Animation program, animation method, and animation device

Abstract

To easily display animations of parts having different methods of assembly or disassembly of a product.SOLUTION: An animation device 100 identifies an animation command A for instructing a method of assembly or disassembly of a product for a duplication source part C-1, together with first coordinate data including a movement direction X for assembly of the duplication source part C-1. The device, then, based on second coordinate data including a movement direction Y for assembly in a duplication destination part B-1 associated with the first coordinate data, determines whether or not a first animation command A can be replaced with the duplication destination part B-1. This determination includes determination of an assembly direction and joining method of parts. If a result of the determination indicates that the replacement is possible, the device generates an animation command A' regarding the duplication destination part B-1 in which the animation command A is replaced with the duplication destination part B-1. In the animation command A', the movement direction during assembly of the parts before and after duplication is replaced with Y → X.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an animation program, an animation method, and an animation device. [Background technology]

[0002] The software can be used to create animations and instructions showing how to assemble and disassemble products, thereby assisting in the manufacturing process.

[0003] Related prior art includes, for example, a technique in which, when displaying the second or subsequent part, the display direction and size are adjusted to match those of the previously displayed part, and the animation ends at the position where the part is assembled, which is manually set by the user as the start position of the animation. There is also a technique in which a joining method is determined from assembly part data and assembly direction data, and operation data is created in accordance with the assembly order based on shape data of the parts to be assembled, and assembly specific operation data, and an assembly animation is displayed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-134098 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-106486 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An industrial product consisting of thousands or tens of thousands of parts may contain many parts that have the same or different methods of assembly or disassembly. For this reason, when using a duplication operation (copy / paste) in a conventional animation method, the command target part of the duplication destination must always be the same as the command target part of the duplication source. In other words, in the conventional technology, the same part can only be assembled or disassembled repeatedly using the same assembly or disassembly method.

[0006] For this reason, in the conventional technology, it is not possible to use the copy operation for parts that have different assembly or disassembly methods, and it is necessary to manually create commands for each assembly or disassembly of each part. This makes the task of creating commands for animation display cumbersome, time-consuming, and laborious.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention aims to easily create an animation display of different parts of a product that are assembled or disassembled in different ways. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one embodiment, an animation program, an animation method, and an animation device are proposed which identify a first animation command instructing how to assemble or disassemble a product for one or more source parts together with first coordinate data for the source parts, determine whether the first animation command can be replaced with the target parts based on second coordinate data for one or more target parts corresponding to the first coordinate data, and if the determination indicates that replacement is possible, generate a second animation command for the target parts that replaces the first animation command with the target parts. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect, it is easy to animate different parts of a product in different ways that can be assembled or disassembled. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an animation method according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a coordinate system used by the animation device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example of functions of the animation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the animation device. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of the stored contents of tree data. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of stored contents of flow data. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a diagram showing an example of the stored contents of view data. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of creating an animation according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of duplicating an animation command according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display example when duplicating an animation command according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example when duplicating an animation command according to the embodiment (part 2). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example when duplicating an animation command according to the embodiment (part 3). [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example when duplicating an animation command according to the embodiment (part 4). [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a display example when duplicating an animation command according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a display example when duplicating an animation command according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of an animation program, an animation method, and an animation device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] (An example of an animation method according to an embodiment) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of an animation method according to an embodiment. The animation method according to the embodiment displays animation expressing the assembly or disassembly (also written as assembly / disassembly) of parts constituting a product. Animation commands for parts for which no animation commands have been created are generated by duplicating animation commands for parts that have already been created, and animations of parts with different assembly / disassembly methods are displayed. The assembly / disassembly methods include, for example, different installation directions for each part and different methods of connecting the parts to the product.

[0013] In the animation method according to the embodiment, the following processes (1) to (3) are included in duplicating an animation command. (1) A first animation command instructing how to assemble / disassemble a product for one or more source parts is identified together with first coordinate data of the source parts. (2) It is determined whether the first animation command can be replaced in the copy-target part based on the second coordinate data in one or more copy-target parts associated with the first coordinate data. (3) If replacement is possible, a second animation command is generated for the duplicated part by replacing the first animation command with the duplicated part.

[0014] The animation method of the embodiment can be realized by executing a program on an animation device 100 such as a PC or a server. The functions of the server can also be realized by a cloud on a network.

[0015] An overview of the processing performed by the animation device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The animation device 100 holds data on the state in which each of the parts "B-1" and "C-1" is assembled into a housing "cube" 110 that constitutes a product.

[0016] 1(a), it is assumed that an animation command A for a part C-1 is created by a user operation. This animation command A is a command for displaying an animation in which the part "C-1" moves with a movement amount of "15" in the "X" axis direction toward the "cube" 110.

[0017] The animation device 100 sets the movement direction and amount of movement of the part "C-1" on the three-dimensional coordinate data (X, Y, Z) in the animation command A. This enables the animation device 100 to display an animation of the part "C-1" moving in the direction of assembling / disassembling the "cube" 110.

[0018] Here, it is assumed that an animation command has not yet been created for the part "B-1." In this embodiment, the part "B-1" for which no animation command has been created is created by duplicating the animation command A of the part "C-1" for which an animation command has already been created.

[0019] First, the animation device 100 (1) identifies animation command A of the source part "C-1". During this identification, the animation device 100 acquires the first coordinate data of the source part "C-1". The first coordinate data has values ​​in three dimensions (X, Y, Z), but here we will simply explain only the movement direction "X" of the part.

