Abstract:
Disclosed are an operation sequence display method and an operation sequence display system, wherein operation scenes to attach or remove one or a plurality of components are displayed by switching the scenes. And in at least one operation scene, the attachment or removal target components are displayed in a different manner from other components by changing gray scales using a single color, marking displays for emphasizing operation portions of the target components or the moving directions of the target components in the screen are blinked at a constant interval, and after the marking displays are blinked, the operations to the operation portions or the movements of the target components are displayed by animation, and displays regarding the operations to the operation portions or the movements of the target components are performed at a constant rhythm.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an operation sequence display method and an operation sequence display system for displaying an operation sequence to remove, install, or remove and install a plurality of components included in an apparatus, on a monitor controlled by a computer. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    Efforts are being made to convert service/repair manuals such as automobile service manuals into electronic data. Manuals in the form of electronic data include a manual which displays, together with text descriptions, moving images generated by animation software as representative of processes of disassembling apparatus (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-140142) and a manual which displays moving images together with speech guidance (U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,319). 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    When a common defect to be repaired is found in some apparatus of a certain type due to a design error or the like, it is often necessary to distribute repair details and repair procedures to a plurality of dealers and repair shops throughout a wide area. Each of the dealers and the repair shops is required (1) to repair the apparatus accurately (accuracy) and (2) to establish a repair plan promptly at the same time as the others (promptness). 
         [0004]    One solution to meet the requirement (1) is to produce an electronic manual which describes repair details and repair procedures using texts, speech, and moving images, and distribute a recording medium such as a CD-R or the like which stores the produced electronic manual to the dealers and the repair shops. 
         [0005]    If the recording medium is to be distributed to a plurality of countries or regions where different languages are used, then the texts and speech need to be prepared in the different languages. However, the task of preparing texts and speech in different languages is highly time-consuming and costly. Time and cost impose enormous burdens if texts and speech have to be quickly distributed in different languages in attempts to meet the requirement (2) above. These problems are acute to manufacturers which manufacture or sell their products in a number of countries or regions (particularly, non-English-speaking countries or regions) over the world. 
         [0006]    The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide an operation sequence display method and an operation sequence display system which are capable of effectively using animations to make the operator understand easily a procedure to remove and/or install a plurality of components. 
         [0007]    According to the present invention, there is provided an operation sequence display method for displaying an operation sequence to remove, install, or remove and install a plurality of target components included in an apparatus, on a monitor controlled by a computer, comprising displaying, on the monitor, at least one operation scene showing installation or removal of one or more of the target components, displaying, in the operation scene, the target components and other components differently in monochromatic shades, blinking, at predetermined intervals in the operation scene, a displayed marking highlighting a position of an operation spot on the one or more target components or a direction along which to move the one or more target components or the operation spot, and after the displayed marking is blinked, displaying, in the operation scene, an animation showing an operation on the operation spot or a movement of the one or more target components or the operation spot, wherein the operation on the operation spot or the movement of the one or more target components or the operation spot is displayed in a constant rhythm. 
         [0008]    With the operation sequence display method according to the present invention, animations are effectively used to make the operator easily understand operations to remove and/or install a plurality of components. 
         [0009]    According to the present invention, specifically, one or more target components and other components are displayed differently in monochromatic shades. As the one or more target components displayed in a higher gradation level are highlighted, the operator finds it easy to grasp the one or more target components without speech and texts. 
         [0010]    The position of an operation spot on the one or more target components or the direction along which to move the one or more target components or the operation spot is highlighted by a displayed marking, guiding the viewpoint of the operator to the one or more target components or the operation spot. Consequently, the possibility of overlooking the timing of the beginning of subsequent animations is lowered. Since the displayed markings are blinked at constant intervals, it is possible to increase the effect of guiding the viewpoint of the operator and the effect of making it easy to grasp the timing of beginning of animations without overlooking the same. 
         [0011]    Inasmuch as operations on the operation spot or movement of the one or more target components or the operation spot is displayed in animations in a constant rhythm, it is possible to convey operation sequences to the operator in a stable rhythm and at a fast pace without disturbing the concentration of the operator. 
         [0012]    If speech and texts are not used in carrying out the operation sequence display method, then the period of time required to prepare data for carrying out the operation sequence display method is reduced. As speech data and text data are not required, the amount of data used in the operation sequence display method is reduced, and no translation of speech data and text data is necessary. Therefore, the time and expenses for translation are not required, and the operation sequences can rapidly be sent to repair shops and dealers in countries or regions where different languages are used. 
