Patent Publication Number: US-2011054877-A1

Title: Analysis support computer product, analysis support apparatus, and analysis system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-194102, filed on Aug. 25, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD 
     The embodiments discussed herein are related to a computer product, an apparatus, and a system that support mechanical analysis. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Generally, in a strength analysis simulation of an object such as an electronic device or an electronic component, multiple force-application positions are designated on the object and by applying force at the positions, portions of poor strength are analyzed. Here, the user creates an analytic model of the object, executes analysis, and evaluates the results for each of the force-application positions. 
     Conventionally, to expedite strength analysis simulations, for example, a simulation apparatus stores therein for each unit area, the amount of deformation of an entire contact area occurring when a unit pressure is applied to a unit area of the area that a material contacts. The simulation apparatus computes the amount of deformation of the entire contact face using the pressure distribution of the contact face obtained during molding and the stored amount of deformation of the entire contact face (see, e.g., Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-236907). 
     To support interpretation of the analysis results by the user, for example, a simulation apparatus obtains strength analysis simulation results and determines whether the analysis results obtained for a predetermined portion represent a predetermined deformation state in the predetermined portion, based on a threshold value set for the predetermined portion of the object under analysis (see, e.g., Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2007-109065). 
     However, with the conventional technologies above, an analytic model necessary for the strength analysis simulation is manually generated for each of the force-application points and therefore, a problem arises in that the number of production steps increases. If an error (for example, an error in setting materials, constraint conditions, etc.) is found after the analysis, correction has to be executed independently for each of the analytic models, making correction work troublesome. 
     With the conventional technologies, the analysis result for each of the force-application positions is only converted into numerical values that are output and therefore, a problem arises in that it is difficult to intuitively determine weak points of the object. As a result, the user has to execute burdensome work such as separately preparing a diagram of the force-application positions, obtaining thereby an analysis result for each of the force-application positions, comparing the analysis results for the different force-application positions, and determining thereby the weak points. Therefore, a problem arises in that the time consumed for the evaluation of the results as well as the work load thereof increases. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an aspect of an embodiment, a non-transitory, computer-readable recording medium stores therein an analysis support program that causes a computer to execute a process that includes receiving input of disposal position information that indicates respective disposal positions for jigs in information that indicates disposal positions set on a surface of an object model modeling an object; creating, using the object model and a jig model modeling a jig, an analytic model by modeling a state where the jigs are disposed respectively at the disposal positions that are on the surface of the object and indicated by the disposal position information received at the receiving; obtaining an analysis result for each of the disposal positions by executing strength analysis of the object using the analytic model that is for each of the disposal positions and created at the creating; producing, by correlating the disposal positions and the analysis results based on the analysis result for each of the disposal positions obtained at the obtaining, a chart that displays at each of the disposal positions on the surface of the object, a correlated analysis result; and outputting the chart produced at the producing. 
     The object and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of an exemplary overview of the analysis support approach. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of an analysis support apparatus according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of an exemplary object model. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of an exemplary object model file. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram of an example of the content stored in an object model node table. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram of an example of the content stored in a jig library. 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the analysis support apparatus. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram of an example of selection of an area-under-analysis. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram of an example of the content stored in the area-under-analysis node table. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram of an example of setting disposal positions. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram of an example of the content stored in a force-application position table. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram of an example of a selection screen for disposal positions. 
         FIG. 13  is another diagram of the example of the content stored in the force-application position table. 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram of an example of an analytic model file. 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram of an example of an analysis result file. 
         FIG. 16  is a block diagram of an example of the functional configuration of the producing unit. 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram of an example of a designation screen for evaluation items. 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram of an example of the content stored in an evaluation item table. 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram of an example of the content stored in an analytic value table. 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram of an example of the content stored in a display height table. 
         FIGS. 22 and 23  are diagrams of exemplary screens. 
         FIG. 24  is a flowchart of an example of an analysis support process procedure of the analysis support apparatus. 
         FIG. 25  is a flowchart of an example of a process procedure of a disposal position setting process. 
         FIG. 26  is a flowchart of an example of a process procedure of a model creating process. 
         FIG. 27  is a flowchart of an example of a process procedure of a chart creating process. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram of an exemplary overview of the analysis support approach. Procedures (1) to (5) of the exemplary overview of the analysis support approach will be described. 
     (1) An analysis support apparatus  100  receives selection of an object model, an area-under-analysis, and a pushing jig. In this case, the object model is a model created by modeling an object under analysis. The area-under-analysis is an area of the surface of the object model and to which a pushing force is applied during analysis. The pushing jig is a jig to apply the pushing force to the area-under-analysis for the analysis. 
     (2) The analysis support apparatus  100  automatically sets on the area-under-analysis, disposal positions where pushing jigs are disposed, graphically displays the disposal positions, and collectively receives selection of the force-application positions. The disposal positions are equivalent to the force-application positions where a pushing force is applied to the surface of the object. 
     (3) Using the object model and a jig model, the analysis support apparatus  100  automatically creates an analytic model by modeling a state where a pushing jig is disposed at each of the disposal positions selected within the area-under-analysis. The jig model is a model of the pushing jig. 
     (4) The analysis support apparatus  100  executes strength analysis of the object using the analytic model created for each of the disposal positions and thereby, obtains an analysis result for each of the disposal positions. Herein, the strength analysis includes analysis of displacement, stress, strain, reaction force, etc., at each of the force-application positions by an application of a pushing force to the surface of the object. 
