JP5278927B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing apparatus control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a designer to flexibly change the display direction of a three-dimensional model without a complicated operation. <P>SOLUTION: Selection of a display direction icon 802 displayed in a sub-window 800 is received. A rotation angle corresponding to the selected display direction icon 802 is acquired from a rotation angle table 1400, and a three-dimensional model is rotated in a display direction with the selected display direction icon 802 set as a viewpoint on the basis of the acquired angle. In addition, a frequently-used display direction icon 802 is prestored for each three-dimensional model, and when use of the frequently-used display direction is instructed, the three-dimensional model is rotated at a rotation angle corresponding to the display direction icon 802. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for displaying a three-dimensional model created by a three-dimensional CAD application, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus that changes the display direction of a three-dimensional model, a control method for the information processing apparatus, and a program.

  Conventionally, when a designer creates a three-dimensional model using a three-dimensional CAD application, the design is performed while changing the display direction of the three-dimensional model and confirming the shape from various angles. Therefore, the three-dimensional CAD application has a function of changing the display direction of the three-dimensional model displayed on the screen.

  When changing the display direction of the three-dimensional model, the three-dimensional model is displayed in the designated display direction by selecting the display direction set in the three-dimensional CAD application, such as front, top, right side. In addition, it is possible to change to an arbitrary display direction by accepting an operation of an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard from a designer and freely rotating, enlarging or reducing the 3D model.

  In order to reduce the time for such a display direction selection operation, the three-dimensional CAD application also has a function of storing an arbitrary display direction. An arbitrary display name or the like can be assigned and stored for each three-dimensional model, and when used, the display direction is changed by selecting the assigned display name or the like.

  For example, in the following Patent Document 1, a two-dimensional image from a viewpoint in which a three-dimensional model is displayed and parameters related to the viewpoint position are stored, and the two-dimensional image stored in the sub-window is displayed from the user. When a selection is received, a mechanism for acquiring a parameter corresponding to the two-dimensional image and changing the display direction of the three-dimensional model of the main window based on the parameter is disclosed.

WO2004 / 107271

  As described above, the 3D CAD application has a function of changing the display direction of the 3D model. However, only a basic display direction such as the front, top, and right side can be selected, and the designer can The 3D model cannot be displayed in the desired display direction.

  Also, when a three-dimensional model is changed to an arbitrary display direction by receiving a mouse or keyboard operation, a plurality of operations such as rotation and enlargement / reduction are required. The display direction requested by the designer cannot always be changed by a single operation, and if the display direction is changed many times during the design, there is a problem that design time is consumed for such an operation.

  As described above, it also has a function of storing an arbitrary display direction of the three-dimensional model. However, when the display direction is changed, a display name given by the designer is selected. Since the display direction from which the three-dimensional model is recorded is not visually expressed, there is also a problem that it is not possible to intuitively select which display direction is requested.

  In addition, when the user is browsing in a state where the components are combined, there are cases where the user wants to focus on a specific component for browsing. Conventionally, only the display direction of the entire product is changed. When a specific part is desired to be browsed, the display direction cannot be flexibly changed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the present invention provides a mechanism by which a designer can flexibly change the display direction of a three-dimensional model without performing complicated operations. For the purpose.

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that displays a three-dimensional model. Storage means for storing each icon for receiving an instruction to change the display direction; display means for displaying the three-dimensional model in a first window; and displaying the icon in a second window; In order to change the display direction of the three-dimensional model displayed in the window, an icon selection receiving unit that receives a selection for the icon displayed in the second window by the display unit, and an icon that has received a selection by the icon selection receiving unit Parameter acquisition means for acquiring parameters corresponding to the storage means, and parameters acquired by the parameter acquisition means Using said at first window, the display direction change processing means for processing for changing the display direction of the 3-dimensional model, the three-dimensional model constituting accepts selection of components components selection acceptance And the display direction change processing unit uses the parameter acquired by the parameter acquisition unit as a center when the component selection is received by the component selection reception unit. Processing for changing the display direction is performed . In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that displays a three-dimensional model, and is an information processing apparatus that displays a three-dimensional model. Storage means for storing a parameter for changing the display direction for each icon that accepts an instruction to change the display direction of the three-dimensional model, and display means for displaying the icon arranged to include the three-dimensional model An icon selection receiving unit that receives a selection for the icon displayed by the display unit, a parameter acquisition unit that acquires a parameter corresponding to the icon received by the icon selection receiving unit from the storage unit, and the icon selection In order to display in the display direction corresponding to the position where the icon whose selection has been received by the receiving means is arranged, Using the parameters obtained by the data obtaining means, a display direction change processing means for processing for changing the display direction of the 3-dimensional model, component selection accepting means for accepting a selection of the components that constitute the three-dimensional model And the display direction change processing unit responds to the position where the icon received by the icon selection receiving unit is arranged when the selection of the component is received by the component selection receiving unit. In order to display the selected component in the display direction, a process for changing the display direction around the component is performed using the parameter acquired by the parameter acquisition unit .

  According to the present invention, when the icon for changing the display direction arranged in the three-dimensional space is selected by the user, the display direction of the three-dimensional model is changed with the position where the icon is arranged as a viewpoint. Therefore, the display direction can be flexibly changed without the designer performing a complicated operation.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the three-dimensional model management system 100 in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus 101 and a server 102 illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the module structure of the information processing apparatus 101 and the server 102 which are shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a series of processes in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the subwindow creation process in step S106 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the display direction change process in FIG.4 S107. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the frequently used display direction preservation | save and use process in step S109 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the subwindow in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example when a reduced version three-dimensional model 801 and a reduced version bounding box 803 are rotated in a sub window 800; FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example when a number is assigned to the display direction icon 802 of the bounding box in the sub window 800. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of a frequently used display direction table 1100 stored in the information processing apparatus 101. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of color change of a display direction icon when a display direction icon 802 is selected in a sub window 800. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display direction change result of a three-dimensional model when a display direction icon 802 is selected in a sub window 800. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of a rotation angle table 1400 stored in the information processing apparatus 101. FIG. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example when a frequently used display direction icon 802 is stored in a sub window 800. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a series of processes in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the subwindow creation process in step S106 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the display direction change process in step S107 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the frequently used display direction preservation | save and use process in step S109 of FIG. FIG. 20 is a continuation of the flowchart showing details of the frequently used display direction storage / use processing shown in FIG. 19. It is a flowchart which shows the display direction extraction process frequently used in step S501 of FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of a frequently used display direction table 1100 and a component table 2210 stored in the information processing apparatus 101. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the subwindow in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of a rotation angle table 2400 stored in the information processing apparatus 101. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a difference when a reference angle is selected to be 45 degrees or 30 degrees in a state where a component is selected in a sub window 800. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation example of a display direction icon when a display direction icon 802 is selected in a state where a component is selected in a sub window 800. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for displaying a list of other components recorded as a display direction in which the current display direction is frequently used in the sub-window 800. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the module structure in 2nd Embodiment of the information processing apparatus 101 and server 102 shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a three-dimensional model management system 100 according to the present invention. An information processing apparatus 101 and a server 102 are installed in a 3D model management system 100 of the present invention, and these apparatuses are connected to each other via a network 103 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) so as to be able to perform data communication with each other. . The configuration of various terminals or servers connected on the network 103 in FIG. 1 is an example, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.

