Information providing system, oscillator providing system, and processing method

Abstract

The invention provides an information providing system, an oscillator providing system and a processing method, and provides a user with an opportunity to study an optimal oscillator. The information providing system includes a receiving unit, a processing unit, and a transmitting unit. The reception unit receives desired characteristic data of the programmable oscillator input to a user terminal. The processing unit extracts conformity product information, which is product information of the programmable oscillator conforming to the desired characteristic data, and substitute product information, which is product information of the oscillator to be substituted. The transmission unit transmits the conformity product information and the alternative product information to the user terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing system, an oscillator providing system, a processing method, etc. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a method for systematizing the process from order acceptance to delivery of oscillators and the like is known. Patent Document 1 discloses the following method: blank oscillators are prepared in advance for each business office of a manufacturer, a server of the manufacturer selects a business office 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 business office, thereby achieving early delivery of the oscillator.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-117285

[0004] The method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is only to provide an oscillator containing the same data as the customer's order data, and the provision of this oscillator is not necessarily the best solution to the customer's problem. Therefore, it is desirable to build a system that gives customers the opportunity to study the best oscillator at the stage of ordering an oscillator. Summary of the invention

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information providing system, which includes: a receiving unit that receives desired characteristic data of a programmable oscillator input into a user terminal; a processing unit that extracts conforming product information and alternative product information, wherein the conforming product information is product information of the programmable oscillator that conforms to the desired characteristic data, and the alternative product information is product information of an oscillator that is a recommended replacement object; and a sending unit that sends the conforming product information and the alternative product information to the user terminal.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an oscillator providing system, which includes the information providing system and the user terminal.

[0007] Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to a processing method, which includes the following processing: receiving expected characteristic data of a programmable oscillator input in a user terminal; extracting compliant product information and alternative product information, wherein the compliant product information is product information of the programmable oscillator that meets the expected characteristic data, and the alternative product information is product information of an oscillator that is a recommended replacement object; and sending the compliant product information and the alternative product information to the user terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an information providing system and an oscillator providing system.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of this embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining another configuration example of the oscillator supply system.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of product information extraction processing.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of the first substitute product information extraction process.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of the second substitute product information extraction process.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining a screen example to which the method according to the present embodiment is applied.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen related to the first alternative product information.

[0016] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen related to the second alternative product information.

[0017] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen for urging trial production based on substitute product information.

[0018] Description of symbols

[0019] 10: oscillator providing system; 100: information providing system; 110: receiving unit; 120: processing unit; 130: transmitting unit; 200: user terminal; 300: programmable oscillator; 400: characteristic writing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail. In addition, the present embodiments described below do not unduly limit the contents described in the claims, and not all of the structures described in the present embodiments are necessarily essential structural elements.

[0021] Figure 1 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an oscillator supply system 10 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the oscillator providing system 10 includes an information providing system 100 and a user terminal 200. The information providing system 100 is connected to the user terminal 200 via a network. Specifically, the network is a public communication network such as the Internet, but may also be configured to include an intranet in part. Figure 1 The information providing system 100 is illustrated as including one user terminal 200 , but may also include a plurality of user terminals 200 .

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the information providing system 100 includes a receiving unit 110, a processing unit 120, and a transmitting unit 130. The information providing system 100 is a system managed by a manufacturer of an oscillator described later, and is implemented by a server or the like that functions as the receiving unit 110, the processing unit 120, and the transmitting unit 130 described later. Hereinafter, the "manufacturer of the oscillator" is abbreviated as the "manufacturer". The server here is a server used by the manufacturer, and may be, for example, a physical server owned by the manufacturer, or a cloud server that exists outside the manufacturer's base and is managed by the manufacturer.

[0023] The object provided by the oscillator providing system 10 of the present embodiment is an oscillator that outputs a clock signal. The basic structure of the oscillator is well known, so it is omitted from the illustration, and 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, a MEMS (Micro ElectroMechanical Systems) vibration element, 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.

[0024] In addition to the oscillation circuit, the oscillator also includes a first oscillator connection terminal and a second oscillator connection terminal (not shown), the first oscillator connection terminal is connected to the first electrode, and the second oscillator connection terminal is connected to the 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 (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) oscillator, etc.

[0025] The oscillator can be roughly divided into a programmable oscillator 300 whose frequency can be variably set and a fixed frequency oscillator whose frequency of the output clock signal output from the output circuit not shown depends on the shape of the oscillator and the frequency is fixed. That is, there are programmable oscillators 300 and fixed frequency oscillators in the category of oscillator products. The frequency of the output clock signal cannot be arbitrarily changed in the fixed frequency oscillator, but the output clock signal of any frequency can be output based on the aforementioned reference clock signal in the programmable oscillator 300. Generally, the fixed frequency oscillator is cheaper and has excellent performance compared with the programmable oscillator 300, so the manufacturer investigates the market demand and prepares a product lineup of fixed frequency oscillators with high demand frequencies in terms of sales strategy. In this embodiment, the nominal frequency of the fixed frequency oscillator sold by the manufacturer as a mass production specification product is referred to as a "standard frequency". In addition, in the following description, the nominal frequency is sometimes simply and appropriately abbreviated as frequency.

[0026] In the programmable oscillator 300, 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 of a pulse width proportional to the phase difference to the control voltage generation circuit. Then, the control voltage generation circuit performs a charge pump action and a filtering process according to 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), for example, including a variable capacitance element such as a varactor diode. In addition, the capacitance of the variable capacitance element changes according to the magnitude of the input control voltage, thereby, the voltage-controlled oscillation circuit generates a prescribed clock signal composed 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 according to the set frequency division ratio, and outputs it to the above-mentioned phase comparison circuit as a feedback clock signal. Thus, the basic operation of the PLL circuit can be realized. The frequency division ratio here is determined by, for example, a frequency division ratio data signal from a processing circuit not shown in the figure. The processing circuit is constituted by, for example, a logic circuit, but can also be constituted by including a CPU. The frequency division ratio data signal is contained in, for example, a processing circuit not shown in the figure, and is determined according to 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 300 to the desired frequency means setting the value of the register to the desired value. In addition, although detailed description is omitted, the PLL circuit is not limited to the above-mentioned structure, and can also be, for example, a fractional-N type PLL circuit. In this case, the setting of the register is also required.

[0027] In addition, the programmable oscillator 300 may also include a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory 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. Thus, the setting data set in the register can be stored in the non-volatile memory. Thus, when the power supply is lost and the power supply is resumed, the setting value stored in the non-volatile memory can be loaded into each bit of each register. Thus, when the programmable oscillator 300 is intermittently supplied with power, it is possible to stably output a clock signal consisting of a desired frequency. In addition, in order to make the non-volatile memory store the setting data, a characteristic writing device 400 described later is used. In the following, sometimes making the non-volatile memory store data, etc. is referred to as writing data to the non-volatile memory, etc.

[0028] The receiving unit 110 is a communication interface that is connected to an external device via a network. The receiving unit 110 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 subsequent description, "communication connection in accordance with a communication standard" will be appropriately recorded as "communication connection" or simply recorded as "connection". The receiving unit 110 of this embodiment receives the desired characteristic data of the programmable oscillator 300 input in the user terminal 200, and the details will be described later.

[0029] The processing unit 120 performs processing of each part of the information providing system 100. The processing unit 120 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 120 is implemented by including at least one processor described below. The processing unit 120 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 can 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 information providing system 100 are realized as processing. The command here can be a command set constituting a program, or a command instructing a hardware circuit of the processor to perform an action. The processing unit 120 of this embodiment extracts product information of the programmable oscillator 300 that meets the expected characteristic data, i.e., the compliant product information, and product information of the oscillator that is the object of the replacement recommendation, i.e., the replacement product information, and the details will be described later.

