possible.

<Advantages of First Embodiment>
According to the first embodiment, the user associates the conversion source 3D-CAD data with a desired structural unit, and registers the corresponding relationship in the database 11-41. Then, the identification information of the structural unit and the identification information of the subordinate conversion source 3D-CAD data are read from the database 11-41, and the conversion source 3D-CAD data included in the structural unit is designated. The designated conversion source 3D-CAD data is acquired (step S42 in FIG. 6), and the acquired conversion source 3D-CAD data is converted into 3D data in a desired format using a conversion converter (step in FIG. 6). S46). Thereafter, the converted 3D data is stored in the storage destination (conversion work area 11-32), and the conversion result and the storage result of the converted 3D data are registered in the database 11-41, and the registered contents of the database 11-41. Is updated (step S47). Then, from the conversion result of the 3D data, consistency in a desired structural unit is verified to determine whether or not to combine (step S52 in FIG. 6). If it is determined by the determination that matching is achieved, 3D data obtained by combining the 3D data in the desired structural unit is generated (step S54), and the generated combined 3D data is stored in the storage destination (conversion work area). 11-32) (step S55). Further, the generation result and the storage result of the combined 3D data are registered in the database 11-41 (step S56).

  As described above, since the conversion process is automatically performed on the conversion source 3D-CAD data for each desired structural unit, the number of data to be processed can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to solve the problem that the processing is stopped due to a shortage of memory when conversion data is automatically generated as in the prior art, and that a long processing time is required. In addition, since the combination process is performed after the data format is converted in advance in units of units, in the case where conversion data is generated and updated in units of the product main body level, the conversion operation is performed again due to conversion failure of some units. Even in this case, it is not necessary to reconvert all data, and the work efficiency is good. That is, the user can ensure the consistency of conversion data such as digital mockup data and viewer data required at the design stage such as product evaluation, including conversion data at the product body level, and in the unit of product configuration. Can be easily obtained in the state.

  In short, according to the first embodiment, product-level 3D data is automatically generated by combining unit-level 3D data with a small amount of individually converted data regardless of the user's manual work. Can do. Furthermore, they can be stored, updated, and managed as data with guaranteed consistency in product configuration units.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a processing mode according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a data conversion process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same processes as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, steps S61 and S62 are added before step S44, which is different from the process of FIG. 6 of the first embodiment.

  For the conversion target unit ID 3-2, the update date / time information of the conversion source 3D-CAD data 11-13 is read from the database 11-11, and the conversion process end date / time information 3-14 of the same unit ID in the database 11-41 is read. (Step S61).

  When the unit ID conversion process end date / time in the database 11-41 is not set, it is determined that conversion is necessary this time, and the processes after step S44 are performed. In other cases, the processing of the unit is terminated without performing the processing after step S44 (step S62). Here, the case where the conversion process end date / time is not set is when the update date / time of the conversion source 3D-CAD data 11-13 is newer than the first data conversion or the conversion process end date / time of the same unit ID. is there. That is, the original CAD data has been updated since the previous data conversion.

  Note that in the present embodiment, the existing data is overwritten and updated in the storage of the converted 3D data 11-33 in step S47 and the location information of the stored converted 3D data 11-33 in step S48.

<Advantages of Second Embodiment>
According to the present embodiment, the presence / absence of information on the converted 3D data corresponding to the specified conversion source 3D-CAD data is confirmed (step S61). Thereby, the user can acquire conversion data such as digital mockup data and viewer data following the revision of the original CAD data reliably and in a short time.

  Further, instead of unconditionally performing data conversion on individual units that are subject to conversion processing, conversion necessity determination processing is performed (step S62). This process is performed before generating new conversion 3D data corresponding to the specified conversion source 3D-CAD data or updating the existing conversion 3D data stored in the storage destination as follows. Executed in the way. That is, by comparing the update information of the CAD file that is updated at any time by the designer during the design period and the update information of the converted 3D data held in the database 11-41 forming the feature of this embodiment. Determine whether data conversion is necessary. Thereby, only the data in which the difference has occurred can be updated, and unnecessary data update processing can be omitted to shorten the time required for data conversion in the structural unit.

  In short, according to the second embodiment, it is automatically determined whether or not conversion data needs to be updated regardless of the judgment of the user, and only the data that needs to be updated is reconverted, thereby revising the original CAD data. And the time required for unnecessary conversion can be saved.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a processing mode according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a system including a data conversion device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Elements common to those in FIG. Description is omitted.

