Instruction support device, method, and program

Abstract

To provide an instruction support device capable of efficiently instructing appropriate geometric tolerances to a drawing regardless of a proficiency of a designer.SOLUTION: An instruction support device 2 includes: an instruction target form input part that allows a user to select an instruction target form to which a geometric tolerance included in a three-dimensional model shape of a component is specified, and allows the user to input a form type of the instruction target form and a form kind that is a geometric classification of the form; a tolerance range definition input part that determines a shape of a tolerance range based on the form type and the form kind input by the user; a datum form input part that presents to the user an option for selecting a constraint condition and a constraint direction for constraining a position or a direction of the tolerance range based on a combination of the form type, the form kind, and the shape of the tolerance range, and allows the user to select the option to input the constraint condition and the constraint direction; and a geometric tolerance / datum instruction part that determines a geometric tolerance to be instructed to the instruction target form based on the form type, the form kind, the shape of the tolerance range, the constraint condition, and the constraint direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an instruction assistance device, method, and program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the globalization of manufacturing has led to an increasing need for GPS-applied drawings that incorporate Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS). GPS-applied drawings unambiguously define product shapes using geometric tolerances, whereas conventional dimensional tolerances could only vaguely define them. Creating GPS-applied drawings requires that designers fully understand how to use geometric tolerances and the meaning of each. In particular, designers must understand tolerance zones, which indicate the ranges within which geometric tolerances are permitted for features such as surfaces, lines, and points. Tolerance zones include "shape" and "position / orientation." Furthermore, the combinations of "shape" and "position / orientation" in tolerance zones are diverse, making them difficult for designers to understand. Patent Document 1, for example, discloses a technology that graphically displays the "shape" and "position / orientation" of the tolerance zones of geometric tolerances specified for a target part on a display device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5703046 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a designer creates a drawing, there are generally design requirements that define the shape required for each part of the part being designed and the tolerance range in which the shape should exist. In accordance with the design requirements, the designer expresses the shape required for each part of the part being designed and the tolerance range in which the shape should exist as geometric tolerances on the drawing. The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 can graphically display the geometric tolerances specified for the part on a display device, allowing the designer to check the geometric tolerances specified for the part on the display device at any time, even during the design process.

[0005] However, when an inexperienced designer who is not accustomed to specifying geometric tolerances uses the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the inexperienced designer may waste work time by repeating trial and error to arrive at appropriate geometric tolerance instructions. Furthermore, even when there are more appropriate instructions available, the inexperienced designer may adopt a geometric tolerance instruction that appears to be somewhat appropriate during trial and error.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an instruction support device, method, and program that can efficiently specify appropriate geometric tolerances in drawings, regardless of the designer's level of proficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the instruction support device according to the present disclosure comprises: an instruction target feature input unit that allows a user to select an instruction target feature that is included in the three-dimensional model shape of a part and that is the target for instructing a geometric tolerance, and that allows the user to input the feature type of the instruction target feature and the feature type, which is a geometric classification of the feature; a tolerance zone definition input unit that determines the shape of the tolerance zone based on the feature type and feature type input by the user; a datum feature input unit that presents the user with options for selecting constraint conditions and constraint directions that constrain the position or direction of the tolerance zone based on a combination of the feature type, feature type, and tolerance zone shape, and allows the user to input the constraint conditions and constraint direction by selecting an option; and a geometric tolerance / datum instruction unit that determines the geometric tolerance to be instructed for the instruction target feature based on the feature type, feature type, tolerance zone shape, constraint conditions, and constraint direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an instruction support device that can efficiently specify appropriate geometric tolerances in drawings, regardless of the designer's level of proficiency, by allowing the information necessary to specify geometric tolerances interactively. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an instruction support system including an instruction support device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a processing unit of an instruction support device according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an instruction support device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a tolerance range determination table according to an embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 shows a constraint direction / geometric tolerance judgment table according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] A continuation of the constraint direction / geometric tolerance judgment table related to FIG. 5A is shown. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the shape of a target model shape according to an embodiment; [Figure 7A]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a table of an input information database according to an embodiment; [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a continuation of the table in the input information database shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] A diagram showing the geometric tolerances and datums to be specified for the target model shape shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the geometric tolerance and datum to be instructed on the target model shape, viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9] Flowchart of instruction support processing according to an embodiment [Figure 10] Flowchart of target feature input processing according to an embodiment [Figure 11] Flowchart of tolerance zone definition input processing according to an embodiment [Figure 12] Flowchart of datum feature input processing according to an embodiment [Figure 13] Flowchart of datum setting process according to an embodiment [Figure 14] Flowchart of geometric tolerance and datum specification processing according to the embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An instruction support device 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and an instruction support system 100 including the instruction support device 2 will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0011] The instruction support device 2 is a device that allows the user to interactively input information required to specify geometric tolerances, and therefore can efficiently specify appropriate geometric tolerances for drawings, regardless of the designer's level of proficiency. Furthermore, the instruction support system 100 is a system that includes the instruction support device 2.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows an overview of an instruction support system 100. The instruction support system 100 includes a CAD (computer-aided design) device 1 that generates graphic data for parts, and an instruction support device 2 that supports instructions for geometric tolerances. The CAD device 1 generates graphic data for a target part for which a geometric tolerance is to be specified. In this embodiment, the CAD device 1 generates graphic data for a three-dimensional model of the target part. The CAD device 1 is an example of an external device within the scope of the claims.

[0013] The instruction support device 2 includes a connection unit 21 for connecting external devices, an operation input unit 22 for receiving input from a designer, a display unit 23 for displaying various data, a storage unit 24 for storing various data and programs, and a processing unit 25 for executing various processes. The connection unit 21 can connect to external devices, and in this embodiment, the CAD device 1 is connected to it. The operation input unit 22 inputs instructions from the designer, various data for specifying geometric tolerances, etc. The display unit 23 displays the various data input by the designer from the operation input unit 22, the contents of the instructions, the processing results processed by the processing unit 25, etc.

[0014] The storage unit 24 includes an instruction support processing program 241 that executes processing to specify geometric tolerances, an input information database 242 that stores various data input by the designer, a tolerance range determination table 243 that determines tolerance range data, and a constraint direction / geometric tolerance determination table 244 that determines the constraint direction of the tolerance range and geometric tolerance data. By executing the instruction support processing program 241, the designer can assist in specifying geometric tolerances. The processing operation of the instruction support processing program 241 will be described later. The input information database 242 is a database that stores various data input by the designer to specify geometric tolerances. The tolerance range determination table 243 and the constraint direction / geometric tolerance determination table 244 are used to set various conditions necessary for specifying geometric tolerances in advance and store them in the storage unit 24. The input information database 242, the tolerance range determination table 243, and the constraint direction / geometric tolerance determination table 244 will be described in detail below. The designer is an example of a user in the claims.

[0015] The processing unit 25 executes various processes for instructions of geometric tolerances executed by the instruction support device 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the processing unit 25 includes a graphic data reading unit 251 that reads graphic data, a display processing unit 252 that processes display contents, a target feature input unit 253 that inputs the type of form of a target feature for instruction of a geometric tolerance, a tolerance zone definition input unit 254 that inputs the shape and tolerance value of the tolerance zone, a datum feature input unit 255 that inputs various conditions of the tolerance zone, and a geometric tolerance / datum instruction unit 256 that instructs a geometric tolerance and a datum on a target feature for instruction.

[0016] The graphic data reading unit 251 reads graphic data of a three-dimensional model of a target part for which a geometric tolerance is to be specified from the CAD device 1 shown in FIG. 1. The display processing unit 252 processes the display content to be displayed on the display unit 23 shown in FIG. 1. The target feature input unit 253 inputs the feature type of each part of the three-dimensional model of the target part for which a geometric tolerance is to be specified. In this embodiment, each part of the three-dimensional model of the target part for which a geometric tolerance is to be specified has a predetermined unique identifier. The target feature input unit 253 inputs the unique identifier of each part for which a feature type is to be input. The feature type is defined as an outer shell feature, which is a feature such as a plane or a cylindrical surface that exists on the three-dimensional model of the target part, and a derived feature, which is a virtual feature derived from the outer shell feature, such as a center plane of two planes or a central axis of a cylindrical surface. Therefore, the target feature input unit 253 inputs either an outer shell feature or a derived feature as the feature type.

[0017] The tolerance zone definition input unit 254 inputs the shape of the tolerance zone and the tolerance value to be applied to each part of the three-dimensional model of the target part for which the geometric tolerance for which the feature type was input in the target feature input unit 253 is to be specified. A tolerance zone is an area in which the feature of each part may exist for each part of the three-dimensional model of the target part, and the shape of this area is called the tolerance zone shape. The tolerance value is a value that defines the size of the tolerance zone, that is, the size of the area in which the feature of each part may exist. For example, if the shape of the tolerance zone is set to "an area between two parallel planes separated by a distance t," "an area between two coaxial cylinders separated by a radius t," or "an area inside a cylinder with a diameter t," the variable t that defines the size of these areas becomes the tolerance value.

