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

Abstract

To provide a method capable of easily determining a storage state of a fluid in an apparatus or piping with respect to a start time point of an operation process when an operator tries to perform flow path simulation for the operation process.SOLUTION: An information processing method includes, by a processing portion, acquiring, with respect to a flow path structure composed of a plurality of flow path elements including a device capable of controlling the flow of a fluid, operation information about a first operation process in which the device is in a first state and a second operation process in which the device changes from the first state to a second state, acquiring storage information obtained by identifying a flow path element in which the fluid is stored among the plurality of flow path elements at the time of an end of the first operation process, generating diagram information in which the flow path structure in the second operation process is expressed using symbols representing the plurality of respective flow path elements, and editing the diagram information using the acquired storage information.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 the presence 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] In a series of processes executed by such equipment, the state of pumps, valves, etc. is changed for each operating step, and design drawings are often created to show the flow paths for each operating step. These design drawings are generally called sequence graphic flows. If an operator were to create a sequence graphic flow while determining where the fluid will flow according to the state of the valves and other devices, it would take a lot of time and effort to complete, and mistakes and other inconveniences could occur.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for simulating flow paths within a plant when equipment is operated and displaying the results. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-244072 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When performing a flow path simulation, it is necessary to identify the start point of the flow path within the flow path structure. There are two types of symbols that can be the start point of a flow path on a drawing: symbols that indicate that a fluid is supplied from outside the drawing, and symbols that indicate equipment that can store a fluid. The former are drawn on a drawing as the start point of a fluid's flow path when a fluid is supplied from a place not shown on the drawing (such as a plant utility). The latter include symbols that represent containers such as tanks and equipment such as piping.

[0007] Depending on the plant's operational process, these devices may or may not have fluid stored therein, and the device can be the start of a flow path only if the fluid is stored therein. Therefore, to identify the start of a flow path in a certain operational process, it is necessary to determine the state of fluid storage in the devices and piping at the start of the operational process.

[0008] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for performing a flow path simulation based on the type and pressure state of the fluid flowing through the equipment, but does not disclose a method for determining the fluid storage state in the equipment or piping. Therefore, when an operator attempts to perform a flow path simulation for a certain operation process, the operator must determine the fluid storage state in the equipment or piping at the start of the operation process, which is a burden. In addition, in the case of a device with a complex flow path structure, the operator is likely to make an error in judgment, which may lead to a decrease in the quality of the process design.

[0009] Therefore, when an operator attempts to perform a flow path simulation for a certain operation process, a method is required that enables the operator to easily determine the fluid storage state in equipment and piping at the start of the operation process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention is an information processing method characterized in that a processing unit acquires operation information for a flow path structure composed of a plurality of flow path elements including a device capable of controlling a flow of a fluid, regarding a first operation process in which the device is in a first state and a second operation process in which the device changes from the first state to a second state, acquires storage information that identifies a flow path element among the plurality of flow path elements in which the fluid is stored at the end of the first operation process, generates drawing information that represents the flow path structure in the second operation process using symbols representing each of the plurality of flow path elements, and edits the drawing information using the acquired storage information.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising a processing unit, which acquires operation information for a first operation process in which a flow path structure composed of a plurality of flow path elements including a device capable of controlling a flow of a fluid, in which the device is in a first state, and a second operation process in which the device changes from the first state to a second state, acquires storage information that identifies a flow path element in which the fluid is stored among the plurality of flow path elements at the end of the first operation process, generates drawing information that represents the flow path structure in the second operation process using symbols representing each of the plurality of flow path elements, and edits the drawing information using the acquired storage information. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, when an operator is to perform a flow path simulation for a certain operation process, the operator can easily determine the fluid storage state in equipment and piping at the start of the operation process. [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 for explaining piping diagram data. [Diagram 3]FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a drawing selection screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a drawing display screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining operation process information. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining flow path information. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining controlled device information. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining symbol type information. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining symbol information. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for acquiring a fluid storage state in a certain device. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining whether or not to store fluid in a device in a certain operational process. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining whether or not to release a fluid from a device in a certain operational process. [Figure 14] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing examples of symbols modified to make it easier for a user to recognize the storage state. [Figure 15] (a) An example of a diagram showing that there is no flow path for a fluid, with the symbol for a certain device as the starting point. (b) An example of a diagram showing that there is a flow path for a fluid, with the symbol for a certain device as the starting point. [Figure 16] (a) An example of a piping diagram for a certain operation process in Example 1. (b) An example of a piping diagram for another operation process in Example 1. [Figure 17] 13 is an example in which a modification is applied to a symbol in order to enhance the distinguishability of the storage state in Example 1. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining an information processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a setting file loading screen. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a configuration file. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining storage command information in the third embodiment. [Figure 23] 13 is an example in which a modification is applied to a symbol to enhance the distinguishability of the storage state in the third 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 described below is merely an example, and those skilled in the art can appropriately modify and implement the detailed configurations 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. When a plurality of identical elements are arranged in a drawing, 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 an information processing method according to the present embodiment. In the following explanation, a state in which a fluid is stored in a flow path structure may be referred to as a storage state. The storage state may refer to, for example, where in the flow path structure the fluid is present. In addition, the information processing device according to the embodiment may be referred to as a storage state acquisition system, a storage state display device, etc. In addition, the information processing method according to the embodiment may be referred to as a storage state display method, a storage state display process, a storage state acquisition process, etc.