[0020] Next, the animation device 100 judges (2) whether or not an animation command A' of a destination part B-1 can be generated by duplicating the animation command A of the source part C-1. In this judgment, the animation device 100 judges whether the source and destination parts "C-1" and "B-1" exist. In addition, it judges whether the source part "C-1" is a part that has a shape and is movable. A part that has a shape and is movable is, for example, a "screw" or a "movable plate" that can move in the assembly direction relative to the "cube" 110, as shown in FIG. 1(a). If these conditions are met, the animation device 100 judges that the animation command can be duplicated. Parts that do not have a shape include, for example, temporary parts that have not yet been designed, purchased items that have not yet been designed, and applied items such as grease.

[0021] In addition, the animation device 100 determines whether the animation command A can be replaced with the target part "B-1" based on the assembly direction and the connection method, and using the second coordinate data of the target part "B-1" associated with the first coordinate data as a reference.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1(a), source part "C-1" is assembled from the X-axis direction (movement direction) on the left side of "cube" 110. In contrast, destination part "B-1" is assembled from the Y-axis direction (movement direction) on the top side of "cube" 110. For this reason, if animation command A of source part "C-1" is simply duplicated, destination part "B-1" will not be able to be animated because the assembly direction will be different.

[0023] Here, the animation device 100 of the embodiment uses a global coordinate system for the entire product, and has a local coordinate system for each part.

[0024] 2 is an explanatory diagram of the coordinate system handled by the animation device of the embodiment. The animation device 100 of the embodiment sets one global coordinate system (X, Y, Z) coordinate data for the entire device. In addition, each part has its own local coordinate system (x, y, z) coordinate data setting.

[0025] The animation device 100 of the embodiment displays the entire product, not part by part, using coordinate data on a common global coordinate system, and sets commands for assembly and connection methods for each part.The animation device 100 then plays back the assembly order to display an animation of how to assemble and disassemble the product (see, for example, Technical Document 1 below).

[0026] Technical document 1: “Features and main functions of VPS for integrated manufacturing support”, [online], search date June 8, 2023, URL: https: / / www.fujitsu.com / jp / solutions / industry / manufacturing / monozukuri-total-support / products / plm-software / dmu / vps / advantages-benefits / , Fujitsu Corporation

[0027] Here, in the animation device 100 according to the embodiment, parts of similar types basically use the same coordinate data setting in the local coordinate system. For example, fastening parts such as screws use coordinate data in the local coordinate system with the same head direction. The sizes of the parts are also unified when they are displayed in a common global coordinate system.

[0028] For example, the animation device 100 sets the overall global coordinate system shown in Figure 2 with the X-axis representing the up-down direction of the housing "cube" 110, the Y-axis representing the left-right direction, and the Z-axis representing the depth direction. Meanwhile, the animation device 100 sets separate local coordinate systems for parts (screws) "C-1" and "B-1" which are attached to different faces of the "cube" 110. In the local coordinate system, the screw axis direction is the Y-axis. Also, in the local coordinate system, the negative direction of the Y-axis is set as the assembly direction. Also, the joining method is "screw fastening."

[0029] Even if the parts (screws) "C-1" and "B-1" shown in Figure 2 have different assembly directions (movement directions) in the global coordinate system, the assembly movement of these parts (screws) "C-1" and "B-1" is the same in the negative Y-axis direction in the local coordinate system.

[0030] When duplicating an animation command, the animation device 100 of the embodiment performs mutual conversion between the local coordinate system used by the source part "C-1" and the destination part "B-1" and the global coordinate system used by the entire product, for example.

[0031] The specific process will be described later, but the animation device 100 converts the coordinate data of the installation direction of the source part "C-1" from the global coordinate system to a local coordinate system of each part, and replaces the source part with the destination part. After this, the animation device 100 performs a reconversion process to return the coordinate data of the installation direction of the destination part "B-1" from the local coordinate system back to the global coordinate system.

[0032] Returning to Fig. 1, the animation device 100 (3) generates animation command A' for the destination part "B-1" from the animation command A if duplication is possible. This causes duplication to be performed by replacing the animation command for the destination part "B-1" that has a different assembly direction from the source part "C-1" on the global coordinate system.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1(b), animation command A' of the duplicated part "B-1" displays an animation in which the part "B-1" moves in the "Y" axis direction toward the "cube" 110 with a movement amount of "15".

[0034] In the above description, an example has been described in which the animation command of one source part is copied to generate an animation command of one destination part. The animation device 100 according to the embodiment can also generate animation commands for multiple destination parts (groups of parts) by collectively copying the animation commands of multiple source parts (groups of parts).

[0035] Furthermore, in addition to the assembly direction, each part also includes a joining method. For example, the joining method for the part "screw" is "screw tightening." The joining methods for the part "spacer" are "insertion" and "crimping," etc. The joining methods for the part "metal fitting" are "welding," "gluing," "screw fastening," etc. The animation device 100 replicates animation commands that include the assembly method and the joining method.

[0036] In the animation method of the embodiment, it is possible to duplicate animation commands even if the parts have different shapes or different coordinate systems. For example, even if the source part "C-1" shown in Figure 1 is a long screw with an installation direction along the "X" axis, and the destination part "B-1" is a short screw with an installation direction along the "Y" axis, the animation command can be duplicated.

[0037] Furthermore, in the animation method of the embodiment, a part of a different shape, for example, a "screw" part, can be used as the duplication source, and a "shaft body" having a shape and assembly direction different from that of the "screw" can be used as the duplication destination. For example, if the duplication source and duplication destination parts have the same local coordinate system, even if the parts have different shapes, it is possible to duplicate animation commands by converting the coordinate system.

[0038] In this way, according to the embodiment, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required for displaying animations that express the assembly / disassembly methods in an industrial product that contains many parts that have the same assembly / disassembly methods. For example, even if the parts have different assembly directions, the animation command for the copy destination part can be created by a simple operation of copying the animation command for the copy source part and pasting it to the copy destination part.

