JP7211661B2 - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

In recent years, graph databases have come to be used as a technique for efficiently analyzing a huge amount of data by focusing on connections between data.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200002 describes a technique that reduces the number of patterns by classifying search patterns when searching a graph database, thereby facilitating selection by the user.

JP 2011-39838 A

In most product designs, parts specifications and requirements are managed in a tabular database (for example, a relational database). In recent years, one of the requirements of a certain part includes the specifications of other parts, and the specifications required for a certain part are hierarchically arranged. For this reason, it is difficult to grasp the relationship between a plurality of parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of efficiently managing relationships between specifications and requirements of a plurality of parts in a product.

Each aspect of the present invention employs the following configurations in order to solve the above-described problems.

A first aspect relates to an information processing device.
The information processing device according to the first aspect includes:
A table defined for each of a plurality of parts, showing the relationship between a plurality of models included in the part and specification information, which is at least part of one of the specifications and requirements for each of the plurality of models. a table acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of
At least one of the model type and the specification information in a first table out of the plurality of tables is at least part of the specification information in a second table out of the plurality of tables ,
conversion means for converting the relationships indicated by each of the plurality of tables into graph database elements for each of the tables;
of the first table and the second table via the element indicating at least one of the model and the specification information in the first table and the element indicating the specification information in the second table a generation means for generating the graph database showing a combination of parts capable of realizing a plurality of specifications required for a product by combining the plurality of elements after conversion with respect to a plurality of the tables ; have.

A second aspect relates to an information processing method performed by at least one computer.
The information processing method according to the second aspect includes:
The information processing device
A table defined for each of a plurality of parts, showing the relationship between a plurality of models included in the part and specification information, which is at least part of one of the specifications and requirements for each of the plurality of models. to get multiple
At least one of the model type and the specification information in a first table out of the plurality of tables is at least part of the specification information in a second table out of the plurality of tables ,
converting the relationships indicated by each of the plurality of tables into graph database elements for each of the tables;
of the first table and the second table via the element indicating at least one of the model and the specification information in the first table and the element indicating the specification information in the second table Combining the plurality of elements after conversion is executed for the plurality of tables, thereby generating the graph database showing a combination of parts capable of realizing a plurality of specifications required for the product .

As another aspect of the present invention, it may be a program that causes at least one computer to execute the method of the second aspect, or a computer-readable recording medium recording such a program. may This recording medium includes a non-transitory tangible medium.
The computer program includes computer program code which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to implement the information processing method on the information processing apparatus.

Any combination of the above constituent elements, and any conversion of expressions of the present invention into methods, devices, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc. are also effective as embodiments of the present invention.

In addition, the various constituent elements of the present invention do not necessarily have to exist independently of each other. A component may be part of another component, a part of a component may overlap a part of another component, and the like.

In addition, although the method and computer program of the present invention describe multiple procedures in order, the order of description does not limit the order in which the multiple procedures are performed. Therefore, when implementing the method and computer program of the present invention, the order of the plurality of procedures can be changed within a range that does not interfere with the content.

Furthermore, the multiple steps of the method and computer program of the present invention are not limited to being performed at different times. Therefore, the occurrence of another procedure during the execution of a certain procedure, or the overlap of some or all of the execution timing of one procedure with the execution timing of another procedure, and the like are acceptable.

According to each aspect described above, it is possible to provide a technology capable of efficiently managing the relationships between the specifications and requirements of a plurality of parts in a product.

The above objectives, as well as other objectives, features and advantages, will become further apparent from the preferred embodiments described below and the accompanying drawings below.

1 is a functional block diagram showing a logical configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment; FIG. It is a figure showing an example of composition of a computer which realizes an information processor of an embodiment of the invention. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device according to the first embodiment; It is a figure which shows the example of each table of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of the table of FIG.4(c). FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a graph database; FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a graph database; FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a graph database; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a graph database; FIG. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a logical configuration of an information processing device according to a second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a procedure for re-evaluating a graph database; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a case where a graph related to a certain variation is extracted from the graph database; It is a figure which shows the example of the combination of components according to product variation. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing a logical configuration of an information processing device according to a third embodiment; FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing procedure of a search unit; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of adding relational data to a graph database; FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a search route, search conditions, and search results in the graph database of FIG. 16; FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining relationship data when the direction of the relationship is opposite to that in FIG. 16; FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a search route, search conditions, and search results in the graph database of FIG. 18; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another example of adding relational data to a graph database; 21 is a diagram for explaining an example of a graph database generated from the table of FIG. 20; FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a search route, search conditions, and search results in the graph database of FIG. 21; FIG. 4 shows examples of two tables based on two different design specifications and design conditions; FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a graph database generated using the two tables in FIG. 23; FIG. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a screen displaying a graph database when a relationship based on the first table of FIG. 24 is selected; FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a screen displaying a graph database when the relationship (Size-CPU #2) based on the second table of FIG. 24 is selected; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen hierarchically displaying item nodes and relationships of a graph database; FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a direct influence range after the design specifications of FIG. 27 are changed; FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the next influence range from the influence range of FIG. 28;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in all the drawings, the same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the logical configuration of an information processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.
Information processing apparatus 100 includes acquisition unit 102 , conversion unit 104 , and generation unit 106 .
The acquisition unit 102 is a table 10 defined for each of a plurality of parts, and includes first information that is at least part of one of the specifications and requirements of the part, and at least part of the one of the specifications and requirements of the part. and second information different from the first information, and a plurality of tables showing the relationship between the first information and the second information.
The second information in one table is at least part of the first information in another table.
The conversion unit 104 converts the relationships indicated by each of the plurality of tables into elements of the graph database 30 for each table.
The generation unit 106 generates the graph database 30 by combining a plurality of converted elements of a plurality of tables.