  The information processing apparatus 101 is an apparatus that executes a three-dimensional CAD application. The three-dimensional CAD application is stored in the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 shown in FIG. 2 to be described later, and the CPU 201 reads it into the RAM 203 and performs various operations in accordance with instructions from a designer (hereinafter referred to as a user).

  The three-dimensional CAD application has a function of controlling the output of features to the CRT 210 shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later, and a function of changing the display direction of the three-dimensional model, for confirming the shape of the three-dimensional model. The feature is a predetermined operation procedure for a specific shape or a model created by that procedure. Basic features include fillet (rounding), shell (thinning), chamfering, There are holes, bosses, ribs, etc. The server 102 stores and manages the three-dimensional model created by the three-dimensional CAD application of the information processing apparatus 101. The three-dimensional model may be stored in the external memory 211 of the server 102 or may be stored in the external memory 211 of the information processing apparatus 101. In this embodiment, the description will be made assuming that the information is stored in the external memory 211 of the information processing apparatus 101.

  The server 102 is a device that stores and manages various data created by the information processing apparatus 101. A three-dimensional model may be created by a plurality of users. In this case, the three-dimensional model created by the information processing apparatus 101 of each user is centrally managed in one server 102.

  The information processing apparatus 101 may include the configuration of the server 102, or the server 102 may include the configuration of the information processing apparatus 101. Also, in the present embodiment, description will be made based on a form in which various data are stored in the information processing apparatus 101 and operated by an operation from a user.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of various terminals according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The CPU 201 comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204.

  Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System), an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, and a function executed by each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored. The RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201.

  The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing into the RAM 203 and executing the program.

  An input controller (input C) 205 controls input from a pointing device such as a keyboard 209 or a mouse (not shown).

  A video controller (VC) 206 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 210. The display device may be a liquid crystal display as well as a CRT. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  A memory controller (MC) 207 is a hard disk (HD), floppy disk (registered trademark FD) or PCMCIA card slot for storing boot programs, browser software, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. Controls access to an external memory 211 such as a compact flash memory connected via an adapter.

  A communication I / F controller (communication I / FC) 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network, and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, Internet communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.

  Various programs used by the information processing apparatus 101 of the present invention to execute various processes described later are recorded in the external memory 211 and are executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. is there. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used by the program according to the present invention are stored in the external memory 211.

  Next, a functional configuration diagram showing module configurations of the information processing apparatus 101 and the server 102 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the module configurations of the various terminals or servers in FIG. 3 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on applications and purposes.

  The information processing apparatus 101 includes a three-dimensional model storage module 301, a screen display module 302, a display direction icon management module 303, and a rotation management module 304.

  The three-dimensional model storage module 301 is a module that stores a three-dimensional model created by a three-dimensional CAD application (storage means). The three-dimensional model stored by the three-dimensional model storage module 301 is stored in the external memory 211 or the like of the information processing apparatus 101, and is read by the three-dimensional model storage module 301 as necessary. Further, a frequently used display direction table 1100 and a rotation angle table 1400 to be described later are stored.

  The screen display module 302 is a module for displaying various information on the CRT 210 of the information processing apparatus 101 (display unit). The screen display module 302 displays information constituting the screen such as a 3D model, a display direction icon 802, and a reduced bounding box 803, which will be described later, on a screen such as a sub window 800 (see FIG. 8) and a main window, which will be described later. Accepts selections from the user.

  The display direction icon management module 303 is a module for managing information on the coordinate value of the display direction icon 802 displayed on the sub window 800, the icon number described later, and the display direction icon.

  The rotation management module 304 is a module for rotating the three-dimensional model displayed by the screen display module 302. In addition, a rotation angle table 1400 described later is managed, and information is acquired from the rotation angle table 1400 as necessary when the three-dimensional model is rotated.

  The server 102 includes a three-dimensional model storage module 306. The three-dimensional model storage module 306 is the same as the three-dimensional model storage module 301 of the information processing apparatus 101 described above. When the information processing apparatus 101 stores and manages the 3D model, the 3D model storage module 301 of the information processing apparatus 101 is used. When the server 102 stores and manages the 3D model, the server 102 stores the 3D model. Module 306 is used. In this embodiment, a description will be given assuming that the three-dimensional model storage module 301 of the information processing apparatus 101 is used.

  Next, a series of processing performed by the information processing apparatus 101 in the embodiment of the present invention will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that steps S101 to S109 are performed under the control of the CPU 201 in the information processing apparatus 101.

  Note that a program for causing the information processing apparatus 101 to execute this processing may be prepared as a part of a three-dimensional CAD application installed in the information processing apparatus 101 or as an add-on program, or a three-dimensional CAD application. Alternatively, it may be prepared as a program installed separately.

  First, in step S101, the information processing apparatus 101 starts a three-dimensional CAD application stored in the external memory 211 in accordance with an instruction from the user. Then, a list of the three-dimensional models to be processed is displayed and selection is accepted. The three-dimensional model is acquired from the information processing apparatus 101 or the server 102 and displayed as a list.

  In step S102, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether a three-dimensional model to be processed is selected from the three-dimensional models displayed in step S101 according to an instruction from the user. If it is selected, the process proceeds to step S103. If it is not selected, the process waits until it is selected.

  In step S103, the information processing apparatus 101 opens the 3D model selected in step S102 and displays the 3D model in a main window in the 3D application. The three-dimensional model is acquired from the information processing apparatus 101 or the server 102 and opened. The main window is a screen for constructing a three-dimensional model, and a design desired by the user is constructed on this screen. In the present invention, the display direction of the three-dimensional model displayed in the main window is changed.

  In step S <b> 104, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether an instruction to start a display direction change program has been given in accordance with an instruction from the user. The display direction change program may operate as one of the menus of the three-dimensional CAD application, or may operate as a program different from the three-dimensional CAD application. If it is determined that the activation has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S105. If it is determined that the activation has not been instructed, the process waits until the display direction changing program is instructed.

  In step S105, the information processing apparatus 101 reads the display direction change program instructed in step S104 from the external memory 211 and starts it.

  In step S106, the information processing apparatus 101 performs a process of creating a sub window 800 (see FIG. 8) for allowing the user to select a display direction. Details of the sub-window creation processing are shown in FIG.

  In step S107, the information processing apparatus 101 receives a user operation on the sub window 800, and performs a process of changing the display direction of the three-dimensional model displayed on the main window accordingly. Details of the display direction changing process are shown in FIG.

  In step S109, the information processing apparatus 101 performs processing for storing the display direction selected by the user operation and processing for using the stored display direction. Details of frequently used display orientation storage / use processing are shown in FIG. When step S109 is completed, the series of processes is terminated. Alternatively, an execution instruction for either the display direction change process or the frequently used display direction storage / use process may be received, and a standby may be performed in accordance with an instruction from the user.

  Next, sub-window creation processing will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, each step of S201 thru | or S214 is processed under control of CPU201 in the information processing apparatus 101. FIG.

  A program for causing the information processing apparatus 101 to execute this processing may be prepared as a part of a 3D CAD application installed in the information processing apparatus 101 or as an add-on program. What is a 3D CAD application? It may be prepared as a separately installed program.

  The sub window creation process is a process for creating a sub window 800 (see FIG. 8) for inputting a display direction by a user operation.

