JPH11167644A - Design supporting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide this design supporting device in which a user himself is allowed to freely customize an operation method of a graphic edit command without reconstructing a device itself in the design supporting device that uses a graphic edit command and edits graphic information. SOLUTION: The design supporting means is provided with a displaying part 1 which shows graphic information, an inputting part 7 which designates a graphic edit command and also inputs information that is needed to execute the graphic edit command, a CAD part 8 which carries out the graphic edit command that is designated by the part 7 based on the information inputted by the part 7, a storing part 10 which stores command operation regulating data that regulates the execution method of the graphic edit command in the part 8 and an MMI managing part 9 which changes the command operation regulating data based on a change instruction of the command operation regulation data by the part 7.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a design for editing graphic information by instructing execution of a graphic editing command by an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse for the purpose of designing the shape of a product such as a mechanical product. The present invention relates to a support device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a design support apparatus capable of customizing a graphic information editing operation method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a design support apparatus for a product such as a machine product, when inputting the shape of a product, a user executes a graphic editing command incorporated in the design support apparatus. The input of the intended product shape is performed. Editing of graphic information using a graphic editing command is usually realized by a menu selection method.

[0003] In this menu selection method, a user selects a figure editing command from a menu such as a pull-down menu or a pop-up menu displayed on a screen of a display, and further selects a figure editing command in accordance with the procedure specified in each figure editing command. This is a method for executing a figure editing command by inputting information necessary for executing the editing command, for example, numerical information such as coordinate values, character information, information relating to selection of a figure, and the like. In the menu selection method,
When the design support apparatus is activated, the number of menu items to be displayed and the arrangement order of each item are set.

[0004] However, even when the same product shape is input, there are various command operation methods desired by the user. Also, the type of figure editing command required at the time of design may differ depending on the type of the shape of the target product. For this reason, it is demanded that the type and operation method of the graphic editing command incorporated in the design support device can be easily added or changed. Therefore, in order to meet these demands, the following three methods have been considered, which are roughly divided from the conventional methods.

As a first method, there is a method in which a command and a menu for realizing a graphic editing operation method desired by a user are newly created, and a design support apparatus itself is newly constructed each time.

As a second method, there is a method of automatically changing the display order of commands on a menu according to the frequency of use of commands. For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 6-96144 discloses a method of automatically changing the menu display order so as to minimize the amount of mouse movement when selecting a frequently used command.

As a third method, there is a method in which a macro command is created by the user himself and registered in a menu of the design support apparatus. The macro command is a command for executing a series of processes for sequentially executing some of the commands incorporated in the design support apparatus by a single menu operation. In this way, the operability can be improved by the user creating the macro command and registering it in the menu.

[0008]

However, when trying to incorporate all commands and menus desired by various users into one design support apparatus using the above-described first conventional method, the result is similar to each other. As a result of adding many commands, the total number of menus increases. For this reason, the menu operation becomes complicated, and the design support device becomes difficult to use. In addition, if a design support device custom-made for each user is created using the first conventional method, such a complicated menu operation can be eliminated.
The development cost and maintenance cost of the design support apparatus increase, which is not preferable.

On the other hand, regarding the second conventional method,
"User Interface Design" by Ben Shneiderman
(Nikkei BP Co., Ltd.), p. 80, a research case that confirmed that menus should not be automatically changed according to the frequency of use as in the second conventional method (see “Mitchell and Shneiderman, 1
988 ”).

[0010] The reason why the menu should not be automatically changed based on the frequency of use is that the design support apparatus changes the menu configuration by itself, even though the user does not change the menu configuration. It has been pointed out that it hinders the user from learning the menu structure. In the same document, the automatic change of the menu as described above
It has also been pointed out that the user may be distrusted that another change may occur at any time, and as a result, the work efficiency of the user is significantly reduced.

Further, in the third conventional method, when a user registers a plurality of continuous commands as a macro command, it is necessary to consider the execution result of the command executed immediately before for each command. There is. For this reason, the method of using the macro command as described above is effective when the input operation for creating a certain figure is repeatedly performed, but it is necessary to realize the customization of the method of the figure creation by the user. It is difficult.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a design support apparatus for editing graphic information using a graphic edit command.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a design support apparatus that allows a user to freely customize a method of operating a graphic editing command without rebuilding the apparatus itself.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a design support apparatus for editing graphic information by executing a graphic edit command. A display means for displaying graphic information; a command specifying means for specifying a graphic editing command; an information inputting means for inputting information necessary for executing the graphic editing command; and an information inputting means. A figure editing means for editing figure information displayed by the display means by executing a figure editing command designated by the command designating means based on the input information, and a figure editing based on the input information in the figure editing means. Storage means for storing command operation definition data for defining a command execution method, and command operation definition data stored in the storage means And command operations specified change instructing means for instructing a change, is characterized in that it comprises a command operation defined changing means for changing the command operation definition data based on an instruction by the command operation defined change instruction means.

According to the above configuration, the command operation definition data that defines the method of executing the graphic editing command in the graphic editing means can be changed based on the instruction by the command operation specification change instructing means. Can be changed by a user, for example, the order of inputting a plurality of pieces of coordinate information.

