Information processing method, information processing apparatus, program, and recording medium

Abstract

To provide an information processing method and information processing apparatus capable of displaying a state of a fluid in a flow path structure (a state in which the fluid flows in the flow path structure) in a piping instrumentation diagram expressed by using symbols in an easily understandable form.SOLUTION: An information processing method includes, by a processing portion, displaying, on a display portion, a diagram in which a flow path structure is expressed using a plurality of symbols representing components of a flow path, acquiring a designation of a symbol to be treated as a reference point among the plurality of symbols, calculating a range in which a fluid can flow from the reference point in the flow path structure using information regarding arrangement of the plurality of symbols and attribute information associated with each of the plurality of symbols, and editing the diagram to identify the range and displaying the edited diagram on the display portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, an information processing device, etc. In particular, the present invention relates to an information processing method, an information processing device, etc. for displaying with good visibility a flow of a fluid in an apparatus having a flow path structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in fields that handle fluids, such as water treatment systems and chemical plants, devices with a flow path structure consisting of piping and equipment through which the fluid flows, such as pumps, valves, tanks, and reaction tanks, have been known. When designing such devices, a drawing called a piping and instrumentation diagram or P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) is generally created. In a piping and instrumentation diagram, piping is generally represented by lines and various other devices are represented by shapes, and the flow path structure is represented by connecting or overlapping the lines and shapes. The lines and shapes used in a piping and instrumentation diagram are called symbols. Designers refer to the piping and instrumentation diagram to get an overview of the device and design the process that will be executed by the flow path structure.

[0003] The more complex the flow path structure of the device, the more symbols are included in the piping and instrumentation diagram. Therefore, in the case of a complex device, the piping and instrumentation diagram can often make it difficult for designers to understand the connection relationships between elements in the flow path structure.

[0004] Therefore, Patent Document 1 describes a method for enhancing the visibility of connection relationships by highlighting non-connected points of piping between symbols. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-9516 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in a piping and instrumentation diagram, even if the symbols are connected by pipes, it does not necessarily mean that a fluid flows between them. For example, a check valve has a fixed flow direction, and the fluid flows in the forward direction but not in the reverse direction. Also, even if the symbols are connected by pipes, the flow of the fluid (e.g., the flow direction) can change depending on the characteristics of the fluid. For example, if the fluid is a liquid and the flow is caused by gravity, the liquid will flow from the top to the bottom if the pipes are installed with a vertical gradient. On the other hand, when gas is handled as a fluid, for example, when gas is injected into a tank in which liquid is stored, the gas may flow in the pipe connected to the top end of the tank but may not flow in the pipe connected to the bottom end of the tank.

[0007] On the other hand, fluids may flow between symbols even if they are not connected by pipes. For example, a spray ball placed inside a tank is not directly connected to the tank itself by pipes, but when liquid is supplied to the spray ball, the liquid sprayed from the spray ball flows into the tank.

[0008] In this way, in conventional piping and instrumentation diagrams, although the connection relationships between symbols are shown, for example, when designing a series of processes, it is difficult for process designers to accurately grasp at a certain point in time the flow path element corresponding to which symbol the fluid exists. In addition, for complex equipment, piping and instrumentation diagrams may be drawn on multiple sheets. In such cases, it can be difficult for process designers to grasp the flow path element corresponding to which symbol on which sheet the fluid exists.

[0009] Therefore, there was a demand for an information processing method and information processing device that could display the state of a fluid within a flow path structure (the manner in which the fluid flows within the flow path structure) in an easily understandable form in a piping and instrumentation diagram represented using symbols. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention is an information processing method characterized in that a processing unit displays on a display unit a drawing in which a flow path structure is represented using a plurality of symbols representing components of the flow path, obtains designation of a symbol to be treated as a reference point from among the plurality of symbols, calculates a range in which a fluid can flow from the reference point in the flow path structure using information regarding the arrangement of the plurality of symbols and attribute information associated with each of the plurality of symbols, edits the drawing so that the range can be identified, and displays the drawing on the display unit.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising a processing unit, which displays on a display unit a drawing in which a flow path structure is represented using a plurality of symbols representing components of a flow path, obtains designation of a symbol to be treated as a reference point from among the plurality of symbols, calculates a range in which a fluid can flow from the reference point in the flow path structure using information on the arrangement of the plurality of symbols and attribute information associated with each of the plurality of symbols, edits the drawing so that the range can be identified, and displays the drawing on the display unit. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, in a piping and instrumentation diagram represented using symbols, it is possible to display the state of a fluid within a flow path structure (the manner in which a fluid flows within the flow path structure) in an easily understandable form. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an information processing device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a drawing display screen. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining symbol arrangement information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining symbol attribute information. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining symbol connection relationship information. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining flow path connection relationship information. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a drawing display screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a process for generating flow path connection relationship information. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for generating a flow path connection relationship. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a flow path configuration calculation process. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a drawing display screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a drawing display screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adding information on whether or not a flow path can be connected. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a drawing display screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a drawing display screen in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adding a flow path connection direction. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a drawing display screen in the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a drawing display screen in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining an information processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining fluid characteristic information. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining flow channel configuration display range information. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a drawing display screen in the fifth embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a drawing display screen in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a drawing display screen in the sixth embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a drawing display screen in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a drawing display screen in the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] An information processing method, an information processing device, and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment shown below is merely an example, and those skilled in the art can appropriately modify and implement the detailed configuration, for example, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0015] In the drawings referred to in the following description of the embodiments and examples, elements denoted by the same reference numerals have the same functions unless otherwise noted. In the drawings, when a plurality of identical elements are arranged, the reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0016] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an information processing device capable of executing the information processing method according to the present embodiment. In the following explanation, the state of a fluid in a flow path structure may be referred to as a flow path configuration. The flow path configuration may refer to, for example, where a fluid is present in a flow path structure, or the state in which a fluid flows through the flow path structure. The information processing device according to the embodiment may be referred to as a flow path configuration display device. The information processing method according to the embodiment may be referred to as a flow path configuration display method, a flow path configuration display process, etc.

[0017] [Configuration of information processing device] In Fig. 1, elements necessary for explaining the features of this embodiment are shown as blocks, but general elements that are not directly related to the problem-solving principle of the present invention are omitted. In addition, the elements shown in Fig. 1 are conceptual, and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. For example, the specific form of distribution and integration of each block is not limited to the example shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and connected in any unit depending on the usage situation, etc.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the flow channel configuration display device 1 according to the embodiment includes a storage unit 5, a processing unit 6, and a display unit 7. The blocks shown as elements of the flow channel configuration display device 1 are schematic representations of functions performed by the PC 3000 executing a processing program, and data used when executing the processing program. Each functional block included in the flow channel configuration display device 1 can be configured using hardware or software. For example, it can be configured by a CPU reading and executing a control program stored in a storage device or a non-transitory recording medium. Alternatively, some or all of the functional blocks may be configured using hardware such as an ASIC included in the flow channel configuration display device 1.

