JP2008186367A - Design data sharing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a design data sharing system allowing both a designer and an orderer to smoothly and surely communicate with each other while checking the same design data in the same display condition. <P>SOLUTION: The design data sharing system, which is constructed of a plurality of client computers and a server computer having a storage device storing design data created by using a CAD system and a design data transmission means transmitting the design data to the client computers respectively via a network, can display the same design data on a plurality of client computers. In the design data sharing system, when characters/graphics are written, a part of the design data is selected, an instruction is made for changing a screen display condition, and cursor is moved due to operation in an input device on one client computer, they are reflected on other client computers. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a design data sharing system.

  At each stage of the design work using CAD software, the design data or a drawing on which the design data is printed is sent to the orderer, and the orderer performs the inspection work. This inspection work requires frequent transmission of information between the designer and the orderer, such as making a confirmation request or changing instruction to the other party while referring to the same design data and drawings.

  By the way, when the designer and the orderer are in a very close distance, this information transmission should be conducted in real time while talking to the other party and viewing the same computer screen and the same drawing on which the CAD software is operating. However, when the designer and the orderer are in remote locations, it is necessary to transmit information by the following work.

(A) The orderer writes a change instruction in red on the drawing sent by the designer and resends it to the designer.

(B) The orderer verifies the design data with CAD software or viewer software,
Print the picture displayed on the screen, write change instructions on it, and send it to the designer.

(C) Enter the change instruction data directly into the design data using the comment input function such as the redline correction function of the CAD software, and send it to the designer.

  These operations are repeated between the designer and the orderer as necessary.

  However, in the methods as shown in the above (a) to (c), it is necessary to send drawings and data describing change instructions etc. by e-mail, FAX, etc., and it takes time for both information transmissions. End up. In addition, this work is often performed repeatedly a plurality of times, which causes the efficiency of the inspection work to deteriorate, and as a result, more time is spent on the entire design work.

  Further, for example, using a means for sharing design data designed using a CAD system as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the designer and the orderer can view the design data using their CAD software and viewer software. However, even when a confirmation request or change instruction is made over the telephone, it is transmitted verbally to the other party, so the figure designated by the other party must be searched for on each CAD screen. Therefore, there is a problem in that different figures are seen on both sides. Further, when confirmation or change instruction is given by telephone, it is difficult to reliably keep the information as a record.

  In any case, in the design data verification work, it is important that both the designer and the orderer confirm the same design data in the same display state and facilitate smooth and reliable communication.

Japanese Patent No. 3868284

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described situation, and in a plurality of client computers displaying the same design data on the screen, instruction data and cursor movement data input to one client computer are transferred to another client computer. Shared with a computer for writing characters and figures, selecting part of design data or changing the screen display state, and operating the input device on one client computer according to the instruction data and cursor position data The accompanying cursor movement can be reflected in other client computers, and when checking through the computer, both the designer and the orderer confirm the same design data in the same display state, and aim for smooth and reliable communication. Providing a design data sharing system with excellent practicality It is intended.

  The gist of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  A plurality of client computers; a server computer including a storage device for storing design data created using a CAD system; and a design data transmitting means for transmitting design data to the client computers via a network. Design data sharing system capable of displaying the same design data on each of the client computers, wherein the client computer displays on the screen the design data transmitted from the server computer, and the screen display An input device for inputting instruction data for instructing a change of a screen display state such as writing of characters and figures into the designed design data, partial selection of the design data, scrolling of the screen on which the design data is displayed, and enlargement / reduction , The instruction data and the input Input information transmitting means for transmitting to the server computer cursor position data indicating the position information of the cursor that moves on the screen in accordance with the position operation, and the server computer receives the instruction data or the data from one client computer. When the cursor position data is received, it comprises relay transmission means for transmitting the instruction data or the cursor position data to another client computer, and the other client computer receiving the instruction data or the cursor position data Or, in accordance with the cursor position data, the character or figure written by the one client computer, a part of design data selection or an instruction to change the screen display state, or a cursor movement associated with the operation of the input device may be used. The client In which according to the design data sharing system characterized by being configured to reflect the computer.

