JPH0447368A - Computer design support system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable an experienced person as well as a beginner to manage a system in respective level by setting the mode for selection between a menu intended for beginners and a menu intended for advanced users so that this mode can be selected in each stage. CONSTITUTION:When an operator operates an input means 5 to designate a work item, a first means expands select contents for the designated work item and a menu for mode designation on a screen. When the operator operates the input means 5 again and designates select contents on this expanded menu to designate a mode, a second means expands a menu on the screen in accordance with contents of the designated mode. The processing is permitted in the range of contents of the expanded menu by the second means. Thus, a beginner as well as a skilled user can manage the system in his level.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a computer design support system that can be easily used by anyone.

[Conventional technology] Computer design support system (computer-aided design, CA
D) is a device for performing design work such as arranging, connecting, changing positions, deleting, adding, and changing dimensions of various parts on a display with the aid of a computer, and has been widely used in recent years.

By the way, conventional computer design support systems (hereinafter referred to as CAD) are extremely specialized systems.
Advanced techniques and knowledge are required to use it effectively. In the conventional CAD, since the intended users are skilled engineers, there is no ingenuity in the structure of the work menu.

That is, CAD generally displays functions around the screen as icons, etc., and by selecting the icons etc. according to the purpose of the work, a work menu will pop up so that more detailed functions of the selected function can be selected. Select what you need from the pop-up menu and proceed with the design work.

However, with conventional systems, there is no variety in the structure or content of the pop-up work menus, which makes it difficult for everyone from beginners with little experience of using the system to advanced users with deep experience of using the system.
The configuration was such that it had no choice but to be used within the same work menu.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] As described above, the functions and the like of conventional CAD are set so that they are easy to use for skilled engineers, and the level of the user's operator is not taken into consideration.

In other words, although the user is not necessarily an expert, the system is configured to be easy for an expert to use, so the work menu is designed for experts. Therefore, CA with many functions
In case D, when a work menu containing a variety of selections is popped up, the result is simply confusing for beginners, making subsequent operations difficult.

In order to improve usability as much as possible according to the user's level, conventional CAD has customization functions such as extracting only the functions to be used and changing the selection order of the functions to be assigned to the work menu. However, changing these functions requires considerable specialized knowledge similar to that of a programmer, and in many cases cannot be easily changed by the user. Further, even if changes are made, only one customized menu configuration exists during operation, making it difficult to use the menu in a way that suits the user's level, resulting in a lack of operability.

Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to make it possible for both beginners and experienced users (experts) to be able to operate computer design support systems at their own level. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a computer design support system with good operability.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows. That is, a drawing area and a work item area for specifying work contents such as various drawings and editing processes in the drawing area are displayed on the screen of the display device, and the work items are displayed in characters or symbols. By selecting and specifying using the input means, a menu will be displayed where you can select and input the functions that can be performed for that work item, numerical settings, etc., and by making selections and inputs within that menu, the selected and input contents will be displayed. In a computer design support system that enables the execution of processing based on a first means for classifying a work item into a mode (beginner mode) that enables the use of the work item, and displaying the selected content of the work item and a menu for specifying the mode on the screen when a work item is selected and specified; and a second means for developing the menu on the screen according to the contents selected in the expanded menu specified by the input means and corresponding to the specified mode.

Second, the second means inputs the selection contents on the expanded menu designated by the input means, the contents corresponding to the specified mode or the contents corresponding to the mode according to the initial setting at startup. Adds a function to expand the menu on the screen.

[Operation] In such a configuration, a drawing area and a work item area for specifying work contents such as various drawings and editing processes in the drawing area are displayed on the screen of the display device, and the work items are displayed as symbols, etc. By selecting and specifying a work item using an input means, a menu is displayed for selecting and inputting functions and numerical settings that can be performed for that work item, and selections and inputs are made within that menu. The menu allows you to execute processing based on the selected/input contents, but the menu has a mode (expert mode) that enables you to use all the functions for the selected work item, and a pre-selected representative function. When the operator specifies a work item by operating the input means, the first means selects the selected content of the specified work item and the mode (beginner mode). A menu for specification is developed on the screen. When the operator operates the input means again to designate the selected content on the developed menu and designates the mode, the second means develops the menu on the screen with the content corresponding to the specified mode.