[0019] The PC3000 as a computer provided in the flow channel configuration display device 1 includes a CPU as a central processing unit, ROM and RAM as storage units, and I / O as an input / output interface. The ROM can store a processing program for implementing an information processing method described below. The RAM is used as a work area for the CPU when executing the information processing method. Various external storage devices, such as an HDD or SSD (not shown) or an external storage device of another system mounted via a network, can be connected to the PC3000 and used as a storage unit together with the ROM and RAM.

[0020] The processing program for realizing the flow channel configuration display processing according to the embodiment can be stored in the ROM of the PC 3000 or an external storage device such as an HDD or SSD. Alternatively, the processing program can be supplied to the storage unit and its contents can be updated via a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, magnetic tape, USB memory, SSD, etc. Alternatively, the processing program may be written to the storage unit via a network and I / O.

[0021] The display means 1000 is a device for displaying various information, described later, to an operator when performing the flow channel configuration display process, and may be, for example, a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, or a projection display device.

[0022] The input means 2000 is a device for the operator to input various instructions and information when executing the flow channel configuration display process, and may be an input device such as a keyboard, a jog dial, a mouse, a pointing device, or a voice input device.

[0023] Next, functions performed by the PC 3000 as a result of executing processing programs and data used when executing the processing programs will be described with reference to FIG.

[0024] (Display) The display unit 7 generates screen information for displaying various information and flow path configurations stored in the storage unit 5, and supplies the screen information to the display means 1000. Furthermore, the display unit 7 receives various information and inputs from the input means 2000 and stores them in the storage unit 5 and the processing unit 6, and generates screen information for displaying the received information, and supplies the screen information to the display means 1000.

[0025] (Storage part) The storage unit 5 stores various information used when executing the flow path configuration display process and information obtained by the processing unit 6, which will be described later. The various information stored in the storage unit 5 may include symbol arrangement information 51, symbol connection relationship information 52, flow path connection relationship information 53, and symbol attribute information 91. However, the configuration of the information stored in the storage unit 5 is not limited to this example, and for example, in consideration of maintainability, each piece of information may be integrated or separated, and log information of user operations may be added for management.

[0026] (Processing section) When executing the flow path configuration display process, the processing unit 6 performs a process of generating information related to the flow path configuration while reading and writing various information stored in the storage unit 5. A symbol selection determination unit 62 included in the processing unit 6 identifies a symbol for which the flow path configuration is to be displayed, for example, based on an instruction input by a user from the input means 2000. A flow path configuration calculation unit 61 included in the processing unit 6 generates information related to the manner in which a fluid flows (i.e., the flow path configuration) for the symbol selected by the symbol selection determination unit 62, based on various information stored in the storage unit 5. The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 can store the generated information related to the flow path configuration in the storage unit 5.

[0027] [Information processing method] Next, an information processing method will be described in which the symbol selection determination unit 62 selects a symbol (reference point) for which the flow path configuration should be displayed, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates information (flow path configuration) relating to the manner in which the fluid flows for that symbol, and displays it on the display means 1000.

[0028] (Drawing display screen) With reference to FIG. 2, a drawing display screen 700 generated by the display unit 7 and displayed on the display means 1000 will be described. The drawing display screen 700 is a screen on which a user selects a symbol (reference point) for which a flow path form is to be generated in a piping and instrumentation diagram, and displays the flow path form generated for the selected symbol. The drawing display screen 700 may be configured to include a drawing tab 710 and a selection cursor 80. When a plurality of piping and instrumentation diagrams are registered, the user can select the piping and instrumentation diagram to be displayed by selecting the drawing tab 710 via the input means 2000. FIG. 2 shows a state in which drawing 1 and drawing 2 are registered in the storage unit 5, and the piping and instrumentation diagram of drawing 1 is selected and displayed.

[0029] Each piping and instrumentation diagram includes a drawing ID 55 for identifying the piping and instrumentation diagram, a drawing origin 400, symbol graphics 50 representing each element (flow path element) constituting the flow path, and a symbol ID 40 for distinguishing each symbol graphic. On the drawing display screen 700, a selection cursor 80 that can be operated by the user is displayed superimposed on the piping and instrumentation diagram.

[0030] The selection cursor 80 is operated by the user through the input means 2000, and the user can select a symbol graphic 50 by placing the selection cursor 80 on that symbol graphic.

[0031] The drawing ID 55 is an ID assigned to each drawing tab 710 by the display unit 7. The drawing origin 400 is a reference position when placing the symbol graphic 50. The symbol graphic 50 is a graphic that indicates the role of each flow path component. The symbol ID 40 is an ID assigned to each symbol graphic 50. The display unit 7 creates a drawing tab 710 for each drawing ID 55, and displays a piping and instrumentation diagram in which the symbol graphic 50 and the symbol ID correspond to each other on the display means 1000.

[0032] In addition, in Fig. 2, an enlarged view 800 is shown as supplementary information regarding the connection relationships of the symbols. The display unit 7 can also display the enlarged view 800 on the drawing display screen 700 as shown in Fig. 2. According to the enlarged view 800, the symbol ID 40 "B-2" has a connection point with the symbol ID 40 "P-4" which is a pipe, and has a connection point ID 522 "B-2_CP-1" as an identifier of the connection point. Similarly, the symbol ID 40 "P-4" has a connection point with the symbol ID 40 "B-2", and has a connection point ID 522 "P-4_CP-2" as an identifier of the connection point. These connection relationships are managed by the symbol connection relationship information 52, which will be described later.

[0033] Although there is a similar connection relationship between a connection point of a symbol expressed as a line and an adjacent symbol, this is omitted in the illustrated drawing display screen 700. In this document, in order to make it easier to understand the relationship between a connection point and the symbol having the connection point, the naming rule for the connection point ID 522 is "{ID 40 of the symbol that owns the connection point}_CP-{serial number for each symbol}".

[0034] (Symbol placement information) 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The symbol arrangement information 51 is information used when the display unit 7 generates the drawing display screen 700 and displays it on the display means 1000, and includes information regarding the arrangement of each symbol. The symbol arrangement information 51 includes a drawing ID 55, a symbol ID 40, a symbol coordinate 511, a symbol angle 513, an inversion 514, a Z order 515, a vertex coordinate list 516, an auxiliary symbol ID 518, and a symbol name 517.

[0035] The symbol name 517 is a character string representing the type and shape of the symbol to be placed, and is information associated with the unique information of each symbol. The symbol coordinates 511 are the display positions of each symbol graphic 50 based on the drawing origin 400. The symbol angle is information indicating the counterclockwise rotation angle based on the center position of the symbol graphic 50. The inversion 514 is information indicating whether the symbol graphic 50 is inverted upside down or leftside to right. The Z order 515 indicates the order of overlapping of the symbol graphic 50 in the piping and instrumentation diagram, and the smaller the value, the lower the overlapping is placed and displayed, and the larger the value, the higher the position is placed and displayed. The vertex coordinate list 516 is a value referenced when the shape type 543 described later is a line, and is two or more vertex coordinates. The auxiliary symbol ID 518 is information associated with the symbol indicating the characteristics of the symbol, such as a gradient symbol, and stores the symbol ID 40. In addition, in the symbol coordinates 511 and the vertex coordinate list 516, the device-independent pixel [dp] is used as a unit to express coordinates and sizes, but this is not limited to this and any unit that is easy to handle in the environment in which it is used may be used.