[0018] The datum feature input section 255 inputs the constraint conditions for the position and direction of the tolerance zone entered in the tolerance zone definition input section 254. The constraint direction and the constraint reference for that direction are called a datum. When constraining the position and direction of the tolerance zone, an identifier is input to identify the datum feature, which is the feature of the object that indicates the datum, such as a plane, line, or point. The identifier is indicated by a single alphabetical character, such as A, B, or C. The identifier may also be a combination of two or more alphabetical characters, such as AA, AB, or AC. Up to three datums can be set for one tolerance zone. The datums that constrain the tolerance zone are called the primary datum, secondary datum, and tertiary datum, in order of priority. Each datum is defined from one datum feature, but can also be defined from two or more datum features.

[0019] The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 designates geometric tolerances and datums in the graphic data of the three-dimensional model of the target part based on the various data input by the graphic data reading unit 251 to the datum feature input unit 255. The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 causes the display processing unit 252 to display the graphic data of the three-dimensional model of the target part, for which the geometric tolerances and datums have been designated, on the display unit 23 shown in Fig. 1. As a result, the tolerance range of the geometric tolerance is displayed graphically on the display unit 23, allowing the designer to confirm the designated geometric tolerances and datums on the screen of the display unit 23.

[0020] Each function of the processing unit 25 can be realized by executing an instruction support processing program 241 stored in the storage unit 24 shown in Fig. 1. An example of a hardware configuration for executing the instruction support processing program 241 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3.

[0021] The instruction support device 2 includes a storage device 301 that stores various programs and various data, a connection device 302 for communicating with the CAD device 1, an operation input device 303 that accepts input of various data, a display device 304 that displays the various data, a display controller 305 that generates display data to be displayed on the display device 304, a memory 306 for expanding the various programs, and a processor 307 that executes the various programs. The storage device 301, connection device 302, operation input device 303, display controller 305, memory 306, and processor 307 are connected to one another via a data bus 308.

[0022] The storage device 301 stores various programs to be executed by the processor 307, various data for specifying geometric tolerances, and display data such as images and characters to be displayed on the display device 304. The storage device 301 can be configured using a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage device 301 also functions as the storage unit 24 shown in FIG. 1.

[0023] The connection device 302 is a device that can connect to the CAD device 1 and acquire graphic data of a three-dimensional model of a target part for which a geometric tolerance is to be specified. The connection device 302 can be configured using various ports that can send and receive data between devices, such as a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) port, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, or an IEEE1394 port. The connection device 302 also functions as the connection unit 21 shown in FIG. 1.

[0024] The operation input device 303 is an input unit for inputting instructions and various data from the designer. The operation input device 303 can be configured using, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The operation input device 303 also functions as the operation input unit 22 shown in FIG. 1. The display device 304 displays on a screen various data input by the designer from the operation input unit 22 shown in FIG. 1 and various data output from the display processing unit 252 of the processing unit 25 shown in FIG. 2. The display device 304 can be configured using, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) monitor, etc.

[0025] Display controller 305 is a controller that outputs a video signal to display display data including characters and images to display device 304. Display controller 305 can be configured using a video signal output device such as a video card, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a graphics board. Display device 304 and display controller 305 function as display unit 23 shown in FIG. 1 .

[0026] The memory 306 is a device for expanding the various programs stored in the storage device 301. The memory 306 can be configured using, for example, a storage element and a storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM) or a volatile or non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. The processor 307 reads the various programs stored in the storage device 301, expands them in the memory 306, and executes them. The processor 307 can be configured using, for example, a processing device such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro-processing unit (MPU).

[0027] Next, the tolerance range determination table 243 and the constraint direction / geometric tolerance determination table 244 used when specifying geometric tolerances and datums in the instruction support device 2 will be described. FIG. 4 shows the tolerance range determination table 243. The tolerance range determination table 243 includes items for the feature type of each feature of the three-dimensional model of the target part for which a geometric tolerance is specified, the feature type of each feature, and the tolerance range shape determined by the combination of the feature type and the feature type. In FIG. 4, for example, the feature type item includes an outer shell feature, which is a feature that actually exists on the three-dimensional model of the target part, and a derived feature, which is a virtual feature derived from the outer shell feature. In addition, the feature type item includes a geometric classification of the feature, such as a plane or a cylindrical surface. In FIG. 4, for example, the feature type item includes a plane and a cylindrical surface.

[0028] The tolerance zone shape item determines which tolerance zone shapes are selectable and which are not selectable, depending on the combination of the content selected in the feature type item and the content selected in the feature type item. In Figure 4, selectable tolerance zone shapes are indicated with a "○" and unselectable tolerance zone shapes are indicated with an "×." For example, in Figure 4, if you select "External Feature" in the feature type item and "Plane" in the feature type item, you can select "Between Two Parallel Parallel Planes" as the tolerance zone shape, but you cannot select "Between Two Coaxial Cylindrical Planes" or "Inside of a Cylinder." Also, if you select "Induced Feature" in the feature type item and "Cylindrical Surface" in the feature type item, you can select either "Between Two Parallel Parallel Planes" or "Inside of a Cylinder" as the tolerance zone shape, but you cannot select "Between Two Coaxial Cylindrical Planes."

[0029] Next, the constraint direction / geometric tolerance judgment table 244 will be described. Figures 5A and 5B show the constraint direction / geometric tolerance judgment table 244. As shown in Figure 5A, the constraint direction / geometric tolerance judgment table 244 includes the following items: the feature type of each feature of the three-dimensional model of the target part for which a geometric tolerance is specified; the feature type of each feature; the tolerance zone shape determined by the combination of the feature type and feature type; the constraint condition indicating the constraint condition for the tolerance zone; the constraint direction indicating the direction in which the tolerance zone is constrained; the number of constraint directions indicating the number of constraining directions; and a judgment indicating the judgment result of the specified geometric tolerance. For example, in Figure 5, the feature type item includes an outer shell feature, which is a feature that actually exists on the three-dimensional model of the target part, and a derived feature, which is a virtual feature derived from the outer shell feature. Furthermore, the feature type item includes a plane and a cylindrical surface.

[0030] The feature type item and feature type item are the same as the contents set in the feature type item and feature type item of the tolerance range determination table 243 shown in Figure 4. Also, the selectable tolerance range shapes are set in the tolerance range shape item by combining the contents selected in the feature type item and the contents selected in the feature type item in the tolerance range determination table 243. In Figure 5A, for example, when the feature type item is "shell feature" and the feature type item is "plane," the tolerance range shape item is set to "between two parallel parallel surfaces." Also, when the feature type item is "shell feature" and the feature type item is "cylindrical surface," the tolerance range shape item is set to "between two coaxial cylindrical surfaces."

[0031] In addition, in Fig. 5A, for example, when the feature type item is "derived feature" and the feature type item is "plane," the tolerance zone shape item is set to "between two parallel parallel planes." In addition, in Fig. 5B, for example, when the feature type item is "derived feature" and the feature type item is "cylindrical surface," the tolerance zone shape is set to "between two parallel parallel planes" and "inside of a cylinder."

[0032] The constraint condition item sets the constraint conditions for the tolerance zone. There are three constraint conditions: "Do not constrain" the tolerance zone, "Constrain the direction" of the tolerance zone, and "Constrain the position and direction" of the tolerance zone. The constraint direction item indicates the direction in which the tolerance zone is constrained. Constraint directions include "parallel" constraint, "right angle" constraint, "right angle → right angle" constraint, "right angle → parallel" constraint, "parallel → right angle" constraint, "parallel distance" constraint, "right angle → parallel distance" constraint, and "right angle → right angle → parallel distance" constraint.

[0033] The "parallel" constraint constrains parallelism in one direction. The "right angle" constraint constrains right angles in one direction. The "right angle → right angle" constraint constrains one direction to a right angle, and then constrains another direction to a right angle. The "right angle → parallel" constraint constrains one direction to a right angle, and then constrains another direction to be parallel. The "parallel → right angle" constraint constrains one direction to be parallel, and then constrains another direction to a right angle. When constraining the position and direction of the tolerance zone, it is important to determine the priority of the constraints. For this reason, the "right angle → parallel" constraint and the "parallel → right angle" constraint are essentially different.

[0034] The "parallel distance" constraint not only constrains parallelism in one direction, but also constrains distance at the same time. The "right angle → parallel distance" constraint constrains one direction at a right angle, then constrains parallelism in one direction, and also constrains distance at the same time. The "right angle → right angle → parallel distance" constraint constrains one direction at a right angle, then constrains another direction at a right angle, and then constrains parallelism in one direction, and also constrains distance at the same time.

