Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program product

Abstract

The problem is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program capable of easily extracting all element groups that match a specific element group from a drawing in fewer man-hours. The solution is that the information processing apparatus (10) includes a control section (11) that accepts selection of a search element group as an element group composed of at least one element used in a drawing from a user, searches for an element group that matches the selected search element group from the drawing, and displays the searched element group on a display section (15) in correspondence with a position on the drawing.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Applications 2020-192045 (filed November 18, 2020), 2020-192046 (filed November 18, 2020), 2020-192049 (filed November 18, 2020), 2020-192082 (filed November 18, 2020), 2020-192084 (filed November 18, 2020), 2020-192085 (filed November 18, 2020), 2020-192087 (filed November 18, 2020), and 2020-192089 (filed November 18, 2020), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to information processing apparatus, information processing methods, and procedures. Background Technology

[0004] As a type of drawing representing the structure of systems such as workshops, P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) is known. P&ID refers to a drawing in which the connections of pipes and instrumentation equipment in a workshop are represented by a predetermined combination of graphics, characters, etc. (including symbols).

[0005] Patent document 1 describes a technique related to touch operation of a monitoring screen in a workshop monitoring and control system.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-174127 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] In previous structures, when editing or correcting element groups that correspond to a specific group of elements consisting of at least one element in drawings such as P&ID, it was necessary for the user to visually select and extract the element groups that were the objects of editing or correction from the drawing.

[0011] However, visually extracting element groups is time-consuming and prone to human error, such as missing or incorrectly extracting elements that should or should not be extracted. This is especially true when visually extracting element groups from drawings of large-scale systems like those in a workshop, which requires significant time and effort and increases the likelihood of errors.

[0012] Therefore, the primary objective of this disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program that can easily extract from drawings all elements that correspond to a specific group of elements with less time.

[0013] Furthermore, in P&ID and other drawings, there may be multiple identical groups of elements, each consisting of at least one element. Sometimes, it may be desirable to perform the same processing, such as displaying, correcting, or replacing, on each of these groups. However, in conventional designs, such groups of elements had to be selected and processed manually, which was time-consuming and prone to human error. Examples of human error include failing to process or incompletely processing the target group of elements, or mistakenly processing elements that are not intended for processing.

[0014] Therefore, a second object of this disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program capable of performing the same processing on the same multiple groups of elements consisting of at least one element in a simple operation.

[0015] Furthermore, sometimes there are defective or incomplete elements in drawings such as P&ID, which need to be corrected. In the past, defective or incomplete elements had to be selected and extracted visually by the user.

[0016] However, manually extracting such defective or incomplete elements is time-consuming and prone to human error, such as missing elements that should be extracted or extracting elements that should not be extracted. In particular, extracting defective or incomplete elements from drawings of large-scale systems such as workshops by visual inspection requires a great deal of time and effort, and the possibility of errors increases.

[0017] Therefore, a third objective of this disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program that can easily extract defective or incomplete elements from drawings with less time.

[0018] Furthermore, in conventional structures, when editing or correcting element groups that correspond to a group of elements consisting of at least one element in drawings such as P&ID, the user needs to select and extract the element groups that are the objects of the editing or correction operations from the drawing. When performing this processing on multiple types of element groups, the user needs to extract each element group that corresponds to that element group from the drawing for each of the multiple types of element groups and then perform the editing or correction operations.

[0019] However, when there are arrangements of common elements in multiple types of element groups, there may be situations where the same content needs to be edited or modified for such arrangements. Therefore, the method of individually extracting matching element groups for each type of element group and then editing or modifying each extracted element group separately is inefficient.

[0020] Therefore, the fourth object of this disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program that can more efficiently perform operations such as editing or modifying elements that correspond to multiple types of element groups.

[0021] Furthermore, in previous structures, when working on editing or correcting a specific group of elements consisting of at least one element in drawings such as P&ID, users needed to visually select and extract the group of elements that became the object of their work from the drawing.

[0022] However, visually extracting element groups is time-consuming and prone to human error, such as missing or incorrectly extracting elements that should or should not be extracted. In particular, when the task content changes not only based on the consistency of element types within the element group but also on the element's attribute information or adjacent elements, extracting the element group and selecting the task becomes extremely time-consuming, increasing the likelihood of errors.

[0023] Therefore, the fifth object of this disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program that can focus on a specific group of elements and then efficiently perform operations on the group of elements that meet the conditions expected by the user.

[0024] When multiple people create P&ID (Printed Materials and Instructions) drawings, it's sometimes necessary to specify locations or areas within the drawings and communicate meaning among the creators. However, historically, these drawings were primarily handed over by hand on printed paper, requiring visual identification of these markings and characters, making the process cumbersome. Furthermore, handwritten markings and characters were often illegible, making them difficult to discern visually. Moreover, the use of printed drawings necessitates proper storage of the paper medium. This is especially true when dealing with large-scale systems like manufacturing workshops, where the drawings are enormous, making it extremely difficult to communicate meaning by hand on such paper.

[0025] Therefore, the sixth object of this disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program that enables multiple people to efficiently produce drawings.

[0026] Furthermore, in the past, when users selected a group of elements consisting of at least one element from drawings such as P&ID, precise and careful work was required to select the elements that should be selected without omission and to avoid selecting the elements that should not be selected.

[0027] Therefore, the seventh object of this disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program that enables the rapid selection of a desired group of elements with simple operation.

[0028] Furthermore, an eighth objective of this disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program capable of easily adding elements to a temporarily selected group of elements.

[0029] Methods for solving problems

[0030] Some embodiments of the information processing apparatus include a control unit that, upon receiving a user's selection of a search element group as a group of elements consisting of at least one element used in a drawing, retrieves from the drawing element groups that match the selected search element group, and displays the retrieved element groups on a display unit corresponding to their positions on the drawing. In this way, the information processing apparatus automatically retrieves element groups that match the element group selected by the user and displays them on the display unit. Therefore, the user can easily extract all element groups that match a specific element group from the drawing with less time, without needing to visually extract the element groups.

[0031] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit, based on the user's selection of a search element group on the drawing displayed on the display unit, retrieves a group of elements from the drawing that matches the search element group selected by the user on the drawing. Thus, the information processing apparatus accepts the selection of element groups as search targets from the drawing displayed on the display unit, allowing the user to easily select element groups as search targets.

[0032] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit displays the drawing on the display unit in a manner that distinguishes the retrieved element group from the other elements. Thus, because the retrieved element group is displayed on the display unit in a manner different from the other elements, the user can easily identify the retrieved element group within the drawing displayed on the display unit.

[0033] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit displays an image showing the distribution of each of the retrieved element groups in the drawing on the display unit. Thus, by referring to the image showing the distribution of the retrieved element groups, the user can easily determine where the retrieved element groups are located in the drawing.

[0034] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the types and arrangements of the elements are specified in the drawing. The control unit retrieves from the drawing an element group whose types and arrangements of the elements are consistent with the retrieved element group, and identifies such an element group as a matching element group. Thus, it is possible to automatically retrieve element groups whose types and arrangements are the same as those of the elements constituting the retrieved element group.

[0035] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, each element used in the drawing is assigned at least one attribute information representing at least one of its properties and conditions of operation. The control unit retrieves from the drawing an element group whose type of each element, the attribute information assigned to each element, and the arrangement of the elements are consistent with the retrieved element group, and identifies such an element group as a matching element group. Thus, it is possible to automatically retrieve an element group whose type and arrangement of the elements constituting the retrieved element group are identical, and whose attribute information is also identical.

[0036] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit retrieves elements from the drawing that match the priority element among the elements included in the search element group. Then, in the drawing, it retrieves elements from the elements adjacent to the retrieved priority element that match the priority element, and finally retrieves elements from the search element group that match the priority element. In this way, the information processing apparatus progressively narrows down the search targets by sequentially searching from the priority element in the search element group, and interrupts processing if no priority element is found, thus enabling efficient searching.

[0037] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit determines, based on the connection relationship, which among at least two elements connected to each other in the drawing, the element located further upstream. This upstream element is then designated as a priority element, and a group of elements matching the search element group is retrieved from the drawing. In this way, the information processing apparatus progressively narrows down the search targets by sequentially searching from the upstream elements within the search element group, thus enabling efficient retrieval.

[0038] Some embodiments of the information processing method include: a step in which a control unit of an information processing device accepts a selection from a user as a group of elements consisting of at least one element used in a drawing; a step in which the control unit retrieves from the drawing elements that match the selected group of elements; and a step in which the control unit displays the retrieved group of elements on a display unit corresponding to its position on the drawing. In this way, the information processing method automatically retrieves and displays the group of elements that matches the group of elements selected by the user. Therefore, the user can easily extract all groups of elements that match a specific group of elements from the drawing with less time, without needing to visually extract the group of elements.

[0039] Some implementations involve programs that enable a computer to function as the aforementioned information processing apparatus. This information processing apparatus automatically retrieves element groups that match the element groups selected by the user and displays them on a display unit. Thus, the user can easily extract all element groups matching a specific element group from a drawing with less time, without needing to visually extract the element groups.

[0040] Some embodiments of the information processing apparatus include a control unit that acquires a plurality of identical element groups consisting of at least one element used in a drawing, accepts a user's selection of a common process to be performed on the plurality of element groups, and executes the selected common process on each of the plurality of element groups. In this way, the user-selected process is executed on each of the plurality of identical element groups in the drawing, thus enabling the same process to be performed on each element group simultaneously with simple operation.

[0041] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit stores determination information, which serves as information for determining the acquired plurality of element groups, in a storage unit. Corresponding to the user's selection to accept processing for one of the element groups determined by the determination information, this processing is performed as a common processing for each element group included in the plurality of element groups. Thus, by performing this processing for each element group included in the plurality of element groups in response to the selection to accept processing for one of the element groups, the common processing can be performed without omission for all element groups included in the plurality of element groups.

[0042] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit performs a common process of replacing all or some of the elements in the plurality of element groups with at least one element selected by the user. Thus, for each of the plurality of element groups, the elements contained in the element group can be replaced simultaneously.

[0043] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit performs a common process of changing at least one of the types and arrangements of the elements included in the plurality of element groups in accordance with the user's selection. Thus, for each of the plurality of element groups, at least one of the types and arrangements of the elements included in the element group can be changed simultaneously.

[0044] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, each element used in the drawing is assigned at least one attribute information representing its properties. The control unit performs a common process of changing at least one of the attribute information of at least one of the elements included in the plurality of element groups in accordance with the user's selection. Thus, for each of the plurality of element groups, the attribute values ​​of the elements included in the element group can be changed simultaneously.

[0045] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit performs a process that causes the plurality of element groups that are objects of the common processing to be displayed on the display unit in a manner different from elements not included in the plurality of element groups. Thus, the user can easily identify the element groups that are objects of the common processing performed together.

[0046] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit receives a selection from the user for a search element group consisting of at least one element used in a drawing, retrieves element groups from the drawing that match the selected search element group, and obtains the plurality of element groups. Thus, it is possible to automatically obtain the plurality of element groups that are objects of common processing together.

[0047] Some embodiments of the information processing method include: a step in which a control unit of an information processing device acquires a plurality of identical element groups consisting of at least one element used in a drawing; a step in which the control unit accepts a selection from a user for a common process to be performed on the plurality of element groups; and a step in which the control unit executes the accepted common process on each of the plurality of element groups. In this way, the user-selected process is executed on each of the plurality of identical element groups in the drawing, thus enabling the same process to be performed on each element group simultaneously with simple operation.

[0048] Some implementations involve programs that enable a computer to function as the aforementioned information processing device. In this way, user-selected processing is performed on each of the same multiple groups of elements in a drawing, thus allowing for the same processing to be performed on each group of elements simultaneously with simple operation.

[0049] Some embodiments of the information processing apparatus include: a control unit that, upon receiving a user's selection of a search element group consisting of at least one element used in a drawing, retrieves elements from the drawing in a manner that includes not only element groups completely identical to the search element group but also a portion of element groups that are different from it; as element groups that match the selected search element group, information indicating differences from the search element group is stored in a storage unit for element groups among the retrieved element groups that are partially different from the search element group. In this way, the drawing is automatically retrieved in a manner that includes not only element groups completely identical to the search element group but also a portion of element groups that are different from it; as element groups selected by the user that match the search element group, information indicating differences from the search element group is stored in the storage unit. Therefore, by referring to the information indicating differences stored in the storage unit, the user can easily extract defective or incomplete elements.

[0050] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit displays the retrieved element group on a display unit in a manner that allows the differences between the element group and a portion of the retrieved element group to be identified. Thus, by viewing the element group displayed in a manner that allows the differences to be identified, the user can easily and readily grasp the defective or incomplete elements in the drawing.

[0051] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit displays at least one of a string representing the type of the difference and an image on the display unit regarding a group of elements that differ from a portion of the retrieved group of elements. Thus, by referring to at least one of the string representing the type of the difference and the image, the user can easily identify at what point the retrieved group of elements differs from the retrieved group of elements.

[0052] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit receives settings from the user for searching the element group as a group of elements that are different from the search element group but conform to the search element group. Thus, the user can set desired search conditions according to their purpose or objective.

[0053] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit calculates a consistency degree, which is a numerical value representing the degree to which the retrieved element groups match the retrieved element groups, for each retrieved element group. Based on the consistency degree, the retrieved element groups are classified into a set of at least one of the element groups. In this way, by classifying the retrieved element groups based on the numerical value representing the degree to which they match the retrieved element groups, the user can appropriately and easily treat each retrieved element group according to the degree of matching.

[0054] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit, upon receiving a selection from the user of an element group that differs from a portion of the retrieved element group and is intended to be aligned with the retrieved element group, performs a process to correct the selected element group to be aligned with the retrieved element group, corresponding to the user's acceptance of the selection. This allows the user to easily correct a group of elements that differs from a portion of the retrieved element group to be aligned with the retrieved element group.

[0055] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit selects from the user a plurality of element groups as the element groups to be processed. Thus, the user can simultaneously correct multiple element groups among the retrieved element groups that differ from a portion of the retrieved element group to match the retrieved element group.

[0056] Some implementations of the information processing method include: a step whereby a control unit of an information processing device accepts a user's selection of a search element group as a group of elements consisting of at least one element used in a drawing; the control unit searches the drawing for an element group that matches the selected search element group, including not only element groups completely identical to the search element group but also a portion of different element groups; and the control unit stores information indicating differences from the search element group in a storage unit for element groups among the retrieved element groups that are partly different from the search element group. Thus, the drawing is automatically searched for element groups that match the user's selection of the search element group, including not only element groups completely identical to the search element group but also a portion of different element groups, and information indicating differences from the search element group is stored in the storage unit. Therefore, by referring to the information indicating differences stored in the storage unit, the user can easily extract defective or incomplete elements.

[0057] Some implementations involve programs that enable a computer to function as the aforementioned information processing apparatus. In this way, the drawing is automatically retrieved in a manner that includes not only element groups identical to the search element group but also a subset of different element groups. The user-selected element groups that match the search element group are then stored in a storage unit, representing the differences between them. Therefore, by referring to the information representing the differences stored in the storage unit, the user can easily extract defective or incomplete elements.

[0058] Some implementations of the information processing apparatus acquire a first element group and a second element group consisting of elements used in drawings, extract a third element group from the first and second element groups that is a group of elements commonly included in the first and second element groups, and hierarchically store the first, second, and third element groups in a storage unit such that the third element group belongs to a higher level than the first and second element groups. In this way, the third element group, which is a group of elements commonly included in the first and second element groups, is automatically extracted and hierarchically stored in a way that the third element group belongs to a higher level than the first and second element groups. Therefore, users can perform operations based on the third element group, which belongs to a higher level, thus enabling more efficient operation compared to performing operations individually on the first and second element groups.

[0059] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit extracts a plurality of elements, or a single element, that are commonly contained in both the first and second element groups, have the same type and attribute information, and are connected in the same arrangement, forming the largest number of such elements, as the third element group. By extracting the plurality of interconnected elements that are commonly contained in both the first and second element groups as the third element, the element groups can be appropriately hierarchized to improve operational efficiency.

[0060] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit extracts an element group consisting of at least one element that is commonly included in the first element group and the second element group, and whose corresponding element type and attribute information are the same and specific, and which is adjacent to the same element outside the element group, and the same element outside the element group, as the third element group. Thus, by extracting the same element that is commonly included in the first element group and the second element group and is adjacent to the same element outside the element group as the third element, it is possible to appropriately hierarchize the element group by also taking into account the elements outside the element group.

[0061] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit receives a user's setting for extracting a group of elements commonly contained in the first and second element groups, and extracts the third element group from the first and second element groups based on the set conditions. In this way, the user can arbitrarily set the conditions for extracting a group of elements commonly contained in the first and second element groups, thus enabling the element groups to be appropriately hierarchically arranged according to the intended use or purpose.

[0062] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit displays the hierarchical relationship of the first element group, the second element group, and the third element group on a display unit. This allows the user to easily grasp the hierarchical relationship of the element groups.

[0063] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit accepts a user's selection of processing for the third element group, and executes the selected processing for each of the third element groups used in the drawing. Thus, the user can process third element groups belonging to a higher level simultaneously, enabling more efficient operation compared to performing work individually for each first and second element group.

[0064] Some implementations of the information processing method include: a step whereby a control unit of an information processing device acquires a first element group and a second element group consisting of elements used in a drawing; a step whereby the control unit extracts a third element group from the first element group and the second element group as an element group commonly included in the first element group and the second element group; and a step whereby the control unit hierarchically stores the first element group, the second element group, and the third element group in a storage unit such that the third element group belongs to a higher level than the first element group and the second element group. In this way, the third element group, as an element group commonly included in the first element group and the second element group, is automatically extracted and hierarchically stored in a manner where the third element group belongs to a higher level than the first element group and the second element group. Therefore, users can perform operations based on the third element group, which belongs to a higher level, thus enabling more efficient operation compared to performing operations individually on the first and second element groups.

[0065] Some implementations involve programs that enable a computer to function as the aforementioned information processing apparatus. In this way, a third element group, which is a group of elements commonly included in both the first and second element groups, is automatically extracted and stored hierarchically in a manner that the third element group belongs to a higher level than the first and second element groups. Therefore, users can perform tasks more efficiently by using the third element group, which belongs to a higher level, compared to performing tasks individually for each of the first and second element groups.

[0066] Some embodiments of the information processing apparatus include: a control unit that, upon receiving a user's selection of a first element group as a group of elements consisting of at least one element used in a drawing, retrieves from the drawing element groups that match the selected first element group; classifies the element groups matching the first element group into element groups matching a second element group and element groups matching a third element group based on predetermined conditions or conditions specified by the user; and hierarchically stores the second and third element groups in a storage unit at a lower level than the first element group. In this way, element groups matching the first element group are extracted from the drawing, and the extracted element groups are further subdivided into second and third element groups based on predetermined conditions or conditions specified by the user. Therefore, it is possible to focus on specific element groups and efficiently perform operations on element groups that match the user's desired conditions.