[0036] (Symbol attribute information) The symbol attribute information 91 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The symbol attribute information 91 includes unique information corresponding to each symbol name 517 that indicates the type of the symbol. The symbol attribute information 91 includes the symbol name 517, the symbol graphic 50, a shape type 543, a shape size 544, a unique connection point ID 523, a flow path connection direction 541, a connection point coordinate 542, and a flow path connection direction assignment characteristic 545. The shape type 543 is information indicating whether the symbol graphic 50 is a shape or a line. The shape size 544 is information indicating the width and height of a circumscribing rectangle for the symbol graphic 50. The unique connection point ID 523 is an ID given to a connection point that is located at a position unique to the symbol graphic 50 among the connection points of the symbol to other symbols. The connection point coordinate 542 is a connection point coordinate based on the upper left corner of the circumscribing rectangle of the symbol graphic 50. The flow path connection direction 541 indicates a direction in which a fluid can flow at the symbol and the connection point. The flow path connection direction assignment characteristic 545 is information indicating a calculation method for assigning a flow path connection direction 541 to a connection point of the associated symbol ID 40 when the symbol is registered as an auxiliary symbol ID 518 (FIG. 3).

[0037] (Symbol connection information) The symbol connection relationship information 52 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The symbol connection relationship information 52 is information indicating the connection relationship between the connection points of the symbols. The symbol connection relationship information 52 includes a connection point possessing symbol ID 516, connection point coordinates 542, a connection point ID 522, a unique connection point ID 523, and a destination connection point ID 524. The connection point possessing symbol ID 516 is a symbol ID 40 that possesses a connection point ID 522, which will be described later. The connection point ID 522 is an ID assigned to each connection point of the symbol by the display unit 7. The destination connection point ID 524 is a connection point ID indicating a connection point connected to the connection point indicated in the connection point ID 522.

[0038] (Stream connection information) The flow path connection relationship information 53 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The flow path connection relationship information 53 is information that is referred to when the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates a flow path configuration, and indicates a connection relationship as a flow path. The flow path connection relationship information 53 includes a flow path connection source ID 151, a flow path connection destination ID 152, a flow path connectability 153, and a grouping flag 154. The flow path connection source ID 151 and the flow path connection destination ID 152 indicate the direction of the flow path configuration (the direction in which a fluid flows in a flow path structure), and indicate that when a fluid flows into the flow path connection source ID 151, the fluid can flow into the flow path connection destination ID 152. In addition, the symbol ID 40 is stored in the flow path connection source ID 151 and the flow path connection destination ID 152. The flow path connectability 153 indicates whether the flow path connection source ID 151 and the flow path connection destination ID 152 are included in the flow path configuration. The grouping flag 154 is a flag that indicates whether the flow path connection source ID 151 and the flow path connection destination ID 152 are regarded as the same symbol.

[0039] [Example 1] Next, an example of an information processing method will be described. The symbol selection determination unit 62 accepts a user's selection of a symbol (reference point) for which the flow path configuration is to be displayed, and the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates and displays information related to the state of fluid flow (flow path configuration) related to the symbol. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the flow path configuration is calculated from the overlapping order of the symbols and the connection relationship of the symbols.

[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a drawing display screen 700 that is generated by the display unit 7 and displayed on the display means 1000 when the user selects a spray ball with the symbol ID 40 of "B-2" using the selection cursor 80.

[0041] (Generate flow path connection information from symbol connection relationships) The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates the flow path connection relationship information 53 from the selected symbols. The process of generating the flow path connection relationship information 53 by the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 using the symbol connection relationship information 52 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0042] First, in step S101, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 acquires the symbol connection relationship information 52. In the following step S102, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 registers the connection point possessing symbol ID 516 in the flow path connection source ID 151, and registers the connection point ID 522 in the flow path connection destination ID 152. In addition, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 registers the connection point possessing symbol ID 516 in the flow path connection destination ID 152, and registers the connection point ID 522 in the flow path connection source ID 151.

[0043] In the following step S103, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 checks whether or not a destination connection point ID 524 is registered at the connection point, and proceeds to step S104 if a destination connection point ID 524 is registered (step S103: YES), and ends the process if not (step S103: NO).

[0044] In the following step S104, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 registers the connection point possessing symbol ID 516 in the flow path connection source ID 151 and the connection destination connection point ID 524 in the flow path connection destination ID 152. The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 also registers the connection point possessing symbol ID 516 in the flow path connection destination ID 152 and registers the connection destination connection point ID 524 in the flow path connection source ID 151. By the above processing, the flow path connection relationship information 53 can be generated from the symbol connection relationship information 52.

[0045] (Generate flow path connection information from the overlapping order of symbols) 9, a process in which the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates the flow path connection relationship information 53 using the symbol arrangement information 51 will be described. First, in step S201, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 acquires the symbol arrangement information 51.

[0046] In the next step S202, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 calculates the inclusion relationship between symbols and determines whether there are any symbols in the inclusion relationship. Specifically, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 calculates the center coordinates of the symbol graphic 50 from the symbol arrangement information 51 acquired in step S201. Next, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 determines whether there is a case in which, among the symbols included in the symbol arrangement information 51, the circumscribing rectangle of a symbol graphic 50 includes the center coordinates of another symbol graphic 50. If there is, those symbols are identified as being in an inclusion relationship with each other.

[0047] In the next step S203, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 checks the order of the Z orders 515 between the symbols in the inclusion relationship identified in step S202. The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 identifies symbols in a relationship in which the Z order 515 of the inclusion symbol is smaller than the Z order 515 of the included symbol.

[0048] In the following step S204, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 registers the symbol ID 40 of the included symbol in the flow path connection source ID 151, and the symbol ID 40 of the including symbol in the flow path connection destination ID 152. In addition, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 registers the symbol ID 40 of the including symbol in the flow path connection source ID 151, and registers the symbol ID 40 of the included symbol in the flow path connection destination ID 152.

[0049] (Generate flow path configuration from flow path connection information) Next, a calculation process of the flow path configuration by the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 10. First, in step S301, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 acquires the symbol ID 40 "B-2" selected by the user as information related to the flow path connection source ID 151.

[0050] In the following step S302, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 checks the flow path connectability 153 for the information specified in step S301. In this example, since the flow path connectability 153 is not set for the information specified in step S301, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 determines that the flow paths are connectable.