In this specification, "acquisition" means that one's own device acquires data or information stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition), e.g., requesting or inquiring of another device. accessing and reading other devices or storage media, and inputting data or information output from other devices to your own device (passive acquisition), for example, distribution (or , send, push notification, etc.) and/or receive data or information. It also includes selecting and acquiring received data or information, or selecting and receiving distributed data or information.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer 80 that implements the information processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment.
The computer 80 of this embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 82, a memory 84, a program 90 that implements the components of FIG. /Output) 86, and a network connection interface (communication I/F 87).

The CPU 82 , memory 84 , storage 85 , I/O 86 and communication I/F 87 are interconnected via a bus 89 , and the CPU 82 controls the entire computer 80 . However, the method of connecting the CPUs 82 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

The memory 84 is a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage 85 is a storage device such as a hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive), or memory card. Also, the storage 85 may be a memory such as a RAM or a ROM.

Each function of the information processing apparatus 100 can be realized by the CPU 82 reading the program 90 stored in the storage 85 into the memory 84 and executing the program 90 .

The I/O 86 performs input/output control of data and control signals between the computer 80 and other input/output devices. Other input/output devices include, for example, an input device 94 such as a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, and microphone connected to the computer 80, an output device such as a display device 92, a printer, and a speaker, and these input/output devices. and computer 80 interface. In addition, the I/O 86 may control data input/output to/from other recording medium reading/writing devices (not shown).

The communication I/F 87 is a network connection interface for communicating between the computer 80 and an external device. The communication I/F 87 may be a network interface for connecting with a wired line or a network interface for connecting with a wireless line. For example, computer 80 that implements information processing apparatus 100 may communicate with another computer (not shown) via network 3 using communication I/F 87 .

Each component of the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is realized by any combination of hardware and software of the computer 80 shown in FIG. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that there are various modifications to the implementation method and apparatus. A functional block diagram showing the information processing apparatus 100 of each embodiment described below shows blocks in units of logical functions, not in units of hardware.

The computer program 90 of the present embodiment is a table 10 defined for each of a plurality of components, which is at least part of one of the specifications and requirements of the component, in the computer 80 for realizing the information processing apparatus 100. A procedure for acquiring a plurality of tables 10 showing the relationship between one piece of information and second information that is at least part of one of the specifications and requirements of the part and that is different from the first information, each of the plurality of tables 10 is described so as to execute a procedure for converting the relationships indicated by each table into elements of the graph database 30, and a procedure for generating the graph database 30 by combining a plurality of converted elements of a plurality of tables 10.

The computer program 90 of this embodiment may be recorded on a recording medium readable by the computer 80 . The recording medium is not particularly limited, and various forms are conceivable. Also, the program 90 may be loaded from a recording medium into the memory 84 of the computer 80, or may be downloaded to the computer 80 via a network and loaded into the memory 84. FIG.

The recording medium for recording the computer program 90 includes a non-transitory tangible medium that can be used by the computer 80, and the program code that is readable by the computer 80 is embedded in the medium. The computer program 90 , when executed on the computer 80 , causes the computer 80 to execute an information processing method that implements the information processing apparatus 100 .

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment of the invention.
The information processing device 100 acquires a plurality of tables 10 . (Step S101). The table 10 is a table defined for each of a plurality of parts, and includes first information that is at least part of one of the specifications and requirements of the part, and at least part of one of the specifications and requirements of the part. 2nd information different from 1st information, and the relationship. Then, the information processing apparatus 100 converts the relationships indicated by each of the plurality of tables 10 into elements of the graph database 30 for each table (step S103). Then, the information processing apparatus 100 generates the graph database 30 by combining the converted elements of the tables 10 (step S105).

A detailed description will be given below.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of each table 10 of this embodiment acquired by the acquisition unit 102. As shown in FIG.
Here, a plurality of types of parts A (two parts A1 and A2 with different specifications), part B (two parts B1 and B2 with different specifications), part C (four parts C1, C2, C3 with different specifications) , C4) will be described as an example.

The table 10 is, for example, a Microsoft Excel (registered trademark) file, other spreadsheet software file, CSV (Comma-Separated Values) format, text format, HTML (HyperText Markup Language) format, XML (Extensible Markup Language) format, or the like. It can be acquired as file data in various formats, such as a file of

FIG. 4(a) is a table 10 showing rules for parts A and specifications X. FIG. Part A has two types (A1 and A2) with different specifications X1 and X2. In the figure, check marks in table 10 indicate corresponding specifications and parts. In other words, this table 10 indicates that part A1 is required to implement specification X1, and part A2 is required to implement specification X2. That is, part A1 is a requirement for specification X1, and part A2 is a requirement for specification X2. In the example shown in this figure, the first information is the type (A1, A2) of the part A, and the second information is the specification (X1, X2). Alternatively, the first information may be the specification and the second information may be the model of the part.

FIG. 4(b) is a table 10 showing rules for parts B and specifications Y. FIG. Part B is of two types (B1 and B2) and has different specifications Y1 and Y2. In other words, this table 10 shows that the part B1 is required to realize the specification Y1, and the part B2 is required to satisfy the specification Y2.

