JP2966376B2 - Apparatus and method for distributing design and manufacturing information across sheet metal manufacturing equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Related Application Data This application filed on May 6, 1996, entitled “Sheet Metal Manufacturing Equipment”
Apparatus and method for managing and distributing design and production information throughout
U.S.M. S. Provisional application No. 60 / 016,94
8 and by referring generally to its specification
It is alleged that it is expressly incorporated herein. Copyright noticeSome of the specifications in this patent document are subject to copyright protection.
ing. The copyright holder is U.S.A. S. Patent and Trademark Office Patent
By some of the patent specifications in the aisle or record
Copy will not be challenged, but other
In addition, the copyright holder reserves all copyrights. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to the field of manufacture and to sheet metal parts such as
It relates to the production of parts. In particular, the present invention
Design and production information to facilitate the production of sheet metal parts
Equipment and methods for managing and distributing throughout the factory
Things. Background information Traditionally, for example, songs in advanced production facilities for sheet metal
The production of sheet metal involves a continuous production manufacturing stage. No.
The first stage is the design stage, based on customer specifications
A sheet metal part is designed. Usually customers have specific sheets
Order production in equipment of metal parts. Customer order
Examples, product and design information needed to manufacture parts in the factory
Contains. This information can be, for example, the geometric dimensions of the part.
Method, materials required for parts (eg steel, stainless steel)
Steel or aluminum), special molding information, quantities,
May include delivery date. Requested by the customer
Sheet metal parts are designed and manufactured for a wide variety of applications
I can do it. For example, manufactured parts will eventually
Computer cases, switchboards, aircraft armrests,
May be used for car door panels. design
In the stage, the design of sheet metal parts is
Assisted design (CAD) system for manufacturing equipment design department
Made in. Depending on the customer's specifications, the programmer can
Two-dimensional (2-D) modeling of sheet metal parts using the D system
You can also create Dell. Customer is usually important for parts
Provide blueprints with various geometric dimensions. This blueprint
Is a special molding or symbol included in the part or sheet metal
It may also indicate holes or other openings on the surface of the part. Design professional
Glamor creates a 2-D model with a CAD system
I often use this blueprint. This 2-D model is
Also includes bending line and / or dimensional information for sheet metal parts
It may include a top view and one or more perspective views.
You. Before actually starting bending of sheet metal parts,
Stamping and / or cutting parts from raw materials
There must be. Punching when processing stock materials
Control press or plasma or laser cutting machine
Computer numerical control (CNC) or number
Value control (NC) is used. Process this inventory material
For ease of use, the design programmer is
Manufacturing (CAM) system or CAD / CAM system
To create a control code based on the 2-D model
Rukoto can. This control code includes a stamping press
And / or sheeting from stock material for use in cutting machines
Component professional for punching or cutting metal parts
Grams may be included. Next to the manufacturing process
Step is the bending planning stage. At this stage, bending
A work plan is made by the bending operator at the workshop.
You. Operators usually have one cut or stamped
Or a blueprint or
A 2-D drawing is passed. Bending operation with these materials
The data defines the tool to be used and the bending procedure to be performed.
Make a machining plan. Operators are in the bending shop
Data based on the bending code entered or the bending plan
Like a CNC press brake that can create customized programs
Also includes a CNC metal bending machine. Bending plan created
The operator performs an initial test of the bending sequence.
A work place for In this test phase,
Or the cut material is manually incorporated into the press brake
Press brakes are manufactured according to the programmed sequence.
Operated to bend the work. The operator
Analyze the finished bent sheet metal parts to meet customer specifications
Check for conformance. This press brake
Depending on the results of the initial work on the
They may edit the system and modify the bending order. Operating
Also ensure that the design of sheet metal parts can be modified appropriately.
In some cases, the results are fed back to the design department. Te
The strike is a design specification that normally requires bent sheet metal parts
It continues until it falls within. End of the production process
One of the stages is the bending stage. A bend plan is created,
After being tested, the bending operator can
Equipped with a tool, the bending plan and the stored bending program
Activate the press brake according to the system or code. Song
The required amount of stamped or cut material
Delivery as specified and other work is ensured
A work schedule has been created as if it had been completed by
You. The work schedule is in the early stages of the production process and / or the whole process
Created or modified by the workshop supervisor in parallel
There is also. When the production of the last bent sheet metal part is completed,
Parts are collected and packed for delivery to the customer.
You. Normal manufacturing and manufacturing process has some disadvantages and disadvantages
There is. For example, each customer's design and manufacturing data is
Reasonably (for example, a file cabinet by paper
Electronically (eg, disk or magnetic tape)
Such data is usually stored separately.
And it is not easy to search. In addition, many factories
In an environment, the distribution of important work information is distributed throughout the factory
Take the form of distributed work or planning papers. as a result,
Data is often lost or damaged, previous or similar
Difficulty finding design and manufacturing data for jobs
You. In addition, due to the lack of data storage methods,
Distribute manufacturing information to workshops and other locations in all factories
Precious time is lost. Also, part design and bending planning
Creation is primarily for design programmers and bending operators
It depends on your personal knowledge, skills and experience
Large, manufactured between sheet metal parts and bending planning
Significant time is lost. In recent years, customary sheet metal manufacturing
To improve process and improve efficiency throughout the process.
Departures and attempts have been made. For example, commercially available CAD / C
Two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional in AM system
(3-D) Sheet metal bending by use and development of model creation
The genus's production process and model creation were facilitated and improved. now
Now, design programmers and operators are 2-D and 3-
Use the D display to better understand the shape of parts and
The order of gauges and bending cords more efficiently
It has become. Store data electronically and transfer
Function improves the flow of information from the design department to the workplace
did. Advances in computer and data communication networks
More cabinets for old paper tapes and magnetic disks
Or you no longer need to find it in a file. like this
Despite the progress made, the organization and the entire factory environment
Need to improve organization and flow of design and manufacturing information across
There is still. For example, in a traditional manufacturing system, each customer
Important design and manufacturing information for your order can be found anywhere in the factory
Logical relationships that are easily accessible and searchable.
Not injured. Until now, the system has also
Based on various characteristics, such as the characteristics and characteristics of metal parts
There is no function to search for job information. For example, the same
Search for previous job information based on the search for similar parts
Being searchable and searchable will greatly enhance the overall production process.
To increase the width and reduce the required production time for future work. Excessive
Previous attempts were also made by design programmers and workshop operators.
Lack of ease of designing thin metal parts by
You. With a 2-D or 3-D modeling system,
Help operators understand the shape and geometry of parts better
However, this system allows design programmers and
The burden imposed on factory operators has not been reduced.
For example, these systems allow design programmers
Easily converts existing 2-D CAD models to 3-D display
It cannot be exchanged. Also, bend the workplace operator.
2-D and / or 3-
Even if the D drawing is provided, the operator can
Procedures must be decided by hand and / or by trial
No. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In light of the above, the present invention relates to one or more of the inventions
Aspects, examples and / or features
Through one or more of the following components:
It is intended to provide the above objectives and advantages. Book
The general object of the invention is to provide components such as bent sheet metal parts.
Design and manufacturing information across all factories to facilitate
Management and distribution devices and methods. further
The object of the present invention is, for example, for advanced sheet metal fabrication.
Prevent loss or destruction of important work information in equipment
Equipment that promotes effective utilization and organization of accumulated specialized knowledge
And methods are provided. Another object of the present invention is to
Logically store both customer order design and manufacturing information
By equipping the equipment and method, everywhere in the factory
To make it easily accessible and searchable.
You. Yet another object of the present invention is to store job data
Central database or file server for all factories
Search logically so that you can easily search and search anywhere.
A device that manages and distributes stored design and manufacturing information
In providing the method. Job data is based on work-related design
To perform not only manufacturing information but also necessary bending operations
Can also provide the actual bending code. Still further according to the invention
The purpose is design and manufacturing information based on various search criteria.
Providing a device and a method for searching for previous job information including
You. Search criteria are, for example, sheet metal to be manufactured
It can include the features and characteristics of the parts, thereby
Or previous work information related to similar parts
Available to reduce the overall production time of the job. Of the present invention
Another purpose is the traditional documentation associated with each customer order
Instantly apply work or planning papers from anywhere in the factory
By replacing it with an accessible electronic job sheet
is there. Electronic job sheets can be displayed anywhere
2D and / or 3-D model images of parts, tools
Selection, optimal bending procedure, necessary staging information and barco
Important work-related design, including code or identification number
And manufacturing information. This electronic job sheet contains songs
Same or similar work again by future operator
Special instructions or procedures that may be helpful when doing
Audio and / or video components
available. Another object of the present invention is to provide a thin metal part 2
By providing -D and 3-D computer images
An object of the present invention is to reduce the time required for analyzing a part drawing. solid
3-D image mode, 3-D wireframe image mode,
Various, including 2-D planar image mode and orthographic image mode
Image can be provided. Zoo useful for analyzing thin metal parts
Various types including mining, panning, rotation and automatic dimensioning
Various different image functions are also provided. Furthermore, the present invention
To facilitate the design of sheet metal parts and the production of bending plans.
With the purpose of providing an arrangement and method. For example, the existing department
Easily produce 3-D representations of parts from 2-D models of parts
It is also an object of the present invention to be able to Sa
In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a bending plan and a program.
To reduce the time to create rammed bending codes
There is a graphics interface. The present invention
Therefore, equipment with information processing function to manufacture parts,
Directed to a method of making parts in such equipment.
It is. Work on parts previously made with this equipment
A database for storing information is provided. Before each
Previous work information for parts manufactured in
Includes previous design data related to featured parts
It is. In addition, it is manufactured by equipment in response to the current job request
System that receives current information about the current component
Can also be provided. This current job information contains the current
Proposed design data for proposed features of the part
Is also included. Facilities with information processing functions are also
By searching for the source
Previous work information design data and current work of created parts
A system for comparing information design data is also included. the above
Search comparison between previous job information design data and current job
The information design data is changed to the previous job according to the current job request.
A plan for the production of the current part that uses at least part of the information
Have a predefined degree of similarity that can be created
Can be performed to determine Each aspect of the invention
Parts manufactured and current parts include sheet metal parts,
The proposed design data of a new part also includes the form data of the part. Addition
In addition, the search system of the invention is a feature of the design
By comparing color and current job information design features
Manufactured parts are the same, similar or different from the current parts
You can decide whether to use it or not. Has information processing function
The equipment can also determine a predetermined similarity from the database.
A system for retrieving previous job information determined to have
And the current department based on the previous job information retrieved.
Previous jobs found to help plan the product
Includes a system for distributing information to various places in all facilities
It is. Previous job information retrieved was previously created
Bending procedure and tool information to make at least one of the parts
May be included. Distribution system spans database and all facilities
Connected to the station module
It may include a communication network. Each station module
Tool receives previous job information retrieved from the database.
Connected to a communication network for communication. Each stage
Module is searched for the communication network.
Display device and communication network for displaying previous job information
Interface network for interfacing with
It can also include network. In line with another aspect of the invention, information
The equipment with information processing function is further connected to the communication network.
May have a server module attached. This service
The bar module is an input device for entering current job information.
And the current task information entered by the input device
To transfer data to database through communication network
It may have a work interface device. further,
The equipment is located on a bending station with a station module.
Sheet metal parts based on the
A bending machine for bending is also included. Also before the search
Job information is also available for parts previously produced with bending machines.
Pre-set bending to make at least one
Code is also included. Made with previously manufactured parts and equipment
If the part to be replaced includes a sheet metal part,
In the previous job information, the current parts to be produced
Show similar, at least one previously manufactured part
It can include data of possible bending models. Each station
Module display devices are based on bending model data.
By displaying previously produced images,
It facilitates planning of product production plans. In particular, bending model data
Data includes 2-D and 3-D images of previously manufactured parts
Includes data that displays many images of previous manufactured parts
You. The display of each station module is a bending model.
2-D or 3-D images of previously manufactured parts based on
Images can be selectively displayed. Previous work information also includes manufacturing information for previously manufactured parts, and current work information includes manufacturing information for parts to be manufactured.
Includes information. In addition, the search system uses previous job information and current
Whether the current job information has a defined degree of similarity
Work information comparison by searching the database when making decisions
Can be modified to add Job information is small
At least one type of machine data, tool data,
Machine setup data including backgating adjustment data
Data. Parts production in parts facilities with information function
Previously manufactured on equipment in the data storage device
A method that includes storing information about the fabrication of a part
is there. Previous job information for each previously produced part includes:
Includes design data on the characteristics of each previously manufactured part.
I will. In addition, this method is developed according to current job requirements.
Includes receiving current job information for parts in stock. Present
The current job information contains information about the proposed characteristics of the current part.
Total data may also be included. According to another aspect of the invention,
Method is based on the previous specifications stored for each previous fabrication part.
Comparing event information design data with current job information design data
It may include searching for a data storage device to perform. this
The method is the previous work information design data and the current work information design
The data has at least a defined degree of similarity,
Key to the current job that uses at least part of the job information
Decided to be able to make a part production plan at the moment
May be included. This method will be further manufactured
Before it was determined to have a defined degree of similarity to
Other tasks, including retrieving job information from a database
May include steps. In addition to this, various places covering all facilities
Distribution of previous job information found in
The current component based on the previous job information found
There may also be a dispensing step that allows a production plan to be made.
In this distribution stage, the previous job information retrieved is
Stations located across the database and all facilities
Through the communication network connected to the module
Can be distributed. Each station module is a database
To receive previous job information retrieved from
Network. Another of this invention
One aspect is a production system with information processing function and the like.
There is a method for searching for similar parts. Information processing function
The production system has the previous work information of the previous production parts.
Includes data storage for storing. Previous job information is
Also includes previous design data related to the characteristics of each previous manufactured part.
No. The system is also relevant to the current job requirements for new parts production
Has the means to receive the current job information
Job information is proposed for new parts that are currently job requested
Includes design data proposed for the feature. In the present invention
Therefore, the system searches for more data storage,
Compare previous job information with current job information to find current job
The previous part with a predetermined degree of similarity to the new part requested
It has a means to identify the manufactured parts. From data storage,
Previous work that was determined to have a predetermined similarity
Means for retrieving information is also provided. After further search
Distribute previous job information to various places, thereby
A plan to produce a new part for a job request was found earlier
For planning based on at least a part of job information
Is also provided. Equipment with information processing functions also
Communication between the storage device and multiple station modules
Communications network. Each station model
Joule is the job information retrieved from the data storage device.
Connected to the communication network to receive
You. Each station module is also searched previously
A display device for displaying job information and a communication network.
Network interface for interfacing
Device. Also connected to the communication network
A server module may also be provided. This server module
The module has an input device for entering current job information and an input device.
The current job information entered by the
Transfer to data storage device through network
Network interface device for
Can have The present invention also provides a method for searching for similar parts.
Is also aimed at. This method was previously used for data storage.
Storing the previous work information of the manufactured parts of the
Receive current job information on current job requests for product manufacturing
Including the steps of: The method also searches the data storage device
To compare previous job information with current job information.
Therefore, the similarity with the new part of the current job request and the predetermined
Identifying a previously fabricated part with this
Further explore how to search for similar parts in line with the invention.
Extract features from previous job information and current job information
The operation of each previous production department
Pre-determined features exist on the product and new parts for the current job request
May include an operation to determine whether to do so. Extract features
By operation, new of each previous production part and current job request
Part feature extraction data is created. This feature extraction data
Data stored in the feature extraction library
By comparing with the extracted feature data,
Identify basic features of work parts and current job request parts
Steps are also provided. This method is further characterized by
In this way, the previous production parts and the current
Determine the relationship between the basic features identified in the part
May have. The relationship between the basic features of a part is the distance between the basic features.
Can be determined For example, two basic parts
The gap between features is the difference between the reference planes in the two basic features.
It can be determined based on the number of bending lines. Similar parts
As part of the search, the method
And the defined relationship between the basic features of each part
The search key of each previous production part and the current job request part
Including creating a search key for In addition, the search phase
Search keys created for new parts on request and each previous
For comparison of search keys created for manufactured parts,
Performing a linked search of the data storage device is also included. Interlocking
The stage of searching is the search key of the current job request new part
Identification of the previous production part with the same search key and the current
Before having a search key similar to the search key of the new job request part
Identifying the manufactured parts of Search for selected parts
Can also be searched, and
Pre-determined number of previously manufactured parts from the current
Same or most similar to the search key for new parts of the job request
You can select the previous production part that has the search key you are using.
By searching for selected parts based on the degree of similarity of features
A similarity finger that ranks each of the previously selected manufactured parts
You can also calculate numbers. The similarity index can be displayed.
As a result, the previous production part selected in the selection part search
Produce new parts based on previous job information
Selective access from data storage to plan for
Accessible. In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a component
Equipment with information function for production and such equipment
Use is provided. Equipment was previously made with equipment
Data representing a number of pre-defined features for selected parts
Is stored. Also equipped with data receiving system
Many of the parts that are
Can be received. Equipment is
It further includes a comparison system, whereby at least one
Creates stored data for two previously manufactured parts.
And compare the received data with the
And at least one previously manufactured part and the part to be manufactured
Are the same, similar or different. Information machine of the present invention
In the equipment with functions, the parts manufactured from the data storage device
For previously manufactured parts determined to be identical or similar to the
A system for searching for relevant data is provided. Setting
The facility also stores the retrieved data in various locations of all facilities.
Includes a system for distributing data retrieved by it
A production plan for parts manufactured based on data
It has become. The distribution system of the present invention
Stations provided for storage devices and all equipment
Consisting of a communication network connected to the module
ing. Is each station module a data storage device?
Communication network to receive retrieved data from
It is connected to. At least one previously manufactured part
If it is determined that the part to be manufactured is the same,
Data related to the previous manufactured parts is retrieved by the search system
Searched and distributed by the distribution system
So that the data can be used to make the parts
Has become. Equipment with information function is a former production department
We have a system for editing product data, and at least
Also one previous production part is similar to the part to be produced
Once a decision has been made,
Data is searched and edited by the editing system.
The edited data is used to make the parts
You. Parts manufactured based on the received data
Can set up a production planning system for
It is determined that all the manufactured parts are different from the parts to be manufactured.
When using the received data by this planning system
You can make a production plan for the parts to be produced. Information function
In the method used in one component manufacturing facility, the method
Numerous things about parts previously manufactured in equipment
Including the step of storing data on previously defined features.
No. The scheme also has a number of things to
Receiving and storing data representing previously defined features;
Stored data on at least one previously manufactured part
Includes the step of comparing the received data on the parts to be manufactured
It is rare. Based on the results of this comparison phase,
The same or similar parts are used to make the previous parts
Or heterogeneous. This method is
Moreover, the same or the same parts as those manufactured from the data storage device
Previously manufactured parts determined to be similar
Including searching for data on whether or not. Equipment
Distribute searched data to various places in all facilities
With this system, the data retrieved by this system
A system for planning the production of parts manufactured based on
Including. Part where at least one of the previously manufactured parts is manufactured
If it is determined to be the same as the goods, the same previous production
Data on parts is searched and production of parts to be manufactured
Distributed by the distribution system so that the data is available to
Is done. This method also provides data on earlier manufactured parts.
Editing at least one previous production
It is determined that the part is similar to the part to be manufactured
And the data is searched for similar previous parts
Can be used to create the parts for which the edited data will be produced.
Edited by the editing system. In addition,
The stage of making a production plan for parts manufactured based on
Can also be prepared, and all the previously manufactured parts
At this stage, when it is determined that
Is used to plan the production of the parts to be produced.
In addition to the above features, additional features and / or variants thereof
May be provided, for example, the invention may be characterized by the features described above.
Various combinations or recombinations and / or under
With some combinations of features in the detailed description
It can be applied to combinations. Also listed above
And other objects, features and advantages of the present invention.
Will be described in more detail after. APPENDIX SUMMARY To further facilitate the detailed description of the invention, the limitations of the appendices
Of the invention along the example of the preferred embodiment of the invention which is not
Examples of source code for various features, operations and functions,
See a number of appendixes with comments:
A is, for example, feature extraction when searching for one similar part
Typical source code for performing operations; Appendix B
For example, similarity index calculation when searching for some similar parts of the present invention
Is a typical source code that exercises
A typical source code for performing a bending line detection operation according to the invention.
Appendix D supplements the 2-D cleanup of the present invention
Is a typical source code for
2-D drawing of 3-D model of metal part from original 3 directions
Appendix E contains the
Various view modes and functions are added to the bending model viewer.
Typical source code to fill; Appendix F, G,
H and I are references for implementing the automatic sizing feature of the present invention.
Appendix J is the present invention with typical source code and comments.
Visibility of parts and entities in bending model viewer
Typical source code for supplementing functions; appendix
Record K is a book about the implementation of the bending model and the configuration of the part structure.
Includes general comments based on various lessons of the invention,
Appendix L shows the dynamic calculation of the rotation axis of a given part.
A typical source that replenishes D-operation and navigation systems
Source code. The present invention is limited in the following detailed description.
Numerous figures for examples of preferred embodiments of the invention not shown
Described with reference to the surface, the same reference in the description
The numbers indicate similar parts in all figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In accordance with aspects of the present invention, design and manufacturing information is
Equipment for managing and distributing and facilitating the production of parts in factories
Location and method are provided. This feature of the present invention
The present invention can be used for
In a factory environment where the subsequent production stages take place in different locations
Available for fulfillment. Throughout the non-limiting examples and various examples
Thus, the present invention can be applied, for example, to advanced sheet metal manufacturing facilities.
With reference to the fabrication of bent sheet metal parts
You. FIG. 1 shows a progressive sheet metal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The general manufacturing equipment 38 is shown in a block diagram.
You. As shown in FIG. 1, a sheet metal manufacturing facility or factory 3
8 is a large number of locations dispersed in all factories 10, 12, 1
4. . . It has 20. These offices have a design office 1
0, shipping workplace 14, punching workplace 16, bending workplace
18 and a welding workplace 20 are included. Depicted in Figure 1
Sheet metal plant 38 has only six separate locations
But, of course, factories can have six or more separate locations,
Each type of office or workplace depicted in Figure 1
May occupy more than one place. For example, equipment 3
One or more punches depending on the size of 8 and the required production capacity
Workshop 16, bending workshop 18 and / or welding workshop 20
Can be provided. In addition, the factory 38 has one or more
Total office 10, assembling workshop 12 or shipping workshop 14
To facilitate the manufacture and manufacture of bent sheet metal parts.
May have other types of locations. Each place in the factory 38
10, 12, 14. . . 20 is a part of the production and manufacture of parts
For one or more separate manufacturing stages or processes
And have tools to perform. For example, a design office
10 encourages the design of sheet metal parts based on customer specifications
In order to proceed, appropriate CAD / CAM (CAD / CA
M) It may have a system. This CAD / CAM system
One or more computers and displays,
Includes linter and commercial CAD / CAM software
I can see. As a non-limiting example, the CA of the design office 10
D / CAM system is auto cad or cad key,
Or Amada America U.S.A. S. (Formerly Amada shares
Opened under the name of the ceremony company) Biena Park, Californi
Amada AP40 or AP60 CA available from A
It may include a D / CAM system. In addition, it ’s Berum.
Based on Windows available from Una Ashler
Existing CAD systems can also be used. This CAD / CAM
With the system, the design programmer is in customer's order
2-D model of sheet metal parts based on drawings and data
And / or a 3-D model can be created. Design programmer
-Also uses control codes based on the design of sheet metal parts.
Created, for example, from the workpiece to the sheet metal part
CNC punching tool for punching or cutting products
Create a part program to control the machine and / or cutting machine
it can. The punching work space 16 and the bending work space 18 are each C
Any combination of NC and / or NC machine tools
But you can be prepared. For example, the punching workshop 16
・ Amada sauce of series and / or pega series
Press, or other commercially available CN
One or more C and / or NC stamping presses
RG series
Amada press brake or other commercially available
CNC such as shaft gauging press brake and / or
Or one or more NC press brakes
Can be. In addition, the welding workshop 20 is designed for sheet metal parts.
Welding machine suitable for performing any necessary welding
A vessel can be provided. Punching workshop 16, bending
The workplace 18 and the welding workplace 20 are any place in the factory of the equipment 38.
Can be installed in any place and operated manually by a skilled operator
Machines that can be
Data, bending machine operators, etc.). Amada Cell
Fully automatic, such as Robomini or Amada Promcam or
Robot assisted machines can also be provided in these locations.
You. Required punching and bending work, or if necessary
Welding work must also be performed during the production process at these workshops
Can be. Further advanced sheet metal as shown in FIG.
The equipment 38 also includes an assembly station 12 and a shipping station 14. set
The standing work area 12 and the shipping work area 14 have manufacturing parts for customers.
Packaging and route assignments to facilitate assembly and shipping
Patches and / or transport equipment are also included. Assembly and delivery of parts
Loads are manually exercised or managed by factory personnel
Can be machine automated and / or machine assisted
Wear. Further, the assembly work area 12 and the shipping work area 14 are
Factory workshop (eg, punching workshop 16, bending work
Factory 18 and / or 'close to the welding workshop 20)
Place it nearby or use a separate facility from the sheet metal
Can be placed in a facility or area. In line with aspects of the invention
Management and distribution of critical design and manufacturing information
Done by electronically storing and distributing information
You. Work setup or worksheet on traditional paper
Can be accessed instantly from any location in the factory.
Replace or supplement with a child job sheet
The invention improves the overall efficiency of the factory
Can be. In addition, various aspects and features of the present invention
Better organization and access of stored design and manufacturing information
It is. For similar or identical sheet metal parts:
Accessing and retrieving previous job information is a key feature of this invention.
You can do it through the sign. This object is achieved by the invention
Various aspects of server module 32 and database
To a number of locations 10,12,
14． . . 20 is provided with a communication network 26 connecting to each
Can be accomplished by doing I'll discuss later
In each place 10, 12, 14,. . . 20 is a communication network
Interfacing with work 26 and database 30
Has a station module. Figures 1, 2 and 3 show the invention.
Non-limiting examples of these features and implementations are provided. Figures 1 and 2
As shown in FIG.
Places 10, 12, 14. . . 20 each and server mode
The module 32 and the database 30 are connected. Communication
Network 26 stores data and information at locations 10, 12, 1
4. . . 20, server module 32 and database
What kind of network can transmit between 30
Work. Transmission is electronic or optical, radio frequency
This is performed by several transmissions or far-infrared transmission. Not limited
For example, the communication network 26 may be a local area
Network (LAN), ethernet or similar
It can be configured with a network structure. As will be further described later
And places 10, 12, 14. . . Each of the 20
For transmitting and receiving information through the communication network 26.
Network terminating equipment (eg, computers,
Minicomputer or work station) and / or
Or peripherals (such as a display monitor or
Screen, printer, CD-ROM, and / or modem)
Can be included. Network termination connection device and peripheral
The device interfaces with the communication network 26
As will be discussed in detail later, various features of the present invention and
Hardware to provide aspects and appropriate software
Or include program logic. Computing at a location in the factory
When installing data, the computer is a stand-alone computer
Or the interface of the equipment and machinery at that location
It may be a general-purpose computer that is part of the device. Was
For example, the computer is an IBM compatible personal computer or
Interface / control of machinery such as Madam AMNC
It may be a computer that is part of the system. Sa
Server module 32 and database 30
It is connected to the work. The server module 32
Suitable for interfacing with communication network 26
PC with hardware and software
Or mini frame. Server module 32
Also, various features of the present invention will be described in detail later.
Software and firmware that meet the requirements are also included.
Further in accordance with aspects of the present invention, server module 32
For storing design and manufacturing information related to customer orders
It may have a database 30. Database 30 is enough
By providing a commercially available database with a large storage capacity
Factory design and manufacturing information and other data, tables,
And / or a program can be stored.
For example, the database 30 may have 4 GB or more.
Scuzzy (SCSI) memory device with storage capacity
Can be included. Stored in the database 30
Access to the design and manufacturing information
Through various places 10, 12, 1 of sheet metal equipment 38
4. . . 20 can be distributed. Structural inquiry
Various data formats such as SQL language
To access or store data in the database 30
Can be Further, stored in the database 30
Information is stored on various types of storage media, such as magnetic tapes.
Backup on optical disk or floppy disk
And memorize it. Server module 3
2 and the communication network 26 of the database 30
Are located in separate areas or locations within factory 38 (eg, FIG. 1).
See) or in a predefined station
(E.g., in a design office) or in close proximity
be able to. In the embodiment of FIG.
The communication network 26 as part of the server module 32
Interface with the server module
The database 30 is of course a server
-It is placed in a location physically separated from module 32
As shown in FIG.
Network module 34
it can. Not limited according to preferred embodiments of the present invention
As an example, the server module 32 and each location 10, 1
2,14. . . 20 is a 100-200 MHz pente
Central processing including IAM or equivalent microprocessor
Processor (CPU) and at least 32 MB of storage capacity
Commercially available SVGA monitor with 800 × 600 resolution
IBM with high resolution display screen like
Including personal computers such as compatible machines. Server module 3
2 and places 10, 12, 14. . . 20 also contains information
For interface and control with the display,
Istic or mouse and sound blaster or
Is an alternative sound and game port adapter card
included. Execution system software to support communication
Wear is also provided. For example, server module 3
2 is Microsoft Windows New Technology
(NT) or Windows 95 execution system software
Air (both Microsoft, Redmond, Eagle
(Available from Newton State) and at each location
2,14. . . 20 is Microsoft Windows 95
Execution system software can be included. Further server
-Module 32 and locations 10, 12, 14. . . 20 is
Support for many languages (eg English, Japanese, etc.)
Object link like OLE2 server
And full support of embedded (OLE) server
Wear. Various database languages and management systems are also available.
Create or retain information stored in the database
It is used for watching. Structural query language
Database language such as (SQL) database 3
Determine, operate, or control zero data
Can be used for For example, SQL Server
(Retail products available from Microsoft)
It can be used to implement Ming. In addition, this invention
Database Consolidated Open Database Connectivity
By having an e (ODBC) compatible driver
From the database 30 through the communication network 26
Can promote access to information. More about ODBC
See the Microsoft Open Database for more information.
Connectivity Software Development Kit Program
Obtained from the Ma's Reference Manuel. Figure 2
Progressive sheet metal constructed according to another embodiment of the invention
It is a block diagram of a manufacturing facility. In the embodiment of FIG.
Database 30 and server module 32 are installed separately
The database 30 is stored in the network database.
Connection to the communication network 26 via the
It is flowing. As mentioned above, the present invention is limited to this configuration
Database 30 and server module
Module 32 can be installed together (for example, as shown in FIG. 1).
Sea), the data of the network database module 34
Function to access database in server module
Can be incorporated. FIG. 2 also shows a sheet metal manufacturing facility.
Various locations 10, 12, 14 within the bin 38. . . 20
An example of a station module 36 that can be placed is shown. Illustrated
For the purpose of FIG.
The station module 36 is illustrated. Of FIG.
A similar station module, not shown in the example,
Can be installed elsewhere in the facility 38. In FIG.
As shown, each module (server module 32,
Network database module 34 and stash
The module 36) is a network interface.
Communication network 26 via card or port 42
Can be connected to Network interface
The card 26 is dedicated to the vendor and the selected communication network
Can be selected based on the format of the Each module 32.
34. 36 is an interface with the communication network 26
Network software or programs to
Can include programmed logic. Communication network 2
6 is Ethernet (Ethernet), 10 base
/ T (twisted pair), 10 base / 2 (coaxial), or
Many types like 10 base / 5 (thick film cable)
The size of the equipment 38 and the required cables from commercial cables
Using a cable of the type selected based on length
It may be. In FIG. 2, the server module 32 is
Play monitor or CRT44, keyboard and mouse
Input / output devices including and / or joystick
May include personal computers with Network interface
The E-card 42 is provided with an expansion slot or
It can be inserted into the port of the computer 40. In addition, PC 4
0 means 100-200 MHz processing speed and pentium
Or include a Pentium Pro microprocessor
Can be. The personal computer 40 also has, for example, up to 32 MB.
Or more main storage and 1.2 GB or more
Can include random access storage (RAM)
Wear. The display 44 is a high-resolution display screen,
Commercially available SVGA monitor with 800 × 600 resolution
Can be included. Displayed on display 44
A personal computer 4 to support various graphics and information
0 is also commercially available, such as a PCI graphics card.
Graphic cards. Sa
In addition, the computer 40 is a sound blaster,
Includes compatible voice and game port adapter cards
Input / output device 46 is a keyboard, joystick
And / or a mouse. The color of the invention
In order to satisfy various features, the server module 32
Software and various package software
You. For example, the server module 32
Windows NT (workstation type)
Or Windows 95. In addition, the server
Modules having functions and features unique to the present invention (for example, FIG. 4)
Server module 32 is
Route with software or programmed logic
Chin can be included. I will discuss it in more detail later
As such, these routines use high-level functions such as C ++.
Programming language and object-oriented programming
Can be created. The server module 32 also includes a client
Input 2-D and 3-D drawings based on the specifications of
Or to create a Belm or Amada AP40 or
Or CAD or CAD /
Includes CAM software or can interface
Swelling. For this reason, server modules are
It can be located in the design office 10 of the manufacturing facility 38. Day
Server to access data from the database 30
-Module 32 is a Microsoft ODBC driver
With an ODBC driver like
Data access standard. OLE2 Sir
OLE server like a bar to link data
Can be prepared for In the embodiment of FIG.
The source 30 is provided separately from the server module 32.
Network database module 3
4 and connected to the communication network 26.
You. As mentioned earlier, the database 30 is
Based on the size and the amount of component information stored in the database
With appropriate storage space selected based on
Disk (for example, 1-4 GB)
You. The network database module 34
IBM interconnect with pentium microprocessor
A personal computer 40 such as an exchange, and a communication network 26
Network interface to interface
Can include an expansion slot with an ace card 42
Wear. The database 30 is a personal computer via a data bus
40 can be connected to the PC 40.
Or display monitor or CRT and keyboard
Input / output device (not shown in FIG. 2)
Including. Access to database 30 based on SQL
Network database module to facilitate
PC 34 of Microsoft SQL 34 is Microsoft SQL
Commercial S, such as a server or an Oracle SQL server
It can be installed together with a QL server. OLE
Linking OLE servers, such as two servers, to link data
Can be prepared for PC 40 is also DO
S or Microsoft Windows NT (server
Version), and various software
be able to. The embodiment of FIG.
A typical implementation of module 36 is included. This example
Then, the station module 36 is a bending station.
18 As shown in FIG.
The operation module 36 is similar to the server module 32.
Includes hardware. In other words, each station model
Joules (for example, the station shown in FIG. 1)
The display monitor or CRT 44 and the joystick
Input / output device 46, including an
Computer 48. Network In
The turface card 42 is provided on the computer 40.
Can be inserted into any expansion slot or port
Wear. As discussed previously, the station module 36
Computers are stand-alone or personal computers, or
Interface of equipment or machinery provided on site
・ It may be a general-purpose computer that is part of the device.
No. For example, the computer 48 may have 100-200
MHz operating speed and pentium or pentium
Like an IBM compatible with a microprocessor
A self-contained personal computer may be used, and the computer 48
Interface of machinery such as AMADA AMNC system
Part of the chair / control system or integrated into the system
Computer. Computer 48
Also has, for example, 32 MB or more of main memory;
1.2GB or more random access memory
(RAM). Display 44
Is a high resolution display screen, for example, a commercially available resolution of 8
It may include an SVGA monitor with 00x600. Day
Various graphics displayed on spray 44
To support software and information, computer 48
Commercial graphics such as graphics cards
-A card can be provided. In addition, computers
48 is a sound blaster or compatible sound source
And gameport adapters and their supporting inputs / outputs
Includes joystick or mouse for force device 46
be able to. To embody various features of the present invention
The station module 36 is called software.
A variety of commercial software is available. for example
For example, the station module 36
Windows 95 or Windows NT (workstation
Basic software such as the (version) is provided. Sa
In addition, the station module contains the unique features of the present invention.
In order to add function and features (see, for example, FIG. 5),
Software module or
A grammatical logic equipment routine is provided. More later
As discussed, these routines have a high level of
Programming languages such as C ++ and object-oriented programs
It can be developed by using gramming technology. Day
To access and link
Joule 36 is a micro shift OBCD driver and O
OLE server such as LE2 server is included
You. As with the server module 32, the station module
The module also stores SQL data from the database 30.
Can be used as a reference for access. Bending station
Station module 36 of station 18
Create bending code data if provided
And bending machinery 25 (eg, CNC or NC
Control press brake)
Can be equipped with software. In the embodiment of FIG.
The computer 36 is equipped as a personal computer and has a standard RS-23.
It is connected to the bending machine 25 through the 2-C wiring interface.
Like deploying software that interfaces
It is painted. This interface is a station
Module 36 is an RS-232-C interface
Communication with the bending machine 25 through the
Equipped for This interface is Ben
Data format and instructions used for bending machine 25
Depends on the set. From station module 36
All data sent to the bending machine 25 is determined by the machine.
Format based on the set of machine instructions
Must be Station module
The computer 48 of the 36
Includes CNC or NC software available for sale
In some cases, the CNC or N
C system (for example, AMADA AMNC)
Can simulate the functions normally found in computer
You. FIG. 3 shows the data server module 32, data
The respective data between the base 30 and the sheet metal production facility 38
4 is a typical example showing an example of data flow. To represent
Easy description of each data flow in the embodiment
In FIG. 3, the server module 32 and the data
Base 30 (network database module
34), each of which has a separate communication network.
Is directly connected to the
Data flow takes place through a communication network. Of course
Of course, as those skilled in this technology know,
Use a wide variety of data flow methods between components
Database 30 can also be
Data and information when connected directly to
Communication module directly from the
The communication can be performed without using the network 26. further,
For ease of description, the communication network 26 of FIG.
Simplified, the drawing shows a punching station 16
Only the bending station 18 is shown. However
Et al., Locations 10, 12, 14. . . 20 (in the factory
(Including any place or area)
The flow consists of a punching station 16 and a bending station.
18 can be performed in a similar manner as described for
You. Design and manufacturing information related to each customer's order is organized
It can be stored in the database 30. First customer
When an order is received from a server, the basic product and design information is
Input to the module 32 and then the database
It is transmitted to 30 and stored. As discussed earlier,
The bar module 32 is a personal computer equipped with a keyboard.
Have appropriate means for entering data, such as
You. A personal computer is used in the server module 32
Sometimes, to make it easier for factory staff to enter data,
Provision of software for generating menu-based screens
Can be. The data input program is, for example, micro
Help and help with application based on Soft Windows
And / or a menu screen. Limited
As an example, not entered into server module 32
Created and / or transferred to the database 30
The data is, as shown generally in FIG.
Report, bending model, feature extraction data and bending line information
be able to. Parts information can be, for example, parts or
Control number, customer name, brief description of parts, batch size
It may include bulk or quantity and expected delivery date. Song
Model data, such as the overall dimensions of the part
For example, width, height, depth) and material type (eg, steel
Iron, stainless steel or aluminum), thickness and pull
Can include information on component materials such as tensile strength
You. In addition, feature extraction data can be entered manually and / or
Automatically generates key features of the part
Identify and search for similar parts in the database and other searches
To facilitate. The feature extraction data is stored in the database 30
File or bend model data or individual parts
Can be stored together with the job information. Feature extraction
The number of surfaces and surfaces, the number of bending types (for example,
Positive fold between two sides, or negative fold between two sides
), The relationship between the surfaces and / or holes or other tabs in the part.
The number of openings in the ip may be included. More on later
As you can see, such data is stored in the feature-based part matrix.
And / or a sequential search key (for example, FIG.
0 (see 0). Finally, bending
Since the line information is stored in the database 30, the server
It can be input to the module 32. The bending line information is, for example,
Bend angle, bend length, bend inner radius of each bend of the part
(IR), shrink height and bending direction (eg, forward or rearward)
The main bending line information is included. Communication network
26 to transmit and receive data to and from the database 30.
Each place 10, 12, 14. . . 20 is a communication network
Station module connected to the
(Such as the station module 36 mentioned)
Can be FIG.
And the bending station 18 are generally station modules.
This is shown in a block diagram together with a module. Discussed before
As mentioned, the station module can be
Software, or control logic and stand-alone personal computer, or
A general that is part of the equipment or machinery provided at the site
Includes computer. Designed and manufactured according to each customer's order
Fabrication information (part information, bending line information and bending model data
Enter a predefined reference number or code.
Can be accessed and searched. Up to the reference number
Or the code is manual (e.g. keyboard or digital
Station (by input pad) or bar code
Bar code reading provided in the module
Input by scanning with device or scanner
it can. Furthermore, in line with the aspects of the present invention,
The information is sent from the database 30 to any location 10, 1 in the factory.
2,14. . . The same parts search can be performed from
And can be accessed and searched by Further details
As discussed in the previous section, the search for similar parts is based on feature extraction data.
Or a search key stored in the database 30
On the basis of the same or
Previous job information on similar parts is searched and future
Available to reduce the overall production time of the job. Database
The production information retrieved from the source 30 is
Are used to create and test bending plans. And
For example, the bending operator at bending station 18 may
To determine the necessary tools and optimal bending procedures for metal parts
First, part information, bending line information and bending
Access and search model data.
In accordance with aspects of the present invention, providing an ODBC driver
And each station module has a database
30 and is stored in the database
Information can be displayed. Further
Server module 32 or database 30
Network database module
Easy access and retrieval of data stored in the base
To include a SQL server. Most
Bending code is programmed based on final bending plan
And the bending cord, as well as the bending procedure, are generally shown in FIG.
Through the communication network 30, the bending station
Database from station module 18
Sent to 30. This information may not be relevant to the job
Is stored together with the design / manufacturing information. Other information is also data
It can be stored in the base 30. For example, for parts
2-D and / or 3-D image representations are bending model data
Can be stored together with the data. This 2-D or 3
-D image representation at design station 10 or elsewhere
Designed using CAD / CAM system
Station (or other suitable location)
Data via the communication network 26 via Joule
It can be transferred to the base 30. Alternatively, 2-D or
The 3-D image is stored in the server module 32 and will be described later.
As mentioned, a suitable CAD / CAM system or
Is a series of functions or functions using modeling software.
It can be created by performing calculations. See FIGS. 4 and 5
While the server module 32 and each location 10,1
2,14. . . Can be programmed and run at 20
Processing and calculation will be described in detail. Figures 4 and 5 show the server mode.
Joule 32 and each place 10 in the sheet metal manufacturing facility 38,
12,14. . . Flow of basic logic that can be executed in 20
It is a figure. FIG. 5, for example, at bending station 18
For the typical operations and operations to be performed,
By operations performed at specific locations within the facility 38
Understand that other processes and steps can be performed
I can do it. The following bell processing and operations are software, or
Or one of many programming languages and techniques
Can be implemented. For example, in the context of the present invention
Along with the following processes described with reference to the relevant drawings
Operation is a high-level programming language such as C ++
And using object-oriented programming techniques
Therefore, it can be implemented. Further, as a non-limiting example, c.
Microsoft for Windows-based applications
In the language of the programming language created by FT
Certain visual C ++ can be used. FIG.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the server module 32
4 is a flowchart of basic processing and operations to be performed. Figure 4 is a server
-Module 32 is software or programmed
The basic logical flow of processing and operations performed by logic
You. The server module 32 is an operator or user.
The user can select various processes and operations of the server module.
Toolbar and help and / or
Or Windows-based app with menu screen
Application. Processing is sheet metal manufacturing
Step S. When a customer order is received at the facility 38 Start from 1
Is done. Customer orders are usually required for parts to be manufactured in the factory.
Includes essential product and design information. This information is, for example,
Product geometric dimensions, materials required for parts and other design information
Including. Based on information received from customers, server modules
Step 32 is a step S. As depicted in Fig. 3,
Of previous job information stored in the database 30
Execute Job information stored in the database 30
Information can be searched based on various search criteria. for example
For example, information may be searched based on predefined references or job numbers.
Search for similar or similar parts can be done by design features with parts
On the basis of the same or similar
Previous job information on parts searched for current job
Yes, available. Further details on available similar parts search
A new description is provided below with reference to FIGS. 6-10. S
Tep S. In 5, the search results of the database are analyzed.
The current customer order is new parts or similar to previous work
Whether the parts are similar or repeat previous work
It is. The same match is found (for example, the same
Parts or reference numbers are found) and the customer's current
The order is a complete repetition of the previous work done at the factory.
No further corrections to the job information are necessary,
Access the job information from the database 30 and
S. Used to fulfill current customer orders as shown in 11
it can. Searching the database is a part of previous work or
Give a reference number and / or file name, thereby
Server module 32 or any station mode
Even operators in Joule can access job information from the database.
Information can be accessed. Parts or reference numbers
If it cannot be changed, provide a conversion table.
Operator to enter part references or job numbers.
The file name of the previous job information is determined by
Can access. Thus, for example, server module 3
The operator who is in 2 has job information and 2-D and 3-D models.
By accessing the conversion information from the database 30,
To analyze the geometry of the part, similar to a repeat order.
Can be confirmed. Orders that repeat
Is determined, the bending station 18
The bending operator in the station module
To access previous work information and bend code data
Uses manufacturing information, including tool setup information, for bending and part production.
Can be used. Leverage such memorized expertise
By using this way, you can repeat orders
The more efficiently, previously entered and developed work information
Can be manufactured without the need for But stay
Top S. 5. If the current customer order is similar to the previous job
Similar or same as previous work, but for example work or
It is determined that a correction such as a reference number or batch size is required.
If so, step S. The previous work found in the search in 7
The server retrieves the event information data from the database 30,
Edited and modified by the operator in module 32
Corrected. Previous work by providing editing functions
Edit the data, modify it to create new task data,
Can be stored in the database 30 for the current customer order
You. The amount of editing required is between the previous and current job
Depends on the degree of similarity. The amount of editing is either reference or job number
From a simple correction of the size of the issue or batch and / or
More extensive, such as editing product dimensions and defined bending procedures
It covers a range of amendments. Edit previous task information
Is completed, the corrected job information is stored in step S. 9
Stored in the database 30. Modified job information is new
New reference or task number. In addition, various
Database management functions (copy, delete, store, rename
Etc.) to allow for special commands
Database 30 retains previous work information, or
Job information can be deleted or overwritten. Suitable for the current job
No similar or identical ones, and therefore the current customer
When the order is decided to involve a new job,
The processing flow is the same as step S.1 shown in FIG. Proceed to 15. This place
If so, your current job is about a new job,
Design and manufacturing information must be created and entered independently.
No. Menu and / or from server module 32
Provides a help screen to help the operator
Can help you enter all the important job information
You. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, server module 32
The operator first gives the basic parts information for a new job
You can create a new file by typing
Parts information is, for example, reference or job number, customer name
Before, brief description of parts, the size of the batch required for work
Includes quantity or expected delivery date. Feature extraction data
Alternatively, the search key is also set in step S. You can type in 15 or
Automatically create this data as described below
Or, it can be extracted simultaneously with the creation of bending model data.
Wear. Other data and information are also stored in step S. Enter with 15
Or bend, including the bend angle, radius and length of each bend line of the part
Enter after or during input of bending model data such as line information
I can do it. Step S. Continuing with 15, the logical flow is
As shown in FIG.
Data is developed and entered in the server module 32
Proceed as follows. ● The development and input of the bending model
It depends on the original drawings and information provided. Customer orders are
A 2-D unidirectional plan view of the part to be manufactured and / or
2-D, three-dimensional view of parts (eg top, front, side
Figure). Sometimes, the customer
3-D wiping of parts shown or not
May be provided. According to aspects of the present invention,
Therefore, the bending model data is used for the development (2
-D plane display) and folding (3-D display) information
Also included. Therefore, if the customer only provides 2-D floor plan
For example, folding algorithm for 2-D drawing
Create 3-D drawings by applying programs or processes
There is a need to. In contrast, the 3-D drawing of the part
Unfold algorithm for 3-D drawing, if provided
Or by applying the process
Must be created. According to another aspect of the invention,
2-D and 3-D models stored in bending model
Is a sheet material without thickness (that is, without thickness)
Wear. This is only possible with all sheet metal parts.
By symmetry. Providing 2-D and 3-D drawings without thickness
Expressions are designed by design programmers, bending operators and other users.
Modeling and modeling parts that can be more easily interpreted and understood by
Give a simulation perspective. Omitting thickness information
Are also server modules and station modules.
Implement the various features of the invention described in the text,
Reduce and improve the processing time required to achieve This
Such features can be described in more detail and used in the present invention.
The possible folding and unfolding algorithms are described below.
This is described below with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 4 shows the bending model
Here are the general processes and operations performed during development. Receiving
Developed according to customer requirements or customer orders
Various types that can be input to create model data
The drawing of step S. 19, S.M. 23, S.M.
27 and S.M. 31. Tool icon bar
And the menu and / or help screens
Joule 32 selects each of these steps,
Can be provided to assist the performing operator. this
2-D and 3-D parts for the bending model from these drawings
The process of creating a model begins with the
Depends on IP. These drawings show the server module
Enter or create manually with tape 32 or tape or
You can download it from Isk. Server module
32 is, for example, CAD / CA in the design office 10.
Interface with M system or server
・ Module 32 also has a stand-alone CAD / CAM system
You can. Further, the 2-D and 3-D drawings are DX
F or IGES file and stored on the server
Incorporated in module 32. One-way plan view provided
If so, the process of creating a bending model is shown in FIG.
Step S. You can start with 19. Steps
S. At 19, the received or created 2-D plan view is
Input to the bar module 32. Overall dimensions of the part
Other bending model data such as modulus (width, height, depth) and
Step S. 19 can be entered. That
Later, using a folding algorithm or process,
Top S. As generally shown in FIG. 21, the original 2-
D 3-D model (based on material thickness)
No) can be created. From 2-D plan view 3-
Examples of the processing and operations performed to create the D model
This will be described later with reference to 11-18. 3-D part
Ear frame diagram (without material thickness) accepted or created
If so, the information in FIG. Entered at 27
You. In addition, other bending model data, such as the complete
Physical dimensions (width, height, depth) and component material information
Top S. 27. Thereafter, step S. 2
7 to create a 2-D model of the part
Next, the algorithm of the expansion by the server module 32 is
Or a process is executed. Convert the 2-D model to a 3-D drawing (thickness
Example of processing and operations performed to create from
Will be described later with reference to FIG. 19, for example. Parts
The 2-D and 3-D model displays indicate the bending model for the part.
Stored as part of Dell. I also noted before
Thus, between the creation and storage of the 2-D and 3-D models,
Bending model data (part material information and other manufacturing information
) And enter the database with the bending model data.
Source 30. Organize bending model data,
Various functions and data structures that can be implemented for storage
Arrays will be described in more detail later (for example,
26 and 27). As shown in FIG.
The drawing (without material thickness) was originally created or accepted
If not, create a final 2-D model
Before performing any required deployment algorithms or processing,
Additional processing to create 3-D model (no thickness)
Management is required. Step S. 23, S.M. 25, S.M. 3
1 and S.I. 33 is a step S.33. Expansion algorithm at 29
Before creating a 2-D model,
Additional processing and operations commonly performed in Joule 32
Show. For example, a 2-D, three-dimensional drawing of a part
If provided or created, step S. Drawing at 23
Can be entered or imported into the server module 32.
Can be. In addition, the overall dimensions of the part (width, height, depth)
Other bending model data and component material information such as
S. 23. Continue with step S. At 25
Is based on the input 2-D three-dimensional drawing,
A simple 3-D plan view can be created. The created 3-D diagram
As shown in FIG. 2-D model at 29
Used to create Dell. Convert 3-D model to 2-D
Examples of processing and operations to create from three-dimensional drawings
For example, this will be described with reference to FIG. However, if
A 3-D drawing containing the material thickness was originally accepted or
If so, before applying the unfolding algorithm,
For further processing, the drawing information is stored in step S. Enter at 31
I can help. Other bending model data, whole parts
Dimensions (width, height, depth) and component material information are also stepped
S. 31 can be entered. Then, step S. 33,
The thickness deletion procedure for deleting the thickness in the 3-D drawing
It can be carried out. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, server
Module 32 is used by the operator or user to reduce the thickness.
When performing the removal procedure, indicate the thickness in the drawing and which surface
(Outside or inside) may be indicated
You. Regarding the thickness deletion procedure that can be used in the present invention,
For example, with reference to FIGS. 24 (a) and 24 (b),
Bell. Step S. At 33, the thickness of the 3-D drawing is deleted.
After that, the logic flow proceeds to step S. Continue to 29, where
Revised thickness to create final 2-D model
Suitable expansion algorithm using 3-D model without
Alternatively, processing is performed. 2-D model creation from 3-D drawing
The development process and various processes and operations for
This is described below with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG.
After all important information has been created and entered,
Parts information, bending model information and related information related to customer orders
Other data are stored in step S. Server module at 35
From the file 32 to the database 30 for storage. De
The data stored in the database 30 is
Feature extraction or search data that can be used when performing searches
Including. Feature extraction or search data as described below
Describes the basic or key features of the parts associated with each job.
Includes instruction data, which can be used for job information and storage
For specialized knowledge of the same or similar parts
The rope can be implemented. Input to the server module 32
The data and information are directly stored in the data, for example, as shown in FIG.
Database 30 or via communication network 26
Can be transferred. As described above, the bending model data
Can be performed on various drawings when creating data
Detailed descriptions of various processes and operations are attached below.
Is described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows the location 1 of the sheet manufacturing equipment 38.
0,12,14. . . 20 each station
-Flow chart of basic processing and operations performed by the module
Is shown. For illustration, FIG.
Implemented in the station module located at
An example of the basic logic flow of basic processing and operations will be described. Book
Understandable to those skilled in the art based on the teachings of the invention
As such, the logic flow shown in FIG. 5 is implemented at each location.
Depending on the nature of operation and processing, each station module
Of course, it can be corrected. In addition, the server
As with Joule 32, the station module described below
Software or programming for processing and operations on the
Can be equipped with logic In addition, Station Moji
Module is used for various processes by the operator or user.
Tool bar to facilitate selection and execution of operations
-Icons or help and / or menu screens
Including one Windows-based application
Can be. Such help and / or menu screens
Is used to input data at the station module.
Alternatively, it can be provided to facilitate transfer. Figure
As shown in FIG. Station Mo at 51
After initializing the module, the operator proceeds to step S.
At 53, one or more database search criteria or
Can enter key items. Search criteria are data
Previous job information stored in the database 30, or
Find job information about new or current jobs
Can be entered for Operators, for example, databases
30 to search for specific job information
Number or code. For example, in the present invention,
Along the way, attach the barcode to the routing sheet,
Station module on perforated material
By scanning with a barcode reading device at
Information can be accessed. Alternatively, the reference code
Key or number on the station module
Manually via the keyboard or digital input pad.
Wear. By providing a conversion table, parts
Or the job number entered by the operator
Job information can also be defined. In addition, search criteria or
By entering a key, the previously stored job information
It is anticipated that a similar part search for information will be performed. like this
Search is based on various design characteristics or feature extraction data of parts.
It can be done based on. Implementation in accordance with aspects of the invention
See Figure 6-10 below for a description of similar parts search that can be performed.
Write while illuminating. The search criteria are set in step S. Enter at 53
After that, the station module proceeds to step S. 55
And the communication network 26 and the network database.
Search the database 30 via the
I can do it. Search results are sent to the station module
Returned to step S. Operator or user at 57
Need information about a new job or similar previous job
Completed repetition of previous work, either asking for or as requested
Is parsed to determine if it is Same
Things are found (eg the same parts or reference numbers
Is determined), and the repetition of the previous work is determined.
And stored design and manufacturing information about the job.
From the database 30 to the station module.
Step S. As shown generally at 59,
The perlator is displayed as seen. station·
Modules can have one or more menu display screens.
Or the operator has a directory, and the operator
It is now possible to select and display various searched information.
ing. The operator reviews the displayed information and
Tep S. 61 for 3-D bending simulation
Run various simulations like
Observe the different stages of the bending procedure and understand the part geometry
can do. The operator also has the necessary tools and specifications.
Other special instructions or messages recorded in the
Other information such as can be reviewed. Job information
After confirmation, the operator bends or takes other
Sheet metal specified by operating the machinery and operating the machinery
Parts can be manufactured. Check from database 30
The searched job information is stored in, for example, the bending station 18.
Final bending plan data including bending codes to control machinery
including. The construction and actual operation of the machinery are thus
Step S. of FIG. As shown generally at 63,
Performed by the operator. If the same or similar
Job information is not found and the information is new.
Only preliminary work information is input to the bar module 32
And complete work information has not been created)
If it is determined that partial part information and bending
The model data is extracted from the database 30 and
Step S. At 77
Observed by the pererator. The requested information is
Because it is about things, the operator needs the necessary tools and bending
A bend plan including procedures must be created and entered. under
As described in more detail, the bending operator
Station modules to facilitate the creation of
To the Graphical User Interface (G
UI) and other functions. The GUI is
For example, the choice of tools, the potential for discrepancies between parts and tools.
Inspections and simulations of each intermediate stage of the proposed bending procedure.
The bending gauge
Can be provided to assist in creating a picture.
Create a bend plan in the server module and enter the entered
The perlator determines in step S. Bending code at 80 (bending machine
CNC or NC code for performing the bending procedure at
Program the bending procedure to generate Bending cord
Can be entered directly on the server module or on a bending machine
Interface with some kind of CN or CNC controller
Can be incorporated into server modules. Only
Then, the operator proceeds to step S. 81, bending work
Bend planning and testing
Wear. All necessary tests and necessary corrections for bending planning
Upon completion, step S. 83 to get the final bending data
Input to the database 30 and store. Final bending de
Data, along with the bending program, the bending procedure and tool configuration
Contains information. This information is, for example, the bending station 1
8 station modules to database 30
Sent along with other design and manufacturing information about the new job
Is stored. Step S. of FIG. At 57, the information
Related to similar or same parts of the job,
For example, different references or job numbers or batch quantities
If one is determined, the logic flow proceeds to step S. 65
Proceed to. Step S. In 65, the previous job information is
From the base 30 and displayed at the bending station 18.
Is shown. Bending operator or user sees data
To determine what data changes are needed for similar parts. This
The station module also has a series of menu tables
Display screen or a directory with information displayed by the operator.
Information and how to display or modify it.
It is made to be able to. For example, step S. At 69
Makes it easier for operators to create bending plans for similar parts.
Therefore, a 3-D bending simulation based on the retrieved information
Can be provided. Review previous job information
After viewing, the operator proceeds to step S. At 70, bend
Modify the tool and bending information along with the program. parts
Other job information such as size, reference number and batch quantity
Tep S. 70 can be modified and edited. this
Is completed, step S. Actual tool configuration and test at 71
Was modified in the workplace by the operator
Performed to test bending plans. Test and bend gauge
Once further modification of the image is complete, the operator
Tep S. Enter the final bending data at 73 and
Database 3 with new reference number or job number
Store to 0. As mentioned above, previous job information is also data
Stored in base 30 along with other stored work files.
I can have. In addition, various database management functions are
File stored in the database, deleted,
It can be prepared for naming. Next, FIG.
With reference to the teachings of the present invention
An example of the similar parts search function that can be performed will be described in detail. View of the invention
Along the ground, a feature-based morphological similarity search algorithm
The similar part search procedure to be used is described below from the database 30.
Search for previous job information and be prepared to search
You. Similar parts search is based on the design features and
Same and / or similar based on manufacturing and / or manufacturing information
May include searching for parts. Search for similar parts
For example, server module 32 and / or factory 38
Software in various station modules
Or by using programmed logic.
You. Similar parts search is performed by server module 32 or thin
Locations 10, 12, 14 within sheet metal bending plant 38. . . 2
It can be executed with any of 0. C ++ or Microsoft
High-level, like Visual C ++ programming language
Bell's programming language and object-oriented programming techniques
Method is useful for performing various processes and operations for searching for similar parts.
Can be used. 6 and 7 show similar parts search available.
The logic flow of the search algorithm or process is shown. In FIG.
As shown, important part model data files are
S. You can access it at 100. In the part model,
For example, created by a CAD system located in the design office 10.
Bending model data and / or server module
File 32 and includes the input data. parts
The model includes, for example, the various surfaces or faces of the part and the curves.
Part form indicating the orientation of the grid lines, geometric relationship and relative position
Contains data. The part model data is searched and
Step after the bending model data is manually entered
S. At 102, a bend model and / or part of the part
Automatically derive feature extraction data based on morphological data
To perform a feature extraction operation. Of the present invention
Along with the point of view, the feature extraction data
It can be derived by analyzing various features. For example,
Analysis of various aspects of parts opens adjacent faces
Or you can decide whether to have a contact corner
You. Like parallel bending, series bending, collinear bending or facing bending
Other features also determine the clear and unique characteristics of each part,
Can be analyzed to extract. Table 1 shows similar parts
Shows various bend and surface features that are analyzed when performing a search
You. The extracted features that must be included in the feature extraction operation are:
Contact corner, open with positive and negative bending features
It is a corner feature. In addition, at least the feature extraction operation
Also parallel bending, series bending, collinear bending, heterophase collinear bending and thickness
It must include the feature analysis of offset bending.
Step S. The feature extraction operation performed in step 102
Analysis of bending model data and morphology, modification of morphology, future solutions
From creating a feature-based matrix based on the morphology for analysis.
May include a series of operations. For illustration, FIG.
(A) -9 (d) 4-fold box with contact corner
For 4-fold box parts with open-ended corners
3 shows an extraction operation.