     (5) The analysis support apparatus  100  correlates the disposal positions selected and the analysis results for the disposed positions, thereby generating and displaying on a display  208  (see  FIG. 2 ) a table (see  FIGS. 21 to 23 ) displaying the analysis results corresponding to the disposal positions on the surface of the object. 
     As described, according to the analysis support approach, when strength analysis is executed multiple times, changing the force-application position on the object, the force-application positions are collectively designated and an analytic model for each force-application position is created automatically. Thereby, the work load and the time consumed to manually produce the analytic model for each force-application position may be reduced. 
     According to the analysis support approach, the strength analysis is executed using an analytic model for each force-application position and the analysis results are collectively displayed at the corresponding force-application positions on the object. Thereby, the analysis results may be displayed collectively, correlated respectively with the force-application positions on the object to support the user in evaluating the strength. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of an analysis support apparatus according to the embodiment. As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the analysis support apparatus includes a central processing unit (CPU)  201 , a read-only memory (ROM)  202 , a random access memory (RAM)  203 , a magnetic disk drive  204 , a magnetic disk  205 , an optical disk drive  206 , an optical disk  207 , a display  208 , an interface (I/F)  209 , a keyboard  210 , a mouse  211 , a scanner  212 , and a printer  213 , respectively connected by a bus  200 . 
     The CPU  201  governs overall control of the analysis support apparatus. The ROM  202  stores therein programs such as a boot program. The RAM  203  is used as a work area of the CPU  201 . The magnetic disk drive  204 , under the control of the CPU  201 , controls the reading and writing of data with respect to the magnetic disk  205 . The magnetic disk  205  stores therein data written under control of the magnetic disk drive  204 . 
     The optical disk drive  206 , under the control of the CPU  201 , controls the reading and writing of data with respect to the optical disk  207 . The optical disk  207  stores therein data written under control of the optical disk drive  206 , the data being read by a computer. 
     The display  208  displays, for example, data such as text, images, functional information, etc., in addition to a cursor, icons, and/or tool boxes. A cathode ray tube (CRT), a thin-film-transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display, a plasma display, etc., may be employed as the display  208 . 
     The I/F  209  is connected to a network  214  such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and the Internet through a communication line and is connected to other apparatuses through the network  214 . The I/F  209  administers an internal interface with the network  214  and controls the input/output of data from/to external apparatuses. For example, a modem or a LAN adaptor may be employed as the I/F  209 . 
     The keyboard  210  includes, for example, keys for inputting letters, numerals, and various instructions and performs the input of data. Alternatively, a touch-panel-type input pad or numeric keypad, etc. may be adopted. The mouse  211  is used to move the cursor, select a region, or move and change the size of windows. A track ball or a joy stick may be adopted provided each respectively has a function similar to a pointing device. 
     The scanner  212  optically reads an image and takes in the image data into the analysis support apparatus. The scanner  212  may have an optical character recognition (OCR) function as well. The printer  213  prints image data and text data. The printer  213  may be, for example, a laser printer or an ink jet printer. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram of an exemplary object model. In  FIG. 3 , an object model  300  is displayed in a Cartesian coordinate system configured by an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that respectively cross at right angles. In  FIG. 3 , a point “O” is the origin. 
     The object model  300  is created by modeling a display unit that, among components of a folding-type cellular telephone terminal, includes a liquid crystal display (LCD). The object model  300  is represented as a set of elements. The elements divide the object model  300  into hexahedrons and pentahedrons and each element has multiple nodes. A node is a point that characterizes the shape of an element (for example, vertices of an element). 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram of an example of an object model file. In  FIG. 4 , an object model file F includes component data  401 , material data  402 , definition data  403 , element data  404 , and node data  405 . 
     The component data  401  is information concerning components that configure the object. The material data  402  is information concerning materials of the components. The definition data  403  is information that defines various conditions for executing the analysis such as constraint conditions and load conditions. The element data  404  is information concerning the elements included in the object model  300  and includes, for example, information to identify the nodes included in the elements. The node data  405  is information concerning the nodes included in the object model  300  and includes, for example, an object model node table  410  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram of an example of the content stored in the object model node table. In  FIG. 5 , the object model node table  410  has fields including “node ID” and “node coordinates”. Node information items  500 - 1  to  500 - n  are stored as records by setting information in each of the fields. 
     Herein, a “node ID” is an identifier of a node that is included in the object model  300  and “node coordinates” are coordinates of a node in the object model  300 . For example, with respect to node information item  500 - 1 , the node coordinates of a node MN 1  are (X 1 , Y 1 , Z 1 ). The node coordinates of each node are relative to the point O depicted in  FIG. 3  as the origin. 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram of an example of the content stored in a jig library. In  FIG. 6 , a jig library  600  includes fields of “jig ID”, “jig image”, “jig dimension”, “node ID/node coordinates”, and “element ID/IDs of nodes constituting the element”. Jig information items  600 - 1  to  600 - 3  are stored as records by setting information in each of the fields. 
