GB2258745A

GB2258745A - Supporting modifications in cad.

Info

Publication number: GB2258745A
Application number: GB9205545A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yoshihisa Kurusu; Yuji Igarashi; Osamu Saito; Tatusya Ohtoshi; Toshiaki Yoshinaga; Kouichi Ushiroda
Original assignee: Hitachi Ltd
Current assignee: Hitachi Ltd
Priority date: 1991-03-20
Filing date: 1992-03-13
Publication date: 1993-02-17
Also published as: FR2674348A1; JP2712858B2; JPH04291672A; GB9205545D0

Abstract

A device for the design of installations comprises a plurality of design devices (81A, 81B, ..., 81N) comprising terminals (8) connected to memories (3, 5) and to a processing device (7) and a communication device (51), which are linked to a design modification control device (82) comprising a drive device (83) linked to a memory (4) and a processing unit (84), the modules (81A, ..., 81N, 82) being linked to a control information preparation device (52) comprising memories (58, 59, 60), a processing unit (56) and a display and input unit (55) and an output apparatus (57) linked to a device (62A) for controlling a machining device. Application in particular to the CAD design of the layout of nuclear power stations. <IMAGE>

Description

A Design Supporting Method and a Supporting Apparatus Thereof The present invention relates to a design supporting method and a supporting apparatus thereof, especially, the design supporting method preferable for changing processes and the supporting apparatus thereof.

Various methods have been proposed for designing a plant etc. using an apparatus for computer aided design (CAD apparatus). A method for displaying, when a change in designed drawings obtained by the CAD apparatus is performed, a portion where the change influences is disclosed in JP-A-61-180373 (1986). In the above described laid open gazette, a method for selecting pipes which necessitate corrections with an influence by the change when position of a barrier is changed after the piping path in a piping layout design has been decided, and indicating the selected pipes is disclosed.

In designing of a plant etc., many designers are engaged in the designing, and the designing extends to many fields. Accordingly, a change in content of the completed design drawing needs long period. As the prior art disclosed in the laid open gazette facilitates grasping of other portions which should be changed in accordance with a change in a portion, designers are able to perform easily the change of the changing portions including related portions. Consequently, necessary time for the change of design content can be reduced.

The object of the present invention is to provide a design supporting method for reducing design troubles in changing processes and a supporting apparatus thereof.

Other object of the present invention is to provide a design supporting method for easy recognition of a reason that a changing process is unable to be performed, and a supporting apparatus thereof.

Other object of the present invention is to provide a design supporting method for finding a portion which necessitates a changing process, and a supporting apparatus thereof.

The first feature of the present invention for realizing the objects of the present invention is having a step, when a change occurs in first graphic information among a plurality of graphic information on a design object, for selecting a portion which is influenced by the change in second graphic information made by using the first graphic information, and a step for interrupting changes of the portion which is influenced by the change in the second graphic information until the change of the first graphic information is completed.

In accordance with the first feature of the present invention, when a change occurs in first graphic information, changes of other portions in second graphic information made by the first graphic information are interrupted until the change in the first graphic information is completed. Accordingly, the changes of the above described other portions being influenced with the changes in the first graphic information can be performed in an orderly manner. And, troubles in designing can be avoided, and necessary time for making a graphic information in which necessary changing portions are completely and appropriately corrected is remarkably reduced. Consequently, the changing process can be performed effectively, and the time necessary for the process can be reduced.

The second feature for realizing the other object of the present invention is having a step for displaying the reason of interrupting the change in a display apparatus when the change is interrupted.

In accordance with the second feature of the present invention, when interruption of the change at corresponding portion in the second graphic information occurs, designers are able to know the reason why the change can not be performed because the reason is indicated on a display apparatus.

The third feature for realizing the other object of the present invention is having a step for displaying an information on the portion which is influenced by the change of the changing portion in a display apparatus.

In accordance with the third feature of the present invention, an information relating to a portion in the second graphic information which is effected by an influence of a change on a changing portion in the first graphic information is indicated on a display apparatus, and designers are easily able to know necessary portions to be changed.

In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a drawing of a composition indicating a design supporting apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a drawing for explanation of a gist of processing routes used in embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a drawing for explanation on an example of a system composition of a design program, FIG. 4 is a drawing for detailed explanation on the processing route shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is a drawing for detailed explanation on the processing route shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 6 is a drawing for detailed explanation on the processing route shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 7 is a drawing for detailed explanation on the processing route shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 8 is a drawing for detailed explanation on the processing route shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 9 is a drawing for detailed explanation on the processing route shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 10 is a drawing for explanation on a concrete example of changing a graphic information, FIG. 11 is a drawing for explanation indicating processing routes in other embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a drawing of a composition of other embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a drawing of the detailed composition of the FA system side indicated in FIG. 12, FIG. 14 is a drawing for explanation on the processing routes of the control information preparation apparatus in FIG. 12, FIG. 15 is a drawing for explanation on the processing routes of the control information preparation apparatus in FIG. 12, FIG. 16 is a drawing for explanation on the processing routes of the control information preparation apparatus in FIG. 12, FIG. 17 is a drawing for explanation indicating processing routes of other embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 18 is a drawing for explanation indicating processing routes of other embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 is a drawing for explanation indicating processing routes of other embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 20 is a drawing for explanation indicating processing routes of other embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 21 is a drawing of a composition of other embodiment of the present invention.

Designing of a plant is performed in various levels, and many designers are engaged in the designing.

Accordingly, inventors of the present invention have found that, even if a designer is aware of the portion which is influenced by the change, decreasing of the necessary time for changing work is not necessarily achieved effectively. The content of the inventors' finding is explained hereinafter.

A plant design is performed in various levels as above described from upstream designs to downstream designs which use informations from the upstream designs. For example, if a circumstance in which the position of a nozzle of a heat exchanger contained in the design should be changed occurs after the plant design is completed.

The circumstance necessitates various changes such as a change in route locations of large diameter piping connected to the nozzle, further, a change in layout of small diameter piping such as a drainage piping and a venting piping connected to the large diameter piping, and other changes such as pipe support locations, positions of detectors connected to the large diameter piping, and layout of instrument piping and signal transmitters connected to the detectors. Especially, when the plant design is performed with a CAD apparatus, every designer is accessible to the responsible design of the designer from the terminal.Accordingly, if a communication between the designers are insufficient, there is a possibility that a designer changes a CAD data (a graphic information) on a portion which must be influenced by a change in a higher design level by a terminal before completion of the change in the higher design level by other designer without consideration of changing result in the higher design level. Besides, even if a designer performs a design of a portion in low design level by a terminal in consideration that the performing design does not influence to the changing portion in the high design level, but as a result, there is a possibility to change a portion relating to the changing portion in the high design level. The above described possibilities are sources to cause design troubles and necessitate long tie for the changing process.Once the design trouble occurs, recovery of the trouble is not easy and remarkable long time is necessary for obtaining the graphic information in which the first changed portion and the influenced portion are completely and adequately corrected.