[Table 1] ★ For illustration purposes, FIGS. 8 (a) -9 (d)
The feature extraction based on the Gnar relation is shown. FIG.
Closed four-fold with five faces (1-5) shown in (a)
Open the box and five sides (1-5) shown in FIG. 8 (b).
For the four-fold box, all parts are shown in FIG.
Can be used to represent the same simple surface form shown in
You. This form is stored together with the part or bending model data.
Can be delivered and offered. However, FIG.
The simple surface form of (c) is related to the surface (1-5) of the part.
Gives only basic information of the person in charge, corners between adjacent faces
Information on various features of the part, such as the relationship and the type of bending
Do not give. Therefore, during the feature extraction operation,
The related surface morphology stored with the
By analyzing, the basic surface morphology can be
Can be modified to include additional information about the sign
it can. For example, in the closed four-fold box shown in FIG.
By examining the part or bending model data,
The corner between the surfaces can be analyzed and is shown in FIG.
A modified surface morphology can be created, which allows
The tactile corner situation can be shown. Similarly, FIG.
Parts of the open four-fold box shown in (a) or
By examining the bending model data, as shown in FIG.
Create a modified surface morphology, thereby
Can show the open corner relationship between adjacent surfaces
You. As shown in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b), the surface
Special indicating corner relationship (eg contact or open)
Can be added. Other data may also have other characteristics.
To indicate the characteristics (for example, the type of bending that exists), and
Can be added to create a feature base surface configuration.
After modifying the form to include feature-based information,
Create matrices to analyze and compare extracted information more easily.
Can be achieved. For example, the feature base shown in FIG.
Create the matrix shown in Fig. 9 (c) based on the surface geometry
The color of the closed four-fold box shown in FIG.
Various features can be shown. 4 fold open as well
For the box, for example, the feature base surface shown in FIG.
Based on the form, the matrix shown in FIG. 9D can be created.
You. Other feature extraction data, such as bending characteristics of parts (
For example, 90 ° positive bending angle or 90 ° negative bending angle
Etc.) can also be shown in the matrix. As mentioned above,
Tep S. The feature extraction operation of 102 is the bending model data
By analyzing the shape and shape, there are various features in the parts.
Can be implemented to determine if they are present. View of the invention
Along the ground, the feature extraction operation is provided to the part bending
Can be done on models and morphological data. This de
Data are surface data, bending line data (for example, bending line length
And part), surface-bending line relation data, bending angle data
And special feature data (eg, Z-bends, borders, etc.)
All important geometries for sheet metal parts, including
Site data (eg, 2-D space (X, Y) and / or
Or 3-D space (in XYZ). line,
Bend lines and other components are not
Can be defined in Torr. For example, each 2D line is a set
2D endpoints (eg, X1, Y1 and X2, Y
2), each 3D line is a set of 3D endpoints (eg,
X1, Y1, Z1, and X2, Y2, Z2)
Can be. Bending line is a place in 2D or 3D space
With the vector indicating the direction of the bending line.
You. In addition, 2D arcs are represented by 2D spatial data (eg, center
X, center Y, radius, start angle, end angle), 3D arc
3D spatial data (eg, center X, center Y, center Z,
Matrix, radius, angle start, angle end)
Can be. The part morphology data also includes various surfaces and bending lines of the part.
Provided to show the locations and geometric relationships between them
Can be Each face is a collection or series of lines and / or arcs
It can be defined in the result data list. Part features
Extraction of feature of bending model and morphological data to extract
And analyze it to find that certain features exist in the part
Or not. This process is
Bending based on various features and relationships between the features to be extracted
It can also include analysis of model and morphological data. Each feature
Of Bending Model and Morphological Data to Know Characteristics and Relationships of Concrete
Analysis allows certain features (such as contact corners between surfaces,
Open corner characteristics, or parallel or series bending characteristics)
Presence can be detected. Different processes, specific for each feature
Provision to detect characteristics and relationships in feature extraction operations
Can also. The similarity of characteristics and relationships between analyzed features
Whether the part has more than one feature
Combine several processes to check for
Can also be created. As a non-limiting example,
Top S. In the feature extraction operation at 102, the corner
Features, such as a two-sided contact cord with the same bending direction
Extract the knurl feature (TouchCnr feature in Table 1),
Describes the processes that can be performed to detect
You. The process below is for detecting other features, for example, inversion
Feature of the contact corner of two surfaces with different orientations (to in Table 1)
uchCnr feature) or have the same or reverse bending direction
Open corner features of two surfaces (OpenCnr and
openCnr feature). process
By modifying, other features can be detected (for example,
For example, parallel bending, series bending, etc.). In addition, each possible set of faces
Combination data is extracted from the characteristics of each feature to be extracted.
Can be analyzed to know the relationship. For example,
In the case of TouchCnr having the characteristic of a touch corner, it is detected.
Features or relationships are: two faces with common faces; same
Bend line direction; the same vertex (or the distance between
(A vertex within a specified range). Contact
TouchCnr with the feature of
Gender or relationship must be detected; just the same direction
The surface does not have a bend line, but has a reverse bend line.
(For example, see Table 1). Open door
Similarly, opener Cnr and openCnr
Can be displayed, but instead of the contact corner relationship,
There are open corners between them (for example,
Separated by a distance greater than the preset range)
The same or opposite bending line direction (for example, Op 1 in Table 1 and Table 1)
bend with the definition of enCnr and openCnr)
The lines must be detected and analyzed. Contact corner special
Detect signatures (eg, TouchCnr features in Table 1)
To do this, first analyze two surfaces and make sure that
Determine if you are connected to a common plane. This is the bending of each side
Search for line data and bending line-surface relationship data for each bending line
By determining whether a common surface exists
Can be detected. If two surfaces are connected to a common surface
For example, analyzing the bending line direction of each surface and analyzing the same bending line direction (or
For example, when detecting the touchCnr feature,
Bend line direction). This is, for example,
By analyzing vector data indicating the bending line direction of
Can be determined. Two planes have a common plane, a bending model
And have the same bending line direction based on morphological data
Once determined, the data can be examined to determine the bend line.
Parallelism can be detected. Bend using various methods
Whether the bend line is parallel based on the model and morphological data
Can be detected. For example, parallel bend line detection
Is obtained by taking the cross product of the vectors that determine the bending line direction.
I can decide. If the cross product of vectors is zero (or near
If zero), the bend lines are determined to be parallel
You. If the cross product of vectors is not zero (or approximate
The bend lines of the two surfaces are not parallel. two
The two faces have a common face, the bending line direction is the same, and the bending line is
If not determined to be parallel, the relationship of the corners between the faces
Bend model to determine (eg, contact or open)
Data can be analyzed. Corner of two sides
From the bending model data, the bend line of the face is
Is determined by detecting whether or not Song
If the grid lines have a common vertex, the two faces
Contact corner relationship in the line direction (TouchCnr characteristics in Table 1)
Sign). Bend lines have a common vertex, but two
If it is determined that the direction of the bending line of the surface is different, the two surfaces are
The contact corner relationship in the opposite direction (for example, touch in Table 1)
Cnr feature). Two sides have a common peak
Even if there are no points, the distance between vertices is
Within the specified range, the two surfaces have a contact corner relationship.
One can decide. Often between adjacent surfaces of a part
For example, the minimum clearance for passing a punching tool
Space may be provided. This space is
It is always determined by the width of the tool at the height of the flange.
For example, if the distance between the vertices of the bend line of two faces is 0-
If it is within 5mm, the existence of the contact corner feature is determined.
Wear. If the space between the corners of the two faces is
If it is larger than the specified range, open corner features
Can be determined (for example, OpenCnr in Table 1 or
openCnr feature). The above process is for parts
Determine the corner features of each side for all combinations
Can be implemented for For parts surfaces and bending lines
The other connected features are the same as part geometry and morphological data.
The analysis can be performed by: Step S. 102
Code for performing a feature extraction operation in Java
Is shown in Appendix A. This code is in C ++ programming language
Extract and detect features as described in Table 1
Including various processes to do. In the code in Appendix A
Facilitates analysis of the logic and algorithms used
There is a comment to do. Also in this code example
Is the same as Table 1 to help you understand the various features
The term is used. Various features of parts are detected
And the features extracted by modifying the basic form of the parts.
Can be Providing feature-based features
It may be useful, but compare these forms to each other
It is not easy. Instead, the inventors of this application
It is better to compare the feature extraction information provided in the form of a matrix.
Found to be effective and easy. Therefore, the present invention
As one feature, the feature detected during the feature extraction operation
Feature-based part matrix based on the features (Fig. 9 (c) and 9)
(Such as the representative matrix shown in FIG. 2D). Work
The feature-based matrix of the generated part is
What the basics by comparing with the matrix
To determine if typical shapes and features are included in the part. Feature
After the base matrix detects and extracts various features of the part
Is created and stored for each part. 9 (c) and 9
As shown in (d), the matrix is a symmetric two-dimensional matrix
Has an order equal to the number of surfaces in. The matrix is used to check all parts
Includes feature information issued, and various features between each surface are matrix
Are available at each location. Feature-based matrices are temporary
To server or station module storage
Stored and used only when performing a similar parts search.
It can be compared to the defined matrix. Alternatively, features
Permanent base part matrix data along with other job information
Store in the base 30 and access anywhere in the factory
You can make it. Returning to FIG. 6, feature extraction
After performing the operation, the extracted feature extraction data matrix
Pre-defined feature extraction provided in the morphology library
It can be compared with a data matrix. Feature form library
File is stored in the database 30 as another data file.
Database or server module or switch
Can be stored in the station module.
Feature libraries include basic or basic part shapes
(E.g., four-fold boxes, bridges, etc.), or
Defined matrices containing feature extraction data to define
You. Each predefined feature-based matrix is a feature-based component matrix
With ASCII or text file
I can pay. Step S. The comparison at 104
S. As shown at 106, for sheet metal parts
To determine the basic or basic shapes / characteristics that exist
Done in Which lookup table is stored,
Indicates whether the underlying shape corresponds to each defined feature matrix
Can be prepared. Find a match
Then, step S. Which basic shape exists at 106
Access the lookup table to determine
I can do it. The matched matrix in the predefined library is
Is the same order as the feature base parts matrix (in this case,
The product contains only one basic shape and must respond accurately
Is determined), or may be a sub-matrix of the parts matrix
(In this case, the part may contain one or more basic shapes.
unknown). Predefined library of feature-based component matrices
Recursive programming techniques to compare with matrices in
Can be used. When comparing the information contained,
Data exchange by exchanging matrix indices.
Avoids the use of patches and reduces the required process time
You. Recursive programming techniques and index swapping also
Comparing matrices with different orders and different basis faces
Make it easier. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, step S. 104
The comparison operation performed in consists of a series of comparisons,
More complex shapes (such as multiple bends or tabs)
From the comparison of matrices for
Start with less complex shapes (eg, fewer songs
Bends, or less complex bends, fewer surfaces
Shape). This series of comparisons is pre-defined on the part
Until the number of basic shapes has been found. for example
For example, the compare operation is the three most complex features of a particular part
Or it can be done to extract the shape. Further
First, this operation is often performed on sheet metal parts,
A series of matrices for a group of commonly seen shapes
Starting with comparisons and then moving on to less common shapes
it can. To compare a part with a predefined library,
Various methods can be performed to obtain useful results
You. For example, a series of comparison operations can be performed by
Simple parts with rectangular or square shape or right angle bend
A right-angle matrix of a matrix containing basic shapes with right-angle bends, such as
Can be applied to loops. This group of matrices
Is a more complex matrix in a group (for example,
From the matrix corresponding to the folded box)
For simpler matrices (eg, for simple hat components
Search) based on a series of comparisons
Can be. Then a series of comparisons of the polygon part group
Applying to matrices and also to matrices of special feature groups
Can be. Polygon part groups have five or more sides,
A matrix that defines parts that have at least one bend greater than 90 degrees
May be included. The special feature group matrix is Z-bend or
Are parts with special features or shapes, such as edging bends
It may include a matrix in a predefined library related to the item.
Again, the feature base matrix of the part and the definition of each group
A series of comparisons with the defined matrix reduce the degree of complexity.
It is performed according to a few. After this, one side of the part
Like multiple feature groups with one or more features
Can compare predefined matrices from other groups
You. Predefined library of parts according to complexity
Matrix matrix based on realization and frequency of use.
By making a series of comparisons of the loops
And more effective with a library to determine the geometric shape
A valid comparison can be made. Furthermore, duplicate detection features are prevented.
Only the more complex shapes are identified. Step S, 1
In 08, the relationship between basic features or shapes in the part
Perform a feature-related operation to determine. Between features or shapes
Is determined by the distance. Distance between two shapes
Is based on the number of bend lines or faces between the bases of each shape.
Can be determined based on In contrast, the relationship between features
Geometrically determines the relative position and spacing of the part and the base surface of each feature.
Analysis, the physical distance between features or the actual
It can be determined according to the size at the time. For illustration,
Tep S. The three most complex features of the part determined in 106
The features or shapes are shown in FIG.
Let's say a ridge and another 4-fold box. This
For parts such as
Determine the number of bend lines between base surfaces or planes of basic features
Can be done to As shown in FIG.
First, the base of the first 4-fold box (1) and the base of the bridge
The characteristic relation between (2) is the distance between two bending lines.
You. Furthermore, the base (1) of the first four-fold box and the second
The relationship between the bases (3) of the four bend boxes is the four bend lines
, The base of the bridge (2) and the second four folds
The relationship between the base of the box (3) is the distance between the two bending lines
is there. Through various processes, the basic shape of parts
The number of bending lines between the basal planes can be determined. for example
Use feature-based part matrices and predefined shape matrices
And step S. You can decide the characteristic relationship at 108
You. First, the basis corresponding to each basic shape in the parts matrix
Find the face. This maps the base of the predefined shape matrix to
Can be done by correlating with the matrix
You. Predefined, separated by compare operation, as discussed earlier
The shape matrix may be a sub-matrix of the parts matrix. Parts row
To find the basal plane corresponding to each basic shape in a row,
Analyze the correlation between the position of the shape matrix in the matrix and the matrix index
I do. The base surface of each basic shape is defined and is the first in the shape matrix.
Since they are located in one column, the corresponding position and
You can find the basal plane. In feature base parts matrix
After determining the base plane of each basic shape, determine the characteristic relationship
For this purpose, the distance between the basal planes of each shape is analyzed. This analysis
Is a search program that identifies the distance between any two basal planes.
Contains processes. Feature and bending line information in the parts matrix
By looking at the number of bend lines between any two basal planes
Can also be determined, more than one path between the two surfaces is possible
In this case, step S. 108 smell
Feature relationships can be defined. End feature-related operations
The logic flow after the completion of the process is the same as in step S. Continue to 110. FIG.
As shown in step S. At 110, the database
Data to determine the search key used to search for similar parts
An identification of the database search key is performed. Search key is a part
Features and combinations of feature relationships identified in
May be included. Furthermore, to assemble the search key,
A reference hierarchy such as Not limited
As an example, create a search key according to the following criteria:
Can be: (i) the first and second identified parts
Complex features or shapes; (ii) the two most complex features
Distance or feature relationship between; (iii) identified in the part
Third complex features or shapes; and (iv) same as parts
Between the specified first and third complex features
Feature relationships or distances, and the second most complex feature and the third
Distance between complex features or feature relationships. In FIG. 10 (c)
FIG. 10 shows a search key developed based on the example of FIG.
You. To make searching the database easier,
Assigned to various basic shapes defined in the library
It can be represented by a sequence of integers with defined codes. And
For example, an integer code "16" is assigned to a 4-fold box.
The integer code "32" is assigned to the bridge
Try. In this case, the search key in the example of FIG.
It is represented by the sequence "16, 16, 4, 32, 2, 2".
Among them, “4” and “2” are various shapes between basic shapes or features.
Represents the distance. However, the display of the search key is an integer sequence
The combination is not limited to
Using numbers and / or strings to display search keys
it can. The search key for each part is
File or in the same file), database, and
For example, it can be stored in the database 30. Feature extraction data
Typical search keys can be entered manually or as described above.
Can be created automatically. Additions like feature-based parts matrix
Dynamic feature extraction data can be stored using a search key. Search
When the search key is stored in another file, each search
A reference to locate the key set and related parts information
Table can be prepared. Alternatively, the search key is
Report (eg, by part or reference number)
It can be stored with the data field.
Step S. At 112, based on the identified search key,
The database is collaboratively searched. Collaborative search is
This is a search using a key database search technique. Collaborative search
The technique is not only for parts with the same search key, but also for similar parts.
To find the part with the search key. This allows data
Identify similar and identical parts in the base
You. When you search for a particular part,
The search key identified as the
It can be compared with search key data. Step S. 1
The collaborative search performed in step 12 is performed using items in the database.
Exact match with specific part identified by search key
Search keys to identify the most similar items.
Can be adapted by loosening or modifying the order of the
Can be done. Coordinate various processes and methods
Can be used to match search keys in search
Wear. For example, first search the database,
Search key that exactly matches the
Suppose that it is performed in order to identify parts having the following order. this
Has the identified search key stored in the database
This is done by comparing with the search key. Same search key
After identifying the part (if any) with
Different modified search keys to find similar parts
-Can search databases based on order
You. Not very critical or sensitive at first search key
Items or criteria that are not (such as feature relationships or distances)
Are more critical or sensitive search items (parts
(Such as basic features or shapes)
Correct and can be searched. In addition, each of these items
Should be corrected according to the importance of the item, and
Items related to the second most complex feature or shape
Higher weight or importance can be applied. for example
For example, the first search that follows is the third most complex
Fixed defined distance between first and second complex features
Can be done after. This distance is the defined bending
Distance based on number of lines (eg 1-3) or current distance
It can be modified by defining a predefined range of separation.
Then, between the first and second complex features or shapes
Modified search for database search by changing distance
Another key set can be provided. Features of parts
Identified shape after modifying the search key for engagement or distance
To derive additional modified search keys in collaborative search
Can be changed to For example, the third most complex feature
Or search key items related to shape
Related or more complex depending on the features or shapes of the
Shape (for example, 4 folds with tabs)
To a simple 4-fold box. In addition,
Changing the search key for the second most complex feature in the same way
Added a modified search key for collaborative search
Can be Distance and feature / shape related to search key
Modifications during a collaborative search can be done by various methods and techniques.
I can do it. How much to change the distance as above
Depends on the current value of the distance. The size of the distance (for example,
4) to extend the search and make it more cooperative
Can be modified to a range of distances (eg 3-5)
You. Identify similar parts in terms of features or shapes.
The search key can be modified to The feature or shape is
It can be modified through the hierarchy of types. For example, currently
Related feature type (for example, 4-fold box)
And less complex feature types belonging to the same feature type
(For example, a three-fold box). Special
The hierarchical structure used to modify the signature / shape is predefined
Different techniques, such as the Type Abstraction Hierarchy (TAH)
Can be created based on Details on TAH and TAH generation
The information is, for example, Chura, Wesley, W (CH
UWesley W. ) By "type abstraction hierarchy
Tone Query Response "(Cooperative Qu
ery Answering via Type Ab
Structural Hierarchy) CSD-9
00032, October 1990, University of California, Ross
Angeles (University of Cali)
fornia, LosAngeles, October
1990) and 1995, Philosophy of Computer Science
Doctoral Dissertation, Quoron Tiang, "Collaborative Inquiry
Automatic Generation of Type Abstraction Hierarchy for Synchronized Response "(CHIA
NG, Kuorong, Automatic Gene
ratio of Type Abstraction
n Hierarchies for Coopera
five Query Answering)
By referring to all the information disclosed there,
Is adopted here. During collaborative search, other programs
Can carry out processes and steps. For example, Department
Based on the search key identified as relevant to the item
In addition to searching the database,
A search can also be performed based on a series of search criteria. And
For example, using an additional search key, as an example,
The required machine configuration can be compared. Machine configuration information
The report is the machine type or the machine needed to make the part.
Tools and tool configurations used to manufacture machinery and parts,
And / or backgaging settings for machinery.
The additional search key may include machine configuration information and / or other manufacturing information.
Information, and the collaborative search of the present invention
Can be used together with the identified search key.
Wear. As a result, the same or similar parts
Items should be identified based on both part design and manufacturing characteristics.
Can be. To select the most similar parts,
Step S. Executed at 114, results of collaborative search
For a more detailed comparison with the
Also select a defined number of similar parts. Selected parts
The search is an additional search for each part identified in the collaborative search.
It may involve analysis of information and characteristics. This is the size of the part and the part
Various parts found, such as the shape of holes or openings in
Includes analysis of various features. Furthermore, the machine configuration required for each part
Include a comparison of manufacturing information for each part found, such as
You. As described above, the machine configuration information is required for the production of parts.
Types of machinery or tools or tools used to manufacture
Tool configuration and / or machine backgaging settings
including. In order to search for the selected part, bend mode of each part
Search for Dell and other job information with search key identified by collaborative search
Can be accessed from the database based on Above
Work reference number or code corresponding to each search key pair.
Lookup tables and additional data to provide code
Fields can be provided. Parts from database
After searching for information, additional information for each part (for example,
Dimensions, material types, special moldings, holes or openings in parts
Etc.), which parts are most similar to the searched parts
Can be analyzed to determine This process is optional.
Select the most similar part to the part in the database.
Act as an additional preliminary selection process
You. Analyze additional information or characteristics of this part and match
The selected parts search to a predefined number.
Or to identify or select the most similar parts of a set.
Can be. For example, in the selection part search,
Based on a match between the number of search keys and additional component characteristics,
The five most similar parts can be identified. Selected by search for selected parts
The number of parts to be replaced is not limited to five.
Selection based on the number of parts actually stored in the
Can be. This number gives more effective and useful search results
Can be selectively modified in order to
To give you the opportunity to modify this number to change it.
Wear. After performing the search for the selected parts, step S. At 116
Rank parts (feature similarity and matching search key
To calculate a similarity metric)
Wear. The similarity index is determined in step S. Calculated at 118,
Provided as output of server or station module
This allows the user to copy which work file
You can search from the database and select whether to display it on the screen.
Features of selected parts and search parts by similarity index
Selected parts based on their similarity
For example, rank 1 with work or reference number for each part
5) can be done. For this, the feature base matrix of each part
Is compared with that of the search component. Compare feature-based matrices
Better indicates the similarity between the selected part and the search part.
As mentioned earlier, the feature-based part matrix is
-Can be stored together. However, for each previous job
Permanently store feature-based component matrices with search keys
Means taking up an unnecessarily large amount of storage space (especially
Database contains many parts). Follow
Only search key data for each part
When searching, the feature base matrix of each selected part is automatically
It can only be created. Therefore, the bending mode of the selected part
After searching for Dell and other job information, before step S. 1
02, the feature-based matrix of the present invention
Created through feature-based extraction operation. After that,
Feature base of search parts temporarily stored when searching for similar parts
Compare the matrix with each of the feature-based matrices
Can be compared. Various methods and processes, based on part feature
It can be used to compare matrices and determine similarity between parts. And
For example, for the feature-based matrix of each selected component,
The location can be compared to that of the search component. Each place in the matrix
Can be compared based on recursive programming techniques. queue
The information in indicates the location corresponding to the basal plane in each matrix,
They can be compared by exchanging matrix indices. Selection section
The product may correspond to the sub-feature of the search part or may have a shape.
Matrix indices are not identical or have the same numbering
Compare the information that is included because it may not be
When searching for a surface that can be compared in the parts matrix
You have to change the mark. Further in the search parts
Compare information in matrix if one or more sub-features are present
, To prepare a matrix of the same order,
Is one or more pseudo-surfaces (no information or blanks in rows and columns of the matrix)
May have to be introduced. Matrix
When comparing information, the similarity between each selected part and the searched part
Use different ordering schemes to determine the degree of
Can be. For example, a predefined fines level or amount
, Assigning to each inconsistent position in the matrix
An ordering scheme can be used. All in the matrix
After comparing the information, use the total fines level for each selected part
The degree of similarity can be determined. Lowest fine level
Is selected as the part most similar to the searched part.
Is determined. Other selected parts also include the total fines imposed on each part
Can be ordered based on level (e.g. fine level
Is lower, the similarity index is higher). Further aspects of the invention
Along the fine level of each non-aligned location is at that location
Assignments can be made based on the type of information. fine
The level is an integer quantity that corresponds to the severity or importance of the inconsistent information.
Can be changed. For example, different,
Feature groups (for example, parallel bending features vs. series bending features)
High levels of fines for inconsistent positions
Or you can assign an amount. In contrast to this
Are different but similar feature groups (for example, the same bend line
Contact corner feature with direction vs. contact with opposite bending line direction
Touch corner feature). The fine level or amount is irregular
According to the type of information present and the type of difference
Can be predefined and categorized. Step S. At 116
A typical code for similarity index manipulation is shown in Appendix B.
I have. This code is written in C ++ language.
Comparison of described matrices and fine-level
Includes various processes and operations related to assignment.
As noted above, the results for each selected part compared
The resulting total fines level guides and displays similarity indicators.
Can be used to Code squirrel in Appendix B
The tent contains the typical program code
Comments are included to aid understanding. Next, FIG.
With reference to 1-25, development of bending model and various
2-D and 3-D models of parts based on 2-D and 3-D drawings
A more detailed description of Dell's development, in light of the present invention
I do. As discussed earlier, the bending of each sheet metal part
Model data relates to both 2-D and 3-D representations of parts
Contains the data you want. Delivered based on customer order
Or various folds based on the type of original drawing created
Fold and unfold algorithms and other processes by 2-D and
It can be used to develop 3-D models. In particular, FIG.
Is based on the original 2-D, one-way drawing of the part,
A folding algorithm that can be used to create a model
An example of the logic flow of the system is shown below. FIG. 19 is a 3-D original drawing (thickness).
Used to create a 2-D model based on
Basic logic of unfolding algorithms and other processes
An example of the flow will be shown. Finally, FIGS. 20-24 and FIG.
-D From the three-dimensional drawing and the 3-D drawing with thickness,
Various professionals that can be implemented to create 3-D models
An example of the logic flow of access and operation is shown. These processes
And the 3-D model (thickness) obtained by the operation
As specified, the deployment algorithm or process
Can be used to create a 2-D model based on the
Figure 11 shows a folding algorithm from the 2-D one-way drawing.
Of the process and operation of creating a 3-D model using a system
Show the flow of the process. Functions and operations performed in the flowchart of FIG.
Is, for example, the software in the server module 32.
It can be implemented by air or program logic. Step
S. At 120, provided based on customer specifications,
Alternatively, the newly created 2-D, one-way plan view
Input into or taken into the server module 32. 2
-D plan is created using CAD software and
Enter it into the bar module 32 or use a suitable CAD or
Or CAD / CAM like Belm or Cadkey
Server by interfacing with the system
-Can be incorporated into modules. 2-D drawing
Is stored, for example, as a DXF or IGES file
And illustrates the punching and / or cutting material to be bent
Can be The 2-D drawing is also a table of sheet metal parts.
It can indicate the location of a surface or surface bend line, or a hole or opening.
Wear. In preparation for later processing of the 2-D drawing,
Tep S. The next surface detection process and
S. Before performing the bending line detection operation at 126,
Top S. At 122, the server module 32
It can also perform dynamic cleaning and cleanup functions.
it can. Automatic trimming and cleanup function of the present invention
Prepares a 2-D plan view to prepare for processing
Have been. The 2-D plan view shows the unfolded state of the sheet metal part.
Of 2-D display of parts, such as lines and arcs,
Representing, including part elements such as lines and curves,
Indicates the location of the opening or hole in the part. Usually this
The components of such a 2-D plan view are CAD or CAD /
Input and create using CAM system. But,
When creating a 2-D floor plan, these elements are often
Are incorrectly linked or superimposed and one element is
Sometimes used to indicate the boundaries of an upper surface. Further
The outer line that defines the boundary of the part
It is divided at the corner,
Making detection difficult. Furthermore, the 2-D plan view shows the dimensions
May include non-essential information such as information or text.
Such anomalies can be analyzed accurately by analyzing the original 2-D drawing.
This makes it difficult to detect the surface or bending line of the product in the same way.
Equipped with automatic trimming and cleanup operation of the present invention
By each face is a unique set of connected elements
Can be expressed by As a result, the 2-D plan view continues
Processing and final 3-D model expression creation
Easier and more efficient analysis for folding
it can. As shown in FIG. 12, between the planes in the original 2-D drawing
Is not trimmed, and one line element in the figure
At least one outer boundary or boundaries
There is. As discussed above, each such array is
Makes it difficult to detect the surface. Automatic trimming function of the present invention
Determines the connection information and breaks the above elements at the intersection
To cut each part element (such as a line, arc or bend line)
It is provided for analyzing end points and intersections. like this
The trimming function determines the end point of each cut element.
There is also a function to set the intersection. For example, FIG.
By trimming the intersections shown, each
Have three elements (two lines and one
Bend line). Equipped with such a trimming function
By using the element analysis and connection,
It can be detected more easily. Surface detection operations that can be performed
A more detailed description of the work is given below in FIG.
It is described with reference to (c). Various processes and operations
Can be used to detect the intersection of the elements in the 2-D drawing.
You. Such a process can be used to download files from 2-D drawings.
It can be created based on the format and arrangement of data. Customary
2-D plan view is a geometric data (defining various component elements)
And non-geometric data (eg, text).
Geometric data consists of key words in each row or sequence of data.
Can distinguish it from non-geometric data. like this
Keywords are set according to the data format of the 2-D drawing.
It is. As a format often used for 2-D and 3-D drawings
There are DXF and TGES formats. Geometric data of each element
By analyzing, the end points and intersections of the elements can be detected,
Trimming can be performed if appropriate. As discussed above
In addition, lines, bend lines and other elements are endpoints and / or vectors
Can be defined as For example, in the 2-D plan view, each 2-D line
Is a set of 2-D end points (eg, X1, Y1 and X2, Y2)
And the bend line is the 2-D space position of the bend line
It can be represented by a vector indicating the direction together with the position. Sa
Furthermore, the 2-D arc is the 2-D spatial data (eg, center X, middle
Center Y, radius, start angle, end angle)
Wear. Geometric data can also contain various types of line elements
Attributes such as arcs, solid lines, dashed lines, and chain lines)
One. Normally, the arc element is the hole or opening of the sheet metal part, and the solid line is the part.
It is used to indicate the boundaries and shapes of articles. Bending line breaks normally
The center line of the part is indicated by a dashed line. Original 2-
Determine the intersection of each element from the analysis of geometric data of D drawing
Can be Like data allocation and data iteration
Various data analysis methods are used for the geometrical analysis of each element in the 2-D drawing.
It can be used to analyze scientific data. End point of each element
And / or other 2-D spatial data based on lines and other
Perform a simple geometric analysis to determine if elements intersect
Can be It is decided that the two elements intersect
If each element is cut off at the determined intersection,
The end point can be assigned a common point defined at the intersection.
Wear. Trimming method detected to intersect
Done based on element type. For example, two solid lines
When it is detected that they intersect with each other, as shown in FIG.
As described above, by cutting each line element,
You get four line elements that touch at points. Line elements and arc elements