[0030] The transmission unit 130 is a communication interface similar to the reception unit 110. That is, unlike the reception unit 110, the transmission unit 130 can be realized by a semiconductor device having a communication function conforming to a predetermined communication standard. Figure 1 In the figure, the receiving unit 110 and the transmitting unit 130 are shown as different functional blocks, but the receiving unit 110 and the transmitting unit 130 may be constituted by a single semiconductor device.

[0031] The user terminal 200 is a terminal used by the user, such as a personal computer, but may also be a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet computer. Although not shown in the figure, the user terminal 200 includes a processor equivalent to the processing unit 120 described above, and has a function as a processing unit. Similarly, although not shown in the figure, the user terminal 200 includes a communication interface equivalent to the receiving unit 110 and the transmitting unit 130 described above, and has a function as a communication unit. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the user terminal 200 includes a display Figure 7 The display unit of the screen example described later in the etc.

[0032] The user of this embodiment is a person who uses the oscillator, and can also be called a customer of the manufacturer. A customer refers to a person who has a record of selling or purchasing an oscillator from the manufacturer, or an organization to which the person belongs, including a so-called potential customer or an organization to which the potential customer belongs. In addition, in the following description, "a customer or an organization to which the customer belongs" is simply marked as "a customer". In addition, the customer is mainly assumed to be a legal person, but as long as it is possible to purchase a specified number of oscillators, it can also be an individual. In addition to the record of receiving the sales offer of the oscillator, the record of purchasing the oscillator also includes the record of receiving the service offer such as technical support for the oscillator. A potential customer refers to a person who is interested in the oscillator sold by the manufacturer and is likely to purchase the oscillator in the near future. For example, in order to assemble the oscillator in the device being developed by the potential customer for evaluation, the potential customer inquires the manufacturer through a specified means, and the manufacturer provides a specified number of oscillators as evaluation samples. The specified means are telephone, fax machine, e-mail, etc., but it can also be an inquiry via a web page. The specified number is appropriately determined according to the evaluation content. Then, the potential customer determines the mass production specifications of the oscillator based on the results of the evaluation, and formally orders the oscillator of the determined mass production specifications from the manufacturer. The ordered oscillator of mass production specifications is delivered to the potential customer through the sales agent described later. Thus, a purchase record is generated, and the customer can then order the oscillator of mass production specifications through the sales agent. In addition, a sales agent refers to an organization that is entrusted with the sale of goods and conducts the business of selling goods, such as a semiconductor trading company. In addition, the sales agent can be a subsidiary of the manufacturer, or it can have no capital relationship with the manufacturer. In addition, the sales agent can also be a special store that has concluded a special agreement with the manufacturer.

[0033] When a customer studies the use of an oscillator, he or she investigates whether a fixed frequency oscillator that oscillates the desired frequency is sold as an existing product. This is because, as mentioned above, a fixed frequency oscillator is superior to a programmable oscillator 300 in terms of cost and quality. However, the frequency that a customer expects is not necessarily consistent with the standard frequency. In such a case, for example, it is also considered that a customer wants the manufacturer to add a fixed frequency oscillator that outputs an output clock signal of a new frequency to the existing product lineup, but if there is no prescribed situation, the manufacturer is likely not to accept the request. The prescribed situation refers to, for example, a request from a prescribed customer or a large number of shipments can be expected. This is because it takes a considerable amount of development time to redesign a dedicated oscillator and productize it as a fixed frequency oscillator, so the manufacturer must study the balance between the situation as a business establishment. The prescribed customer refers to the so-called big customer or the customer treated as an important customer by the seller. The big customer refers to, for example, a customer whose sales volume of the manufacturer with the purchase performance accounts for a certain proportion or more of the total sales volume. In addition, hereinafter, customers other than the above-mentioned prescribed customers among customers are referred to as "general customers". General customers sometimes study the use of a programmable oscillator 300 that can set the desired frequency as an oscillator that outputs a clock signal of the desired frequency. In addition, in the case where a delivery with a short delivery period is required, the customer is sometimes required to study the programmable oscillator 300 .

[0034] When a user studies a programmable oscillator 300, in addition to the characteristic writing device 400 described later, a predetermined number of evaluation samples of the programmable oscillator 300 are provided from the manufacturer. Then, the user uses the provided characteristic writing device 400 to write the desired setting data into the non-volatile memory included in the programmable oscillator 300, and assembles the programmable oscillator 300 that has been subjected to the operation into the user's equipment for evaluation. Then, when the setting data to be written into the programmable oscillator 300 is determined through the evaluation, the user orders a programmable oscillator 300 of mass production specifications based on the setting data from the manufacturer. After that, the sales agent obtains the setting data related to the order, writes the setting data into the programmable oscillator 300 using the characteristic writing device 400 held by the sales agent, and delivers the programmable oscillator 300 with the setting data written therein to the user. In addition, the characteristic writing device 400 held by the sales agent sometimes has a part of specifications different from the characteristic writing device 400 provided to the user, so as to be able to cope with mass production.

[0035] In addition, when the user who has placed an order is assigned a person in charge of the manufacturer's sales department, and the sales department functions as a marketing department, the person in charge of the sales department sometimes collects information from the user, such as the purpose of the order, the points of emphasis, etc. In other words, the person in charge understands the user's needs based on the wants involved in the order. The needs here include not only explicit needs, but also potential needs, and specific examples will be described later. Then, the person in charge studies solutions to meet the needs that have been grasped. Afterwards, sometimes the person in charge recommends to the user an oscillator other than the ordered programmable oscillator 300. In this way, the user can purchase the product that best suits the purpose of the order. In this way, a closer relationship can be established between the manufacturer and the user.

[0036] However, the provision of the sales manager is limited to the case where the user is a specified customer. Oscillators are widely used and are used by a large number of users, so it is difficult to provide a sales manager for all general customers. In addition, as mentioned above, it is difficult to communicate with sales agents when the user is a potential customer among general customers. Therefore, when the user is a general customer, the ordering of the programmable oscillator 300 through the previous ordering system is limited to the manufacturer mechanically receiving the user's request, and it is impossible to receive suggestions from the sales manager that take the user's needs into consideration. In this regard, as described later, the information providing system 100 of the present embodiment can prompt the user, who is a general customer, with information on oscillators that may be solutions that meet the user's needs, thereby forming a basis for building a closer relationship between the manufacturer and the user.

[0037] use Figure 2 The flowchart of FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the processing of the method of the present embodiment. The processing unit 120 performs a process of determining whether the desired characteristic data has been received (step S1). For example, although not shown in the figure, the user causes the display unit of the user terminal 200 to display a specified screen. The specified screen is, for example, a web page related to the product search of the oscillator in the manufacturer's homepage, but it can also be a screen started by the writing program described later. In addition, for example, in order to efficiently search for the desired product, the user can enter the characteristic data of the oscillator as a search parameter in the web page of the product search. Items that can be search parameters are, for example, product category, frequency, size, frequency deviation, etc., but they can also be other items. In addition, in the present embodiment, when the desired characteristic data is entered using the web page related to the product search, the programmable oscillator 300 is selected as the product category. That is, the desired characteristic data of step S1 refers to the characteristic data entered as a search parameter by the user in the web page for searching. In addition, the desired characteristic data of step S1 can also be the characteristic data entered by the user in the screen started by the writing program, and a specific example will be described later. In addition, it is preferred that the desired characteristic data is composed of a plurality of characteristic data.

[0038] When the processing unit 120 receives the expected characteristic data (Yes in step S1), the processing unit 120 performs a product information extraction process (step S10). On the other hand, when the processing unit 120 does not receive the expected characteristic data (No in step S1), the processing unit 120 performs step S1 again. The product information extraction process (step S10) includes a process of searching for information of a product containing the expected characteristic data received in step S1 from a database not shown in the figure. For example, although the details of the process are omitted, when the expected characteristic data received in step S1 by the processing unit 120 includes a frequency, the programmable oscillator 300 that can set the frequency included in the expected characteristic data and is consistent with items other than the frequency included in the expected characteristic data is extracted as the corresponding product information. In addition, when the expected characteristic data includes the model of the programmable oscillator 300, the processing unit 120 may also include the following process in step S10: searching for information of a product that is consistent with the model from the database, and extracting the information of the searched product as the corresponding product information.