The inventors studied many methods to overcome the above described problems, and achieved the present invention. Some embodiments of the present invention is explained hereinafter.

A design supporting apparatus, which is one of preferable embodiments of the present invention, is explained referring to FIGs. 1-9. FIG. 1 indicates a composition of a design supporting apparatus of the present embodiment. The design supporting apparatus of the present embodiment comprises the input apparatus 1 such as key boards, mice, etc., display apparatus 2 such as graphic displays etc., the memory apparatus 3, 4, and 5, the output apparatus 6 such as printers etc., and the central processing unit (CPU) 7. The input apparatus 1, the display apparatus 2, the memory apparatus 3, 4, and 5, and the output apparatus are connected to the CPU 7. The input apparatus 1 and the display apparatus 2 are integrated, and form the terminal 8. A plurality of the terminals 8 are connected to the' CPU 7.The memory apparatus 3 stores specification data on each of composing elements such as apparatus, members, and piping etc., which are necessary for designing of a design object, and design data obtained by the designing, that means, each of graphic information (information on drawings, namely, CAD data) on the design object. The memory apparatus 4 stores design data before the change and after the change, explanation on the changing content, the changing date, reason of the change, and information whether the change on design programs is completed or not. The memory apparatus 5 stores a plurality of design programs for obtaining design data on the design object, and the program for processing of the present embodiment indicated in FIG. 2, namely, in FIGs. 4-9.Especially, the more complex the structure of the design object becomes, the larger number of design programs are needed, and the number of designers is increased. Also, the number of the necessary terminals 8 is increased.

A plurality of design programs stored in the memory apparatus 5 are explained referring to FIG. 3. Design of the design object is performed in a plurality of design steps from upstream design to downstream design. FIG. 3 indicates a system composition of a design system in a condition divided into a plurality of design steps. That is, the whole design programs has N systems such as the system 1, 2, 3, 4, ...., N from the upstream design to downstream design. In actual design work, for example, design of a nuclear power plant, the system 1 corresponds to design of systems and apparatus, the system 2 corresponds to design of architecture, the system 3 corresponds to layout design of piping and apparatus, and the system 4 corresponds to execution design. Here, the systems 2-4 are higher level design than the system 4.

The system having smaller number of N in the system N is the lower level design to the system having larger number of N. The downstream design produces design data on the corresponding portion in the design object using design data obtained by the upstream design, namely, the graphic information. A change of design in the higher level design influences to the lower level design. Besides, in the design of the nuclear power plant, the layout design of piping and apparatus in the system 3 is further divided into subsystems as the following. The system 3 has the system 3-1 (Apparatus layout design), the system 3-2 (Piping with large diameter layout design), the system 3-3 (Piping with small diameter layout design), the system 3-4 (Piping support design), the system 3-5 (Instruments design), ...., the system 3-M etc.In these subsystems, the above described relation between the upstream design and the downstream design is existent.

The system having smaller number of M in the system 3-M is the lower level design to the system having larger number of M. In the design of such a nuclear power plant, necessary design programs for performing corresponding design to each of the systems and the subsystems are prepared, and these design programs are stored in the memory 5. By executing these design programs, the graphic information on the whole nuclear power plant, the design object, can be obtained. The lower the design level becomes, the more the quantity of the graphic information being indicated on the display apparatus 2 is increased when designing. Accordingly, the graphic information are divide into an appropriate quantity for display, and are displayed on each terminal 8 of the display apparatus 2.

The dividing of the quantity of the graphic information may be performed depending on the predetermined display size. By putting out the obtained graphic information to the output apparatus 6 for printing, design drawings can be obtained. The design program for the design object corresponding to each of the designers is accessible through the terminal 8.

The gist of the above described process to be executed by the design supporting apparatus of the present embodiment is explained referring to FIG. 2. A design change on a design drawing of the design object is assumed to occur at a meeting after once the design is completed. Based on the design change, it is necessary to correct content of the above described design drawing.

Accordingly, a designer designates necessary design programs for performing the highest level design being caused corresponding design change by the input apparatus 1. Based on the designation data, corresponding design programs are selected from the memory apparatus 5 (step 11). At the step 12, judgement whether any changing portion whose changing is incomplete in the working object range to be executed by the selected design program is registered or not. As the corresponding design change is new, the judgement at the step 12 naturally becomes "no", and the process at the step 18 is executed.

The judgement at the step 18 is for determining the execution of the designated design program of the design at the most upstream side to the design change. If the design at the most upstream side is not performed by the design program, the graphic information obtained by the design program on the design object is effected by the influence of the change at the most upstream side design (the highest level design), and the changing process requires to be performed again. In order to avoid such an useless repetition and reduce the time for the changing process, the judgement at the step 18 is performed. When the judgement at the step 18 is "no", a design program which is the highest level design to the corresponding design change is selected at the step 19.The selection is performed by retrieval of a system of the highest level design in which the graphic information on the corresponding portion of the design change is revealed using the graphic information of the design object which is the object of the change. In each of the lower level design positioned at the lower level than the highest level design, the portion which is influenced by the design change exists. At the step 20, all of the portion which are influenced by the design change (changing portion in the downstream design) are determined by the graphic information on the design object, and each of design programs which executes the downstream design are selected based on the data on the influenced portion.

Further, at the step 20, the selected downstream design and the selected changing portion are correspondingly stored in the memory apparatus 4. At the step, as the change of the portion which is effected with the influence of the design change at next upstream design to each of the downstream design is not completed, an information indicating incompletion of the change for every design programs which become upstream design to one of other downstream design (a flag datum of incompletion of the change) is stored at a designated area in the memory apparatus 4 (step 21).

At the step 21, the next upstream design to a downstream design in a designated working object range is determined using the graphic information of the design object and the data obtained in the step 20 relating to the corresponding relation between the changing portion and the downstream design program, and the above described flag datum of incompletion of the change is given to the upstream design program. Subsequently, the change of the changing portion is executed using the selected design program in a range as possible (step 16).