  In addition, a plurality of client computers operated by a plurality of users, user data registered in association with user names and passwords assigned to respective users, design data created using a CAD system, and browsing of the design data A storage device for storing designer data in which possible user names are associated and registered; and an input screen for inputting the user name and password to the client computer, and the user name input to the input screen and Design data browsing permission means for identifying a password and allowing the user to browse the design data, and design data transmission means for transmitting design data permitted to be browsed to each client computer operated by each user via a network. Server computer with A design data sharing system capable of displaying the same design data on each client computer permitted to view the design data, wherein the client computer displays the design data transmitted from the server computer on a screen. Design data display means, and writing and writing characters and figures to the design data displayed on the screen, selecting part of the design data, or changing the screen display state such as scrolling and enlarging / reducing the screen on which the design data is displayed An input device for inputting instruction data to be instructed, and design data update information transmitting means for transmitting the instruction data and cursor position data indicating the position information of a cursor moving on the screen in accordance with the operation of the input device to the server computer; And the server computer has one client computer. Relay instruction means for transmitting the instruction data or the cursor position data to another client computer permitted to view the design data when the instruction data or the cursor position data is received from the data, The other client computer that has been permitted to view the design data that has received the cursor position data can write the character or figure, or the design data that has been performed by the one client computer in accordance with the instruction data or the cursor position data. Design data sharing characterized in that an instruction to change a part of a screen or change a screen display state or a cursor movement associated with an operation of an input device is reflected on another client computer permitted to view the design data It relates to the system.

  In addition, when the user name and password input on the input screen are authenticated and there is one or more design data associated with the user name, the one or more design data is automatically transferred to the client computer. 3. The design data sharing system according to claim 2, wherein the design data transmission means is configured to transmit the data.

  In addition, when one of the client computers performs the writing of the characters and graphics, the selection of part of the design data, the instruction to change the screen display state, or the cursor movement associated with the operation of the input device, the instruction data or the cursor position The input information transmitting means is configured to immediately transmit data to the server computer, and the instruction data or cursor position data is immediately transmitted from the server computer that has received the instruction data or cursor position data to another client computer. Thus, the relay transmission means is configured as described above, and the cursor movement associated with the writing of the characters and graphics, the selection of a part of the design data or the change of the screen display state performed by one client computer or the operation of the input device Is the instruction data or the cursor Depending on the position data are those according to the design data sharing system according to any one of claims 2, 3, characterized in that it has to be reflected in the other client computers in real time.

  In addition, the input information transmitting means is configured to transmit the cursor position data to the server together with the user name, and the cursor position data and the user name are received from the server computer that has received the cursor position data and the user name to other clients. The relay transmission unit is configured to transmit to a computer, and the design data display unit is configured to display user information that can identify which user is each cursor displayed on the screen of each client computer together with the cursor. The present invention relates to a design data sharing system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to write characters and figures, select part of the design data, or change and display the screen display state according to the instruction data and the cursor position data. The movement of the cursor accompanying the operation of the device can be reflected on other client computers, and when checking through the computer, both the designer and the orderer confirm the same design data in the same display state and are smooth and reliable. It becomes a design data sharing system that is excellent in practicality and capable of communicating smoothly.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention that are considered suitable (how to carry out the invention) will be briefly described with reference to the drawings, illustrating the operation of the present invention.

  By receiving (downloading) the design data stored in the storage device of the server computer at each client computer, the same design data can be displayed on each client computer, and each user can see the same design data. , You can check.

  In this case, when a change instruction or comment is transmitted from one user to another user, an input device (mouse) is displayed on the design data displayed using the design data display means on one client computer operated by one user. When a command such as writing characters or graphics using a pointing device (such as a pointing device) is input or an instruction for enlarging a part of the design data is input, this one client computer uses this input data as a command data to another client computer. Send via computer. In addition, the cursor movement accompanying the operation of the input device is similarly transmitted to other client computers as cursor position data.

  Other client computers that have received the instruction data or the cursor position data perform the same processing on the design data displayed on their screens based on these data. That is, input of various instructions and cursor movement performed on one client computer are reflected on the other client computer, and the image displayed on the screen of one client computer and the screen of the other client computer are displayed. The images that are displayed are the same (ignoring differences due to differences in display size, brightness, and color).