  The sub-window 800 includes a reduced version 3D model 801 that is a reduced version of the 3D model displayed in the main window, a display direction icon 802 arranged around the model, a reduced version bounding box 803, coordinates A system 804, a save button 805, a frequently used display direction button 806, and a background area 807 are configured. When the information processing apparatus 101 accepts a drag operation by the user in the background area 807, as shown in the sub-window rotation example 900 in FIG. 9, the reduced version three-dimensional model 801, the display direction icon 802, the reduced version bounding box 803, the coordinate system 804 rotates. Note that the reduced version of the three-dimensional model 801 is displayed to facilitate selection of the direction in which the three-dimensional model is displayed, but it may not be displayed.

  The bounding box in the present embodiment refers to a cube composed of straight lines including a target three-dimensional model. The bounding box is expressed in a three-dimensional space, and the size of the bounding box is also changed according to the size of the target three-dimensional model. The size of the bounding box is the smallest cube that encloses the target three-dimensional model. In the present embodiment, the above-described cube is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be a rectangular parallelepiped or a sphere, or any shape as long as it can wrap a three-dimensional model.

  First, steps S201 to S205 are processes for creating a reduced version three-dimensional model 801 and a reduced version bounding box 803.

  In step S201, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires vertical dimension, horizontal dimension, and height dimension data of the three-dimensional model displayed in the main window in step S103. For each dimension data, information held in the three-dimensional model may be used, or the dimension of the three-dimensional model displayed using the function of the three-dimensional CAD application may be measured.

  In step S202, the information processing apparatus 101 creates a bounding box based on the vertical dimension, horizontal dimension, and height dimension acquired in step S201. The bounding box may be created as a three-dimensional model or may be other than that.

  In step S <b> 203, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires window size data to be displayed as the sub window 800. The size of the sub window 800 is stored in advance in the display direction changing program.

  In step S204, the information processing apparatus 101 generates a reduced version three-dimensional model 801 by reducing the three-dimensional model of the main window so as to fit in the subwindow 800 based on the size data of the subwindow 800 acquired in step S203. To do.

  In step S205, the information processing apparatus 101 reduces the bounding box created in step S202 based on the size of the reduced version three-dimensional model 801 created in step S204, and creates a reduced version bounding box 803.

  In step S206, the information processing apparatus 101 draws and displays the reduced version three-dimensional model 801 created in step S204 on the sub window 800.

  In step S207, the information processing apparatus 101 draws and displays the reduced version bounding box 803 created in step S205 on the sub window 800.

  In step S <b> 208, the information processing apparatus 101 determines the coordinates for displaying the display direction icon 802, and the coordinate values in the three-dimensional space of the vertices, the center points of the sides, and the center points of the sides of the reduced-size bounding box 803. (X coordinate, y coordinate, z coordinate) is acquired and recorded.

  In step S209, the information processing apparatus 101 draws the display direction icon 802 at the position of the coordinate value acquired in step S208 (display unit).

  In step S210, in step S210, the information processing apparatus 101 assigns a unique number to all of the drawn display direction icons 802 in order to uniquely determine a plurality of display direction icons 802 to be displayed. A display direction icon number allocation example 1000 in FIG. 10 shows an example of number allocation. In this embodiment, it is assumed that numbers are assigned as shown in FIG. Any allocation can be used as long as it can be uniquely allocated.

  In step S211, the information processing apparatus 101 arranges and draws elements for configuring the subwindow 800 such as the save button 805, the frequently used display direction button 806, the coordinate system 804, and the like.

  In step S212, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether a frequently used display direction is stored for the three-dimensional model displayed in the main window. Specifically, the file path of the three-dimensional model displayed in the main window is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the same file path exists in the file path 1101 of the frequently used display direction table 1100 (see FIG. 11). . If it is determined that the frequently used display direction is stored, the process proceeds to step S214. If it is determined that the frequently used display direction is not stored, the process proceeds to step S213.

  The frequently used display direction table 1100 is for recording display direction icons 802 frequently used by the user for each three-dimensional model, and a file path 1101 for storing a file path in which the three-dimensional model is stored; The icon No. 1102 stores the icon number of the display direction icon 802 stored as a frequently used display direction. For example, the assembly A stored in No. 1 of the frequently used display direction table 1100 is saved as a frequently used display direction because the icon No. 1102 is “3” and the display direction icon 802 is “3”. Show. In FIG. 10, the display direction icon 802 at the lower left of the front side of the reduced size bounding box 803 is a frequently used display direction set for the assembly A. The storage and use of frequently used display directions are shown in FIG. The frequently used display direction table 1100 is described as being stored in the information processing apparatus 101 or the external memory 211 of the server 102, but may be held as information in the three-dimensional model.

  In step S213, the information processing apparatus 101 cannot select the frequently used display direction button 806 drawn in step S211 because the frequently used display direction is not stored for the three-dimensional model displayed in the main window. Process to make. As a process of making selection impossible, the frequently used display direction button 806 may be grayed out so that the user does not accept button presses, or the frequently used display direction button 806 may be hidden.

  In step S214, the information processing apparatus 101 stores the frequently used display direction for the three-dimensional model displayed in the main window, so the icon number stored in the icon No. 1102 in the corresponding row is assigned. The color of the displayed display direction icon 802 is changed. This is to clarify which display direction icon 802 is stored as a frequently used display direction icon. A color change example of the display direction icon 802 is shown in a subwindow of the display direction change processing result example 1300 in FIG.

  When the process of step S213 or step S214 is completed, the subwindow creation process is terminated, and the process returns to the caller.

  Next, the display direction changing process of FIG. 6 will be described. In addition, each step of S301 thru | or S313 is processed under control of CPU201 in the information processing apparatus 101. FIG.

  A program for causing the information processing apparatus 101 to execute this processing may be prepared as a part of a 3D CAD application installed in the information processing apparatus 101 or as an add-on program. What is a 3D CAD application? It may be prepared as a separately installed program.

  In the display direction changing process, when the user selects the display direction icon 802 on the sub window 800 created in the sub window creating process of FIG. 5 described above, the three-dimensional model of the main window is selected according to the position of the display direction icon 802. This is a process of changing the display direction. The display direction change image is shown in a display direction change processing result example 1300 in FIG.

  First, in step S301, the information processing apparatus 101 activates the sub window 800 to enter a state of accepting an operation from the user.

  In step S302, the information processing apparatus 101 determines what operation has been performed on the sub window 800 by an operation from the user. If it is determined in the background area 807 that a drag operation by the user has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S303. If it is determined that a cursor movement operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S304.

  In step S303, the information processing apparatus 101 rotates the reduced version three-dimensional model 801, the display direction icon 802, the reduced version bounding box 803, and the coordinate system 804 displayed on the sub window 800 based on a drag operation from the user. . In this way, even when the display direction icon 802 is arranged on the back side of the reduced version three-dimensional model 801, it can be selected.

  In step S304, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires a position where the cursor exists as a result of the cursor movement from the user.

  In step S305, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether the display direction icon 802 exists at the position acquired in step S304. That is, it is determined whether or not the display direction icon 802 is mouse over (mouse hover). If it is determined that the display direction icon 802 is present, the process proceeds to step S306. If not, the process returns to step S304.

  In step S <b> 306, the information processing apparatus 101 changes the color of the display direction icon 802 that is mouse-over to identify and display that the mouse is over. Specifically, a mouse over example 1201 in the display direction icon color change example 1200 of FIG. 12 is shown. Anything can be used as long as it can be identified and displayed.

  In step S307, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether or not the display direction icon 802 has been selected (clicked) by an operation from the user (icon selection receiving unit). If it is determined that the display direction icon 802 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S308. If it is determined that the display direction icon 802 has not been selected, the process returns to step S302.