     Herein, a “jig ID” is an identifier of a pushing jig; a “jig image” is an image representing a pushing jig; “jig dimension” is the diameter (in, for example, millimeters) of a pushing face of a pushing jig; and each “node ID/node coordinates” indicates an identifier of a node included in an element formed by partitioning a pushing jig into a mesh and the node coordinates of the node. The node coordinates are coordinates obtained when the center of the pushing face of a pushing jig is assumed as the origin. Each “element ID/node ID” indicates an identifier of an element and an identifier of a node that constitutes the element. 
     For example, with respect to the jig information item  600 - 1 , the jig dimension of a pushing jig J 1  is 10 [mm]. The node coordinates of a node JN 1  included in the pushing jig J 1  are, for example, (x 11 , y 11 , z 11 ). Nodes constituting an element E 1  that is included in the pushing jig J 1  are eight that are nodes JN 80 , JN 42 , JN 43 , JN 79 , JN 18 , JN 41 , JN 40 , and JN 17 . 
     Although it is assumed that the pushing face of the pushing jig is circular in the example above, the shape of the pushing face is not limited to hereto. The pushing face may be, for example, square or rectangular and, in such a case, “jig dimension” includes longitudinal and lateral dimensions of a pushing face. The jig library  600  is stored in a storage device such as, for example, the ROM  202 , the RAM  203 , the magnetic disk  205 , and the optical disk  207  depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the analysis support apparatus. As depicted in  FIG. 7 , the analysis support apparatus  100  includes an input unit  701 , a selecting unit  702 , an extracting unit  703 , a setting unit  704 , a creating unit  705 , an obtaining unit  706 , a producing unit  707 , and an output unit  708 . These functions (the input unit  701  to the output unit  708 ) that constitute a control unit are implemented by causing the CPU  201  to execute a program that is stored in the storage device such as, for example, the ROM  202 , the RAM  203 , the magnetic disk  205 , and the optical disk  207  depicted in  FIG. 2 , or by the I/F  209 . 
     The input unit  701  has a function of receiving input of the object model file F. Herein, the object model file F is electronic data concerning the object model created by modeling the object. For example, user input via the keyboard  210  or the mouse  211  depicted in  FIG. 2  causes the input unit  701  to receive the input of the object model file F (see  FIG. 4 ) concerning the object model  300  depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
     If the object model file F to be input concerns multiple object models, the user selects an arbitrary object model from among the object models. The object model file F input is stored in a storage area such as the RAM  203 , the magnetic disk  205 , and the optical disk  207 . 
     The input unit  701  receives input of disposal position information that indicates disposal positions of jigs. Herein, the disposal position information indicates the disposal positions of the jigs included in information that indicates disposal positions set on the surface of the object model that is created by modeling the object. For example, the disposal position information is information that corresponds to a selection result obtained by the selecting unit  702  described hereinafter and is information that corresponds to a disposal position group set by the setting unit  704  described hereinafter. 
     The disposal position information may include information identifying a face of the surface of the object model to which a pushing force is to be applied and a pushing jig to do so. The disposal position information input is stored to the storage area such as the RAM  203 , the magnetic disk  205 , and the optical disk  207 . 
     The selecting unit  702  has a function of selecting an area (hereinafter, “area-under-analysis TF”) of the surface of the object model to which a pushing force is to be applied. For example, user input via the keyboard  210  or the mouse  211  may cause the selecting unit  702  to receive designation of the area-under-analysis TF. The selecting unit  702  may also select the area-under-analysis TF by referring to the disposal position information input. The area-under-analysis TF selected is stored to the storage area such as the RAM  203 , the magnetic disk  205 , and the optical disk  207 . 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram of an example of selection of an area-under-analysis. As depicted in  FIG. 8 , a surface of the LCD display unit is selected from the surface of the object  300 , as the area-under-analysis TF. In this example, the user designates a reference point SP and the Z-axis that is the direction of the pushing force and thereby, the area-under-analysis TF is selected. 
     The extracting unit  703  depicted in  FIG. 7  has a function of extracting from the object model file F input, nodes on the area-under-analysis TF selected. For example, the extracting unit  703  extracts from the object model node table  410 , node information concerning the nodes on the area-under-analysis TF. The node information extracted is stored to, for example, an area-under-analysis node table  900  depicted in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram of an example of the content stored in the area-under-analysis node table. In  FIG. 9 , the area-under-analysis node table  900  has fields including “node ID” and “node coordinates”. Node information items  500 - 3  to  500 - m  are stored as records by setting information in each of the fields. 
     Herein, a node ID is an identifier of a node on the area-under-analysis TF. The node coordinates are the coordinates of a node on the area-under-analysis TF in the object model  300 . In the embodiment, among nodes MN 1  to MNn, the nodes MN 3 , MN 5 , . . . . , MNm are extracted whose coordinates on the Z-axis, which crosses the area-under-analysis TF at a right angle, are same as that of the reference point SP. The area-under-analysis node table  900  is stored in a storage area such as, for example, the RAM  203 , the magnetic disk  205 , and the optical disk  207 . 
     The selecting unit  702  depicted in  FIG. 7  has a function of selecting a pushing jig that applies a pushing force to the face of the object. For example, a user input via the keyboard  210  or the mouse  211  may also cause the selecting unit  702  to receive selection of an arbitrary pushing jig from among pushing jigs J 1  to J 3  in the jig library  600  depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
     For example, the user may select an arbitrary jig according to the state for which the user desires to analyze strength (e.g., the state of a button being pressed by a finger or a state where a phone strap is sandwiched by a cellular phone). The selecting unit  702  may select a pushing jig by referring to the disposal position information input. Hereinafter, an example where the pushing jig J 1  is selected from among the pushing jigs J 1  to J 3  will be described unless indicated otherwise. 