FIG. 4(c) is a table 10 showing rules for parts C, parts A, and specifications Y. FIG. The part C includes four parts C1 to C4 with different specifications. In the table 10, the model of the part C corresponding to the combination of the part A and the specification Y is associated. In the illustrated example, the component C1 is associated with the combination of the component A1 and the specification Y1. In other words, it indicates that when a product having specifications Y1 is manufactured using part A1, it is necessary to combine part C1.

Thus, the table 10 can also define conditional expressions. In FIG. 4C, a column of conditional expressions is added between the columns of items in table 10 . Also, as another example, a table 10 as shown in FIG. 5 can be considered, but it is not limited to this.

In this example, a logical product (AND) of logical operators is used as a conditional expression, but a logical sum (OR), negation (NOT), negative logical product (NAND), or the like may be used. Furthermore, a conditional expression for determination using attribute values of properties of parts and specifications indicated by the node 32 is defined using, for example, inequality signs (>, <), equal signs (=), equal sign negation (≠), and the like. may Alternatively, it may be defined using a conditional expression for judging a character string such as starting with (including or ending with) "abc".

The acquisition unit 102 may also detect contradictions in the acquired table 10 . For example, it may be detected that an unregistered part is included in the table 10 that defines the relationship between a certain specification and registered parts, and the operator may be notified by displaying an error message or the like.

With the information processing apparatus 100 of the present invention, it is possible to find out which parts can be combined to realize a variation product in which specifications X and Y are combined.
Therefore, first, product variations in which specifications X and Y are combined are considered. In this example, as shown in FIG. 4(d), there are four combinations, which are product variations VAR1 to VAR4.

A method for obtaining combinations of parts of four products using the information processing apparatus 100 of the present invention will be described below.
6 to 8 are diagrams for explaining the graph database 30. FIG. It shows how each table 10 is converted into the elements of the graph database 30 by the conversion unit 104 .
The graph database 30 includes, as elements, nodes 32 indicating parts and specifications, and relations 34 indicating relationships between the nodes 32 . Furthermore, the node 32 has a part model and specification values (numerical values, character strings, etc.) as properties indicating its attribute values. The relation 34 has, as properties indicating the relationship between the nodes 32, the direction and meaning of the relationship (for example, "REQUIRE" indicating that the specification X1 requires the part A1). In the drawing, the direction of the arrow indicates the direction of the relationship, and if part A1 is a necessary condition of specification X1, specification X1→part A1.

Also, although not shown, it may be indicated that the specification X1 is a sufficient condition for the part A1. In that case, the arrow in FIG. 6 becomes part A1→specification X1. Its label becomes "USED_AT" indicating that the part A1 is used according to the specification X1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the conversion unit 104 converts each item of the table 10, for example, the part A and the specification X, and the part B and the specification Y, into nodes 32 respectively. The nodes 32 are connected by arrows, and the relationships are indicated by relations 34 . For example, relation 34 indicates that specification X2 requires part A2. The example on the left side of FIG. 6 corresponds to FIG. 4(a), and the example on the left side of FIG. 6 corresponds to FIG. 4(b).

Although not shown, each node 32 and relation 34 can have properties. Similarly, when the table 10 shown in FIG. 4(c), that is, the table 10 of the rules for parts C, parts A, and specifications Y, is converted, it becomes as shown in FIG. Further, when the table 10 shown in FIG. 4(d), that is, the table 10 of the combination rule of specifications X and Y is converted, it becomes as shown in FIG.

The generation unit 106 generates the graph database 30 shown in FIG. 9 by combining the elements of FIGS. 6 to 8 converted by the conversion unit 104 .

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of information tables of component specifications and requirements are prepared, the relationships indicated by each table are converted into elements of the graph database 30 for each table, and the converted elements are combined. , the graph database 30 can be generated.
By creating a graph database of design information, for example, it is possible to quickly and efficiently search for parts that constitute a product having desired specifications.

In addition, since the table 10 is prepared for each part, even if a part is changed due to partial specification change of the product or the specification of the part is changed, only the table 10 of the changed part is changed, and the graph database is displayed. 30 need only be regenerated, the effect of the change is small. In addition, since only the table 10 of the changed parts is required for confirmation accompanying the change, the workload can be reduced and mistakes can be reduced.

Moreover, even when searching for a product consisting of a large number of parts with complicated specifications, it is only necessary to prepare the table 10 and generate the graph database 30, which is efficient and reduces mistakes.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the logical configuration of information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The information processing apparatus 100 of FIG. 10 further includes a display control unit 110 in addition to the configuration of the embodiment of FIG. Although FIG. 10 shows an example of combination with the configuration of FIG. 1, it may be combined with configurations of other embodiments. The information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is the same as the above embodiment except that it has a configuration of re-evaluating the graph database 30 generated in the above embodiment of FIG. 1 and displaying the graph database 30 .

When an item is selected in the generated graph database 30, the display control unit 110 causes the display device 92 of the computer 80 to display other items connected to the selected item and their connections in an identifiable manner.

Here, taking the graph database 30 of FIG. 9 as an example, the items are parts (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 to C3), specifications (X1, X2, Y1, Y2), and product At least one of (VAR1 to VAR4).

For example, the display control unit 110 can display a screen on which the graph database 30 of FIG.

The display control unit 110 may display a screen on which a graph 38 as shown in FIG. 11 is drawn when a certain product variation VAR1 is selected by the operator. Alternatively, the display control unit 110 displays only the screen where the final graph 38 shown in FIG. may be displayed.

