Product retrieval device, product retrieval method, and program

Abstract

To solve a problem that conventionally, required product information cannot be easily retrieved, from among the plurality of pieces of product information.SOLUTION: A product retrieval device comprises: a first reception unit 121 which receives a first inquiry having function information on a target product and processing method information on the target product; a first retrieval unit 131 which determines two or more pieces of product information which satisfies a first condition with respect to the first inquiry, from a product management unit 111 in which the two or more pieces of product information having the function information on a product, the processing method information, and shape information are stored; a result output unit 142 which outputs a first retrieval result of the first retrieval unit 131; a second reception unit 122 which receives a second inquiry having the shape information of the target product; and a second retrieval unit 132 which determines one or more pieces of product information which satisfies a second condition with respect to the second inquiry, from among the two or more pieces of product information determined by the first retrieval unit 131. The result output unit 142 can easily retrieve required product information, from among the plurality of pieces of product information, by a product retrieval device 1 which outputs a second retrieval result of the second retrieval unit 132.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product search device for searching for product information. [Background technology]

[0002] In the prior art, there is a design support device that displays a list of feature parameters of past parts, with the aim of shortening the time required to consider feature types and parameters (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-108603 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, it is not easy to search for required product information from among a plurality of pieces of product information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The product search device of the first invention includes a first reception unit that receives a first query having functional information that identifies a function of a target product and processing method information that identifies a processing method of the target product, a first search unit that determines two or more product information that satisfies a first condition for the functional information and processing method information of the first query from a product management unit in which two or more product information having functional information of the product, processing method information of the product, and shape information related to the shape of the product is stored, a result output unit that outputs a first search result for the two or more product information determined by the first search unit, a second reception unit that receives a second query having shape information of the target product, and a second search unit that determines one or more product information that satisfies a second condition for the shape information of the second query from the two or more product information determined by the first search unit, and the result output unit is a product search device that outputs a second search result for the one or more product information determined by the second search unit.

[0006] With this configuration, it is possible to easily search for required product information from among a plurality of pieces of product information.

[0007] The product search device of the second invention is a product search device in which, compared to the first invention, the shape information has characteristic shape information, which is information that identifies the characteristics of the shape, and shape surface information, which is information about the surfaces that constitute the shape, the first query has functional information of the target product, processing method information of the target product, and characteristic shape information of the target product, the first search unit determines from the product management unit two or more product information that satisfies a first condition for the functional information, processing method information, and characteristic shape information contained in the first query, the second query has shape surface information of the target product, and the second search unit determines, from the two or more product information determined by the first search unit, one or more product information that satisfies a second condition for the shape surface information contained in the second query.

[0008] With this configuration, it is possible to easily search for required product information from among a plurality of pieces of product information.

[0009] Furthermore, the product search device of the third invention is a product search device according to the first or second invention, in which the product information in the product management section also has material information identifying the material of the product, the first query also has material information, and the first search section determines from the product management section two or more pieces of product information that satisfy a first condition for the material information contained in the first query.

[0010] With this configuration, it is possible to easily search for required product information from among a plurality of pieces of product information.

[0011] Furthermore, the product search device of the fourth invention is a product search device in which, compared to any one of the first to third inventions, the product information in the product management unit has an image of the product identified by the product information and functional information and processing method information corresponding to a first area which is at least a portion of the image, and the product information includes an image output unit which outputs an image of the target product, and a first reception unit which includes a first part reception means which receives a first part instruction which is an instruction for the first area of ​​the image of the target product output by the image output unit, and a first query construction means which obtains a first query having functional information and processing method information corresponding to the first area.

[0012] With this configuration, it is possible to easily search for required product information from among a plurality of pieces of product information.

[0013] Furthermore, the product search device of the fifth invention is a product search device in which, compared to the fourth invention, the product information in the product management unit also has shape information corresponding to a second area which is at least a partial area of ​​the product image, and the second reception unit includes a second part reception means for receiving a second part instruction which is an instruction for the second area of ​​the image of the target product output by the image output unit, and a second query construction means for obtaining a second query having shape information corresponding to the second area.