  In particular, by sharing the cursor movement data of the input device of each client computer, the cursor operated by each user is displayed on each client computer. Therefore, the result of index, change, selection instruction, etc. by moving the cursor Is not displayed, but the process (cursor moving process) can be recognized, and these instructions are more easily understood.

  Therefore, for example, in the case of complex design drawings, it is extremely difficult to explain so that the change instruction can be understood only by oral (telephone) and text (email) even if the same design data (CAD data) is viewed. However, according to the present invention, the explanation side specifies the target part by oral or text, and explains the shape after the change of the target part by oral or text. There is no need to operate the input device intuitively on the screen without writing a difficult-to-explain shape once in the brain, such as simply pointing the target part with the cursor or writing the changed shape on the design data. The change instruction can be explained, while the person receiving the explanation can understand the change instruction visually, so the change instruction is rarely misidentified, and the question can be easily confirmed, so it is very efficient. Inspected It will be capable of performing the work.

  Specifically, the present invention has a system configuration in which client computers operated by users who check design data can automatically exchange information over a network, and the same screen is shared between the designer and the orderer in real time. In order to enable two-way communication, a client computer and a server computer that relays information transmission between the client computers are connected via a network so that the client computer and the server computer can communicate with each other.

  For example, the design data that can be browsed by the design data display means of the client computer and the names (user names) and passwords of designers and orderers who can browse the design data are registered in the storage device of the server computer in association with each other. If the stored user data is stored, the designer stores the design data on the server computer and registers the user name for publishing the design data so that only the person concerned with the design data can view it. be able to.

  In addition, information related to screen display such as zooming and scrolling of the screen performed on each client computer, information indicating the current position on the screen such as a mouse cursor, instructions by drawing data transmitted to the other party, etc. are designed through the server computer. Distribute the data to all other client computers displaying the data. Upon receiving this information, the client computer is configured to display its own screen based on the sent information.

  In addition, for example, the screen display state change information such as zoom, scroll, and graphic display color change operated by the user of the client computer is immediately transmitted to the server computer, and the screen display state change information is transmitted to the server computer. The other client computers received from the computer are configured to immediately redisplay their own screen according to the information, so that all client computers viewing the same design data always display the same screen in real time. It is possible to instantly tell which area or figure of the design data you want to pay attention to.

  Also, for example, the cursor movement information and user name of an input device such as a mouse operated by the user of the client computer are immediately transmitted to the server computer, and the cursor movement information and user name received from the server computer are also received. By configuring the client computer to display the user's cursor immediately on its own screen according to the information, all the client computers viewing the same design data can use the mouse operated by other users in real time. The cursor can be displayed, and by operating an input device such as a mouse, it is possible to instantly tell the other party which area or figure of the design data is to be watched.

  In addition, for example, instructions sent to the other party, so-called red writing instructions, entered with drawing data different from design data such as circles, squares, straight lines, arrows, characters, free curves, etc., input by the user of the client computer A client computer that is configured to be sent to the server computer and that receives this instruction from the server computer is configured to immediately display the instruction on its own screen in the same screen state as the sending client computer. By doing so, it becomes possible for all client computers viewing the same design data to display instructions from other users in real time, and between all designers and orderers viewing this design data. It becomes possible to grasp the contents of the instructions and share information.

  Therefore, the present invention enables a remote designer and orderer to communicate in real time for the same design data, even if the designer and the orderer operate each computer at a long distance. It becomes a design data sharing system capable of performing the same work as having a direct conversation while looking at the same computer screen and the same drawing.

