CN101089883B

CN101089883B - The computerized collaborative work improved

Info

Publication number: CN101089883B
Application number: CN200710110001.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·比费; D·M·乌; G·吉凯尔
Original assignee: Dassault Systemes of America Corp
Current assignee: Dassault Systemes of America Corp
Priority date: 2006-06-14
Filing date: 2007-06-14
Publication date: 2016-12-14
Anticipated expiration: 2027-06-14

Abstract

A kind of method in following collaborative work between the two: the first user described first object being operated according to the visual representation of the first object (1) shown in the authoring environment of the first local computer；And the second user worked in the authoring environment of the second local computer being connected by network and the first computer.Described method includes step: a) selecting the type in the numerous types of data about the first object on the first computer, wherein, every kind of data type all comprises the visual representation data about the first object；B) data according to selected type, about the first object are supplied to second computer；C) in the authoring environment of second computer, show the visual representation of the first object.

Description

The computerized collaborative work improved

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of method in following collaborative work between the two: local according to first Visual representation (the visual of the first object of display in the authoring environment of computer Representation) first user and to the first object being operated, and local second The second user worked in the authoring environment of computer, wherein, the first computer and second calculates Machine is connected by computer network.The invention still further relates to the computer for realizing collaborative work soft Part.

Background technology

The several users' that the present invention relates to be operated for the common portion on related object Collaborative work, described related object is generally stored inside in common center data base, but not necessarily So, wherein, each user works in respective local computer environment, each local meter Calculation machine environment is all connected on the computer network that all users have.Work as a user When impacting the work of other (or multiple) user, they are necessary for mutually assisting With work.In other words, user needs to share, with other people, the information each worked about them. But, the information sharing between user can occur problem, is especially in far apart user Different geographic regions in time, such as time in different buildings, cities and towns or country.? In the case of Gai, user needs by public computer network, in the side of their respective computer Help lower shared information.

The present invention relates more specifically to user according to the upper display of graphic user interface (GUI) Object represent and be operated for object in the case of collaborative work.

This demand all exists in various computer aided techniques, the most such as CAD, In the application of CAE and CAM etc, more common is then in PLM applies.

CAD represents computer-aided design, its software solution relating to create product design Certainly scheme.CAE is the acronym of computer-aided engineering, and such as, it relates to The software solution of the physical behavio(u)r of simulation future products.CAM represents area of computer aided system Make, generally include the software solution for the production process Yu operation defining manufacture.

Commercially provide the multiple systems of the assembly design for part design or parts And program, define product, such as, Dassault Systems the trade mark provided is CATIA Product.These CAD system allow the assembly of user's structure and operation object or object Complicated three-dimensional (3D) model.Thus, CAD system use limit, line, at particular case Lower employing surface, provides the expression to modeling object.Line or limit can represent in every way, Such as, non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS).These CAD system are by parts or portion The assembly of part is managed as modeling object, the specification of modeling object substantially geometry (specification).Concrete, cad file comprises specification, therefrom can generate geometric form Shape, geometry and then generation represent.Specification, geometry and expression can be stored in single In cad file or multiple cad file.CAD system includes graphical tool, and being used for will Modeling object presents to designer；These instruments are for the display-in CAD system of complex object System presents the typical sizes of file of object in the range of each parts one Mbytes, and group Part may comprise thousand of parts.CAD system manages the object mould being stored in e-file Type.

In computer aided technique, graphic user interface (GUI) is played the part of for the efficiency of technology Drill key player.

PLM representative products life cycle management, refers to a kind of Business Strategy, and its help is many Product data are shared by individual company, use public production process, and equilibrium product from intention to it The Corporate Intellectual of the development course that life terminates, across the concept of expanded enterprise.By comprising Participant (corporate department, business parnter, supplier, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) And consumer), PLM is so that this network operates as a single entirety, with shape Become intention, design, produce, carry out product support and process.

Such as, some PLM solutions can be by creating the numeral mould (3D of product Graphical model) design and development.For example, it is possible to first by suitable application program Digital product is defined and simulates.It is then possible to definition and the numeration system of modeling low cost Make process.

The PLM solution that thered is provided by Dassault Systems (trade mark be CATIA, ENOVIA, DELMIA), it is provided that for the engineering concentrator of tissue products engineering knowledge (Hub), for managing the manufacture concentrator manufacturing engineering knowledge and being used for so that enterprise Collection neutralizes the concentration of enterprises device being connected to engineering concentrator and manufacturing in concentrator.This system will be opened It is rivals in a contest as model interaction product, production process, resource are transmitted together, in order to realize dynamically , Knowledge based engineering product design and decision support, it has promoted Product Definition, the system optimized Make preparation, manufacture and service.This PLM solution includes the relational database of product. This data base includes the relation between one group of text data and this data.Data generally include and produce The technical data that product are relevant, described data are ranked up according to the level of data, and add rope Regard it as and just can search.These data represent modeling object, and modeling object may often be such that modeling product And modeling process.

The product life cycle information comprising products configuration, production process knowledge and resource information is led to Often wish that the mode using cooperation is edited.

For this point, collaborative workspace can be defined as one interconnection environment, wherein, Participant in product life cycle (design and conclude the business, selling, manufacturing, OEM, confession Answer business and consumer) it is able to access that and the design of the most respective " carrying out ", from And confirm by exchange, directly use, simulation and 3D and strengthen communication.

Generally, for realizing the GUI in user's respective local computer environment , there are two kinds of trend in the collaborative work of the user that the object images of upper display is operated.

The first trend is, provide on its local computer that each user can access is special Collaborative workspace.This collaborative workspace is different from the personal working area of user, from recruitment Making in district, the object that he is responsible for by user is operated.Therefore, when user wants cooperation, They must select and be replicated in the object of display in their personal working area, and they is glued It is attached in collaborative workspace, so that other users can see them in collaborative workspace. Thus, in the GUI of subscriber computer, personal working area shows on first window, Collaborative workspace shows on another window.

