Design drawing control system and method

Abstract

To allow for later reference of comments regarding the parts used in the design drawings. [Solution] Images representing parts used in the final drawing, images representing parts not used in the final drawing, and comments related to these images are stored in a manner that links them together. After the drawing is completed, the comments can be retrieved to check the comments about those parts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a design drawing control system and method.

Background Art

[0002] Some things that create design drawings can, for example, create a plan view from a three-dimensional model. This creates a design drawing from the identification numbers of a plurality of model parts stored in a part data storage unit and the position identification information stored in a position information storage unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the thing described in Cited Document 1, a design drawing is created from the identification number of a model part and the position identification information stored in a position information storage unit. In creating a design drawing, there are times when you want to check later the points to note about the parts used in the design drawing, etc. However, since such points are noted separately from the design drawing, it is often impossible to check them later.

[0005] An object of this invention is to enable later checking of comments about the parts (including components) used in a design drawing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The design drawing control system (design drawing display control system) according to the first invention is characterized by comprising: request means for requesting a first comment about a component of an object to be designed; reading means for reading design drawing data representing a design drawing of an object to be designed, first identification data for identifying a predetermined part of the part of the object to be designed represented by the design drawing, and first comment data representing a first comment for the designated part, from a storage device in which these are stored in association with each other, in response to a request for a first comment from the request means; and display control means for controlling a display device to display a design drawing represented by the design drawing data read by the reading means, a component identified by the first identification data, and a first comment about the component represented by the first comment data.

[0007] This invention also provides a method for displaying design drawings suitable for a design drawing control system (design drawing display control system). Specifically, in this method, a requesting means requests a first comment about a component of an object to be designed, and a reading means, in response to the request for a first comment from the requesting means, reads design drawing data representing a design drawing of an object to be designed, first identification data identifying a predetermined part of the object to be designed represented by the design drawing, and first comment data representing a first comment about the designated part, from a storage device in which these are stored in association with each other. The reading means reads design drawing data representing a design drawing of an object to be designed including the component for which a first comment has been requested, first identification data identifying the component for which a first comment has been requested, and first comment data representing a first comment about the component for which a first comment has been requested. A display control means controls a display device to display the design drawing represented by the design drawing data read by the reading means, the component identified by the first identification data, and the first comment about the component represented by the first comment data.

[0008] This invention also provides a program for controlling a computer in a design drawing control system (design drawing display control system), and a recording medium storing that program.

[0009] The above-mentioned storage device also stores second comment data representing second comments about parts that were not adopted in the above-mentioned components. The reading means reads from the storage device, in response to a request for a first comment from the requesting means, design drawing data representing a design drawing of the object to be designed including the component for which the first comment was requested, first identification data identifying the component for which the first comment was requested, first comment data representing the first comment about the component for which the first comment was requested, and second comment data representing second comments about parts that were not adopted in the component for which the first comment was requested. The display control means may control the display device to display the design drawing represented by the design drawing data read by the reading means, the component identified by the first identification data, and the first comment data representing the first comment about the component, as well as the second comment data representing the second comment about parts that were not adopted in the component.

[0010] This allows us to see comments about parts of the design that were not adopted, enabling us to understand the design intent behind those choices.

[0011] The above-mentioned storage device also stores data of unused parts that represent parts that were not adopted in the above-mentioned components. The reading means reads from the storage device, in response to a request for a first comment from the requesting means, design drawing data representing a design drawing of the object to be designed that includes the component for which the first comment was requested, first identification data identifying the component for which the first comment was requested, data of unused parts that represent parts that were not adopted in the above-mentioned components, first comment data representing a first comment about the component for which the first comment was requested, and second comment data representing a second comment about the part that was not adopted in the component for which the first comment was requested. The display control means may control the display device to display the design drawing represented by the design drawing data read by the reading means, the component identified by the first identification data, the unused parts represented by the data of unused parts that represent parts that were not adopted in the above-mentioned components, and the first comment about the component represented by the first comment data and the second comment about the part that was not adopted in the component represented by the second comment data.

[0012] The data from the rejected parts will allow us to understand the shape and other characteristics of the parts that were not selected.

[0013] The system includes a new component generation means that generates new components different from the above components and the above-mentioned rejected components based on the above-mentioned components and the above-mentioned rejected components, and the display control means may, for example, control the display device so as to display the new components generated by the new component generation means.

[0014] This will allow you to identify not only the components conceived by the designers and those that were not adopted, but also any new components.

[0015] The first specified data mentioned above identifies a plurality of predetermined parts, and the first comment data may represent a first comment that expresses the relationship between the plurality of parts represented by the first specified data.

[0016] It allows us to understand the relationships between multiple parts.

[0017] The display control means described above controls the display device to display the portion specified by the first specific data on the object of design in a manner different from other parts of the object of design, to stop displaying other parts of the object of design and to display them according to their placement position on the object of design, or to control the display device to display the portion specified by the first specific data separately from the object of design.

[0018] The identified parts can be examined in various forms.

[0019] The above-mentioned storage device stores not only the completed design drawings of the object to be designed, but also intermediate drawing data representing the design drawings in progress. The reading means may also read the intermediate drawing data, and the display control means may control the display device to display the component represented by the first specific data on the drawing in progress represented by the read intermediate drawing data, in a different manner from other parts.

[0020] The components can be identified and verified during the design process.

[0021] The above-mentioned storage device stores not only the completed design drawings of the object to be designed, but also intermediate drawing data representing the design drawings in progress. The reading means may also read the intermediate drawing data and, based on the read intermediate drawing data, may include a detection means for detecting pre-existing parts that utilize existing design drawings and newly created parts during the design process, and a notification means for notifying the parts in the completed design drawing of the object to be designed that are associated with the pre-existing parts and new parts detected by the detection means as feature parts. This makes it possible to know the feature parts hidden in the design drawings.

[0022] The display control means may, in accordance with the display settings for the component specified by the first specific data in the design drawing control system, display the component specified by the first specific data in a manner different from other parts of the design drawing (design object) (for example, the specified component may be displayed with a dashed line, a broken line, a different color from other parts, or a line drawing or the like in a manner different from the component may be superimposed on the component so that the non-conforming part is not displayed), and may stop the display of the component specified by the first specific data in a manner different from other parts of the design drawing in accordance with the hiding settings for the component specified by the first specific data in the design drawing control system (this may be stopped by displaying it with the same lines, colors, etc. as other parts, or by superimposing a line drawing or the like in a manner different from the component and making it transparent).

[0023] The design drawing control system (design drawing data storage control system) according to the second invention is characterized by comprising: display control means for controlling a display device to display a design drawing for designing an object on a display screen; design means for specifying a part of the object to be designed represented by the design drawing displayed on the display screen; comment input means for inputting comments about the part specified by the design means; and storage control means for controlling a storage device to store design drawing data representing the design drawing, first identification data for identifying the specified part, and comment data representing the comments in association with each other.

[0024] The second invention also provides a method suitable for a design drawing control system (design drawing data storage control system). That is, in this method, display control means controls a display device to display on a display screen a design drawing for designing a design object, specifying means specifies a part of the design object represented by the design drawing displayed on the display screen, comment input means inputs a comment about the part specified by the specifying means, and storage control means controls a storage device to store in association with each other design drawing data representing the design drawing, first specific data specifying the specified part, and comment data representing the comment.

[0025] The second invention also provides a program for controlling a computer of a design drawing control system (design drawing data storage control system) and a recording medium storing the program.

[0026] For example, the comment input means also inputs a comment about a part not adopted for the part specified by the specifying means.

[0027] The second specific data input means for inputting specific data for specifying the non-adopted part is provided, and the storage control means may control the storage device to store in association with each other design drawing data representing the design drawing, first specific data for specifying the specified part, second specific data for specifying the non-adopted part, and comment data representing the comment.

[0028] The specifying means specifies a plurality of parts of the design object, and the comment input means may input a comment representing the relationship between the plurality of parts specified by the specifying means.

[0029] For example, the display control means controls the display device to display the part specified by the specifying means on the display screen in a manner different from other parts.

[0030] The display control means may control the display device to display not only the completed design drawings of the object to be designed but also the design drawings in progress on the display screen, and the designation means may specify the part of the object to be designed that is represented by the design drawings displayed on the display screen.

[0031] The system further includes a reading means for reading design drawing data representing completed design drawings of the object to be designed and intermediate drawing data representing design drawings in progress from a storage device that stores these data. The display control means may also display the completed design drawing represented by the design drawing data read by the reading means, or the design drawing in progress represented by the intermediate drawing data read by the reading means, on the display screen.

[0032] The system includes a detection means for detecting a portion that is not continuous with respect to the specified portion identified by the specific data, and a modification means for modifying the specific data so that the portion that is not continuous with respect to respect is displayed as continuous. The storage control means may also control the storage device to store the specific data modified by the modification means.

[0033] The designated portion can be made to maintain continuity, making it relatively easy to grasp its shape and other characteristics.