[0067] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit classifies element groups that conform to the first element group, such that the attribute information of at least one element in that element group satisfies certain conditions, into element groups that conform to the second element group, and classifies element groups that do not satisfy the certain conditions into element groups that conform to the third element group. In this way, by further subdividing the element groups that conform to the first element group based on the attribute information of the elements contained in those element groups, it is possible to focus on specific element groups and efficiently perform operations on element groups that conform to the user's desired conditions.

[0068] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit, among element groups that correspond to the first element group, classifies element groups whose adjacent elements satisfy certain conditions into element groups that correspond to the second element group, and classifies element groups that do not satisfy the certain conditions into element groups that correspond to the third element group. In this way, by further subdividing the element groups that correspond to the first element group based on their adjacent elements, it is possible to focus on specific element groups and efficiently perform operations on element groups that meet the user's desired conditions.

[0069] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit displays image or text information representing the hierarchical relationship of the first element group, the second element group, and the third element group on a display unit. This allows the user to easily grasp the hierarchical relationship of the element groups.

[0070] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit displays the drawing on a display unit in a manner that allows identification of portions corresponding to the first element group, the second element group, and the third element group. Thus, the user can easily determine which portion of the drawing corresponds to the first element group, the second element group, and the third element group.

[0071] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit receives a user's selection of an element group from one of the first, second, and third element groups; receives a user's selection of a common process for element groups that match the selected element group; and executes the common process selected for each element group that matches the selected element group. In this way, the common process is executed for each element group in the drawing that matches the element group selected by the user, thus enabling the same processing to be performed on each element group simultaneously with a simple operation.

[0072] Some implementations of the information processing method include: a step whereby a control unit of an information processing device accepts a selection from a user of a first element group consisting of at least one element used in a drawing; a step whereby the control unit retrieves from the drawing element groups that match the accepted first element group; a step whereby the control unit classifies the element groups that match the first element group into element groups that match a second element group and element groups that match a third element group based on predetermined conditions or conditions specified by the user; and a step whereby the control unit hierarchically stores the second element group and the third element group in a storage unit at a lower level than the first element group. In this way, element groups that match the first element group are extracted from the drawing, and then the extracted element groups are further subdivided into second and third element groups based on predetermined conditions or conditions specified by the user. Therefore, it is possible to focus on specific element groups and efficiently perform operations on element groups that match the user's desired conditions.

[0073] Some implementations involve procedures that enable a computer to function as the aforementioned information processing apparatus. In this way, focusing on a first group of elements, elements matching the first group are extracted from the drawing, and then the extracted groups of elements are further subdivided into second and third groups of elements based on predetermined conditions or conditions specified by the user. Therefore, it is possible to focus on specific groups of elements and efficiently perform operations on groups of elements that match the user's desired conditions.

[0074] Some embodiments of the information processing apparatus include: a control unit that receives a selection of a location or area in a drawing from a first user; receives a communication from the first user to a second user regarding the location or area selected by the first user; stores in a storage unit a tag indicating the selected location or area as associated with communication information indicating the communication message; and displays the communication message corresponding to the location or area on the drawing to which the communication message was assigned on a display unit. In this way, the communication message from the first user to the second user is displayed corresponding to the location or area on the drawing, allowing the second user to easily grasp the location or area to be identified in the drawing and the communication message corresponding to that location or area. This enables multiple people to efficiently create drawings.

[0075] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit causes the position or area on the drawing indicated by the marking information to be represented in a different manner, and displays the drawing on the display unit. In this way, the position or area of ​​the drawing assigned to the communication is displayed in a different manner, allowing a second user to easily grasp the position or area of ​​the drawing assigned to the communication. Consequently, multiple people can efficiently create drawings.

[0076] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit, in response to a specific operation input performed by the first user or the second user, switches and displays the location or area to which the message is assigned on the display unit. Thus, in response to the user's operation input, the location or area to which the message is assigned is switched for display, allowing for the identification of all locations to which the message is assigned without omission.

[0077] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit receives a selection of importance from the first user, where importance indicates the degree to which action should be taken for each selected location or area. For each selected location or area, the control unit stores importance information, representing the importance of that location or area, in association with the marking information in a storage unit. Corresponding to a specific operation input performed by the first user or the second user, the control unit switches and displays the locations or areas assigned the communication task on the display unit in descending order of importance. Thus, by switching and displaying locations or areas in descending order of importance in response to user input, locations assigned the communication task can be identified according to the order of necessity for investigation.

[0078] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit accepts the assignment of the communication request through character input or option selection. Thus, the user can assign a communication request to a location or area in a drawing through character input or option selection.

[0079] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, a control unit is included. This control unit receives a second communication request from a second user regarding a selected location or area received from the first user. It then stores, in association, second communication information representing the second communication request, and marker information representing the location or area where the second communication request was received, or other communication information already stored associated with the marker information, in a storage unit. The second communication request is then displayed on a display unit corresponding to the location or area to which it was assigned. In this way, not only communication requests from the first user but also communication requests from the second user are displayed corresponding to locations or areas in the drawing, thus making it easy to grasp the discussion in the drawing that should be of interest.

[0080] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit stores response information in the storage unit in association with each of the marker information and its corresponding marker information. This response information indicates whether the second user or the first user has responded to or acknowledged a location or area assigned as a communication from the first user to the second user. Based on the response information, the control unit displays a mark on the display unit indicating whether the second user or the first user has responded to or acknowledged the communication for each location or area assigned the communication. Thus, by using marks to indicate whether other users have responded to or acknowledged a location or area assigned a communication by a certain user, it is easy to identify areas where responses have been completed and areas where responses have not been completed.

[0081] Some implementations of the information processing method include: a step whereby a control unit of an information processing device receives a selection of a location or area from a first user on a drawing; a step whereby the control unit receives a communication from the first user to a second user regarding the location or area selected by the first user; a step whereby the control unit stores, in association with a marker indicating the selected location or area, and a communication indicating the communication, in a storage unit; and a step whereby the control unit displays the communication corresponding to the location or area on the drawing to which the communication was assigned on a display unit. In this way, by displaying the communication from the first user to the second user corresponding to the location or area on the drawing, the second user can easily grasp the location or area to be identified on the drawing, and the communication corresponding to that location or area. Therefore, drawings can be created efficiently by multiple people.

[0082] Some implementations involve programs that enable a computer to function as the aforementioned information processing device. This allows the information communicated from the first user to the second user to be displayed in correspondence with the location or area on the drawing, thus enabling the second user to easily grasp the location or area to be identified on the drawing, and the corresponding communication information. Consequently, drawings can be created efficiently by multiple people.

[0083] Some embodiments of the information processing apparatus include: a control unit that, in a drawing represented by graphic elements, accepts a user's selection of a region containing multiple graphics; extracts from the drawing a first element represented by a graphic that is completely contained within the selected region; extracts from the drawing a second element represented by a graphic that intersects the boundary of the selected region; extracts a third element from the second element based on the positional relationship between the graphic representing the second element and the boundary; and stores a set of elements consisting of the first element and the third element as an element group selected by the user in a storage unit. In this way, instead of simply selecting elements represented by graphics contained within the user-selected region as an element group, elements contained in the element group are extracted from elements represented by graphics intersecting the boundary of the region based on the positional relationship between the boundary of the region and the graphic. Therefore, the user can quickly select the desired element group with simple operation without performing precise and careful work.

[0084] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit extracts the third element from the second element, wherein the area of ​​the portion of the graphic representing the second element contained within the region is at least a predetermined value relative to the total area of ​​the graphic. In this way, elements whose portions extend beyond the boundary of the region are also included in the element group, allowing the user to quickly and easily select the desired element group without requiring precise and careful work.

[0085] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the connection relationships between elements are represented by connecting lines in the drawing. The control unit extracts the element among the second elements that is connected to one of the first elements by the same connecting line, and designates it as the third element. In this way, elements of the graphic whose boundaries cross the region and which are connected to the first element contained within the region are included in the element group. Therefore, the user can quickly select the desired element group with simple operation without performing precise and careful work.

[0086] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit extracts the third element based on the positional relationship between the boundary of the region and the center of the graphic representing the second element. Thus, among the elements of the graphic traversed by the boundary of the region, elements contained in the element group are extracted based on the positional relationship between the center of the graphic and the boundary of the region. Therefore, the user can quickly select the desired element group with simple operation without performing precise and careful work.

[0087] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit extracts the third element based on the positional relationship between the point where the boundary of the region intersects the periphery of the graphic representing the second element and the center of the graphic representing the second element. Thus, among the elements of the graphic traversed by the boundary of the region, elements included in the element group are extracted based on the positional relationship between the point where the periphery of the graphic intersects the boundary of the region and the center of the graphic. Therefore, the user can quickly select the desired element group with simple operation without performing precise and careful work.

[0088] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit uses a trajectory drawn on the drawing by operating a pointing device or a touch panel as the boundary of the area, and accepts the selection of the area from the user. Thus, the user can easily select the desired group of elements by operating the pointing device or the touch panel.

[0089] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit accepts a first operation on a first position of the drawing via an indicator device or a touch panel, and accepts a second operation on a second position of the drawing via the same indicator device or touch panel. The user selects a rectangular area, the rectangular area having the first position and the second position as its two ends (diagonal). Thus, the user can easily select a desired group of elements by operating the indicator device or the touch panel.

[0090] Some implementations of the information processing method include: a step in which a control unit of an information processing device accepts a selection of a region containing multiple graphics from a drawing represented by graphic elements; a step in which the control unit extracts a first element represented by a graphic that is completely contained within the selected region from the drawing; a step in which the control unit extracts a second element represented by a graphic that intersects the boundary of the selected region from the drawing; a step in which the control unit extracts a third element from the second element based on the positional relationship between the graphic representing the second element and the boundary; and a step in which the control unit stores a set of elements consisting of the first element and the third element as an element group selected by the user in a storage unit. In this way, instead of simply selecting elements represented by graphics contained within the region selected by the user as an element group, elements contained in the element group are extracted from elements represented by graphics that intersect the boundary of the region, based on the positional relationship between the boundary of the region and the graphic. Therefore, the user can quickly select the desired element group with simple operation without performing precise and careful work.

[0091] Some implementations involve procedures that enable a computer to function as the aforementioned information processing device. Instead of simply selecting elements represented by graphics within a user-selected area as an element group, the program extracts elements from graphics intersecting the boundary of the area, based on the positional relationship between the boundary and the graphics. Thus, the user can quickly and easily select the desired element group without performing precise and careful work.

[0092] Some embodiments of the information processing apparatus include a control unit that, in a drawing represented by graphic elements, receives a user's selection of a region containing a graphic representing a first element, and after receiving the region selection, receives a user's selection of a second element. Based on at least one of the time elapsed from receiving the region selection until receiving the second element selection, and the positional relationship between the region and the graphic representing the second element, a set of elements consisting of either the first element contained within the selected region, or the set of elements consisting of both the first and second elements, is stored as an element group selected by the user in a storage unit. Thus, based on at least one of the time elapsed from the region selection to the graphic selection, and the positional relationship between the selected region and the graphic, it is determined whether to include only the elements represented by the graphic contained within the region as an element group, or to include the elements represented by the graphic selected after the region selection in the element group. Therefore, it is possible to automatically determine whether the operation performed after the region selection is an operation associated with the most recent selection operation, or corresponds to a new selection operation, and to add elements to the temporarily selected element group with a simple operation.

[0093] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, if the time from accepting the selection of the area to accepting the selection of the second element is within a predetermined time, the control unit stores the set of elements consisting of the first element and the second element as an element group selected by the user in the storage unit. Therefore, by temporarily selecting an element group and then selecting an element within a predetermined time, the user can add that element to the element group. Thus, it is possible to easily add elements to a temporarily selected element group.

[0094] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, when the distance between the region and the graphic representing the second element is less than a predetermined distance, the control unit stores the set of elements consisting of the first element and the second element as an element group selected by the user in the storage unit. Therefore, by temporarily selecting an element group and then selecting an element that exists near that element group, the user can add that element to the element group. Thus, it is possible to easily add elements to a temporarily selected element group.

[0095] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the connection relationships between elements are represented by connecting lines in the drawing. When at least one of the second element and the first element is connected by the same connecting line, the control unit stores the set of elements consisting of the first element and the second element as an element group selected by the user in the storage unit. Therefore, by temporarily selecting an element group, the user can add that element to the element group by selecting an element that is strongly related to one of the elements in that element group and exists on the same connecting line. Thus, it is possible to easily add elements to a temporarily selected element group.

[0096] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the control unit, in addition to accepting the elements represented by the graphic contained within the selected area, also extracts the elements represented by the graphic that intersect the boundary of the area as the first element. Thus, the user can extract not only elements whose graphic is entirely contained within the selected area, but also elements of the graphic that intersects the boundary of the area as the first element, thereby enabling the selection of a desired group of elements with simple operation.

[0097] In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus, after accepting the selection of the region, if the user drags the graphic representing the second element towards the region, the set of elements consisting of the first element and the second element is stored as the element group selected by the user in the storage unit. Thus, the user can select the desired element group through an intuitively understandable operation.

[0098] Some implementations of the information processing method include: a step in which a control unit of an information processing device accepts a user's selection of a region containing a graphic representing a first element in a drawing of graphic elements; a step in which, after accepting the selection of the region, the control unit accepts a user's selection of a second element; and a step in which the control unit, based on at least one of the time from accepting the selection of the region until accepting the selection of the second element, and the positional relationship between the region and the graphic representing the second element, stores as an element group selected by the user in a storage unit a set of elements consisting of the first element contained within the selected region, and a set of elements consisting of the first element and the second element. Thus, based on at least one of the time between the selection of the region and the selection of the graphic, it is determined whether to set only the elements represented by the graphic contained within the region as an element group, or to include the elements represented by the graphic selected after the selection of the region in the element group. Therefore, it can automatically determine whether the operation performed after the selection of a region is related to the most recent selection operation or corresponds to a new selection operation, and can easily add the elements to be added to the temporarily selected group of elements.

[0099] Some implementations involve a program that enables a computer to function as the aforementioned information processing apparatus. Thus, based on at least one of the time between the selection of a region and the selection of a graphic, it is determined whether to define only the elements represented by the graphic contained within the region as an element group, or to include the elements represented by the graphic selected after the region's selection in the element group. Therefore, it is possible to automatically determine whether the operation performed after the region's selection is an operation associated with the most recent selection operation or corresponds to a new selection operation, and to easily add elements to the temporarily selected element group.

[0100] Invention Effects

[0101] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, all element groups corresponding to a specific element group can be easily extracted from a drawing with less time. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, multiple identical element groups consisting of at least one element can be processed simultaneously with simple operation. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, defective or incomplete elements can be easily extracted from a drawing with less time. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, editing or correction work targeting element groups corresponding to multiple types of element groups can be performed more efficiently. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, focusing on a specific element group allows for efficient operation on element groups that meet the user's desired conditions. According to one embodiment of this disclosure, drawings can be efficiently produced by multiple people. According to one embodiment of this disclosure, desired element groups can be quickly selected with simple operation. According to one embodiment of this disclosure, for temporarily selected element groups, additional elements can be added with simple operation. Attached Figure Description

[0102] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of an information processing system that includes an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0103] Figure 2 This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit connected to an information processing device.

[0104] Figure 3 This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit connected to an information processing device.

[0105] Figure 4 This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit connected to an information processing device.

[0106] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0107] Figure 6 This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit connected to an information processing device.

[0108] Figure 7 This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit connected to an information processing device.

[0109] Figure 8 This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit connected to an information processing device.

[0110] Figure 9A This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0111] Figure 9B This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0112] Figure 9C This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0113] Figure 10 This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit connected to an information processing device.

[0114] Figure 11 This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit connected to an information processing device.

[0115] Figure 12 This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit connected to an information processing device.

[0116] Figure 13 This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit connected to an information processing device.

[0117] Figure 14 This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit connected to an information processing device.

[0118] Figure 15 This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit connected to an information processing device.

[0119] Figure 16 This is a diagram representing an example of an image that represents the classification of different points based on a group of elements.

[0120] Figure 17A This is a diagram representing an example of a classification item based on different points of an element group.

[0121] Figure 17B This is a diagram representing an example of a classification item based on different points of an element group.

[0122] Figure 17C This is a diagram representing an example of a classification item based on different points of an element group.

[0123] Figure 18 This is a diagram representing an example of scoring based on differences in a group of elements.

[0124] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0125] Figure 20 It is a schematic representation of a hierarchical group of elements based on a group of elements commonly contained in the public domain.

[0126] Figure 21This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0127] Figure 22 This is a diagram representing an example of a group of elements classified based on a group of elements that are publicly contained.

[0128] Figure 23 This is a diagram representing an example of a group of elements classified based on a group of elements that are publicly contained.

[0129] Figure 24 It is a diagram that schematically represents the process of classifying a group of elements based on adjacent elements.

[0130] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0131] Figure 26 It is a diagram that schematically represents the process of classifying a group of elements based on their incomplete content.

[0132] Figure 27 It is a diagram that schematically illustrates the process of classifying groups of elements using various criteria.

[0133] Figure 28 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of an information processing system that includes an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0134] Figure 29 This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit connected to an information processing device.

[0135] Figure 30 This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit connected to an information processing device.

[0136] Figure 31A It is a diagram that schematically illustrates a user interface for modifying the settings of elements.

[0137] Figure 31B It is a diagram that schematically illustrates a user interface for modifying the settings of elements.

[0138] Figure 32 This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit connected to an information processing device.

[0139] Figure 33 This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit connected to an information processing device.

[0140] Figure 34 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0141] Figure 35 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0142] Figure 36 It is a diagram that schematically represents the operation of selecting a group of elements.

[0143] Figure 37 It is a diagram that schematically represents the relationship between the graphic representing the group of elements and the selected area.

[0144] Figure 38A It is a diagram that schematically represents the operation of selecting a group of elements.

[0145] Figure 38B It is a diagram that schematically represents the operation of selecting a group of elements.

[0146] Figure 39 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0147] Figure 40A It is a diagram that schematically represents the operation of selecting a group of elements.

[0148] Figure 40B It is a diagram that schematically represents the operation of selecting a group of elements.

[0149] Figure 40C It is a diagram that schematically represents the operation of selecting a group of elements.

[0150] Figure 41A It is a diagram that schematically represents the operation of selecting a group of elements.

[0151] Figure 41B It is a diagram that schematically represents the operation of selecting a group of elements.

[0152] Figure 42 It is a diagram that schematically represents the operation of selecting a group of elements.

