Management method, server and management system of customized product

Abstract

The invention provides a management method, a server, and a customized product management system, which make it easy to manage customized programming information. A method of managing a customized product of a vibrating device in a management system including a server and a first terminal device of a customer connected to the server via a network, the server receiving, from the first terminal device, customized programming information written to the vibrating device. In addition, the server generates a customization model for determining the received customization programming information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management method, a server, a management system for customized products, etc. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a known method for systematizing the process from order acceptance to delivery of oscillators, etc. Patent Document 1 discloses the following method: blank oscillators are prepared in advance for each factory of a manufacturer, a server of the manufacturer selects a factory suitable for delivery of the oscillator based on order data received from a customer's terminal, and data written in the blank oscillator is sent to the selected factory, thereby achieving early delivery of the oscillator.

[0003] In the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, customers are burdened with inputting required specifications in detail every time they place an order. Therefore, it is desired to construct a system with further improved convenience.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-117285 Summary of the invention

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a management method, which is a management method for customized products of vibration devices in a management system including a server and a first terminal device of a customer connected to the server via a network, wherein the server receives customized programming information written to the vibration device from the first terminal device and generates a customized model number for determining the received customized programming information.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a server, which is connected to a first terminal device of a customer via a network, and includes: a receiving unit, which receives customized programming information written to a vibration device from the first terminal device; and a processing unit, which generates a customized model number for determining the customized programming information when receiving the customized programming information.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a management system for customized products, which includes the above-mentioned server and the first terminal device, and the first terminal device sends the customized programming information written into the vibration device by a writing device to the server.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a management system for customized products, which includes the above-mentioned server, the first terminal device, and a second terminal device connected to the server and the first terminal device via the network, the second terminal device sends the customized model ordered by the first terminal device to the second terminal device to the server, and the server sends the customized programming information determined according to the received customized model to the second terminal device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a management system and the like.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining an example of the processing flow of this embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining another configuration example of a management system, etc.

[0012] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the sending of customized programming information in more detail.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining another example of the processing flow of this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining another configuration example of a management system, etc.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining another example of the processing flow of this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining another example of the processing flow of this embodiment.

[0017] Description of symbols

[0018] 1: management system; 10: server; 20: receiving unit; 30: processing unit; 100: first terminal device; 110: writing device; 200: second terminal device; 300: vibration device; 310: non-volatile memory; NW: network. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail. In addition, the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents described in the claims, and all the structures described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential structural elements.

[0020] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a structural example of a management system 1 for customized products of the present embodiment. In addition, hereinafter, the management system 1 for customized products is sometimes simply omitted and recorded as management system 1. The customized product of the present embodiment specifically refers to a customized product of a vibration device 300. A specific example of the vibration device 300 will be described later. The customized product of the vibration device 300 refers to a product in which the specifications are determined and the operations involved in the customization are completed in a product composed of a vibration device 300 that can customize at least a part of the specifications according to the customer's requirements. In addition, the product composed of the vibration device 300 refers to the vibration device 300 officially sold by the manufacturer, but may also include the vibration device 300 scheduled to be sold in the near future. That is, in the present embodiment, the vibration device 300 includes both a customizable vibration device 300 and a non-customizable vibration device 300. The customizable vibration device 300 is, for example, a vibration device 300 in which the oscillation frequency of the output clock signal output from the vibration device 300 is customized according to the customer's requirements, and more specifically, a programmable oscillator described later. In addition, in the subsequent description, the oscillation frequency is sometimes simply expressed as frequency. Furthermore, when the vibration device 300 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as described later, a customized product may be a product in which firmware storing command set data for the CPU is customized.

[0021] exist Figure 1 In the example, the management system 1 includes a server 10 and a first terminal device 100. The first terminal device 100 is connected to the server 10 via a network NW. Specifically, the network NW is a public communication network such as the Internet, but may also be configured to partially include an intranet. Figure 1 The management system 1 of the embodiment is shown to include one server 10 and one first terminal device 100, but may include a plurality of servers 10 and a plurality of first terminal devices 100. The management system 1 of the present embodiment may include a number of first terminal devices 100 constituted by customers described later.

[0022] As described below, the server 10 is a computer that provides management services related to the ordering of customized products of the vibration device 300 to customers via the network NW. The server 10 can be a cloud server managed by the manufacturer or a physical server owned by the manufacturer. The server 10 functions as a Web server, which will be described in detail later. As a result, the customer can use the Web browser included in the first terminal device 100 to browse the dedicated Web page related to the management service on the display unit not shown in the figure, and order the customized product of the vibration device 300 by inputting data on the dedicated Web page. At this time, a client-server type network is formed in which the server 10 is used as a server and each first terminal device 100 is used as a client. Therefore, for example, between a first terminal device 100 and other first terminal devices 100, data will not be sent and received via the dedicated Web page. In addition, the dedicated Web page here can be, for example, a Web page that can be opened by a Web browser that is a dedicated software specified by the manufacturer, or a Web page that can only be viewed by people who have received permission from the manufacturer although the Web browser is a general software.

[0023] The server 10 includes a receiving unit 20 and a processing unit 30. The receiving unit 20 is a communication interface that is connected to an external device via a network NW. The receiving unit 20 can be implemented by a separate semiconductor device having a communication function in accordance with a prescribed communication standard, but can also be implemented as a part of a semiconductor device having other functions. In addition, the prescribed communication standard is, for example, a standard for wired communication such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a standard for wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), but can also be other communication standards. In addition, in the present embodiment, "communication connection in accordance with a communication standard" is appropriately recorded as "communication connection" or simply recorded as "connection". In addition, although not shown in the figure, the server 10 can also function as a sending unit by including the above-mentioned communication interface.