As a result, various users can add a new method of operating a desired graphic editing command without rebuilding the apparatus itself, and operate an already incorporated graphic editing command. The method can be changed. Therefore, the user himself / herself can freely customize the operation method of the graphic editing command according to the shape of the product to be designed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a design support apparatus comprising:
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the design support apparatus according to claim 1, the information input means is a coordinate input means for inputting coordinates of a specific point of a graphic, and the graphic editing means is a coordinate input means. Means for executing a figure editing command based on a plurality of coordinates sequentially inputted by means,
The command operation regulation changing means changes the relationship between each coordinate input by the coordinate input means and the type of a specific point designated by each coordinate.

According to the above configuration, the user can customize the input order of the coordinates of the specific point by the coordinate input means for executing the figure editing command without rebuilding the apparatus itself.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a design support apparatus comprising:
2. A design support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said command designating means comprises a keyboard for inputting a shortcut key for designating a graphic editing command. Shortcut key setting instructing means for instructing setting of shortcut key data that defines the relationship of the following, and shortcut key setting means for setting shortcut key data based on an instruction from the shortcut key setting means. And a shortcut key data storage unit for storing the obtained shortcut key data.

According to the above configuration, when the user issues an instruction using the shortcut key setting instructing means, the shortcut key for executing the graphic editing command in the execution method customized by the command operation definition changing means is assigned to the shortcut key setting means. And stored in the shortcut key data storage means. In the above configuration, the graphic editing command can be executed in a customized execution method only by inputting the set shortcut key using the keyboard. Therefore, even for a customized command execution method, a shortcut key function preferred by a user skilled in the design support apparatus can be realized, and a quick command selection operation can be performed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a design support apparatus comprising:
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the apparatus further comprises menu display means for displaying on a display means a menu in which items for designating a figure editing command are arranged, wherein the command designating means has a pointing device for selecting a menu item. 2. The design support apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a device, wherein the storage unit includes a menu configuration data storage unit configured to store a menu configuration data that defines a relationship between menu items and graphic editing commands and an arrangement of items in the menu. A menu configuration change instructing unit for instructing a change of the menu configuration data stored in the menu configuration data storage unit, and a menu configuration changing unit for changing the menu configuration data based on an instruction from the menu configuration change instructing unit Are further provided.

According to the above configuration, the user causes the menu configuration changing unit to change the menu configuration data in accordance with the instruction from the menu configuration change instructing unit, thereby adding a menu item for executing the figure editing command.
You can change or change the arrangement of menu items. This allows the user to freely edit the menu configuration, so that a menu configuration suitable for the product to be designed can be selected and an efficient design operation can be performed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a design support apparatus comprising:
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the design support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a command for reading command operation definition data from a storage unit and storing the command operation definition data in an external storage device. It is characterized by comprising an operation definition data output unit and a command operation definition data loading unit that reads command operation definition data from an external storage device and stores the command operation definition data in the storage unit.

In the design support apparatus of the present invention, when a RAM (Random Access Memory) whose contents are erased when the power of the apparatus main body is turned off is used as a storage means, a command operation is performed every time the apparatus main body is operated. An operation to redefine the specified data is required.

On the other hand, in the configuration according to the fifth aspect, the command operation definition data output means transfers the command operation definition data defined by the user from the storage means to the external storage device and stores it in the external storage device. Even if the contents stored in the storage means are erased when the power of the main unit is turned off,
Command operation definition data can be stored. According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the command operation defining data can be read from the external storage device to the storage means by the command operation defining data capturing means when the apparatus main body operates, so that the command operation defining data can be continuously used. This eliminates the need to redefine the command operation definition data. As a result, the figure editing work can be made more efficient, and the time required for design can be reduced.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the present design support device (hereinafter referred to as the present design support device) includes a display unit (display unit) 1, an input unit (input unit) 7, and a CAD (Compute).
r-Aided Design) section (figure editing means) 8 and MMI (Man
-Machine Interface) Management unit 9 and storage unit (storage means)
The external storage device 3 is connected to the CAD unit 8.

The display unit 1 is composed of a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) display or the like, and displays a graphic based on the graphic data of the product shape to be designed stored in the storage unit 10. The external storage device 3 is a recording medium such as a magnetic disk or a floppy disk for storing command operation definition data and shortcut key data (described later) created by the user.

The input unit 7 is used by the user to input various information to the design support apparatus. Information necessary for executing the figure editing command, for example, numerical information such as coordinate information, character information, etc. Has a function as information input means for the user to input information related to the selection of a figure. The input unit 7 includes a keyboard (command specifying means) 6 for the user to input a key such as a shortcut key for specifying a graphic editing command, a purpose of inputting coordinates of a specific point of the graphic, or a display on the display unit 1. A mouse (coordinate input means, pointing device) 5 for the user to input coordinates for the purpose of selecting a menu item indicating a command such as a figure editing command from the menu.

Further, the input section 7 has a function as a command operation definition change instructing means for instructing a change of command operation definition data, and a command operation definition change content for instructing a change content of the command operation definition data. It also has a function as an instruction means. In addition, the input unit 7
Has also a function as a shortcut key setting instructing means for instructing setting of shortcut key data.

The CAD unit 8 converts the graphic data of the product shape stored in the storage unit 10 based on information input from the input unit 7 by the user, for example, information on a plurality of coordinates sequentially input by the mouse 5. Editing, for example, new creation, deformation, movement, deletion, etc. of a figure is performed, and the figure displayed on the display unit 1 is edited. The CAD unit 8 recognizes an input from the input unit 7 by event processing. Input unit 7
Examples of the input event from the menu include a menu selection event that occurs when a menu item is selected with the mouse 5, a key input event caused by input from the keyboard 6, and the like.