The changing process is performed by conversation between the designer and the design supporting apparatus. The step 16 after the step 21 process is performed using the highest level design program to the design change. At the step 17, when the change of the changing portion by the above described selected design program is completed, an information indicating the completion of the change by the design program (a flag datum of the completion of the change) is stored at the designated area in the memory apparatus 4. The graphic informations on the design object used in the processes of the above described steps are recalled from the memory apparatus 3.In the following steps, the same procedure is performed when the graphic information on the design object becomes necessary After the execution of the step 20 and 21, information of the changing portion by the design programs of each corresponding downstream design, and flag data of incompletion of the change to each corresponding design programs of upstream design are stored. Except each design program of the highest level and lowest level, each of the design programs positioned between the highest level and the lowest level becomes a upstream design program to a certain design program and a downstream design program to another design program. Even the lowest level design program, it becomes a upstream design to a FA system described later.Accordingly, the flag data of incompletion of the change and the flag data of completion of the change are finally given to all design programs from the highest level to the lowest level. A case when the step 12 is executed after processing at the steps 20 and 21, the judgement at the step 12 becomes "yes". Subsequently, judgement at the step 13 is performed. When the process at the step 16 to the highest level design is incomplete, even a design program selected by other designer from other terminal 8 is a downstream design program next to the highest level design program, if the changing portion is included in the designated working object range, judgement at the step 13 becomes "no". Accordingly, a changing process by the selected design program is not allowed (step 14), and unable to be performed.Execution of lower level design programs than the downstream design program next to the highest level design program is naturally interrupted at the step 14. When a selected design program at the step 11 is the program positioned at a next downstream to the design program of which processing at the step 16 is completed, a flag datum of completion of the change to the program is stored at the step 17 and judgement at the step 13 becomes "yes". Accordingly, a changing process by the selected design program is allowed (step 15), and the changing process can be performed. Subsequently, the processing at the steps 16 and 17 are performed.At the step 13, when a flag datum of incompletion of the change obtained at the step 21 to a design program positioned at a next upstream to the selected design program is stored in the memory apparatus 4, judgement of "no" is performed and when a flag datum of completion of the change obtained at the step 17 to the next upstream design program is stored, judgement of "yes is performed.

The present embodiment has a plurality of design programs having different designing object ranges, and each design programs are accessible from the each terminal 8. With such a design supporting apparatus, notification of changing portions to each of designers who perform the changing process using each design program is not easy. But, in accordance with the present embodiment, disorderly execution of the changes of portions which will be effected by influences of the corresponding design change by each terminal 8 can be prevented because flag data of incompletion of the change are stored corresponding to design programs requiring processing of changing portion and execution of the selected design programs are interrupted based on the above described data.Accordingly, the corresponding design change can be certainly reflected to the graphic information of the design object, and appropriate drawings of the design object based on the corresponding design change can be obtained. Consequently, design faults such as mutual interference of compositions in the design object, deficiency of maintenance space, preparation of incomplete graphic information on the design object, etc. can be avoided. Especially, as the flag data of completion of the change obtained at the step 17 are stored and the change of the portion which will be effected by the influence of the corresponding design change by the corresponding design program is allowed based on the flag data, the changing of the design of the design object based on the design change can be performed in an orderly manner. Besides, instead of storing the flag data of completion of the change at the step 17, erasing of the flag data of incompletion of the change stored at a designated area in the memory apparatus 4 at the step 21 is adoptable. In this case, the judgement at the step 13 becomes "no" when the flag data of incompletion of the change are stored, and "yes" when the flag data of incompletion of the change are not stored. That means, the case when the flag data of incompletion of the change are not stored in the above described memory area can be reversely said that the flag data of completion of the change are stored.

A plurality of design programs for preparation of graphic information on different portions in the design object and the design supporting apparatus of the present embodiment having the programs indicated in FIG. 1 can be said that they include a plurality of processing apparatus for preparation of graphic information on the different portions in the design object and a processing apparatus for execution of the programs indicated in FIG.

1.

Details of processing route indicated in FIG. 2 is explained referring to FIGs. 4-9. Among the steps shown in FIGs. 4-9, the steps having the same numerals as numerals in FIG. 1 are the same as the corresponding steps in FIG. 1. The steps 12A-12D in FIG. 4 indicate details of the step 12 in FIG. 1.

After the step 11 is performed, a working object range for execution by selected design programs are put in (step 12A). The working object range is put in by a designer from the terminal 8 of the input apparatus 1.

Data on a changing portion relating to the designated working object range of the selected design program are retrieved from the memory apparatus 4 (step 12B). The data on the changing portion are stored in the memory apparatus 4 when processing at the step 20 is performed to a new design change. At the step 12C, existence of the changing portion is judged. The step 12C is for judgement whether the corresponding changing process is an initial changing process to the new design change, or a changing process to portions which are influenced by the initial changing process. In other words, in accordance with the step 12C, the changing process requiring the judgement at the step 13, namely, the latter changing process can be certainly picked up.When data on corresponding changing portion are retrieved at the step 12B, the data are put out to the display apparatus 2 at the step 12D because the judgement at the step 12C is "yes". The display apparatus 2 is installed at the terminal 8 having the input apparatus 1 which is operated by a designer. The designer is easily able to recognize the changing portions included in the working object range for execution of the selected design program.

When the judgement at the step 12C is "no", the step 22 in FIG. 5 is subsequently performed. At the step 22, judgement whether a processing to be performed is a changing process or not is performed. When the designer puts in a datum telling that the processing is the changing process from the input apparatus 1, the step 22 becomes "yes". When the processing is not changing process, the judgement at the step 22 becomes "no" and execution of the design program selected at the step 11 is allowed (step 23). Processing other than the changing process is performed by the design program (step 24). The steps 22-24 may be deleted from the positions in FIG. 5, and the step 22 may be transferred to an interval between the step 12A and the step 12B.That means, the judgement whether a processing to be performed is a changing process or not is performed after the step 12A. Owing to the previously described change, the steps 22-24 in FIG.

7 can also be eliminated.

In the case that the steps 22-24 are eliminated from FIG. 5, the processing of the step 18A is performed when the step 12C is "no". The step 12C becomes "no" when the changing process to be executed is based on a new design change. When the changing portion obtained at the step 20 (FIGs. 5 and 8) exists, the judgement at the step 12C becomes "yes".

At the step 18A which is executed when the judgement at the step 22 becomes "yes", data on changing portions generated by the new design change are put in from the memory apparatus 4. The data on the changing portion are previously put in by designers from the input apparatus 1 before execution of the main processing. Judgement whether the design program selected at the step 11 is the program for execution of the highest level design to the put in changing portion or not is performed (step 18B).

If "no", the execution of the selected design program is interrupted (step 18C). The steps 18A-18C are detailed routes of step 18 (FIG. 2). After the execution of the step 18C, the steps 19A and 19B illustrated in FIG. 8 of the step 19 are performed. Based on data on the changing portion, a design program to be the highest level design to the data is selected (step 19A), and a title of the system corresponding to the program is put out to the display apparatus 2 (step 19B). Subsequently, each of the previously described processing at the steps 20, 21 and 26 are executed. The step 21 is performed based on the data put in at the step 18A on the changing portion. At the step 26, the changing process by the design program selected at the step 19A is allowed. After the step 26, processing at the step 16A described later is executed.

When judgement at the step 18B (FIG. 5) is "yes", processing at the steps 20 and 21 are executed, and the changing process by the design program selected at the step 11 is allowed (step 25). After the processing at the step 25, the step 16A illustrated in FIG. 8 is performed.

Processing after the step 12C becomes "yes" and the processing at the step 12D is executed are explained.

