Program for digitizing wire harness drawings, method for digitizing wire harness drawings, and information processing device.

Abstract

To create data to be used in manufacturing wire harnesses.SOLUTION: An information processing device 101 extracts a first region 120 indicating a connector of a wire harness from image data 110 of a wire harness drawing. The information processing device 101 extracts a character string 121 located near the extracted first region 120 from character strings recognized by character recognition processing on the image data 110 of the wire harness drawing. The information processing device 101 refers to electric wire type information 130, and when the extracted character string 121 is a connector name, identifies an electric wire corresponding to the character string 121. The electric wire type information 130 is information that indicates the type of the electric wire connected to the connector of the connector name in association with the connector name. The information processing device 101 creates connection information 140 that indicates the extracted character string 121 and the type of the identified electric wire in association with the extracted first region 120.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic program for wire harness drawings, a method for electronicizing wire harness drawings, and an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in the manufacture of wire harnesses, image drawings may be input as design data. In such cases, table data and component information are manually read from the image drawings and digitized, and design for manufacturing is performed. Also, there is a technique called OCR (Optical Character Reader) that uses a technique based on machine learning such as deep learning to recognize and digitize character strings from images containing characters.

[0003] As prior art, for example, there is a technique for adding and outputting guidance information for changeable parts of a jig plate layout for manufacturing a wire harness to the jig plate layout. Also, there is a technique for locally performing recognition processing again based on the positions of recognized characters and symbols after recognizing the entire drawing as an image. Also, there is a technique including a dimension line extraction unit for extracting dimension lines, a shape line extraction unit for extracting shape lines, and a character / symbol extraction unit for extracting characters and symbols, and controlling these extraction procedures and the confirmation / modification procedures by the user.

[0004] Also, there is a technique for creating a layout shape model by flattening and developing a three-dimensional structure in consideration of manufacturing layout, wire harness twist, etc. based on route planning information and manufacturing requirement information. Also, there is a technique for creating completed image data including graphic information of a wire harness represented at the same scale or reduced from instruction information representing information necessary for assembling the wire harness in characters, and creating a plurality of image data for wire harness assembly corresponding to the wire harness assembly process from the completed image data. Also, there is a technique for reading an equipment layout drawing and an electronic wire list and creating a harness wiring model.

Prior Art Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-046815 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-234424 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-190094 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-205400 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-213159 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-114328 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, with conventional technology, it is difficult to obtain data for manufacturing wire harnesses from images of drawings related to wire harnesses. For example, manually reading component information from image drawings and converting it into data is time-consuming and laborious.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention aims to create data for use in the manufacture of wire harnesses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment, a wire harness drawing digitization program is provided, which extracts a first region representing a connector of a wire harness from image data of a drawing of a wire harness, extracts a first string located near the extracted first region from a string recognized by character recognition processing of the image data, refers to wire type information representing the type of wire connected to the connector of the connector name in association with the connector name, identifies the type of wire corresponding to the first string if the extracted first string is a connector name, and creates connection information representing the extracted first string and the identified type of wire in association with the first region. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it has the effect of being able to create data used in the manufacture of wire harnesses. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing one embodiment of a method for digitizing wire harness drawings. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the information processing system 200. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the drawing digitization device 201. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a wire harness drawing. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a connector. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the WH circuit diagram knowledge DB220. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the WH connector component DB230. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the wiring information DB240. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the work instruction information DB250. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the drawing digitizing apparatus 201. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a wiring shape representing a non-electrical component. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stored content of the wiring shape information table 1100. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stored content of the work instruction information table 1200. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the creation of table data. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the creation of specification information. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the creation of wire type information. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the association of wire type information. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a connector area. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stored content of the connector information table 1800. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stored content of the cavity information table 1900. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of specifying the wire type connected to the cavity. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the association of non-electrical component information. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an arrow shape. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the creation of work instruction information. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the drawing digitizing process procedure of the drawing digitizing apparatus 201. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the specific processing procedure of the extraction process. [Figure 26]Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the specific processing steps for creating specification / wire type information. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a flowchart showing an example of the specific processing steps for creating connection information. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure for associating non-electrical component information. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a flowchart showing an example of the specific processing steps for creating work instruction information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the wire harness drawing digitization program, wire harness drawing digitization method, and information processing device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (Embodiment) Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing one embodiment of a method for digitizing wire harness drawings. In Figure 1, the information processing device 101 is a computer that creates data for use in the manufacture of wire harnesses from image data of wire harness drawings.

[0013] Here, a wire harness (WH) is a bundle of multiple wires used for power supply or signal communication (a collection of components). A wire harness includes components such as wires, connectors, terminals, and protective materials. Wire harnesses are used, for example, for internal wiring in automobiles, aircraft, and medical equipment.

[0014] A wire harness drawing is a drawing relating to the wire harness being manufactured. Wire harness drawings include various information such as specification sheets, circuit diagrams, figures representing the shapes of component elements, and work instructions. A specification sheet is, for example, a tabular document that describes the conditions and requirements that the product in which the wire harness is used must meet. A circuit diagram is a tabular document that describes the connection relationships between the component elements of the wire harness.

[0015] In wire harness-related work, due to the specialized nature of wire harnesses, instructions are predominantly provided in the form of drawings (paper) from design to manufacturing. For example, when manufacturing wire harnesses through OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing), the customer (the ordering party) may provide image drawings (paper-based drawings scanned) as design data.

[0016] Using image-based drawings makes system integration and information sharing difficult. Therefore, traditionally, data for wire harness manufacturing was created by manually extracting tabular data and component information from image-based drawings. However, manually creating this data is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0017] Another option is to use OCR technology to digitize the data. However, even if OCR technology can extract text from drawings, manual editing is still required to create data suitable for manufacturing wire harnesses, which is still time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0018] Therefore, this embodiment describes a method for digitizing wire harness drawings, which automatically creates data for manufacturing wire harnesses from image data of wire harness drawings. Here, an example of processing by the information processing device 101 (corresponding to the processing in (1) to (4) below) will be described.

[0019] (1) The information processing device 101 extracts a first region 120 representing the connector of the wire harness from the image data 110 of the wire harness drawing. The image data 110 is data obtained by scanning the wire harness drawing. A connector is a component element that serves as a connection point for the wire harness.

[0020] A connector includes, for example, a metal part that conducts electricity and a non-conductive material (such as resin molding or plastic) surrounding it. A connector is provided with one or more cavities. A cavity is a hole or recess for connecting (inserting) electrical wires.

[0021] Specifically, for example, the information processing device 101 analyzes the image data 110 using machine learning-based methods such as deep learning to extract a first region 120. The first region 120 represents, for example, the mating surface of a connector.

[0022] (2) The information processing device 101 extracts a first string from the strings recognized by character recognition processing on the image data 110 of the wire harness drawing that is located near the extracted first region 120. The first string is, for example, the string outside the first region 120 that is closest to the first region 120. Alternatively, the first string may be, for example, a string within a predetermined range from the boundary of the first region 120.

[0023] Here, we assume that the character string 121 located at the top of the first region 120 is extracted from the character recognition process performed on the image data 110.

[0024] (3) The information processing device 101 refers to the wire type information 130 and identifies the wire corresponding to the extracted string 121 (first string) if the string 121 is a connector name. Here, the wire type information 130 is information that associates with the connector name and represents the type of wire connected to the connector of that connector name. The type of wire is identified, for example, by the size, color, characteristics, and application of the wire. The wire type information 130 is created, for example, based on the image data 110 of the wire harness drawing.

[0025] For example, the information processing device 101 may determine that string 121 is a connector name if it matches any of the connector names represented by the wire type information 130. Alternatively, the information processing device 101 may determine that string 121 is a connector name if it matches any of the connector names registered in the parts database (for example, the WH connector parts DB230 shown in Figure 6 below).

[0026] The wire type information 130 is created based on the image data 110 of the wire harness drawing. For example, the wire type information 130 may be automatically created from the image data 110 by a computer (for example, the drawing digitization device 201 shown in Figure 2 below), or it may be created manually from the image data 110.

[0027] Here, we assume that string 121 is the connector name "Connector A," and that the type of wire "X" corresponding to string 121 (Connector A) has been identified.

[0028] (4) The information processing device 101 associates the extracted first region 120 with the extracted string 121 (connector A) and the identified wire type "X" to create connection information 140. The connection information 140, for example, associates the coordinates of the first region 120 in the wire harness drawing with the connector name "connector A" and the wire type "X" connected to that connector.

[0029] Thus, the information processing device 101 can create data (connection information 140) for use in manufacturing wire harnesses from image data 110 of wire harness drawings. The connection information 140 allows for the identification of the types of wires connected to connectors (component elements) included in the wire harness drawing to be manufactured. For example, a user (designer) can use the connection information 140 to create and register symbols used in the manufacturing drawings of wire harnesses.

[0030] (Example of system configuration for information processing system 200) Next, an example of the system configuration of the information processing system 200, including the information processing device 101 shown in Figure 1, will be described. Here, the example will be described using the case where the information processing device 101 shown in Figure 1 is applied to the drawing digitization device 201 within the information processing system 200. The information processing system 200 is applied, for example, to a service that supports the manufacturing of wire harnesses by an OEM.

[0031] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the information processing system 200. In Figure 2, the information processing system 200 includes a drawing digitization device 201 and a client device 202. In the information processing system 200, the drawing digitization device 201 and the client device 202 are connected via a wired or wireless network 210. The network 210 is, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0032] Here, the drawing digitization device 201 creates data for use in manufacturing wire harnesses from image data D of wire harness drawings. The drawing digitization device 201 has a WH circuit diagram knowledge DB (Database) 220, a WH connector parts DB 230, a wiring information DB 240, and a work instruction information DB 250. The drawing digitization device 201 is, for example, a server.

[0033] Specific examples of wire harness diagrams will be described later using Figures 4A and 4B. Furthermore, the contents of the various DB220, 230, 240, and 250 will be described later using Figures 5 to 8.

[0034] The client device 202 is a computer used by users of the information processing system 200. Users are, for example, wire harness designers or manufacturers. The client device 202 can be, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet PC.

[0035] In this example, the drawing digitization device 201 and the client device 202 are provided as separate components, but this is not the only option. For example, the drawing digitization device 201 may be implemented by the client device 202. Furthermore, the information processing system 200 may include multiple client devices 202.