The MMI management unit 9 manages the contents stored in the storage unit 10 based on the information input from the input unit 7, and
Execution method (operation) of the figure editing command executed by the D unit 8
It is for specifying. The MMI management unit 9 will be described later in detail.

The storage unit (storage means) 10 includes a first memory 11 for storing command operation definition data described later, and stores graphic data of a shape of a product to be designed. The first memory 11 also functions as a shortcut key data storage unit that stores shortcut key data that defines a relationship between a shortcut key and a graphic editing command.

The command operation defining data stored in the first memory 11 defines an execution method (operation) of a graphic editing command based on input information, which is executed when the CAD data of the product shape is edited in the CAD unit 8. It is data and consists of several attribute items related to the operation of the command in the input unit 7. Specifically, for example, the command operation definition data that defines a figure editing command that requires a plurality of coordinate inputs includes each coordinate input by the coordinate input unit and the type of a specific point specified by each coordinate. It is composed of data defining the relationship.

Here, the MMI management section 9 will be described in detail. As a first function, the MMI management unit 9 reads command operation definition data from the first memory 11 based on an instruction from the input unit 7, sends the command operation definition data to the display unit 1, And has a function as a command operation definition changing unit that changes the command operation definition data based on an instruction from the input unit 7 and stores the changed command operation definition data in the first memory 11.

As a second function, the MMI management unit 9 reads shortcut key data from the first memory 11 based on an instruction from the input unit 7, sends the shortcut key data to the display unit 1, and sends the shortcut key data to the display unit 1. And has a function as a shortcut key changing means for changing the shortcut key data based on the shortcut key input by the keyboard 6 and storing the changed shortcut key data in the first memory 11. I have.

Further, as a third function, the MMI management unit 9 reads command operation definition data from the first memory 11 and stores the command operation definition data in the external storage device 3 as command operation definition data output means. As a fourth function, it has a function as command operation definition data capturing means for reading command operation definition data from the external storage device 3 and storing the command operation definition data in the first memory 11.

In addition, as a fifth function, the MMI management section 9 also has a function as a menu display means for displaying on the display section 1 a menu in which items for designating a figure editing command are arranged.

Next, the flow of the process of changing the command operation definition data under the control of the MMI management unit 9 in the present design support apparatus will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the MMI management unit 9 determines whether or not the input for instructing the start of editing the operation method of the command executed by the CAD unit 8, that is, the start of editing of the operation definition data, is input to the input unit 7. (S201). The input for instructing the start of editing of the operation definition data includes an operation of the input unit 7 by the user, for example, an operation of pressing a specific key combination of the keyboard 6, and an operation of selecting an item from the menu displayed on the display unit 1 with the mouse 5. , An input by an operation of clicking a button displayed on the display unit 1 with the mouse 5, or the like.

If it is determined in S201 that the input for instructing the start of editing of the operation definition data has been input to the input unit 7, the MMI management unit 9 executes the command operation specification data stored in the first memory 11 of the storage unit 10. Is read (S
202). Next, the MMI management unit 9 displays the content of each attribute item of the command operation definition data on the display unit 1 so that the content can be edited by operating the input unit 7 by the user, and performs the command operation for the user. Prompt editing process of specified data. Specifically, the MMI management unit 9
For example, a correspondence table between each coordinate sequentially input by the mouse 5 and a specific point of a figure to be created is displayed on the display unit 1 as an edit window, and each item of the correspondence table is selected with the mouse 5 and a key on the keyboard 6 is selected. The input operation can be edited, and a message prompting the user to edit the command operation definition data is displayed on the display unit 1.

In this state, the user operates the input unit 7 to edit the command operation definition data on the command operation definition data editing screen displayed on the display unit 1 (S).
203).

Here, the operation of “editing command operation definition data” may be an operation of newly creating command operation definition data or an operation of changing existing command operation definition data. The new creation operation and the change operation are not much different for the user, but in the case of the new creation operation, a storage area for storing new command operation definition data is required in the first memory 11, whereas the change operation of the change operation is required. In this case, the existing command operation definition data stored in the first memory 11 is erased, and new command operation definition data is stored in the first memory 11, so that the required storage area is relatively small. .

When the editing process of the command operation definition data by the user in S203 is completed, the MMI management unit 9
Stores the edited command operation definition data in the first memory 1
1 is stored. At the same time, the MMI management unit 9 reads command operation definition data from the first memory 11 and
It is stored in the external storage device 3 (S204).

When the user performs an operation to change the command operation definition data in S203, the MM
Before storing the changed command operation definition data in the first memory 11 and the external storage device 3 in S204, the I management unit 9
Deletes the original command operation definition data stored in.

In step S201, the MMI management unit 9 determines that the input from the input unit 7 by the user is not an input for instructing the start of editing of the operation definition data, but an input for instructing the execution of a figure editing command. When a shortcut key indicating a figure editing command is input by the keyboard 6, or when a menu item indicating the figure editing command is selected by the mouse 5, the command operation defining data stored in the storage unit 10 is read out. The data is transferred to the CAD unit 8 (S205).

The CAD unit 8 converts the command operation definition data into a format (executable format) in which a figure editing command can be executed.
(S206), and executes the figure editing command based on the converted execution format data (S206).
207).

