Support system, control method, and support program

Abstract

In this support system which includes a computer and which supports the design of an article, the computer: displays a model representing the shape of the article; accepts designation of a treatment part, which is a part of the displayed model that is to be subjected to heat treatment; and generates attribute information indicating that the treatment part is to be subjected to heat treatment, as attribute information of the article.

Description

Support System, Control Method, and Support Program

[0001] The present invention relates to a support system for supporting the design of an article to be heat-treated, a control method for the support system, and a support program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an information processing apparatus that generates a shape model. An operator of this information processing apparatus creates an attribute arrangement plane in the three-dimensional space in which the shape model is created. Further, the operator adds dimensional tolerances as attribute information to the shape model. Then, the added attribute information can be displayed on a display device as image information. Also, the added attribute information is stored in an internal storage device in association with the shape model.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a three-dimensional shape data generation apparatus. This generation apparatus includes an attribute information acquisition unit and a generation unit. When three-dimensional CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data can be acquired, the attribute information acquisition unit acquires the information included in the three-dimensional CAD data as attribute information. Also, the generation unit generates three-dimensional shape data by assigning the attribute information acquired by the attribute information acquisition unit to at least some of the plurality of voxels representing the three-dimensional shape. Further, the attribute information includes information related to heat treatment as design information when designing the three-dimensional shape.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011 - 154712, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021 - 043805

[0005] A user who designs an article may wish to perform heat treatment such as quenching, tempering, annealing, or normalizing on a part of the article. In this case, the user needs to specify the processing part to be heat-treated and design the article. Therefore, when designing an article, there is a need for a means to easily and surely specify the processing part to be heat-treated.

[0006] A support system according to one embodiment is a support system equipped with a computer that assists in the design of an article, wherein the computer displays a model representing the shape of the article, accepts a designation of a part of the displayed model that is to be subjected to heat treatment, and generates attribute information as attribute information of the article indicating that the heat treatment is to be applied to the part being treated.

[0007] Another control method relating to another embodiment is a control method for a support system equipped with a computer that assists in the design of an article, wherein the computer displays a model representing the shape of the article, accepts a designation of a part of the displayed model that is to be subjected to heat treatment, and generates attribute information indicating that the heat treatment is to be applied to the treatment part as attribute information of the article.

[0008] Another embodiment of the support program is a support program for a support system equipped with a computer that assists in the design of an article, wherein the computer is caused to display a model representing the shape of the article, to accept the designation of a processing section to be subjected to heat treatment, which is a part of the displayed model, and to generate attribute information indicating that the heat treatment is to be applied to the processing section as attribute information of the article.

[0009] A schematic diagram of the entire system. A schematic block diagram of the control system. A flowchart of the specified process. A schematic diagram showing an example of a specified screen. A schematic diagram showing a screen with the operation instruction area displayed. A schematic diagram showing a screen with the heat-treated parts highlighted. A schematic diagram showing a screen with the instruction input area displayed. A schematic diagram showing a screen with the processing parts highlighted. A schematic diagram showing the state of adding processing parts. A schematic diagram showing the state of specifying multiple processing parts. A schematic diagram showing a screen with multiple processing parts highlighted. A schematic diagram showing a screen with the tree view area displayed. A schematic diagram showing a screen with the error details area displayed.

[0010] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments can be arbitrarily set and modified according to the configuration of the apparatus or method to which the present invention is applied, or according to various conditions. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

[0011] In the following description, identification information is data consisting of letters, numbers, symbols, images, or combinations thereof, and uniquely identifies the object to be identified that is linked to the identification information. Furthermore, the model of an item is a three-dimensional model displayed based on three-dimensional CAD data or two-dimensional CAD data. Alternatively, the model of an item may be displayed based on other model data, such as text data that defines the shape of the item. In the model, the item and the parts that make up the item may be a single entity, the parts that make up the item may be separate from the item, or the item may contain multiple parts.

[0012] [Embodiment] Figure 1 shows a support system 100 that assists in the design of an article. For example, a user uploads article model data, which is model data of an article, from a client terminal 40. The server 20 of the support system 100 receives and stores the article model data from the client terminal 40. For example, heat treatment includes quenching, tempering, annealing, and normalizing. However, in the following description, an example of assisting in the design of an article that undergoes quenching as a heat treatment will be mainly described. Note that the object to be heat-treated is an article, which is a tangible object. However, in this specification, for the sake of explanation, elements of a model corresponding to each part of an article (for example, at least one surface that constitutes an article) may be described as the object to be treated.