First of this trend disadvantageously, when first user is according to the requirement of the second user, incite somebody to action When object pastes in collaborative workspace, the second user must rely on thinking by his working area His personal object of middle display enters with the object of the first user of display in collaborative workspace Row merges, in order to obtain the impression of the possible amalgamation result of the two object.This manual operations May certify that it is extremely difficult for a user.When display in his personal working area Object is likely at different equipment from the object of the first user of display in collaborative workspace When context observation state shows, for example with different ratios or different observations Point, conclusions is especially true.

To the object in collaborative workspace (in this case, second disadvantageously, work as user Provide this probability) modify and wish to confirm that when these are revised, they must be with After in their personal working area, again carry out identical amendment.

The second trend is, gives each user and accesses other users completely by public network Personal workspace object and the probability of mutual talk.It is true that in this case, do not deposit Collaborative workspace at Drawing Object.Such as, in CAD application program, user can be with Second user's talk, but he can not send him to the second user and use by oneself and carry out in working area The view of the object of work.Therefore, the second user must access central database, and is loaded into The partial data of the object in its personal working area of one user.Thus, the work of the second user Comprise the object partial data of the second user as district and be merged into the right of first user therein The partial data of elephant.

This trend disadvantageously, as long as the second user is the most actually loaded into first user The partial data of object is also incorporated into his personal working area, and he does not just know to merge Result how.Consequently, it can happen situation be, at him for the number of the object of first user According to time dissatisfied, he wishes to cancel this union operation and removes the data of object of first user. Such as, due to the error understanding of first user, the second user may be loaded with not required The object of first user.But cancel this union operation and may certify that it is complicated and time-consuming.

Its another disadvantageously, the second user be likely not to have amendment first user object needed for The authority wanted.Therefore, the second user cannot revise first user in its personal working area Object, such as, wishes, the second user, the situation that its object is modified by suggestion first user Under.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the invention to alleviate at least in part disadvantages mentioned above.

Therefore the invention provides a kind of method in following collaborative work between the two:

The visual representation of the first object of display in authoring environment according to the first local computer And the first user that described first object is operated；And

The second user worked in the authoring environment of the second local computer；

Wherein, described first computer and described second computer are connected by computer network, Described method includes step:

A) on described first computer, select the numerous types of data about described first object In a type, every kind of data type all comprises the visual representation number about described first object According to；

B) described in data according to selected type, about described first object are supplied to Second computer；

C) in the authoring environment of described second computer, show the table directly perceived of described first object Show.

Preferred embodiment includes one or several in following characteristics:

● step b) comprises sub-step: by according to selected type, about described first At least some of of the data of object is sent to described second from described first computer Computer；

● step b) comprises sub-step:

Information about the path in described network is sent to from described first computer Described second computer；

Make described second computer according to the described path in described network, download root According to selected type, data about described first object at least some of；

● described step is further defined as follows:

In step b), it is provided that to described second computer about described first object Data include: described first right with showing on the screen of described first computer As time described in the relevant facilities for observation context (context) of the visual representation of the first object Data；

In step c), the observation corresponding with described facilities for observation context data is used to set Standby context, shows described first object in the authoring environment of described second computer Visual representation；

● described first object by the first solid geometry shape data and specification, described first Solid geometry shape data and specification are available in described first computer；

● at least one type in the numerous types of data about described first object is not Including described specification, when being therefore chosen in step a), described specification is performing step Rapid c) time unavailable on described second computer；

● a kind of data type about described first object includes described first solid geometry shape Shape data and do not include specification, therefore in step a) be chosen time, described specification exists Perform during step c) unavailable on described second computer；

● a kind of data type about described first object includes described first solid geometry shape Shape data and specification；

● a kind of data type about described first object includes: when at the described first local meter When showing the visual representation of described first object on the screen of calculation machine, described first object At least one of snapshot image of visual representation；

● described method is included in the step showing graphical tool on the screen of described first computer Suddenly, described graphical tool defines the district in the authoring environment of described first computer Territory, wherein, graphical tool in the authoring environment of the first computer that defined, described Region, determine the some of described first object, directly perceived for described part Represent that data are included in step b) in the data about described first object provided；

● the region defined by described graphical tool is suitable for changing size, and/or is suitable for In changing the position in the authoring environment of described first computer；

● described method is included in the step showing graphical tool on the screen of described second computer Suddenly, described graphical tool defines the district in the authoring environment of described second computer Territory, wherein, in step c), counts that defined by graphical tool, described second In region in the authoring environment of calculation machine, show the authoring environment at described second computer In the visual representation of described first object；

● described method is included on the screen of described first computer and described second computer Screen on show talk typing frame and talk display box, described talk typing frame and talk Display box makes described first user and described second user can be handed over by described network Change message；

● described second user shows according in the authoring environment of described second local computer The visual representation of the second object, described second object is operated, and in step C) in, by described first object in the authoring environment of described second local computer Visual representation shows together with the visual representation of described second object, in order to provide Described first object in same facilities for observation context and the merging of described second object Represent；

● in step c), by described first in the authoring environment of described second local computer The visual representation of object shows together with the visual representation of described second object, with Just provide in the same facilities for observation context corresponding with described facilities for observation context data The merging of described first object and described second object represents；

● the data type selected in step a) includes: when at described first local computing First object described in when showing the visual representation of described first object in the authoring environment of machine At least one of snapshot image of visual representation, and in step c), with folded Add state and show snapshot and the visual representation of described second object of described first object；

● described second object is by the second solid geometry shape available in described second computer Shape data define, and the data type selected in step a) includes that described first is three-dimensional Geometry data, and in step c), it is described first right to show with merging phase As with described second object；

● the data type selected in step a) includes described first solid geometry shape data, And after step c), said method comprising the steps of:

D) on described second computer, described first object is revised；

E) visual representation of the first object of described amendment is sent from described second computer To described first computer；

F) in the authoring environment of described first local computer, the of described amendment is shown The visual representation of one object.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a kind of computer software, for realize with Under collaborative work between the two: according in the authoring environment of the first local computer the of display The visual representation of one object and first user that the first object is operated, and passing through net The second user worked on the second local computer that network and the first computer are connected, wherein, institute State computer software operation on described first computer make described first user can:

Described first computer selects at the multiple data class about described first object A type in type, it is straight that every kind of data type all comprises about described first object See and represent data；

According to selected type and/or about the information in path in a network, will close Data in described first object are sent to described second meter from described first computer Calculation machine, wherein, can download in described network according to selected type, about The data of described first object.