The procedure for re-evaluating the product variation VAR1 of the four product variations will be described below. When only the graph 38 of the product variation VAR1 is taken out from the graph database 30 of FIG. 9, it becomes as shown in FIG. FIG. 11 shows other items connected to the selected product variation VAR1 and their connections.

Here, in the figure, the three logical operators AND in the graph 38 of the product variation VAR1 include those for which the conditions of the part A required by the part C and the specification Y are not defined (in the figure , the part enclosed by the dashed line).

The reason why such undefined items are included is, for example, that the specification Y2 is not included in the graph 38 of FIG. In addition, the condition for the part C2 is insufficient. Further, of the part A2 and the specification Y1 which are the necessary conditions for the part C3 shown in FIG. 7, the part A2 is not included in the graph 38 of FIG. 11, so the condition for the part C3 is insufficient. In this way, the paths of parts C2 and C3 that lack conditions are excluded.

Thus, the elements shown in FIG. 12 remain in graph 38. FIG. This final graph 38 indicates that the combination of parts that satisfy the specifications X1 and Y1 of product variation VAR1 is A1, B1 and C1 (parts indicated by arrows in the figure). The display control unit 110 displays the graph 38 obtained by re-evaluation by the generation unit 106 .

As described above, according to the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to efficiently obtain necessary conditions for satisfying a certain specification of a certain product.

The results obtained in this way may be output by the display control unit 110 as a table 40 in FIG. 13, for example. Table 40 may be displayed or output as a data file. Table 40 shows the combination of parts A, B, and C for the combination of specifications X and Y. In other words, the table 40 shows which parts can be combined to realize which product (VAR1 to VAR4) having the combination of specifications (X, Y).

Further, the information processing apparatus 100 may further include a detection unit (not shown) that detects an error such as an unconnected path in the process of performing processing based on the table 10 in the conversion unit 104 and the generation unit 106 . This makes it possible to detect errors in the design specifications and conditions themselves due to design errors, input errors in creating the table 10, and the like.

Specifically, the detection unit detects that "there are no conditions for selecting a certain part (for example, the part C1 is not selected in any of the variations of VAR1 to VAR4)", or "there are multiple parts selected under certain conditions". exists (both parts C1 and C2 are selected under the condition of VAR1)" is detected. However, if there are components with the same function but different colors, multiple components may be selected under certain conditions, and such a case will not be regarded as an error.

The detection unit may notify the operator of the information of the table 10 in which the error has been detected. The information (file name and path information) of the data file in the table 10 where the error was detected may be notified, and the item in the table 10 corresponding to the element related to the path where the error was detected may be notified. May be highlighted. Alternatively, on the screen of the graph database 30 shown in FIG. 9, the location where the route is not connected may be indicated by blinking.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when an item is selected in the graph database 30, other items related to the selected item and their connections are displayed in an identifiable manner. It is possible to make the screen easy to see and intuitively comprehensible even for a product manufactured by combining the parts. In addition, by selecting and displaying several proposals from variations of a plurality of configuration proposals, it is possible to perform comparative evaluation.

Also, if there is an error in the table 10 due to a design error or the like, the error can be detected and notified, so the accuracy of the graph database 30 can be improved.

(Third Embodiment)
FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing the logical configuration of information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
The information processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment further includes a search unit 120 in addition to the configuration of the above embodiment shown in FIG. Although FIG. 14 shows an example of combination with the configuration of FIG. 10, it may be combined with configurations of other embodiments.

In the above-described embodiment, an example of searching for and acquiring product variations by following the route between the nodes 32 has been shown. However, actual products are composed of a large number of parts, have a wide range of specifications, and have restrictions on the relationships between parts and specifications. As a result, the structure of the graph database 30 becomes complicated and the number of combinations of search targets becomes enormous, resulting in lower search speed and lower efficiency. Therefore, in this embodiment, instead of following the path between the nodes 32 of the graph database 30, first, the relationship between the parts or specifications is retrieved to obtain the retrieval path at the item level, and then the retrieval path is obtained. It is assumed that there is a configuration for searching for a node that satisfies a search condition on the searched search path.

In the graph database 30, the relation 34 has directionality defined.
The search unit 120 searches for connections between multiple items regardless of the direction of the relations 34 in the graph database 30 . The search unit 120 also generates relational data indicating the relationship between items and its directionality, and adds the generated relational data to the graph database 30 .

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing procedure of the search unit 120. As shown in FIG.
The search unit 120 searches for a combination of nodes 32 that satisfy specified search conditions.
Here, an example will be described in which the information processing apparatus 100 functions as a configurator that determines the configuration and specifications of a personal computer, which is a product.
First, the search unit 120 acquires the relationship between items corresponding to the first information and the second information in the table 10 and the direction of the relationship between the items (step S201).

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of adding relational data to the graph database 30 using two tables 10. FIG. FIG. 16(a) shows a table 10 showing the relationship between the personal computer sales market (indicated as "Market" in the figure) (Japan and USA) and the size of the liquid crystal display (13 inches and 15 inches). there is FIG. 16(b) shows the size of the liquid crystal display of the personal computer (indicated as "Size" in the figure) (13 inches and 15 inches) and the performance of the CPU (2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, 2.8 GHz, 2.8 GHz). 9 GHz) is shown.