In this design support apparatus, the external storage device 3
The MMI management unit 9 reads the command operation definition data stored in the external storage device 3 at the start of operation. FIG. 3 shows an operation in which the MMI management unit 9 reads command operation definition data from the external storage device 3.
This will be described below based on

First, the MMI management unit 9 checks whether a file of menu configuration data defined by the user (hereinafter, referred to as a user-defined file) is stored in a predetermined location on the external storage device 3 (see FIG. 1). S30
1). The method of specifying the location of the user definition file depends on what operating system is running on the design support apparatus. For example, if a Microsoft Windows (trademark) operating system is running on this design support device, c: \ cad \ sys \ menu \ us
The location of the user-defined file is specified in a format such as er1.mnu.

Next, if the user-defined file is at a predetermined location in S301, the MMI management unit 9 reads the user-defined file into the first memory 11 of the storage unit 10 (S3).
02). On the other hand, if the user-defined file does not exist in the predetermined location in S301, the MMI management unit 9 stores the default menu configuration data file defined in advance and stored in the predetermined location in the first memory of the storage unit 10. 11
It is read upward (S303).

Next, the MMI management unit 9 restores the menu hierarchy in units of menu groups belonging to the menu configuration data, and individually reads the command operation definition data files registered for the items of each menu. One is stored in the memory 11 (S304). S3
Since the preparation for operating the design support apparatus is completed in 04, the design support apparatus enters a process of waiting for an event from the user (S305).

In this design support apparatus, as described above,
The MMI management unit 9 restores the command operation definition data from the user-defined file, completes the preparation for operation, and thereafter waits for an event. The design support apparatus stops processing until an event occurs, and when an event by a user operation (a figure editing operation, a command editing operation, a menu editing operation, etc.) occurs, the processing (the figure Editing processing, command editing processing, menu editing processing, etc.).

Hereinafter, the process of changing the operation definition data of the graphic editing command in the MMI management unit 9 will be specifically described with reference to an example in which the graphic editing command is an arc creation command.

First, it is assumed that the operation defining data of the “center radius angle arc command” which is one of the arc creation commands registered in the design support apparatus is stored in the first memory 11. Table 1 shows the contents of the operation definition data of the "center radius angle arc command".

[0053]

[Table 1]

As shown in Table 1, the operation definition data of the "center radius angle arc command" is such that the coordinates of the first point are the coordinates of the center of the arc with respect to the coordinates of three points sequentially input by the mouse 5, This data defines the method of executing the arc creation command in the CAD unit 8 such that the second point is set as the coordinate of the start point of the arc and the third point is set as the coordinate of the end point of the arc. .

The procedure of the arc creation operation using the "center radius angle arc command" is as follows. First, the user uses the keyboard 6 to set a shortcut key “ctrl-shi” of “center radius angle arc command” which is set in advance.
ft-C ". The CAD unit 8 then activates the" center radius angle arc command "based on the shortcut key data stored in the first memory 11, and sets the coordinates required for executing this command. Prepare for user input. For the setting method of the shortcut key,
It will be described later.

Next, the user inputs the coordinates of the first point,
The coordinates of the third point and the coordinates of the third point
To enter. Thus, the CAD unit 8 executes the arc creation command with reference to the operation definition data stored in the first memory 11 based on the three coordinates input by the mouse 5. That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, the CAD unit 8 sets the coordinates of the first point as the coordinates of the center of the arc, the coordinates of the second point as the coordinates of the start point of the arc, and the coordinates of the third point. The graphic data of the arc is created using the coordinates as the coordinates of the end point of the arc, and the arc is displayed on the display unit 1.

At this time, the display screen of the display unit 1 displays the arc shown in FIG. 4A, the X coordinate, the Y coordinate, and the Z coordinate of the center of the arc shown in FIG. A window displaying the radius of the arc and the center angle of the arc is displayed.

Here, as a procedure for inputting a specific point of an arc in the arc creation operation, as shown in FIG. 5A, the user inputs the starting point of the arc as the first input point, and
Suppose that it is desired to register a procedure of inputting the center of the arc as the input point of the point and inputting the end point of the arc as the input point of the third point. In this case, in the design support apparatus, the input procedure of the specific point of the arc in the arc creation operation is changed by the following procedure based on the user's instruction. In the following description, a case will be described in which the changed input procedure is newly registered separately from the original input procedure.

First, as shown in FIG. 2, the MMI management unit 9 determines that the user has input from the input unit 7 the instruction to start editing the operation definition data of the “center radius angle arc command” in S201. Then, in S202, the operation defining data of the “center radius angle arc command” stored in the first memory 11 is read. Thereafter, the MMI management unit 9 causes the display unit 1 to display the contents of the operation definition data of the “center radius angle arc command” shown in Table 1 so that the content can be edited, and allows the user to edit the operation specification data. Prompt.

In step S203, the user uses the input unit 7 to edit the item of “evaluation rule of the first procedure” on the edit screen of the operation rule data of the “center radius angle arc command” displayed on the display unit 1. Change the item of “Evaluation rule of the second procedure” from “Center of arc” to “Center of arc” from “Center of arc” to “Start point of arc”, and change the procedure of inputting the coordinates of each point. , Create new operation definition data. At this time, the user uses the input unit 7 to set a shortcut key for instructing execution of a command corresponding to the edited command operation definition data. The command specified by the command operation definition data after editing is a new command different from the “center radius angle arc command”, and is hereinafter referred to as a “one point radius angle arc command”.