[0039] In addition, there may be multiple pieces of matching product information. However, when more than a predetermined number of matching product information is extracted in step S10, for example, the processing unit 120 may send a predetermined command to the user terminal 200 without performing step S20 described later. The predetermined command is, for example, a command to cause the display unit of the user terminal 200 to display a display to cause the user to review the desired characteristic data to be input again. This is because if too much matching product information is extracted in step S10, it is impossible to accurately grasp the user's needs.

[0040] In addition, step S10 includes a process of extracting product information of the oscillator that is the object of the replacement suggestion, that is, the replacement product information. The oscillator that is the object of the replacement suggestion is an oscillator that can meet the needs of the user who input the desired characteristic data. Specifically, for example, it is an oscillator that is interchangeable with the oscillator containing the desired characteristic data, an oscillator that has the same characteristic data as at least a part of the desired characteristic data, an oscillator that has data related to additional functions added to the desired characteristic data, etc., and the details will be described later. In addition, there can be multiple pieces of replacement product information.

[0041] In addition, after implementing the product information extraction process (step S10), the processing unit 120 implements the product information sending process (step S20) and ends the process. In the product information sending process (step S20), the processing unit 120 sends the product information extracted by the product information extraction process (step S10) to the user terminal 200 via the sending unit 130. The product information extracted by the product information extraction process (step S10) is the above-mentioned compliant product information and substitute product information. In other words, the sending unit 130 sends the compliant product information and substitute product information to the user terminal 200. In addition, the substitute product information can also be classified into multiple categories. In the present embodiment, for example, as described later, the substitute product information is classified into two types, namely the first substitute product information and the second substitute product information, but it can also be classified into three or more types.

[0042] Thus, the information providing system 100 of the present embodiment includes a receiving unit 110, a processing unit 120, and a transmitting unit 130. The receiving unit 110 receives the desired characteristic data of the programmable oscillator 300 inputted in the user terminal 200. The processing unit 120 extracts the product information of the programmable oscillator 300 that meets the desired characteristic data, i.e., the conforming product information, and the product information of the oscillator that is the object of the replacement suggestion, i.e., the replacement product information. The transmitting unit 130 transmits the conforming product information and the replacement product information to the user terminal 200.

[0043] Thus, the information providing system 100 of the present embodiment includes the receiving unit 110, and can receive the desired characteristic data from the user. In addition, the information providing system 100 of the present embodiment further includes the processing unit 120, and can extract the corresponding product information and the substitute product information based on the received desired characteristic data. In addition, the information providing system 100 of the present embodiment further includes the sending unit 130, and can send the extracted corresponding product information and the substitute product information to the user terminal 200, so that the corresponding product information and the substitute product information can be provided to the user.

[0044] For example, suppose that the receiving unit 110 receives "frequency deviation = ±50ppm" as the desired characteristic data. In this case, the information "frequency deviation = ±50ppm" corresponds to the above-mentioned demand. That is, as long as "frequency deviation = 50ppm", any oscillator can be used, and as described later, it is unclear whether the purpose is to communicate based on Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0045] For example, when the user is a specified customer, a business manager is assigned to the user. Furthermore, it is assumed that the business manager obtains information from the user that "I want an oscillator for Bluetooth-based communication." through communication with the user. In this case, the information "I want an oscillator for Bluetooth-based communication" is equivalent to manifesting demand. However, it is not clear for what purpose Bluetooth-based communication is used based on this information alone. For example, the oscillator may be used for a keyboard attached to a computer, or it may be used for a business intercommunication system, which is uncertain.

[0046] Therefore, it is assumed that the business manager further communicates with the user and obtains information from the user that "the user wants to perform wireless communication corresponding to the specified antenna power." In this case, "the user wants to perform wireless communication corresponding to the specified antenna power" is equivalent to a potential demand. Therefore, the business manager does not need to stick to Bluetooth if the user corresponds to the specified antenna power, so, for example, he can find a programmable oscillator 300 corresponding to STD-T67 and recommend it to the user. Therefore, for example, when a user wants to use the programmable oscillator 300 to develop a transceiver for a business intercommunication system, wireless communication corresponding to longer distance transmission can be achieved, so the suggestion from the business manager can become a better solution. Therefore, a closer relationship can be established between manufacturers and users.

[0047] However, when a general customer who is not equipped with a sales manager orders a programmable oscillator 300 through the existing ordering system method, only the programmable oscillator 300 equivalent to the demand is delivered. Specifically, for example, when a user who is a general customer inputs "frequency deviation = ±50ppm" as the desired characteristic data, the user will not be provided with an opportunity to study oscillators other than the programmable oscillator 300 of "frequency deviation = ±50ppm". In this regard, by applying the method of this embodiment, not only can the user be provided with conforming product information, but also can be provided with alternative product information. Thus, the user can be given the opportunity to study whether the alternative product information is more suitable for the user's needs. Thus, the user can select the best oscillator that meets the needs. Proposing changes to the oscillator assembled in the equipment in mass production becomes a burden for the user, so it is beneficial for the user to be able to select the best oscillator in the development stage. Thus, a closer relationship can be established between the user who is a general customer and the manufacturer. Thus, for example, the user who is a general customer can easily adopt the manufacturer's programmable oscillator 300, so the possibility of the manufacturer being able to obtain new business opportunities can be increased. Furthermore, the method of the information providing system 100 of the present embodiment is particularly effective when the user is a general customer, but the information providing system 100 of the present embodiment can also be used when the user is a specified customer.

[0048] In addition, the method of this embodiment can also be implemented by the oscillator providing system 10. That is, the oscillator providing system 10 of this embodiment includes the above-mentioned information providing system 100 and the user terminal 200. Thereby, the same effect as above can be obtained.

[0049] In addition, the method of the present embodiment can also be implemented by a processing method. That is, the processing method of the present embodiment includes a process of receiving the desired characteristic data of the programmable oscillator 300 input in the user terminal 200 (step S1). In addition, the processing method of the present embodiment also includes a process of extracting the product information of the programmable oscillator 300 that meets the desired characteristic data, that is, the conforming product information, and the product information of the oscillator that is the object of the replacement recommendation, that is, the replacement product information (step S10). In addition, the processing method of the present embodiment also includes a process of sending the conforming product information and the replacement product information to the user terminal 200 (step S20). As a result, the same effect as above can be obtained.

[0050] 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 oscillator providing system 10 of this embodiment can also be configured as follows Figure 3 As shown in the structural example. Figure 3 The oscillator provides a system 10, with Figure 1Similarly, the information providing system 100 is connected to the user terminal 200, and the user terminal 200 is connected to the characteristic writing device 400 through a predetermined communication method. The predetermined communication method is, for example, a wired connection method such as USB. In addition, the user terminal 200 when connected to the characteristic writing device 400 is mainly a personal computer.

[0051] The characteristic writing device 400 includes an interface for connecting to the user terminal 200 and a socket for the package of the programmable oscillator 300 to be engaged on the circuit substrate. That is, the characteristic writing device 400 includes an interface circuit that can be connected to the programmable oscillator 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 characteristic writing device 400 and the like.

[0052] The user, for example, starts the writing program in the user terminal 200, and uses the setting screen of the writing program to write the programming information based on the desired characteristic data into the programmable oscillator 300. The writing program can be installed in the user terminal 200 by the customer using, for example, a CD-ROM attached to the characteristic writing device 400. Alternatively, the customer can also download the program involved in the writing program from a web page specified by the manufacturer. Alternatively, when the user terminal 200 and the characteristic writing device 400 are connected via a USB cable attached to the characteristic writing device 400, the writing program can be automatically installed in the user terminal 200.