         [0013]    The blinking rhythm of the displayed marking and the running rhythm of the animation may be set to a common rhythmic base. Therefore, it is possible to convey operation sequences to the operator at a fast pace with an increased ability for the operator to keep the concentration stably. 
         [0014]    The operation sequence display method may further comprise switchingly displaying a plurality of operation scenes, and switching from one of the operation scenes to another of the operation scenes by fading out the one of the operation scenes in timed relation to the rhythmic base common to the blinking of the displayed markings, and thereafter fading in the other of the operation scenes in timed relation to the rhythmic base common to the blinking of the displayed markings. Accordingly, the one operation scene switches smoothly to the other operation scene without making the operator feel uncomfortable, but allowing the operator to keep the concentration stably. 
         [0015]    If a concealing component is positioned in front of and hides the operation spot on the one or more target components, the concealing component has only outer contour lines displayed, thereby displaying the operation spot as being seen through the concealing component. Therefore, even in the presence of the concealing component, it is possible to present guidance about the operation on the operation spot without the need for changing the viewpoint. 
         [0016]    According to the present invention, there is also provided an operation sequence display system for displaying an operation sequence to remove, install, or remove and install a plurality of components included in an apparatus, on a monitor controlled by a computer, wherein the computer displays, on the monitor, at least one operation scene showing installation or removal of one or more or the target components, displays, in the operation scene, the one or more target components and other components differently in monochromatic shades, blinks, at predetermined intervals in the operation scene, a displayed marking highlighting a position of an operation spot on the one or more target components or a direction along which to move the one or more target components or the operation spot, and after the displayed marking is blinked, displays, in the operation scene, an animation showing an operation on the operation spot or a movement of the one or more target components or the operation spot, wherein the operation on the operation spot or the movement of the one or more target components or the operation spot is displayed in a constant rhythm. 
         [0017]    With the operation sequence display system according to the present invention, animations are effectively used to make the operator easily understand operations to remove and/or install a plurality of components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an operation sequence display system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart of an example of operations and processes carried out by each dealer terminal, each local company terminal, and a management server in the event that a repair work needs to be performed commonly for cars belonging to a certain car type, model code, model year, lot number, and the like; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart of a portion of a process of playing back moving-image data; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart of the remainder of the process of playing back moving-image data; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a view showing a first example of a screen displayed on a monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a view showing a second example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a view showing a third example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a view showing a fourth example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a view showing a fifth example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a view showing a sixth example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a view showing a seventh example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a view showing an eighth example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is a view showing a ninth example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a view showing a tenth example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a view showing an eleventh example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a view showing a twelfth example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is a view showing a thirteenth example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  is a view showing a fourteenth example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  is a view showing a fifteenth example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  is a view showing a sixteenth example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0038]      FIG. 21  is a view showing a seventeenth example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0039]      FIG. 22  is a view showing an eighteenth example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0040]      FIG. 23  is a view showing a nineteenth example of a screen displayed on the monitor when the moving-image data are played back; 
           [0041]      FIG. 24  is a diagram showing a time sequence of some of events displayed on the monitor from a first operation scene to a second operation scene; 
           [0042]      FIG. 25  is a diagram showing a time sequence of the remainder of events displayed on the monitor from the first operation scene to the second operation scene; and 
           [0043]      FIG. 26  is a diagram showing a displayed marking according to a modification. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     A. Embodiment 
     1. Overall Arrangement: 
       [0044]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an operation sequence display system  10  (hereinafter also referred to as “system  10 ”) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0045]    The system  10  is able to give guidance about a repair work that is required commonly for cars belonging to a certain car type, model code, model year, lot number, and the like, to a plurality of dealers (e.g., dealers A 1  through A 4 , B 1 , B 2 , C 1 , C 2 ). The system  10  includes a plurality of dealer terminals  12  (hereinafter referred to as “terminals  12 ”) installed at the respective dealers, a plurality of local company terminals  14  (hereinafter referred to as “terminals  14 ”) installed respectively at a plurality of local companies (e.g., local companies A, B, C), and a management server  16  (hereinafter referred to as “server  16 ”) installed at a management center. The terminals  12 ,  14  are positioned in a plurality of countries or regions in the world (e.g., Japan, East Asia, Southeast Asia, west Asia, north Asia, south Asia, North America, Central America, South America, north Europe, south Europe, west Europe, east Europe, Oceania, etc.). According to the present embodiment, the terminals  12 ,  14  and the server  16  can communicate with each other via a communication network  18  including the Internet, for example. 