[0035] 5A, for example, if the feature type item is "shell feature," the feature type item is "plane," the tolerance zone shape item is "between two parallel parallel planes," and the constraint condition is "not constrained," then the constraint direction item is set to "-" to indicate no constraint. Furthermore, if the feature type item and the tolerance zone shape items are the same and the constraint condition is "constrain direction," then the constraint direction item is set to "parallel constraint," "right angle constraint," "right angle to right angle constraint," and "right angle to parallel constraint."

[0036] In the Number of Constraint Directions item, set the number of constraint directions that will constrain the tolerance zone. Constraints with a "Parallel" or "Right Angle" direction constrain one direction to be parallel or at a right angle, so there is one constraint direction. Constraints with a "Right Angle → Right Angle" direction constrain one direction to be at a right angle, and then constrain another direction to be at a right angle, so there are two constraint directions. Constraints with a "Right Angle → Parallel" direction constrain one direction to be at a right angle, and then constrain another direction to be parallel, so there are two constraint directions. Constraints with a "Parallel → Right Angle" direction constrain one direction to be parallel, and then constrain another direction to be at a right angle, so there are two constraint directions.

[0037] When the constraint direction is "parallel distance", there is one constraint direction, as it constrains parallel in one direction. When the constraint direction is "right angle → parallel distance", there is two constraint directions, as it constrains one direction at a right angle, and then constrains another direction at a right angle, and then constrains another direction in parallel, as it constrains parallel in one direction again, as it constrains parallel in another direction again, as it constrains parallel in one ...

[0038] In FIG. 5A, for example, if the feature type item is "shell feature," the feature type item is "plane," the tolerance zone shape item is "between two parallel parallel planes," the constraint condition is "not constrained," and the constraint direction is "-," then "0" is set, indicating no constraint direction count. Also, if the feature type item and the tolerance zone shape items are the same, and the constraint condition is "constrain direction" and the constraint direction is "parallel" constraint, then "1" is set as the constraint direction count. If the feature type item and the constraint condition items are the same, and the constraint direction is "right angle" constraint, then "1" is set as the constraint direction count. Also, if the constraint direction is "right angle → right angle" constraint and "right angle → parallel" constraint, then "2" is set as the constraint direction count.

[0039] The judgment item indicates the judgment result of the specified geometric tolerance. The judgment result is set to the type of geometric tolerance: "flatness," "parallelism," "squareness," "position," "cylindricity," "surface profile," and "straightness." "Flatness" is represented by a parallelogram symbol and specifies the unevenness of the surface. Specifically, it means that the most protruding and most recessed parts of the surface fall within the set tolerance value.

[0040] "Parallelism" is represented by a symbol with two diagonal lines and specifies that a plane or straight line is parallel to a reference plane or straight line. Specifically, it means that the inclination of the other plane or straight line relative to the reference plane or straight line falls within a set tolerance value. "Squareness" is represented by a symbol with a vertical line extending from the center of a horizontal line and specifies that the other plane or straight line is perpendicular to the reference plane or straight line. Specifically, it means that the inclination of the other plane or straight line relative to the reference plane or straight line falls within a set tolerance value.

[0041] "Positional accuracy" is represented by a symbol of a cross over a circle, and specifies how accurate the position is relative to a reference plane or line. Specifically, it means that the position is within a set tolerance value relative to the reference plane or line. "Cylindricity" is represented by a symbol of a circle sandwiched between two diagonal lines, and specifies the distortion from one end of the cylinder to the other. Specifically, it means that the distortion from one end of the cylinder to the other is within a set tolerance value.

[0042] "Contour accuracy of a surface" is represented by a semicircular symbol and specifies the distortion of the contour line, which is a line element that appears on a cut surface of a surface. Specifically, it means that the line of a cross section obtained by cutting a curved surface falls within a set tolerance range. "Straightness" is represented by a horizontal line symbol and specifies the straightness of a straight line. Specifically, it means that the curvature of a straight line, especially the curvature of a center line, generatrix, etc., falls within a set tolerance value.

[0043] Next, the procedure for specifying geometric tolerances for each portion of a three-dimensional model of a target part in this embodiment will be described. First, the shape of the three-dimensional model of the target part is shown in FIG. 6. The shape of the three-dimensional model of the target part will be referred to below as the target model shape 4. Here, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is set, with the width direction of the target model shape 4 being the X-axis direction, the height direction being the Z-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Z-axis directions being the Y-axis direction, and this will be referred to as appropriate in the description. Note that, below, the direction of the arrow on each coordinate axis will be referred to as the + direction, and the direction opposite to the arrow's direction of movement will be referred to as the - direction.

[0044] The target model shape 4 includes a first plane 401 which is the bottom surface, a second plane 402 which is the top surface opposite the first plane 401 in the +Z axis direction, a third plane 403 which is the front surface arranged perpendicular to one side of the first plane 401, a fourth plane 404 which is the back surface opposite the third plane 403, a fifth plane 405 which is the left surface arranged between the third plane 403 and the fourth plane 404, a first cylindrical surface 406 and a second cylindrical surface 407 which are the surfaces on the second plane 402 side of a cylinder that passes through the first plane 401 and the second plane 402, and a third cylindrical surface 408 which is the surface on the +Z axis side of a cylinder arranged in the +X axis direction when viewed from the first cylindrical surface 406 and the second cylindrical surface 407. In this embodiment, geometric tolerances are specified for the first plane 401 to the fifth plane 405 and the first cylindrical surface 406 to the third cylindrical surface 408 of the target model shape 4. Note that, hereinafter, the first plane 401 to the fifth plane 405 and the first cylindrical surface 406 to the third cylindrical surface 408, which are targets for specifying geometric tolerances, are collectively referred to as the target feature.

[0045] When specifying a geometric tolerance for the instruction target model shape 4, first, the drawing data reading unit 251 of the processing unit 25 of the instruction support device 2 shown in Fig. 2 reads drawing data of the three-dimensional model of the instruction target model shape 4 from the CAD device 1 shown in Fig. 1. Next, the display processing unit 252 of the processing unit 25 of the instruction support device 2 displays the instruction target model shape 4 on the screen of the display unit 23 shown in Fig. 1.

[0046] The target feature input unit 253 of the processing unit 25 of the instruction support device 2 allows the designer to select each target feature of the target model shape 4 displayed on the screen of the display unit 23 and input a feature type for each selected target feature. The target features included in the target model shape 4 are, for example, the first plane 401 to the fifth plane 405 and the first cylindrical surface 406 to the third cylindrical surface 408 shown in FIG. 6. The target feature input unit 253 inputs a feature type for each target feature. The feature types are the outer shell feature and the guiding feature shown in the tolerance zone determination table 243 shown in FIG. 4. The outer shell feature is a feature that exists on the three-dimensional model of the target part, and the guiding feature is a virtual feature that is induced by the outer shell feature. For example, with respect to the first plane 401 to the fifth plane 405 and the first cylindrical surface 406 to the third cylindrical surface 408 shown in FIG. 6, the first plane 401, the second plane 402, the fifth plane 405, and the third cylindrical surface 408 are outer shell shapes, and the third plane 403, the fourth plane 404, the first cylindrical surface 406, and the second cylindrical surface 407 are induction shapes.

[0047] Next, the target feature input unit 253 prompts the designer to input unique identifiers for each of the target features included in the target model shape 4, such as the first plane 401 to the fifth plane 405 and the first cylindrical surface 406 to the third cylindrical surface 408 shown in FIG. 6. Identifiers are not input for all target features at once, but are generally input for each target feature. However, if it is desired to specify a geometric tolerance collectively for multiple related target features, such as "two or more cylindrical surfaces on the same pitch line" or "two or more planes on the same plane," identifiers are input collectively for the target features. For example, the input of identifiers for the first plane 401 to the fifth plane 405 and the first cylindrical surface 406 to the third cylindrical surface 408 shown in FIG. 6 is performed in six separate inputs, designated "input 1" to "input 6."

[0048] The designer inputs an identifier by selecting each referent feature of the referent model shape 4 displayed on the screen of the display unit 23. When the referent feature of the referent model shape 4 is an outer shell feature, the designer directly selects the referent feature that is the target of the referent model shape 4 displayed on the screen of the display unit 23, for example, a plane or a cylindrical surface. When the referent feature of the referent model shape 4 is a leading feature, the designer does not directly select the leading feature, but instead selects the outer shell feature that leads the leading feature, and inputs the identifier of that outer shell feature. For example, if the leading feature to be selected is the central plane of two planes, the designer selects the two planes, and if the leading feature to be selected is the central axis of a cylindrical surface, the designer selects the cylindrical surface. In this case, when two or more outer shell features are selected to input one leading feature, such as the central plane of two planes, the identifiers are enclosed in braces {} and treated as one.

