Specification decision support device, specification generation system, and method

Abstract

To provide a specification determination support device which facilitates design of a product, a method executed by the device, and a specification document generation system.SOLUTION: A specification determination support device includes: a design parameter input reception unit which is configured to receive input of a design parameter of a product; an achievement propriety determination unit which determines propriety of achievement of the design parameter of the product; a system specification model generation unit which, if the design parameter of the product is achievable, incorporates the design parameter of the product into an acquired system meta model of the product to thereby generate a system specification model; and a document generation unit which generates a product specification document on the basis of the system specification model.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a specification determination support device, a specification generation system, and a method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in product design, there is known a method for determining product specifications required by a customer by modifying existing product specifications.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that constraints on the specification values ​​that can be taken for specification items are described in a specification and configuration information database, and based on this, a configuration design screen for inputting specification values ​​for specification items is generated to guide input by a configuration designer. Also, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses that efficient editing and determination of product specifications is supported by utilizing product specifications stored in a database. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-155601 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-222566 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, conventional methods can only determine the value of each item in the product specifications so that the value of each item in the product specifications satisfies constraints and check rules.

[0006] Therefore, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to facilitate product design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A specification decision support device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a design parameter input accepting unit configured to accept input of product design parameters; a feasibility determination unit configured to determine whether the design parameters are feasible; a system specification model generation unit configured to, if the design parameters are feasible, generate a system specification model by reflecting the design parameters in an acquired system metamodel of the product; and a document generation unit configured to generate a product specification based on the system specification model. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, product design can be facilitated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a functional block diagram of a specification determination support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is an example of a design parameter information group according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is an example of a list of design parameters according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is an example of a design parameter constraint according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is an example of a design parameter constraint according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a process for generating a system specification model according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a document generation process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a specification determination support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <Terminology> In this specification, "design parameters" refer to the items required for a product when it is manufactured (e.g., shape, structure, capacity, components, dimensions, precision, performance, etc.). By changing the values ​​of the design parameters of an existing product, it is possible to design a product that meets the customer's needs. In this specification, a "system metamodel" is a standard system model of a product written in SysML (Systems Modeling Language). In this specification, a "system specification model" refers to a system model for a specific customer, written in SysML (Systems Modeling Language). The system specification model contains specifications (i.e., design parameter values) determined using the specification determination support device 10.

[0012] <System configuration> 1 is an overall configuration diagram according to one embodiment of the present invention. The specification generation system 1 includes a specification determination support device 10 and an external file 30 (a product system metamodel 31 and a customer-specific system specification model 32). The specification determination support device 10 can read data from the external file 30 (the product system metamodel 31 and the customer-specific system specification model 32) and write data to the external file 30 (the product system metamodel 31 and the customer-specific system specification model 32). Each of these will be described below.

[0013] <<Specification decision support device>> The specification determination support device 10 is a device for supporting a specification decider 20 in determining product specifications. For example, the specification determination support device 10 is a personal computer or the like operated by the specification decider 20. Note that the specification determination support device 10 may be configured from a personal computer or the like operated by the specification decider 20 and a server.

[0014] Specifically, the specification determination support device 10 accepts input of product design parameters and determines whether the design parameters are feasible. Then, the specification determination support device 10 acquires a system metamodel of the product from the product system metamodel 31 and writes feasible design parameters into the system metamodel, thereby generating a system specification model. The specification determination support device 10 stores the system specification model in a customer-specific system specification model 32. Furthermore, the specification determination support device 10 generates a product specification based on the system specification model in the customer-specific system specification model 32.

[0015] <<External file>> The external file 30 includes a product system metamodel 31 and a customer-specific system specification model 32. The product system metamodel 31 and the customer-specific system specification model 32 are product system models written in SysML (Systems Modeling Language).

[0016] The product system metamodel 31 is a base model of a product (i.e., a system model of a standard product). The product system metamodel 31 includes all design parameter items of the product (i.e., the standard product) and the values ​​of all design parameter items in the standard product.

[0017] The customer-specific system specification model 32 is a system model for a specific customer (for example, a system specification model 32A for company A, a system specification model 32B for company B, and a system specification model 32C for company C) into which specifications (i.e., values ​​of design parameters) determined using the specification determination support device 10 are written. Note that the design parameter items of the customer-specific system specification model 32 are some or all of the design parameter items of the product system metamodel 31. The customer-specific system specification model 32 is managed by product number, etc.

[0018] Here, we will explain the system model written in SysML (Systems Modeling Language). In a system model written in SysML (Systems Modeling Language), "structure," "behavior," "requirements," and "parametrics" are shown in diagrams that relate to each other. Specifications such as design parameters can be defined primarily in the "structure" model.