[0053] In addition, the writing program includes a program for automatically finding the setting value of the register based on the frequency of the reference clock of the programmable oscillator 300 and the desired frequency that the user wants to set. Figure 7 As described later, the desired frequency can be input as a specific number in the setting screen of the write program. In this way, the setting value of the register to be set is automatically determined.

[0054] In addition, for example, when the user inputs a predetermined number of setting items on the setting screen, the processing unit of the user terminal 200 may perform a process of sending the input setting items to the information providing system 100, and this process may be set as Figure 2 The specified number can be appropriately determined by considering the search efficiency in the product information extraction process (step S10). Alternatively, the processing unit of the user terminal 200 may send the setting data related to the writing as the desired characteristic data to the information providing system 100 when the user writes to the programmable oscillator 300, and the processing is set to Figure 2 Step S1.

[0055] In addition, Figure 3 In the structural example, the writing program installed in the user terminal 200 is based on the premise that the operation is performed when the user terminal 200 is connected to the information providing system 100 for communication. Therefore, it is assumed that when the user uses the characteristic writing device 400, an agreement is reached between the manufacturer and the user to execute step S1 by connecting the user terminal 200 and the information providing system 100. In addition, it is assumed that an agreement is reached between the manufacturer and the user to manage the characteristic data of step S1 as confidential information.

[0056] Thus, in the information providing system 100 of the present embodiment, the user terminal 200 is communicatively connected to the characteristic writing device 400 that sets characteristic data for the programmable oscillator 300. The desired characteristic data is characteristic data set for the programmable oscillator 300 by the characteristic writing device 400. Thus, the user can obtain the replacement product information while performing evaluation based on the writing.

[0057] In addition, the method of this embodiment can also be implemented by a processing method. That is, in the processing method of this embodiment, the user terminal 200 is connected to the characteristic writing device 400 for setting characteristic data for the programmable oscillator 300. In addition, the desired characteristic data is the characteristic data set by the characteristic writing device 400 for the programmable oscillator 300. Thus, the same effect as above can be obtained.

[0058] use Figure 4 The product information extraction process (step S10) is described in more detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 1 . After the processing unit 120 performs a matching product information extraction process (not shown) for extracting matching product information by searching based on the AND condition of the characteristic data, it performs a first alternative product information extraction process (step S100). The details of the first alternative product information extraction process (step S100) are described in detail in FIG. Figure 5 Then, after the processing unit 120 performs the first alternative product information extraction process (step S100), it performs the second alternative product information extraction process (step S200) and ends the process. The details of the second alternative product information extraction process (step S200) are described in Figure 6 To be described later.

[0059] use Figure 5 The first alternative product information extraction process (step S100) is described in more detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 1 . The processing unit 120 determines whether there is a product with all characteristics equal to those input by the user (step S110). More specifically, the processing unit 120 extracts and stores information for each item in a database (not shown). Figure 2The processing unit 120 processes products that are consistent with the data included in the expected characteristic data received in step S1. In addition, the processing unit 120 lists the products that are consistent with the expected characteristic data for all characteristic items. In addition, when the processing unit 120 also obtains model information in step S1, it also excludes the products related to the model from the listed products. Then, the processing unit 120 determines yes in step S110 when there is more than one listed product, and determines no in step S110 when there is no listed product.

[0060] In addition, a specific example of yes in step S110 is that when the expected characteristic data of step S1 includes an output frequency, a fixed frequency oscillator that outputs the same output frequency is extracted. In addition, hereinafter, the output frequency included in the expected characteristic data is referred to as the expected output frequency. In other words, when the expected output frequency input by the user through the user terminal 200 is consistent with the aforementioned standard frequency, it is yes in step S110. Thus, through the processing described later, the information of the fixed frequency oscillator is provided as the first alternative product information. In this way, in the information providing system 100 of the present embodiment, the expected characteristic data includes the expected output frequency. The processing unit 120 extracts the product information of the fixed frequency oscillator whose output frequency is consistent with the expected output frequency as the alternative product information. Thus, the user can grasp the product information of the fixed frequency oscillator that is consistent with the expected output frequency. For example, there may also be a situation where the user studies the programmable oscillator 300 in a state where he forgets that there is a fixed frequency oscillator that outputs the expected output frequency. In this regard, by applying the method of the present embodiment, the user can recognize the existence of the fixed frequency oscillator that outputs the expected output frequency. Therefore, by adopting the fixed frequency oscillator, the user can improve the performance of the device in which the fixed frequency oscillator is assembled and reduce the cost of the device. However, step S110 does not prevent the extraction of other programmable oscillators 300 that are consistent with the desired output frequency, and the programmable oscillator 300 can also be extracted in other processes.

[0061] In addition, when the desired characteristic data in step S1 includes the desired output frequency, when a fixed frequency oscillator that outputs the same output frequency as the desired output frequency is extracted in step S110, the information of the fixed frequency oscillator may be displayed preferentially in the user terminal 200 compared with other alternative product information extracted in step S120 described later. Figure 8In the example, by displaying the information of the fixed frequency oscillator in a column adjacent to the product information shown in the column C02, priority display can be achieved. As described above, the user is likely to order the programmable oscillator 300 because there is no fixed frequency oscillator that outputs the desired output frequency. Therefore, it is beneficial for the user to preferentially display the fixed frequency oscillator that outputs the desired output frequency.

[0062] More specifically, in Figure 2 In the product information transmission process (step S20), the transmission unit 130 preferentially transmits the information of the fixed frequency oscillator to the user terminal 200. As a result, the processing unit of the user terminal 200 can display the information of the fixed frequency oscillator in a manner close to the product information after the prescribed information reception process, image formation process, etc. In this way, in the information providing system 100 of this embodiment, the transmission unit 130 preferentially transmits the product information of the standard frequency oscillator registered in the database as the substitute product information. As a result, the user can preferentially know the information of the standard frequency oscillator.

[0063] Then, if the processing unit 120 determines that it is no in step S110, it determines whether there is a product with characteristics equal to or more ideal than those input by the user for all items (step S120). In other words, step S120 is a process of extracting products that are upper-level interchangeable with the product involved in the characteristic data received in step S1 from a database not shown.

[0064] Specifically, the information related to the items input by the user may include, for example, size information, output frequency information, power supply voltage information, operating temperature range information, frequency deviation information, current consumption information, jitter information, quality information, etc., but may also be information related to other items. Figure 3 As shown, the user terminal 200 is connected to the characteristic writing device 400, and when the user inputs the desired characteristic data on the screen of the writing program, the desired characteristic data includes the information of the model.

[0065] The size information more specifically refers to information related to the outer dimensions of the package of the programmable oscillator 300. In addition, the information related to the outer dimensions may also omit the information on the dimensions in the thickness direction of the package. In step S120, for example, the processing unit 120 searches the database for products containing information on dimensions equal to the information on dimensions in the characteristic data received in step S1, and also searches the database for products containing information on dimensions smaller than the information on dimensions in the characteristic data received in step S1. In other words, it can be said that products containing information on dimensions smaller than the information on dimensions expected by the user have superior interchangeability with respect to products expected by the user. This is because the reduction in the size of the package helps to increase the degree of freedom in design of equipment related to the user's development. In addition, in the present embodiment, a product with a small size in the longitudinal and transverse directions when viewed from above is exemplified as a small-sized product, but a product with the same size in the longitudinal and transverse directions and a small thickness may be a small-sized product, and a product with both a small size and a small thickness when viewed from above may be a small-sized product.