In a preferred embodiment, this computer software is in each enforcement of the method according to the invention In any one in example, execution is the step of the first computer definition.

According on the other hand, the invention provides a kind of computer software, for realizing following Collaborative work between the two: the user worked on the local computer, and passing through network It is connected on another local computer on described computer another user worked, wherein, institute State computer software operation on described computer to be suitable in the method according to the invention In any one in each embodiment, perform the step into second computer definition.

From below with reference to accompanying drawing for the description of embodiments of the invention, other of the present invention are special Advantage of seeking peace will be apparent from, and is given as indefiniteness example during these embodiments.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1-2 2 shows the collaborative work between two users performed according to the present invention In the example made, the continuous screen grabgraf of display on the respective computers.

Detailed description of the invention

We will describe be called Jean Buffet and Duy Minh Vu with reference to Fig. 1-2 2 The Sample Scenario of collaborative work of two users.

Jean and Duy uses PLM computer applied algorithm to be operated, such as Dassault Systems provides, trade mark is that the PLM of CATIA, ENVOIA and DELMIA solves Scheme.More specifically, what Jean and Duy was carried out is the design of multiple spare parts of an assembly. Jean and Duy two people has GUI and any usual related accessory (such as key respective The figure targeting device of dish and such as mouse etc) computer on respective authoring environment in Work.Their computer is connected on consolidated network.Accompanying drawing shows situations below: i.e., Jean and Duy is during designing respective spare part, and these spare parts are relevant, because of This needs to carry out collaborative work.

Due to the control (element) of display in the respective working area of Duy and Jean Type and their function are similar, therefore in the screen snapshot of the working area of Jean Similar control has the reference number identical with the screen snapshot of the working area of Duy, except " 10 " are added before them.Additionally, for the control in a working area function and The description of characteristic can also be applied to the similar control in another working area, is therefore not repeated.

Fig. 1 shows before the collaborative work of Duy Yu Jean starts, the computer of Duy The screen snapshot of the working area of the Duy of upper display.Duy is current just in his authoring environment The object 1 being responsible for him is operated, i.e. for brake in our example.Therefore The 3-D view of brake 1 is shown in screen center's part.Duy can change the sight of object 1 Examine a little, such as by selecting a point on screen with mouse and dragging it and make object 1 revolve Turn.Object 1 can also be amplified and reduce by he.

Upper left display specification tree 2 in working area.Specification tree 2 is immersion, i.e. It is not at (the most different windows) in another working area being different from object 1, but In identical working area.Specification tree 2 provides the object 1 being currently operating about Duy Context information.More specifically, specification tree 2 identifies object 1 and its subset. Specification tree 2 can scroll up and drops down by selecting its node with mouse.Specification Tree 2 permission users access object and subset by selecting corresponding item in tree with mouse Attribute.Described attribute can be any type defined by the user, such as machine stress or heat Stress, supplier, to they design be responsible for people, etc..

Right part in working area shows another tree 3 with title " PLM operating room ". Similar with specification tree 2, tree 3 is immersion, and can scroll up and drops down. PLM operating room tree 3 provides the environmental information of relevant user.More specifically, it is referred to as " PLM Group " node list the environmental data about work at present session.It is referred to as the joint in " region " Point lists Duy and carries out other users of collaborative work the most therewith.It is referred to as " office " Node list other users being currently connected on network.User can be by selecting with mouse Select the horizontal stripe 32 of the title comprising PLM operating room tree 3 and dragged in working area another One position, changes the position of PLM operating room tree 3.User can also be by selecting with mouse Select corresponding frame 31, PLM operating room tree 3 is reduced to the horizontal stripe being positioned at below working area In thumbnail, thus PLM operating room tree 3 is removed from display screen.Certainly, user The thumbnail in this horizontal stripe can be selected by using such as mouse, and again show PLM Operating room tree 3.

Software tool 4 is shown in the upper right corner of working area.Instrument 4 is also immersion.Instrument 4 provide the facilities for observation context information about object 1 currently displaying in working area.As Described in european patent application EP 1059581, described immersion instrument 4 is three-dimensional compass, It can the most remotely control object shown on screen.

Owing to specification tree 2, PLM operating room tree 3 and instrument 4 are all immersions, therefore use Family knows that he is in his working area all the time, and these tree and instrument all with object 1 phase Close.

Lower right corner part display compass form in working area, there are 4 zoness of different another One software tool 5.This instrument is also immersion, therefore indicates to the user that it constitutes this PLM A part for application program.Instrument 5 makes user can use PLM data base, according to respectively Attribute presents shown object 1, and described data base comprises modeling object and described modeling is right Relation between as.Modeling object and one group of property value association, this group property value is stored in data In storehouse, or can calculate according to the relation relating to described modeling object.Have selected genus Property (by selecting one of 4 regions of instrument 5) after, according to the property value of object 1 It is presented in the view.Instrument 5 can also trigger the simulation for object 1.

This object 5 can be public in european patent application n ° 1672548 and n ° 1672549 The type opened, the two application is hereby incorporated by reference.

Fig. 2 shows before Duy begins to try to initialize the collaborative work with Jean, The screen snapshot of the working area of the Jean of display on the computer of Jean.As it can be seen, Jean Working area comprise and have and contact Fig. 1 the working area of Duy is described identical function and genus The similar control of property.It is appreciated that all these control is all setting of the working area with Jean Standby context is correlated with.Therefore, the object 101 being different from object 1 is the most carried out by Jean Work, although the two spare part constitutes a part for same assembly.Or, object 1 and object 101 can also be the different piece of same spare part.Additionally, specification tree 102 and PLM work The context information that room tree 103 is provided, and instrument 104 is all relevant to object 101.