Processing is then possible within the range of the contents of the menu expanded by this second means.

In addition, in the case of the second configuration, the second means initializes the mode at startup, and if there is no subsequent mode specification, the contents follow this initial setting mode, and when the mode is specified, Items related to the contents selected by the operator corresponding to the specified mode are displayed in a menu on the screen.

In this way, the functions of this computer design support system can be narrowed down and used according to the level of the operator, so that it can be used by both beginners who lack experience in operating this computer design support system and those with advanced operating knowledge who have a wealth of experience. For users, the content display (functions, layout, effects, colors, etc.) of the menu that can be selected can be changed depending on the level of operating knowledge, making it easy for beginners to understand and allowing advanced users to use advanced functions. It is possible to use the system in a manner that corresponds to the level of operating knowledge.

Therefore, according to the present invention, even beginners with little experience in operating the computer design support system can
Even advanced users with extensive operating experience will be able to use each level sufficiently, and since the level is selected at the usage stage, even intermediate users will be able to use the functions they are familiar with. It is possible to provide a computer design support system with extremely good operability, such as allowing each person to use the system with ease, such as by using simple operations for functions that they are not familiar with.

[Example 1] An example of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a CPU, 2 is a main memory, 3 is a large-capacity external storage device, 4 is a key input unit control circuit, 5 is a key input unit, 6 is a CRT control circuit, 7 is a CRT, 8 is a printer control circuit, 9 is a printer, IO is a VRAM (video RAM), 11 is a mouse interface, and 12 is a mouse.

The CPU executes programs to control the entire system, perform various calculations, and draw diagrams, etc., and the main memory 2 is used to hold various programs to be executed by the CPU, to hold data, and as a work area for calculation processing. be done. The large-capacity external storage device 3 is used for data storage, various types of errors, percentages, etc.
) The key input unit control circuit 4 is used for storing John programs, etc., and the key input unit control circuit 4 operates according to the operated keys of the key input unit 5.
This key information is given to the CPUI.

The CRT control circuit 6 converts the display data on the VRAM 10 into a video signal and outputs it, and the CRT 7 is a display device that receives this video signal and displays it as an image. Although a CRT is used here, a liquid crystal display, a projection type display, etc. may also be used. However, when a liquid crystal display is used, the CRT control circuit 6 becomes a liquid crystal driver.

The printer control circuit 8 operates when receiving a print command from the CPUI, and provides image data, text data, etc. sent from the CPUI to the printer 9 to control printing. A VRAM (video RAM) 10 holds image data to be displayed on a display or the like, and receives display image data created by the CPU.

The mouse interface 11 captures the coordinate data output by the mouse 12, which is a coordinate data input device, when the mouse 12 is moved, and provides it to the CPUI, or detects the operation of the click button of the mouse 12 and inputs the coordinate data to the CPUI.
It is something that can be given to someone.

This system has a main memory 2 containing a drawing creation program 2a that performs various processes such as creating and editing images such as design drawings, moving, deleting, enlarging, rotating, and three-dimensional display processing, as well as menu settings. - It has a menu execution program 2b for changing and executing menus, a symbol generation program 2c for outputting various symbols and patterns, a data area 2d for holding data, and a working area.

In addition, the menu execution program 2b is set so that a mode for selecting a simple (for beginners) menu and a mode for selecting a detailed (for advanced users) menu can be selected at each stage. When a mode is selected, the menu will pop up with a menu structure that allows you to select only the minimum necessary content or frequently used general content, and when a detailed menu mode is selected, , All selectable contents can be selected and numerical values can be set! ! The menu structure (in which numerical values can be entered) allows the menu to pop up.

That is, in this CAD system, as shown in FIG. 3, the work screen includes a main item selection icon 31 in which multiple work items are displayed in characters, symbols, etc. in an area at the edge of the screen, and a main item selection icon 31. The screen displays a menu 32 for each input item that is opened by selecting one of 31, selection windows 33 and 34 for simple and detailed input, and various other information display areas such as file name, scale, coordinate position, etc. It is configured to be displayed in a fixed layout around the periphery. The menu 32 for each input item and the selection windows 33 and 34 for simple/detailed input are pop-up menus that are displayed only when necessary, and the necessary items are displayed so as to be selectable when necessary. In addition, the display area of the pop-up menu should be placed in a position that does not obstruct the screen as much as possible, and the menu should be displayed by moving it to an area as far away from the area currently used for drawing as possible to prevent it from becoming difficult to see the diagrams being created. You can also.