[0013] Article model data is, for example, three-dimensional CAD data representing the shape of an article. This article model data may include information such as the dimensions and positions of the elements that make up the article. The elements are, for example, parts that make up an article such as holes, shafts, steps, notches, corners, faces, and edges, and include shapes obtained through processing. The actual shape of the article obtained through processing may be formed by rotating the workpiece, or by moving the processing machine relative to the workpiece. Note that an article is a finished product that has a single, unified function. Alternatively, an article may be a single article incorporated into a finished product, or an assembly consisting of multiple parts. Furthermore, an article may include units, jigs, devices, and equipment formed by combining multiple parts.

[0014] The support system 100 is configured as a network system or client-server system equipped with a server 20 as a support server. The server 20 functions as a server device and is configured as a single logical server device by combining, for example, multiple server units 21 as computers. However, the server 20 may be configured by a single server unit 21. Alternatively, the server 20 may be logically configured using cloud computing.

[0015] The server 20 provides various services to the client terminal 40, or to the user of the client terminal 40, including support services for designing goods and goods quotation services. These services include a distribution service that delivers programs or data to the client terminal 40 via the network 50, and a storage service that stores data received from the client terminal 40. The distribution service is, for example, a service that delivers update data.

[0016] The client terminal 40 is a computer device capable of network connectivity. For example, the client terminal 40 includes a stationary or book-type personal computer 41, and a portable tablet device 42, etc. In addition, mobile terminal devices such as smartphones and other mobile phones are also included in the client terminal 40. By implementing various computer software, the client terminal 40 can allow users to enjoy various services provided by the server 20. Furthermore, the client terminal 40 can connect to the server 20 via a predetermined network 50. The following description will mainly focus on an example where the client terminal 40 is a personal computer 41.

[0017] Network 50 is configured to allow client terminals 40 to connect to each server 20. For example, network 50 is configured to achieve network communication using the TCP / IP protocol. Specifically, a LAN (Local Area Network) 52 connects server 20 to the Internet 51. The Internet 51, which is a WAN (Wide Area Network), and LAN 52 are connected via a router 53. Network 50 may be a dedicated line, telephone line, corporate network, mobile communication network, other communication line, or a combination thereof, and may be wired or wireless. The client terminals 40 are also configured to connect to the Internet 51. Alternatively, the server units 21 of server 20 may be interconnected via the Internet 51 instead of or in addition to LAN 52.

[0018] Server 20 guides the user through various procedures necessary for designing the items to be heat-treated, via the client terminal 40. For example, Server 20 functions as a web server, displaying various web pages on the client terminal 40 in response to access from the client terminal 40. Server 20 may also perform processes such as arranging for ordered items, issuing delivery instructions, and billing for purchase price in response to user orders.

[0019] [Control System] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the general configuration of the control system of the support system 100 will be described. The server 20 includes a server control unit 22 as a control means and a server memory 23 as a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium. The server control unit 22 is configured as a computer that combines a processor that performs various calculations and operation controls according to a predetermined program, internal memory necessary for the operation of the processor, and other peripheral devices. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), and controls the entire server and comprehensively controls various processes based on the control program stored in the server memory 23. Furthermore, the server control unit 22 performs various processes associated with the design of the item based on the support program PG stored in the server memory 23.

[0020] The server memory 23 includes RAM (Random Access Memory), which is system work memory for the processor to operate, as well as storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and SSD (Solid State Drive) for storing programs and system software. However, the server memory 23 is not limited to being provided as part of the server 20, but may also be provided as a database server that cooperates with the server 20. The server memory 23 also stores item data D1, which is model data generated based on uploaded item model data. However, item data D1 may be the item model data itself, or it may be generated by modifying the item model data. In the following description, the CPU performs various calculations, control, and discrimination operations according to the control program stored in the ROM or HDD.

[0021] The server control unit 22 is connected via wired or wireless connection to an operation unit (not shown) that includes a keyboard or various switches for inputting predetermined commands and data. The server control unit 22 is also connected via wired or wireless connection to a display unit (not shown) that displays the input status, setting status, measurement results, and various information of the server device. Furthermore, the server control unit 22 can also perform control according to programs stored on portable recording media such as CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), CF (Compact Flash) cards, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or external storage media such as cloud servers on the Internet.

[0022] The support program PG stored in the server memory 23 causes the server control unit 22, which is a computer, to function as an acceptance unit 22A (an example of an acceptance means), a presentation unit 22B (an example of a presentation means), a generation unit 22C (an example of a generation means), and an estimation unit 22D (an example of an estimation means). In other words, the server control unit 22 has an acceptance unit 22A, a presentation unit 22B, a generation unit 22C, and an estimation unit 22D as a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware and software.

[0023] In addition to the logical devices described above, the server control unit 22 also has other logical devices (not shown) that control the switching of web page displays in response to operations on the client terminal 40. Furthermore, the server memory 23 stores various types of data (not shown) including user information, past quotation results, images and layout data used to display web pages, and data containing information such as product or item model numbers, names, or characteristics.