Fig. 3 shows when Duy initializes the collaborative work session with Jean, Duy's The screen snapshot of the working area of the Duy of display on computer.

Just initializing before this collaborative work session, Duy determines him to wish with whom to work in coordination with Work.Therefore, he can use specification tree 2 to determine who be he is wished cooperation another is standby The people that the design of part is responsible for.More specifically, he determines the index of this spare part in specification tree 2, Select it with its attribute of drops down with mouse, described attribute has the people being responsible for its design Name.These operations are the most shown in the drawings.

In this example, Duy determines him to wish with Jean to cooperate.Work in coordination with to initialize this Work session, Duy uses mouse to select Jean in the PLM group of PLM operating room tree 3 Name-see call number 33.Or, Duy can use in display screen section below aobvious The tool bar 34 shown, in order to start the collaboration session with Jean.

Thus, the working area of the authoring environment of Duy shows several control, such as Fig. 4 Shown in screen snapshot.These controls are as follows.

Core display view finder 6 in working area, such as a kind of baffle plate view finder.Find a view Device 6 uses rectangular in form, but only shows its angle, and each angle uses two line segments to show. The object 1 all parts in view finder 6 keep the most visible.Will participate at the beginning of Duy institute The co actor of the user of the collaborative work session of beginningization-hereinafter also referred to Duy-can be from taking The upper right side of scape device 6 determines (see reference labelling 61).

View finder 6 for define object 1, to be sent to the co actor corresponding with view finder 6 The image section of (i.e. Jean).User can change the position of view finder 6, such as by making With mouse drag it.User can also change the size of view finder 6, such as by using mouse Drag angle or the limit of view finder 6, or the size that even can change shown object is (logical Cross scaling), within placing it in the boundary of view finder 6.

At the lower section of view finder 6 display talk display box 7, and it has the back of the body with working area The background color that scape is different.But, the color of talk display box 7 is not opaque, and It is transparent, in order to talk display box 7 is shown as being superimposed upon on object 1, and object 1 is at talk Display box 7 below portion and then display dimness.Talk display box 7 shows in this collaborative work The message swapped between the user (i.e. Duy and Jean) of session, and each message The person of sending, i.e. Duy or Jean.

Talk typing frame 8 shows below talk display box 7.Talk typing frame 8 makes this locality User-i.e. Duy-can key in the message of co actor to be sent to-i.e. Jean-.

Send message button 9 to show on the right side of talk typing frame 8.Send message button 9 to make Local user-i.e. Duy-can by before him in talking typing frame 8 typed message send out Give his co actor, i.e. Jean.But, the enter key of computer keyboard can perform Identical action.

Send snapshot button 10 to show in the left side of talk typing frame 8.Send snapshot button 10 Make local user-i.e. Duy-can be by the current part in view finder 6 of object 1 Snapshot is sent to his co actor, i.e. Jean.

Selector 11 shows between transmission snapshot button 10 and talk typing frame 8.Selector 11 make local user-i.e. Duy-can be by the object 1 of the object in his working area-i.e. -3D geometry data, or even with the specification-i.e. of object, in this example In be complete design specification-3D geometry data, be sent to his co actor, i.e. Jean。

Being appreciated that in the described embodiment, Duy can select about object 1, offer Any one in three kinds of data types of details in various degree: i.e., snapshot type, snapshot 3D geometry type and be present in the 3D geometry data with complete specification Type.

Multiple buttons 62 show in the upper right corner of view finder 6.One of button 62 make user- By using mouse to select all of this collaboration session of this button-can remove from working area The control of display, i.e. view finder 6, co actor identifier 61, talk display box 7, talk Typing frame 8, transmission message button 9, transmission snapshot button 10, selector 11, button 62 Etc., this is to be realized by the thumbnail being reduced in the horizontal stripe being positioned at below working area 's.By such as using mouse to select this thumbnail, can again show each of this collaboration session Individual control.Another button in multiple buttons 62 makes user terminate this collaboration session, In the case of Gai, the control of this collaboration session be removed from display.

The relative position of the control of all displays of this collaboration session is fixing, if therefore taken Scape device 6 is dragged to another location, and they can follow view finder 6.But, take in change During the size of scape device 6, the control of all displays of this collaboration session keeps formed objects.

In the diagram, Duy has keyed in the message to Jean.Once use his Mouse have selected transmission message button 9, and the computer of Duy is put into the computer with Jean and leads to Cross the communication of network, to open this collaborative work session.

Fig. 5 shows that the computer as Duy enters the communication of the computer with Jean to open Open the result of this collaborative work session, his authoring environment of display on the computer of Jean The screen snapshot of working area.

As it can be seen, have and the control phase of the collaboration session of display in the working area of Duy Congenerous control similar with attribute and then display are in the working area of Jean.These controls are made Automatically show for the result of the initialized collaboration session of Duy.Or, Ke Yi The working area of Jean showing, information, notice Jean, Duy wish to open the collaborative work with him Session, and provide chosen below for Jean: agree to the request of Duy, or disagree Duy Request.Thus, this collaborative work session is only opened when Jean agrees to, and this association In the case of Jean agrees to, the work at Jean is only just shown with the above-mentioned control of work session Make in district.

Talk display box 107 shows the message (see Fig. 4) that Duy is sent.

The working area of Jean is in fig. 5 it is shown that the stage residing for this figure is that Jean is handing over Talking the answer having keyed in the message to Duy in typing frame 108, Jean will select transmission to disappear Breath button 109.

Fig. 6 shows the result of the transmission as the answer to Jean shown in Fig. 5, The screen snapshot of the working area of display on the computer of Duy.

The answer of Jean shows in talk display box 8.Message in talk display box 8 Sender is invisible, but it can use mouse to pass through control strip 71, and laterally to roll talk aobvious Show that the content of frame 8 shows.