[0039] Incidentally, in the assembly and disassembly of parts displayed as animations, the movement directions of a certain part are opposite in time. The animation device 100 of the embodiment can display animation of assembly or disassembly based on the created animation. "Assembly / disassembly" means assembly or disassembly. The following explanation will be given mainly by taking as an example the creation of an animation in which product parts are moved in the assembly direction.

[0040] (Example of the functional configuration of an animation device) 3 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of the animation device according to the embodiment. The animation device 100 includes an acquisition unit 301, an animation creation unit 302, an output unit 303, and a storage unit 310.

[0041] The acquisition unit 301 acquires various data related to animation creation, and stores the acquired various data in the storage unit 310. The acquisition unit 301 also receives input of user operation information related to animation creation.

[0042] Based on user operation information, animation creation unit 302 creates animation images of assembly / disassembly of each part of a product using data stored in storage unit 310. For example, animation creation unit 302 includes animation command creation unit 302a and animation image creation unit 302b.

[0043] The animation command creating unit 302a creates an animation command for displaying an animation of a predetermined part. In the embodiment, the animation command creating unit 302a creates and copies an animation command mainly based on operation information of a user.

[0044] The animation image generator 302b generates an animation image corresponding to the animation command. The animation image is a moving image, for example, made up of a plurality of still images, which shows the assembly / disassembly of each part in chronological order.

[0045] The output unit 303 outputs data related to animation creation. For example, the output unit 303 displays and outputs various data stored in the storage unit 310. The output unit 303 also displays and outputs animation images created by the animation creation unit 302.

[0046] The storage unit 310 stores various data related to animation creation. The various data include, for example, tree data 311, flow data 312, and view data 313. Although not shown, the storage unit 310 previously stores a group of command data for creating animation images.

[0047] For example, the acquisition unit 301 acquires model data M corresponding to a state in which each part constituting a product is attached to the product as various data related to animation creation. In this case, the model data M includes tree data 311 and flow data 312.

[0048] The tree data 311 is data that represents the configuration of the three-dimensional data of a product. The tree data 311 is data that arranges the connection relationships of all the multiple parts that make up one product in a vertical tree shape. Each part includes information on its type, assembly method, and connection method.

[0049] The flow data 312 is data that represents the assembly procedure of a product. The flow data 312 is data that lists each part constituting a product from top to bottom in accordance with the assembly order. The flow data 312 has an array (for example, Index 4 to 8) of a predetermined number (one or more) parts such as a task unit, followed by an array (Index 8) of assembly work for this predetermined number of parts. The animation command creation unit 302a can insert animation commands created (or duplicated) corresponding to the assembly work into, for example, the Index 8 portion of the flow data 312 based on a user operation for creating animation.

[0050] View data 313 is data for displaying three-dimensional information of a product. Animation image creation unit 302b generates view data 313, which is a three-dimensional image of a product in an assembled state of each part, based on tree data 311 and flow data 312. In addition, animation image creation unit 302b creates animation images showing the assembly / disassembly of parts indicated by the animation commands for multiple parts corresponding to animation commands inserted into view data 313.

[0051] (Example of hardware configuration for animation device) Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an animation device. In Fig. 4, a general-purpose server can be used as the animation device 100. The animation device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401 such as a processor, a memory 402, a network IF 403, a recording medium IF 404, and a recording medium 405. Furthermore, each component is connected to each other by a bus 400.

[0052] Here, the CPU 401 is responsible for the overall control of the animation device 100. The CPU 401 may have multiple cores. The memory 402 has, for example, a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a flash ROM. Specifically, for example, the flash ROM stores an OS program, the ROM stores application programs, and the RAM is used as a work area for the CPU 401. The programs stored in the memory 402 are loaded into the CPU 401 to cause the CPU 401 to execute the coded processes.

[0053] The network IF 403 is connected to the network NW through a communication line, and is connected to an external computer (e.g., a user's terminal) through the network NW. The network IF 403 manages the interface between the network NW and the inside of the device, and controls input and output of data from the external computer. For example, a modem or a LAN adapter can be used as the network IF 403.

[0054] The recording medium IF 404 controls reading / writing of data from / to the recording medium 405 under the control of the CPU 401. The recording medium 405 stores the written data. Examples of the recording medium 405 include a magnetic disk such as an HDD, an optical disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0055] In addition to the above-mentioned components, the animation device 100 may also include, for example, an input device, a display, and the like.

[0056] The functions of the animation creation unit 302 shown in Fig. 3 can be realized, for example, by executing a program on the CPU 401 shown in Fig. 4. Each piece of data in the storage unit 310 shown in Fig. 3 can be stored, for example, using the memory 402 and recording medium 404 shown in Fig. 4. The functions of the acquisition unit 301 and output unit 303 shown in Fig. 3 can be realized, for example, using the network IF 403 shown in Fig. 4.

[0057] (Contents of data stored in animation device) Next, the contents of various data stored in the animation device will be described. The animation device 100 (acquisition unit 301) acquires, for example, model data M of a device for which animation is to be created from outside. In this case, the animation device 100 (acquisition unit 301) stores tree data 311 and flow data 312 included in the model data M in the storage unit 310. Note that the animation device 100 itself may create tree data 311 and flow data 312 equivalent to the model data M through user operation or the like.

[0058] Fig. 5A is a diagram showing an example of the stored contents of tree data. Fig. 5A shows tree data 311 in a display output state. Tree data 311 is data in which information such as the types of each of a plurality of parts that make up a certain product is arranged in a tree shape.

[0059] In the example of Fig. 5A, the product "cube" in the tree data 311 is shown in a tree shape with multiple parts and each part is connected by lines, and each part is a "cube" that corresponds to a case, and "metal fittings," "long screws," and "short screws" that are attached to the case. The "long screws" consist of four "long screws C-1 to C-4," the "short screws" consist of two "short screws B-1, B-2," and a mark P is displayed to indicate the general shape of each part.