When the editing process of the command operation definition data by the user in S203 is completed, the MMI management unit 9
Causes the first memory 11 to store the operation definition data of the “one-point radius angle arc command”. At the same time, the MMI management unit 9 reads the operation definition data of the “one-point radius angle arc command” from the first memory 11 and stores it in the external storage device 3 (S204). In this way, the command operation definition data shown in Table 2 in which the command operation procedure is changed from the command operation definition data stored in the first memory 11 is newly registered.

[0062]

[Table 2]

In this design support apparatus, the relative position of the coordinates of the second point with respect to the coordinates of the first point and the relative angle of the coordinates of the third point with respect to a straight line connecting the first and second points are determined. It is possible for the user to specify it. Therefore, as shown in Tables 1 and 2, the operation definition data of the “center radius angle arc command” and the “one-point radius angle arc command” are, as shown in FIGS. Is input and the relative position of the coordinates of the second point with respect to the coordinates of the first point is specified, the input of the coordinates of the second point is limited to a coordinate position that satisfies the specified relative position. It has become. The operation definition data of the "center radius angle arc command" and the "one point radius angle arc command" are input with the coordinates of the first point and the second point by the mouse 5, and the first point and the second point are input. When the relative angle of the coordinates of the third point with respect to the straight line connecting is specified, the input of the coordinates of the third point is limited to a coordinate position that satisfies the specified relative angle.

The operation definition data of the "center radius angle arc command" and the "one point radius angle arc command" specified as shown in Tables 1 and 2, respectively, are managed by ID numbers as shown in Table 3. It is stored in the first memory 11. This ID number, together with the command operation definition data, is a MM having a function as a command operation definition data output unit which is another feature of the present invention.
The data is read from the first memory 11 by the I management unit 9 and stored in the external storage device 3.

[0065]

[Table 3]

As described above, in the design support apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the operation defining data for executing the graphic editing command can be changed.

Next, the setting of the shortcut key described in “Shortcut definition” in Tables 1 and 2 will be described in detail.

The shortcut key is registered and changed by the MMI management unit 9 as a command ID designating unit.
Thus, each figure editing command is directly designated by the ID number. Note that the shortcut key is
It is a key combination that is set to simplify the user's operation for starting the figure editing command,
For example, the shortcut key “ctrl-shift-C” for activating the “center radius angle arc command” in Table 1
Indicates a combination of a control key, a shift key, and a C key on the keyboard 6.

The MMI management unit 9 creates a shortcut key management table for associating a figure editing command with a shortcut key for activating the figure editing command when reading command operation specifying data, and separately from the command operation specifying data. , As shortcut key data
It is stored in the memory 11.

Table 4 shows the shortcut key management table.
Shown in

[0071]

[Table 4]

In the shortcut key management table, the management ID is an ID number for managing the number of columns in the entire table. The reference ID specifies a figure editing command to refer to operation definition data of each figure editing command, and the MMI management unit 9 manages each figure editing command based on the reference ID. Further, in the shortcut key management table, the reference I
The shortcut key assigned to the graphic editing command specified by D is associated with the reference ID. With this shortcut key management table,
When assigning a shortcut key to a newly created figure editing command or a figure editing command that has already been created and registered, the MMI management unit 9 easily determines whether or not the shortcut key is already defined. It can be carried out.

The operation flow for updating the shortcut key management table in the MMI management section 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the user instructs to set a shortcut key by operating the input unit 7, and when a graphic editing command to be set (newly set or changed) for the shortcut key is selected by operating the input unit 7, the MMI management is performed. The unit 9 refers to the shortcut key management table stored in the first memory 11 to obtain a reference ID of the selected graphic editing command (S601).

Next, the MMI management unit 9 stores the operation definition data of the graphic editing command specified by the reference ID in the first
The data is read from the memory 11 (S602). And MMI
The management unit 9 determines whether a shortcut key has already been defined for the figure editing command based on the operation definition data (S603).

If the MMI management unit 9 determines that a shortcut key has already been defined for the figure editing command, the MMI management unit 9 refers to the shortcut key management table stored in the first memory 11 and refers to the shortcut key management table. A management ID corresponding to the key is obtained (S604).

If the MMI management unit 9 determines in S603 that the shortcut key is not defined for the figure editing command, it adds a number obtained by adding 1 to the maximum value of the management ID in the shortcut key management table. It is newly set as the management ID of this command (S60
5).

When the user inputs a shortcut key from the keyboard 6 and the MMI management unit 9 receives a key input event of the keyboard 6 (S606), M
The MI management unit 9 determines whether the input shortcut key is the same as a shortcut key already defined for another command (S607). At this time, MM
The I management unit 9 refers to the shortcut key management table stored in the first memory 11 and compares it with the shortcut keys corresponding to all the management IDs other than the management ID obtained in S604.

If the MMI management unit 9 determines in step S607 that the shortcut key is the same as the already registered shortcut key, the process returns to step S606, and prompts the user to input again. If the MMI management unit 9 determines in S607 that the same shortcut key as the shortcut key input in S606 is not in the shortcut key management table, the MMI management unit 9 newly sets the shortcut key in the operation definition data of the selected command. The shortcut key input in S606 is registered (S608), and the shortcut key input in S606 and the operation of the graphic editing command are stored in a location corresponding to the management ID of the selected graphic editing command in the shortcut key management table. The registration is made in association with a reference ID for referring to the prescribed data (S609). The shortcut management table is updated by the above operation.