Owing to Jean says that in his answer he cannot see that the spare part of Duy-i.e., caliber gauge Shell, it is actually object 1-, and therefore Duy uses his mouse to select to send snapshot Button 10.

Thus, the computer of Duy is sent in object 1 currently displaying in the working area of Duy Image, but be limited to its part in view finder 6.The image of object 1 is sent, And without the background after object 1 in Duy working area.The computer of Duy is by this figure As sending together with facilities for observation context data.These facilities for observation context data are about clapping Take the photograph the facilities for observation context of snapshot time object currently displaying in Duy working area 1.Tool For body, facilities for observation context data can comprise definition point of observation and the information of ratio.Actual On, facilities for observation context data are the additional number of the computer sending jointly to co actor with snapshot According to, so that the computer of co actor can be in the context identical with the snapshot sent The object of display its own, i.e. object 101.Therefore, facilities for observation context data can include Point of observation, scaling, screen proportion etc..Facilities for observation context data can also allow for Jean Computer determine the relative position of object 1 and object 101.It is understood that sent Snapshot be only the image of a part of object 1 shown in view finder 6, i.e. object 1 Solid geometry shape data-its permission under any point of observation and ratio, realize object 1 3D represents-is not transmitted to the computer of Jean.

Fig. 7 shows the result as the computer that snapshot is sent to Jean, Duy's The screen snapshot of the working area of the Duy of display on computer.

Only difference is that, the computer of Duy shows a piece of news on talk display box 7, Notice this snapshot of Duy be have sent.

Fig. 8 shows that the computer as Duy sends the result of snapshot, in the calculating of Jean The screen snapshot of the working area of the Jean of display on machine.

In this stage, the snapshot that Duy is sent the most is not shown.But, in talk display Demonstrating a piece of news in frame 107, the snapshot that notice is sent by Duy is by Jean's Computer receives, and described snapshot is ready to download to watch.

In order to download the snapshot that the computer of Duy is sent, Jean uses mouse to select this Notice receives the message of snapshot, as shown in Figure 9.

Figure 10 shows the result as the snapshot sent downloaded by the computer of Duy, The screen snapshot of the working area of the Jean of display on the computer of Jean.

As it can be seen, the snapshot of the object 1 sent by the computer of Duy is shown at Jean Authoring environment in object 101 on, thus provide object 1 and the combination of object 101 Represent.The snapshot of object 1 is accurately placed in view finder 106, and the size of view finder 106 is Through being adjusted to the size of the snapshot of object 1 by the computer of Jean.Additionally, the calculating of Jean Machine changes according to the facilities for observation context data sent by the computer of Duy together with this snapshot The point of observation of object 101, in order to the facilities for observation context data consistent of the snapshot of object 1. It is understood that display is at object 101 in the working area impinging upon Jean soon of object 1 itself On, in the working area of Jean, Jean when being not participating in collaborative work to object 101 Be operated, i.e. the expression of object 101 is not copied to show another of this snapshot In environment.

Thus, Jean at least can generally watch the possible merging of object 1 and object 10 Result.

Figure 11 shows that the screen subsequently of the working area of display is grabbed on the computer of Jean Figure, wherein, Jean has keyed in talk typing frame 108 and has disappeared to the one of Duy Breath.This message informing Duy, he wants only to watch a part for object 1, and is from another Point of observation is watched.Jean, by selecting transmission message button 109, transmits the message to Duy Computer.

Once this message is sent, and it is indicated in talking in display box 107, such as Figure 12 institute Show.Additionally, Jean is by being placed on object 101 in the 3D scene outside display screen, and The object 101 display from his working area will be removed, in order to preferably viewing object 1.

The message sent upon receipt of the computer of Jean, i.e. contact Jean described in Figure 11 Message, the computer of Duy just shows this message, as shown in figure 13.Thus, Duy from Display in his working area is removed the uninterested part of Jean of object 1.Additionally, He changes the point of observation of object 1 according to the requirement of Jean.The newly obtained equipment of object 1 Context situation figure 13 illustrates.

Subsequently, Duy selects to send snapshot button 10, to be seen together with corresponding by new snapshot Examine context data and send jointly to the computer of Jean.

Thus, the computer of Duy shows a piece of news again in talk display box 7, notice Snapshot be have sent, as shown in figure 14.

Meanwhile, Jean removed the snapshot of object 1 from the display of his working area, And as replacing, the most again show object 101, as shown in figure 15.Figure 15 shows Computer at Jean have been received by according to Figure 13, sent by Duy snapshot time Jean Working area.Thus, in talk display box 107, a corresponding message is shown.

In order to download the new snapshot sent by the computer of Duy, Jean uses mouse choosing Select the message receiving this new snapshot for notice of display in talk display box 10, with right The situation of first snapshot sent in Duy is similar to.

Figure 16 shows the knot as the new snapshot sent downloaded by the computer of Duy Really, the screen snapshot of the working area of the Jean of display on the computer of Jean.

As it can be seen, again the snapshot of the object 1 sent by the computer of Duy is shown On object 101.The computer of Jean again according to together with this new snapshot by the meter of Duy The facilities for observation context data that calculation machine sends change the facilities for observation context of object 101, in order to The facilities for observation context data consistent of the new snapshot of object 1.

Thus, Jean at least can generally watch object 1 and the amalgamation result of object 101.

But, owing to the Overlapping display of snapshot 1 and object 101 does not provide object 1 and object The true enough real view assembled of 101, therefore Jean is by such as by view finder 6 The defined region of boundary on click on and from his working area, remove the snapshot of object 1.Or Person, Jean can be by using mouse on the object received or upper right at view finder 106 Hit and from his working area, remove the snapshot of object 1；Then, a context dish occurs Single, with to the various available selection of user.In these select, user may decide that deletion The details of shown object or employing lower degree shows this object, as shown below. Thus, the snapshot of object 1 will no longer be shown in the working area of Jean, as shown in figure 17. Additionally, Jean keys in another a piece of news in talk typing frame 108, it is desirable to it is right that Duy sends As the 3D view of 1.Jean transmits the message to by selecting transmission message button 109 The computer of Duy.