[0024] The processing unit 30 processes various parts of the server 10. The processing unit 30 is composed of the following hardware. The hardware includes a circuit for processing digital signals, but may also include a circuit for processing analog signals. For example, the hardware can be composed of one or more circuit devices and one or more circuit elements mounted on a circuit substrate. One or more circuit devices are, for example, IC (Integrated Circuit), FPGA (field-programmable gate array), etc. One or more circuit elements are, for example, resistors, capacitors, etc. In addition, the processing unit 30 is implemented by including at least one processor described below. The processing unit 30 includes a memory for storing information not shown in the figure and a processor for performing actions based on the information stored in the memory. Information is, for example, programs and various data. The processor includes hardware. The processor can use various processors such as CPU, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. The memory may be a semiconductor memory such as SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), or a register, or a magnetic storage device such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an optical storage device such as an optical disk device. For example, a computer-readable command is stored in the memory, and by executing the command by the processor, a part or all of the functions of each part of the server 10 are implemented as a process. The command here may be a command set constituting a program, or a command instructing the hardware circuit of the processor to act.

[0025] The first terminal device 100 is a terminal device used by a customer, such as a personal computer. Although not shown in the figure, the first terminal device 100 includes a processor corresponding to the processing unit 30 described above, and has a function as a processing unit. The above-mentioned Web browser is included in the processing unit. Similarly, the first terminal device 100 includes a communication interface related to the above-mentioned receiving unit 20, and has a function as a communication unit.

[0026] A customer refers to, for example, a person who has sold a vibration device 300 to the manufacturer or purchased a vibration device 300 from the manufacturer, or an organization to which the person belongs, but includes so-called potential customers or organizations to which the potential customers belong. In addition, in the following description, "customer or organization to which the customer belongs" is simply abbreviated as "customer". In addition, the customer is mainly assumed to be a legal person, but if there is a possibility of purchasing a specified number of vibration devices 300, it can also be an individual. In addition to the performance of accepting the sale of vibration devices 300, the purchase performance of vibration devices 300 also includes the performance of accepting services related to technical support for vibration devices 300. A potential customer refers to, for example, a person who is interested in vibration devices 300 sold by a manufacturer and is likely to purchase vibration devices 300 in the near future. For example, in order to evaluate the assembly of a customizable vibration device 300 in a device that the potential customer is developing, a potential customer inquires the manufacturer through a prescribed means, and the manufacturer provides an evaluation sample of the customizable vibration device 300. In addition, in the following description, the evaluation sample of the customizable vibration device 300 is sometimes referred to as an "evaluation sample". The prescribed means are telephone, fax machine, e-mail, etc., but it can also be an inquiry via a web page. Moreover, based on the evaluation results, the potential customer formally orders the customized product of the vibration device 300 corresponding to the mass production from the manufacturer, and the ordered customized product of the vibration device 300 is delivered to the potential customer via the sales agent described later. As a result, a purchase performance is generated, and the customized product of the vibration device 300 can be ordered through the sales agent in the future.

[0027] When a person in charge of the manufacturer's sales department is assigned to a customer, the customer can receive prompt answers, support, etc. by contacting the person in charge with requests and inquiries. However, the assignment of this person in charge is limited to specified customers. Specified customers refer to so-called major customers or customers who are treated as important customers by the seller. Major customers refer to, for example, customers whose sales to the manufacturer account for a certain percentage of the total sales, based on their purchasing performance. In addition, in the case of specified customers, it is sometimes possible to receive specified support from the sales agent. For example, the specified support refers to technical support for products under development by the FAE (Field Application Engineer) belonging to the sales agent. In this way, the manufacturer can build a closer relationship with the specified customers. In addition, hereinafter, customers other than the above-mentioned specified customers are referred to as "general customers."

[0028] For example, in the case where the product handled by the manufacturer is the vibrator described later, the customers are composed of a small number of large customers, so the manufacturer can assign a person in charge for each customer. However, in the case where the product handled by the manufacturer is the vibration device 300, the vibration device 300 has a wide range of uses and is used by a large number of customers, so it is difficult to assign a person in charge of the sales department to all general customers. Therefore, when a general customer orders a customized product of the vibration device 300, the more complex the customized specifications, the greater the management burden on the general customer. As described later, the management system 1 of this embodiment can reduce the management burden of such general customers, and thus becomes the basis for building a closer relationship between the manufacturer and the general customer.

[0029] As an example of the vibration device 300, an oscillator that outputs a clock signal can be cited, but it can also be other examples, which will be described in detail later. The basic structure of the oscillator is well known, so it is omitted in the figure, but the vibrator is housed in a package in a highly airtight state. Specifically, the vibrator can be realized by, for example, a SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) resonator, an AT-cut quartz vibration element, an SC-cut quartz vibration element, a tuning fork-type quartz vibration element, other piezoelectric vibration elements, MEMS (MicroElectro Mechanical Systems) vibration elements, etc. One end of the vibrator is connected to a first electrode not shown in the figure, and the other end is connected to a second electrode not shown in the figure.

[0030] The oscillator of the vibration device 300 includes, in addition to the oscillation circuit, a first oscillator connection terminal and a second oscillator connection terminal not shown in the figure, the first oscillator connection terminal is connected to the above-mentioned first electrode, and the second oscillator connection terminal is connected to the above-mentioned second electrode. Thus, the oscillation circuit causes the oscillator to vibrate, and functions as a circuit for generating an oscillation signal, i.e., a reference clock signal. An oscillator that functions in this way is, for example, a simple packaged quartz oscillator (SPXO), but may also be a voltage controlled quartz oscillator (VCXO), a temperature compensated quartz oscillator (TCXO), a quartz oscillator with a constant temperature chamber (OCXO), a SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) oscillator, a voltage controlled SAW oscillator, a MEMS (MicroElectro Mechanical Systems) oscillator, etc.