         [0046]    Each of the terminals  12  has a communication device  20 , an input device  22  including a keyboard and a mouse, a monitor  24 , a processor  26 , and a memory device  28 . The terminals  14  are of the same structure as the terminals  12 . 
         [0047]    The server  16  has a communication device  30 , an input device  32 , a monitor  34 , a processor  36 , a memory device  38 , an updating program database  50  (hereinafter referred to as “updating program DB  50 ”), and a moving-image database  52  (hereinafter referred to as “moving-image DB  52 ”). 
         [0048]    The updating program DB  50  stores updating programs that are required commonly for cars belonging to car types, model codes, model years, lot numbers, and the like. The moving-image DB  52  stores moving-image data of repair works that are required commonly for cars belonging to car types, model codes, model years, lot numbers, and the like. 
         [0049]    The functions of the components of the terminals  12 ,  14  and the server  16  will be described later. 
       2. Flow in the Event of a Repair Work: 
       [0050]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart of an example of operations and processes carried out by each of the terminals  12 , each of the terminals  14 , and the server  16  in the event that a repair work needs to be performed commonly for cars belonging to a certain car type, model code, model year, lot number, and the like. It is assumed, for example, that due to a defect of an electronic control unit (ECU), not shown, for an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) device, a program for the ECU is to be updated, and a repair work is needed to replace an EGR valve  72  (see  FIG. 6 , etc.). 
         [0051]    In an advance preparatory action, the administrator or the like of the server  16  obtains an updating program P 1  for the ECU and moving-image data D 1  for removing the EGR valve  72 . The moving-image data D 1  are data of an electronic manual for explaining an operation procedure for removing the EGR valve  72 , and do not basically contain speech data and text data. However, the moving-image data D 1  may at least one of speech data and text data as supplemental data. 
         [0052]    In step S 1 , the administrator of the server  16  stores the updating program P 1  for the ECU into the updating program DB  50  of the server  16  through the input device  32 , thereby uploading the updating program P 1 . 
         [0053]    In step S 2 , the administrator of the server  16  stores the moving-image data D 1  into the moving-image DB  52  through the input device  32 , thereby uploading the moving-image data D 1 . The contents of the moving-image data D 1  will be described later. 
         [0054]    In step S 3 , the administrator of the server  16  identifies local companies in countries or regions where cars to be repaired by the repair work have been sold, and sends, to the terminals  14  of the identified companies via the communication device  30 , an electronic mail containing (1) a summary of the defect, (2) a message indicating that the program of the ECU needs to be updated and the EGR valve  72  needs to be replaced, (3) a message about a process of acquiring the updating program P 1  (including a downloading password) and a process of updating the program, and (4) a message about a summary of a process of acquiring an electronic manual (moving-image data D 1 ) for replacing the EGR valve  72  (including a downloading password). 
         [0055]    For transmission to those terminals  14  that are present in a country where the server  16  is positioned, the electronic mail is prepared in the language of the country (e.g., Japanese). For transmission to those terminals  14  that are present in other countries, the electronic mail is prepared in a global language (e.g., English). Therefore, the administrator of the server  16  can prepare or obtain the electronic mail in a relatively short time. If the administrator of the server  16  can prepare or obtain the electronic mail written in other languages in a relatively short time and at a low cost, then the administrator of the server  16  may send the electronic mail in those other languages to the terminals  14  that are present in the countries where those other languages are used. 
         [0056]    In step S 4 , each of the terminals  14  receives the electronic mail from the server  16  via the communication network  18  and a communication device, not shown. The person in charge at the local company confirms the contents of the electronic mail, and transfers the electronic mail from the terminal  14  to the terminals  12  of the dealers in the countries. If necessary, the person in charge may translate, partly or wholly, the electronic mail into the language of the country, and may add any comments that the local company thinks necessary. 
         [0057]    In step S 5 , each of the terminals  12  receives the electronic mail from the terminal  14  via the communication network  18  and the communication device  20 . The administrator or user of the terminal  12  confirms the contents of the received electronic mail. The administrator or user of the terminal  12  now knows the process of acquiring the updating program P 1  and the process of updating the program, and the process of acquiring the electronic manual (moving-image data D 1 ) for replacing the EGR valve  72 . 