Upon receipt of this message, the message received just is shown at talk by the computer of Duy In display box 7, as shown in figure 18.Then, Duy determines to send the 3D required by Jean. Therefore, Duy selects selector 11.Thus, below selector 11, breviary Figure 12 is ejected. Breviary Figure 12 comprises word " snapshot ", and the current function of its instruction button 10 is when being chosen Time just send snapshot.Breviary Figure 12 also includes selector 13.By using mouse to select Device 13, the function of button 10 can change into 3D geometry or the transmission sending snapshot 3D geometry (not shown) with total data.Here it is Duy wants in figure 18 The thing done.In another embodiment, the selection of selector 11 directly displays level of detail choosing List, such as image (" snapshot "), the 3D geometry of snapshot or with entirely The 3D geometry of portion's data (that is, with the specification of object 1).

Additionally, at the left side show scroll bars 72 of talk display box 7.Scroll bar 72 is all When interactive information can not be fully displayed in talk display box 7 so that user can be aobvious by talk Show the content scroll-up/down of frame 7.

Once by the 3D geometry that the changing function of button 10 is transmission snapshot, Duy is just Talk typing frame 8 is keyed in Duy a message, then selects to send snapshot button 10.Thus, the 3D geometry of the snapshot of object 1 and key entry in talk typing frame 10 Message be all sent to the computer of Jean.Additionally, this message is shown in talk display In frame 7, as shown in figure 19.Additionally, talk display box 7 in show a piece of news-and The 3D geometry of the snapshot of object 1 has been have sent in the similar-notice shown in Fig. 7.

The 3D geometry of the snapshot being sent to the object 1 of the computer of Jean includes object 1 Whole solid geometry shape datas of the some being at least partially situated in view finder 6 (allowing any point of observation of object 1 and the 3D of any ratio to represent).It should be understood that not The only solid geometry shape data being included in part within view finder 6 of sending object 1, And whole solid geometry shape datas of the part within view finder 6 of sending object 1 with And whole solid geometry shape datas of those parts intersected with the girth of view finder 6.As long as Select send snapshot button 10 time object be currently at view finder 6 at least partially within, Will the solid geometry shape data of sending object.Send snapshot 3D geometry to During the computer of Jean, the solid geometry shape data one of facilities for observation context data and object 1 Rise and send, when it shows on the GUI of Duy for being defined on object 1, the reality of object 1 Border facilities for observation context.Therefore, the computer of Jean can be identical at the computer with Duy Facilities for observation context in show object 1, and the display of object 101 is changed to identical In facilities for observation context.Or, send solid geometry shape data and do not send facilities for observation field Border data, because in this case, the computer of Jean can also be in identical facilities for observation field Border shows object 1 and object 101.

But, the specification of object 1 does not send together with the solid geometry shape data of object 1.

Or, the computer of Duy only sends the information about path in a network to Jean Computer, i.e. to the path of data base connected to the network, this data base comprises Duy With the data of the assembly that Jean is being operated, according to this path, the calculating function of Jean The solid geometry shape data of enough downloaded object 1.But, the most preferably, Facilities for observation context data are sent to the computer of Jean by the computer of Duy, to avoid Duy Computer have to sight that first position in the network corresponding with described path is provided The fact that examine context data.

Figure 20 shows the result as the 3D geometry downloading snapshot, at the meter of Jean The screen snapshot of the working area of the Jean of display on calculation machine.Although can't see in fig. 20, but Be talk display box 107 be comprise a message-similar with the message in Fig. 9-, be used for leading to Know that the 3D geometry of the snapshot sent by Duy is received also by the computer of Jean And it can download and have viewed.Jean is by selecting for notifying that the 3D of this snapshot is several with mouse The reception message of what shape so that the 3D geometry of his this snapshot of downloaded, with The situation sending snapshot of contact Fig. 9 is similar to.

As it can be seen, object 1 and object 101 are shown in the working area of Jean itself, That is, the creation ring that he is operated for object 101 when Jean does not carry out collaborative work In border.Object 101 shows in the 3D scene of object 1 and merges expression with it.Due to The 3D geometry of all of snapshot is all sent, and therefore location matrix is sent to too The computer of Jean.Therefore, the position of the object 1 sent ideally is attached to object In the scene of 101, i.e. object 1 and object 101 are not to show with overlaying state, But carry out showing (to be such as, mixed in practice at object 1 and object 101 with merging phase In the case of closing parts, show with admixture).Therefore, in the example of Figure 20, The caliber gauge of object 1 is round the brake disks of object 101.Object 1 and object 101 all exist Identical facilities for observation context shows, i.e. uses identical point of observation and identical ratio.This It is possible, because the solid geometry shape data of object 1 is available on the computer of Jean. Additionally, object 1 uses the observation identical with the computer of Duy to set on the computer of Jean Standby context shows, and object 101 is changed to this identical by the computer of Jean therewith Facilities for observation context in.Or, can be several with the 3D of the snapshot of Jean downloaded object 1 The facilities for observation context that during what shape, the object 101 of display is identical on the computer of Jean, The computer of Jean shows object 1.But, object 1 is shown as opaque object, And object 101 is shown as dull element.Therefore, Jean can at least see true merging Object 1 and the substantially result of object 101.It the fact that object 101 is dimness it is object 1 and right How the true result merged as 101 provides more real view.And, Jean is also So that object 1 is dull, object 101 is opaque, and object 1 is aobvious on object 101 Show.

Jean can also change the facilities for observation context of object 1 and object 101, such as by making With certain point of at least one object of mouse drag.It is appreciated that and changes facilities for observation field user During border, facilities for observation context keeps identical for two objects.Such as, two objects all about Identical axle rotates simultaneously.The result of the change of this facilities for observation context, concrete is About the result of the rotation of vertical axis Z, figure 21 illustrates, it illustrates this change it After the working area of Jean.