[0153] Label Explanation

[0154] 1.2 Information Processing System

[0155] 10. Information processing device

[0156] 11 Control Department

[0157] 12 Storage Department

[0158] 13 Ministry of Communications

[0159] Input sections 14 and 16

[0160] Display sections 15 and 17

[0161] 120 terminal

[0162] 121 storage units

[0163] 122 Rule Storage Department

[0164] 123 Drawing Storage Department

[0165] 124 Criticism / Corresponding Storage Unit

[0166] 130 terminal

[0167] 140 External storage devices

[0168] 150 Network

[0169] Display areas 151, 152, and 153

[0170] Users 201, 202, and 203

[0171] Users 211, 212, and 213 Detailed Implementation

[0172] The following description refers to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are assigned the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, descriptions of the same or corresponding parts are appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0173] [Comparative Example]

[0174] Patent Document 1 describes an operating system for touch-screen operation of a monitoring screen displayed on an operator monitoring terminal in a workshop monitoring and control system for controlling the operation of workshop machines. In this system, the user can display detailed drawings representing the structure of the workshop system or switch display modes by touching symbols representing workshop machines.

[0175] In systems such as workshops, multiple workshop machines are sometimes combined in a certain configuration and used in multiple locations. Therefore, during the stage of creating or updating drawings such as P&IDs that represent the structure of the workshop, users sometimes need to edit or correct elements that correspond to a specific group of elements consisting of at least one element. In such cases, the user needs to visually select and extract the group of elements that are the object of editing or correction from the drawing.

[0176] However, visually extracting element groups is time-consuming and prone to human error, such as missing or incorrectly extracting elements that should or should not be extracted. This is especially true when visually extracting element groups from drawings of large-scale systems like those in a workshop, which requires significant time and effort and increases the likelihood of errors.

[0177] [Implementation of this disclosure]

[0178] The following description refers to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are assigned the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, descriptions of the same or corresponding parts are appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0179] <First Implementation>

[0180] (Structure of an information processing system)

[0181] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the structure of an information processing system 1 that includes an information processing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The information processing system 1 includes an information processing apparatus 10, an input unit 14, a display unit 15, a terminal 120, a terminal 130, an external storage device 140, and a network 150. The information processing apparatus 10, the terminal 120, the terminal 130, and the external storage device 140 are interconnected via the network 150 in a communicative manner. The number of terminals 120 and 130 is not limited, and desktop terminals, portable terminals (laptops, personal computers, tablets, or smartphones, etc.) can be used appropriately.

[0182] The information processing device 10 can easily extract all element groups matching a specific element group from a drawing with minimal time by automatically retrieving element groups from the drawing that match the element group selected by the user 201. The information processing device 10 is one or more server devices capable of communicating with each other. The information processing device 10 itself may have a display unit to show the user the results of the element group retrieval, etc., or other terminals may receive the processing performed in the information processing device 10 and display the results. The information processing device 10 can be any general-purpose electronic machine such as a WS (Workstation) or PC (Personal Computer), or it can be other dedicated electronic machines. Figure 1 As shown, the information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13, and is connected to the input unit 14 and the display unit 15 in a communicative manner.

[0183] The control unit 11 includes one or more processors. In one embodiment, the "processor" is a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor for a specific process, but is not limited thereto. The control unit 11 is communicatively connected to each structural part constituting the information processing device 10 and controls the operation of the information processing device 10 as a whole.

[0184] Storage unit 12 includes any storage module, including HDD, SSD, EEPROM, ROM, and RAM. Storage unit 12 can function as a main storage device, auxiliary storage device, or cache memory, for example. Storage unit 12 stores any information used in the operation of information processing device 10. For example, storage unit 12 can also store system programs, application programs, and various information received by communication unit 13. Storage unit 12 is not limited to being built into information processing device 10; it can also be an external database or external storage module connected via a digital input / output port such as USB. HDD is short for Hard Disk Drive. SSD is short for Solid State Drive. EEPROM is short for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. ROM is short for Read-Only Memory. RAM is short for Random Access Memory. USB is short for Universal Serial Bus.

[0185] In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 includes a group storage unit 121, a rule storage unit 122, and a drawing storage unit 123. The group storage unit 121 stores a group list 131, which represents a group of elements that are a collection (group) of elements composed of at least one element contained in the drawing. The information processing device 10 processes the drawing representing the structure of a system such as a workshop. Each element in the drawing represents a different machine that constitutes the system.

[0186] The rule storage unit 122 stores rules 132 used when retrieving or interpreting a group of elements from a drawing. In this embodiment, the information processing device 10, in addition to identifying the shape / appearance through pattern matching or image recognition, can use semantic models, graph theory, ontology, etc., to understand / interpret the content of the group of elements, specifically for the drawing and the constituent elements and relationships between them. The rule storage unit 122 stores the information required for the retrieval and interpretation. The semantic model is a model representing the drawing class used in the engineering of a process control system by representing first information about the elements contained in the drawing class and second information about the relationships between the elements. Furthermore, the rule storage unit 122 may also store the rules for recording the drawing that is the object of processing such as retrieval. The rules for recording the drawing are different marking rules for each drawing, such as using a symbol to represent a can, or using a red solid line to represent 〇〇, etc. In addition, the rule storage unit 122 may store at least one piece of information related to the rules required for the processing of the drawing.

[0187] The drawing storage unit 123 stores the data of drawing 133. The drawing uses numerous elements to represent large-scale systems such as workshops. The drawing specifies the types and attribute information of each element, as well as their arrangement. Attribute information indicates the nature of an element or the conditions under which it operates; each element in the drawing is assigned at least one attribute. For example, as a property of the element "can," it may be assigned attribute information indicating the material of the can (e.g., stainless steel). Or, as a condition for operation, it may be assigned a value indicating that a specific action is performed if the amount of contents exceeds a certain value (e.g., 500 liters). Furthermore, information indicating which element in a connected relationship exists upstream or downstream can be predetermined and stored in the drawing 133 itself. Information indicating which element in a connected relationship is upstream or downstream can be, for example, set as an element in the upper left or upper part of the drawing corresponding to upstream, indicating a determination based on the positional relationship on the drawing, or, for example, set as From / To information in the digital P&ID. Some or all of the information stored in the group storage unit 121, the rule storage unit 122, and the drawing storage unit 123 may also be stored in the external storage device 140. The drawing may be stored as vector data in digital P&ID or the like, but alternatively, it may be stored as bitmap data obtained by scanning a drawing written on paper (a handwritten drawing or a drawing made by CAD or the like and printed out), or as data obtained by transforming it into different forms (e.g., raster data, vector data, etc.).

[0188] The communication unit 13 includes an arbitrary communication module capable of communicating with other devices such as the input unit 14, the display unit 15, or the terminal 130 via any communication technology. The communication unit 13 may also include a communication control module for controlling communication with other devices, and a storage module for storing communication data such as identification information required for communication with other devices.

[0189] The input unit 14 accepts input operations from the user 201 and includes one or more input interfaces for obtaining input information based on the user 201's operations. In this embodiment, as an example, the input unit 14 is described as being constructed as a touchscreen integrated with the display of the display unit 15. Of course, the input unit 14 can also be replaced by physical keys, electrostatic capacitive keys, a keyboard, or an indicator device. By using the operation of an indicator device, trackball, or touchpad, the cursor can be moved to the desired position, thereby selecting an area in the drawing.

[0190] Display unit 15 is a display that shows an image representing information such as drawings to user 201. Display unit 15 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display. Furthermore, at least one of the input unit 14 and display unit 15 can be integrally formed with information processing device 10 or can be provided separately. For example, information processing device 10 may be dedicated to processing, and the user may display and confirm the processing result on a display unit of terminal 120 or terminal 130, etc.

[0191] The functions of the information processing device 10 can be implemented by the processor included in the control unit 11 executing the program (computer program) involved in this embodiment. That is, the functions of the information processing device 10 can be implemented by software. The program enables the computer to perform the processing of the steps included in the operation of the information processing device 10, thereby enabling the computer to perform the functions corresponding to each step. In other words, the program is a program for enabling the computer to function as the information processing device 10 involved in this embodiment.

[0192] Programs can be pre-recorded on computer-readable recording media. Computer-readable recording media include magnetic recording devices, optical discs, optical-magnetic recording media, or semiconductor memory. Program distribution occurs, for example, through the sale, transfer, or lending of removable recording media such as DVDs or CD-ROMs containing the program. "DVD" is short for Digital Versatile Disc. "CD-ROM" is short for Compact Disc Read Only Memory. Programs can also be distributed by pre-storing them in a server's storage and then forwarding them from the server to other computers via a network. Programs can also be provided as program products.

[0193] Computers may temporarily store programs recorded on removable recording media or programs forwarded from servers in main storage. The computer's processor then reads the program stored in main storage and executes processing according to the read program. Alternatively, the computer may directly read a program from a removable recording medium and execute processing according to the program. The computer may also execute processing according to the acquired program each time a program is forwarded from a server. Such processing can also be performed using so-called ASP-type services, which do not forward programs from servers to computers but only execute instructions and obtain results. "ASP" is short for Application Service Provider. In a program, information is contained for computer processing and is considered part of the program. For example, data that, while not direct instructions to the computer, has the nature of specifying computer processing is equivalent to "information considered part of the program."

[0194] Some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 can also be implemented by dedicated circuits included in the control unit 11. That is, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 can also be implemented by hardware. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 can be implemented by a single information processing device, or by multiple information processing devices or by cooperation with terminals 120, 130, etc.

[0195] Terminal 120 is the information processing device used by user 202. Terminal 130 is the information processing device used by user 203. In this embodiment, an example of user 201 operating the information processing device 10 via input unit 14 and display unit 15 is described, but the information processing device 10 can also be used from devices such as terminal 120 or terminal 130 via network 150.

[0196] External storage device 140 is a storage device that supplements the storage of storage unit 12 of information processing device 10. As described above, external storage device 140 may also store part or all of the information stored in group storage unit 121, rule storage unit 122, and drawing storage unit 123. External storage device 140 can be implemented by any storage device such as HDD or SSD.

[0197] (Example of action)

[0198] Figures 2-4 This diagram shows an example of the screen displayed on the display unit 15 connected to the information processing device 10. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the display unit 15 displays a display area 151 showing a drawing representing the structure of the workshop and a display area 152 showing information about the selected group of elements in the drawing.

[0199] Figure 2 This example illustrates a scenario where user 201 selects area 21 in a drawing via touch operation 81 on a touch panel, choosing an element group consisting of a valve, element A, and element B. The selection of an element group can also be performed using cursor movement on an indicator device, instead of touch operation on the touch panel with a finger or stylus.

[0200] The selected group of elements, their arrangement, and attribute information can be stored as registration group information in the group storage section 121 of the storage section 12. Figure 2 In the example, the selected element group is the second registered group and is assigned an identifier such as group No. 002. The information processing device 10 can store a large number of element groups in advance for later reuse.

[0201] Figure 2 This illustrates an example where the display area 152 on the right side of the screen displays an area 31 showing elements related to the selected group, as well as an area 32 displaying information such as the attribute information set for that group. The display area 152 can be used as a UI (User Interface) for the user 201 to refer to group-related information, or to perform operations such as editing, information analysis, or screen navigation. The information displayed in the display area 152 can also be displayed near the area 21 selected by the user 201 in the drawing via a pop-up window or similar means.

[0202] Figure 3The process of retrieving element groups from the drawing that match the element groups contained in region 21 is explained. When the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 and the user 201 select region 21 and select element groups, the corresponding element groups are used as the search element groups. The drawing is then searched for element groups that match the search element groups, and the retrieved element groups are displayed together with the drawing displayed on the display unit 15.

[0203] exist Figure 3 In the example, the element group selected by the user consists of three elements from upstream: valve, element A, and element B. The control unit 11 first searches the drawing for valves that are identical to the upstream valve in the searched element group (valves with the same attribute information, such as model and required settings). Next, the control unit 11 checks if there is an element A connected to the downstream side of the searched valve. Then, the control unit 11 checks if there is an element B at the downstream end. If all elements and their arrangement match the searched element group, the control unit 11 determines that they belong to the same group. Figure 3 In the example, up to the process of retrieving element A, the following were extracted: Figure 3 The element group within region 21 and element groups 22-24 are selected as candidates. However, element group 23 has an element C, which is different from the search element group, as its downstream element. Therefore, the control unit 11 determines that element group 23 does not belong to the search target.

[0204] In this way, the control unit 11 identifies, for example, the upstream element within the element group included in the search element group as the priority element and searches for elements in the drawing that match the priority element. Then, starting from the priority element, the control unit 11 sequentially determines whether other adjacent elements match the search element group. Therefore, even if a priority element is detected, if adjacent elements do not match, the process of comparing the priority element with the search element group is interrupted at the moment of non-match, thus improving processing efficiency. Furthermore, based on the information in the drawing and the connection relationships of the elements, the control unit 11 determines the upstream element among at least two mutually connected elements in the drawing. Specifically, for example, information indicating which element between two mutually connected elements exists upstream or downstream can be predetermined, and the control unit 11 refers to this information to determine the upstream element. Alternatively, if a recording rule exists where the upstream element in the drawing is recorded on the left or above, the control unit 11 can also determine which element is upstream based on this recording rule and the positional relationship of multiple mutually connected elements. At this time, although elements that are generally considered to be upstream are listed on the left or top of the drawing, if a specific rule applies to a fluid (such as a gas) and places upstream elements below, the control unit 11 can also determine the upstream element based on that rule. Alternatively, as mentioned above, if the drawing itself contains information indicating which element is upstream or downstream (e.g., From / To in digital P&ID), the control unit 11 can also use that information to determine the upstream element. Furthermore, the priority element is not limited to the upstream element within the element group; for elements with high importance in the drawing or element group, the priority can be determined either according to the priority order in the rule data stored in the rule storage unit 122 or by user specification.

[0205] Furthermore, the control unit 11 retrieves element groups from the drawing that are determined to be consistent with the searched element group in terms of the types of elements constituting the element group, the attribute information held by each element, and the arrangement (connection order) between the elements. These are considered element groups that match the searched element group, but the criteria for determining consistency are not limited to this. For example, the control unit 11 may also retrieve any element group whose types of elements constituting the element group and the arrangement between the elements match the searched element group, even if at least some of the attribute information is different. The control unit 11 may also set the range of element groups that the user 201 accepts as matching the searched element group. Settings that are frequently used in such settings can be stored in the rule storage unit 122 and other similar units, and used as needed. New user settings or settings that modify existing settings can also be stored in the rule storage unit 122 and other similar units for reuse.

[0206] Figure 4 This illustrates an example of retrieving and displaying a group of elements from a drawing that matches the group of elements contained in area 21 of display area 151. The control unit 11 can also display the drawing on display unit 15 in a manner that distinguishes the retrieved group of elements from the rest of the drawing. Figure 4 In the display unit 15, the element groups within area 21 that are determined to match the searched element group (the element group within area 21), as well as element groups 25 and 26, are displayed in a manner different from other elements. For example, the control unit 11 may display the elements that match the searched element group using a different color than other elements, or by adding specific markers. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may change the line type of the searched element group or assign information such as group number or group name to identify the group. The control unit 11 may also display one of the above combinations. In this way, the searched element group is displayed on the display unit 15 in a manner different from other elements, so the user 201 can easily identify the searched element group at a glance in the drawing displayed on the display unit 15.

[0207] exist Figure 4 In the example, display area 33 on the right side of the screen shows the number of element groups retrieved as matching the search element group. Display area 33 shows the following: there are 3 element groups matching the search element group in the drawing displayed in display area 152, and 45 element groups in the entire drawing (e.g., the entire drawing of the workshop) that includes other pages not displayed in display area 152.

[0208] exist Figure 4Display area 34 shows the distribution of element groups matching the search element group throughout the workshop. Box 341 indicates the area displayed in display area 151. Rectangles 342, 343, and 344 represent the areas within the workshop where the element groups serving as the search targets exist. In the elements constituting rectangle 342, there are 10 element groups matching the search element group, of which 3 are displayed in display area 151. In the elements constituting rectangle 343, there are 15 element groups matching the search element group, and in the elements constituting rectangle 344, there are 20 element groups matching the search element group. Figure 4 In the example, the distribution of element groups matching the searched element group is shown by a rectangle, but the display method is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 11 may also use dots to indicate the existence of an element group, use their density to indicate the presence and concentration of the element group, or represent geometric figures such as circles of different sizes corresponding to the number of element groups. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may display only the image corresponding to the distribution of element groups matching the searched element group, or it may display such an image together with the number of element groups. In this way, the control unit 11 may also display an image showing the distribution of each of the searched element groups in the drawing on the display unit 15. By referring to the image showing the distribution of the searched element groups, the user 201 can easily determine where the searched element groups are located in the drawing. Such a display is useful in the design and maintenance of drawings when it is necessary to perform work specifically on a certain group. Such work may include the correction of elements or the confirmation of the distribution of the searched element groups. In addition, the control unit 11 may set the search target range not as the entire workshop, but as a specific area selected by the user 201, and search for element groups that match the search element group accordingly.

[0209] If the element group specified by user 201 is registered (stored in storage unit 12 as a search element group), and an element group matching that element group is extracted from the drawing, control unit 11 can also store the location information of the extracted element group in storage unit 12. The location information of the element group can be, for example, set as: the page number (or drawing number) of the paginated drawing, the layer in the case of overlapping multiple drawings, the coordinates within the drawing used to determine the location of the element group, the pipes or wiring on which the element group exists, and at least one of the following information: its position relative to a reference pipe, etc. By storing such information, information processing device 10 can utilize information about a group that has been detected once without further retrieval.

[0210] Furthermore, even if the user 201 does not explicitly perform a search or register the search results, when a search element group is selected, the control unit 11 can automatically retrieve element groups from the drawing that match the search element group and store the location information of the retrieved element groups in the storage unit 12. Thus, the user 201 can utilize the search results as needed. For example, the user 201 can conveniently retrieve the group using a tablet terminal or similar device at a destination, and then utilize the automatically stored search results information when performing tasks such as drawing editing.

[0211] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after determining that the upstream valve matches the adjacent downstream element A, if the downstream element does not match element B (for example, element C), the control unit 11 simply treats it as not matching the element group and stops processing for that element. However, different processing can be performed as needed. For example, if the upstream valve matches element A but only the last element is different, there is commonality between the searched element group and the element group that verifies the match. Depending on the situation, it is also conceivable that if processing is performed considering this commonality, the work efficiency will be improved. Therefore, if the control unit 11 detects that the valve matches element A, even if the next element (element B) does not match, it can store the element group that matches the searched element group in the storage unit 12. At this time, the control unit 11 can also classify the element group downstream as element C, the element group downstream as element D, etc., and store the element group in the storage unit 12. By performing such processing, in the retrieval of a group (searched element group), it is possible to extract the parent group that is part of the searched element group and contains a smaller amount of common elements, and then reuse it as needed. For example, the control unit 11 may also locate the initially selected group of elements consisting of valve, element A, and element B as a higher-level "group containing valve and element A upstream" variation (lower-level group) and store it in the storage unit 12. Examples of hierarchical element grouping are described in detail in the fourth and fifth embodiments.