[0049] For example, in the input of identifiers for the first plane 401 to the fifth plane 405 and the first cylindrical plane 406 to the third cylindrical plane 408 shown in FIG. 6, the identifier "first plane 401" is input with input number "input 1," the identifier "second plane 402" with input number "input 2," the identifier "{third plane 403, fourth plane 404}" with input number "input 3," the identifier "fifth plane 405" with input number "input 4," the identifier "first cylindrical plane 406, second cylindrical plane 407" with input number "input 5," and the identifier "third cylindrical plane 408" with input number "input 6." The identifier "{third plane 403, fourth plane 404}" input with input number "input 3" represents a derived form. Therefore, two referent forms are selected. In addition, the identifiers of input number "Input 5", "first cylindrical surface 406, second cylindrical surface 407", are cylindrical surfaces on the same pitch line for which we want to specify geometric tolerances together, so we enter the identifiers of the two target features in one input.

[0050] Furthermore, the reference target feature input unit 253 prompts the designer to input the type of feature for each reference target feature of the reference target model shape 4. The type of feature is a geometric classification of the feature, such as a plane or a cylindrical surface. For example, for each reference target feature of the reference target model shape 4 shown in FIG. 6, the first plane 401 to the fifth plane 405 are planes, and the first cylindrical surface 406 to the third cylindrical surface 408 are cylindrical surfaces.

[0051] The target feature input unit 253 stores the input feature type, identifier, and feature type of each target feature in a database in association with an input number. This database is the input information database 242 stored in the storage unit 24 of the instruction support device 2 shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 7A and 7B show tables of the input information database 242. The input information database 242 includes items such as the input number, which is the order in which the identifiers were input, the geometric tolerance number, which is the number of the geometric tolerance specified for each target feature, the feature type of each target feature, the identifier assigned to each target feature, the feature type of each target feature, the shape of the tolerance zone of each target feature, the tolerance value of the tolerance zone, the constraint condition of the tolerance zone, the constraint direction of the tolerance zone, the primary datum, secondary datum, and tertiary datum set in the tolerance zone, and the judgment result of the specified geometric tolerance.

[0052] The instruction target feature input unit 253 sets the data of the feature type, identifier, and feature type input by the designer in the feature type, identifier, and feature type items shown in Fig. 7A in the table of the input information database 242 in association with the input numbers "Input 1" to "Input 6," and stores the data in the storage unit 24 shown in Fig. 1. For example, for the input number "Input 1" in Fig. 7A, "shell feature" is set in the feature type item, "first plane 401" in the identifier item, and "plane" in the feature type item.

[0053] Next, the tolerance zone definition input unit 254 of the processing unit 25 of the instruction support device 2 shown in FIG. 2 prompts the designer to input the shape of the tolerance zone and the tolerance value to be applied to each of the instruction target features of the instruction target model shape 4, the feature type of which has been input by the instruction target feature input unit 253. The shape of the tolerance zone that can be input is determined by the feature type and feature type of the instruction target model shape 4. For example, as shown in the tolerance zone determination table 243 in FIG. 4, if the feature type is "external shell feature" and the feature type is "plane," the shape of the tolerance zone is "between two parallel planes." Also, if the feature type is "external shell feature" and the feature type is "cylindrical surface," the shape of the tolerance zone is "between two coaxial cylinders." If the feature type is "inducing feature" and the feature type is "plane," the shape of the tolerance zone is "between two parallel planes." If the feature type is "inducing feature" and the feature type is "plane," the shape of the tolerance zone is "between two parallel planes." If the feature type is "inducing feature" and the feature type is "cylindrical surface," the shape of the tolerance zone is "between two parallel planes" or "inside of a cylinder."

[0054] The tolerance zone definition input unit 254 of the processing unit 25 of the instruction support device 2 shown in FIG. 2 acquires data set in the feature type and feature type items from the input information database 242 stored in the storage unit 24 shown in FIG. 1. For example, the tolerance zone definition input unit 254 acquires the feature type "shell feature" and feature type "plane" associated with the input number "input 1" from the table of the input information database 242 shown in FIG. 7A. The tolerance zone definition input unit 254 compares the acquired feature type and feature type data with the tolerance zone determination table 243 of FIG. 4 and displays options for tolerance zone shapes that can be input for the instruction target model shape 4 on the display unit 23. The designer selects a desired tolerance zone shape from the options displayed on the display unit 23. For example, when the feature type acquired from the input information database 242 is "shell feature" and the feature type is "plane," the tolerance zone shape is determined to be "between two parallel planes" when compared with the tolerance zone determination table 243 of FIG. 4. The tolerance zone definition input unit 254 causes the display unit 23 to display "between two parallel planes" as an option for the shape of the tolerance zone.

[0055] Furthermore, when the designer selects the tolerance zone shape, the tolerance zone definition input unit 254 requests the designer to input a tolerance value. The tolerance value input by the designer is an arbitrary value determined based on the design requirements. The tolerance zone definition input unit 254 sets the tolerance zone shape and tolerance value selected by the designer in the tolerance zone shape field and the tolerance value field of the input information database 242 shown in FIG. 7A in association with the input number, and stores them in the storage unit 24. For example, in the table of the input information database 242 shown in FIG. 7A, the tolerance zone definition input unit 254 sets "Between two parallel planes" in the tolerance zone shape field and "0.1" in the tolerance value field associated with the input number "Input 1," and stores them in the storage unit 24.

[0056] Next, the datum feature input unit 255 of the processing unit 25 of the instruction support device 2 shown in FIG. 2 prompts the designer to input position and direction constraint conditions for the tolerance zone input in the tolerance zone definition input unit 254. First, the datum feature input unit 255 obtains constraint conditions for the tolerance zone input in the tolerance zone definition input unit 254 from the constraint direction / geometric tolerance judgment table 244 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and prompts the designer to select one. For example, if the shape of the tolerance zone input in the tolerance zone definition input unit 254 is an "external shell feature" for the feature type and a "plane" for the feature type, the "between two parallel planes" obtained from the tolerance zone judgment table 243 in FIG. 4 is used. In this case, the datum feature input unit 255 searches the constraint direction / geometric tolerance judgment table 244 for constraint conditions that satisfy the conditions of the feature type "external shell feature," the feature type "plane," and the tolerance zone shape "between two parallel planes." Constraint conditions that satisfy this condition are, for example, "no constraint," "constrain direction," and "constrain position and direction" shown in FIG. 5A.

[0057] The datum feature input unit 255 displays options of "Do not constrain," "Constrain direction," and "Constrain position and direction" on the display unit 23, and allows the designer to select one of the constraint conditions. If the designer selects "Do not constrain," no datum feature is input. Therefore, the datum feature input unit 255 terminates processing. If the designer selects "Constrain direction," the datum feature input unit 255 displays options for the constraint direction, which indicate in which direction the tolerance zone is constrained, on the display unit 23. The options displayed on the display unit 23 are the "parallel" constraint, the "right angle" constraint, the "right angle → right angle" constraint, and the "right angle → parallel" constraint, which correspond to the feature type "shell feature," the feature type "plane," the tolerance zone shape "between two parallel planes," and the constraint condition "Constrain direction" in the constraint direction / geometric tolerance determination table 244 shown in FIG. 5A.

[0058] Furthermore, if the designer selects "Constrain position and direction," the datum feature input unit 255 displays the following constraint direction options on the display unit 23: a "parallel distance" constraint, a "right angle → parallel distance" constraint, and a "right angle → right angle → parallel distance" constraint. When the designer selects a constraint direction from the options displayed on the display unit 23, the datum feature input unit 255 presents the designer with options for datum features, which are features for specifying a datum that is a reference for constraining the selected direction. Specifically, the datum feature input unit 255 presents the datum feature options on the three-dimensional model of the target model shape 4 and displays them on the display unit 23.

[0059] The datum feature options presented to the designer are determined by the feature type and constraint direction of the target model shape 4. For example, if the feature type of the target model shape 4 is "plane" and the constraint direction is "parallel," planes parallel to a certain plane, cylindrical surfaces with a central axis parallel to a certain plane, etc. are presented on the 3D model of the target model shape 4 with highlighted colors and outlines. The designer selects the desired datum feature from the presented options. Note that the planes, cylindrical surfaces, etc. of the options presented on the 3D model of the target model shape 4 may be highlighted in the same color, or may be highlighted in different colors depending on priority. For example, datum features that have already been entered for other tolerance zones, datum features with a surface area larger than a predetermined threshold, etc. may be presented to the user as datum features with higher priority by changing the highlight color.