  In step S <b> 308, the information processing apparatus 101 changes the color of the selected display direction icon 802 to identify and display that it has been clicked. Specifically, a click example 1202 in the display direction icon color change example 1200 of FIG. Anything can be used as long as it can be identified and displayed.

  In step S309, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires the icon number of the selected display direction icon 802. Since each display direction icon 802 is allocated, the display direction icon 802 selected from the selected position may be specified, and an icon number corresponding to the specified display direction icon 802 may be acquired. The method may be used.

  In step S310, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires the rotation angle table 1400 (see FIG. 14, rotation information) from storage means such as the information processing apparatus 101 or the external memory 211 of the server 102, and sets the icon number acquired in step S309. A value related to the corresponding rotation angle is acquired from the rotation angle table 1400 (rotation information acquisition means). This rotation angle is a value such as a rotation angle necessary for changing the display direction and its rotation axis.

  The rotation angle table 1400 (FIG. 14) includes an icon No 1401 that stores a number assigned to the display direction icon 802, and an angle 1402 that stores an angle for rotating the three-dimensional model when the display direction icon 802 is selected. , And rotation center (X) 1403, rotation center (Y) 1404, rotation center (Z) 1405, rotation axis (X) 1406, rotation axis (Y) 1407, rotation axis ( Z) 1408. For example, when “45 degrees” is stored in the angle column and “1” is stored in the rotation axis (Y) 1307, the three-dimensional model of the main window is rotated 45 degrees about the Y axis as the rotation axis. These rotation angles are stored when the three-dimensional model is viewed with the display direction icon 802 as a viewpoint. As a result, a three-dimensional model can be displayed from various angles simply by selecting one of the plurality of display direction icons 802.

  Therefore, in step S310, the same number as the number of the display direction icon 802 acquired in step S309 is searched from the icon No. 1401 of the rotation angle table 1400, and values such as the angle 1402 and the rotation center (X) 1403 of the corresponding record are obtained. get.

  In step S311, the information processing apparatus 101 changes the display direction of the three-dimensional model of the main window to the front. This is because the angle stored in the rotation angle table 1400 and its rotation axis are values based on the premise that the display direction of the three-dimensional model of the main window is the front. In other words, the display direction of the main window is once reset and turned to the front.

  In step S312, the information processing apparatus 101 rotates the three-dimensional model of the main window based on the angle and the rotation axis acquired in step S310 (rotating unit).

  Explaining based on the display direction change processing result example 1300 shown in FIG. 13, when the display direction icon 802 is selected in the sub window 800, the icon number of the display direction icon 802 is acquired. Judging from the icon number of FIG. 10, the selected icon number is “24”. Since the icon number is “24”, the matching icon No. 1401 is searched, and the rotation angle whose icon No. 1401 is “24” is acquired. In the rotation angle table 1400, the rotation angle with the icon number “24” is “−135 degrees” for the rotation axis (Y) 1307, “−45 degrees” for the rotation axis (X) 1306, and the rotation axis (Z) 1308. It is “−45 degrees”. Based on these, the three-dimensional model facing the front is rotated. A negative angle indicates reverse rotation.

  In step S313, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether or not to end the display direction change. Specifically, it may be determined whether or not the user has instructed to end the change of the display direction, or may be determined to end when the activation of another program is detected. When it is determined that the change of the display direction is to be ended, the display direction change process is ended, the process is returned to the caller. When it is not determined that the change of the display direction is to be ended, the process is returned to step S302, and the display direction is changed. An operation from the user is accepted in order to change again.

  Next, the frequently used display direction storage / use processing of FIG. 7 will be described. Note that steps S401 to S411 are performed under the control of the CPU 201 in the information processing apparatus 101.

  A program for causing the information processing apparatus 101 to execute this processing may be prepared as a part of a 3D CAD application installed in the information processing apparatus 101 or as an add-on program. What is a 3D CAD application? It may be prepared as a separately installed program.

  In the frequently used display direction storage / use process, the display direction icon 802 that the user clicked immediately before is stored as a frequently used display direction icon. Further, the saved display direction is a process that is used in response to pressing of the frequently used display direction button 806.

  In step S401, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether or not the pressing of the save button 805 has been detected in order to determine whether or not to perform frequently-used display direction saving processing. If the pressing of the save button 805 is detected, the process proceeds to step S402. If the pressing of the save button 805 cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step S407.

  In step S402, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether to perform an update process or an addition process for the frequently used display direction table 1100, so that the main window is added to the file path 1101 of the frequently used display direction table 1100. It is determined whether or not the file path of the three-dimensional model displayed in (1) exists. If it is determined that the file path of the 3D model exists, the process proceeds to step S403 to perform update processing. If it is determined that the file path of the 3D model does not exist, additional processing is to be performed. The process proceeds to step S404.

  In step S403, since the frequently used display direction of the three-dimensional model already displayed in the frequently used display direction table 1100 is stored, the information processing apparatus 101 sets the icon number of the currently selected display direction icon 802. The frequently used display direction table 1100 is overwritten and saved (favorite registration means). Specifically, the value of the icon No. 1102 in the corresponding row of the frequently used display direction table 1100 is updated to the icon number recorded in step S309 of the display direction change process in FIG. By doing so, it is possible to update the frequently used display orientation that has already been saved.

  In step S404, since the information processing apparatus 101 is a three-dimensional model not registered in the frequently used display direction table 1100, a new record is added to the frequently used display direction table 1100, and the file path of the three-dimensional model is changed to the file path 1101. And the icon number recorded in step S309 is stored in icon No. 1102 (favorite registration means). By doing this, a new addition is performed.

  In step S405, since the frequently used display direction is stored in step S404, the information processing apparatus 101 makes it possible to select the frequently used display direction button 806 that has been disabled in step S213. Specifically, if it is grayed out in step S213, it is canceled, and if the frequently used display direction button 806 is not displayed, it can be selected by displaying it.

  In step S406, the information processing apparatus 101 changes the color of the display direction icon 802 to which the icon number recorded in step S309 is assigned. That is, the display direction icon 802 set as a frequently used display direction is identified and displayed.

  The frequently used display orientation saving process will be described based on the frequently used display orientation saving example 1500 shown in FIG. When the user presses the save button 805 after the display direction icon 802 is clicked by an operation from the user in step S307, the color of the selected display direction icon 802 is changed as shown in the subwindow 800 after the display direction is saved. To do. In this way, it is possible to identify and display which display direction icon 802 is the frequently used display direction of the three-dimensional model.

  In step S407, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether or not pressing of the frequently used display direction button 806 is detected in order to determine whether or not to use the frequently used display direction. If the pressing of the frequently used display direction button 806 is detected, the process proceeds to step S408. If the pressing of the frequently used display direction button 806 is not detected, the frequently used display direction storage / use process is terminated. Return processing to the caller.

  In step S408, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires the value of the icon No. 1102 of the record in which the file path of the three-dimensional model displayed in the main window is stored from the file path 1101 of the frequently used display direction table 1100.

  In step S409, the information processing apparatus 101 searches the value of the icon No. 1102 acquired in step S408 from the icon No. 1401 of the rotation angle table 1400, and values related to the rotation angle such as the angle 1402 and the rotation center (X) 1303 of the record. To get.

  In step S410, the information processing apparatus 101 sets the display direction of the three-dimensional model of the main window to the front as in step S311 described above.