[0024] [Receiving means] The receiving unit 22A receives item model data from the client terminal 40. The display unit 22B then uses the item data D1 based on the item model data to display a model representing the shape of the item on the client terminal 40. As an example, the user uploads item model data to the server 20. The receiving unit 22A then stores the item model data received from the user's client terminal 40 in the server memory 23. Here, the item corresponding to the model represented by the item data D1 includes a processing part that is scheduled to undergo heat treatment as part of the item.

[0025] The receiving unit 22A then accepts the designation of a processing section to be heat-treated, which is part of the displayed model. For example, the receiving unit 22A accepts the user's designation of the location of the processing section as setting the conditions for heat treatment. This allows the user to easily and reliably specify the processing section. The user can also specify the processing section while checking the model of the item. Alternatively, the receiving unit 22A may accept the designation of the processing section that the server control unit 22 has automatically designated. For example, the server control unit 22 may automatically designate the processing section by reading past designation history from the server memory 23.

[0026] For example, the heat treatment is quenching, and the receiving section 22A accepts the designation of the part to be quenched as the treatment area. This allows the user to easily and reliably specify the treatment area to be quenched. For example, quenching can be high-frequency induction hardening, flame hardening, laser hardening, or electron beam hardening. The following description will mainly explain an example where the heat treatment is high-frequency induction hardening.

[0027] Furthermore, the receiving section 22A may accept the designation of a portion of at least one of the faces constituting the model, i.e., a portion of the surface to be heat-treated, as the processing area. In other words, the receiving section 22A can accept the designation of a portion of the processing surface, rather than the entire processing surface, as the processing area. This allows the user to specify multiple processing areas within a single face while confirming the model of the article. Specifically, the receiving section 22A accepts the designation of a portion of at least one face from the start position to the end position of the heat treatment as the processing area. This allows the user to specify multiple processing areas based on the start position of the heat treatment. In addition, the user can recognize the side of the article from which the heat treatment begins. For example, in the case of high-frequency induction hardening, the side from which the heat treatment begins is the side of the article that is inserted into the heating coil.

[0028] Furthermore, the receiving unit 22A may accept the specification of the type of heat treatment. For example, the display unit 22B displays the following options as candidates for the type of heat treatment on the client terminal 40: high-frequency induction hardening, flame hardening, laser hardening, and electron beam hardening. The user then selects the desired option to specify the type of heat treatment. The receiving unit 22A then accepts the specified type of heat treatment as a condition for the heat treatment. The generation unit 22C generates attribute information D2 indicating the specified type of heat treatment as attribute information D2 of the item. This allows the user to specify the type of heat treatment. The user can also specify a type of heat treatment that will resolve errors if the error conditions are met. For example, even if the size is such that high-frequency induction hardening cannot be performed and the error conditions are met, specifying laser hardening may resolve the error.

[0029] [Generation Means] The generation unit 22C generates attribute information D2 of the article, indicating that heat treatment is applied to the processing portion. For example, attribute information D2 indicates the extent of the processing portion on the article. As an example, attribute information D2 indicates the length from the start position to the end position of the high-frequency induction hardening in the direction in which the article extends. Alternatively, attribute information D2 may indicate the length and width of the processing portion, or the vertex coordinates of the processing portion in three-dimensional space. The generation unit 22C also sets attribute information D2 in article data D1, which is an example of model data for displaying the model on the client terminal 40. This allows the processing portion specified by the user to be displayed in the article model. Alternatively, the generation unit 22C may include attribute information D2 in text data that defines the shape of the article.

[0030] For example, the generation unit 22C adds attribute information D2 to a processing surface, which is one of the elements included in the item data D1. In other words, the generation unit 22C associates attribute information D2 with the processing surface. As an example, the item data D1 is three-dimensional CAD data, but it may also be text data that defines the shape of the item. The item data D1 is generated based on item model data uploaded by the user. Alternatively, the item data D1 may be generated by the generation unit 22C by adding information to the item model data.

[0031] [Presentation Means] The presentation unit 22B displays a model of an item on the client terminal 40 based on the item data D1 generated by the generation unit 22C. The presentation unit 22B also highlights the processing portion in the displayed model. This allows the user to visually confirm the specified processing portion while checking the item model. For example, the presentation unit 22B displays the processing portion in the model in a manner different from other parts. The presentation unit 22B may also highlight the processing portion using symbols, numbers, strings of characters, or images. The symbols, numbers, strings of characters, or images indicating the processing portion are displayed in a manner different from information indicating other attributes such as tolerances, geometric tolerances, and surface roughness, which are separate from the heat treatment conditions.

[0032] Furthermore, the display unit 22B identifies the heat-treated portion of the model. The display unit 22B then displays the model in a way that allows the user to specify the heat-treated portion. This allows the user to visually confirm the heat-treated portion while checking the model of the item. In addition, the user can specify the treatment portion within the recognized portion. For example, the heat-treated portion is the portion excluding the end faces and chamfered portions, which are stored in the server memory 23 beforehand. Alternatively, the display unit 22B may identify the end faces and chamfered portions based on the shape recognition result.