[0034] The system includes a vectorization means that vectorizes design drawing data representing the above-mentioned design drawing, specific data identifying the above-mentioned designated part, and comment data representing the above-mentioned comments, relating them to each other, and the storage control means may control the storage device to store the data vectorized by the vectorization means.

[0035] The display control means, for example, controls the display device to display on the display screen a sample of an identification format that makes the specified part different in visibility from parts other than the specified part, such as by changing the color or type of line, and a comment input field corresponding to the sample. The display control means may also include a selection means for selecting a sample of an identification format that identifies the specified part from among the samples displayed on the display screen, and the comment input means may input a comment into the comment input field corresponding to the sample selected by the selection means.

[0036] The display control means controls the display device so that a code unique to the portion specified by the designation means and a comment field corresponding to the code are displayed on the display screen, and includes a selection means for selecting the code, and the comment input means may input a comment about the portion specified by the code selected by the selection means into the corresponding comment input field.

[0037] The device may further include a learning data generation means that generates learning data by relating design drawing data representing the design drawings stored in the above-mentioned storage device, specific data identifying the specified parts, and comment data representing the comments.

[0038] The above-described learning data generation means generates learning data by associating, for example, name data representing the name of the designated part, design drawing data representing the design drawing stored in the storage device, specific data identifying the designated part, and comment data representing the comment with each other.

[0039] The above-described learning data generation means may include: vectorization means for vectorizing the design drawing data, specific data, and comment data that are related to each other; inverse vectorization means for returning the design drawing data, specific data, and comment data that have been vectorized by the vectorization means back to the design drawing data, specific data, and comment data before vectorization; determination means for determining whether the portion identified by the specific data returned by the inverse vectorization means is disconnected; and vectorization control means for controlling the vectorization means to vectorize using a different vectorization method in response to the determination means determining that it is disconnected.

[0040] Even after vectorization, the specific parts become disconnected and difficult to display.

[0041] The design drawing control system (inference system) according to the third invention is characterized by comprising: an input means for inputting specific data that identifies a component of a design object that requires comments; and an inference means that uses a trained model generated using training data, which is generated by associating design drawing data representing a design drawing of the design object, first specific data that identifies a predetermined part of the design object represented by the design drawing, and first comment data that represents a first comment for the designated part, with each trained model inferences about the component represented by the specific data input from the input means, and outputs at least one of the inferred comments and an inferred image of the part corresponding to the component identified by the specific data input from the input means.

[0042] This invention also provides a design drawing control method (inference method). Specifically, in this method, an input means inputs specific data that identifies a component of a design object that requires commenting, and an inference means uses a trained model generated using training data, which is generated by associating design drawing data representing a design drawing of the design object, first specific data that identifies a predetermined part of the design object represented by the design drawing, and first comment data that represents a first comment for the designated part, with each trained model infers about the component represented by the specific data input from the input means, and outputs at least one of the inferred comments and an inferred image of the part corresponding to the component identified by the specific data input from the input means.

[0043] The third invention also provides a program for controlling a computer in a design drawing control system (inference system), and a recording medium storing that program.

[0044] The above inference means may use a trained model generated using training data generated by associating the above design drawing data with a second combination data which is a combination of second identification data that identifies parts that were not adopted in the designated parts and second comment data that represents a second comment about the parts that were not adopted, to infer about the component represented by the identification data input from the input means, and output at least one of the inferred comment and the image inferred for the part corresponding to the component identified by the identification data input from the input means. This makes it possible to infer using parts that are not shown in the design drawing and have been not adopted. This may be a design drawing control system that combines at least two of the above design drawing display system, the above design drawing data storage control system, and the above inference system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0045] This allows users to access comments or inferred comments about a specified part of the object being designed. In both cases, it allows users to confirm the design intent of the specified part. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the design drawing control system 1. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing the procedure for creating design drawings. [Figure 3] This is an example of a design drawing database. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the steps for processing comments. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the steps for processing comments. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the steps for processing comments. [Figure 7] This is an example of a drawing display window. [Figure 8] This shows a portion of the completed drawings, represented by the retrieved completed drawing data. [Figure 9A] This is an example of a comment input window. [Figure 9B] This is an example of a comment input window. [Figure 10] This is an example of a partial database. [Figure 11] This is an example of an intermediate drawing. [Figure 12] This is an example of a design drawing window. [Figure 13] This is an example of a partial database. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows the image restoration process for accepted and rejected images. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart showing the vectorization process. [Figure 16] This is an example of a vector database. [Figure 17] This is an example of a rejected image and a rejected image with a broken wire. [Figure 18] This is an example of a design drawing window. [Figure 19A] This is an example of a comment input window. [Figure 19B] This is an example of a comment input window. [Figure 20] This is an example of a deformed cam. [Figure 21] This is an example of a partial database. [Figure 22] This shows the process for generating a pre-trained model on a GPU3. [Figure 23] This is a flowchart showing the comment display processing procedure. [Figure 24] This is a flowchart showing the comment display processing procedure. [Figure 25] This is an example of a comment display window. [Figure 26] The comments are displayed in list format. [Figure 27] This is an example of a comment display window. [Figure 28] This is an example of a comment display window. [Figure 29] This is an example of a comment display window. [Figure 30] This is an example of a comment display window. [Figure 31] This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for new image suggestions. [Figure 32] This shows the image generation process. [Figure 33] This is an example of an image suggestion. [Figure 34] This shows a modified version of part of the comment display processing procedure. [Figure 35] This is an example of a comment display window. [Figure 36] This is a flowchart showing the procedure for intellectual property collaboration. [Figure 37] This flowchart shows the output processing procedure based on inference. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the design drawing control system 1.

[0048] The overall operation of the design drawing control system 1 (an example of a design drawing display control system, design drawing storage control system, inference system, and computer) is managed by the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2.

[0049] The design drawing control system 1 includes a memory 5 for temporarily storing data. The design drawing control system 1 also includes a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 3 (an example of a display control means and a new component inference means), which performs AI (Artificial Intelligence) training, and generates images and drawings representing new components using the trained model. A display device 4 for displaying the created drawings is connected to the GPU 3 via an interface (not shown).

[0050] The design drawing control system 1 includes a PCH (Platform Controller Hub) 6, which controls data communication between the CPU 2 and a communication device 7 (not shown in the diagram), a microphone 8, a speaker 9, a keyboard 10, an SSD (Solid State Drive) 11, a CD (Compact Disc) drive 12, etc. The SSD 11 stores various trained models and other data. A CD 13 containing a program that controls the operation of the design drawing control system 1 is inserted into the CD drive 12, and the program is read from the CD 13 and installed in the design drawing control system 1. The program may also be received via the internet and installed in the design drawing control system 1. The design drawing control system 1 also includes a mouse 14. Furthermore, the design drawing control system 1 can freely access an external storage device 16 via an interface 15.

[0051] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure for creating design drawings under the control of CPU2.

[0052] When the software for creating design drawings stored on SSD11 is launched, a design drawing ID is generated to identify the design drawing and stored in the design drawing information database (step 21).

[0053] Figure 3 shows an example of a design drawing database.

[0054] The design drawing database stores design drawing IDs and completed drawing data for each design drawing ID, intermediate drawing IDs and intermediate drawing data for each intermediate drawing, designated part information, and off-the-shelf product usage information. Designated part information identifies a part (shape, location, etc.) when it is specified by tracing or other means within the drawing. As described later, the designated part information may also record the type of line (dashed line, dashed line, etc.), thickness, and color of the line diagram representing the designated part. In the designated part, a line diagram with the recorded line type, thickness, and color can be displayed overlaid on the part already drawn in the design object. When displayed overlaid, it may also be made transparent. Off-the-shelf product usage information indicates the ID of the intermediate drawing or design drawing used when an off-the-shelf product part (drawing part) that has already been created was used in the creation of the drawing.

[0055] The user (designer) draws the drawing using a mouse 14 or the like (step 22). The drawn drawing is displayed on the display screen of the display device 4 under the control of the GPU 3 (an example of a display control means). As the user draws the drawing, after a certain amount of time has elapsed (YES in step 23), an ID is assigned to the intermediate drawing, and the intermediate drawing data and intermediate drawing ID are stored in the design drawing database (step 24). Alternatively, instead of every certain amount of time, the user can give a storage command to the design drawing control system 1, so that an ID is assigned to the intermediate drawing and the intermediate drawing data and intermediate drawing ID are stored in the design drawing database each time.

[0056] Referring to Figure 4, for example, when an intermediate drawing indicated by symbol D1 is drawn, the intermediate drawing data and the intermediate drawing ID assigned to it, IDF11-1, are stored in the design drawing database. Similarly, the intermediate drawing data and intermediate drawing ID IDF11-2 representing the intermediate drawing indicated by symbol D2, the intermediate drawing data and intermediate drawing ID IDF11-3 representing the intermediate drawing indicated by symbol D3, the intermediate drawing data and intermediate drawing ID IDF11-4 representing the intermediate drawing indicated by symbol D4, the intermediate drawing data and intermediate drawing ID IDF11-5 representing the intermediate drawing indicated by symbol D5, and the intermediate drawing data and intermediate drawing ID IDF11-6 representing the intermediate drawing indicated by symbol D6 are stored in the design drawing database. The intermediate drawing data and intermediate drawing IDs are stored in the design drawing database until the design drawing is completed (NO in step 25 of Figure 2).