  In step S411, as in step S312, the information processing apparatus 101 rotates the three-dimensional model of the main window with the angle, the rotation axis, and the like acquired in step S409. When the rotation process is completed, the frequently used display direction storage / use process is terminated, and the process is returned to the caller.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above-described embodiment, it was possible to change the viewpoint by clicking the icon of the sub-window, but in the second embodiment, the change was made depending on whether the component of the 3D model was selected or not. A mechanism for changing the center position of the viewpoint to be performed will be described. Since the system configuration and hardware configuration are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  First, a functional configuration diagram showing module configurations of the information processing apparatus 101 and the server 102 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the module configurations of the various terminals or servers in FIG. 28 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on applications and purposes.

  The information processing apparatus 101 includes a three-dimensional model storage module 2801, a screen display module 2802, a display direction icon management module 2803, a rotation management module 2804, a component management module 2805, and a frequently used display direction registration module 2806.

  The three-dimensional model storage module 2801 is a module that stores a three-dimensional model created by a three-dimensional CAD application (storage means). The 3D model stored by the 3D model storage module 2801 is stored in the external memory 211 or the like of the information processing apparatus 101, and is read by the 3D model storage module 2801 as necessary. Further, the frequently used display direction table 1100, the rotation angle table 1400, the component table 2210 shown in FIG. 22, and the like are stored.

  The screen display module 2802 is a module for displaying various information on the CRT 210 of the information processing apparatus 101 (display means). The screen display module 2802 displays information constituting the screen such as a three-dimensional model, a display direction icon 802, and a reduced bounding box 803, which will be described later, on a screen such as a sub window 800 (see FIG. 8) and a main window which will be described later. Accepts selections from the user.

  The display direction icon management module 2803 is a module for managing information on the coordinate value of the display direction icon 802 displayed on the sub-window 800, the icon number described later, and the display direction icon.

  The rotation management module 2804 is a module for rotating the three-dimensional model displayed by the screen display module 2802. In addition, a rotation angle table 1400 described later is managed, and information is acquired from the rotation angle table 1400 as necessary when the three-dimensional model is rotated.

  The component management module 2805 is a module for managing components constituting the 3D model stored in the 3D model storage module 2801. The parent-child relationship between the components constituting the three-dimensional model is analyzed and managed in the component table 2210. Further, in response to a request from the three-dimensional CAD application, it is possible to collect and display information related to the constituent parts constituting the three-dimensional model being displayed.

  The frequently used display direction registration module 2806 is a module for registering the display direction icon displayed by the screen display module 2802 as a frequently used icon. Registration can be performed for a three-dimensional model, and can also be registered for components. Registration is performed by adding a new record to the frequently used display direction table 1100 for registration, or by updating an existing record.

  The server 102 also includes a three-dimensional model storage module 2810. The 3D model storage module 2810 is the same as the 3D model storage module 2801 of the information processing apparatus 101 described above. When the information processing apparatus 101 stores and manages the 3D model, the 3D model storage module 2801 of the information processing apparatus 101 is used. When the server 102 stores and manages the 3D model, the server 102 stores the 3D model. Module 2810 is used. In this embodiment, a description will be given assuming that the 3D model storage module 2801 of the information processing apparatus 101 is used.

  Next, a series of processes performed by the information processing apparatus 101 in the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In addition, each step of S101 to S109, S501, and S502 is performed under the control of the CPU 201 in the information processing apparatus 101.

  Note that a program for causing the information processing apparatus 101 to execute this processing may be prepared as a part of a three-dimensional CAD application installed in the information processing apparatus 101 or as an add-on program, or a three-dimensional CAD application. Alternatively, it may be prepared as a program installed separately.

  Steps S101 to S109 shown in FIG. 16 are the same as steps S101 to S109 of FIG. Details of the sub-window creation processing in step S106 will be described later with reference to FIG. Details of the display direction changing process in step S107 will be described later with reference to FIG. Details of frequently used display direction storage / use processing in step S109 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  When the process of step S109 is completed, in step S501, the information processing apparatus 101 executes a process for displaying the favorite component list 2305 provided in the sub window 800. Details of frequently used display direction extraction processing are shown in FIG.

  In step S502, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether an instruction to end the three-dimensional CAD application activated in step S101 is given. If it is determined that the end of the three-dimensional CAD application has been instructed, the series of processes is terminated. If not, the process returns to step S107.

  Next, subwindow creation processing performed by the information processing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that steps S201 to S214 and S601 to S603 are performed under the control of the CPU 201 in the information processing apparatus 101.

  Note that a program for causing the information processing apparatus 101 to execute this processing may be prepared as a part of a three-dimensional CAD application installed in the information processing apparatus 101 or as an add-on program, or a three-dimensional CAD application. Alternatively, it may be prepared as a program installed separately.

  Steps S201 to S214 in FIG. 17 are the same as steps S201 to S214 in FIG.

  When the process of step S213 or step S214 ends, in step S601, the information processing apparatus 101 arranges a reference angle display switching pull-down 2301 in the sub window 800 shown in FIG. When changing the display direction of the 3D model displayed in the main window using the display direction icon, the reference angle display switching pull-down 2301 is rotated at an angle based on 30 degrees or based on 45 degrees. This is a pull-down for selecting whether to rotate at an angle.

  In step S602, the information processing apparatus 101 refers to the component table 2210 (see FIG. 22), and acquires a list of component components that make up the displayed three-dimensional model. The component table 2210 (see FIG. 22) is configured by a parent configuration 2211 and a child configuration 2212, and indicates a reference relationship between components configuring the three-dimensional model. In this embodiment, such a component table 2210 is prepared and processing is performed using this table. However, the displayed three-dimensional model may be analyzed and the analysis result may be used. Any method may be used as long as the components constituting the three-dimensional model being displayed can be acquired.

  In step S603, the information processing apparatus 101 arranges the component selection form 2304 in the sub window 800 illustrated in FIG. 23 based on the component acquired in step S602. The component selection form 2304 is a selection form for specifying a component desired by the user from among components constituting the three-dimensional model being displayed in the display direction changing process described later. The display direction can be changed around the selected component.

  Next, the display direction changing process performed by the information processing apparatus 101 in the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that steps S701 to S717 are performed under the control of the CPU 201 in the information processing apparatus 101.

  Note that a program for causing the information processing apparatus 101 to execute this processing may be prepared as a part of a three-dimensional CAD application installed in the information processing apparatus 101 or as an add-on program, or a three-dimensional CAD application. Alternatively, it may be prepared as a program installed separately.

  First, in step S701, the information processing apparatus 101 activates the sub-window 800 shown in FIG. 23 so as to receive an operation from the user.

  In step S702, the information processing apparatus 101 determines what operation has been performed on the sub window 800 illustrated in FIG. 23 by an operation from the user. If it is determined in the background area 807 that a drag operation by the user has been received, the process proceeds to step S703. If it is determined that a selection operation for the component selection form 2304 has been received, the process proceeds to step S704.

  In step S703, the information processing apparatus 101 rotates the reduced version three-dimensional model 801, the display direction icon 802, the reduced version bounding box 803, and the coordinate system 804 displayed on the sub window 800 based on a drag operation from the user. . In this way, even when the display direction icon 802 is arranged on the back side of the reduced version three-dimensional model 801, it can be selected.

  In step S704, the information processing apparatus 101 sets the component selected by the user in the component selection form 2304 (component selection receiving unit). In the present embodiment, the form is selected from the component selection form 2304, but the component may be directly selected from the three-dimensional model displayed in the main window or the sub window, or another method may be used. As will be described later, the display direction can be changed based on the component selected here.

