U.S. patent application number 12/157405 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-16 for parts list system used for part number management and method for preparing the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Mamoru Nakajima, Naoki Saitou, Katsunori Taguchi, Masataka Yamamoto.
Application Number | 20080255969 12/157405 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 19193420 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080255969 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakajima; Mamoru ; et
al. |
October 16, 2008 |
Parts list system used for part number management and method for
preparing the same
Abstract
A method of preparing parts list system used for part numbers
management, composed of a parts table database and a parts list
controller. The parts table database includes a parts list which
stores a state data and a part number data. The state data
indicates a progress state of a part. The part number data includes
a number of the part as an identifier. The method comprises
preparing a part list storing the state data and part number data,
setting the state data to indicate permission to change a part
number, assigning a tentative part number, setting the state data
after changing design of the part, defining the tentative part
number as a normal part number, and checking validation of the
tentative part number versus used part numbers and whether the
tentative part number complies with predetermined rules for each
part number data.
Inventors: |
Nakajima; Mamoru; (Saitama,
JP) ; Yamamoto; Masataka; (Saitama, JP) ;
Saitou; Naoki; (Saitama, JP) ; Taguchi;
Katsunori; (Saitama, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARRIER BLACKMAN AND ASSOCIATES
24101 NOVI ROAD, SUITE 100
NOVI
MI
48375
US
|
Assignee: |
Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki
Kaisha
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
19193420 |
Appl. No.: |
12/157405 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10394567 |
Mar 21, 2003 |
|
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12157405 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/06 20130101;
Y10S 707/99945 20130101; G06Q 10/0875 20130101; G06Q 10/087
20130101; Y10S 707/99943 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/28 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/00 20060101
G06Q010/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 25, 2002 |
JP |
084504/2002 |
Claims
1. A method of preparing a part list used for part number
management in planning and design of parts of a product, the method
comprising the steps of: preparing a single part list storing state
data regarding parts of a product during stages of a parts planning
and development process, and storing part number data, said state
data indicates a progress state of each said part during a planning
stage, a design stage, and a figure release stage thereof, and said
part number data includes a part number of each said part as an
identifier, each said part number including one of a normal part
number data uniquely assigned to said part and a tentative part
number data assigned to said part; setting said state data which
indicates permission of change of said part number data; assigning
a tentative part number data serving as said part number data, when
said state data indicates the permission of the change of said part
number data; setting said state data which indicates inhibition of
the change of said part number data after changing design of said
part; and defining said tentative part number data as a normal part
number data; wherein said method of preparing said parts list
allows unitary management of said part number data continuously
during said planning, design and figure release stages.
2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:
after assigning said tentative part number data, checking
validation of said tentative part number data by comparing said
tentative part number data with a previously used part number
data.
3. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:
before defining said tentative part number data as said normal part
number data, checking validation of said tentative part number data
by checking whether said tentative part number complies with a
predetermined setting rule of a part number data.
4. A method according to claim 3, wherein said part includes a
master part, which includes a plurality of slave parts, and the
plurality of slave parts, and said rule includes whether said
tentative part number data of said slave part includes a piece of
said part number data of said master part.
5. A method according to claim 1, wherein said tentative part
number data is assigned when design of said part is changed on a
figure of said part linked to said part number data.
6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said single parts list is
commonly used for part number management regardless of a progress
state of a part.
7. A method according to claim 1, wherein said state data is set
for each said part based on a combination of status data of said
part and flags pertaining to said part, said status data and said
flags are set and updated based on said progress state of said
part, and said state data are changed based on change of said
combination.
8. A computer-readable program which prepares a parts list used for
part number management in planning and design of parts of a
product, the program comprising the operations of: preparing a
single part list storing state data regarding all parts of a
product during stages of a parts planning and development process,
and storing part number data, said state data indicates a progress
state each said part during a planning stage, a design stage, and a
figure release stage thereof, and said part number data includes a
part number of each said part as an identifier, each said part
number including one of a normal part number data uniquely assigned
to said part and a tentative part number data assigned to said
part; setting said state data which indicates permission of change
of said part number data; assigning a tentative part number data
serving as said part number data, when said state data indicates
permission of the change of said part number data; setting said
state data which indicates inhibition of the change of said part
number data after changing design of said part; and defining said
tentative part number data as a normal part number data; wherein
said computer readable program allows unitary management of said
part number data continuously during said planning, design and
figure release stage.
9. A computer-readable program according to claim 8, further
comprising the operation of: after assigning a tentative part
number data, checking validation of said tentative part number data
by comparing said tentative part number data with a previously used
part number data.
10. A computer-readable program according to claim 8, further
comprising the operation of: before defining said tentative part
number data as said normal part number data, checking validation of
said tentative part number data by checking whether said tentative
part number complies with a predetermined setting rule of a part
number data.
11. A computer-readable program according to claim 10, wherein said
part includes a master part, which includes a plurality of slave
parts, and the plurality of slave parts, and said rule includes
whether said tentative part number data of said slave part includes
a piece of said part number data of said master part.
12. A computer-readable program according to claim 8, wherein said
tentative part number data is assigned when design of said part is
changed on a figure of said part linked to said part number
data.