Elements are determined to intersect as shown in FIG.
And two elements that have a common end point by cutting off each element
One line element and two arc elements can be obtained. However
However, even if the intersection of elements is detected, trimming is required
And sometimes not. For example, the center of any element
If it is determined to intersect a line (for example, a dashed element)
The center line of any part defines the face or bend line of the part
Because there is no need to trim
Absent. In addition, even for elements that are not connected,
Can be cut if the area is within a defined tolerance. Was
For example, the end point of a potentially intersecting line is actually
And the intersection of intersection with a predefined tolerance or
Distance ε (eg, 0.0-0.01 mm or 0.0-
Within 0.001 inch), the element is a projected point
May be treated as intersecting at; and for example
As shown in FIG. 13 (c), the element can be cut off.
You. After automatic trimming, unlink the obtained data
Clean-up function to detect and correct elements
Can be managed. However, the present invention
Is not limited to simple processing; to reduce processing time
In addition, a cleanup function is used while each element is being analyzed.
In addition, it can be performed simultaneously with the automatic trimming function. K
During lean-up, the geometric data in the 2-D drawing
To detect open intersections or areas between touching elements
Is parsed. As with the automatic trimming function, the
In order to detect the area of the intersection, the end point of each element and other
2-D spatial data can also be analyzed. Simple data
By adding a simple geometric analysis, the end point of the element
A predefined tolerance or distance from each other (0.0-0.
01 mm or 0.0-0.001 inch)
Can be determined. The end point of the element is
When it is determined to have points, the elements are connected, and FIG.
A common endpoint can be assigned as shown. here
However, how to perform the clean-up function
It depends on the type of element detected to have the intersection.
If two solid lines are detected to have open intersections,
Each endpoint can be assigned a common endpoint (for example,
See FIG. 14). But one element is the center line of the part
(For example, a chain line element)
To connect elements and assign common endpoints
Don't do it, and ignore the center line. Again
The lean-up function can be used to convert non-geometric data from 2-D drawings.
Additional processes to erase (text, etc.)
May include operations. As mentioned earlier, non-geometric data
Is a keyword provided with 2-D drawing data.
Can be distinguished from geometric data based on the Clean up
The 2-D cleanup machine of the present invention
Other scripts, such as those described in more detail with reference to
(See FIG. 2)
See 1-23 (b)). Step S. Automatically at 122
Steps after performing the rimming and cleanup functions
S. Hand of surface detection for the 2-D drawing processed in 124
More can be done. In line with the aspects of the present invention,
The exit procedure is based on elements (lines and arcs) and loop analysis, parts
Includes surface detection and definition. FIG. 15 (a) -16
(D) Various processes and operations performed in the surface detection procedure
Here is an example. Detecting the surface of a part using the loop detection technique of the present invention
And can be used to make decisions. Surface detection procedure
Is, for example, the software in the server module 32.
It can be implemented by air or programmed logic.
In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a loop detection solution for the outer boundary of a part is provided.
Use analysis of the smallest or inner loop of the part following analysis
And each of the surfaces can be detected. Unique of sheet metal parts
Due to the complex geometry, the openings in the faces and parts are relatively maximal.
Order of (eg, outer) and minimal (eg, inner) loops
Can be detected. I will discuss below
As described above, loop analysis is based on the connectivity between part lines and arc elements.
Can be done. Loop analysis from outside the part
By moving toward the center of the product,
The circulation order (for example, face material, opening, face material, opening
Based on the boundaries between loops defined according to
can do. As shown in FIG.
Given a 2-D plan view including various line elements on each side
Try. As mentioned above, loop and element analysis are outside the part
Do so as to start from. Which element is on the outer boundary of the part
May be used as an initial reference point. As a non-limiting example,
As shown in FIG. 15B, the leftmost line element is detected.
And use it as the initial reference point. The leftmost line element is 2-D
Compare the geometric data of each element in the drawing and find out which element
Determine by having the smallest X coordinate value.
I can get out. After detecting the leftmost line element, from the point P1
By guiding the appearance of the parts starting,
As shown, the outer boundaries of the part can be detected. point
To determine P1, select the end point of any of the leftmost line elements.
May be used. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
The end point (that is, the end point having the largest Y coordinate value) is the point P
1 is used. The appearance of the part or the surrounding
You can use normal loop analysis techniques to guide the loop
Wear. For example, add the lead vector to the appearance of the part.
The end point of the element connected to the start point P1
Can be projected from Each element is detected
Each time it is traversed, it indicates that the element was selected.
Flags can be set (for example,
The lag is set to 1 to indicate that it was chosen once
). Loop path starts in both directions from start point P1
Can be For example, if the lead vector is
Clockwise (for example, project the lead line vector in the Y coordinate
Shadow). Loop is a loop path
Is completed when returns to the start point (that is, point P1). Up
As described above, the lead line vector is changed from the starting point P1 counterclockwise.
(Eg, the first lead vector is Y
By starting from the coordinate direction). Continue to loop
Each undetected element to find the first element in the path
Coordinates the angle that makes with the lead vector around point P1
Measure and analyze based on the frame to determine the lead vector
Choose an element with a small angle. In the outer loop, each angle
Is the angle between the element lines and the outside of the lead vector
measure. The elements around the point P1 are which elements are the point P1 and the end point.
Is determined by sharing. Unselected status of each element
Is determined by analyzing the flags attached to each element.
it can. As shown in FIG. 15C, the illustrated 2-D drawing
In the example, two element lines (X coordinate direction and Y coordinate direction)
One) is around P1. In the analysis of these elements
Is the angle between the line element in the Y coordinate direction and the lead line vector
Degree (0 degree) is smaller than angle (270 degree) formed by other line elements
It is chosen because it is. The loop analysis then proceeds to the other selected
Go to the end of the line element and flag to indicate that it has been selected.
Is set. At that end, another lead vector
Comparing projected and unselected elements around that point
Which element has the smallest angle with the lead vector
Decide whether to carry. Again, the angle is outside the lead
And measure the angle using the coordinate frame
You. If an arc element is encountered, outside the lead vector
The angle from to the tangent of the arc must be measured. Ma
If there is only one element at the next end point (the part
Need to compare, just like the corner position).
It is only necessary to select a prime and include it in the loop. According to the appearance of the part
As the loop path progresses, each selected element
Linked list to show the connectivity of the elements in the group
Can be included. Cycle when the route returns to the starting point P1
Is complete and loops through the elements to show their appearance and the outer boundaries of the part.
Or (L4) based on the linked list of
Can be justified. Each line or element in loop L4 is
Can be linked. The direction of the loop L4 should be the outer loop.
In order to show that, as shown in FIG.
(I.e. clockwise), the direction of the loop
Is defined based on the order in which the lines are linked in loop L4
So the directions can be linked to a linked list
Can be changed by reversing the order. Outside
After completion of the side loop, similar to the one used for the outer loop analysis
Analysis of the inner loop of the part in the process
You. However, in the inner loop analysis, each unselected element is
Are compared based on the angle they make with the inside of the lead vector.
It is. In addition, in the inner loop analysis, both points around a point
If the other element is shown to be selected (for example,
When comparing the two outer line elements bordering
Element is not selected twice (2 flag setting)
And compare the two factors. At least one
Selected element (for example, outer element)
If there is no element, comparison cannot be performed and unselected elements are looped.
Select as part of FIG. 16 (a) -16 (c)
Next, the surface of the component shown in FIG.
The inner loop that can be performed is illustrated. Inside le
Loop analysis can be performed from the end of any outer
Start by detecting unselected elements.
Can be. For example, point P1 is the starting point of the inner loop analysis.
Can be used to project the lead vector
OK; or the inner side that was not selected during outer loop analysis
One of the line elements can also be used as a starting point for the analysis. Outside
Lead clock vector counterclockwise, similar to side loop analysis
Direction (for example, if the first lead line vector is
To start with). Then point P
Compare each element around 1 and determine which element is
To have the smallest angle with the tor. Lead wire vector
You can use a coordinate frame to determine the angle
You. As described above, when performing inner loop analysis,
The comparison is such that each element is inside, not outside, the lead vector.
This is done based on the angle. The first element is selected and the loop
If you include it in a linked list, increment its flag by 1.
And solve by projecting the next lead vector
Analysis can proceed. This process is loop first
Until it returns to the starting point of where the first inner loop is
Defined by a linked list of corresponding elements (and
For example, L1) is performed. Go further inside the part and it's the same
The inner loop analysis can be performed as follows. The next starting point is
By deciding which elements have been selected only once
You can choose. The element with the flag selected twice
Indicates that the element is already in the outer loop (eg L4)
Selected by at least one of the inner loops (eg L1)
Indicates an outer element. Again, each element is selected.
Each time it is included in the linked list of the inner loop.
The flag is incremented by one to indicate that it has occurred. You
After all inner loops have been defined (eg, FIG.
(After all the elements are selected twice in the example of (c)),
Creating a loop tree (tree) using the loops
Can be. FIG. 16D shows the detected loop L1-L.
4 shows an example of a loop tree created on the basis of FIG. Parts
The outer loop (L4) is defined as the root of the tree, and the outer loop
Each inner loop (L1-L3) having a common element with
Is defined as a child. The existence of common elements
Of a linked list of elements that define a group
Can be detected by Within the inner loop, another element
If holes or openings are detected,
The loop is the child of the inner loop where it is located (ie
(The grandchild of the root of the loop tree). Stay
Top S. After performing the surface detection procedure at 124,
S. At 126, a bend line detection operation can be performed. And
For example, as shown in FIG. At 124
When detecting and analyzing loops, the face detection logic of the present invention is used.
Defines the surface information with nodes and nodes in the bending graph data structure.
You can use a loop tree to store
You. The faces of the part are the outer and inner loops in the loop tree.
Can be detected from the order of the loops. As mentioned above, each loop is required
Contains a linked list of elements or lines. These elements
Is used to define the boundaries of each side of the part. Or it
Step S. Perform a bend line detection operation at 126,
The relationship between the face of the part and the bend line can be determined. S
Tep S. The bend line detection operation at 126
By detecting edges or line elements shared by
Bends to detect all bend lines between the various faces of the part
Line detection logic may be included. And in one or more areas
Connected surfaces (for example, bending line detection
When applying the algorithm-eg FIG. 1 discussed below
Regarding 9), using various heuristics,
Can be detected and selected. Inspection
The released bending line is, for example, as shown in FIG.
Section nodes to create a typical bend graph data structure
Can be stored as a connection agent between
You. The bending line detection operation of the present invention is performed by, for example, a server mode.
Software or program for Joule 32
It can be implemented according to the specified logic. The purpose of the bend line detection operation is
Make sure the parts are connected with the fewest number of bending lines
It consists in detecting and selecting bending lines. Bending line detection operation
Must provide for both 2-D and 3-D versions of the part
Can be. Bending line detection for the original 3-D model
The use is discussed below with reference to FIG. As above
In addition, the detected bending line is the final bending graph data
Connecting agents between surface nodes to create a structure
Can be stored. This final bend graph data structure
Is the 3-D of the part by folding it from the 2-D data model.
Can be used to create D versions. FIG.
Top S. The 2-D drawing provided as input at 120 is
Does not include bending line information, or bending line information is unclear and unique
Or may not be defined consistently. That
If the bending line detection operation, the bending line is detected and the part is detected
This can be done to detect the relationship with the given surface.
During this process, the elements that define each surface (the entity
B) Parse the linked list of adjacent edges or
You can determine the line elements that each side has with the other side of the part
You. This is all that is possible between any two given faces.
This can be done by analyzing all contacts. Contact
The touch is 0 or more (that is, the line element is not a point,
Line elements), common line elements (or
At the distance tolerance specified in
Wear. Analyze geometric data in linked list
By this way, between all two faces of the part
Can determine the presence of any contact. One particular aspect is
Have only one common edge or contact area with the other surface
Element is common to both faces is defined as a bend line.
Can be Multiple with common contact in one or more areas
(For example, a 3-D model; however, a 2-D model
About possible heuristics, heuristics
Stick) to detect the minimum number of bend lines in the part,
You can choose. The heuristic to use is
To form a continuous loop across multiple faces.
Not possible (it is impossible to manufacture such bent sheet metal parts)
To). Available departures
As an example of a visual method, the longest contact area in the common area
There is a method to select the one with the as the bending line. One side is the other
This heuristic, if it has one or more common ends with the face
The longest common element to the surface bending line
You can choose. This heuristic is used for bending sheet metal parts.
Those who usually have a long contact area when making products
Is based on the principle that is good. Another one you can use
Combination of different possible bending lines in one heuristic
(Such as when determining the bending line of a 3-D model)
There is something. In this heuristic, all possible
Common areas are detected and various combinations of bending lines are selected
The minimum number of bend lines
One combination is selected. When a bend line is detected, the part
Surface and the determined bending line are sent to the operator for confirmation.
Is displayed. The operator is satisfied with the choice of the part bend line
If not, provide manual selection function for bend line detection operation
This allows the server module 32 to
Can selectively indicate the preferred bending line for sheet metal parts
You can make it. The operator uses the mouse or key
-Use a suitable input device such as a board to hold the bending line.
Or change it. After a while
Using the modified bend line chosen by the pererator,
Creating the final 3-D (or 2-D) part
it can. To implement the bend line detection operation of the present invention, the color
Various processes and operations can be provided. Bending line detection
An example of the code for performing the operation is given in Appendix C in Appendix.
I can. The example code is written in the C ++ programming language
And comments to help understand the logical flow of the description
It is included. An example code is a 2-D or 3-D model.
Example of a bend line detection operation that can be performed on Dell
Heuristic method for determining the optimal selection of bend lines (as described above)
Na). The detected surface and bending line information are
Can be used for refolding and deployment processes. Folding
3D rotation around each bend line during folding or unfolding
Doing so results in a 3-D or 2-D model
You. To do this job, simply apply to each side of the part and other elements
On the other hand, a matrix transformation including rotation and translation may be performed. various
Commercially available expansion and folding software application
Characteristics of the basic unfolding or folding step of the present invention.
Can be used to implement For example, Amada Anfu
Ordo and Hold system software
Can be used to perform basic operations. Amada Amphold
And Fold System Software are Amada Ameri
Ka (formerly under the company name US Amada), Bayuna
Available from Park, California. Amada Anhu
About Ordo and Fold System Software
Information on Amada Unford Autocad
Manual (March 1994), for Cadkey
AMADA UNFORD MANUAL (May 1994
Edition) and Amada Windows Ann for Cadkey
See the manual for general details
Has been explicitly incorporated into this document. 2-
Folding to create 3-D model from D model
The operation will be described later in step S. See 132
Discuss. Returning to FIG. 11, the bending line detection operation is performed in steps.
S. After performing at 126, the server module 32
To the main user for the subsequent folding process.
Information on required bending and deduction height (reduction amount) may be issued.
You. For example, step S. At 128, the server module
The tool 32 provides the user with the direction of bending (eg, forward,
Including the bending angle and / or bending inside radius
An instruction for the amount of bending of each bending line may be obtained. Steps
S. At 130, the server module 32 also
-V-width, material type and / or deduction height
May be required. This information is collapsed
It can be used to compensate for the bending difference in the only operation.
Bending angle and die used, along with material thickness and type
The actual sheet metal part is the sheet metal part due to the V-width of the
When a product is folded, it tends to be stretched only by the difference
There is. To compensate for this effect in the model,
Information to create a 3-D model by folding operation
The part dimensions on either side of the bend line.
Extend only half the height. In line with aspects of the present invention,
Of the server module 32 by the user
(For example, with a keyboard). is there
Alternatively, subtract the difference based on the material type and thickness of the part.
The included bill of material can be displayed to the operator. material
The table shows various deductions for different bending angles and V-widths.
Show. The user is presented with the server module 32
Select the appropriate V-width and bending angle from the bill of materials (for example,
(Using a mouse or keyboard)
The deduction amount can be set dynamically. Of the bending angle
When selecting an appropriate V-width from the bill of materials, the side radius is also
Can be set automatically by the user. Operator input
(Or converted by the operator after input
The deduction height is the same length as that representing the part geometry data.
(For example, mm). During the folding operation,
Pay attention to the length dimension of each side on either side of the bend line.
Increased by half the deduction of the bend line. Perpendicular to the surface bending line
Length dimension should be determined by the boundaries of the surface on either side of the bend line.
By increasing the end point of the element
Can be. Such deduction compensation is applied to each fold.
And based on the balance provided by the operator
Can be done for each of the other bending lines in the part
You. Step S. At 132, the processed 2-D flat
Differences for creating a 3-D model based on an elevation
The folding operation including the height compensation is performed. Said above
Yeah, the folding procedure uses a matrix transformation and the final song
Each bend line defined in the graph data structure
For general geometric modeling methods, including use on rotating axes
Thus it can be accomplished. In addition, the effect of the deduction
Create a 3-D model to compensate for the folding
When the face of the part is half of the deduction on either side of the bend line
By simply stretching, the sheet metal is actually bent
More accurately reflect changes in surface dimensions when shaking
it can. For example, step S. Folding operation at 132
When performing the operation, bend parameters (for example, bend angle,
Along with the part geometry and morphological data (or
Graph structure). In 2-D space
The transformation matrix of each surface, bending line, hole and forming of the represented part
Can be calculated. Apply normal matrix transformation to 2-D floor plan
By doing so, it is possible to obtain 3-D spatial data
You. Transformation generally involves translation following rotation. As above
The rotation is the rotation of each bending line axis according to the size of the bending angle.
Is performed The translation operation converts geometric data in space
It is done by moving or moving. this
Such a translation operation is performed by subtracting the bending radius, bending angle and each bending.
Determined based on height. When folded, deduction
Compensation can be applied on either side of the bend line, as described above.
By increasing or increasing the size of the
Done. Such deduction compensation is a 3-D representation of the part.
Dimensions of 2-D sheet metal parts when bent by a bending machine
To give a more accurate reflection. Geometric model
Further information on the transformation and transformation
Explicitly incorporated into this document by general reference
Mortenson, Michael M., Geometric Model
Dellification, John Wiley & Sons, New York (1
988) and Foley et al., James System
Programming Series: Interactive Computer Grass
Fix Basics, Addison Wesley Publishing, Lady
Ing, seen Massachusetts (1983)
No. Mortenson's Chapter 8 describes geometry, including translation and rotation.
(See, for example, pages 345-354).
See). Furthermore, Foley et al. In Chapter 7, pages 245-265,
Geometric transformations, including matrix representations of 2-D and 3-D transformations
Giving information. About modeling and geometric transformations
Additional information is provided by reference to the specification in general.
Manteira, Ma
Rutty, Introduction to Solid Modeling, Computer Sie
Publishers, Rockville, Maryland (1988)
Has also been given. For information on coordinate transformation,
It is on pages 365-367 of Ira. Next, referring to FIG.
However, according to another aspect of the present invention, the original thickness-free 3-
Process of creating 2-D model based on D plan view
The operation will be described. As previously described with reference to FIG.
Expand 3-D drawing as well as the folding process revealed
However, various processes and operations for creating a 2-D model are as follows.
The software and / or
Can be implemented using programmed logic. As shown in FIG.
As provided, or based on customer specifications.
The original 3-D drawing generated is the same as Step S. Entered at 140
Or incorporated into the server module 32. 3
-D drawings are stored as DXF or IGES files.
From the server module 32 to the CAD or CAD
/ Interface or use with CAM system
Can be entered. After inputting the 3-D drawing, step S.
At 142, the server module 32 continues
Preparing drawings for surface detection and other processes to be performed
Automatic trimming and cleanup operations are performed
You. Automatic trimming, as discussed in connection with FIGS.
Cleaning and cleanup functions ensure that various parts
Separated components and surfaces as defined
Or concatenate. In connection with FIGS. 11, 12 and 13
The automatic trimming and cleanup operations described in FIG.
Step S. Geometric day of the 3-D drawing entered at 140
The same applies to data. 2-D data
Instead of analyzing in space (as in 2-D plan view)
The components illustrated in the 3-D drawing (for example,
Lines, arcs, etc.) are based on 3-D coordinates and spatial information in the figure.
Can be analyzed. The intersection and open intersection area are
Analyze each component individually and compare it to each of the other components.
It can be analyzed by comparing. Again, the end point
Using a basic geometric analysis of the other attributes of the component,
The intersection and the open intersection area can be determined within the tolerance.
Automatic trimming and cleaning for the 3D drawing
After executing the up function, in step S144, the
Face detection operation to detect and define each of the faces of the gold part
Is performed. Surface detection for the 3D drawing is secondary
Analyze and detect each surface in the original space and as above
To generate a loop tree.
Surface detection can be started by any given entity.
Is executed. For example, the leftmost entity (ie,
The entity with the smallest x coordinate) is the first entity
Used as a tee. Then one side is the first
Line entities and other connected or adjacent line elements
Entity (ie, a common endpoint with the first entity)
By taking out any entity with
Is done. Next, the surface detection operation is performed as shown in FIGS.
Loops and entities as described above in connection with
This is performed using the analysis. Each entity is defined above
Are detected in the two-dimensional plane,
An inner loop is defined and the entity is marked
(Ie, set the flag for the selected entity)
Or increase), they may be
Linked list that defines one of several loops
Indicates selected and included. Subsequent loop analysis
Is then placed on another two-dimensional plane that makes up the three-dimensional drawing
It is done. Loop analysis of the other entity
Unmarked in the 3D drawing to do
Or by searching for unselected entities
Additional planes are defined. Such a plane has two
Between unselected entities or not selected
Between the entity and the previously selected entity
Defined. In each of the additional two-dimensional planes,
Loop analysis is performed to detect the inner and outer loops
You. A linked list of reconnected entities is maintained
As each of the plurality of loop paths is defined
The selected entity is marked (ie,
Increase the flag associated with the selected entity
By doing). After all entities have been detected,
Loops for each of the two-dimensional planes already analyzed
Multiple loops of the result are used to generate the
You. As already mentioned, the loop tree is a sheet metal part
To define multiple faces and openings and holes in
Provided. For three-dimensional drawings, the sheet metal parts
Generated for each face. Multiple rules detected in each plane
Loops are grouped to generate each loop tree
And analyzed. The roots of each tree are examined in the plane
Defined as the outer loop issued. The outer loop
Each inner loop of the plane having a common entity with
Is defined as a child of the tool. Common entity
The existence of the entity is the linked entity that defines each loop.
Detected based on analysis and comparison of lists of entries. add to
Entities (i.e. holes or openings) within the plane
When detected in the side loop, these loops
Are the children of the inner loop inside it (ie
Grandchildren of the root tree). Generated
The multiple loop trees are then
Used to detect faces. The detected surface is the next
This is stored as a node in the graph data structure.
The resulting bend graph structure is entered in step S146.
Bend line connection after performing the bend line detection operation
Supplemented by agents. Bending line detection operation and
Diagram of final bend graph structure or part topology generation
Performed in a similar manner as described above with reference to 17 and 18
Is done. As described above, the bending line detection operation is performed.
A representative code for this is provided in Appendix C attached here.
Provided. This sample code is 2D or 3D
Representative for bending line detection operations performed on models
This is an example of execution, and is used to determine the optimal selection of a bending line.
Including credential (eg, as described above). Said
When the bending line detection operation is not satisfied with the detected bending line,
The operator of the server module 32
To selectively specify the preferred bend line for
Includes manual selection features that allow. The operator
Mouse or keyboard or other appropriate input means.
To maintain or change the bend line. Said
The bending line selected and revised by the operator is final 2
Used to generate dimensional parts. Final bending
Execute the unfolding process centered on multiple bend lines of the rough structure
Before the user enters the V width and material type in step S148.
You will be prompted about the amount of reduction and / or reduction. As mentioned above
In addition, since sheet metal has a tendency to stretch when it is bent,
The dimensions of the 3D parts are larger than those of the 2D plane parts
a little big. Therefore, during the development of sheet metal parts,
The dimensions of the shoe are reduced based on the material type and V-width selected.
It is shrunk or reduced by a small amount. Therefore, one of the inventions
According to the aspect of the above, when developing a three-dimensional model,
Generate more accurate dimensions of the original model and its surface
For this purpose, a reduction operation is performed. As mentioned above,
The reduction amount is directly input by the user or a desired amount.
Automatically by user by selecting V width and bending angle
Material table so that the reduction amount can be set
Is displayed. Before input by the operator
The amount of reduction is represented by the part geometric data.
Units of the same length (eg millimeters)
Or after being entered by the operator,
). During the unfolding operation, each of the two sides of the bend line
The dimension length is the reduction amount input for the predetermined bending line.
Is reduced by half. Of the surface orthogonal to the bending line
The dimensional length defines the boundaries of the faces located on both sides of the bending line.
Decrease by decreasing the end point of the defining entity
Is done. The reduction compensation is based on the operator for each bend.
Based on the amount of reduction provided by the
At each of the other bending lines. All of the above
After inputting the necessary data in step S150,
An unfolding process is performed to generate a two-dimensional model
You. Conventional method for developing the three-dimensional bending model
Is used, and each of the plurality of bending lines is defined as an axis of rotation.
Including the use of matrix transformations. This deployment
Each bending angle is measured during the process and
The part is extended by the bending angle amount to generate
Is opened. Further, based on the input reduction amount,
The physical properties of the sheet metal material and the 3D and 2D models
To more accurately simulate the differences between
On both sides of the bend line, the dimension of the face only half of the reduction
Reduction or reduction is performed. In step S150,
When performing the unfolding process, the dimensions and topology of the parts
-The data (or bending graph structure) is
(Eg, bending angle, inner radius, etc.).
In the part represented in the three-dimensional space
Conversion matrices for each surface, bending line, hole, and formed part
Is calculated. The usual matrix transformation is 2
To obtain three-dimensional space data,
Applied. The transformation generally involves rotation, followed by
Translation comes. As described above, rotation depends on the amount of bending angle.
Around each bend line. Two for deployment
Until there is a 180 ° between the planes (ie, the plane is flat).
Rotation) is performed in the opposite direction. Translation is forward in space
Performed to shift and move the geometric data
You. Such translation is based on the bend radius for each bend
And the bending angle and the amount of reduction. Deployment
Half of the reduction on both sides of the bend line, as described above
Only to reduce or reduce the dimensions of the plurality of surfaces
It is performed. Such reduction compensation is the
The dimensions of the sheet metal parts before being folded between
It provides a two-dimensional representation of the part that accurately reflects it. again
Information on geometric modeling and transformations can be found in Mortenso
And Folly et al. And Mantila. Above
Thus, Mortenson's Chapter 8 is transformed and rotated (eg, 3
(See pages 45-354).
Offer. Folly et al., In Chapter 7, pages 245-265
Geometry, including matrix representations of 2D and 3D transformations
Provide information about the transformation. Further about coordinate transformation
All information can be found on pages 365-367 of Mantilla.
You. As described above with reference to FIG.
Based on a two-dimensional three-view drawing or a three-dimensional
When the earframe diagram is first provided or generated
In order to generate a three-dimensional model without thickness,
Steps are required. And then have the thickness
There is no generated 3D model
Generate 2D model by applying algorithm
Used for Figure 20-24 shows the first two-dimensional three-plane
Applied to generate 3D models based on figures
4 illustrates various processes or operations. Further, FIG.
According to another aspect of the invention, the first cubic having a thickness
3D model without thickness from original wireframe diagram
Additional processes or operations applied to generate
Illustrated. Again, the various illustrated in FIGS.
The process and operation of the server module 3
2 software and / or program logic
More executed. Referring to FIG. 20, the teachings of the present invention
3D model based on the first 2D 3D view
Operations performed to produce (having no thickness) or
Or a description of the logical flow of the process is provided. the first,
In step S160, the two-dimensional three-view drawing is the server module 3
2 is input or carried in. The first two-dimensional three surface
The figures show various views of the part (eg front view and plan view).
And right side views, eg, FIGS. 22 (a) and 22 (b).
To the server module 32
DXF or IGES file to be imported or imported
It is a CAD drawing like this. Then, step S162
Then, the drawing for the subsequent operation on the three-dimensional model is
In order to create the two-dimensional
A lean-up operation is performed. This two-dimensional cleaner
The tap operation does not represent the actual geometric shape of the part.
No extra and non-geometric information, it is text and inside
This is performed to eliminate the core line and the dimension line.
The two-dimensional cleanup operation is also performed on all outer line segments.
Connected at their connection ends, for example, or
Cut or trim lines or entities
It is done in order to perform. FIG. 21 shows the server module.
Module 32 performs the clean-up operation.
Illustrates an example of the logical flow of various processes executed
You. As shown in FIG. 21, the two-dimensional drawing
In step S180, the data is
Read or loaded from the data file. Scold
Later, in step S182, the server module
Analyze each entity or geometric data in
To create drawings for the next process.
Divide the entities. Performed in step S182
The dividing or trimming function according to the present invention
Above in connection with dynamic trimming and cleanup functions
It is performed in a manner similar to that described. Therefore, step S
At 182, all the geometric data in the two-dimensional
Is within the intersection of the entities and within a certain error range.
Is analyzed to detect empty intersections. Any intersection
The line is broken and the resulting entity is defined by the intersection
Meet at a common endpoint. Within the specified error
(Eg, 0.0-0.01 mm or 0.0-0.
001 inch) for entities with blank intersection areas
And those entities are, for example, as shown in FIGS.
Combined in a similar manner as described above in connection. S
In step S184, the periphery of the two-dimensional drawing sheet is detected.
Any external line segments or data (eg, border lines and
The coordinate grid and the numbers are deleted. As shown in FIG.
As shown, two-dimensional three-view drawings are often printed on drawing sheets.
Provided. The drawing sheet is used for various parts of the sheet metal parts.
Extra and non-geometric not required to generate drawings
Information. Therefore, in step S184, the second
Using the three-dimensional cleanup process,
This type of information is detected when deploying Dell.
It is deleted from the two-dimensional drawing. The two-dimensional drawing data
Is the type of data contained therein (eg, geometric or
Is a keyword to indicate non-geometric / text)
Alternatively, it includes a type field. Therefore these key words
Mode or type fields (these are drawing files
Provided based on the data format of the text)
Various extra information, such as data or other non-geometric data
Used to delete information. But all unnecessary
Further operations to correctly delete drawing sheet data
Is usually required. Often the borderline or other outside
Side information is stored as entities (for example, line segments).
These are the data keywords or type fees
Cannot be easily identified based on the field. Therefore
According to one aspect of the present invention, data of the two-dimensional drawing is provided.
In analyzing the data, a connectivity graph structure is generated. this
The connectivity graph structure has multiple attachments for each entity.
List of optional vertices and list of connected entities
Show For each vertex, a list of adjacent vertices
A list of the list and the entities to which it is attached
Is provided. Due to this graph structure,
When executing the cutting and trimming functions of step S182
Generated), but the end of which entities
The points determine whether they are joined. As a result, the boundary
Such as lines and information boxes and other non-geometric data
Extra data is deleted. This is typical of this data
No longer consist of physically connected entities
Also, it does not include it. As mentioned above, secondary
Original 3 views are for dimension line, arrow line, center line and text
Contains extra information, such as the actual
Does not represent geometric shapes. These entities are
Two-dimensional diagram detected in step S186 and for the next step
Deleted from the 2D data file to create a surface
Is done. Detection of these extra entities is done by the server
Automatically by the module 32 (for example,
Two-dimensional data files that are not related to the actual geometry of the part
By detecting the item in the file). For example,
Open-ended ends are created using the connectivity data graph structure.
(E.g. underlining text)
Used to indicate the dimensions or centerline of a part
Are detected and erased. Like an arrow
Other entities may also have floating endpoints or other
Detected based on the presence of other characteristics of such entities
It is. To effectively remove all unnecessary data
In addition, the server module 32 corresponds to any of the two-dimensional drawings.