[0036] (Example of hardware configuration for drawing digitization device 201) Next, we will describe an example of the hardware configuration of the drawing digitization device 201.

[0037] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the drawing digitization device 201. In Figure 3, the drawing digitization device 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, memory 302, disk drive 303, disk 304, communication interface 305, portable recording medium interface 306, and portable recording medium 307. Each component is connected by a bus 300.

[0038] Here, the CPU 301 is responsible for the overall control of the drawing digitization device 201. The CPU 301 may have multiple cores. The memory 302 includes, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and flash ROM. Specifically, for example, the flash ROM stores the OS program, the ROM stores the application program, and the RAM is used as the work area for the CPU 301. The program stored in the memory 302 is loaded into the CPU 301, causing the CPU 301 to execute the coded process.

[0039] The disk drive 303 controls the reading and writing of data to the disk 304 according to the control of the CPU 301. The disk 304 stores the data written under the control of the disk drive 303. The disk 304 is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc.

[0040] The communication interface 305 is connected to the network 210 via a communication line, and through the network 210, it is connected to an external computer (for example, the client device 202 shown in Figure 2). The communication interface 305 manages the interface between the network 210 and the inside of the device, and controls the input and output of data from the external computer. The communication interface 305 is, for example, a modem or a LAN adapter.

[0041] The portable recording medium interface 306 controls the reading and writing of data to the portable recording medium 307 according to the control of the CPU 301. The portable recording medium 307 stores the data written under the control of the portable recording medium interface 306. Examples of portable recording media 307 include CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0042] Furthermore, the drawing digitization device 201 may have, in addition to the components described above, an input device, a display, a scanner, a printer, etc. Also, the drawing digitization device 201 does not necessarily have, among the components described above, a portable recording medium I / F 306 and a portable recording medium 307. The client device 202 shown in Figure 2 can also be realized with the same hardware configuration as the drawing digitization device 201. However, the client device 202 has, in addition to the components described above, an input device, a display, etc.

[0043] (Specific example of a wire harness diagram) Next, we will explain specific examples of wire harness diagrams using Figures 4A and 4B.

[0044] Figure 4A is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a wire harness drawing. Figure 4B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a connector. In Figure 4A, the wire harness drawing 400 includes the design drawing 401, the circuit diagram 402 (wire type information), and the specification table 403. However, in Figure 4A, the contents of the wire harness drawing 400 are shown in a simplified form.

[0045] Design drawing 401 is a design drawing of the wire harness to be manufactured. Design drawing 401 includes symbols 411-419 and wiring 420. Symbols 411-419 represent the connectors of the wire harness. However, in Figure 4A, symbols 411-419 (connectors) are shown in a simplified form.

[0046] Figure 4B shows a detailed example of symbols 411-419 (connectors). Figure 4B(a) shows the shape of connector C1, which corresponds to symbol 411. Connector C1 has multiple rectangular cavities. The "YYYY-YYYY" at the bottom of connector C1 indicates the connector name. The arrow in the lower right of connector C1 indicates the work instruction "FIG. 1" for connector C1.

[0047] Furthermore, Figure 4B(b) shows the shape of connector C2 corresponding to symbol 418. Connector C2 has multiple circular cavities. The "XXXX-XXXX" at the top of connector C2 indicates the connector name. The arrow at the bottom right of connector C2 indicates the work instruction "FIG.1" for connector C2.

[0048] Wiring 420 represents the wires connecting the connectors of the wire harness. Part of the wiring 420 shows protective material 421 covering the wires. Circuit diagram 402 is tabular information regarding the wires used in the wire harness. Specification table 403 is tabular information regarding the specifications of the products in which the wire harness is used.

[0049] Furthermore, the wire harness drawing 400 may include, for example, a diagram corresponding to Fig. 1 in Figure 4A (for example, a detailed diagram of connector mounting).

[0050] (Stored contents of various DB220, 230, 240, and 250) Next, the contents of the various DBs 220, 230, 240, and 250 of the drawing digitization device 201 will be explained using Figures 5 to 8. The various DBs 220, 230, 240, and 250 are implemented by storage devices such as memory 302 and disk 304.

[0051] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the WH circuit diagram knowledge DB220. In Figure 5, the WH circuit diagram knowledge DB220 includes a part number information table 501 and a circuit diagram header information table 502.

[0052] The part number information table 501 has ID and part number fields, and stores part number information as a record by setting information in each field. The ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the part number information. The part number is an identifier that uniquely identifies the product in which the wire harness is used. The part number is an example of a keyword used to identify information about the specifications (e.g., specification sheet).

[0053] The circuit diagram header information table 502 has ID and header string fields, and stores circuit diagram header information as a record by setting information in each field. The ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the circuit diagram header information. The header string is a string used for the header portion of the circuit diagram. The header string is an example of a keyword used to identify information about wires (e.g., wire type information table).

[0054] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the WH connector component DB230. In Figure 6, the WH connector component DB230 includes a connector component information table 601 and a cavity component information table 602. The cavity component information table 602 is maintained for each connector. In the example in Figure 6, the cavity component information table 602 corresponding to the connector named "ZZZ-ZZZZ" is shown.

[0055] The connector part information table 601 has fields for ID, connector name, and cavity number, and stores connector part information as a record by setting information in each field. The ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the connector part information. The connector name is the name of the connector on the wire harness. The cavity number is the number of cavities provided in the connector of the connector name.

[0056] The cavity component information table 602 has fields for No, cavity number, and coordinates, and stores cavity information as a record by setting information in each field. No is an identifier that uniquely identifies the cavity information. The cavity number is a number that identifies the cavity. The coordinates are coordinates that can identify the position of the cavity on the connector (mating surface). For example, the coordinates are the coordinates of the bottom left and top right of the smallest rectangle enclosing the cavity.

[0057] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the wiring information DB240. In Figure 7, the wiring information DB240 has fields for ID, protective material classification, material, price, and quality, and stores non-electrical component information as records by setting information in each field.

[0058] Here, ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the wiring information. Wiring corresponds to protective material (non-electrical component) covering the wires. Protective material classification is the classification of protective material (non-electrical component) covering the wires. Protective material classification is identified, for example, by differences in hatching (pattern). Material indicates the material of the protective material (non-electrical component). Price indicates the price of the protective material (non-electrical component). Quality indicates the quality of the protective material (non-electrical component).

[0059] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the work instruction information DB250. In Figure 8, the work instruction information DB250 has fields for ID, work instruction, and work content, and by setting information in each field, work instruction information is stored as a record.

[0060] Here, ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the work instruction information. Work instruction indicates a work instruction for an object. An object is, for example, a component element of a wire harness (connector, cavity, wiring, etc.). Work content indicates the content of the work instruction.

[0061] (Example of functional configuration of the drawing digitization device 201) Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the drawing digitization device 201. In Figure 9, the drawing digitization device 201 includes an acquisition unit 901, a recognition unit 902, a first extraction unit 903, a second extraction unit 904, a third extraction unit 905, a fourth extraction unit 906, a creation unit 907, an output unit 908, and a storage unit 910. The acquisition unit 901 to the output unit 908 function as the control unit 900, and specifically, this function is realized by having the CPU 301 execute a program stored in a storage device such as the memory 302, disk 304, or portable recording medium 307 shown in Figure 3, or by using a communication I / F 305. The processing results of each functional unit are stored in a storage device such as the memory 302 or disk 304. The storage unit 910 is also realized by a storage device such as the memory 302 or disk 304. Specifically, for example, the memory unit 910 stores the various DBs 220, 230, 240, and 250 shown in Figures 5 to 8.

[0062] The acquisition unit 901 acquires image data D of the wire harness drawing. Image data D is data read from the wire harness drawing to be manufactured by a scanner (reading unit). Specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 901 acquires image data D of the wire harness drawing by receiving it from the client device 202 shown in Figure 2.

[0063] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 901 may acquire image data D of the wire harness drawing by user input using an input device (not shown). Also, if the drawing digitization device 201 has a scanner, the acquisition unit 901 may acquire image data D by reading the wire harness drawing (paper) with its own scanner.

[0064] The recognition unit 902 recognizes a string of characters from the image data D of the wire harness drawing by performing character recognition processing on the image data D of the wire harness drawing. A string of characters is a sequence of one or more characters. These characters can be, for example, numbers, hiragana, kanji, katakana, alphabets, symbols, etc.

[0065] Specifically, for example, the recognition unit 902 uses OCR technology based on machine learning, such as deep learning, to recognize a string of characters and the coordinates of those characters from the image data D of the wire harness drawing. The coordinates of the string of characters are, for example, the coordinates that identify the position of the string of characters in the wire harness drawing (image data D).

[0066] The first extraction unit 903 extracts a table region from the image data D of the wire harness drawing. Here, the table region is an area containing a table. A table is a collection of strings separated by vertical and horizontal lines. Specifically, for example, the first extraction unit 903 extracts the table region from the image data D by extracting the smallest rectangle using image processing with the Canny method and calculating a set of the extracted rectangles.

[0067] The creation unit 907 creates specification information. Here, the specification information is information that indicates the specifications of the product in which the wire harness is used. The product is, for example, an automobile or medical device. The specification information is, for example, information that represents the system installed in the product, associated with the identifier of the product in which the wire harness is used.

[0068] For example, if the product is an "automobile," the system would include the engine, air conditioning, car navigation system, side mirrors, etc. In this case, the specifications would be presented in a table format, for example, associating the system installed in a particular automobile with the vehicle's part number for each trim level.

[0069] Specifically, for example, the creation unit 907 extracts the strings within the tablespace that were extracted by the first extraction unit 903 from the strings recognized by the recognition unit 902. The strings within the tablespace are, for example, strings in which the recognized coordinates are included in the tablespace. Next, the creation unit 907 determines whether the following conditions (i) and (ii) are met based on the extracted strings within the tablespace. However, it is assumed that the tablespace headers are arranged in the row direction.

[0070] (i) All columns of the tablespace except the first column are represented by either a single character symbol or a blank space (except for the tablespace header). Examples of single character symbols are ○, ×, ◎, etc.

[0071] (ii) The first column of the tablespace contains a string that matches the identifier of the product in which the wire harness is used, which is stored in the storage unit 910. The string that matches the product identifier is, for example, a string that exactly matches the product identifier. Alternatively, the string that matches the product identifier may be, for example, a string that includes the product identifier. The product identifier is, for example, the part number stored in the part number information table 501 in the WH circuit diagram knowledge DB220 shown in Figure 5.