Finally, Duy can also enable Jean that whole specifications of object 1 are downloaded to his In authoring environment, and thus object 1 is merged with its specification in its working area.? On the extreme degree of details, can be selected by select button 11 so that sent Object (realizes object 1 any with its total data, i.e. its solid geometry shape data 3D under point of observation and ratio represents) and its whole specifications, such as dimensioning, position, Tolerance and any attribute relevant with described object, such as material, owner, state, configuration, And its connection with assembly miscellaneous part etc..Certainly, this only Duy have permission (by The authority that product data management instrument is managed) it is possible to when sending them.Jean has and connects The authority required for his any object is given in transmitting-receiving, but only in the creation work of described object Described object could be revised when devising amendment function, and only have preservation amendment at him This amendment could be preserved during required authority.The object with whole specifications is received user In the case of, can be based on the information sending by view finder 6 and receiving and recipient's Existing information in current editing machine, it is achieved the true of two objects merges and display.Therefore, Relational database is updated, with the change in reaction designing.

So that Jean can be with whole specifications of downloaded object 1, the computer of Duy is permissible Simply the information about path in a network is sent to the computer of Jean, i.e. arrive The path of data base connected to the network, this data base comprises Duy and Jean and is carrying out work The data of assembly made, according to this path, the computer of Jean can the solid of downloaded object 1 Geometry data.The most preferably, the computer at Duy makes the computer of Jean When can download whole specification, facilities for observation context data are supplied to Jean by the computer of Duy Computer.But interchangeable, by Duy computer provide download whole specifications can Property can but not including that facilities for observation context data, because the computer of Jean in this case Object 1 and object 101 can also be shown in identical facilities for observation context.

If recipient (i.e. Jean) wishes to propose about sender to sender (i.e. Duy) The amendment of object (i.e. object 1), he can provide about sender's to him sender The details (the 3D geometry of snapshot) of the second level of object or the details of third level This amendment is proposed time (total data).More specifically, recipient is to the working area recipient The object of the sender of middle display is modified, and then makes his computer by sending out of revising The object of the person of sending sends back the computer of sender.The computer of sender and then can create at it Make environment shows the object revised by recipient.The object of this amendment can be at the meter of sender Individually display on the GUI of calculation machine.Or, it can be adopted in identical facilities for observation context Show together with the object before amendment by overlaying state or admixture, in order to sender Can preferably watch proposed amendment.Complete data is represented (previously from sending out recipient The person of sending locates to receive) modify in the case of, if sender agrees to the amendment that carried out, The object merging that sender can pass through to be revised by recipient subsequently is to its personal working area In (i.e. be incorporated into design in) use the object revised to substitute his object.

It addition, Jean can be by right click on view finder 6 and in shown contextmenu Select relevant item, come the geometry by snapshot or simple snapshot (lower degree Details), the object sent with total data that viewing is received.

It is appreciated that and can define common session, in order to individual session can be tackled multiple Co actor, and in such a case it is possible to watch by single view finder 6 and show multiple The object received, it is achieved the collaborative work situation of the discrete sets involved by preview.Real at another Executing in example, same user can simultaneously enter several collaborative work session, each collaborative work meeting Words are all carried out with another co actor.Concrete, he can be with each of the object of their own Each co actor of part cooperates.In this case, each collaboration session has it certainly Own respective control-i.e., view finder 6, talk display box 7, talk typing frame 8 etc., They are shown in the working area of this same user.

The present invention is described by reference to preferred embodiment.But, within the scope of this invention, A lot of variant can be there is.

Claims

1. the method in following collaborative work between the two:

In authoring environment according to the first local computer, first object (1) of display is directly perceived The first user represented and described first object is operated；And

A) on described first computer, select the numerous types of data about described first object In a type, wherein, it is directly perceived that every kind of data type all comprises about described first object Represent data；

The most the method for claim 1, wherein step b) comprises sub-step: will According to selected type, data about described first object at least some of from described One computer is sent to described second computer.

3. method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, step b) comprises sub-step:

Information about the path in described network is sent to institute from described first computer State second computer；

Make described second computer according to the described path in described network, download according to institute Selective type, about data at least some of of described first object.

4. method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein,

In step b), it is provided that to the number about described first object of described second computer According to including: with when showing described first object on the screen of described first computer described in first The facilities for observation context data that the visual representation of object is relevant；

In step c), use the facilities for observation field corresponding with described facilities for observation context data Border, shows the visual representation of described first object in the authoring environment of described second computer.

5. method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, described first object is by first Solid geometry shape data and specification, described first solid geometry shape data and specification exist Described first computer can use.

6. method as claimed in claim 5, wherein, many about described first object At least one type planted in data type does not comprise specification, therefore, quilt in step a) During selection, when performing step c), described specification is unavailable on described second computer.

7. method as claimed in claim 6, wherein, about the one of described first object Data type comprises described first solid geometry shape data and does not include specification, therefore, in step When being chosen in a), when performing step c), described specification is on described second computer Unavailable.

8. method as claimed in claim 5, wherein, about the one of described first object Data type includes described first solid geometry shape data and specification.

9. method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, about described first object A kind of data type includes: when showing described first on the screen at described first local computer During the visual representation of object, at least one of snapshot plotting of the visual representation of described first object Picture.

10. method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, including step:

The screen of described first computer shows graphical tool (6), described graphical tool circle Determine the region in the authoring environment of described first computer；

Wherein, described graphical tool in the authoring environment of the first computer that defined, described Region, determine the some of described first object, for the visual representation of described part Data are included in step b) in the data about described first object provided.

11. methods as claimed in claim 10, wherein, are defined by described graphical tool Region be suitable for changing size, and/or be suitable for changing in the wound of described first computer Make the position in environment.

12. methods as claimed in claim 10, including step:

The screen of described second computer shows graphical tool (106), described graphical tool Define the region in the authoring environment of described second computer；

Wherein, in step c), count that defined by described graphical tool, described second In region in the authoring environment of calculation machine, display is in the authoring environment of described second computer The visual representation of described first object.