The above-described setting of the shortcut key is performed while the command operation definition data is being updated. That is, in the present design support apparatus, the user instructs, via the input unit 7, whether or not to define a shortcut key at the time of editing operation of command operation definition data. Therefore, in practice, S601 and S602 correspond to S2
The shortcut key setting in S606 to S609 is performed in S204 after the command operation definition data editing in S203.

Next, in order to simplify the description of the shortcut key registration operation and the activation method of the figure editing command by the shortcut key, the shortcut key “ctrl-shift-only” is used only for the above “center radius angle arc command”. The case where "C" is defined and a shortcut key is not defined for another command will be described as an example.

In this case, in the shortcut management table, the management items “ctrl-shift-C” as the shortcut key of this command and “CMD1” as the reference ID of this command are registered in the column of the management ID “1”. It is just that.

Therefore, when the user wants to define the shortcut key of the “one-point radius angle arc command”, the user first starts the setting process of the shortcut key by input from the input unit 7 to “one-point radius angle arc command”. Select "Angle arc command" and then use the keyboard 6 to select "ctrl
Enter a key combination other than "-shift-C".
As a result, a new shortcut key can be defined as a shortcut key for the “one point radius angle arc command”. For example, when the user simultaneously presses the control key, the shift key, and the S key with the keyboard 6, the shortcut key in the operation definition data of the "one-point radius angle arc command" is "ctrl-s" as shown in Table 2.
hift-S ”and the shortcut key management table is updated as shown in Table 4.

After that, when the user performs a key input corresponding to the above-mentioned shortcut key using the keyboard 6 of the input unit 7, the CAD unit 8 executes the graphic editing command having the reference ID associated with the shortcut key management table. Start That is, the user can activate the “center radius angle arc command” using the shortcut key by simultaneously pressing the control key, the shift key, and the C key on the keyboard 6 of the input unit 7. Further, the user operates the keyboard 6 of the input unit 7.
When the user simultaneously presses the control key, shift key, and S key, the "one point radius angle arc command" can be activated using the shortcut key. If the user presses any other key combination on the keyboard 6 or only one key, no figure editing command is activated.

After the “one point radius angle arc command” is activated, the user inputs the coordinates of the first point, the coordinates of the second point, and the coordinates of the third point with the mouse 5 in this order.
The CAD unit 8 executes an arc creation command by the following method with reference to the operation definition data stored in the first memory 11 based on the three coordinates input by the mouse 5. That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, the CAD unit 8 sets the coordinates of the first point as the coordinates of the starting point of the arc, the coordinates of the second point as the coordinates of the center of the arc, and the third point. The graphic data of the arc is created using the coordinates as the coordinates of the end point of the arc, and the arc is displayed on the display unit 1.

At this time, the display screen of the display unit 1 displays, along with the arc shown in FIG. 5A, the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the starting point of the arc shown in FIG. A window displaying the radius of the arc and the center angle of the arc is displayed.

Next, the flow of the operation of starting the graphic editing command by the shortcut key in the present design support apparatus will be described.
This will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, when the CAD unit 8 receives a key input event from the keyboard 6 of the input unit 7 (S701),
Referring to the contents stored in the first memory 11, it is determined whether or not this key input event is a defined shortcut key event registered in the shortcut key management table (S702). Here, the shortcut key event refers to a key input event caused by a combination of a plurality of keys set by the user being input on the keyboard 6.

If the CAD unit 8 determines in S702 that the input key is not defined as a shortcut key for activating the figure editing command, the CAD unit 8 issues a message that "undefined key input has been performed." After being displayed on the display unit 1 and transmitted to the user, the system waits until a new key input event by the user occurs.

If it is determined in step S702 that the input key has been defined as a shortcut key for activating the graphic editing command, that is, if a shortcut key event has been recognized, the CAD unit 8 executes Then, the graphic editing command corresponding to the reference ID associated with the shortcut key is activated (S703).

Thereafter, when the user uses the input unit 7 to input information necessary for executing the figure editing command, the CAD
The unit 8 executes the figure editing command with reference to the operation defining data stored in the first memory 11 based on the information input by the input unit 7, thereby executing the figure data stored in the storage unit 10. Edit.

As described above, the design support apparatus according to the present embodiment has a display unit 1 for displaying a figure and an input for designating a figure editing command and inputting information necessary for executing the figure editing command. A CAD section 8 for executing a graphic editing command specified by the input section 7 based on information input by the input section 7, and a command defining a method of executing the graphic editing command based on the information in the CAD section 8. A storage unit 10 for storing operation definition data;
An MMI management unit 9 that changes command operation definition data based on a command operation specification data change instruction from the input unit 7 is provided. As a result, the user himself / herself can freely customize the operation method of the graphic editing command without rebuilding the apparatus itself.

[Embodiment 2] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Members having the same functions as the members described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a design support apparatus according to the present embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as the present design support apparatus). As shown in FIG. 8, this design support apparatus has a configuration in which the storage section (storage means) 20 is provided in place of the storage section 10 in the configuration of the design support apparatus shown in FIG. 19 is provided.

This design support device is a menu selection type design support device that executes a figure editing command when an item indicating a figure editing command is selected from a menu such as a pull-down menu or a pop-up menu by the input unit 7. .

The input unit 7 of the design support apparatus serves as a menu configuration change instructing unit for instructing a change of menu configuration data (described later) in addition to various functions of the input unit 7 of the first embodiment. It has a function and a function as a menu configuration change content instructing means for instructing a change content of menu configuration data (described later).