FIG. 16C is a diagram for explaining relational data.
In FIG. 16(c), the nodes 32 of the graph database 30 are grouped by corresponding items and added as upper item nodes 42, and furthermore, relationships 44 between the item nodes 42 (hereinafter referred to as "relationships between items 44”) has been added. Relationships 34 between nodes 32 of graph database 30 are indicated by dashed arrows. Relationships 44 between items have directions 46 according to the definitions in Table 10, as indicated by solid arrows. Note that the relation 34 and the relation 44 are not limited to dashed lines or solid lines, and may be displayed in a mutually identifiable manner.

Thus, relational data are arrows indicating item nodes 42, relationships 44 between items, and directions 46 between items that are added to the graph database 30 . The generation unit 106 adds these relational data to the graph database 30 . At this time, the generation unit 106 aligns the direction of the relation 44 between items with the direction of the relation 34 between the nodes 32 and registers it in the graph database 30 . Here, the direction between items indicates the relationship between the necessary and sufficient conditions of the items. ), the arrow points in the direction of item A→item B.

The display control unit 110 may display the graph database 30 of FIG. 16(c). Among the elements of the graph database 30 shown in FIG. 16C, the node 32 of each item may be hidden and only the item node 42 may be displayed. Alternatively, when the item node 42 is selected, the node 32 immediately below it may be switched between display and non-display.

The display control unit 110 may display the added relational data by changing the shape, color, display form (highlight, blink, animation, etc.) so as to be identifiable from the elements of the original graph database 30 .

Note that the relationship 44 between items does not necessarily need to be defined, and only the item node 42 and the relationship 46 connecting the item nodes 42 can be defined.

Then, the search unit 120 defines a search path between the item nodes 42 based on the acquired relationship 44 between items and its direction (step S203 in FIG. 15).

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a search route, received search conditions, and search results.
Item nodes 42 (n1, n2, n3) and relationships 44 between items are defined in the search path shown in the first line of FIG. 17(a). The direction of the arrow in the dashed portion 47 indicates the direction of the relationship 44 .
As described above, the search unit 120 first searches for a search path based on the item nodes 42 registered in the graph database 30 and the inter-item relationships 44 . As shown in FIG. 17(a), the search path is defined including the direction of the relationship 44 between items.

Then, the search unit 120 receives the search condition (step S205 in FIG. 15), and searches for a combination of nodes 32 in the graph database 30 that satisfy the search condition (step S207 in FIG. 15).

Here, since the search unit 120 can identify the direction of the relations 34 between the plurality of nodes 32 based on the direction of the relations 44 between the items, regardless of the direction of the relations 44 between the items in the search path, A search can be performed along a route. In other words, even if the direction of the relation 44 between items is a search route that includes both the forward direction and the reverse direction along the route, the direction of the relation 34 is determined based on the direction of the relation 44 between items. Since it can be identified, a search for the node 32 can be performed along the route.

Search conditions are specified from the second line onward in FIG. 17(a). Here, search conditions are specified for searching for values that the CPU can take when the market (Japan) and the size of the liquid crystal display (13 inches) are specified. Then, it is specified to return the value of each node 32 as a search result.

In the figure, "ni.type" (where i is a natural number) indicates the specification type of node ni, and "ni.value" indicates the specification value of node ni.

Then, the search unit 120 outputs the value of each node 32 as a search result (step S209 in FIG. 15).
FIG. 17(b) is a diagram showing an output example of the result of searching according to the search route in FIG. 17(a).
The search result by the search unit 120 is displayed by the display control unit 110 as the screen shown in FIG. 17(b). Alternatively, search results may be output as a data file.

In this way, regardless of the defined direction, among the plurality of nodes 32 for each item on the route, the nodes 32 that satisfy the search conditions are extracted, and the values of the extracted nodes 32 for each item are obtained as search results. be done.

18 and 19, a specific description will be given below of the case of performing a search along a route regardless of the direction.
Table 10 in FIG. 18(a) is the same as in FIG. 16(a). In the table 10 of FIG. 18(b), the relationship between the items of the table 10 showing the relationship between the liquid crystal display and the CPU is reversed from that of FIG. 16(b).

As shown in FIG. 19(a), the search path defined from these tables 10 is such that the direction of the arrow of the relationship 44 between the items in the portion 47 surrounded by the dashed line is opposite to that in FIG. 17(a). It has become.

The search unit 120 searches according to the search conditions defined after the second line in FIG. 19(a). In doing so, the searcher 120 searches along the path defined in the search path, but the searcher 120 searches regardless of the direction of the relationships 44 between items. The search results obtained as a result are shown in FIG. 19(b), which are the same as the search results in FIG. 17(b).

Next, a case where a relationship definition including a logical operator is included will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 20, the table 10 shows the relationship between the size of the liquid crystal display (13 inches, 15 inches), the presence or absence of the touch bar, and the storage capacity (128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB). "w/" in FIG. 20 indicates having a touch bar, and "w/o" indicates not having a touch bar.

As shown in FIG. 20, in the case of the table 10 including the relationship definition including the logical operator, as shown in FIG. 21, the relationship 44 between each item node 42 is also "Size x Touch Bar-Storage" Indicated by a label containing a child (“x” to indicate a conjunction).
With such a table 10, it is possible to define a narrowed down relationship of answers (storage capacity) to a plurality of necessary conditions (size of liquid crystal display and presence/absence of touch bar). This allows even complex design specifications to be defined as the graph database 30 .