[0051] In the next step S303, the flow path connection destination IDs 152 that the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 has determined to be connectable, i.e., "T-1" and "B-2_CP-1", are registered in the flow path configuration table. In the next step S304, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 confirms that the grouping flags 154 of the flow path connection destination IDs 152 "T-1" and "B-2_CP-1" are OFF, and proceeds to step S305.

[0052] In the next step S305, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 checks whether the end condition of the flow path configuration is met. If the end condition is set to "until the next figure", it can be determined from the symbol arrangement information 51 and the symbol attribute information 91 that the shape type 543 of "T-1" is "figure". Therefore, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 ends the process. However, since "B-2_CP-1" is a connection point, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 obtains information with "B-2_CP-1" and "B-2_CP-1" as the flow path connection source ID, and proceeds to step 302.

[0053] By completing the calculation process for this flow path configuration, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 specifies the flow path configuration of the symbol ID 40 "B-2" as "T-1", "B-2-CP-1", "P-4-CP-1", and "P-4". In other words, within the flow path structure, the range in which the fluid can flow from "B-2" selected by the user is specified as the flow path configuration.

[0054] The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 can transmit the flow path configuration table to the display unit 7 and store it in the storage unit. The display unit 7 can display the flow path configuration on a drawing display screen 700 as shown in FIG. 11. In this case, it is desirable to display the flow path configuration, i.e., the range into which the fluid can flow from "B-2" selected by the user, in the piping and instrumentation diagram so that it is easily identifiable, for example, by thickening the line width, coloring, or adding texture, as shown in FIG. 11. The user can easily recognize that the fluid flows from the spray ball "B-2" to the container "T-1" by seeing the flow path configuration displayed in the piping and instrumentation diagram.

[0055] [Example 2] Next, another example of the information processing method in the first embodiment will be described. Specifically, an example will be described in which a flow path form is calculated using the flow path connection direction 541 of the symbol connection point and the symbol connection relationship information 52. Fig. 12 illustrates a drawing display screen 700 generated by the display unit 7 and displayed on the display means 1000 when the user selects a pipe with the symbol ID 40 of "P-6" using the selection cursor 80.

[0056] Based on the selected symbols, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates the flow path connection relationship information 53. The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates the flow path connection relationship information 53 from the symbol connection relationship information 52 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0057] 13, the process performed by the flow path configuration calculation unit 61, that is, the process of adding the flow path connectability 153 from the flow path connection direction 541, will be described. First, in step S401, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 acquires the flow path connection relationship information 53 and the symbol connection relationship information 52, and acquires the flow path connection source ID 151 or the flow path connection destination ID 152 that has the unique connection point ID 523. Here, the symbol ID 40 "V-2" has the connection point ID "V-2_CP-2". Therefore, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 can recognize from the symbol connection relationship information 52 that the symbol ID 40 "V-2" has the unique connection point ID "CP-D".

[0058] In the next step S402, the flow path connection direction 541 is acquired from the connection point acquired in step S401. Here, focusing on the flow connection point ID "V-2_CP-2" again, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 acquires information on the flow path connection direction 541 linked to the unique connection point ID 523 "CP-D" from the symbol attribute information 91. Then, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 stores information that the fluid does not flow in the direction from the unique connection point ID 523 "CP-D" to the check valve.

[0059] In the next step S403, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 calculates the flow path connectability 153 of the flow path connection relationship information 53 from the information of the flow path connection direction 541 acquired in step S402. Here, focusing on the connection point ID "V-2_CP-2" again, the connection point ID "V-2_CP-2" is the flow path connection source ID 151. Based on the information stored in step S402, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 can determine that the fluid does not flow to the flow path connection whose flow path connection destination ID 152 is "V-2". Therefore, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 sets the flow path connectability 153 for the flow path connection destination ID 152 "V-2" to "not connectable" (FIG. 6).

[0060] The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 acquires the flow path connection relationship from the symbol ID 40 "P-6" selected by the user as the starting point (reference point) to the next symbol, and adds it to the flow path configuration table. The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 can transmit the flow path configuration table to the display unit 7 and store it in the storage unit. The display unit 7 can display the flow path configuration 100 on the drawing display screen 700 as shown in FIG. 14. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, it is desirable to display the flow path configuration, that is, the range into which the fluid can flow from "P-6" selected by the user, in the piping and instrumentation diagram so that it is easily identifiable, for example, by thickening the line width, coloring, or adding texture. By displaying the flow path configuration in the piping and instrumentation diagram, the user can easily recognize that the fluid does not flow to the symbol ID "V-2" based on the characteristics of the symbol.

[0061] [Example 3] Next, another example of the information processing method in the first embodiment will be described. Specifically, an example will be described in which the flow path connection direction 541 is calculated from the symbol arrangement information 51. Fig. 15 illustrates a drawing display screen 700 that is generated by the display unit 7 and displayed on the display means 1000 when the user selects a gate valve with the symbol ID 40 of "V-1" using the selection cursor 80.

[0062] Based on the selected symbols, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates the flow path connection relationship information 53. The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates the flow path connection relationship information 53 from the symbol connection relationship information 52 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0063] The process performed by the flow path configuration calculation unit 61, that is, the process of adding the flow path connection direction 541, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16. First, in step S501, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 acquires the link between symbols from the auxiliary symbol ID 518 of the symbol arrangement information 51. This auxiliary symbol ID 518 may be set in advance by the user, or the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 may register symbols whose symbol coordinates 511 are close to each other as the auxiliary symbol ID 518. Here, when attention is paid to the symbol ID 40 "P-1", the symbol ID 40 "S-1" is registered in the auxiliary symbol ID 518. Therefore, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 can recognize that the flow path connection direction 541 is given to the connection point of the symbol ID 40 "P-1" by the symbol ID 40 "S-1".

[0064] In the next step S502, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 assigns a flow path connection direction 541 at the connection point to the link between the symbols acquired in step S501 while referring to the symbol attribute information 91. Here, from the information related to the symbol IDs 40 "P-1" and "S-1", the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 specifies that the symbol ID 40 "S-1" is a symbol whose symbol name 517 is registered as "gradient" from the symbol graphic 50.

[0065] Next, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 acquires "ascending order of X coordinate" as the flow path connection direction imparting property 545 for the symbol whose symbol name 517 is "gradient" (FIG. 4). Next, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 identifies that the symbol whose symbol ID 40 is "P-1" is a pipe whose symbol name 517 is registered as "piping" from its symbol graphic 50. The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 applies "ascending order of X coordinate" of the flow path connection direction imparting property 545 as the flow path connection direction 541 for the identified symbol, i.e., the symbol whose symbol name 517 is "piping". As a result, the flow path connection direction 541 for "P-1" whose symbol name 517 is "piping" becomes "CP-H → pipe → CP-I".