[0033] Furthermore, the display unit 22B performs error processing if the heat treatment conditions meet the error conditions. As an example, the display unit 22B displays an error message on the client terminal 40 as part of the error processing. This allows the user to be aware of the possibility of an error occurring. As another example, the display unit 22B may also display alternative heat treatment options on the client terminal 40 as part of the error processing. For example, alternative heat treatments may include heat treatment applied to the entire article (i.e., whole hardening), or laser hardening.

[0034] For example, an error condition is at least one of the following: a shape condition related to the shape of the article, a heat treatment condition related to the heat treatment, and an apparatus condition related to the apparatus used to perform the heat treatment. As an example, a shape condition might be that the article does not have a center hole, or that the treated area has holes or pockets, etc. Heat treatment conditions might include that the start position is larger than the end position, that the specified hardness is greater than or less than a predetermined value, that the distance between treated areas is long or short, that the treated areas overlap, or that the treated area includes surfaces that cannot be heat treated. Apparatus conditions might include that the size of the article is greater than or less than a predetermined value, or that the size of the treated area is smaller than a predetermined value.

[0035] [Quotation Method] The quotation unit 22D creates quotation information, including the delivery date of the goods, as part of the quotation process, and stores it in the server memory 23. For example, the delivery date is the number of days required until shipment, the date of shipment, or the date of delivery to the user. The quotation information also includes the price of the goods. The presentation unit 22B then presents the quotation information to the user by displaying it on the display device 46 of the client terminal 40. Alternatively, the presentation unit 22B may present the quotation information to the user by outputting audio to the client terminal 40.

[0036] For example, the estimation unit 22D estimates the delivery date based on the number of days required to create the item plus time corresponding to the length of the processing part. For example, the longer the processing part, the longer the delivery date for the item. The estimation unit 22D also calculates the price of the item by considering the initial fee added due to heat treatment, the price of the item or part, and the processing fee based on the length, thickness, or size of the processing part. For example, the processing fee will be higher if the processing part is long, and the processing fee will be higher if the processing part is thicker. For example, the processing fee for each predetermined length is stored in the server memory 23 as a table set up for each predetermined thickness.

[0037] Furthermore, when a user places an order for goods, the estimation unit 22D transmits identification information (e.g., the item's model number) and the quantity to be purchased to the supplier. The estimation unit 22D also transmits a three-dimensional CAD model of the goods, generated using the goods data D1, to the supplier's terminal. Alternatively, the estimation unit 22D displays a three-dimensional model of the goods, displayed using the goods data D1, on the supplier's terminal.

[0038] Furthermore, the estimation unit 22D may perform processes such as sending delivery instructions for goods to suppliers and billing the user for the purchase price. For example, the estimation unit 22D identifies the model number of an item and creates an order screen as a web page for ordering the item corresponding to the identified model number. The display unit 22B then displays this order screen on the display device 46 of the client terminal 40. When the user orders an item, the estimation unit 22D sends the identified model number and the quantity to the supplier of the item. The server memory 23 stores the information necessary for the estimate (for example, the price of parts).

[0039] [Client Terminal] The client terminal 40 comprises a terminal control unit 45 that controls the client terminal 40 and a terminal memory 44 that stores a control program. The terminal control unit 45 is a computer that combines a processor that performs various calculations and operation controls according to a predetermined program with other peripheral devices. The client terminal 40 also comprises a display device 46 and an input device 47.

[0040] For example, the processor of the terminal control unit 45 is a CPU or MPU, and it controls the entire device and comprehensively controls various processes based on the control program stored in the terminal memory 44. The terminal memory 44 also includes RAM, which is the system work memory for the processor to operate, and storage devices such as ROM, HDD, and SSD for storing programs and system software. The terminal control unit 45 can also perform control according to programs stored on portable recording media such as CDs, DVDs, CF cards, and USB memory, or external storage media such as cloud servers on the internet.

[0041] The terminal memory 44 is an external storage device that includes non-volatile storage media (i.e., computer-readable non-temporary storage media) such as a hard disk and a semiconductor storage device. Furthermore, in addition to the control program, the terminal memory 44 stores design programs such as CAD software for creating product model data, and various programs such as a web browser.

[0042] The input device 47 is a keyboard, a numeric keypad, a touch panel, etc. The user creates or modifies the article model data using the input device 47. Then, the created article model data is recorded in the terminal memory 44. Also, when receiving information such as quotation information from the server 20, the display device 46 displays the information such as quotation information. Further, the display device 46 displays web pages such as a design screen, a quotation screen, and an order screen of an article. The user places an order for an article according to the web page displayed on the display device 46.