13. A computer-readable program according to claim 8, wherein the
single parts list is commonly used for part number management
regardless of a progress state of a part.
14. A computer-readable program according to claim 8, wherein said
state data is set for each said part based on a combination of
status data of said part and flags pertaining to said part, said
status data and said flags are set and updated based on said
progress state of said part, and said state data are changed based
on change of said combination.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a divisional application of application Ser. No.
10/394,567 filed 21 Mar. 2003, currently pending; this application
also claims the benefit under 35 USC 119 of Japanese Application
Number 2002-084504, filed 25 Mar. 2002, and the entire subject
matter of this priority document, including specification, claims
and drawings, is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a parts list (parts table)
system on a computing system for managing a part configuration and
the like of parts used in a product, and a method of preparing a
parts list. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
parts list system for preparing and managing a parts list and
controlling a linkage to another data and the like, and a method of
preparing a parts list.
[0004] 2. Description of Relevant Art
[0005] In designing an apparatus such as an automobile constituted
of a large number of parts complicatedly, the parts are managed by
using a parts table system. Here, the parts table is used for
managing the configuration of parts, the number of parts, data
peculiar of parts such as a record of design change of the parts,
an assembling unit in the product, a usage state and the like, for
each part. The parts include master parts (parts constituting the
automobile) and slave parts (parts constituting the master
parts).
[0006] In a conventional parts table system, design changes of
parts and the record have to be managed strictly at a designing
stage. And, even if the tentatively assigned part number (referred
to as [tentative part number]) or a part configuration data are set
at a planning/scheduling stage, they cannot be directly used at the
designing stage. Thus, the data such as the tentative part number
and the part configuration data at the planning/scheduling stage
cannot be directly and continuously shifted to new parts table at
the designing stage.
[0007] Designers can generate and maintain the data of the parts
table of the planning/scheduling stage. But they have to prepare
new part number and new part configuration data in new parts table
at design stage so that the data at a planning/scheduling stage is
reflected in the new parts table at the designing stage.
[0008] Also, the parts table at the planning/scheduling stage is
disclosed only to limited personnel who are recognized as
participants by the designer. Other designers and persons who are
not recognized cannot check the parts table at the
planning/scheduling stage, they can start to see the parts table
from the designing stage. Thus, they start to confirm the parts
table and to prepare opinions and requests from the design stage.
Hence, it takes a long time to get the opinion and the request
about the part table.
[0009] A system, which can unitarily manage the part numbers from
the planning/scheduling stage to the designing stage, is desired. A
system, which can shift the tentative part numbers in the parts
table at the planning/scheduling stage continuously in their
original states to the parts table at the designing stage and then
use them, is desired. A system, which enables even other
departments related to the development to share the parts table at
the planning/scheduling stage, is desired.
[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a parts list system that can continuously manage part numbers from
a planning/scheduling stage to a designing stage, and a method of
preparing the parts list.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
parts list system that can shift tentative part numbers in a parts
table at a planning/scheduling stage continuously to normal part
numbers in a parts table at a designing stage, and a method of
preparing the parts list.
[0012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a parts list system that enables even other departments related to
a development to share a parts table at a planning/scheduling stage
and enables opinions to be widely obtained from persons related to
the development at suitable timings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a system and method for managing part numbers continuously from a
planning/scheduling stage to a designing stage.
[0014] In an aspect of the present invention, a parts list system
used for part number management is composed of a parts table
database and a parts list controller. The parts table database
includes a parts list which stores a state data and a part number
data. The state data indicates a progress state of a part. And the
part number data includes a number of the part as an identifier.
The parts list controller inhibits change of the part number data,
when the state data indicates prohibition of the change of the part
number data.
[0015] It is advantageous if the parts list further stores a part
data indicating data associated with the part
[0016] It is advantageous if the parts list controller allows the
change of the part number data, when the state data indicates
permission of the change of the part number data.
[0017] It is advantageous if the parts list controller sets the
state data based on a combination of a plurality of status data of
the part and flags of the part. And the status data and the flags
are set based on the progress state, and the state data are changed
based on change of the combination.
[0018] Preferably, the parts list system is further composed of a
display. The display displays the parts list in a form of a table
to indicate the part number data of one part and the state data of
the one part for each row of the table.
[0019] It is advantageous if the parts list further stores a
configuration data including a relationship between a master part,
which includes a plurality of slave parts. And the state data of
the master part is associated with any of the state data of the
slave parts.
[0020] Preferably, the parts list system is further composed of a
figure database. The figure database stores a figure data in which
the part number data of the part and a figure of the part are
correlated to each other. And the parts list controller inhibits
the change of the part number data contained in the figure data,
when the state data indicates the prohibition of the change of the
part number data.
[0021] It is advantageous, when the part number data is changed to
the tentative part number data, if the parts list controller checks
validation of the tentative part number data by comparing the
tentative part number data with a previously used part number
data.
[0022] It is advantageous, when the part number data is changed to
the tentative part number data, if the parts list controller checks
validation of the tentative part number data by checking whether
the tentative part number complies with a predetermined rule of the
part number data.