     The setting unit  704  has a function of setting a disposal position to dispose thereat a pushing jig to apply a pushing force to the object. For example, the setting unit  704  sets a disposal position to dispose thereat the pushing jig J 1  based on the jig dimension of the pushing jig J 1  selected from the jig library  600 . The “jig dimension” represents the size of the contact area (pushing face) of the pushing jig, contacting the surface of the object. 
       FIG. 10  is a diagram of an example of setting the disposal positions. (1) The setting unit  704  first calculates the size of the area-under-analysis TF. The area-under-analysis TF is a substantially rectangular plane that crosses the Z-axis at a right angle. Here, it is assumed that the area-under-analysis TF is rectangular and has a dimension along the X-axis direction as a longitudinal length and a dimension along the Y-axis direction as a lateral length. 
     In this example, the setting unit  704  determines the difference between the maximum and the minimum X-coordinates (X max -X min ) to be the longitudinal length of the area-under-analysis TF by referring to the area-under-analysis node table  900 . For example, the setting unit  704  also determines the difference between the maximum and the minimum Y-coordinates (Y max -Y min ) to be the lateral length of the area-under-analysis TF by referring to the area-under-analysis node table  900 . 
     (2) Thereafter, the setting unit  704  calculates the coordinates (X c , Y c ) of a central point CP of the area-under-analysis TF and sets a length that is α-times (for example, ½ times) as long as a length L (in this case “Y max -Y min ”) in the longitudinal direction of the area-under-analysis TF to be the maximum display height H max . An arbitrary value may be set as α. The maximum display height H max  will be described hereinafter. 
     (3) Finally, the setting unit  704  sets the disposal positions (“” in  FIG. 10 ) to dispose thereat the pushing jigs relative to the central point CP such that each interval between disposal positions that are adjacent in the X-axis or the Y-axis direction is substantially equivalent to the diameter of the pushing jig. The setting result set is stored in, for example, a force-application position table  1100  depicted in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram of an example of the content stored in the force-application position table. In  FIG. 11 , the force-application position table  1100  has fields including “force-application position ID”, “center coordinates”, and “analysis flag”. Force-application position information items  1100 - 1  to  1100 - 45  are stored as records by setting information in each of the fields. 
     A “force-application position ID” is an identifier of a force-application position at which a pushing force is applied to the object and is a matrix number of a “surface” described hereinafter. The “center coordinates” are the coordinates of the center of the “surface” described hereinafter and represents a disposal position at which a pushing jig is disposed (a disposal position set by the setting unit  704 ). The “analysis flag” is a flag that represents a force-application position at which a pushing force is applied during an analysis. “0” is set for the analysis flag in the initial state and “1” is set for it when the force-application position is selected as a force-application position to which a pushing force is to be applied. 
     The selecting unit  702  in  FIG. 7  has a function of selecting from among the disposal position group set on the surface of the object, multiple disposal positions to dispose thereat pushing jigs. For example, the user may manipulate a selection screen  1200  depicted in  FIG. 12  and thereby, the selecting unit  702  may select the disposal positions from the disposal position group set. The selecting unit  702  may also select disposal positions from the disposal position group set, by referring to the disposal position information input. 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram of an example of a selection screen for disposal positions. As depicted in  FIG. 12 , the selection screen  1200  is an input screen that is displayed on the display  208  enabling selection of disposal positions at which pushing jigs are to be disposed, from among the disposal position group set on the surface of the object. 
     As described, the force-application positions on the object model  300  are represented by circular “surfaces” that each have a disposal position set on the surface of the object as a center and that each have the jig dimension of a pushing jig as a diameter. A number attached to each of the “surfaces” is an identifier of the “surface” (force-application position ID). 
     In the selection screen  1200 , the user by manipulating the mouse  211  causes a cursor C to move and clicks an arbitrary “surface” whereby, a disposal position at which a pushing jig is disposed is selected. In this example, force-application positions  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  53 ,  81 ,  82 ,  83 ,  84 , and  85  are selected through an input operation by the user. When the cursor C is caused to move and click a completion button B, the input operation comes to an end and in the force-application position table  1100 , “1” is set for the analysis flag of each of the force-application positions selected. 
       FIG. 13  is another diagram of the example of the content stored in the force-application position table. As depicted in  FIG. 13 , in the force-application position table  1100 , “1” is set for the analysis flag of each of the force-application position information items  1100 - 7  to  1100 - 9 ,  1100 - 23 , and  1100 - 36  to  1100 - 40  respectively corresponding to the force-application positions selected in the selection screen  1200 . 
     Although the user selects disposal positions of the pushing jigs in the example herein, selection is not limited hereto. For example, the selecting unit  702  may select the disposal positions of the pushing jigs, based on a disposal position pattern (disposal position information) of the pushing jigs set in advance for each object model (area-under-analysis). The disposal position pattern is set based on, for example, the internal structure of the object (such as a driver, the position of sealing resin). 