[0043] [Designation process] The designation process for designating a processing part will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 13. Note that FIG. 4 shows an example of a designation screen S10 displayed on the display device 46 of the client terminal 40. FIGS. 5 to 13 show examples of each area included in the designation screen S10. However, each area may be included in the designation screen S10 or may be displayed side by side with the designation screen S10.

[0044] First, the receiving unit 22A receives the article model data uploaded by the user. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the presenting unit 22B presents the display model MD, which is a model of the article, to the user by displaying the display model MD on the designation screen S10 (S101). For example, the presenting unit 22B causes the display device 46 to display the display model MD, which is a three-dimensional image of the article, based on the article data D1 generated by the generating unit 22C.

[0045] The designation screen S10 is provided with a model area S11 in which the display model MD is displayed. In the example of FIG. 4, the display model MD of a cut round object, which is an article manufactured by cutting, is displayed in the model area S11. Also, the designation screen S10 is provided with an information area S12. In the example of FIG. 4, precautions, basic information, an option setting field, and a tree view are displayed in the information area S12. And the basic information includes, in addition to the order number set by the user, as manufacturing information of the article, processing method, product name, material, presence or type of surface treatment, presence or type of heat treatment, and information indicating whether or not to leave a center hole.

[0046] Also, in the option setting area, setting buttons corresponding to functions for setting tolerances, geometric tolerances, and surface roughness are arranged. When the user performs a selection operation (such as a click operation or a touch operation) to select each setting button, the process for executing the corresponding function proceeds. Also, in the example of FIG. 4, a selection area S13 is provided above the model area S11. In the selection area S13, a plurality of selection buttons corresponding to various functions called from the specified screen S10 are arranged side by side. Specifically, from the selection button for the origin change function to the selection button for the function of creating a two-dimensional DXF file are arranged in sequence. When the user performs a selection operation to select each selection button, the process for executing the corresponding function proceeds.

[0047] Also, in the information area S12, a heat treatment column S14 is provided. In the heat treatment column S14, as execution buttons for executing the function of designating the processing part to be heat-treated, a full quenching button S14A and a partial quenching button S14B are arranged. When the processing part is not designated or before the designation of the processing part, the character string "none" is displayed in the heat treatment column S14 as information indicating that no heat treatment is performed. Alternatively, this information may be indicated by an icon or a mark, etc. Also, the presentation unit 22B displays an error message as a caution in the information area S12. That is, when executing error processing, the presentation unit 22B displays an error message in the information area S12.

[0048] When full quenching is desired, the user performs a selection operation on the full quenching button S14A. Then, the entire display model MD is designated as the processing part. When partial quenching is desired, the user performs a selection operation on the partial quenching button S14B. Then, the presentation unit 22B displays an operation explanation area S11A on the specified screen S10 shown in FIG. 5. In the example of FIG. 5, in the operation explanation area S11A, an operation explanation to click any surface of the display model MD is displayed as a selection operation for designating the processing surface to be heat-treated. Also, in the operation explanation area S11A, it is displayed that the part where heat treatment is possible (that is, the processing surface) is highlighted.

[0049] When a processing area is specified, the display unit 22B identifies the processing surface as the heat-treated portion of the display model MD. The user then performs a selection operation by hovering the mouse over the processing surface. The display unit 22B then displays the display model MD in a way that allows the heat-treated portion to be selected. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the display unit 22B highlights the specified surface, which is the heat-treated processing surface of the display model MD. As an example, the display unit 22B highlights the processing surface by varying its size, color, contrast, transmittance, density, chromaticity, saturation, brightness, shape, hue, mode of change, or a combination thereof. For example, in the example in Figure 6, the display unit 22B highlights the heat-treated outer diameter surface MD1 by changing its color from the color of the other surfaces. Alternatively, the display unit 22B may highlight by relatively emphasizing the surface. Furthermore, the display unit 22B may highlight marks such as lines, arrows, or figures, characters, or symbols by displaying them alongside a designated surface.

[0050] On the other hand, even if the user hovers the mouse over a surface that cannot be heat-treated as part of a selection operation, the display unit 22B does not highlight the surface that cannot be heat-treated in the display model MD. For example, when performing partial high-frequency induction hardening, the end face of the article cannot be hardened. Therefore, the display unit 22B identifies the end face as a surface that cannot be heat-treated. Even if the mouse hovers over the end face, the display unit 22B does not highlight the end face. Alternatively, the display unit 22B may display a mark or text string as information indicating that the surface cannot be heat-treated. When the mouse hovers over the end face, the display unit 22B displays the text string "end face" in the model area S11 as information indicating the selected surface.