[0017] Furthermore, a series of processes performed by equipment having a flow path structure may be composed of multiple operation steps with different states. In this case, operation steps with different states refer to operation steps in which the states of the elements constituting the flow path structure can be distinguished from one another. For example, the boundary is the point at which the operation state of a device capable of controlling the flow of a fluid, such as a valve or a pump, changes from a first state to a second state, and operation steps are distinguished between before and after the boundary. Specifically, for example, the boundary is the point at which any valve in the flow path structure changes from an open state to a closed state, or from a closed state to an open state, and the period before the boundary can be defined as a first operation step, and the period after the boundary can be defined as a second operation step.

[0018] As described below, the processing unit of the information processing device executes the following process. First, for a flow path structure composed of a plurality of flow path elements including a device capable of controlling the flow of a fluid, operation information is acquired about a first operation process in which the device is in a first state and a second operation process in which the device changes from the first state to a second state. Then, the processing unit acquires storage information that identifies the flow path elements in which fluid is stored among the plurality of flow path elements at the end of the first operation process. Then, the processing unit generates drawing information in which the flow path structure in the second operation process is expressed using symbols representing each of the plurality of flow path elements, edits the drawing information using the acquired storage information, and displays it on the display unit.

[0019] [Configuration of information processing device] In FIG. 1, 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. 1 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, etc. As shown in FIG. 1, the storage state acquisition system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a display unit 1000, an input unit 2000, and a PC 3000.

[0020] The blocks shown as elements of the storage state acquisition system 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 storage state acquisition system 1 can be configured using hardware or software. For example, it can be configured by the 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 provided in the storage state acquisition system 1.

[0021] The PC3000 as a computer included in the storage state acquisition system 1 includes a CPU as a central processing unit, a ROM and RAM as storage units, and an 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 on a network, can be connected to the PC3000 and used as a storage unit together with the ROM and RAM.

[0022] The processing program for realizing the storage state acquisition process and the storage state display process 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 can be written to the storage unit via a network and I / O.

[0023] The display unit 1000 is a device for displaying various information (described later) to an operator when executing the storage status acquisition process and the storage status display process, and may be, for example, a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, or a projection display device.

[0024] The input unit 2000 is a device for an operator to input various instructions and information when executing the storage state acquisition process and the storage state display process. For example, an input device such as a keyboard, a jog dial, a mouse, a pointing device, or a voice input device can be used.

[0025] 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.

[0026] (User Interface) The user interface unit 2 displays various information on the display unit 1000 and receives various information and instruction inputs from the input unit 2000. The user interface unit 2 includes a display screen generating unit 20 that generates screen information to be displayed on the display unit 1000. The display screen generating unit 20 can supply screen information such as a drawing selection screen 21 and a drawing display screen 22 to the display unit. Note that the configuration of the display screen generating unit 20 is not limited to this example, and screens may be integrated, separated, added, etc. in consideration of user operability, for example.

[0027] (Storage part) Various types of information used when acquiring the storage state are stored in the storage unit 3 of the PC. The various types of information stored in the storage unit 3 include operation process information 30, storage command information 31, flow path information 32, controlled device information 33, symbol type information 34, and symbol information 35. However, the configuration of the information stored in the storage unit 3 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.

[0028] (Processing section) The processing unit 4 performs various processes required for acquiring the storage state. The data management generation unit 41 included in the processing unit 4 manages the association of IDs included in the various information stored in the storage unit 3, and stores and acquires the information. The storage determination unit 42 included in the processing unit 4 uses the operation process information 30 to identify a device in which fluid is stored in a certain operation process.

[0029] [Data table, display screen] Next, various information displayed on the display unit 1000 and screens operated by the user when acquiring the storage state will be described.

[0030] (Piping drawing data) The piping drawing data 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The plant to be designed has a flow path structure including a plurality of flow paths, and the piping drawing data 5 includes a piping drawing 51 showing the flow path structure as graphic information when a certain operation process is started. The same number of piping drawings 51 are created as the number of operation processes, and the piping drawing data 5 is a collection of them. Each piping drawing 51 includes a piping drawing ID 50, a symbol ID, and a plurality of symbols.

[0031] The piping drawing ID 50 is an ID for identifying (specifying) each of the piping drawings 51. The data management generation unit 41 creates drawing management information in which each of the piping drawings 51 is associated with the piping drawing ID 50, and stores the drawing management information in the storage unit 3.

[0032] A symbol is a figure that indicates a device that is a component of a flow path structure, and a different figure is used for each type of component, such as a tank, a valve, etc., as shown in Fig. 8. A figure that allows a user to intuitively understand the type and function of the component is preferably used. Note that the components include controlled elements (controlled devices) whose operation is controlled for each operation process, such as a valve.

[0033] The symbol ID is ID information for individually identifying (specifying) each symbol, and is written next to the symbol in the drawing, such as I-1, P-1, V-4, etc. As will be described later, the symbol ID is listed as the symbol ID 351 in FIG.

[0034] (Drawing selection screen) The drawing selection screen 21 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The drawing selection screen 21 is a screen used by a user to call up a piping drawing 51 corresponding to a certain operation process when the user is to obtain information on the fluid storage state of the equipment. The drawing selection screen 21 includes a drawing ID input box 211 and a drawing selection completion button 212. The drawing ID input box 211 is an input box in which the user inputs the piping drawing ID 50. The drawing selection completion button 212 is a button that transitions to a drawing display screen (Fig. 4) when the user clicks it.

[0035] (Drawing display screen) The drawing display screen 22 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The drawing display screen 22 is a screen that displays the drawing selected by the drawing selection screen 21, and includes a piping drawing ID 50 and a piping drawing 51. By viewing the drawing display screen 22, the user can check the fluid storage state of the equipment.