First, the judgement at the previously described step 13 is executed. Information used in the judgement are, in accordance with the processing route shown in FIGs. 4-9, the flag data of incompletion of the change obtained at the step 21 (FIGs. 5 and 8) or the step 27B (FIG. 9), or the flag data of completion of the change obtained at the step 17 (FIG. 9). When the step 13 is "no", the steps 14A and 14B (FIG. 6), which are the processing of the step 14, are executed. Both information indicating incompletion -of the changing process by the design program for upstream design positioned at the next upstream to the selected design program and information on the changing portion of which changing is not completed are put out to the display apparatus 2 (step 14A). These information are displayed at the display apparatus 2.At the step 14B, execution of the selected design program is interrupted. Designers are able to recognize early the reason that the selected design program is not executed by display of the information put out at the step 14A, and are able to try other works.

When the step 13 is "yes",the step 22 illustrated in FIG.

7 is executed. Subsequently, when the judgement at the step 22 is "yes", the steps 15A and 15 B which are the process of the step 15 are performed. At the step 15A, data on the changing portion indicated at the step 12D is put in. At the step 15B, the changing process by the design program selected at the step 11 is allowed. After finishing the processing at the step 15B, the step 16A is executed. When the judgement at the step 22 in FIG. 7 is "no", the steps 23 and 24 are executed.

The step 16A is executed after any of processing at the steps 15B, 25, and 26 are performed. The previously described step 16 has both the steps 16A and 16B. At the step 16B, the changing process to all of the changing portions put in at the step 15A (FIG. 7) or the step 18A (FIG. 5) is executed using the design program selected by conversation with the designers, and changed graphic information are prepared. At the step 27A, portions in the graphic information of the lower level design which will be effected by influence of the changing process at the step 16B are selected. Next, the obtained data on the changing portion of the lower level design are stored in the memory apparatus 4 (step 27B).At this step, further, when the changing process to the corresponding changing portion is incomplete, flag data of incompletion of the change as well as the step 21 to the design program for upstream design positioned at the upstream next to the obtained downstream design are stored in the memory apparatus 4. In the changing process at the step 16B, there are some cases in which new changing portions requiring change in the design level executing the changing process are generated in accordance with the changing of the changing portion put in at the step 15A or the step 18A. The changing process of the new changing portions as previously described are naturally performed at the step 16B.The execution of the steps 27A and 27B facilitates grasping of the changing portion of the downstream design generated by the influence of the above described new changing portion, and makes it possible to perform changing process of the changing portions of downstream design in an orderly manner. At the step 28, the graphic information after the change obtained at the step 16B are stored in the memory apparatus 3. And, the processing at the step 17 is performed. The corresponding data before and after the change are stored in the memory apparatus 4 (step 29). Such data as data on the changing portion, flag data of incompletion of the change and completion of the change relating to the upstream design, and data on the graphic information after completion of the change etc. are put out to the FA system side (step 30).All of the graphic information on the design object before the above described changing process obtained at the step 24 in the design supporting apparatus of the present embodiment are transmitted to the FA system side and are stored in a memory apparatus in the FA system.

Changing processes to all changing portions relating to the initially generated design change are performed by the present embodiment using necessary design programs.

In accordance with the present embodiment, as previously described, the design changes can be certainly reflected to the graphic information of the design object because changes of the changing portions which are effected with the influence of the design change from each of the terminals 8 in a disorder manner can be prevented, and appropriate design drawings of the design object based on the design change can be obtained.

Consequently, design defects such as mutual interference of compositions in the design object, deficiency of maintenance space, and preparation of incomplete graphic information on the design object etc. can be avoided.

A A concrete example of the changing process performed by the present embodiment is explained referring to FIG.

10.

A design change to move the position of the nozzle 32 of the apparatus 31 to the position 32A shown by a dashed line is assumed. A designer recognizes necessary design programs for the design change, and designates the programs from the input apparatus 1. At the step 11, the above described programs are selected, and the processing at the steps 12A, 12B, and 12C are performed. At the step 12A, a region where the apparatus 32 is installed is put in as a working object range. As the data on the changing portion are not stored in the memory apparatus 4, judgement at the step 12C becomes "no". While, the step 22 becomes "yes". The designer puts in the data on the portion requiring design change, that is "the nozzle 32", from the input apparatus 1.At the step 18A, the data are put in, and, at the step 18B, judgement becomes "yes" because the selected design programs to the data perform the highest level design. At the step 20, changing portions of downstream design which are influenced by the position change of the nozzle 32 are selected based on the graphic information of the corresponding design object and data on the changing portion (nozzle 32) both of which are stored in the memory apparatus 3.As the result, changing portions such as pipes having a large diameter 33 connected to the nozzle 32 which is in a relation with apparatus design in both upstream design and downstream design,pipes having a small diameter 34 connected to the pipes having large diameter 33 in a relation with layout design of the pipes having large diameter in both upstream design and downstream design, detectors (instruments) 35, and piping supports 36, are selected. The water piping 39 buried in floor is connected to the drain receivers 37 and 38 installed on the floor. The pipe having a small diameter 34 is connected to the drain receiver 37.The duct 40 and the cable tray 41 are arranged in a space where the apparatus 31 is installed. The valve 42 is installed at the pipe 43 having a small diameter separated from the pipe having a large diameter 33.At the step 20, selection of lower design programs using for the changing processes is performed based on the previously selected changing portions. Each of design programs such as layout design of the pipe having a large diameter, layout design of the pipe having a small diameter, piping support design, and instruments design is selected. Each of the selected changing portions is correspondingly stored in the memory apparatus 4 with the selected design programs for the each downstream design. Because of incompletion of all the changing processes, flag data of incompletion of the change are stored to all of the design programs at the step 21.

Substantially, the programs for system design and apparatus design are higher level design than the layout design of the pipe having a large diameter, the program for layout design of the pipe having a large diameter is higher level than the layout design of the pipe having a small diameter, the piping support design, and the instrument design, and the layout design of the pipe having a small diameter, the piping support design, and the instrument design, are higher level designs than the FA system. At the step 25,the changing process by the programs for the system apparatus design selected at the step 11 is allowed. Through the processing at the step 16A, a graphic information in which the position of the nozzle 32 is changed to the position 32A is prepared at the step 16B.At the steps 27A and 27B, substantially any processing are not performed because there are no corresponding portions. At the step 28, the graphic information obtained at the step 16B is stored in the memory apparatus 3. At the step 17, flag data of completion of the change to the programs for the system apparatus design are stored in the memory apparatus 4.

Subsequently, the steps 29 and 30 are executed. At the step 30, data on the changing portions (nozzle 32, pipe having a large diameter 33, pipe having a small diameter 34, detector 35, and piping support 36), flag data of completion of the change to the programs for the system apparatus design, flag data of incompletion of the change to the other design programs (layout design of the pipe having a large diameter, layout design of the pipe having a small diameter, piping support design, and instrument design etc.), and the graphic information after the position of the nozzle 32 is changed are transmitted to the FA system side.