         [0058]    In step S 6 , the administrator or user of the terminal  12  operates the input device  22  according to the contents of the electronic mail to send a request to ask the server  16  for the updating program P 1  via the communication device  20 . 
         [0059]    In step S 7 , the server  16  automatically sends the updating program P 1  to the communication device  20  of the terminal  12  according to the request from the terminal  12 . For sending the updating program P 1 , the server  16  may request the terminal  12  to send a password for downloading the updating program P 1 , and may then send the updating program P 1  after having confirmed that the password received by the server  16  is correct. 
         [0060]    In step S 8 , the terminal  12  receives (downloads) the updating program P 1  from the server  16  via the communication device  20 , and stores the updating program P 1  into the memory device  28  according to an input to the input device  22 . 
         [0061]    In step S 9 , the administrator or user of the terminal  12  operates the input device  22  according to the contents of the electronic mail to send a request to ask the server  16  for the moving-image data D 1  via the communication device  20 . 
         [0062]    In step S 10 , the server  16  automatically sends the moving-image data D 1  to the communication device  20  of the terminal  12  according to the request from the terminal  12 . For sending the moving-image data D 1 , the server  16  may request the terminal  12  to send a password for downloading the moving-image data D 1 , and may then send the moving-image data D 1  after having confirmed that the password received by the server  16  is correct. 
         [0063]    In step S 11 , the terminal  12  receives (downloads) the moving-image data D 1  from the server  16  via the communication device  20 , and stores the moving-image data D 1  into the memory device  28  according to an input to the input device  22 . 
         [0064]    The updating program P 1  and the moving-image data D 1  may be downloaded altogether, and a common password may be input once to permit the updating program P 1  and the moving-image data D 1  to be downloaded. 
         [0065]    In step S 12 , the operator (the administrator, user, or another person at the terminal  12 ) operates the input device  22  to play back the moving-image data D 1  stored in the memory device  28  and confirms the contents of the work (the contents of the moving-image data D 1  will be described later). 
         [0066]    In step S 13 , the operator updates the program of the ECU on a target car using the updating program P 1  stored in the memory device  28 . Specifically, the operator copies the updating program P 1  from the terminal  12  to a program-updating portable device (not shown), and connect the program-updating portable device to the ECU on the target car. Then, the operator operates the program-updating portable device to update the program of the ECU. 
         [0067]    In step S 14 , the operator replaces the EGR valve  72  according to the contents of the moving-image data D 1 . 
         [0000]    3. Contents of the Moving-Image Data d 1 : 
         [0068]      FIGS. 3 and 4  are a flowchart of a process of playing back the moving-image data D 1 . For an easier understanding of the contents and important aspects of present invention, component of the work involved in replacing the EGR valve  72  is partly omitted from illustration.  FIGS. 5 through 23  show examples of screens that are displayed on the monitor  24  when the moving-image data D 1  are played back. The moving-image data D 1  are played back when the processor  26  reads the moving-image data D 1  from the memory device  28  and displays the moving-image data D 1  on the monitor  24 . 
         [0069]    In step S 21 , the monitor  24  displays an initial screen ( FIG. 5 ) of a first operation scene Sc 1 . The first operation scene Sc 1  is a scene showing the removal of an engine  70  ( FIG. 6 ) as a target component at the present time (present target component). The initial screen shows a front portion of a car  60  with an engine hood  62  closed. The initial screen is displayed as a whole in monochromatic shades (grayscale), with only headlights  64  being displayed in a light shade (gray) and the other portions in black. 
         [0070]    In step S 22 , the monitor  24  displays the engine hood  62  as it opens and fades out with its lines gradually decreasing in gradation level. As a result, as shown in  FIG. 6 , an engine compartment  68  is exposed. Components within the engine compartment  68  are displayed in monochromatic lines of the same gradation level. However, the EGR valve  72 , which is a final target component to be removed (final target component), has its surface displayed in gray. 
         [0071]    In step S 23 , the monitor  24  displays the components within the engine compartment  68  as the lines representing the components other than the engine  70  and the EGR valve  72  are gradually reduced in gradation level (see  FIG. 7 ). For example, if the lines representing the engine  70  and the EGR valve  72  are of the 256th gradation level (darkest) of a 256-gradation scale, then the lines representing the other components are of the 48th gradation level. Therefore, the engine  70  and the EGR valve  72  are highlighted. 