[0060] Additionally, the four "long screws C-1 to C-4" are all marked with a mark P indicating the installation direction from bottom right to top left (X direction) relative to the right side of the "cube." Additionally, the two "short screws B-1, B-2" are all marked with a mark P indicating the installation direction from top to bottom (Y direction) relative to the top of the "cube."

[0061] The memory unit 310 stores information indicated by the tree data 311 shown in FIG. 5A, that is, data including information such as the type, assembly direction, and joining method of each of the multiple parts that make up a corresponding product.

[0062] Fig. 5B is a diagram showing an example of the stored contents of flow data. Fig. 5B shows flow data 312 in a display output state. Flow data 312 is data in which each part that constitutes a product is arranged vertically according to the assembly sequence. Flow data includes the following items: Index, animation, flow, and name. The created animation command is inserted into the "animation" item. The "flow" item shows each part in the assembly sequence, similar to tree data 311. The "name" item is the name of each part.

[0063] 5B, the flow data 312 indicates that the order of the index numbers corresponds to the assembly order of the products. The assembly of the product "cube (Index 12)" indicates that first, a "metal fitting" with index "2" is assembled to a "cube" with index "1" which is the housing, and then, at index "3", the "cube" and the "metal fitting" are aligned.

[0064] After this, four parts "long screws C-1 to C-4" shown in Index "4 to 7" are assembled to the "cube" of Index "1". For example, in the "screw fastening" assembly work shown in Index "8", the four parts "long screws C-1 to C-4" are joined by the joining method "screw fastening".

[0065] After this, two parts "short screws B-1, B-2" at index "9, 10" are assembled to the "cube" at index "1". For example, in the assembly work "screw fastening" shown at index "11", two parts "short screws B-1, B-2" are joined by the joining method "screw fastening". This assembles the product "cube" shown at index 12.

[0066] The triangular (▽) mark and connecting lines of each part shown in the "Flow" section indicate that they are to be assembled into the "cube" housing, and the orientation of the "screw" mark displayed on the side indicates the assembly direction of each part relative to the "cube."

[0067] Storage unit 310 stores information indicated by flow data 312 shown in FIG. 5B, that is, data in which each part constituting a product is arranged in accordance with the assembly sequence.

[0068] 5C is a diagram showing an example of the stored contents of view data. It shows view data 313 in which the product "Cube" is displayed in a three-dimensional image by animation image creation unit 302b. It shows a state in which four "long screws C-1 to C-4" are attached to the right side surface 110r of "cube" 110, which is the housing of the product, and a state in which two "short screws B-1, B-2" are attached to the top surface 110u of "cube" 110.

[0069] (Animation creation process example) 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of animation creation according to the embodiment. An example of the process of creating animation of assembling / disassembling one part "long screw C-3" will be described using examples of various operation screens displayed by the animation device 100.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 6(a), with the animation device 100 displaying the flow data 312, the user selects the operation "screw fastening" with index "8" for the part "long screw C-3)" to be moved for assembly / disassembly to create an animation. This causes the animation device 100 to display the animation editing screen 601 shown in Fig. 6(b).

[0071] Animation device 100 displays on animation editing screen 601 a setting item 601a for selecting a part to be moved, a setting item 601b for the direction of movement of the selected part, and a setting item 601c for the amount of movement of the selected part.

[0072] Then, the user performs a selection operation to determine (1) the part "long screw C-3" of index "6" to be moved in the setting item 601a portion of the animation editing screen 601. At the bottom of the setting item 601a, there are provided switches for playing, stopping, and pausing the direction of the animation display (assembly / or disassembly in the reverse direction), and a display bar for the speed of the movement amount "slow to fast."

[0073] Next, the user determines (2) the direction of movement of the part "long screw C-3" to be moved in the setting item 601b portion of the animation editing screen 601. In the example of Fig. 6(b), the user performs a selection operation to determine the direction of movement to the X-axis direction among the axes of the global coordinate system.

[0074] Next, the user determines (3) the amount of movement of the part "long screw C-3" to be moved in the setting item 601c part of the animation editing screen 601. In the example of Fig. 6(b), a selection operation is performed to determine the amount of movement in the X-axis direction to be "30". The amount of movement indicates the amount of movement (movement distance) of the part "long screw C-3" relative to the right side surface 110r of the "cube" 110.

[0075] Then, the user selects (4) "Create Movement Command" in the setting item 601d of the animation editing screen 601. This causes the animation device 100 to create an animation command (movement command) for a movement direction of "X" and a movement amount of "30" for the part "long screw C-3" indicated by these user setting items 601a to 601d. An information item 601e of the created movement command is displayed at the bottom of the animation editing screen 601.

[0076] The information item 601e includes a movement distance "30" for one part "long screw C-3", movement amounts for the X (30), Y, and Z axes, and a mark in the shape of a diagonal arrow (→) indicating a movement command. The animation device 100 sets the display of a mark (→) that has created a movement command for one part "long screw C-3" in the task portion of "screw tightening" for Index "8" in the flow data 312 shown in Fig. 6(a).

[0077] 6(c) is a diagram showing an animation display state of the part "long screw C-3" based on the created movement command. When performing display according to the flow data 312, the animation device 100 displays animation of assembly / disassembly of the part "long screw C-3" with respect to the "cube" 110 at the portion of Index "8."

[0078] For example, as shown in Figure 6 (c), the animation device 100 initially displays the part "long screw C-3" at a position that is a movement distance of "30" on the X-axis from the right side surface 110r of the "cube" 110. After this, the animation device 100 displays an animation of the part "long screw C-3" gradually approaching the right side surface 110r of the "cube" 110 along the X-axis direction, and finally being attached to the right side surface 110r of the "cube" 110.