[0057] Furthermore, while the user creates the drawings from intermediate drawings IDF11-1 to IDF-5 by drawing lines using, for example, a mouse (14), in intermediate drawing IDF11-6, the tire RMP is not a drawing created by the user, but rather a pre-made product drawing is used. In this case, it is determined that the tire RMP was not drawn by the user by drawing lines, and the use of a pre-made product is detected. As a result, intermediate drawing ID IDF11-6 is stored in the design information database as pre-made product information, indicating that a pre-made product drawing was used in the intermediate drawing IDF11-6.

[0058] Once the design drawings are completed (YES in step 25 of Figure 2), for example, the user issues a command to save the completed drawings, the completed drawing data is assigned the ID IDF11-0, and the completed drawing data and the completed drawing ID are stored in the design drawing database (step 26 of Figure 2).

[0059] Figures 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the comment input processing procedure.

[0060] The design drawing control system 1 according to this embodiment allows the user to specify a portion of the design object represented by the design drawing (including both in-progress and completed drawings) and to input comments into the specified portion. This process is called the comment input process.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3, the drawing data to which comments should be entered is read from the completed drawing data and in-progress drawing data stored in the design drawing database by the control of the CPU 2 (an example of a reading means) (step 31), and the completed drawing and in-progress drawing represented by the read drawing data are displayed on the display screen of the display device 4 (step 32). Here, it is assumed that IDF11-0 is entered as the completed drawing ID and the completed drawing indicated by symbol D0 is displayed as shown in Figure 7. Alternatively, the design drawing ID may be entered to display the design drawing ID, completed drawing, and in-progress drawing, and the drawing containing the portion to which comments should be entered may be selected from the displayed completed drawing and in-progress drawing. Alternatively, the completed drawing ID may be entered to specify the completed drawing containing the portion to which comments should be entered, or the in-progress drawing ID may be entered to specify the in-progress drawing containing the portion to which comments should be entered.

[0062] Referring to Figure 7, the design drawing display window 50 displayed on the display screen of the display device 4 shows the specified completed drawing D0. The design drawing display window 50 also displays a specification start button 51, a modification end button 52, and a specification end button 53. The specification start button 51 is clicked when the specification of the comment input area begins, the modification end button 52 is clicked when the drawing modification is finished, and the specification end button 53 is clicked when the comment input process is finished.

[0063] When the "Start Specifying" button 51 is clicked (YES in step 33), the user uses the mouse 14 (an example of a specifying means) to specify the portion of the design object represented by the drawing to which the comment should be associated (step 34).

[0064] Figure 8 shows a portion of the completed drawing represented by the read-out completed drawing data. For example, suppose the user has specified an image I1 of a door mirror that constitutes part of the object being designed. In Figure 8, the door mirror image (drawing) I1 is specified by tracing around it with a mouse 14 (shown by a dashed line), but the door mirror I1 may also be specified by tracing the door mirror image I1 itself, which is shown by a solid line. The traced portion may be displayed with a different color from the door mirror I1 of the original drawing (in this case, the completed drawing), as will be described later, or it may be made invisible as a transparent color. The design drawing control system 1 may be set to display the traced portion superimposed on the original door mirror image I1 (it may be the same color as the traced portion of the door mirror image I1, or a different color; if it is the same color, it is preferable to change the line thickness), or the design drawing control system 1 may be set to hide the traced portion (not display it). The system may be set to display the traced portion superimposed in response to a command from the user, or the system may hide the traced portion in response to a command from the user. When a portion to which a comment is associated is specified, a portion identification ID is generated to identify the specified portion, for example, as portion identification IDP10, and a comment input window 54 corresponding to that portion identification IDP10 is displayed on the display screen of the display device 4 (step 35). In addition, the portion identification ID and sub-specified portion information, which are coordinates representing the specified position, are stored in the design drawing DB as specified portion information (see Figure 3). The design drawing display window 50 and the comment input window 54 may or may not overlap.

[0065] Figures 9A and 9B show examples of the comment input window 54. Figure 9A is an example of the comment input window 54 before comments are entered, and Figure 9B is an example of the comment input window 54 after comments have been entered.

[0066] The comment identification window corresponds to the specified portion, and the comment input windows shown in Figures 9A and 9B are for the partial identification IDP10 of the specified portion.

[0067] Referring to Figure 9A, the comment input window 54 includes the following items: No., Acceptance / Rejection Result, Acceptance / Rejection Image, Comment, and Name. The No. item is a number that identifies the information such as the acceptance / rejection result being entered. The Acceptance / Rejection Result item stores information indicating whether the specified part (in this case, the door mirror image I1 is the specified part) was accepted or rejected. The Acceptance / Rejection Image item stores the image (drawing, part) that was accepted or rejected for the specified part. The Comment item stores the comment that should be associated with the specified part. The Name item stores the name of the specified part. Thus, in this embodiment, not only the images (drawings, figures, diagrams), comments, and names of the parts that were accepted into the final drawing, but also the images, comments, and names of the parts that were not accepted into the final drawing can be entered and stored from the comment input window 54 (an example of a comment input means, a first specific data input means, and a second specific data input means).

[0068] As shown in Figure 9B, the specified door mirror image I1 is copied and pasted into the acceptance / rejection image item corresponding to No. 1 in the comment input window (Figure 5, step 36). The user then enters a comment into the comment item corresponding to No. 1 using the keyboard 10 (an example of a comment input means) and enters a name into the name item (Figure 5, step 37). For example, comments such as the advantages and disadvantages of adopting the door mirror image I1 are entered into the comment item, and "door mirror" is entered into the name item.

[0069] The image I1 of the specified door mirror may be changed (design change of the door mirror), and the image of the specified door mirror may be changed from image I1 to I2 (YES in step 38 of Figure 6). When the modification completion button 52 is clicked (YES in step 39 of Figure 6), the modified door mirror image I2 is copied as shown in Figure 9B and pasted into the acceptance / rejection image item corresponding to No. 2 in the comment input window of the partial identification IDP 10 (step 40 of Figure 6). Comments and names for the modified door mirror image I2 are entered in the same way as for the door mirror image I1 (step 41 of Figure 6). Similarly, as the images of the door mirrors in the parts specified by the user are modified to images I3, I4, etc., those images I3 and I4, as well as comments and names for those images I3 and I4, are entered into the comment input window 54 of the partial identification IDP 10. For example, when image I4 is displayed in the specified part, if image I2 stored in the comment input window is dragged, the previous image I2 will be displayed in the specified part, and the specified part can be returned to the previous image.

[0070] If the specified part is not changed (NO in step 38 of Figure 6) and the start selection button 51 is not clicked (NO in step 42 of Figure 6), it is determined whether the end selection button 53 was clicked (step 43 of Figure 6). If a comment is entered for another part of the design object displayed in the design drawing display window 50, the start selection button 51 is clicked again (YES in step 42 of Figure 6), and the same process as described above is performed.

[0071] If there is no need to enter comments for another part of the design object displayed in the design drawing display window 50, the start selection button 51 is not clicked (NO in step 42 of Figure 6), and the end selection button is clicked (YES in step 43 of Figure 6). When the end selection button is clicked, the image displayed in the selected part (let's say image I2 was displayed here) is determined to be the adopted image I2, and the other images I1, I3, I4, etc. are determined to be rejected images and entered into the comment input window 54 (step 44 of Figure 6). Subsequently, the information displayed in the comment input window 54 is stored in the partial database shown in Figure 10 by the CPU 2 (an example of a memory control means) (step 45 of Figure 6).

[0072] Figure 10 shows an example of a partial database. The structure of the partial database is similar to the structure of the comment input window shown in Figure 9B. The partial database is stored, for example, in storage device 16.

[0073] The partial database includes the following fields: design drawing ID, partial identification ID, candidate identification ID, acceptance / rejection result, acceptance / rejection image, comment, and name. The design drawing ID field stores the design drawing ID that indicates which design drawing the specified part belongs to. For example, as mentioned above, the specified part identified by the partial identification ID is included in completed drawing D0, which is identified by completed drawing IDF11-0 as shown in Figure 8. Since the design drawing ID for completed drawing D0 is IDF11, the information about the specified part is stored corresponding to the design drawing ID IDF11. The partial identification ID identifies the specified part as described above. For the part that identified the door mirror as described above, the partial identification ID IDP10 is stored. The candidate identification ID field stores IDs that identify the images (drawings, diagrams, figures) of the door mirrors that were adopted and those that were not adopted after design changes or modifications were made to the specified part as described above. A candidate identification ID is generated corresponding to the acceptance / rejection image and stored in the partial database. The Acceptance / Rejection Result field stores whether the image was accepted or rejected, and the Acceptance / Rejection Image field stores the accepted or rejected image. The Comments field and Name field store the comments and names entered by the user, respectively.