[0212] (Action process)

[0213] Next, refer to Figure 5 This explains the operation of the information processing device 10. (See reference) Figure 5 The operation of the information processing device 10 described herein is equivalent to the information processing method described in this embodiment, and the operation of each step is executed based on the control of the control unit 11. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0214] In step S1, the control unit 11 accepts the selection of element groups on the drawing through the user 201's operation on the input unit 14. The selected element group can be a collection of elements that perform a certain function. Specifically, the control unit 11 accepts the selection of element groups through touch panel operation, etc., but alternatively, it can accept the selection of element groups through cursor movement based on operation of the pointing device, etc. Exploratory methods related to the selection of element groups are also described in the seventh and eighth embodiments. Furthermore, the user can also use the already selected element groups (stored in the storage unit 12) as the search element groups without making a new selection, so step S1 can be omitted.

[0215] In step S2, the control unit 11 stores the selected element group in the storage unit 12. Thus, the control unit 11 registers the selected element group. Specifically, the control unit 11 stores the types of the elements constituting the group, as well as the connection relationships or arrangements of each element, in the storage unit 12. As needed, the control unit 11 also stores the attribute information assigned to each element in the storage unit 12. Furthermore, the control unit 11 can also set search conditions for retrieving element groups from the drawing according to the user's instructions. That is, the control unit 11 can also accept user requests to (a) retrieve element groups that are composed of elements whose types and arrangements are the same as those in the search element group, even if at least some of the attribute information of each element is different from the search element group, and thus be considered as element groups that match the search element group; or (b) retrieve only element groups whose types, attribute information, and arrangements are consistent with those in the search element group. Alternatively, the control unit 11 can also accept settings that treat elements whose attribute information falls within a certain range as having the same attribute information. For these search criteria, users can select from the predefined criteria stored in the rule storage unit 122, define their own criteria, or set new criteria independently. In any case, the predefined criteria can also be stored in the rule storage unit 122 for later use.

[0216] In step S3, the control unit 11 retrieves elements from the drawing that match the priority element among the elements included in the selected search element group. Specifically, the control unit 11 prioritizes elements located further upstream and retrieves a group of elements from the drawing that match the search element group. The search for the search element group is performed using rules stored in the rule storage unit 122. If the search result indicates that a priority element exists in the drawing (step S3: Yes), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S4; otherwise, if no priority element exists (step S3: No), the flowchart processing ends.

[0217] In step S4, the control unit 11 searches the drawing for elements adjacent to the retrieved elements that match the priority element, and then searches for elements within the retrieved element group that match the priority element. Based on this repeated process, the control unit 11 determines whether there exists an element group (excluding the priority element) whose elements match the retrieved element group. If such an element exists (step S4: Yes), the process proceeds to step S5; otherwise (step S4: No), the process ends.

[0218] In step S5, the control unit 11 determines that the retrieved element group (the place on the drawing that satisfies all the types / arrangements of the elements) matches the element group selected in step S1.

[0219] In step S6, the control unit 11 stores information related to the retrieved element group, such as location information, in the storage unit 12. Alternatively, in step S6, the control unit 11 may also store information indicating the location of the retrieved element group within the drawing in the storage unit 12 and end the flowchart processing. That is, the processing corresponding to S7 and S8 is not necessary and can be omitted. Once the element group is retrieved and the corresponding element group's location information is stored, this information can be retrieved and utilized when displaying it on the drawing or performing other processing later. The control unit 11 can also allow the user to refer to this information later and confirm the location of the element group as needed, or to retrieve and display the location information when processing is required.

[0220] In step S7, the control unit 11 displays the graphics representing the elements included in the retrieved element group on the display unit 15 in a manner different from the other elements. For example, the retrieved element group may also be highlighted. Furthermore, the processing in step S7 may only be performed if the user instructs that the retrieved element group be displayed in a manner different from the other elements.

[0221] In step S8, the control unit 11 may also display an image showing the distribution of each retrieved element group in the drawing on the display unit 15. The processing in step S8 may also be performed only if the user instructs that the distribution of the retrieved element groups be displayed.

[0222] Furthermore, the drawings used as the objects of retrieval for a group of elements can be not a single drawing, but multiple drawings. Additionally, the drawings used as the retrieval objects can represent the same workshop not just from a single drawing, but from multiple drawings. Alternatively, the drawings used as the retrieval objects can not be related to the same workshop, but can represent drawings from multiple workshops. A single drawing can be stored as a single file or as multiple files. Furthermore, individual drawings from multiple drawings can be stored as a single file, or multiple drawings can be aggregated and stored as a single file. Moreover, there is no limit to the number of data storage folders or data sheets; any number of drawings can be the retrieval objects.

[0223] As described above, the information processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment receives a selection from the user as a group of elements consisting of at least one element used in at least one drawing. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 10, for example, in one of the drawings included in the at least one drawing displayed on the display unit 15, selects a group of elements consisting of that element as a search element group based on the user's selection of at least one element. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 10 retrieves a group of elements from the at least one drawing that matches the selected search element group, and displays the retrieved group of elements on the display unit 15 in a manner that allows the user to identify its position on the drawing. Thus, by automatically retrieving a group of elements that matches the element group selected by the user and displaying it on the display unit 15 corresponding to its position on the drawing, the user does not need to visually extract the element group and can easily extract all elements matching a specific element group from the drawing with less time. Furthermore, since the selection of the element group to be searched is received on the drawing displayed on the display unit 15, the user can easily select the element group to be searched. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the selection of element groups in complex and large drawings can be made more efficient, and the operation time and labor costs can be reduced, as well as the operation errors can be reduced.

[0224] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in step S1, the user selects a search element group from the drawings displayed on the display unit 15, for example, using the pioneering methods of the seventh and eighth embodiments. However, the method for selecting the search element group is not limited to selecting from the drawings. For example, the control unit 11 may, for multiple candidate search element groups, represent the structure or shape of the element group using diagrams or the like outside the drawings displayed on the display unit 15, or display multiple registered (stored in the storage unit 12) element groups as menu information using text or the like in a selectable manner, so that the user can select the desired search element group. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may also provide a UI for the user to specify the desired search element group.

[0225] Furthermore, in accordance with user settings, the information processing device 10 retrieves from the drawing elements groups whose types of elements constituting the element group and their arrangement match the retrieved element group, or elements whose attribute information assigned to each element also matches the retrieved element group. Thus, the information processing device 10 can automatically retrieve element groups composed of elements whose types of elements constituting the element group and their arrangement match the retrieved element group, or elements whose attribute information assigned to each element also matches the retrieved element group. Regarding the consistency of attribute information, it can be freely set to complete consistency, partial consistency (main or specified partial consistency), etc., through settings changes or user specifications. When the main attribute information is consistent enough to be considered identical, the latter is selected. For example, information that is obviously different between elements in the drawing, such as label numbers (NO), is excluded from the criteria. Such criteria rules can also be stored in a rule storage unit and used as needed.

[0226] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 retrieves elements from the drawing that match the priority element among the elements included in the search element group, and then retrieves elements from the element adjacent to the retrieved priority element that match the priority element. Specifically, the information processing device 10 performs the search sequentially from the upstream element among the elements included in the search element group. In this way, the information processing device 10 reduces the search targets by performing the search sequentially from the priority element among the elements included in the search element group, thus enabling efficient searching. In other words, when the control unit 11 searches for an element group consisting of three elements from the drawing, it excludes places where the first element (priority element) does not exist. If the first element exists, but it is determined that there is no adjacent second element, the search is interrupted at that time as a mismatch. Therefore, according to this embodiment, useless processing is avoided, and efficient searching is possible.

[0227] <Second Implementation>

[0228] In this embodiment, a structure is described that performs a common process selected by user 201 on each of the same multiple element groups, thereby enabling the same process to be performed on each element group with a simple operation. Structures common to the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0229] (Example of action)

[0230] In the second embodiment, the control unit 11 first obtains and registers the same multiple element groups consisting of at least one element used in at least one drawing. The control unit 11 can obtain the same multiple element groups either by retrieving the same multiple element groups as the element groups selected by the user from the drawing, as in the first embodiment, or by reading the same multiple element groups that have been pre-stored in the storage unit 12.

[0231] The following describes an example of performing modifications or other processing on multiple groups of elements that have been registered. Figures 6-8 This diagram shows an example of the screen displayed on the display unit 15 connected to the information processing device 10. Figures 6-8 In this process, element groups identical to those consisting of valves, element A, and element B in area 21 are pre-selected (obtained). As shown in display area 152, there are 3 instances of the same element group as those consisting of valves, element A, and element B in the currently displayed drawing in display area 151, and 45 instances in the entire drawing containing this drawing (such as a drawing of the entire workshop). The control unit 11 can also emphasize the locations of these element groups in the drawing by changing their colors, etc.

[0232] exist Figure 6 In this context, user 201 selects area 21 (the group of elements within it) as the processing target. User 201 specifies the portion indicated by marker 81 by touching the touch panel with a finger or stylus, or by operating a pointing device including a trackball to move the cursor displayed on the screen, and selects the processing to be performed on the group of elements via UI 36. Figure 6 In the example, "Change" was selected. Next, user 201 set the changes. Figure 6 In the example shown in display areas 37 and 38, user 201 sets the process of changing element B indicated by the circular symbol to element B indicated by the quadrilateral symbol. Next, user 201 selects the area to be changed via display area 39. Figure 6 In the example, the options "Apply only to the currently selected area 21 (1 location) as the object" and "Apply to the entire drawing" are displayed as options for the change object. The options are not limited to these; for example, it is also possible to prepare "Apply to a portion of the drawing" to apply the change only to the locations (3 locations) within the currently displayed area 151 of the drawing, or to apply the change only to the drawing within a user-specified range. The following explains the case where "Apply to the entire drawing" is selected.

[0233] The control unit 11 can apply corrections to identical groups of elements located elsewhere in the drawing by correcting one of multiple identical groups of elements present in the drawing (specifying the element group to be processed, the processing content, and then specifying the scope to be processed as needed). For example... Figure 7 As shown, for multiple element groups 41-43 consisting of valves, element A, and element B, the circular symbol for element B is changed to a rectangular symbol for B. The control unit 11 can also emphasize such areas in a different way to identify areas where changes will be applied (areas where changes have already been applied). Furthermore, in situations such as... Figure 6 When the user specifies region 21 within the drawing that contains the group of elements to be processed, in such a way... Figure 7 When the location of the same group of elements within the drawing is displayed, if the group of elements has already been retrieved (stored in storage unit 12) and has been retrieved from the drawing along with the drawing's specific information (e.g., location information), no further retrieval is required. In such a case, if the user specifies a region 21 containing previously retrieved group of elements, the information processing device 10 immediately uses the retrieved information to... Figure 7 In this way, the previously retrieved element groups 42 and 43 within the drawing are displayed in a different manner. On the other hand, if the user specifies a region 21 containing element groups as the processing target, and these are element groups not stored in the storage unit 12 (unretrieved), the information processing device 10 performs a process of retrieving that element group within the drawing and storing it in the storage unit 12 along with specific information within the drawing (e.g., location information). If a retrieval is performed, the information processing device 10 can then... Figure 7 That way, the retrieved element groups 42 and 43 in the drawing will be displayed in a different way than others (representing the parts of the drawing that are the objects of processing).

[0234] Additionally, the control unit 11 can also accept the setting of conditions such as "connected to the upstream tank" through the condition setting window, and only change the objects that match such conditions. At this time, the control unit 11 can also display information such as "15 locations in the entire drawing / 1 location corresponding to the condition" to notify the user of the total number of element groups and the number of element groups that match the conditions. The control unit 11 can display information from the group list or... Figure 7The UI for editing groups, such as display area 44, can handle changes. Changes can also be handled by selecting the desired location from the drawing, allowing editing of registered element groups. Here, the process of changing element B indicated by a circle to element B indicated by a rectangle is used as an example, but the processing is not limited to this. For example, setting, changing, and correcting attribute or character information, or replacing element groups, are also possible. Any processing that can be applied to element groups is acceptable, and processing that can be performed on multiple element groups simultaneously is not limited to these.

[0235] In addition, the control unit 11 can also display Figure 8 As shown in UI45, when a correction location is selected, the user 201 can choose whether the subsequent processing is an individual change or a change applied to the entire drawing. Furthermore, after selecting a group for a change, the control unit 11 can display UIs for selecting whether the application scope is "the entire drawing" or "partial (with conditions)," as well as UIs for inputting conditions, to process the user's selection. Here, the conditions are criteria for selecting the element groups that will be subject to change processing from the registered element groups, such as "(in the same element group) there is a tank upstream" or "the set value is 00," etc. Figure 8 In the example, there are options such as "Change only here" (only the selected 21), "Change with conditions" and "Change the entire drawing". When "Change with conditions" is selected, conditions such as "There is a tank upstream" are set through the condition setting screen (not shown). When the user selects conditions, the control unit 11 can also display information such as the quantity of "15 locations in the entire drawing" and "1 location corresponding to the set conditions", as well as information related to their location distribution.

[0236] If user 201 is unaware that the area to be processed is already registered (detected) as an element group, control unit 11 can also display the element group that has been registered as a group, corresponding to the area in the drawing that user 201 specifies as the area to be processed (e.g., changed). Control unit 11 can display a "Registration Completed (Retrieval Completed)" message or the serial number assigned during registration, or it can display the corresponding area in the drawing in a different way. Control unit 11 can also display information such as the number of element groups in the drawing. If an element group is not registered, control unit 11 can display a message such as "Unregistered" to identify the situation, or it can display the information of the corresponding element group (position or quantity in the drawing) after quickly performing a retrieval of the element group in the drawing. Furthermore, when making changes, the user can choose whether to make individual changes only to the area specified by user 201, or to make changes to a specified area of ​​the drawing or the entire drawing.

[0237] (Action process)

[0238] Next, refer to Figures 9A to 9C This explains the operation of the information processing device 10. (See reference) Figures 9A to 9C The operation of the information processing device 10 described herein is equivalent to the information processing method described in this embodiment, and the operation of each step is executed based on the control of the control unit 11. Figures 9A to 9C This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0239] In step S11, the control unit 11 receives a designation from the user of a group of elements (search element group) on the drawing that the user wishes to process. If this search element group is being designated for the first time and is either unsearched or not stored in the storage unit 12, a new search needs to be performed on the drawing. If the search element group has already been designated, searched, and stored in the storage unit 12, then... Figure 9B The steps in S14 will be explained.

[0240] In step S12, the control unit 11 retrieves from the drawing a group of elements that matches the group of elements specified by the user. The retrieval of the element group can also be performed, for example, by the method described in the first embodiment.

[0241] In step S13, the control unit 11 retrieves element groups from the drawing that match the user-specified element group and stores the information used to determine the element group (e.g., position information for determining their respective positions within the drawing) in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 may also terminate the flowchart processing at this point if no further processing is immediately required. The element groups stored in the storage unit 12 can be retrieved and utilized when processing is needed later. Furthermore, this concludes the process of retrieving unretrieved element groups from the drawing. If processing is performed on the retrieved element groups, then... Figure 9B The process is handled according to the established procedures. From... Figure 9A If the processing has been in place for a period of time, it can be obtained from... Figure 9B The S14 (selection of the element group) is processed. On the other hand, for... Figure 9A If the selected and retrieved element groups are processed as is, since the element groups have already been selected, the implementation... Figure 9B The processing after S15 can be handled.

[0242] In step S14, the control unit 11 receives the user's designation of a group of elements on the drawing that the user wishes to process. If the element group has already been searched (the search results have been stored in the storage unit 12), the control unit 11, corresponding to the designated element group, displays a message on the display unit 15 indicating that the element group has been registered (searched / stored) and notifies the user. The control unit 11 may also display the corresponding element group on the drawing in a different manner. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may display text information or a mark such as "searched (registered) element group" on the drawing, or on a menu or work screen outside the drawing. Furthermore, if the element group designated as the processing target has not yet been searched, processing continues... Figure 9A The retrieval process is then performed. Since the element group has already been specified, the processing after step S12 can proceed.

[0243] In step S15, if the control unit 11 has performed an element group search, it receives a user's request for processing content for the selected element group. Processing for the element group includes changes, modifications, substitution to a different element group, or transformation to a different data format. Examples include: replacing all or some of the elements in the element group with at least one element selected by the user; changing at least one of the element types and arrangements; or changing the attribute information of at least one element.

[0244] In step S16, the control unit 11 receives the user's specification of the scope to be processed. For example, the control unit 11 may also receive a selection of one of the following (1) to (3) as the scope of application.

[0245] (1) If the user specifies the entire drawing, then all element groups existing in the drawing that correspond to the element groups selected in step S11 or S14 become the processing objects. For example, if there are 100 element groups in the drawing, then the entire 100 element groups become the processing objects. Figure 8 The “overall change of drawings” is an example of (1).

[0246] (2) When it is desired to process element groups from multiple locations simultaneously, but the target of the processing is only a subset of element groups in the drawing that match the element groups selected in step S11 or S14, the user sets conditions to specify the scope of application of the processing. For example, it can be set to only the drawing displayed on the current screen, or to select the scope of the drawing to be applied from the screen, or to specify only the element groups that match specific conditions (e.g., there is a tank upstream) to apply the processing only to the specified scope. If the number of element groups to be processed in this case is set to X, then 1 < X < 100. Figure 8The “conditional change” is an example of (2).

[0247] (3) It is also possible to process only one group of elements selected on the drawing by touching the touch panel or specifying it by the cursor. In this case, the number of elements that are processed is 1. Figure 8 The “change only here” is an example of (3).

[0248] In any of the cases (1) to (3), the user interface (UI) can assist in selecting a range, as illustrated in the attached diagram. When an element group is selected, options for choosing which range to use as the application object can also be displayed. The range can also be specified through user input. As an example of a UI, there is... Figure 6 39. Figure 8 The UI shown in 81.

[0249] In step S17, the control unit 11 performs the processing specified in step S16 on all element groups within the application scope specified in step S16. For example, if (1) is selected in step S16, the control unit 11 processes all element groups existing in the drawing that correspond to the element groups selected in step S11 or S14. If (2) or (3) is selected in step S16, the control unit 11 processes only the corresponding element groups. Then, the control unit 11 ends the flowchart processing.