[0060] The datum feature input unit 255 sets the datum feature selected by the designer in the input information database 242 as the datum feature of the primary datum and stores it in the storage unit 24. Next, the datum feature input unit 255 prompts the designer to select whether to add another datum feature to the primary datum, add a datum feature to the secondary datum, or finish adding datum features to constrain the current direction. When the addition of datum features to constrain the current direction is finished, if there is one constraint direction, such as a "parallel" constraint or a "right-angle" constraint, the processing of the datum feature input unit 255 ends.

[0061] Additionally, when there are two constraint directions, such as a "right angle to parallel" constraint or a "parallel to right angle" constraint, the designer is required to select the datum feature to constrain the second direction using the same procedure as for the first direction. In this case, if a datum feature has been added only to the primary datum in the first direction, it is possible to add a datum feature only to the secondary datum, or to the secondary and tertiary datums, in the second direction. Also, if a datum feature has been added to the primary and secondary datum in the first direction, it is possible to add a datum feature only to the tertiary datum in the second direction.

[0062] Additionally, in the case of three constraint directions, such as a "right angle → right angle → parallel distance" constraint, the designer is asked to select a datum feature to constrain the second direction, and then to select a datum feature to constrain the third direction using the same procedure as for the first and second directions. However, if a datum feature has already been added to the tertiary datum at the time selection of the datum feature for the second direction is completed, no datum feature will be added to constrain the third direction, even if there are three constraint directions.

[0063] For example, for the first plane 401 to the fifth plane 405 and the first cylindrical surface 406 to the third cylindrical surface 408 shown in FIG. 6, the designer inputs the tolerance zone constraint condition, constraint direction, and datum features of the first datum to the tertiary datum for each identifier associated with input numbers "Input 1" to "Input 6" shown in FIG. 7A. Specifically, for the identifier "First Plane 401" with input number "Input 1," the designer selects "No Constraint" as the tolerance zone constraint condition. In this case, the constraint direction is not input. Furthermore, for the identifier "Second Plane 402" with input number "Input 2," the designer selects "Direction" as the tolerance zone constraint condition and "Parallel" as the constraint direction. For the identifier "{Third plane 403, fourth plane 404}" of input number "Input 3," the designer selects "Direction" as the constraint condition for the tolerance range, and the "Perpendicular" constraint as the constraint direction for the tolerance range, and enters "First plane 401" as the identifier of the datum feature of the primary datum.

[0064] For the identifier "fifth plane 405" of input number "Input 4", the designer enters "direction" as the constraint condition for the tolerance zone, a "right angle → right angle" constraint for the constraint direction of the tolerance zone, "first plane 401" as the identifier of the primary datum, and "{third plane 403, fourth plane 404}" as the identifier of the datum feature of the secondary datum. For the identifiers "first cylindrical surface 406, second cylindrical surface 407" of input number "Input 5", the designer enters "position / direction" as the constraint condition for the tolerance zone, a "right angle → parallel distance" constraint for the constraint direction of the tolerance zone, "first plane 401" as the identifier of the datum feature of the primary datum, "{third plane 403, fourth plane 404}" as the identifier of the datum feature of the secondary datum, and "fifth plane 405" as the identifier of the datum feature of the tertiary datum. For the identifier "third cylindrical surface 408" of input number "input 6", the designer enters "position and direction" as the constraint condition of the tolerance range, a "perpendicular to parallel distance" constraint as the constraint direction of the tolerance range, "first plane 401" as the identifier of the datum feature of the primary datum, and "first cylindrical surface 406, second cylindrical surface 407" as the identifiers of the datum feature of the secondary datum.

[0065] The datum feature input unit 255 associates the constraint conditions and constraint directions of the tolerance range selected by the designer with the datum features of the first to tertiary datums input by the designer with input numbers "input 1" to "input 6" shown in FIG. 7A, sets them in the input information database 242, and stores them in the memory unit 24 shown in FIG. 1.

[0066] Next, the geometric tolerance / datum instruction unit 256 of the processing unit 25 of the instruction support device 2 shown in FIG. 2 compares the various data set in the input information database 242 with the constraint direction / geometric tolerance determination table 244 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and determines the geometric tolerance to which each of the data with input numbers "Input 1" to "Input 6" shown in FIG. 7A corresponds.

[0067] For example, input number "Input 1" shown in FIG. 7A has "External Feature" set for the feature type, "Plane" set for the feature type, "Between Two Parallel Planes" set for the tolerance zone shape, "Not Constrained" set for the constraint condition shown in FIG. 7B, and "-" (meaning no constraint) set for the constraint direction. When the geometric tolerance and datum designation unit 256 compares these conditions with the constraint direction and geometric tolerance judgment table 244 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the geometric tolerance judgment result is "flatness." The geometric tolerance and datum designation unit 256 performs similar processing on input numbers "Input 2" to "Input 6" to obtain judgment results. For example, input number "Input 2" is set for "Parallelism," "Input 3" and "Input 4" are set for "Squareness," "Input 5" is set for "Position," and "Input 6" is set for "Surface Profile."

[0068] The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 associates the judgment results with the input numbers "Input 1" to "Input 6," sets them in the input information database 242, and stores them in the memory unit 24. The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 also assigns datum symbols to the primary to tertiary datums set in the input information database 242 in the order of A, B, C, etc. The assigned symbols may start from the middle of the alphabet or may be a combination of two or more letters, such as AA, AB, AC, etc. The same symbol is assigned when the tolerance zones are different and when the datum features added to the primary to tertiary datums are the same. For example, as shown in the input information database 242 in Figure 7B, the primary datums for "Input 2" to "Input 6" all have the same datum feature. Therefore, the same datum symbol "A" is assigned. The secondary datums for "Input 4" and "Input 5" have the same datum feature. Therefore, the same datum symbol "B" is assigned. Datum symbol "C" is assigned to the tertiary datum of "Input 5", and datum symbol "D" is assigned to the secondary datum of "Input 6". The geometric tolerance and datum designation unit 256 sets the assigned datum symbols in the input information database 242 and stores them in the memory unit 24.

[0069] The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 uses data set in the input information database 242 to designate a geometric tolerance for each reference target feature of the reference target model shape 4. For example, FIG. 8A shows the reference target model shape 4 shown in FIG. 6 as viewed from the side of the third plane 403, which is the front side. In this example, a first geometric tolerance 501 is designated for the first plane 401, which is the bottom surface. The first geometric tolerance 501 indicates the flatness of the first plane 401, and a datum symbol "A" is set for it. A second geometric tolerance 502 is designated for the second plane 402, which is the top surface opposite the first plane 401 in the +Z-axis direction. The second geometric tolerance 502 indicates the parallelism with the datum symbol "A," i.e., the parallelism of the second plane 402 with respect to the first plane 401.

[0070] FIG. 8B is a view of the target model shape 4 shown in FIG. 6 as viewed from the second plane 402 side, which is the top surface. Here, a third geometric tolerance 503 is specified for the third plane 403, which is the front surface. The third geometric tolerance 503 specifies the perpendicularity with the datum symbol "A," i.e., the perpendicularity of the third plane 403 with respect to the first plane 401. In addition, a datum symbol "B" is set for the third geometric tolerance 503. A fourth geometric tolerance 504 is specified for the fifth plane 405, which is the left surface. The fourth geometric tolerance 504 specifies the perpendicularity with the datum symbols "A" and "B," i.e., the perpendicularity of the fifth plane 405 with respect to the first plane 401 and the third plane 403. In addition, a datum symbol "C" is set for the fourth geometric tolerance 504.

[0071] A fifth geometric tolerance 505 is specified for the first cylindrical surface 406. The fifth geometric tolerance 505 specifies the positional tolerance with respect to the datum symbols "A", "B", and "C", i.e., the positional tolerance of the first cylindrical surface 406 with respect to the first plane 401, the third plane 403, and the fifth plane 405. In addition, the datum symbol "D" is set for the fifth geometric tolerance 505. A sixth geometric tolerance 506 is specified for the third cylindrical surface 408. The sixth geometric tolerance 506 specifies the circular profile tolerance with respect to the datum symbols "A" and "D", i.e., the circular profile tolerance of the third cylindrical surface 408 with respect to the first plane 401 and the first cylindrical surface 406.

[0072] The display processing unit 252 of the processing unit 25 of the instruction support device 2 shown in Fig. 2 displays the graphic data of the instruction target model shape 4, for which the first geometric tolerance 501 to the sixth geometric tolerance 506 are specified, on the display unit 23 shown in Fig. 1. This allows the designer to confirm the positions and contents of the first geometric tolerance 501 to the sixth geometric tolerance 506 specified for the instruction target model shape 4 on the screen of the display unit 23.

[0073] Next, the operation flow of the instruction support device 2 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowcharts shown in Fig. 9 to Fig. 14. For example, when the instruction support device 2 is started up, the processor 307 shown in Fig. 3 reads the instruction support processing program 241 stored in the storage device 301 into the memory 306 and executes it.