The storage unit 20 includes, in addition to the first memory 11,
A second memory (menu configuration data storage unit) 12 for storing menu configuration data that defines the relationship between menu items displayed on the data display unit 1 and the graphic editing command, and the arrangement of items in the menu;
It stores graphic data of the shape of the product to be designed.

[0097] The MMI management unit 19
In addition to the various functions of the I management unit 9, the I management unit 9 has a function of managing a menu configuration such as a pop-up menu or a pull-down menu for instructing a figure editing command displayed on the display unit 1 based on menu configuration data. doing.

Further, the MMI management unit 19 reads out menu configuration data from the second memory 12 based on an instruction from the input unit 7, sends the menu configuration data to the display unit 1, and causes the display unit 1 to display the menu configuration data as character information. , Has a function as a menu configuration change unit that changes menu configuration data based on an instruction from the input unit 7 and stores the changed menu configuration data in the second memory 12.

Further, the MMI management section 19 reads menu configuration data from the second memory 12 and functions as menu configuration data output means for storing the menu configuration data in the external storage device 3. It also has a function as a menu configuration data acquisition unit that reads menu configuration data and stores the menu configuration data in the second memory 12.

Next, the flow of the operation of updating the menu configuration data under the control of the MM1 management unit 19 in the design support apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, the MMI management unit 19 determines whether or not the input made by the user from the input unit 7 is an instruction to edit the menu configuration data of the present design support apparatus (S9).
01). If the input is an instruction to edit the menu configuration data in S901, the MMI management unit 19 reads the menu configuration data stored in the second memory 12 of the storage unit 20 (S902).

Next, the MMI management unit 19 displays the contents of the menu configuration data on the display unit 1 so that the menu configuration data can be edited, and urges the user to edit the menu configuration data. The user edits the menu configuration data using the menu configuration data edit screen displayed on the display unit 1 (S903).

When the user edits the menu configuration data in S903, the MMI management unit 19
Stores the edited menu configuration data in the second
It is stored in the memory 12. At the same time, the edited menu configuration data is read from the second memory 12, stored in the external storage device 3 (S904), and the operation is terminated.

If it is determined in step S901 that the input is not an instruction to edit the menu configuration data, the process ends without performing any processing, and waits for the next input event.

In the present design support device, the menu configuration data stored in the external storage device 3 in advance is read by the MMI management section 19 from the external storage device 3 at the start of operation. Thus, even if the contents stored in the second memory 12 are erased when the power of the apparatus main body is turned off, the menu configuration data can be stored. In addition, the menu configuration data can be read from the external storage device 3 to the second memory 12 by the MMI management unit 19 when the apparatus main body operates. Therefore, the menu configuration data can be used continuously, and the operation of redefining the menu configuration data is not required. As a result, the figure editing work can be made more efficient, and the time required for design can be reduced.

The operation in which the MMI management unit 19 reads menu configuration data from the external storage device 3 is exactly the same as the operation in which the MMI management unit 9 reads command operation definition data from the external storage device 3. Omitted.

By the way, the second memory 12 of the storage unit 20
Stores the menu configuration data as tree-structured data shown in Tables 5 to 7. Therefore, the second memory 1
No. 2 can manage a plurality of menu data defining the relationship between each command shown in Table 7 and a menu item. Also, the second
The contents stored in the memory 12 are read by the MMI management unit 19 that functions as a menu configuration external output unit, which is another feature of the present invention, and stored in the external storage device 3.

Tables 5 to 7 show the minimum data structure necessary for managing the menu configuration data in the present design support apparatus. The above data structure is a tree structure, and has a plurality of menu set data as shown in Table 5 as the highest order node. Each of the menu set data has a plurality of menu group data defining a menu as shown in Table 6 as constituent elements. Each of the menu group data has a plurality of menu data that define commands registered in each menu item as shown in Table 7 as constituent elements.

[0108]

[Table 5]

[0109]

[Table 6]

[0110]

[Table 7]

The menu set data defines a combination of menus (menu set). With this design supporting apparatus, the user can switch the combination of menus to a desired combination. Has become.

As described above, the design support apparatus according to the present embodiment provides the MMI management unit 1 that changes menu configuration data based on the menu configuration data change instruction from the input unit 7.
9 is provided. This allows the user to freely edit the menu configuration data, so that a menu configuration suitable for the product to be designed can be selected and an efficient design operation can be performed.

[0113]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a design support apparatus for editing graphic information by executing a graphic edit command, as described above.
Display means for displaying graphic information, command specifying means for specifying a graphic edit command, information input means for inputting information necessary for executing the graphic edit command, and information input by the information input means Based on the information,
A figure editing means for editing figure information displayed by the display means by executing a figure editing command designated by the command designating means, and a command defining a method of executing the figure editing command based on input information in the figure editing means. Storage means for storing operation definition data; command operation definition change instruction means for instructing a change of command operation definition data stored in the storage means; and command operation definition data based on an instruction from the command operation specification change instruction means. And a command operation definition changing means for changing the command operation definition.

According to the above configuration, the method of executing the figure editing command can be changed, so that the user can change the method of inputting information by the information input means for executing the figure editing command. As a result, in a design support apparatus for editing graphic information using a graphic editing command, the user can freely customize the operation method of the graphic editing command without reconfiguring the apparatus itself. Play.