Next, the operation of this system having such a configuration will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When this system is activated, a startup screen is displayed and the mouse cursor MC can be moved using the mouse 12 or the cursor keys of the key input unit 5. The startup screen is the third
This is the screen 30 excluding 32, 33, and 34 in the figure, and such a screen is displayed on the display. Various functions and parts can be selected by pointing one of the icons 31 on the screen 30 with the mouse cursor MC and performing a selection operation, but in this system, when this selection operation is performed, the next A menu 32 for each input item is popped up, and if there are a variety of selections, it is "easy" (or "beginner degree").

This is a form of specifying the “Advanced” (or “Advanced”) mode.

In other words, menu 3 for each input item that is popped up
2, in this embodiment, a switch for switching between menu selections for beginners and advanced users is "Easy".
Two types of mode selection switches 32d and 32e are provided: (or "beginner") and "advanced" (or "advanced");"easy" is the mode selection switch for the beginner's menu, and "advanced" is the advanced menu This is a menu selection switch for users, and when one of these is selected, a dedicated menu for each will be displayed.

Then, when the desired item from the menu 82 for each input item and the mode selection switches 32a, 32b are selected, a selection window H, 34 corresponding to the mode selection is displayed as a pop-up for that item.

That is, in this system, the startup screen is drawn on the VRAM10 and displayed on the display by the function of the CPUI. The main item selection icon 31 on the startup screen is
By operating the cursor shift key on the keyboard or the mouse, it is possible to specify an item using the mouse cursor MC, which moves on the screen according to the operation input.After specifying the item using the mouse cursor MC, the operator can Press the return key on the keyboard or press the click button on the mouse to confirm, then C
The PUI selects the item indicated by the icon indicated at that time, opens a menu 32 for each input item and selection windows 33 and 34 for simple and detailed input, and expands them on the display screen.

At this time, the menu 32 for each input item displays a menu corresponding to the item specified for confirmation, the selection windows 33 and 34 for simple φ detailed input display basic selection items in the window 33, and the selection window 34 A screen will appear where you can enter detailed specification items and numerical values. When simple input is selected, the selection window 34 is not popped up (not opened).

In FIG. 3, among the main item selection icons 31,
When a command to select a desired input item is received, a menu 32 for that input item is then popped up and displayed. The display contents of the menu 32 are mainly based on the input method 32a1.
Kind/Type 32b1 Dimensions - Numerical relationship 32c such as size/height, etc., and input mode changeover switch 32d of easy (beginner) and detailed (advanced).

It is 32e. Input method 32a 1 type e type 32b1
Numerical relationships 32c such as dimensions, sizes, widths, etc. are extremely basic, and unless necessary, standard numerical relationships 32c are displayed from the beginning and only selection is made.

When the mode changeover switch 32d (simple mode) is selected, a selection window 33 for simple/detailed input is popped up, and input methods and types are displayed for selection. In simple mode, only the most frequently used (ie, representative) functions, items, and types are displayed.

When the detailed (advanced) input mode switch 32e is selected, the selection window 33 for simple/detailed input is selected.
．． 34 will be popped up, and an input window for input method, type, and dimensions will be displayed, allowing you to make these selections and input detailed information such as numerical values. In the simple mode, only the most frequently used functions, items, and types are displayed, but when the detailed mode is selected, the leftover window 33.34
becomes a selection window for entering details, and all functions/items/
It is possible to select the type and specify the numerical value.

Once these selections and specifications are made, input (input of the specified function, item, type) becomes possible under the specified conditions, and the coordinates can be specified using the cursor keys of the key input section 5 or the operation of the mouse I2. Since the operation according to the specified condition at that position becomes possible, the operator starts the operation using the mouse or cursor keys.

In other words, when this system is started, it displays the startup screen (Sl), checks whether an input item is specified (S2), and if an input item is specified, displays the menu 32 for each specified input item (S1). SS). Next, only representative or basic numerical relationships 32c such as input method 32a, type, type 32b, dimensions, size, height, etc. in the menu 32 for each input item are displayed, and mode changeover switches 32d and 32e are also displayed. is displayed in a pop-up.