[0079] (Animation command duplication processing example) Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an animation command duplication process according to an embodiment. The process shown in Fig. 7 is executed by the control unit (CPU 401 in Fig. 4) of the animation device 100. Hereinafter, the duplication process for creating an animation command (movement command) of a duplication destination part from the animation command of a duplication source part will be described with reference to Fig. 7.

[0080] 7, the animation device 100 assumes all of the following prerequisites: the existence of three-dimensional product data, the setting of an assembly sequence for the product, and the existence of a command to copy (duplicate). For example, the animation device 100 assumes that there is tree data 311 as the three-dimensional product data, that there is flow data 312 as the assembly sequence for the product, and that a copy (duplicate) command is set in the animation device 100.

[0081] Steps S701 to S704 are processing portions for user operations, and the animation device 100 performs processing from step S705 onwards based on the user operations in steps S701 to S704.

[0082] In step S701, the user selects an operation in which a group of commands for moving a group of parts has been inserted on the display screen of the animation device 100 (flow data 312 in FIG. 6(a) and the like) (step S701). Details of "group of parts" and "group of commands" will be described later. After that, the user performs a [Copy] operation to duplicate the commands, and copies the group of commands (step S702). After that, the user selects an operation to specify as the copy destination (duplicate destination) (step S703). After that, the user performs a command [Replace paste target] operation (step S704).

[0083] In step S705, the animation device 100 first extracts, in accordance with the assembly order, the group of parts C (including n parts) set in the copied group of commands A (step S705). Next, the animation device 100 extracts, in accordance with the assembly order, the group of parts B to be moved in the work specified in the copy destination (step S706).

[0084] Next, the animation device 100 sets the initial value i of the loop process to "1" (step S707), and executes the loop process of steps S708 to S717 until i=n is reached.

[0085] In step S709, the animation device 100 judges whether or not the part Bi which is the ith part in the assembly order is in the part group B from the viewpoint of the operation designated as the copy destination (step S709). If the judgment result shows that the part Bi which is the ith part in the assembly order is in the part group B (step S709: Yes), the animation device 100 proceeds to processing of step S710. On the other hand, if the part Bi which is the ith part in the assembly order is not in the part group B (step S709: No), the animation device 100 proceeds to processing of step S718.

[0086] At step S718, the animation device 100 issues a warning that there is a command that will not be duplicated (step S718), and the above process ends.

[0087] In step S710, the animation device 100 determines whether or not the part Bi has a shape (step S710). If the animation device 100 determines that the part Bi has a shape (step S710: Yes), the animation device 100 proceeds to processing of step S711. On the other hand, if the part Bi does not have a shape (step S710: No), the animation device 100 proceeds to processing of step S717.

[0088] In step S711, the animation device 100 determines whether or not the part Bi is movable (step S711). If the animation device 100 determines that the part Bi is movable (step S711: Yes), the animation device 100 proceeds to the process of step S712. On the other hand, if the part Bi is not movable (step S711: No), the animation device 100 proceeds to the process of step S717.

[0089] In step S712, the animation device 100 copies the command group Ai that is set as a part that moves the part Ci that is the i-th part in the assembly order from the work specified as the copy source, and creates a command group Ai' (step S712).

[0090] Next, the animation device 100 converts the assembly direction and connection method of the command group Ai' from the global coordinate system to the local coordinate system of the part (step S713). Next, the animation device 100 replaces the part set in the command group Ai' with Bi (step S714).

[0091] Next, the animation device 100 converts the assembly direction and connection method of the command group Ai' from the local coordinate system of the part to the global coordinate system (step S715). Next, the animation device 100 inserts the command group Ai' into the operation specified as the copy destination (step S716).

[0092] Then, the animation device 100 increments i (step S717) and returns to the process of step S708. If i=n is reached in step S717, the above process ends.

[0093] (Example of display upon user operation) 8 to 13 are diagrams showing examples of display when duplicating an animation command according to the embodiment. Each display example in the duplication process shown in FIG.

[0094] Fig. 8(a) shows flow data 312, and Fig. 8(b) shows animation editing screen 601. In the flow data 312 in Fig. 8(a), for the task "Screw Fastening" of Index "8", it is shown that animation commands for assembling all four "long screws C-1 to C-4" into the "cube" 110 have already been created (four arrows in the animation item).

[0095] An animation editing screen 601 in Fig. 8(b) shows the animation editing setting state for the four "long screws C-1 to C-4" shown in Fig. 8(a). Also, an animation screen of the four "long screws C-1 to C-4" is displayed in view data 313 in Fig. 8(c).

[0096] The movement amount of each part is set in the setting item 601a for selecting the part to be moved on the animation editing screen 601 in Fig. 8(b). For example, the movement amount of the part "long screw C-1" is set to "15", the movement amount of the part "long screw C-2" is set to "25", the movement amount of the part "long screw C-3" is set to "30", and the movement amount of the part "long screw C-4" is set to "35".

[0097] For example, the first part in the assembly order of setting item 601, "long screw C-1," indicates a movement command to move the part a distance of "15" along the X axis from the bottom right to the top left of the screen (downward from the head in the local coordinate system of the screw).

[0098] The "parts group" described in FIG. 7 corresponds to the four "long screws C-1 to C-4" in the setting item 601, and the "command group" corresponds to the movement commands for each of these four "long screws C-1 to C-4."

[0099] Moreover, in the view data 313 of FIG. 8(c), an animation screen with the respective movement amounts for these four "long screws C-1 to C-4" is displayed.

[0100] Fig. 9 shows a part view screen 901 for each part. The animation device 100 can display a 3D image for each part included in the tree data 311 together with local coordinates. The example in Fig. 9 shows a display state of a 3D image of a selected part "long screw C-1" newly selected by the user, with the screw axis direction being the Y axis. For example, by a registration operation by the user, the animation device 100 can store this part as a new registered part "long screw C-1".