     The creating unit  705  depicted in  FIG. 7 , has a function of creating an analytic model created by modeling a state where a pushing jig is disposed at a disposal position on the surface of the object, for each of the disposal positions selected, using the object model and the jig model. The “jig model” is a model of a pushing jig and corresponds to, for example, the jig information items  600 - 1  to  600 - 3  depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
     For example, the creating unit  705  aligns the center of the contact area of the pushing jig coming into contact with the surface of the object and the disposal position selected, thereby executing coordinate conversion of nodes included in the pushing jig and creating an analytic model file concerning the analytic model. An operative example of the analytic model file will be described. 
       FIG. 14  is a diagram of an example of an analytic model file. In  FIG. 14 , analytic model files MF 1  to MF 9  are depicted for each disposal position at which the pushing jig J 1  is disposed. Taking the analytic model file MF 4  as an example, the analytic model file MF 4  is an analytic model file created by modeling a state where the pushing jig J 1  is disposed at the force-application position  53 . The center of the contact area of the pushing jig J 1  is aligned with the center coordinates (X 53 , Y 53 , Z 53 ) of the force-application position  53 , whereby the node coordinates of each of the nodes JN 1  to JNp are converted. 
     The obtaining unit  706  has a function of obtaining the analysis result for each of the disposal positions by executing the strength analyses of the object using the analytic model created for each of the disposal positions. For example, the obtaining unit  706  supplies the analytic model files MF 1  to MF 9  to a simulator and thereby, obtains the analysis result for each of the force-application positions. 
     The analysis support apparatus  100  may execute the strength analysis of the object or the strength analysis may also be executed using an external simulator that is communicable through the network  214 . The analysis result obtained is stored in a storage area such as the RAM  203 , the magnetic disk  205 , and the optical disk  207 . An example of an analysis result for each of the disposal positions (force-application positions) will be described. 
       FIG. 15  is a diagram of an example of an analysis result file. In  FIG. 15 , analysis result files R 1  to R 9  for the force-application positions  11  to  15 ,  21  to  25 , . . . , and  91  to  94  are depicted. Taking, as an example, the analysis result file R 1  for the force-application position  11 , analytic values for the nodes MN 1  to MNn included in the object model  300  are stored therein. 
     For example, the analysis result file R 1  stores therein analytic values concerning multiple evaluation items. The “evaluation items” include, for example, displacement (DISPLACEMENT), stress (STRESS), strain (STRAIN), reaction force (REACTION), etc., for the direction of each of the axes on the surface of the object. 
     The producing unit  707  in  FIG. 7  has a function of producing a chart that displays the analysis results at the disposal positions on the surface of the object based on the analysis results obtained for the disposal positions. For example, the producing unit  707  correlates the disposal positions of the pushing jigs and the analysis results obtained when the pushing jigs are disposed at the disposal positions and thereby, creates a chart that displays the analysis results at the disposal positions on the surface of the object. The specific content of the processing by the producing unit  707  will be described hereinafter. 
     The output unit  708  has a function of outputting the chart produced. For example, the output unit  708  may output charts  2100  to  2300  as those depicted in  FIGS. 21 to 23 . The form of output may be, for example, display on the display  208 , print out by output to the printer  213 , and transmission to an external apparatus by the I/F  209 . The charts produced may be stored in a storage area such as the RAM  203 , the magnetic disk  205 , and the optical disk  207 . 
       FIG. 16  is a block diagram of an example of the functional configuration of the producing unit. As depicted in  FIG. 16 , the producing unit  707  includes a designating unit  1601 , a detecting unit  1602 , and a calculating unit  1603 . 
     The designating unit  1601  has a function of receiving designation of evaluation items to be displayed, from among evaluation items included in the analysis results. For example, user manipulation of the keyboard  210  or the mouse  211  may cause the designating unit  1601  to receive the designation of the evaluation items to be displayed. 
       FIG. 17  is a diagram of an example of a designation screen for the evaluation items. In  FIG. 17 , a designation screen  1700  is an input screen that is displayed on the display  208  to designate the evaluation items to be displayed, from among the evaluation items. 
     In the designation screen  1700 , the user by manipulating the mouse  211 , causes the cursor C to move to designate a group to be evaluated. A “group” is a set of elements, nodes, or contact areas to be evaluated and is set in advance. In this case, a group G 1  that represents a set of all the nodes on the area-under-analysis TF is designated to be evaluated. 
     In the designation screen  1700 , user manipulation of the mouse  211  causes the display and designation of evaluation items. In this example, “DISPLACEMENT” representing displacement on the surface of the object is designated as an evaluation item. 
     Thereafter, in the designation screen  1700 , user manipulation of the mouse  211  causes the display and designation of a component “Variable” of the evaluation items. In this example, a component in the X-axis direction is designated among components in the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis directions on the surface of the object. 
     Finally, in the designation screen  1700 , user manipulation of the mouse  211  causes the display and designation of attributes (such as the maximum, the minimum, and the average) of the evaluation items. In this example, “MAXIMUM” that represents the maximum of an evaluation item is designated. 
     According to the above series of operation inputs, the maximum displacement among displacement along the X-axis direction at each of the nodes on the area-under-analysis TF is displayed as an analytic value. The designation result is stored in, for example, an evaluation item table  1800  depicted in  FIG. 18 . 
       FIG. 18  is a diagram of an example of the content stored in the evaluation item table. In  FIG. 18 , the evaluation item table  1800  has fields including “group ID”, “group type”, “element ID/node ID/contact area ID”, “evaluation item”, “evaluation component”, and “evaluation attribute”. Information concerning the evaluation items is stored as records by setting information in each of the fields. 