As shown in FIG. 22(a), two routes are defined as search routes. Then, the search unit 120 searches along the route according to the specified search conditions. Then, nodes 32 satisfying the search condition are extracted from among the plurality of nodes 32 of each item on the route, and the values of the extracted nodes 32 of each item are obtained as search results. The display control unit 110 displays the search results shown in FIG. 22(b).

As described above, according to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above embodiments are obtained, and furthermore, the search unit 120 searches regardless of the direction of the relationship between the items. Even if the definition of the relationship is reversed, the search can be performed without problems. Furthermore, in this embodiment, instead of following the node 32 and the relation 34, a route is defined between the item node 42, which is a group of the nodes 32, and the relation 44 between the items. Since the node 32 that satisfies the condition is searched, the time required for the search can be shortened, and the search can be performed efficiently.

(Fourth embodiment)
The information processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment has the same configuration as the information processing apparatus 100 of FIG. 14 .

In the information processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the table 10 used by the generating unit 106 can be switched when generating the graph database 30 . The display control unit 110 receives selection of the table 10 to be used, and displays the graph database 30 generated using the selected table 10 . In other words, the graph database 30 generated by the generator 106 differs depending on the selected table 10 . Furthermore, the display control unit 110 can also display the graph databases 30 generated based on each of the plurality of tables 10 in an overlapping manner.

FIG. 23 shows two first tables 10a and second tables 10b based on two different design specifications and design conditions regarding the size of the liquid crystal display and the performance of the CPU. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the graph database 30 generated using the first table 10a and the second table 10b of FIG. 23 and the table 10 relating to the market and liquid crystal display size.

As shown in FIG. 24(b), the graph database 30 has a relationship 44 (Size-CPU #1) based on the first table 10a and a relationship 44 (Size-CPU #2) based on the second table 10b. both are included.

The display control unit 110 displays a screen on which the graph database 30 of FIG. When one of the relationships 44 (Size-CPU #2) based on the second table 10b is selected by the operator, a screen (FIG. 25 or 26) is displayed.

Various methods of selecting (switching) the table 10 are conceivable. is also associated with the identification information. By receiving the designation of the identification information of the design specifications, the graph database 30 corresponding to the design specifications of the designated identification information can be called.
Also, the table 10 registered in association with the identification information of the design specification should include at least the table 10 for switching between different design specifications. The table 10 common to different design specifications may be registered as common information.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a screen on which the graph database 30 is drawn when the relationship 44 (Size-CPU #1) based on the first table 10a is selected. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a screen displaying the graph database 30 when the relationship 44 (Size-CPU #2) based on the second table 10b is selected.

In this way, the display control unit 110 determines the table 10 corresponding to the selected relationship 44 in the graph database 30 generated using a plurality of tables 10 with different design specifications and design conditions. Only the corresponding graphs 38 are extracted and displayed, and the graphs 38 of the table 10 corresponding to the unselected relationships 44 are hidden. Alternatively, the non-selected one is displayed in a lighter display color or the like so that it can be distinguished from the selected one and the selected one can be seen preferentially.

Moreover, the display control unit 110 may display a screen 200 as shown in FIG. 27 . This screen 200 hierarchically displays item nodes 42 and relationships 44 of the graph database 30 . In other words, a plurality of item nodes 42 directly connected to an item node 42 and relations 44 are arranged and displayed in the same row or column.

Alternatively, only the selected hierarchy may be displayed or hidden, or when a certain hierarchy is selected, the hierarchy immediately below that hierarchy may be displayed or hidden. Additionally, when an item node 42 in the hierarchy is selected, the corresponding node 32 and the nodes 32 and relations 34 associated with that node 32 may be displayed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the graph database 30 generated using a plurality of tables 10 with different design specifications and design conditions, using the tables 10 of different design specifications and design conditions, The graph database 30 can be generated, and the graph database 30 can be switched and displayed by selecting the table 10 according to the specifications. Therefore, it becomes possible to consider while switching and evaluating multiple proposals.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted.
For example, the information processing apparatus 100 may further include a storage unit (not shown) that stores the generated graph database 30 in the storage 85 (or memory 84) of the computer 80. The storage unit stores each of the generated graph databases 30 in association with, for example, generation time or save time, and information of a plurality of tables 10 used to generate the graph database 30, so that design specifications and designs can be obtained. It can be managed as a change history of conditions. Also, the generated graph database 30 may be stored with different identification information or names.

Further, as another embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 may have a configuration that analyzes the range of influence due to a change in part of the design specifications.
The information processing apparatus 100 further includes an identification unit (not shown) that identifies items corresponding to the changed specifications and requirements of the parts when at least part of the specifications and requirements of the parts in the table 10 is changed. good too. Then, the display control unit 110 displays other items connected to the specified item and their connections so as to be identifiable, for example, by changing the shape, color, and display form (highlight, blink, animation, etc.).
According to this configuration, when a specific design specification is changed, the range of influence can be displayed in an identifiable manner, so that the range of influence can be analyzed.

The method for accepting changes in design specifications may be, for example, switching the table 10 or instructing the relationship 44 between specifications indicating the design specifications to be changed.

Further, another design specification using the specified item becomes the direct influence range, and a design specification using another item used in the direct influence range becomes the next influence range. By repeating this recursively, all design specifications that affect it can be obtained.
The display control unit 110 may distinguish between the direct influence range and the subsequent influence range and display them in an identifiable manner. In addition, they may be displayed so that they can be identified sequentially in the order in which they are affected.