[0101] Fig. 10 shows the display state of tree data 311 during a copy operation for duplication. Fig. 10 shows the display state during user operations in steps S701 and S702 in Fig. 7. When the user operates in step S701 to select the "screw tightening" operation for the four "long screws C-1 to C-4" at index "8" on the tree data 311 and right-clicks, the animation device 100 displays a corresponding command selection screen 1001 as a context menu.

[0102] At this time, the animation device 100 displays, as various commands on the command selection screen 1001, copy, paste, paste (replace target), invert and paste, invert and paste (replace target), and the like.

[0103] Then, when the user selects the command "copy" in step S702, the animation device 100 copies and stores information on the four commands (command groups) of the four part groups "long screws C-1 to C-4."

[0104] Fig. 11 shows the display state of the tree data 311 at the time of a paste operation for duplication. Fig. 11 shows the display state at the time of the user's operations of steps S703 and S704 in Fig. 7. When the user operates in step S703 to select the "screw tightening" operation for the two "short screws B-1, B-2" of Index "11" on the tree data 311 and right-clicks, the animation device 100 displays a corresponding command selection screen 1101 as a context menu.

[0105] At this time, the animation device 100 displays copy, paste, paste (replace target), invert and paste, invert and paste (replace target), etc. as various commands on the command selection screen 1101. In this state, as shown in Fig. 11, a command for "screw tightening" for the two "short screws B-1, B-2" of Index "11" on the tree data 311 has not been created (two arrows are not displayed in the animation item).

[0106] Then, assume that the user selects the command "Paste (replace target)" in step S704. As a result, the animation device 100 pastes the four commands (command groups) of the copied group of four parts "long screws C-1 to C-4" onto the two commands (command groups) of the two paste-destination group of parts "short screws B-1, B-2". Here, the two paste-destination group of parts "short screws B-1, B-2" are of different types and have different assembly directions compared to the copied group of four parts "long screws C-1 to C-4". For this reason, the user selects the command "Paste (replace target)" to replace the targets (source parts and destination parts).

[0107] Fig. 12 shows the display state of tree data 311 when the duplication operation is completed. Fig. 12 shows the display state of tree data 311 after the processing of steps S704 to S718 in Fig. 7 is executed. Also shown is a state in which a "screw tightening" operation command has been created for two "short screws B-1, B-2" of index "11" on tree data 311.

[0108] Here, animation device 100 has been able to paste the commands for two of the four copied "long screws C-1, C-2," "long screws C-1, C-2," to two groups of parts, "short screws B-1, B-2." However, because there is no corresponding paste destination for the remaining two of the four copied "long screws C-1, C-2," "long screws C-3, C-4," animation device 100 displays warning display 1201 as a pop-up or the like.

[0109] In the above process, if the duplication source has four parts and the duplication destination has two parts, duplication of the animation command is complete when viewed from the two duplication destination parts. However, the animation device 100 displays a warning 1201 to warn that two of the four original parts were not used in duplication. Here, if the duplication source and duplication destination are the same four parts, duplication is completed normally and the warning 1201 is not displayed. Also, for example, if the duplication source has two parts and the duplication destination has four parts, in one duplication operation, the animation command is duplicated for only two parts when viewed from the four duplication destination parts. In this case, the animation device 100 displays a warning 1201 to warn that duplication for two of the four duplication destination parts is incomplete.

[0110] For example, in response to the two "long screws C-3, C-4" that could not be pasted, the warning display 1201 displays the following message: "Some commands could not be pasted because there is no replacement destination or the replacement destination part is not eligible for animation commands."

[0111] Fig. 13(a) shows the flow data 312 after the copy process has been executed, and Fig. 13(b) shows the animation editing screen 601. In the task "Screw Fastening" of Index "11" in the flow data 312 in Fig. 13(a), it is shown that an animation command for assembling two "short screws B-1, B-2" into a "cube" 110 has already been created (two arrows in the animation item).

[0112] The animation editing screen 601 in Fig. 13(b) shows the animation editing setting state for the two "short screws B-1, B-2" shown in Fig. 13(a). Also, the view data 313 in Fig. 13(c) shows the animation screen of the two "short screws B-1, B-2".

[0113] In the setting item 601a for selecting the part to be moved on the animation editing screen 601 in FIG. 13(b), the movement amount of the part "short screw B-1" is set to "15", and the movement amount of the part "short screw B-2" is set to "25".

[0114] For example, the movement command for the first part in the assembly order of the setting item 601, "short screw B-1," is to move the part a distance of "15" from the top to the bottom of the screen on the Y axis.

[0115] Here, the part "long screw C-1" from which the movement command of the part "short screw B-1" was copied had a movement command for moving the coordinate data of the global coordinate system by 15,0,0 in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. In contrast, after copying, the "short screw B-1" has been replaced with a movement command for moving the coordinate data of the global coordinate system by 0,15,0 in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively, as shown in setting item 601d. This replacement is based on the processing of steps S713 to S715 in FIG. 7.

[0116] In this way, the animation device 100 replaces the command (step S714) in a state in which the coordinate data of the installation direction of the copy source part "long screw C-1" has been converted from the global coordinate system to the local coordinate system (step S713). After this, the animation device 100 performs a duplication process to convert (return) the installation direction and connection direction of the copy destination (paste) part "short screw B-1" from the local coordinate system to the global coordinate system.

[0117] 13(c), the four copy-source "long screws C-1 to C-4" are displayed as an animation screen having a movement amount in the X direction in the global coordinate system. And the copy-destination "short screws B-1, B-2" are displayed as an animation screen having a movement amount in the Y direction in the global coordinate system.

[0118] In this way, according to the embodiment, even if the source and destination parts have different assembly directions and joining directions on the global coordinate system, it is possible to duplicate a movement command with a simple duplication operation.