[0031] In the oscillator, the frequency of the output clock signal output from the output circuit not shown in the figure depends on the shape of the oscillator, and can be roughly divided into a dedicated oscillator type oscillator with a fixed frequency and a programmable oscillator with a variably set frequency. That is, in the dedicated oscillator type oscillator, the above-mentioned reference clock signal is the same as the output clock signal and cannot be different, but in the programmable oscillator, the above-mentioned reference clock signal can be different from the output clock signal. In general, the dedicated oscillator type oscillator is cheaper and has excellent performance compared to the programmable oscillator. Therefore, for example, in the case where a customer studies the use of an oscillator as a vibration device 300, it is investigated whether a dedicated oscillator type oscillator that oscillates the desired frequency has been sold as an existing product. On the other hand, the manufacturer investigates the market demand and prepares a product lineup of dedicated oscillator type oscillators that output clock signals with high frequencies in terms of sales strategy. In addition, in this embodiment, the frequency of the dedicated oscillator type oscillator included in the product lineup is referred to as the "standard frequency". However, the frequency expected by the customer is not necessarily consistent with the standard frequency.

[0032] In such a case, for example, it is also considered that the customer requires the manufacturer to add a dedicated resonator-type oscillator that outputs an output clock signal of a new frequency to the existing product lineup, but if there is no specified situation, there is a high possibility that the manufacturer will not accept the request. The specified situation refers to, for example, a request from the above-mentioned specified customer or a large number of shipments can be expected. This is because it takes considerable development time to redesign the dedicated resonator and productize it as a vibration device 300, so the manufacturer must study the balance between this and the situation of commercial establishment. Therefore, general customers sometimes study the use of a programmable oscillator that can set the desired frequency as a vibration device 300 that outputs a clock signal of the desired frequency. In addition, in the case of delivery that requires a short delivery period, it is specified that the customer sometimes studies a programmable oscillator as a customizable vibration device 300.

[0033] In the vibration device 300 as a programmable oscillator, for example, the reference clock signal output from the above-mentioned oscillation circuit is input to a PLL circuit (not shown), and an output clock signal composed of a frequency different from the frequency of the reference clock signal is output. Although the illustration is omitted, the PLL circuit includes, for example, a phase comparison circuit, a control voltage generation circuit, a voltage-controlled oscillation circuit, a frequency division circuit, etc., thereby realizing the function as a PLL circuit. That is, the phase comparison circuit compares the phase of the reference clock signal with the feedback clock signal described later, and outputs a pulse signal with a pulse width proportional to the phase difference to the control voltage generation circuit. Then, the control voltage generation circuit performs a charge pump operation and a filtering process based on the input pulse signal, generates a control voltage for controlling the oscillation of the voltage-controlled oscillation circuit, and outputs it to the voltage-controlled oscillation circuit. The voltage-controlled oscillation circuit is a VCO (voltage controlled oscillator), and includes, for example, a variable capacitance element such as a varactor diode. Then, the capacitance of the variable capacitance element changes according to the magnitude of the input control voltage, whereby the voltage-controlled oscillation circuit generates a prescribed clock signal consisting of a frequency corresponding to the control voltage through an oscillation action, and sends it to the frequency division circuit. The frequency division circuit divides the received prescribed clock signal based on the set frequency division ratio, and outputs it to the above-mentioned phase comparison circuit as a feedback clock signal. Thus, the basic action of the PLL circuit can be realized. The frequency division ratio here is determined, for example, by a frequency division ratio data signal from a processing circuit not shown in the figure. The processing circuit is constituted, for example, by including a logic circuit, but can also be constituted, for example, by including a CPU described later. The frequency division ratio data signal is, for example, included in a processing circuit not shown in the figure, and is determined based on the set value of a register constituted by a trigger, etc. That is, setting the frequency of the output clock signal of the programmable oscillator to the desired frequency means setting the value of the register to the desired value. In addition, as described later, it is also possible to store the value to be set in the non-volatile memory 310 instead of directly setting the value of the register. In addition, although detailed description is omitted, the PLL circuit is not limited to the above-mentioned structure, and can also be a fractional-N type PLL circuit, for example. In this case, register settings are also required.

[0034] As other examples of the vibration device 300, a real-time clock device that generates time information using a vibrator, an angular velocity sensor that detects angular velocity using a vibrator, and the like can be cited. The real-time clock device as a customized product is, for example, a product in which the presence or absence of a time stamp function based on event detection, the voltage setting that serves as a reference for power supply voltage detection, the allocation of terminals, and the like are programmable. In addition, the angular velocity sensor as a customized product is, for example, a product in which the detection frequency band or temperature compensation characteristics of the angular velocity are programmable. For example, although not shown in the figure, the vibration device 300 as an angular velocity sensor including a CPU vibrates a vibration piece using a rectangular wave signal from a driving circuit, and a detection circuit detects a detection signal generated from the vibration piece as angular velocity data. In addition, the angular velocity data detected by the detection circuit is temperature-corrected by the CPU based on a temperature correction calculation program. In this case, the firmware involved in the temperature correction calculation is stored in, for example, a non-volatile memory 310 described later. That is, when the vibration device 300 includes a CPU, the vibration device 300 as a customized product is a vibration device 300 in which the firmware can be customized. The same is true for vibration devices 300 other than angular velocity sensors.

[0035] For example, in the development of a customer's device, when evaluating the optimal value of the frequency of the output clock signal of the vibration device 300 incorporated in the device, the customer asks the manufacturer to provide an evaluation sample and a writing device 110 described later, and the customer sets a desired value in the register of the evaluation sample using the writing device 110. Similarly, when customizing the firmware of the vibration device 300 incorporated in the device, the writing device 110 is used to write the firmware into the nonvolatile memory 310 described later of the evaluation sample.

[0036] use Figure 2 The processing flow involved in the method of this embodiment is described. The first terminal device 100 sends the customized programming information to the server 10 (step S100). In other words, step S100 can also be referred to as the process of the server 10 receiving the customized programming information from the first terminal device 100. The customized programming information refers to the programming information related to the customized specifications in the customized product of the vibration device 300, and the details will be described later. Then, the server 10 generates a customized model based on the received customized programming information (step S110).