[0074] Figure 11 shows an example of an intermediate drawing displayed in the design drawing display window 50.

[0075] In the design drawing display window 50 shown in Figure 7, the completed drawing D0 is displayed, but in the design drawing display window 50 shown in Figure 11, data representing the intermediate drawing D1 is read out and the intermediate drawing D1 is displayed.

[0076] In the case of intermediate drawing D1, the "Start Selection" button 51 is clicked, and a portion of that intermediate drawing D1 is selected, for example, with the mouse. The portion indicated by symbol P1 is traced, thereby selecting the portion to which comments will be associated. The selected portion is given a different form from the other portions (in this example, a dashed line). This makes it possible to distinguish between the selected portion and the unselected portion. The selected portion and the unselected portion may have the same form. Only the traced portion may be considered selected. A comment input window corresponding to the selected portion appears, and comments and other information corresponding to the selected portion are entered. When the "End Selection" button 53 is clicked, information such as comments for the selected portion of the drawing, and information such as comments for the unselected portion of the drawing, are stored in the partial database as described above.

[0077] If an intermediate drawing is retrieved and a portion of it is specified and modified, but the corresponding final drawing does not show the same modified portion, the final drawing may be modified to match the modified intermediate drawing, or the modified information in the intermediate drawing may be linked to the final drawing.

[0078] Figure 12 shows an example of the design drawing display window 50.

[0079] The design drawing display window 50 shows the completed drawing of the lifting device 60. The lifting device 60 includes a cylindrical member 61, a lifting linear guide 62, and a mounting bracket 63. The left end face of the lifting linear guide 62 is in contact with the right end face of the cylindrical member 61, and the cylindrical member 61 moves up and down relative to the left end face of the lifting linear guide 62. The back of the mounting bracket is fixed to the right end face of the lifting linear guide 62.

[0080] In this type of lifting device 60, clicking the "Start Specification" button 51 and selecting, for example, a cylindrical member 61, brings up a comment input window where the user enters a comment to associate with the cylindrical member 61. Next, clicking the "Start Specification" button 51 again and selecting, for example, a lifting linear guide 62, allows the user to enter a comment to associate with the lifting linear guide 62. Furthermore, clicking the "Start Specification" button 51 again and selecting, for example, a mounting bracket 63, allows the user to enter a comment to associate with the mounting bracket 63. When the "End Specification" button 53 is clicked, the comments and other information entered by the user are stored in a partial database.

[0081] Figure 13 shows an example of a partial database.

[0082] Similar to the partial database shown in Figure 10, it includes design drawing ID items, partial identification ID items, candidate identification ID items, acceptance / rejection result items, acceptance / rejection image items, comment items, and name items. In this example, the cylindrical member 61, the lifting linear guide 62, and the mounting bracket 63 are all accepted, and their respective images (drawings) 61, 62, and 63 are stored. The comments contain comments indicating the relationships between multiple specified parts, such as the cylindrical member 61, the lifting linear guide 62, and the mounting bracket 63. By reading the comments stored in the partial database, the user can understand the relationships between multiple parts that constitute a single design object, the lifting device 60. The names contained in the comments stored in the partial database and the names corresponding to those comments indicate the relationships between multiple parts. For example, the comment corresponding to the name "cylindrical member" contains the comment "moves up and down relative to the lifting linear guide" (an example of the first comment), thus identifying multiple parts, the cylindrical member and the lifting linear guide (an example of the first identification data), and indicating their relationship. The same applies to the "elevating linear guide" and the "mounting bracket."

[0083] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the image repair process controlled by CPU2. This process may be started at regular intervals or when an image is stored in a partial database.

[0084] The accepted / rejected images stored in the partial database are read (step 71), and the CPU2 (an example of a detection means) determines whether there is a break in the part of the figure representing the specified portion (step 72). For example, the read accepted / rejected images are binarized and edge detection is performed to detect the boundaries of the lines. The line boundaries detected by edge detection are tracked and extracted as connected contours or line segments. The distances and angles between the endpoints of the extracted line segments are examined, and it is determined whether there is a break in the line based on whether they should be connected.

[0085] If CPU2 determines that there is a break in the wire (YES in step 72), the acceptance / rejection image data is repaired (step 73). For example, the user may repair the broken wire, or CPU2 (one example of a repair method) may temporarily thicken the wire to fill the gap using an expansion process, and then shrink it back to its original thickness to repair the broken wire. The repaired acceptance / rejection image data is then stored again (overwritten) in the field where it was previously stored (step 74).

[0086] Figures 15 to 17 relate to the vectorization process.

[0087] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the vectorization process performed by GPU3. This process may be performed at regular intervals or when the design drawings are stored in the design drawing database and the partial drawing database.

[0088] All information stored in the design drawing database (design drawing information: completed drawing ID, completed drawing data, intermediate drawing ID, intermediate drawing data, specified classification information, off-the-shelf product usage information) and all information stored in the partial database (partial information: partial identification ID, candidate identification ID, acceptance / rejection result, acceptance / rejection image, comments, name) are associated with the design drawing ID and read out for each design drawing ID (step 81). The read design drawing information and partial information are vectorized by the GPU3 using a predetermined vectorization method (step 82).

[0089] The vectorized design drawing information and partial information are inversely vectorized by GPU3 (an example of an inverse vectorization means) to obtain the design drawing information and partial information before vectorization (step 83). Since an acceptance / rejection image is obtained through inverse vectorization, CPU2 or GPU3 (an example of a determination means) determines whether the obtained acceptance / rejection image has a broken line, as described above (step 84).

[0090] If the acceptance / rejection image is broken (YES in step 84), the design drawing information and partial information are vectorized again using a different vectorization method than the one used when vectorizing with GPU3 (an example of a vectorization control means) (step 85). Then, it is devectorized again (step 83), and it is determined whether the acceptance / rejection image is broken (step 84).

[0091] If there are no broken lines in the acceptance / rejection images (NO in step 84), the vectorized design drawing information and partial information are associated with the design drawing ID and stored in the vector database stored in the storage device 16 (step 86). If the acceptance / rejection images are still broken after a predetermined number of vectorization and inverse vectorization operations, it is advisable to modify the acceptance / rejection images (for example, by making the lines thicker) and then perform vectorization and inverse vectorization.

[0092] Figure 16 shows an example of a vector database.

[0093] The vectorized design drawing information and partial information, corresponding to the design drawing ID, are stored as vector data in the vector database.

[0094] Vector data identified by the design drawing ID is read out, and by reverse vectorization, the design drawing information and partial information before vectorization can be reproduced.

[0095] Figure 17 shows an example of a rejected image and a rejected image with a broken wire.

[0096] Acceptance / rejection image I2 is one that is not broken. When an acceptance / rejection image I2 that is not broken is vectorized, attempting to reverse vectorize it to obtain the original acceptance / rejection image I2 may result in an acceptance / rejection image I2C that is broken. In such cases, by changing the vectorization method and vectorizing it, it becomes possible to reverse vectorize it and obtain the original acceptance / rejection image I2 that is not broken.

[0097] The process shown in Figure 14 also aims to obtain an unbroken acceptance / rejection image I2 by repairing the broken acceptance / rejection image I2C.

[0098] Figures 18 to 21 show variations of comment input for a specified section.

[0099] Figure 18 shows the design drawing display window 50, which displays the completed drawing of the polishing device 70, and Figure 19A shows the comment input window 80.

[0100] Referring to Figure 18, when the designated start button 51 included in the design drawing display window 50 is clicked, the comment input window 80 shown in Figure 19A is displayed on the display screen of the display device 4.

[0101] The comment input window 80 includes a line type selection menu 90, a symbol input menu 100, and a comment input menu 110. The line type selection menu 90 includes line type selection buttons 91-95, each displaying a different line type. Line type selection buttons 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95 display dotted lines, dashed lines, thin solid lines, and thick solid lines, respectively, and when selecting a line, the button displaying the corresponding line is clicked. The symbol input menu 100 has symbol input areas 101-105 corresponding to the line type selection buttons 91-95, allowing the user to input the desired symbol. Additionally, comment input areas 111-115 are formed corresponding to the line type selection buttons 91-95. The line types displayed on the line type selection buttons 91-95, etc., can be used to specify parts of the polishing machine 70, which is the object of design.

[0102] Referring to Figure 18, for example, when specifying the deformable cam 72 with a dashed line, the selection button 51 is clicked, and then the line type selection button 92, which displays the dashed line, is clicked. After that, the deformable cam 72 is selected by tracing it with a mouse or the like. In this case, the part of the deformable cam 72 that has been traced may be displayed with a dashed line, as shown in Figure 20. In addition, the code "72" indicating the deformable cam is entered into the code input area 102 corresponding to the dashed line line line selection button 92, and a comment associated with the deformable cam 72 is also entered into the comment input area 112.