What item should be erased (eg mouse or key
Can be directed by operator)
To provide a manual editing function. Operating
With this assistance or confirmation of data, additional extra information is
Removed from the surface. After step S186, the two-dimensional
The various figures of the drawing are grouped in step S188.
And each is defined. According to one aspect of the invention
In this case, the server module 32 is configured as shown in FIGS.
(A) A plan view and a front view as shown in FIG.
When installing the camera, use a predetermined or standard figure and orientation.
to support. Top view and front or back view and right or left
Supports other diagrams and layouts, such as the one on the left.
Can be As described further below, the server module
File 32 also shows the two-dimensional drawing
A rotated figure (eg, FIG. 23)
(See (a)). In any case, par
In order to construct a three-dimensional model of
At least two (and preferably three) of the parts
Different figures need to be provided. Connectivity graph structure
The connectivity and grouping of the entities in
By performing the analysis, the server module 32
Based on the relative position and / or coordinate position of each of the figures
Classify and define multiple figures. The case is not limited
Therefore, the definition of the figure by the server module 32 is
Defined or normal location or the data file
By the layout to analyze the figure in and
And / or detecting the orientation of said plurality of figures and each of said figures
Superimposition of various dimensions of the parts in each of the figures
It is executed based on the combination. As shown in FIG.
Predefined or standard forms such as
Determines each of the above figures according to the type of potential figure
Used to define. Various endpoints and groups
Of the relationship between multiple entities that define
The comparison is performed to execute the step S188.
It is. The diagram detection characteristics of the server module 32 are
Local drawing types (eg, plan, front, back, left
Label each of the above drawings according to one of the figures
I can. The detection of each of the plurality of figures may be a predefined or
Or the layout or shape of standard figures and each of the existing figures
Based on the detected relationship between Various processes or operations
However, in step S188,
Used to classify and define numerical figures. For example
After accessing the processed two-dimensional three-view drawing,
First, the server module 32
Identify the top view of the tree. The plan view is predefined
Alternatively, a standard shape or figure arrangement (for example, FIG. 23 (b)
). Temporarily 3
Three different figures are detected in the horizontal or vertical direction
In this case, the center view is defined as a plan view.
Furthermore, if three separate figures were not detected and the vertical
And only two separate figures are detected,
The figure is defined as a plan view. Again the connectivity graph
Connectivity and groups of the entities in the structure
A scheme is used to detect each of the plurality of figures.
Storage, representing the predefined or standard form
Look-up table or matrix
Compare each figure in a two-dimensional drawing and detect each of a plurality of figures
Used to Plane from the two-dimensional three-view drawing data
After detecting the figure, the other figure of the part will be
Based on the relative position of each of the plurality of views with respect to the plan view,
Detected. For example, the standard layer shown in FIG.
Based on the out, for example, the figure group
If so, the diagram is defined as a rear view.
It is. But if the diagram group is located below the plan view
If so, that figure is a front view of the part
Defined. The right and left figures are the same as those in the plan view.
Corresponding to their relative positions on the right and left
Detected based on Thereafter, the standard form (for example,
For example, any remaining figures that do not match FIG.
In the issued figure (for example, the detected rear view or front view)
Detected based on their relative position with respect to. example
For example, the layout B shown in FIG.
The right figure is provided at a position rotated with respect to the plan view.
You. However, the right figure in layout B shows the detection
It is detected based on that relationship to the rendered front view.
That is, on the right or left side of the detected rear view or front view
Existing and undetected figures are
It is defined as the right figure or the left figure. Various predefined
Or the layout of the standard figure is the 2D 3D view
Used to detect and define multiple figures in a plane
It is. A standard form (for example, FIG. 23B or FIG. 23)
(A) is widely used in manufacturing facilities
Support for selected or requested / required diagram layout
Of a diagram type that is ported and / or based on it
Selected based on number. If none of the figures are detected
Alert, the server module provides a warning signal.
The operator will be able to
Modify the 2D 3D drawing data or perform other appropriate actions.
Do. Detecting multiple figures in the two-dimensional drawing
In addition to the predefined or standard form,
The standard form (for example, the layout shown in FIG.
Process the figure in which (A) was detected, and tertiary
It is provided to generate an original model. Therefore,
Is detected based on the standard form before any
In order to correctly classify rotated figures, the features of the rotated figure are provided.
Provided. As mentioned above, the two-dimensional cleanup
Operations are predefined to detect multiple figures in a drawing
Rotated or non-conforming rotated
Support and detect the figure. Rotated figure options
In some cases, the detected non-standard figures are
To process and generate the three-dimensional model of
Each of the figures in the predetermined or standard figure
Rotated or translated to fit the situation.
In order to detect a plurality of views of the part, FIG.
Assuming a standard configuration like that shown in FIG.
Each of a plurality of figures in layout B in (a)
Is the plan view and other detected views as described above.
Detected based on the relative positions of the figures with respect to
It is. For example, if the layout A in FIG.
Various in two-dimensional drawings with figures, front views and right views
Pre-defined or standard drawings for processing
If it is used as a layout,
Layout A is rotated right by 90 degrees in Layout B
Provides a deformed diagram layout of the parts, similar to
I do. The right view of the part is on the right side of the plan view of the part
In the layout B, the right figure is 90 degrees so that it is located
By rotating, the plurality of figures in the drawing are laid out.
A is processed according to the standard form represented by A. Case
Look-up table stored or predefined
Or a matrix that represents a standard form
Compare multiple views of the original drawing and determine which view is rotated or translated
Used to determine if exercise is needed. Said
Exact 3 of the part from multiple figures in a 2D drawing
To ensure that a dimensional model is generated,
The dimensions in each of the figures are consistent with each other.
A check is made to see if they match. In FIG.
As further shown in FIG.
The boundaries of the figures in the file are
To make sure that all dimensions are the same as each other
Is detected. If multiple figures are within the specified error
(E.g., 0.0-0.01 inch)
If it is cut off, in step S190, all the plurality of figures are the same.
Resize any particular figure to be scale
An appropriate correction is made for this. The dimensions of the drawing
Necessary repair for existing 2D drawing data
Server model to warn the user that correct
The module 32 is provided with an alarm element. Each of the parts
To detect and confirm dimensional consistency in various figures
Various operations or steps are used. For example,
The corresponding dimensions of each of the figures are such that they
Are compared to determine if they are within error
You. Such analysis defines the boundaries of each drawing of the part.
Including comparing the defining line entities. FIG.
Assuming the standard form in 3 (b),
If any, the top view is detected as matching the right or left figure.
You. That is, the maximum Y coordinate position and the minimum
The Y coordinate position is within a predetermined error range (for example, 0.0-0.01).
Inches). Further, the plan view may be
Detected when it matches the front view or back view. That is, each figure
, The maximum X coordinate position and the minimum X coordinate position
Within an error range (eg, 0.0-0.01 inch).
The left and right figures show the maximum Y coordinate position and the minimum Y coordinate position.
X coordinate position and minimum X coordinate position compared to the difference between
Is within a predetermined error range (for example, 0.0-0.01
Is determined to match the front or rear view
Is done. Again, the dimensions in the above figures or
If not, make necessary corrections to the 2D drawing data
To warn the user that the
Module 32 has a warning element or module
You. Finally, in step S192, the surface detection method of the present invention
Based on the teachings, the inner loop and hole and shape of said part
Condition is detected. Provided inside multiple planes of each figure.
The different holes or shapes are different lines and boundaries of the part.
Form a loop from the outside of the part to the center through the world
It is detected by performing Loops and entities
The analysis of the tee is based on the parts in the two-dimensional drawing.
This is done for each figure. From the outside of the part
By analyzing each figure inwards towards the center,
The detected loop is the boundary between the material of the part and the opening.
And regions in a periodic order (ie, materials, openings, materials, etc.)
Decide based on Like that in Fig. 16 (d)
The loop tree determines the location of multiple faces and the internals of each face.
Generated for each drawing to determine the location of the desired hole
You. Of the surface of the part, such as a floating arc or line segment
The entities that are not connected internally are determined in step S19.
2 and detected and erased. The two-dimensional chest of the present invention
The typical code for performing the startup operation is in Appendix D.
Provided to This code is written in C ++ programming language.
The logic and algorithms used and used there
Includes comments to facilitate analysis of. That code
Are those discussed above with reference to FIGS. 21-22 (b)
Various processes and two-dimensional cleanup mode
And operations. Referring again to FIG.
After the power-up operation has been performed, the logic flow proceeds to step S1.
64, where the two-dimensional drawing represents the thickness of the material
Whether or not the two-dimensional drawing has a thickness
Or not) is determined. If the two-dimensional drawing is
If it is determined that the amount is included, 3 is set in step S166.
Create 2D drawings for subsequent operations on 2D models
Thickness removal procedure by the server module 32 to perform
Is performed. Determination of the existence of thickness in the two-dimensional drawing
The disconnection is performed by the server module 32 based on the drawing data.
Automatically, or with assistance from the operator or
Is performed by the server module via a response
(Operator needs thickness removal or is preferred
You will be asked to do that). The thickness of the parts is all
It is erased by the unique symmetry of all sheet metal parts. Said
By eliminating the thickness of the part, it has no thickness,
The resulting sheet metal part is the sheet metal operator or designer
Can be analyzed more easily. Furthermore, the inventor of this application
Is obtained by removing the thickness of the two-dimensional three-view drawing.
Time required to convert 3D drawings and generate 3D models
Was significantly shortened. Most 2D 3D
Since the figures include material thickness quantities, operators often
Any song to create a 3D model from a 3D drawing
It is confusing that the grid must be selected. Results and
So that a two-dimensional three-dimensional view is converted to a three-dimensional model
Considerable time is wasted in selecting an appropriate bend line.
An example of a two-dimensional three-view drawing having a thickness is shown in FIG.
You. According to one aspect of the invention, a material having a material thickness is provided.
It is expressed and processed as it is, but the material thickness amount and
The inside and outside dimensions of the part are included in the bending model data.
Display the simplified 2D 3D model that you have
Thus, a thickness removal procedure is provided. FIG. 24 (b)
After performing the thickness removing step, the server module
Observed and displayed to the operator at
FIG. 3 illustrates the simplified two-dimensional three-view diagram shown. The thickness
When the removal procedure is performed, the user must
You may be prompted to specify the material thickness in the label
And any dimensions (ie, outer dimensions)
Specify whether the legal or internal dimensions) should be retained
You may be prompted to do so. The operator is, for example, a mouse
The thickness and thickness retained in one of the figures using
And indicate the surface. Data entered by this user
The server module 32 is based on the two-dimensional three-
To correct the material thickness specified by the user,
Inner or outer dimensions based on the operator's choice
leave. In the two-dimensional three-view drawing, the thickness is deleted.
For example, the server module 32 is operated by the operator.
Analyze each of the three figures based on the selections made
I do. The selected surface is determined by geometric calculations (ie
The same X-coordinate as the entity line or surface
Finds the corresponding entity in the Y coordinate projection
To one of the other figures, and
Find the corresponding entity and line segment in each of the figures
Put out. The corresponding entity is marked and preserved.
Entities or surfaces that are not
Or, as shown in FIG.
Is not displayed on the Instructed by the operator
Thickness dimension line is projected and matched to each of the other figures as well
The thickness dimension line or entity is as shown in FIG.
Deleted as further shown. As a result,
Each of the figures is modified accordingly and the server module
Is displayed to the user at the screen 32. Has thickness
No, as a result, the 2D 3D view is a 3D model of the part.
Used in the next step to generate the Dell. The invention
Thickness removal procedure is the thickness line to be deleted in each figure
And the surface entity to be left
Manual thickness erasure mode
Including code. Which area is cut in each of the displayed diagrams
Which surfaces should be removed and which surfaces should be left
Mouse or other suitable input device to indicate
Used by pererators. Entered by the operator
The server module 32 based on the data
Said two-dimensional three-surfaces to provide a drawing without thickness
Each line entity selected from the diagram by the operator
Delete the key. The present invention also provides that all of the thickness expressions
Analyzes whether it is correctly specified in the three-dimensional drawing
There is a thickness element that detects and detects and is not marked
Time and / or when inconsistencies exist in the drawing data,
Include warning systems or modules to warn
No. For example, a thickness warning element may be hidden on the display screen.
Provided to emphasize the underlying unmarked thickness
The surface warning element has a surface dimension that is the same as the thickness in the other figures.
When there is no match, the potential match on the screen
Provided to emphasize the missing side. Bending line warning element
Also emphasizes inconsistent bending lines and inconsistent thickness curves
Provided to emphasize lines. The curve is on this curve
The projected at least one bend line has two transverse thickness lines
Emphasized when not sandwiched by minutes. For example, FIG.
(C) is two or other even non-zero even thickness line segments
(Ie a short line across the thickness in each figure)
The thickness curve sandwiched is illustrated. Each bend line is two or
Should be sandwiched by other even zero transverse thickness segments
It is. These entities of the part in each drawing
The tee analysis performs a loop analysis and creates each figure
Analysis of the connectivity of
Based on An open thickness line is another thickness line or
A thickness line having at least one end point not connected to the curve
Defined based on minutes. Including one open thickness line segment
Id is defined as the open thickness side. Thick line is open
Open thickness side of thickness line matches minimum bounding box
Not emphasized if not. The processed 2D 3D view
By giving the user a warning related to the image of the user,
Is warned of inconsistencies in the drawing data and the user
Before further processing to generate a 3D model,
The drawing data can be corrected and / or corrected.
You. Interaction with such alert systems and users
Includes the precision of the representation of the parts with a 3D model
To improve. In step S168 of FIG.
The processed 2D 3D drawing is converted to a 3D model.
It is transformed and developed. From the two-dimensional three-view drawing, the third order
Conversion and deployment to the original model is well known or established
This is done using a projection and / or projection method. For example
In order to generate a three-dimensional model from the two-dimensional three-view drawing,
The depth of each figure is detected and each is used to develop a 3D model.
The figure is projected. The resulting 3D model is then bent
Used to generate model data, and
Single two-dimensional plane by adapting the open algorithm
Converted to figure. More about geometric modeling techniques
For further information, see Mortenson, Folly et al.
Look at Thira. Construct a 3D model from a 2D drawing
For additional information about projection techniques for eg
See below. Wesley et al. A. "Projection
I. B. M. J, RES, DEVELOP, 25
Volume, NO. 6, pp. 934-954 (1981), Aom.
La Siguel, `` Shaping solid models with mechanical drawings
The 6th Computer Mechanics Conference
No., JSME, NO. 930-71, Japan, 497-
P. 98 (1993), Aomura Sigel, research and practice
Recent trends and future possibilities of use (3D models
Dell automatic reconfiguration) Tokyo Engineering Co., Ltd., Japan, 6-1
3 (1995). These disclosures are hereby all of them
Is explicitly captured in 3 in step S168
When developing a three-dimensional model, the resulting three-dimensional model
Additional cleanup for further processing and refinement
Steps are included. According to one aspect of the invention, a third order
The original clean-up process is based on the two-dimensional
In the three-dimensional representation of the parts
To compensate for ambiguities that generate unnecessary or excessive information
Provided to compensate. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
The two-dimensional three-dimensional representation of the part is the front in the three-dimensional coordinate space
Include ambiguity in relation to the representation of various features of the part
No. When generating a three-dimensional model from the two-dimensional three-view drawing,
Measured and excessive information is produced as a result of these ambiguities.
Is done. Therefore, according to an aspect of the invention, the three-dimensional
The cleanup process is not connected at one end
Detect and remove line segments and detect bending lines
And trimming the surface. Said
The 3D cleanup process is a result of the part
Automatically performed when generating all three-dimensional models
Requires additional steps in the generated 3D model
Is selected based on the input from the operator
It is done on a regular basis. According to the three-dimensional cleanup process
Analyzing the generated three-dimensional drawing data
Should not be connected to other entities at one end.
All line segments or curves determined to be
Defined as a radiation segment. Judgment that it is a one-sided open line segment
Is any entity to be represented a 3D representation of the part
Removed. Once the open line is removed, it
Lead to the opening of a line or entity
Maybe. Therefore, a new one-sided open line is also identified.
All open lines or entities are removed
Until it is repeatedly removed. In FIG. 63, one open line segment is removed.
FIG. 64 shows an example of a three-dimensional representation of a part before it is removed.
Is before the one-sided open line is removed from the 3D representation
The parts are illustrated. As described above, step S16
In the three-dimensional cleanup process performed in step 8, the bending line is detected.
It also includes the step of cleaning out. Bending line in three-dimensional space
Identified to facilitate the detection of part surface information
And cleaned (eg adding mold line segments)
By). Based on the generated three-dimensional model data
Each bend line is the same as defined by its center
A pair of three-dimensional curves with normals of
(Represented by the curve entity in the data)
Identified based on detection. In this process,
Mold line is added to the bent line
Is done. The mold segment is located on each pair of three-dimensional curves.
To determine the corresponding end point and the corresponding
Mold line between end points (for example, with a line entity
(Represented). Fig. 65
Shows a typical 3D representation of the part before the bend line is identified
FIG. 66 shows the mold segment (represented by a broken line in the drawing).
(Shown) is shown after the part has been added. Bending line
Is specified and the mold segment is added,
In the lean-up process, all the bending lines
3 of the part to clean and trim the surface
Process dimensional expressions. In the figure of the two-dimensional three-view drawing data,
3D of the part due to frequent ambiguities
An excess of the surface is generated in the representation. The three-dimensional
The lean-up process identifies excess portions of the surface and
Sheet metal domain knowledge (for example, knowledge of what cannot be folded)
Trim the surface using Extra holes or
Other extra information, such as openings, are also identified and erased.
As a result, the excess part of the part is removed and the third
The original representation provides a more precise representation of the sheet metal part.
FIG. 67 cleans the bend line and trims the surface
FIG. 68 shows a typical portion of the part before it is
After the normalization and trimming of the parts
Show. Figure 25 shows the material from the first 3D drawing with material thickness
Made to generate 3D drawings without thickness
4 shows an example of a logic flow of steps and operations. Step S20
0, the first three-dimensional drawing with material thickness is entered and
Is carried into the server module 32. The three-dimensional model is
3D wireframe drawing with material thickness, DX
CAD drawing file such as F or IGES file
It is. The three-dimensional drawing is sent to the server module 32
After being carried in, the thickness removing step is performed in step S204.
Will be The three-dimensional model in step S204
The thickness removal process is performed by the above-mentioned AMADA UNFOLD software.
Line in the same way as provided in the software system.
Be done. Elimination of thickness in the 3D model
To do this, the operator first indicates the thickness and
You will be prompted to make a selection. Based on this operator's choice
The end point of the entity line that defines the thickness
The thickness is measured. Then, selected
The surface boundary is the loop and entity analysis step
Is searched for in a manner similar to that described above in connection with So
Entities that are kept as marked are marked (for example,
By setting or increasing the lug), the corresponding thickness
The entity is removed. The three-dimensional parts
When searching for an entity, the entity
Based on the length of the thickness entity selected by the user
Is identified. Generally the same as the thickness entity
All entities with the same length are not selected and removed
Other entities that are not the same length are marked
Will be left. Marked in the search for the surface of the 3D part
The remaining entities that were not
is there. Again, the server module 32 is removed manually
Provide mode, where the operator should be removed
Manually specify each entity in a 3D part
You. After step S204, the result is no thickness
All three-dimensional models are developed in step S206 and / or
Or it is displayed to the operator. Expansion algorithm
Or a 3D model where the process then has no material thickness
As described in detail above and applied to
Generate a single two-dimensional top view of the data. Above
The design stored in the database 30 and
Manufacturing information includes not only manufacturing data for sheet metal elements, but also
Bending model data including sheet metal geometry and topology
Data files. Further implement various features of the invention
The software used to do this is as high as C ++
Object-oriented program using multiple programming languages
Generated using RAM technology. Various features of the present invention
In order to execute it, you need a different
Some object-oriented technologies are also used. object
If a pointing program is used, the sheet metal parts
Object-oriented data is used to represent
The bending model for the part is completely self-contained
-Executed using the library. One side of the invention
In some aspects, based on object-oriented programming technology,
Representative data structure and access for the bending model
-A description of the algorithm is provided. FIG. 26
Used when executing light by an object-oriented program
Data structure and access of the bending model to be used
4 illustrates the algorithm. Object-oriented programs
Is a set of objects or modules containing data
As well as combining multiple instructions that operate on that data
Software that can model the real world
One type or form of wear deployment. object
In object-oriented programs, objects are
Software that models something physical, such as arts
Wear entities, or they are business
It models something virtual like the commerce above
is there. Objects collectively state their state
One or more attributes (ie, fields)
) And recognize it from all other objects.
Contains an identifier for identification. Furthermore, objects are
Modify the attribute based on the existence of the condition
A group of methods that operate on objects (ie, procedures
C) includes the behavior defined by Implementation of the present invention
According to an example, said sheet metal part is object-oriented data
Expressed as a model. Sheet metal as shown in FIG.
Part bending models are completely self-contained class live
Rari. All for the sheet metal parts
Required data manipulation and functions (eg bending, unfolding
Etc.) are included as elementary functions of this class library
It is. All geometric or topology data is
Inside multiple objects that are classified in
Defined. The bending model class library has a plurality of
Class or object hierarchy, part class
Is the top-level class in the hierarchy. The partsk
Lass creates part objects with various part attributes.
Including, said parts and a plurality made to said parts
Contains various objects that define the operation of FIG.
Are classified in the bending model class library.
5 shows examples of various objects. For example, various attributes 5
2 are provided. The parts genus
Property 52 is part number and / or name, part material type
And various part information such as part thickness. Previous
The attribute 52 also indicates the order in which multiple bends are made.
Information on the bending order and various dimensions of the parts
Includes other manufacturing information such as any error requirements. The parts
Class 50 also has a surface object as shown in FIG.
G 54, hole object 56, molding part object 5
8 and various objects such as bend line object 60
Project. The objects 54, 56, 58 and
Each of the 60 represented entities (eg,
Surface, hole, molding, and bend line)
Consists of objects. The surface object 54, hole
The object 56, the molding part object 58, and the bending line
Object 60 has the geometric shape and dimension data, respectively.
Position and coordinate data in 2D and 3D space representation
Data and their respective entities of the part (eg
(For example, faces, holes, moldings, and bend lines)
Data to be included. For example, the surface object 54
Is the geometric shape and dimensions for each of the plurality of surfaces
Data of the plurality of surfaces in two-dimensional and three-dimensional representations
Spatial position data and the edges and surfaces of the plurality of surfaces.
Includes all edge and surface data. Furthermore, the molding object
G 58 relates to a special molding in the part
Data, which includes geometric and dimensional data.
Data, 2D and 3D spatial position data, and edges and surfaces
Including data. As further shown in the embodiment of FIG.
The part class 50 further includes a topology object 62
And a bending characteristic object 64. The topology
The object 62 includes the surface, the hole, and the molded portion of the part.
And part topology data for bending lines.
The data in the topology object 62 is
Show the structural and geometric relationships of the various features of the part
You. The bending characteristic object 64 is one of the parts.
Or special manufacturing constraints on additional features
Includes information about For example, how the sheet metal parts are bent
The bending property information on what should be
The property object 64 is provided. The bending characteristic information
Indicates different bending characteristic types (eg, simultaneous bending,
Includes special manufacturing data for up bending, Z bending, etc.
The bend line object 60 also
Contains relevant manufacturing special data. Therefore, for each bending line
Geometric or dimensional data in 2D and 3D
In addition to the interposition data and end data, the bending line object
ECT 60 also provides V-width data for each bend line, bending
Includes pitch data, bend number data and / or orientation data
No. Each bending line has an associated bending operation as shown in FIG.
including. In this bending operation, bending is performed at each bending line.
Group of objects having data and operations / indications for
It is executed as a task. Provisioned as an object
When performed, each bending operation may include a bending angle, a bending radius, and / or
Not only specific bending data such as bending reduction amount, but also how
Or what type of bending should be performed (eg cone
Bending, Z bending, hemming, arc bending, etc.)
Data and instructions. -The bending model of the part
By executing through the object-oriented data model
All complex mathematical calculations, computational geometries and matrices
The conversion is built into a single class library. F
Special bending operations such as mining, Z bending and arc bending
Incorporated into the class library. V-width and song
Manufacturing information, such as shrinkage reduction and bending order,
It is taken into the library. According to the bending model,
Figure 2 shows the simultaneous double display of the two-dimensional plane model and three-dimensional model.
This is performed as shown in FIG. Further, the music of the bending model
Bending is performed according to the vertical line object 60.
General rice related to the bending model and part structure
Events and their implementation are described in the appendix attached here.
K. The bending model viewer displays the bending model
To interpret the pattern in a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional representation.
It is provided to display a visual image of the article. FIG.
7 is the bending model view according to another aspect of the present invention.
Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of the relationship between the core structure and the bending model.
Show. The bending model viewer is an object-oriented
Implemented through the programming technique,
20 at various locations 10, 12, 14,...
User in the bending module provided in the bending model
Various views of the parts can be displayed based on the information
It is an application based on Windows.
The bending model viewer visualizes the sheet metal part.
Suite of application libraries used to
Includes re-module. Further, the bending model viewer
Is the image class of the Windows application
Designed and therefore it can be any Windows app
Used as a basic image class for applications
You. Most markers for viewing the 2D and 3D models
Standard operation (for example, zoom 92, rotation 96, pan 100,
The dimensions 102 etc.) are the same as the element functions of the bending model viewer.
And executed. Geometric transformation and basic computer
Graphics technology uses the music when performing image operations.
Applied to the model object. Further,
The bend model viewer includes an image model attribute 88 and
This is a solid image, wireframe image, 2D plane image
Has four main image modes, including image and orthographic images
You. According to one aspect of the present invention, the bending model
The Las Library 80 stores selected images (eg, solid images).
, Wire, two-dimensional plane or orthographic image)
Includes a set of procedures or functions that operate on sheet metal parts.
The bending model viewer observation class 84 includes a zoom 9
2, rotation 96, pan 100 and dimensions 102,
Includes standard operations for the run. And the bending model view
The bending model viewer observation class according to the state of
From the bending model class library 80
Call the function. As shown in FIG.
The various observation model attributes or features 8 selected from
8 is solid image, wireframe image, 2D plane
Images and orthographic images. This provided in the present invention
For a description of these various observation modes, see FIGS.
Provided below. Basic computer graphics
And geometric modeling techniques such as geometric transformation and 3
The dimensional geometric technique implements various features of the bending model.
To perform and provide different observation modes or functions
used. 2D and 3D based on computer
Recent Developments in Modeling and Simulation
And development, such as graphic libraries or packages
The utility of the device is suitable for carrying out these features of the invention.
Used. In addition, computer graphics and models
A wide variety of publications or documents are available for conversion
It is. For example, Moltenson, Folly, Manti
Look at La. Each of them has been described above. Seeds of the invention
Each stage to provide various observation and modeling features
800 × 6
High resolution like SVGA screen with resolution of 00
It has an image display screen. Joystick and or
Or the game card can also be
The module is provided to the
Modify and observe two- and three-dimensional representations
To be able to Software-based graphics
Packages, such as OpenGL and Render
The software is used to perform graphic calculations.
These graphic libraries or packages are
Various observation modes in applications based on Windows
Used to execute code. For example, open GL
Is the part geometry and topography provided in the bending model.
Various 2D wireframe images based on
Used to perform image. And renderware before
Based on the part data provided in the bending model,
Various 2D and 3D solid images of sheet metal parts
Used to display. Update on OpenGL
For more information, see, for example, OpenGL Reference
Manual and OpenGL / Programming Guide
Release 1, Release 1, Open GL Architecture Review
View Board, Addison-Wesley Publisher, Riede
See Wing, Mass. (1992). Render
For information on wear, see, for example,
Reference Manual V2.0, Criterion Software
See Air Corporation, United Kingdom (1996). The par
To display various images of the tool, the bending model is an example
For example, the station module of the operator
Accessed from the database 30. The bending model
The data can be any graphics library or
Is a package (eg open GL or renderware)
Depending on the data format used by
Matted. Then, the graphic data
Is the observation mode (wire,
Solid), or executed by the user.
Various functions to perform selected observation functions (zoom, pan, etc.)
According to the programmed order. Specific view
When the observation mode is selected by the operator,
The observation mode is the current zoom ratio or file of the image.
Detected along with the vector and orientation. This information is then
To update the current display,
Used to make function calls to pages. Previous
Function calls for the graphic package are displayed
The observation mode to be performed and the zoom or other performed
This is performed according to the observation function. These function calls
Based on the graphic package, the required data
So that the station module is
An image of the part is displayed on a lator. The you
The two-dimensional or three-dimensional representation by the
(By moving the stick or mouse)
Additional function to update the displayed image based on
A call is made to the graphics library
You. To provide a wireframe image of the part
Then, the parts of the parts are
The line entity data is provided and the required graphics
Calculation is performed. But for solid images,
One or more polygons for each of the faces
Pulled out and the graphic to display the image
Provided as input to the work package. Open GL and
Graphics packages such as
Takes polygonal data as input and provides a solid image
To fill the area defined by the polygon. Previous
The polygon is the surface and bending line information in the bending model.
Derived by determining the boundaries of each surface
You. The polygon represents and defines each face of the part
Must be generated in order to These aspects are
In order to display the entire sheet metal part,
Based on the part topology and other data in
Connected. If the surface has openings or holes
Has several polygons that do not surround such an opening
It is necessary to define the surface For orthographic maps,
Each of the individual figures (which can be wireframe or solid
is there. The data on the graphic package
And the resulting duplicate, as shown in FIG.
Number figures are combined on a single display screen. The song
To perform various observation modes and functions of the model image
A representative code for is provided in Appendix E. The sample code
The code is written in C ++ and the process and the
Includes multiple comments related to the operation being performed. Appropriate gra
Fix Package (eg OpenGL and Renderau
The code in the connection with the
(2D and 3D wireframe or solid)
Used for displaying, but also the observation function
(E.g., zoom, rotate, pan, etc.)
You. Easy to display various observation mode display screens
A detailed description is given below. The solid diagram mode is
A solid, of the part defined by the bending model
The displayed three-dimensional diagram is displayed. Fig. 28 shows the sheet metal equipment
At any of the positions 10, 12, 14, ... 20 within 38
Provided as output to a display screen
5 illustrates an exemplary solid diagram window. This solid
In the diagram mode, the user or operator
Operate navigation in the original space and automatic 3D dimensioning
You are given multiple viewing functions to make. The parts
Basic functions provided to change the solid diagram
Is rotation, zooming, panning, and / or standard drawing
Including alternatives. Given or selected by the user
The standard figure includes: That is, isometric projection, plan view,
Bottom view, front view, back view, left view, and right view. Automatic and automatic
A new dimensioning operation is also provided, with the current viewing angle
Display the critical dimensions of the part based on This departure
A representative example of the clear sizing characteristics is shown in FIGS. 32-36.
Provided below. Solid as shown in FIG.
Figure windows are applications based on Windows
And therefore multiple windows or parts of the part
A partial view is provided. The windows in the plurality of figures are
One extremely close-up single in the Indiana
Enlarged view providing a diagram of the previous and single window
Includes a bird's eye view that gives a very far view of the part.
The partial view is a part of the object selected by the user.
Give a diagram. In order to control the various observation functions,
The server at each of the locations 10, 12, 14, ... 20
Joy to module 32 and station module
A stick interface is provided. Said Joyce