[0051] The display unit 22B displays a display model MD so that the heat-treated surface can be specified by selection. The user then selects the surface to be heat-treated. The receiving unit 22A accepts the specified surface (S102). Here, the receiving unit 22A automatically accepts the specification of the entire surface as a default processing area (S103). Alternatively, if no default processing area is set, the receiving unit 22A may accept the specification of the processing area after the user has entered the processing area of ​​the surface. If the article includes a chamfered portion, that portion of the surface is excluded from the processing surface and becomes a part that cannot be heat-treated. However, the chamfered portion may be a part that can be heat-treated.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, when the receiving unit 22A accepts the specification of a processing surface, the display unit 22B displays the instruction input area S15 on the specification screen S10. In the instruction input area S15, the user can specify a part of the processing surface as the processing area, and the receiving unit 22A accepts this specification. Specifically, the user specifies a part of the processing surface by inputting the start position and end position of the quenching. The receiving unit 22A then accepts the specification from the start position to the end position as the specification of the processing area. When the type of heat treatment is to be specified, the display unit 22B displays the heat treatment options in the instruction input area S15.

[0053] In the example shown in Figure 7, the total length of the outer diameter surface MD1, which is the specified processing surface, is set to 45.5 mm as the default processing area. Furthermore, the setting is that the hardening is performed from right to left in Figure 7. Therefore, the input field for the start position, located on the left side of the instruction input area S15, is initially set to 0 mm, which is the distance from the right edge of the specified processing surface. Similarly, the input field for the end position, located in the center of the instruction input area S15, is initially set to 45.5 mm, which is the distance from the right edge.

[0054] Furthermore, the instruction input area S15 contains a surface setting button S15A, an update button S15B, and a cancel button S15C. When the user selects the surface setting button S15A, the process proceeds to specify the processing section for the next processing surface. Specifically, the operation explanation area S11A is displayed, and the system proceeds to a state where the processing surface can be specified. When the user selects the update button S15B, the result of the user's specification of the processing section is reflected in the item data D1. Furthermore, when the user selects the cancel button S15C, the system returns to the screen before the processing surface was specified. Additionally, the instruction input area S15 contains an add button S15D. When the user selects the add button S15D, the process proceeds to specify the next processing section for the specified processing surface. Note that the surface setting button S15A, update button S15B, and cancel button S15C are grayed out when they cannot be selected.

[0055] The instruction input area S15 displays the hardness to be obtained by quenching (e.g., Rockwell hardness). The instruction input area S15 also displays a schematic two-dimensional image of the processing surface, along with the size of the portion corresponding to the specified processing surface. Specifically, in the example in Figure 7, the outer diameter of the portion is φ25 mm and the total length is 45.5 mm, both of which are displayed in the instruction input area S15. Furthermore, the instruction input area S15 displays information indicating the starting side of the quenching process in the image of the processing surface. Specifically, in the example in Figure 7, the letter "L" indicates that the right side is the starting side. Alternatively, the starting side may be indicated by a line, arrow, or other mark, letter, or symbol.

[0056] Furthermore, the receiving unit 22A determines whether the received processing portion satisfies the error conditions as a condition for heat treatment (S104). If the error conditions are not met (NO in S104), the display unit 22B highlights the processing portion in the displayed display model MD (S105). In the example in Figure 8, the display unit 22B highlights the entire outer diameter surface MD1 designated as the processing portion with diagonal lines. The display unit 22B also highlights the designated outer diameter surface MD1 with a dashed line of a different color from the display model MD extending along the processing portion, or a color that stands out on the screen (for example, red). The length of the dashed line, which is the object represented by the highlighting, changes according to the length of the designated processing portion.

[0057] Furthermore, the display unit 22B highlights the outer diameter surface MD1 with a leader line indicating the outer diameter surface MD1, the string "high-frequency hardening" indicating the type of heat treatment, and the hardness obtained by hardening "HRC 52-58". Here, the display manner (e.g., color) of these strings differs from the display manner (e.g., color) of strings indicating other attributes such as tolerances. Also, if the error conditions are not met, the generation unit 22C generates attribute information D2 (S106) and sets it in the item data D1. Note that the generation unit 22C may also generate attribute information D2 when the user selects the update button S15B.

[0058] Then, if the user wants to add the next processing section (YES in S107), the user selects the string "high-frequency induction hardening" which indicates the type of heat treatment. The display unit 22B then redisplays the instruction input area S15. Alternatively, the display unit 22B may redisplay the instruction input area S15 when the user selects a processing surface that includes the specified processing section. Furthermore, the user may newly select a surface other than the surface that includes the specified processing section. In this case, the receiving unit 22A accepts the specified processing surface (S102).

[0059] As shown in Figure 9, when adding a processing section, the user can specify multiple processing sections on a single processing surface. For example, the user selects the add button S15D. This causes the display unit 22B to display the next processing section specification field S15G, as shown in Figure 9. The user can also delete an added processing section. For example, the user selects the delete button S15E. This deletes the information specifying the processing section that was entered. The display unit 22B then returns the highlighting of the deleted processing section to its original display.