FIG. 28 shows an example in which, when the design specifications of the Size-Touch Bar in FIG. 27 are changed, the direct influence range and the subsequent influence range are distinguished and displayed so as to be identifiable. Here, it is assumed that the Touch Bar has two selection conditions, w/ and w/o, but has been changed to three selection conditions, w/(Large), w/(Small), and w/o. . And it is shown that the Touch Bar affects three design specifications included in the design specifications: Size x Touch Bar-Graphics, Size x Touch Bar-Interface, and Size x Touch Bar-Storage. In the figure, the double line indicates the range of direct influence, and the dashed-dotted line indicates the range of subsequent influence. Blink, animation, etc.) are changed and displayed respectively. This allows the operator to recognize that the three design specifications of Size x Touch Bar-Graphics, Size x Touch Bar-Interface, and Size x Touch Bar-Storage need to be changed. Also, when Size-CPU is changed, only CPU selection is changed and other design specifications are not affected. In this case, it may be indicated that there is no impact.

Also, FIG. 29 shows an example in which the design specifications of the Size-Touch Bar are changed and the combination condition of the Touch Bar and Size is changed. Both Size and Touch Bar are shown to affect three design specs that are included in the design spec: Size x Touch Bar-Graphics, Size x Touch Bar-Interface, and Size x Touch Bar-Storage. This allows the operator to recognize that the three design specifications of Size x Touch Bar-Graphics, Size x Touch Bar-Interface, and Size x Touch Bar-Storage need to be changed.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments and examples, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and examples. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.
In the present invention, acquisition and use of information relating to users shall be done legally.

Examples of reference forms are added below.
1. to the computer,
A table defined for each of a plurality of parts, comprising first information that is at least part of one of the specifications and requirements of the part, and the first information that is at least part of one of the specifications and requirements of the part A procedure for acquiring a plurality of tables showing the relationship between the second information different from the information,
the second information in one table is at least part of the first information in another table;
a procedure for converting the relationships indicated by each of the plurality of tables into graph database elements for each of the tables;
A procedure for generating the graph database by combining a plurality of the transformed elements of a plurality of the tables;
program to run the
2. 1. In the program described in
A program for causing a computer to further execute a procedure of, when an item is selected in the generated graph database, identifiably displaying other items connected to the selected item and their connections.
3. 1. or 2. In the program described in
A program, wherein a directionality of the relationship is defined in the graph database.
4. 1. or 2. In the program described in
a directionality of the relationship is defined in the graph database;
a procedure of searching for a path indicating a connection between a plurality of items regardless of the direction of the relationship when a search condition is specified in the generated graph database;
A program for causing a computer to further execute a procedure of searching for a combination of the elements that satisfy the search condition along the path.
5. 3. or 4. In the program described in
a procedure for generating relationship data indicating the relationship between the items and its directionality;
A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for adding the generated relational data to the graph database.
6. 1. to 5. In the program according to any one of
when generating the graph database, the table to be used can be switched;
A program for causing a computer to further execute a procedure for displaying the graph database generated using the selected table.
7. 1. to 6. In the program according to any one of
A program that causes a computer to further execute a procedure for arranging and displaying multiple items that are directly connected to an item in the same row or column.
8. 1. to 7. In the program according to any one of
A program for causing a computer to further execute a procedure for storing the generated graph database in a storage device in association with the information of the table used when generating the graph database.
9. 1. to 8. In the program according to any one of
when at least a part of the specifications and the requirements of the part in the table is changed, a procedure of identifying items corresponding to the changed specifications and the requirements of the part;
A program for causing a computer to further execute a procedure for identifiably displaying other items connected to the identified item and their connections.
10. A table defined for each of a plurality of parts, comprising first information that is at least part of one of the specifications and requirements of the part, and the first information that is at least part of one of the specifications and requirements of the part a table acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of tables showing the relationship between the second information different from the information;
the second information in one table is at least part of the first information in another table;
conversion means for converting the relationships indicated by each of the plurality of tables into graph database elements for each of the tables;
generating means for generating the graph database by combining the plurality of elements after conversion of the plurality of tables;
Information processing device.
11. 10. In the information processing device according to
An information processing apparatus further comprising display means for identifiably displaying, when an item is selected in the generated graph database, other items connected to the selected item and their connections.
12. 10. or 11. In the information processing device according to
The information processing device, wherein the directionality of the relationship is defined in the graph database.
13. 10. or 11. In the information processing device according to
a directionality of the relationship is defined in the graph database;
In the generated graph database, when a search condition is specified, a path showing a connection between a plurality of items is searched regardless of the direction of the relationship, and a combination of the elements satisfying the search condition is searched along the path. An information processing apparatus further comprising search means for searching for.
14. 12. or 13. In the information processing device according to
The generating means is
generating relationship data indicating the relationship between the items and its direction;
An information processing device that adds the generated relational data to the graph database.
15. 10. to 14. In the information processing device according to any one of
The generating means can switch the table to be used when generating the graph database,
The information processing apparatus further comprising display means for displaying the graph database generated using the selected table.
16. 10. to 15. In the information processing device according to any one of
An information processing apparatus further comprising display means for arranging and displaying a plurality of items directly connected to a certain item in the same row or column.
17. 10. to 16. In the information processing device according to any one of
An information processing apparatus further comprising means for storing the generated graph database in a storage device in association with the information of the table used when generating the graph database.
18. 10. to 17. In the information processing device according to any one of
further comprising identifying means for identifying an item corresponding to the changed specifications and requirements of the part when at least a part of the specifications and the requirements of the part in the table is changed;
The display means is
An information processing device that identifiably displays other items connected to the identified item and their connections.
19. The information processing device
A table defined for each of a plurality of parts, comprising first information that is at least part of one of the specifications and requirements of the part, and the first information that is at least part of one of the specifications and requirements of the part Acquiring a plurality of tables showing the relationship between the second information different from the information,
the second information in one table is at least part of the first information in another table;
converting the relationships indicated by each of the plurality of tables into graph database elements for each of the tables;
An information processing method for generating the graph database by combining the plurality of elements after conversion of the plurality of tables.
20. 19. In the information processing method described in
The information processing device
An information processing method, wherein when an item is selected in the generated graph database, other items connected to the selected item and their connections are displayed in an identifiable manner.
21. 19. or 20. In the information processing method described in
The information processing method, wherein the directionality of the relationship is defined in the graph database.
22. 19. or 20. In the information processing method described in
a directionality of the relationship is defined in the graph database;
The information processing device
searching the generated graph database for a path indicating a connection between a plurality of items regardless of the direction of the relationship when a search condition is specified;
An information processing method that searches for a combination of the elements that satisfy the search condition along the route.
23. 21. or 22. In the information processing method described in
The information processing device
generating relationship data indicating the relationship between the items and its direction;
An information processing method, wherein the generated relational data is added to the graph database.
24. 19. to 23. In the information processing method according to any one of
when generating the graph database, the table to be used can be switched;
The information processing device
An information processing method for displaying the graph database generated using the selected table.
25. 19. to 24. In the information processing method according to any one of
The information processing device
An information processing method for arranging and displaying a plurality of items directly connected to a certain item in the same row or column.
26. 19. to 25. In the information processing method according to any one of
The information processing device
An information processing method, wherein the generated graph database is stored in a storage device in association with the information of the table used when generating the graph database.
27. 19. to 26. In the information processing method according to any one of
The information processing device
when at least a part of the specifications and the requirements of the part in the table is changed, identifying an item corresponding to the changed specifications and the requirements of the part;
An information processing method for identifiably displaying other items connected to the specified item and their connections.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-230949 filed on December 10, 2018, and the entire disclosure thereof is incorporated herein.