The design support apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention
As described above, in the design support apparatus according to claim 1,
The information input means is a coordinate input means for inputting coordinates of a specific point of a graphic, and the graphic editing means executes a graphic editing command based on a plurality of coordinates sequentially input by the coordinate input means. The command operation definition changing means changes the relationship between each coordinate input by the coordinate input means and the type of a specific point designated by each coordinate.

According to the above configuration, the user can customize the input order of the coordinates of the specific point by the coordinate input means for executing the figure editing command without rebuilding the apparatus itself. To play.

The design support apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention provides:
2. The design support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said command designating means comprises a keyboard for inputting a shortcut key for designating a graphic editing command, wherein the relationship between the shortcut key and the graphic editing command is defined. Shortcut key setting instructing means for instructing setting of shortcut key data to be performed, and shortcut key setting means for setting shortcut key data based on an instruction from the shortcut key setting means. And a shortcut key data storage unit for storing data.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to set the shortcut key for executing the graphic editing command in the execution method customized by the command operation definition changing means, so that the user only needs to input the shortcut key using the keyboard. The figure editing command can be executed by a customized execution method. As a result, there is an effect that a quick command selection operation can be performed.

A design support apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention provides:
As described above, further comprising menu display means for displaying a menu in which items for designating a figure editing command are arranged on a display means, wherein the command designation means comprises a pointing device for selecting menu items, 2. The design support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said storage means includes menu configuration data storage means for storing a menu configuration data defining a relationship between menu items and graphic editing commands and an arrangement of items in the menu. The apparatus further includes menu configuration change instructing means for instructing a change of menu configuration data stored in the menu configuration data storage means, and menu configuration changing means for changing menu configuration data based on an instruction from the menu configuration change instructing means. Configuration.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to freely change the menu configuration such as adding or changing a menu item for executing the figure editing command or changing the arrangement of the menu items. In this case, it is possible to select a menu configuration suitable for the user and perform an efficient design operation.

The design support apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention
As described above, in the design support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a command operation definition data output for reading command operation definition data from a storage unit and storing the command operation definition data in an external storage device. Means for reading command operation definition data from an external storage device and storing the command operation definition data in the storage means.

According to the above configuration, even if the contents of the storage means are erased when the power of the apparatus main body is turned off, the command operation definition data can be stored. Since the data can be called, the command operation definition data can be used continuously. As a result, there is an effect that the figure editing work can be made more efficient and the time required for the design can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a design support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a process of changing command operation definition data in the design support apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of reading command operation definition data from an external storage device in the design support apparatus of FIG. 1;

4A and 4B are diagrams showing a display screen of a display unit when a “center radius angle arc command” is executed in the design support apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a window for displaying graphic information;
(B) is a figure which shows the window which displays numerical information.

5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a display screen of a display unit when a “one-point radius angle arc command” is executed in the design support apparatus of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 5A illustrates a window for displaying graphic information;
(B) is a figure which shows the window which displays numerical information.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a setting process of a shortcut key in the design support apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of starting a graphic editing command by a shortcut key in the design support device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a design support apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process of changing menu configuration data in the design support apparatus of FIG. 8;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Display part (display means) 7 Input part (command designation means, information input means, command operation regulation change instruction means) 8 CAD section (graphic editing means) 9 MMI management part (command operation regulation change means) 10 Storage part (storage) Means) 19 MMI management unit (menu configuration changing means) 20 Storage unit (storage means)

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A design support apparatus for editing graphic information by executing a graphic editing command, comprising: display means for displaying graphic information; and command designating means for specifying a graphic editing command. Information input means for inputting information necessary for executing the figure editing command; and a display means for executing the figure editing command specified by the command specifying means based on the information input by the information input means. Figure editing means for editing the figure information displayed by the command, storage means for storing command operation definition data for defining a method of executing a figure editing command based on input information in the figure editing means, and command operation stored in the storage means Command operation rule change instructing means for instructing a change of rule data, and command operation rule change command A command operation definition changing unit for changing command operation definition data based on an instruction from the means. 2. The information input means is a coordinate input means for inputting coordinates of a specific point of a graphic, and the graphic editing means edits a graphic based on a plurality of coordinates sequentially input by the coordinate input means. Executing a command, wherein the command operation regulation changing means changes a relationship between each coordinate input by the coordinate input means and a type of a specific point designated by each coordinate. The design support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The design support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said command designating means comprises a keyboard for inputting a shortcut key for designating a graphic editing command, wherein a relationship between the shortcut key and the graphic editing command is defined. Shortcut key setting instructing means for instructing setting of shortcut key data to be set, and shortcut key setting means for setting shortcut key data based on an instruction from the shortcut key setting means. And a shortcut key data storage unit for storing data. 4. A menu display means for displaying a menu on which items for designating a figure editing command are arranged on a display means, wherein the command designating means comprises a pointing device for selecting a menu item, 2. The design support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said storage means includes menu configuration data storage means for storing a menu configuration data defining a relationship between menu items and graphic editing commands and an arrangement of items in the menu. The system further includes a menu configuration change instructing unit for instructing a change of the menu configuration data stored in the menu configuration data storage unit, and a menu configuration changing unit for changing the menu configuration data based on an instruction from the menu configuration change instructing unit. A design support apparatus characterized in that: 5. A command operation defining data output means for reading command operation defining data from a storage means and storing the command operation defining data in an external storage device, and reading command operation defining data from the external storage device.
5. The design support apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a command operation definition data capturing unit that stores the command operation definition data in a storage unit.