[0074] 9, the drawing data reading unit 251 of the processing unit 25 of the instruction support device 2 shown in FIG. 2 reads drawing data of a three-dimensional model of a target model shape 4 from the CAD device 1 shown in FIG. 1 (step S10). Subsequently, the display processing unit 252 of the processing unit 25 of the instruction support device 2 displays the target model shape 4 on the screen of the display unit 23 shown in FIG. 1 (step S11). The target form input unit 253 of the processing unit 25 of the instruction support device 2 executes a target form input process (step S12). The target form input process will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10.

[0075] The instruction target feature input unit 253 of the processing unit 25 of the instruction support device 2 prompts the designer to input feature types for the instruction target features included in the instruction target model shape 4, for example, the first plane 401 to the fifth plane 405 and the first cylindrical surface 406 to the third cylindrical surface 408 shown in Fig. 6 (step S101). The instruction target feature input unit 253 sets the feature types input in step S101 in the feature type item of the input information database 242 shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, and stores them in the storage unit 24 (step S102).

[0076] The reference target feature input unit 253 causes the display processing unit 252 shown in FIG. 2 to display a message prompting the designer to select each reference target feature of the reference target model shape 4 displayed on the screen of the display unit 23 (step S103). The reference target feature input unit 253 determines whether the designer has selected each reference target feature (step S104). If the designer has not selected a reference target feature (step S104; NO), the reference target feature input unit 253 repeats step S104. If the designer has selected a reference target feature (step S104; YES), the reference target feature input unit 253 acquires the identifier and feature type of the selected reference target feature (step S105). The reference target feature input unit 253 sets the acquired identifier and feature type of the reference target feature in the identifier field and feature type field of the input information database 242, and stores them in the storage unit 24 (step S106). The reference target feature input unit 253 ends the reference target feature input process.

[0077] Now, returning to Fig. 9, the tolerance zone definition input unit 254 of the processing unit 25 of the instruction support device 2 shown in Fig. 2 executes tolerance zone definition input processing (step S13). The tolerance zone definition input processing will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 11. The tolerance zone definition input unit 254 acquires data set in the items of feature type and feature type from the input information database 242 stored in the storage unit 24 shown in Fig. 1. The tolerance zone definition input unit 254 compares the acquired feature type and feature type data with the tolerance zone determination table 243 of Fig. 4 (step S201). The tolerance zone definition input unit 254 causes the display processing unit 252 to display options of tolerance zone shapes that can be input for the instruction target model shape 4 on the display unit 23 (step S202).

[0078] The tolerance zone definition input unit 254 determines whether the designer has selected an option for the tolerance zone shape (step S203). If the designer has not selected an option for the tolerance zone shape (step S203; NO), the tolerance zone definition input unit 254 repeats step S203. If the designer has selected an option for the tolerance zone shape (step S203; YES), the tolerance zone definition input unit 254 sets the selected tolerance zone shape in the tolerance zone shape item of the input information database 242 and stores it in the storage unit 24 (step S204).

[0079] The tolerance zone definition input unit 254 causes the display processing unit 252 to display a message on the display unit 23 requesting the designer to input tolerance values ​​of the tolerance zone (step S205). The tolerance zone definition input unit 254 determines whether the designer has input tolerance values ​​of the tolerance zone (step S206). If the designer has not input tolerance values ​​of the tolerance zone (step S206; NO), the tolerance zone definition input unit 254 repeats step S206. If the designer has input tolerance values ​​of the tolerance zone (step S206; YES), the tolerance zone definition input unit 254 sets the input tolerance values ​​of the tolerance zone in the tolerance value item of the input information database 242 and stores them in the storage unit 24 (step S207). The tolerance zone definition input unit 254 ends the tolerance zone definition input process.

[0080] Now, returning to Fig. 9, the datum feature input unit 255 of the processing unit 25 of the instruction support device 2 shown in Fig. 2 executes datum feature input processing (step S14). The datum feature input processing will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 12. The datum feature input unit 255 of the processing unit 25 of the instruction support device 2 shown in Fig. 2 causes the display unit 23 to display a message requesting the designer to input constraint conditions (step S301). The datum feature input unit 255 determines whether the designer has input constraint conditions (step S302).

[0081] If the designer has not input a constraint condition (step S302; NO), the datum feature input unit 255 repeats step S302. If the designer has input a constraint condition (step S302; YES), the datum feature input unit 255 sets the input constraint condition in the constraint condition item of the input information database 242 and stores it in the storage unit 24 (step S303).

[0082] The datum feature input unit 255 determines whether the input constraint condition is "not constrained" (step S304). If the input constraint condition is "not constrained" (step S304; YES), the datum feature input unit 255 ends the datum feature input process. If the input constraint condition is not "not constrained" (step S304; NO), the datum feature input unit 255 compares the constraint condition input in step S302 with the constraint direction / geometric tolerance determination table 244 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and acquires constraint direction options that indicate in which direction the tolerance zone is constrained (step S305).

[0083] The datum feature input unit 255 causes the display processing unit 252 to display the constraint direction options acquired in step S305 on the display unit 23 (step S306). The datum feature input unit 255 determines whether or not the designer has selected a constraint direction option (step S307). If the designer has not selected a constraint direction option (step S307; NO), the datum feature input unit 255 repeats step S307. If the designer has selected a constraint direction option (step S307; YES), the datum feature input unit 255 sets the selected constraint direction in the selected direction item of the input information database 242 and stores it in the storage unit 24 (step S308).

[0084] The datum feature input unit 255 defines 0 as the variable n and sets 1 as the variable d (step S309). Next, the datum feature input unit 255 adds 1 to the variable n (step S310). The datum feature input unit 255 executes a datum setting process (step S311). The datum setting process will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13.

[0085] The datum feature input unit 255 determines whether the variable n>3 (step S401). If the variable n>3 (step S401; YES), the datum feature input unit 255 ends the datum setting process. If the variable n>3 is not true (step S401; NO), the datum feature input unit 255 acquires geometric information of the referenced feature and other features included in the referenced model shape 4, and presents features that are parallel to or perpendicular to the referenced feature to the designer on the referenced model shape 4. The datum feature input unit 255 requests the designer to select a feature that is parallel to or perpendicular to the referenced feature (step S402). Specifically, the datum feature input unit 255 causes the display processing unit 252 shown in FIG. 2 to display on the display unit 23 a message requesting the designer to select a feature that is parallel to or perpendicular to the referenced feature.

[0086] The datum feature input unit 255 determines whether the designer has selected a feature that is parallel to or perpendicular to the reference target feature (step S403). If the designer has not selected a feature that is parallel to or perpendicular to the reference target feature (step S403; NO), the datum feature input unit 255 repeats step S403. If the designer has selected a feature that is parallel to or perpendicular to the reference target feature (step S403; YES), the datum feature input unit 255 acquires the identifier of the selected feature. The datum feature input unit 255 sets the identifier of the selected feature in the n-th datum identifier field of the input information database 242, and stores it in the storage unit 24 (step S404).

[0087] The datum feature input unit 255 confirms with the designer whether to add an additional datum feature to the n-order datum (step S405). Specifically, the datum feature input unit 255 causes the display processing unit 252 shown in FIG. 2 to display a message on the display unit 23 confirming whether to add an additional datum feature to the n-order datum. The datum feature input unit 255 determines whether the designer has selected to add an additional datum feature to the n-order datum (step S406). If the designer has selected to add an additional datum feature to the n-order datum (step S406; YES), the datum feature input unit 255 returns to step S402 and executes step S402 and subsequent steps. If the designer has not selected to add an additional datum feature to the n-order datum (step S406; NO), the datum feature input unit 255 determines whether the variable n=3 (step S407).

[0088] If the variable n=3 (step S407; YES), the datum feature input unit 255 ends the datum setting process. If the variable n=3 is not (step S407; NO), the datum feature input unit 255 confirms with the designer whether to add a datum feature to the (n+1)-order datum (step S408). Specifically, the datum feature input unit 255 causes the display processing unit 252 shown in FIG. 2 to display on the display unit 23 a message confirming whether to add a datum feature to the (n+1)-order datum.

[0089] The datum feature input unit 255 determines whether the designer has selected to add an additional datum feature to the n-order datum (step S409). If the designer has not selected to add an additional datum feature to the n-order datum (step S409; NO), the datum feature input unit 255 ends the datum setting process. If the designer has selected to add an additional datum feature to the n-order datum (step S409; YES), the datum feature input unit 255 acquires geometric information of the referenced feature and other features included in the referenced model shape 4, and presents features that are parallel or perpendicular to the referenced feature to the designer on the referenced model shape 4. The datum feature input unit 255 requests the designer to select a feature that is parallel or perpendicular to the referenced feature (step S410). Specifically, the datum feature input unit 255 causes the display processing unit 252 shown in FIG. 2 to display a message on the display unit 23 requesting the selection of a feature that is parallel or perpendicular to the target feature.