[0072] If conditions (i) and (ii) above are met, the creation unit 907 identifies the values ​​in each column corresponding to the string that matches the product identifier. Then, the creation unit 907 creates specification information representing the identified values ​​in each column, associating them with the string that matches the product identifier.

[0073] Furthermore, we assume that the tablespace headers are arranged in the column direction. In this case, the creation unit 907 determines whether the following conditions (iii) and (iv) are met based on the strings in the extracted tablespace.

[0074] (iii) All rows of the tablespace except the first row are represented by either a single character symbol or a space (excluding the tablespace header).

[0075] (iv) The first row of the tablespace contains a string that matches the identifier of the product in which the wire harness is used, which is stored in the storage unit 910.

[0076] If conditions (iii) and (iv) above are met, the creation unit 907 identifies the value of each row corresponding to the string that matches the product identifier. The creation unit 907 then creates specification information representing the value of each identified row, associating it with the string that matches the product identifier.

[0077] To explain in more detail, for example, the creation unit 907 estimates the center of each column and row in the extracted table space. The center of each column is represented, for example, by coordinates on the horizontal axis. The center of each row is represented, for example, by coordinates on the vertical axis. Then, based on the coordinates of the strings in the extracted table space, the creation unit 907 creates table data that groups the strings in the table space by column and row.

[0078] An example of how to create tabular data will be shown later using Figure 13.

[0079] Next, the creation unit 907 determines whether the columns other than the first column of the created table data are represented by either a single character symbol or a blank space (excluding the header). However, it is assumed that the header of the table data is arranged in rows. If the columns are represented by either a single character symbol or a blank space, the creation unit 907 determines whether the first column of the table data contains a string that matches a part number stored in the part number information table 501.

[0080] If a string matching the part number is found, the creation unit 907 refers to the created table data and identifies the values ​​in each column corresponding to the string that matches the part number. Then, the creation unit 907 creates specification information representing the values ​​in each identified row, associating them with the string that matches the part number. At this time, the creation unit 907 may change the string in the header of the table data to a human-readable notation according to pre-prepared conversion rules.

[0081] An example of how to create specification information will be shown later using Figure 14.

[0082] Furthermore, the creation unit 907 creates wire type information. Here, wire type information is information that corresponds to the connector name and represents the type of wire (wire type) connected to the connector with that connector name. The wire type is identified, for example, by the size, color, characteristics, application, and general name of the wire. The size is the diameter of the wire. The color is the color of the outer sheath of the wire.

[0083] Characteristics include properties such as heat resistance and fire resistance. Applications include, for example, power supply and signal communication. The general name is a string of characters such as AAAAA. Electric wires are identified by identifiers such as No. Specifically, for example, the creation unit 907 extracts strings from the recognized strings within the table area extracted by the first extraction unit 903.

[0084] Next, the creation unit 907 determines, based on the strings in the extracted tablespace, whether the tablespace contains a string that matches a keyword stored in the storage unit 910 for identifying information about electric wires. The keyword for identifying information about electric wires is, for example, a header string stored in the circuit table header information table 502 in the WH circuit table knowledge DB 220 shown in Figure 5.

[0085] The creation unit 907 then creates wire type information based on the string in the tablespace if it contains a string that matches the keyword. The string that matches the keyword is, for example, a string that exactly matches the keyword. Alternatively, the string that matches the keyword may also be a string that matches a synonym of the keyword. A synonym of a keyword is, for example, the keyword written in alphabetical characters and written in katakana. Alternatively, the string that matches the keyword may also be a string that contains the keyword.

[0086] To explain in more detail, for example, the creation unit 907 estimates the center of each column and row in the extracted table space. Then, based on the coordinates of the strings in the extracted table space, the creation unit 907 creates table data that groups the strings in the table space by column and row. Next, the creation unit 907 determines whether the created table data contains headers with strings that match the header strings stored in the circuit table header information table 502. In this case, the creation unit 907 determines, for example, whether it contains all the headers with strings that match each of the header strings (e.g., FROM, TO, SYSTEM) stored in the circuit table header information table 502.

[0087] Then, the creation unit 907 creates wire type information from the created table data if it contains a header string that matches the header string. For example, the creation unit 907 may create the created table data as a wire type information table. In this case, the creation unit 907 may change the string of the table data header to a human-readable notation according to pre-prepared conversion rules.

[0088] An example of creating wire type information will be described later using Figure 15.

[0089] The second extraction unit 904 extracts a connector region (first region) representing the connector of the wire harness from the image data D of the wire harness drawing. Here, a connector is a component element that serves as a connection point for the wire harness and has one or more cavities. The connector region is the region (coordinate range) that includes the connector. For example, the connector region is the smallest rectangular region that includes the connector.

[0090] Specifically, for example, the second extraction unit 904 recognizes connector regions and their coordinates from the image data D of the wire harness drawing using machine learning-based techniques such as deep learning. The coordinates of the connector region are, for example, the coordinates that identify the position of the connector region in the wire harness drawing.

[0091] Furthermore, the creation unit 907 creates connection information. Here, the connection information is information representing the type of wire connected to the connector of the wire harness. Specifically, for example, the creation unit 907 extracts a first string from the recognized strings that is located near the connector region (first region) extracted by the second extraction unit 904. For example, the creation unit 907 may extract the string that is closest to the extracted connector region from the recognized strings.

[0092] Next, the creation unit 907 refers to the created wire type information and identifies the wire type corresponding to the first string if the extracted first string is a connector name. The determination of whether the first string is a connector name is made, for example, by checking whether it matches any of the connector names registered in the storage unit 910.

[0093] The connector name registered in the memory unit 910 is a name that identifies a connector already registered as a component element of a wire harness, and is, for example, a connector name stored in the connector component information table 601 in the WH connector component DB230. Note that the determination of whether the first string is a connector name may be made by checking whether it matches any of the connector names in the wire type information.

[0094] The creation unit 907 then creates connection information representing the extracted first string and the specified wire type, in association with the extracted connector area. For example, the creation unit 907 may create connection information representing the extracted first string and the specified wire type, in association with the drawing coordinates of the extracted connector area. The drawing coordinates of the connector area are the coordinates that specify the position of the connector area in the wire harness drawing.

[0095] Furthermore, the creation unit 907 may create connection information representing an image of the connector region, an extracted first string, and a specified wire type, in association with the drawing coordinates of the extracted connector region. The image of the connector region can be obtained, for example, by cropping the image of the connector region portion from the image data D of the wire harness drawing.

[0096] Furthermore, the creation unit 907 may identify a sub-region representing the connector cavity from the extracted connector region, and, based on the string within the identified sub-region among the recognized strings, identify the wire type connected to the cavity represented by the identified sub-region from among the identified wire types. The creation unit 907 may then create connection information representing the extracted first string and the wire type connected to the identified cavity, in association with the extracted connector region.

[0097] To explain in more detail, for example, the creation unit 907 refers to the WH connector parts DB230 and identifies the cavity number corresponding to a small area based on the position of the small area in the connector area. The WH connector parts DB230 stores information (for example, connector parts information table 601, cavity parts information table 602) that associates the connector name, the cavity number of the connector with that connector name, and the coordinates representing the position of the cavity in the connector. The creation unit 907 may then create connection information that associates the extracted first string with the connector area, the identified cavity number, and the type of wire connected to the identified cavity.

[0098] The cavity number corresponding to each sub-region may be identified, for example, as follows. For example, the creation unit 907 identifies the relative positional relationship between the cavities represented by each sub-region based on the position of each sub-region in the connector region. The creation unit 907 also identifies the relative positional relationship between the cavities of each cavity number based on the coordinates corresponding to each cavity number in the cavity component information table 602. Then, the creation unit 907 compares the relative positional relationship between the cavities represented by each sub-region with the relative positional relationship between the cavities of each cavity number to identify the cavity number corresponding to each sub-region.

[0099] Examples of creating connection information will be described later using Figures 17 to 19.

[0100] The third extraction unit 905 extracts wiring shapes (second region) representing non-electrical components covering the wires of the wire harness from the image data D of the wire harness drawing. Here, non-electrical components are, for example, protective materials (outer coverings) that cover and protect the wires. Non-electrical components are classified, for example, by differences in hatching (patterns) applied on the wire harness drawing. Alternatively, non-electrical components may be classified, for example, by differences in color applied on the wire harness drawing.

[0101] Here, using Figure 10, we will explain an example of a wiring shape representing a non-electrical component (protective material).

[0102] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a wiring shape representing a non-electrical component. In Figures 10(a) and (b), wiring shapes 1001 and 1002 are examples of wiring shapes representing non-electrical components (protective materials). Here, wiring shapes 1001 and 1002 are represented by diagonal hatching. In this case, in the image data D of the wire harness drawing, the parts with diagonal hatching (for example, rectangular shapes) are extracted as wiring shapes representing non-electrical components.

[0103] Specifically, for example, the third extraction unit 905 recognizes the wiring shape and the coordinates of that wiring shape from the image data D of the wire harness drawing using machine learning-based technology such as deep learning. The coordinates of the wiring shape are, for example, the coordinates that identify the position of the wiring shape in the wire harness drawing.

[0104] The extracted wiring shape information is stored in a wiring shape information table 1100, for example, as shown in Figure 11. The wiring shape information table 1100 is implemented by a storage device such as a memory 302 or a disk 304.

[0105] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the wiring shape information table 1100. In Figure 11, the wiring shape information table 1100 has fields for ID, wiring position coordinates, and protective material classification, and by setting information in each field, wiring shape information is stored as a record.

[0106] Here, ID is an identifier that identifies the wiring shape. The wiring shape corresponds to the shape of the non-electrical components that cover the wires of the wire harness. The wiring position coordinates are the coordinates that specify the position of the wiring shape in the wire harness drawing. For example, if the wiring shape is rectangular, the wiring position coordinates are the coordinates of the bottom left and top right corners of the wiring shape. The wiring position coordinates may also be the coordinates of each vertex of the wiring shape. The protective material classification is the classification of the protective material (non-electrical components) that covers the wires. The protective material classification is identified, for example, by differences in hatching (pattern).

[0107] Furthermore, the creation unit 907 may refer to the storage unit 910, which stores non-electrical component information, to identify non-electrical component information corresponding to the wiring shape (second region) extracted by the third extraction unit 905. Here, the non-electrical component information is information that, in association with a non-electrical component, represents at least one of the material, price, and quality of the said non-electrical component.