Next, layout change of the pipe having a large diameter 33 is explained. In accordance with the designation by a designer, a design program of layout design of the pipe having a large diameter is selected at the step 11. At the step 12B, a changing portion relating to the design program and a working object range (a region that the apparatus 32 is installed), that is the pipe having a large diameter 33, is retrieved. Judgement at the step 12C becomes "yes", and data on the pipe having a large diameter 33 is put out to the display apparatus 2 (step 12D). In processing for changing the position to the nozzle 32, a upstream design positioned at upstream next to the level of the layout design of the pipe having a large diameter is a system apparatus design.As flag data of completion of the change is stored at the step 21 to programs of the system apparatus design, the step 13 becomes "yes" and the processing at the step 22 in FIG. 7 is executed. At the moment, if other designer designates the layout design programs for the pipe having a small diameter, as flag data of incompletion of the change is stored to the next higher design, that is, the layout design of the pipe having a large diameter, the step 13 becomes "no" and execution of the layout design program of the pipe having a small diameter is interrupted.

The step 22 in FIG. 7 becomes "yes", and the pipe having a large diameter 33 is put in as a changing portion at the step 15A. The changing process by the layout design program of the pipe having a large diameter is allowed (step 15B). The steps 16A and 16B are executed, and the graphic information of the pipe having a large diameter after the layout change is prepared.Referring to FIG. 10, layout of the pipe having a large diameter 33 is changed to the pipe having a large diameter 33A, and the graphic information on the pipe having a large diameter 33A is prepared. At the step 27A, the duct 40 and the cable tray 41, which are influenced by the layout change of the pipe having a large diameter 33A, are selected as new changing portions.When the pipe having a large diameter 33 is moved further upward from the position 33A, not only the duct 40 and the cable tray 41, but also the pipe having a small diameter 43 is selected as a new changing portion. The duct 40 and the cable tray 41 interfere with the pipe having a large diameter 33 after the layout change, and the pipe having a small diameter 43 is connected to the pipe having a large diameter 33, and is changed with the layout change of the pipe having a large diameter 33. Flag data of incompletion of the change are attached to the data on the new changing portions, and to the design programs positioned at higher level next to the design programs for the layout design of the duct 40 and the cable tray 41.At step 28, the graphic information on the pipe having a large diameter 33A is stored, and, at the step 17, flag data of completion of the change is attached to the layout design program for the pipe having a large diameter. The steps 29 and 30 are processed in the same manner. Subsequently, graphic information on the other portions are prepared using the rest of the design programs.

In accordance with the present embodiment, by restricting access from the terminal 8 to a changing portion of a lower level design relating to a portion of a higher level design of which changing process is not completed, changing portions relating to a design change can be orderly changed from the higher level design to the lower level design. Consequently, design defects to a design object can be avoided, and time necessary for the changing process can be reduced. In accordance with the present embodiment, as a plurality of design programs having different design object ranges are usable and a plurality of designers are accessible to necessary programs from the terminals 8, the designing of the design object can be performed in parallel.Even though during the above described processing, designing on other region than the region relating to the above corresponding design change (for example, changing processes for not co-existing other design changes) can be performed in parallel. Consequently, graphic information on the design object can be completed fast.

The present embodiment can be applied to not only design of nuclear power plant but also design of plants such as a thermal power plant and a chemical plant etc., design of architecture such as buildings etc., and circuit design of large scale integrated circuit (LSI) etc.

A design supporting apparatus which is other embodiment of the present invention is explained hereinafter. The design supporting apparatus of the present embodiment has a composition illustrated in FIG.

1. The design supporting apparatus mainly executes processing routes indicated in FIGs. 5, 7-9, and 11 in a changing process. The processing routes are the same as the previously described embodiment except a change of the processing route illustrated in FIG. 4 among processing routes illustrated in FIGs. 4-9 is replaced with the processing route illustrated in FIG. 11, and a deletion of the processing route illustrated in FIG. 6.

The portions different from the previously described embodiment are explained. In accordance with the present embodiment, the steps 44 and 45 are performed after a processing of the step 12D. At the step 44, data on the completion and incompletion of the changing process (flag data of the completion of the change and flag data of the incompletion of the change) to the higher level design program obtained at the steps 21, 27B, and 17 are put out to the display apparatus 2. The above described data indicating status of the changing processes are displayed in the display apparatus 2. When a designer confirms the completion of the changing process of the higher level design to a selected design program, the designer put in data instructing the process continuation from the input apparatus 1.When data instructing the process continuation are put in, the design supporting apparatus of the present embodiment executes the processes after the steps 22 in FIG. 7. When data instructing the process continuation are not put in, the process using the design program selected by the step 11 is substantially completed. In accordance with the present embodiment, judgement whether the execution of changing process by the lower level design program to the design change should be started or not is performed by a designer. The present embodiment has the same advantages as the previously described embodiment. But, comparing with the previously described embodiment, there is a dangerous possibility that the changing process is performed based on erroneous judgement by the designer.

Other embodiment of the present invention is explained referring to FIGs. 12 and 13. The present embodiment indicates an example of a design production integrated system combining a design supporting apparatus and a FA system as illustrated in FIG. 1. The design supporting apparatus 50 has a data communication control apparatus 51 in addition to the composition indicated in FIG, 1.

The data communication control apparatus is connected to the CPU 7. The FA system has the control information preparation apparatus 52, the machining apparatus controllers 62A, 62B,. , 62N, and the machining apparatus 63A, 63B,. , 63N. The control information preparation apparatus 52 has the terminal 55 integrated the input apparatus 53 and the display apparatus 54, the central processing unit (CPU) 56, the output apparatus 57, the memory apparatus 58, 59, and 60, and the data communication control apparatus 61. The memory paratus 58 stores graphic information on a design object prepared by the design supporting apparatus 50. The graphic information stored in the memory apparatus 58 are called CAD data.The memory apparatus 59 stores data on changing portions and information indicating completion of change and incompletion of change to design programs as same as the memory apparatus 4. Information stored in the memory apparatus 59 are mainly put out from the design supporting apparatus 50.

The memory apparatus 60 stores FA processing routes, namely, data on working routes on each composing members included in the design object and data on machining routes of the composing members. These data are put in from the input apparatus 53 by, for example, an operator.

The machining apparatus controllers 62A, 62B, , 62N are connected to the CPU 56, and each of the machining apparatus controllers regulates each of corresponding machining apparatus among the machining apparatus 63A, 63B, ...., and 63N. The machining apparatus is an apparatus for manufacturing the composing members of the design object.

The design supporting apparatus 50 executes, as well as the design supporting apparatus indicated in FIG. 1, the processing routes illustrated in FIGs. 4-9 and prepares new graphic information after being changed to the design change. The graphic information is transmitted by the data communication control apparatus 51 and 61 to the control information preparation apparatus 52, and stored in the memory apparatus 58. Data on the changing portion relating to the design change performed by the design supporting apparatus 50 and flag data on completion of the change and incompletion of the change to the design programs at each design levels are transmitted to the control information preparation apparatus 52 by the processing of the step 30 (FIG. 9) of the design supporting apparatus 50. These information are stored in the memory apparatus 59.