         [0072]    In step S 24 , the monitor  24  displays a removal operation in relation to the engine  70  as the present target component. Specifically, red arrows  74  pointing the respective positions of four bolt caps  76  which secure the engine  70  in position are blinked three times by repeating a cycle of turning on the red arrows  74  for 0.5 second and turning off the red arrows  74  for 0.5 second three times (see  FIG. 8 ). The red arrows  74  are colored in solid red, though not recognized in  FIG. 8 , indicating that the bolt caps  76  are going to be removed. 
         [0073]    In step S 25 , the monitor  24  displays an animation showing the manner in which the bolt caps  76  are removed from the engine  70  (see  FIG. 9 ). The removed bolt caps  76  are faded out. 
         [0074]    In step S 26 , the monitor  24  displays an operation to remove (move) the engine  70 . Specifically, a white arrow  80  representative of a direction along which to remove (move) the engine  70  is blinked three times by repeating a cycle of turning on the white arrow  80  for 0.5 second and turning off the white arrow  80  for 0.5 second three times (see  FIG. 10 ). The white arrow  80  has a frame displayed in red and an inner area displayed in white, for example, and indicates the direction along which to move the engine  70 . 
         [0075]    In step S 27 , the monitor  24  shows the engine  70  as it starts moving upwardly on the screen 0.5 second after the white arrow  80  has disappeared. While the engine  70  is moving, the lines indicating the engine  70  are gradually reduced in gradation level until the engine  70  fades out. As a result, only the EGR valve  72  is displayed at the highest gradation level in the engine compartment  68 . 
         [0076]    In step S 28 , the monitor  24  displays an operation to remove (move) the EGR valve  72  as a next target component (final target component). Specifically, a white arrow  80  representative of a direction along which to remove (move) the EGR valve  72  is blinked three times by turning on and off the white arrow  80  in the same manner as described above (see  FIG. 11 ). As with the white arrow  80  in  FIG. 10 , the white arrow  80  has a frame displayed in red and an inner area displayed in white, for example, and indicates the direction along which to move the EGR valve  72 . On the first operation scene Sc 1 , however, the EGR valve  72  is not actually moved, but its removal is preannounced. 
         [0077]    In step S 29 , the monitor  24  displays the lines on the entire screen as they gradually decrease in gradation level ( FIG. 12 ). The car  60  is faded out until it finally disappears in its entirely from the screen. 
         [0078]    In step S 30  shown in  FIG. 4 , the monitor  24  displays the lines that start decreasing in graduation level 0.5 second after the white allow 80 has disappeared, and thereafter displays an initial screen of a second operation scene Sc 2  as it fades in (see  FIG. 13 ). The second operation scene Sc 2  is a scene showing the removal of the EGR valve  72  as a target component (final target component according to the present embodiment), following the first operation scene Sc 1 . On a screen ( FIG. 14 ) displayed when the fade-in is completed, the EGR valve  72  is hidden behind a front grille  66 . The screen shown in  FIG. 14  is displayed as a whole in monochromatic shades (grayscale), with all the components being displayed in black (e.g., of the 256th gradation level of a 256-gradation scale). 
         [0079]    In step S 31 , the monitor  24  displays the front grille  66  hiding the EGR valve  72  as it fades out until the EGR valve  72  is exposed (see  FIG. 15 ). 
         [0080]    In step S 32 , the monitor  24  displays the components within the engine compartment  68  as the lines representing the components other than the EGR valve  72  are gradually reduced in gradation level (see  FIG. 16 ). For example, if the lines representing the EGR valve  72  are of the 256th gradation level (darkest) of a 256-gradation scale, then the lines representing the other components are of the 48th gradation level. Therefore, the EGR valve  72  is highlighted. 
         [0081]    In step S 33 , a plurality of operations required to remove the EGR valve  72  are successively displayed on the second operation scene Sc 2 . Components to be removed and kept out of the engine compartment  68  (nuts  82 , bolts  84 , etc. in  FIGS. 16 and 17 ) are displayed in an animation which shows their positions by blinking red arrows  74  three times, in the same manner as described above, and thereafter shows their actual removal by starting to move the components 0.5 second after the red arrows  74  are turned off. Components to be removed and kept within the engine compartment  68  (a tube  86 , etc. in  FIG. 16 ) are displayed in an animation which shows directions along which to remove (move) them by blinking white arrows  80 , in the same manner as described above, and thereafter shows their actual removal 0.5 second after the white arrows  80  are turned off (the lines indicating the components are reduced in gradation level after they are removed or while they are being removed). 