[0014] With this configuration, it is possible to easily search for required product information from among a plurality of pieces of product information.

[0015] In addition, the product search device of the sixth invention is a product search device according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the product information has three or more nodes and two or more edges connecting the three or more nodes, and the three or more nodes include network structure information having one or more function nodes that are nodes corresponding to function information, one or more processing method nodes that are nodes corresponding to processing method information, and one or more shape nodes that are nodes corresponding to shape information.

[0016] With this configuration, it is possible to easily search for required product information from among a plurality of pieces of product information.

[0017] In addition, the product search device of the seventh invention is a product search device in which, compared to the sixth invention, the shape information has characteristic shape information that identifies the characteristics of the shape and shape surface information related to the surfaces, the product information of the product management unit has four or more nodes and three or more edges connecting the four or more nodes, and the four or more nodes are a product search device including network structure information having one or more function nodes that are nodes corresponding to function information, one or more processing method nodes that are nodes corresponding to processing method information, one or more characteristic shape nodes that are nodes corresponding to characteristic shapes, and one or more shape surface nodes that are nodes corresponding to shape surfaces.

[0018] With this configuration, it is possible to easily search for required product information from among a plurality of pieces of product information.

[0019] Furthermore, the product search device of the eighth invention is a product search device according to the sixth or seventh invention, in which each of the two or more edges of the product information has a weight, and the second search unit acquires, from the two or more product information determined by the first search unit, two or more product information that satisfies a second condition for the shape information in the second query, acquires a weight for each of the two or more edges in each of the two or more product information, and acquires a second search result using the two or more weights.

[0020] With this configuration, it is possible to easily search for required product information from among a plurality of pieces of product information.

[0021] The product search device of the ninth invention is a product search device in which, compared to the fourth invention, the product information of the product management unit has three or more nodes and two or more edges connecting the three or more nodes, and the three or more nodes include network structure information having one or more function nodes which are nodes corresponding to function information, one or more processing method nodes which are nodes corresponding to processing method information, and one or more shape nodes which are nodes corresponding to shape information, the first query construction means acquires a first query including network structure information having one or more function nodes which are function information corresponding to a first area, one or more processing method nodes which are processing method information corresponding to the first area, and one or more edges connecting the one or more function nodes and the one or more processing method nodes, and the first search unit determines two or more product information having network structure information that satisfies a first condition, based on the network structure information included in the first query.

[0022] With this configuration, it is possible to easily search for required product information from among a plurality of pieces of product information. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the product search device of the present invention, it is possible to easily search for required product information from among a plurality of pieces of product information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] Conceptual diagram of information system A in embodiment 1. [Diagram 2] Block diagram of Information System A [Diagram 3] A flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the product search device 1. [Figure 4] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of the first search process. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the first search process. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating an example of the functional node inspection [Figure 7] A flowchart for explaining an example of node inspection in the processing method [Figure 8] Flowchart for explaining an example of feature shape node inspection [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of the second search process. [Figure 10] A flowchart for explaining a second example of the same search process [Figure 11] A diagram showing the function node management table [Figure 12] A diagram showing the processing method node management table. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows the characteristic shape node management table. [Figure 14] A diagram showing a node management table for identical surfaces [Figure 15] FIG. 1 shows the edge management table. [Figure 16] A diagram showing the knowledge management table [Figure 17] A diagram showing the image management table [Figure 18] A diagram showing an example of the same image. [Figure 19] A diagram showing an example of the network structure. [Figure 20] A diagram showing an example of the network structure. [Figure 21] A diagram showing an example of product information [Figure 22] A diagram showing an example of the network structure. [Figure 23] A diagram showing an example of the output [Figure 24] A diagram showing an example of the output [Diagram 25] A diagram showing an example of the network structure. [Figure 26] Overview of the computer system [Figure 27] Block diagram of the computer system DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a product search device and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that components with the same reference numerals in the embodiments perform similar operations, and therefore repeated description may be omitted.