The control information preparation apparatus 52 prepares control information which are necessary for the controllers 62A, 62B, ...., 62N, in order to control the machining apparatus 63A, 63B, ...., 63N, in manufacturing of composing members included in the design object. The preparation of the control information is performed by execution of the processing routes illustrated in FIGs.

14-16 by the CPU 56. The processing routes are stored in the memory apparatus 60.

Each of data on working processes, machining routes, and machining apparatus are retrieved from the memory apparatus 60, and are put in (step 65). A working process is selected among the put in working processes (step 66).

The working process is designated by an operator from the input apparatus 53. The working process indicates various working processes such as manufacturing and installation of the design object. For instance, the working process provides a manufacturing order of each composing members included in the design object. Data on the changing portions related to the graphic information of the composing members which are objects of the selected working processes are retrieved from the memory apparatus 59. At the step 68, existence of the retrieved changing portions is judged. The judgement is performed for determining whether the above described portions related to the graphic information of the composing members are in the changing object of the design supporting apparatus 50 or not.If a result of the judgement at the step 68 is "no", the portions in the graphic information of the design object related to the graphic information of the composing members which are the objects of the selected working processes are not included in the changing object of the design supporting apparatus 50. If the result of the judgement at the step 68 is yes, the portions are included. When the judgement at the step 68 is "no", next step goes to the step 73 (FIG. 15), and when the judgement is "yes", the next step goes to the process at the step 69. At the step 69, the data on the changing portions retrieved at the step 67 are put into the display apparatus 54. The data on the changing portions are displayed in the display apparatus 54.Next, to the lowest level design program in the design supporting apparatus 50, judgement whether the change of the changing portion is completed or not is performed. The judgement is performed using the flag data of incompletion of the change (or the flag data of completion of the change) stored in the memory apparatus 59. When judgement at the step 70 is "no", the step 71 puts an information indicating incompletion of the change of the changing portions being performed by the design supporting apparatus 50 using the lowest level design program into the display apparatus 54. Retrieval of CAD data (graphic information) of the composing members which are objects of the working in the corresponding working processes is not allowed (step 72).In other words, at the step 72, preparation of the control information for the controller which regulates the machining apparatus for the manufacturing of the composing members is interrupted. The operator is able to recognize that the preparation of the necessary control information is impossible and its reason by watching the information put out and displayed in the display apparatus 54 at the step 71.

When the judgement at the step 68 is "no", and the judgement at the step 70 is "yes", the preparation of the control information is allowed, and the step 73 is executed. The CAD data on the composing members which are the object of the corresponding working process are retrieved from the memory apparatus 58 (step 73). The above described control information is prepared using machining routes of the composing members, data on the machining apparatus using for the machining, and CAD data corresponding to the composing members (step 74). The prepared control information are put into the corresponding machining apparatus controllers (step 75).

The control information are stored in memories of the machining apparatus controllers. The machining apparatus controller regulates a corresponding machining apparatus based on the control information.

An example when the above described composing members is a L shaped pipe which composes a part of a piping system for connecting two apparatus is explained. At the step 66, a working process for the L shaped pipe is assumed to be selected (an operator designates from the input apparatus 53). Processes at the steps 67, 68, and 69 are orderly performed. Judgement at the step 70 becomes "yes". Graphic information of the piping system in which the L shaped pipe is used is retrieved (stored in the memory apparatus 58), and the graphic information on the L shaped pipe is retrieved from the graphic information on the piping system (step 73). Machining route of the L shaped pipe is as follows; Based on the graphic information on the L shaped pipe, a straight pipe which is material of the L shaped pipe is cut in a necessary length having enough margin.

Next, bending position is marked, and the straight pipe is bent so as to be in a radius and an angle which are indicated in the graphic information.

Finally, the L shaped pipe is finished by cutting in a designated length from the bending portion to the both ends of straight portions.

The control information for the machining apparatus (single or plural) to execute the above described machining route is prepared (step 74). When the piping system using the L shaped pipe is included in a changing portion of a changing object by the design supporting apparatus 50 and the change in graphic information of the changing portion is not completed, the step 70 becomes "no". Accordingly, preparation of control information is interrupted. When the preparation of the control information for a working process is completed, the control information for the other working processes are prepared by repeated execution of the processes after the steps 66.

The control information preparation apparatus 52 is able to interrupt the preparation of control information necessary for producing the portion of which changing process by the design supporting apparatus 50 is not completed because of execution of the processes at the steps 70 and 72. Especially, as having the steps 68, 70, and 72, the preparation of the control information is prohibited only for the composing members related to the changing portions of which changing is not completed by the design supporting apparatus 50. For other members which are not related to the changing portion, the control information can be prepared. The design supporting apparatus 50 yields the same advantages as the design supporting apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.

A design supporting apparatus which is other embodiment of the present invention is explained hereinafter referring to FIGs. 6, 7, 17-20. The design supporting apparatus of the present embodiment executes the processing routes illustrated in FIGs. 6, 7, 17-20 by the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. The processing routes illustrated in FIGs. 6, 7, 17-20 are the processing routes illustrated in FIGs. 4-9 added with the step 76 (FIG. 17), the step 77 (FIG. 18), the steps 78 and 79 (FIG. 19), and the step 80 (FIG. 20). The flow of the processes of the present embodiment is as follows; The I portion in FIG. 17 is connected with the I portion in FIG. 18, the B portion in FIG. 17 is connected to the B portion in FIG. 6, and the C portion in FIG. 17 is connected to the Portion in FIG. 7, respectively. The E portion in FIGs. 7 and 18 are connected to the E portion in FIG. 19.Further, the J portion in FIG. 18 is connected to the J portion in FIG. 19, and the K portion in FIG. 19 is connected to the K portion in FIG. 20. In the above described processing routes, different portion from the portion illustrated in FIGs. 4-9 are explained.

Main portion of the present embodiment is in execution of the process at the step 76 illustrated in FIG. 17. At the step 76, data on all of the changing portions relating to the design programs selected at the step 11 and information on completion of the change and incompletion of the change to the changing portions are retrieved from the memory apparatus 4 and put into the display apparatus 2. The retrieved information are displayed in the display apparatus 2 of a terminal 8 (input operation is performed by a designer). The information on completion of the change and incompletion of the change are indicated, for example, by colored information.For instance, when change of the indicated changing portion is incomplete, the name of the changing portion is indicated by red letters, and the changing portion of which change is completed, the name of the changing portion is indicated by green letters. By watching the display, the designer is easily able to recognize the changing portion at the moment in the graphic information prepared by the selected design program and the status of completion or incompletion of the change of the changing portion. Especially, as the changing portion in which the change is in incomplete can be recognized, planning of subsequent execution of the changing process is facilitated, and the changing process can be certainly performed to all of the changing portions.

The information indicated in the step 6 is prepared at the steps 77, 78, 79, and 80 as flag data of incompletion of the change and flag data of completion of the change, and is stored in the memory apparatus 4. To the changing portion of which change is completed at the step 16B, flag data of completion of the change is given at the step 80. Instead of the flag data of the completion of the change, the corresponding flag data of incompletion of the change stored in the memory apparatus 4 may be deleted as same as the case of the flag data of the completion of the change of the design program.