[0019] A system model contains elements such as the physical components, states, behavior, and design parameters of a product. It also contains text from product specifications. By linking these elements with diagrams such as block diagrams and state transition diagrams, a system model graphically represents the internal structure and behavior of a system. Such system models make it possible to clearly represent complex systems using diagrams, easily reuse past designs by accumulating models, easily share design specifications across different fields such as software, hardware, and mechanics, and use them for design verification such as simulations.

[0020] <Function block> 2 is a functional block diagram of a specification determination support device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The specification determination support device 10 can include a design parameter input accepting unit 101, a design parameter information group 102, a system specification model reading unit 103, a design parameter list 104, a feasibility determining unit 105, a design parameter constraint condition 106, a system specification model generating unit 107, and a document generating unit 108. By executing a program, the specification determination support device 10 can function as the design parameter input accepting unit 101, the system specification model reading unit 103, the feasibility determining unit 105, the system specification model generating unit 107, and the document generating unit 108. Each of these units will be described below.

[0021] The design parameter input receiving unit 101 receives input of product design parameters entered by the specification decider 20 (specifically, changes from the design parameters in the design parameter information group 102 in the specification determination support device 10, or changes from the design parameters of an existing (past) system specification model).

[0022] The design parameter information group 102 stores information on design parameters (for example, information on design parameters of existing products, information on specifications saved by the specification decider 20 (that is, information on the values ​​of design parameters)).

[0023] The system specification model reading unit 103 reads the system specification model from the customer-specific system specification model 32. Specifically, the system specification model reading unit 103 can read, refer to, and compare design parameters of the system specification model from the customer-specific system specification model 32. The system specification model reading unit 103 can use the system specification model in the customer-specific system specification model 32 as a design database, making it possible to easily reuse past designs.

[0024] The design parameter list 104 stores information on design parameters referenced by the specification decider 20. The specification decider 20 can input values ​​for each item in the design parameter list displayed on the specification determination support device 10 (specifically, change the design parameters in the design parameter information group 102 in the specification determination support device 10, or change the design parameters of an existing (past) system specification model).

[0025] The feasibility determination unit 105 determines whether or not the design parameters whose values ​​have been input by the specifications decider 20 are feasible. Specifically, the feasibility determination unit 105 determines whether or not the design parameters are feasible according to a determination rule set for each item of the design parameters (i.e., if the determination rule is satisfied, it is determined that the design is feasible, and if the determination rule is not satisfied, it is determined that the design is not feasible). Details will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0026] The design parameter constraint conditions 106 store determination rules that are used by the feasibility determination unit 105 to determine whether or not the design parameters can be realized.

[0027] The system specification model generation unit 107 generates a system specification model, the details of which will be described with reference to FIG.

[0028] The document generation unit 108 generates a document (product specification) based on the system specification model, as will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0029] <Data example> Examples of data managed by the specifications determination support device 10 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0030] <<Design parameter information group>> 3 shows an example of the design parameter information group 102 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The design parameter information group 102 stores information on design parameters (for example, information on design parameters of existing products, and information on specifications (i.e., values ​​of design parameters) saved by the specification decider 20).

[0031] <<Design parameter list>> 4 shows an example of a design parameter list 104 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The design parameter list 104 includes product specifications (i.e., design parameter values) for each item (e.g., classified into major items, medium items, and minor items). The specification determiner 20 can determine the value of each design parameter item.

[0032] <<General Judgment Rules>> 5 shows an example of the design parameter constraints 106 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The design parameter constraints 106 store general-purpose determination rules 1 and 2, which are used by the feasibility determination unit 105 to determine whether the design parameters can be realized.

[0033] The general-purpose decision rule 1 defines selectable options when the design parameter is a multiple-choice option (that is, when the specification decider 20 selects from a plurality of options).

[0034] General-purpose determination rule 2 defines ranges (for example, upper and lower limits) that can be input to design parameters.

[0035] <<Special Judgment Rules>> 6 shows an example of the design parameter constraints 106 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The design parameter constraints 106 store special judgment rules that are used by the feasibility judgment unit 105 to judge whether or not the design parameters can be realized. The feasibility judgment unit 105 judges whether or not the design parameters that satisfy the above-mentioned <<general judgment rules>> also satisfy the <<special judgment rules>>.