[0250] In addition, the flowchart mentioned above is divided into Figure 9A , Figure 9B The flowcharts illustrate the operation of the control unit 11, but these flowcharts can also be configured to include an additional decision-making process (action). That is, when the control unit 11 receives a selection of an element group in step S14, it determines whether the element group has been completely searched. If the search is complete, it proceeds to S15; otherwise, it performs processing after S12. In this case, if processing continues after S13, it receives the specified processing content for S15. If processing is not performed immediately, processing can end in S13. An example of a processing flow with such a decision-making process is shown below. Figure 9C As shown. In Figure 9C In the process of step S91, the processing is... Figure 9A Step S11 and Figure 9B Step S14 is the same. In step S92, the control unit 11 determines whether the selected group of elements has been searched previously. If the search is complete (step S92: Yes), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S96; if the search is not complete (step S92: No), it proceeds to step S93. The processing of steps S93 and S94 is the same as... Figure 9ASteps S12 and S13 are the same. In step S95, the control unit 11 determines whether to proceed with processing immediately. For example, the control unit 11 may determine to proceed with processing immediately if, for example, a user has given an instruction within a certain period of time since the processing in step S94 began. If processing is to be performed immediately (step S95: Yes), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S96; otherwise (step S95: No), the processing ends. The processing in steps 96 to 98 is the same as... Figure 9B Steps S15 to S17 are the same. If the processing of step S98 is completed, the control unit 11 ends the flowchart processing.

[0251] As described above, the information processing device 10 performs the user-selected processing on each element group among the same multiple element groups in the drawing, thus enabling the same processing to be performed on each element group simultaneously with a simple operation. Furthermore, corresponding to the selection to process one of the element groups included in the multiple element groups, the information processing device 10 performs that processing on each element group included in the multiple element groups. Therefore, the information processing device 10 can perform common processing on all element groups included in the multiple element groups without omission.

[0252] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 accepts any processing options, such as the simultaneous replacement of element groups (the element group itself or a portion of the elements within the element group), the simultaneous change of at least one of the element types and arrangements, and the simultaneous change of element attribute information, as common processing options. Therefore, the user can efficiently execute the desired processing. In addition, the information processing device 10 can also display multiple element groups that are the objects of common processing on the display unit 15 in a manner different from elements not included in those multiple element groups. That is, the control unit 11 provides emphasis display so that the position of the element group can be easily identified in the drawing. For example, the control unit 11 can change the color or line type, add markings, or display a combination of the above as emphasis display. Therefore, the user can easily identify the element groups that are the objects of common processing. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 can also retrieve element groups from the drawing that match the element groups selected by the user, and obtain multiple element groups. Thus, the information processing device 10 can automatically obtain multiple element groups that are the objects of common processing.

[0253] Alternatively, the aforementioned processing (group replacement and setting change processing) can also be performed by having the user specify "change / replace this group (element group) with this content" one by one. Alternatively, the information processing device 10 can detect when relevant personnel change their registered groups and automatically reflect this. Or, the information processing device 10 can also consider changes to relevant personnel and perform these processes periodically at predetermined intervals.

[0254] <Third Implementation Method>

[0255] In this embodiment, a structure is described that automatically retrieves elements that match the user-selected search element group, including not only identical element groups but also some different element groups. The elements are then categorized based on their differences from the search element group and stored in the storage unit 12. According to this embodiment, the user can easily extract defective or incomplete elements. Structures common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0256] The information processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment searches for element groups that are different from the search element group, treating them as element groups that match the search element group. That is, in the structure of the first embodiment, although user settings can be used to set consistent attribute conditions, in principle, element groups that are completely identical to the selected element group are used as search targets. However, if some attribute settings are omitted due to user errors or misremembering, sometimes element groups that are actually the same may have inconsistent conditions, and the element groups that should be searched are not searched. The information processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment also detects such element groups without omission. In cases of omission from the search, the number of element groups actually existing in the drawing does not match the number of detected (that should have been searched) element groups, resulting in search omissions, and element groups containing errors or incompleteness are left in the drawing. If the omissions are extracted manually, errors are found, and corrections are made, the work is very time-consuming. Therefore, this embodiment performs a thorough detection without omissions and eliminates the need for corrections. Therefore, the aforementioned "partially different group of elements" refers to a group of elements whose differences from the retrieved group of elements are minor, excluding group of elements with significant differences that should be assessed as different groups of elements. Minor differences from the retrieved group of elements are assumed to be differences in attribute information or element labeling. Specific examples of partially different groups of elements are shown in the following description.

[0257] Figures 10-15 This is a diagram showing an example of the screen on the display unit 15 connected to the information processing device 10. Figure 10 This example illustrates a scenario where user 201 selects a region 21 in a drawing via touch operation or the like, choosing an element group consisting of elements C, A, and B. Similar to the first embodiment, the selection of an element group can also be performed via cursor movement operations on an indicating device or the like, instead of touch operation on a touch panel.

[0258] The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 selects a region 21 and a group of elements with the user 201. Correspondingly, this group of elements is used as the search element group, and elements matching this search element group are retrieved from the drawing. The control unit 11 retrieves not only elements identical to the search element group from the drawing, but also elements that are highly likely to be identical but partially different. At this time, the control unit 11 may also store information indicating the nature of the differences (differences). If only elements completely identical to the search element group are set as search targets, the following situation may occur: although they are originally identical (search targets), due to misremembering, omissions in setting, deficiencies on the drawing, etc., some differences may occur, resulting in the element group being judged as different, and the element group that should be searched is missed in the search. The information processing device 10 according to this embodiment addresses this problem by performing a search that includes not only completely identical elements but also partially different elements matching the search element group. The control unit 11 displays the retrieved element groups on the display unit 15 corresponding to their positions on the drawing.

[0259] Figure 11 This screen displays the search results. Element group 46 is the element group that matches the search element group. For element group 46 that completely matches the search element group, a "Correct" label 47 is added nearby to indicate this. For element group 53 that partially does not match the search element group, an "Error?" label 48 is added nearby to indicate that it does not completely match the search element group. See reference... Figure 12 As will be described later, since the model number of element B in element group 53 is different from that of element B in the retrieved element group, an "Error?" mark 48 is added near element group 53. The display area 49 shows the number of element groups corresponding to "Correct" and "Error?" among the retrieved element groups, as well as the numerical value indicating the degree of consistency. The "Error?" mark 48 can also be displayed in a different way than the "Correct" mark 47, such as by its color or line type. Figure 11 In the example, markers are used for identification. Element group 46 and element group 53 are highlighted with the same type of line (dashed line), but the display method can be changed to make them identifiable. As long as the representation or symbol can identify two types of element groups that are completely identical to the searched element group and those that are considered identical to the searched element group but differ in some parts, it is not limited to this and a variety of representations can be used.

[0260] The information processing device 10, in response to the user selecting the "Error?" flag 48, displays the content of the element group that differs from the searched element group on the display unit 15. Figure 12In element group 53, by displaying the graphic of element B in a different color or line type than other elements, it is indicated that element B does not completely match the searched element group. More detailed information is displayed in display area 152. Figure 12 In the example, the model number of element B in element group 53 is different from that of element B in the search element group. The search element group is displayed in display area 51. Display area 52 shows the model number "ABC110" of element B in the search element group. Display area 54 shows the model number "ADC110" of element B in element group 53, emphasizing the second character "D" to indicate that this character is different from the search element group. At the bottom of display area 152, a "Correction Execution" button 55 is displayed, allowing the user to select a correction instruction. The user confirms this information, considering whether the model number "ADC110" does not exist or should correctly be ABC110, and makes corrections accordingly. The information processing device 10, in response to the user 201's selection (execution) of button 55, corrects the model number "ADC110" of element B in element group 53 to the model number "ABC110" of element B included in the search element group.

[0261] Figure 13 This section illustrates a display example where element groups 56 and 57 are not entirely consistent with the search element group. The model number of element B in element group 56 differs from that of element B in the search element group. Therefore, a marker 58 indicating a "Model No." is displayed near element group 56, signifying that the model number differs from the search element group. Element group 57 differs from element B in the search element group in that element B is not set. Therefore, a marker 59 indicating a "Value Blank" is displayed near element group 57, signifying that it is not set. Through this display, the control unit 11 extracts element groups that are considered to be the same element group (but partially different) as candidates for the same element group, without judging them as different simply because they differ from the search element group. This allows the user to identify "what kind of content is different" without requiring special operations.

[0262] Figure 14This illustrates an example where element groups 56 and 57, which are not entirely consistent with the retrieved element group, are displayed in accordance with the corresponding element groups on the drawing. Element group 46 is completely consistent with the retrieved element group, therefore no display of anomalies (differences from the retrieved element group) is shown, and the correct model number and setting value are displayed in the attached image 61. For element group 56, an image 62 shows a marker 58 indicating a "model number" different from the retrieved element group, and an image 63 showing the attribute information set for the element group. For element group 57, an image 63 shows a marker 59 indicating a "value empty" where the value set in the retrieved element group is not set, and an image 64 showing the attribute information set for the element group.

[0263] Images 62 and 63 respectively display the model number of the element that is not completely consistent with the search element group, and the set value of the element, and display a "correction" button for correcting these values. Image 62 shows the model number "ADC110" of element B in element group 53, emphasizing the character "D" which represents the difference from the search element group. Image 63 shows that element B in element group 57 has no set value. Therefore, by referring to images 61, 62, and 63, user 201 can compare the set values ​​of each element group and confirm where elements 56 and 57 are not completely consistent with the search element group. Furthermore, after confirmation, user 201 can select (execute) the "correction" button to correct these values ​​to be the same as the search element group (the element group that is completely consistent), or to any other value. By user 201 selecting (executing) the "correction" button, information processing device 10 can either correct only the element or correct all elements that are not completely consistent with the search element group.

[0264] In images 62 and 63, only two attribute items are shown for illustrative purposes. However, in cases with a large number of items, the control unit 11 can also be configured to set a correction button for each item and perform corrections on a per-item basis, even if there are, for example, a dozen or dozens of items. Alternatively, as... Figure 14 As shown, the control unit 11 can also be configured to allow all items to be corrected at once using a single correction button. The control unit 11 can also display multiple buttons for "correcting only specific items" or "correcting the whole set," allowing the user to select one and execute.

[0265] Furthermore, the control unit 11 can also extract only the items from a certain element group that differ from the searched element group from a large number of attribute items and display them in image 62 or 63. Through this processing, even with a large number of items, the user can quickly identify the different items, preventing the display of the drawing itself from being hindered by displaying too much information related to the element group. In other words, it improves the visual verifiability of the information.

[0266] The information processing device 10, for the retrieved element groups, classifies them into a set of identical element groups (containing elements with high probability of similarity) based on their differences from the retrieved element groups, and stores them in the storage unit 12 according to each difference. Alternatively, these retrieved element groups can be displayed on the display unit 15 in a manner that allows identification of the classification based on their differences. In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 displays a screen classifying the retrieved element groups based on their differences from the retrieved element groups, in response to a user's instruction to "analyze" the retrieved element groups. Figure 15 The following situation is illustrated: corresponding to the selection of area 21, an image 65 is displayed for selecting the processing to be performed on the selected group of elements, and the "Analyze" button is selected by the user. Corresponding to the selection (execution) of the "Analyze" button, the information processing device 10 displays a screen showing the classification of the retrieved group of elements. The "Analyze" button is also displayed in display area 152, and when the "Analyze" button in display area 152 is selected, the information processing device 10 also displays a screen showing the classification of the retrieved group of elements.

[0267] Figure 16 This is an example of an image 153 representing a classification of different points based on element groups. Figure 16 In the example, the search element group is displayed as "Extract Object Group X". 100 element groups determined to match the search element group (not only corresponding to completely identical element groups, but also to elements that are basically matched but partially different due to the aforementioned misremembering, omissions, or errors) are retrieved from the drawing. Element B, included in the search element group, has the attribute values ​​(attribute information) "Model: ABC110" and "Setting Value: 22.5".

[0268] exist Figure 16 In the example, there are 70 element groups that completely match the searched element group. The remaining 30 of the 100 retrieved element groups are classified into three types based on their differences from the searched element group. Figure 16In the data, there are 2 groups of elements with geometric defects, 8 groups of elements with incorrect model markings, and 20 groups of elements with undefined settings. Geometric defects are problems with the marking of elements (symbols), while incorrect model markings and undefined settings are problems with attribute information.

[0269] Geometric defects are graphic distortions of element A. For example, if the outline of a symbol representing element A cannot be distinguished as either a quadrilateral or a circle, it is classified as a geometric defect. Graphic distortions may occur when drawings are obtained through scanning. For example, due to problems with the original paper drawing, foreign objects may be involved, or lines may be distorted during scanning, causing a circular symbol to no longer be a perfect circle or to be partially missing and thus not recognized as a circle. A model designation error is when the "model serial number" is inconsistent with the search element group due to errors in information transmission or operator input. An unset value means the element has not been assigned a value. By browsing elements categorized based on different points that are at least partially inconsistent with the search element group (elements that should be the same as the search element group but are incomplete), user 201 can easily identify defective or incomplete elements in the drawing.

[0270] The information processing device 10 can also manage the consistency (similarity) numerically, which represents the degree to which a group of elements that is highly likely to be the same as the searched element group but is partially different matches the searched element group. For the calculation of such consistency, refer to... Figures 17A-17C as well as Figure 18 Please provide an explanation. Figures 17A-17C This is a diagram representing an example of classification items based on different points of an element group. In Figure 17A In this table, element group 66 is an element group that is completely identical to the search element group. Element group 66 contains these elements arranged in the order of element A, element B, and element C. Element A in element group 66 has attribute information 1 (attribute information a1) and attribute information 2 (attribute information a2). Table 67 shows that element group 66 is completely identical to the search element group.

[0271] Figure 17B Element group 68 contains elements A, B, and C of the same type as the search element group, but they are arranged in the order of A, C, and B, which differs from the search element group. The rest of the content of element group 68 is the same as the search element group. Table 69 shows the similarities and differences between element group 68 and the search element group. The arrangement of elements B and C is inconsistent, and is marked with "×".

[0272] Figure 17CElement group 70 is composed of elements A, D, and E connected in that order. While it shares the same elements A, it lacks elements B and C, which differs from the search element group in terms of element type and arrangement. Furthermore, the graphic representation and attribute information 2 of element A in element group 70 differ from those in the search element group. Table 71 illustrates the similarities and differences between element group 70 and the search element group. Figure 17C In the text, inconsistent items are indicated by “×”.

[0273] The information processing device 10 can also assign weights to each item related to the similarities and differences of the search element group, such as Tables 67, 69, and 71, and calculate the consistency degree. The consistency degree can be calculated using rules related to the calculation of the consistency degree stored in the rule storage unit 122. When the elements constituting the element group, or the arrangement of the elements constituting the element group, are different from the search element group, the consistency degree decreases as the number of differences increases, such as 70%, 50%, 30%, etc. If the consistency degree is lower than a predetermined value (e.g., 90%), such an element group is an element group that is originally different from the search element group, and therefore it is not searched as an element that may be the same as the search element group.

[0274] The information processing device 10 can, for example, score the differences according to the importance of determining similarity or difference, such as -10 points for element differences and -0.5 points for attribute differences, and calculate the consistency by adding 100 points to the total of these scores. In this case, the scores (deductions) for differences that have a greater impact on the consistency determination are set higher, and the scores (deductions) for differences that have a smaller impact are set lower. In addition, the consistency can also be displayed using other indicators such as percentages. Alternatively, instead of being limited to the deduction method of setting complete consistency to 100 points, a value can be calculated as the "deviation degree," which is 0 in the case of complete consistency, and the higher the deviation degree, the larger the value.

[0275] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating an example of scoring based on different points within a group of elements. In Figure 18In this context, "benchmark" refers to the content of the retrieved element group. "1a" indicates an element group whose constituent elements, their arrangement, and all set values ​​are identical to the retrieved element group, and is calculated to have a similarity score of 100. Such an element group is evaluated as "identical" to the retrieved element group. The element group "1b" has constituent elements, their arrangement, and the attributes of element 1 (element C) and element 2 (element A) identical to the retrieved element group, except for the set value of element 3 (element B). The difference in the set value of element 3 is evaluated as -2 points, and the similarity score of the element group "1b" is calculated as 98 points. If the similarity score to the retrieved element group is lower than a predetermined value (e.g., 90%), the element group should be evaluated as different elements. However, element groups with a similarity score of a certain value (e.g., 90 points) or higher are suspected of being identical to the retrieved element group but have been mistakenly recorded for some reason. Therefore, they are evaluated as "error?", indicating that although considered identical, an error is included. The element group "1b" is also evaluated as "error?". The elements in group "1c" have the same constituent elements and their arrangement as well as the machine number of element 3, except for the machine number of element 3. The consistency score of group "1c" is calculated to be 95 points, and it is evaluated as "error?". The type of element 1 in group "2" is different from that in group "3", and the arrangement of elements in group "3" is different from that in group "3". Therefore, the consistency score of these groups is calculated to be less than 90 points, and they are evaluated as "different". The information processing device 10 can also classify the retrieved groups of elements based on such scores.

[0276] (Action process)

[0277] Next, refer to Figure 19 Explain the operation of the information processing device 10. (See reference) Figure 19 The operation of the information processing device 10 described herein is equivalent to the information processing method described in this embodiment, and the operation of each step is executed based on the control of the control unit 11. Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0278] In step S21, the control unit 11 receives a selection from the user as an element group consisting of at least one element used in at least one drawing. The element group can be obtained either by searching the element group selected by the user or by reading the element group stored in the storage unit 12, as described in the first embodiment.

[0279] In step S22, the control unit 11 stores the selected group of elements in the storage unit 12. Thus, the control unit 11 registers the selected group of elements. This process is similar to... Figure 5Step S2 is the same. This step is not required when the group of elements stored in storage unit 12 is read out and used.

[0280] In step S23, the control unit 11 retrieves a group of elements from at least one drawing (in a manner that includes groups of elements considered consistent but with some differences) that match the retrieved group of elements. The retrieval is performed using rules stored in the rule storage unit 122.

[0281] In step S24, if the control unit 11 finds a point in the retrieved element group that differs from the retrieved element group, it stores information about the point that differs from the retrieved element group, including at least one of the following: which item is different, the content of the difference, and the value (consistency). Items related to the difference include, for example, label differences, graphical incompleteness, missing data, typos, incorrect serial numbers, or information not set.

[0282] In step S25, the control unit 11 displays the retrieved element groups on the display unit 15 in a manner that allows for the identification of element groups based on different points. At this time, the control unit 11 may also display at least one of the strings representing different point types and the image on the display unit 15 according to each category of the retrieved element groups. Then, the control unit 11 terminates the process.