The operator selects the input method 3 in the menu 32 for each input item.
Specify and input one of 2a1 type/type 32b1 numerical relationship 32c, and press the mode selector switch 32d.
, 32e.

As a result, the CPU cannot judge the input contents of the mode changeover switch (84, SS, SS), and as a result,
If it is in the easy mode, a menu for easy input is displayed for the specified contents among the previously specified input methods 32a, 1 type/type 32b, and numeric relationship 32c. When one of the menu items is selected, the CPU performs processing to implement the selected content (37, 38,
39,515).

As a result of determining the input contents of the mode changeover switch, if it is detailed mode, the previously specified input method 32a1 type/
Displays all specifiable items of Type 32b1 Numerical Relationship 32c, and displays a menu in such a way that specific standard values and desired values can be input and set (SIO, 5ll) .

When one of the menu items is selected or specified, the CPU displays a menu for making more detailed selections regarding the selected item.
If there is a selection designation regarding it, processing is performed to implement the content (S13, S14, S15). When the process is finished, the CPLII waits for the next operation, and if an input item is specified, the operation from step S2 is repeated.

The basic operation has been explained above, and next, an example of the operation of this system will be specifically explained using the case of inputting a "wall" in CAD for architectural design. When the icon 31 for inputting "Wall" is selected, as shown in FIG. 4, an input menu 40 for the "Wall 1" item is displayed as the menu 32 for input items. Typical input items in this state are "Automatic design", "Two-point input" for manual position specification (41), "Concrete" for material specification (42), Wall thickness specification "t" (43), Mode selection switch (easy) '44, a mode selection switch "Details" 45, and other information are displayed.

Now, if you select "2-point input" as the input method and specify "Easy" 44, in the "Easy" mode, a menu as shown in Figure 5 will pop up, and three commonly used types will be displayed. Input method can be selected.In other words, wall input 40
In 0a, "2-point input 240" specifies and connects two points.
1 “Continuous input” that connects continuously according to the position specified by the cursor.

402, "R input" 403 to draw a curve can be selected.

Select "2-point input" as the input method, and click "Details" 4.
5, in the case of the "detailed" mode, "surface R input" 404 and "set pack input" 405 are added and input in addition to the contents of the "easy" mode, as shown in Figure 6. The number of items increases, allowing more detailed input.

In Figure 4, when "concrete" is selected as the wall type, if the "Easy" mode is selected, the major classification of "Wall type" is displayed in the form of an overlay on the input menu 40 as shown in Figure 7. A menu 410 is displayed as a pop-up. In the case of the "Detailed" mode, in addition to the classification of the "Easy" mode, a detailed menu 420 with more detailed classification for each classification item is superimposed on the input menu 40 as shown in FIG. A pop-up menu will be displayed.

In Figure 4, if the wall dimension "t-180" is selected,
In the case of the "simple mode", as shown in FIG. 9, a menu 430 in which only the wall thickness "to" can be input is displayed over the input menu 40. In this case, the wall height corresponds to the floor height.

In the "Details" mode, as shown in Figure 10, in addition to displaying the wall thickness to, the bottom height of the wall input starting point is displayed.
shlo, lower end height “sh2” and end point lower end height “eh
Menu 440 where you can input the lower end height “eh2”
will be displayed, allowing you to enter and change the height.

In Figure 4, a'' is a term for inputting an offset value with respect to the input position of the wall, for example, a-
Enter a specific numerical value, such as ``90.'' In the case of ``simple'' input, all you have to do is input the offset value in the width direction and select the offset type in the input direction (length direction). , in the case of "detailed" input, a menu is displayed that allows offset values to be given to the input position of the start point and end point in the input direction (length direction) in addition to the contents of the "simple" input.

In addition, when "auxiliary line input" is selected, a menu 500 for "auxiliary line input" is displayed as shown in FIG. )″
A selection switch for "Advanced (Advanced)" is displayed. If you select Easy mode, a menu 510 will pop up from which you can select vertical/horizontal, diagonal, parallel, or split. "If you select Advanced 2 mode, vertical/horizontal, A menu 520 pops up from which you can select angle, right angle, circle, circle side, etc. in addition to diagonal, parallel, and division.