[0066] The information of the output frequency more specifically refers to the information of the output frequency of the programmable oscillator 300 after writing. In step S120, for example, the processing unit 120 performs a process of searching the database for products containing information of a nominal frequency equal to the information of the desired output frequency received in step S1. In addition, it is considered that an oscillator containing information of a nominal frequency different from the information of the desired output frequency received in step S1 is theoretically not interchangeable with the oscillator desired by the user. Therefore, step S120 extracts the product information of the oscillator that is consistent with at least the information of the nominal frequency in the desired characteristic data in step S1 as the first alternative product information. In this way, in the information providing system 100 of the present embodiment, the processing unit 120 extracts the product information of the oscillator that is consistent with a part of the multiple characteristics shown in the desired characteristic data of the programmable oscillator 300 as the alternative product information. In this way, the user can recognize the information of other products that may meet the needs.

[0067] The information of the power supply voltage is more specifically information of the allowable range of the voltage supplied from the power supply to the oscillator. In step S120, for example, the processing unit 120 performs a process of extracting products whose allowable range of voltage is wider than the information of the power supply voltage in the characteristic data received in step S1, in addition to searching the database for products containing information of the allowable range of voltage equal to the information of the power supply voltage in the characteristic data received in step S1. In addition, the products whose allowable range of voltage is wider here include all the allowable ranges of voltage received in step S1. For example, when the information of the power supply voltage received in step S1 is "2.5V~3.3V", the processing unit 120 extracts products whose information of the power supply voltage is "1.8V~3.3V", "1.8V~3.5V", and "2.5V~4.0V" through step S120, but does not extract products whose information of the power supply voltage is "2.7V~4.0V" through step S120. That is, a product whose allowable voltage range is wider than the information of the power supply voltage expected by the user has superior interchangeability with the product expected by the user. This is because a wide allowable voltage range helps to improve the design freedom of the equipment involved in the user's development. In this way, an oscillator whose allowable voltage range is wider than the information of the power supply voltage in the characteristic data received in step S1 can be an oscillator with higher characteristics than the programmable oscillator 300 expected by the user. That is, in the information providing system 100 of the present embodiment, the processing unit 120 extracts product information of an oscillator whose at least one characteristic among the multiple characteristics shown in the expected characteristic data of the programmable oscillator 300 is a characteristic higher than the characteristic of the programmable oscillator 300 as alternative product information. As a result, the user can recognize the existence of an oscillator with higher characteristics. In addition, for example, in the specification sheet, the information of the power supply voltage is "3.3V" and the range is not clearly stated, but this means that the display of the specified allowable deviation (for example, ±5%) is omitted.

[0068] The information of the temperature range is more specifically the information of the allowable temperature range in the environment where the oscillator is used. In step S120, for example, the processing unit 120 performs a process of extracting products whose allowable temperature range is wider than the information of the temperature range in the characteristic data received in step S1, in addition to searching the database for products containing information of the temperature range equal to the information of the temperature range in the characteristic data received in step S1. In addition, the products whose allowable temperature range is wider here include all the widths of the temperature range received in step S1. For example, when the information of the temperature range received in step S1 is "-30℃~80℃", the processing unit 120 extracts products whose temperature range information is "-30℃~120℃", "-40℃~80℃", and "-40℃~120℃" through step S120, but does not extract products whose temperature range information is "-40℃~70℃" through step S120. That is, it can be said that the products whose allowable temperature range is wider than the information of the temperature range expected by the user have superior compatibility with the products expected by the user. This is because a wide temperature tolerance range in which the oscillator can be used contributes to an increase in the degree of freedom in designing equipment and the like related to user development.

[0069] The frequency deviation information more specifically refers to information about the ratio of the magnitude of the deviation of the output frequency caused by the change of the operating conditions such as the temperature change to the output frequency serving as a reference. In step S120, for example, the processing unit 120 searches the database for products containing information of a frequency deviation equal to the frequency deviation information in the characteristic data received in step S1, and also searches the database for products containing information of a frequency deviation smaller than the frequency deviation information in the characteristic data received in step S1. In other words, it can be said that the product containing information of a frequency deviation smaller than the frequency deviation information expected by the user is superiorly interchangeable with the product expected by the user. This is because it is not assumed that a small deviation in the output frequency of the oscillator will reduce the degree of freedom in design of the device developed by the user.

[0070] In addition, by reducing the frequency deviation, the performance of the device developed by the user can sometimes be improved. For example, the user studies to minimize the number of FIFO (First in First Out) levels of the communication device. Because the number of FIFO levels is proportional to the area of ​​the memory, minimizing the number of FIFO levels helps to reduce costs. For example, one of the factors that determine the number of FIFO levels is the frequency of the clock signal provided to the FIFO. Specifically, the number of FIFO levels is studied based on the lower limit value obtained by subtracting the size of the deviation from the nominal frequency of the clock signal. Therefore, the smaller the frequency deviation, the larger the lower limit value, so the data input to the FIFO of the previous stage quickly reaches the FIFO of the next stage, so the number of FIFO levels can be reduced.

[0071] The information on the current consumption is information on the current flowing through the oscillator when the oscillator is operated. In step S120, for example, the processing unit 120 searches the database for products containing information on the same current consumption as the current consumption in the characteristic data received in step S1, and also searches the database for products containing information on the current consumption smaller than the current consumption in the characteristic data received in step S1. In other words, it can be said that the product containing information on the current consumption smaller than the current consumption expected by the user is superiorly interchangeable with the product expected by the user. This is because it is not assumed that reducing the current consumption of the oscillator will reduce the degree of freedom in design of the device developed by the user.

[0072] In addition, the jitter information refers to information related to the fluctuation of the rising edge of the clock signal from the oscillator circuit (not shown) in the oscillator. In step S120, for example, the processing unit 120 searches the database for products containing jitter information equal to the jitter information in the characteristic data received in step S1, and also searches the database for products containing jitter information smaller than the jitter in the characteristic data received in step S1. In other words, it can be said that products containing jitter information smaller than the jitter size expected by the user are superiorly interchangeable with products expected by the user. This is because it is not expected that the design freedom of the device developed by the user will be reduced if the jitter becomes smaller.

[0073] In addition, the quality information refers to information on the quality standard corresponding to the oscillator. For example, in the case of an oscillator for consumer use, information indicating that the oscillator is manufactured in a factory that has obtained ISO-9001 certification corresponds to the quality information. For example, in the case of an oscillator for automotive use, information indicating that the oscillator complies with AEC-Q100, AEC-Q200, etc. corresponds to the quality information. For example, a label for selecting a corresponding standard is displayed on a product search web page. Then, the user selects "AEC-Q100" or the like using the label. As a result, the quality information is included in the desired characteristic data of step S1.

[0074] In addition, when the desired characteristic data of step S1 does not include quality information, for example, the processing unit 120 performs a process of searching data from the database based on the characteristic data received in step S1, such as "AEC-Q100" and other keywords related to the quality standards for vehicle use. In other words, when the user desires an oscillator for civilian use, it can be said that the oscillator for vehicle use is superiorly interchangeable with the oscillator for civilian use. This is because, as long as the characteristic data other than the use is the same for the oscillator, it is not assumed that replacing the oscillator for civilian use with the oscillator for vehicle use will reduce the degree of freedom in design of the equipment developed by the user.

[0075] use Figure 6 The second alternative product information extraction process (step S200) is described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The processing unit 120 performs a process of replacing the function based on the first list (step S211), a process of replacing the frequency of the peripheral function based on the second list (step S212), a process of replacing the output frequency with an integer multiple of the input frequency (step S213), and a process of searching a specified range based on the input frequency (step S214).

[0076] Specifically, in step S211, for example, the processing unit 120 performs processing based on the first list replacement function on the product extracted based on the characteristic data received in step S1. Fig. 9 Step S211 only illustrates "replacement", but it can also be "addition" or "deletion". The first list is composed of a table that associates products with the same specified characteristic data. For example, products with a spread spectrum function are associated with products without a spread spectrum function. In addition, the spread spectrum function is a well-known method of reducing EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) noise by periodically changing the frequency of the output clock signal in a specified frequency band centered on a reference frequency that is the frequency of the clock signal. The spread spectrum function is sometimes abbreviated or illustrated as "SS function" below.