[0066] Thereafter, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 performs a process of adding the flow path connectability 153 from the flow path connection direction 541 and a process of calculating the flow path configuration 100, similar to the second embodiment. The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 can transmit information related to the calculated flow path configuration to the display unit 7 and store it in the storage unit. The display unit 7 can display the flow path configuration 100 on a drawing display screen 700 as shown in FIG. 17. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, it is desirable to display the flow path configuration, that is, the range into which the fluid can flow from "V-1" selected by the user, in the piping and instrumentation diagram so that it is easily identifiable, for example, by thickening the line width, coloring, or adding texture. By displaying the flow path configuration in the piping and instrumentation diagram, the user can easily recognize the range into which the fluid flows, even if he or she does not notice that the piping has a gradient.

[0067] In this embodiment, the flow path connection direction 541 of the connection point of the symbol ID 40 "P-1" is given by the symbol ID 40 "S-1" that has already been stored in the symbol arrangement information 51. Conversely, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 may add the symbol ID 40 "S-1" to the symbol arrangement information 51 by giving the flow path connection direction 541 of the connection point of the symbol ID 40 "P-1" in advance.

[0068] [Example 4] Next, another example of the information processing method in the first embodiment will be described. Specifically, this is a method for displaying a flow path configuration across multiple drawings without switching the drawing tabs 710. Fig. 18 illustrates a drawing display screen 700 generated by the display unit 7 and displayed on the display means 1000 when the user selects an arrow feather (output) with the symbol ID 40 of "O-4" using the selection cursor 80.

[0069] The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates flow path connection relationship information 53 from the selected symbols, similarly to the first embodiment. Also, the grouping flags 154 of the symbol IDs 40 "O-4" and "I-21" in the flow path connection relationship information 53 are ON (FIG. 6). This indicates that the feather (output) with the symbol ID 40 "O-4" described in FIG. 1 is connected to the feather (input) with the symbol ID 40 "I-21" described in FIG. 2.

[0070] When displaying the flow path configuration 100, the display unit 7 checks whether the symbol included in the flow path configuration 100 is included in another drawing (i.e., a drawing with a different drawing ID 55). If the symbol described in another drawing is included in the flow path configuration 100, the display unit 7 cuts out a portion corresponding to the flow path configuration 100 from the other drawing, generates an off-screen flow path configuration display pop-up 740, and displays it so that it fits within the display screen, as shown in FIG. 18. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, it is desirable to display the flow path configuration, i.e., the range into which the fluid can flow from the "O-4" selected by the user, in the piping and instrumentation diagram so that it is easily identifiable, for example, by thickening the line width, coloring, or adding texture. Even if the range into which the fluid can flow from the point of interest spans different piping and instrumentation diagrams, the user can easily recognize the flow path configuration without performing a cumbersome operation to switch the display.

[0071] [Embodiment 2] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining an information processing device capable of executing information processing for suitably displaying the state of a fluid in a flow path structure (the state in which a fluid flows in the flow path structure). In FIG. 19, elements necessary for explaining the features of this embodiment are represented by blocks, but general elements that are not directly related to the problem-solving principle of the present invention are omitted. In addition, the elements illustrated in FIG. 19 are conceptual, and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. For example, the specific form of distribution and integration of each block is not limited to the illustrated example, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and connected in any unit depending on the usage situation. Note that the description of matters common to the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted. As shown in FIG. 19, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that the storage unit 5 includes fluid characteristic information 93 and flow path configuration display range information 94.

[0072] (Fluid property information) The fluid characteristic information 93 stored in the storage unit 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 20. The fluid characteristic information 93 includes a fluid name 931 and a fluid flow path connection condition 932. The fluid name 931 indicates the type of fluid. The fluid flow path connection condition 932 is a conditional expression indicating the flow direction for various fluids distinguished by the fluid name 931, and indicates that the fluid will flow if the conditional expression is satisfied, and that the fluid will not flow if the conditional expression is not satisfied. The fluid flow path connection condition 932 is expressed by a conditional expression that can be calculated from the symbol arrangement information 51.

[0073] For example, when handling a fluid whose fluid name 931 is registered as "liquid," if the piping is installed with a vertical gradient and the fluid flows due to the action of gravity, the fluid is treated as flowing vertically from above to below. Therefore, the Y-axis direction in Figures 25 and 26 is regarded as the direction of gravity, and the fluid flow path connection condition 932 is defined so that the fluid flows from a small Y-coordinate symbol to a large Y-coordinate symbol.

[0074] On the other hand, for example, if the fluid name 931 is a fluid registered as "gas", the piping is installed with a gradient in the vertical direction, and the fluid flows against the direction of gravity, it is treated as flowing from vertically downward to vertically upward. Therefore, here, the Y-axis direction in Figures 22 to 24 is regarded as the direction of gravity, and the fluid flow path connection condition 932 is defined so that the fluid flows from a large symbol on the Y coordinate to a small symbol.

[0075] (Flow path display range information) 21, the flow channel configuration display range information 94 stored in the storage unit 5 will be described. The flow channel configuration display range information 94 includes a flow channel configuration display range name 737 and a flow channel configuration search termination condition 941. The flow channel configuration display range name 737 is a unique name that distinguishably expresses a flow channel configuration search termination condition 941, which will be described later. The flow channel configuration search termination condition 941 is a termination condition for terminating the process of calculating the flow channel configuration in step S305 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10.

[0076] In this embodiment, when the flow path configuration display range is "Level", the flow path configuration is calculated and displayed from the symbol serving as the starting point (reference point) up to the number of times specified in the flow path configuration display level input box 736 described later. In other words, the range in which the fluid can flow from the symbol selected by the user is expanded to symbols whose connection distance from the symbol is the same number as the specified number, and is calculated and displayed. When the flow path configuration display range is "Display drawing", the flow path configuration 100 is calculated and displayed within the range of the drawing in which the symbol serving as the starting point (reference point) is depicted. When the flow path configuration display range is "Terminus", the flow path configuration 100 that can be calculated from the symbol serving as the starting point (reference point) is calculated and displayed including drawings other than the drawing in which the symbol serving as the starting point (reference point) is depicted.

[0077] (Drawing display screen) 22 to 26, a description will be given of variations in the display screen that can be generated and displayed by the display unit 7. In addition to the drawing display screen 700, images of a fluid characteristics selection screen 720 and a flow path display range selection screen 730 can be displayed on the display screen.

[0078] The fluid characteristic selection screen 720 may be configured to include a fluid name 931 and fluid characteristic radio buttons 725. The fluid characteristic radio buttons 725 are radio buttons that allow the user to select which fluid flow path connection condition 932 (FIG. 20) is to be used to calculate the flow path configuration 100. The user can easily select the type of fluid to be handled by viewing the display of the fluid name 931 using the radio button.

[0079] The flow channel display range selection screen 730 may be configured to include a flow channel configuration display range name 737, a fluid configuration display range radio button 735, and a flow channel configuration display level input box 736. The fluid configuration display range radio button 735 is a radio button that allows the user to select which flow channel configuration search end condition 941 ( FIG. 21 ) is to be used to calculate the flow channel configuration 100 when displaying the flow channel configuration 100. The user can easily select the flow channel configuration display range by using the fluid configuration display range radio button 735 while viewing the display of the flow channel configuration display range name 737 described with reference to FIG. 21 .