As mentioned above, inputting "wall" and "auxiliary line" was given as an example, but for other input items as well, select "Easy (beginner) °""Detailed(advanced)" for the entire item before inputting. choose against,
There are two methods: input using the menu structure of each mode, and switching each input item as necessary. Also,
When starting up the system of the present invention, select and specify "Easy (Beginner)" and "Detailed (Advanced)". From then on, the pop-up menu is displayed according to this designation, and the pop-up menu display is changed from "Easy (Beginner)" to "Detailed (Advanced)". When you want to switch to "Details (Advanced)" or vice versa, you can select and specify the mode selection switch 44 or 45 on the pop-up menu, and change the mode selection switch only when necessary. In this case, the selected basic mode of "Easy (Beginner)" or "Detailed (Advanced)" remains unchanged until switching is instructed, and in general, beginners or advanced operators select the appropriate mode according to their skill. After that, there is no need to change the class frequently, so the operability is improved by eliminating the need to repeatedly select and specify the mode. Furthermore, if the mode is not specified at startup, the "easy (beginner)" mode can be automatically set. In this case, the system can be made easier for beginners to use.

Various controls such as those mentioned above are performed by using the menu execution program as CP.
This is executed by U1 under the control of the CPUI.

In this way, this system provides a menu for advanced users who can use all functions, and a menu for beginners who can use only the most representative functions, and a mode selector switch for selecting and specifying these is provided on the screen. It is prepared on the menu displayed above, and the user selects and specifies the mode changeover switch prepared on this menu to specify whether the menu is for advanced users or for beginners.
The functions can be used within the range of the menu corresponding to the selected mode, so even beginners with little experience in operating this system can use it, as well as advanced users with extensive experience in operating this system. The users will be able to fully utilize the functions of this system at each level, and the operability will be significantly improved.

What is particularly noteworthy is that the mode is selected at the usage stage, so even intermediate users can use advanced functions for functions they are familiar with, and use simple operations for functions they are not familiar with. This makes it possible to use the software in stages, making it extremely user-friendly.

[Effects of the Invention] As described in detail above, according to the present invention, both beginners and advanced users with extensive experience in operating this CAD system can use the CAD system at various levels. It is possible to provide a computer design support system that is easy to use and easy to use.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the main operations of this system, FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the layout of the work screen and the display area of the selection menu in the system of the present invention, and FIGS. 4 to 13 are FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the present invention in detail. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...CPU, 2...Main memory, 3...Large capacity external storage device, 4...Key input unit control circuit, 5...Key input unit, 6
...CRT control circuit, 7...CRT. 8... Printer control circuit, 9... Printer, 10.
... VRAM (video RAM), 11... Mouse interface, 12... Mouse, 31... Main item selection icon, 32... Menu for each input item 33, 34... Simple/detailed input selection window for. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Takehiko Suzue

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A drawing area and a work item area for specifying work contents such as various drawings and editing processes in the drawing area are displayed on the screen of the display device, and the work items are displayed in characters or symbols, and the work items are By selecting and specifying using the input means, a menu will be displayed where you can select and input functions that can be performed for that work item, numerical settings, etc., and by making selections and inputs in that menu, In a computer design support system that enables the execution of content-based processing, the menu has two modes: a mode that enables the use of all functions for the selected work item, and a mode that enables the use of only representative functions narrowed down in advance. a first means for classifying a work item into a mode to be selected and, when a work item is selected and specified, displaying on the screen a menu for specifying the selected content of the work item and the mode; and a second means for expanding the selected contents on the expanded menu on the screen with contents corresponding to the designated mode or contents corresponding to the mode according to initial settings at startup. A computer design support system consisting of (2) A drawing area and a work item area for specifying work contents such as various drawings and editing processes in the drawing area are displayed on the screen of the display device, and the work items are displayed in characters or symbols, and the work items are By selecting and specifying using the input means, a menu will be displayed where you can select and input functions that can be performed for that work item, numerical settings, etc., and by making selections and inputs in that menu, In a computer design support system that enables the execution of content-based processing, the menu has two modes: a mode that enables the use of all functions for the selected work item, and a mode that enables the use of only representative functions narrowed down in advance. a first means for classifying a work item into a mode to be selected and, when a work item is selected and specified, displaying the selected contents of the work item and a menu for specifying the mode on the screen; A computer design support system comprising: a second means for displaying selected contents on the menu on the screen with contents corresponding to the designated mode;