         [0082]    For example, if two nuts  82 , one of which is hidden behind the EGR valve  72 , are to be removed, a concealing component that hides the nut  82  behind the EGR valve  72  has only its outer contour lines  90  displayed (see  FIG. 17 ). Before the outer contour lines  90  are displayed, the concealing component has faded out. Then, red arrows  74  indicative of the positions of the nuts  82  to be removed are blinked three times as described above (see  FIG. 18 ). Upon elapse of 0.5 second after the red arrows  74  are turned off, an animation showing the actual removal of the nuts  82  is displayed (see  FIG. 19 ). 
         [0083]    For removing the bolts  84  which secure the EGR valve  72  in position, red arrows  74  indicative of the positions of the bolts  84  are blinked three times as described above (see  FIG. 20 ). Upon elapse of 0.5 second after the red arrows  74  are turned off, an animation showing the actual removal of the bolts  84  is displayed (see  FIG. 21 ). The removed bolts  84  are faded out. Then, the monitor  24  displays an operation to remove (move) the EGR valve  72 . Specifically, a white arrow  80  representative of a direction along which to remove (move) the EGR valve  72  is blinked three times as described above (see  FIG. 22 ). As with the white arrow  80  in  FIG. 10 , the white arrow  80  has a frame displayed in red and an inner area displayed in white, for example, and indicates the direction along which to move the EGR valve  72 . Upon elapse of 0.5 second after the white arrow  80  is turned off, the monitor  24  displays an animation showing the removal of the EGR valve  72  (see  FIG. 23 ). 
         [0084]    When the removal of the EGR valve  72  is completed on the screen, in step S 34  shown in  FIG. 4 , the monitor  24  increases the gradation level of the lines (to the highest level) on the overall screen showing the second operation scene, indicating that the explanation of the work is finished. 
         [0085]      FIGS. 24 and 25  show time sequences of events displayed on the monitor  24  from the first operation scene Sc 1  to the second operation scene Sc 2 . In  FIGS. 24 and 25 , each line represents an event that occurs for a time which is set to 0.5 second or a substantially integral multiple of 0.5 second. According to the present embodiment, the various events are displayed in a certain rhythm. 
       4. Advantages of the Present Embodiment: 
       [0086]    According to the present embodiment, animations are effectively used to make the operator easily understand operations to remove and/or install a plurality of components (the engine  70  and the EGR valve  72 ). 
         [0087]    Specifically, according to the present embodiment, target components (the engine  70  and the EGR valve  72 ) and other components are displayed differently in monochromatic shades. As the target components displayed in a higher gradation level (the engine  70  and the EGR valve  72 ) are highlighted, the operator finds it easy to grasp the target components without speech and texts. 
         [0088]    The positions of operation spots (the bolt caps  76 , the nuts  82 , the bolts  84 , etc.) on the target components (the engine  70  and the EGR valve  72 ) are highlighted by the red arrows  74 , and the directions along which to move the target components (the engine  70  and the EGR valve  72 ) or operation spots (the tube  84 , etc.) are highlighted by the white arrows  80 , guiding the viewpoint of the operator to the target components or the operation spots. Consequently, the possibility of overlooking the timing of the beginning of subsequent animations is lowered. Since the red arrows  74  and the white arrows  80  are blinked at constant intervals (see  FIGS. 24 and 25 ), it is possible to increase the effect of guiding the viewpoint of the operator and the effect of making it easy to grasp the timing of beginning of animations without overlooking the same. 
         [0089]    Inasmuch as operations on the operation spots or movements of the target components or the operation spots are displayed in animations in a constant rhythm (see  FIGS. 24 and 25 ), it is possible to convey operation sequences to the operator in a stable rhythm and at a fast pace without disturbing the concentration of the operator. 
         [0090]    If the moving-image data D 1  do not contain speech data and text data, the period of time required to prepare the moving-image data D 1  is reduced. As speech data and text data are not required, the amount of moving-image data D 1  is reduced, and no translation of speech data and text data is necessary. Therefore, the time and expenses for translation are not required, and the operation sequences can rapidly be sent to repair shops and dealers in countries or regions where different languages are used. 