[0080] The flow channel configuration display level input box 736 is an input field for the user to specify the range of the flow channel configuration 100 to be generated with the selected symbol as the starting point (reference point) when "Level" is selected as the flow channel configuration display range. The user can specify the range of the flow channel configuration 100 to be generated by inputting the maximum number of symbols that can be connected in series from the starting point (reference point). In other words, the user can specify the end condition (the number of calculations until the end) of the calculation process when obtaining the flow channel configuration 100 shown in FIG. 10. However, the input value of the flow channel configuration display level input box 736 may function as a range specification when displaying the calculation result, rather than a range specification for the calculation process. For example, even if the result of calculating the range in which the fluid can flow is up to the fourth symbol connected in series from the starting point (reference point), if the input value of the flow channel configuration display level input box 736 is "2", up to the second symbol may be displayed identifiably.

[0081] [Example 5] 22 illustrates an example of the drawing display screen 700 when the user selects a symbol (container) with a symbol ID 40 of "T-1" using the selection cursor 80. The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates the flow path connection relationship information 53 from the selected symbol. As in the other embodiments, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates the flow path connection relationship information 53.

[0082] In this example, "gas" is selected by the fluid property radio button 725 on the fluid property selection screen 720, and the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 acquires the fluid flow path connection condition 932 (FIG. 20). The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 acquires the flow path connectability 153 (FIG. 6) using the fluid flow path connection condition 932 for gas.

[0083] Next, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 performs a calculation process of the flow path configuration 100. In this example, since the "display screen" is selected in the flow path display range selection screen 730, the flow path configuration 100 is calculated and displayed within the range of the drawing 1 selected in the drawing tab 710. In this case, as shown in FIG. 22, it is desirable to display the flow path configuration, that is, the range in which gas can flow from the container "T-1" selected by the user, in the piping and instrumentation diagram so that it is easily identifiable, for example, by thickening the line width, coloring, or adding texture. Although the spray ball arranged in the container is not directly connected to the container itself by piping, it is easy to understand that gas can flow between the spray ball and the container. The user can easily recognize the range in which gas flows from the container T-1 by displaying the flow path configuration in the piping and instrumentation diagram.

[0084] [Example 6] 23 shows another example of the drawing display screen 700 when the user selects a symbol (container) with a symbol ID 40 of "T-1" using the selection cursor 80. The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates the flow path connection relationship information 53 from the selected symbol. As in the other embodiments, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates the flow path connection relationship information 53.

[0085] In this example, "gas" is selected by the fluid property radio button 725 on the fluid property selection screen 720, and the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 acquires the fluid flow path connection condition 932 (FIG. 20). The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 acquires the flow path connectability 153 (FIG. 6) using the fluid flow path connection condition 932 for gas.

[0086] Next, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 performs a calculation process of the flow path configuration 100. In this example, "Level" is selected in the flow path display range selection screen 730, and "1" is input in the flow path configuration display level input box 736. Therefore, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 calculates and displays the flow path configuration 100 within a range of one symbol connected in series, starting from the symbol with the symbol ID 40 of "T-1" as the starting point (reference point). In this case, as shown in FIG. 23, it is desirable to display the flow path configuration, that is, the range in which gas can flow from the container "T-1" selected by the user, in the piping and instrumentation diagram by, for example, thickening the line width, coloring, or adding texture. By displaying the flow path configuration in the piping and instrumentation diagram, the user can easily recognize the range in which gas flows for the container T-1 and the adjacent symbols.

[0087] Also, FIG. 24 shows a case where "2" is input in the flow path configuration display level input box 736. The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 calculates and displays the flow path configuration 100 within a range of two symbols connected in series, starting from the symbol with the symbol ID 40 of "T-1" as the starting point (reference point). In this case, as shown in FIG. 23, it is desirable to display the flow path configuration, that is, the range in which gas can flow from the container "T-1" selected by the user, in the piping and instrumentation diagram, for example, by thickening the line width, coloring, or adding texture. By displaying the flow path configuration in the piping and instrumentation diagram, the user can easily recognize the range in which gas flows within a range of two symbols connected in series with the container T-1.

[0088] [Example 7] 25 illustrates an example of the drawing display screen 700 when the user selects a symbol (container) with a symbol ID 40 of "T-1" using the selection cursor 80. The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates the flow path connection relationship information 53 from the selected symbol. As in the other embodiments, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates the flow path connection relationship information 53.

[0089] In this example, "liquid" is selected by the fluid property radio button 725 on the fluid property selection screen 720, and the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 acquires the fluid flow path connection condition 932 (FIG. 20). The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 acquires the flow path connectability 153 (FIG. 6) using the fluid flow path connection condition 932 for gas.

[0090] Next, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 performs a calculation process of the flow path configuration 100. In this example, since the "display screen" is selected in the flow path display range selection screen 730, the flow path configuration 100 is calculated and displayed within the range of the drawing 1 selected in the drawing tab 710. In this example, since the fluid is a liquid, the flow path configuration 100 is calculated as flowing along the direction of gravity. In this case, as shown in FIG. 25, it is desirable to display the flow path configuration, that is, the range into which the liquid can flow from the container "T-1" selected by the user, in the piping and instrumentation diagram so that it is easily identifiable, for example, by thickening the line width, coloring, or adding texture. The user can easily recognize the range into which the liquid flows from the container T-1 by displaying the flow path configuration in the piping and instrumentation diagram.

[0091] [Example 8] 26 shows another example of the drawing display screen 700 when the user selects a symbol (container) with a symbol ID 40 of "T-1" using the selection cursor 80. The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates the flow path connection relationship information 53 from the selected symbol. As in the other embodiments, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates the flow path connection relationship information 53.

[0092] In this example, "liquid" is selected by the fluid property radio button 725 on the fluid property selection screen 720, and the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 acquires the fluid flow path connection condition 932 (FIG. 20). The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 acquires the flow path connectability 153 (FIG. 6) using the fluid flow path connection condition 932 for gas.

[0093] Next, the flow path configuration calculation unit 61 performs a calculation process of the flow path configuration 100. In this example, since "Terminal" is selected in the flow path display range selection screen 730, the flow path configuration 100 that can be calculated from the symbol serving as the starting point (reference point) is calculated and displayed including drawings other than the drawing in which the symbol serving as the starting point (reference point) is depicted. The flow path configuration calculation unit 61 generates flow path connection relationship information 53 from the selected symbol, similarly to the first embodiment. In this example, the grouping flags 154 of the symbol IDs 40 "O-4" and "I-21" in the flow path connection relationship information 53 are ON (FIG. 6). This indicates that the arrow feather (output) with the symbol ID 40 "O-4" depicted in drawing 1 and the arrow feather (input) with the symbol ID 40 "I-21" depicted in drawing 2 are connected.