[0060] When the user selects the add button S15D, the display unit 22B displays the caution information area S15F in the instruction input area S15. In the example in Figure 9, the caution information area S15F displays information that the user should pay attention to, such as making the starting position value smaller than the ending position, and ensuring that the hardening range, which is the processing area, does not overlap with other processing areas. In addition, the caution information area S15F may also display the range that can be specified as the starting position value and the range that can be specified as the ending position value.

[0061] In the example in Figure 10, the user specifies multiple processing areas on a single processing surface. Specifically, the user specifies a first processing area between a starting position of 0 mm from the starting edge of the processing surface and an ending position of 10 mm from that edge, and a second processing area between a starting position of 20 mm from that edge and an ending position of 45.5 mm from that edge. If the error condition is not met (NO in S104), the display unit 22B highlights the processing areas in the displayed display model MD (S105). In the example in Figure 11, the display unit 22B highlights the first processing area MD2 and the second processing area MD3, which were specified as processing areas, with diagonal lines.

[0062] Furthermore, the display unit 22B highlights the designated first processing portion MD2 and second processing portion MD3 with a dashed line of a different color from the display model MD that extends along the processing portion, or a color that stands out on the screen (for example, red). In addition, the display unit 22B highlights the first processing portion MD2 and second processing portion MD3 with leader lines indicating the first processing portion MD2 and second processing portion MD3, the string of characters "high-frequency induction hardening" indicating the type of heat treatment, and the hardness obtained by hardening "HRC 52-58". The display unit 22B also displays the respective lengths of the first processing portion MD2 and second processing portion MD3. Furthermore, the display unit 22B displays the distance of 20 mm from the starting edge of the processing surface to the starting position of the second processing portion MD3.

[0063] Next, with reference to Figure 12, the information that the display unit 22B displays in the tree view area S16 of the information area S12 will be explained. Figure 12 shows an example in which processing parts are specified on two processing surfaces. As shown in Figure 12, the display unit 22B displays related information related to the specified processing parts in the tree view area S16 of the information area S12. For example, when the user selects the update button S15B in the instruction input area S15, the display unit 22B displays related information in the tree view area S16. In the example in Figure 12, the related information displayed includes the position of each processing part (i.e., the start position and end position), the hardness obtained by quenching, and the length of each processing part. The display unit 22B may also redisplay the instruction input area S15 by having the user select a string of characters displayed in the tree view area S16.

[0064] Returning to Figure 3, once all processing units have been specified (NO in S107), the user selects the estimate button S12A shown in Figure 4. The estimate unit 22D then executes the estimate process, creates estimate information including the delivery date of the goods, and stores it in the server memory 23 (S108). The specification process for specifying the processing units is then completed. Alternatively, the presentation unit 22B may display the estimate screen when the user selects the estimate button S12A. In this case, the user can initiate the estimate process on the estimate screen.

[0065] Next, we will explain the case where the processing part satisfies the error condition (YES in S104). In this case, the presentation unit 22B performs error processing (S109) and displays an error message as a caution in the information area S12. In addition to the error message, the presentation unit 22B may also display other heat treatment options in the information area S12. Furthermore, the receiving unit 22A does not have to accept the specification of the processing part that satisfies the error condition as part of the error processing.

[0066] Error handling by the display unit 22B will be explained with reference to Figure 13. Note that Figure 13 shows another display model MD5, which is different from the display model MD shown in Figure 4, etc. The article shown by this other display model MD5 has a pocket portion MD6. The entire outer diameter surface of the other display model MD5 is specified as the processing portion. If the processing portion includes a pocket, cracking may occur when heat treatment is applied. Therefore, if there is a pocket in the processing portion, or if the distance between the processing portion and the pocket is short, it falls under the error conditions.

[0067] Therefore, the display unit 22B displays the error message "There is a pocket within the specified range" in the information area S12. Furthermore, if the user wants to know the details of the error, the user selects the error message in the information area S12. Then, the display unit 22B displays the error details area S17 on the specification screen S10. This error details area S17 displays the reason for the error and how to resolve the error. The user then performs the necessary operations to resolve the error. For example, the user re-specifies the processing area so that the processing area does not contain a pocket. Once the error is resolved, the receiving unit 22A accepts the specification of the processing area.

[0068] According to the support system 100 described above, users can easily specify the parts to be heat-treated. This reduces the man-hours required when designing items to be heat-treated, thereby shortening the design time. Furthermore, users can specify the treatment parts while checking the item model. This ensures that users can reliably specify the treatment parts without missing any.

[0069] The user can also output six-view and perspective views of the item. For example, the user selects the simplified 2D drawing button S13A in the selection area S13 shown in Figure 4. The generation unit 22C then generates and outputs six-view and perspective views based on the item data D1. The generation unit 22C may generate the six-view and perspective views in such a way that the processing area is highlighted.