[0036] (Operation process information) The operation process information 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The operation process information 30 includes an operation process ID 301, storage command information 31, flow path information 32, and controlled device information 33. Each piece of information will be described in order.

[0037] (Storage Order Information) As shown in Fig. 5, the storage command information 31 includes a storage target symbol 311 and a discharge target symbol 312. The storage target symbol 311 includes a symbol ID 351 of a device in which fluid is stored in each operation process, and the discharge target symbol 312 includes a symbol ID 351 of a device from which fluid is discharged in each operation process. For example, according to Fig. 5, in an operation process where the operation process ID 301 is 1, fluid is stored in devices with symbol IDs T-1 and P-2, and fluid is discharged from a device with symbol ID P-1. The storage command information 31 in a certain operation process is calculated based on the flow path information 32 and controlled device information 33 in that operation process.

[0038] (Flow path information) The flow path information 32 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The flow path information 32 includes a fluid ID 321, a fluid name 322, and a flow path symbol ID 323. The fluid ID 321 is an ID for identifying a fluid, and the flow path symbol ID 323 is a symbol ID 351 of a device that is a flow path. As shown in Fig. 6, the flow path symbol ID 323 also includes information on the order in which the fluid flows and branching. The flow path information 32 in a certain operation process is calculated based on the controlled device information 33 in that operation process.

[0039] (Controlled device information) The controlled device information 33 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The controlled device information 33 is created for each operation process, and records the open / closed state 331 of each controlled device (e.g., valve) in association with a symbol ID 351 that identifies the device.

[0040] (Symbol type information) The symbol type information 34 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The symbol type information 34 indicates the characteristics of each type of component that constitutes the flow path structure in association with a symbol, and the type of component can be identified by a symbol type ID 341.

[0041] The symbol shape 342 is a figure used to represent each component in the piping diagram data 5, and has a shape that makes it easy to understand the role of each flow path component. The name 343 is a name that represents the type of equipment. Controllability 344 indicates whether the equipment is a controlled equipment, and if it is controllable, it is a controlled equipment, and if it is not controllable, it is not a controlled equipment. Fluid storage ability 345 indicates whether the equipment can store fluid, and if it is controllable, it means that storage is possible, and if it is not controllable, it means that storage is not possible.

[0042] (symbol information) The symbol information 35 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The symbol information 35 indicates the relationship between the symbol ID 351 of a component element depicted in the flow path structure drawing and the symbol type ID 341 of the component element.

[0043] [Information processing method] Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10, an information processing method for selecting an arbitrary operation process, obtaining information relating to the storage state of each device at the start of the operation process, and displaying the information on the display unit 1000 will be described.

[0044] First, in step S1, the user uses the drawing selection screen 21 (FIG. 3) to determine the target piping drawing 51. That is, the user inputs a piping drawing ID 50 in the drawing ID input box 211 of the drawing selection screen 21, thereby determining the piping drawing 51. As described above, since the number of piping drawings 51 is equal to the number of operation processes, it may be said that the operation process to be the target of this process is selected. The selected operation process is referred to as operation process X. After inputting the piping drawing ID 50 in the drawing ID input box 211, the user clicks the drawing selection completion button 212. When the drawing selection completion button 212 is clicked, the process transitions to step S2.

[0045] In step S2, the processing unit 4 of the storage state acquisition system 1 acquires the symbol ID 351 of the equipment capable of storing the fluid from the piping drawing 51 acquired in step S1. First, the processing unit 4 acquires the symbol type ID 341 of the equipment capable of storing the fluid by referring to the fluid storage possibility 345 of the symbol type information 34. Next, the processing unit 4 acquires the symbol ID 351 of the equipment having the symbol type ID 341 of the equipment capable of storing the fluid by referring to the symbol information 35. Once acquired, the processing unit 4 transitions to step S3.

[0046] In step S3, the processing unit 4 acquires the fluid storage state for each component (each device) acquired in step S2. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure for acquiring the fluid storage state in a certain device (device A) at the start of operation process X. When the following conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied, the processing unit 4 determines that fluid is stored in device A in operation process X. Condition 1: An operational step in which fluid is stored in device A exists prior to operational step X. Condition 2: There is no operation step for discharging fluid from equipment A between the last operation step for storing fluid in equipment A and operation step X.

[0047] First, in step S31 of Fig. 11, the processing unit 4 checks whether the condition 1 is satisfied. That is, the processing unit 4 uses the flow path information 32 and the controlled device information 33 in each operation step prior to the operation step X to determine whether or not those operation steps pool fluid in the device A. If there is no operation step that pools fluid in the device A (step S31: NO), the condition 1 is not satisfied, so the process proceeds to step S34, where it is determined that no fluid is pooled in the device A in the operation step X, and the process ends. If there is an operation step that pools fluid in the device A (step S31: YES), the operation step is designated as operation step Y, and the process proceeds to step S32.

[0048] 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure for determining whether or not to store fluid in device A in a certain operation process, using flow path information 32 and controlled device information 33 in that operation process. When the following conditions A and B are satisfied, it is determined that fluid will be stored in device A in a certain operation process (operation process Z). Condition A: Fluid is flowing into device A during operational step Z. Condition B: The fluid flowing into device A during operational process Z does not flow out anywhere, or flows out only to closed valves.

[0049] First, in step S311 of Fig. 12, the processing unit 4 checks the condition A. That is, it checks whether the fluid flows into the device A by referring to the flow path information 32 of the operation process Z from the operation process information 30. If the fluid does not flow into the device A (step S311: NO), the condition A is not satisfied, so the process proceeds to step S316, where it is determined that the fluid is not stored in the device A and the process ends. If the fluid flows into the device A (step S311: YES), the process proceeds to step S312.