     A “group ID” is an identifier of a group. A “group type” is the type of a group to be evaluated and is any one of element, node, and contact area. The “element ID/node ID/contact area Id” is an identifier of an element, a node, or a contact area included in a group. An “evaluation item” is an evaluation item to be displayed. An “evaluation component” is a component of an evaluation item. An “evaluation attribute” is an attribute of an evaluation item. 
     The detecting unit  1602  in  FIG. 16  has a function of detecting analytic values of the evaluation items designated, from the analysis results obtained at the disposal positions. For example, the detecting unit  1602  refers to the evaluation item table  1800  and thereby, detects the maximum displacement along the X-axis direction among the nodes in the group G 1 , from the analysis result files R 1  to R 9 . The detection result is stored in an analytic value table  1900  depicted in  FIG. 19 . 
       FIG. 19  is a diagram of an example of the content stored in the analytic value table. In  FIG. 19 , the analytic value table  1900  has fields including “force-application position ID” and “analytic value”. Analytic values of each of the force-application positions are stored as records by setting information in each of the fields. A “force-application position ID” is an identifier of a force-application position. An “analytic value” is an analytic value corresponding to an evaluation item designated. In this example, the maximum displacement along the X-axis direction is stored. 
     The calculating unit  1603  in  FIG. 16  has a function of calculating display heights to display analysis results for the disposal positions of the pushing jigs. For example, the calculating unit  1603  first refers to the analytic value table  1900  and thereby, identifies a maximum analytic value of the analytic values for the force-application positions. In this example, an analytic value “1800” at the force-application position  81  is identified. 
     Thereafter, the calculating unit  1603  calculates the display heights of the analytic value of each of the force-application positions using, for example, Equation (1) below, where “H” is the display height of a force-application position ID “ij”, “H max ” is the maximum display height, “r max ” is the maximum analytic value, and “r ij ” is an analytic value of the force-application position ID “ij”. 
         H   ij   =H   max   /r   max   ×r   ij   (1)
 
     Assuming that the maximum display height H max  is “H max =50” and taking the force-application position  22  as an example, a display height H 11  is “H 11 =50/1800×400≈11.1”. The display height calculated is stored in a display height table  2000  depicted in  FIG. 20 . 
       FIG. 20  is a diagram of an example of the content stored in the display height table. In  FIG. 20 , a display height table  2000  has fields including “force-application position ID” and “display height”. The display heights for the force-application positions are stored as records by setting information in each of the fields. A “force-application position ID” is an identifier of a force-application position. A “display height” is the display height of an analytic value at each of the force-application positions. 
     The producing unit  707  in  FIG. 16  has a function of producing a chart to display therein bar graphs of the heights that correspond to the analysis results in predetermined areas each centered about a disposal position corresponding to the analysis result. In this example, the “predetermined area” is, for example, a circular “surface” having a diameter of the jig dimension of the pushing jig. The jig dimension of a pushing jig is identified from the jig library  600 . 
     For example, the producing unit  707  first refers to the display height table  2000  and thereby, identifies the “surfaces” (the force-application positions  22  to  24 ,  53 , and  81  to  85 ) on the area-under-analysis TF for which bar graphs are displayed. Each of the “surfaces” (force-application positions) is identified from the center coordinates in the force-application position table  1100 . 
     Thereafter, the producing unit  707  refers to the display height table  2000 , pushes out each of the “surfaces” by the display height for each of the force-application positions and, thereby, produces a bar graph at each of the force-application positions. The producing unit  707 , for each of the force-application positions, inserts a corresponding analytic value at an upper end of the bar graph at each force-application position. 
       FIG. 21  is a diagram of an exemplary screen that displays the produced chart. In  FIG. 21 , the display  208  displays a chart  2100  of bar graphs G 1  to G 9  respectively having a height corresponding to the analytic values of the force-application positions  22  to  24 ,  53 , and  81  to  85  (see  FIG. 12 ) on the area-under-analysis TF of the analytic model. 
     On an upper end of each of the bar graphs G 1  to G 9 , the analytic value corresponding thereto is displayed. The bar graph G 5 , which represents the maximum analytic value, is expressed using a different color from that of the other bar graphs G 1  to G 4 , and G 6  to G 9 . The display height of the bar graph G 5  (the maximum display height H max ) is b  1 / 2  times (α=½) the longitudinal length L of the area-under-analysis TF. This is set such that the maximum display height H max  of the bar graph is a proper size relative to the size of the entire object model  300 . 
     In the chart  2100 , the analytic value at each of the force-application positions is graphically expressed and therefore, the user is supported in intuitively understanding and relatively evaluating the analytic values of the force-application positions. Thereby, the identification of weak points is facilitated. 
     If positive values and negative values are mixed among the analytic values of different force-application positions, bar graphs may be displayed to appear to be pushed downward at the force-application positions having analytic values that are negative.  FIG. 22  is a diagram of another exemplary screen. 
     In  FIG. 22 , the display  208  displays a chart  2200  of bar graphs G 10  to G 18  respectively having a height corresponding to the analytic values of the force-application positions  22  to  24 ,  53 , and  81  to  85  (see  FIG. 12 ) on the area-under-analysis TF of the analytic model. In  FIG. 22 , the bar graph G 13  is displayed to appear being pushed downward because the value of the analytic value is negative at the force-application position  53 . 