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

  In this embodiment, a plurality of client computers respectively operated by a plurality of users, user data registered in association with user names and passwords assigned to the respective users, design data created using a CAD system, and this design The storage device for storing the designer data registered in association with the user name capable of browsing the data, and the input screen for inputting the user name and password to the client computer and the input to the input screen Design data browsing permission means for identifying the user name and password and allowing the user to browse the design data, and design for transmitting the design data permitted to browse to each client computer operated by each user via the network Server computer equipped with data transmission means The design data sharing system can display the same design data on each client computer permitted to view the design data, and the client computer transmits the design data transmitted from the server computer. Design data display means for screen display and screen display status such as writing of characters and figures to the design data displayed on the screen, partial selection of design data, or scrolling and enlargement / reduction of the screen on which the design data is displayed An input device for inputting instruction data for instructing change, and design data update information transmission for transmitting the instruction data and cursor position data indicating the position information of a cursor moving on the screen in accordance with the operation of the input device to the server computer And the server computer is a client. A relay transmission means for transmitting the instruction data or the cursor position data to another client computer permitted to view the design data when the instruction data or the cursor position data is received from a computer; The other client computer that has been permitted to view the design data that has received the position data can write the character or figure, or the design data written by the one client computer in accordance with the instruction data or the cursor position data. An instruction for partial selection or screen display state change or cursor movement associated with operation of the input device is reflected on another client computer permitted to view the design data.

  Specifically, when the user name and password input on the input screen are authenticated and there is one or more design data associated with the user name, the one or more design data is automatically transferred to the user name and password. The design data transmitting means is configured to transmit to the client computer. Therefore, each user can obtain design data required by the user very easily.

  In addition, when one of the client computers performs the writing of the characters and graphics, the selection of part of the design data, the instruction to change the screen display state, or the cursor movement associated with the operation of the input device, the instruction data or the cursor position The input information transmitting means is configured to immediately transmit data to the server computer, and the instruction data or cursor position data is immediately transmitted from the server computer that has received the instruction data or cursor position data to another client computer. In this way, the relay transmission means is configured to write the characters and graphics, select part of the design data (selection by clicking or dragging with a mouse, etc.) or change the screen display state performed by one client computer. Instruction or input device operation Sol movement constitutes as reflected in the other client computers in real time in response to the instruction data or the cursor position data. Accordingly, the above-described various instructions and cursor movements are reflected in real time, and there is no time lag in the exchange, and better will transmission is possible. Also, the cursor is moved continuously, so that other users can more easily recognize the part pointed by the cursor.

  In addition, the input information transmitting means is configured to transmit the cursor position data to the server together with the user name, and the cursor position data and the user name are received from the server computer that has received the cursor position data and the user name to other clients. The relay transmission unit is configured to transmit to a computer, and the design data display unit is configured to display user information that can identify which user is each cursor displayed on the screen of each client computer together with the cursor. ing. Therefore, the person who operates each cursor is clarified, and the will can be transmitted more satisfactorily.

  The server computer and the client computer have general functions as a computer and each of the above means. Specifically, an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU functions as each of the above units based on a program stored in a storage device such as a hard disk.

  This example will be described more specifically.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of this embodiment in which a plurality of client computers 1 and a server computer 2 are connected by a network 3.

  In the server computer 2, design data, a user name, and a password that are browsed by each client computer 1 (viewer client program (design data display means, hereinafter referred to as client program) stored in the storage device) are associated with each other. Stores registered user data and manages the user names and passwords that can be used, and the user names that are allowed to view each design data. In addition, information regarding screen display such as zooming and scrolling of the screen performed by each client computer 1, information indicating the current position on the screen such as a mouse cursor, and instructions to be transmitted to the other party expressed by drawing data different from the design data Etc., and the server program 6 (relay transmission means) for transmitting to other client computers 1 viewing the same design data is executed.

  The server computer 2 may be installed anywhere as long as it is connected to each client computer 1 through the network 3 and can communicate with each other.

  The client computer 1 stores the client program. The client program can display the design data received (downloaded) from the server computer and can edit the downloaded design data (design displayed on the screen). It is set to be possible to write characters and graphics to data, select a part of design data, or change the screen display state such as scrolling and enlarging / reducing the screen on which the design data is displayed. Further, when the design data is edited, the input information transmitting means is set so that the instruction data is immediately transmitted to the server computer.

  The operation of the configuration example shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  An administrator or an authorized person stores design data in a dedicated storage area 4 provided in the storage device of the server computer 2 in advance. Further, information capable of specifying a user name who can view the design data is registered in the dedicated storage area 5 provided in the storage device of the server computer 2.