[0036] The special determination rule is a rule for calculations between design parameter items. For example, the feasibility determination unit 105 calculates a predetermined function (e.g., maximum motor thrust) by calculating (1D simulation) a parametric diagram in SysML (Systems Modeling Language) and determines whether the function is feasible (e.g., whether an existing motor can handle the calculation). Specifically, the feasibility determination unit 105 reads design parameters required for the calculation (1D simulation) of the parametric diagram in SysML (Systems Modeling Language). Next, the feasibility determination unit 105 derives parameter values ​​(e.g., maximum acceleration, weight, friction coefficient, etc.) required for the calculation (1D simulation) of the parametric diagram in SysML (Systems Modeling Language) from the read design parameters and the design parameter information group 102. Next, the feasibility determination unit 105 calculates the predetermined function (e.g., maximum motor thrust) by calculating (1D simulation) the parametric diagram in SysML (Systems Modeling Language). Next, the feasibility determining unit 105 determines whether it is feasible (for example, whether the maximum motor thrust can be achieved with an existing motor).

[0037] Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, constraint conditions are set in the system model (that is, rules for operations between items of design parameters are defined). Therefore, it is possible to determine the feasibility in consideration of the complex relationships (mathematical formulas, etc.) between design parameters.

[0038] <Method> Hereinafter, the generation process of the system specification model will be described with reference to FIG. 7, and the generation process of the document will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0039] <<Generation Process of System Specification Model>> FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the generation process of the system specification model according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] In step 101 (S101), the system specification model generation unit 107 receives the selection of the specification data referred to by the specification determiner 20, which is input by the specification determiner 20 to the specification determination support device 10. If the specification data referred to by the specification determiner 20 is the "design parameter information group 102" (for example, the specification determiner 20 designates a desired design parameter), the process proceeds to step 102. If the specification data referred to by the specification determiner 20 is the "past system specification model" (for example, the specification determiner 20 designates a desired system specification model), the process proceeds to step 103.

[0041] In step 102 (S102), the system specification model generation unit 107 reads the design parameters specified in S101 from the design parameter information group 102.

[0042] In step 103 (S103), the system specification model generation unit 107 reads the past system specification model from the system specification model 32 for specific customers.

[0043] In step 104 (S104), the system specification model generation unit 107 generates a list of the design parameters of the system specification model read in S103.

[0044] In step 105 (S105), the system specification model generation unit 107 displays information on the design parameters to be referred to by the specifications decider 20 on the specifications determination support device 10.

[0045] In step 106 (S106), the system specification model generation unit 107 changes the values ​​of the design parameters displayed in S105 to the values ​​input by the specifications decider 20 to the specifications determination support device 10.

[0046] In step 107 (S107), the feasibility determination unit 105 determines whether the parameter values ​​input in S106 are feasible. If they are feasible, the process proceeds to step 108; if they are not feasible, the process proceeds to step 111.

[0047] In step 108 (S108), the system specification model generation unit 107 copies the system metamodel stored in the product system metamodel 31 (duplicates the data of the system metamodel).

[0048] In step 109 (S109), the system specification model generation unit 107 overwrites the system metamodel copied in S108 with the parameter values ​​input in S106.

[0049] In step 110 (S110), the system specification model generation unit 107 stores the system metamodel in which the parameter values ​​have been overwritten in S108 in the customer-specific system specification model 32 as a system specification model.

[0050] In step 111 (S111), the system specification model generation unit 107 presents design parameter items that can be assumed to be factors that make the system unrealizable, and then the process returns to step .

[0051] <<Document generation process>> FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process for generating a document (product specification) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] In step 201 (S201), the document generation unit 108 accepts the selection of design parameter items to be output to a document (product specification) and the chapter in the document (product specification) in which the items exist, which have been input by the specifications decider 20 to the specification determination support device 10. Specifically, the document generation unit 108 identifies the selected design parameter items and chapters based on the configuration information of the document (product specification) managed by the specification determination support device 10. Note that the configuration information of the document (product specification) is information that indicates the configuration of each chapter of the document (product specification) and the design parameter items and the like within each chapter.

[0053] In step 202 (S202), the document generation unit 108 receives an instruction to output a document (product specification) that the specifications decider 20 inputs to the specifications determination support device 10 (for example, a designation of a product number).

[0054] In step 203 (S203), the document generation unit 108 reads the system specification model designated in S202 from the specific customer system specification model 32.

[0055] In step 204 (S204), the document generation unit 108 overwrites the system specification model read in S203 with the values ​​of the design parameters selected in S201.

[0056] In step 205 (S205), the document generation unit 108 outputs the system specification model written in SysML in the form of a document (product specification). Specifically, the document generation unit 108 outputs (for example, saves or prints) the document (product specification) based on the system specification model overwritten in S204.

[0057] <Effects> In this way, one embodiment of the present invention determines whether the product specifications required by a customer can be realized using a system model. Then, based on the results of this determination, a system specification model specific to the customer, written in SysML, is generated from a product system metamodel (base model) written in SysML, and a product specification document can be output. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, even someone without advanced knowledge of the product can easily design a product with design parameter values ​​different from existing products.