[0103] Once the input of comments for the deformed cam 72 is complete and other parts are to be specified, the specification start button 51 is clicked again. For example, if the left part (first peak) 72a of the deformed cam 72 is to be specified with a dotted line, the line type selection button 91, which displays a dotted line, is clicked, the code 72a is entered into the code input area 101, and the comment for the left first peak 72a is entered into the comment input area 111. As shown in Figure 20, the part traced over the left first peak 72a may also be displayed with a dotted line.

[0104] Similarly, if you want to specify the vertex portion (second peak) 72b of the deformable cam 72 with a thin solid line, after clicking the specification start button 51, click the line type selection button 94 which displays a thin solid line, input the code 72b into the code input area 104, and input a comment about the vertex portion, the second peak 72b, into the comment input area 114. As shown in Figure 20, the portion tracing the vertex portion, the second peak 72b, may be displayed with a thin solid line. Also, if you want to specify the cam drive shaft 72c of the deformable cam 72 with a dashed line, after clicking the specification start button 51 again, click the line type selection button 93 which displays a dashed line, input the code 72c into the code input area 103, and input a comment about the cam drive shaft 72c into the comment input area 113. As shown in Figure 20, the specified portion of the cam drive shaft 72c may be displayed with a dashed line.

[0105] In this way, as shown in Figure 19B, symbols and comments are entered into each area of ​​the comment input window 80. It is not necessary to display the traced portion in a different manner from other parts of the design object, such as with a dashed line, dashed line, or thin solid line (this may or may not be superimposed on the original design drawing; it is sufficient that the traced portion is recognizable). While a dashed line, dashed line, or thin solid line can be used to indicate that a different portion has been traced, it is also possible to specify a different color for each traced portion and change the color accordingly (preferably a different color from the line drawing color of the drawing being traced).

[0106] Figure 21 is an example of a partial database, showing how comments entered into the comment input window 80 shown in Figure 19B are stored.

[0107] In accordance with the design drawing ID corresponding to the completed drawing of the polishing device 70 shown in Figure 18, partial identification IDs that identify the specified deformation cam 72, first peak 72a, second peak 72b, and cam drive shaft 72c are stored as IDP10, IDP30, IDP20, and IDP40. Candidate identification IDs (all specified parts are accepted, and none are rejected), accepted / rejected images, comments, and names are also stored in the partial database. If the code of the specified part is code 72, it can be seen from the comment entered in the comment input area 112 that it is the deformation cam 72. If the codes of the specified part are codes 72a and 72b, it can be seen that it is part of the deformation cam 72, and therefore it is named "deformation cam". Also, if the code of the specified part is code 72c, the name can be seen from the phrase "cam drive shaft" entered in the comment input area 113. However, it would be better to create a name input area in the comment input window and have the user enter the name. Furthermore, the selected line type and the entered code are also stored in the partial database.

[0108] The car wash used to specify a part in this way, and the code for the specified part, can also be stored in the part database.

[0109] Figure 22 shows the process for generating a pre-trained model on GPU3.

[0110] Numerous design drawing information stored in the design drawing database shown in Figure 3 and numerous partial information stored in the partial databases shown in Figures 10 and 13 (these design drawing information and partial information are examples of training data. CPU2 stores this information in association with the database, and this is an example of a training data generation means that generates training data that is associated with each other) are read out, and vectorization processing 121 is performed on GPU3 (an example of a vectorization means). The vectorized design drawing information and partial information are then subjected to training processing 122 by a training program. The result of training processing 122 becomes the trained model 123.

[0111] The design drawing information includes completed drawing data, intermediate drawing data, specified part information, and information on the use of off-the-shelf products for the object being designed. The part information includes acceptance / rejection results, acceptance / rejection images, comments, and the names of the specified parts. Comments (labels representing the correct advantages and disadvantages of the acceptance / rejection image) and names (labels indicating the correct names of the acceptance / rejection image) are assigned to the acceptance / rejection images. Since these acceptance / rejection images, comments, and names are learned as training data, when any image is input to the trained model 123, it can detect what kind of acceptance / rejection image it is and output the name of the input image as well as its advantages and disadvantages.

[0112] Furthermore, if a name (the name of a specified part, for example, a door mirror) and a command to respond with the advantages or disadvantages of the adopted part are input to the trained model 123, the advantages or disadvantages of the adopted part will be output from the trained model 123. Similarly, if a name and a command to respond with the advantages or disadvantages of the rejected part are input to the trained model 123, the advantages or disadvantages of the rejected part will be output from the trained model 123. Even if the trained model 123 is not generated by training it with all the design drawing information and part information, if the corresponding accepted / rejected images, comments, and names are trained as training data, the trained model 123 can detect what kind of accepted / rejected image it is when any image is input, and output the name of the input image as well as its advantages and disadvantages.

[0113] By generating a trained model 123 using the selected images and comments about the selected images, and not using the rejected images and comments about the rejected images, inference results specific to the selected images and comments can be obtained when using such a trained model 123 for inference. Similarly, by generating a trained model 123 using the rejected images and comments about the rejected images, and not using the selected images and comments about the selected images, inference results specific to the rejected images and comments can be obtained when using such a trained model 123 for inference. Furthermore, by generating a trained model 123 using the selected images and comments about the selected images, and also using the rejected images and comments about the rejected images, inference results that consider both the selected images and comments and the rejected images and comments can be obtained when using such a trained model 123 for inference. Various types of trained models 123 can be generated.

[0114] Figures 23 to 25 show the display of comments.

[0115] Figures 23 and 24 are flowcharts showing the comment display processing procedure controlled by CPU2.

[0116] For example, when a comment display command is given to the design drawing control system 1 using the keyboard 10 (an example of a request means), the comment display processing procedure begins. When a design drawing ID is entered into the design drawing control system 1 (YES in step 131), if the design drawing information and partial information corresponding to the design drawing ID are only available in vectorized form (YES in step 132), the vectorized design drawing information and partial information stored in the vector database are de-vectorized by the GPU 3 (step 133). The de-vectorized design drawing information and partial information corresponding to the design drawing ID are read out (step 134). If non-vectorized design drawing information and partial information corresponding to the design drawing ID exist in the design drawing database and partial database (NO in step 132), the design drawing information corresponding to the design drawing ID (specified partial information included in the design drawing information is an example of the first specific data; the design drawing information also contains design drawing data) and partial information (which includes the first comment data; the acceptance / rejection images, names, etc. included in the partial information are also examples of the first specific data) are read from the storage device 16 by the CPU 2 (an example of a reading means) from the design drawing database and partial database (step 134).

[0117] If the design drawing ID is not entered (NO in step 131), but a name is entered (YES in step 135), and if only vectorized design drawing information and partial information corresponding to the name is available (YES in step 136), the vectorized design drawing information and partial information stored in the vector database is de-vectorized on GPU3 (step 137). The de-vectorized design drawing information and partial information corresponding to the design drawing ID is read (step 137). If non-vectorized design drawing information and partial information corresponding to the name exists in the design drawing database and partial database (NO in step 132), the design drawing information and partial information corresponding to the name is read from the design drawing database and partial database (step 134).

[0118] First, assume that a design drawing ID has been entered. Then, the completed drawing and the intermediate drawing identified by the design drawing ID will be displayed on the screen with comments (an example of the first comment) under the control of GPU3 (an example of a display control means) (step 139). For example, it would be desirable for the completed drawing to be displayed first with comments, and then, by scrolling, the intermediate drawing will be displayed with comments (if there is a specified part in the intermediate drawing and comments are associated with it).

[0119] Figure 25 shows an example of the comment display window 150.

[0120] The completed drawing 70A is displayed in the comment display window 160. In Figure 6, the specified part is shown with a solid line, and the other parts are shown with a dashed line. In this way, the GPU3 may be controlled to display the specified part and the other parts of the design object in different ways.

[0121] Referring to Figure 25, as explained with reference to Figures 18 to 21, the deformation cam 72, the first peak 72a of the deformation cam 72, the second peak 72b of the deformation cam 72, and the cam drive shaft 72c are specified, and these specified parts are shown with solid lines at the same positions as their placement in the design object. As explained with reference to Figures 19A to 21, the deformation cam 72 is specified and traced with a dashed line, the first peak 72a with a dotted line, the second peak 72b with a thin solid line, and the cam drive shaft with a dashed line, so it is preferable to display them in Figure 25 using the line types specified at the time of specification. For example, by giving a command to the design drawing control system 1 to display using the line types specified at the time of specification, the parts traced with the deformation cam 72 as specified by the dashed line, the first peak 72a with a dotted line, the second peak 72b with a thin solid line, and the cam drive shaft with a dashed line will be displayed. Here, to make it easier to understand that the specified part and other parts are displayed in different ways, the specified part is shown with a solid line and the other parts with a dashed line. Furthermore, by giving the design drawing control system 1 a command to display only the specified part, the other parts shown with a dashed line in Figure 25 will not be displayed, and only the deformation cam 72, etc., specified at the position corresponding to the position of the design object will be displayed. In addition, if the deformation cam 72, the first peak 72a, the second peak 72b, etc. are specified with different colors rather than different line types, it is advisable to display the parts traced with those colors. For example, if the design drawing control system 1 is set to display traced parts when displaying comments, the traced parts will be overlaid on the design drawing (displayed with the line type and color specified at the time of tracing) (this is an example of displaying in a different way from other parts of the design object). If the design drawing control system 1 is set not to display traced parts when displaying comments, the traced parts will not be overlaid on the design drawing surface (overlapping display is stopped) (this is an example of stopping the display in a different way from other parts of the design object). It is preferable that the user can change whether to overlay the traced portion onto the design drawing or not (stop the overlay display) in response to a user command.In this way, depending on the display settings for the specified component in the design drawing control system 1, the specified component may be displayed in a different manner from other parts of the design object (design drawing) (for example, the specified component may be displayed with a dashed line, a broken line, or a different color from other parts, or a line drawing or similar in a different manner from the component may be displayed over the component so that the non-displayed part is not shown), and depending on the hiding settings for the specified component in the design drawing control system 1, the display of the specified component in a different manner from other parts of the design object may be stopped (this may be stopped by displaying it with the same lines, colors, etc. as other parts, or by making a line drawing or similar in a different manner from the component transparent over the component).