[0037] The custom model number is identification information for determining the custom programming information involved in step S100. That is, the custom model number only needs to have the function of determining the custom programming information, for example, it is composed of a combination of Arabic numerals consisting of a specified number of digits. Alternatively, the custom model number may also be a combination of Arabic numerals and specified characters, etc., consisting of a specified number of digits. The specified characters are, for example, letters, but may also be Roman numerals, etc., as long as they are symbols that can be recognized by the server 10 and the first terminal device 100. The specified number of digits may be more than the number of times step S100 is assumed to be performed, and is appropriately determined according to the assumed number of times. More specifically, for example, by forming the custom model number with 5 digits, a maximum of 100,000 pieces of custom programming information can be identified. Alternatively, by setting the custom model number to a combination of 3 digits or letters, 46,656 pieces of custom programming information can be identified. In addition, the above-mentioned number of pieces does not distinguish between uppercase and lowercase letters for letters, but the custom model number may also be constructed to include uppercase and lowercase letters in a differentiated manner.

[0038] Although not shown in the figure, the server 10 performs a process of associating the received custom programming information with the created custom model number and storing the information in a storage unit (not shown) as a database.

[0039] According to the above, the present embodiment is a method for managing customized products of a vibration device 300 in a management system 1 including a server 10 and a first terminal device 100 of a customer connected to the server 10 via a network NW. Furthermore, the server 10 receives the customized programming information written to the vibration device 300 from the first terminal device 100 (step S100), and generates a customized model number for specifying the received customized programming information (step S110).

[0040] Thus, in the management system 1 of the present embodiment, the server 10 generates a customized model number in a manner that can identify the customized programming information of the customized product in the vibration device 300. Thus, the server 10 can associate the customized programming information with the customized model number. Thus, the customized programming information can be easily managed.

[0041] For example, in the case where the number of combinations of information required to distinguish the specifications of the customized product of the vibration device 300 is small, a method of generating a model by combining characters that identify each piece of information is considered. If it is a customized product of the previous vibration device 300, it is believed that even if all combinations of characters such as the identification model, package form, frequency, and operating temperature range are listed, the customized product of the vibration device 300 can be identified by a model consisting of approximately 10 digits. However, the program functions of the customized product of the vibration device 300 in recent years have been increasing. In particular, the combination of command branches of the customized product of the vibration device 300 including the CPU has become huge, and it is believed that more than 100 digits are required when identifying the specifications of the customized product of the vibration device 300 by the previous method, so it is difficult to identify the specifications of the customized product of the vibration device 300 only by the model. In this regard, by applying the method of this embodiment, it is possible to associate the customized programming information with a few digits of customized model, so the manufacturer will not complicate the model expression of the customized product of the vibration device 300, and can easily manage the customized programming information. As a result, the convenience of the management system 1 can be improved.

[0042] In addition, for example, if it is the above-mentioned specified customer, even if the specifications of the customized product of the vibration device 300 are complicated, the management burden of the customized programming information can be reduced by receiving support from the person in charge of the above-mentioned manufacturer, but the general customer may not have such convenience. In this regard, by applying the method of the present embodiment, the convenience of the management system 1 is improved, so that the management burden of the customized programming information of the general customer can be reduced. As a result, a closer relationship can be established between the general customer and the manufacturer. As a result, for example, the general customer can easily adopt the manufacturer's vibration device 300, thereby increasing the possibility that the manufacturer can obtain new business opportunities. In addition, the method involved in the management system 1 of the present embodiment is particularly effective for general customers, but specified customers can also use the management system 1 of the present embodiment.

[0043] In addition, the method of this embodiment can also be implemented by the server 10. That is, the server 10 of this embodiment includes: a receiving unit 20, which is connected to the first terminal device 100 of the customer via the network NW, and receives the custom programming information written to the vibration device 300 from the first terminal device 100; and a processing unit 30, which generates a custom model number for determining the custom programming information when receiving the custom programming information. In this way, the same effect as above can be obtained.

[0044] The method of this embodiment is not limited to the above, and various modifications such as adding other features can be implemented. For example, in more detail, the management system 1 of this embodiment can also be set as follows Figure 3 As shown in the structural example. Figure 3In the management system 1, the first terminal device 100 is connected to the writing device 110 by a predetermined communication method. The predetermined communication method is, for example, a wired connection method such as USB.

[0045] The writing device 110 is a device for writing customized programming information into the vibration device 300. For example, the writing device 110 includes an interface for connecting to the first terminal device 100 and a socket for fitting the package of the customizable vibration device 300 on a circuit substrate. That is, the writing device 110 includes an interface circuit that can be connected to the vibration device 300. The interface circuit is a circuit that implements an interface such as I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) and SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), and performs interface processing with the first terminal device 100 and the like.

[0046] For example, when a customer studies the evaluation of assembling a customizable vibration device 300 in a device under development, the customer asks the manufacturer, and the manufacturer provides an evaluation sample and a writing device 110. Then, the customer starts a writing program in the first terminal device 100, and uses the writing program to write the customized programming information to the evaluation sample. The writing program can be installed in the first terminal device 100 by the customer using, for example, a CD-ROM attached to the writing device 110. Alternatively, the customer can also download a program related to the writing program from a web page specified by the manufacturer. Alternatively, when the first terminal device 100 and the writing device 110 are connected via a USB cable attached to the writing device 110, the writing program is automatically installed in the first terminal device 100.