[0023] It is advantageous, when the parts include a master part,
which includes a plurality of slave parts, if the rule includes
whether the tentative part number data of the slave part includes a
piece of the part number data of the master part.
[0024] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for
preparing a part list used for number management is composed of:
preparing a part list storing a state data and a part number data,
the state data indicates a progress state of a part, and the part
number data includes a number of the part as an identifier;
[0025] setting the state data which indicates permission of change
of the part number data;
[0026] assigning a tentative part number data serving as the part
number data, when the state data indicates the permission of the
change of the part number data;
[0027] setting the state data which indicates inhibition of the
change of the part number data after changing design of the part;
and
[0028] defining the tentative part number data as a normal part
number.
[0029] Preferably, the method is further composed of:
[0030] after assigning the tentative part number data, checking
validation of the tentative part number data by comparing the
tentative part number data with a previously used part number
data.
[0031] Preferably, the method is further composed of:
[0032] before defining the tentative part number data as the normal
part number data, checking validation of the tentative part number
data by checking whether the tentative part number complies with
predetermined setting rule of a part number data. It is
advantageous if the rule includes whether the tentative part number
data of a slave part includes a piece of the part number data of a
master part, when the part includes a master part, which includes a
plurality of slave parts, and the slave parts.
[0033] In still another aspect of the present invention, a
computer-readable program preparing a part list used for part
number management includes the following steps:
[0034] preparing a part list storing a state data and a part number
data, the state data indicates a progress state of a part, and the
part number data includes a number of the part as an
identifier;
[0035] setting the state data which indicates permission of change
of the part number data;
[0036] assigning a tentative part number data serving as the part
number data, when the state data indicates the permission of the
change of the part number data;
[0037] setting the state data which indicates inhibition of the
change of the part number data after changing design of the part;
and
[0038] defining the tentative part number data as a normal part
number.
[0039] Preferably, the method is further composed of:
[0040] after assigning the tentative part number data, checking
validation of the tentative part number data by comparing the
tentative part number with a previously used part number data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] FIG. 1 is a view showing a configuration in an embodiment of
a design system to which a parts list system of the present
invention is applied;
[0042] FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a display screen of a
parts list;
[0043] FIG. 3 is a view describing a data structure of a parts
list;
[0044] FIG. 4 is a view describing a parts table database;
[0045] FIG. 5 is a view describing a state database;
[0046] FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a display screen of a
figure;
[0047] FIG. 7 is a view describing a figure database; and
[0048] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation in an embodiment
of a parts list system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described with reference to the attached drawings. A number of
working examples of the present invention will be described herein,
based on selected illustrative embodiments of the present invention
shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0050] One embodiment is described by exemplifying a parts list
used for a design of an automobile. However, this parts list can be
applied to a design of another apparatus provided with a number of
complex parts.
[0051] FIG. 1 is a view showing a configuration in an embodiment of
a design system to which the parts list system of the present
invention is applied. This design system is provided with a parts
list system 1, a figure managing system 8-0 and a plurality of data
terminals 8-1 to 8-n. They are connected by a two-way network
9.
[0052] In the present invention, with regard to items and parts,
data indicating their states are added to a parts list of a
database, and tasks describing their states or combinations of the
tasks are defined. Then a theory for judging the particular state
at a time of a particular state is assembled in the design
system.
[0053] In a case of a judgment at a planning/scheduling stage, the
design system automatically checks whether or not a part number
inputted to a parts table by a designer is already presented. If
the part number is not present, it is used as a tentative part
number. Then, if an administration department receives the parts
table containing this tentative part number after the
planning/scheduling stage, the duplication of the part number is
automatically checked again. If there is no duplication, the
tentative part number is automatically updated to a normal part
number, on the parts table.
[0054] Consequently, the tentative part number can be continuously
used as the normal part number.
[0055] The parts list system 1 will be described hereinafter.
[0056] The parts list system 1 is a data processor exemplified as a
workstation or a personal computer. It includes a parts list system
body 2 and an input output unit 7. The parts list system body 2 has
a parts list controller 4 serving as a program, and includes a
parts table database 5-1, a state database 5-2, a parts number rule
database 5-3, a figure database 6-1 and a figure standard database
6-2.
[0057] Based on the state data of a particular part among a
plurality of parts in the parts list (parts table), the parts list
controller 3 controls the change (removal of content, addition,
change and the like) of various data of the particular part. The
parts list is stored in the parts table database 5-1. The state
data indicates a progress state of a plan, a design or son of the
part. The progress state of the plan or the design is state data
such as the progress level in a series of processes. The progress
level is represented by a schedule/plan, a design (change), a check
of a figure, an inspection of a part number (check), a
normalization of the part number and the like.
[0058] Here, a parts list (5-1) is an electronic parts table that
is prepared and used by a method of this invention. The parts list
(5-1) includes an item data, a part number data, a configuration
data, a state data, a part application data, a part configuration
data, and a position shape data linked to a part number.
[0059] The item data includes an item number (an item) and the name
of an item. An item is constituted by a set of parts and items
constitute a certain function.