[0050] In steps S312 to S314, the processing unit 4 checks the condition B. In step S312, it is determined whether or not the fluid flowing into device A has a destination. That is, it is determined from the flow path information 32 whether or not the fluid flowing into device A is flowing out to another device. If the determination result is NO, device A satisfies the conditions A and B, so the process proceeds to step S315, where it is determined that the fluid is stored in device A and the process ends. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S313.

[0051] In step S313, the processing unit 4 judges whether the destination device is a controlled device. That is, the symbol type ID 341 of the destination device is acquired using the symbol information 35, and then the controllability 344 of the destination device is acquired using the symbol type information 34 to judge whether the destination device is a controlled device. If the judgment result is NO, the condition B is not satisfied, so the process proceeds to step S316, where it is judged that no fluid is stored in device A and the process ends. If the judgment result is YES, the process proceeds to step S314.

[0052] In step S314, the processing unit 4 determines whether the controlled device to which the fluid is to flow is in a closed state in operation process Z by using the controlled device information 33 for operation process Z. If the determination result is NO, the condition B is not satisfied, so the process proceeds to step S316, where it is determined that no fluid is stored in device A and the process ends. If the determination result is YES, the conditions A and B are satisfied, so the process proceeds to step S315, where it is determined that fluid is stored in device A and the process ends. Through the above processes, the processing unit 4 can determine whether fluid is stored in device A in operation process Z.

[0053] Returning to FIG. 11, in step S32, the processing unit 4 checks whether the condition 2 is satisfied. As in step S31, the flow path information 32 and controlled device information 33 in each operation process are used to determine whether or not the operation process is an operation process in which fluid is discharged from device A. If an operation process in which fluid is discharged from device A exists (step S32: YES), the condition 2 is not satisfied, so the process proceeds to step S34, where it is determined that no fluid has accumulated in device A in operation process X, and the process ends. If an operation process in which fluid is discharged from device A does not exist (step S32: NO), both conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied, so it is determined that fluid has accumulated in device A in operation process X, and the process proceeds to step S33.

[0054] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure when the processing unit 4 determines whether or not to release fluid from device A in an operation process, using the flow path information 32 and controlled device information 33 in the operation process. When the following conditions C, D, and E are satisfied, it is determined that fluid is to be released from device A in operation process Z. Condition C: Fluid is present in device A during operational step Z. Condition D: The fluid present in equipment A during operational process Z has a destination to which it flows. Condition E: If the outflow destination is a valve, the valve is open.

[0055] First, in step S321 of Fig. 13, the condition C is confirmed. That is, by referring to the flow path information 32 of the operation process Z from the operation process information 30, it is confirmed whether or not a fluid is present in the device A. If no fluid is present, the condition C is not satisfied, so the process transitions to step S325, where it is determined that no fluid is being discharged from the device A and the process ends. If a fluid is present in the device A, the process transitions to step S322.

[0056] In step S322, the condition D is confirmed. That is, in step S322, it is determined whether or not the fluid present in device A has a destination. In other words, it is determined from the flow path information 32 whether the fluid present in device A is flowing out to another device. If the determination result is NO, device A does not satisfy the condition D, so the process transitions to step S325, where it is determined that the fluid is not being discharged from device A and the process is terminated. If the determination result is YES, the process transitions to step S323.

[0057] In steps S323 and S324, condition E is confirmed. In step S323, it is determined whether the destination device is a controlled device. That is, the symbol type ID 341 of the destination device is obtained using symbol information 35, and then the controllability 344 of the destination device is obtained using symbol type information 34 to determine whether the destination device is a controlled device. If the determination result is NO, conditions C, D, and E are satisfied, so the process transitions to step S326, where it is determined that fluid is being discharged from device A and the process ends. If the determination result is YES, the process transitions to step S324.

[0058] In step S324, it is determined whether the controlled device to which fluid is to be discharged is in a closed state in operation process Z using controlled device information 33 for operation process Z. If the determination result is NO, condition E is satisfied, so the process proceeds to step S326, where it is determined that fluid is being discharged from device A and the process ends. If the determination result is YES, it is not satisfied, so the process proceeds to step S325, where it is determined that fluid is not being discharged from device A and the process ends. By the above processing, it can be determined whether fluid is being discharged from device A in operation process Z.

[0059] Returning to FIG. 11, finally, in step S33, the processing unit 4 uses the flow path information 32 in the operation process Y to obtain information regarding which fluid indicated by the fluid ID 321 is stored in the device A, in other words, the type of fluid stored, and terminates the processing of FIG. 11.

[0060] Returning to FIG. 10, when the process described with reference to FIG. 11 for each device acquired in step S2 is completed, the drawing display screen 22 is displayed on the display unit 1000, and the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4 of FIG. 10, image editing is performed on the symbols determined in step S3 as having fluid stored therein to enhance user identifiability. That is, the user can easily recognize which symbol has which fluid stored therein. For example, the symbols of the components in which the fluid has stored may be expressed in different colors or textures, or may be expressed in different line widths or line types (solid lines and dotted lines, etc.). Alternatively, the color or texture of the symbol may be changed depending on the type of fluid stored (for example, whether it is liquid or gas, water or organic solvent, etc.), or identification information (characters, marks, etc.) for the user to recognize may be added to the symbol. Alternatively, the symbol may be modified so that the user can easily recognize the amount and type of fluid stored therein.

