Abstract:
A conversion processing method, device and computer program product. The device includes a memory for storing drafting data, a selector for choosing the drafting data stored in the memory, a converter for converting the drafting data chosen by the selector into shape data, and a transmitter for transmitting the shape data to a browsing management server that stores the shape data and enables browsing the shape data via a communications network. The converter converts, from drafting data selected by the selector, the drafting data having a registration date and time corresponding to the date on which the converter has converted the drafting data, and that is also more recent than the registration date on which the drafting data is registered in the memory.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to a control device, method and computer program product for browsing data in order to share information efficiently about articles designed using 3-D CAD (Computer Aided Design) system. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   It is thought to design image-creating devices such as photocopiers, facsimiles, and printers by using 3-D CAD systems, and to share the design information among multiple users. In this case, the data sizes of the design information made by 3-D CAD systems often become as large as a few hundred MB. On the other hand, in design section, it is demanded to efficiently share design information, in order to make it easy for managers to check information in progress, or in order to use data of related products, units, and components made by other design sections. In addition, in service and sales departments, the sharing of design information is also demanded to make it easy to check the shape of products, units, and components. 
   So far, however, the sharing of design information with large amount of data has been difficult because of restrictions on many aspects such as the rate of data transfer in network, the capacity of storage, and the performance of computers that each user uses. 
   One way to efficiently share design information is reducing the size of data made by 3-D CAD systems. In this case, the way of relating various kinds of design information is important to efficiently use the shared information. 
   The present invention has been made in consideration of the above. The present invention relates to a control device for sharing information converted from design information made by 3-D CAD systems. The device enables the shared information to be used more efficiently. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to a conversion processing method, device and computer program product. In a preferred embodiment the device includes a memory for storing drafting data, a selector for choosing the drafting data stored in the memory, a converter for converting the drafting data chosen by the selector into shape data, and a transmitter for transmitting the shape data to a browsing management server that stores the shape data and enables browsing the shape data via a communications network. The converter converts, from drafting data selected by the selector, the drafting data having a date and time of registration on which the converter has converted the drafting data that is more recent than the registration date on which the drafting data is registered in the memory. 
   In one embodiment the drafting data is 3-Dimensional computer aided design data, and the shape data is 3-Dimensional shape data showing parts of a product. 
   In one embodiment the selector selects the drafting data using recognition information including parts-numbers. The parts-number may be associated with, for example: parts under design, other parts to use in the parts under design, the other parts already having been designed prior to the designing of the parts under design, a unit or a product for which the parts under design and the other parts are used. 
   In one embodiment the selector has a receiving unit to receive the drafting data which the converter converts into the shape data from the browsing management server. 
   In one embodiment the recognition information includes the parts number of the shape data for the unit or product, and designer&#39;s name of the shape data. 
   In one embodiment the management server determines whether or not to permit browsing of drafting data via the communications network based on access rights provided for each user in advance. When determining to permit browsing, the parts number and the designer&#39;s name of the drafting data may be deleted to enable browsing of drafting data by the client terminal. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These objects and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  shows the structure of the network system for a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  shows the structure of the. CAD terminal. 
       FIG. 3  shows the structure of the CAD management server. 
       FIG. 4  shows the logical structure of the data storage unit in the CAD management server. 
       FIG. 5  shows the structure of the conversion-processing device. 
       FIG. 6A  shows the structure of the attribute management server, and  6 B shows that of the client terminal. 
       FIG. 7  shows the structure of the intra-section browsing management server. 
       FIG. 8  shows the logical structure of the process control unit in the intra-section browsing management server. 
       FIG. 9  shows the structure of the general-browsing management server. 
       FIG. 10  shows the structure of the remote-site browsing management server. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates the registration action of data made by the 3-D CAD system. 
       FIG. 12  is a flow chart showing the conversion process with time stamp. 
       FIG. 13  is a flow chart showing the process carried out when a request for data approval is inputted. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates the action of creating the 3-D shape data by conversion from the 3-D CAD data, and that of distributing them. 
       FIG. 15  is a flow chart showing the process carried out when acquiring access permission to access the browsing system. 
       FIG. 16  is a flow chart showing the process of enabling the browsing of information such as component shape, using 3-D shape data. 
       FIG. 17  shows a screen to enter information required to access the browsing system. 
       FIG. 18  shows an example of the attribute information browser. 
       FIG. 19  shows an example of the 3-D shape browser. 
       FIG. 20  is a flow chart showing the process that enables data to be transferred to the general-browsing management server and displayed on a groupware. 
       FIG. 21  is a flow chart showing the process that enables browsing of component shape on a groupware. 
       FIGS. 22A ,  22 B and  22 C show examples of a list screen, a document screen, and a confirmation screen, respectively. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Details of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below using attached figures.  FIG. 1  shows a schematic diagram of the network system structure for the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the system has of 3-D CAD system  1  and information-browsing system  2 . 
   The 3-D CAD system  1  includes, for example, intranets using LAN and WAN installed in design sections of companies or organizations that take charge of designing of components. The system has CAD terminals  11  ( 11   1 ˜ 11   m ), a CAD management server  12 , a conversion-processing device  13 , and an attribute management server  14 . All of these equipments are connected with each other via a network  10 . 
   The CAD terminal  11  has e.g. workstations that are installed in each design section, and is used for designing components of image-creating devices such as photocopiers, facsimiles, and printers. The CAD terminal  11  includes a communication control unit  111 , a process control unit  112 , a data storage unit  113 , an input-processing unit  114 , and display-processing unit  115 , as shown for instance in  FIG. 2 . 
   The communication control unit  111  transmits and receives various kinds of information via the network  10 , being controlled by the process control unit  112 . 
   The process control unit  112  makes image information about shape of components under design, according to commands inputted from input-processing unit  114 . It then sends the image information to the display-processing unit  115 , enabling users to create 3-D CAD data. The process control unit  112  also communicates with other equipments via the communication control unit  111 , controlling the processes of sending and receiving data such as the created 3-D CAD data. 
   The data storage unit  113  has storages such as semiconductor memories and magnetic disks, and it stores various kinds of information and programs. 
   The input-processing unit  114  has devices such as keyboards and pointing devices, and it is used for inputting commands and data. 
   The display-processing unit  115  has devices such as displays and video memories, and it outputs information about design components such as 3-D shapes and attribute information, by displaying screens corresponding to the image information received from the process control unit  112 . 
   The CAD management server  12  shown in  FIG. 1  is a computer system for management of 3-D CAD data created in the 3-D CAD system  1 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the CAD management server  12  is equipped with, for example, a communication control unit  121 , a process control unit  122 A data storage unit  123 , an input-processing unit  124 , and a display-processing unit  125 . Basically, each of the units  121 ˜ 125  mentioned above is similar to their counterparts in the CAD terminal  11 , units  111 ˜ 115 . The function of each unit is, however, specially designed for management of information such as 3-D CAD data of the 3-D CAD system  1 . 
   For example, the data storage unit  123  has the function of storing data such as 3-D CAD data made in the 3-D CAD system  1 , and it has a CAD database  126  for storing 3-D CAD data and an attribute database for storing attribute information. 
   The CAD database  126  stores phase information and geometric information for specifying the shape of design components. Here, the phase information has information that indicates the way of connection between points or surfaces, which shows the shape of design components. The geometric information has information, e.g., about shapes of curves and curved surfaces. 