[0060] The part number data includes a part number and a name of a
part, which are identifiers that identify a part. The part number
is a number individually assigned to each of parts constituting the
item.
[0061] The state data includes a progress state of a plan or a
design with regard to each of parts.
[0062] The part application data, the part configuration data and
the position shape data are related to the part number.
[0063] Then, parts represented by the part numbers are classified
into hierarchy for each item and arranged in a tree structure. For
example, a part (a part number) of a first hierarchy is correlated
to a tree of the first hierarchy, and a part (a part number) of a
second hierarchy constituting the part of the first hierarchy is
correlated to a tree of the second hierarchy. The second hierarchy
is a lower order of the first hierarchy. In this case, the part of
the first hierarchy is a master part, and the part of the second
hierarchy is a slave part.
[0064] The part application data is the data to indicate a
combination of mechanisms (options) in which a part is used.
[0065] The part configuration data is the data peculiar to a part,
such as the number of slave parts, material quality, weight,
volume, cost, part analyzing method, a desirable part maker and the
like.
[0066] The position shape data is the data to correlate a part
number in the parts list with a part position data or the shape
data stored in a different location to each other.
[0067] And, the position data or the shape data is the data (also
referred to as a 3D (three-dimensional) data exemplified on a CAD
figure) indicative of a part mount position and a part shape. Or
the position data or the shape data is a figure and it is stored in
the figure database 6-1.
[0068] The parts table database 5-1 stores the parts list 5-1'. The
parts list 5-1' is opened to the persons in the related
development. For example, they are an engineer, a person in charge
of research, a person in charge of a technical evaluation, a
different designer, a person in charge of purchasing a person in
charge of a project, and the like. For receiving opinions about the
parts list 5-1' from the related persons, they are allowed to write
their opinions on a special region in the parts list 5-1', or to
annex an attached file, or to establish a link with a file of the
opinion data.
[0069] The state database 5-2 stores statuses A to D which will be
described later, a figure flag and a total flag, and the state data
while they are correlated to each other.
[0070] The part number rule database 5-3 stores a part number rule
to define a rule with regard to an assignment of a part number.
[0071] The designer can view the opinion data indicated by the
attached file described by thee related person or the file of the
link destination by opening the parts list 5-1'. Thus, it is
possible to decrease the time and the labor, and also possible to
reduce the possibility of an oversight.
[0072] Here, the parts list 5-1' is further explained with
reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a
display screen, which displays the electronic part list 5-1'. A
display screen 10 includes: a part number display 11 having a
number 13, a hierarchy 14, a state 15, a part configuration 16 and
an item/part name 17; and a configuration data display 12.
[0073] The part number display 11 shows the data to specify a part.
The number 13 (represented by No.) indicates a symbol based on a
predetermined rule. The hierarchy 14 (represented by LVL) indicates
the number of the above-mentioned hierarchy. The state 15 indicates
the state data of the part. The part configuration 16 indicates a
part number of each hierarchy represented in a form of a tree or an
item. The item/part name 17 indicates the name of the item or the
part.
[0074] The configuration data display 12 shows the part application
data of the part, the part configuration data the position shape
data linked a part number and the other data with regard to the
part, for each part.
[0075] The part configuration 16 has the tree structure as
mentioned above. For example, below an item 16-1 (in FIG. 2,
F012001), a part number 16-2 of a first hierarchy and a part number
16-3 of a second hierarchy (there is not a third hierarchy in FIG.
2) are represented in the hierarchy 14.
[0076] The data structure of the parts list 5-1' will be described
below with reference to FIG. 3.
[0077] FIG. 3 is a view describing the data structure of the parts
list 5-1'. The parts list 5-1' is the set of the data having
respective attributes of an item 21, a part 22, a package 23, an
application header 24, a part peculiarity 25 and a figure 26.
[0078] The item 21 has an item data in which parts are included and
a data indicative of a state of an item.
[0079] The part 22 has a part number data, a data indicative of a
state of a part number, a figure check flag indicative of a
presence or absence of a figure, and a state of an approval of a
figure.
[0080] The package 23 has items, part numbers, a data indicative of
a state of a package, and a total check flag indicative of a
validation of the data of the item and the part number. The items
and the part numbers constitute a group (hereafter, referred to as
[Package]) of a set of figures to be collectively inspected.
[0081] The application header 24 has a data indicating a derivative
data (a grade within a model) to which a part indicated by a part
number is applied.
[0082] The part peculiarity 25 has a data (a part configuration
data and the like) peculiar to a part, and the data correlated to
the part number.
[0083] The figure 26 has a data which indicates a figure of a part
indicated by the part number, and which is correlated to a part
number.
[0084] The parts table database 5-1 will be further described. The
parts table database 5-1 stores the parts list 5-1' in which a part
number is correlated with various data of the part indicated by the
part number.
[0085] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the parts list 5-1' of the
parts table database 5-1. The parts list 5-1 has a hierarchy 28, a
state 29, an item 30, a part number 32, a status A 31, a status B
33, a figure flag 34, a status D 39, a package 35, a status C 36, a
total flag 37, an application head 38, an application 40, a part
configuration 41 and a link 27.