[0026] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, a product search device is described that refers to a product management unit in which two or more product information pieces having function information, processing method information, and shape information for each of two or more products are stored, accepts a first query having function information and processing method information of a target product, performs a first search to determine two or more product information pieces that satisfy a first condition for the first query, then accepts a second query having shape information of the target product, performs a second search to determine product information pieces that satisfy a second condition for the second query, and outputs the information obtained by the second search.

[0027] In this specification, information X being associated with information Y means that information Y can be obtained from information X, or information X can be obtained from information Y, and the method of association is not important. Information X and information Y may be linked, may exist in the same buffer, information X may be included in information Y, or information Y may be included in information X, etc.

[0028] 1 is a conceptual diagram of an information system A according to the present embodiment. The information system A includes a product search device 1 and one or more terminal devices 2.

[0029] The product search device 1 is a device that searches for product information. Here, the product search device 1 is, for example, a so-called server device. The product search device 1 is, for example, a cloud server or an ASP server, but the type and installation location are not important. The product search device 1 may also be a standalone device.

[0030] The terminal device 2 is a terminal used by a user. The user is someone who searches for product information, for example, a product designer. However, the user's position does not matter. The terminal device 2 may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or mobile phone, or a so-called personal computer, and the type does not matter. Note that the product may be, for example, an industrial product designed using CAD, but the type does not matter. The product may be, for example, a part, but it may also be a finished product.

[0031] 2 is a block diagram of the information system A in this embodiment. The product search device 1 includes a storage unit 11, a reception unit 12, a processing unit 13, and an output unit .

[0032] The storage unit 11 includes a product management unit 111. The reception unit 12 includes a first reception unit 121 and a second reception unit 122. The first reception unit 121 includes, for example, a first partial reception means 1211 and a first query configuration means 1212. The second reception unit 122 includes, for example, a second partial reception means 1221 and a second query configuration means 1222. The processing unit 13 includes a first search unit 131, a second search unit 132, and an information configuration unit 133. The output unit 14 includes an image output unit 141 and a result output unit 142.

[0033] The terminal device 2 includes a terminal storage unit 21, a terminal reception unit 22, a terminal processing unit 23, a terminal transmission unit 24, a terminal reception unit 25, and a terminal output unit .

[0034] Various types of information are stored in the storage unit 11 constituting the product search device 1. The various types of information are, for example, product information to be described later and images of target products.

[0035] The target product image is an image of the product being searched for. The image is preferably a three-dimensional image. The image is, for example, a CAD drawing. The data structure of the image does not matter. The target product image is preferably associated with network structure information, which will be described later. A first region, which will be described later, and a second region, which will be described later, of the target product image are preferably associated with network structure information, which will be described later.

[0036] A first region of the image of the target product, which will be described later, is associated with function information and processing method information. It is preferable that shape information (particularly, characteristic shape information) is associated with the first region. Material information may also be associated with the first region. Shape surface information may also be associated with the first region.

[0037] Shape information (particularly, shape surface information) is associated with a second region of the image of the target product, which will be described later. Function information and processing method information may be associated with the second region. Characteristic shape information may be associated with the second region.

[0038] The information associated with the first region and the second region may be the same. The first region and the second region are usually different regions. The first region and the second region may partially overlap. The first region may be included in the second region, and the second region may be included in the first region.

[0039] Two or more pieces of product information are stored in the product management unit 111. A large amount of product information is usually stored in the product management unit 111. Note that the product management unit 111 may exist in an external device other than the product search device 1.

[0040] Product information is information about a product. Product information is usually information about products that were designed in the past. Product information includes product function information, product processing method information, and product shape information. Product information may further include material information. Note that material information may be included in other information such as function information. Product information may also include knowledge. Knowledge is information that is useful for manufacturing a product. Knowledge is, for example, a character string, but it may also be a still image, video, audio, etc., and the data type is not important.