  In step S705, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether the display direction icon 802 has been selected (clicked) by an operation from the user (icon selection receiving unit). If it is determined that the display direction icon 802 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S706. If it is determined that the display direction icon 802 has not been selected, the display direction change process ends.

  In step S <b> 706, the information processing apparatus 101 changes the color of the selected display direction icon 802 to identify and display that it has been clicked. Specifically, a click example 1202 in the display direction icon color change example 1200 of FIG. Anything can be used as long as it can be identified and displayed.

  In step S707, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires the icon number of the selected display direction icon 802. Since each display direction icon 802 is allocated, the display direction icon 802 selected from the selected position may be specified, and an icon number corresponding to the specified display direction icon 802 may be acquired. The method may be used.

  In step S <b> 708, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires a rotation angle table corresponding to the reference angle currently selected by the reference angle display switching pull-down 2301 displayed in the sub window 800. For example, if it is 45 degrees, the rotation angle table 1400 shown in FIG. 14 is acquired, and if it is 30 degrees, the rotation angle table 2400 shown in FIG. 24 is acquired. The configuration of the rotation angle table 2400 shown in FIG. 24 is the same as that of the rotation angle table 1400 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 25, if the reference angle is different, the rotation angle of the three-dimensional model also changes, so that the appearance changes even with the same display direction icon. In FIG. 25, the icon whose display direction icon number is “7” is selected, but it can be seen that the display direction changes according to the value of the reference angle display switching pull-down 2301. By adopting such a mechanism, it becomes possible to meet the needs of detailed users.

  In step S709, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires a value related to the rotation angle corresponding to the icon number acquired in step S707 from the rotation angle table (rotation information) acquired in step S708 (rotation information acquisition unit). This rotation angle is a value such as a rotation angle necessary for changing the display direction and its rotation axis.

  In step S710, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether the component focus check box 2303 is checked. The component focus check box 2303 can be checked by selection from the user. When this is checked, it is possible to switch between changing the display direction of the entire three-dimensional model being displayed or changing the display direction around the component selected on the component selection form 2304. If it is determined that the component focus check box 2303 is checked, the process proceeds to step S712. If the component focus check box 2303 is not checked, the process proceeds to step S711.

  In step S711, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires the origin position, that is, the center point, of the entire three-dimensional model being displayed. If the origin position is not the center point, a point that becomes the center point of the three-dimensional model is acquired. In this embodiment, the center point is used, but it may be the center of gravity or other coordinates.

  On the other hand, in step S712, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires the origin position of the component selected by the component selection form 2304, that is, the center point of the component. As in step S711, if the origin position is not the center point, a point that becomes the center point of the three-dimensional model is acquired. In the present embodiment, the center point is used, but it may be the center of gravity or other coordinates.

  In step S713, the information processing apparatus 101 changes the display direction of the three-dimensional model of the main window to the front. This is because the angle stored in the rotation angle table and its rotation axis are values based on the premise that the display direction of the three-dimensional model of the main window is the front. In other words, the display direction of the main window is once reset and turned to the front.

  In step S714, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether the component focus check box 2303 is checked as in step S710 described above. If it is determined that the component focus check box 2303 is checked, the process proceeds to step S715. If the component focus check box 2303 is not checked, the process proceeds to step S716.

  In step S715, the information processing apparatus 101 identifies and displays the component selected on the component selection form 2304 on the three-dimensional model of the main window. That is, it is easy to understand that the display direction is changed around the identified component.

  In step S716, the information processing apparatus 101 rotates the three-dimensional model of the main window based on the angle and rotation axis acquired in step S709 and the origin position acquired in step S711 or step S712 (rotating unit). That is, if the rotation is performed based on the origin position acquired in step S711, the rotation can be performed based on the center of the entire three-dimensional model. On the other hand, if the rotation is performed based on the origin position acquired in step S712, the rotation can be performed based on the center of the selected component.

  In step S717, the information processing apparatus 101 enlarges and displays the displayed three-dimensional model to be rotated according to the size of the window. By doing so, even a small component can be enlarged and displayed.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, when the component focus check box 2303 is checked, the component is selected from the component selection form 2304, and the display direction icon is selected, the three-dimensional model is displayed. Instead of rotating around the center of the whole, it is possible to rotate around the center of the selected component. By allowing the center point to be rotated to be selected from the center point of the entire 3D model or the center point of the component, the user can freely browse the 3D model.

  Next, frequently used display direction storage / use processing performed by the information processing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. Note that steps S801 to S818 and S709 to S717 are performed under the control of the CPU 201 in the information processing apparatus 101.

  Note that a program for causing the information processing apparatus 101 to execute this processing may be prepared as a part of a three-dimensional CAD application installed in the information processing apparatus 101 or as an add-on program, or a three-dimensional CAD application. Alternatively, it may be prepared as a program installed separately.

  In step S801, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether or not the pressing of the save button 805 has been detected in order to determine whether or not to perform frequently-used display direction saving processing. If the pressing of the save button 805 is detected, the process proceeds to step S802. If the pressing of the save button 805 is not detected, the frequently used display direction saving / using process is terminated.

  In step S802, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether the component focus check box 2303 is checked. If it is determined that the component focus check box 2303 is checked, the process proceeds to step S803. If the component focus check box 2303 is not checked, the process proceeds to step S809.

  In step S803, the information processing apparatus 101 identifies the component selected on the component selection form 2304. In step S804, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires the reference angle selected by the reference angle display switching pull-down 2301.

  In step S805, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether the combination of the displayed three-dimensional model and the component specified in step S803 is registered in the frequently used display direction table 1100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, the frequently used display direction table 1100 further includes a component 2201 and a reference angle 2202. That is, it is possible to register not only the entire three-dimensional model but also a display direction that is frequently used for each component constituting the three-dimensional model. Therefore, it is determined whether the combination of the displayed three-dimensional model and the component specified in step S803 exists in the combination of the three-dimensional model indicated by the file path 1101 and the component indicated by the component 2201. If it is determined that it exists, the process proceeds to step S806, and if it does not exist, the process proceeds to step S807.

  In step S806, the information processing apparatus 101 has registered the combination of the three-dimensional model already displayed in the frequently used display direction table 1100 and the selected component, so that the currently selected display direction icon 802 is displayed. The icon number and the reference angle acquired in step S804 are overwritten and updated (favorite registration means).

  On the other hand, in step S807, since the information processing apparatus 101 is an unregistered combination in the frequently used display direction table 1100, a new record is added to the frequently used display direction table 1100, and the file path of the 3D model is changed to the file path 1101. The component number is stored in the component 2201 and the icon number acquired in step S707 is stored in the icon No. 1102 (favorite registration means). Further, the reference angle acquired in step S804 is stored in the reference angle 2202. By doing this, a new addition is performed.

  In step S808, since the frequently used display direction is stored in step S807, the information processing apparatus 101 makes it possible to select the frequently used display direction button 806 that has been disabled in step S213. Specifically, if it is grayed out in step S213, it is canceled, and if the frequently used display direction button 806 is not displayed, it can be selected by displaying it.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S802 that there is no check, in step S809, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires the reference angle selected by the reference angle display switching pull-down 2301 as in step S804.

  In step S810, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether it is registered in the display direction table 1100 frequently used by the three-dimensional model being displayed. Here, the file path 1101 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not there is a record having the same file path as the three-dimensional model being displayed and having nothing stored in the component 2201. If it is determined that it exists, the process proceeds to step S811, and if it does not exist, the process proceeds to step S812.