[0070] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Inventions modified within the scope that does not contradict the present invention, and inventions equivalent to the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each embodiment and each variation, as well as the technical means included in each embodiment or each variation, can be appropriately combined within the scope that does not contradict the present invention.

[0071] For example, at least one of the functional units included in the server control unit 22 may be provided in the terminal control unit 45. In this case, the server 20 and the client terminal 40 cooperate to function as a support system 100.

[0072] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0073] (Note 1) A support system equipped with a computer to assist in the design of an article, wherein the computer displays a model representing the shape of the article, accepts the designation of a part of the displayed model that is to be subjected to heat treatment, and generates attribute information as attribute information of the article indicating that the heat treatment is to be applied to the part being treated.

[0074] (Note 2) The support system according to Note 1, wherein the computer accepts the designation of a portion of at least one of the faces constituting the model as the processing part.

[0075] (Note 3) The support system according to Note 2, wherein the computer accepts a specification of the starting position to the ending position of the heat treatment from the at least one surface as the processing part.

[0076] (Note 4) The computer is a support system according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, which sets the attribute information in the model data for displaying the model.

[0077] (Note 5) The computer is a support system according to any one of Notes 1 to 4, which causes the processing portion in the displayed model to be highlighted.

[0078] (Note 6) The computer is a support system according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, which identifies the heat-treated portion of the model and displays the model in a way that allows the heat-treated portion to be specified.

[0079] (Note 7) The computer is a support system according to any one of Notes 1 to 6, which accepts the setting of the heat treatment conditions and performs error processing when the heat treatment conditions satisfy the error conditions.

[0080] (Note 8) The support system according to Note 7, wherein the error condition is at least one of the shape condition related to the shape of the article, the heat treatment condition related to the heat treatment, and the apparatus condition related to the apparatus that performs the heat treatment.

[0081] (Note 9) The computer is a support system according to Note 7 or 8, which accepts the specification of the type of heat treatment as a condition for the heat treatment.

[0082] (Note 10) A control method for a support system equipped with a computer that assists in the design of an article, wherein the computer displays a model representing the shape of the article, accepts a designation of a part of the displayed model that is to be subjected to heat treatment, and generates attribute information as attribute information of the article indicating that the heat treatment is to be applied to the treatment part.

[0083] (Note 11) A support program for a support system equipped with a computer that assists in the design of an article, the support program causing the computer to display a model representing the shape of the article, to accept the designation of a part of the displayed model that is to be subjected to heat treatment, and to generate attribute information indicating that the heat treatment is to be applied to the treatment part as attribute information of the article.

[0084] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-174898, filed on 27 September 2024, and incorporates its entire contents as an integral part thereof.

[0085] 22: Server control unit (computer) 100: Support system D1: Item data (model data) D2: Attribute information MD: Display model (model) MD1: Outer diameter surface (processing part) MD2: First processing part (processing part) MD3: Second processing part (processing part) MD5: Other display models (model) PG: Support program

Claims

1. A support system equipped with a computer for assisting in the design of an article, wherein the computer displays a model representing the shape of the article, accepts a designation of a part of the displayed model that is to be subjected to heat treatment, and generates attribute information as attribute information of the article indicating that the heat treatment is to be applied to the part being treated.

2. The support system according to claim 1, wherein the computer accepts designation of a portion of at least one of the faces constituting the model as the processing portion.

3. The support system according to claim 2, wherein the computer accepts a specification of the at least one surface from the start position to the end position of the heat treatment as the processing part.

4. The support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the computer sets the attribute information in model data for displaying the model.

5. The support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the computer causes the processing portion in the displayed model to be highlighted.

6. The support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the computer identifies the heat-treated portion of the model and displays the model in a way that allows the heat-treated portion to be specified.

7. The support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the computer receives the setting of the heat treatment conditions and performs error processing when the heat treatment conditions satisfy an error condition.

8. The support system according to claim 7, wherein the error condition is at least one of a shape condition related to the shape of the article, a heat treatment condition related to the heat treatment, and an apparatus condition related to the apparatus for performing the heat treatment.

9. The support system according to claim 7, wherein the computer accepts the specification of the type of heat treatment as a condition for the heat treatment.

10. A control method for a support system equipped with a computer that assists in the design of an article, wherein the computer displays a model representing the shape of the article, accepts a designation of a part of the displayed model that is to be subjected to heat treatment, and generates attribute information as attribute information of the article indicating that the heat treatment is to be applied to the treatment part.

11. A support program for a support system equipped with a computer that assists in the design of an article, the support program causing the computer to display a model representing the shape of the article, to accept the designation of a part of the displayed model that is to be subjected to heat treatment, and to generate attribute information indicating that the heat treatment is to be applied to the treated part as attribute information of the article.

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