[0122] Comments associated with the deformed cam 72 are displayed in ejection 152, comments associated with the first peak 72a are displayed in ejection 152a, comments associated with the second peak 72b are displayed in ejection 152b, and comments associated with the cam drive shaft 72c are displayed in ejection 152c. In Figure 25, other specified parts and comments are also displayed. The user can easily identify the specified part because it is displayed in a different manner from other parts. In addition, comments for the specified part are also displayed, so the user can understand any points to note about the specified part.

[0123] In this embodiment, the display mode of the specified portion can be changed in ways other than those described above. When changing the display mode (Figure 24, step 140), a display mode change command is given to the design drawing control system 1. For example, when displaying the specified portion in list format, a command to that effect is given to the design drawing control system 1. Then, the specified portion is displayed in list format in the specified design drawing.

[0124] Figure 26 shows an example of a list format display.

[0125] In the command to change the display mode (YES in step 141 of Figure 24), when the design drawing control system 1 is instructed to display in list format, multiple sections 161-166 are displayed in the comment display window 160, and the read design drawing information, acceptance / rejection images obtained from partial information, comments, etc. are displayed in these sections 161-166.

[0126] Figure 27 shows another example of the comment display window 160.

[0127] The comment display window 160 shown in Figure 27 displays the completed drawing of the lifting device 60 obtained from the retrieved design drawing information and part information. Each of the cylindrical member 61, the lifting linear guide 62, and the mounting bracket 63 that constitute the lifting device 60 has comments entered, as explained with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Callouts 61a, 62a, and 63a are displayed, each showing comments corresponding to the cylindrical member 61, the lifting linear guide 62, and the mounting bracket 63. These callouts 61a, 62a, and 63a display comments indicating the relationships between multiple parts, namely the cylindrical member 61, the lifting linear guide 62, and the mounting bracket 63. The user can understand the relationships between multiple parts. For example, when a command to display comments for multiple related parts corresponding to a certain name is given, the design drawings and comments for parts where the name and the name included in the comment are related will be displayed, as explained with reference to the part database in Figure 13.

[0128] Figure 28 shows another example of the comment display window 160.

[0129] In the comment display window 160 shown in Figure 28, an in-progress drawing D1 is displayed instead of the final drawing. This in-progress drawing D1 has a designated portion (traced portion) P1, which is indicated by a dashed line. The designated portion P1 is displayed with a dashed line, while the other portions are displayed with solid lines. Because the display method of the designated portion differs from that of the other portions, the designated portion is easily identifiable. A callout P1a containing a comment is displayed corresponding to this designated portion P1. For example, by specifying a design drawing ID, the final drawing and in-progress drawings managed by that design drawing ID can be displayed, and by specifying a name, the in-progress drawing (and final drawing) containing the portion with that specified name can be displayed.

[0130] Figure 29 shows another example of the comment display window 160.

[0131] Figure 29 shows a completed drawing identified by IDF11-0 as the completed drawing ID obtained from the retrieved design drawing information and partial information in the comment display window 160. In this completed drawing, the part identified by partial identification ID IDP10 is specified by the user. The partial information table 170 is displayed corresponding to this specified part. For example, it is possible to display a drawing like the one shown in Figure 29 by displaying a design drawing and comments named "door mirror," or to display a drawing like the one shown in Figure 29 by entering IDP10 as the partial identification ID or IDF11-0 as the completed drawing ID.

[0132] This partial information table 170 includes not only comments on images (parts, sections) used in the specified section, but also images (parts, sections) and comments (an example of a second comment) that were not used in the specified section. For example, the partial information table 170 includes images I1 to I4 of door mirrors as accepted or rejected images, with image I2 being accepted, but also images I1, I3, and I4 that were not accepted. In addition to the comment corresponding to the accepted door mirror image I2, it also includes comments on images I1, I3, and I4 that were not accepted. As shown in Figure 10, the partial information database also stores images that were not accepted and comments on those images, so by reading the partial information, the user can learn not only the images and comments on the accepted images that were used in the final drawing, but also the images that were not accepted (an example of rejected part data) and comments on those images (an example of a second comment on the parts that were not accepted).

[0133] Figure 30 shows another example of the comment display window 160.

[0134] The comment display window 160 shown in Figure 30 contains a partial information table 180. The partial information table 180 stores the accepted / rejected images and comments in correspondence. This is an example of what is displayed when a name is entered in the flowchart of the comment display processing procedure shown in Figures 23 and 24 (YES in step 135 of Figure 23).

[0135] The Accept / Reject Image section displays accepted / rejected images (parts, sections) 181-184, etc., obtained from the part information read in accordance with the entered name (for example, bolt). Comments are also displayed for each of these accepted / rejected images 181-184, etc. Users can view various accepted / rejected images and understand comments regarding their merits and demerits. The part information table 180 also displays not only images adopted in the final drawing, but also rejected images and their comments.

[0136] Figure 31 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for proposing a new image (new drawing) performed by CPU2.

[0137] First, the names of the components and parts that will generate the new image are entered into the design drawing control system 1 by the user using the keyboard 10 or the like (step 191). If the design drawing information and part information corresponding to the entered names are vectorized (YES in step 192), the GPU 3 is used to devectorize them (step 193).

[0138] The design drawing information and partial information stored in the design drawing information database and partial information database stored in the storage device 16 are read, and the design drawing information and partial information obtained by inverse vectorization are read (step 194). From the read design drawing information and partial information, the acceptance / rejection image and comment corresponding to the entered name are displayed on the display screen of the display device 4 (step 195).

[0139] Figure 32 shows how an image is generated when "bolt" is entered as the name.

[0140] The display screen of the display device 4 shows an example of an adopted image for the final drawing, bolt image (drawing) 200A, along with its comment, and an example of an unadopted image, bolt image (drawing) 202, along with its comment. In Figure 32, bolt images 200B and 200C are displayed as accepted / unaccepted images, but other accepted / unaccepted images corresponding to the entered name (bolt) are displayed on the display screen of the display device 4.

[0141] The user selects two or more images to accept or reject from among multiple images displayed on the display screen of the display device 4 using a mouse 14 or the like (step 196). For example, the user selects an accepted image 200A and a rejected image 200B. Then, a new image (drawing) 200C that can take advantage of the merits that can be seen from the comments of the two or more accepted or rejected images selected by the user is generated by the GPU 3 (an example of a new component generation means) (inference may be performed using the trained model 123 described above; see Figure 22), and is displayed on the display screen of the display device 4 along with comments indicating the merits of the new image 200C (step 198).

[0142] In the example above, we specify both adopted image 200A and rejected image 200B. However, you can also specify images so that both adopted and rejected images are always included, or you can specify two or more adopted / rejected images from only the adopted images, or you can specify two or more adopted / rejected images from only the rejected images. Depending on how you specify them, you will get new images with different characteristics. In particular, when you specify rejected images, you will get new images that were not used in the final drawings but have characteristics that cannot be obtained from the final drawings.

[0143] Figure 33 is a flowchart showing another example of image proposal, illustrating an inference processing procedure controlled by CPU2 (one example being a novel component generation processing procedure).

[0144] In order to identify the parts, etc., that will generate a new image (part, section), the user inputs their names into the design drawing control system 1 (step 201). Furthermore, the user inputs the necessary features for the new image (necessary advantages, acceptable disadvantages, etc.) (step 202).

[0145] The CPU2 controls the GPU3 (an example of a means for generating new components) to perform inference using the trained model 123 shown in Figure 22 (step 203). The new image (component, part) and its comments obtained as an inference result are displayed on the display screen of the display device 4 (step 204). The trained model 123 has been trained not only on adopted images and their comments, but also on rejected images and their comments as training data, so that new images and their comments that take into account the rejected images and their comments are proposed.

[0146] Figure 34 is a flowchart showing a modified version of some of the comment display processing procedures shown in Figures 23 and 24.