[0077] For example, it is assumed that the information of the programmable oscillator 300 included in the characteristic data received in step S1 is composed only of product information without a spread spectrum function. In this case, the processing unit 120 performs a process of replacing the information of the programmable oscillator 300 included in the characteristic data received in step S1 with information having a spread spectrum function in step S211. Thereafter, the processing unit 120 performs a process of searching a database (not shown) for a product including the information replaced in step S211 in step S220. If a corresponding product exists in the database, it is determined that yes in step S220, and a process of extracting the product as the second substitute product information is performed (step S230). In this way, steps S211, S220, and S230 function as the following process: extracting an oscillator having a spread spectrum function as an additional characteristic other than the characteristic indicated by the desired characteristic data received in step S1 as the second substitute product information. That is, in the information providing system 100 of the present embodiment, the processing unit 120 extracts product information of an oscillator having additional characteristics other than the multiple characteristics indicated by the desired characteristic data of the programmable oscillator 300 as substitute product information. Thereby, the user can recognize the existence of the oscillator having the additional characteristics.

[0078] In addition, the first list is not limited to the above. For example, the first list may be a list in which information on products having a multi-output function and information on products not having a multi-output function are associated with each other, and various modifications are possible.

[0079] In step S212, specifically, for example, the processing unit 120 performs a process of replacing the frequency based on the second list for the product extracted according to the characteristic data received in step S1. The second list is composed of a table that associates products that output a specified frequency based on past negotiation results, etc. For example, it is assumed that according to the sales performance data of the manufacturer, the programmable oscillator 300 ordered for a specified purpose is mostly ordered for the first oscillator that outputs the first frequency and the second oscillator that outputs the second frequency. In addition, it is assumed that neither the first frequency nor the second frequency here is a standard frequency. In this case, when the characteristic data received in step S1 includes information on the first frequency, the characteristic data may be data input by the user intending to study the first oscillator. Therefore, the processing unit 120 replaces the information on the output frequency in the characteristic data received in step S212, and extracts the information on the second oscillator as the information on the second replacement product through the subsequent steps S220 and S230. As a result, the user can know the existence of the second oscillator.

[0080] In step S213, specifically, for example, the processing unit 120 performs a process of multiplying the desired output frequency included in the characteristic data received in step S1 by N (N is a natural number greater than 2). In addition, the upper limit of N is appropriately determined. Thereafter, the processing unit 120 determines in step S220 whether the product information including the characteristic data after the processing is included in the database. Then, in step S230, the processing unit 120 extracts the product information included in the database in step S220 as the information of the second alternative product. For example, by increasing the output frequency of the programmable oscillator 300 to N times, the multiplication number of the PLL circuit can be reduced. As a result, jitter can sometimes be reduced.

[0081] In step S214, specifically, for example, the processing unit 120 searches the database for product information including a nominal frequency within a specified range, based on the expected output frequency included in the characteristic data received in step S1. Specifically, when the specified ratio is d%, the database is searched for product information with an oscillation frequency of an output frequency of ±d% relative to the expected output frequency as the nominal frequency. In addition, ±d% here does not include 0. This is because, if it includes 0, it is the same nominal frequency as the expected output frequency, and as long as there is Figure 5 The step S110 is sufficient.

[0082] Then, the processing unit 120 determines whether the database contains product information with an oscillation frequency of an output frequency of ±d% relative to the desired output frequency as a nominal frequency in step S220. Then, the processing unit 120 extracts the product information contained in the database in step S220 as the second alternative product information in step S230.

[0083] The nominal frequency included in the second alternative product information extracted by steps S214, S220, and S230 is different from the expected output frequency included in the expected characteristic data received in step S1, so theoretically there is no interchangeability. However, if the second alternative product is assembled in a device being developed by the user and the result of actual evaluation is that the device operates without problems, the user's needs can be met. The second alternative product is a fixed frequency oscillator, so as described above, it is advantageous in terms of cost, etc. compared to the programmable oscillator 300, and may be more beneficial to the user. In addition, when evaluating to minimize the number of stages of the above-mentioned FIFO, an evaluation is sometimes performed based on an oscillator with a frequency slightly increased relative to the expected frequency. In the case where there is a fixed frequency oscillator corresponding to the implementation of the evaluation, the cost related to the evaluation can be reduced, which is beneficial to the user.

[0084] Thus, in the information providing system 100 of the present embodiment, the expected characteristic data includes the expected output frequency. The processing unit 120 extracts, as the substitute product information, an oscillator whose output frequency is different from the expected output frequency and is ±d% relative to the expected output frequency when the predetermined ratio is d%. Thus, the user can recognize the information of the oscillator that outputs a frequency close to the expected frequency.

[0085] In addition, the process of extracting the second alternative product information is not limited to steps S211 to S214. For example, although the illustration is omitted, the processing unit 120 may also perform the following process as step S230: when the desired characteristic data received in step S1 includes information on a model, the model is replaced with a predetermined model based on the third list, and the replaced model is extracted as the second alternative product information. The third list is composed of, for example, a table that associates oscillators that have been used in devices corresponding to the first standard and oscillators that are expected to be developed for devices corresponding to the second standard, which is a next-generation standard relative to the first standard. For example, the oscillator corresponding to the second standard is developed with emphasis on making the characteristic data of one item ideal, and therefore, the characteristic data of other items may be less ideal than the characteristic data of other items of the oscillator corresponding to the first standard. In this case, the information of the oscillator corresponding to the second standard is No in step S120, and therefore, it is not displayed on the user terminal 200 as the first alternative product information. However, the information of the oscillator corresponding to the second standard has the same purpose as the oscillator corresponding to the first standard, so it is highly likely to meet the needs of the user and has a recommendation value, so it is extracted as the second alternative product information. In addition, for example, the third list may include a table showing the following combinations of oscillators, which are combinations of oscillators that have few items in common with the expected characteristic data and are considered to have no interchangeability at first glance, but which are clearly known from experience to have a track record of meeting the needs of the user.

[0086] The effects of the method of this embodiment are described below. Figure 3 As described in, by connecting the user terminal 200 and the characteristic writing device 400, for example Figure 7 The screen shown in A0 of FIG. 1 is displayed on the display unit of the user terminal 200. In the screen example shown in A0, a setting screen shown in B0, a sub-screen shown in C0, and a sub-screen shown in D0 are displayed.

[0087] In the setting screen shown in B0, for example, a label for selecting the model shown in B1, a label for selecting the size shown in B2, a box for inputting the nominal frequency shown in B3, a label for setting the power supply voltage shown in B4, a label for selecting the temperature range shown in B5, a label for selecting the frequency deviation shown in B6, etc. are displayed. In addition, the items displayed in the setting screen are not limited to the items shown in B1 to B6, and other items may also be displayed. Other items are, for example, items for selecting whether to set as an output enable function or a standby function. In addition, the output enable function refers to a function that makes the output terminal high impedance when the oscillation circuit and the PLL circuit are working, and the standby function refers to a function that stops the oscillation circuit and the PLL circuit and makes the output terminal low level. In addition, in the setting screen shown in B0, only labels and boxes are shown as the user interface for selection, but it is not limited to this, and for example, a known user interface such as a radio button may be appropriately adopted. In addition, in the setting screen of B0, it may also be displayed that when one setting item is determined, other setting items are determined in linkage. For example, in the case where the user selects a model with only one frequency deviation, the frequency deviation may also be determined and displayed in linkage.

[0088] For example, the user sets various setting items on the setting screen shown in B0, so that the corresponding product information and the first alternative product information are displayed on the screen shown in C0. The details of the screen shown in C0 are shown in FIG. Figure 8 In addition, for example, by setting various setting items in the setting screen shown in B0, the corresponding product information and the second alternative product information are displayed in the screen shown in D0. The details of the screen shown in D0 are described in Fig. 9 To be described later.