[0086] The hierarchy 28 corresponds to the hierarchy 14. The state
29 corresponds to the state 15.
[0087] The item 30 is the item data and corresponds to the item
number of the part configuration 16 and the item name of the item
part name 17.
[0088] The status A 31 indicates the state with regard to an item
and indicates states a1 to a4.
[0089] The part number 32 is the part number data and corresponds
to the part number of the part configuration 16 and the part number
name of the item/part name 17.
[0090] The status B 33 indicates the state with regard to a part
number and indicates states b1 to b3.
[0091] The figure flag 34 is the figure check flag indicative of a
presence or absence of a figure.
[0092] The status D 39 indicates the state with regard to the
normalization of a figure and indicates state d1.
[0093] The package 35 is a group (hereinafter, referred to as
[Package]) constituted by a part number and an item. The set of
figures of the part number and the item is collectively
inspected.
[0094] The status C 36 indicates the state with regard to a package
and indicates states c1, c2.
[0095] The total flag 37 is the total check flag indicative of the
validation of the data of a part number and an item.
[0096] The application header 38 is a derivative data (a grade
within a model) to which a part indicated by a part number is
applied.
[0097] The application 40 is the part application data.
[0098] The part configuration 41 is the part configuration
data.
[0099] The link 27 is the data indicating link destinations with
regard to other files, data, figures and the like.
[0100] The state database 5-2 is further described. The state
database 5-2 stores statuses A to D as state display data, a figure
flag and a total flag, and a state data while they are correlated
to each other. In the state database 5-2, the combination of
statuses A to D, a figure flag and a total flag is correlated to
state data.
[0101] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the state database 5-2. The
state database 5-2 has a status A 51, a status B 52, a status C 53,
a status D 54, a figure flag 55, a total flag 56 and a state
57.
[0102] The status A 51, the status B 52, the status C 53 and the
status D 54 correspond to the status A 31, the status B 33, the
status C 36, and the status D 39 of the parts list 5-1' (FIG. 4) in
the parts table database 5-1, respectively. Similarly, the figure
flag 55 and the total flag 56 correspond to the figure flag 34 and
the total flag 37 of the parts list 5-1' (FIG. 4) in the parts
table database 5-1, respectively.
[0103] The state 57 indicates the conditions (states) of
permission, limit and inhibition with regard to the change of the
data in the parts list 5-1 (FIG. 4). The state 57 (condition) is
exemplified such that an operation of a part number and an
application is free, an operation of a part number removal is not
allowed, an operation of an application change is not allowed, or
an operation of a part number change/addition/removal is not
allowed.
[0104] Then, a certain state 57 is set for a certain combination of
the status A 51, the status B52, the status C53, the status D 54,
the figure flag 55 and the total flag 56. The parts list controller
3 determines the state 29 of FIG. 4, based on the status A 31 the
status B33, the status C 36, the status D 39, the figure flag 34
and the total flag 37 of FIG. 4, referring the state database 5-2.
This value is reflected in the state 15 of FIG. 2.
[0105] The certain state 57 may be set for a certain combination of
not only the status A 51, the status B 52, the status C 53, the
status D 54, the figure flag 55 and the total flag 56, but also
states or statuses of the part's slaves.
[0106] The state 15 (state data) in FIG. 2 is determined based upon
the combination of the four states of an item state, a part number
state, a package state and an application state. Based on the
combination, the state 15 is judged as each of the stages
exemplified as a planning/scheduling stage (the operation of the
part number and the application is free), a designing stage (the
operation of the part number removal is not allowed), a figure
output stage (the operation of the application change is not
allowed) and a figure output stage b (the operation of the part
number change/addition/removal is not allowed). In FIG. 2, symbols
B, C, D, F and G are illustrated as the display examples of those
states.
[0107] In the present invention, with regard to the item and the
part, a data indicative of its state (the state 29) is added tot
the arts list 5-1'. When certain data is changed in the parts list
5-1', if the state 29 is changed in association with the change of
the data, a function in this system automatically or
unautomatically describes the change of the state based on the
combination. The combination is determined based on the four states
of the item state, the part number state, the package state and the
application state. Thus, even if the same parts list 5-1' is
referred to, the allowable (executable) operation at each stage is
controlled based on the state 29 of the data with regard to the
part number.
[0108] Also, it is possible to operate the data peculiar to the
part in the parts list 5-1' without influence of the state 29, if
the data peculiar provides a certain attribute of the part
peculiarity.
[0109] By the way, the display of the parts list as shown in FIG. 2
is one embodiment, and it is not limited to this display.
[0110] Also, combinations of the states are not limited to the
above-mentioned four cases. Also, it is possible to use not only
the data of the states but also other data such as a flag and the
like.
[0111] The person referring to the parts list finds out a proper
part number from the part configuration 16 on the display screen of
FIG. 2 and then views its line. So the person can view the data of
the part indicated by the part number (including not only the data
within the file of the parts list 5-1') but also the data
correlated (linked) to the file (or the item, the part number) of
the parts list 5-1'.