  In step S811, since the three-dimensional model displayed in the frequently used display direction table 1100 is already registered, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires the icon number of the currently selected display direction icon 802 and the information acquired in step S809. The updated reference angle is overwritten and updated (favorite registration means).

  On the other hand, in step S812, the information processing apparatus 101 adds a new record to the frequently used display direction table 1100 because the record of only the three-dimensional model being displayed is not registered in the frequently used display direction table 1100. The file path of the dimension model is stored in the file path 1101, the component 2201 is left empty, and the icon number acquired in step S707 is stored in the icon No. 1102 (favorite registration means). Further, the reference angle acquired in step S809 is stored in the reference angle 2202. By doing this, a new addition is performed.

  In step S813, since the frequently used display direction is stored in step S812, the information processing apparatus 101 makes it possible to select the frequently used display direction button 806 that has been disabled in step S213. Specifically, if it is grayed out in step S213, it is canceled, and if the frequently used display direction button 806 is not displayed, it can be selected by displaying it.

  In step S814, the information processing apparatus 101 changes the color of the display direction icon 802 to which the icon number recorded in step S707 is assigned. That is, the display direction icon 802 set as a frequently used display direction is identified and displayed.

  Next, a description of FIG. In step S815, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether or not the pressing of the frequently used display direction button 806 is detected in order to determine whether or not to use the frequently used display direction. If the pressing of the frequently used display direction button 806 is detected, the process proceeds to step S816. If the pressing of the frequently used display direction button 806 is not detected, the frequently used display direction storage / use process is terminated. Return processing to the caller.

  In step S816, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether the component focus check box 2303 is checked. If it is determined that the component focus check box 2303 is checked, the process proceeds to step S817. If the component focus check box 2303 is not checked, the process proceeds to step S408.

  In step S817, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires from the frequently used display direction table 1100 icon No. 1102 the icon No. registered as the frequently used display direction icon for the selected component. The reference angle is also acquired from the reference angle 2202 corresponding to the registered component.

  On the other hand, in step S818, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires from the frequently used display direction table 1100 icon No. 1102 the icon No. registered as the frequently used display direction icon for the displayed three-dimensional model. The reference angle is also acquired from the reference angle 2202 corresponding to the registered component.

  Steps S709 to S717 shown in FIG. 20 are the same as steps S709 to S717 of FIG. The display direction can be changed based on the information acquired in step S817 or step S818.

  Next, frequently used display direction extraction processing performed by the information processing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In addition, each step of S901 thru | or S907 is processed under control of CPU201 in the information processing apparatus 101. FIG.

  Note that a program for causing the information processing apparatus 101 to execute this processing may be prepared as a part of a three-dimensional CAD application installed in the information processing apparatus 101 or as an add-on program, or a three-dimensional CAD application. Alternatively, it may be prepared as a program installed separately.

  In the frequently used display direction extraction process, as shown in FIG. 27, the same icon as the currently selected display direction icon is displayed in the frequently used display direction list 2701 as a list of components registered as frequently used display directions. is there.

  In step S901, the information processing apparatus 101 identifies the display direction icon selected in step S707. In step S902, the information processing apparatus 101 identifies the component in which the display direction icon identified in step S901 is registered from the frequently used display direction table 1100. Specifically, based on the icon No. of the display direction icon specified in step S901, a record having the same icon No. is specified from the icon No. 1102 of the frequently used display direction table 1100. If data is stored in the component 2201 among them, the data is extracted. If the icon number is “24”, “component 2” and “subassembly 1” are specified from the frequently used display direction table 1100 shown in FIG.

  In step S903, the information processing apparatus 101 sets the specified component in the frequently used display direction list 2701 provided in the sub window 800.

  In step S904, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether display of the frequently used display direction list 2701 is requested in accordance with an instruction from the user. If it is determined that display is requested, the process proceeds to step S905. If not, the frequently used display direction extraction process is terminated, and the process returns to the caller.

  In step S905, the information processing apparatus 101 displays a list of frequently used display direction lists 2701 set in step S903 in a pull-down format (list display unit). In step S906, the information processing apparatus 101 determines whether a component has been selected by a user operation from the frequently used display direction list 2701 displayed in step S905. If it is determined that the component has been selected, the process proceeds to step S907. If not, the frequently used display direction extraction process is terminated, and the process returns to the caller.

  In step S907, the information processing apparatus 101 selects the component item included in the component selection form 2403 provided in the sub window 800 for the same component as the component selected in step S906. When the frequently used display direction button 806 is pressed again in this state, the above-described frequently used display direction storage / use process is started, so that a more flexible operation can be provided to the user.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a user selects an icon for changing the display direction arranged in the three-dimensional space, the position where the icon is arranged is used as a viewpoint to the three-dimensional model. The display direction of the three-dimensional model can be changed, so that the designer can flexibly change the display direction of the three-dimensional model without performing complicated operations.

  The present invention can be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, program, storage medium, or the like, and can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices. You may apply to the apparatus which consists of one apparatus.

  Note that the present invention includes a software program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments directly or remotely from a system or apparatus. The present invention also includes a case where the system or the computer of the apparatus is achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, and the like.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW. In addition, there are magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R), and the like.

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to an Internet home page. The computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function can be downloaded from the homepage by downloading it to a recording medium such as a hard disk.

  It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. Let It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the downloaded key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the computer executing the read program. In addition, based on the instructions of the program, an OS or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can also be realized by the processing.

  Further, the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The above-described embodiments are merely examples of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features thereof.

100 three-dimensional model management system 101 information processing apparatus 102 server 103 network 201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
204 System Bus 205 Input Controller 206 Video Controller 207 Memory Controller 208 Communication I / F (Interface) Controller 209 Input Device 210 Display Device 211 External Memory

Claims (16)