[0061] For example, as shown in Fig. 14, when a tank stores a fluid, the tank symbol is decorated with three lines and the fluid name 322 is added, allowing the user to intuitively recognize the stored state. Of course, the method of decoration is not limited to the example in Fig. 14, and a design that makes it easy to intuitively understand the type of fluid and the stored amount is preferably used. The type of fluid and the stored amount may be displayed by text information or color intensity. Once the decoration has been applied, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0062] Next, in step S5, a flow path through which the fluid flows is expressed on a drawing based on the controlled device information 33, starting from the symbol of the component (device) in which the fluid is stored. For example, as shown in FIG. 15(a), in the case of a tank in which no fluid is stored, the fluid does not flow out, so the flow path through which the fluid flows is not expressed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15(b), in the case where the fluid is stored in the tank and the adjacent valve is in an open state, a flow path through which the fluid flows out from the tank is formed, so the flow path is expressed on the drawing. In the example of FIG. 15, the flow path is expressed by displaying the frame of the symbol that becomes the flow path with a thick line, but the method of increasing the user's identifiability is not limited to this. For example, the symbol of the component that becomes the flow path may be expressed with different colors or textures, or with different line widths or line types (solid lines and dotted lines, etc.). Alternatively, the color or texture of the symbol may be changed depending on the type of fluid flowing through the flow path (for example, whether it is liquid or gas, water or organic solvent, etc.), or identification information (characters, marks, etc.) for the user to recognize may be added to the symbol. Alternatively, the symbol may be modified to make it easier for the user to recognize the amount and type of fluid.

[0063] According to this embodiment, when an operator attempts to perform a flow path simulation for a certain operation process, the operator can easily identify the fluid storage state in the equipment and piping at the start point of the operation process.

[0064] [Example 1] Next, a specific example of the information processing method will be described. For example, it is assumed that the piping drawing 51 selected by the user in step S1 of FIG. 10 is the piping drawing 51 of FIG. 4. It is also assumed that this piping drawing 51 is a piping drawing of an operation process whose operation process ID 301 is 3. This operation process is assumed to be an operation process X. It is also assumed that the operation process information 30, the symbol type information 34, and the symbol information 35 are as shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9, respectively. It is also assumed that the controlled device information 1, the controlled device information 2, and the controlled device information 3 described in FIG. 5 are as shown in FIG. 7, respectively, and the flow path information 1 and the flow path information 2 calculated from them are as shown in FIG. 6, respectively. At this time, the piping drawing 51 of the operation process whose operation process ID 301 is 1 and the operation process whose operation process ID 301 is 2 can be displayed on the display unit 1000 as shown in FIG. 16(a) and FIG. 16(b), respectively.

[0065] Next, in step S2, the processing unit 4 acquires symbols capable of storing fluid from the symbols on the piping drawing 51. With reference to the symbol type information 34, it is found that the symbols for which fluid storage possibility 345 is possible are tanks (symbol type ID 341:4) and piping (symbol type ID 341:6). Next, with reference to the symbol information 35 (FIG. 9), the symbol type ID 341 of T-1 is 4, and the symbol type IDs 341 of P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, P-5, and P-6 are 6. From the above, the seven symbols capable of storing fluid among the symbols on the piping drawing 51 are T-1, P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, P-5, and P-6.

[0066] Next, in step S3, the processing unit 4 determines the storage state of the above six symbols. That is, for the above six symbols, the processing unit 4 executes the processes of steps S31 to S34 described with reference to Fig. 11. First, the storage state of T-1 is determined.

[0067] First, in step S31, the processes of steps S311 to S316 (FIG. 12) are executed for the operation steps before operation step X, and it is confirmed whether or not there is an operation step in which fluid is stored in T-1. That is, step S311 is executed for the operation step (operation step ID 301:2) immediately before operation step X. By referring to the flow path information 2 (FIG. 6), it is found that fluid is flowing into T-1, and therefore the process proceeds to step S312.

[0068] Next, since it is known from the flow path information 2 (FIG. 6) that the fluid flowing into T-1 is flowing out to V-3, the process proceeds to step S313. Furthermore, since it is possible to acquire information from the symbol information 35 (FIG. 9) and the symbol type information 34 (FIG. 8) that V-3 is a tank bottom valve (symbol type ID 341:5) and controllability 344 is yes, the process proceeds to step S314.

[0069] Finally, since it is found from the controlled device information 2 (FIG. 7) that V-3 is in the closed state, the process proceeds to step S315. From the above, it is found that fluid is stored in T-1 in the operation process whose operation process ID 301 is 2, and the process proceeds to step S32.

[0070] In step S32 (FIG. 11), it is confirmed whether or not there is an operation step for discharging fluid between the operation step for storing fluid in T-1 (operation step ID 301:2) and operation step X (operation step ID 301:3). In this example, since there is no operation step between the two operation steps, the determination result is NO, it is determined that fluid is stored in T-1 in operation step X, and the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, by referring to the flow path information 32 of the operation step with operation step ID 301 of 2, it is found that in operation step X, a fluid with fluid ID 321 of 1 is stored in T-1.

[0071] Next, the fluid storage state in the component whose symbol is P-1 is determined. In step S31 (FIG. 11), the processing unit 4 executes the processes of steps S311 to S316 (FIG. 12) for the operation steps before operation step X, and checks whether there is an operation step that stores fluid in P-1. First, the processing unit 4 executes the process of step S311 for the operation step immediately before operation step X (operation step ID 301:2). With reference to the flow path information 2 (FIG. 6), it is found that fluid is flowing into P-1, and therefore the process proceeds to step S312.