[0041] Functional information is information that specifies the function of a product. Examples of functional information are "shielding" and "fixation." Functional information corresponds to, for example, a functional identifier. A functional identifier is information that identifies functional information. A functional identifier is, for example, an ID. An ID is, for example, a function node identifier described below. Functional information may correspond to one or more functional attribute values. Functional information may have one or more functional attribute values. A functional attribute value is a product attribute value related to a function. Examples of functional attribute values ​​are "constraint," "load," "material," and "processing material." "Constraint" is information that indicates the presence or absence of constraint. Constraint indicates that a product is fixed by applying a load or the like in a specific direction when installing the product.

[0042] The processing method information is information that specifies the processing method used when manufacturing a product. An example of the processing method information is "drawing processing". The processing method information corresponds to, for example, a processing method identifier. The processing method identifier is information that identifies the processing method information. The processing method identifier is, for example, an ID. This ID is, for example, a processing method node identifier described later. The processing method information may correspond to one or more processing method attribute values. The processing method information may have one or more processing method attribute values. The processing method attribute value is an attribute value of the product related to the processing method. The processing method attribute value is, for example, "drawing ratio", "forming speed", "density", "Young's modulus", and "Poisson's ratio".

[0043] The shape information is information about the shape of a product. The shape information includes, for example, characteristic shape information and shape surface information.

[0044] The characteristic shape information is information that specifies the characteristics of the shape of a product. Examples of the characteristic shape information are "deep drawing", "cylinder", and "torus". The characteristic shape information may correspond to one or more characteristic shape attribute values. The characteristic shape information may have one or more characteristic shape attribute values. The characteristic shape attribute value is an attribute value related to the characteristic shape of a product. An example of the characteristic shape attribute value is "molding stress", and an example of the characteristic shape attribute value is "79 [kgf / mm 2The shape attribute value is, for example, "compressive stress" and is, for example, "40 [kgf / mm 2 The shape attribute value is, for example, "load", and is, for example, 53 [kg / mm 2 ]. The characteristic shape attribute value is, for example, "drawing diameter" and is, for example, 60 [mm]. The characteristic shape attribute value is, for example, "forming speed" and is, for example, 30 [mm / sec]. The characteristic shape information corresponds to, for example, a characteristic shape identifier. The characteristic shape identifier is information that identifies the characteristic shape information. The characteristic shape information is, for example, an ID. This ID is, for example, a characteristic shape node identifier described later.

[0045] The shape surface information is information related to the shape surface of a product. Examples of the shape surface information are "cylinder", "torus (circle)", "bead", and "torus (path)". The shape surface information may correspond to one or more shape surface attribute values. The shape surface information may have one or more shape surface attribute values. The shape surface attribute value is an attribute value related to the shape surface of a product. Examples of the shape surface attribute value are "drawing diameter", "allowable dimensional error", "compressive stress", and "size". The shape surface information corresponds to, for example, a shape surface identifier. The shape surface identifier is information that identifies the shape surface information. The shape surface information is, for example, an ID. This ID is, for example, a shape surface node identifier, which will be described later.

[0046] Material information is information that identifies the material of a product. For example, material information can be "soft iron" or "brass." "" and "Resin". The material information corresponds to, for example, a material identifier. The material identifier is information that identifies the material information. The material identifier is, for example, an ID. This ID is, for example, a material node identifier, which will be described later.

[0047] The receiving unit 12 receives various types of information, instructions, etc. Examples of the various types of information, instructions, etc. include a first inquiry, which will be described later, and a second inquiry, which will be described later.

[0048] The first reception unit 121 receives a first inquiry. The first inquiry is an inquiry for the first stage of narrowing down the product information. The first inquiry has function information and processing method information. That is, the first stage of narrowing down the product information is performed using the function information and the processing method information. It is preferable that the first inquiry has function information, processing method information, and characteristic shape information. That is, it is preferable that the first stage of narrowing down the product information is performed using the function information, processing method information, and characteristic shape information. The first inquiry may further have material information. That is, the first stage of narrowing down the product information may also be performed using the material information.

[0049] The function information, processing method information, characteristic shape information, or material information contained in the first inquiry is product information of the target product. The target product is, for example, a product to be designed.

[0050] Here, acceptance typically refers to the receipt of instructions or information sent from terminal device 2 via a wired or wireless communication line, but may also be a concept that includes the acceptance of instructions or information entered from an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, or the acceptance of instructions or information read from a recording medium such as an optical disk, magnetic disk, or semiconductor memory.