   The attribute database  127  is used for storing various kinds of information relating to 3-D CAD data. For example, it stores information as the following: parts name, parts number, designer&#39;s name, version number, the registration date of 3-D CAD data, the last date of conversion to 3-D shape data, schedule to convert to 3-D shape data, the date of approval, color, volume, center of gravity, moment of inertia, precision, and the structure of assembly. The attribute database  127  stores parts numbers of other components, which is used in the component indicated by a certain 3-D CAD data and the design work of which have been finished. When stored, these parts numbers are related to the parts number of the component indicated by the 3-D CAD data concerned. In addition, the attribute database  127  stores the name of a unit or a product that uses the component indicated by the 3-D CAD data concerned, relating it to the parts number of the component. 
   The data storage unit  123  stores these various kinds of information with such a logical structure shown in  FIG. 4 . The data storage unit  123  includes: a latest-data storing area  123 A, an approved-data storing area  123 B, a registration-date storing area  123 C, a conversion-date storing area  123 D, time-storing area  123 E, the first and the second parts-number storing areas  123 F and  123 G, and a model-name storing area  123 H. 
   The latest-data storing area  123 A is an area for storing 3-D CAD data that have not been approved as valid data. For instance, this area stores 3-D CAD data that have no information about the date of approval. The approved-data storing area  123 B is an area for storing 3-D CAD data that have been already approved as valid data and related to the information about the date of approval. The latest-data storing area  123 A and the approved-data storing area  123 B are realized, for example, by making folders that correspond to each area, and by storing 3-D CAD data in proper folder after classification according to the above conditions. In each folder also created are sub-folders that have the same name as the model name of a unit or a product that uses the components indicated by each 3-D CAD data, and the classified 3-D CAD data are stored in corresponding sub-folders. 
   The registration-date storing area  123 C is an area storing the information about the date when 3-D CAD data were registered in the CAD database  126 , with the information related to the corresponding 3-D CAD data. The conversion-date storing area  123 D is an area storing the information about the date when the latest conversion of 3-D CAD data to 3-D shape data were carried out, with the information related to the corresponding 3-D CAD data. The time-storing area  123 E is an area storing time set in advance, in order to perform conversion periodically from 3-D CAD data to 3-D shape data when the registration date of 3-D CAD data are later than the conversion date of them. 
   The first parts-number storing area  123 F is an area storing the parts number of the component indicated by a certain 3-D CAD data, with the number related to the 3-D CAD data concerned. The second parts-number storing area  123 G is an area storing parts numbers of other components, which are used in the component indicated by a certain 3-D CAD data and the design of which have already been finished. When stored in the second parts-number storing area  123 G, those parts numbers are related to that of the main part of the 3-D CAD data concerned, which is stored in the first parts-number storing area  123 F. The model-name storing area  123 H is an area storing the name of a unit or a product that uses the component indicated by a certain 3-D CAD data, with the name related to the parts number stored in the first parts-number storing area  123 F. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , the process control unit  122  includes the following units as logical structure: a time-and-date measuring unit  122 A, a date-comparing unit  122 B, a time-comparing unit  122 C, a terminal-input control unit  122 D, and a search-processing unit  122 E. 
   The time-and-date measuring unit  122 A includes a calendar and a clock to measure current date and time, respectively. The date-comparing unit  122 B compares the date of registration stored in the registration-date storing area  123 C with that of conversion stored in the conversion-date storing area  123 D. In other words, the date-comparing unit  122 B compares the registration date and conversion date of each 3-D CAD data, which is stored in the CAD database  126 . The time-comparing unit  122 C compares current time indicated by the time-and-date measuring unit  122 A with the time stored in the time-storing area  123 E. 
   The terminal-input control unit  122 D makes it possible to input various kinds of information at the CAD terminal  11 , by communicating with the terminal via the communication control unit  121 . For example, the terminal-input control unit  122 D enables users to input a request for approval of a 3-D CAD data as valid data, which is stored in the latest-data storing area  123 A. The search-processing unit  122 E searches CAD database  126  for the 3-D CAD data of other components that are used in the component indicated by a 3-D CAD data, which is to be converted by the conversion-processing device  13 . 
   The conversion-processing device in  FIG. 1  is a computer system that converts the 3-D shape information made by the 3-D CAD system  1  (3-D CAD data) into another format of 3-D shape information (3-D shape data), which can be looked at by the information-browsing system  2 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the conversion-processing device  13  is equipped with, for example, a communication control unit  131 , a process control unit  132 , a data storage unit  133 , an input-processing unit  134 , and a display-processing unit  135 . Basically, each of the units  131 ˜ 135  mentioned above is similar to their counterparts in the CAD terminal  11 , units  111 ˜ 115 . The function of each unit is, however, specially designed for conducting conversion of 3-D CAD data into 3-D shape data, and for distribution of the converted data. 
   For example, the communication control unit  131  receives information sent from the CAD management server  12  via the network  10 , and it also sends various kinds of information including 3-D shape data to the intra-section browsing management server  22  and the remote-site browsing management server  24  via the network  20 . 
   Besides, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the process control unit  132  includes a conversion-processing unit  132   a  and a distribution-control unit  132   b  as logical structure. The conversion-processing unit  132   a  converts 3-D CAD data into 3-D shape data. The distribution-control unit  132   b  specifies the destination of 3-D shape data based on the information sent from the CAD management server  12 . It also distributes various kinds of information to the intra-section browsing management server  22  and the remote-site browsing management server  24  of the information-browsing system  2 , and makes them store the information. 
   The attribute management server  14  is a computer system for managing information about the attribute of the design components, which is released to the information-browsing system  2 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , the attribute management server  14  has, for example, a communication control unit  141 , a process control unit  142 , a data storage unit  143 , an input-processing unit  144 , and a display-processing unit  145 . Basically, each of the units  141 ˜ 145  mentioned above is similar to their counterparts in the CAD terminal  11 , units  111 ˜ 115 . The function of each unit is, however, specially designed for managing the information to be released to the information-browsing system  2 . For example, the attribute management server  14  has a function to manage access to the intra-section browsing management server  22  from the client terminal  21  via the network  20 , by co-operating with the intra-section browsing management server  22 . Here, attribute information that is released to the information-browsing system  2  includes: e.g., parts name, parts number, designer&#39;s name, version number, the date of creation, surface area, volume, center of gravity, and moment of inertia. 
   The attribute management server  14  stores these kinds of attribute information in the data storage unit  143 , with relating the information, for example, to the parts number of the component indicated by a 3-D CAD data, which is stored in the CAD database  126  of the CAD management server  12 . In addition, the data storage unit  143  stores data that have the same structure as the first and the second parts-number storing area  123 F and  123 G and as the model-name storing area  123 H, all of which are in the CAD management server  12 . When storing data, the data storage unit  143  relates them to various kinds of information. The information stored in the attribute management server  14  is also related to the 3-D shape data stored in the intra-section browsing management server  22  of the information-browsing system  2 . 
   The information-browsing system  2  is a system for browsing information such as 3-D shape data converted from 3-D CAD data. The information-browsing system  2  includes client terminals  21  ( 21   1 ˜ 21   n ), an intra-section browsing management server  22 A general-browsing management server  23  and a remote-site browsing management server  24 , all of which are connected via the network  20 . 