[0072] Next, since it is known from the flow path information 2 (FIG. 6) that the fluid flowing into P-1 flows out to V-4, the process proceeds to step S313. Next, since it is possible to acquire information from the symbol information 35 (FIG. 9) and the symbol type information 34 (FIG. 8) that V-4 is a valve (symbol type ID 341:3) and that controllability 344 is yes, the process proceeds to step S314.

[0073] Finally, since it is known from the controlled device information 2 (FIG. 7) that V-4 is in the open state, the process transitions to step S316. From the above, it can be determined that in an operation process where the operation process ID 301 is 2, fluid is discharged from P-1. By performing a similar process, it can also be determined that fluid is discharged from P-1 in an operation process where the operation process ID 301 is 1. Therefore, the determination result in step S31 is NO, and the process transitions to step S34, where it is determined that no fluid has accumulated in P-1 in operation process X.

[0074] Next, the fluid storage state in the component whose symbol is P-2 is determined. In step S31, the processes in steps S311 to S316 (FIG. 12) are executed for the operation steps before operation step X to check whether there is an operation step for storing fluid in P-2.

[0075] First, step S311 is executed for the operation step (operation step ID 301:2) immediately before operation step X. With reference to the flow path information 2 (FIG. 6), it is found that the fluid is flowing into P-2, and therefore the process proceeds to step S312.

[0076] Next, since it is found from the flow path information 2 (FIG. 6) that the fluid flowing into P-2 flows out to S-1 and S-2, the process proceeds to step S313. Next, since it is found from the symbol information 35 (FIG. 9) and the symbol type information 34 (FIG. 8) that both S-1 and S-2 are spray balls (symbol type ID 341:7) and controllability 344 is not possible, the process proceeds to step S316. From the above, it is found that in the operation process where the operation process ID 301 is 2, the fluid is discharged from P-2. By carrying out the same process, it is found that even in the operation process where the operation process ID 301 is 1, the fluid is discharged from P-2. Therefore, the judgment result of step S31 is NO, and the process proceeds to step S34, where it is determined that no fluid is accumulated in P-2 in the operation process X.

[0077] Next, the fluid storage state in the component whose symbol is P-3 is determined. In step S31, by executing the processes of steps S311 to S316 (FIG. 12) for the operation steps before operation step X, it is found that the fluid is stored in P-2 in the operation step whose operation step ID 301 is 1.

[0078] Next, in step S32, the processes of steps S311 to S316 are executed for the operation step between the operation step with operation step ID 301 of 1 and operation step X (operation step ID 301:3), i.e., the operation step with operation step ID 301 of 2. That is, when it is determined whether or not fluid is discharged in this operation step, it is found that fluid is discharged from P-3. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S34, and it is determined that no fluid is accumulated in P-3 in operation step X.

[0079] When the same process is performed for P-4, P-5, and P-6, it can be determined that a fluid with a fluid ID 321 of 2 is stored in P-4, and no fluid is stored in P-5 and P-6 in operation step X. From the above, when the storage state of each symbol obtained in step S2 was determined, it was found that a fluid with a fluid ID 321 of 1 is stored in T-1, and a fluid with a fluid ID 321 of 2 is stored in P-4.

[0080] Next, in step S4, the symbols of T-1 and P-3 are modified to enhance the distinguishability of the storage state, and in step S5, an image showing the flow path is generated based on the controlled device information 3. At the stage where step S5 is completed, the piping diagram 51 of the operating process X displayed on the display unit 1000 becomes the example shown in FIG.

[0081] According to this embodiment, when an operator is to perform a flow path simulation for a certain operation process, the operator can easily identify the fluid storage state in the equipment and piping at the start point of the operation process.

[0082] [Embodiment 2] An information processing method and an information processing device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18 to Fig. 21. Descriptions of matters common to the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it has a feature of acquiring storage command information from an external setting file.

[0083] 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining an information processing device capable of executing the information processing method according to this embodiment. The information processing device includes a display screen generating unit 20 provided with a setting file reading screen 23.

[0084] (Settings file loading screen) The setting file loading screen 23 will be described with reference to Fig. 19. The setting file loading screen 23 is a screen that is displayed on the display unit 1000 and used when the setting file 6 is loaded from outside.

[0085] The setting file loading screen 23 includes a file name input box 231 and a setting file loading completion button 232. The file name input box 231 is an input box for the user to input the path of the setting file 6. The drawing selection completion button 212 is a button that the user clicks to complete the drawing selection process. When this button is clicked, the processing unit 4 loads the setting file 6, and the display content of the display unit 1000 transitions to the drawing selection screen (FIG. 4).

[0086] (Configuration file) The setting file 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 20. The setting file 6 includes an operation process ID 301 and storage command information 31, and indicates the storage command information 31 for each operation process ID 301.

[0087] [Information processing method] Next, referring to the flowchart of Figure 21, an information processing method will be described in which storage command information is obtained from the outside, an arbitrary operation process is selected, information related to the storage state of each device at the start of the operation process is obtained, and the information is displayed on the display unit 1000.

[0088] First, in step S0, the setting file 6 is read to acquire the storage command information 31. That is, the user inputs the path of the setting file 6 in the file name input box 231 on the setting file reading screen 23, whereby the setting file 6 is read. Next, the process proceeds to step S1, and steps S1 and S2 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0089] Next, in step S3, the storage state of the symbols capable of storing fluid is determined. In the first embodiment, in steps S31 and S32, the storage state is determined using storage command information 31 calculated from flow path information 32 and controlled device information 33. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the storage state is determined using storage command information 31 acquired from an external file in step S0. Once the storage state of each symbol has been determined, the process proceeds to step S4. In steps S4 and S5, the same processes as in the first embodiment are performed. As described above, according to this embodiment, by reading the external setting file 6, the storage state of each device can be acquired.