Only ticks and / or certain keys on the keyboard (eg
For example, a shift key or a control key)
The operation of alignment is rotation, panning and zooming.
Performed by the user to perform various functions such as
It is. Furthermore, the cloth on which the solid diagram of the part is displayed
Was identified for the part in the database
The material is selected to simulate. For this purpose
For, steel, stainless steel, aluminum
Material dough with a library of material dough, such as
An library is provided. Stored material fabric library
Is accessed by the operator when a solid diagram exists.
Applied. Therefore, the surface of the displayed part is
More faithfully simulate the actual fabric of sheet metal parts
You. The wireframe diagram mode is for the sheet metal part.
Provides a Windows-based display of wireframe diagrams
I do. An example of a wireframe window is shown in FIG.
ing. Three-dimensional space navigation in the wire frame
Key machine to provide solutions and 3D dimensioning
The function is similar to that described above for the solid diagram.
You. For example, rotation, zooming, panning and standard drawing
Functions such as selection are provided. Automatic dimensioning, multiple drawings
Windows and section options are also available with the wireframe
Provided in diagram mode. In addition, a joystick
And / or the keyboard interface allows the user to
Various observation functions can be selected and activated
Provided. The two-dimensional plan view mode is
In the home screen display, the expanded two-dimensional plane of the part
Display the figure. An example of a two-dimensional plan view window is shown in FIG.
It is shown. This 2D plan view mode allows the user to
To make it possible to change or resolve the figure in the window
Has a plurality of observation functions. For example, if the user
Selectively zoom and pan planar wireframe diagrams
Zooming and panning functions to enable
It is provided. In addition, dimensioning and multi-window viewing machines
Is the same as described above for the solid diagram mode.
It is provided in an embodiment. Joystick and / or keyboard
The user interface allows the user to pan and zoom and perform other observations
It is provided to enable control of the function. Said
Special molded parts or shapes provided on parts
In front of the molding area with special molding indications or descriptions
Displayed on the outermost boundary as a molding or shape
You. The orthographic window as shown in FIG.
Provided as part of the bend model viewer. The orthography
Figure mode is a top view, front view in wireframe display
The figure, right figure, and isometric projection figure are displayed. Hidden line option
Cannot see blocked lines based on viewing angle
It is provided in order to. This hidden line option is
Used to simplify windows. The orthographic figure
Various observation functions are also provided in the mode,
Selectively manipulate the current figure in said window;
Make it possible to change. For example, zooming and bread
Function is compatible with sizing and multiple window viewing
Is provided. As mentioned above, multiple window observation machine
Function is provided, and the user
Selectively display magnified and / or bird's-eye views of orthographic maps.
And enable. Joystick and / or keyboard
Interface is provided at each of the plurality of locations.
The user views the plurality of views in the orthographic mode.
Allows you to selectively activate and operate each of the perception functions
And Display each of the various figures shown above
In addition to the above, the bending model viewer observation class
Performed with features. For example, the bending model viewer
Represents the current diagram selected and highlighted by the operator.
To indicate multiple items or entities
Include and maintain a selection set of One aspect of the invention
According to the operator, the data associated with the selected item
Modify the data, or
Surface and bending of the displayed part to perform the operation
Allowed to select lines and other features. For example
The operator selects the face of the displayed part and
The dimensional data along its width or length
Can be. The operator can also change the bend angle or V-width
Correction of various bending data associated with each bending line.
Can be. The bending model viewer is selected by the user.
The selected entity or item (eg, surface, bend)
A list of lines, faces or bend lines). Observation
Updates the list. Therefore, the current
The currently selected item is always saved in the selection list.
Be held. Other parts of software in this invention
Performs different procedures (eg manual sizing)
Or when doing so, the current state of the selected entity
Call the drawing class of the current list. Further, the bending model
The viewer provides an observability function. It is a current table
Observability information and coordinate information based on the diagram shown
I will provide a. As described more fully below,
The observability function is a specific part or entity of the part.
Whether the light is currently observable on the screen
Provide information about the
Provides coordinate information about the current location. Said
The observability function of the bending model viewer is
Determine which parts are currently observable on the screen
Called by the sizing characteristics of this invention to
You. Therefore, the parts that are observable on the screen
Only the dimensional information of the part is displayed to the observer. this
A more detailed description of the sizing and observability features of the invention
Provided below. Further observation of the bending model viewer
Representative code for performing the possibility function is attached here
Provided in Appendix J. Referring to FIGS. 32-36,
An example of sizing characteristics, according to one aspect of the invention, is
Explained. As mentioned above, each of the observation modes is currently
Automatically displays the dimensions of the part based on the viewing direction of the part.
Includes sizing features as shown. Automatic sizing is currently available
Flanges or invisible at viewing angles
Provides that the dimensions of the bend line are not displayed to the user.
Provided. The automatic sizing function or mode is activated
Only the observable dimensions of the part
Displayed based on the observation angle. In addition, automatic dimensioning
In the bending mode, only predetermined dimensions (that is,
Dimensions that are important to the viewing angle)
Displayed. Manual dimensioning mode also provided
The user selects which dimensions should be displayed
It is possible to give instructions. With manual dimensions
Dimensions selected by the user in the
Only are displayed based on the current part viewing angle.
You. In each dimensioning mode, the displayed dimensions
The legal matter is that the part is zoomed or panned
Is deleted or removed from the window display. FIG.
2 is the various dimensions displayed in the automatic dimensioning mode
An example of a matter is illustrated. In the automatic dimensioning mode
The displayed dimension items are important items for bending operation (for example,
Flange length, bending line length, bending angle, etc.)
Extra dimensions, such as the dimensions of a punched hole or opening
Not a legal matter. The displayed dimension items are, for example,
The width, depth and height of the sheet metal part and the flange length
Including. Further, the bending line length L and bending angle of each bending line
A, inner radius R and bend reduction D alone or together,
Display in one window or in group information box
Is done. As described above, viewing based on the current viewing angle
Only legible dimensions are displayed. In addition, the operation
Is rotated and zoomed to change the viewing angle of the part.
All dimensions from the display when panning or panning
Erased or removed, and when each operation is completed
The dimensions are displayed again. Display information (any text or
Is the size and orientation of the current zoom ratio or
The screen size, not the viewing angle
The law is adjusted. However, the readability of the dimensional information
Color, style, weight and
And / or fonts so that users can change them.
It is possible. As a result operator or designer
Selects the special color, font size, etc. of the dimension information
Emphasis on critical dimensions in parts
Can be. For example, the color, dimensions or font of the dimension text
Font or dimensional reference, line or arrow color, line weight or
Or style dictates critical dimensions in the part
To be emphasized or selectively changed. operator
Can also color and fill the window info box or
Style or color specific bend lines or
Emphasize other important dimensions in the art. With dimensions of the present invention
Various processes or operations are available to implement the
Used. Further, as described above, the sizing characteristics of the present invention
The observability function that provides observability information for
The bending model viewer is provided. These functions or features
The property is, for example, the server module 32 and / or the entire factory.
Each of the station modules located in
It is executed by software. The automatic sizing feature of this invention
Representative code for performing the functions is provided in Appendix FI.
is there. In addition, the observability function of the bending model viewer has been added.
Sample code for this is provided in Appendix J. With these
The code in the recording is written in C ++ programming language.
And the logical flow of procedures and operations performed there.
Include comments to facilitate solution. Dimensions of the invention
The logical flow of tagging characteristics is generally divided into three stages:
You. In a first step, the bending model geometry and
And topology data is accessed from database 30
Display all dimensions of the parts and their dimensions
Used to calculate all aspects that can be done. Said
Data can be displayed for each bend line and face of the part.
All farthest points are calculated, and for these points,
All the ways in which dimension lines or arrows can be displayed are calculated
You. Where the dimensional data or other information can be displayed
Certain heuristics are applied when determining
You. For example, as a general rule, all information is
Is determined to be displayed only outside the originals. like this
Heuristics are more meaningful for the viewer
To provide a display of informative and less crowded information
Applied to The first step described above is based on the dimensions of the present invention.
Performed whenever an attachment characteristic is activated by the operator
It is. Alternatively, the calculation in the first stage is based on
Only when observed by the operator. This
In such a case, the calculated data is used for the next use.
Stored in memory for the part dimensions or other
The geometric data has been modified or changed by the user
When changed. Furthermore, all calculations in the first stage are
For parts geometry not clean
Done. Therefore, the data is related to the current drawing
Not used again at any time even if the drawing is changed
Can be The second stage of the automatic sizing feature of the present invention is
This is done whenever the drawing of the part is updated. This second
The main purpose of the phase is to
Based on which entity in the
Sifting the data generated during the first stage
It is. In this second stage, observe in the current figure
All data that is not possible has been screened and currently observed
Possible, of the data calculated in the first stage
Only remains. Any point or part of the part is currently
View the bending model view to determine if it is observable.
Function call to the client. As mentioned above,
The bend model viewer displays the current view being displayed.
Information about the observable part of the part based on
Includes an observation function to hold and provide. Orientation of the parts
Based on the bend model viewer is
Planes and bend lines (and any edges or
Or part) is observable and what is the screen
Determine what is hidden above. As mentioned above,
Support for performing the observable functions of the bend model viewer.
Sample codes are provided in Appendix J. None of the parts
To determine whether a point or part is observable
In the meantime, the bending model viewer displays the current drawing of the part.
Orientation and ratio of current zoom plane or displayed part
Determine and maintain the rate. The bending model viewer is
Conventional perspective view to determine and maintain the orientation of the current figure
Uses projection technology (see Mortenson, eg, Chapter 12)
I do. In determining the observability of any point on the part
Is the world coordinates of the point (ie, where the part is represented
The observability function captures the coordinates where they appear)
Get. Next, there is the current drawing orientation and zoom plane
Or the point is based on the ratio,
Corresponding screen coordinates (ie pixel position on screen)
Is determined. Then, based on the screen coordinates,
From the view point of the screen,
Entity or part is ahead of the point in question
Is determined. Hidden points above the parts
Characteristics are other entities or parts of the part
Is assigned the same point on the screen as the problem point
Can also be determined based on whether Graphic
Package or library (eg open GL or
Is a function call to one of the parts
More than points are assigned to points on the same screen
Used to determine if. If something is the same
If assigned to a point on the screen,
Based on the Z-buffer depth of each of the points
It is determined whether the point is behind it. Said
Z buffer depth depends on open GL or renderware
Sometimes used by graphics package,
Or the distance from the camera position to each point.
The Z-depth is calculated for several points on the part of interest.
Function calls to the graphics package
Is determined by Observation of the bending model viewer is possible
The above process of performance function is the automatic sizing feature of this invention
Whenever there is a reminder to the bending model viewer from
Is performed. Such a process is therefore dependent on the operator
Corrects the current view of the part displayed by
Is executed whenever it is changed. As mentioned above,
The bending model viewer displays the orientation of the displayed image.
Whenever changes are made, the current orientation and zoom
Maintain and update the state of the system ratio and thus observe when required
Providing accurate possibility information. Which data is observable
After determining if there is, the auto-sizing function
(Based on a one-step calculation) the dimensional data or other
Determine all possible ways and locations where information can be displayed
You. Data from all possible ways in which the data can be displayed
Group to select the best way to display data
Heuristics are applied. For example, the first Hu
Realistic is the screen closer to the observer's observation point.
Claim that the area above the site is preferred. Second heuristic
The tic is the two possible points for defining the dimensions.
The area closer to the area where the distance between them is the smallest.
Specifies that the data should be displayed. Other heuristics
The stick also overlaps on the screen or
To avoid congestion, other dimensional data or other information
Applied based on relative position. Observable parts
Display information about active areas and the observable area
After determining the optimal area to do, the automatic dimensioning
The third step of the function is to display various information on the display screen.
Will be matters to draw. For example, displaying the information
Based on the selection of the area for
Displayed on the screen for each of the observable dimensions
You. Further, based on which bend line is observable,
Line information also does not overlap with other parts information.
Information box (eg, FIG. 3)
2). The width and height of the part
The dimensions of the part, including its depth and
At a predetermined position on the top (for example, the lower right of the part) or
Closest to the part and does not overlap with other information
Is displayed in a position that does not disturb it. Figures 33-36
When displaying the dimension items in the dimensioning mode,
3 illustrates various methods and definitions used. In particular, FIG.
(A) -33 (b) and 33 (c) represent a variety of different
Illustrates how flange dimensions are defined for articles
You. According to one aspect of the invention, the flange length
Is defined as the furthest point on the flange from each bend line.
It is. If the longest of the flange is parallel to the bending line
If the farthest point of the flange does not exist at the end
Is the longest flange in the dimensioning mode.
Is added and displayed. As an example without limitation, FIG.
And 34 (b) describe two different types of parts.
And the addition of an additional flange length. Previous
When the thickness of the part is displayed, the flange length is the outer dimension
Appears outside the law. For example, FIG.
(B) and 35 (c) are variously displayed with thickness.
For the part where the flange length is indicated
Illustrated. Furthermore, for parts with sharp bends,
The flange length is indicated in various ways. For example, figure
As shown in FIG. 36 (a), the flange length is the tangent dimension.
Displayed according to legal definition, where the flange length
Is measured from the tangent extending from the acute bend. Some
Or two extending from the two sides of the acute bending angle
Flange length based on the point defined by the intersection of the straight lines
36 (b) to define the
Sometimes the cross dimension method is used. The operator has
The tangent dimension or intersection dimension to indicate the flange length
Legal method and / or
Defaults to a specific dimensioning method (eg tangent dimensioning method)
Provided as settings. Facilitates generation of bending code sequence
Graphical user interface with various display functions
Face is provided to allow the operator to
Help with growth. Figures 37-44 illustrate another aspect of the present invention.
Bend coding by using a graphical user interface.
Various procedures and operations performed to generate the
The work is illustrated. Usually, initial bending model data and other
Work information is important in server module 32.
Design programmer by entering strategic and manufacturing data
Generated by The resulting bending model file is
Next, it is stored in the database 30. Sheet metal parts are manufactured
Operator performs the desired bending operation before
It is necessary to generate a bending order for This bending operation
The operator decides what type of tool is needed and
Tooling must be defined for the bending machine
Must. This bending plan generation process is a graphical user
The use of the interface also provides various teachings of the present invention.
Assisted by indication and more efficient. The bending press
To generate a run, for example, at the bending station 18
The bending operator performs the bending from the database 30.
Access and download models and other work information
I do. The bending model for the related part is
Bending station via communication network 26
Station module on factory floor at station 18
Is carried into or transferred to the module. This process is generally
This is specifically shown in step S220 of FIG. Then
In step S224, the bending operator checks the bending model view.
Inspect the shape and dimensions of the part using a tool. This
The bending operator now has
Various two of the parts on the positioned display screen
Selectively zoom and pan dimensional and three dimensional views. This
By activating the automatic sizing characteristics of the invention of
The bending operator also performs the bending operation as described above.
Observe the critical bending dimensions of the part. Once the operator
Understanding the shape and dimensions of the parts, this bending operation
Selects a bending order input window in step S228.
Generate the bending plan by selecting and displaying
To start that. The bending order input window is
Let the perlator generate and modify and delete the bending order
Provide a graphical user interface to assist
One of the operators for each stage in the bending order
Various manufacturing parameters (eg back gauge position, process
Tools, NC data, etc.)
I do. The bending order input window is one of the screens.
Part (eg the center of the screen or the left side of the screen)
The two-dimensional plan view image of the part displayed on
No. The two-dimensional plan view image includes a flange of the part,
Includes various features of the deployment part, including holes and openings.
No. The bend operator is configured to determine the plurality of bend lines and each bend.
Selecting and indicating the bending order for the line, each bending step
Solid 2D or intermediate solid part shape on the floor
Shows a three-dimensional image, for example, as shown in FIG.
Part of the screen, such as the right edge of the screen
Are provided. The image of the intermediate part shape is input
38 are displayed in the order corresponding to the bending order and
(As shown) with a two-dimensional plan view of the part
Simultaneous or separate screen display on lean
Will be displayed separately. Furthermore, as each bend line is selected
Then, the bending line is emphasized, and as an example in FIG.
As shown, bend order number and insertion direction (eg, arrow
Is displayed above or near the bend line.
You. The bend line number for each bend line can be selected
Is automatically set based on the order in which
After the line is selected, it is entered manually by the operator.
It is. Bending angle, bending line length, and back gauge position
Other manufacturing information related to bending lines, such as FIGS.
Each bendline is selected and highlighted, as shown in the example in Figure 1.
Is entered and / or displayed on the screen
You. Dialogs or information as shown in FIGS.
Information box is displayed on the screen and the bending operator
Selects manufacturing information and other parameters associated with each bend line.
Selected, entered or modified. Said da
The dialog or information box is bent by the bending operator.
Enables you to highlight or select lines. Hot function
Key or high-speed switch key input the bending sequence
Appears in the window and the operator selects the tool
Or enter and monitor and modify NC data.
Make it possible. For example, a bending operator may press the tool function key
Select and enter tooling information from the bending order input window.
Tool input display screen for inputting
Switch to the display screen. NC function control keys (for example,
NC9EX) is also provided and the operator should be
Monitor and / or modify NC data related to bending operations
To be able to As further shown in FIGS.
Defining and / or modifying bend lines and related
Other function keys and controls are provided in connection with the
Have been. For example, the ZOOM ALL key is the secondary
To zoom in and out the original floor plan image
Is provided. The back gauge key is
Provided to select or set the position of the
You. Grouping and ungrouping control keys together
To enable or control multiple bend lines that can be bent
Will be displayed. In addition, special control keys (for example, flax)
It is provided to define various bending operations. Other functions
The key is displayed and the operator selects the bending order and corrects it.
And / or erased (eg, R
EMOVE CLEAR FWD, CLEAR AL
L, OK, CANCEL) This bending order input window
The bending operator allows the bending order and various manufacturing
Information can be monitored and corrected efficiently.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, a cross-sectional view of the part
And / or the bending simulation of the part comprises the bending
Displayed on the screen for each bending step in the order
(See, for example, FIG. 41). The sectional view and bending simulation
Is displayed selectively on the screen or
Is displayed when each bend line is selected by the bend operator.
It is. The cross-sectional view and the bending simulation are, for example,
Vertical bending tools (eg punches and dies) or back games
Including the representation of the position or setting, which
Displayed on the screen at the same time as the
Separately on the screen display. The back
Gauge position is automatically based on the topology of the part
Determined by the operator or set or modified by the operator
Is done. Tooling information for the bending line is entered
Not present or if set by the bending operator
The cross section and / or bending simulation
Not displayed on the lean or representation of the intermediate part shape
Only calculated or defined back gauge positions are displayed.
Is shown. The bending simulation is based on the
Desired inversion, manipulation and orientation of said parts and / or
Display of the bending process of the part made at each bending line
Including simulation. On the display screen
Before the bending process, the two-dimensional plan view image of the part
Cross-section of the part and cutting of the part after the bending process
It is also possible to display the views simultaneously (eg
See 41). These cross sections are on the right side of the screen
Provided for each bending step in the bending order provided
Includes expressions for up-down bending tools and back gauges. More zoo
Control or function keys (ZOOM IN and ZOOM
OUT) is displayed.
Control the zoom ratio or orientation in relation to the cross-section after zooming
To make things possible. Japanese Publication No. 7-112418
(Issued under the name of Niwa on December 15, 1995) and
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-309728 (19
Issued on December 14, 1989)
Techniques and procedures are in place for cross-sectional or bending simulations of the part.
Used to display the relation. Opening of the literature
Indications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
I will. According to one aspect of the invention, the selected song
The shorter or smaller side of the part in relation to the
Calculate the insertion direction automatically for the bend
Software or program logic to determine
Provided. Based on the features of the present invention, each bending line is
Used to divide the part into two sides.
The insertion direction is smaller or shorter length (for example,
Side of the part having a dimension perpendicular to the vertical line)
Or a site with a smaller overall area
Is determined for each bending line based on the If oper
If the data is not satisfied with the selected insertion direction,
As shown in FIG. 39 (b), the operator
Reverse the direction. The operator can change the insertion direction, e.g. bend line
Mouse or keypad selection button when
Button to change or reverse it.
Insertion direction information is obtained by bending part or mechanical device.
In order to bend the fiber, the flange defined by the bending line
Arrow and / or text to indicate the direction of insertion of the lunge
Including strikes. The insertion direction information is above or near the bending line.
(Eg, see FIGS. 39 (a) and 39 (b)) or
Above or near the end of the associated flange (eg, see FIG. 40)
Behold) is displayed. Further, the insertion direction information includes information on each bending line.
Is displayed when is selected or a joystick
Device, mouse device, or keyboard device
Displayed selectively based on input. Therefore the graphical you
Through the use of the interface, the bending operator
Various intermediate shapes and final part shapes can be
Can be viewed based on the selected bend order
Wear. Again, the operator can
Interface, mouse interface and / or keyboard interface
The screen through an appropriate input device such as a face
You can enter and select data on the application. Bending operation
If the radiator is not satisfied with the proposed bending order,
The operator will be generally indicated at step S232.
Edit the bend order before finalizing the bend plan. This
Editing of the bending order of the
It is. In particular, according to one aspect of the invention, drugs and drugs
And drop editing characteristics are provided as shown in FIG.
The operator simply touches the left or right side of the screen
One of the provided intermediate part shape icons or indications
And drop it to the desired position in the order
To edit the selected bend order. Then before
Based on the bending operator's correction to the bending order
The various intermediate part shapes on the screen are modified,
3 shows an intermediate bending stage based on the revised bending order. Further
Drag and drop the bending order of the bending operator
Bending order on the 2D plan view image based on
No. will be revised. After the bending order is determined, the operating
The stored tool as shown in step S236.
By selecting a tool from a library of vertical data
Determine what type of tooling should be used
I do. Relevant tooling information is available from the factory floor bending operation.
The bend operator is shown to the live
To graphically assist in choosing a tool stand from the library
Is provided with a display menu. Once the specific tool is
When selected from the library, data related to the tool
Is displayed on the screen. FIG.
Graphically displayed to the bending operator for tool selection
Examples of various display menus and data tables shown
Is illustrated. In the example of FIG. 43, the bending operator
Help retrieve a specific tool from the tool library
Because of the continuous display menu or screen display
It is displayed graphically. Screen table displayed continuously
The indication is continuously displayed on the display device (for example,
Wrap or cascade) or it
Are displayed individually and the screen is
Cleared before the lean display is displayed. Once specific
When a tool is selected, certain data for that tool is
Provided on the table and displayed to the operator. tool
The data in the library is the first
In the setup procedure of (for example, database
(Below 37) are predefined and enabled. The invention
The manual tool selection characteristic of
Select and select the tool shape for each type
Is possible. For example, punches, dies, die holders,
Various tool types are selected, including and rails. each
The type consists of many shapes and each shape has a different
There are many tools of different sizes and dimensions. One work
To select the ingredients, the user must
One icon from the displayed tool type icons
Identify one tool type first by selecting
You. The user is then available for the selected tool
Different shaped menus are offered. Analyze the tool geometry
After that, the user selects the displayed tool for the selected tool.
By selecting one shape icon from the shape icons
Select the tool shape (for example, in FIG.
Shape punch was selected). Finally, the user is selected
Select the appropriate size and dimensions for the tool shape.
As further shown in FIG.
To indicate different sizes and dimensions of tools available
Is displayed to the user. This table
By selecting one item from the selected tool
Is displayed as an icon and the general tool type icon
And confirm the tool selection. Step S
At 240, the bending operator then proceeds to the graphics interface.
With the help of different tool stages in the press brake
Set. FIG. 44 is used in the bending plan
Bending operation to facilitate tool setup definition
Typical tool setup window given to the data
The dough is illustrated. As shown by way of example in FIG.
Punch, die and rail data are stored in the tool set.
Displayed in the backup window. Of the sheet metal parts
Tool and die information is entered by the operator.
You. Joystick bends operator station
Provided on module and bending operator indicates tool position
Tool and die from the list of available tools and dies
It is possible to select a strike. This tool setup
The left side of the screen in the
On the right side of the screen.
Displays the current setup position in Sbrake
You. The current setup location is as shown in FIG.
Are emphasized or shaded. Finally, the operator
When satisfied with the bending order, the tooling and bending sequence
The included bending plan information is stored in step S24 in FIG.
As generally indicated in FIG.
Stored with the bending model. Of the bending order
Test is performed on the song selected by the bending operator.
Performed by press brakes to confirm the
You. If necessary, define the tooling or order of bending
Further modifications to the station module
Performed by the operator or designer. This
Various other features of the invention of the present invention relate to the generation of the bending plan.
Provided to assist the bending operator in bending.
For example, according to another aspect of the invention, a tooling expert
A sheet is provided for the bending operator.
Based on part geometry and other information stored in the model
Automatically give suggestions for tooling and bending order. Said
The suggestions from the tooling expert are
Later, it is revised by the bending operator. More complicated
Tooling expert system is provided, said bending
The shape and potential collision of the part in the file
Based on tool geometry analysis to check for interference
Tooling suggestions and bending order suggestions for more complex operations
Do. Such expert systems are manual
Alternatively, it may be used by robot-assisted bending machinery.
Used and executed. As a non-limiting example, the present invention
National Patent Application No. 08-386.369, "Sheet Metal Bending Plan
Entitled "Intelligent system for generating and executing
Names, such as David A-Bone, and
"Planning of Robot Window"
/ US Patent Application No. 08-33 entitled "Method of Control"
Implemented in accordance with the features and teachings disclosed in US Pat.
You. These disclosures are generally more active by reference
It is taken in. As described above, the graphical user interface
Base or various functions are provided by the bending process for sheet metal parts.
Set up to assist the bending operator in generating runs
Be killed. According to another aspect of the invention, an additional feature is
Further provided to assist in the design and manufacture of the parts
Perform As will be explained more fully below,
Or various multimedia features such as storage of visual information.
A signature is implemented in the present invention to generate the bending plan or
Or bend operator when performing a bend sequence
Provide support. Furthermore, in each of the intermediate bending stages
Automatically detects potential collisions and collisions between the tools and parts
A collision checking feature is provided to check for This opposition
The collision check feature is based on the tool shape and the space in the part.
Replaced by messy and time-consuming manual checks
Provided for The manual check is a bending plan
Is usually performed by a bending operator. This
These features and others will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
It will be explained from now. According to one aspect of the invention,
Stores audio and video information along with bending model data
A method is provided for Various audio and video information,
Recorded on the factory floor, for example, operation of sheet metal parts
And special instructions related to bending. This eye
CCD camera or digital camera
Various places 10, 12, 14, ... 20 with the crophone
Station modules. Other equipment
Video camera with an audio microphone
Camera or audio or video information
Said station to be able to record information
Provided on the module. The various recording devices are factory
Connect to the station module computer in the lower
Continued. Non-limiting example of Intel's PROSH
ARE Personal Conference CCD Camera (entered by Intel Corporation)
Can be used to record audio and video information
You. Other commercially available CCD cameras or digital cameras
Tal cameras are also used to record such information
You. Various voices stored with the bending model data
And video information can be provided to the user by various methods and procedures.
More accessed and read. Eg stored
Said station for reproducing audio and video information
The module displays menu options. Change
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
Select and generate icons displayed in the observation window
By doing so, the stored audio and video information
Ability to attach drawings of various display screens and parts
Have. This feature applies to software and object fingers.
It is performed by the program technology. This makes Aiko
Objects are created in the bending model data structure.
And stored. This icon object is
Conditions (for example, mouse double click or joystick
Indicate selection by using ticks or other input means
Notes based on operator selection of icons)
For reading the attached audio and video information from the
Including continuation. The operation of the icon according to the present invention
The board can send different audio and video messages or information to the board.
Relate different parts of the gold parts and any indications. This
By incorporating the icon in the representation of the parts,
The icon changes as the screen changes on the screen
Display a 2D and / or 3D model of the part
And is configured to rotate and translate. FIG.
5 is attached to the 3D solid model of the part
Attach audio and video information through the use of the icon
An example is illustrated. User records the audio and video information
After the operation, the operator assigns the three-dimensional model window.
Attach the icon to the desired position. The icon is an operation
The next time it is selected by the
Audio and video information is played back and displayed in the window
Part of the part where the icon is placed
Or provide special commands or messages related to the area
You. Other information, such as simulation of the bending motion
Alternatively, recordings may include
It is related to the said part by putting a con. The song
The video information related to the movement is then selected by the icon.
When played back to the user. Operator or you
The user may record audio and video information, or simply
Record voice message or still or motion video signal
And selectively played back to those users. Said c
Icon attached to window display is stored
Graphically indicate the type of information (eg, audio information
Microphone to indicate that it is stored
Icon is displayed or video information is stored.
A display monitor icon is displayed to indicate that
Special icons have audio and video information
Provided to indicate that they are related (eg,
Video camera including "A / V" symbol or microphone
Mela icon). A list of icons is provided and displayed
Displayed on the screen and the user
When attaching audio and / or video information
It is possible to select from the con. FIG. 46 is stored
Icon for reading out audio and video information
Another example of the display window is illustrated. FIG.
The display window shown is described above with reference to FIG.
Tool setup screen image like it did
is connected with. In the example of FIG. 46, audio information is stored and
It is read by the icon of the microphone. And another
Pieces of video information are stored, and the
It is read by attaching a video icon.
The audio and video information is used for tool setup or operation
Relevant special instructions or information. More active
Regardless of the type of window display
The perlator reads out different audio and video information later.
Required for various areas in the window display
Only a large number of icons can be attached. This departure
According to other aspects of Ming, image editing window features provided
The operator selects the stored images and differentiates them.
Facilitates application to different screens. The image
Window properties are window based application
Provided as, for example, the server module 32
Alternatively, a station module installed through a manufacturing facility
Access in any of the rules. FIG.
Of an image editing window executed according to the teachings of the present invention
Is illustrated. Displayed in the image editing window
Images are images from digital cameras or CAD coder
Including photos. The image displayed on the screen is
Data (eg mouse or other suitable data entry
Selected by means) and copied to other screens
Associated with a particular model diagram of the part.
It is. The operator then copies the image or icon
The model window (eg, shown above in connection with FIG. 46)
3D solid model window of the above parts
(Dou). The images in FIGS. 45, 46 and 47 are
The actual image image that is a photo reproduction of the actual screen image