[0147] If there is a command to change the display mode, the completed drawing or the drawing in progress will be displayed in the comment display window 160 according to that command (step 143). If there is no command to change the display mode (NO in step 140 in Figure 24), the predetermined completed drawing or drawing in progress corresponding to the entered design drawing ID or name will be displayed in the comment display window 160 (step 139 in Figure 24).

[0148] Figure 35 shows an example of a comment display window 160 displayed on the display screen of the display device 4.

[0149] The comment display window 35 shows the sliding device 211 as a completed drawing. The sliding device 211 includes a rack and pinion device 212 and a sliding mechanism 213. The rack and pinion device 212 includes a rack 212a and a pinion 212b that can move left and right. An engagement mechanism 212c that grips objects by holding them inside is attached to the right end of the rack 212a. The sliding mechanism 213 includes a hollow housing 213a and a slider 213b that fits into an opening in the central part of the left side of the housing 213a and can move left and right. An engagement mechanism 213c that fits inside the engagement mechanism 212c is attached to the left end of the slider 213b. As the non-engaging mechanism 213c enters the engaging mechanism 212c, the engaging mechanism 212c and the non-engaging mechanism 213c engage (fit), and as the rack 212a moves from side to side, the slider 213b also moves from side to side.

[0150] The rack and pinion device 212 uses a design drawing of an off-the-shelf product, while the slide mechanism 213 is newly designed (whether it is an off-the-shelf product or newly designed can be detected by the CPU 2 (an example of a detection means) from the off-the-shelf product information and intermediate drawing data included in the design drawing information). In this way, it is thought that there is a specially designed feature part 214 in the part where the off-the-shelf product part and the newly designed part are combined. Accordingly, this feature part 214 is illustrated on the display screen of the display device 4 (an example of a notification means), and a callout 215 is displayed to inform the user that there may be a special feature in that feature part 214.

[0151] In this way, it is determined whether the design drawings displayed in the comment display window 160 include drawings of the existing product and drawings of the newly designed part. If they do (YES in step 144), the related parts of the existing product and the new part are reported as feature parts (step 145).

[0152] Figure 36 shows another embodiment, which is a flowchart illustrating the intellectual property collaboration processing procedure.

[0153] The user (engineer) inputs design drawings and other data into the design drawing control system 1 (step 221). Then, it is determined whether or not to file a patent application (close the application) for the technical content included in the input design drawing (step 222). For example, if the feature portion 214 is included as shown in Figure 35, it is determined that a patent application will be filed; if the feature portion 214 is not included, it is determined that the application will be closed.

[0154] If it is determined that a patent application should be filed (step 222), GPU3 is instructed to format the design in the intellectual property format for the patent application, and the entered design drawings are inserted into the automated application template (the drawing section of the patent application form) (step 223). Next, CPU2 determines whether technical research is necessary (step 224). If there are no missing items and no research is required, the application is automatically formatted (step 227), and the application is automatically formatted (step 228).

[0155] If it is determined that the drawing should be closed (step 222), it is registered in the design drawing control system 1 (step 225).

[0156] If it is determined that technical research is necessary (step 224), additional questions are asked of the technical expert, and answers are obtained (step 226). Subsequently, steps 227 and 228 are performed.

[0157] Figure 37 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for outputting comments, component parts, etc., through inference under the control of CPU2.

[0158] Data identifying the components of the design object that require comments is entered by the user using a keyboard 10 (an example of an input method) (step 231). For example, data such as the name of the component (bolt, door mirror, etc.) and an image (drawing) of the component are entered into the design drawing control system 1 as identifying data.

[0159] Specific data is input to the trained model 123, and the CPU 2 causes the GPU 3 (an example of an inference means) to perform inference (step 232). At least one of the images (drawings) representing the components obtained by inference and their comments is output from the design drawing control system 1 (step 233). For example, as shown in Figure 32, a new image is obtained by inference, and a corresponding comment is also obtained. As described above, various types of trained models 123 can be generated, so different inference results can be obtained by using various types of trained models 123 for inference. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0160] 1: Design drawing control system, 2: CPU, 3: GPU, 4: Display device, 5: Memory, 6PCH, 7: Communication device, 8: Microphone, 9: Speaker, 10: Keyboard, 12: CD drive, 13: CD, 14: Mouse, 15: Interface, 16: Storage device, 35: Comment display window, 50: Design drawing display window, 51: Start specification button, 52: End modification button, 53: End specification button, 54: Comment input window, 60: Lifting device, 61: Cylindrical member, 62: Lifting linear guide, 63: Mounting bracket, 70: Polishing device, 72: Deformation cam, 72a: First peak, 72b: Second peak, 72c: Cam drive shaft, 80: Comment Input window, 90: Line type selection menu, 91-94: Line type selection button, 100: Code input menu, 101-104: Code input area, 110: Comment input menu, 111-114: Comment input area, 150: Comment display window, 160: Comment display window, 170: Partial information table, 180: Partial information table, 211: Slide device, 212: Pinion device, 212a: Rack, 212b: Pinion, 212c: Engagement mechanism, 213: Slide mechanism, 213a: Housing, 213b: Slider, 213c: Disengagement mechanism, 214: Feature part, D0: Completed drawing, D1: Interim drawing, I1-I4: Door mirror image, RMP: Tire part

Claims

1. A means for requesting a first comment regarding the components of the object to be designed, In response to a request for a first comment from the above request means, a reading means reads out the design drawing data representing the design drawing of the design object, the first identification data identifying a predetermined part of the design object represented by the design drawing, and the first comment data representing a first comment for the designated part, from a storage device in which these are stored in association with each other, the design drawing data representing the design drawing of the design object including the component for which a first comment was requested, the first identification data identifying the component for which a first comment was requested, and the first comment data representing a first comment for the component for which a first comment was requested. A display control means for controlling a display device to display a design drawing represented by the design drawing data read by the above-mentioned reading means, a component identified by the first specific data, and a first comment about the component represented by the first comment data. A design drawing control system equipped with the following features.

2. The above storage device contains: A second set of comment data is also stored, representing a second set of comments regarding the parts that were not adopted in the above-mentioned components. The above reading means is, In response to a request for a first comment from the above request means, the following are read from the storage device: design drawing data representing a design drawing of the object to be designed including the component for which the first comment was requested, first identification data identifying the component for which the first comment was requested, first comment data representing the first comment for the component for which the first comment was requested, and second comment data representing the second comment for the component that was not adopted for the component for which the first comment was requested. The above-mentioned display control means is: The display device is controlled to display the design drawing represented by the design drawing data read by the above-mentioned reading means, the component identified by the first specific data, and the first comment about the component represented by the first comment data, and the second comment about the part that was not adopted in the component, represented by the second comment data. The design drawing control system according to claim 1.

3. The above storage device contains: The system also stores data representing the parts of the above-mentioned components that were not adopted. The above reading means is, In response to a request for a first comment from the above request means, the following are read from the storage device: design drawing data representing a design drawing of the object to be designed including the component for which the first comment was requested; first identification data identifying the component for which the first comment was requested; rejected component data representing the part that was not adopted in the component; first comment data representing the first comment about the component for which the first comment was requested; and second comment data representing the second comment about the part that was not adopted in the component for which the first comment was requested. The above-mentioned display control means is: The display device is controlled to display the design drawing represented by the design drawing data read by the above-mentioned reading means, the component part identified by the first specific data, the unused part represented by the unused part data representing the part not adopted in the component part, and the first comment about the component part represented by the first comment data, and the second comment about the part not adopted in the component part represented by the second comment data. The design drawing control system according to claim 2.

4. The system includes a means for generating new components that are different from the above-mentioned components and the above-mentioned rejected components, The above-mentioned display control means is: The display device is controlled to also display the new component generated by the new component generation means described above. The design drawing control system according to claim 3.

5. The first specific data mentioned above identifies a number of predetermined parts. The first comment data mentioned above is: This represents the first comment indicating the relationships between multiple parts represented by the first specific data mentioned above. The design drawing control system according to claim 1.

6. The above-mentioned display control means is: Controlling the display device to display the portion identified by the first specific data in a manner different from other parts of the object of design, stopping the display of other parts of the object of design and controlling the display device to display them according to their placement in the object of design, or controlling the display device to display the portion identified by the first specific data separately from the object of design. The design drawing control system according to claim 1 above.

7. The above storage device contains: In addition to the completed design drawings of the object being designed, the system also stores data of intermediate drawings representing the design process. The above reading means is, The intermediate drawing data mentioned above was also read, The above-mentioned display control means is: The display device is controlled to display the component represented by the first specific data described above on the drawing in progress, represented by the retrieved intermediate drawing data, in a different manner from other parts. The design drawing control system according to claim 1.