[0112] Also, the parts are modified or changed between the
planning/scheduling stage and the manufacturing stage of the
automobile, in many cases. And, their data of the modification are
written to the file correlated to the parts list 5-1' or to the
parts list 5-1' itself. Each modification or change of the part is
reflected in the file at a real time. Thus, the concerned person
can anytime know the latest situation of the development.
[0113] The parts list 5-1' may be prepared for each classification
or may be collectively prepared for each model. Here, the
classification implies a mechanism (for example, a frame, an
engine, a transmission and the like), a model (for example, a car
model), a section (for example, a roof) and an item (for example, a
sunroof).
[0114] In this embodiment, [correlation] or [link] of a data
includes a correlation between files, a correlation between a data
within a file and a different file, a correlation between a data
within a file and a data within a different file and the like.
Then, the data/file can be called out from another data/file. For
example, a storing location of the one file/data (for example, a
database name, a path to a database and an address of a data within
a database) is stored in another file/data. And then the file/data
is called out by using another file/data. Or a name of a database
in which the file/data is stored and the file name/part number are
stored in another database. And then the file/data is called out by
using them, and the like. However, it is not limited to these
examples.
[0115] It is possible to use an approach of a conventional
relational database to thereby carry out the correlation based on
various keys.
[0116] As for the correlated data, the attribute of the figure 26
is assigned to the data with regard to a figure. The attribute of
the part peculiarity 25 is assigned to the data except the data
with regard to a figure unless otherwise specified.
[0117] The figure controller 4 checks whether or not a figure
complies with the predetermined rule in the figure standard
database 6-2. Then, if the figure does not comply with the rule,
the figure controller 4 modifies the figure based on an input of a
designer. The figure is stored in the figure database 6-1.
[0118] The figure database 6-1 stores a part number data and a
figure of the part specified by the part number data while they are
correlated to each other.
[0119] The figure standard database 6-2 stores a predetermined
figure standard data.
[0120] Here, the figure is further explained with reference to FIG.
6. FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a display screen of the
figure. A display screen 45 has a configuration part column 42, a
CAD figure 43 and a title column 44.
[0121] The configuration part column 42 displays a data to specify
a slave part, such as a part number, a part name and the like. The
slave part constitutes a master part drawn on the figure. The CAD
figure 43 is a three-dimensional CAD data of a part. The title
column 44 displays a data to specify a part drawn on the
figure.
[0122] By the way, the display of the figure as shown in FIG. 6 is
one embodiment. It is not limited to this display.
[0123] A data with regard to a figure stored in the figure database
6-1 will be further described. The figure database 6-1 stores a
figure data 6-1' (figure data) in which a part number data and a
figure of a part specified by the part number data are correlated
to each other.
[0124] FIG. 7 is a view describing the figure data 6-1' of the
figure database 6-1. The figure data 6-1' has a part number 46,
title column 47, a configuration part column 48 and a CAD data
49.
[0125] The part number 46 is the part number data and corresponds
to a part number contained in the title column 47 or the
configuration part column 48. The title column 47 is the data of
the title column 44 of the figure. The configuration part column 48
is the data of the configuration part column 42 of the figure. The
CAD data 49 is the data of the CADS figure 43 of the figure.
[0126] Item numbers, part numbers, items and part names of the data
in the title column 47 and the configuration part column 48 are
correlated to the item 30 (the item data) and the part number 32
(the part number data) in the parts table database 5-1.
[0127] Then, if the data with regard to the part in the data of the
configuration part column 42 or the title column 44 is changed, the
figure controller 4 controls the change of the parts table database
5-1 with the parts list controller 3. So the content of the change
is reflected in the item 30, the part number 32, the part
configuration 41 and the like of the parts table database 5-1. At
this time, the parts list controller 3 does not allow the control
if the notation and the change of the item, the part number and the
other data with regard the part in the parts list 5-1' are not
allowed. If the parts list controller 3 does not allow the control,
the figure controller 4 cancels the notation and the change of the
data corresponding to the figure data 6-1'.
[0128] The CAD figure 43 may be obtained from the design data of
another model designed already or may be independently generated by
the designer.
[0129] The input output unit 7 is conventionally known as the input
output unit used in a workstation or a personal computer. A
keyboard and a mouse are exemplified as the input unit.
[0130] A display and a printer are exemplified as the output
unit.
[0131] The figure managing system 8-0 is exemplified as the
workstation or the personal computer. It is the information
processor that can access the parts list system 1 through the
network 9. It carries out an admission and management of a
figure.
[0132] The information terminals 8-1 to 8-n (n=1,2,) are
exemplified as the workstation or the personal computer, and they
are the information processing terminals that can access the parts
list system 1 through the network 9. The persons concerned in the
development use them to access the parts list system 1. Also, they
can directly use the parts list system 1.
[0133] The network 9 is the dedicated line exemplified as LAN
(local area network) or the communicable line, such as a public
line and the like, exemplified as the Internet.
[0134] An embodiment of a preparing method (an operation in the
electronic part lists system 1) of the parts list 5-1' in the
present invention will be described below with reference to the
attached drawings.