Page depends on the camera or screen resolution used.
As such, it is even clearer. The image is, for example, a song
Discuss special operations or other commands related to
Or the still or motion image of the bending operator shown
Image or a video image of a sheet metal bending operation.
You. In other words, the actual image that you think is useful is captured.
Will be displayed later. Therefore, the actual configuration shown in FIGS.
The resulting image is for gauge purposes only. Figure
48 and 49, the collision check machine of the present invention
Noh examples are provided. According to one aspect of the invention,
A collision check function is provided, and the user can
Potential collisions between punching tools can be detected by graphical user interface.
It is possible to check by using the face.
The collision check function is an application based on Windows.
And any station in the manufacturing facility.
Accessed by the module or location. The invention
Automatic collision check function generates the bending plan
Traditional and cumbersome manual routines
Used by bending operator instead of Al shape check
Is done. Traditionally, bending plans for sheet metal parts are generated.
The bending operator first determines the bending order of the part
I do. The bending order is such that the sheet metal part is bent during manufacturing.
The order or correspondence is determined. The bending order is determined
The bending operator performs each of the bending operations
Select and define the tools used for In this process,
The shape of the selected tool and the intermediate shape of the part
When performing each of the bending steps,
Ensure that there is no interference or collision between
To be parsed. Where collision or interference is detected
If so, select the type of tool selected (or
Bending order) is the interference between the tool and the sheet metal part or
Modified to perform the bending operation without collision
It must be. Detect potential collision or interference
In doing so, the shape of the tool and the bent part of the sheet metal element
Or, to analyze the clearance between
Operators traditionally rely on manual methods
Was. Typically, a tool operator models the tool shape.
Is configured and used. Tool shape model is sheet metal
Engineering or technical drawings of various intermediate shapes of
With the same scale dimensions as the fixture shape model)
Manually aligned or placed on top. this
Adapt the tool geometry model to the part drawing
By combining the bending operator, the bending process
Sufficient space between the tool and the part in each of the
It can be determined whether there is clearance.
However, this process tends to be tedious and time consuming
There is. The present invention requires the provision of an automatic interference check function.
And by overcome the disadvantages of such traditional methods
That is. The interference check function of the present invention is a graphical user interface.
Executed via the user interface and the bending operator
Detects collisions at each intermediate step in the given bending order.
Check. FIGS. 48 and 49 show a graphical user interface.
Collision checker executed via user interface
An example of Noh is illustrated. When activated, said collision check
The function is that of each intermediate shape of the part in the bending order
Punch tool or multiple tools defined for that order
Automatically check for collisions with tools. The intermediate shape
Is displayed on the screen (see, for example, FIGS. 48 and 49).
If a collision is found, the process of detecting the collision
Is highlighted on the screen. More like text
A display suggestion is provided to indicate the number of collisions detected
Is done. 48 and 49, the collision information is displayed.
Provided in the upper right area of the window. Further, the collision
The type of punch tool or tools checked is
Displayed or indicated in the upper left area of the display window
You. Impact on punch tool selected by operator
When detected, the intermediate shape or
The stage is highlighted on the screen. In this case, the operating
The machine selects another punch tool for that particular bending step.
The second selection of the punch tool can be
Collision check to determine if a collision occurs
The function is performed again. The operator will be able to
Select a punch tool and collide with the collision check function.
Can be checked. Drag and drop edition
, Drag an intermediate bend shape and propose it
By dropping it to the desired position in the
The operator can change the bending order displayed during the window display.
May be provided so as to be able to be changed.
The bending order is similar to that described above with reference to FIG.
In response to the above, the drag performed by the operator and
Modified based on drop editing. The collision chip of the present invention
Various procedures and operations are used to perform
Used. Select, for example, to detect potential collisions
Number of parts in the tool geometry and intermediate
What shape is accessed. In each intermediate step,
Geometric data related to the art
Generated based on dimensional and topology data. Said
Each flange of the part is at each intermediate stage in the bending sequence
Bending data (example)
(Bending angle, bending line position, reduction amount, etc.)
I can do it. The above-mentioned bending process and the reduction amount guarantee of the present invention.
The characteristics are the geometric data for the part at each intermediate stage.
Applied when generating the data. How many of these tools and parts
Depending on the shape, the tool is
By placing the tip on the bending line of the part, the tool and
The parts are matched to each other. No more geometric
The data and the boundary between the tool and the part are analyzed and the
There are common points or overlapping points in tools and parts
It is detected by determining whether or not it is present. collision
Is detected at a particular bending step, the step is
Highlighted on screen to indicate collision detection to the user
Is done. Used to detect collisions. Tool data
Is based on the tool selection made by the user.
Actively removed from the state library. Any intermediate song
Recalculation of collisions in the grinding process is based on different tool shapes or bending orders.
Is performed based on the modification of Providing such characteristics,
Graphical user interface as described here
By displaying such information using
Possibilities are more easily determined by the bending operator
And amended. As mentioned above, the joystick or
Or mouse device, see the model on which the sheet metal parts are displayed.
When observing, the user can select various observation functions (eg, zoom).
Activation and control of the
The station through the manufacturing facility
Installed in each of the modules and their locations. Previous
The joystick device is a joystick having multiple axes.
With a selection or control button. The joy
Stick is Microsoft Sidewinder Joyste
A variety of commercially available joysticks, including
It is executed via the link device, and each station module and
And / or computer game points at other locations on the facility.
Be inserted into the board. The mouse also has Windows 95
Or any commercially available such as Windows NT
Software that supports a functional mouse and the location of each facility
Computer game port or mouse port
Any commercially available mouse device plugged into the
Is executed by 50-55 as non-limiting examples
Using a joystick device or a mouse device,
Manipulate 3D geometric shapes and display the parts
1 illustrates various aspects of a system for performing the above. 3 of the present invention
Dimensional navigation system, user can rotate, zoom
Control various observation functions such as panning and panning
To make things possible. According to one aspect of the present invention,
The stem also uses the current zoom when observing the 3D model.
A dynamic rotation axis calculated based on the system image is used.
According to this aspect, the center of rotation is the current figure and zoom ratio
Or dynamically changed and calculated based on a coefficient.
Therefore, the zoomed area of the part is
Is rotated, for example, at a high zoom ratio or factor
Sometimes it does not disappear from the screen. Of the present invention
According to one aspect, three-dimensional operation and navigation systems.
The stem is a station module of the equipment and / or
Provided to the server module. 3D navigation
The process and operation of the system can be performed by software or program.
Broad range of programming languages through rammed logic
And one of the teachings. For example, the system
Uses a high-level programming language such as C ++
And executed using object-oriented programming technology
You. As a further non-limiting example, Visual C ++
used. It is a Windows based application
Provided by Microsoft Corporation for installation
One version of the C ++ programming language. Said
Observation function (for example, zoom, rotation, pan, etc.)
As an elementary function of the observation class of Ming's bending model viewer
(See, for example, FIG. 27 and the related disclosure above).
Yo). The current zoom factor and the position of the part (for example, 3
Information about the position of parts in three-dimensional space)
Calculating the dynamic rotation axis and providing a desired observation function.
Accessed from the bending model viewer to provide
It is. Various hardware components and interfaces
To implement the three-dimensional navigation system of the present invention
Provided to For example used to run the system
The software to be installed is
Computer or personal computer
Provided or present in the computer. As discussed above
And the computer or personal computer
Displays a three-dimensional display of sheet metal parts to the user
Graphic cards and displays, such as high-resolution monitors
Includes screen or terminal. The computer
Alternatively, the personal computer also has the mouse or
Connects and interfaces with the joystick device.
Includes a mouse or game port adapter for quotient
Commercially available software is also provided.
Mouse or joystick device operated by the user
Received by mouse or game adapter card from
Interpret the command signal. Figures 50a and 50b show, for example,
Multi-axis jog to rotate a simple 3D box-shaped part
Illustrates an example of the rotation function performed by the Isstick 112
I do. As mentioned above, the joystick is
Station modules and / or
The computer installed in the server module or
Provided and connected to the device. Figures 50a and 50
As shown in FIG.
By moving the
Be done. The direction or direction of the rotation axis is the joystick
Set based on movement of tick 112 (or mouse)
Is done. For example, move the joystick 112 back and forth.
Moving is defined by moving the part along the X coordinate axis.
Clockwise or counterclockwise around the axis of rotation
(Eg, see FIG. 50a). Even earlier
Moving the joystick 112 to the left or right
Center the part around the rotation axis defined along the Y coordinate axis
Can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise as
(See, for example, FIG. 50b). Zoom ratio of current figure
Or the coefficient is low and the whole part display is on the screen
When provided, the axis of rotation is the geometric center of the part
Alternatively, it is defined to pass through the figure core. As mentioned above,
The zoom factor and observability of parts on the screen
Is the observation provided by the bending model viewer of the present invention.
Determined based on likelihood function. Par on screen
When it is determined that the entire tool is displayed (FIGS. 50a and 50)
b), define an axis of rotation and its
Coordinates to set the rotation axis to the geometric center of the part
Geometric techniques are used. The rotation of the part is then
User defined movement of the joystick device
Based and rotating element, bending model view of the present invention
This is executed through the observation function of (1). However, if the ob
Only a part of the project is displayed on the screen,
If you cannot see the part of the solidification (e.g. high zoom factor or
When the ratio is selected), the rotation axis is
It should not be maintained at the geometric center or at the center of the figure. It
Doing so allows zooming of the part during rotation
This is because the converted part disappears from the screen. Actual
According to the invention, when the zoom ratio is increased, the rotation axis is
Dynamically recalculated and placed in the center of the screen
The coordinates of the point closest to the observation point (or camera field of view)
Pass. Based on the change in the zoom coefficient, the rotation axis is
By dynamically recalculating, the part
Observable part of part protrudes from screen during rotation
It is rotated about an axis that does not matter. The three-dimensional
Before zooming and panning the model,
Separately or separately from the joystick or mouse device
Additional control buttons are provided on the keypad provided with the
Be killed. For example, when the zoom button 114 is pressed,
By moving the joystick 112 back and forth,
As shown at 51, the parts are zoomed in at a predetermined rate.
Or zoomed out. As mentioned above,
The axis of rotation is recalculated within each zoom window and the user
Is the zoomed part of the part when the rotation is made
Be able to observe minutes. In addition, three-dimensional
Panning is performed by pan button 1 as shown in FIG.
Press or activate 16 and joystick 11
2 is controlled by the user. Previous
As in the case of the zoom button 114, various
The joystick or mouse at each of the positions
Digit provided separately from or together with
It is provided on the input pad. Representative of the present invention
Depending on the embodiment, the three-dimensional navigation and operation
The various steps and operations provided for execution are illustrated in FIG.
It is described below with reference to -55. As shown above
In addition, the necessary steps and processes of the three-dimensional navigation system
Operation is performed by software or program logic and hardware.
Through a combination of hardware components and interfaces
Executed. Joystick or mouse device
When the input signal from the device controlled by the user is desired
To determine the amount of movement and reorientation of the displayed part
Is interpreted as According to the present invention, the displayed parts
The rotation axis displays the zoomed area of the part during rotation.
The current screen and zoom
Calculated dynamically based on the number. Parts displayed
When updating the current screen of step S30 in FIG.
1, the joystick or
Or a signal from the user is received based on the operation of the mouse device.
Be trusted. Depending on the user, the joystick or
Movement of the mouse device in a particular direction and / or special control buttons
In combination with activation of the application, a certain observation function (for example,
Rotation, zoom, pan, etc.)
Direction (eg clockwise or counterclockwise, zoom in or out)
Are zoom-out, right or left, etc.)
Cause, for example, as described in Received signal
The numbers indicate whether they are from a joystick or a mouse
Regardless of the position, it is mapped to the movement of the cursor,
Determine the amount of movement on the screen desired by the user.
The user is not in one of the observation function modes
(E.g. whether the user has selected information on the screen
Or the information in the dialog box or window
If observing), the mapping of the received signal is required
Not. As understood by those skilled in the art, a normal joy
The signal received from the stick or mouse device is
Coordinates or reference systems different from those in lean space
On the screen, so they are
Translated to provide meaningful information about sol movement
It must be. Therefore, the input signal from the user
After receiving the signal, as shown in step S303
Update the rotation axis calculation and the current view of the displayed part.
Signals received before the new are mapped to cursor movement
You. Input signals from devices controlled by the user
To translate and map cursor motion in lean space
Different methods and processes are used. Traditionally, a mouse
Movement of the device is accomplished by commercially available software.
Translated and mapped to cursor movement. For example, c
Windows 95 and Windows NT use mouse
A software routine for translating to cursor movement
Including. Therefore, the movement of the mouse device is not
Is mapped to cursor movement by software
It is. However, the joystick interface
To provide useful information, if given
Translates the joystick movement into a cursor movement
And must be mapped. The joystick
Screen joystick movement in virtual space
Various methods for mapping to cursor movement in the space
Methods and techniques are used. For example, the joystick
Before the movement signal is finally mapped to the cursor movement,
First processed and translated into mouse movements. Or before
The screen for the size of the joystick virtual space
As a function of the ratio of the size of the
The lock signal is mapped directly to cursor movement. FIG.
Joystick exercise according to one aspect of the invention
Of mapping to cursor movement in screen space
Show. As shown above, the joystick device automatically
The body includes a virtual coordinate system or space 218. Said
The joystick virtual space 218 is
When the joystick is in the center or neutral position (i.e.
(The position that does not move)
No. When the joystick is in a new position (eg, FIG. 54)
When moving to the current position J2) as shown in
The joystick device is the virtual sky of the joystick
Generate a signal indicating the new or current position within
You. The joystick virtual space 218 is often
Larger than screen space 212 (in terms of pixels)
The virtual coordinates and movement of the joystick are desired.
Move the cursor on the screen
Must be translated to screen coordinates to determine
Absent. Screen movement of virtual coordinates of the joystick
Various methods for mapping and translating to coordinate movements and
A process is used. For example, the joystick virtual
Based on the ratio of screen space size to space size
Joystick movement is screen cursor movement
Is mapped to More specifically, the observation function mode (for example,
Zoom, rotate, pan, etc.)
When the device is operated by the user, from the previous point C1
The actual movement of the cursor to the current point C2 is determined by the following formula
Is done. Current point = previous point + (scale factor + V) where “current point” is the current point C2 of the cursor,
"Previous point" is the previous point C1 of the cursor,
"Scale factor" is the size of the joystick virtual space
Is the ratio of screen size to
"V" is joystick from the joystick origin J1
Movement of the joystick to the current stick position J2
This is a vector representing the direction and direction. So joystick
To map the movement to the cursor movement, the joystick
Joystick device when the device is operated by the user.
From the origin J1 based on the signal received from the
Shows the direction and movement of the joystick to the current position J2
The vector "V" is first calculated. This vector
After “V” is calculated, the joystick movement is
The vector “V” amount and the “s
It is mapped to cursor motion using the "Kale coefficient" quantity. Immediately
The new or current position C2 of the cursor is
The joystick space size to the vector "V"
Multiplied by the ratio of screen size to
And then the result of this calculation is
It is calculated by adding to 1. The scale
Depending on the coefficient, the scale or the rate of movement
Or by an adjustment factor selected by the user, or
It will need to be reduced. In such a case,
Depending on the user's preference, increase the proportion of the scale or
Calculates the current position of the cursor to decrease
Sometimes, the scale factor is multiplied by an adjustment factor. example
If the screen size for the joystick space size
If the size ratio gives a scale factor of 1/64,
Joystick movement and the displayed
Give a more satisfying relationship between the rate of sports movement
Therefore, it is desirable to increase the proportion of the scale. Limited
As a non-specific example, for a scale factor of 1/64,
Adjuster when zooming or rotating the displayed part
Equation 3 is used. Further about the scale factor 1/64
When panning of the displayed parts is performed
An adjustment factor of 6 is used. Of course, scaling (scale)
Percentages are modified based on the user's specific needs and
The adjustment factor is predetermined or the user
Adjust or select an adjustment factor to modify the percentage of
Give options to In the case discussed further above
As described above, the adjustment coefficient is used for a plurality of observation functions.
The same amount may be set for each, or the observation device
For each of the functions, individually set to the same or different amount
It may be. The received signal is properly mapped and translated
After that, the rotation axis of the part is set in step S30 in FIG.
5 is calculated dynamically as shown generally in FIG. Previous
Depending on the current drawing of the part,
When rotated at a different zoom ratio or factor,
The zoomed area of the art does not disappear from the screen
The rotation axis passes through the center of the part or other
Is determined. Based on the current zoom diagram,
Various to dynamically recalculate the rotation axis of the part
Are used. According to another aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 55 shows that the drawing of the part is modified by the user.
Whenever necessary to calculate the axis of rotation.
Illustrates representative logical flows and procedures for processes and processes
You. As shown in FIG. 55, the current zoom factor or
Step S311 displays the ratio, the position of the part, and the current figure.
And S313. Table selected by user
The zoom factor and orientation of the indicated part
On the screen (i.e. overall view) or
Make only part of the artwork visible on the screen (ie
Partial view). Therefore, the current zoom factor and part orientation
Is set to properly set the rotation axis of the display parts.
Must be done. Determine the current drawing of the part
Various methods and steps are used for this. Described above
As such, the observability feature is the bending model view of the present invention.
With changes to the displayed image
At any time, keep the current orientation and zoom ratio
Have and renew. For the bending model viewer
A function call is made and any point or part of the part
Determine if it is currently observable. Said on the screen
To determine whether all parts are displayed, check the image volume.
Is determined by comparing the
You. At step S315, the whole view of the parts is
If it is determined that it is observable on the
In S317, the rotation axis passes through the center of the part.
Is set. When there is a general view, center the part
It is possible to set so that the rotation axis passes. When
This means that the entire displayed part is rotated by the user.
This is because it can be observed on the screen when it is performed. School
When all parts can be observed on the lean, the rotation axis is
Defined to take the geometric center of the part
You. Conventional coordinate geometry technology is the geometric center of the part
Is used to define and set the rotation axis. Further
The direction of the rotation axis is the current position from the previous cursor position.
As a vector orthogonal to the vector to the cursor position
Can also be defined. In step S315, the screen
It is determined that only a partial view of the part is currently
If the zoomed part is turned off by the user,
When displayed, some of the displayed parts disappear from the screen
In order to calculate the axis of rotation,
The logic flow continues to steps S319-S325
Good. As described above, a higher zoom factor is selected by the user.
Only part of the part is displayed on the screen
The rotation axis passes through the geometric center of the part
Must not be set to Because it's like that
The thing that was zoomed in the parts displayed during rotation
Part (zoomed-up part disappears from screen
Because. The displayed part of the part is off the screen
To prevent them from disappearing or disappearing,
Closest to the observation point (ie camera) at the center of the lean
The axis of rotation must pass through the coordinates of the point
No. In such a case, the direction of the rotation axis is
Vector perpendicular to the vector from the position to the current cursor position
Torr. Therefore, in step S319,
The center of the clean is determined and the screen closest to the camera
Object or part of the part at the center of the part
Is selected. That is, located at the center of the screen
Display parts and screen closest to the camera or screen
The part of the display part closest to the user's observation point is
Will be issued. In step S321, the camera is turned off.
Whether the object exists (for example, the screen is stopped)
Sled of the part located at and closest to the camera
If it is determined that a pad portion exists, the step S
At 325, the rotation axis passes through the extracted point.
Is set. As described above, the direction of the rotation axis is
Orthogonal to the vector from the cursor position to the current cursor position
Defined as In step S321,
Object in the camera does not exist (for example,
The camera is located at the center of the screen and the camera
Including the nearest hole or opening)
The logic flow continues to step S323. Step S
At 323, the rotation axis is at the center of the screen (eg,
X and Y coordinates of the physical center of the screen) and
The Z coordinate (depth) equal to the geometric center of the part
Is defined as Therefore, the rotation axis is the X, Y, Z
It is set to pass through the mark, and the direction of the rotation axis is
Orthogonal to the vector from the cursor position to the current cursor position
Defined as a vector. Referring again to FIG.
After the dynamic rotation axis is determined, the selected observation machine
The function (for example, zoom, rotation, pan, etc.) is determined in step S307.
Called by As mentioned above, the three-dimensional operation system
Various observation functions are available in the observation class of the bending model viewer.
Are defined and executed as element functions of
And related disclosures above). In such cases, the user
Function call based on the observation function selected by
The model is displayed in the bending model viewer and displayed in step S309.
The current view of the indicated part is updated. Of the parts
The current figure and orientation are the observation functions selected by the user
And an input device (mouse or mouse) operated by the user
Mapping cursor received from the joystick device)
Updated based on the activity. Open GL or render
Graphic package, like software, provided to users
Provided to facilitate updating of current diagrams done.
Performed in the representative flowcharts of FIGS.
Logic flows and processes
Implemented using a wide variety of programming languages and technologies
You. For example, object-oriented programming technology and C ++
Is used to perform the process or operation
You. A substitute for executing the three-dimensional operation system of the present invention.
Tabular codes are provided in Appendix L. Typical code is C +
+ Written in programming language to calculate the dynamic rotation axis
The various steps and operations to perform. Appendix L Codes
Will be provided with comments and the logic and
Facilitates algorithmic analysis. The above three-dimensional operation system
The use of joystick devices and control buttons
Although this system is described as a mouse or key
Executed by other specific types of input means, including board
It can be done. Further, in the above embodiment of FIGS.
Is the inverse of the object from screen to infinity
Boundary to limit zooming or panning of pairs
Is defined. This is because continuous zooming or
Because it can damage or destroy the system
is there. Further, regarding the joystick interface,
Various other characteristics are performed in series. For example, the observation
To move in any of the functions, the joystick
A predetermined range or distance from the joystick center position
It will not be executed unless it is moved beyond. Moving parts
Move such a joystick before it is allowed
Requesting a threshold value is a function of the joystick from the center point.
Indication based on careless operation or pressing of the stick
To prevent accidental movement of the parts. With the user
Joystick interface and system interaction
Other properties are also provided to improve the application. For example
Based on a single operation of the joystick by the user
The observation function (for example, zoom, rotate, pan, etc.)
Continuous or incremental (e.g., step
Transfer) is provided. Continuous or incremental
The choice of movement is also a joystick in a single direction
Is provided on the basis of the amount or time of the movement. If necessary
The scale of the displayed parts or the rate of movement is optional.
The degree of movement of the joystick in any direction
Increased based on time. Modify the above speed adjustment coefficient
Also, if the user increases the ratio of the scale or
Manually adjust the adjustment factor to reduce
Performed by allowing input. factory
To assist in the design and manufacture of parts in Japan
In addition, various other features and embodiments may be implemented in the present invention.
It is. For example, tracking information about each customer's order and
A bar code system is executed to access.
A bar code with a predetermined reference or operation number
Assigned to each part ordered by the customer. This bar
The code accesses the database 30 and reads the work information.
Used to take. Zebra in Utah, Sandy
Barcode Anything Bar from Technology VTI
Code SCAN Bar code reader like CCD sensor
A scanner or scanner is provided at each location, and the user
In the server module or station module
Allows you to scan barcodes for certain tasks
Function, and its parameters stored in the database 30.
Access and read important design and manufacturing information associated with
To be able to find out. The bar code reader is
Of the server module and / or server module
Plugged into a computer. The barcode is optional
Format based on the desired normal barcode format
It has been set. For example, UPS-A CODE BA
RCODE39 EAN / JAN-8 or PRESS
EY. And the resulting barcode number is
Said data translated based on a look-up table
To read work information from the base,
Reference number and / or file name. Alternatively,
The operation number can be assigned to any status that exists throughout the factory.
Typed into the instructions displayed in the
It is selected from there and the work information is read instantly at the user's location.
Protrude display. Ability to read such information instantly
Use and data communications network 26
To a centrally located database such as database 30
Storage of the design and information. this
According to yet another aspect of the invention, work is scheduled and divided.
Devices and methods for applying
Be killed. Conventionally, work schedules across manufacturing facilities
Is assigned by the shop or factory manager.
It was done. The plant manager will determine the current setup and
Determine the current state of work as well as availability and availability.
After collecting and analyzing this information, the shop or factory
The plant manager creates a schedule and seeds at the plant.
Distribute quotas for work done in different locations
(For example, the work schedule distributed to the factory floor)
In the form of sheets). The work schedule assignment
The customer's work is in a timely manner and the specified shipping date
Done to ensure that it is completed by. Work
The traditional process of scheduling and assigning work is however
This is a painstaking process and is usually done manually by the factory manager
Was being done. According to one aspect of the invention, a show
Or the factory manager of the factory
Work assignments to assist in scheduling
And a schedule system. That
The system is a communication network and database.
Using the bending model information stored in the base 30
The necessary information is gathered dynamically, so that the factory manager can
A business schedule can be generated. This system
Are located across the server module or factory
Software or
Is executed via program logic. Schedule
By entering various tasks to be performed,
Software analyzes the design and parts information and determines
To determine which machine is best suited to
Set. For this purpose, the current state of the machine in the factory
State and setup are defined and stored in database 30
Delivered and accessed by work schedule software
Is done. Based on various conditions, in the form of display, specific
What machines are available to carry out the work and
Suggests which machines cannot perform other tasks
I do. In this regard, the use of machinery for certain tasks
Rank possibilities and provide a suggested work schedule
Is displayed. The proposed work schedule is
Performed or modified by the factory manager. Work schedule
Conditions used to set and recommend rules are wide
Includes type conditions. And it is each machine in the factory
Current setup of each application, required for each task
Bending type and tool and during the same time frame or time
Including other types of work that must be performed.
To determine which machines can perform a specific task
Include the bending angle, flange length and bending type.
Information from the bending model file for each part
Used. For example, stored in the database 30
The table is punched and bent on the factory floor
Weight on the current setup and capabilities of each of the machines
Contains important information. Based on the proposed work schedule
The factory manager maximizes the production and output capacity of the factory
Multiple tasks to various locations throughout the factory
Guess. The last work schedule or assignment is
Communication network 26
Through to each of the machines. Pilot like LED
Playing cards each bending and mechanical workstation
Work is assigned to that station
Indicate and confirm that it has been sent. The work assignment
And schedules can be instantly updated from any location in the factory.
Stored in an accessible server module file
You. In addition to the above characteristics, other characteristics are
Performed as indicated. For example, various station mods
A menu screen is provided at the
Displayed, allowing the user to view the various display and function modes of the present invention.
Make it easier to select the code. For example, shown in FIG.
The main menu screen, like that,
Presented to the user when the
Provided. This main menu window display is
Available windows provided by the application module
(C) Includes respective icon images in display and observation modes. This
The main menu screen is a menu button (for example,
Appears whenever F1 key is selected. A user
Changes the highlighted block to the desired window icon
Select the window by moving and selecting it
I do. Such operations can be performed with a keyboard, mouse or
This is done through the use of a joystick. Other wins
Provided and displayed to the user of the dough screen
Facilitate input and display of work information. For example, parts information
The information window allows the user to enter or modify part information.
Displayed to allow correction. Parts information
An example of a window display is given in FIG. This part information
The information window contains all relevant parts information (for example,
Number, material type, dimensions, etc.)
Includes two-dimensional plan views and isometric projection views. Bending line information win
The dough, such as that shown in FIG.
Various bending line information including bending order and reduction amount for the line
Provided to enable monitoring of The song
The grid information window allows the user to specify the bend for each bend.
Allows you to enter or modify line information,
2D plan view and isometric projection view. Operator
Additional window table to facilitate bending order analysis
An indication is provided. For example, bend sequence window display
And a bending simulation window display is provided,
Displays the various bending stages of the part and during the bending operation
Simulate the orientation of parts in. As shown in FIG.
The bending sequence window as shown
Each step of the bending sequence selected from the new screen
The intermediate shape (in the stationary state) of the part at
Display to the user. Bending simulation win
The dough (see, for example, FIG. 60) is also selected by the user,
Bending stage static information (pattern provided on the right side of the screen)
Art icon) and at each stage in the bending order
Dynamic simulation of positioning and bending performed
(At the center of the display). On screen
By simply selecting the part icons
The stage is represented by the selected part icon
Simulation of part orientation during bending
You can see the session. Simulate each bending order dynamically
Parts are flipped, translated, and
Bend / rotate around the bar. Above Figure 57-60
Each of the window displays is shown in the main menu of FIG.
Selected and displayed to the user from the window view
You. In addition, the user in any station module
The user can select the appropriate window in the main menu window display.
Select the window icon and select the observation mode (example
For example, 2D plane, wireframe, solid, orthographic)
2D and / or 3D table of parts displayed according to
Get an indication. This is described in detail above with reference to FIGS.
It was revealed. Various menu windows can also be
Feature and features of the present invention
Facilitate the operation of Noh. Figure 61 shows 2D to 3D operation
FIG. 4 illustrates a representative menu displayed for a. Further figure
62 is a substitute for the two-dimensional cleanup operation of the present invention.
3 illustrates a tabular menu structure. This invention however
It is not limited to the menu layout of
-A screen and / or tool icon bar is provided,
Facilitate user interaction with the system. Other characteristics
Are also implemented in the present invention. For example, a high level
Automatic equipment is also provided to facilitate the generation of bending plans.
You. For example, the bending and tooling expert system offers
To the geometric shape and shape of the parts for each operation
Generate tooling setup and bending order based on
suggest. It is described, for example, in US patent application Ser.
86.369 and 08 / 338.115.
It's a stuff. The present invention provides several representative embodiments.
Although described with reference to the terms used herein, the terms
It is a term of description and explanation, not a term. Of the present invention
Various without departing from the scope and spirit and the various aspects
Can be made. The present invention is based on the specific means, materials
Although described with reference to materials and examples, the invention is disclosed herein.
What is intended to be limited to the specific ones indicated
is not. Rather, the invention is all functionally equivalent structures,
Spread over law and use.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an advanced sheet metal manufacturing facility constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an advanced sheet metal manufacturing facility constructed according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates respective data flows between a server module, a database, and a station module according to one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of general steps and operations performed by a server module according to another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a representative flowchart of the basic steps and operations performed by each of the station modules, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a logic flow of a similar part search algorithm or process according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a logic flow of a similar part search algorithm or process according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIGS. 8 (a), (b) and (c) illustrate a feature extraction operation for a four-bend box with contacted corners and a four-bend box with open corners, according to aspects of the present invention. explain.