[0047] For example, although not shown in the figure, when the customer starts the writing program, a dedicated setting screen is displayed on the display unit of the first terminal device 100. Moreover, when the customer inputs a specified setting item on the dedicated setting screen, the content of the specified setting item is reflected on the evaluation sample, and the custom programming information is generated. For example, in the case where the customizable vibration device 300 is a programmable oscillator, the specified setting item is an item related to the characteristics of the clock signal, such as an item for inputting the value of the frequency of the output clock signal, an item for setting the voltage of the clock signal, an item for setting the allowable range of the displacement of the frequency, or an item for selecting whether to set it as an output enable function or a standby function. The output enable function refers to a function that makes the output terminal high impedance when the oscillation circuit and the PLL circuit are in operation, and the standby function refers to a function that stops the oscillation circuit and the PLL circuit and sets the output terminal to a low level. That is, in the management method of this embodiment, the custom programming information is information that sets the characteristics of the signal output by the vibration device 300 by being written into the vibration device 300. As a result, the customer can obtain the vibration device 300 with customized signal characteristics. In addition, the predetermined setting items are not limited to the above, and may further include an item for selecting a product name, for example, an item for selecting a type of package, etc.

[0048] In addition, the writing program includes a program for automatically finding the setting value of the above-mentioned register based on the frequency of the reference clock of the evaluation sample and the desired frequency to be set. Therefore, the customer can enter the desired frequency as a specific number in the specified setting screen. In this way, the setting value of the register to be set is automatically determined. In addition, it is also possible that, for example, in a screen that describes the specified source code described later, the customer can specify the address of the register and directly specify the setting value.

[0049] In addition, for example, when the vibration device 300 includes a CPU, the screen for writing the program may also include a screen for recording a specified source code. The specified source code is, for example, produced in a specified programming language. The specified programming language may be, for example, an assembly language or a high-level language such as C language. In this case, the writing program may include a program for converting the produced source code into binary data that can be interpreted by the CPU. In this case, the binary data is equivalent to the custom programming information.

[0050] use Figure 4, step S100 will be described in more detail. When the customer writes the customized programming information from the first terminal device 100 to the evaluation sample via the writing device 110, the first terminal device 100 sends the customized programming information related to the operation to the server 10. There are many methods for implementing this process, for example, a method in which a writing program and a web browser that displays the above-mentioned dedicated web page work in conjunction. That is, when the writing program is started, the dedicated web page is automatically opened, and step S100 is performed via the dedicated web page.

[0051] For example, when a customer creates customized programming information in the program writing screen, the created customized programming information is also displayed on the dedicated Web page. Furthermore, when the customized programming information is written to the evaluation sample, a screen is displayed requesting approval to send the created customized programming information to the server 10 via the dedicated Web page. Then, when the customer agrees, the customized programming information is written to the evaluation sample, and the customized programming information is sent to the server 10.

[0052] That is, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the writing program installed in the first terminal device 100 operates when the first terminal device 100 is connected to the server 10 via the network NW. Therefore, the manufacturer and the customer have reached an agreement that when the customer uses the writing device 110, step S100 is executed by connecting the first terminal device 100 and the server 10. In addition, the manufacturer and the customer have reached an agreement that the customized programming information is managed as confidential information.

[0053] These customized programming information can also be generated as a dedicated file with a dedicated extension, for example. And, in step S100, the dedicated file is sent to the server 10 via a dedicated Web page. In addition, the dedicated file can also be pre-stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the first terminal device 100. For example, when the customer or the like starts the writing program later and opens the dedicated file on the writing program, a dedicated setting screen with specified setting items and a screen with specified source code are reproduced. In addition, the file name of the dedicated file is automatically generated according to the date, etc., but it can also be set by the customer. In addition, it is also considered that the customer identifies the customized specifications through the file name of the dedicated file, for example, but the situation that it is difficult to identify through the file name due to the complexity of the customized specifications is the same as the above-mentioned situation that it is difficult to identify through the model.

[0054] In addition, the above is an example in which a dedicated Web page is automatically opened when the writing program is started, but the dedicated Web page may not be automatically opened. For example, a dedicated file generated by writing may be attached to an e-mail to send the customized programming information to the server 10. Figure 5The same applies to step S112-1 described later. In addition, for example, the first terminal device 100 may perform a process of confirming that the first terminal device 100 is connected to the server 10, and when it cannot be confirmed that the first terminal device 100 is connected to the server 10, a predetermined error display may be displayed. Alternatively, when the customer writes customized programming information to the evaluation sample using the writing device 110, when the first terminal device 100 cannot send the customized programming information to the server 10, a process of temporarily saving the customized programming information that cannot be sent and a process of sending the saved customized programming information to the server 10 again after a certain period of time may be performed.

[0055] Thus, in the management method of the present embodiment, the management system 1 includes a writing device 110 that is connected to the first terminal device 100 and writes the customized programming information into the vibration device 300. The server 10 receives the customized programming information written into the vibration device 300 by the writing device 110 from the first terminal device 100. Thus, the writing by the writing device 110 and the reception of the customized programming information from the first terminal device 100 can be made to correspond.

[0056] In addition, the method of this embodiment can also be implemented as a customized product management system 1. That is, the customized product management system 1 of this embodiment includes a server 10 and a first terminal device 100. In addition, the first terminal device 100 sends the customized programming information written to the vibration device 300 by the writing device 110 to the server 10. In this way, the same effect as above can be obtained.

[0057] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the vibration device 300 may also include a non-volatile memory 310. The non-volatile memory 310 is, for example, a one-time PROM (One Time Programmable Read Only Memory), but may also be an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or a flash memory. That is, the writing device 110 includes an interface circuit for writing the customized programming information into the non-volatile memory 310.

[0058] Furthermore, it is also possible that, in step S100, the customized programming information is written into the non-volatile memory 310. Thereafter, the evaluation sample is removed from the socket of the writing device 110 and assembled into the customer's device. The evaluation sample assembled into the customer's device and supplied with power again loads the set value into each bit of each register based on the customized programming information written into the non-volatile memory 310. Thus, after the power is supplied again, a clock signal consisting of the desired frequency is output. Furthermore, it is also possible that the customizable vibration device 300 and the writing device 110 include an interface circuit for writing data into the non-volatile memory 310, and also include an interface circuit for directly writing the set value into each bit of each register. This is because, for example, when inspecting the customizable vibration device 300 in the manufacturing process, writing the set value directly into each bit of each register in advance will shorten the inspection time and is more convenient.