[0108] The creation unit 907 may also associate the extracted wiring shapes with the identified non-electrical component information. The extracted wiring shapes (second region) are identified, for example, from the wiring shape information table 1100 shown in Figure 11.

[0109] Specifically, for example, the creation unit 907 refers to the wiring information DB240 shown in Figure 7 to identify non-electrical component information corresponding to the protective material classification of the wiring shape information in the wiring shape information table 1100. Then, the creation unit 907 associates the wiring shape information in the wiring shape information table 1100 with the identified non-electrical component information.

[0110] An example of associating non-electrical component information will be described later using Figure 21.

[0111] The fourth extraction unit 906 extracts arrow shapes from the image data D of the wire harness drawing. Specifically, for example, the fourth extraction unit 906 recognizes arrow shapes and the direction of those arrow shapes from the image data D of the wire harness drawing using machine learning-based technology such as deep learning.

[0112] The extracted information regarding the arrow shape is stored in a work instruction information table 1200, for example, as shown in Figure 12. The work instruction information table 1200 is implemented by a storage device such as memory 302 or disk 304.

[0113] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the work instruction information table 1200. In Figure 12, the work instruction information table 1200 has fields for ID, arrow start coordinates, arrow end coordinates, acquisition string, target part, and work content, and by setting information in each field, work instruction information is stored as a record.

[0114] Here, ID is an identifier that identifies the arrow shape. The arrow start coordinates are the coordinates that specify the position of the start point (root) of the arrow shape in the wire harness drawing. The arrow end coordinates are the coordinates that specify the position of the end point (tip) of the arrow shape in the wire harness drawing. The retrieved string indicates the string located on the root side of the arrow shape in the wire harness drawing.

[0115] The target component refers to the object located at the tip of the arrow shape in the wire harness drawing. The object is, for example, a component element of the wire harness (connector, cavity, wiring, etc.). The work content is the content of the work instruction represented by the arrow shape. Initially, the retrieved string, target component, and work content are "empty".

[0116] Furthermore, the creation unit 907 extracts a second string from the recognized strings that is located near the base of the arrow shape extracted by the fourth extraction unit 906. Here, the base of the arrow shape is identified, for example, from the arrow start point coordinates of the work instruction information table 1200 shown in Figure 12. The second string is, for example, the string that is closest to the base of the arrow shape among the strings located within a predetermined range from the base of the arrow shape.

[0117] The extracted second string is stored, for example, in the work instruction information table 1200. For example, the creation unit 907 associates the extracted second string with the extracted arrow shape (ID, arrow start coordinates, arrow end coordinates) and sets it in the acquired string field in the work instruction information table 1200.

[0118] Next, the creation unit 907 identifies the object pointed to by the extracted arrow shape from the image data D of the wire harness drawing. The object is, for example, a component element of the wire harness such as a connector, cavity, or wiring. Specifically, for example, the creation unit 907 may identify the object pointed to by the arrow shape as the object touching the tip of the arrow shape, or the object that first overlaps when the arrow shape is extended in the direction of the tip.

[0119] The identified objects are stored, for example, in the work instruction information table 1200. For example, the creation unit 907 associates the identified objects with the extracted arrow shape (ID, arrow start coordinates, arrow end coordinates) and sets them in the target part field in the work instruction information table 1200.

[0120] Next, the creation unit 907 refers to the storage unit 910, which stores work instruction information, and if the extracted second string is a work instruction, it identifies the work content corresponding to the second string. Work instruction information is information that associates work instructions with work content. Then, the creation unit 907 creates work instruction information that associates the extracted second string, the identified object, and the identified work content with the extracted arrow shape.

[0121] Specifically, for example, the creation unit 907 refers to the work instruction information DB250 shown in Figure 8 to search for a work instruction that matches the extracted second string. If a work instruction that matches the second string is found, the creation unit 907 refers to the work instruction information DB250 to identify the work content corresponding to the searched work instruction. Then, the creation unit 907 associates the identified work content with the extracted arrow shape (ID, arrow start coordinate, arrow end coordinate) and sets it in the work content field in the work instruction information table 1200. This creates work instruction information that includes the work content.

[0122] Examples of how to create work instruction information will be described later using Figures 22 and 23.

[0123] The output unit 908 outputs the created specification information. The output format of the output unit 908 may include, for example, storage in a storage device such as memory 302 or disk 304, transmission to another computer via communication I / F 305, display on a display (not shown), or printing to a printer (not shown).

[0124] Specifically, for example, the output unit 908 may output a specification information table 1420 as shown in Figure 14, which will be described later. In this case, the output unit 908 may, for example, convert the specification information table 1420 into a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data format for the wire harness and output it. Alternatively, the output unit 908 may register the specification information table 1420 in a BOM (Bill of Materials) that can be linked with the CAD data of the wire harness.

[0125] Furthermore, the output unit 908 outputs the created wire type information. Specifically, for example, the output unit 908 may output a wire type information table 1520 as shown in Figure 15, which will be described later. In this case, the output unit 908 may, for example, convert the wire type information table 1520 into a CAD data format for wire harnesses and output it. Alternatively, the output unit 908 may register the wire type information table 1520 in the BOM.

[0126] Furthermore, the output unit 908 outputs the created connection information. Specifically, for example, the output unit 908 may output a connector information table 1800 as shown in Figure 18 (described later) and a cavity information table 1900 as shown in Figure 19. In this case, the output unit 908 may, for example, convert the connector information table 1800 and the cavity information table 1900 into a CAD data format for wire harnesses and output them. The output unit 908 may also register the connector information table 1800 and the cavity information table 1900 in the BOM.

[0127] Furthermore, the output unit 908 outputs the results of the association between the wiring shape, which represents the shape of a non-electrical component (protective material), and the non-electrical component information. Specifically, for example, the output unit 908 may output the results of the association between the wiring shape information in the wiring shape information table 1100 and the non-electrical component information in the wiring information DB 240.

[0128] Furthermore, the output unit 908 outputs the created work instruction information. Specifically, for example, the output unit 908 may output a work instruction information table 1200 as shown in Figure 23, which will be described later. In this case, the output unit 908 may, for example, convert the work instruction information table 1200 into a CAD data format for wire harnesses and output it.

[0129] Furthermore, if the extracted first string does not match any connector name registered in the storage unit 910, the output unit 908 may output a message indicating that the connector represented by the extracted connector area may be a new component. Specifically, for example, if the extracted first string does not match any connector name registered in the connector component information table 601, the output unit 908 may send a new component detection notification to the client device 202.

[0130] Here, the new part detection notification is information that associates the connector region extracted from the image data D of the wire harness drawing with the connector region, and notifies that the connector represented by that region may be a new part. The new part detection notification includes, for example, the extracted first string. The new part detection notification is sent, for example, by email.

[0131] According to the new part detection notification, users (e.g., wire harness designers and manufacturers) can be aware that a wire harness drawing may contain a new part. A new part is an unregistered part that is not registered in WH connector part DB230 or BOM, etc.

[0132] If the connector represented by the extracted connector area is a new part, the user registers information about that new part in the WH connector part DB230 (connector part information table 601, cavity part information table 602). This allows the user to register the connector represented by the extracted connector area as a component element of the wire harness.

[0133] (Example of creating specification information) Next, we will explain examples of creating specification information using Figures 13 and 14. First, we will explain an example of creating tabular data using Figure 13.

[0134] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of tabular data creation. In Figure 13, table area 1300 represents an example of a table area extracted from image data D of a wire harness drawing. The creation unit 907 extracts the strings within table area 1300 from the recognized strings. In this case, strings 1301 to 1312 are extracted.

[0135] Next, the creation unit 907 estimates the center of each column and row of the table space 1300 based on the coordinates of the extracted strings 1301 to 1312. In Figure 13, the dotted lines 1321 to 1323 show the estimated center coordinates of each column in the table space 1300. The dotted lines 1331 to 1334 show the estimated center coordinates of each row in the table space 1300.

[0136] The creation unit 907 creates table data 1340 by grouping the strings 1301 to 1312 by column and row, based on the estimated center of each column and row of the table area 1300 (dotted lines 1321 to 1323, 1331 to 1334). In this way, the creation unit 907 can create table data 1340 from the table area 1300 extracted from the image data D of the wire harness drawing and the strings 1301 to 1312 within the table area 1300.

[0137] Next, we will explain an example of creating specification information using Figure 14.

[0138] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how specification information is created. In Figure 14, table data 1410 is an example of table data created from a table area extracted from image data D of a wire harness drawing and the strings within that table area. However, Figure 14 shows only an excerpt of table data 1410. Table data 1410 corresponds, for example, to specification table 403 shown in Figure 4A.

[0139] First, the creation unit 907 determines whether the columns of table data 1410 other than the first column are represented by either a single character symbol or a blank space. In this case, the columns of table data 1410 other than the first column are represented by ○ or blank spaces. Therefore, the creation unit 907 determines that the columns of table data 1410 other than the first column are represented by either a single character symbol or a blank space.

[0140] In this case, the creation unit 907 determines whether the first column of the table data 1410 contains a string that matches a part number stored in the part number information table 501. Here, it contains strings that match part numbers "00-AA-01", "00-AA-02", and "00-AA-03", respectively. Therefore, the creation unit 907 determines that it contains a string that matches a part number.

[0141] In this case, the creation unit 907 recognizes the table data 1410 as a specification table. The creation unit 907 then refers to the table data 1410 and identifies the values ​​in each column that correspond to the string that matches the part number. For example, the creation unit 907 identifies the values ​​"○,○,…" in each column that correspond to the string "00-AA-03" that matches the part number.

[0142] Then, the creation unit 907 creates a specification information table 1420 by creating specification information that represents the values ​​of each identified column, associating each string with the part number. At this time, the creation unit 907 may change the string in the header of the table data 1410 to a human-readable notation according to a pre-prepared conversion rule.

[0143] For example, the creation unit 907 associates the string "00-AA-03" that matches the part number with the specified column value "○,○,…" and creates specification information 1420-1. In this process, the creation unit 907 converts the string "Part No." in the header of the table data 1410 to "Part Number".

[0144] Note that "○" indicates that the system is installed in the product with the specified part number. "Blank" indicates that the system is not installed in the product with the specified part number. The absence of the system may be indicated by "×". Although not shown in the diagram, in the operation of joining wires called a joint, the main wire may be indicated by "◎".