   The client terminal  21  is a computer system composed of computers such as personal computers. The terminal is used for browsing images that show the shape of design components, by accessing the intra-section browsing management server  22  and the general-browsing management server  23 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , the client terminal  21  has, for example, a communication control unit  211 , a process control unit  212 , a data storage unit  213 , an input-processing unit  214 , and a display-processing unit  215 . Basically, each of the units  211 ˜ 215  mentioned above is similar to their counterparts in the CAD terminal  11 , units  111 ˜ 115 . 
   The intra-section browsing management server  22  is a computer system for providing a browsing system, the users of which are limited to, e.g., members of a certain section. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the intra-section browsing management server  22  has, for example, a communication control unit  221 , a process control unit  222 A data storage unit  223 , an input-processing unit  224 , and a display-processing unit  225 . Basically, each of the units  221 ˜ 225  mentioned above is similar to their counterparts in the CAD terminal  11 , units  111 ˜ 115 . The function of each unit is, however, specially designed for browsing 3-D shape data on the client terminal  21  of the information-browsing system  2 . 
   For example, the data storage unit  223  includes a latest-data storing area  223 A and an approved-data storing area  223 B in order to store 3-D shape data, which is created by conversion in the conversion-processing device  13 . Besides, the data storage unit  223  is equipped with a history-storing area  223 C in order to store the history of access to the intra-section browsing management server  22  from the client terminal  21 . 
   The latest-data storing area  223 A stores 3-D shape data converted from 3-D CAD data, which is not approved as valid data. The approved-data storing area  223 B stores 3-D shape data converted from 3-D CAD data, which has already been approved as valid data. Here, the latest-data storing area  223 A and the approved-data storing area  223 B store the converted 3-D shape data in folders that have the same name as the model name of a unit or a product that uses each component. 
   As shown in  FIG. 8 , the process control unit  222  has the following units as logical structure: a permission-management unit  222 A, a certification-processing unit  222 B, an output-processing unit  222 C, a transfer-processing unit  222 D, and a terminal-input control unit  222 E. 
   The permission-management unit  222 A manages access permission for outputting 3-D shape data on the client terminal  21 . Here, the data to be outputted is stored in the latest-data storing area  223 A and the approved-data storing area  223 B. The certification-processing unit  222 B checks if a user trying to access the intra-section browsing management server  22  has access permission, by verifying the user ID and password inputted at the client terminal  21 . The output-processing unit  222 C enables users to look at the shape of components with 3-D shape data, by providing the data stored in the latest-data storing area  223 A and the approved-data storing area  223 B to the client terminal  21 . 
   The transfer-processing unit  222 D transfers the 3-D shape data to the general-browsing management server  23  after processing the original data. For example, the transfer-processing unit  222 D is equipped with a selection-input processing unit  222   f , a selection-reading processing unit  222   g , a data-deleting unit  222   h , and a relation-deleting unit  222   i.    
   By communicating with the client terminal  21 , the selection-input processing unit  222   f  enables users to input information for specifying 3-D shape data to be sent to the general-browsing management server  23  at the client terminal  21  or the intra-section browsing management server  22 . For instance, the selection-input processing unit  222   f  displays a certain screen for input on the client terminal  21  or the display-processing unit  225 , and enables users to input the parts number of the component indicated by the 3-D shape data, or the model name of a unit or a product that uses the component. The selection-reading processing unit  222   g  is used for reading 3-D shape data from the data storage unit  223  according to the information inputted at the client terminal  21  or the input-processing unit  224  the selection-input processing unit  222   f.    
   The data-deleting unit  222   h  deletes a certain data of those read from the data storage unit  223  by the selection-reading processing unit  222   g . For example, the data-deleting unit  222 H deletes data that indicates a recognition number, which is used for recognizing 3-D shape data, and it deletes the data about the designer&#39;s name of a 3-D shape data. The relation-deleting unit  222 I deletes the relation between the data read by the selection-reading processing unit  222 G from the data storage unit  223  and attribute information stored in the attribute management server  14 . 
   The terminal-input control unit  222 E enables users to input various kinds of information at the client terminal  21 , by communicating with the terminal using the communication control unit  221 . For example, the terminal-input control unit  222 E makes it possible to input parts numbers or model names of units or products to specify the 3-D shape data to be displayed on the client terminal  21 . 
   The general-browsing management server  23  is a computer system that enables users who have permission to access a groupware to look at information such as component images, by providing an information management system built on the groupware. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the general-browsing management server  23  has, for example, a communication control unit  231 , a process control unit  232 , a data storage unit  233 , an input-processing unit  234 , and a display-processing unit  235 . Basically, each of the units  231 ˜ 235  mentioned above is similar to their counterparts in the CAD terminal  11 , units  111 ˜ 115 . The function of each unit is, however, specially designed for the functions that can be realized by running the server software of the groupware. For instance, data for constructing a database that can be used on the groupware are stored in the data storage unit  233 . Here, the data storage unit  233  stores compressed data of 3-D shape data for browsing the shape of components on the groupware. 
   The process control unit  232  has the following units as logical structure: a permission-management unit  232   a , a certification-processing unit  232   b , and an output-processing unit  232   c.    
   The permission-management unit  232 A manages access permission for outputting 3-D shape data on the groupware of the client terminal  21 . The certification-processing unit  232 B checks if the user trying to access the general-browsing management server  23  has access permission, by certifying the user ID and password inputted at the client terminal  21 . The output-processing unit  232 C enables users to look at the shape of components on the groupware, by providing data stored in the data storage unit  233  to the client terminal  21 . 
   The remote-site browsing management server  24  is a computer system to manage the 3-D shape data at remote sites where the intra-section browsing management server  22  is not installed. As shown in  FIG. 10 , remote-site browsing management server  24  has, for example, a communication control unit  241 , a process control unit  242 , a data storage unit  243 , an input-processing unit  244 , and a display-processing unit  245 . Basically, each of the units  241 ˜ 245  mentioned above is similar to their counterparts in the CAD terminal  11 , units  111 ˜ 115 . The functions of each unit are, however, specially designed for management of 3-D shape data. 
   For example, data storage unit  243  includes a latest-data storing area  243 A and an approved-data storing area  243 B, and a history-storing area  243 C. The latest-data storing area stores the 3-D shape data created in the conversion-processing device  13  by conversion from the 3-D CAD data that have not been approved as valid data. The approved-data storing area  243 B stores the 3-D shape data created in the conversion-processing device  13  by conversion from the 3-D CAD data that have already been approved as valid data. 
   In the following, the behavior of the system with the structures described above will be explained. In this system, the 3-D CAD system  1  creates 3-D CAD data, and the information-browsing system  2  makes it possible to browse the shape of components using 3-D shape data. 
   When making 3-D CAD data in the 3-D CAD system  1 , users input various kinds of information in the CAD terminal  11 , and send it to the CAD management server  12 . Here, the process control unit  122  in the CAD management server  12  makes it possible to input information at the CAD terminal  11 , with the terminal-input control unit  122 D. Specifically, the terminal-input control unit  122 D makes image information with forms to enter information, namely a dialog box, and sends it to the CAD terminal  11  using the communication control unit  121  via the network  10 . Then, it displays the dialog box on the screen of the display-processing unit  115 . In this dialog box, information such as the following is required to be inputted: the parts number of the component under design indicated by the 3-D CAD data; parts numbers of components used in the component of the 3-D CAD data with designs of them having been finished; the model name of a unit or a product that uses the component of the 3-D CAD data. Users can input various kinds of information at the CAD terminal  11  by operating the input-processing unit  114 . The information inputted to the CAD terminal  11  is sent to the CAD management server  12  and the attribute management server  14  via the network  10 . 