8. The above storage device contains: In addition to the completed design drawings of the object being designed, the system also stores data of intermediate drawings representing the design process. The above reading means is, The intermediate drawing data mentioned above was also read, A detection means for detecting, based on the above-mentioned intermediate drawing data that has been read out, pre-existing parts that utilize existing design drawings and newly created parts during the design process, and In the completed design drawings of the object to be designed, a notification means that notifies the portion where the existing portion and the new portion detected by the above detection means are related is a characteristic portion. A design drawing control system according to claim 1, comprising:

9. The above-mentioned display control means is: In the design drawing control system described above, the component identified by the first specific data is displayed in a manner different from other parts of the design drawing according to the display settings for that component, and the display of the component identified by the first specific data in a manner different from other parts of the design drawing is stopped according to the hiding settings for that component, according to the design drawing control system described above. The design drawing control system according to claim 1.

10. Display control means for controlling a display device to display design drawings of an object to be designed on a display screen. A means for specifying the part of the object to be designed that is represented by the design drawing displayed on the above screen, A comment input means for entering comments about the part specified by the above-mentioned designation means, and A storage control means for controlling a storage device to store design drawing data representing the above-mentioned design drawing, first identification data identifying the above-mentioned designated part, and comment data representing the above-mentioned comment in association with each other. The design drawing control system according to claim 1, further comprising:

11. The above comment input method is, Please also enter comments on the parts that were not included in the section specified by the above method. The design drawing control system according to claim 10.

12. The system includes a second specific data input means for inputting specific data to identify the parts that were not adopted, The above-mentioned memory control means is The storage device is controlled to store the design drawing data representing the above-mentioned design drawing, the first identification data that identifies the above-mentioned designated part, the second identification data that identifies the above-mentioned unused part, and the comment data representing the above-mentioned comment in relation to each other. The design drawing control system according to claim 11.

13. The above designated means is, This specifies multiple parts of the object to be designed. The above comment input method is, This is where you enter comments that represent the relationships between the multiple parts specified by the above designation method. The design drawing control system according to claim 10.

14. The above-mentioned display control means is: The display device is controlled to display the portion specified by the above-mentioned designated means on the display screen in a manner different from that of other portions. The design drawing control system according to claim 10.

15. The above-mentioned display control means is: The display device is controlled to show not only the completed design drawings of the object being designed, but also the design drawings in progress on the above display screen. The above designated means is, Specify the part of the object to be designed that is represented by the design drawing displayed on the screen above. The design drawing control system according to claim 10.

16. The system further includes a reading means for reading design drawing data and in-progress drawing data from a storage device that stores design drawing data representing completed design drawings of the object to be designed and in-progress drawing data representing design drawings in progress. The above-mentioned display control means is: The completed design drawing, represented by the design drawing data read by the above reading means, or the design drawing in progress, represented by the intermediate drawing data read by the above reading means, is displayed on the above display screen. The design drawing control system according to claim 15.

17. A detection means for detecting a portion that is not continuous with respect to the specified portion, which is identified by the first specific data described above, and The system includes a correction means for correcting the first specific data so that the discontinuous portions detected by the above detection means appear connected. The above-mentioned memory control means is The storage device is controlled to store the first specific data that has been modified in the above modification means. The design drawing control system according to claim 10.

18. The system includes a vectorization means that vectorizes design drawing data representing the above-mentioned design drawing, specific data identifying the above-mentioned designated part, and comment data representing the above-mentioned comment, relating them to each other. The above-mentioned memory control means is The memory device is controlled to store the data vectorized by the above vectorization means. The design drawing control system according to claim 10.

19. The above-mentioned display control means is: The display device is controlled to display on the screen a sample of an identification format that makes the specified portion different in visibility from the portion other than the specified portion, including changes in color or line type, and a comment input field corresponding to the sample. The display screen includes a selection means for selecting a sample in an identification format that identifies the specified portion from among the samples displayed above. The above comment input method is, The user selects a sample using the above selection method and enters a comment in the corresponding comment input field. The design drawing control system according to claim 10.

20. The above-mentioned display control means is: The display device is controlled so that a code unique to the part identified by the above-mentioned designated means and a comment field corresponding to the code are displayed on the display screen. The system includes a selection means for selecting the above symbols, The above comment input method is, Enter a comment about the part identified by the code selected by the above selection method into the corresponding comment input field. The design drawing control system according to claim 10.

21. A learning data generation means that generates learning data by relating design drawing data representing the design drawing stored in the above-mentioned storage device, specific data identifying the specified part, and comment data representing the above-mentioned comments to each other. A design drawing control system according to claim 10, comprising:

22. The above-mentioned training data generation means is: Name data representing the name of the specified part, design drawing data representing the design drawing stored in the storage device, specific data identifying the specified part, and comment data representing the comment are associated with each other to generate learning data. The design drawing control system according to claim 21.

23. The above-mentioned training data generation means is: Vectorization means for vectorizing the above-mentioned design drawing data, the above-mentioned specific data, and the above-mentioned comment data, which are related to each other. A reverse vectorization means that converts the design drawing data, specific data, and comment data vectorized by the above vectorization means back to the design drawing data, specific data, and comment data before vectorization. A determination means for determining whether the portion identified by the specific data returned by the inverse vectorization means is broken, and A vectorization control means controls the vectorization means to vectorize using a different vectorization method in response to the determination means that determines that the wire is broken. A design drawing control system according to claim 21, comprising:

24. An input means for inputting specific data to identify the component parts of the design object that require comments, and An inference means that uses a trained model generated by associating design drawing data representing the design drawing of the object to be designed, first identification data that identifies a predetermined part of the object to be designed represented by the design drawing, and first comment data that represents a first comment about the designated part, to infer about the component represented by the identification data input from the input means, and outputs at least one of the inferred comment and the image inferred for the part corresponding to the component identified by the identification data input from the input means. The design drawing control system according to claim 1, further comprising:

25. The inference means uses a trained model generated using training data, which is generated by associating the design drawing data and a second combination data which is a combination of a second identification data that identifies a part that was not adopted in the designated part and a second comment data that represents a second comment about the part that was not adopted, to infer about the component represented by the identification data input from the input means, and outputs at least one of the inferred comments and the image inferred for the part corresponding to the component identified by the identification data input from the input means. The design drawing control system according to claim 24.

26. The request means requests a first comment on the components of the object to be designed, In response to a request for a first comment from the request means, the reading means reads from a storage device in which design drawing data representing the design drawing of the object to be designed, first identification data identifying a predetermined part of the part of the object to be designed represented by the design drawing, and first comment data representing a first comment for the designated part are stored in association with each other, the reading means reads design drawing data representing the design drawing of the object to be designed including the component for which a first comment has been requested, first identification data identifying the component for which a first comment has been requested, and first comment data representing a first comment for the component for which a first comment has been requested. The display control means controls the display device to display a design drawing represented by the design drawing data read by the reading means, a component identified by the first specific data, and a first comment about the component represented by the first comment data. A method for controlling design drawings.

27. The display control means controls the display device to display the design drawing for the object to be designed on the display screen. The designation means specifies the part of the object to be designed that is represented by the design drawing displayed on the above display screen, The comment input means inputs a comment about the part specified by the above-mentioned designation means, The memory control means controls the memory device to store the design drawing data representing the design drawing, the first identification data identifying the designated part, and the comment data representing the comment in association with each other. The design drawing control method according to claim 26.

28. The input means inputs specific data that identifies the component of the object to be designed that requires commenting. The inference means uses a trained model generated by associating design drawing data representing the design drawing of the object to be designed, first identification data that identifies a predetermined part of the object to be designed represented by the design drawing, and first comment data that represents a first comment about the designated part with respect to each other, to infer about the component represented by the identification data input from the input means, and outputs at least one of the inferred comments and the inferred image of the part corresponding to the component identified by the identification data input from the input means. The design drawing control method according to claim 26.

29. A program that controls the computer of a design drawing control system and is readable by that computer, I requested the first comment regarding the components of the object being designed. In response to a request for a first comment, the system retrieves the design drawing data representing the design drawing of the object to be designed, the first identification data identifying a predetermined part of the object to be designed represented by the design drawing, and the first comment data representing a first comment for the specified part, from a storage device that stores these data in association with each other. A program that controls the computer of a design drawing control system to display a design drawing represented by the retrieved design drawing data, a component identified by first specific data, and a first comment about the component represented by first comment data.

30. The display device is controlled to show the design drawings of the object being designed on the display screen. Specify the part of the object to be designed that is represented by the design drawing displayed on the screen above. Enter a comment regarding the specified section above. The program according to claim 29, which causes the computer of the design drawing control system to further control the computer to store design drawing data representing the above-mentioned design drawing, first identification data identifying the above-mentioned designated portion, and comment data representing the above-mentioned comment in association with each other.

31. The user is asked to input specific data to identify the component parts of the design object that require comments. The program according to claim 29, which uses a trained model generated using training data, which is generated by associating design drawing data representing design drawings of an object to be designed, first identification data that identifies a predetermined part of the object to be designed represented by the design drawing, and first comment data that represents a first comment about the designated part, to infer about the component represented by the input identification data, and to output at least one of the inferred comment and the image inferred for the part corresponding to the component identified by the input identification data.

32. A recording medium storing the program described in any one of claims 29 to 31.

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