[0051] The first part receiving means 1211 receives a first part instruction. The first part instruction is an instruction for a first area in the image of the target product. The first area is a part of the image of the target product. The image of the target product is an image output by the first image output unit 141 described later.

[0052] The means by which the user inputs the first part instruction may be, for example, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The first part instruction is received, for example, from the terminal device 2, but may also be received from an input means such as a mouse or a touch panel.

[0053] The first query constructing unit 1212 acquires a first query having function information and processing method information associated with a first region corresponding to the first part instruction. The first query constructing unit 1212 acquires a first query having, for example, function information, processing method information, and characteristic shape information associated with a first region corresponding to the first part instruction. The first query may also include material information.

[0054] The first query may include network structure information as described later. For example, the first query is "<functional information> shielding <processing method information> drawing", "<functional information> shielding <processing method information> drawing <characteristic shape information> deep drawing", or "<functional information> shielding <processing method information> drawing <characteristic shape information> deep drawing <material information> soft iron".

[0055] The first query constructing means 1212 acquires a first query including network structure information corresponding to a first region of an image of a target product, for example. Such network structure information has two or more nodes and one or more edges. The network structure information here usually has one or more function nodes, one or more processing method nodes, and one or more edges connecting the one or more function nodes and the one or more processing method nodes. The network structure information may have one or more shape nodes. The shape nodes are also connected to other nodes by edges. It is preferable that the one or more shape nodes included in the network structure information are characteristic shape nodes. The shape nodes are, for example, characteristic shape nodes or shape surface nodes.

[0056] A function node is a node that indicates function information. A function node corresponds to a function node identifier. A function node identifier is information that identifies a function node. A function node identifier is usually an ID of a function node. A function node has, for example, function information and one or more function attribute values. The function attribute values ​​are, for example, "constraint", "load", and "material information". In other words, material information may be included in a function node.

[0057] A processing method node is a node that indicates processing method information. A processing method node corresponds to a processing method node identifier. A processing method node identifier is information that identifies a processing method node. A processing method node identifier is usually an ID of a processing method node. A processing method node has, for example, processing method information, and one or more processing method attribute values. The processing method attribute values ​​are, for example, a processing method, a "drawing ratio," a "forming speed," a "density," a "Young's modulus," and a "Poisson's ratio."

[0058] A shape node is a node that indicates shape information. A shape node corresponds to a shape node identifier. A shape node identifier is information that identifies a shape node. A shape node identifier is usually an ID of a function node. A shape node has, for example, a shape feature, one or more shape attribute values. Function attribute values ​​are, for example, "molding stress", "compressive stress", "load", "drawing diameter", and "allowable dimensional error".

[0059] A characteristic shape node is a node that indicates characteristic shape information. A characteristic shape node corresponds to a characteristic shape node identifier. A characteristic shape node identifier is information that identifies a characteristic shape node. A characteristic shape node identifier is usually an ID of a characteristic shape node. A characteristic shape node has, for example, characteristic shape information, and one or more characteristic shape attribute values. The characteristic shape attribute values ​​are, for example, "forming stress", "compressive stress", "load", "drawing diameter", and "forming speed".

[0060] A shape surface node is a node that indicates shape surface information. A shape surface node corresponds to a shape surface node identifier. A shape surface node identifier is information that identifies a shape surface node. A shape surface node identifier is usually an ID of a shape surface node. A shape surface node has, for example, shape surface information, and one or more shape surface attribute values. The shape surface attribute values ​​are, for example, "drawing diameter", "allowable dimensional error", "compressive stress", and "size".

[0061] An edge is information that connects nodes. An edge corresponds to an edge identifier. An edge identifier is information that identifies an edge. An edge identifier is usually an edge ID. An edge has a weight. A weight indicates the strength of the connection between two nodes. A weight indicates the importance of the connection between two nodes. For example, the greater the frequency of the connection between two nodes in multiple product information, the greater the weight. An edge usually corresponds to the identifier of each of the two nodes it connects.