[0119] In addition to the above, the animation command can set the rotation of parts, and can duplicate the rotation in addition to the direction and amount of movement. By setting the rotation, for example, a screw can be animated to rotate while moving, and a gear can be animated to rotate.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the duplication of animation commands for displaying animation relating to a method of assembling or disassembling a product has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be similarly applied to duplication of animations of a plurality of business processes, and can be applied to purposes other than assembling or disassembling a product.

[0121] As described above, the animation device of the embodiment specifies the first animation command that instructs the assembly or disassembly method of the product for one or more source parts together with the first coordinate data of the source parts. After that, it is determined whether the first animation command can be replaced by the destination parts based on the second coordinate data of one or more destination parts associated with the first coordinate data. If the result of the determination is that the first animation command can be replaced by the destination parts, a second animation command is generated for the destination parts by replacing the first animation command with the destination parts. This makes it possible to generate the destination animation command by duplicating the animation command of the source parts with different coordinate data, and to easily display the animation of parts with different assembly or disassembly methods. For example, even if a product contains many parts with the same assembly method or parts with different assembly directions, it becomes possible to easily create animation commands for these many parts.

[0122] The animation device also sets a first coordinate system for the entire product and a second coordinate system for the source part and the destination part. The determination process determines that replacement is possible if the source part and the destination part are set to move in the same assembly direction in the second coordinate system. This allows, for example, if the coordinate systems are common, to generate an animation command for the destination part by duplicating the animation command for the source part, and to display a similar animation.

[0123] The animation device also sets a first coordinate system for the entire product and a second coordinate system for the source part and the destination part. The generation process may include a process of converting the assembly direction of the source part from the first coordinate system to the second coordinate system, and a process of converting the assembly direction of the destination part from the second coordinate system to the first coordinate system. This makes it possible to duplicate animation commands by converting the coordinate system, for example, even if the assembly direction X indicated by the first coordinate data of the source part is different from the assembly direction Y indicated by the second coordinate data of the destination part.

[0124] The animation device also sets a three-dimensional global coordinate system for the entire product, and sets three-dimensional local coordinate systems for each of the source and destination parts. The generation process then copies the first animation command to create a second animation command. The coordinate system of the assembly direction of the source part indicated by the second animation command is converted from the global coordinate system to the local coordinate system. The source part set in the second animation command is then replaced with the destination part. The process may also include a process of converting the coordinate system of the assembly direction of the destination part indicated by the replaced second animation command from the local coordinate system to the global coordinate system. This makes it possible to duplicate the animation command by simply converting the coordinate data, for example, even if the assembly direction X indicated by the first coordinate data of the source part is different from the assembly direction Y indicated by the second coordinate data of the destination part.

[0125] The animation device may also configure the first animation command to include information on the assembly direction and connection method of the source part, thereby making it possible to determine whether or not the animation command can be duplicated based on the assembly direction and connection method of the source part.

[0126] The animation device also determines whether or not to allow copying of an animation command based on the number of one or more groups of parts in the copy source and the number of one or more groups of parts in the copy destination. If there are any incomplete animation command copies in the copy destination group, a warning may be displayed. This makes it possible to easily notify the user that, for example, when the number of parts in the copy source and the copy destination differ, there are copy destination parts whose animation commands could not be copied.

[0127] The animation device may also determine whether the target part is a part that can be moved when assembling or disassembling the product, which may allow the animation command to be copied between parts that can be moved when assembling the product.

[0128] The animation device also displays flow data showing the assembly or disassembly work sequence and animation display work for the product in index order. The first animation command may be duplicated and a second animation command may be generated based on a copy operation specifying an index of a source part for which an animation display work has already been created in the flow data, and a paste operation specifying an index of a destination part for which an animation display work has not yet been created in the flow data. The animation command duplication process can be performed based on such normal and simple user operations for duplication.

[0129] The animation method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a PC or a workstation. The animation program described in this embodiment is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and is executed by the computer reading it from the recording medium. The animation program described in this embodiment may also be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0130] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-described embodiment.

[0131] (Note 1) Identifying a first animation command instructing how to assemble or disassemble a product for one or more source parts together with first coordinate data of the source parts; determining whether or not the first animation command can be replaced by the one or more target parts based on second coordinate data in the one or more target parts associated with the first coordinate data; If the result of the determination is that replacement is possible, a second animation command is generated for the duplication destination part by replacing the first animation command with the duplication destination part. An animation program that causes a computer to execute a process.

[0132] (Note 2) A first coordinate system of the entire product and a second coordinate system of the source part and the destination part are set, The process of determining the above-mentioned If the original part and the destination part are set to move in the same assembly direction in the second coordinate system, it is determined that the replacement is possible. 2. The animation program according to claim 1 ,

[0133] (Additional Note 3) A first coordinate system of the entire product and a second coordinate system of the source part and the destination part are set, The generation process includes: A process of converting an installation direction of the source part from the first coordinate system to the second coordinate system, and a process of converting an installation direction of the destination part from the second coordinate system to the first coordinate system; 2. The animation program according to claim 1, comprising:

[0134] (Appendix 4) A three-dimensional global coordinate system is set for the entire product, a three-dimensional local coordinate system is set for each of the source part and the destination part; The generation process includes: Duplicating the first animation command to create the second animation command; Transforming a coordinate system of an installation direction of the source part indicated by the second animation command from the global coordinate system to the local coordinate system; The source part set in the second animation command is replaced with the destination part, converting a coordinate system of an installation direction of the duplicated part indicated by the second animation command after replacement from the local coordinate system to the global coordinate system; 2. The animation program according to claim 1 ,

[0135] (Additional Note 5) The first animation command includes information on the assembly direction and connection method of the source part. 2. The animation program according to claim 1 ,