         [0091]    According to the present embodiment, furthermore, since the screens on the monitor  24  are monochromatically displayed, the visual fatigue of the operator is reduced. 
         [0092]    According to the present embodiment, the blinking rhythm of the red arrows  74  and the white arrows  80  and the running rhythm of the animations are set to a common rhythmic base (reference) (see  FIGS. 24 and 25 ). Therefore, it is possible to convey operation sequences to the operator at a fast pace with an increased ability for the operator to keep the concentration stably. 
         [0093]    According to the present embodiment, when the first operation scene Sc 1  switches to the second operation scene Sc 2 , the screen of the first operation scene Sc 1  fades out in timed relation to the rhythmic base common to the blinking of the red arrows  74  and the white arrows  80 , and thereafter the screen of the second operation scene Sc 2  fades in in timed relation to the rhythmic base common to the blinking of the red arrows  74  and the white arrows  80 . Accordingly, the first operation scene Sc 1  switches smoothly to the second operation scene Sc 2  without making the operator feel uncomfortable, but allowing the operator to keep the concentration stably. 
         [0094]    According to the present embodiment, the concealing component that is positioned in front of and hides a nut  82  has only its outer contour lines  90  displayed, thus displaying the nut  82  as being seen through the concealing component. Therefore, even in the presence of the concealing component, it is possible to present guidance about the operation on the nut  82  without the need for changing the viewpoint. 
       B. Modifications 
       [0095]    The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but may employ various arrangements based on the description of the present specification. For example, the present invention may employ the following arrangements: 
         [0096]    In the above embodiment, the car  60  (four-wheeled automobile) is described as a target to be repaired. However, the present invention may have a mobile object such as a two-wheeled automobile, an electric bicycle, an aircraft, a ship, a helicopter, etc. as an object to be repaired. Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to any other devices and pieces of equipment insofar as a target component can be removed from and/or installed on them. According to such an alternative, operations that are displayed may be related to components to be assembled or installed, rather than components to be repaired. 
         [0097]    In the above embodiment, the moving-image data D 1  are data of an electronic manual which explains the removal of target components (the engine  70  and the EGR valve  72 ). However, moving-image data D 1  may be data of an electronic manual which explains the installation of target components. 
         [0098]    In the above embodiment, the moving-image data D 1  basically do not contain speech data and text data. However, the moving-image data D 1  may contain no speech data and text data at all or may contain at least one of speech data and text data. 
         [0099]    In the above embodiment, the program of the ECU is updated using the updating program P 1  and the EGR valve  72  is replaced. However, the present invention is applicable to the replacement, installation, or removal of other components. If defective components need to be replaced with new components with corrected defects, then the new components have to be delivered to dealers in other countries in advance. 
         [0100]    In the above embodiment, the screens showing the first operation scene Sc 1  and the second operation scene Sc 2  are displayed in grayscale. However, they may be displayed in shades of other single colors (e.g., dark blue, blue, and green). If other colors are used, then the color of the background of the screens may be adjusted. For example, the background may be displayed in black and the lines in yellow. 
         [0101]    In the above embodiment, the positions of operation spots on target components and the directions along which to move target components or operation spots are highlighted by markings such as red arrows  74  and white arrows  80 . However, they may be highlighted by either red arrows  74  or white arrows  80 . Alternatively, target components may be indicated by red thick lines that are displayed as blinking, for example, rather then arrows (see  FIG. 26 ). 
         [0102]    In the above embodiment, an electronic mail is sent to indicate a method of acquiring the moving-image data D 1  to the terminal  12 , and the terminal  12  then access the server  16  to download the moving-image data D 1 . However, the moving-image data D 1  may be attached to the electronic mail, for example. 
         [0103]    In the above embodiment, the terminal  12  itself which has received an electronic mail accesses the server  16 . However, a terminal  12  which is different from the terminal  12  which has received an electronic mail may access the server  16  to download the moving-image data D 1 . 
         [0104]    In the above embodiment, the moving-image data D 1  is stored in the memory device  28 , and the stored moving-image data D 1  is played back. However, the moving-image data D 1  may not be stored in the memory device  28 , but the terminal  12  may be positioned in the vicinity of the car  60  for replacement of the EGR valve  72 , so that the EGR valve  72  can be replaced while the terminal  12  is downloading the moving-image data D 1 .