[0058] <Hardware configuration> 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a specification determination support device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The specification determination support device 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1002, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1003. The CPU 1001, the ROM 1002, and the RAM 1003 form a so-called computer. The specification determination support device 10 may also have an auxiliary storage device 1004, a display device 1005, an operation device 1006, an I / F (Interface) device 1007, and a drive device 1008. The hardware components of the specification determination support device 10 are connected to each other via a bus B.

[0059] The CPU 1001 is a computing device that executes various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 1004 .

[0060] The ROM 1002 is a non-volatile memory. The ROM 1002 functions as a main storage device that stores various programs, data, etc. required for the CPU 1001 to execute various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 1004. Specifically, the ROM 1002 functions as a main storage device that stores boot programs such as a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) and an EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface).

[0061] The RAM 1003 is a volatile memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). The RAM 1003 functions as a main storage device that provides a working area in which various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 1004 are expanded when the CPU 1001 executes them.

[0062] The auxiliary storage device 1004 is an auxiliary storage device that stores various programs and information used when the various programs are executed.

[0063] The display device 1005 is a display device that displays the internal state of the specification determination support device 10 and the like.

[0064] The operation device 1006 is an input device through which the administrator of the specification determination support device 10 inputs various instructions to the specification determination support device 10 .

[0065] The I / F device 1007 is a communication device that connects to a network and communicates with other devices.

[0066] Drive device 1008 is a device for loading storage medium 1009. The storage medium 1009 here includes media that record information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as CD-ROMs, flexible disks, and magneto-optical disks. Storage medium 1009 may also include semiconductor memories that record information electrically, such as EPROMs (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and flash memories.

[0067] The various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 1004 are installed, for example, by setting the distributed storage medium 1009 in the drive device 1008 and reading out the various programs recorded on the storage medium 1009 by the drive device 1008. Alternatively, the various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 1004 may be installed by being downloaded from a network via the I / F device 1007.

[0068] Although the examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1. Specification generation system 10. Specification decision support device 20 Specification Decision Maker 30 External Files 31 Product System Metamodel 32 Customer-specific system specification model 101 Design parameter input reception unit 102 Design parameter information group 103 System specification model reading section 104 Design parameter list 105 Realization feasibility determination unit 106 Design Parameter Constraints 107 System specification model generation unit 108 Document Generation Unit 1001 CPU 1002 ROM 1003 RAM 1004 Auxiliary storage device 1005 Display device 1006 Operating device 1007 I / F device 1008 Drive device 1009 Storage medium

Claims

1. a design parameter input receiving unit configured to receive input of design parameters of a product; a feasibility determination unit configured to determine whether a predetermined function of the product can be realized by using a plurality of values ​​derived from the design parameters that satisfy a general-purpose determination rule, and to determine whether the function can be realized; a system specification model generation unit configured to generate a system specification model by reflecting the design parameters in the acquired system metamodel of the product if the design parameters are feasible; a document generator configured to generate a product specification based on the system specification model; A specification decision support device comprising:

2. 2. The specification determination support device according to claim 1, wherein the system metamodel and the system specification model are system models written in SysML (Systems Modeling Language).

3. The specification determination support device according to claim 1 , wherein the feasibility determination unit uses a parametric diagram in SysML (Systems Modeling Language).

4. 4. The specification determination support device according to claim 1, wherein the feasibility determination unit is configured to, when the design parameter is not feasible, present design parameter items that may be considered to be factors that make the design not feasible.

5. 5. The specification determination support device according to claim 1, wherein the input design parameters are changes from design parameters in a design parameter information group within the specification determination support device.

6. 5. The specification determination support device according to claim 1, wherein the input design parameters are changes from design parameters of an existing system specification model.

7. A specification determination support device described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the multiple values ​​derived from the design parameters are maximum acceleration, weight, and friction coefficient.

8. A specification determination support device described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the specified function is maximum motor thrust.

9. a specification decision support device and an external file containing a system metamodel and a system specification model of the product; The specification determination support device a design parameter input receiving unit configured to receive input of design parameters of the product; a feasibility determination unit configured to determine whether a predetermined function of the product can be realized by using a plurality of values ​​derived from the design parameters that satisfy a general-purpose determination rule, and to determine whether the function can be realized; a system specification model generation unit configured to generate a system specification model by reflecting the design parameters in the acquired system metamodel of the product if the design parameters are feasible; a document generator configured to generate a product specification based on the system specification model.

10. A method executed by a specification decision support device, accepting input of product design parameters; a step of determining whether a predetermined function of the product can be realized by calculating a plurality of values ​​derived from the design parameters that satisfy a general-purpose determination rule, and determining whether the function can be realized; If the design parameters are feasible, generating a system specification model by reflecting the design parameters in the acquired system metamodel of the product; generating a product specification based on the system specification model; A method comprising:

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