13. methods as claimed in claim 1 or 2, including step:

Friendship is shown on the screen of described first computer and on the screen of described second computer Talk typing frame (8；108) and talk display box (7；107), described talk typing frame and friendship Talking display box makes described first user and described second user can be by described network exchange Message.

14. methods as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein,

Described second user is according to display in the authoring environment of described second local computer The visual representation of the second object (101), is operated described second object；

In step c), in the authoring environment of described second local computer, by described The visual representation of one object shows together with the visual representation of described second object, in order to Described first object in same facilities for observation context and the merging of described second object are provided Represent.

15. methods as claimed in claim 4, wherein, in step c), described second By the visual representation of described first object together with described second in the authoring environment of local computer The visual representation of object shows together, in order to corresponding with described facilities for observation context data Same facilities for observation context in described first object and the merging table of described second object are provided Show.

16. methods as claimed in claim 14, wherein,

Data type selected in step a) includes: when at described first local computer Authoring environment in when showing the visual representation of described first object, described first object directly perceived At least one of snapshot image represented；

In step c), show the snapshot and described second of described first object with overlaying state The visual representation of object.

17. methods as claimed in claim 14, wherein,

Described second object is by the second solid geometry shape available in described second computer Data define；

Data type selected in step a) includes the first solid geometry shape data；

In step c), show described first object and described second object with merging phase.

18. methods as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, selected in step a) Data type include the first solid geometry shape data；And it is after step c), described Method comprises the following steps:

D) on described second computer, described first object is revised；

E) visual representation of the first object of described amendment is sent to from described second computer Described first computer；

F) in the authoring environment of described first computer, the first object of described amendment is shown Visual representation.

19. 1 kinds of devices in following collaborative work between the two:

Wherein, described first computer and described second computer are connected by computer network, Described device includes:

A) for selecting the multiple data about described first object on described first computer A type of module in type, wherein, every kind of data type all comprises about described first The visual representation data of object；

B) for data according to selected type, about described first object are supplied to The module of described second computer；

C) for showing the straight of described first object in the authoring environment of described second computer See the module represented.

20. devices as claimed in claim 19, wherein, module b) comprises: being used for will According to selected type, data about described first object at least some of from described One computer is sent to the module of described second computer.

21. devices as described in claim 19 or 20, wherein, module b) comprises:

For the information about the path in described network is sent from described first computer Module to described second computer；

For making described second computer according to the described path in described network, download root According to selected type, at least one of module of data about described first object.

22. devices as described in claim 19 or 20, wherein,

In module b), it is provided that to the number about described first object of described second computer According to including: with when showing described first object on the screen of described first computer described in first The facilities for observation context data that the visual representation of object is relevant；

In module c), use the facilities for observation field corresponding with described facilities for observation context data Border, shows the visual representation of described first object in the authoring environment of described second computer.

23. devices as described in claim 19 or 20, wherein, described first object is by One solid geometry shape data and specification, described first solid geometry shape data and specification Described first computer can use.

24. devices as claimed in claim 23, wherein, about described first object At least one type in numerous types of data does not comprise specification, therefore, in module a) When being chosen, when performing module c), described specification is unavailable on described second computer.

25. devices as claimed in claim 24, wherein, about the one of described first object Plant data type to comprise described first solid geometry shape data and do not include specification, therefore, When being chosen in module a), when performing module c), described specification is at described second computer Upper unavailable.

26. devices as claimed in claim 23, wherein, about the one of described first object Plant data type and include described first solid geometry shape data and specification.

27. devices as described in claim 19 or 20, wherein, about described first object A kind of data type include: when showing described on the screen at described first local computer During the visual representation of one object, at least one of snapshot of the visual representation of described first object Image.

28. devices as described in claim 19 or 20, including:

For showing the module of graphical tool (6), institute on the screen of described first computer State graphical tool and define the region in the authoring environment of described first computer；

Wherein, described graphical tool in the authoring environment of the first computer that defined, described Region, determine the some of described first object, for the visual representation of described part Data are included in module b) in the data about described first object provided.

29. devices as claimed in claim 28, wherein, are defined by described graphical tool Region be suitable for changing size, and/or be suitable for changing in the wound of described first computer Make the position in environment.

30. devices as claimed in claim 28, including:

For showing the module of graphical tool (106) on the screen of described second computer, Described graphical tool defines the region in the authoring environment of described second computer；

Wherein, in module c), count that defined by described graphical tool, described second In region in the authoring environment of calculation machine, display is in the authoring environment of described second computer The visual representation of described first object.

31. devices as described in claim 19 or 20, including:

Show on the screen at described first computer and on the screen of described second computer Show talk typing frame (8；108) and talk display box (7；107) module, described talk Typing frame and talk display box make described first user and described second user can pass through institute State network exchange message.

32. devices as described in claim 19 or 20, wherein,

In module c), in the authoring environment of described second local computer, by described The visual representation of one object shows together with the visual representation of described second object, in order to Described first object in same facilities for observation context and the merging of described second object are provided Represent.

33. devices as claimed in claim 22, wherein, at module c), described second By the visual representation of described first object together with described second in the authoring environment of local computer The visual representation of object shows together, in order to corresponding with described facilities for observation context data Same facilities for observation context in described first object and the merging table of described second object are provided Show.

34. devices as claimed in claim 32, wherein,

Data type selected in module a) includes: when at described first local computer Authoring environment in when showing the visual representation of described first object, described first object directly perceived At least one of snapshot image represented；

In module c), show the snapshot and described second of described first object with overlaying state The visual representation of object.

35. devices as claimed in claim 32, wherein,

Data type selected in module a) includes the first solid geometry shape data；

In module c), show described first object and described second object with merging phase.

36. devices as described in claim 19 or 20, wherein, selected in module a) The data type selected includes the first solid geometry shape data；And after module c), institute State device to include:

D) for revising the module of described first object on described second computer；

E) for the visual representation of the first object of described amendment is sent out from described second computer Deliver to the module of described first computer；

F) in the authoring environment of described first computer, the first of described amendment is shown The module of the visual representation of object.