[0283] As described above, the information processing device 10 automatically retrieves elements that not only match the search element group selected by the user 201, but also elements that, while highly likely to match, are partially different. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 stores these elements in the storage unit 12 based on their differences from the search element group (either as is or after classification as needed). Thus, the user 201 can refer to information about differences or classification results based on differences when displaying the stored information. Therefore, the user 201 can retrieve information without omitting identical element groups, and also without including defective or incomplete content. In addition, the information processing device 10 displays the retrieved element group on the display unit 15 in a manner that allows for the identification of differences, classification based on differences, and analysis results. Therefore, by browsing the element groups that are categorized based on different points and are highly likely to be consistent with the searched element group but are partially different, user 201 can detect defective or incomplete element groups (elements within element groups) in the drawing without omission, and can easily grasp where the differences are, the degree of consistency (deviation), etc. At this time, for each category of the searched element group, at least one of the strings representing the type of difference and the image is displayed, so user 201 can refer to these to easily identify where the searched element group differs from the searched element group and where there is a problem. In addition, the control unit 11 corresponds the differences between the searched element group and the searched element group with numerical values, and classifies the searched element group into a set of at least one element group based on the numerical values, so user 201 can easily determine the differences from the searched element group, that is, whether it is a defect in the drawing, whether there is a misrecording (mis-input) in the information, or whether there is an unset value, etc., and it also becomes easier to confirm the situation or to handle it appropriately through correction.

[0284] In at least one of the storage in S24 and the display in S25, the control unit 11 may also classify the retrieved element group based on different points. That is, the control unit 11 may also classify and display the retrieved element group during the display in S25 (automatically or in accordance with the conditions requested by the user) based on the different points stored in S24. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may also classify the element group based on different points in S24 and display the classified content during the display in S25. Figure 10 In the examples, based on the presence or absence of differences, they are broadly classified into two categories: "Completely Consistent (Correct)" or "Considered to be the same but with inconsistent elements (Error?)". Figure 12 In the example, the differences themselves are displayed in a recognizable way through identifiers such as symbols or color changes. Figure 16In the example, classification information based on differences is displayed, such as complete consistency / differences, which item has differences, the number of each, and the numerical value of the consistency. At least one of these factors can be used, or both can be used. Furthermore, the retrieved element groups can be pre-classified by the control unit 11 and stored in the storage unit 12, or they can be classified when displaying the stored information, or the classification or analysis can be performed in both storage and display processes. The classification of the retrieved element groups can focus on either the different items or the consistency, or both can be used simultaneously.

[0285] Furthermore, for the search in step S23, the control unit 11 can also receive from the user 201 the setting of search conditions when searching for an element group that is (highly likely) the same as the search element group but is partially different, and perform the search based on the settings. Thus, the user 201 can set the desired search conditions according to the purpose and objective.

[0286] Furthermore, the control unit 11 can also accept the user's selection of a common process for each element group belonging to the set of processing objects, and execute the common process for each element group belonging to the set of processing objects, which is one of the sets contained in at least one set of element groups. Specifically, the information processing device 10 can perform simultaneous processing by performing the same process as in the second embodiment. Thus, the user 201 can perform the same processing on each element group belonging to one of the sets of element groups classified based on differences from the search element group, i.e., the set of processing objects, with a simple operation. For example, the user 201 can summarize only the elements that are considered misremembered or erroneous and correct the errors together. In addition, the information processing device 10 can also accept the user's selection of a set as a processing object from the set of at least one element group. Thus, the user 201 can select a set as the object to be processed simultaneously.

[0287] <Fourth Implementation>

[0288] In this embodiment, a hierarchical structure is described, in which a common element group is extracted from multiple element groups, and the extracted element group belongs to a higher level of the multiple element groups. According to this embodiment, users can perform tasks more efficiently by performing tasks based on element groups belonging to higher levels, compared to performing tasks individually on each element group in the multiple lower-level element groups. Structures common to the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0289] Figure 20 It is a schematic representation of a hierarchical group of elements based on a group of elements commonly contained within it. Figure 20 In the diagram, element groups 72, 73, and 74 are element groups consisting of three elements each, and they all share element group 75, which connects two elements of element A and element B. When the information processing device 10 performs certain processing, such as processing element groups 72, 73, and 74 together in the drawing, the processing of element group 75 is mostly common. Processing of element groups may include, for example, design changes, replacement of constituent elements, changes to the data set for constituent elements, and transformations to different forms of data. When performing processing related to elements A and B, which are constituent elements, it is more efficient to perform common processing on element group 75 (one type), which is common to these element groups, than to process element groups 72, 73, and 74 individually (each of the three types). Therefore, the information processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment performs the following processing: extracting a common element group (common element group) from multiple element groups extracted by the user or stored in the storage unit 12, and hierarchizing it in such a way that the extracted common element group belongs to the higher level of the multiple element groups.

[0290] Next, refer to Figure 21 Explain the operation of the information processing device 10. (See reference) Figure 21 The operation of the information processing device 10 described herein is equivalent to the information processing method described in this embodiment, and the operation of each step is executed based on the control of the control unit 11. Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0291] In step S31, the control unit 11 acquires a first element group and a second element group consisting of at least two elements used in at least one drawing. As described in the first embodiment, the element groups can be acquired either by retrieving an element group selected by the user or by reading an element group stored in the storage unit 12.

[0292] In step S32, the control unit 11 may also receive settings from the user for extracting element groups that are commonly included in the first and second element groups. This step is not mandatory. It is also possible for the user to discover common parts in the selected element groups and instruct reclassification, but if, for multiple element groups selected by the user, or multiple element groups already retrieved from the drawings and stored in the storage unit 12, the common parts can be summarized and automatically reclassified without the user's awareness or special operation, it would be more efficient. Execution condition data for extracting common parts stored in the rule storage unit 122, etc., can be used. With the default information, the user does not need to perform any operation or instruction. The user can also appropriately change this setting as needed. For example, the following conditions may be considered as extraction conditions.

[0293] • Extract the object with the largest number of elements that are commonly contained in the first and second element groups, are interconnected in the same arrangement, and are objects whose corresponding elements have the same type and attribute information.

[0294] • At least one element commonly contained in the first element group and the second element group, and the corresponding elements are of the same type, but at least some of their attribute information is not limited to being the same.

[0295] • Extract an element group consisting of at least one element that is commonly contained in the first element group and the second element group, and whose corresponding elements have the same type and attribute information, and whose specific element is adjacent to an element of the same type outside the element group and connected in the same arrangement, and the same element outside the element group.

[0296] These are examples. Control unit 11 can also extract an element group consisting of fewer elements from the original multiple element groups, in a manner that maximizes the number of connections, or extract at least one common element. In this case, control unit 11 can evaluate elements as common only if their connection attribute information is completely identical, or it can evaluate elements as common even if some attribute information is different. Alternatively, control unit 11 can evaluate the commonness of elements without limiting the attribute information. When evaluating the commonness of elements, such conditions can be appropriately combined and utilized, or they can be preset and stored in the rule storage unit 122, etc., or they can be set or changed by the user as needed.

[0297] Furthermore, when extracting element groups that are commonly contained in three or more element groups, in addition to the condition of extracting element groups that are commonly contained in all element groups, there may also be a condition of extracting element groups that are commonly contained in some element groups.

[0298] The information processing device 10 hierarchically organizes elements based on pre-set conditions (exemplified above), enabling proper hierarchical organization of element groups without special operations, thus improving operational efficiency. Furthermore, the user can arbitrarily set conditions for extracting element groups commonly included in both the first and second element groups, allowing for appropriate hierarchical organization of element groups according to their intended use and purpose. The information processing device 10 can also pre-set one of the conditions exemplified above as a default condition.

[0299] In step S33, the control unit 11 automatically extracts a third element group from the first element group and the second element group, which is a group of elements commonly included in the first and second element groups. Figure 20 Taking this example, the user doesn't need to be aware of the relationships between elements. Element group 72 (from upstream: element C, element A, element B), element group 73 (valve, element A, element B), and element group 75 (element D, element A, element B) are selected at different time intervals, or multiple users can select them individually from the drawings (retrieved from various drawings, and stored in the storage unit along with location information and other determining information from the drawings). Here, the information processing device 10 detects (determines) that elements A and B are common from upstream among these elements, generates a higher-level element group composed of elements A and B, and hierarchizes the original element groups 72, 73, and 75 as their lower-level element groups. This is an example of automatic (without setting conditions, etc.) re-hierarchical processing based on common conditions. However, it is possible that as long as the hierarchical conditions are stored in the storage unit 12, etc., the objects matching the conditions are automatically re-hierarchized without the need for user selection. Alternatively, if the user selects the extraction conditions, a third element group can be extracted from the first element group and the second element group as an element group commonly included in the first element group and the second element group, based on the conditions selected and set in step S32.

[0300] In step S34, the control unit 11 hierarchizes the first element group, the second element group, and the third element group in such a way that the third element group belongs to the higher level of the first element group and the second element group.

[0301] In step S35, the control unit 11 stores the first element group, the second element group, and the third element group together with information representing their hierarchical relationship in the storage unit 12.

[0302] In step S36, the control unit 11 displays an image representing the hierarchical relationship between the first element group, the second element group, and the third element group on the display unit 15. The image representing the hierarchical relationship between elements can also be displayed on the display unit 15, for example, by... Figure 20A tree-like structure is used to display the hierarchical relationship. The image representing the hierarchical relationship between elements can also display the number of element groups belonging to each level. By displaying such an image on the display unit 15 through the control unit 11, the user can easily grasp the hierarchical relationship of the element groups. Alternatively, the control unit 11 can also display the hierarchical relationship between elements on the display unit 15 using text information instead of an image. Or, the control unit 11 can also... Figure 22 or Figure 23 In this way, among the selected element groups in the drawing, the common element groups are used to display the higher-level element groups, thus showing the hierarchical relationship. Then, the processing ends.

[0303] As described above, in this embodiment, a third element group, which is a group of elements commonly included in both the first and second element groups, is automatically extracted and hierarchically stored such that the third element group belongs to a higher level than both the first and second element groups. Therefore, users can perform tasks based on the third element group, which belongs to a higher level, thus enabling more efficient task execution compared to performing tasks individually for each of the first and second element groups.

[0304] Figure 22 as well as Figure 23 This is a diagram representing an example of a group of elements classified based on a group of elements that are publicly contained. Figure 22 In the context of frame 80, element groups 77 and 78 share a common element group consisting of three elements: A, B, and E. Conversely, element groups 77, 78, and 79 within frame 167 share a common element group consisting of two elements: A and B. Therefore, it is considered to extract the element group consisting of A, B, and E, or the element group consisting of A and B, from element groups 77, 78, and 79 as the element group belonging to the higher-level hierarchy. Users can specify which element group should be extracted as the higher-level element group according to their purpose and objective. When processing is required for the element group consisting of A, B, and E, it is more efficient to process the entire frame within frame 80, rather than processing element groups 77 or 78 individually. When common processing is required for a group of elements consisting of elements A and B, it is more efficient to process all elements within 167 rather than processing the three element groups 77, 78, and 79 individually. Let's assume that when the user wants to process the drawing, the menu after selecting the element group (or set) displays the result as an image or text. Figure 22That kind of hierarchical information. In this case, the user can select the element group shown in box 80 when they want to process the element group of element A, element B, and element E, and select the element group shown in box 167 when they want to process the element group of element A and element B.

[0305] If the user selects element group 77 (composed of element C, element A, element B, and element E) on a drawing that is not displayed, the control unit 11 can also... Figure 22 As shown, the user is prompted that a parent element group consisting of elements A, B, and E exists (shown in frame 80). Through this display control, after selecting element group 77, the user can also specify the element group shown in frame 80 as the processing target. That is, the user can select the element group shown in frame 80 by specifying the frame 80 surrounding elements A, B, and E, or display a selection menu indicating whether to select the parent element group shown in frame 80, etc., for UI processing. Furthermore, without such display assistance, when the user specifies element group 77 and instructs to perform processing on elements A, B, and E, a message can be displayed to confirm "whether to apply processing to the parent element group 80 containing elements A, B, and E," allowing the user to choose to execute or not execute. Alternatively, the control unit 11 can automatically execute the required processing without such confirmation.

[0306] exist Figure 23 In the above, element groups 82 and 83 share a common element group consisting of elements A and B. Furthermore, elements B in both element group 82 and 83 are adjacent to element E, which exists outside the element group. Therefore, the information processing device 10 can also extract the element groups consisting of elements A, B, and E as common element groups 84 and 85, and reconstruct the hierarchical structure of the element groups. Even if the user selects element groups 82 and 83 from the drawing, the information processing device 10 (control unit 11) can detect that element E is also common, summarize it, and store it in the storage unit 12 as a larger element group, or prompt the user that a higher-level hierarchical structure can be performed.

[0307] <Fifth Implementation>

[0308] In this embodiment, a structure is described that focuses on extracting element groups from the drawing that match the first element group, and then further subdivides the extracted element groups into second and third element groups (generating lower-level hierarchies) based on predetermined conditions. According to the structure of this embodiment, it is possible to focus on specific element groups and efficiently perform operations on element groups that match the user's desired conditions. Structures common to the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0309] Figure 24 This diagram schematically illustrates the process of classifying element groups based on adjacent connections. Element group 86 is composed of elements C, A, and B arranged sequentially. There may be a situation where user 201 wishes to perform common processing only on element groups within such element groups that meet certain conditions. For example, user 201 may wish to treat only element group 86, where tank 90 is connected upstream of element C, as the object of common processing. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment, based on predetermined conditions, subdivides the given element group into multiple element groups accordingly, hierarchically in a manner belonging to the lower level of the original element group. That is, the information processing apparatus 10 hierarchically hierarchizes the original element group in a manner belonging to the higher level of the subdivided element group.

[0310] exist Figure 24In this example, the information processing device 10 subdivides the element group 86 into an element group 87 that is adjacent to an upstream container 90 of element C, and an element group 88 that is not adjacent to an upstream container of element C (including elements connected to containers other than those connected to containers). Furthermore, the information processing device 10 hierarchically arranges the newly generated element group 87 and element group 88 into lower-level categories of the original element group 86, based on the presence or absence of upstream containers. Thus, by treating element group 88 as a single set, user 201 can efficiently advance the operation only for the desired element group without performing individual searches or processing, focusing solely on element group 87, when only processing is required for element groups with upstream containers. For example, user 201 can instruct the information processing device 10 to search for element groups that match element group 87 (elements only connected to upstream containers) and process them together. This information is stored in the storage unit 12 and can therefore be reused when processing the same element group is desired. Furthermore, the hierarchical processing of classifying and subdividing element groups based on whether there is a tank connected upstream is just one example for illustration. It is not limited to this; low-level classification can be performed based on a variety of conditions. Cases where conditions such as "there is a tank connected upstream" are frequently used in processing can also be considered. Such conditions can also be pre-stored in storage unit 12, and the element groups on the drawing can be retrieved based on these conditions, automatically hierarchically classified, and prompted to the user, or the process can be automatically executed and pre-stored in storage unit 12.

[0311] Next, refer to Figure 25 Explain the operation of the information processing device 10. (See reference) Figure 25 The operation of the information processing device 10 described herein is equivalent to the information processing method described in this embodiment, and the operation of each step is executed based on the control of the control unit 11. Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0312] In step S51, the control unit 11 selects from a first element group consisting of at least one element used in at least one drawing, based on the user's acceptance. The control unit 11 may also select from element groups registered in the group storage unit 121, based on the user's acceptance.

[0313] In step S52, the control unit 11 receives a user's request to specify the processing content for the selected first element group. Here, the control unit 11 also receives a user's request to specify whether to process all elements that match the selected first element group or only elements that meet certain conditions. Such conditions might include, for example, the following.

[0314] • Elements contained in the first element group have a specific relationship with elements outside the first element group (e.g., there is a tank upstream).

[0315] • The attribute information of at least one element in the first element group satisfies certain conditions.

[0316] • Elements adjacent to the first element group satisfy certain conditions such as being a specific element or having a specific set value.

[0317] As will be described later, after step S54, the control unit 11 further subdivides the element group that matches the first element group based on the attribute information of the elements contained in the element group and certain conditions such as adjacent elements. Therefore, according to the information processing device 10, it is possible to focus on a specific element group and then efficiently perform operations on the element group that matches the conditions expected by the user.

[0318] In step S53, the control unit 11 determines whether the user has specified that only element groups that meet certain conditions (e.g., element groups with tanks upstream) should be processed. If the control unit 11 specifies that only element groups that meet certain conditions should be processed (step S53: Yes), it proceeds to step S54. If not (step S53: No), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S57, processes all element groups in the drawing that match the selected element group, and ends the flowchart processing.

[0319] In step S54, the control unit 11 searches for an element group that matches the certain conditions selected in step S52 (e.g., there is a tank upstream).

[0320] In step S55, the control unit 11 classifies the first element group into a second element group that satisfies certain conditions specified by the user in step S52 (e.g., an element group with a tank upstream) and a third element group that does not satisfy certain conditions (e.g., an element group without a tank upstream). Furthermore, the control unit 11 hierarchically classifies the first element group, the second element group, and the third element group in such a way that the first element group belongs to the higher level of the second element group and the third element group.

[0321] In step S56, the control unit 11 stores the hierarchical first element group, second element group and third element group in the storage unit 12.

[0322] In step S57, if the user specifies that only element groups meeting certain conditions are to be processed (S53: Yes), the control unit 11 processes all element groups that match the second element group within the first element group and meet certain conditions together. Thus, the user 201 can perform the desired processing only on the element groups that match the first element group and meet certain conditions. Alternatively, if the user does not specify that only element groups meeting certain conditions are to be processed in step S52 (S53: No), the control unit 11, as described above, processes all element groups in the drawing that match the selected element group together. If the processing in step S57 is completed, the control unit 11 ends the flowchart processing.

[0323] As described above, the information processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment focuses on the first element group, extracts the element group that matches the first element group from the drawing, and further subdivides it into second and third element groups based on conditions specified by the user. The control unit 11 can also subdivide into second and third element groups based on predetermined conditions. Therefore, the user can focus on specific element groups and efficiently perform operations only on element groups that meet the desired conditions. For example, the user can have the information processing apparatus 10 process only the element groups in the first element group that meet specific conditions.

[0324] In addition, the control unit 11 can also display an image representing the hierarchical relationship of the first element group, the second element group, and the third element group on the display unit 15. Figure 26 This is an example of such an image, schematically illustrating the processing of classifying groups of elements based on their incomplete content. Figure 26 In this context, groups of elements that at least partially correspond to the first element group are further subdivided into groups without incompleteness and groups containing incompleteness. Figure 26 In the display, the degree of conformity with the first element group is displayed as a percentage. "100%" indicates that the element group with no incomplete groups completely conforms to the first element group. "<100%" indicates that the element group containing incomplete groups does not completely conform to the first element group. The element group containing incomplete groups is further subdivided into element groups with incorrect model numbers and element groups with undefined data. The element group with incorrect model numbers is further subdivided into element groups containing element A and element groups not containing element A. The element group containing element A is further subdivided into element groups containing element B and element groups not containing element B. The element group containing element B is further subdivided into element groups of elements A, B, B, B, element groups of elements A, B, C, and element groups of elements A, B, D. The control unit 11 can also display the number of element groups that conform to each hierarchical element group. By displaying such an image on the display unit 15, the information processing device 10 allows the user to easily grasp the hierarchical relationship of the element groups.