  When a client program is started in each client computer 1 and a user name and password are input, an inquiry is made to the server program 6 on the server computer 2 via the network, and design data permitted for the user name is obtained from the server computer 2. The data is downloaded to the client computer 1 and the design data is displayed on the screen by the client program of the client computer 1. If there is an inquiry from an unauthorized user name, the server program 6 rejects the request.

  The server program 6 running on the server computer 2 holds information that can identify the connected client computer 1 and information that can identify design data transmitted to the client computer 1 in the storage area 5 of the server computer 2. deep. In this way, the server computer 2 can grasp all the client computers 1 that are browsing the data for each design data.

  FIG. 2 shows the operation when the screen display state is changed, such as zooming, scrolling, and changing the graphic display color, by the client computer 7 (client program thereof).

  In one client computer 7, when a user operating the client program or the client program changes the screen display state 8, information 9 regarding the changed screen display is transmitted to the server program 10 through the network. The server program refers to the information 11 of other client computers browsing the same design data, and information on the screen display sent from the client computer 7 that performed the screen operation to all the client computers 12 13 is transmitted through the network. The client program of each client computer 12 receives the information regarding the screen display transmitted from the server program 10, and changes the screen display state displayed by itself according to the information. As a result of this series of processing, the results of screen operations performed by any client program are reflected in real time on all client programs browsing the same design data, and the screens of all client programs are simultaneously displayed in the same screen display state. . As a result, the user operating the client program can instantly tell the other party which area or figure of the design data he / she wants to pay attention to.

  FIG. 3 shows an operation when information indicating the current position on the screen such as the cursor position of the mouse is moved by the operation of the input device such as the mouse operation of the user on the client computer 14 (client program thereof).

  When the figure 15 indicating the mouse cursor position or the like displayed on the screen of the client computer 14 is moved by the user's mouse operation or the like, the changed mouse cursor position information 16 is transmitted to the server program 17 through the network. . The server program 17 refers to the information 18 of each client computer viewing the same design data, and the cursor position information of the mouse and the user name of the client computer that performed the mouse operation for all the client computers 14 ′ 19 is transmitted through the network. The client program of each client computer receives the mouse cursor position information transmitted from the server program, and displays on the screen the graphic 20 such as a cursor indicating the position and the user name 21 of the client computer that has transmitted the position information. indicate. Through this series of processes, behaviors such as mouse operations performed by an arbitrary client program are displayed in real time on the screens of all client computers browsing the same design data. Since a figure such as a mouse cursor displayed on the screen is displayed together with information that can specify the user name, it can be understood which user has operated the mouse cursor. In view of the ease of viewing the mouse cursor, etc., it is desirable to share the design data with several people (more preferably five people). As a result, the user operating the client program can instantly tell the other party which area or figure of the design data he / she wants to pay attention to.

  FIG. 4 shows an operation of the client computer 22 (client program) when an instruction to be transmitted to the other party, which is expressed by drawing data different from the design data, is input by a user operation or the like, so-called redline instruction. Show.

  On the screen of the client computer 22, an instruction item 24 input 23 by a user operation or the like is transmitted to the server program 25 through the network. The server program 25 refers to the information 26 of other client computers browsing the same design data, and transmits the instruction 27 to all the client computers 22 'through the network. The client program of each client computer receives the instructions sent from the server program and displays the instructions 28 on the screen of the client computer. Through this series of processing, instructions input by an arbitrary client program are displayed in real time on the screens of all client computers browsing the same design data. As a result, the user operating the client program can instantly send instructions to the other party, and at the same time, all users viewing this design data must understand the contents of the instructions and share the information. Can do. In addition, it is desirable that the instructions are stored in the storage device of the client computer so that the history can be separately managed.

  Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, even if the designer and the orderer are remote from each other, if each computer can communicate with the server computer of the viewer system through the network, the designer Both the orderer and the orderer share the same screen and perform two-way communication in real time, so that the inspection work can proceed smoothly.