An information processing apparatus for displaying a three-dimensional model,
Storage means for storing a parameter for changing the display direction of the three-dimensional model for each icon for receiving an instruction to change the display direction of the three-dimensional model;
Display means for displaying the three-dimensional model in a first window and displaying the icon in a second window;
Icon selection accepting means for accepting a selection for the icon displayed in the second window by the display means in order to change the display direction of the three-dimensional model displayed in the first window by the display means;
Parameter acquisition means for acquiring a parameter corresponding to the icon received by the icon selection reception means from the storage means;
Display direction change processing means for performing processing for changing the display direction of the three-dimensional model in the first window, using the parameters acquired by the parameter acquisition means;
Comprising component selection accepting means for accepting selection of a component constituting the three-dimensional model,
The display direction change processing means changes the display direction around the component using the parameter acquired by the parameter acquiring means when the selection of the component is received by the component selection receiving means. An information processing apparatus that performs processing for the purpose.   The display direction change processing means uses the parameter acquired by the parameter acquisition means, and does not change the display direction of the icon displayed in the second window, and changes the three-dimensional model in the first window. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein processing for changing a display direction of the information processing device is performed. The display direction change processing means uses the parameters acquired by the parameter acquisition means to change the display direction around the three-dimensional model when the component selection selection means does not accept the selection of the component parts. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein processing for changing is performed. The storage means further stores a plurality of parameters for each icon,
The parameter acquisition means acquires, from the storage means, a parameter selected by a user among a plurality of parameters corresponding to the icon received by the icon selection reception means,
The display direction change processing means performs processing for changing the display direction of the three-dimensional model in the first window, using the parameter selected by the user acquired by the parameter acquisition means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The information processing apparatus includes:
Favorites registering means for registering the icon accepted by the icon selection accepting means in the storage means;
A favorite instruction receiving means for receiving a parameter acquisition instruction corresponding to the icon registered by the favorite registration means;
The parameter acquisition unit, when the parameter acquisition instruction is received by the favorite instruction reception unit, acquires a parameter corresponding to the icon registered by the favorite registration unit from the storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 4.   The display means displays the three-dimensional model in a first window, and displays the icon in a second window by arranging the icon in each element of a solid figure composed of a plurality of line segments. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the elements are a middle point of a side, an intersection of the sides, and an end point of the side. A control method for an information processing apparatus that includes a storage unit that stores a parameter for changing the display direction of a three-dimensional model for each icon that receives an instruction to change the display direction of the three-dimensional model. And
A display step in which display means of the information processing apparatus displays the three-dimensional model in a first window and displays the icon in a second window;
The icon selection accepting means of the information processing apparatus selects the icon displayed in the second window in the display step so as to change the display direction of the three-dimensional model displayed in the first window in the display step. An icon selection reception step for receiving;
A parameter acquisition step of the parameter acquisition unit of the information processing apparatus for acquiring a parameter corresponding to the icon received in the icon selection reception step from the storage unit;
Display direction change processing in which the display direction change processing means of the information processing apparatus performs processing for changing the display direction of the three-dimensional model in the first window using the parameter acquired in the parameter acquisition step. Steps,
A component selection accepting unit of the information processing apparatus includes a component selection accepting step for accepting selection of a component constituting the three-dimensional model;
In the display direction change processing step, when the selection of the component is received by the component selection receiving unit, the display direction is changed around the component using the parameter acquired by the parameter acquisition unit. The control method of the information processing apparatus characterized by performing the process for this. A control method of an information processing apparatus for displaying a three-dimensional model, comprising storage means for storing a parameter for changing the display direction of the three-dimensional model for each icon that receives an instruction to change the display direction of the three-dimensional model A program that can be read and executed by a computer,
The information processing apparatus;
Display means for displaying the three-dimensional model in a first window and displaying the icon in a second window;
Icon selection accepting means for accepting a selection for the icon displayed in the second window by the display means in order to change the display direction of the three-dimensional model displayed in the first window by the display means;
Parameter acquisition means for acquiring a parameter corresponding to the icon received by the icon selection reception means from the storage means;
Display direction change processing means for performing processing for changing the display direction of the three-dimensional model in the first window, using the parameters acquired by the parameter acquisition means;
Function as a component selection accepting means for accepting selection of components constituting the three-dimensional model,
The display direction change processing means changes the display direction around the component using the parameter acquired by the parameter acquiring means when the selection of the component is received by the component selection receiving means. A computer-readable program that can be read and executed. An information processing apparatus for displaying a three-dimensional model,
Storage means for storing a parameter for changing the display direction of the three-dimensional model for each icon for receiving an instruction to change the display direction of the three-dimensional model;
Display means for displaying the icon arranged to include the three-dimensional model;
Icon selection accepting means for accepting selection for the icon displayed by the display means;
Parameter acquisition means for acquiring a parameter corresponding to the icon received by the icon selection reception means from the storage means;
Processing for changing the display direction of the three-dimensional model using the parameter acquired by the parameter acquisition unit so that the icon selected by the icon selection reception unit is displayed in the display direction according to the position where the icon is arranged. Display direction change processing means for performing
Comprising component selection accepting means for accepting selection of a component constituting the three-dimensional model,
The display direction change processing means, when the selection of the component is received by the component selection reception means, the display direction change processing means in the display direction according to the position where the icon received by the icon selection reception means is arranged. An information processing apparatus for performing a process for changing a display direction centering on the component using the parameter acquired by the parameter acquisition unit to display the selected component. When the component selection receiving unit does not receive the selection of the component, the display direction change processing unit has a display direction corresponding to the position where the icon received by the icon selection receiving unit is arranged. 11. The information processing according to claim 10, wherein in order to display a three-dimensional model, a process for changing a display direction around the three-dimensional model is performed using the parameter acquired by the parameter acquisition unit. apparatus. The storage means further stores a plurality of parameters for each icon,
The parameter acquisition means acquires, from the storage means, a parameter selected by a user among a plurality of parameters corresponding to the icon received by the icon selection reception means,
The display direction change processing means uses the parameter selected by the user acquired by the parameter acquisition means to display in a display direction corresponding to the position where the icon received by the icon selection reception means is arranged. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a process for changing a display direction of the three-dimensional model is performed. The information processing apparatus includes:
Favorites registering means for registering the icon accepted by the icon selection accepting means in the storage means;
A favorite instruction receiving means for receiving a parameter acquisition instruction corresponding to the icon registered by the favorite registration means;
The parameter acquisition unit, when the parameter acquisition instruction is received by the favorite instruction reception unit, acquires a parameter corresponding to the icon registered by the favorite registration unit from the storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 10 to 12 .   The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the display unit displays the icon by arranging the icon on an element constituting a three-dimensional figure including the three-dimensional model. A control method for an information processing apparatus that includes a storage unit that stores a parameter for changing the display direction of a three-dimensional model for each icon that receives an instruction to change the display direction of the three-dimensional model. And
A display step in which the display means of the information processing apparatus displays the icon arranged to include the three-dimensional model;
An icon selection receiving step in which the icon selection receiving means of the information processing apparatus receives a selection for the icon displayed in the display step;
A parameter acquisition step of the parameter acquisition unit of the information processing apparatus for acquiring a parameter corresponding to the icon received in the icon selection reception step from the storage unit;
The display direction change processing means of the information processing apparatus uses the parameter acquired in the parameter acquisition step to display in the display direction according to the position where the icon received in the icon selection reception step is arranged, A display direction change processing step for performing processing for changing the display direction of the three-dimensional model;
A component selection accepting unit of the information processing apparatus includes a component selection accepting step for accepting selection of a component constituting the three-dimensional model;
In the display direction change processing step, when the selection of the component is received in the component selection reception step, the display direction change processing step is performed in the display direction corresponding to the position where the icon received in the icon selection reception step is arranged. A control method for an information processing apparatus, characterized in that, in order to display a selected component, a process for changing a display direction around the component is performed using the parameter acquired in the parameter acquisition step. A control method of an information processing apparatus for displaying a three-dimensional model, comprising storage means for storing a parameter for changing the display direction of the three-dimensional model for each icon that receives an instruction to change the display direction of the three-dimensional model A program that can be read and executed by a computer,
The information processing apparatus;
Display means for displaying the icon arranged to include the three-dimensional model;
Icon selection accepting means for accepting selection for the icon displayed by the display means;
Parameter acquisition means for acquiring a parameter corresponding to the icon received by the icon selection reception means from the storage means;
Processing for changing the display direction of the three-dimensional model using the parameter acquired by the parameter acquisition unit so that the icon selected by the icon selection reception unit is displayed in the display direction according to the position where the icon is arranged. Display direction change processing means for performing
Function as a component selection accepting means for accepting selection of components constituting the three-dimensional model,
The display direction change processing means, when the selection of the component is received by the component selection reception means, the display direction change processing means in the display direction according to the position where the icon received by the icon selection reception means is arranged. A computer-readable and executable program for performing processing for changing a display direction centering on the component using the parameter acquired by the parameter acquiring unit to display the selected component .

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