[0059] Thus, in the management method of this embodiment, the vibration device 300 includes the nonvolatile memory 310. The custom programming information is information written into the nonvolatile memory 310. Thus, the custom specifications based on the written custom programming information can be reflected in the vibration device 300 every time power is supplied.

[0060] In addition, the processing flow of the management method of this embodiment can also be as follows Figure 5 Like that. Figure 5 The processing flow and Figure 2 Compared with the processing flow of , the difference is that after step S110, the server 10 further performs step S112-1. That is, in the management method of this embodiment, the server 10 sends the generated customized model to the first terminal device 100 (step S112-1). Thereby, the customer can obtain the customized model corresponding to the customized programming information produced. For example, the customer can confirm that step S112-1 has been performed on a dedicated Web page. That is, it can also be set to be able to confirm that step S112-1 has been performed on the dedicated Web page involved in the above-mentioned step S100. Alternatively, it can also be that after performing step S100, when the customer opens the dedicated Web page afterwards, he realizes that the customized model has been obtained by performing step S112-1.

[0061] For example, in the development on the customer side, it is sometimes necessary to create multiple customized programming information. As described above, creating multiple complex customized programming information and identifying them is a heavy burden for the customer. In this regard, by applying the method of this embodiment, the customer can manage the customized programming information according to the customized model, thereby reducing the customer's management burden. In addition, for example, the timing of creating the above-mentioned dedicated file can be set to the timing after step S112-1 is performed, and the first terminal device 100 creates a dedicated file with the received customized model as the file name.

[0062] In addition, for example, when the customer is a potential customer, the server 10 may include the customized model information in step S112-1. Figure 6 For example, when a potential customer requests the provision of an evaluation sample and a writing device 110, the administrator of the server 10 can associate the information indicating that the user of the first terminal device 100 is a potential customer with the information of the first terminal device 100 related to the potential customer.

[0063] In addition, the management system 1 of this embodiment can also be set as Figure 6 Such a structure example. Figure 6 Management system1 and Figure 3 Compared with the management system 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal device 200 is different in that it further includes a second terminal device 200. The second terminal device 200 is held by a sales agent and managed by the sales agent. The second terminal device 200 is a personal computer or the like similar to the first terminal device 100. That is, the second terminal device 200 includes a processor functioning as a processing unit and a communication interface functioning as a communication unit, similarly to the first terminal device 100 described above.

[0064] A sales agent is an organization that is entrusted with the sale of goods, such as a semiconductor trading company. In addition, a sales agent can be a subsidiary of a manufacturer or have no capital relationship with the manufacturer. In addition, a sales agent can also be a special contract store that has concluded a special agreement with the manufacturer.

[0065] in addition, Figure 6 The management system 1 is shown as including a second terminal device 200, but Figure 1 Similarly to the above contents, the management system 1 may include a plurality of second terminal devices 200. That is, the management system 1 of the present embodiment may include the second terminal devices 200 configured as many as the number of sales agents.

[0066] The second terminal device 200 may also be configured to be able to start the above-mentioned writing program and the dedicated web browser, similarly to the first terminal device 100. In addition, the second terminal device 200 may also be configured to be able to connect to the above-mentioned writing device 110. In addition, the writing device 110 connected to the second terminal device 200 may also be configured to be able to mount a plurality of the above-mentioned sockets on the above-mentioned circuit substrate, for example. Thus, the sales agent can mass-produce customized products of the vibration device 300.

[0067] In addition, Figure 6 In the management system 1, the processing flow involved in the management method of this embodiment can also be as follows Figure 7In addition, in the following Figure 7 In the description, description of processing that has already occurred is appropriately omitted.

[0068] exist Figure 7 In, with Figure 5 Similarly, the customized programming information is sent from the first terminal device 100 to the server 10 (step S100), the server 10 generates a customized model (step S110), and the customized model is sent from the server 10 to the first terminal device 100 (step S112-1). After that, the first terminal device 100 places an order for the second terminal device 200 (step S120). Specifically, for example, when developing a device on the customer side, the customer creates a plurality of customized programming information. Then, the development of the device is completed, the specifications of the customized product of the vibration device 300 are determined, and the mass production of the device is started. Moreover, the customer extracts the customized programming information based on the determined specifications from the customized programming information created in the past. Moreover, the customer uses a prescribed means to send the data of the customized model corresponding to the extracted customized programming information to the second terminal device 200 via the first terminal device 100. The prescribed means may be, for example, an e-mail, a telephone, a fax machine, or the like.

[0069] In addition, Figure 7 In the figure, the sending and receiving of the data related to the order (step S120) is not shown to be carried out via the server 10, but the sending and receiving of the data may be carried out via the server 10. In addition, for example, the customer may use a dedicated web page to place an order (step S120). That is, the order (step S120) data may be sent from the first terminal device 100 to the second terminal device 200 via a dedicated web page. In this case, Figure 7 In the example, the data related to the order (step S120) is sent and received via the server 10. Figure 8 , the same is true.

[0070] Furthermore, in step S120, the first terminal device 100 may send information such as quantity, delivery date, and delivery location to the second terminal device 200 in addition to the customized model. Alternatively, although not shown in the figure, in step S120, only the customized model is sent from the first terminal device 100 to the second terminal device 200, and at the timing of the delivery process (step S300) described later, the second terminal device 200 performs a process of requesting the first terminal device 100 for information such as quantity, delivery date, and delivery location. Alternatively, the person in charge of the sales agent may directly ask the customer for information such as quantity, delivery date, and delivery location. Based on the above, in the management method of this embodiment, the management system 1 includes a server 10 and a second terminal device 200 connected to the first terminal device 100 via a network NW. In addition, the first terminal device 100 performs an ordering process for the vibration device 300 of the customized model by sending the customized model notified in advance by the server to the second terminal device 200 (step S120). As a result, the customer can easily distinguish the specifications of the ordered customized product and place an order for the customized product.