[0145] This allows the manufacturing unit 907 to create a specification information table 1420 that shows the specifications of the product in which the wire harness to be manufactured will be used. For example, according to specification information 1420-1 in the specification information table 1420, it can be seen that the product with part number "00-AA-03" will be equipped with systems "AAA-1" and "BBB-1".

[0146] (Example of creating wire type information) Next, we will explain an example of creating wire type information using Figure 15.

[0147] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how to create wire type information. In Figure 15, table data 1510 is an example of table data created from a table area extracted from image data D of a wire harness drawing and the strings within that table area. Table data 1510 corresponds, for example, to circuit diagram 402 shown in Figure 4A.

[0148] The creation unit 907 determines whether the table data 1510 contains all the header strings that match each of the header strings stored in the circuit diagram header information table 502. In this case, all the strings that match each of the header strings (FROM, TO, SYSTEM) are included.

[0149] In this case, the creation unit 907 recognizes the table data 1510 as a circuit diagram (wire type information). Then, the creation unit 907 creates a wire type information table 1520 from the table data 1510. At this time, the creation unit 907 changes the string in the header of the table data 1510 according to a pre-prepared conversion rule.

[0150] For example, the creation unit 907 converts the header string "FROM" in table data 1510 into "Connector Name (From)" and "Connector Number (From)". Note that which of the two columns corresponding to the header string "FROM" in table data 1510 corresponds to the connector name is determined, for example, from the connector parts information table 601.

[0151] Furthermore, the creation unit 907 converts the string "TO" in the header of the table data 1510 into "Connector Name (To)" and "Connector Number (To)". Note that which of the two columns corresponding to the string "TO" in the header of the table data 1510 corresponds to the connector name is determined, for example, from the connector parts information table 601.

[0152] In addition, the creation unit 907 converts the character string "SIZE" in the header of the table data 1510 to "size". In addition, the creation unit 907 converts the character string "COLOR" in the header of the table data 1510 to "color". In addition, the creation unit 907 converts the character string "WIRE" in the header of the table data 1510 to "wire type" and "wire type 2".

[0153] In addition, the creation unit 907 converts the character string "GROUP" in the header of the table data 1510 to "group". In addition, the creation unit 907 converts the character string "NOTE" in the header of the table data 1510 to "annotation". In addition, the creation unit 907 converts the character string "SYSTEM" in the header of the table data 1510 to "system".

[0154] As a result, the creation unit 907 can create a wire type information table 1520 that represents the type (wire type) of the wire connected to the connector with the connector name, in association with the connector name. The connector name is the name of the connector that is a component element of the wire harness to be manufactured.

[0155] In the wire type information table 1520, "No" is an identifier that uniquely identifies the wire type. In addition, "Connector Name (From)" and "Connector Number (From)" indicate the connector name and connector number of the connector connected to one end of the wire.

[0156] In addition, "Connector Name (To)" and "Connector Number (To)" indicate the connector name and connector number of the connector connected to the other end of the wire. "Size" indicates the size (diameter) of the wire. "Color" indicates the color of the outer part of the wire. "Wire type" indicates the general name of the wire. "Wire type 2" indicates a twisted wire.

[0157] The wires that form a pair can be specified by "Wire type 2" and "Group". For example, the wires in the first and second rows in the wire type information table 1520 are a wire pair that forms a twisted wire. "Annotation" indicates a note. The system indicates the system in which the wire is used.

[0158] Alternatively, the creation unit 907 may use the system as a key to associate the specification information table 1420 with the wire type information in the wire type information table 1520.

[0159] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the association of wire type information. In Figure 16, the system "AAA-1" is used as the key to associate the specification information table 1420 with the wire type information 1520-1 in the wire type information table 1520. This allows the user to easily obtain wire type information for the wires used in the system of a product with a specified part number, for example, by specifying the part number in the specification information table 1420.

[0160] (Example of creating connection information) Next, we will explain an example of creating connection information using Figures 17 to 19.

[0161] Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a connector region. In Figure 17, the connector region 1700 is an example of a connector region extracted from image data D of a wire harness drawing. First, the creation unit 907 extracts the string 1710 (first string) located near the connector region 1700 from the recognized strings.

[0162] Next, the creation unit 907 refers to the connector part information table 601 in the WH connector part DB230 to determine whether the extracted string 1710 is a connector name. Here, we assume that the string 1710 is a connector name. The string 1710 is "XXXX-XXXX".

[0163] In this case, the creation unit 907 stores information about the connector area 1700 in the connector information table 1800 as shown in Figure 18.

[0164] Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the connector information table 1800. In Figure 18, the connector information table 1800 has fields for No., drawing coordinates, and connector name, and by setting information in each field, connector information is stored as a record.

[0165] Here, No is an identifier that identifies the connector area. Drawing coordinates are the coordinates that specify the location of the connector area in the wire harness drawing. For example, if the connector area is rectangular, the drawing coordinates are the coordinates of the bottom-left and top-right corners of the connector area. Drawing coordinates may also be the coordinates of each vertex of the connector area. Connector name is the name of the connector.

[0166] Specifically, for example, the creation unit 907 associates the extracted string 1710 with the coordinates (drawing coordinates) of the connector area 1700 and stores it in the connector information table 1800.

[0167] Next, the creation unit 907 refers to the wire type information table 1520 shown in Figure 15 to identify the wire type corresponding to the string 1710 (connector name). Specifically, for example, the creation unit 907 identifies the wire type information from the wire type information table 1520 in which the string 1710 (XXXX-XXXX) is set in either "Connector Name (From)" or "Connector Name (To)".

[0168] This allows the creation unit 907 to obtain wire type information that can identify the type of wire connected to the connector represented by the connector area 1700. In this case, the creation unit 907 may, for example, create connection information that represents the string 1710 (XXXX-XXXX) and the wire type identified from the acquired wire type information, in association with the drawing coordinates of the connector area 1700.

[0169] Next, the creation unit 907 identifies small regions representing cavities from the connector region 1700. More specifically, for example, the creation unit 907 can identify small regions (cavities) containing characters using the Canny method and image processing to divide the region. In the example in Figure 17, we assume that small regions 1711 to 1718 have been identified.

[0170] In this case, the creation unit 907 identifies the wire types connected to each cavity from among the wire types connected to the connector represented by the connector area 1700, based on the strings in the sub-regions 1711 to 1718. Here, the upper strings 1721 to 1728 in the sub-regions 1711 to 1718 correspond to "No" in the wire type information table 1520.

[0171] Therefore, the creation unit 907 can identify the wire type corresponding to each sub-region 1711 to 1718 by referring to the wire type information table 1520 and obtaining the wire type information corresponding to each string 1721 to 1728. Note that the lower characters within the sub-regions 1711 to 1718 correspond to the "color" in the wire type information table 1520.

[0172] Furthermore, the creation unit 907 refers to the WH connector component DB230 and identifies the cavity number corresponding to each sub-region 1711 to 1718 based on the position (coordinates) of each sub-region 1711 to 1718 in the connector region 1700.

[0173] To explain in more detail, for example, the creation unit 907 identifies the cavity component information table corresponding to the connector name "XXXX-XXXX (string 1710)" from the WH connector component DB230. Next, the creation unit 907 compares the coordinates of each sub-region 1711 to 1718 in the connector region 1700 with the coordinates of each cavity number in the identified cavity component information table.

[0174] The creation unit 907 then identifies the cavity number corresponding to each sub-region 1711 to 1718 based on the comparison results. For example, suppose the coordinates of sub-region 1711 and the coordinates of cavity number "1" match. In this case, the creation unit 907 may identify cavity number "1" corresponding to sub-region 1711. Alternatively, the creation unit 907 may identify the cavity number corresponding to each sub-region 1711 to 1718 based on the relative positional relationship between the sub-regions 1711 to 1718 in the connector region 1700.

[0175] In this case, the creation unit 907 may create connection information that corresponds to the connector area 1700, the extracted string 1710, the identified cavity number, and the type of wire connected to the identified cavity. Specifically, for example, the creation unit 907 may create a cavity information table 1900 as shown in Figure 19, along with the connector information table 1800 shown in Figure 18.

[0176] Here, we will explain the contents of the cavity information table 1900. The cavity information table 1900 is created for each connector, for example, by associating it with the connector name in the connector information table 1800. Here, we will explain using the cavity information table 1900 corresponding to the connector with the connector name "XXXX-XXXX" as an example.

[0177] Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the cavity information table 1900. In Figure 19, the cavity information table 1900 has fields for No., cavity number, cavity coordinates, and wire type table No., and cavity information is stored as a record by setting information in each field.

[0178] Here, No is an identifier that identifies the cavity information. The cavity number is an identifier that identifies the cavity of the connector. The cavity coordinates are coordinates that specify the position of the cavity within the connector (connector area). For example, the cavity coordinates are the coordinates of the bottom left and top right corners of the smallest rectangle enclosing the cavity.

[0179] The wire type table number is an identifier that identifies the wire type and corresponds to "No" in the wire type information table 1520. The wire type table number is information that can identify the wire type connected to each cavity of the connector (connector area) included in the wire harness drawing.

[0180] Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of identifying the type of wire connected to a cavity. In Figure 20, the cavity information table 1900 and the wire type information table 1520 are shown. For example, taking the cavity information for No. "1" in the cavity information table 1900 as an example, wire type information 1520-1 in the wire type information table 1520 can be obtained from wire type table No. "3G01".

[0181] According to wire type information 1520-1, the wire type connected to cavity number "1" of the connector with the connector name "XXXX-XXXX" included in the wire harness drawing can be identified. Note that the connector name "XXXX-XXXX" corresponds to "AAA_BBB" or "CCC_DDD".

[0182] (Example of linking non-electrical component information) Next, we will explain an example of associating non-electrical component information using Figure 21.

[0183] Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of associating non-electrical component information. In Figure 21, the wiring shape information table 1100 and the wiring information DB 240 are shown. Here, we assume a case where the wiring shape with ID "1" in the wiring shape information table 1100 is associated with the wiring information in the wiring information DB 240.

[0184] Here, the wiring shape information for ID "1" in the wiring shape information table 1100 will be referred to as "wiring shape information 1100-1". Similarly, the non-electrical component information for ID "1" in the wiring information DB 240 will be referred to as "non-electrical component information 240-1".