  This embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments described above in that a public data area 11-35 is provided in the converted data storage area 11-31 in the configuration of FIG. In the disclosure area 11-35, the converted 3D data 11-36 and the combined 3D data 11-, which are overwritten and copied from the conversion work area 11-32 with respect to the product structural unit whose release to the user is confirmed. 37 is stored.

  Note that the data referenced from the reference SB programs 11-53 and 11-63 and the application 11-64 is limited to the converted 3D data and the combined 3D data stored in the public area 11-35. The point is also different from the first and second embodiments.

  Further, the contents of data stored in the database 11-41 shown in FIG. 1 are different from those in the first and second embodiments. FIG. 11 is a table showing an example of data stored in the database 11-41 according to the third embodiment. Elements common to those in FIG. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals and explanations thereof are omitted.

  This embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that table items 3-8 and 3-18 are added in the table configuration holding the link pointer pointing to the actual data file in FIG. . The location information of the combined 3D data 11-37 stored in the public area 11-35 is set in the table item 3-8, and the table item 3-18 is stored in the public area 11-35. The location information of the converted 3D data 11-36 is set.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a data conversion process according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The same processes as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the data conversion processing according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, step S71 is added before step S41, and step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S75 are added after step S56. Is different from the processing shown in FIG.

  First, at the start of execution of this processing, the current date and time information held by the conversion server 11-20 is temporarily stored in the main storage device 2-3 (step S71). Henceforth, the process from step S41 to step S56 is performed similarly.

  Thereafter, the value of the processing status 3-5 is read from the database 11-41 using the product ID 3-1 as a key, and if the value “3” representing “joining result OK” is set, consistency can be obtained in the product configuration unit. It is determined that the document can be released, and the following processing is performed. If the value “2” representing “Combination result NG” is set, it is determined that the product configuration unit is not consistent and cannot be disclosed, and the processing of this configuration unit is terminated without performing the following processing. (Step S72).

  Next, using the product ID 3-1 as a key, the processing statuses 3-5 and 3-15 of the database 11-41 are set to a value “1” representing “public processing” (step S73). Further, the location information of the converted 3D data is read using the product ID 3-1 as a key. Specifically, for all unit IDs whose conversion process target flag is “1” and whose combination process end date and time is newer than the temporarily stored main process execution start date and time, the location of the corresponding converted 3D data Read information from table entry 3-17. Then, the converted 3D data 11-33 stored in the conversion work area 11-32 is acquired from the location information, and a copy thereof is stored as the public combined 3D data 11-36 in the public area 11-35. Further, the location information of the stored combined 3D data 11-36 is set in the table item 3-18.

  Further, for the product ID 3-1, the combination process target flag 3-2 is “1” and the combination process end date 3-4 is newer than the process execution start date and time temporarily stored in step S71. The location information 3-7 of the completed 3D data is read. Then, the combined 3D data 11-34 stored in the conversion work area 11-32 is acquired from the location information, and a copy thereof is stored in the public area 11-35 as the public combined 3D data 11-37. Further, the location information of the stored combined 3D data 11-37 is set in the table item 3-8. If data with the same key already exists, both the file and the database are overwritten and updated (step S74).

  Here, the contents of the conversion data storage area 11-31 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a data hierarchy diagram showing the contents of the converted data storage area.

  A folder 7-2 of a product configuration unit is created under the conversion 3D data folder 7-1 arranged at the highest level. Thereafter, the same applies to other products such as 7-15. 7-2, a public folder 7-3 corresponding to the public area 11-35 and a conversion work folder 7-9 corresponding to the conversion work area 11-32 are created.

  Under the publishing folder 7-3, the combined 3D data file 7-5 of the product configuration unit corresponding to the linking combined 3D data 11-37 is stored, and individual converted data folders for storing individual converted 3D data Create 7-4. Under the folder 7-4, individual converted 3D data 7-6, 7-7, and 7-8 corresponding to the converted 3D data 11-36 are stored. Also, under the conversion work folder 7-9, a combined 3D data file 7-11 of a product configuration unit corresponding to the 3D data 11-34 is stored, and individual conversion data folders for storing individual conversion 3D data are stored. Create 7-10. Under the folder 7-10, individual converted 3D data 7-12, 7-13, and 7-14 corresponding to the converted 3D data 11-33 are stored. Note that this folder structure may be created in advance, or there is a method of automatically generating it in the file server 11-30 when registering a structural unit in the first preprocessing in the first embodiment. .