   When the CAD management server  12  receives information inputted at the CAD terminal  11 , it stores the information in the data storage unit  123  after classifying it with the process control unit  122 . More specifically, when the process control unit  122  receives 3-D CAD data newly created, it stores the data in the latest-data storing area  123 A. Here, the process control unit  122  interprets the time measured with the time-and-date measuring unit  122 A as the registration date of the 3-D CAD data. Then, it stores the registration date in the registration-date storing area  123 C, relating the date to the 3-D CAD data stored in the latest-data storing area  123 A. Besides, when the process control unit  122  receives a parts number inputted at the CAD terminal  11 , it stores the number by relating it to one of the following area according to the parts number. If the parts number corresponds to the component indicated by the 3-D CAD data, the process control unit  122  relates the number to the first parts-number storing area  123 F. On the other hand, if the parts number corresponds to the other components used in the component indicated by the 3-D CAD data, the process control unit  122  relates the number to the second parts-number storing area  123 G. 
   When the process control unit  122  receives a model name inputted at the CAD terminal  11 , it stores the name by relating it to one of the following area depending on if the name has already been stored in the model-name storing area  123 H or not. If the model name has already been stored in the model-name storing area  123 H, the process control unit  122  relates the name to the 3-D CAD data stored in the latest-data storing area  123 A. On the other hand, if the name has not been stored in the model-name storing area  123 H, the process control unit  122  stores the name in the model-name storing area  123 H, and then relates the name to the 3-D CAD data stored in the latest-data storing area  123 A. Here, the action of storing the model name in the model-name storing area  123 H with relating it to the 3-D CAD data is carried out in the same way as that of storing the 3-D CAD data in the folder (directory) with the same name as the model name. In other words, the model name stored in the model-name storing area  123 H has a function of a catalog that is used for classifying the 3-D CAD data according to its name when the data is stored. 
   The attribute information of components inputted at the CAD terminal  11  is sent to the attribute management server  14 , and then related to the 3-D CAD data that is stored in the CAD management server  12 . 
   In the way explained above, the data created by the 3-D CAD system  1  is stored in the CAD management server  12  and the attribute management server  14 , and then it is managed. Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the data created by the 3-D CAD system  1  can be sent to the CAD terminal  11  and checked (L 1 ). Besides, the data that indicates the shape of the design components (CAD shape data) and structure information (parts number, the file name of CAD data, parts name, model name, etc) are registered in the CAD management server  12  (L 2 ). Attribute information of components such as material, color, and relative density, is registered in the attribute management server  14  (L 3 ). 
   In this way, the 3-D CAD data that indicate the components under design, or that have not been approved as valid data, are stored in the latest-data storing area  123 A. The 3-D CAD data stored in the latest-data storing area  123 A are object of conversion with time stamp, which is carried out periodically when current time is past the time stored in the time-storing area  123 E. In this conversion process, the conversion-processing device  13  converts the newly registered 3-D CAD data into 3-D shape data. 
   In order to convert 3-D CAD data with time stamp, processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 12  are carried out. At first, the process control unit  122  in the CAD management server  12  checks if current time is past the time stored in the time-storing area  123 E, according to the result of the comparison carried out by the time-comparing unit  122 C. Then, if current time is past the time stored in the time-storing area  123 E, the process control unit  122  runs a certain program stored in the data storage unit  123  and starts the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 12 . 
   When the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 12  start, the process control unit  122  finds 3-D CAD data that has no corresponding 3-D shape data. Specifically, by searching the conversion-date storing area  123 D for the 3-D CAD data whose conversion date is invalid, the process control unit  122  determine if there are 3-D CAD data that have not been converted to 3-D shape data by the conversion-processing device  13  (step S 1 ). 
   If the process control unit  122  determines that there are 3-D CAD data that have not been converted to 3-D shape data, it sends the 3-D CAD data to the conversion-processing device  13  and requests conversion to 3-D shape data. Specifically, the process control unit  122  searches the first parts-number storing area  123 F for parts numbers of design components that have not converted to 3-D shape data. The process control unit  122  then reads the 3-D CAD data related to the parts numbers from the latest-data storing area  123 A, and it sends them to the conversion-processing device  13 . 
   At this time, along with the 3-D CAD data to be converted, the process control unit  122  sends 3-D CAD data of other components used by the component indicated by the 3-D CAD data, to the conversion-processing device  13 . In more detail, the process control unit  122  searches the second parts-number storing area  123 G with the search-processing unit  122 E, and specifies the parts numbers of components that are related to the 3-D shape data to be converted. Subsequently, the process control unit  122  searches the first parts-number storing area  123 F for the parts numbers specified in the second parts-number storing area  123 G. If the parts numbers are found, the process control unit  122  can extract the 3-D CAD data of other components that are related to the parts number of the 3-D data under design. The process control unit  122  sends the 3-D CAD data extracted in the way described above to the conversion-processing device  13 . Then it requests the conversion of the data to 3-D shape data, together with the 3-D CAD data to be converted by the time stamp process. 
   In this way, if there are any 3-D CAD data that have not been converted to the 3-D shape data, the conversion-processing device  13  receives the 3-D CAD data from the CAD management server  12 . The process control unit  132  in the conversion-processing device  13  creates 3-D shape data that corresponds to the received 3-D CAD data, by running a certain program (step S 2 ). Specifically, the conversion-processing unit  132   a  converts two kinds of 3-D CAD data specified in the CAD management server  12 : one is those read from the latest-data storing area  123 A by specifying the parts number using the first parts-number storing area  123 F; and the other is those found by the search-processing unit  122 E. By this procedure, 3-D shape data corresponding to each 3-D CAD data are created. After completing the conversion process by the conversion-processing unit  132   a , the process control unit  122  in the CAD management server  12  interprets current time and date measured by the time-and-date measuring unit  122 A as conversion date. Then it stores the time and date in the conversion-date storing area  123 D, relating them to the converted 3-D CAD data. 
   From the CAD management server  12 , the conversion-processing device  13  also acquires the name of a unit or a product that uses the component indicated by the converted 3-D CAD data (step S 3 ). When the process control unit  122  in the CAD management server  12  sends the 3-D CAD data to be converted, to the conversion-processing device  13 , it reads the name of the unit or product from the model-name storing area  123 H and sends the name along with the 3-D CAD data. At this time, the process control unit  122  reads the parts number of the component indicated by the 3-D CAD data to be sent to the conversion-processing device  13 , from the first parts-number storing area  123 F, and then it sends the number to the conversion-processing device  13 . In other way, the process control unit  122  may read the parts number of the component indicated by the 3-D CAD data that is the object of the conversion process with time stamp, from the first parts-number storing area  123 F. Then it may read the parts numbers that are related to the 3-D CAD data concerned from the second parts-number storing area  123 G and send the latter numbers to the conversion-processing device  13 . 
   The conversion-processing device  13  acquires information about the destination of the 3-D shape data created by conversion, from the CAD management server  12  (step S 4 ). When the process control unit  122  in the CAD management server  12  sends 3-D CAD data, which is to be converted, to the conversion-processing device  13 , it also sends the information about the storing area where the 3-D CAD data are stored (the latest-data storing area  123 A and the approved-data storing area  123 B). In addition, if the destination of 3-D shape data is specified at the CAD terminal  11  when 3-D CAD data are created, the process control unit  122  stores the destination information in the attribute database  127  with relating it to the 3-D CAD data. When the process control unit  122  requests conversion, it sends the destination information to the conversion-processing device  13  along with the 3-D CAD data. 