[0135] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the embodiment of the
preparing method (the operation in the parts list system 1) of the
parts list 5-1' in the present invention.
Step S01.
[0136] At the planning/scheduling state, a designer plans or
schedules a design change of a part, based on a
referential/independent consideration of various data and the like.
Then, based on the schedule/plan, the figure controller 4 is used
to select the part from the figure database 6-1 and read out its
figure and then carry out the design change.
[0137] At this stage, the statuses A 31/B 33/C 36 are at a1/b1/c1.
The combination of these statuses shows the state at which changing
the data of the part is allowed, based on the state database 5-2.
This state is indicated by using the proper signs (or symbols) for
the state 29 (and the display of the state 15).
Step S02
[0138] In the figure controller 4, the part is modified based on
the design change of the designer, and the part numbers located at
the proper position of the title column 44 and the configuration
part column 42 in the screen display 45 are revised. These
revisions are reflected in the data of the title column 47 and the
configuration part column 48 on the figure database 6-1. The part
number in this case is the tentatively set part number (the part
number or the tentative part number).
[0139] Even at this stage, the statuses A 31/B 33/C 36 are still at
the a1/b1/c1. Similarly, the combination of these statuses shows
the state at which changing the data of the part is allowed.
Step S03
[0140] If part number is changed, the figure controller 4 inquires
of the parts list controller 3 whether or not the tentative part
number overlaps with another part number. The parts list controller
3 retrieves the parts list of the parts table database 5-1, and
examines whether or not the tentative part number was previously
used. The examined result is sent back to the figure controller
4.
[0141] If the tentative part number was previously not used and
there was no duplication, it is assumed that the figure controller
4 uses the tentative part number. Then, the content of the part
number 32 of the parts table database 5-1 is changed based on the
tentative part number.
[0142] Even at this stage, the statuses A 31/B 33/C 36 are still at
the a1/b1/c1. Similarly, the combination of these statuses shows
the state at which changing the data of the part is allowed.
[0143] If the tentative part number was previously used and there
was the duplication, the operational flow proceeds to a step
S04.
Step S04
[0144] Since the tentative part number was previously used and
there was the duplication, the figure controller 4 cancels use of
the tentative part number. Then, the figure controller 4 carries
out the display indicating the fact and instructing the designer to
again set the tentative part number.
[0145] The designer modifies the tentative part number based on its
content. The operational flow proceeds to the step S02.
Step S05
[0146] The figure controller 4 inspects whether or not the figure
complies with a predetermined standard.
[0147] The case of the compliance leads to the completion of the
figure.
[0148] Based on the completion of the figure, the parts list
controller 3 sets a figure check flag of the figure flag of the
part. The statuses A 31/B 33/C 36 are still at the a1/b1/c1. The
combination of this flag and these statuses shows the state at
which the removal of the part number 32 (and the display of the
part number of the part configuration 16 (the tentative part
number) from the database 5-2) is not allowed. This state is
indicated by using the proper sign (or symbol) for the state 29
(and the display of the state 15).
[0149] After that, in the case of the compliance, the operational
flow proceeds to a step S07. In the case of non-compliance, the
operational flow proceeds to a step S06.
Step S06
[0150] Since the figure does not comply with the predetermined
standard, the FIG. controller 4 carries out the display indicating
the fact and the display of the content of the refusal, for a
designer. Designers can change the figure.
[0151] The designer modifies the figure based on this content. The
operational flow returns back to the step S05.
Step S07
[0152] The parts list controller 3 determines the relation between
the item 30 and the part number 32 of the part used therein, since
the figure is completed. At the same time, the statuses A 31/B 33/C
36 are changed to a2/b1/c1. The combination of these statuses shows
the state at which the change of the application 40 (the display of
the part application data of the configuration data display 12)
from the state database 5-2 is not allowed. This state is indicated
by using the proper sign (or symbol) for the state 29 (and the
display of the state 15).
Step S08
[0153] The designer determines the item 30 and the part number 32
(the tentative part number) to generate a package of a set of
figures to be collectively inspected at a unit of the design
change.
[0154] Based on the input of the item 30 and the part number 32
(the tentative part number) to generate the package from the
designer, the parts list controller 3 writes them to the package
35. At the same time, the statuses A 31/B 33/C 36 are changed to
a2/b1/c2. The combination of these statuses shows the state at
which the operation (the removal, the change or the addition) of
the part number 32 (and the display of the part number of the part
configuration 16 (the tentative part number)) from the state
database 5-2 is not allowed. This state is indicated by using the
proper sign (or symbol) for the state 29 (and the display of the
state 15).
Step S09
[0155] The parts list controller 3 checks whether or not the
tentative part numbers are correct, with regard to the item 30 and
the plurality of parts numbers 32 (tentative part numbers) packaged
at the unit of the design change (the total check). There are the
check contents as to whether or not the part number 32 complies
with a part number rule (stored in the part number rule database
5-3), whether or not there is a piece of master part number (a part
number and an item in a high order hierarchy) in a part number of a
low order hierarchy, whether or not the part number in the high
order hierarchy is used in the low order hierarchy, whether or not
the same item/part numbers are used, and the like. All of the items
30 and the part numbers 32 in the parts list are inspected.