The present embodiment yields the same advantage as the advantage obtained by the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. The above described processing routes of the present embodiment is able to be used as a processing routes for execution by the design supporting apparatus illustrated in FIG. 12.

A design supporting apparatus which is other embodiment of the present embodiment is explained referring to FIG. 21. The design supporting apparatus of the present embodiment has a plurality of deigning apparatus 81A, 81B, ...., 81N for designing of a design object in each design levels, and the changing control apparatus 82. The above described designing apparatus is furnished with, as illustrated in the design apparatus 81A, the terminal 8 having the input apparatus 1 and the display apparatus 2, the memory apparatus 3 and 5, the central processing unit (CPU) 7, the output apparatus 6, and the data communication control apparatus 51. The memory apparatus stores design programs for execution by the design apparatus 81A.The design programs are for supporting designing of the design object in a design level (for example, design of systems and apparatus) and for preparing graphic information in the design level.

The memory apparatus 5 of the design apparatus 81B stores the design programs which support designing of other design level (for example, layout design of pipe having a large diameter). The memory apparatus 5 of the design apparatus 81N also stores the design programs which support designing of other design level. The CPU 7 in the design apparatus 81A executes the design program stored in the memory apparatus 5, and stores the prepared graphic information of the design level in the memory apparatus 3.

Each of the design apparatus is connected to the data communication control apparatus 84 of the changing control apparatus 82 through the data communication control apparatus 51. The memory apparatus 5 in the changing control apparatus 82 stores the processing routes illustrated in FIGs. 4-9 which are the programs for changing control (except the steps ?2-24 in FIGs. 5 and 7, the steps 16A, 16B, 20, 21, and 26 in FIG. 8), and the data stored in the memory apparatus 4 in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 21, a composition of a design production integrated system which is formed by integration of the design supporting apparatus of the present embodiment and FA systems is illustrated. The data communication apparatus 51 of each design apparatus is connected to the data communication control apparatus 61 of the control information preparation apparatus 52. Each of graphic information prepared by each design apparatus is transmitted to the control information preparation apparatus 52 through the data communication apparatus 51 and 61, and stored in the memory apparatus 58. Each information put out from the changing control apparatus 82 at the step 30 is transmitted to the control information preparation apparatus 52 through the data communication apparatus 84 and 61, and stored in the memory apparatus 59.

The changing process of the design object in the present embodiment is explained.

A case when processing of a changing portion relating to a design change is executed using the design apparatus 81A is assumed. A designer puts in data for performing the changing process and data on a working object range from the input apparatus 1 of the design apparatus 81A.

As the changing process is instructed, the above described data and data on names (or codes) of design programs for execution by the design apparatus 81A are transmitted to the changing control apparatus 82 through the data communication control apparatus 51 and 61. The CPU 83 calls out a program for changing control from the memory apparatus 4 and executes a processing according to the program for changing control. Besides, when working for not changing process but ordinary design etc. is performed by the design apparatus 81A, the program for changing control is not started by the changing control apparatus 82. At the step 11 of the program for changing control, the name of design programs sent from the design apparatus 81A are put in. In the program for changing control, a selecting program means a design program being used for changing process.Display of information obtained by the program for changing control is performed by the display apparatus 2 in the design apparatus executing the design program used for the changing process. When graphic information of the design object is necessary in the changing control apparatus 82 (for instance, a case performing the step 20 process), the graphic information is called out from the memory apparatus 3 for all design apparatus, and is put in.

Otherwise, a memory apparatus for storing the graphic information may be installed in the changing control apparatus 82. Execution of the design program in the design apparatus is performed when the changing process is allowed ( the steps 15B and 25) by the changing control apparatus 82. When judgement at the step 13 is "no", the changing process at the design apparatus corresponding to the changing process at the step 14B is interrupted, and when the judgement is "yes", the changing process by the design apparatus is allowed at the step 15B. At the step 19A, a design apparatus performing the highest level design to the design change is selected, and code of the design apparatus is displayed at the step 1913.

Each of design apparatus is an independent work station. Each of the design apparatus for downstream design prepares graphic information of the corresponding design level by reading the graphic information obtained by the design apparatus performing higher level design.

The above described embodiment yields the same advantages as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12.

Claims

1. A design supporting method for making a plurality of graphic information on a design object including a plurality of compositions by at least a processing means characterized in having a step for selecting a portion, when a change occurs in said first graphic information, which is effected with an influence of the change in said second graphic information which is made based on said first graphic information, and a step for interrupting the change of the portion which is effected with said influence in said second graphic information until the change in said first graphic information is finished.

2. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 1, having a step for displaying a reason of interruption of the change in a display apparatus when said- change is interrupted.

3. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 1, a step for displaying an information on the portion which is effected with said influence.

4. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 1, having a step for generating an information on completion of the change when the change of the changing portion in said first graphic information is finished, wherein said step for interrupting said change is the step for interrupting the change of the portion which is effected with said influence in said second graphic information until said information on completion of the change is generated.

5. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 1, having a step for storing an information on incompletion of a change when the change of the changing portion in said first graphic information is incomplete.

6. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 1, having a step for selecting a new portion necessary to be changed by changing the portion which is effected by influence of the change after changing the portion which is effected by the influence of said change in said second graphic information.

7. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 1, having a step for displaying an information on said changing portion and on completion or incompletion of the change relating to said changing portion in a display apparatus.

8. A design supporting method for making a plurality of graphic information on a design object by at least a processing means using a plurality of programs which are stored in a memory means and are applied to designing of different portions in said design object characterized in having a step for selecting, when a change occurs in said first graphic information obtained by execution of one of said programs, a portion which is effected with an influence of the change in said second graphic information obtained by execution of the other one of said programs, and a step for interrupting the change of the portion which is effected with said influence in said second graphic information by said other one of the programs until the change by execution of said one of the programs in said first graphic information is finished.

9. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 8, having a step for displaying a reason of interruption of the change in a display apparatus when said change is interrupted.

10. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 8, having a step for displaying an information on the portion which is effected with said influence.

11. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 8, having a step for generating an information on completion of the change when the change of the changing portion in said first graphic information is finished, wherein said step for interrupting said change is the step for interrupting the change of the portion which is effected with said influence in said second graphic information until said information on completion of the change is generated.

12. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 8, having a step for storing an information on incompletion of the change when the change of the changing portion in said first graphic information is incomplete.

13. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 8, having a step for selecting a new portion necessary to be changed by changing the portion which is effected by influence of the change after changing the portion which is effected by the influence of said change in said second graphic information.

14. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 8, having a step for displaying an information on said changing portion and on completion or incompletion of the change relating to said changing portion in a display apparatus.