   When the conversion-processing unit  132 A completes the conversion process of 3-D CAD data as described above, the distribution-control unit  132 B sends the converted 3-D shape data to the destination specified by the CAD management server  12  (step S 5 ). For example, if the distribution-control unit  132 B determines that the converted 3-D CAD data is stored in the latest-data storing area  123 A according to the information sent from the CAD management server  12 , it sends the created 3-D shape data to the intra-section browsing management server  22  via the network  20 . The distribution-control unit  132 B then makes the data stored in the latest-data storing area  223 A of the intra-section browsing management server  22 . At this time, the distribution-control unit  132 B sends commands to the intra-section browsing management server  22  with communication-processing unit  131 , and makes it store the 3-D shape data in the folder of the latest-data storing area  223 A that has the same name as the model name acquired in the step S 3 . Besides, the distribution-control unit  132 B sends the parts number of the components indicated by each 3-D shape data, to the intra-section browsing management server  22 . 
   When the process control unit  222  in the intra-section browsing management server  22  receives 3-D shape data from the conversion-processing device  13 , it stores the data in the data storage unit  223  with relating them to the parts number of the components indicated by the 3-D shape data. By this procedure, the 3-D shape data converted from the 3-D CAD data with time stamp is stored, being related to the parts number of the component indicated by the 3-D shape data. In addition, the 3-D shape data that is created based on the 3-D CAD data selected by the search-processing unit  122 E in the CAD management server  12 , is stored with related to the parts numbers that are specified by the search-processing unit  122 E by searching the second parts number storing region  123 G. In this case, each 3-D shape data is also related to the name of a unit or a product that uses the component indicated by each 3-D shape data, by being stored in the folder that has the same name as the model name. 
   The distribution-control unit  132 B sends 3-D shape data to the remote-site browsing management server  24 , in the same way as it sends them to the intra-section browsing management server  22 . Then it marks the information stored in the storing area specified by the CAD management server  12  (such as the latest-data storing area  243 A). 
   When the process control unit  122  decides in the step S 1  that all the 3-D CAD data have been converted to the 3-D shape data, it further determines if there is any 3-D shape data older than the corresponding 3-D CAD data (step S 6 ). This decision is done according to the result of the comparison carried out by the date-comparing unit  122 B. If there is no data whose registration date is past their conversion date, the process control unit  122  terminates the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 12 . 
   On the other hand, if there are any data whose registration date are past their conversion date, the process control unit  122  sends the corresponding 3-D CAD data to the conversion processing device  13  and requests the conversion to the 3-D shape data. The conversion processing device  13 , which received the 3-D CAD data sent from the CAD management server  12 , converts the received data in the same way as steps S 2 ˜S 5 , and it sends the converted data to servers such as the intra-section browsing management server  22  and the remote-site browsing management server  24  (steps S 7 ˜S 10 ). 
   In addition, when a 3-D CAD data stored in the latest-data storing area  123 A is approved as valid data, the data is stored in the approved-data storing area  223 B and makes it possible to be recognized as approved data. Specifically, the process control unit  122  of the CAD management server  12  responds to a request, for example, from the CAD terminal  11 , and runs a certain program. By this procedure, the terminal-input control unit  122 D makes, for example, image information of dialog box by which users can specify 3-D CAD data, and input requests for approval of the data. Then the terminal-input control unit  122 D sends the information to the CAD terminal  11  via the communication control unit  121 . In the CAD terminal that received the image information from the CAD management server  12 , the display-processing unit  115  shows the dialog box for inputting a request for approval, under the control of process control unit  112 , and makes it possible to input requests by operating the input-processing unit  114 . The request for approval inputted in the CAD terminal  11  is sent to the CAD management server  12  via the network  10 . 
   In this way, when a request for approval of the 3-D CAD data stored in the latest-data storing area  223 A as valid data are inputted, the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 13  is carried out to convert the 3-D CAD data to 3-D shape data. The process control unit  122  of the CAD management server  12  responds to, for example, a request for approval of 3-D CAD data from the CAD terminal  11 , and it runs a certain program stored in the data storage unit  123  and starts the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 13 . 
   When the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 13  starts, the process control unit  122  sends the approval-requested 3-D CAD data to approver&#39;s terminal via the communication control unit  121 , and the approver judges the approval of data. The process control unit  122  also receives judgment of approval or disapproval, and it decides if the request of approval was accepted or rejected according to the received judgment (step S 11 ). If the process control unit  122  decides that the request of approval was rejected, it returns the requested 3-D CAD data to the user who requested the approval, by sending it to the CAD terminal  11  via communication control unit  121  (step S 12 ). 
   On the other hand, when the process control unit  122  decides that the request of approval was accepted, it further determines if the 3-D CAD data to be converted meets system conditions (step S 13 ). If the process control unit  122  decides that the 3-D CAD data does not meet the system conditions, e.g., due to lack of parameters necessary to carry out the conversion process, it informs both applicant and approver of the conversion that the conversion process was cancelled, e.g., by sending an error massage to the CAD terminal  11  (step S 14 ). 
   On the other hand, if the process control unit  122  decides that the system conditions are met, it sends the 3-D CAD data to be converted, to the conversion-processing device  13  using the communication control unit  121 . In this case, the process control unit  122  reads the model name that is stored in the model-name storing area  123 H and is related to the 3-D CAD data, and it sends the name to the conversion-processing device  13  along with the 3-D CAD data (step S 15 ). In addition, the process control unit  122  sends the 3-D CAD data of the other components, which are used by the component indicated by the 3-D CAD data to be converted, to the conversion-processing device  13  along with the 3-D CAD data to be converted. In this case, the process control unit  122  sends the parts number of each 3-D CAD data to the conversion-processing device  13 , in the same way as the conversion with time stamp. 
   The process control unit  122  decides if the transfer processes of data such as 3-D CAD data are completed normally, e.g., by watching the response signal that is sent from the conversion-processing device  13  and received by the communication control unit  121  (step S 16 ). If the process control unit  122  decides that the transfer was a failure, it sends e-mail with error message to the administrator, which informs him/her that transfer error occurred (step S 17 ). 
   On the other hand, if the transfer of data such as 3-D CAD data was completed normally, the process control unit  132  of the conversion-processing device  13  runs a certain program to convert the 3-D CAD data sent from the CAD management server  12  to the corresponding 3-D shape data, using the conversion-processing unit  132   a  (step S 18 ). At this time, the process control unit  132  decides if the conversion process carried out by the conversion processing unit  132   a  was completed normally (step S 19 ). If the process control unit  132  determines that the conversion was a failure, it sends e-mail with error message to the administrator, which informs him/her conversion error occurred (step S 20 ). 
   On the other hand, if the conversion process was completed normally, the conversion-processing device  13  acquires information about the destination of the created 3-D shape data, from the CAD management server  12  (step S 21 ). Here, when the process control unit  122  of the CAD management server  12  sends the 3-D CAD data to be converted to the conversion-processing device  13 , information about that the 3-D CAD data is stored in the approved-data storing area  123 B is also sent. Besides, if the destination of the 3-D CAD data is specified at the time of 3-D data creation or its approval, the process control unit  122  sends the destination information to the conversion-processing device  13  with the 3-D CAD data. 