Claims (10)

to the computer,
A table defined for each of a plurality of parts, showing the relationship between a plurality of models included in the part and specification information, which is at least part of one of the specifications and requirements for each of the plurality of models. the procedure for obtaining multiple
At least one of the model type and the specification information in a first table out of the plurality of tables is at least part of the specification information in a second table out of the plurality of tables ,
a procedure for converting the relationships indicated by each of the plurality of tables into graph database elements for each of the tables;
of the first table and the second table via the element indicating at least one of the model and the specification information in the first table and the element indicating the specification information in the second table A procedure of generating the graph database showing a combination of parts capable of realizing a plurality of specifications required for a product by combining the plurality of elements after conversion with respect to a plurality of the tables ;
program to run the In the program according to claim 1,
A program for causing a computer to further execute a procedure of, when an item is selected in the generated graph database, identifiably displaying other items connected to the selected item and their connections. In the program according to claim 1 or 2,
A program, wherein a directionality of the relationship is defined in the graph database. In the program according to claim 1 or 2,
a directionality of the relationship is defined in the graph database;
a procedure of searching for a path indicating a connection between a plurality of items regardless of the direction of the relationship when a search condition is specified in the generated graph database;
A program for causing a computer to further execute a procedure of searching for a combination of the elements that satisfy the search condition along the path. In the program according to claim 3 or 4,
a procedure for generating relationship data indicating the relationship between the items and its directionality;
A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for adding the generated relational data to the graph database. In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
when generating the graph database, the table to be used can be switched;
A program for causing a computer to further execute a procedure for displaying the graph database generated using the selected table. In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A program that causes a computer to further execute a procedure for arranging and displaying multiple items that are directly connected to an item in the same row or column. In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A program for causing a computer to further execute a procedure for storing the generated graph database in a storage device in association with the information of the table used when generating the graph database. A table defined for each of a plurality of parts, showing the relationship between a plurality of models included in the part and specification information, which is at least part of one of the specifications and requirements for each of the plurality of models. a table acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of
At least one of the model type and the specification information in a first table out of the plurality of tables is at least part of the specification information in a second table out of the plurality of tables ,
conversion means for converting the relationships indicated by each of the plurality of tables into graph database elements for each of the tables;
of the first table and the second table via the element indicating at least one of the model and the specification information in the first table and the element indicating the specification information in the second table generating means for generating the graph database showing a combination of parts capable of realizing a plurality of specifications required for a product by combining the plurality of elements after conversion with respect to a plurality of the tables ;
Information processing device. The information processing device
A table defined for each of a plurality of parts, showing the relationship between a plurality of models included in the part and specification information, which is at least part of one of the specifications and requirements for each of the plurality of models. to get multiple
At least one of the model type and the specification information in a first table out of the plurality of tables is at least part of the specification information in a second table out of the plurality of tables ,
converting the relationships indicated by each of the plurality of tables into graph database elements for each of the tables;
of the first table and the second table via the element indicating at least one of the model and the specification information in the first table and the element indicating the specification information in the second table An information processing method for generating the graph database showing a combination of parts capable of realizing a plurality of specifications required for a product, by combining the plurality of elements after conversion with respect to a plurality of the tables .

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