[0156] If there is no problem, the figure is completed. Then, the
part number 32 becomes the normal part number from the tentative
part number.
[0157] At this time, the parts list controller 3 sets the total
check flag of the total flag 37 of the part, at the same time.
However, the statuses A 31/B 33/C 36 are still at the a2/b1/c2.
This state, which is determined by the combination of this flag and
these statuses, is indicated by using the proper sign (or symbol)
for the state 29 (and the display of the state 15), based on the
state database 5-2.
[0158] After that, if there is no problem, the operational flow
proceeds to a step S11. If there is a problem, the operational flow
proceeds to a step S10.
Step S10
[0159] Since there is a problem in the tentative part number 32,
the parts list controller 3 carries out the display indicating the
fact and the display of the problematic content, for a
designer.
[0160] The designer modifies the tentative part number of the
figure and the electronic part list.
Step S11
[0161] The end of the total check leads to the completion of the
package composed of the set of the figures, at the unit of the
design change.
[0162] The parts list controller 3 outputs (figure-outputs) the
figure to a figure managing system 8-0 belonging to a managing
department of a design change, and changes the statuses A 31/B 33/C
36 to a3/b2/c2. This state, which is determined by the combination
of this flag and these statuses, is indicated by using the proper
sign (or symbol) for the state 29 (and the display of the state
15), based on the state database 5-2.
[0163] The designer submits the output figure to the managing
department of the design change.
Step S12
[0164] Based on the signal indicative of the admission of the
design change from the figure managing system 8-0, the parts list
controller 3 normalizes the item 30 and the part number 32, based
on the input of the designer. At this stage, the design change is
normally registered in the corresponding portion of the parts list
5-1' in the parts table 5-1 database, which results in the
situation that the change is not allowed.
[0165] At this time, the parts list controller 3 sets the status D
39 to d1 . The statuses A 31/B 33/C 36 are still at the a3/b2/c2.
This state, which is determined by the combination of these
statuses, is indicated by using the proper sign (or symbol) for the
state 29 (and the display of the state 15), based on the state
database 5-2. This state enables the parts list controller 3 to
operate (remove, change or add) the display of the part number in
the part configuration 16 and change the display of the part
application data in the configuration data display 12 for changing
another part.
Step S13
[0166] If there is another part requesting a design change, the
operational flow proceeds to a step S14. If not so, it is
ended.
Step S14
[0167] The parts list controller 3 changes the configuration of the
item, based on the input of the designer, and carries out the
preparation for a new design change.
[0168] At this time, the parts list controller 3 changes the
statuses A 31/B 33/C 36 to a4/b3/c2. This state, which is
determined by the combination of these statuses, is indicated by
using the proper sign (or symbol) for the state 29 (and the display
of the state 15), based on the state database 5-2.
Step S15
[0169] The parts list controller 3 changes the configuration of the
part number, based on the input of the designer, and carries out
the preparation for a new design change.
[0170] At this time, the statuses A 31/B 33/C 36 are still at the
a4/b3/c2. This state, which is determined by the combination of
these statuses, is indicated by using the proper sign (or symbol)
for the state 29 (and the display of the state 15), based on the
state database 5-2. The operational flow returns to the step
S01.
[0171] The designer executes this process, for all of the parts
requested to have the design changes.
[0172] At each of the steps mentioned above process, from the
combination of the statuses (state data) A 31/B 33/C 36/D 39, it is
possible to discriminate between the states of the parts specified
based on the items 30 and the part numbers 32 (the
planning/scheduling stage, the figure checking stage, the totally
checking stage, the figure output stage, the normalizing stage and
the like), one by one.
[0173] Consequently, even if the tentative part number assigned to
the part at the planning/scheduling stage is written to the parts
list (the parts table) before the normalization, whether it is done
before or after the normalization can be precisely grasped. That
is, even if the part numbers at the various stages are noted on the
same parts list, from the state data 15, it is possible to execute
the strict management of the respective part numbers.
[0174] Then, the usage of the same parts list enable the part
numbers of all the parts from the planning/scheduling stage to the
final determination to be unitarily managed.
[0175] In the present invention, the parts list 5-1' is opened.
Thus, the data and the data in relation to the development can be
opened (disclosed) to the persons concerned in the development
without any omission.
[0176] Then, at this time, the same part numbers are used from the
planning/scheduling stage through the designing stage to the
normalizing stage. Thus, even if the persons accept the designer
view the parts list 5-1' at any stage, they can grasp the content
quickly and precisely. Hence, it is possible to widely obtain the
opinions from the persons except the designer.
[0177] According to the present invention, the tentative part
number in the parts table at the planning/scheduling stage can be
continuously shifted in its original state to the parts table at
the designing stage and then used. Moreover, the part number can be
unitarily managed from the planning/scheduling stage to the
designing stage.
[0178] Although the present invention has been described in the
terms of some embodiments, it is not intended that the invention be
limited to these embodiments. Modification within the spirit of the
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For
example, a master part's state is not only determined by the
combination of its statuses, but may be associated with a slave
part's state.
* * * * *