JP4314175B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, program for executing the method, and storage medium storing the program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a paper transport simulation using a central processing unit according to a user instruction input by an input device in order to support the design of a part including a transport roller for paper transport.

  With the recent improvement in computer performance, CAD used in machine design work is rapidly shifting from two-dimensional CAD to three-dimensional CAD. In recent years, it has become common to use a simulator to perform design verification using three-dimensional CAD data created before production of an actual machine.

  For example, when designing a device that transports sheet-like consumables such as copiers, laser beam printers, ink-jet printers, card printers, facsimiles, and other paper and film, sheet-like transport before actually manufacturing the device There is a demand for design verification (hereinafter referred to as “paper conveyance design”).

  During the paper transport design verification, the designer models the paper transport system unit on the 3D CAD, defines the main cross section, and creates a 2D drawing to present the cross section of the paper transport system unit. After that, a drawing is created in which parameters necessary for simulation of paper conveyance such as paper path, sensor, conveyance roller, conveyance guide, mylar, and flapper are added as additional information.

  The actual analysis after that is based on this design information. On the simulator software, the shape parameters such as the transport guide and transport roller are changed each time the analysis is performed. Further, as the attributes of the device, the material of the transport guide, the transport roller This is done by defining parameters such as pressing force.

  Alternatively, without using the drawings as described above, 3D information is output from 3D CAD in an intermediate file format such as STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product model data) or IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification). In some cases, a paper conveyance simulation is performed using the output data.

  In this case, first, the unit shape information is transferred to the simulator using the data conversion format, and then it is necessary for the analysis of the roller pressing force, the paper path route, the material of the conveyance guide plate, and the sensor characteristics (delay, chattering). The parameters are individually defined on the simulator, or the attribute values determined by the material are checked and entered in the parameter reference table (for example, material-friction coefficient, material-Young's modulus), and then simulation is performed to obtain the transport analysis result. .

As the display of the conveyance analysis result, there are those shown in FIGS. FIG. 10 shows the ON / OFF timing and time of the operation of each sensor (PS-A, PS-B), the detection signal of the motor (Al-a, Al-b, B) and the drive signal of the conveyance control motor. It is a logic analyzer diagram (timing chart) showing the relationship. FIG. 11 shows a diagram (sheet diagram) representing the sheet conveyance distance with respect to the time from when the sheet starts to move.
Japanese Patent No. 26254411

  However, generally, it is difficult to obtain the optimum conditions for the sheet conveyance design only by performing the sheet conveyance simulation once. For this reason, as described above, it is necessary to repeat the simulation by randomly changing the parameters of the design information such as the 3D model, which is very inefficient.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an information processing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present application is a central processing unit that responds to a user instruction input by an input device in order to support design of a part including a conveyance roller for paper conveyance. An information processing apparatus that performs paper conveyance simulation using a component setting unit that sets the external shape, position, and attribute of a component related to paper conveyance in response to a user instruction input using the input device; In response to a user instruction input using the input device, a paper transport path setting means for setting a paper transport path, and using the central processing unit, the external shape, position, and attribute of the set part, Simulation means for simulating the paper conveyance based on the set paper conveyance path, and paper conveyance time based on the simulation of the simulation means In response to a user instruction relating to correction of line data in the line diagram inputted using the input device, a display means for displaying a diagram showing a distance of paper conveyance with respect to the model, a design drawing corresponding to modeling of the part Correction means for automatically correcting the diameter of the transport roller using the central processing unit, and the simulation means performs a simulation according to the diameter of the transport roller automatically corrected by the correction means, and displays the display The means displays the line data before and after automatic correction on the displayed diagram, and displays the conveyance rollers before and after automatic correction on the design drawing.

  As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that the efficiency of the sheet conveyance design can be significantly improved.

  In addition, since the design information (information created by CAD) is automatically corrected when the simulation result is corrected, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the design information and the simulation result from being inconsistent.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as necessary.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration for explaining a preferred example of a design support apparatus for designing a sheet conveying mechanism such as a copying machine as an information processing apparatus of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, the sheet conveyance design support apparatus 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 17, a display device 18, an input device 19, a storage device 20, and an output device 21. In the sheet conveyance design support apparatus shown in FIG. 2, a central processing unit (CPU) 17 executes input parameter / shape input processing and the like in accordance with an instruction input from the input device 19. The display device (display) 18 displays the simulation result obtained by the processing as a three-dimensional shape and design input information (various parameters and route information), and displays the process during the simulation process.