[0185] In this case, the creation unit 907 refers to the wiring shape information 1100-1 to identify the protective material classification "A1". Next, the creation unit 907 refers to the wiring information DB 240 to identify the non-electrical component information 240-1 corresponding to the identified protective material classification "A1". Then, the creation unit 907 associates the wiring shape information 1100-1 in the wiring shape information table 1100 with the identified non-electrical component information 240-1 in the wiring information DB 240.

[0186] This allows users to easily obtain information such as the material, price, and quality of protective materials (non-electrical components) included in wire harness drawings by specifying their corresponding IDs and wiring position coordinates.

[0187] (Example of creating work instruction information) Next, we will explain an example of creating work instruction information using Figures 22 and 23.

[0188] Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an arrow shape. Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the creation of work instruction information. In Figure 22, the arrow shape 2200 is an example of an arrow shape extracted from image data D of a wire harness drawing. First, the creation unit 907 extracts the string 2210 (second string) located near the base of the arrow shape 2200 from the recognized string. The string 2210 is "FIG.1".

[0189] As shown in Figure 23, the creation unit 907 stores the extracted string 2210 in the work instruction information table 1200, associating it with the arrow shape 2200. Here, the work instruction information corresponding to the arrow shape 2200 is denoted as "work instruction information 1200-1".

[0190] Next, the creation unit 907 identifies the object 2220 indicated by the arrow shape 2200 from the image data D of the wire harness drawing. Here, we assume that the cavity with cavity number "8" of the connector with the connector name "XXXX-XXXX" is identified as object 2220.

[0191] As shown in Figure 23, the creation unit 907 sets the identified object 2220 as work instruction information 1200-1 in the work instruction information table 1200. In Figure 23, the target part "XXX" in work instruction information 1200-1 refers to object 2220.

[0192] Next, the creation unit 907 refers to the work instruction information DB250 (see Figure 8) and searches for a work instruction that matches the extracted string 2210. Here, the work instruction with ID "1" in the work instruction information DB250 is searched for as a work instruction that matches the string 2210.

[0193] In this case, the creation unit 907 refers to the work instruction information DB250 and identifies the work content "XXXXXX" corresponding to the work instruction with the searched ID "1". Then, the creation unit 907 sets the identified work content "XXXXXX" into work instruction information 1200-1 in the work instruction information table 1200.

[0194] According to work instruction information 1200-1, the work instructions for cavity number "8" of the connector with the connector name "XXXX-XXXX" shown in the wire harness drawing can be identified.

[0195] (Drawing digitization processing procedure for drawing digitization device 201) Next, the drawing digitization process of the drawing digitization device 201 will be explained using Figure 24.

[0196] Figure 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the drawing digitization process of the drawing digitization device 201. In the flowchart of Figure 24, first, the drawing digitization device 201 acquires image data D of the wire harness drawing (step S2401). Then, the drawing digitization device 201 performs character recognition processing on the acquired image data D of the wire harness drawing to recognize a string of characters from the image data D of the wire harness drawing (step S2402).

[0197] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 performs an extraction process to extract various information, such as table areas, from the image data D of the wire harness drawing (step S2403). The specific procedure for the extraction process will be described later using Figure 25.

[0198] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 executes a specification / wire type information creation process to create specification information and wire type information (step S2404). The specific processing procedure for the specification / wire type information creation process will be described later using Figure 26.

[0199] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 executes a connection information creation process to create connection information (step S2405). The specific procedure for the connection information creation process will be described later with reference to Figure 27.

[0200] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 performs a non-electrical component information association process (step S2406) to associate non-electrical component information with the wiring shape (protective material) extracted from the image data D of the wire harness drawing. The specific processing procedure for the non-electrical component information association process will be described later with reference to Figure 28.

[0201] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 executes a work instruction information creation process to create work instruction information (step S2407). The specific processing procedure for the work instruction information creation process will be described later using Figure 29. Then, the drawing digitization device 201 outputs the various information obtained in steps S2404 to S2407 (step S2408), and the series of processes according to this flowchart is completed.

[0202] As a result, the drawing digitization device 201 can create data for use in manufacturing wire harnesses from image data D of wire harness drawings.

[0203] Next, using Figure 25, we will explain the specific processing steps for the extraction process in step S2403.

[0204] Figure 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the specific processing steps for the extraction process. In the flowchart of Figure 25, first, the drawing digitization device 201 extracts the table area from the image data D of the wire harness drawing (step S2501). Next, the drawing digitization device 201 extracts the connector area representing the wire harness connector from the image data D of the wire harness drawing (step S2502).

[0205] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 extracts wiring shapes representing non-electrical components covering the wires of the wire harness from the image data D of the wire harness drawing (step S2503). Then, the drawing digitization device 201 extracts arrow shapes from the image data D of the wire harness drawing (step S2504) and returns to the step that called the extraction process.

[0206] As a result, the drawing digitization device 201 can extract various information, such as table areas, from the image data D of the wire harness drawing.

[0207] Next, using Figure 26, we will explain the specific processing procedure for creating specification / wire type information in step S2404.

[0208] Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure for creating specification / wire type information. In the flowchart of Figure 26, first, the drawing digitization device 201 selects an unselected table area from the table areas extracted in step S2501 (step S2601).

[0209] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 extracts the strings within the selected table area from the strings recognized in step S2402 (step S2602). Then, based on the extracted strings within the table area, the drawing digitization device 201 creates table data that groups the strings within the table area by column and row (step S2603).

[0210] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 determines whether the columns other than the first column of the created table data are represented by either a single character symbol or a blank space (step S2604). However, it is assumed that the headers of the table data are arranged in the row direction.

[0211] If the value is represented by either a single character symbol or a blank space (Step S2604: Yes), the drawing digitization device 201 determines whether the first column of the table data contains a string that matches the part number stored in the part number information table 501 (Step S2605).

[0212] If no string matching the part number is found (step S2605: No), the drawing digitization device 201 proceeds to step S2607. On the other hand, if a string matching the part number is found (step S2605: Yes), the drawing digitization device 201 creates specification information based on the created table data (step S2606) and proceeds to step S2609.

[0213] Specifically, for example, the drawing digitization device 201 refers to the table data, identifies the values ​​in each column corresponding to each string that matches the part number, and creates specification information representing the values ​​in each identified row, associating them with the strings. In this process, the drawing digitization device 201 modifies the strings in the header of the table data according to pre-prepared conversion rules. This creates a specification information table 1420 as shown in Figure 14.

[0214] Furthermore, in step S2604, if the value is not represented by either a single character symbol or a blank space (step S2604: No), the drawing digitization device 201 determines whether the created table data contains a string that matches the header string stored in the circuit diagram header information table 502 (step S2607).

[0215] If the data does not contain a string that matches the header string (step S2607: No), the drawing digitization device 201 proceeds to step S2609. On the other hand, if the data does contain a string that matches the header string (step S2607: Yes), the drawing digitization device 201 creates wire type information from the created table data (step S2608).

[0216] Specifically, for example, the drawing digitization device 201 refers to the table data, identifies the values ​​in each column corresponding to each wire identification number, and creates wire type information representing the values ​​in each identified row, associating them with the numbers. At this time, the drawing digitization device 201 modifies the string in the header of the table data according to pre-prepared conversion rules. This creates a wire type information table 1520 as shown in Figure 15.

[0217] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 determines whether there are any unselected tablespaces among the extracted tablespaces (step S2609). If there are unselected tablespaces (step S2609: Yes), the drawing digitization device 201 returns to step S2601.

[0218] On the other hand, if there are no unselected table areas (step S2609: No), the drawing digitization device 201 returns to the step that called the specification / wire type information creation process.

[0219] As a result, the drawing digitization device 201 can create specification information and wire type information from the image data D of the wire harness drawing. The drawing digitization device 201 may, for example, use the system as a key to associate the specification information table 1420 with the wire type information in the wire type information table 1520.

[0220] Next, using Figure 27, we will explain the specific processing steps for creating connection information in step S2405.

[0221] Figure 27 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure for connection information creation. In the flowchart of Figure 27, first, the drawing digitization device 201 selects the unselected connector regions from the connector regions extracted in step S2502 (step S2701).

[0222] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 extracts the strings located near the selected connector area from the strings recognized in step S2402 (step S2702). Then, the drawing digitization device 201 refers to the connector part information table 601 in the WH connector part DB 230 to determine whether the extracted string is a connector name or not (step S2703).

[0223] If the extracted string is a connector name (step S2703: Yes), the drawing digitization device 201 registers the extracted string (connector name) in the connector information table, associating it with the selected connector area (drawing coordinates) (step S2704). The connector information table is, for example, the connector information table 1800 shown in Figure 18.

[0224] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 refers to the wire type information created in step S2608 (for example, the wire type information table 1520) and identifies the wire type corresponding to the connector name of the extracted string (step S2705). Then, the drawing digitization device 201 identifies a small area representing a cavity from the selected connector area (step S2706).

[0225] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 identifies the wire types connected to each cavity from among the identified wire types based on the string within the identified small area (step S2707). Then, the drawing digitization device 201 registers information identifying the identified wire types (e.g., wire type table no.) in the cavity information table, in association with each cavity (cavity number, cavity coordinates) (step S2708). The cavity information table is a cavity information table 1900 as shown in Figure 19. The cavity information table is associated with the connector names in the connector information table.

[0226] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 determines whether there are any unselected connector regions among the extracted connector regions (step S2709). If there are unselected connector regions (step S2709: Yes), the drawing digitization device 201 returns to step S2701.

[0227] On the other hand, if there are no unselected connector regions (step S2709: No), the drawing digitization device 201 returns to the step that called the connection information creation process.

[0228] Furthermore, if the extracted string in step S2703 is not a connector name (step S2703: No), the drawing digitization device 201 outputs a new part detection notification (step S2710) and proceeds to step S2709.

[0229] As a result, the drawing digitization device 201 can create information that identifies the type of wire connected to each cavity of each connector included in the wire harness drawing. The drawing digitization device 201 may, for example, associate the cavity information in the cavity information table with the wire type information using the wire type table number as a key.

[0230] Furthermore, the drawing digitization device 201 can notify the user of the possibility of a new part when it detects a connector name that is not registered in the connector part information table 601. If the connector name represents a new part, the user can register information about that new part in the WH connector part DB 230 (connector part information table 601, cavity part information table 602). In this case, the drawing digitization device 201 may perform the processing in steps S2704 to S2708 for that connector name.