[0090] [Embodiment 3] An information processing method and an information processing device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 22 and Fig. 23. Descriptions of matters common to the first and second embodiments will be simplified or omitted. In the third embodiment, the processing unit 4 of the storage state acquisition system acquires and displays information related to the amount of stored fluid as a storage state, in addition to whether or not fluid is stored and, if stored, the type of fluid.

[0091] The configuration of the storage state acquisition system 1, which is an example of the information processing device of the third embodiment, is shown in FIG. 18 similarly to the configuration of the second embodiment. However, the contents of the storage command information 31 are different, which will be described below.

[0092] (Storage Order Information) The storage command information 31 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 22. In the third embodiment, the storage command information 31 includes a storage target symbol 311, a release target symbol 312, a storage amount 313, and a release amount 314. The storage amount 313 and the storage target symbol 311 have a one-to-one relationship. The storage amount 313 indicates how much fluid has been stored in the storage target symbol 311 in each operation process. The release amount 314 indicates how much fluid has been released from the release target symbol 312 in each operation process.

[0093] [Information processing method] A procedure for acquiring the storage state of a device in a certain operation process will be described in the third embodiment. The basic procedure is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21, similar to the second embodiment.

[0094] First, the processing unit 4 performs the same processes as those in the second embodiment in the order of step S0, step S1, and step S2 in Fig. 21. Here, the operation process represented by the piping diagram 51 acquired in step S1 is defined as an operation process X.

[0095] Next, in step S3, information related to the storage state of each symbol acquired in step S2 is acquired. The procedure for acquiring the storage state of a certain device (assumed to be device A) is described below. First, the storage command information 31 in the operation step prior to operation step X is referenced, and information is acquired as to how much of each fluid was stored or discharged in device A prior to operation step X. Next, the difference between the sum of the stored amounts of each fluid and the sum of the discharged amounts is calculated to calculate whether each fluid is stored in device A, and if so, how much, thereby acquiring information related to the storage state of device A. After acquiring the storage state of each device acquired in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0096] Next, in step S4, the symbol of a flow path element that is determined to have fluid accumulated based on the results of step S3 is modified with information regarding the type of fluid and the amount of fluid accumulated, and the image is edited to make it easier for the user to identify.

[0097] For example, as shown in FIG. 23, a symbol of a tank or pipe storing a fluid is decorated with information indicating the amount of stored fluid in addition to three lines indicating storage and a fluid name 322. The decoration indicating the amount of fluid is not limited to the example in FIG. 23, and any design that makes it easy to intuitively understand how much fluid is stored is preferably used. Once the image has been edited, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the same process as in the second embodiment is performed. From the above, the amount of stored fluid can be obtained as information indicating the storage state of each device and displayed on the display unit 1000.

[0098] According to this embodiment, when an operator attempts to perform a flow path simulation for a certain operation process, the operator can easily identify the fluid storage state in the equipment and piping at the start point of the operation process.

[0099] [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.

[0100] In the information processing method and information processing device of the present invention, the user inputs and edits the information contained in the tables illustrated in Figures 5 to 9, 14, 20, and 22 to 23, so that the tables shown in these figures can be displayed on a display unit and input from the user can be accepted.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] This specification discloses at least the following: [Matter 1] The processing unit: For a flow path structure composed of a plurality of flow path elements including a device capable of controlling a flow of a fluid, operation information is obtained regarding a first operation process in which the device is in a first state and a second operation process in which the device changes from the first state to a second state; At the end of the first operation step, storage information is obtained that identifies a flow path element in which the fluid is stored among the plurality of flow path elements; generating drawing information expressing the flow path structure in the second operation step using symbols representing each of the plurality of flow path elements; Editing the drawing information using the acquired stored information; 23. An information processing method comprising: [Matter 2] When editing the drawing information, the processing unit edits the drawing information so that a user can identify the flow path element storing a fluid. 2. The information processing method according to item 1, [Matter 3] When editing the drawing information, the processing unit modifies the symbol of the flow path element storing a fluid by at least one of changing a line width, a line type, a color, and a texture. 3. The information processing method according to item 2, [Matter 4] the storage information includes information regarding the type of the fluid stored in the flow path element, When editing the drawing information, the processing unit edits the drawing information so that a user can recognize the type of the stored fluid. 4. The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 3, [Matter 5] The information regarding the type of fluid includes information regarding whether the fluid is a gas or a liquid. 5. The information processing method according to item 4, [Matter 6] The storage information includes information regarding an amount of fluid stored in the flow path element, When editing the drawing information, the processing unit edits the drawing information so that a user can recognize an amount of the fluid stored in the flow path element. 6. The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 5, [Matter 7] The processing unit modifies the symbol of the flow path element storing the fluid with at least one of a character, a figure, and a color density indicating the amount of the stored fluid. 7. The information processing method according to item 6, [Matter 8] The device capable of controlling the flow of a fluid includes at least one valve or pump. 8. The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 7, [Matter 9] The processing unit causes a display unit to display the edited drawing information. 9. The information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 8, [Matter 10] 10. A program for causing the processing unit to execute the information processing method according to any one of items 1 to 9. [Matter 11] 11. A computer-readable recording medium having the program according to item 10 recorded thereon. [Matter 12] A processing unit is provided, The processing unit includes: For a flow path structure composed of a plurality of flow path elements including a device capable of controlling a flow of a fluid, operation information is obtained regarding a first operation process in which the device is in a first state and a second operation process in which the device changes from the first state to a second state; At the end of the first operation step, storage information is obtained that identifies a flow path element in which the fluid is stored among the plurality of flow path elements; generating drawing information expressing the flow path structure in the second operation step using symbols representing each of the plurality of flow path elements; Editing the drawing information using the acquired stored information; 23. An information processing apparatus comprising: [Matter 13] When editing the drawing information, the processing unit edits the drawing information so that a user can identify the flow path element storing a fluid. 13. The information processing device according to item 12. [Matter 14] When editing the drawing information, the processing unit modifies the symbol of the flow path element storing a fluid by at least one of changing a line width, a line type, a color, and a texture. 14. The information processing device according to item 13. [Matter 15] the storage information includes information regarding the type of the fluid stored in the flow path element, When editing the drawing information, the processing unit edits the drawing information so that a user can recognize the type of the stored fluid. 15. The information processing device according to any one of items 12 to 14. [Matter 16] The information regarding the type of fluid includes information regarding whether the fluid is a gas or a liquid. 16. The information processing device according to item 15, [Matter 17] The storage information includes information regarding an amount of fluid stored in the flow path element, When editing the drawing information, the processing unit edits the drawing information so that a user can recognize an amount of the fluid stored in the flow path element. 17. The information processing device according to any one of items 12 to 16, [Matter 18] The processing unit modifies the symbol of the flow path element storing the fluid with at least one of a character, a figure, and a color density indicating the amount of the stored fluid. 18. The information processing device according to item 17, [Matter 19] The device capable of controlling the flow of a fluid includes at least one valve or pump. 19. The information processing device according to any one of items 12 to 18, [Matter 20] The processing unit causes a display unit to display the edited drawing information. 20. The information processing device according to any one of items 12 to 19, [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1 ···Storage status acquisition system / 2··User interface unit / 3··Memory unit / 4··Processing unit / 5··Piping drawing data / 6··Setting file / 20··Display screen generation unit / 21··Drawing selection screen / 22··Drawing display screen / 23··Setting file loading screen / 30··Operation process information / 31··Storage command information / 32··Flow path information / 33··Controlled device information / 34··Symbol type information / 35··Symbol information / 41··Data management generation unit / 42··Storage judgment unit / 50··Piping drawing ID / 51··Piping drawing / 1000··Display unit / 2000··Input unit / 3000··PC