   When the conversion process of the 3-D CAD data by the conversion-processing unit  132   a  was completed in the way described above, the distribution-control unit  132   b  sends the 3-D shape data to the destination specified by the CAD management server  12  (step S 22 ). Here, the created 3-D shape data converted from the approved 3-D CAD data is stored, e.g., in the approved-data storing area  223 B of the intra-section browsing management server  22 . Because the corresponding 3-D CAD data is stored in the approved-data storing area  123 B of the CAD management serer  12 . 
   The process control unit  122  of the intra-section browsing management server  22  stores the 3-D shape data sent from the conversion-processing device  13  in the data storage unit  223 , in the same way as the conversion with time stamp. The distribution-control unit  132   b  sends the 3-D shape data to the remote-site browsing management server  24  in the same way as sending them to the intra-section browsing management server  22 . Then, the remote-site browsing management server  24  is made to store the 3-D shape data in the approved-data storing area  243 B, according to the information sent form the CAD management server  12 . 
   As described above, the 3-D shape data created by conversion from the 3-D CAD data are distributed to the intra-section browsing management server  22  and the remote-site browsing management server  24 , and stored in those servers. In other words, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the CAD management server  12  and the conversion-processing device  13  realize the time-stamp conversion processing function F 1 , by co-operating to carry out the processes described in the flow chart of  FIG. 12 . Besides, the CAD management server  12  and the conversion-processing device  13  also realize the data-approval processing function F 2 , by co-operating to carry out the processes described in the flow chart of  FIG. 13 . The conversion-processing device  13  converts 3-D CAD data into 3-D shape data, with the 3-D CAD data being acquired by the time-stamp conversion processing function F 1  and the data-approval processing function F 2  (L 11 ). The 3-D shape data created in the way described above are sent to the intra-section browsing management server  22  and the remote-site browsing management server  24  by the data distribution function F 3 , and stored in those servers. 
   The 3-D shape data, which are stored in the intra-section browsing management server  22  are displayed on the client terminal  21 , by responding to the operation of the users who have the access permission to the browsing system, e.g., of the intra-section browsing management server  22 . The users of those servers are given access permissions by setting certification symbols for each user in advance, e.g., with the permission-management unit  222 A of the process control unit  222 . Users can look at the shape of components shown by 3-D shape data, by operating the input-processing unit  214  of the client terminal  21  to input the certification symbols, each of which has a user ID and a password. 
   When users request access permission to the browsing system provided by servers such as the intra-section browsing management server  22 , processes shown in the flow chart of the  FIG. 15 , for example, are carried out. 
   Specifically, when users request access permission to the browsing system of servers such as the intra-section browsing management server  22 , they submit application for the access permission to those servers to the administrator of the corresponding browsing system (step S 31 ). The submission of the application is made possible by displaying a dialog box with a certain form on the display-processing unit  215  of the client terminal  21 , by which users can, e.g., make e-mail to administrator with the input-processing unit  214 . 
   The process control unit  222  of the intra-section browsing management server  22  responds to the application for the access permission from the client terminal  21 , and executes a program for making information necessary for the primary examiner to examine the application. For example, the permission-management unit  222 A makes the examination of the submitted application possible, by making an e-mail that shows the contents of the application submitted in the step S 31 , and by sending it to an administrator who has the permission to carry out the primary examination. The permission-management unit  222 A receives reply from the primary examiner, and it decides if the submission was accepted (step S 32 ). 
   When the permission-management unit  222 A determines that the application did not pass the primary examination, it makes an e-mail to inform the applicant that the application was rejected. Then, by sending the e-mail to the applicant of the permission (step S 33 ), the permission-management unit  222 A terminates the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 15 . 
   On the other hand, when the permission-management unit  222 A decided that the application passed the primary examination, it further determines if the primary examiner has the permission to act for approver (step S 34 ). Specifically, the permission-management unit  222 A decides if the primary examiner has the permission to act for approver, e.g., by reading the information about the primary examiner from the data storage unit  223 , where the information was stored in advance. 
   When the permission-management unit  222 A decides that the primary examiner has the permission to act for approver, it carries out processes necessary for the primary examiner to approve the access permission, and it determines if the permission was approved or not (step S 35 ). For example, the permission-management unit  222 A displays a screen for approval on the display-processing unit  225 . Then, it enables the primary examiner to approve permission, by responding to the input from the input-processing unit  224 . The screen for approval has a dialog box for inputting user ID and password for certification of the primary examiner. After inputting the user ID and password for approval process by operating the input-processing unit  224 , the primary examiner can approve the permission. 
   When the permission-management unit  222 A decides that the primary examiner did not approve the permission, it makes processes proceed to step S 33 , to announce the rejection of the submission, and it terminate the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 15 . On the other hand, when the permission-management unit  222 A decides that the primary examiner approved the permission, it sets user ID and password to assign to the user who requested the access permission. Then, the permission-management unit  222 A carries out the processes for approval, for example, by sending e-mail to the applicant (step S 36 ). 
   When the permission-management unit  222 A decides, in step S 34 , that the primary examiner has no permission to act for approver, it carries out processes necessary for the approver (i.e. a administrator who has the permission to approve the access permission for users) to approve the permission, and then it checks if the permission is approved (step S 37 ). Specifically, the permission-management unit  222 A makes, for example, the display-processing unit  225  show a dialog box for approval, and enables the approver to give access permission, by responding to the input from the input processing unit  224 . The screen for approval has a dialog box to enter user ID and password for certification of the approver. The approver can give access permission after operating the input-processing unit  224  to input the user ID and password for approving permission. 
   When the permission-management unit  222 A decides that the approver did not approve the permission, it makes the process proceed to step S 33  to announce the rejection of application, and then it terminates the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 15 . On the other hand, when the permission-management unit  222 A decides that the approver approved the permission granting, it sets user ID and password to assign to the user who requested the access permission. Then, it carries out processes for approval, for example, by sending e-mail to the applicant (step S 38 ). 
   When the approving process according to step S 38  is carried out, the permission-management unit  222 A enables the approver to give the primary examiner permission to act for approver, by displaying a query screen on the display-processing device  225 . Shown in this query screen are messages such as “Do you give the primary examiner permission to act for approver?” or buttons for making it possible for approver to give permissions to act for approver, by responding to the operation of the approver to the input-processing unit  224 . The permission-management unit  222 A decides if it gives the primary examiner permission to act for approver, according to the input from the input-processing unit  224  (step S 39 ). In this case, if the permission-management unit  222 A decides that it does not give permission to act for approver, it terminates the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 15 . 
   On the other hand, if the permission-management unit  222 A decides that it gives the primary examiner the permission to act for approver, it sets user ID and password for approval process to assign to the primary examiner. Then, it carries out the registration processes for giving the permission to act for approver, for example, by sending e-mail to the primary examiner (step S 40 ). 
   After a user applied for access permission and the approver approved the access permission in the way described above, it is possible to change the user ID and password for approval, and to give the primary examiner permission to act for approver. By this procedure, it is possible for the primary examiner to approve access permission when users apply it in the future, making the access-permission approving process and its management more efficient. 