  Therefore, the disadvantage that the designer and the orderer are separated from each other can be overcome, the time required for the inspection work can be shortened, and the time required for the entire design work can be shortened.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the specific configuration of each component can be designed as appropriate.

It is a structure schematic explanatory drawing of a present Example. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a present Example. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a present Example. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a present Example.

Claims (5)

  A plurality of client computers; a server computer including a storage device for storing design data created using a CAD system; and a design data transmitting means for transmitting design data to the client computers via a network. Design data sharing system capable of displaying the same design data on each of the client computers, wherein the client computer displays on the screen the design data transmitted from the server computer, and the screen display An input device for inputting instruction data for instructing a change of a screen display state such as writing of characters and figures into the designed design data, partial selection of the design data, scrolling of the screen on which the design data is displayed, and enlargement / reduction , The instruction data and the input Input information transmitting means for transmitting to the server computer cursor position data indicating the position information of the cursor that moves on the screen in accordance with the position operation, and the server computer receives the instruction data or the data from one client computer. When the cursor position data is received, it comprises relay transmission means for transmitting the instruction data or the cursor position data to another client computer, and the other client computer receiving the instruction data or the cursor position data Or, in accordance with the cursor position data, the character or figure written by the one client computer, a part of design data selection or an instruction to change the screen display state, or a cursor movement associated with the operation of the input device may be used. The client Design data sharing system which is characterized by being configured to reflect the computer.   A plurality of client computers operated by a plurality of users, user data registered in association with user names and passwords assigned to the respective users, design data created using the CAD system, and the design data can be browsed A storage device for storing designer data registered in association with a user name, and an input screen for inputting the user name and password to the client computer, and the user name and password input to the input screen Design data browsing permitting means for identifying and allowing the user to browse the design data, and design data transmitting means for transmitting the design data permitted to be browsed to each client computer operated by each user via a network. Server computer with A design data sharing system capable of displaying the same design data on each client computer permitted to view the design data, wherein the client computer displays the design data transmitted from the server computer on a screen. Instructs the data display means and writing of characters and figures to the design data displayed on the screen, selection of part of the design data, or change of the screen display state such as scrolling and enlargement / reduction of the screen on which the design data is displayed. An input device for inputting instruction data; and design data update information transmitting means for transmitting to the server computer, the instruction data and cursor position data indicating the position information of a cursor that moves on the screen in accordance with the operation of the input device. The server computer is one client computer When the instruction data or the cursor position data is received, relay instruction means for transmitting the instruction data or the cursor position data to another client computer permitted to view the design data is provided. The other client computer that has received the data and is permitted to view the design data, writes the characters and figures performed by the one client computer in accordance with the instruction data or the cursor position data, and the design data. A design data sharing system configured to reflect an instruction to select a part or a screen display state or a cursor movement associated with an operation of an input device to another client computer permitted to view the design data.   When the user name and password input on the input screen are authenticated and there is one or more design data associated with the user name, the one or more design data is automatically transmitted to the client computer. 3. The design data sharing system according to claim 2, wherein the design data transmission means is configured as described above.   When the writing of the characters and graphics, the selection of part of the design data or the instruction for changing the screen display state or the cursor movement associated with the operation of the input device is performed on one client computer, the instruction data or the cursor position data is The input information transmitting means is configured to immediately transmit to the server computer, and the instruction data or cursor position data is immediately transmitted to the other client computer from the server computer that has received the instruction data or cursor position data. Configuring the relay transmission means, the writing of the characters and figures performed by one client computer, the selection of part of the design data or the instruction to change the screen display state or the cursor movement accompanying the operation of the input device, The instruction data or cursor position Design data sharing system according to any one of claims 2, 3, characterized in that it has to be reflected in the other client computers in real time according to the chromatography data.   The input information transmitting means is configured to transmit the cursor position data to the server together with the user name, and the cursor position data is transmitted to the other client computer together with the user name from the server computer that has received the cursor position data and the user name. The relay transmission means is configured to transmit, and the design data display means is configured to display user information that can identify which user is each cursor displayed on the screen of each client computer together with the cursor. The design data sharing system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein

Images