     If the analytic values of different force-application positions are each negative values, the bar graphs at each of the force-application positions may be displayed to appear to be pushed upward. The display height of each bar graph in this case may be obtained by multiplying the display height obtained using Equation (1) by “−1”. 
       FIG. 23  is a diagram of another exemplary screen. In  FIG. 23 , the display  208  displays a chart  2300  of bar graphs G 19  to G 27  respectively having a height corresponding to the analytic values of the force-application positions  22  to  24 ,  53 , and  81  to  85  (see  FIG. 12 ) on the area-under-analysis TF of the analytic model. 
     In  FIG. 23 , the bar graphs G 19  to G 27  are each pushed upward because the values of the analytic values are negative at each of the force-application positions. The bar graph G 23  having an analytic value for which the absolute value is the maximum among those of the bar graphs G 19  to G 27 , is expressed using a color different from that of other bar graphs G 19  to G 22  and G 24  to G 27 . 
     Further, a dividing unit not depicted in the producing unit  707  may divide the surface of the object into mesh areas. For example, the dividing unit divides the surface of the object into mesh areas each having a mesh width of the diameter of the pushing jig J 1  and each centered about the disposal position of the pushing jig set on the surface. In this example, the producing unit  707  may produce a chart that displays bar graphs of the heights corresponding to the analysis results in mesh areas each centered about the disposal position and corresponding to the analysis results of the divided mesh areas. 
       FIG. 24  is a flowchart of an example of an analysis support process procedure of the analysis support apparatus. As depicted in  FIG. 24 , it is first determined whether the input unit  701  has received input of the object model file F (step S 2401 ). 
     The input of the object model file F is waited for (step S 2401 : NO). When it is determined that the input has been received (step S 2401 : YES), the selecting unit  702  selects an area-under-analysis TF of the surface of the object model and to which a pushing force is to be applied, (step S 2402 ). 
     The extracting unit  703  extracts nodes from the area-under-analysis TF selected from the object model file F 1  received (step S 2403 ). Node information concerning the extracted nodes is stored to the object node table  900 . 
     Thereafter, the selecting unit  702  selects, from the jig library  600 , pushing jigs to which the pushing force is to be applied to apply a force to the area-under-analysis TF (step S 2404 ). The setting unit  704  executes a disposal position setting process of setting the disposal positions to dispose thereat the pushing jigs for applying the pushing force to the object (step S 2405 ). The setting result is stored to the force-application position table  1100 . 
     The output unit  708  displays on the display  208 , the selection screen  1200  of the disposal positions to dispose thereat the pushing jigs, based on the force-application position table  1100  (step S 2406 ). Thereafter, the selecting unit  702  determines whether a selection of disposal positions for disposing thereat the pushing jigs has been received, the selection being from among the disposal position group set on the surface of the object (step S 2407 ). 
     Reception of a selection of the disposal positions is waited (step S 2407 : NO). When it is determined that selection have been received (step S 2407 : YES), the selecting unit  702  sets “1” in the analysis flag of the corresponding record in the force-application position table  1100  (step S 2408 ). 
     The creating unit  705  executes a model creating process of creating the analytic model created by modeling a state where a pushing jig is disposed at each of the selected disposal positions on the surface of the object (step S 2409 ). The obtaining unit  706  executes the strength analysis of the object using each analytic model created respectively for the disposal positions and thereby, obtains the analysis result for each of the disposal positions (step S 2410 ). 
     Thereafter, the producing unit  707  executes a chart producing process of producing a chart that displays the analysis results at the disposal positions on the surface of the object, based on the analysis results obtained for the disposal positions (step S 2411 ). Finally, the output unit  708  displays the chart created on the display  208  (step S 2412 ) and a series of processes according to the flowchart comes to an end. 
     Thus, when strength analysis is executed multiple times, changing the force-application position on the surface of the object, the work load and the working time to produce analytic models for force-application positions may be reduced. The user may be supported in intuitively understanding and evaluating the strength of the object, by collectively and graphically displaying the analysis results at the respective force-application positions on the surface of the object. 
       FIG. 25  is a flowchart of an example of a process procedure of the disposal position setting process. In the flowchart of  FIG. 25 , the setting unit  704  first refers to the area-under-analysis node table  900  and thereby, calculates the size of the area-under-analysis TF (step S 2501 ). 
     Thereafter, the setting unit  704  calculates the coordinates of the central point CP of the area-under-analysis TF (step S 2502 ). The setting unit  704  sets a length that is ½ of the longitudinal length of the area-under-analysis TF to be the maximum display height H max  (step S 2503 ). 
     Finally, the setting unit  704  sets disposal positions relative to the central point CP such that each interval between disposal positions that are adjacent along the X-axis or the Y-axis direction is the diameter of the pushing jig (step S 2504 ) and the procedure is moved to step S 2406  depicted in  FIG. 24 . The setting result is stored to the force-application position table  1100 . 
     Thereby, the disposal positions to dispose thereat arbitrary jigs on the surface of the object may automatically be set based on the size of the pushing face (contact area) of the arbitrary pushing jig selected from the jig library  600 . 
       FIG. 26  is a flowchart of an example of a process procedure of the model creating process. 
     In the flowchart of  FIG. 26 , the creating unit  705  refers to the force-application position table  1100  and thereby, selects the force-application positions having analysis flags of “1” (step S 2601 ). The creating unit  705  aligns the center of a contact area of a pushing jig and the center coordinates of the force-application position selected (step S 2602 ). 