   The users who obtained the access permission for the browsing system that is provided by, for example, the intra-section browsing management server  22  can look at the shape of components shown by 3-D shape data, for example, by operating the input-processing unit  214  of the client terminal  21  to command to start up the browsing system. When the command to start up the browsing system is inputted to the client terminal  21 , the process control unit  222  of the intra-section browsing management server  22  runs a program to start the processes shown in the flow chart of the  FIG. 16 . 
   When the processes shown in the flow chart of the  FIG. 16  start, the terminal-input control unit  222 E of the process control unit  222  enables users to input information necessary for accessing the browsing system that is provided by the intra-section browsing management server  22 . Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the terminal-input control unit  222 E makes image information of a dialog box to enter user ID and password. Then, by sending the information to the client terminal  21  via the network  20  using the communication control unit  221 , it makes the dialog box displayed on the screen of the displaying-processing unit  215 . Users can input their user ID and password on the client terminal  21 , by operating the input-processing unit  214 . When a user ID is inputted (step S 41 ) and then the corresponding password is inputted (step S 42 ) on the client terminal  21 , the inputted information is sent to the intra-section browsing management server  22  via the network  20 . 
   When the intra-section browsing management server  22  receives the user ID and password from the client terminal  21 , the process control unit  222  conducts the certification process with the certification-processing unit  222 B, and it determines whether to permit the access or not (step S 43 ). If it decides not to permit the access, it terminates the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 16 . 
   On the other hand, if the intra-section browsing management server  22  decides to permit the access, the output-processing unit  222 C creates image information that shows a list of data stored in the data storage unit  223 . Then the output-processing unit  222 C sends the image information to the client terminal  21 , and makes its display-processing unit  215  display the data-list screen (step S 44 ). In this data-list screen on the client terminal  21 , users can choose data from those stored in the latest-data storing area  223 A or in the approved data storing area  223 B. 
   When data to display are chosen in the client terminal  21 , the output-processing unit  222 C sends various kinds of information, which is selected as described in the following paragraphs, to the client terminal  21 , and makes its display-processing unit  215  display the information. By this procedure, users can select and look at the shape of components indicated by the 3-D shape data stored in the intra-section browsing management server  22 , or the attribute information stored in the attribute management server  14 . 
   More specifically, the output-processing unit  222 C decides which information to output on the client terminal  21 , according to the selection made by users (step S 45 ). If the output-processing unit  222 C decides that browsing of attribute information was selected at the client terminal  21  (attribute information at the step S 45 ), it reads the corresponding attribute information from the attribute management server  14 . Then the output-processing unit  222 C displays the information on the client terminal  21 , and enables users to look at the information (step S 46 ). By this procedure, the display-processing unit  215  of the client terminal  21  shows browsing screen of attribute information, as shown in  FIG. 18 . On the other hand, if the output-processing unit  222 C decides that the browsing of component shape was selected at the client terminal  21  (component shape at the step S 45 ), it reads the corresponding 3-D shape data from the data storage unit  223 . Then, it enables users to look at the information, by outputting it on the client terminal  21  (step S 47 ). By this procedure, the display-processing unit  215  of the client terminal  21  shows browsing screen of component shape, as shown in  FIG. 19 . 
   The terminal-input processing unit  222 E makes image information of a dialog box by which users can specify model name. Then it sends the information to the client terminal  21 , and makes the terminal display it on the screen of the display-processing unit  215 . When model names of units or products are specified on the client terminal  21 , the output-processing unit  222 C of the intra-section browsing management server  22  reads the 3-D shape data stored in the folder with the same as the model names. Then it outputs them sequentially to the client terminal  21 , enabling users to browse them. Therefore, the output-processing unit  222 C can display the 3-D shape data of the components used in the unit or product, including data of other components used in the corresponding component, on the client terminal  21 . By this procedure, users can efficiently use the information shared by the browsing system provided by, e.g., the intra-section browsing management server  22 . 
   In addition, when the client terminal  21  accesses the intra-section browsing management server  22 , the server stores the following information in the history-storing area  223 C: e.g. the recognition information of the accessing client terminal  21  (the information by which one can recognize difference among the client terminals  21   1 ˜ 21   n ); access time; and the contents of process. By this procedure, the history-storing area  223 C stores the history of accesses to the 3-D shape data stored in the data storage unit  223 . 
   When a command is inputted at the client terminal  21  to copy the 3-D shape data stored in the intra-section browsing management server  22 , the process control unit  222  of the server detects it. The process control unit  222  responds to the command to copy, and it adds the user ID, which is assigned by the permission-management unit  222 A, to the 3-D shape data to be copied. For example, the process control unit  222  adds the user ID to the 3-D shape data, by ciphering the 3-D shape data with user ID. The output-processing unit  222 C outputs the encrypted 3-D shape data to the client terminal  21 , to which the copy command was inputted. The client terminal  21  deciphers the 3-D shape data with the user ID. These procedures protect the 3-D shape data from leaking to outsiders. 
   The components shape, which can be displayed on the client terminal  21  with 3-D shape data stored in the intra-section browsing management server  22  can be also displayed on the groupware by general browsing management server  23 . The action for making it possible to display components shape on the general-browsing management server  23  will be described below. The intra-section browsing management server  22  responds to the command inputted, e.g. by the input-processing unit  224 , and it carries out the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 20 , in order to make it possible to send data to the general-browsing management server  23  and output them on the groupware. The process control unit  222  of the intra-section browsing management server  22  executes a program stored in the data storage unit  223  and it starts the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 20 . 
   When the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 20  starts, the process control unit  222  makes it possible to select the data to be sent to the general-browsing management server  23  with the transfer-processing unit  222 D. Specifically, in the transfer-processing unit  222 D, the selection-input processing unit  222   f , for example, makes the display-processing unit  225  display a dialog box, by which users can choose data for transfer by specifying assemblies or parts. Then, the selection-input processing unit  222 F waits input from the input-processing unit  224 . By inputting with the input-processing unit  224 , users can select data for transfer (step S 51 ). 
   When the data to be sent are selected, the selection-reading processing unit  222 G searches the data storage unit  223  and reads the corresponding 3-D shape data. The selection-reading processing unit  222 G determines if the 3-D shape data to be sent is available for general users, according to the attribute of file in which the 3-D shape data is stored, or according to the type of the 3-D shape data itself (step S 52 ). 
   If the selection-reading processing unit  222 G decides that the 3-D shape data must not be released, it makes the display-processing unit  225  show a screen for confirmation, and it asks the user if he/she wishes to release the data. The selection-reading processing unit  222 G decides if it should release the information, according to the inputted information from the input-processing unit  224  (step S 53 ). If the selection-reading processing unit  222   g  decides that the user does not release the data, it terminates the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 20 . On the other hand, if the selection-reading processing unit  222 G decides that the user releases the data, it simplifies the corresponding 3-D shape data, e.g. by changing the format of the data (step S 54 ). More specifically, the data-deleting unit  222 H deletes a part of the 3-D shape data. The deleted parts of the data include, for example, the recognition number to recognize the 3-D shape data, and the designer&#39;s name of the 3-D data. If the data is decided to be available for general users at the step S 52 , the steps S 53  and S 54  are skipped. 
   Using the relation-deleting unit  222 I, the transfer-processing unit  222 D deletes all the relations to the attribute information of the 3-D shape data to be sent (step S 55 ). The 3-D shape data, whose relation to attribute information was deleted, is converted to a data suited for transfer by a compression process (step S 56 ), and then transferred to the general-browsing management server  23  (step S 57 ). 