FIGS. 9 (a), (b), (c) and (d) show a four-bend box with contacted corners and a four-bend box with open corners, according to aspects of the invention. The feature extraction operation will be described.

FIGS. 10 (a), (b) and (c) illustrate a search key for specifying a four-bend box, bridge and other parts having a four-bend box according to another aspect of the present invention. The operation and steps related to the feature will be described.

FIG. 11 shows an example using a folding algorithm.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a logical flow of steps and operations performed to generate a three-dimensional model from a two-dimensional single drawing.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of an automatic shaping function and a cleanup function performed to create a drawing for a surface detection step.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C illustrate examples of an automatic shaping function and a cleanup function performed to create a drawing for a surface detection step.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of an automatic shaping function and a cleanup function performed to create a drawing for a surface detection step.

FIGS. 15 (a), (b), (c) and (d) illustrate various steps and operations performed in a plane detection step according to aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 16 (a), (b), (c) and (d) illustrate various steps and operations performed in a plane detection step according to aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates generation of final bending graph data from execution of a surface detecting step and a bending line detecting step according to an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates generation of final bending graph data from execution of a surface detecting step and a bending line detecting step according to an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of a basic logic flow for generating a two-dimensional model based on an initial three-dimensional drawing (without thickness) using an unfolding algorithm and other steps in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. is there.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a basic logic flow for generating a three-dimensional model based on an initial two-dimensional three-dimensional view using a two-dimensional cleanup operation according to an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the basic logic flow of steps and operations for performing a two-dimensional cleanup operation on a two-dimensional three-view drawing according to aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 22 (a) and (b) show a representative two-dimensional 3D machined by the two-dimensional cleanup operation of the present invention.
The figure and side view of the plan view will be described.