  The input device 19 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a pointing device, etc., and can input designation information necessary for operation, input of information, a selection instruction to a menu, other instructions, or input such information and instruction information. It is a possible device.

  The storage device 20 stores various programs for executing the operation of the information processing apparatus such as a parameter input / output program, data corresponding to the 3D model, and information such as simulation results for the model. The output device 21 is a printing device that prints information displayed on the display device 18 such as design input information (information on various parameters and paper conveyance paths), data corresponding to the 3D model, simulation results, or other design support. This is a network interface that outputs information data to a device.

  Here, the storage device 20 includes at least one selected from ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and various external storage devices provided separately.

  The hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus described above does not have to be a dedicated apparatus, and a general computer system such as a personal computer can be used.

  In this embodiment, various programs are stored in ROM, parameter information such as the shape of a unit to be designed is stored in a storage device 20 using a RAM or a hard disk, and designation information required for processing is designated from the input device 19. The operation result can be displayed again on the display device 18 and various parameters / model data can be stored in the storage device 20.

  Next, a specific operation of the sheet conveyance design support apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described according to a user procedure with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 1 and the configuration diagram of the sheet conveyance design support apparatus 1 of FIG. .

(Part shape and position information input) (Step ST0)
First, in accordance with a user operation, modeling (drafting) is performed on the outer shape and position of parts (hereinafter referred to as parts) constituting a paper transport system unit using a CAD program.

(Detailed input of part attributes) ... (Step ST1)
First, the attribute groups related to paper conveyance are roughly divided into six types of “conveyance guide, conveyance roller, mylar, flapper sensor, paper path” for the models of the parts constituting the paper conveyance system. Each unit is defined by being assigned to one of these six part attributes.

  Then, as in the screen shown in FIG. 3A, the designer sets parameters for each modeled unit. For example, the material of the guide plate is determined as a parameter while checking the friction coefficient of the guide plate from a parameter DB (database) (not shown).

  FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining a preferred example of an input screen for setting parameters of each part. In the upper window of FIG. 3B, buttons indicating the attribute names (sensor, roller, guide, paper path) of a predetermined attribute group are displayed. (Mylar and flapper are omitted for simplification of explanation) For example, when a sensor is selected, a window in which delay and chattering are set as parameter items appears as drive conditions. The user can change the value of each parameter by selecting a desired item.

(Cross section drawing of transport system unit / addition of cross section attribute) ... (Step ST2 / ST3)
Next, a main cross section is defined for the transport system unit arranged in the three-dimensional space. Subsequently, a cross section of the transport system unit is created using the defined main cross section. At this time, it may be specified whether the member to be projected onto the cross section is only the member having the roller / guide plate paper conveyance attribute, or whether it is performed on all components appearing in the cross section.

  Note that the design information referred to in the present embodiment includes a section of the transport system unit arranged in the three-dimensional space and the created transport system unit.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of how the main cross section of the unit of the paper transport system is defined in step ST2 of FIG. FIG. 4 shows a state where a two-dimensional main cross section is defined in the 3D space and the main cross section is displayed on the screen. The main cross section is set perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the transport roller of the transport system unit and at the center of the transport roller. Alternatively, after that, adjustment may be performed by shifting by a specified distance in the longitudinal direction as necessary.

  In step ST3 of FIG. 1, parts not related to the paper transport system (screws / exterior parts, etc.) are also projected onto the main cross section or defined in ST1 of FIG. 1, transport guide attributes, transport roller attributes, mylars, flappers. , Sensor attributes such as part attributes related to the paper conveyance system are selected to be projected. By doing so, a necessary cross-sectional view can be obtained.

(Projection of sectional view) (Step ST4)
Next, a cross-sectional view of each part model is created by the method specified in step ST3.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a state of the main cross section created by the projection processing in step ST4 of FIG. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the model of the part to be projected designated in step ST3 is projected. In this way, only the necessary projection parts are projected, thereby reducing the complexity of the drawing.

(Sheet path input) (step ST5)
Subsequently, the sheet path is input to the main cross section shown in FIG. The sheet path is set so as to pass between the guides shown on the sectional view created in step ST4.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a sheet path is input in step ST5 of FIG. The displayed guide element is composed of a pair of elements such as a spline and an arc. The designer can connect the vicinity of the center of these elements and define a general sheet path.