[0136] (Note 6) A determination is made as to whether or not the first animation command can be copied based on the number of one or more groups of parts in the copy source and the number of one or more groups of parts in the copy destination; If there is an incomplete copy of the animation command in the copy destination part group, a warning is displayed. 2. The animation program according to claim 1 ,

[0137] (Appendix 7) The process of the above judgment is as follows: A determination is made based on a condition that the duplicated part is a part that can be moved when assembling or disassembling the product. 2. The animation program according to claim 1 ,

[0138] (Appendix 8) The process of the above judgment is as follows: The judgment is made based on the conditions including the presence or absence of three-dimensional data of the assembled state of the product and data of the assembly sequence of the product; 2. The animation program according to claim 1 ,

[0139] (Appendix 9) Display flow data showing the assembly or disassembly work sequence and animation display work for the product in index order, based on a copy operation that specifies the index of the source part for which an animation display operation has already been created on the flow data, and a paste operation that specifies the index of the destination part for which an animation display operation has not yet been created on the flow data, the first animation command is duplicated to generate the second animation command; 2. The animation program according to claim 1 ,

[0140] (Appendix 10) Identifying a first animation command instructing a method of assembling or disassembling a product for one or more source parts together with first coordinate data of the source parts; determining whether or not the first animation command can be replaced by the one or more target parts based on second coordinate data in the one or more target parts associated with the first coordinate data; If the result of the determination is that replacement is possible, a second animation command is generated for the duplication destination part by replacing the first animation command with the duplication destination part. An animation method, the processing of which is carried out by a computer.

[0141] (Appendix 11) Identifying a first animation command instructing a method of assembling or disassembling a product for one or more source parts together with first coordinate data of the source parts; determining whether or not the first animation command can be replaced by the one or more target parts based on second coordinate data in the one or more target parts associated with the first coordinate data; If the result of the determination is that replacement is possible, a second animation command is generated for the duplication destination part by replacing the first animation command with the duplication destination part. An animation device comprising a control unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 100 Animation Equipment 110 Case "Cube" 301 Acquisition Department 302 Animation Production Department 302a Animation command creation section 302b Animation Image Creation Department 303 Output section 310 Storage section 311 Tree Data 312 Flow Data 313 View Data 401 CPU 402 Memory 403 Network Interface 405 Recording media 601 Animation editing screen 601a~601d Setting items 901 Parts view screen 1001,1101 Command selection screen 1201 Warning display A Animation Command B-1, B-2 Parts "Short Screw" C-1~C-4 Parts "Long screws" M Model Data NW Network

Claims

1. Identifying a first animation command for one or more source parts, the first animation command instructing how to assemble or disassemble the product, together with first coordinate data for the source parts; determining whether or not the first animation command can be replaced by the one or more target parts based on second coordinate data in the one or more target parts associated with the first coordinate data; If the result of the determination indicates that replacement is possible, a second animation command is generated for the duplication destination part by replacing the first animation command with the duplication destination part. An animation program that causes a computer to execute a process.

2. a first coordinate system for the entire product and a second coordinate system for the source part and the destination part are set; The process of determining the above-mentioned If the original part and the destination part are set to move in the same assembly direction in the second coordinate system, it is determined that the replacement is possible.

2. The animation program according to claim 1.

3. a first coordinate system for the entire product and a second coordinate system for the source part and the destination part are set; The generation process includes: A process of converting an installation direction of the source part from the first coordinate system to the second coordinate system, and a process of converting an installation direction of the destination part from the second coordinate system to the first coordinate system; 2. The animation program of claim 1, further comprising:

4. A three-dimensional global coordinate system is set for the entire product; a three-dimensional local coordinate system is set for each of the source part and the destination part; The generation process includes: Duplicating the first animation command to create the second animation command; Transforming a coordinate system of an installation direction of the source part indicated by the second animation command from the global coordinate system to the local coordinate system; replacing the source part set in the second animation command with the destination part; converting a coordinate system of an installation direction of the copy destination part indicated by the second animation command after replacement from the local coordinate system to the global coordinate system; 2. The animation program according to claim 1.

5. The first animation command includes information on an assembly direction and a connection method of the source part.

2. The animation program according to claim 1.

6. determining whether or not the first animation command can be copied based on the number of the one or more groups of parts in the copy source and the number of the one or more groups of parts in the copy destination; If there is an incomplete copy of the animation command in the copy destination part group, a warning is displayed.

2. The animation program according to claim 1.

7. The process of determining the above-mentioned A determination is made based on a condition that the duplicated part is a part that can be moved when assembling or disassembling the product.

2. The animation program according to claim 1.

8. Display flow data showing the assembly or disassembly work sequence and animation display work for the product in index order, based on a copy operation that designates the index of the source part for which an animation display operation has already been created on the flow data, and a paste operation that designates the index of the destination part for which an animation display operation has not yet been created on the flow data, the first animation command is copied to generate the second animation command; 2. The animation program according to claim 1.

9. Identifying a first animation command for one or more source parts, the first animation command instructing how to assemble or disassemble the product, together with first coordinate data for the source parts; determining whether or not the first animation command can be replaced by the one or more target parts based on second coordinate data in the one or more target parts associated with the first coordinate data; If the result of the determination indicates that replacement is possible, a second animation command is generated for the duplication destination part by replacing the first animation command with the duplication destination part. An animation method, the processing of which is carried out by a computer.

10. Identifying a first animation command for one or more source parts, the first animation command instructing how to assemble or disassemble the product, together with first coordinate data for the source parts; determining whether or not the first animation command can be replaced by the one or more target parts based on second coordinate data in the one or more target parts associated with the first coordinate data; If the result of the determination indicates that replacement is possible, a second animation command is generated for the duplication destination part by replacing the first animation command with the duplication destination part. An animation device comprising a control unit.

Images