[0090] The datum feature input unit 255 determines whether the designer has selected a feature that is parallel to or perpendicular to the reference target feature (step S411). If the designer has not selected a feature that is parallel to or perpendicular to the reference target feature (step S411; NO), the datum feature input unit 255 repeats step S411. If the designer has selected a feature that is parallel to or perpendicular to the reference target feature (step S411; YES), the datum feature input unit 255 acquires the identifier of the selected feature. The datum feature input unit 255 sets the identifier of the selected feature in the (n+1)th datum identifier field of the input information database 242, and stores it in the storage unit 24 (step S412).

[0091] The datum feature input unit 255 adds 1 to the variable n (step S413). The datum feature input unit 255 ends the datum setting process. Now, returning to FIG. 12 , the datum feature input unit 255 adds 1 to the variable d (step S312). The datum feature input unit 255 determines whether the number of constraint directions in the constraint direction selected in step S307 is two and whether the variable d=2 (step S313). If the number of constraint directions in the constraint direction is two and the variable d=2 (step S313; YES), the datum feature input unit 255 returns to step S310 and executes step S310 and subsequent steps. If the number of constraint directions in the constraint direction is two and the variable d=2 is not met (step S313; NO), the datum feature input unit 255 determines whether the number of constraint directions in the constraint direction is three and whether the variable d=2 or d=3 (step S314).

[0092] If the number of constraint directions in the constraint direction is two and the variable d=2 or d=3 (step S314; YES), the datum feature input unit 255 returns to step S310 and executes step S310 and subsequent steps. If the number of constraint directions in the constraint direction is two and the variable d=2 or d=3 is not met (step S313; NO), the datum feature input unit 255 ends the datum feature input process.

[0093] Returning now to Fig. 9, the geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 of the processing unit 25 of the designation support device 2 shown in Fig. 2 executes geometric tolerance / datum designation processing (step S15). The geometric tolerance / datum designation processing will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 14.

[0094] The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 compares various data set in the input information database 242 with the constraint direction / geometric tolerance determination table 244 shown in Figures 5A and 5B, and determines the corresponding geometric tolerance (step S501). The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 sets the determination result in the input information database 242 and stores it in the storage unit 24 (step S502). The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 sets 0 to the variable m (step S503). The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 adds 1 to the variable m (step S504).

[0095] The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 determines whether or not a datum feature of the m-th datum is stored in the input information database 242 (step S505). If a datum feature of the m-th datum is stored in the input information database 242 (step S505; YES), the geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 determines whether or not the datum feature of the m-th datum is already stored in the storage unit 24 as a datum feature of all other datums set in the input information database 242 (step S506). If the datum feature is already stored in the storage unit 24 (step S506; YES), the geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 acquires a symbol already assigned to the target datum (step S507). The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 sets the acquired symbol in the input information database 242 as the datum symbol of the m-th datum and stores it in the storage unit 24 (step S508).

[0096] Furthermore, if the datum symbol is not stored in the storage unit 24 in step S506 (step S506; NO), the geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 checks the datum symbol set in the input information database 242 and acquires the last alphabetical character (step S509). The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 sets the acquired symbol in the input information database 242 as the datum symbol of the m-th datum and stores it in the storage unit 24 (step S510).

[0097] The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 determines whether the variable m=3 (step S511). If the variable m=3 is not true (step S511; NO), the geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 returns to step S504 and executes step S504 and subsequent steps. If the variable m=3 is true (step S511; YES), the geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 designates the geometric tolerance and datum stored in the input information database 242 to the designation target model shape 4, which is the three-dimensional model shape of the designation target portion (step S512). The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 causes the display processing unit 252 shown in FIG. 2 to display the designation target model shape 4, for which the geometric tolerance and datum have been designated, on the display unit 23 (step S513).

[0098] The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 causes the display processing unit 252 to display an option for determining whether or not to confirm the geometric tolerance and datum on the display unit 23 (step S514). The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 determines whether or not the designer has selected the option for confirmation (step S515). If the designer selects the confirmation option (step S515; YES), the geometric tolerance / datum specification unit 256 ends the geometric tolerance / datum specification process. On the other hand, if the designer does not select the confirmation option (step S515; NO), the geometric tolerance / datum specification unit 256 requests the designer to return to the process (step S516). For example, the geometric tolerance / datum specification unit 256 causes the display processing unit 252 to display on the display unit 23 options, commands, etc. that allow the designer to select the process to which he or she wishes to return. The geometric tolerance / datum specification unit 256 returns to the process selected by the designer in step S516 (step S517).

[0099] Also, in step S505, if the datum feature of the m-th datum is not stored in the input information database 242 (step S505; NO), the geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 proceeds to step S512 and executes step S512 and subsequent steps. The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 ends the geometric tolerance / datum designation process and returns to the designation support process in Fig. 9. The geometric tolerance / datum designation unit 256 ends the designation support process.

[0100] As described above, according to the embodiment, the instruction support device 2 allows the user to interactively input information required to specify a geometric tolerance. This allows the user to efficiently specify an appropriate geometric tolerance for a drawing, regardless of the designer's level of proficiency.

[0101] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, the instruction support system 100 includes the CAD device 1 and the instruction support device 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the functions that operate in the CAD device 1 and the instruction support device 2 may be built into a single device to form the instruction support system 100. Furthermore, the functions that operate in the CAD device 1 and the instruction support device 2 may be placed on a server and made executable from a client terminal.

[0102] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, the instruction support device 2 executes the instruction support processing program 241 to execute the process of specifying a geometric tolerance. However, the instruction support processing program 241 may be incorporated into the CAD device 1, enabling the process of specifying a geometric tolerance to be executed within the CAD device 1. For example, the instruction support processing program 241 may be an add-in tool for a three-dimensional CAD system executed by the CAD device 1. A designer activates this add-in function when necessary to design a drawing. This allows the CAD device 1 to create a GPS-enabled drawing in which a geometric tolerance is specified in the graphic data of the three-dimensional model shape. In this case, it is not necessary to load the graphic data of the three-dimensional model shape for which a geometric tolerance is to be specified from the CAD device 1 into the instruction support device 2. Furthermore, the user interface of the three-dimensional CAD system executed by the CAD device 1 can be used as is to create a GPS-enabled drawing.

[0103] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment, the instruction support device 2 is provided with the display unit 23. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display unit 23 may be a display device separate from the instruction support device 2. In this case, a terminal that transmits display data from the instruction support device 2 to the separate display device corresponds to the display unit 23.

[0104] In addition, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the instruction support system 100 can be realized as a dedicated system. However, it can also be realized using a general computer system without using a dedicated system. For example, a program for realizing each function of the instruction support system 100 described above may be stored and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), and a computer that can realize each of the above-described functions may be configured by installing this program on a computer. In addition, if each function is realized by sharing the work between an operating system (OS) and an application, or by cooperation between an OS and an application, only the application may be stored on the recording medium.

[0105] The technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the above-described embodiments and modifications, and the present disclosure can be freely applied, modified, or improved within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims.

[0106] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0107] (Appendix 1) a target feature input unit that allows a user to select a target feature for which a geometric tolerance is to be specified, the target feature being included in the three-dimensional model shape of the part, and allows the user to input a feature type that is a feature type and a geometric classification of the target feature; a tolerance zone definition input unit that determines the shape of the tolerance zone based on the feature type and the feature type input by the user; a datum feature input unit that presents the user with options for selecting a constraint condition and a constraint direction that constrains the position or direction of the tolerance zone based on a combination of the feature type, the type of the feature, and the shape of the tolerance zone, and allows the user to select an option, thereby inputting the constraint condition and the constraint direction; a geometric tolerance / datum designation unit that determines the geometric tolerance to be designated for the designation target feature based on the feature type, the type of feature, the shape of the tolerance zone, the constraint condition, and the constraint direction; Equipped with Instruction support device.

[0108] (Appendix 2) further comprising a display unit capable of displaying the three-dimensional model shape; the datum feature input unit allows the user to select a target feature of the three-dimensional model shape displayed on the display unit and input a feature type for the selected target feature. 2. The instruction assistance device of claim 1.

[0109] (Appendix 3) the tolerance zone definition input unit, when there are a plurality of tolerance zone shapes determined based on the feature type and the feature type, allows the user to select any one of the plurality of tolerance zone shapes; 3. An instruction assistance device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0110] (Appendix 4) further comprising a drawing data reading unit that reads data of the three-dimensional model shape from an external device; the target feature input unit allows a user to select a target feature that is included in the loaded three-dimensional model shape and is a target for specifying a geometric tolerance; 4. An instruction assistance device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3.