   The general-browsing management server  23  stores the data sent from the intra-section browsing management server  22 , in the data storage unit  233 , and it enables the data to be outputted on groupware. The users of the information management system that is provided by the general-browsing management server  23  are given access permission in advance. The access permission is given, e.g. by the permission-management unit  232 A of the process control unit  232 , by setting each user&#39;s certification symbol. The permission-management unit  232 A manages access permission independently of the permission-management unit  222 A of the intra-section browsing management server  22  and it can set another set of certification symbols for each user. The permission-management unit  232 A inherits the setting of access permission from the permission-management unit  222 A of the intra-section browsing management server  22 . Therefore, it enables the users of the browsing system provided by the intra-section browsing management server  22  to browse through information in the information management system provided by the general-browsing management server  23 . Users can look at components shape with information system built on the groupware, by operating the input-processing unit  214  of the client terminal  21  to enter certification symbols that has user ID and password. 
   For example, when a command to start up the groupware on the client terminal  21  is inputted, the process control unit  232  of the general-browsing management server  23  runs a program, and starts the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 21 . 
   When the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 21  starts, the process control unit  232  enables users to input information necessary for accessing the information system provided by the general-browsing management server  23  at the client terminal  21 . Specifically, the process control unit  232  makes image information of a dialog box to enter user ID and password, which is similar to that of  FIG. 17 . Then the process control unit  232  sends the information to the client terminal  21  via the network  20  with the communication control unit  231 , and makes the terminal display the information on the screen of the display-processing unit  215 . On the client terminal  21 , users can input their user ID and password by operating the input-processing unit  214 . When a user ID is inputted (step S 61 ) and a password is inputted (step S 62 ), the inputted information is sent to the general-browsing management server  23  via the network  20 . 
   When the general-browsing management server  23  receives the user ID and password sent from the client terminal  21 , the process control unit  232  carries out the certification process with the certification-processing unit  232 B, and it decides if it permits access to the groupware (step S 63 ). If the process control unit  232  decides not to permit access, it terminates the processes shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 21 . 
   On the other hand, if the process control unit  232  decides to permit access, the output-processing unit  232 C makes a list, for example, of data classified according to the subject of development based on the information stored in the data storage unit  233 . Then it sends the list to the client terminal  21 , and makes the display-processing unit  215  display the list screen as shown in  FIG. 22A  for example (step S 64 ). In this list screen, users can select data to display at the client terminal  21 , from those classified according to the subject of development. 
   When data are selected at the client terminal  21 , the output-processing unit  232 C carries out processes, for example, reading documents corresponding to the selected data from the data storage unit  233 , and sending them to the client terminal  21 . By this procedure, a screen that shows documents managed on the groupware is displayed on the display-processing unit  215 , and the document corresponding to the selected data is outputted for the user (step S 65 ).  FIG. 22B  shows an example of the document screen. As shown in  FIG. 22B , this document screen shows an icon IC that indicates the 3-D shape data stored in the data storage unit  233  in a compressed format. At the client terminal  21 , users can command to select the 3-D shape data, by clicking the icon IC with the input-processing unit  214 . 
   When the selecting of the 3-D shape data is commanded on the client terminal  21 , the output-processing unit  232 C makes image information that has a button for commanding to download. Then the output-processing unit  232 C sends the information to the client terminal  21 , and it makes the display-processing unit  215  show the confirmation screen as shown in  FIG. 22C  for example. When the command to download is inputted to the client terminal  21 , the output-processing unit  232 C reads the corresponding 3-D shape data from the data storage unit  233  in the compressed format, and it sends the data to the client terminal  21 , making it downloaded (step S 66 ). 
   The client terminal  21  that downloaded the compressed 3-D shape data responds to commands e.g. inputted with the input-processing unit  214  for extracting the data (step S 67 ). Then it displays the extracted data on the display-processing unit (step S 68 ), by which users can look at the data. By this procedure, the 3-D shape browser screen similar to that of  FIG. 19  is displayed on the client terminal  21 , based on the compressed 3-D shape data managed on the groupware. 
   As described above, by the present invention, 3-D CAD data that are created by the 3-D CAD system are converted to 3-D shape data by the conversion-processing device  13 . Then the 3-D shape data can be shared by being displayed by the intra-section browsing management server  22 . When the model name of a unit or a product is specified in the client terminal  21 , the intra-section browsing management server  22  finds the 3-D shape data stored in a folder, whose name is the same as the model name. Then it displays the 3-D shape data on the client terminal  21 , making it possible to look at the data. By this procedure, users can use the shared information efficiently. 
   In addition, the 3-D shape data stored in the intra-section browsing management server  22  can be outputted on the client terminal  21  with its access permission being managed. When making 3-D shape data looked at by general users whose access permission is managed on the groupware, the 3-D shape data stored in the intra-section browsing management server  22  are simplified by compression, and they are stored in the general-browsing management server  23 . Since the general-browsing management server  23  manages access permission independently of the intra-section browsing management server  22 , it can manage access permission properly and secure the information provided by the information browsing system  2 . 
   Besides, when current time is past a time stored in advance, the CAD management server  12  sends the following two kinds of data to the conversion-processing device  13 : the 3-D CAD data that is not converted to the 3-D shape data; and the 3-D CAD data whose registration date is past the conversion date. Then, the CAD management server  12  makes them converted to the 3-D shape data. In addition, the 3-D CAD data that is approved as valid data can be sent to the conversion-processing device  13 , and converted to the 3-D shape data. 
   By this procedure, the 3-D CAD data that is created by the 3-D CAD system can be efficiently converted to 3-D shape data and shared in the information browsing system  2 . Besides, it is possible to make little difference between the shape of components that are shown by 3-D CAD data created by the 3-D CAD system  1 , and that browsed on the information browsing system  2 . Therefore, consistency of information provided by each system can be maintained. 
   The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment of it, and various modifications and applications are feasible. For example, various devices installed in the 3-D CAD system  1  and the information browsing system  2  can be a server that integrates multiple functions, or multiple servers with each server co-operatively functioning. The devices mentioned above include: e.g., the CAD management server  12 , the conversion-processing device  13 , the attribute management server  14 , the intra-section browsing management server  22  and the general-browsing management server  23 . In addition, the structures of the database and the storage area are not limited to the ones described above. For example, two or more databases or storage area can be integrated into one functional unit, or a databases or storage area can be divided into more than two functional units. Each database or storage area can be realized by storing data, e.g., in magnetic disks installed outside of server. 
   It is also possible that a computer or multiple computers are configured as the system described above. Besides, whole or a part of the programs necessary to carry out the processes described above can be stored in various kinds of media (such as IC memories, magnetic disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, and magnetic tapes). Then, those computers or media can be distributed. 
   According to the present invention, 3-D shape data can be made and outputted by conversion of 3-D CAD data that is created by the 3-D CAD system, and the shared information can be used efficiently. 
   Various embodiments and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention. The above-described embodiment is intended to illustrate the present invention, not to limit the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is shown by the attached claims rather than the embodiment. Various modification made within the meaning of an equivalent of the claims of the invention and within the claims are to be regarded to be in the scope of the present invention. This application is based on the Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2001-387466, 2001-387448 and 2001-387435, filed on Dec. 20, 2001 and including specification, claims, drawings and summary. The disclosure of the above Japanese Patent Applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.