[0231] Next, using Figure 28, we will explain the specific processing procedure for the non-electrical component information association process in step S2406.

[0232] Figure 28 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure for the non-electrical component information association process. In the flowchart of Figure 28, first, the drawing digitization device 201 selects the unselected wiring shapes from the wiring shapes extracted in step S2503 (step S2801).

[0233] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 refers to the wiring information DB 240 to identify non-electrical component information corresponding to the protective material classification of the selected wiring shape (step S2802). Then, the drawing digitization device 201 associates the selected wiring shape with the identified non-electrical component information (step S2803).

[0234] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 determines whether there are any unselected wiring shapes among the extracted wiring shapes (step S2804). If there are unselected wiring shapes (step S2804: Yes), the drawing digitization device 201 returns to step S2801.

[0235] On the other hand, if there are no unselected wiring configurations (step S2804: No), the drawing digitization device 201 terminates the series of processes according to this flowchart.

[0236] This allows the drawing digitization device 201 to associate information such as the material, price, and quality of non-electrical components (protective materials) included in wire harness drawings.

[0237] Next, using Figure 29, we will explain the specific processing steps for creating work instruction information in step S2407.

[0238] Figure 29 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure for creating work instruction information. In the flowchart of Figure 29, first, the drawing digitization device 201 selects an unselected arrow shape from among the arrow shapes extracted in step S2504 (step S2901).

[0239] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 extracts the string located near the base of the selected arrow shape from the string recognized in step S2402 (step S2902). Then, the drawing digitization device 201 identifies the object pointed to by the extracted arrow shape from the image data D of the wire harness drawing (step S2903).

[0240] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 refers to the work instruction information DB 250 to determine whether the extracted string is a work instruction or not (step S2904). If the extracted string is not a work instruction (step S2904: No), the drawing digitization device 201 proceeds to step S2907.

[0241] On the other hand, if the extracted string is a work instruction (step S2904: Yes), the drawing digitization device 201 refers to the work instruction information DB 250 to identify the work content corresponding to the work instruction in the extracted string (step S2905). Then, the drawing digitization device 201 associates the extracted string with the identified work content and creates work instruction information (step S2906).

[0242] Next, the drawing digitization device 201 determines whether there are any unselected arrow shapes among the extracted arrow shapes (step S2907). If there are unselected arrow shapes (step S2907: Yes), the device returns to step S2901. On the other hand, if there are no unselected arrow shapes (step S2907: No), the drawing digitization device 201 terminates the series of processes according to this flowchart.

[0243] As a result, the drawing digitization device 201 can create information that identifies the content of each work instruction represented by an arrow shape in the wire harness drawing.

[0244] As described above, the drawing digitization device 201 according to the embodiment can extract a connector area (first area) representing the connector of a wire harness from the image data D of a wire harness drawing, and extract a first string located near the extracted connector area from the string recognized by character recognition processing on the image data D. Furthermore, the drawing digitization device 201 can refer to wire type information, and if the extracted first string is a connector name, it can identify the type of wire corresponding to the first string, associate it with the first area, and create connection information representing the extracted first string and the identified type of wire. The wire type information is information that represents the type of wire (wire type) connected to the connector with the connector name, associated with the connector name. The wire type is identified, for example, by the size, color, characteristics, application, general name, etc. The drawing digitization device 201 can then output the created connection information.

[0245] This allows the drawing digitization device 201 to create data for use in manufacturing wire harnesses from image data D of wire harness drawings. Specifically, the drawing digitization device 201 can provide information that identifies the type of wire connected to a connector (component element) included in the wire harness drawing. For example, when creating manufacturing drawings for wire harnesses, users can register symbols in the master early on and utilize them in symbol diagrams converted to a general-purpose format.

[0246] Furthermore, according to the drawing digitization device 201, a small area representing the connector cavity can be identified from the connector area, and based on the string within the identified small area among the recognized strings, the type of wire connected to the cavity can be identified from the identified wire types. Then, according to the drawing digitization device 201, connection information can be created that represents the extracted first string and the type of wire connected to the identified cavity, in association with the first area.

[0247] As a result, the drawing digitization device 201 can provide information that allows for the identification of the type of wire connected to each cavity of a connector (component element) included in a wire harness drawing.

[0248] Furthermore, the drawing digitization device 201 can extract a table space from the image data D of the wire harness drawing, and extract strings from the recognized strings within the extracted table space. Based on the strings within the extracted table space, the drawing digitization device 201 can determine whether the rows or columns other than the first row or column of the table space are represented by either a single character symbol or a blank space. Furthermore, based on the strings within the extracted table space, the drawing digitization device 201 can determine whether the first row or column contains a string that matches the identifier of the product in which the wire harness is used, which is stored in the storage unit 910 (for example, the part number information table 501). If the string is represented by either a single character symbol or a blank space and contains a matching string, the drawing digitization device 201 can identify the values ​​of each row or column corresponding to the matching string and create specification information representing the identified values ​​of each row or column in association with the matching string. Furthermore, the drawing digitization device 201 can output the created specification information.

[0249] This allows the drawing digitization device 201 to provide information that can identify the specifications of the product in which the wire harness being manufactured will be used.

[0250] Furthermore, the drawing digitization device 201 can extract a table area from the image data D of the wire harness drawing, extract strings from the recognized strings within the extracted table area, and determine whether the table area contains strings that match keywords stored in the storage unit 910 (for example, the circuit diagram header information table 502) for identifying wire information, based on the strings within the extracted table area. If the drawing digitization device 201 contains strings that match keywords, it can create wire type information based on the strings within the table area. The drawing digitization device 201 can also output the created wire type information.

[0251] As a result, the drawing digitization device 201 can create tabular information (e.g., wire type information table 1520) from the image data D of the wire harness drawing, associating it with the connector name and representing the type of wire (wire type) connected to the connector with that name. For example, when a wire harness drawing is revised, the user can use the wire type information to check the changes. In addition, by associating it with specification information, the user can clearly identify changes when receiving data from customers.

[0252] Furthermore, the drawing digitization device 201 can extract wiring shapes (second region) representing non-electrical components covering the wires of a wire harness from image data D of a wire harness drawing. Non-electrical components are, for example, protective materials (outer casings) that cover and protect the wires. The drawing digitization device 201 can also identify non-electrical component information corresponding to the extracted wiring shapes by referring to a storage unit 910 (e.g., wiring information DB 240) that stores non-electrical component information. Non-electrical component information is information that corresponds to at least one of the material, price, and quality of a non-electrical component (e.g., protective material classification). The drawing digitization device 201 can then associate the extracted wiring shapes with the identified non-electrical component information.

[0253] This allows the drawing digitization device 201 to acquire information such as the material, price, and quality of protective materials (non-electrical components) included in wire harness drawings. For example, a user can easily acquire information such as the material, price, and quality of a protective material by specifying its ID and wiring position coordinates included in the wire harness drawing.

[0254] Furthermore, the drawing digitization device 201 can extract an arrow shape from the image data D of the wire harness drawing, and extract a second string of characters located near the base of the extracted arrow shape from the recognized string of characters. The drawing digitization device 201 can also identify the object pointed to by the extracted arrow shape from the image data D of the wire harness drawing. Furthermore, the drawing digitization device 201 can refer to a storage unit (e.g., work instruction information DB250) that stores work instruction information relating work instructions to work content, and if the extracted second string of characters is a work instruction, it can identify the work content corresponding to that work instruction. Finally, the drawing digitization device 201 can create work instruction information relating the extracted arrow shape, the extracted second string of characters, the identified object, and the identified work content. The drawing digitization device 201 can also output the created work instruction information.

[0255] As a result, the drawing digitization device 201 can provide information that allows for the identification of work content for objects with work instructions in the wire harness drawing. For example, a user can evaluate the costs associated with the work based on the work content for objects in the wire harness drawing, and use this to reduce costs through Value Analysis (VA) or Value Engineering (VE). The drawing digitization device 201 may also output a message indicating that a new work instruction may have been detected if, for example, the extracted second string does not match any work instruction in the work instruction information DB 250. This allows the user to identify new work instructions.

[0256] Furthermore, the drawing digitization device 201 can determine whether the extracted first string matches any connector name registered in the WH connector parts DB230 (parts database). If the extracted first string matches any connector name, the drawing digitization device 201 can refer to the wire type information to identify the type of wire corresponding to that connector name.

[0257] This allows the drawing digitization device 201 to determine whether or not the connectors included in the wire harness drawing have already been registered as component elements of the wire harness.

[0258] Furthermore, according to the drawing digitization device 201, if the extracted first string does not match any connector name registered in the WH connector parts DB230, it can output a message indicating that the connector represented by the first area may be a new part.

[0259] This allows the drawing digitization device 201 to notify the user if the wire harness drawing may contain new parts. For example, the user can identify information about new parts before creating the manufacturing drawing for the wire harness.

[0260] Furthermore, according to the drawing digitization device 201, by referring to the WH connector parts DB230 (parts database), the cavity number corresponding to a small area can be identified based on the position of the small area in the connector area. Then, according to the drawing digitization device 201, connection information can be created that represents the extracted first string, the identified cavity number, and the type of wire connected to the identified cavity, in association with the connector area.

[0261] This allows the drawing digitization device 201 to provide information that identifies which type of wire is connected to which cavity number of the connector.

[0262] Based on these considerations, the drawing digitization device 201 enables the automatic registration of tabular data and component information into BOMs and other documents when manufacturing wire harnesses, thereby shortening lead times and reducing man-hours. Furthermore, the drawing digitization device 201 helps to reduce variations in quality by digitizing data that is independent of the format of customer drawings.

[0263] Incidentally, the method for digitizing the wire harness drawing described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. The digitization program for this wire harness drawing is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, or a USB memory, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. Also, the digitization program for this wire harness drawing may be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0264] Also, the information processing apparatus 101 (drawing digitization apparatus 201) described in this embodiment can also be realized by a specific-purpose IC such as a standard cell or a structured ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) such as an FPGA.

[0265] Regarding the above-described embodiment, the following additional remarks are disclosed.

[0266] (Supplementary Note 1) Extract a first region representing the connector of the wire harness from the image data of the drawing related to the wire harness, Extract a first character string located in the vicinity of the extracted first region from the character strings recognized by the character recognition process on the image data, When the extracted first character string is a connector name, refer to the wire type information representing the type of wire connected to the connector with the corresponding connector name, and specify the type of wire corresponding to the first character string, Create connection information representing the extracted first character string and the specified wire type in association with the first region, A wire harness drawing digitization program characterized by causing a computer to execute the process.