15. A design supporting method for making graphic information on a design object by designing at upstream side and designing at downstream side which uses information obtained by the designing at upstream side characterized in having a step for obtaining a changing portion in the designing at downstream side caused by an influence of a change when the change is generated in the designing at upstream side, and a step for interrupting the change of the changing portion in the designing at downstream side until the change at said designing at upstream side is finished.

16. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 15, having a step for displaying a reason of interruption of the change in a display apparatus when said change is interrupted.

17. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 15, having a step for displaying an information on the portion which is effected with said influence.

18. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 15, having a step for displaying an information on said changing portion and on completion or incompletion of the change relating to said changing portion in a display apparatus.

19. A design supporting method for making graphic information on a design object using a plurality of processing means for making graphic information on the design object respectively characterized in having a step for selecting, when a change occurs in said first graphic information obtained by one of said processing means, a portion which is effected with an influence of the change in said second graphic information obtained by the other one of said processing means which makes said second graphic information by said one of processing means based on said first graphic information, and a step for interrupting the change of the portion which is effected with said influence in said second graphic information by the processing means until the change by said one of said processing means in said first graphic information is finished.

20. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 19, having a step for displaying a reason of interruption of the change in a display apparatus when said change is interrupted.

21. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 19, having a step for displaying an information on the portion which is effected with said influence.

22. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 19, having a step for generating an information on completion of the change when the change of the changing portion in said first graphic information is finished, wherein said step for interrupting said change is the step for interrupting the change of the portion which is effected with said influence in said second graphic information until said information on completion of the change is generated.

23. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 19, having a step for storing an information on incompletion of the change when the change of the changing portion in said first graphic information is incomplete.

24. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 19, having a step for selecting a new portion necessary to be changed by changing the portion which is effected by influence of the change after changing the portion which is effected by the influence of said change in said second graphic information.

25. A design supporting method as claimed in claim 19, having a step for displaying an information on said changing portion and on completion or incompletion of the change relating to said changing portion in a display apparatus.

26. A design supporting method for making a plurality of graphic information on a design object including a plurality of compositions by at least a processing means characterized in having a step for selecting, when a change occurs in said first graphic information, a portion which is effected with an influence of the change in said second graphic information which is made based on said first graphic information, and a step for allowing the change of the portion which is effected with said influence in said second graphic information after the change in said first graphic information is finished.

27. A design supporting method for making a plurality of graphic information on a design object including a plurality of compositions by at least a processing means characterized in having a step for selecting, when a change occurs in said first graphic information, a portion which is effected with an influence of the change in said second graphic information which is made based on said first graphic information, a step for displaying an information on completion or incompletion of the change in said first graphic information in a display apparatus, and a step for executing the change to said portion which is effected with the influence of the change in said second graphic information in accordance with an information of continuous processing requirement supplied after said display.

28. A design supporting apparatus comprising at least a graphic information preparation means which makes a plurality graphic information on a design object including a plurality of compositions, an influenced portion selecting means selecting a portion which is effected with an influence caused by a change of a changing portion in said second graphic information which is made using said first graphic information based on said changing portion existing in said first graphic information, and a means for interrupting the change of the selected portion which is effected with the influence in said second graphic information by said graphic information preparation means until the change in said first graphic information is finished.

29. A design supporting apparatus comprising first memory means for storing a plurality of programs being applied for designing of different portions in a design object, second memory means for storing graphic information on said design object, a means for making said graphic information using said programs, a means for selecting a portion which is effected with an influence of a change of said changing portion in said second graphic information made by execution of one of said programs when a changing portion in said first graphic information obtained by execution of other one of said programs is supplied, and a means for interrupting the change of the portion which is effected by said influence in said second graphic information by other one of said programs until the change in said first graphic information is finished.

30. A design supporting apparatus comprising first memory means for storing a plurality of programs applied for designing of different portions in a design object, second memory means for storing graphic information on said design object, a means for making said graphic information using said programs, a means for selecting, when a changing portion included in said first graphic information obtained by execution of the one of said programs is supplied, a portion which is effected by an influence by the change of said changing portion in said second graphic information made by execution of one of said programs, and a means for allowing the change of the portion which is effected by said influence in said second graphic information by said programs when the change in said first graphic information is finished.

31. A design supporting apparatus comprising a design means at upstream side, a design means at down stream side which designs using an information obtained by the design means at upstream side, a means for selecting, when a change is executed in first graphic information made by said design means at upstream side, a portion which is effected by an influence caused by the change in second graphic information obtained by said design means at downstream side, and a means for interrupting the change of the portion which is effected by said influence by the design means at downstream side until said change to said first graphic information by said design means at upstream side is finished.

32. A design supporting apparatus comprising a plurality of graphic information preparation means for making graphic information on a design object, respectively, a means for selecting, when a change is generated in first graphic information obtained by one of said graphic information preparation means, a portion which is effected by an influence of the change in said second graphic information obtained by one of said graphic information preparation means which makes the second graphic information using said first graphic information, and a means for interrupting the change in the portion which is effected by said influence in said second graphic information by corresponding said one of graphic information preparation means until the change in said first graphic information by one of said graphic information preparation means is finished.

33. A design production integration apparatus comprising a design supporting apparatus for making graphic information of a design object including a plurality of compositions, a plurality of controllers each of which respectively regulates a plurality of machining apparatus which manufacture said compositions included in said design object, and a control information producing apparatus for preparing necessary control information to control said machining apparatus by corresponding said controller based on said graphic information made by said design supporting apparatus, characterized in that said design supporting apparatus has a memory means for storing a plurality of graphic information on the design object, an influenced portion selecting means for selecting portions which will be effected by influence of changes in changing portions in said second graphic information, which is prepared using said first graphic information, based on said changing portions existing in said first graphic information, a means for preparing said graphic information, and a means for interrupting the change of the selected portions, which will be effected by the influence, in said second graphic information by said means for preparing graphic information until the change of said first graphic information is finished.

34. A design production integration apparatus comprising a design supporting apparatus for making graphic information of a design object, a plurality of controllers each of which respectively regulates a plurality of machining apparatus which manufacture composing members of said design object, and a control information producing apparatus for preparing necessary control information to control said machining apparatus by corresponding said controller based on said graphic information made by said design supporting apparatus, characterized in that said control information producing apparatus has a means for interrupting preparation of said control information, when a change is generated in said graphic information, until the change of corresponding changing portion by said design supporting apparatus is finished.

35. A design production integration apparatus as claimed in claim 34, wherein said means for interrupting preparation of control information is a means for interrupting preparation of necessary control information for controlling said machining apparatus to manufacture composing members relating to a change, when the change is generated in said graphic information, until the change of corresponding changing portion by said design supporting apparatus is finished.

36. A factory automation system comprising a plurality of controllers for respective controlling of a plurality of machining apparatus to manufacture composing members included in a design object, and a control information producing apparatus, characterized in that said control information producing apparatus has a means for preparation of control information to prepare necessary control information for said controllers based on graphic information of said design object, and a means for interrupting preparation of said control information, when a change is generated in said graphic information, until the change of corresponding changing portion is finished.