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

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example when a branch point is input on the cross-sectional view. In FIG. 7, when a branch point of a route exists by forming a closed loop by processing such as double-sided copying, the designer can specify a branch point on the transport system route in this cross-sectional view and delimit the route element. it can.

(Specify sheet path route) ... (Step ST7)
Next, the order in which the paper is conveyed in the set sheet path is defined.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of setting a sheet conveyance route. FIG. 8A shows a state in which the order in which the sheets are conveyed is specified based on the path elements separated in step ST6 in FIG. If you want to transport a sheet according to the arrows in the figure, start the setting with the paper transport path setting button, and pick (select) the sheet sections on the screen using the input device 19 such as a mouse and set them in order. To go. When the setting is completed, as shown in FIG. 8B, the arrangement of the element numbers can be confirmed on the screen in the element order in which the sheets are conveyed. Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, the sheet conveyance path can be schematically displayed.

(Sensor position designation) (Step ST8)
When it is necessary to arrange a sensor for determining whether paper is passing on the sheet path, a setting position of the sensor is defined. Of course, when there are a plurality of sensors, the point is designated and set.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of setting the sensor position. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the position of the sensor is designated on the paper transport path defined up to step ST6. Specifically, the coordinate value of the sensor can be used as an attribute and can be given to the sectional view. As attribute information at this time, it is possible to select whether the coordinates are local coordinates with respect to the origin of the cross-sectional view or the entire coordinates in the 3D space.

  Through the processes in steps ST2 to ST8 described above, the two-dimensional attribute related to the paper conveyance path is input to the defined sectional view.

(Simulation) (Step ST9)
Subsequently, based on the information set as described above, a sheet conveyance simulation is performed by the processing of the central processing unit 17. As a result of the simulation, the operation information of the sheet, the arrival timing of the sheet to each sensor, the control timing of the motor, and the like are calculated.

(Simulation result display) (Step ST10)
Next, by processing the operation information of the sheet, the arrival timing of the sheet to each sensor, and the control timing of the motor, which is the result of the simulation, the logic analyzer diagram (logic analyzer diagram, timing chart) shown in FIG. Also, a sheet diagram (diagram) representing the sheet conveyance distance with respect to the sheet conveyance time shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the screen of the display device 18.

  The sheet conveyance simulation result is obtained by the procedure as described above. In the present embodiment, the optimum result is quickly derived by correcting the coordinates or shape of the modeled part corresponding to the correction / processing of the data on the graph as the simulation result.

  For example, when the designer considers shifting the detection timing of the sheet detection sensor PS-B that detects that a sheet such as paper has been conveyed, FIG. 12 shows the arrival time of the sheet at the position of each sensor or motor. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship, but when it is examined on the logic analyzer diagram on the screen of the display device 18 as shown in FIG. 12, the relationship with the simulation results of other modeled parts can be well understood.

  FIG. 18 is an operation process flowchart of the CPU 17 when the designer corrects the timing chart shown in FIG.

  First, the CPU 17 detects that the graph as the simulation result has been corrected by the designer (step ST20).

  For example, as indicated by an arrow D in the timing chart of FIG. 12, by moving the line data corresponding to the sensor PS-B displayed on the logic analyzer diagram by dragging the mouse or the like of the input device 19, the designer's Correct to the desired timing. With this correction, the central processing unit 17 reversely calculates the value of each parameter from the detection timing change (time difference in FIG. 12). Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a parameter table of all design information that can be corrected by changing the detection timing is displayed.

  The designer selects the type of parameter that he / she wants to change in the part corrected in FIG. At this time, the CPU 17 detects the type of parameter selected by the designer (step ST21). Further, the CPU 17 calculates the value of the selected parameter based on the correction of the graph in step ST20 (step ST22).

  For example, when the position of the sensor PS-B is selected, the sensor input in step ST8 from the changed time difference and the sheet conveyance speed calculated from the diagram shown in FIG. 11 so that the corrected detection timing is obtained. The position of is calculated and corrected. At this time, correction is made so as not to deviate from the sheet path.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, when the line data is moved in order to delay the arrival time of the paper at the position of the sheet detection sensor PS-B by 500 msec, the position of the sensor PS-B is set to (paper transport speed). (* 500 msec) Note that the paper conveyance speed may be obtained by simulating the sheet diagram shown in FIG. 11 in advance, and may be obtained from the inclination at the position of the sensor PS-B of the sheet diagram, or the sheet conveyance path in the simulation result The distance from the beginning of the sensor to the sensor PS-B and the arrival time may be obtained.