Claims

1. The processing unit: For a flow path structure composed of a plurality of flow path elements including a device capable of controlling a flow of a fluid, operation information is obtained regarding a first operation process in which the device is in a first state and a second operation process in which the device changes from the first state to a second state; At the end of the first operation step, storage information is obtained that identifies a flow path element in which the fluid is stored among the plurality of flow path elements; generating drawing information expressing the flow path structure in the second operation step using symbols representing each of the plurality of flow path elements; Editing the drawing information using the acquired stored information; 23. An information processing method comprising:

2. When editing the drawing information, the processing unit edits the drawing information so that a user can identify the flow path element storing a fluid.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1,

3. When editing the drawing information, the processing unit modifies the symbol of the flow path element storing a fluid by at least one of changing a line width, a line type, a color, and a texture.

3. The information processing method according to claim 2.

4. the storage information includes information regarding the type of the fluid stored in the flow path element, When editing the drawing information, the processing unit edits the drawing information so that a user can recognize the type of the stored fluid.

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 regarding the type of fluid includes information regarding whether the fluid is a gas or a liquid.

5. The information processing method according to claim 4.

6. The storage information includes information regarding an amount of fluid stored in the flow path element, When editing the drawing information, the processing unit edits the drawing information so that a user can recognize an amount of the fluid stored in the flow path element.

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

7. The processing unit modifies the symbol of the flow path element storing the fluid with at least one of a character, a figure, and a color density indicating the amount of the stored fluid.

7. The information processing method according to claim 6,

8. The device capable of controlling the flow of a fluid includes at least one valve or pump.

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 processing unit causes a display unit to display the edited drawing information.

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

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

11. A computer-readable recording medium having the program according to claim 10 recorded thereon.

12. A processing unit is provided, The processing unit includes: For a flow path structure composed of a plurality of flow path elements including a device capable of controlling a flow of a fluid, operation information is obtained regarding a first operation process in which the device is in a first state and a second operation process in which the device changes from the first state to a second state; At the end of the first operation step, storage information is obtained that identifies a flow path element in which the fluid is stored among the plurality of flow path elements; generating drawing information expressing the flow path structure in the second operation step using symbols representing each of the plurality of flow path elements; Editing the drawing information using the acquired stored information; 23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

13. When editing the drawing information, the processing unit edits the drawing information so that a user can identify the flow path element storing a fluid.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12.

14. When editing the drawing information, the processing unit modifies the symbol of the flow path element storing a fluid by at least one of changing a line width, a line type, a color, and a texture.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13,

15. the storage information includes information regarding the type of the fluid stored in the flow path element, When editing the drawing information, the processing unit edits the drawing information so that a user can recognize the type of the stored fluid.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12,

16. The information regarding the type of fluid includes information regarding whether the fluid is a gas or a liquid.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15,

17. The storage information includes information regarding an amount of fluid stored in the flow path element, When editing the drawing information, the processing unit edits the drawing information so that a user can recognize an amount of the fluid stored in the flow path element.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12,

18. The processing unit modifies the symbol of the flow path element storing the fluid with at least one of a character, a figure, and a color density indicating the amount of the stored fluid.

18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17,

19. The device capable of controlling the flow of a fluid includes at least one valve or pump.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12,

20. The processing unit causes a display unit to display the edited drawing information.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12,

Images