[0071] After that, the second terminal device 200 transmits the customized model number to the server 10 (step S200). For example, the person in charge of the sales agent recognizes the reception of the customized model number involved in step S120 through the display unit of the second terminal device 200, etc., and operates the second terminal device 200 to transmit the information of the customized model number received in step S120 to the server 10. Alternatively, the information of the customized model number involved in the order of step S120 may be automatically transferred to the server 10. Alternatively, both the first terminal device 100 and the second terminal device 200 may include a writing program, and step S200 may be automatically performed after step S120 through the writing program.

[0072] Afterwards, the server 10 sends the customized programming information associated with the customized model number received in step S200 to the second terminal device 200 (step S210). For example, the processing unit 30 performs the following processing: extracting the customized programming information associated with the customized model number received in step S200 from the database; and sending the extracted customized programming information to the second terminal device 200.

[0073] Thus, in the management method of the present embodiment, the management system 1 includes a server 10 and a second terminal device 200 connected to the first terminal device 100 via the network NW. In addition, when the server 10 receives the customized model number ordered by the first terminal device 100 to the second terminal device 200 from the second terminal device 200 (step S200), it sends the customized programming information determined according to the customized model number to the second terminal device 200 (step S210). Thus, the following management system 1 can be constructed: the customer can order a customized product of the vibration device 300 by performing the operation of sending the customized model number. In addition, in other words, in the management method of the present embodiment, the management system 1 includes a server 10 and a second terminal device 200 connected to the first terminal device 100 via the network NW. In addition, when the second terminal device 200 receives the customized model number from the first terminal device 100 (step S120), it sends the received customized model number to the server 10 (step S200), and receives the customized programming information determined according to the customized model number from the server 10 (step S210). Thus, the same effect as above can be obtained. In addition, the above method can also be implemented as a management system 1 for customized products. That is, the management system 1 for customized products of this embodiment includes a server 10, a first terminal device 100, and a second terminal device 200 connected to the server 10 and the first terminal device 100 via a network NW. In addition, the second terminal device 200 sends the customized model number ordered by the first terminal device 100 to the second terminal device 200 to the server 10 (step S200). In addition, the server 10 sends the customized programming information determined according to the received customized model number to the second terminal device 200 (step S210). As a result, the same effect as above can be obtained.

[0074] Afterwards, the second terminal device 200 performs the delivery process (step S300). For example, the sales agent writes the custom programming information received in step S210 into the customizable vibration device 300 according to the quantity desired by the customer, and delivers it to the delivery location desired by the customer. For example, when the second terminal device 200 has established a connection with the writing device 110 that supports mass production, the custom programming information received in step S210 can be written on the second terminal device 200. In addition, the delivery process (step S300) ends when the person in charge of the sales agent receives the receipt related to the delivery from the customer. For example, although the illustration is omitted, the person in charge of the sales agent can use a specified portable terminal to make the unillustrated storage unit of the second terminal device 200 store information indicating that the receipt has been received, or can set it to leave a record of the receipt within the sales agent.

[0075] Then, after the delivery process (step S300) is completed, the second terminal device 200 sends the purchase information to the server 10 (step S400). The purchase information is all information related to the vibration device 300 that has been purchased. Specifically, for example, it is information about the model of the vibration device 300 involved in the purchase, information about the purchase quantity, information about the purchasing customer, information about the date and time of receipt, and the place of receipt, but in addition to this, for example, it may also include communication history information with the purchasing customer, etc. Then, the manufacturer appropriately selects the information received by the server 10 through step S400 and stores the selected information in the database. In this way, in the management method of this embodiment, the second terminal device 200 sends the purchase information of the vibration device 300 written with the customized programming information determined according to the customized model to the server (step S400). As a result, the manufacturer can automatically obtain the purchase information of the vibration device 300 that has been ordered.

[0076] In addition, the processing flow of the management method of this embodiment can also be as follows Figure 8 In addition, Figure 8 In the description of the processing that is repeated with the content that has already appeared, the description is appropriately omitted. Figure 8 In, with Figure 5 , Figure 7 Likewise, first, the first terminal device 100 sends customized programming information to the server 10 (step S100 ), and the server 10 generates a customized model number (step S110 ).

[0077] Afterwards, the server 10 transmits the customized model number to the first terminal device 100 as described above (step S112 - 1 ), and transmits the customized programming information received in step S100 and the customized model number generated in step S110 to the second terminal device 200 (step S112 - 2 , step S114 ). Figure 8 Step S114 is Figure 7 The same process as step S210. Figure 8 In, with Figure 7 The difference is that by sending the manufacturer's customized model number together with the customized programming information to the sales agent, the sales agent obtains the customized programming information in advance.

[0078] Afterwards, with Figure 7 Similarly, the first terminal device 100 places an order with the second terminal device 200 (step S120). Figure 7The delivery process (step S300) and step S400 are similarly performed. Thus, in the management method of the present embodiment, the management system 1 includes a second terminal device 200 connected to the server 10 via the network NW. In addition, when the server 10 generates a customized model (step S110), it sends the customized model and the customized programming information determined according to the customized model to the second terminal device 200 (step S112-2, step S114). Thus, the sales agent can make a customized product of the vibration device 300 in advance. For example, before making a formal order, it is sometimes convenient to trial-produce the customized product of the vibration device 300 involved in the order and place the trial-produced customized product of the vibration device 300 in the store.

[0079] As described above, this embodiment is a management method for customized products of vibration devices in a management system including a server and a first terminal device of a customer connected to the server via a network. Furthermore, the server receives customized programming information written to the vibration device from the first terminal device and generates a customized model number for determining the received customized programming information.

[0080] Thus, the server can associate the customized programming information with the customized model number, thereby making it easy to manage the customized programming information.

[0081] In addition, the management system may also include a writing device connected to the first terminal device and writing the customized programming information into the vibration device, and the server may also receive the customized programming information written into the vibration device by the writing device from the first terminal device.