[0111] (Appendix 5) A method executed by an instruction assistance device, comprising: The method allows a user to select a target feature included in the three-dimensional model shape of the part, the target feature being a target for specifying a geometric tolerance; The user is prompted to input a feature type of the target feature and a feature type that is a geometric classification of the feature; determining a shape of a tolerance zone based on the feature type and the feature type input by the user; presenting the user with options for selecting a constraint condition and a constraint direction for constraining the position or direction of the tolerance zone based on a combination of the feature type, the type of the feature, and the shape of the tolerance zone; having the user select an option to input the constraint condition and the constraint direction; determining the geometric tolerance to be instructed on the target feature based on the feature type, the type of feature, the shape of the tolerance zone, the constraint condition, and the constraint direction; method.

[0112] (Appendix 6) A method performed by an apparatus for designing a three-dimensional model shape of a part, comprising: activating a geometric tolerance instruction function for instructing a geometric tolerance on an instruction target feature included in the three-dimensional model shape; The geometric tolerance instruction function allows having a user select a target feature for which the geometric tolerance is to be specified; The user is prompted to input a feature type of the target feature and a feature type that is a geometric classification of the feature; acquiring a shape of a tolerance zone based on the feature type and the feature type input by the user; presenting to the user options for selecting a constraint condition and a constraint direction for constraining the position or direction of the tolerance zone based on a combination of the feature type, the feature type, and the shape of the tolerance zone; having the user select an option to input the constraint condition and the constraint direction; determining the geometric tolerance to be instructed on the target feature based on the feature type, the type of feature, the shape of the tolerance zone, the constraint condition, and the constraint direction; method.

[0113] (Appendix 7) On the computer, A process of having a user select a target feature included in the three-dimensional model shape of the part, the target feature being a target for specifying a geometric tolerance; A process of having the user input a feature type of the target feature and a feature type that is a geometric classification of the feature; A process of determining the shape of the tolerance zone based on the feature type and the feature type input by the user; a process of presenting to the user options for selecting a constraint condition and a constraint direction for constraining the position or direction of the tolerance zone based on a combination of the feature type, the type of the feature, and the shape of the tolerance zone; a process of having the user input the constraint condition and the constraint direction by selecting an option; a process of determining the geometric tolerance to be instructed on the target feature based on the feature type, the type of feature, the shape of the tolerance zone, the constraint condition, and the constraint direction; A program to execute.

[0114] (Appendix 8) On the computer, A process of activating a geometric tolerance indication function that indicates a geometric tolerance to an indication target feature included in the three-dimensional model shape; The geometric tolerance instruction function allows A process of having a user select a target feature for which the geometric tolerance is to be specified; A process of having the user input a feature type of the target feature and a feature type that is a geometric classification of the feature; A process of determining the shape of the tolerance zone based on the feature type and the feature type input by the user; a process of presenting to the user options for selecting a constraint condition and a constraint direction for constraining the position or direction of the tolerance zone based on a combination of the feature type, the type of the feature, and the shape of the tolerance zone; a process of having the user input the constraint condition and the constraint direction by selecting an option; A process of determining the geometric tolerance to be instructed on the target feature based on the user's feature type, the type of feature, the shape of the tolerance zone, the constraint condition, and the constraint direction; A program to execute. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1 CAD device, 2 Instruction support device, 4 Instruction target model shape, 21 Connection unit, 22 Operation input unit, 23 Display unit, 24 Memory unit, 25 Processing unit, 100 Instruction support system, 241 Instruction support processing program, 242 Input information database, 243 Tolerance zone judgment table, 244 Constraint direction / geometric tolerance judgment table, 251 Graphic data reading unit, 252 Display processing unit, 253 Instruction target feature input unit, 254 Tolerance zone definition input unit, 255 Datum feature input unit, 256 Geometric tolerance / datum instruction unit, 301 Storage device, 302 Connection device, 303 Operation input device, 304 Display device, 305 Display controller, 306 Memory, 307 Processor, 308 Data bus, 401 First plane, 402 Second plane, 403 Third plane, 404 Fourth plane, 405 Fifth plane, 406 First cylindrical surface, 407 Second cylindrical surface, 408 Third cylindrical surface, 501 First geometric tolerance, 502 Second geometric tolerance, 503 Third geometric tolerance, 504 Fourth geometric tolerance, 505 Fifth geometric tolerance, 506 Sixth geometric tolerance.

Claims

1. a target feature input unit that allows a user to select a target feature that is included in the three-dimensional model shape of the part and that is an object for which a geometric tolerance is to be specified, and allows the user to input a feature type of the target feature and a feature type that is a geometric classification of the feature; a tolerance zone definition input unit that determines the shape of the tolerance zone based on the feature type and the feature type input by the user; a datum feature input unit that presents the user with options for selecting a constraint condition and a constraint direction that constrains the position or direction of the tolerance zone based on a combination of the feature type, the type of the feature, and the shape of the tolerance zone, and allows the user to select an option, thereby inputting the constraint condition and the constraint direction; a geometric tolerance / datum designation unit that determines the geometric tolerance to be designated for the designation target feature based on the feature type, the type of feature, the shape of the tolerance zone, the constraint condition, and the constraint direction; Equipped with Instruction support device.

2. further comprising a display unit capable of displaying the three-dimensional model shape; the datum feature input unit allows the user to select a target feature of the three-dimensional model shape displayed on the display unit and input a feature type for the selected target feature. The instruction support device according to claim 1 .

3. the tolerance zone definition input unit, when there are a plurality of tolerance zone shapes determined based on the feature type and the feature type, allows the user to select any one of the plurality of tolerance zone shapes; The instruction support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. further comprising a drawing data reading unit that reads data of the three-dimensional model shape from an external device; the target feature input unit allows a user to select a target feature that is included in the loaded three-dimensional model shape and is a target for specifying a geometric tolerance; The instruction support device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A method executed by an instruction assistance device, comprising: The method allows a user to select a target feature included in the three-dimensional model shape of the part, the target feature being a target for specifying a geometric tolerance; The user is prompted to input a feature type of the target feature and a feature type that is a geometric classification of the feature; determining a shape of a tolerance zone based on the feature type and the feature type input by the user; presenting the user with options for selecting a constraint condition and a constraint direction for constraining the position or direction of the tolerance zone based on a combination of the feature type, the type of the feature, and the shape of the tolerance zone; having the user select an option to input the constraint condition and the constraint direction; determining the geometric tolerance to be instructed on the target feature based on the feature type, the type of feature, the shape of the tolerance zone, the constraint condition, and the constraint direction; method.

6. A method performed by an apparatus for designing a three-dimensional model shape of a part, comprising: activating a geometric tolerance instruction function for instructing a geometric tolerance on an instruction target feature included in the three-dimensional model shape; The geometric tolerance instruction function allows having a user select a target feature for which the geometric tolerance is to be specified; The user is prompted to input a feature type of the target feature and a feature type that is a geometric classification of the feature; acquiring a shape of a tolerance zone based on the feature type and the feature type input by the user; presenting to the user options for selecting a constraint condition and a constraint direction for constraining the position or direction of the tolerance zone based on a combination of the feature type, the feature type, and the shape of the tolerance zone; having the user select an option to input the constraint condition and the constraint direction; determining the geometric tolerance to be instructed on the target feature based on the feature type, the type of feature, the shape of the tolerance zone, the constraint condition, and the constraint direction; method.

7. On the computer, A process of having a user select a target feature included in the three-dimensional model shape of the part, the target feature being a target for specifying a geometric tolerance; A process of having the user input a feature type of the target feature and a feature type that is a geometric classification of the feature; A process of determining the shape of the tolerance zone based on the feature type and the feature type input by the user; a process of presenting to the user options for selecting a constraint condition and a constraint direction for constraining the position or direction of the tolerance zone based on a combination of the feature type, the type of the feature, and the shape of the tolerance zone; a process of having the user input the constraint condition and the constraint direction by selecting an option; a process of determining the geometric tolerance to be instructed on the target feature based on the feature type, the type of feature, the shape of the tolerance zone, the constraint condition, and the constraint direction; A program to execute.

8. On the computer, A process of activating a geometric tolerance indication function that indicates a geometric tolerance to an indication target feature included in the three-dimensional model shape; The geometric tolerance instruction function allows A process of having a user select a target feature for which the geometric tolerance is to be specified; A process of having the user input a feature type of the target feature and a feature type that is a geometric classification of the feature; A process of determining the shape of the tolerance zone based on the feature type and the feature type input by the user; a process of presenting to the user options for selecting a constraint condition and a constraint direction for constraining the position or direction of the tolerance zone based on a combination of the feature type, the type of the feature, and the shape of the tolerance zone; a process of having the user input the constraint condition and the constraint direction by selecting an option; A process of determining the geometric tolerance to be instructed on the target feature based on the user's feature type, the type of feature, the shape of the tolerance zone, the constraint condition, and the constraint direction; A program to execute.

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