     Thereafter, the creating unit  705  executes coordinate conversion of the nodes included in the pushing jig (step S 2603 ) and thereby, creates the analytic model file concerning the analytic model (step S 2604 ). The creating unit  705  determines whether any force-application positions that have not been selected is present, among the force-application positions whose analysis flags each have “1” set therefor (step S 2605 ). 
     If it is determined that force-application positions that have not been selected are present (step S 2605 : YES), the procedure returns to step S 2601 . On the other hand, if it is determined that each of the force-application positions has been selected (step S 2605 : NO), the procedure proceeds to step S 2410  depicted in  FIG. 24 . 
     Thereby, an analytic model file created by modeling a state where the pushing jig is disposed on the surface of the object is automatically be created for each of the disposal positions selected from the disposal position group that is automatically set on the surface of the object. An analytic model file for each of the disposal positions is automatically created from one object model file F and therefore, if any mistake is found after the analysis, the object model file F, which is the source for creation, alone has to be corrected and therefore, the work load for the correction work is reduced. 
       FIG. 27  is a flowchart of an example of a process procedure of the chart creating process. As depicted in the flowchart of  FIG. 27 , the output unit  708  displays on the display  208 , the designation screen  1700  of the evaluation items (step S 2701 ). The designating unit  1601  determines whether designation has been received for the evaluation items to be displayed from among the evaluation items included in the analysis results (step S 2702 ). 
     Reception of the designation of the evaluation items is waited for (step S 2702 : NO). When it is determined that the designation has been received (step S 2702 : YES), the detecting unit  1602  selects an arbitrary analysis result file from the analysis result files for the disposal positions (step S 2703 ). The designation result designated at step S 2702  is stored to the evaluation item table  1800 . 
     Thereafter, the detecting unit  1602  detects the analytic values of the evaluation items designated from the selected analysis result file (step S 2704 ). For example, the detecting unit  1602  refers to the force-application position table  1100  and thereby, detects the analytic values of the force-application positions having analysis flags of “1” set therefore. The detection result is stored to the analytic value table  1900 . The detecting unit  1602  determines whether any analysis result file that has not been selected is present (step S 2705 ). 
     If it is determined that an analysis result file that has not been selected is present (step S 2705 : YES), the procedure returns to step S 2703 . On the other hand, if it is determined that each of the analysis result files has been selected (step S 2705 : NO), the calculating unit  1603  calculates a display height for each of the disposal positions of the pushing jigs using Equation (1) above (step S 2706 ). The display heights calculated are stored to the display height table  2000 . 
     The producing unit  707  produces a chart that at each of the disposal positions on the object, displays bar graphs respectively having the display heights calculated respectively for the disposal positions (step S 2707 ) and the procedure proceeds to step S 2412  depicted in  FIG. 24 . 
     Thereby, the user is supported in intuitively understanding and relatively evaluating the analysis result of each of the force-application positions and therefore, the identification of weak points is facilitated. 
     As described, according to the embodiment, an analytic model that is created by modeling the state where a pushing jig is disposed on the surface of an object is automatically created for each of the disposal positions selected from a disposal position group that is automatically set on the surface of the object. Strength analysis of the object is executed, whereby analysis results for the disposal positions are obtained, the disposal positions and the analysis results of the disposal positions are correlated, creating a chart that displays the corresponding analysis results on the surface of the object. 
     Thus, when strength analysis is executed multiple times, changing the force-application position on the surface of the object, the work load and time involved in producing an analytic model for each of the force-application positions is reduced. The user is supported in intuitively understanding and executing the strength evaluation of the object, by collectively and graphically displaying on the surface of the object, the analysis results at corresponding force-application positions. 
     According to the embodiment, the disposal positions to dispose thereat arbitrary jigs on the surface of the object may automatically be set based on the size of the pushing face (contact area) of the arbitrary pushing jig selected from the jig library  600 . 
     According to the embodiment, a bar graph having the height corresponding to the analysis result may be displayed in a predetermined area centered about the disposal position that corresponds to the analysis result. Thereby, the user is supported in intuitively understanding and relatively evaluating the analysis results of the force-application positions. Thereby, the identification of weak points is facilitated. 
     According to the embodiment, a chart is produced that displays, at the corresponding disposal position, the maximum analytic value among the analytic values in each group (the group set in the evaluation item table  1800 ) included in the analysis results. Thereby, the user is supported in intuitively understanding and determining at which force-application position on the object, application of a pushing force significantly affects the object, for a predetermined evaluation item. 
     According to the embodiment, a chart is produced that displays, at the corresponding disposal positions, the average value of the analytic values of each group (the group set in the evaluation item table  1800 ) included in the analysis results. Thereby, the user is supported in intuitively understanding and determining at which force-application position on the object, application of a pushing force on average significantly affects the object, for a predetermined evaluation item. 
     According to the embodiment, the maximum analytic value of the analytic values displayed on the object may be displayed using a first color and other analytic values may be displayed using a second color. Thereby, the force-application positions may be distinguished from each other as to at which force-application position on the object application of a pushing force most significantly affects the object, for a predetermined evaluation item. 
     The analysis support method described in the present embodiment may be implemented by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer and a workstation. The program is stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, read out from the recording medium, and executed by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed through a network such as the Internet. 
     All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority and inferiority of the invention. Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.