[0094] In this example, the flow path configuration 100 through which the liquid flows begins (reference point) at a container having a symbol ID 40 of "T-1", passes through an arrow feather (output) having a symbol ID 40 of "O-4", and further extends to the flow path structure depicted in drawing 2 having a drawing ID of "2".

[0095] First, as shown in (a), the flow channel configuration 100 may be displayed within the range of drawing 1 selected by the user in the drawing tab 710. Also, as shown in (b), when the user selects drawing 2 in the drawing tab 710, the flow channel configuration 100 may be calculated and displayed within the range of drawing 2. Also, as shown in FIG. 18, the display unit 7 may extract a portion corresponding to the flow channel configuration 100 from drawing 2, generate an off-screen flow channel configuration display pop-up 740, and display it together with drawing 1 so that it fits within the display screen. Alternatively, drawings 1 and 2 may be reduced by an appropriate magnification, and (a) and (b) may be displayed side by side on the same display screen.

[0096] In other words, the flow path structure is divided and represented in a plurality of drawings, and the range in which the fluid can flow from the reference point can be displayed on the display unit within the range of the drawing in which the reference point is depicted among the plurality of drawings. Also, when the range in which the fluid can flow from the reference point extends not only to the drawing in which the reference point is depicted but also to other drawings, the drawing in which the reference point is depicted and the other drawings can be edited and displayed on the display unit.

[0097] In this case, it is desirable to display the flow path configuration, i.e., the range in which the liquid can flow from the container "T-1" selected by the user, in an easily identifiable manner in the piping and instrumentation diagram, for example, by thickening the line width, coloring, adding texture, etc. The user can easily recognize the flow path configuration even if the range in which the fluid can flow from the point of interest spans different piping and instrumentation diagrams. The end condition of step S305 in the calculation process of the flow path configuration 100 (FIG. 10) is calculated using the flow path configuration search end condition 941 selected by the fluid configuration display range radio button 735.

[0098] [Other embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and many modifications are possible within the technical spirit of the present invention. For example, the above-described different embodiments and examples may be combined in whole or in part for implementation.

[0099] For example, a flow path system in which a liquid flows vertically due to the action of gravity has been given as an example, but the application of the information processing method and information processing device according to the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the flow path system includes an element that can apply a force other than gravity to the fluid, such as a pressurizing means, a depressurizing means, a pump, etc., the symbol of the element is associated with a flow path connection direction imparting characteristic according to the characteristics of the device, and information processing is performed.

[0100] Also, depending on the type of fluid (e.g., liquid or gas, water or organic solvent, etc.), the manner in which the fluid flows through the flow path structure in the piping and instrumentation diagram (flow path configuration) may be displayed in different colors or with different line widths or line types (solid lines and dotted lines, etc.). Alternatively, identification information (characters, marks, etc.) may be added to each flow path in the piping and instrumentation diagram to allow the user to recognize the type of fluid flowing. In other words, information related to the type of fluid can be obtained as information related to the characteristics of the fluid, and the drawing can be edited so that the type of fluid flowing through the flow path structure can be identified, and displayed on the display unit.

[0101] In addition, in the information processing method and information processing device of the present invention, since a user inputs or edits information contained in the tables illustrated in Figures 3 to 6 and Figures 20 to 21, the tables illustrated in these figures can be displayed on a display unit and input by the user can be accepted.

[0102] Processes that can be designed and checked by applying the information processing method and information processing device according to the present invention are typically processes related to the manufacture of goods, such as processing and cleaning of parts, and synthesis of materials, which are carried out using an apparatus equipped with a flow path structure. However, it is also possible to apply the information processing method and information processing device according to the present invention to design and check processes other than those described above, which are carried out using an apparatus equipped with a flow path structure in flow path systems such as water treatment systems and chemical plants.

[0103] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more functions of the embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0104] This specification discloses at least the following: [Item 1] The processing unit: Displaying a diagram expressing a flow path structure using a plurality of symbols representing components of the flow path on a display unit; Obtaining a designation of a symbol to be treated as a reference point from among the plurality of symbols; calculating a range in which a fluid can flow from the reference point in the flow path structure using information on the arrangement of the plurality of symbols and attribute information associated with each of the plurality of symbols; Editing the drawing so that the range can be identified, and displaying the drawing on the display unit. 23. An information processing method comprising: [Matter 2] The attribute information includes information regarding a direction in which the fluid may flow in the component represented by the symbol. 2. The information processing method according to item 1, [Matter 3] the information on the arrangement of the plurality of symbols includes information on whether a component represented by a certain symbol and a component represented by an adjacent symbol are directly connected by a pipe; 3. The information processing method according to item 1 or 2, [Matter 4] The processing unit displays an image used to acquire information related to the characteristics of the fluid on the display unit; calculating the range using the acquired information related to the characteristics of the fluid and the attribute information; 4. The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 3, [Matter 5] The information on the characteristics of the fluid includes information on whether the fluid is a gas or a liquid. 5. The information processing method according to item 4, [Matter 6] the information on the characteristics of the fluid includes information on the type of the fluid, The processing unit edits the drawing so that the type of the fluid flowing through the flow path structure can be identified, and displays the drawing on the display unit. 6. The information processing method according to item 4 or 5, [Matter 7] the processing unit obtains a designation regarding a maximum number of symbols that can be connected in series from the reference point when calculating the range, and calculates the range based on the designation. 7. The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 6, [Matter 8] the processing unit acquires a designation regarding a maximum number of symbols that can be connected in series from the reference point when displaying the range, and displays the range on the display unit based on the designation. 8. The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 7, [Matter 9] The flow path structure is represented in a divided manner in a plurality of drawings, a range in which the fluid can flow from the reference point is displayed on the display unit within a range of a drawing in which the reference point is depicted among the plurality of drawings; 9. The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 8, [Matter 10] The flow path structure is represented in a divided manner in a plurality of drawings, When the range in which the fluid can flow from the reference point extends not only to the drawing in which the reference point is depicted but also to other drawings, the drawing in which the reference point is depicted and the other drawings are edited and displayed on the display unit. 9. The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 8, [Matter 11] 11. A program for causing the processing unit to execute the information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 10. [Matter 12] 12. A computer-readable recording medium having the program according to item 11 recorded thereon. [Matter 13] A processing unit is provided, The processing unit includes: Displaying a diagram expressing a flow path structure using a plurality of symbols representing components of the flow path on a display unit; Obtaining a designation of a symbol to be treated as a reference point from among the plurality of symbols; calculating a range in which a fluid can flow from the reference point in the flow path structure using information on the arrangement of the plurality of symbols and attribute information associated with each of the plurality of symbols; Editing the drawing so that the range can be identified, and displaying the drawing on the display unit. 23. An information processing apparatus comprising: [Matter 14] The attribute information includes information regarding a direction in which the fluid may flow in the component represented by the symbol. 14. The information processing device according to item 13. [Matter 15] the information on the arrangement of the plurality of symbols includes information on whether a component represented by a certain symbol and a component represented by an adjacent symbol are directly connected by a pipe; 15. The information processing device according to item 13 or 14. [Matter 16] The processing unit displays an image used to acquire information related to the characteristics of the fluid on the display unit; calculating the range using the acquired information related to the characteristics of the fluid and the attribute information; 16. The information processing device according to any one of items 13 to 15, [Matter 17] The information on the characteristics of the fluid includes information on whether the fluid is a gas or a liquid. 17. The information processing device according to item 16, [Matter 18] the information on the characteristics of the fluid includes information on the type of the fluid, The processing unit edits the drawing so that the type of the fluid flowing through the flow path structure can be identified, and displays the drawing on the display unit. 18. The information processing device according to item 16 or 17. [Matter 19] the processing unit obtains a designation regarding a maximum number of symbols that can be connected in series from the reference point when calculating the range, and calculates the range based on the designation. 19. The information processing device according to any one of items 13 to 18, [Matter 20] the processing unit acquires a designation regarding a maximum number of symbols that can be connected in series from the reference point when displaying the range, and displays the range on the display unit based on the designation. 20. The information processing device according to any one of items 13 to 19, [Matter 21] The flow path structure is represented in a divided manner in a plurality of drawings, a range in which the fluid can flow from the reference point is displayed on the display unit within a range of a drawing in which the reference point is depicted among the plurality of drawings; 21. The information processing device according to any one of items 13 to 20. [Matter 22] The flow path structure is represented in a divided manner in a plurality of drawings, When the range in which the fluid can flow from the reference point extends not only to the drawing in which the reference point is depicted but also to other drawings, the drawing in which the reference point is depicted and the other drawings are edited and displayed on the display unit. 21. The information processing device according to any one of items 13 to 20. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1···Flow path configuration display device / 5···Memory unit / 6···Processing unit / 7···Display unit / 40···Symbol ID / 50···Symbol shape / 51···Symbol arrangement information / 52···Symbol connection relationship information / 53···Flow path connection relationship information / 55···Drawing ID / 61···Flow path configuration calculation unit / 62···Symbol selection determination unit / 80···Selection cursor / 91···Symbol attribute information / 400···Drawing origin / 700···Drawing display screen / 710···Drawing tab / 720···Fluid characteristics selection screen / 725···Fluid characteristics radio button / 730···Flow path display range selection screen / 735···Fluid form display range radio button / 736···Flow path configuration display level input box / 1000···Display means / 2000···Input means / 3000···PC