[0267] (Note 2) From the first region, a small region representing the cavity of the connector is identified, Based on the string within the identified sub-region from the recognized string, the type of wire connected to the cavity is identified from the identified types of wires. The computer is made to perform the process, The process described above is: The wire harness drawing digitization program according to Appendix 1, characterized by creating connection information representing the extracted first string and the type of wire connected to the identified cavity, in association with the first region.

[0268] (Note 3) From the above image data, extract the table region, From the recognized strings, extract the strings within the extracted tablespace, Based on the strings extracted from the tablespace, it is determined whether the rows or columns of the tablespace other than the first row or column are represented by either a single character symbol or a blank space, and whether the first row or column contains a string that matches the identifier stored in the storage unit that stores the identifier of the product in which the wire harness is used. If the value is represented by either the single character symbol or a space, and the matching string is included, the value of each row or column corresponding to the matching string is identified. By associating the matching strings, specification information is created that represents the values ​​of each identified row or column. A program for digitizing wire harness drawings according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that it causes the computer to perform the processing.

[0269] (Note 4) From the above image data, extract the table region, From the recognized strings, extract the strings within the extracted tablespace, Based on the strings extracted from the table space, it is determined whether the table space contains strings that match the keywords stored in the storage unit that stores keywords for identifying information about electric wires. If the string contains a matching keyword, the wire type information is created based on the string in the table area. A program for digitizing wire harness drawings according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that it causes the computer to perform the processing.

[0270] (Note 5) From the image data, a second region representing non-electrical components covering the wires of the wire harness is extracted, Referencing a storage unit that stores non-electrical component information, which is associated with a non-electrical component and represents at least one of the material, price, and quality of the said non-electrical component, the non-electrical component information corresponding to the extracted second area is identified. The extracted second region is associated with the identified non-electrical component information. A program for digitizing wire harness drawings as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4, characterized in that it causes the computer to perform the processing.

[0271] (Note 6) From the above image data, the arrow shape is extracted, From the recognized strings, extract the second string located near the base of the extracted arrow shape. From the aforementioned image data, identify the object indicated by the extracted arrow shape. By referring to a memory unit that stores work instruction information representing the correspondence between work instructions and work content, if the extracted second string is a work instruction, the work content corresponding to the second string is identified. Work instruction information is created that represents the extracted second string, the identified object, and the identified work content, in association with the extracted arrow shape. A program for digitizing wire harness drawings according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, characterized in that it causes the computer to perform the processing.

[0272] (Note 7) A wire harness drawing digitization program according to any one of Notes 1 to 6, characterized in that it causes the computer to perform a process that outputs the created connection information.

[0273] (Appendix 8) The wire harness drawing digitization program described in Appendix 3, characterized in that it causes the computer to perform a process that outputs the created specification information.

[0274] (Note 9) The wire harness drawing program described in Note 4, characterized in that it causes the computer to perform a process that outputs the created wire type information.

[0275] (Note 10) The wire harness drawing digitization program described in Note 6, characterized in that it causes the computer to perform a process that outputs the created work instruction information.

[0276] (Note 11) The computer is instructed to perform a process to determine whether the extracted first string matches any connector name registered in the parts database. The process to be identified is, The wire harness drawing digitization program according to Appendix 1, characterized in that, when the extracted first string matches any of the connector names, it refers to the wire type information to identify the type of wire corresponding to any of the connector names.

[0277] (Note 12) The wire harness drawing digitization program according to Note 11, characterized in that if the extracted first string does not match any connector name registered in the parts database, the computer is instructed to perform a process that outputs a statement indicating that the connector represented by the first area may be a new part.

[0278] (Note 13) The computer is instructed to perform a process of identifying the cavity number corresponding to the small area based on the position of the small area in the first area, by referring to a parts database that stores the connector name, the cavity number of the connector of the said connector name, and coordinates representing the position of the cavity in the said connector. The process described above is: Create connection information representing the extracted first character string, the identified cavity number, and the type of electric wire connected to the identified cavity, in association with the first area. An electronic program for a wire harness drawing according to appended note 2, characterized by the above.

[0279] (Appended note 14) Extract a first area representing a connector of the wire harness from image data of a drawing related to the wire harness. Extract a first character string located near the extracted first area from the character strings recognized by character recognition processing on the image data. Refer to wire type information representing the type of electric wire connected to the connector of the connector name in association with the connector name, and when the extracted first character string is a connector name, identify the type of electric wire corresponding to the first character string. Create connection information representing the extracted first character string and the identified type of electric wire, in association with the first area. An electronic method for a wire harness drawing, characterized in that a computer executes the process.

[0280] (Appended note 15) Extract a first area representing a connector of the wire harness from image data of a drawing related to the wire harness. Extract a first character string located near the extracted first area from the character strings recognized by character recognition processing on the image data. Refer to wire type information representing the type of electric wire connected to the connector of the connector name in association with the connector name, and when the extracted first character string is a connector name, identify the type of electric wire corresponding to the first character string. Create connection information representing the extracted first character string and the identified type of electric wire, in association with the first area. An information processing apparatus characterized by having a control unit.

Explanation of reference signs

[0281] 101 Information processing apparatus 110 Image data 120 First area 130 Wire type information 140 Connection Information 200 Information Processing Systems 201 Electronic drawing digitization device 202 Client Devices 210 Network 220 WH circuit table knowledge DB 230 WH Connector Parts DB 240 Wiring Information Database 250 Work Instruction Information Database 300 bus 301 CPU 302 memory 303 Disk Drive 304 disks 305 Communication I / F 306 Portable recording medium interface 307 Portable recording media 400 Wire Harness Drawings 401 Blueprint 402 Circuit table 403 Specifications 501 Part Number Information Table 502 Circuit diagram header information table 601 Connector Parts Information Table 602 Cavity Part Information Table 900 Control Unit 901 Acquisition Department 902 Recognition part 903 First extraction section 904 Second extraction section 905 Third extraction section 906 Fourth extraction section 907 Creation Department 908 Output section 910 Storage section 1100 Wiring Shape Information Table 1200 Work Instruction Information Table 1420 Specifications Table 1520 Wire Type Information Table 1800 Connector Information Table 1900 Cavity Information Table

Claims

1. From the image data of the drawing relating to the wire harness, a first region representing the connector of the wire harness is extracted. From the strings recognized by the character recognition process on the image data, a first string located near the extracted first region is extracted. By referring to wire type information that represents the type of wire connected to the connector with the connector name, and associating it with the connector name, if the extracted first string is a connector name, the type of wire corresponding to the first string is identified. In association with the first region, connection information is created that represents the extracted first string and the identified type of electric wire. A program for digitizing wire harness drawings, characterized by having a computer perform the processing.

2. From the first region, a small region representing the cavity of the connector is identified, Based on the string within the identified sub-region from the recognized string, the type of wire connected to the cavity is identified from the identified types of wires. The computer is made to perform the process, The process described above is: The wire harness drawing digitization program according to claim 1, characterized in that it creates connection information representing the extracted first string and the type of electric wire connected to the identified cavity, in association with the first region.

3. From the aforementioned image data, a table region is extracted, From the recognized strings, extract the strings within the extracted tablespace, Based on the extracted strings within the tablespace, it is determined whether the rows or columns of the tablespace other than the first row or column are represented by either a single character symbol or a blank space, and whether the first row or column contains a string that matches the identifier stored in the storage unit that stores the identifier of the product in which the wire harness is used. If the value is represented by either the single character symbol or a space, and the matching string is included, the value of each row or column corresponding to the matching string is identified. By associating the matching strings, specification information is created that represents the values ​​of each identified row or column. The wire harness drawing digitization program according to claim 1, characterized in that it causes the computer to perform the processing.

4. From the aforementioned image data, a table region is extracted, From the recognized strings, extract the strings within the extracted tablespace, Based on the strings extracted from the table space, it is determined whether the table space contains strings that match the keywords stored in the storage unit that stores keywords for identifying information about electric wires. If the string contains a matching keyword, the wire type information is created based on the string in the table area. The wire harness drawing digitization program according to claim 1, characterized in that it causes the computer to perform the processing.

5. From the aforementioned image data, a second region representing non-electrical components covering the wires of the wire harness is extracted. Referencing a storage unit that stores non-electrical component information, which is associated with a non-electrical component and represents at least one of the material, price, and quality of the said non-electrical component, the non-electrical component information corresponding to the extracted second area is identified. The extracted second region is associated with the identified non-electrical component information. The wire harness drawing digitization program according to claim 1, characterized in that it causes the computer to perform the processing.

6. From the aforementioned image data, the arrow shape is extracted, From the recognized strings, extract the second string located near the base of the extracted arrow shape. From the aforementioned image data, identify the object indicated by the extracted arrow shape. By referring to a storage unit that stores work instruction information, which associates work instructions with work content, if the extracted second string is a work instruction, the work content corresponding to the second string is identified. Work instruction information is created that represents the extracted second string, the identified object, and the identified work content, in association with the extracted arrow shape. The wire harness drawing digitization program according to claim 1, characterized in that it causes the computer to perform the processing.

7. A wire harness drawing digitization program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it causes the computer to perform a process that outputs the created connection information.

8. From the image data of the drawing relating to the wire harness, a first region representing the connector of the wire harness is extracted. From the strings recognized by the character recognition process on the image data, a first string located near the extracted first region is extracted. By referring to wire type information that represents the type of wire connected to the connector with the connector name, and associating it with the connector name, if the extracted first string is a connector name, the type of wire corresponding to the first string is identified. In association with the first region, connection information is created that represents the extracted first string and the identified type of electric wire. A method for digitizing wire harness drawings, characterized in that the processing is performed by a computer.

9. From the image data of the drawing relating to the wire harness, a first region representing the connector of the wire harness is extracted. From the strings recognized by the character recognition process on the image data, a first string located near the extracted first region is extracted. By referring to wire type information that represents the type of wire connected to the connector with the connector name, and associating it with the connector name, if the extracted first string is a connector name, the type of wire corresponding to the first string is identified. In association with the first region, connection information is created that represents the extracted first string and the identified type of electric wire. An information processing device characterized by having a control unit.

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