  The central processing unit 17 corrects the coordinates or shape of the target part on the design model according to the calculation result in step ST22 (step ST23).

  When correcting the “part coordinates”, not only the coordinates of the sensor PS-B in the parameter table but also the position before the correction of the sensor PS-B on the main cross-sectional view of the design model as shown in FIG. The corrected position is simultaneously displayed on the screen as indicated by an arrow E. At this time, since the original position of the sensor PS-B is expressed by a dotted line or the like, a change in the sensor position can be immediately confirmed, and at the same time, it can be returned to the original position which is the first design information. Yes.

  Similarly, when the “sheet conveyance path length” is selected as a parameter to be corrected, as indicated by an arrow G in FIG. 19, the sensor PS-B is detected from the branch point of the loop of the sheet conveyance path corresponding to the corrected detection timing. Until the sheet conveyance path length is increased by (paper conveyance speed * 500 msec). As described above, it has been described that the design model is corrected in accordance with the correction of the graph. However, it goes without saying that the parameter value of the corrected design model is also corrected along with the correction.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, parameters such as a preset sensor position can be automatically corrected based on the graph indicating the simulation result. Therefore, the optimum conditions for sheet design can be obtained efficiently, and the efficiency of sheet conveyance design is greatly improved.

  In the above description, the case where the line data on the logic analyzer diagram is corrected has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the line data such as a sheet diagram is corrected, the design information input in the same manner. The parameters may be automatically corrected.

  Further, since the parameters of the design information set in advance are automatically corrected by correcting the data using the graph data which is the simulation result, the efficiency of the sheet conveyance design can be greatly improved.

  Furthermore, since the design information is automatically corrected by reverse calculation automatically, it is possible to prevent performing a useless simulation using a design condition by wrong manual calculation.

  In addition, since the design information is automatically corrected when the simulation result is corrected, it is possible to prevent the designer from forgetting to correct the design information inadvertently and to prevent the design information from being inconsistent with the simulation result.

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16 which are design information parameter input screens and FIG. 17 which is a simulation result display screen. Other configurations and simulation procedures are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 15 is a display screen of the display device 18, and an example of a 3D model of the transport system unit is displayed on the display screen as design information (design drawing) of the three-dimensional space. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the 3D model shown in FIG. FIG. 17 shows a sheet diagram on the screen of the display device, which is one of the simulation results.

  The first input design data can be automatically corrected by correcting the line data on FIG. 17 showing the sheet diagram indicating the sheet conveyance distance with respect to the sheet conveyance time as the simulation result. Since it is the same as that of embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the second embodiment, processing described below is further executed.

  In the present embodiment, when the parameters of the design information (3D model) in the three-dimensional space are corrected for the simulation data, the central processing unit 17 performs an operation in which only the parameters are changed in real time, and the simulation result Further, a process for automatically correcting is performed.

  For example, it is assumed that the diameter of the roller 30 constituting the 3D model shown in FIG. 15 is corrected to a small value from a dotted line to a solid line after simulation. In this case, the diameter of the roller 30 on the cross-sectional view of this 3D model shown in FIG. 16 is also automatically changed (from the dotted line to the solid line). Further, the central processing unit 17 performs a calculation (simulation) in which only the diameter data of the roller 30 is changed, and the inclination (sheet conveying speed) of one part of the sheet diagram shown in FIG. Is increased downward as indicated by an arrow F (which means a change from a dotted line to a solid line).

  Also in this case, as in the first embodiment, the diameter of the roller, which is the design information inputted first, and the sheet diagram, which is a simulation result display, are also expressed by dotted lines, so that the change is immediately made. At the same time, it is possible to restore the original design information, such as the roller diameter and the sheet diagram, to their original inclination.

  As described above, in the case of the present embodiment, the simulation result can be immediately verified without performing the simulation from the beginning again for the data that has been simulated once, even if there is a design change. This has the effect of improving design efficiency.