[0089] Figure 8 is shown in more detail Figure 7 The figure shows an example of a screen shown in C0. Model information is displayed in the row shown in C10, size information is displayed in the row shown in C20, frequency information is displayed in the row shown in C30, power supply voltage information is displayed in the row shown in C40, and temperature range information is displayed in the row shown in C50. In addition, frequency deviation information is displayed in the row shown in C60, current consumption information is displayed in the row shown in C70, jitter information is displayed in the row shown in C80, usage information is displayed in the row shown in C90, and remarks information is displayed in the row shown in C100. In addition, the column shown in C01 displays various items related to the product information. In the columns shown in C02, C03, C04, and C05, the information of the product extracted in step S100 is displayed for each item. In addition, Figure 8 In the , the product shown in C02 is the corresponding product information, and the products shown in C03, C04, and C05 are the first alternative product information. Figure 8Although three first alternative product information are illustrated in FIG, the number of first alternative product information is not limited to three. Fig. 9 The same is true for the second replacement product information of . Figure 8 Each area formed by the rows shown in C10, C20, C30, C40, C50, C60, C70, C80, C90, C100 and the columns shown in C01, C02, C03, C04, C05 is called a "cell". The same applies to Fig. 9 .

[0090] For example, in Figure 8 When the conforming product information (model "ZZZ") shown in C02 is compared with the first alternative product information (model "C13") shown in C03, the size information (2.5mm×2.0mm) shown in the cell of C23 is different from the size information (3.2mm×2.5mm) of the conforming product information, and the others are the same. As described above, the smaller the size, the more suitable it is, so the first alternative product information shown in C03 is extracted in step S120.

[0091] In addition, although Figure 8 Although not shown, information indicating that the size is smaller may be displayed in the remark information shown in the cell of C103 as information indicating the advantage of the first alternative product information shown in C03. For example, in the information providing system 100, information of a predetermined fixed sentence and a table associating the content of the processing performed in step S120 with the information of the fixed sentence are stored in a memory not shown in the figure. Then, in step S20, the processing unit 120 may send the information of the fixed sentence associated with the processing of step S120 by performing step S120 together with the alternative product information to the user terminal 200 via the sending unit 130. Figure 8 The cells shown in C104 and C105, described later Fig. 9 The cells shown in D93, D94, and D95 ​​can also display information using the same method.

[0092] In addition, when the conforming product information (model "ZZZ") shown in C02 is compared with the first alternative product information (model "C14") shown in C04, the frequency deviation information (±10ppm, ±15ppm) shown in the cell of C64 is different from the frequency deviation information (±50ppm) of the conforming product information, and the others are the same. As described above, the narrower the frequency deviation, the more suitable it is, so the first alternative product information shown in C04 is extracted in step S120.

[0093] In addition, when the conforming product information shown in C02 (model "ZZZ") is compared with the first alternative product information shown in C05 (model "C15"), for example, the quality information (on-vehicle) shown in the cell of C95 is different from the quality information (people's livelihood) that conforms to the product information. As described above, the on-vehicle quality is more suitable than the people's livelihood quality, so the first alternative product information shown in C04 is extracted through step S120. In addition, regarding the first alternative product information shown in C05, the size information shown in the cell of C25 is different from the size information that conforms to the product information, but is the same as the first alternative product information shown in C03. In addition, the frequency deviation information shown in the cell of C65 is different from the frequency deviation information that conforms to the product information, but can be considered to be the same as the first alternative product information shown in C04.

[0094] Fig. 9 is shown in more detail Figure 7 The example of the screen shown in D0 of FIG. The row shown in D10 displays the model information, the row shown in D20 displays the size information, the row shown in D30 displays the frequency information, the row shown in D40 displays the power supply voltage information, and the row shown in D50 displays the temperature range information. In addition, the row shown in D60 displays the frequency deviation information, the row shown in D70 displays the current consumption information, the row shown in D80 displays the jitter information, and the row shown in D90 displays the remarks information. In addition, although Fig. 9 Not shown in the figure, but for example, it can also be Figure 8 The information shown in the row C90 of FIG. 1 can also display quality information. In addition, the column shown in D01 displays various items of product information, the column shown in D02 displays the corresponding product information extracted in step S100, and the columns shown in D03, D04, and D05 display the second alternative product information extracted in step S200 for each item.

[0095] For example, in Fig. 9 In the example, if the conforming product information (model "ZZZ") shown in D02 is compared with the second alternative product information (model "D13") shown in the column of D03, the cell D83 shows that the second alternative product shown in the column of D03 contains the spread spectrum function, but the other information is the same. That is, the second alternative product shown in the column of D03 has an additional function of the spread spectrum function relative to the conforming product information shown in D02. Therefore, Figure 6 Steps S211, S220, and S230 are extracted as the second substitute product.

[0096] In addition, when the conforming product information (model "ZZZ") shown in D02 is compared with the second alternative product information (model "D14") shown in the column of D04, the current consumption information shown in the cell of D74 is greater than the current consumption value of the conforming product information shown in D02, and it is not expected to be a substitute product in this respect. However, the second alternative product information (model "D14") shown in the column of D04 is information related to the next generation product relative to the conforming product information (model "ZZZ") shown in D02, and is likely to meet the needs of users. Therefore, the product of model "ZZZ" and the product of model "D14" are associated through the aforementioned third list, and the processing unit 120 extracts the information of the product of model "D14" as the second alternative product information through the second alternative product information extraction process (step S200).

[0097] In addition, in the second alternative product information (model "D15") shown in the column of D05, when compared with the conforming product information (model "ZZZ") shown in D02, the characteristic data shown in the cells of D25, D35, D45, D65, D75, and D85 are different from the corresponding characteristic data in the conforming product information. However, for example, based on past negotiation results, even if the values ​​shown in the characteristic data are different from each other, the user's needs may be the same, and sometimes it is known that the customer demand for the product of model "ZZZ" is the same as the customer demand for the product of model "D15". For example, the characteristic data of an oscillator whose output specification is CMOS output is different from the characteristic data of an oscillator whose output specification is LVDS output, but sometimes the needs are the same. In this case, the product of model "ZZZ" is associated with the product of model "D15" through the aforementioned third list, and the processing unit 120 extracts the information of the product of model "D15" as the second alternative product information through the second alternative product information extraction process (step S200).

[0098] In addition, for example, the information providing system 100 may not only display Figure 7 to Figure 9 The alternative product information shown in the figure also prompts the user to try out the programmable oscillator 300 based on the displayed alternative product information. Figure 7 Then, the user can Fig. 9 The processor 120 is interested in the product (model D15) shown in D05 and selects a part related to the product. Fig.10 The screen example shown in E.

[0099] Thus, the processing method of this embodiment further includes a process of prompting the user to write characteristic data based on the substitute product information to the programmable oscillator 300. Thus, the user can be prompted to produce the programmable oscillator 300 based on the displayed substitute product information. Figure 7 The second replacement product information displayed in the sub-screen D0 of includes information on fixed frequency oscillators, but fixed frequency oscillators are mass-produced oscillators, and there are cases where the factory has inventory but the sales agent does not have inventory, so it takes a certain period of time for the user to obtain the oscillator involved in the replacement product information. Fig. 9 The programmable oscillator 300 is written with the same frequency as the product (model D15) shown in D05, prompting the user to make a simulated evaluation sample. As a result, the user can gain new insights based on the evaluation results of the produced programmable oscillator 300. In addition, the period required for the user to evaluate the oscillator involved in the second alternative product information can be shortened.

[0100] In addition, for example, the processing unit 120 may replace the information shown in the column shown in D03 with Figure 7 For example, when the user is prompted to trial-produce the second alternative product information (model "D15") shown in the column D05, the frequency set is different from the corresponding product information (model "ZZZ") shown in D02, so the user needs to redo the process. Figure 7 In this regard, by applying the method of this embodiment, the frequency setting is automatically changed, so the user can reliably produce the evaluation sample that is urged to be trial-produced.