[0082] This allows the writing of the writing device to correspond to the reception of the customized programming information from the first terminal device.

[0083] Alternatively, the server may send the generated customized model number to the first terminal device.

[0084] In this way, the customer can obtain the customized model corresponding to the created customized programming information.

[0085] Alternatively, the management system may include a second terminal device connected to the server and the first terminal device via a network. Alternatively, when the server receives from the second terminal device the customized model number ordered by the first terminal device to the second terminal device, the server may send customized programming information determined according to the customized model number to the second terminal device.

[0086] This makes it possible to construct a management system in which a customer can order a customized product of a vibration device by sending a customized model number.

[0087] In addition, the management system may also include a second terminal device connected to the server and the first terminal device via a network. In addition, when the second terminal device receives the customized model number from the first terminal device, it may send the received customized model number to the server and receive customized programming information determined according to the customized model number from the server.

[0088] This makes it possible to construct a management system in which a customer can order a customized product of a vibration device by sending a customized model number.

[0089] Alternatively, the management system may include a second terminal device connected to the server via a network. Alternatively, when the server generates a customized model number, the server may send the customized model number and customized programming information determined according to the customized model number to the second terminal device.

[0090] This allows sales agents to pre-produce vibration components for customized products.

[0091] Alternatively, the second terminal device may transmit purchase information of the vibration device in which the customized programming information determined according to the customized model is written to the server.

[0092] Thereby, the manufacturer can automatically obtain the purchase information of the ordered vibration device.

[0093] Alternatively, the management system may include a second terminal device connected to the server and the first terminal device via a network. Alternatively, the first terminal device may perform order processing of the vibration device of the customized model by sending the customized model notified in advance by the server to the second terminal device.

[0094] Thereby, the customer can easily distinguish the specifications of the customized product to be ordered and place an order for the customized product.

[0095] Furthermore, the custom programming information may be information that sets the characteristics of a signal output by the vibration device by being written into the vibration device.

[0096] This allows customers to obtain a vibration device with customized signal characteristics.

[0097] Furthermore, the vibration device may include a nonvolatile memory. Furthermore, the custom programming information may be information written in the nonvolatile memory.

[0098] Thus, each time power is supplied, the customized specifications based on the written customized programming information can be reflected on the vibration device.

[0099] In addition, the server of this embodiment is connected to the customer's first terminal device via a network, and includes: a receiving unit, which receives customized programming information written to the vibration device from the first terminal device; and a processing unit, which generates a customized model number for determining the customized programming information when receiving the customized programming information.

[0100] In addition, the management system of customized products of this embodiment includes the above-mentioned server and the first terminal device. In addition, the first terminal device sends the customized programming information written into the vibration device by the writing device to the server.

[0101] In addition, the management system of customized products of this embodiment may include the above-mentioned server, the first terminal device, and the second terminal device connected to the server and the first terminal device via a network. In addition, the second terminal device may send the customized model number ordered by the first terminal device to the second terminal device to the server. In addition, the server may send customized programming information determined according to the received customized model number to the second terminal device.

[0102] In addition, the present embodiment is described in detail as described above, but those skilled in the art can easily understand that many modifications can be made without substantially departing from the new matters and effects of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the specification or the drawings, a term recorded at least once together with a different term in a broader sense or with a synonym can be replaced with the different term in any part of the specification or the drawings. In addition, all combinations of the present embodiment and the modifications are also included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the structure and operation of the management method, server, and management system of customized products are not limited to the contents described in the present embodiment, and various modifications can be implemented.

Claims

1. A management method, characterized in that: The management method is a management method for customized products of vibration devices in a management system including a server and a first terminal device of a customer connected to the server via a network. The server receives the customized programming information written to the vibration device from the first terminal device, and generates a customized model number for specifying the received customized programming information.

2. The management method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The management system comprises a writing device connected to the first terminal device and writing the customized programming information into the vibration device. The server receives the customized programming information written into the vibration device by the writing device from the first terminal device.

3. The management method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The server sends the generated customized model number to the first terminal device.

4. The management method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The management system includes a second terminal device connected to the server and the first terminal device via the network, When the server receives from the second terminal device the customized model number ordered by the first terminal device from the second terminal device, the server sends the customized programming information determined according to the customized model number to the second terminal device.

5. The management method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The management system includes a second terminal device connected to the server and the first terminal device via the network, When receiving the customized model number from the first terminal device, the second terminal device sends the received customized model number to the server, and receives the customized programming information determined according to the customized model number from the server.

6. The management method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The management system includes a second terminal device connected to the server via the network, When the customized model number is generated, the server sends the customized model number and the customized programming information determined according to the customized model number to the second terminal device.

7. The management method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The second terminal device transmits purchase information of the vibration device in which the customized programming information determined according to the customized model is written to the server.

8. The management method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The management system includes a second terminal device connected to the server and the first terminal device via the network, The first terminal device performs order processing of the vibration device of the customized model number by transmitting the customized model number notified in advance by the server to the second terminal device.

9. The management method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The custom programming information is information that sets the characteristics of a signal output by the vibration device by being written into the vibration device.

10. The management method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vibration device includes a non-volatile memory, The custom programming information is information written to the nonvolatile memory.

11. A server, characterized in that: The server is connected to the first terminal device of the customer via a network. The server comprises: a receiving unit, which receives, from the first terminal device, customized programming information written to the vibration device; as well as A processing unit, when receiving the customized programming information, generates a customized model number for determining the customized programming information.

12. A management system for customized products, characterized in that: The management system comprises the server according to claim 11 and the first terminal device, The first terminal device transmits the customized programming information written to the vibration device by a writing device to the server.

13. A management system for customized products, characterized in that: The management system includes the server according to claim 11, the first terminal device, and a second terminal device connected to the server and the first terminal device via the network. The second terminal device sends the customized model ordered by the first terminal device from the second terminal device to the server, The server sends the customized programming information determined according to the received customized model to the second terminal device.

Images