FIG. 23 (a) illustrates features of a rotated view of a two-dimensional cleanup operation of the present invention. FIG.
(B) illustrates a standard form associated with the two-dimensional cleanup operation of the present invention, according to aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 24 (a) and (b) are simplified two-dimensional three-dimensional views with thickness and no thickness generated using a thickness removal process in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. 2D 3
A plan view will be described. FIG. 24 (c) is a diagram of a transverse thickness line segment and a thickness arc of a representative part according to aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a logic flow of various steps and operations performed to develop a three-dimensional model without thickness from a three-dimensional drawing with thickness in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary data structure and access algorithm of a bending model used in practicing the present invention, for example, through object-oriented programming techniques.

FIG. 27 illustrates a block diagram of the structure of a bending model viewer according to another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary solid diagram window display provided as output to a display screen.

FIG. 29 illustrates an exemplary wireframe diagram window provided as output to a display screen.

FIG. 30 illustrates a two-dimensional planar screen image window display provided as output to a display screen.

FIG. 31 illustrates an isometric projection screen image provided as output to a display screen.

FIG. 32 illustrates examples of various dimensional items displayed in the automatic sizing mode of the present invention.

FIGS. 33 (a), (b) and (c) illustrate the correspondence in which flange lengths are defined for various different parts according to one aspect of the invention.

FIGS. 34 (a) and (b) illustrate the addition of supplemental flange lengths for two different types of parts, according to another aspect of the invention.

FIGS. 35 (a), (b) and (c) illustrate the correspondence in which the flange length is indicated for various parts displayed with thickness according to yet another aspect of the invention. I do.

FIGS. 36 (a) and (b) show the correspondence in which the flange length of a part having an acute bending angle is displayed by the tangential dimension method and the cross dimension method of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart of a logic flow of steps and operations performed to generate a bending plan by use of a graphical user interface, according to another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 38 illustrates an example of a bend sequence input screen image displayed to a bend operator to generate a bend sequence.

FIGS. 39 (a) and (b) show examples of selecting a bending order and correcting an insertion direction according to another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 40 shows a further example of a bending order input screen image and associated screen display.

FIG. 41 shows a further example of a bend order input screen image and associated screen display.

FIG. 42 illustrates drag and drop editing features provided to facilitate operator modification and editing of proposed bend orders, according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 43 illustrates examples of various display menus and data tables that are graphically displayed to assist a bending operator in selecting a tool.

FIG. 44 illustrates an exemplary tool setup window displayed to a bending operator to facilitate tool setup in a proposed bending plan.

FIG. 45 illustrates an example of a 3D solid diagram window display with attached audio and video information through the use of a stuck icon.

FIG. 46 illustrates another example of a display window incorporated with icons for reading stored audio and video information, according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 47 shows an example of an image editing window executed based on the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 48 illustrates an example of the interference check function of the present invention performed via a graphical user interface.

FIG. 49 illustrates an example of an interference check function of the present invention performed via a graphical user interface.

FIGS. 50 (a) and (b) illustrate an operating system of the present invention for operating the rotation and display of a three-dimensional geometric shape using, for example, a joystick.

FIG. 51 illustrates an operating system of the present invention for operating zooming and display of a three-dimensional geometric shape using, for example, a joystick and a zoom button.

FIG. 52 illustrates an operating system of the present invention for operating panning and display of a three-dimensional geometric shape using, for example, a joystick and a pan button.

FIG. 53 is a representative flowchart of the steps and operations performed to implement the three-dimensional navigation and operation system of the present invention.

FIG. 54 illustrates an example of mapping a joystick movement to a cursor movement according to aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 55 is a representative flow chart of the steps and operations taken to dynamically calculate the axis of rotation of a displayed part.

FIG. 56 shows an example of a main menu window display provided and displayed in, for example, a station module.

FIG. 57 illustrates an exemplary part information window display provided to allow a user to enter and modify part information.

FIG. 58 illustrates an exemplary bend line information window display provided to allow a user to enter and modify bend information.

FIG. 59 shows an exemplary bend sequence window display of the present invention for observing intermediate bend steps of a sheet metal part.

FIG. 60 shows an exemplary bending simulation window display of the present invention for simulating an intermediate bending stage of a sheet metal part.

FIG. 61 is an exemplary menu screen diagram and structure of the present invention provided and displayed to a user for two-dimensional to three-dimensional conversion.

FIG. 62 is an exemplary menu screen diagram and structure for a two-dimensional cleanup operation of the present invention.

FIG. 63 shows an example of a three-dimensional display of a part before a line segment having one open end is removed.

FIG. 64: the one open line segment is removed from the three-dimensional display by the three-dimensional cleanup process of the present invention used in generating a three-dimensional model of the part from the two-dimensional three-dimensional view of the part. Show the parts after

FIG. 65 shows an exemplary three-dimensional representation of a part before a bend line is identified.

FIG. 66 shows a part after a mold line has been added by the three-dimensional cleanup process of the present invention.

FIG. 67 shows an exemplary portion of a part before clearing the bend lines and shaping the surface.

FIG. 68 shows a part of the part after the normalization and the shaping are performed by the three-dimensional cleanup process of the present invention.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Satoshi Sakai United States 92657 California Newport Coast Avi Gunnon 9 (56) References JP-A-2-197962 (JP, A) US Patent 5089970 (US, A) United States Patent 5485390 (US, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G06F 17/50 G06F 17/30

Claims (41)

(57) [Claims] An equipment having an information processing function for manufacturing parts, a database for storing work information related to manufacturing in at least one previously manufactured part, and a database for each of the previously manufactured parts. The previous work information includes previous design data relating to the characteristics of each of the previously manufactured parts; and current work information related to a current part to be currently manufactured by the equipment in response to a current work request. The current work information includes proposed design data related to proposed characteristics of the current part; and storing for each previously manufactured part in response to the current work request. Compare the previous work information design data is the current work information design data, the previous work information design data and the current work information design data, A system that searches the database to determine if it has a predetermined similarity to the extent that a plan is made to make the current part utilizing at least a portion of previous work information; The search system includes the past design data and the current design data.
Generate part topology data from the data
The topology data includes at least the surface of each part and
Represents the geometric relationship of a bend line . 2. The facility having the information processing function according to claim 1, wherein the previous design data and the proposed design data include a part design characteristic, and the search system determines that the previously manufactured part is A facility for comparing the previous work information design characteristic with the current work information design characteristic to determine whether or not a part design characteristic similar to a part is included. 3. The facility having the information processing function of claim 1, wherein the search system compares the previous work information design characteristics with the current difference work information design characteristics, and each of the previously produced work information design characteristics. Equipment having a function of determining whether a part has the same, similar, or different characteristics as the current part. 4. A system having the information processing function according to claim 1, further comprising a system for searching the database for work information before it is determined that the predetermined degree of similarity is determined. Distributing the retrieved previous work information to various locations throughout the facility such that a plan is created to produce the current part based on the retrieved previous work information. Facility. 5. The facility having the information function according to claim 1,
The previous work information further includes fabrication information associated with each previously manufactured part, the current work information further includes suggested fabrication information associated with the current part, and the search system includes: Determining in the previous work information whether or not to have a degree of similarity of the predetermined degree to plan for producing the current part based at least in part on the information; A facility comprising means for comparing the production information with the production information in the current work information; 6. A facility having an information function according to claim 1,
Further, the system includes a system for developing bending model data based on the current work information when the search system determines that there is no predetermined similarity, wherein the bending model coordinates the current part in two-dimensional coordinates. Equipment that includes two-dimensional coordinate space data for displaying in space and three-dimensional coordinate space data for displaying in three-dimensional coordinate space. 7. A storage medium storing a program for retrieving data relating to a previously manufactured part having a predetermined similarity with a current part currently to be manufactured by a bending processing facility, The data relating to the production of the part is stored in an appropriate database together with the design data relating to the characteristic of the part, and the program relates the computer to the current part to be produced by the equipment in accordance with the current work request. Means for receiving current work information, wherein the current work information includes proposed design data related to proposed characteristics of the current part;
And, in response to the current work request, comparing the previous work information design data stored in the database with the current work information design data, the previous work information design data and the current work information design data, Means for judging whether or not there is a predetermined similarity to the extent that a plan for manufacturing the current part can be made by using at least a part of the work information of the present invention. A medium, and the determination means is the past design data.
Topology data from data and current design data
Generate the part topology data, at least
Represents the geometric relationship between the surface of a part and the bend line . 8. A method for performing intelligent production of a part in a facility, comprising the steps of: storing work information on production of at least one part produced in the facility in a data storage device;
The previous work information for each of the previously manufactured parts includes previous design data relating to characteristics of each of the previously manufactured parts; to be manufactured at the facility in response to a current work request Receiving work information for a current part of the current part, the current work information including proposed design data for a proposed characteristic of the current part; and Searching the data storage device to compare the stored design data of the previous work information with the design data of the current work information; and utilizing at least a part of the previous work information. In response to the current work request, the design data of the previous work information and the design data of the current work information are reduced to such an extent that a plan for manufacturing a current part can be made. Also a step of determining whether a predetermined similarity; a method having the determining step, the historical design data and the current design data
Generate part topology data from the
At least the surface and bending of each part
Represents the geometric relationship of lines . 9. A storage medium storing a program for retrieving data relating to a previously manufactured part having a predetermined similarity with a current part currently to be manufactured by a bending processing facility, The data relating to the production of the parts is stored in an appropriate database together with the design data relating to the characteristics of the parts. Receiving, wherein the current work information includes proposed design data relating to proposed characteristics of the current part; and the previous work stored in association with each previously manufactured part. Searching the database to compare the design data of the information with the design data of the current work information; The design data of the previous work information and the design data of the current work information have a predetermined similarity to the extent that a plan for manufacturing a current part can be made using at least a part of the previous work information. And determining whether or not to have the past design data and the current design data.
Generate part topology data from the
At least the surface and bending of each part
Represents the geometric relationship of a line 10. The storage medium according to claim 9, wherein said previous design data and said proposed design data include a part design characteristic, and said data storage device search step includes a step of comparing said previous work information design characteristic with said previous work information design characteristic. The current work information design characteristics are compared, and the determining step is based on a result of the search step, and determines whether each of the previously manufactured parts has similar part design characteristics as the current parts. Determining the storage medium. 11. The storage medium according to claim 9, wherein said search step includes a comparison between said previous work information design characteristics and said current work information design characteristics, and said determination step is based on a result of said search. Determining whether each of the previously manufactured parts has the same, similar or different properties as the current part. 12. An intelligent manufacturing system, comprising: a data storage device for storing past work information of parts manufactured in the past; wherein the past work information is stored in each of the parts manufactured in the past. Means for receiving current work information associated with a current work request for manufacturing a new part, the current work information comprising:
The one containing the designated design data related to the designated characteristic of the new part of the current work request; searching the data storage device, comparing the past work information with the current work information, Means for identifying a past manufactured part having a predetermined degree of similarity to the requested new part; and wherein the identifying means includes the past design data and the current design data.
Generate part topology data from the
At least the surface and bending of each part
Represents the geometric relationship of lines. 13. The intelligent manufacturing system according to claim 12, further comprising: means for reading, from the data storage device, past work information identified as having the predetermined degree of similarity; and the current work request. Such that a plan for manufacturing a new part is generated, at least in part, based on said read past work information.
Means for distributing the read past work information to various places. 14. The intelligent manufacturing system according to claim 13, wherein said means for distributing comprises a communication network connected to said data storage device and a plurality of station modules, each of said station modules comprising: The communication network is connected so as to receive the read past work information from the data storage device. 15. The intelligent manufacturing system according to claim 12, wherein the search means performs a feature extracting operation on the past work information and the current work information, and performs a feature extraction operation on each of the previously manufactured parts and the current work information. Means for determining that a predetermined feature exists in the new part of the work request, wherein the means for performing the feature extraction operation includes a feature extraction data for each of the previously manufactured parts and the new part of the current work request. Generate. 16. The intelligent manufacturing system according to claim 15, further comprising comparing said feature extraction data with predetermined feature extraction data stored in a feature extraction library, and for each of said previously manufactured parts. And means for identifying basic features of the currently requested work part. 17. A storage medium storing a program for retrieving data relating to a previously manufactured part having a predetermined similarity to a current part currently to be manufactured by a bending equipment, and The data relating to the production of the parts is stored in an appropriate database together with the design data relating to the characteristics of the parts, and the program turns the computer into a means for receiving current operation information relating to a current operation request for manufacturing a new part. Means for the current work information to include specified design data related to a specified feature of a new part of the current work request; and searching the data storage device, the past work information, the current work information and Means for identifying a previously manufactured part having a predetermined degree of similarity to the new part of the current work request ; A storage medium storing a program, characterized in that allowed to function as the identifying means, the historical design data and the current design data
Generate part topology data from the
At least the surface and bending of each part
Represents the geometric relationship of lines . 18. A method for performing a similar part search, wherein the method comprises the step of storing past work information of a part manufactured in the past in a data storage device, wherein the past work information is stored in the past. And receiving current work information associated with a current work request for manufacturing a new part, wherein the current work information comprises the current work request of the current work request. Including proposed design data relating to proposed features of the part; searching said data storage device and comparing said past work information with current work information to determine a predetermined similarity with a new part of the current work request. And identifying a previously manufactured part having a characteristic. The identifying step includes the past design data and the current design
Generate part topology data from the data
The topology data includes at least the surface of each part and
Represents the geometric relationship of a bend line . 19. A storage medium storing a program for retrieving data relating to a previously manufactured part having a predetermined similarity to a current part currently to be manufactured by a bending equipment, and The data relating to the production of the manufactured parts are stored in an appropriate database together with the previous design data relating to the characteristics of each part, and the program receives the current work information relating to the current work request for manufacturing a new part to the computer. In the process, the current work information includes proposed design data related to a proposed feature of the component of the current work request; and searching the data storage device and replacing the past work information with the current work. Comparing information and identifying previously manufactured parts having a predetermined similarity with the new parts of the current work requirement A storage medium storing a program, characterized in that allowed to run, the historical design data and current design data Patsutoporo
Part topology data.
At least the geometric relationship between the surface of each part and the bending line is displayed.
Things . 20. The storage medium according to claim 19, wherein the program further reads, from the data storage device, past work information related to a previously manufactured part determined to have a predetermined degree of similarity. Reading the read past work information in a manufacturing facility such that a plan for manufacturing a new part of the current work request is generated based at least in part on the read past work information. Distributing to locations. 21. The storage medium according to claim 20, wherein the distribution step includes reading the past work information via a communication network connected to a plurality of station modules provided through the data storage device and the facility. And each of the station modules is connected to the network to receive the read past work information from the data storage device. 22. The storage medium according to claim 19, wherein the program further performs a feature extraction operation on the past work information and the current work information, and performs a predetermined operation on the parts manufactured in the past and the new parts of the current work request. Determining the presence of a feature, wherein the feature extraction operation generates feature extraction data for each of the previously manufactured components and a component of a current work request. 23. The storage medium according to claim 19, wherein the program further comprises a step of generating a bending model based on the current work information, wherein the bending model represents a two-dimensional coordinate representing a current part in a two-dimensional coordinate space. Spatial data and three-dimensional coordinate space data representing the current component in the three-dimensional coordinate space. 24. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein the current work information includes the two-dimensional coordinate space data,
The generating step includes a step of performing a bending operation on the two-dimensional coordinate space data to generate the three-dimensional coordinate space data. 25. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein the current work information includes the three-dimensional coordinate space data,
The generation step includes performing an expansion operation on the three-dimensional coordinate space data to generate the two-dimensional coordinate space data. 26. An intelligent facility for manufacturing parts, said facility comprising: for storing historical data representing a plurality of predetermined features associated with parts previously manufactured by said facility. A data storage device for receiving specified data representing a plurality of predetermined characteristics related to a part to be manufactured by the facility; the stored past data and the part to be manufactured Is compared with the specified data received, and at least one of the parts manufactured in the past and the part to be manufactured are the same, similar, or different using the result of the comparison. A comparison system that determines whether or not the past design data and the current design
Generate part topology data from the data
The topology data includes at least the surface of each part and
Represents the geometric relationship of a bend line . 27. The intelligent equipment according to claim 26,
It further comprises a system for reading from the data storage device past data relating to previously manufactured parts determined to be the same or similar to the parts to be manufactured, and the read data to be manufactured. And a system for distributing to the various locations through the facility such that a plan for manufacturing the parts to be produced is generated based on the read data. 28. A high-intelligence facility according to claim 27,
The past data includes manufacturing information related to each of the parts manufactured in the past, the received proposal data includes suggested manufacturing information related to the parts to be manufactured, and the comparison system includes: The manufacturing information of the past data is compared with the manufacturing information of the received proposal data to determine whether at least one of the previously manufactured parts is the same, similar, or different from the part to be manufactured. It is configured to be. 29. A storage medium storing a program for retrieving data relating to a previously manufactured part having a predetermined similarity to a current part currently to be manufactured by a bending processing facility, The data relating to the production of the parts are stored in an appropriate database together with the previous design data relating to the characteristics of each part. Data receiving means for receiving specified data to be performed; and comparing the stored previous data with the received specified data relating to the part to be manufactured, and using a result of the comparison. The component to be manufactured is identical, similar or different from at least one of the previously manufactured components Comparison means for determining; a storage medium storing a program, characterized in that allowed to function as the comparing means, the historical design data and the current design data
Generate part topology data from the
At least the surface and bending of each part
Represents the geometric relationship of lines . 30. A method for use in an intelligent component manufacturing facility, the method comprising: storing, in a data storage device, historical data representing a plurality of predetermined features related to components previously manufactured by the facility; Receiving proposal data representing a plurality of predetermined characteristics associated with the part to be manufactured by the facility; and receiving stored historical data associated with the part to be manufactured. Comparing at least one of said previously manufactured parts with said to-be-manufactured part via comparison of said stored past data and said received proposal data; Deciding whether or not they are similar or different, wherein the deciding step comprises the past design data and the current design
Generate part topology data from the data
The topology data includes at least the surface of each part and
Represents the geometric relationship of a bend line . 31. A storage medium storing a program for retrieving data relating to a previously manufactured part having a predetermined similarity to a current part currently to be manufactured by a bending processing facility, The data relating to the production of the parts is stored in an appropriate database together with the previous design data relating to the characteristics of each part, and the program expresses a plurality of predetermined characteristics relating to the parts to be manufactured by the facility to the computer. Receiving stored proposal data; and comparing stored previous data to received proposal data associated with the part to be manufactured; and comparing the stored previous data and the received proposal data to Through the comparison of at least one of the previously manufactured parts is the same as the part to be manufactured , Similar or different whether determining a; that allowed to run a storage medium storing a program, characterized in, said step of determining, the historical design data and the current design
Generate part topology data from the data
The topology data includes at least the surface of each part and
Represents the geometric relationship of a bend line . 32. The storage medium according to claim 31, wherein the program further stores, from the data storage device, data relating to the previously manufactured part determined to be the same or similar to the part to be manufactured. Reading and distributing the read data to various locations in the facility to generate a plan for manufacturing the part to be manufactured based on the read data. . 33. The storage medium according to claim 32, wherein the program further uses the new data when the previously manufactured parts are determined to be different from the parts to be manufactured. And generating a plan for manufacturing. 34. The storage medium according to claim 32, wherein the program further comprises the step of compiling the past data, so that the at least one previously manufactured part is similar to the part to be manufactured. Is determined, the historical data associated with the at least one similar previously manufactured part is retrieved and the edited data is used to manufacture the part to be manufactured. Edited. 35. The storage medium according to claim 31, wherein the stored past data and the received proposal data include a part reference number, and the program stores the stored past one as a part reference number. And comparing the at least one of the previously manufactured parts with the same or different parts to be manufactured. 36. The facility according to claim 26, wherein the comparison system
The stem extracts features from the past work information and current work information.
Operation, and the previously manufactured parts and the current
Presence of certain features in new parts of work requirements
Deciding means, wherein the feature extraction operation is performed in the past
For each of the manufactured parts and the parts currently required
To generate feature extraction data. 37. The facility according to claim 36, wherein the comparison system
The stem further stores the feature extraction data in a feature extraction library.
And compare it with predetermined feature extraction data stored in the
In this comparison, the previously manufactured
In each of the articles and new parts of the current work requirement
Identify the basic characteristics. 38. The facility according to claim 37, wherein the comparison system
The stem further includes the previously manufactured parts and the current
Multiple bases identified in the new part of the work request
Perform feature-related operations to determine the relationship between the essential features
Now. 39. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein
The relationship between the basic features of the part
It is determined based on the distance between the essential features. 40. The equipment according to claim 39, wherein the parts
The distance between the two basic features is
Is determined on the basis of the number of bending lines between the basic planes. 41. The facility according to claim 40, wherein the comparison system
The stem further comprises the basic features identified above and each part
Based on the determined relationship between the basic features of
Search key and key for each previously manufactured part
And search keys for new parts in the current work request.
To achieve.