  Returning to FIG. 12, when steps S72 to S75 are completed, the processing status 3-5 of the database 11-41 is set to “join result OK” and the processing status 3-15 is set to “conversion result OK” using the product ID 3-1 as a key. "(Step S75). Then, the processing of this structural unit ends.

  In the present embodiment, the storage location of the data indicated by 10-3 and 10-4 in FIG. 7 is the actual location of the converted 3D data 11-37 and the combined 3D data 11-36 stored in the public area 11-35. Link pointers 3-18 and 3-8 to the data file are provided. If the link pointers 3-18 and 3-8 are not set, the corresponding data cannot be displayed.

<Advantages of Third Embodiment>
According to the third embodiment, a public area 11-35 is provided, and in this public area 11-35, the converted 3D data 11-36 and the combined 3D data which are confirmed to be disclosed to the user are combined. 11-37 is stored in the product unit. As a result, the user can stably acquire the final state of the conversion data such as digital mockup data and viewer data that has been previously determined even during the generation and update of the conversion data.

  The converted 3D data described in the above embodiments is not limited to digital mockup data or viewer data, and can be used as a more general-purpose device by using various conversion converters. .

  Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer of the system or apparatus (or CPU, MPU, or the like). Is also achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention. .

  Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, and a DVD. An optical disc such as RW or DVD + RW, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code Includes a case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by performing part or all of the actual processing.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the expanded function is based on the instruction of the program code. This includes a case where a CPU or the like provided on the expansion board or the expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

It is a block diagram which shows the example of a whole structure of the system containing the data converter which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed an example of the apparatus structure of each server of FIG. 1, and client PC. It is a table figure which shows an example of the data stored in the database which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a display screen figure which shows the example of a screen of the user interface which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a display screen figure which shows the example of a screen of the user interface which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the data conversion process which concerns on 1st embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a display screen figure which shows the example of a screen of the user interface which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a display screen figure which shows the example of a screen of a utilization application. It is a flowchart which shows the data conversion process which concerns on 2nd embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the example of a whole structure of the system containing the data converter which concerns on 3rd embodiment. It is a table figure which shows an example of the data stored in the database which concerns on 3rd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the data conversion process which concerns on 3rd embodiment. It is a data hierarchy figure which shows the content of the conversion data storage area. It is.

Explanation of symbols

11-10 3D-CAD server 11-20 conversion server 11-30 file server 11-40 database server 11-50 user interface server 11-60 client computer 11-13 3D-CAD data 11-12 CAD data storage area 11- 11 Database 11-21 Data conversion program main body 11-31 Conversion data storage area 11-32 Conversion work area 11-33 Converted 3D data 11-34 Combined 3D data 11-41 Conversion management information database 11-51 Structural unit registration server program 11-52 Conversion data designation server program 11-53 Conversion data reference server program 11-61 Structural unit registration client program 11-62 Conversion data designation client program 11-63 Conversion Over data reference client program 11-64 conversion data using application program

Claims (5)

A unit registration means for registering conversion source data in units of products,
Data conversion means for converting the data format of the conversion source data in units, respectively;
Determining means for determining whether or not to combine the converted data obtained by the data converting means;
Combined data generating means for generating combined data obtained by combining the converted data obtained by the data converting means when it is determined by the determining means that combining is possible;
A data conversion apparatus comprising: a combined data storage unit that stores the combined data generated by the combined data generation unit in a storage destination.   2. The data conversion apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an information confirmation unit configured to confirm presence / absence of information related to the converted data corresponding to the conversion source data. Before generating new converted data corresponding to the conversion source data or before updating existing converted data stored in the storage destination,
Whether to update update information of the conversion source data and update information of the converted data, and whether to update the existing converted data according to the comparison result and whether to generate new converted data The data conversion apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a conversion necessity determination unit that determines whether or not the conversion is necessary. A unit registration process for registering conversion source data in units of products,
A data conversion step of converting the data format of the conversion source data in units, respectively;
A determination step of determining whether to combine the converted data;
A combined data generation step of generating combined data combining the converted data when it is determined in the determination step that combining is possible;
A data conversion method comprising: a combined data storage step for storing the combined data generated in the combined data generation step in a storage destination. A composition unit registration step for registering conversion source data in units of products,
A data conversion step of converting the data format of the conversion source data in units;
A determination step for determining whether to combine the converted data;
A combined data generation step of generating combined data combining the converted data when it is determined in the determining step that combining is possible;
A computer-readable control program comprising: a combined data storage step for storing the combined data generated in the combined data generation step in a storage destination.

Images