  Furthermore, since the simulation results can be obtained immediately when the parameters of the design information are changed, it is possible to easily determine which parameter is the most time-consuming design change and it is effective to change it. It also has the effect of reducing design time.

  In the embodiment described above, the design information of the sheet conveying mechanism has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to design information (design drawings) of any apparatus.

It is a flowchart which shows the outline of operation | movement of the information processing apparatus in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information processing apparatus (3D sheet conveyance simulator) as a paper conveyance design assistance apparatus applied in each embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of a parameter input part. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a three-dimensional display screen for defining a main cross section of a paper transport system unit in ST <b> 2 of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram for illustrating an example of a main cross section display screen after performing a projection process in ST4 of FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the display screen which input the paper path | route in ST5 of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the display screen which designated the branch point on sectional drawing by ST6 of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the flow of a process which defines the paper path of the path | route element divided | segmented by ST6 of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the display screen after carrying out definition input of the position of a sensor by ST8 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a logic analyzer diagram (timing chart) as an example of a display screen on the display device of FIG. 2 as a simulation result. It is a figure for demonstrating a sheet diagram (diagram) as an example of a simulation result. It is a figure explaining an example in the case of correcting the line data on the logic analyzer figure which is a simulation result. It is a figure for demonstrating an example by which one parameter of design information is automatically corrected. It is a figure explaining an example in the case of changing the input data of design information as 2nd embodiment. It is a figure explaining an example in the case of changing the input data of design information as 2nd embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example by which the line data on the sheet | seat diagram which is a simulation result are corrected automatically. It is a figure for demonstrating a sheet diagram (diagram) as an example of a simulation result. It is an operation | movement process flowchart of the assistance apparatus for correction of the design information accompanying correction of a graph. It is a figure which shows an example of correction of a design model.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sheet conveyance design support apparatus 17 Central processing unit 18 Display apparatus 19 Input apparatus 20 Storage apparatus 21 Output apparatus

Claims (4)

An information processing apparatus that performs paper conveyance simulation using a central processing unit in response to a user instruction input by an input device in order to support design of a component including a conveyance roller related to paper conveyance,
In accordance with a user instruction input using the input device, a component setting unit that sets an outer shape, a position, and an attribute of a component related to paper conveyance;
A paper conveyance path setting means for setting a paper conveyance path in response to a user instruction input using the input device;
Simulation means for simulating the paper conveyance based on the set outline, position and attribute of the component and the set paper conveyance path using the central processing unit;
Based on the simulation of the simulation means, a diagram showing a paper conveyance distance with respect to a paper conveyance time, a display means for displaying a design drawing according to the modeling of the part;
Correction means for automatically correcting the diameter of the transport roller using the central processing unit in response to a user instruction related to correction of line data in the diagram input using the input device;
The simulation means performs a simulation according to the diameter of the conveyance roller automatically corrected by the correction means,
The display means displays the line data before and after automatic correction on the displayed diagram, and displays the conveyance rollers before and after automatic correction on the design drawing. apparatus. Further, the central processing unit is used to project a part including a conveyance roller related to the paper conveyance defined on the three-dimensional space onto a main cross-section defined on the three-dimensional space. Has a creation means for creating
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper conveyance path setting unit sets the paper conveyance path by using the created sectional view. An information processing method for simulating paper conveyance using a central processing unit in response to a user instruction input by an input device in order to support design of a part including a conveyance roller related to paper conveyance,
In accordance with a user instruction input using the input device, a component setting step for setting the outer shape, position, and attribute of a component related to paper conveyance;
A paper conveyance path setting step for setting a paper conveyance path in accordance with a user instruction input using the input device;
A simulation step of simulating the paper conveyance based on the set outline, position and attribute of the component and the set paper conveyance path using the central processing unit;
Based on the simulation of the simulation means, a diagram showing a paper conveyance distance with respect to a paper conveyance time, a display step of displaying a design drawing according to the modeling of the component,
A correction step of automatically correcting the diameter of the transport roller using the central processing unit in response to a user instruction related to correction of line data in the diagram input using the input device,
The simulation step performs a simulation according to the diameter of the conveyance roller automatically corrected by the correction unit,
In the information processing, the display step displays the line data before and after automatic correction on the displayed diagram, and the conveyance rollers before and after automatic correction are displayed on the design drawing. Method.   A program for realizing the information processing method according to claim 3 by being executed by a computer.

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