[0325] Figure 27 It is a diagram schematically illustrating the process of classifying groups of elements using various criteria. In Figure 27 In the diagram, element groups 93 and 94 within frame 96 are common in that they consist of elements A, B, and C. Element groups 94 and 95 within frame 97 are common in that the value of element B's model number, although it should be "ABC110," is mistakenly set to "ADC110." While element groups 94 and 95 have no common ground in terms of whether they are the same element group (whether they consist of elements A, B, and C and their arrangement is consistent), they can be grouped together based on the common condition of the incorrectly recorded model number of element B (hierarchical classification). Figure 27 It can be determined that the element group corresponding to element group 94 can be grouped into the element group corresponding to frame line 96, or it can also be grouped into the element group corresponding to frame line 97. An identical element group (element group 94 in the example of the attached figure) sometimes belongs to multiple element groups, and various classifications (hierarchies) are conceivable based on the user-implemented processing. Therefore, the control unit 11 can also... Figure 27 Such an image is displayed on the display unit 15 as an image representing the hierarchical relationship between elements.

[0326] Furthermore, the control unit 11 can also display at least one drawing on the display unit 15 in a manner that allows identification of portions corresponding to the first, second, and third element groups. Specifically, the control unit 11 can also make the colors and lines of the graphics representing the element groups different from other elements, or use specific symbols or characters to represent portions corresponding to the element groups. In addition, the control unit 11 can also display an image showing how each element group is distributed within the overall drawing. Thus, the user can easily determine which portion of the drawing corresponds to the first, second, and third element groups.

[0327] <Sixth Implementation Method>

[0328] In this embodiment, a structure is described that displays the communication from the first user to the second user in correspondence with the location or area of ​​the drawing. According to this embodiment, the second user can easily grasp the location or area in the drawing that needs confirmation or correction, and the communication information stored and displayed corresponding to that location or area, enabling multiple people to efficiently perform tasks such as drawing corrections. Structures common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0329] Figure 28This diagram illustrates the structure of an information processing system 2 that includes an information processing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. In the information processing system 2, in addition to a user 211 operating the input unit 14 and the display unit 15, a user 212 operating the input unit 16 and the display unit 17 also participates in creating the drawing. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 10 of the information processing system 2 has a comment / response storage unit 124 in its storage unit 12. The comment / response storage unit 124 stores data indicating the location of a comment area selected by one user in the drawing, the comment content assigned to the comment area, and the response of the other user to the comment content. In this embodiment, such data is referred to as comment / response data. The comment / response data is mapped onto the drawing and corresponding to a location on the drawing. Here, it is stored in a form associated with positional information such as the element of the comment object or coordinates on the drawing, so that it can be displayed on the drawing in a way that allows the location of the comment / response to be determined.

[0330] Figure 29 as well as Figure 30 This diagram illustrates an example of a screen displayed on a display unit 15 connected to the information processing device 10. In this embodiment, an example is described where the same screen displayed on the display unit 15 operated by user 211 is displayed on the display unit 17 operated by user 212. Hereinafter, user 211 will be referred to as user A (first user), and user 212 will be referred to as user B (second user). The number of these users can be two or more, and it is not limited to the case where both parties are engineers involved in creating or revising drawings. One party could be a customer, and the other party could be an engineer who revises the drawings according to the customer's expectations.

[0331] exist Figure 29 In this context, User A (the client requesting the correction, etc.) selects the area 21 containing the areas requiring correction from the drawing displayed in display area 151 of the screen. Figure 29 In the middle, user A uses hand 101 to operate the touch panel to specify the area 21 containing the area that needs to be corrected.

[0332] User A selects a region (group) that needs correction, such as an element group. The selection is not limited to an element group consisting of multiple elements; it can also be a single element. User A specifies a point when the area to be corrected is an element such as a machine. Various existing methods can be used to specify element groups, and pioneering methods are detailed in the seventh and eighth embodiments. User A specifies the area to be corrected, and related information such as instructions to User B, details of desired corrections, and requests for confirmation (not limited to corrections, but could include confirmations or urging other tasks) is input as a message. User A may also select a message (type of instruction or request content) from a selection button instead of inputting a message (see reference). Figure 31B For example, if the information processing device 10 displays selection buttons such as "Model Error," "Value Setting Omission," and "Graphic Distortion," and allows user A to select from them, user A can efficiently input a summary of instructions / criticisms without expending the effort of text input. Furthermore, by using selection buttons to input communication items, without keyboard input, work assignments can be efficiently carried out. For example, it is also envisioned to use smartphones or other devices for instructions, or to input effectively simply by operating the instruction device. Moreover, by utilizing pre-existing information (tags, common categories), communication items are publicized as a certain type, unlike messages that differ for each inputter (becoming difficult to aggregate), thus facilitating subsequent analysis and classification. Specifically, for example, it becomes easy to summarize and quantitatively analyze the details of criticisms in 100 communication items, such as 20 model errors, 70 value setting omissions, and 10 graphic distortions. Of course, communication items can also be input via text input or by selecting and inputting from pre-set options. For example, after selecting "Incorrect Model", user A can enter what they believe to be the correct model information, as well as detailed communication instructions.

[0333] exist Figure 29 In the example, display area 102 within display area 152 displays the group of elements selected by user A (21 within display area 151). Display area 103 displays information about element B contained in the selected group of elements. Display area 104 displays the message from user A to user B. As an information processing device 10, user A can assign messages from user A to user B regarding the selected location or area by adding annotations to display area 104.

[0334] Figure 30 This illustrates user B's actions on the screen. Figure 30 In the drawing, the area 108 pointed out by User A is highlighted. User B (the corrector, etc.) selects this area. For example, User B selects the highlighted area 108 by touching the touch panel as shown in 105, or by moving the cursor towards this area by instructing the operation of other input devices on the device. Correspondingly, in the display bar outside the drawing (in... Figure 30In the example, the message conveyed from user A to user B regarding work guidelines and revisions is displayed in the display area 152 on the right side of the screen. Alternatively, the message may be displayed near the designated area 108 on the drawing. In this case, the message may be hidden until the area designated by user B so as not to obstruct the viewing of the drawing. The control unit 11 may also display the detailed information, such as the designated content, in a form that does not obstruct the visual confirmation of the drawing, for example, in another area or in a pop-up format.

[0335] User B confirms the message and implements corrective actions accordingly, based on its content and policy. Furthermore, responding to a message is not limited to making corrections; for example, User B could also answer a question from User A. Figure 30 In the example, in display area 103, the model number is changed from "ADC110" to "ABC110", and the previously unset value is set to 25.

[0336] User B performs tasks such as correcting pointed-out areas, setting missing values, or inputting response messages. User B can perform either these tasks or input messages. Sometimes, if the task is performed as expected, no message is needed. User B may also refrain from performing any task and only input a message indicating that no task is required, or input related communication information after performing corrective actions. Figure 30 In the example, a message from user B to user A is entered in display area 110.

[0337] If user B completes their task, an emphasis can be displayed in the annotation area to indicate that the task is complete. This includes, for example,... Figure 30 In addition to marker 107 containing characters such as "completed" as in the example, it can be one of the characters, markers, or colors, or a combination of them. The completion status is set by user B inputting this meaning. Alternatively, if user A, who has made a correction, is unaware of the correction and is unsure of the completion status, the completion status can be set by user A confirming (acknowledging) the correction after user B has made the correction.

[0338] If such markings are assigned, the relevant user can intuitively visually confirm where the marked areas on the drawing exist, where the work has been completed and where it is not (where to proceed next), etc. Furthermore, the user can also search for the areas marked or perform total analysis. For example, the information processing device 10 can also, when dealing with 100 marked areas and 70 corresponding tasks completed, display the number of marked areas (100), the number of completed tasks (70), and the number of tasks remaining (30) by pressing a total button (or automatically even without prompting).

[0339] The information entered by User A and User B can be displayed using different colors. This is not limited to this; colors or symbols can be changed for each user to easily identify who entered the information. It also allows for monitoring the distribution of operators on the drawing. When multiple users are involved in the drawing, and given pre-determined rules or job assignments regarding specific operators' instructions to User A and their expected responses, it is easy to monitor the operators and their responses.

[0340] Figure 31A as well as Figure 31B This is a diagram illustrating a user interface for modifying the settings of an element. For example, when changing the settings for element B, such as... Figure 31A As shown, user A selects a graphic representing element B. Correspondingly, the information processing device 10... Figure 31B As shown, options such as the type of corrections (criticisms) to be made are displayed in a selectable manner via pop-ups. Figure 31B In this example, users can choose from "Set Omissions," "Mistakes," and "Graphic Distortion" (this is just one example; the options are not limited to these). User A selects the desired corrections and enters corrections (criticisms) for element B. Not limited to user A, user B's comments can also be prompted with such options, allowing them to select and eliminating the need for manual input. This allows for easy categorization or correction based on common content.

[0341] Figure 32 This diagram shows an example of the screen on the display unit 15 connected to the information processing device 10. In a drawing, if the designated area is highlighted, the user can easily identify the location, which is effective. However, when multiple designated areas exist scattered throughout a large drawing, the user needs to manually move between the designated areas by scrolling or moving the work point. To move to the next location after finishing at a certain point (the designated area), it is necessary to perform operations such as moving the cursor over a wide area using a pointing device or keyboard. In particular, when designated areas exist scattered throughout a drawing representing a large workshop, scrolling the screen or moving the work point is required each time a new designated area is checked, making it difficult to find the designated area or requiring cumbersome operations to move to it.

[0342] Therefore, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment switches and displays the location or area (pointing area) to which the message is assigned in accordance with simple operations, such as pressing a "move down one point" button displayed on the screen, or pressing a specific button on the input device. Simple operations here refer to specific operations such as pressing a single button or clicking. Unlike time-consuming operations such as visually searching for a work point on the screen, continuously rotating the scroll wheel of the indicator device while searching, or moving the cursor to that location after searching, this represents a quick and concise execution of a prescribed button or command (click, etc.). Thus, the location or area to which the message is assigned is switched and displayed in accordance with the user's operation input (simple operation), allowing the user to easily and completely confirm the location of the message. Specifically, when the pointing area is recorded and mapped onto a drawing, the information processing device 10 maintains the position information of the pointing area. The location information of the area to be pointed out includes: which drawing it is in the case of multiple drawings, the coordinates on the drawing, or matrix information, etc.

[0343] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 can also control the movement to the next selection area in response to a pre-determined operation input (simple operation) to the input unit 14. Such operation input can include selection / execution operations using a forward button displayed on the screen with "move down a little" or similar indicators, or designated keys (forward buttons) assigned to input devices such as keyboards, or clicking on a pointing device. Therefore, the user can move to and display the next selection area with a simple operation without visually searching for each location or performing complex operations. This also eliminates the need for the user to search for the selection area, preventing missed selection area confirmations. Figure 32 In the example, the information processing device 10, in response to the user's operation input (pressing the forward button of the input device, etc.), causes the target area to be addressed to be sequentially moved to the next target area according to element group 111, element group 112, element group 113 and element group 115 (when each target area is confirmed, the display area or content is switched and displayed appropriately.

[0344] Furthermore, if the task of responding to the group of elements is completed, the information processing device 10 can automatically attach a completion mark (marked "Completed" in the figure) to the pointed area and automatically move to the next adjacent pointed area. In this way, even the input operation for switching pointed areas is not required, further improving work efficiency. As described above, when confirmation from user A who made the pointed action is required, user A also confirms while moving to the pointed area (i.e., the area responded to by user B). Areas without new pointed actions sequentially become completed and can also be marked with a completion mark. Thus, the pointed area has been described as an example, but such transfer control can be performed on both the pointed point (area) and the response point (area).

[0345] Furthermore, when switching between designated areas, the information processing device 10 can either move only to the nearest designated area, or move according to a rough rule such as from upstream to downstream or from top to bottom on the drawing, or it can pre-set the importance of the designated areas and move them in descending order of importance. For example, if there are 100 designated areas in the entire drawing, 10 designated areas are set to be of high importance, 20 to be of medium importance, and 70 to be of average importance. In this case, in control that simply moves to the nearest designated area, sometimes the lower priority areas are processed first, while the higher priority areas are postponed. Therefore, by using the set importance (priority) information, the information processing device 10 first moves to the 10 most important areas, allowing the user to address these important areas first. The information processing device 10 controls the process so that after the operation on the most important designated areas is completed, the next step is to move to the 20 most important designated areas. Importance is an indicator of the degree to which a designated area should be corrected or changed in advance. Importance is assigned / set by the user who selects the area to be criticized. Specifically, importance reflects, for example, the severity of the impact of errors or misrepresentations in that location or area on the equipment depicted in the drawing, the degree to which corrections or changes are needed, and the current content of that location or area. That is, importance can be displayed numerically, or set using stages such as high, medium, low, or levels A, B, C, etc.

[0346] When the information processing device 10 receives 10 tasks classified as having high importance, it can transfer tasks sequentially from the more important areas of focus, rather than randomly determining the transfer order. This allows tasks to be performed preferentially from the more important areas of focus.

[0347] Alternatively, the information processing device 10 can sequentially transfer tasks between designated areas with high similarity in their content. In this case, information defining the commonality of tasks, etc., is set manually or automatically, and the transfer is controlled based on this information. For example, such as... Figure 31B As illustrated in the example, if options such as task type are provided, these options can be used to group and handle similar types of tasks. This allows users to group similar or common tasks, enabling efficient task execution. For example, consider a scenario where there are 10 designated areas for tasks involving omission handling, error correction, and graphic distortion correction. In this case, the information processing device 10 can move on to the 10 designated areas for omission handling, then to the 10 designated areas for error correction and the 10 designated areas for graphic distortion correction. This allows users to group similar tasks, efficiently execute tasks, and prevent errors.

[0348] These transfer rules can also be stored in the storage unit 12, allowing users to select or arrange them. Alternatively, users can use applications installed on the information processing device 10 to switch between applications based on factors such as "importance" and "similarity (job type)," thereby applying the transfer rules. These rules can also be switched using an ON or OFF setting. For example, when both "importance" and "similarity" are ON, the information processing device 10 controls the process to prioritize transfers from important designated areas, while simultaneously summarizing and sequentially switching job areas requiring similar tasks. Alternatively, even if the user does not select a transfer rule, the information processing device 10 can use this as a default setting to control the process to summarizing and sequentially transfer areas requiring the same type of task, starting from the important designated areas.

[0349] Furthermore, there may be multiple designated areas in a drawing that require the same work. Therefore, when multiple designated areas require the same work, the information processing device 10 can automatically designate other areas of the same type if user A has designated one of those designated areas. The information processing device 10 can also automatically assign the same communication to other designated areas of the same type if user A has assigned a communication to a designated area. In other words, by designating one area, if there are 10 places in the entire drawing where the same correction should be made, then all 10 places become designated areas. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 can automatically perform the same response operation on other areas of the same type if user B has responded to one of the designated areas requiring the same work. Previously, user A would designate 10 areas individually, and user B would respond to 10 areas individually, which was extremely time-consuming and could lead to omissions in extraction or response operations. In contrast, according to the structure of this embodiment, identical marked locations in the drawing are automatically detected by a single point of reference and the corresponding response is also performed on that single location, thereby enabling comprehensive processing. Through these processes, the work efficiency of both user A and user B can be improved.

[0350] The display screen 15 is not limited to Figure 29 , Figure 30 as well as Figure 32 The structure is illustrated in the example. Figure 33 This diagram shows an example of the screen displayed on the display unit 15 connected to the information processing device 10. Figure 33 In the drawing, to the left of the display area 151, there is a display area 154 representing user A's work, and to the right of the display area 151, there is a display area 152 representing user B's work. Users can specify location 116 by touching the touch panel or moving the cursor using an input device, and select areas such as 117 and 118 within the drawing. The information processing device 10 displays the user's work / response content or its total information in the display areas 152 and 154. Furthermore, in... Figure 33 In the example, communications between users are also displayed in display area 151 of the drawing. Statements representing communications from user A to user B are assigned in association with element group 118. User A's request is displayed in 119, and correspondingly, content representing a response to user B is displayed in 161. When a criticism / response area is specified on the drawing, the criticism and response content can be appropriately displayed in display areas 151, 152, and 154. The display of criticism and response content can be either one or both. Figure 33In the example, the total number and progress of complaints and responses are summarized and displayed, allowing for status confirmation and management. On August 10th, user A made 45 complaints, which user B responded to. User A then made further complaints, leaving 5 unresolved (see display areas 152 and 154). Furthermore, on August 18th, user A made 30 new complaints, leaving a total of 35 areas requiring attention, including the currently unresolved 5 and the new 30 complaints. This information can be shared among all users. By allowing user B to select (specify) "new arrivals" or "30 items," control unit 11 can, as explained so far, control the display of the 30 locations on the drawing to correspond with the drawing, or relocate the complaint points. Similarly, for "35 items not yet completed," the locations where the work is not finished can be displayed on the drawing, or the points can be relocated.

[0351] Next, refer to Figure 34 Explain the operation of the information processing device 10. (See reference) Figure 34 The operation of the information processing device 10 described herein is equivalent to the information processing method described in this embodiment, and the operation of each step is executed based on the control of the control unit 11. Figure 34 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0352] In step S61, the control unit 11 receives a selection from the first user of at least one location or area (point of interest or area of ​​interest) in a drawing. Various conventional methods can be used for selecting a location or area, but details of the pioneering method will be described later in the seventh and eighth embodiments.

[0353] In step S62, the control unit 11 receives a communication from the first user to the second user regarding a newly selected location or area from the first user. Alternatively, the control unit 11 receives a communication from the second user regarding the selection of a location or area by the first user, and related responses. The communication may include comments from the first user, responses from the second user, and re-comments from the first user. Only the user who initially made the comment will select a new location or area on the drawing. Therefore, for a location or area that has already been selected, step S61 can be omitted, and new communication messages such as responses or re-comments for the selected location or area can be stored in the storage unit 12 as additions corresponding to that location or area. As already explained, the addition processing (response or re-comment) is repeatedly performed until the processing of that location or area is completed.

[0354] In step S63, the control unit 11 stores the tagging information, which indicates that the selected location or area has been accepted by the first user, in the storage unit 12 in association with the communication information indicating the communication matter. As described above, in the case of the second user, it is not necessary to tag a new location or area, but the control unit 11 stores the already tagged locations in association with the communication matters related to the response. If other communication information has already been stored in association with the tagging information, the control unit 11 may also store the communication information in the storage unit 12 in association with other communication information, not the tagging information.