[0062] The second reception unit 122 receives a second inquiry. The second inquiry is an inquiry for a second stage of narrowing down product information after the first stage of narrowing down product information. The second inquiry is an inquiry for a second stage of narrowing down product information after the first stage of narrowing down product information, further narrowing down product information from the narrowed down product information. The second inquiry usually has shape information of the target product. That is, the second stage of narrowing down product information is performed using the shape information. The shape information here is usually shape surface information. That is, the second stage of narrowing down product information is performed using the shape surface information. The shape information here may have characteristic shape information. That is, the second stage of narrowing down product information may also be performed using the characteristic shape information.

[0063] The second part receiving unit 1221 receives a second part instruction. The second part instruction is an instruction for a second area in the image of the target product. The image of the target product is an image output by the first image output unit 141, which will be described later.

[0064] The means by which the user inputs the second part instruction may be, for example, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The second part instruction is received, for example, from the terminal device 2, but may also be received from an input means such as a mouse or a touch panel.

[0065] The second query constructing unit 1222 obtains a second query having shape information associated with a second region corresponding to the second portion instruction.

[0066] The second query may include network structure information as described below. For example, the second query may include, for example, "<molding stress> 79 [kgf / mm 2 ] <Compressive stress> 40 [kgf / mm 2 ] <Load> 53 [kg / mm 2 ] <Aperture diameter> 60 [mm] <Allowable dimensional error> 1.03 x plate thickness.

[0067] The processing unit 13 performs various types of processing. The various types of processing are, for example, processing performed by a first search unit 131, a second search unit 132, or an information configuration unit 133.

[0068] The first search unit 131 determines, from the product management unit 111, two or more pieces of product information that satisfy a first condition for the function information and processing method information included in the first inquiry received by the first receiving unit 121. Note that the first search unit 131 may determine one piece of product information. Also, determining the product information means, for example, acquiring the product information or a product identifier of the product information or a link to the product information.

[0069] The first condition is, for example, that they are identical, or that the similarity is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The similarity is, for example, the degree to which information including function information and processing method information in the first query matches. The similarity is, for example, the similarity between a vector whose elements are one or more function attribute values ​​in the function information in the first query and one or more processing method attribute values ​​in the processing method information, and a vector whose elements are one or more function attribute values ​​in the function information in the product information to be searched and one or more processing method attribute values ​​in the processing method information.

[0070] The first search unit 131 may determine, from the product management unit 111, two or more pieces of product information that satisfy a first condition for the function information, processing method information, and characteristic shape information contained in the first inquiry.

[0071] The first search unit 131 may determine two or more pieces of product information that satisfy the first condition for the material information included in the first query from the product management unit 111. In other words, the first search unit 131 may determine two or more pieces of product information that satisfy the first condition for the function information, processing method information, and material information included in the first query from the product management unit 111. The first search unit 131 may also determine two or more pieces of product information that satisfy the first condition for the function information, processing method information, characteristic shape, and material information included in the first query from the product management unit 111.

[0072] The first search unit 131 may determine, from the product management unit 111, two or more pieces of product information having network structure information that satisfies a first condition for the network structure information included in the first query.

[0073] The second search unit 132 determines, from the two or more pieces of product information determined by the first search unit 131, one or more pieces of product information that satisfy a second condition for the shape information included in the second query.

[0074] It is preferable that the second search unit 132 determines, from the two or more pieces of product information determined by the first search unit 131, one or more pieces of product information that satisfy a second condition for the shape surface information included in the second query.

[0075] The second condition is, for example, that they are identical, or that the similarity is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The similarity is, for example, the degree to which information including the shape surface information contained in the second query matches.

[0076] It is preferable that the second search unit 132 acquires two or more pieces of product information that satisfy a second condition for the shape information in the second query from among the two or more pieces of product information determined by the first search unit 131, acquires weights for two or more edges in each of the two or more pieces of product information, and acquires the second search result using the two or more weights.