Claims

1. The processing unit: Displaying a diagram expressing a flow path structure using a plurality of symbols representing components of the flow path on a display unit; Obtaining a designation of a symbol to be treated as a reference point from among the plurality of symbols; calculating a range in which a fluid can flow from the reference point in the flow path structure using information on the arrangement of the plurality of symbols and attribute information associated with each of the plurality of symbols; Editing the drawing so that the range can be identified, and displaying the drawing on the display unit.

23. An information processing method comprising:

2. The attribute information includes information regarding a direction in which the fluid may flow in the component represented by the symbol.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1,

3. the information regarding the arrangement of the plurality of symbols includes information regarding whether a component represented by a certain symbol and a component represented by an adjacent symbol are directly connected by a pipe; 2. The information processing method according to claim 1,

4. The processing unit displays an image used to acquire information related to the characteristics of the fluid on the display unit; calculating the range using the acquired information related to the characteristics of the fluid and the attribute information; 4. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are input to the first and second inputs.

5. The information on the characteristics of the fluid includes information on whether the fluid is a gas or a liquid.

5. The information processing method according to claim 4.

6. the information on the characteristics of the fluid includes information on the type of the fluid, The processing unit edits the drawing so that the type of the fluid flowing through the flow path structure can be identified, and displays the drawing on the display unit.

5. The information processing method according to claim 4.

7. the processing unit obtains a designation regarding a maximum number of symbols that can be connected in series from the reference point when calculating the range, and calculates the range based on the designation.

4. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are input to the first and second inputs.

8. the processing unit acquires a designation regarding a maximum number of symbols that can be connected in series from the reference point when displaying the range, and displays the range on the display unit based on the designation.

4. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are input to the first and second inputs.

9. The flow path structure is represented in a divided manner in a plurality of drawings, a range in which the fluid can flow from the reference point is displayed on the display unit within a range of a drawing in which the reference point is depicted among the plurality of drawings; 4. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are input to the first and second inputs.

10. The flow path structure is represented in a divided manner in a plurality of drawings, When the range in which the fluid can flow from the reference point extends not only to the drawing in which the reference point is depicted but also to other drawings, the drawing in which the reference point is depicted and the other drawings are edited and displayed on the display unit.

4. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are input to the first and second inputs.

11. A program for causing the processing unit to execute the information processing method according to claim 1 .

12. A computer-readable recording medium having the program according to claim 11 recorded thereon.

13. A processing unit is provided, The processing unit includes: Displaying a diagram expressing a flow path structure using a plurality of symbols representing components of the flow path on a display unit; Obtaining a designation of a symbol to be treated as a reference point from among the plurality of symbols; calculating a range in which a fluid can flow from the reference point in the flow path structure using information on the arrangement of the plurality of symbols and attribute information associated with each of the plurality of symbols; Editing the drawing so that the range can be identified, and displaying the drawing on the display unit.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

14. The attribute information includes information regarding a direction in which the fluid may flow in the component represented by the symbol.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13,

15. the information on the arrangement of the plurality of symbols includes information on whether a component represented by a certain symbol and a component represented by an adjacent symbol are directly connected by a pipe; 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13,

16. The processing unit displays an image used to acquire information related to the characteristics of the fluid on the display unit; calculating the range using the acquired information related to the characteristics of the fluid and the attribute information; 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13,

17. The information on the characteristics of the fluid includes information on whether the fluid is a gas or a liquid.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16,

18. the information on the characteristics of the fluid includes information on the type of the fluid, The processing unit edits the drawing so that the type of the fluid flowing through the flow path structure can be identified, and displays the drawing on the display unit.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16,

19. the processing unit obtains a designation regarding a maximum number of symbols that can be connected in series from the reference point when calculating the range, and calculates the range based on the designation.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13,

20. the processing unit acquires a designation regarding a maximum number of symbols that can be connected in series from the reference point when displaying the range, and displays the range on the display unit based on the designation.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13,

21. The flow path structure is represented in a divided manner in a plurality of drawings, a range in which the fluid can flow from the reference point is displayed on the display unit within a range of a drawing in which the reference point is depicted among the plurality of drawings; 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13,

22. The flow path structure is represented in a divided manner in a plurality of drawings, When the range in which the fluid can flow from the reference point extends not only to the drawing in which the reference point is depicted but also to other drawings, the drawing in which the reference point is depicted and the other drawings are edited and displayed on the display unit.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13,

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