[0101] In addition, the above is that when the characteristic writing device 400 is connected to the user terminal 200, the writing program is started and the display Figure 7 to Figure 10 , for example, the user can start the writing program in the user terminal 200 without connecting the characteristic writing device 400 to the user terminal 200. That is, the user can also use the writing program in the user terminal 200 to simulate the extracted alternative product information while changing the characteristic data set for the programmable oscillator 300. In this way, in the information providing system 100 of the present embodiment, the processing unit 120 prompts the user of the user terminal 200 with the setting of the characteristics of the programmable oscillator 300 that matches the characteristics of the oscillator as the object of the replacement suggestion. As a result, the user can grasp the information related to the setting of the characteristics of the oscillator as the object of the replacement suggestion.

[0102] As described above, the information providing system of this embodiment includes a receiving unit, a processing unit, and a sending unit. The receiving unit receives the expected characteristic data of the programmable oscillator input in the user terminal. The processing unit extracts the product information of the programmable oscillator that meets the expected characteristic data, that is, the conforming product information, and the product information of the oscillator that is the object of the replacement recommendation, that is, the replacement product information. The sending unit sends the conforming product information and the replacement product information to the user terminal.

[0103] Thus, the information providing system of this embodiment can provide the user with the corresponding product information and the substitute product information. Thus, the user can be given the opportunity to study whether the substitute product information is more suitable for the user's needs. Thus, the user can select the best oscillator that meets the needs.

[0104] Furthermore, the processing unit may extract, as the substitute product information, product information of an oscillator that matches a part of the plurality of characteristics indicated by the desired characteristic data of the programmable oscillator.

[0105] This way, users can become aware of information about other products that may meet their needs.

[0106] Furthermore, the processing unit may extract, as the alternative product information, product information of an oscillator having additional characteristics other than the plurality of characteristics indicated by the desired characteristic data of the programmable oscillator.

[0107] Thereby, the user can recognize the existence of the oscillator having the additional characteristics.

[0108] Furthermore, the processing unit may extract, as the substitute product information, product information of an oscillator in which at least one characteristic among a plurality of characteristics indicated by the desired characteristic data of the programmable oscillator is higher than the characteristic of the programmable oscillator.

[0109] This allows the user to recognize the existence of an oscillator with higher characteristics.

[0110] Alternatively, the desired characteristic data may include a desired output frequency, and the processing unit may extract product information of a fixed frequency oscillator having an output frequency that matches the desired output frequency as the substitute product information.

[0111] This allows the user to obtain product information of a fixed-frequency oscillator that matches the desired output frequency.

[0112] Alternatively, the desired characteristic data may include a desired output frequency, and the processing unit may extract, as the substitute product information, an oscillator having an oscillation frequency different from the desired output frequency and having an output frequency that is ±d% of the desired output frequency when a predetermined ratio is d%.

[0113] Thereby, the user can recognize information of the oscillator that outputs a frequency close to the desired frequency.

[0114] In addition, the transmission unit may preferentially transmit the product information of the oscillator of the standard frequency registered in the database as the substitute product information.

[0115] This allows the user to preferentially know the information of the oscillator of the standard frequency.

[0116] Furthermore, the processing unit may present the user of the user terminal with a setting of the characteristics of the programmable oscillator that matches the characteristics of the oscillator to be recommended as a replacement.

[0117] This allows the user to grasp information on the settings related to the characteristics of the oscillator that is the target of the replacement recommendation.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned information providing system, the user terminal may be communicatively connected to a characteristic writing device for setting characteristic data for the programmable oscillator, and the desired characteristic data may be characteristic data set for the programmable oscillator by the characteristic writing device.

[0119] This allows the user to perform evaluation based on the posting and to learn about substitute product information.

[0120] Furthermore, the oscillator providing system of the present embodiment includes the above-mentioned information providing system and a user terminal.

[0121] In addition, the processing method of this embodiment includes the following processing: receiving the desired characteristic data of the programmable oscillator input in the user terminal; and extracting the conforming product information and the replacement product information, wherein the conforming product information is the product information of the programmable oscillator that conforms to the desired characteristic data, and the replacement product information is the product information of the oscillator that is the replacement suggestion object. In addition, the processing method of this embodiment also includes the processing of sending the conforming product information and the replacement product information to the user terminal.

[0122] In addition, in the above processing method, the user terminal may be communicatively connected to a characteristic writing device for setting characteristic data for the programmable oscillator, and the desired characteristic data may be characteristic data set for the programmable oscillator by the characteristic writing device.

[0123] Furthermore, the method may further include a process of prompting a user to write characteristic data based on the replacement product information into the programmable oscillator.

[0124] This can prompt the user to produce a programmable oscillator based on the displayed substitute product information.

[0125] In addition, the present embodiment is described in detail as described above, but those skilled in the art can easily understand that various 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 the same meaning 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 action of the information providing system, the oscillator providing system, the processing method, etc. are not limited to the contents described in the present embodiment, and various modifications can be implemented.

Claims

1. An information providing system, characterized in that: The information provision system includes: a receiving unit that receives desired characteristic data of the programmable oscillator input in a user terminal; a processing unit configured to extract conforming product information and substitute product information, wherein the conforming product information is product information of the programmable oscillator conforming to the desired characteristic data and the substitute product information is product information of an oscillator to be suggested for substitution; and A transmitting unit transmits the corresponding product information and the substitute product information to the user terminal.

2. The information providing system according to claim 1, characterized in that The processing unit extracts, as the replacement product information, product information of an oscillator that matches a part of the plurality of characteristics indicated by the desired characteristic data of the programmable oscillator.

3. The information providing system according to claim 1, characterized in that The processing unit extracts, as the replacement product information, product information of an oscillator having additional characteristics other than the plurality of characteristics indicated by the desired characteristic data of the programmable oscillator.

4. The information providing system according to claim 1, characterized in that The processing unit extracts, as the replacement product information, product information of an oscillator in which at least one characteristic among a plurality of characteristics indicated by the desired characteristic data of the programmable oscillator is higher than a characteristic of the programmable oscillator.

5. The information providing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The desired characteristic data includes the desired output frequency, The processing unit extracts product information of a fixed frequency oscillator whose output frequency matches the desired output frequency as the replacement product information.

6. The information providing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The desired characteristic data includes the desired output frequency, The processing unit extracts, as the substitute product information, an oscillator having an oscillation frequency that is different from the desired output frequency and has an output frequency that is ±d% relative to the desired output frequency when a predetermined ratio is d%.

7. The information providing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmitting unit preferentially transmits product information of the oscillator of the standard frequency registered in the database as the substitute product information.

8. The information providing system according to claim 1, characterized in that The processing unit presents a setting of characteristics of the programmable oscillator that matches characteristics of the oscillator that is the target of the replacement suggestion to a user of the user terminal.

9. The information providing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The user terminal is connected to a characteristic writing device for setting characteristic data of the programmable oscillator in communication, The desired characteristic data is the characteristic data set for the programmable oscillator by the characteristic writing device.

10. An oscillator providing system, characterized in that: The oscillator provides a system containing: The information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and The user terminal.

11. A processing method, characterized in that: The processing method includes the following processing: receiving desired characteristic data of a programmable oscillator inputted in a user terminal; extracting conforming product information and substitute product information, wherein the conforming product information is product information of the programmable oscillator conforming to the desired characteristic data, and the substitute product information is product information of an oscillator that is a substitute suggestion target; and The corresponding product information and the replacement product information are transmitted to the user terminal.

12. The processing method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The user terminal is connected to a characteristic writing device for setting characteristic data of the programmable oscillator in communication, The desired characteristic data is the characteristic data set for the programmable oscillator by the characteristic writing device.

13. The processing method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The processing method includes the following process: prompting a user to write the characteristic data based on the replacement product information into the programmable oscillator.

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