[0355] In step S64, the control unit 11 displays the aforementioned communication items and their corresponding locations or areas on the display unit 15. Since the communication items from the first user to the second user are displayed in correspondence with their locations or areas, the second user can easily grasp the location or area that should be identified in the drawing, and the corresponding communication item established for that location or area (the same applies when the second user communicates to the first user). This allows multiple users to efficiently perform tasks such as drawing corrections and the communication of related information. Here, the control unit 11 may also display the location or area indicated by the marking information in a different way. Emphasis can be placed by changing the color or line type, assigning markings indicating the first or second user, etc., and the drawing can be displayed on the display unit 15. In this case, the color can also be changed for each user. Thus, the location or area of ​​the drawing to which the communication item is assigned is emphasized, making it easy for each user to grasp the location or area of ​​the drawing to which the communication item is assigned.

[0356] As described above, the control unit 11, in response to the operation input of the first user or the second user, switches the location or area to which the communication matter is assigned and displays it on the display unit 15. In step S65, the control unit 11 determines whether such operation input exists. If such operation input exists (step S65: Yes), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S66; otherwise (step S65: No), the flowchart processing ends.

[0357] In step S66, when the user confirms a message from another user related to a location or area, or performs an operation, the control unit 11 displays the content of the message for the location or area to which the message was assigned. When the user finishes confirming the location or area and moves to the next location or area, the location or area is switched and displayed on the display unit 15. Thus, the user can confirm all locations to which messages have been assigned without missing any.

[0358] Furthermore, the control unit 11 can also select the importance of each location or area chosen by the first user. The control unit 11 can also store importance information, representing the importance of each location or area selected by the first user, in association with marking information in the storage unit 12. Moreover, the control unit 11 can, in response to the operation input of the first or second user, switch and display the locations or areas assigned to the communication task on the display unit 15 in descending order of importance. Thus, by switching and displaying locations or areas in descending order of importance in response to the user's operation input, the user can confirm the locations assigned to the communication task in descending order of the necessity of the research.

[0359] Furthermore, the control unit 11 can also store response information, indicating whether the second user has responded to the location or area assigned the communication task, in the storage unit 12, associating each marker with its corresponding marker. Additionally, the control unit 11 can, based on the response information, display response completion information (e.g., an image, marker, or string indicating "Completed") as a status indicator for each location or area assigned the communication task on the display unit 15. In this way, by indicating whether the second user has responded to the location or area assigned the communication task by the first user through images, etc., the user can easily identify where the response is completed and where it is not. When moving a location or area, the completed portion does not require confirmation; therefore, the control unit 11 can also control the sequential switching and movement of only the points where the response is not completed.

[0360] Furthermore, the control unit 11 can also assign communication requests through character input or option selection. Thus, users can assign communication requests to locations or areas on the drawing through character input or option selection.

[0361] Furthermore, the control unit 11 can also receive assignments of a second communication request, which is a communication request from a second user to a location or area selected by the first user. The control unit 11 can also store the second communication information, representing the second communication request, along with marker information representing the location or area where the second communication request was assigned, or other communication information already stored in association with the marker information, in the storage unit 12. Furthermore, the control unit 11 can display the second communication request on the display unit 15 corresponding to the location or area where the second communication request was assigned. In this way, not only communication requests from the first user but also communication requests from the second user are displayed corresponding to the locations or areas in the drawing, allowing the user to easily grasp the points of discussion that should be focused on in the drawing.

[0362] <Seventh Implementation>

[0363] In this embodiment, instead of selecting all elements shown in the graphics contained within or partially contained in the user-selected region as an element group, the structure of the elements contained in the element group is extracted from the graphics (elements) that intersect with the boundary of the region (having intersection points), based on the positional relationship between the boundary of the region and the graphic. According to the structure of this embodiment, the user can quickly select the desired element group with simple operation without performing precise and careful work. The method for selecting element groups by the user according to this embodiment can also be applied to any of the structures of the first to sixth embodiments. Structures common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0364] Next, refer to Figure 35 Explain the operation of the information processing device 10. (See reference) Figure 35 The operation of the information processing device 10 described herein is equivalent to the information processing method described in this embodiment, and the operation of each step is executed based on the control of the control unit 11. Figure 35 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0365] In step S71, the control unit 11 selects the user acceptance area from the drawing represented by graphic elements. Figure 36 This is a diagram schematically representing the operation of selecting a group of elements. In Figure 36 In this process, user 201's 162 (a finger or stylus touching the touch panel, or a cursor on the screen operated via an input device) draws a trajectory 163 on the drawing, indicating the outer perimeter (boundary) of the selected area, thus selecting the area bounded by trajectory 163. Figure 36In this scenario, user 201 wants to select a group of elements consisting of a valve, element A, and element B. However, only the valve graphic 164 and element A graphic 125 are completely contained within trajectory 163. Furthermore, trajectory 163 intersects not only with element B graphic 126, but also with element E graphic 127 and element F graphic 128, which the user did not intend to select. For further details on selecting a region, please refer to... Figure 38A as well as Figure 38B To be described later.

[0366] In step S72, the control unit 11 extracts from the drawing the first element shown in the graphic, which is contained within the area where the selection has been accepted (the selected object element has not yet been determined at this moment). Figure 36 In the example, figures 164 and 125 are contained within the area, so the control unit 11 extracts the valve and element A as the first element.

[0367] In step S73, the control unit 11 extracts a second element from the drawing, which is a graphic element intersecting the boundary of the selected area. Figure 36 In the example, the trajectory 163 of the boundary of the defined area intersects with figures 126, 127, and 128. Therefore, the control unit 11 extracts elements B, E, and F as each of the second elements.

[0368] In step S74, the control unit 11 determines whether the positional relationship between the graphic representing the second element extracted in step S73 and the boundary is in a predetermined relationship. If the positional relationship is in a predetermined relationship (step S74: Yes), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S75; if the relationship is not in that relationship (step S74: No), it proceeds to step S76.

[0369] In step S75, the control unit 11 extracts the second element of the processing object as the third element.

[0370] In step S76, the control unit 11 determines whether all the second elements extracted in step S73 have been processed in steps S73 to S75. If processing has been performed (step S76: Yes), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S77. If no processing has been performed (step S76: No), the control unit 11 returns to step S73 and continues processing for the remaining second elements.

[0371] In step S77, the control unit 11 stores the set of elements consisting of the first element and the third element as the element group selected by the user 201 in the storage unit 12. Then, the control unit 11 ends the flowchart processing.

[0372] In this way, the control unit 11 does not simply select elements from the graphics that are contained within or partially contained in the area selected by the user, but rather extracts elements from the graphics that intersect with the boundary of the area, based on the positional relationship between the boundary of the area and the graphics, and excludes elements that should not be included. Thus, in complex drawings, the user can quickly select the desired element group with simple operation, without having to spend time on precise and careful selection to ensure that graphics representing unwanted elements do not intersect with the boundary line of the selected area.

[0373] In addition, in step S74, the control unit 11 may determine, for example, whether the ratio of the area of ​​the part of the graphic representing the second element contained within the region to the area of ​​the whole graphic is a predetermined value (e.g., 50%) or higher, as a predetermined positional relationship.

[0374] With such a benchmark adopted, the control unit 11 will... Figure 36 Elements like element B, which are parts of a graphic that extend from the boundary of the region, are also included in the element group. Therefore, users can quickly select the desired element group with simple operations without spending time on precise and careful selection.

[0375] Alternatively, if the connection relationship between elements is represented by connecting lines in the drawing, the control unit 11 can also determine in step S74, for example, whether the second element is connected to one of the first elements by the same connecting line (i.e., whether they are adjacent on the same connecting line). Using such a reference, the control unit 11 will... Figure 36 Like element B, among the elements of the figure that intersect with the boundary of the region, the first element (in which part of the figure is contained within the interior of the region) Figure 36 In the example, elements connected to the valve (element A) are included in the element group. That is, element B, which is adjacent to the reliably selected valve (element A) on the same connection line, is selected. On the other hand, elements E and F are excluded because they are partially contained within the area of ​​the drawing due to their proximity to the valve (element A) on the drawing, but are not on the same connection line. Therefore, users can quickly select the desired element group with simple operation without performing precise and careful work.

[0376] Alternatively, in step S74, the control unit 11 may determine, for example, whether the positional relationship between the boundary of the region and the center of the graphic representing the second element is in a specific relationship. Alternatively, in step S74, the control unit 11 may determine, for example, whether the positional relationship between the point where the boundary of the region intersects with the periphery of the graphic representing the second element and the center of the graphic representing the second element is in a specific relationship.

[0377] Figure 37 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between a graphic representing a group of elements and the boundary of the selected area. The periphery of graphic 165 intersects the trajectory 134 drawn by user 201 at two intersection points 135 and 136. Graphic 165 has a center point 139. Point 137 is the intersection of a line passing through the two intersection points 135 and 136 and a line perpendicular to that line and passing through the center point 139 of graphic 165. Figure 37 In such an example, the control unit 11 can determine, for instance, whether the center point 139 of the graphic 165 is included within the area defined by the trajectory 134, based on the positional relationship between the boundary of the area and the periphery of the graphic representing the second element and the center of the graphic representing the second element. Furthermore, the control unit 11 can also determine, for instance, which side of the center point 137 is located on (e.g., the upper or lower side in the drawing) based on the positional relationship between the boundary of the area and the periphery of the graphic representing the second element. By extracting elements that should be included in the element group based on such positional relationships, the user can quickly select the desired element group with simple operation without performing precise and careful work.

[0378] Furthermore, the determination criteria in step S74 illustrated here can also be used in combination. That is, the control unit 11 can be included in the element group if the second element satisfies all of the multiple criteria, or it can be included in the element group if the second element satisfies at least one of the multiple criteria.

[0379] In step S71, regarding the operation of user 201 selecting an area, refer to... Figure 38A as well as Figure 38B Please provide an explanation. Figure 38A as well as Figure 38B It is a diagram that schematically represents the operation of selecting a group of elements.

[0380] exist Figure 38AIn this system, the control unit 11 accepts a first operation on a first position of the drawing via a pointing device or a touch panel, and then accepts a second operation on a second position of the drawing via the same device or touch panel. Furthermore, the control unit 11 accepts selections from the user of a rectangular area having the first and second positions as diagonal ends. Thus, the user can easily select the desired group of elements by moving the cursor on the pointing device or by touching the touch panel.

[0381] exist Figure 38B In this system, the control unit 11 uses the trajectory of the operation of the indicator device or the operation of the touch panel as the boundary of the area, and selects the user's reception area. Thus, the user can easily select the desired group of elements by operating the indicator device or the touch panel.

[0382] <Eighth Implementation Method>

[0383] The structure described in this embodiment determines whether to include the element shown in the graphic selected after the region selection as an additional selection element and include it in the group of elements selected within the region, based on at least one of the time between the selection of the region and the selection of the next graphic (element) outside the region, and the distance between the selected region and the next selected graphic (element) outside the region. Thus, it is possible to automatically determine whether the operation performed after the region selection is an operation associated with the most recent selection operation or corresponds to a new selection operation, and to add the element to be added to the temporarily selected group of elements with a simple operation. The user selection method for the group of elements described in this embodiment can also be applied to any structure of the first to seventh embodiments. Structures common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0384] refer to Figure 39 Explain the operation of the information processing device 10. (See reference) Figure 39 The operation of the information processing device 10 described herein is equivalent to the information processing method described in this embodiment, and the operation of each step is executed based on the control of the control unit 11. Figure 39 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Hereinafter, examples will be described where the connection relationships between elements in the drawings are represented by connecting lines.

[0385] In step S81, the control unit 11 selects from the user a region containing multiple graphics representing the first element in the drawing of the graphic representation elements. Figures 40A to 41B This is a diagram schematically representing the operation of selecting a group of elements. In Figure 40A as well as Figure 41AIn the process, user 201 selected the region containing the valve and element A as the first element.

[0386] After accepting the region selection in step S81, in step S82, the control unit 11 accepts the user's selection of a graphic representing the second element. Figure 40B In the example, user 201 selected element B as the second element. Figure 41B In the example, user 201 selected element C as the second element.

[0387] In step S83, the control unit 11 determines whether the time from accepting the selection of the region containing the first element's graphic until accepting the selection of the graphic representing the second element is within a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds). This time can be set and changed by the user. If it is within the predetermined time (step S83: Yes), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S84; otherwise (step S83: No), the flowchart processing ends.

[0388] In step S84, the control unit 11 determines whether (1) the distance between the region containing the graphic of the first element and the graphic representing the second element is less than a predetermined distance, or (2) whether the second element is connected to one of the first elements by the same connecting line. If at least one of the conditions (1) and (2) is met (step S84: Yes), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S85; otherwise (step S84: No), the flowchart processing ends.

[0389] In step S85, the control unit 11 stores the set of elements consisting of the first element and the second element as a user-selected element group in the storage unit 12. Then, the control unit 11 terminates the flowchart processing.

[0390] If the time from accepting the selection of a region containing a graphic of the first element to accepting the selection of a graphic representing the second element is within a predetermined time, and the region and the second element are in a specific positional relationship, the control unit 11 includes the second element in the selected element group (steps S83-S85). Figure 40C Therefore, after temporarily selecting an element group, the user can add that element to the previously selected element group by selecting an element that is near the element group or connected to an element contained in the element group via the same connection line within a predetermined time. Thus, the user can easily add elements to a temporarily selected element group without reselecting it. Figure 39 The process records both time and location conditions, but one of the processes can be omitted, and only one of them can be used for judgment.

[0391] Thus, the control unit 11 determines whether the element shown by the graphic selected after the region selection should be included in the element group based on at least one of the following: the time between the selection of the region and the selection of the graphic, the distance between the selected region and the graphic, and the connection relationship between the selected region and the graphic. Therefore, the control unit 11 can automatically determine whether the operation performed after the region selection is related to the most recent selection operation or corresponds to a new selection operation, and can easily add the element to be added to the temporarily selected element group.

[0392] In addition, Figure 39 In this process, the control unit 11 includes the second element in the selected element group if at least one of the following conditions (A) to (C) is met, but the conditions for including the second element in the element group are not limited to these. For example, the control unit 11 may also include the second element in the selected element group if one or more of the following conditions are met, if two or more of the following conditions are met, or if all the following conditions are met.

[0393] (A) The time from the acceptance of the selection of the region containing the first element to the acceptance of the selection of the graphic representing the second element shall be within a predetermined time.

[0394] (B) The distance between the region containing the first element and the region representing the second element is less than a predetermined distance.

[0395] (C) The second element is connected to one of the first elements by the same connecting line.

[0396] Furthermore, in step S81, the control unit 11 may, as shown in the seventh embodiment, extract not only the elements represented by the graphic contained within the selected area, but also the elements represented by the graphic intersecting the boundary of the area as first elements. The user can extract not only the elements whose entire graphic is contained within the selected area, but also the elements of the graphic intersecting the boundary of the area as first elements, thus enabling the selection of the desired group of elements with simple operation.

[0397] Furthermore, after the control unit 11 accepts the selection of a region containing a graphic of the first element, it can also determine the set of elements consisting of the first element and the second element as the element group selected by the user if the user drags the graphic of the second element to the region. Figure 42 This is a diagram schematically representing the operation of selecting a group of elements. In Figure 42In the process, after selecting element group 1, which consists of valve, element A, and element B, element group 2, which consists of valve, element C, and valve, is selected. Then, element E is dragged towards the area of ​​element group 1. In this case, the control unit 11 adds element E to element group 1 and stores it in the storage unit 12. Through this process, the user can select the desired element group through an intuitive and easy-to-understand operation. Even if the user does not drag the element completely into the displayed area, as long as the drag is directed towards the area where the element is to be added, the control unit 11 will add the element to the area existing in that direction. That is, the operation of dragging the graphic of the second element towards the area includes not only dragging the element into the area but also dragging towards the direction in which the area exists.

[0398] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the multiple blocks shown in the block diagrams may be integrated, or a single block may be divided. The multiple steps shown in the flowcharts may also be executed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capability of the apparatus performing each step, or as needed. Furthermore, modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. The disclosures of the various embodiments are illustrated using workshop drawings as examples, but are not limited to workshops and can be applied in the field of processing drawings represented by multiple graphic elements.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit performs: The user accepts the selection of a group of elements as a group of elements consisting of at least one element used in the drawing. The drawing is used to retrieve a group of elements that match the selected group of elements. The retrieved element group is displayed on the display unit in correspondence with its position on the drawing. The control unit also performs: The drawing is used to retrieve elements that match the priority element among the elements contained in the retrieval element group. In the drawing, from the elements adjacent to the retrieved element that matches the priority element, we retrieve elements that match the elements adjacent to the priority element included in the search element group. If the preferred element is not found, the process of retrieving elements from the drawing that match the elements adjacent to the preferred element in the search element group is interrupted. The priority element is determined according to the priority order within the rule data, or it can be set by the user.

2. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, The control unit performs: On the drawing displayed on the display unit, the selection of the search element group by the user is considered. Retrieve from the drawing a group of elements that matches the group of elements selected by the user on the drawing.

3. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, The control unit displays the drawing on the display unit in a manner that the retrieved element group is displayed differently from the other elements.

4. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, The control unit displays an image on the display unit showing the distribution of each of the retrieved element groups in the drawing.

5. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, The types and arrangement of the elements are specified in the drawing. The control unit retrieves from the drawing the element group the types of each element and the arrangement of the elements that are consistent with the retrieved element group, and uses the retrieved element group as the element group that matches the retrieved element group.

6. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 5, Each of the elements used in the drawing is assigned at least one attribute information representing at least one of its properties and the conditions under which it operates. The control unit retrieves from the drawing the element group the types of each element, the attribute information assigned to each element, and the element group whose arrangement is consistent with the retrieved element group, and uses these as the element group that matches the retrieved element group.

7. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, The control unit performs: In the drawing, among at least two elements that are connected to each other, the element that is upstream is determined based on the connection relationship. The element located further upstream is taken as the priority element, and a group of elements that matches the group of elements to be retrieved is retrieved from the drawing.

8. An information processing method, comprising: The control unit of the information processing device performs a process of selecting a group of elements from a group of elements consisting of at least one element used in the drawing, after the user accepts the request. The process by which the control unit retrieves a group of elements from the drawing that matches the selected group of elements; and The process by which the control unit displays the retrieved group of elements on the display unit in correspondence with their positions on the drawing. The information processing method further includes: The process of the control unit retrieving from the drawing an element that matches the priority element among the elements contained in the search element group; The process by which the control unit retrieves elements in the drawing that match the elements adjacent to the retrieved priority element from the elements adjacent to the priority element in the retrieved element group; and If the preferred element is not found, the control unit interrupts the process of retrieving from the drawing an element that matches the element adjacent to the preferred element in the search element group. The priority element is determined according to the priority order within the rule data, or it can be set by the user.

9. A computer program product comprising a computer program that enables a computer to function as an information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images