[0077] Obtaining the second search result using a weight of 2 or more means, for example, obtaining the second search result in which the product information is sorted in descending order of the statistical processing result (e.g., total, average value) of the weight of 2 or more. Such processing is a sorting process using weights.

[0078] Obtaining the second search result using a weight of 2 or more means, for example, obtaining a second search result having only product information whose statistical processing result (e.g., total, average) of the weights of 2 or more is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Such processing is a filtering process using weights.

[0079] The information configuration unit 133 configures the second search result to be output using one or more pieces of product information determined by the second search unit 132. The second search result is information that allows the one or more pieces of product information determined by the second search unit 132 to be recognized by the user. The second search result has, for example, an image of the product included in the one or more pieces of product information determined by the second search unit 132.

[0080] The information configuration unit 133 typically configures the first search result to be output using two or more pieces of product information determined by the first search unit 131. The first search result is information that allows the two or more pieces of product information determined by the first search unit 131 to be recognized by the user. The first search result has, for example, an image of a product contained in the one or more pieces of product information determined by the first search unit 131. The data structure and contents of the first search result and the second search result are not important.

[0081] The output unit 14 outputs various information, such as an image of the target product, the first search result, and the second search result.

[0082] Here, output typically means transmission to terminal device 2, but it may also be a concept that includes display on a display, projection using a projector, printing on a printer, sound output, transmission to devices other than terminal device 2, storage on a recording medium, and handing over the processing results to other processing devices or other programs, etc.

[0083] The image output unit 141 outputs an image of the target product. The image output unit 141 usually outputs an image of the target product stored in the storage unit 11.

[0084] The result output unit 142 outputs the first search result regarding the two or more pieces of product information determined by the first search unit 131 .

[0085] The result output unit 142 outputs the second search result related to the one or more pieces of product information determined by the second search unit 132 .

[0086] Various types of information are stored in the terminal storage unit 21 constituting the terminal device 2. The various types of information are, for example, images of the target product.

[0087] The terminal reception unit 22 receives various instructions, information, etc. The various instructions, information, etc. are, for example, an output instruction for the target product, a first inquiry, and a second inquiry. Note that the output instruction for the target product includes information that identifies the target product.

[0088] Here, reception is a concept that includes reception of information input from input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, reception of information transmitted via a wired or wireless communication line, and reception of information read from recording media such as an optical disk, magnetic disk, or semiconductor memory.

[0089] The means for inputting various instructions and information may be any means, such as a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, or a menu screen.

[0090] The device processing unit 23 performs various types of processing. For example, the various types of processing are processing for configuring information received by the device receiving unit 25 into data to be displayed. For example, the various types of processing are processing for configuring instructions, etc. accepted by the device accepting unit 22 into instructions, etc. to be transmitted.

[0091] The terminal transmitting unit 24 transmits various instructions, information, and the like to the product search device 1. The various instructions, information, and the like are, for example, instructions configured by the terminal processing unit 23, instructions and information accepted by the terminal accepting unit 22, and the like.

[0092] The terminal receiving unit 25 receives various information from the product search device 1. The various information is, for example, the search result. The search result is, for example, the first search result or the second search result.

[0093] The terminal output unit 26 acquires various information. The various information is, for example, information accepted by the terminal acceptance unit 22, information received by the terminal reception unit 25, and information configured by the device processing unit 23. The various information is, for example, a first search result and a second search result.

[0094] Here, output is a concept that includes display on a display, projection using a projector, printing on a printer, sound output, transmission to an external device, storage on a recording medium, and handing over the processing results to other processing devices or other programs, etc.

[0095] The storage unit 11, the product management unit 111, and the terminal storage unit 21 are preferably non-volatile recording media, but may also be realized as volatile recording media.

[0096] There is no restriction on the process by which information is stored in the storage unit 11, etc. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 11, etc. via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line, etc. may be stored in the storage unit 11, etc., or information inputted via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 11, etc.

[0097] The reception unit 12, the first reception unit 121, the second reception unit 122, the first partial reception means 1211, and the second partial reception means 1221 are preferably realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by a means for receiving broadcasts, a device driver for an input means such as a touch panel or a keyboard, or control software for a menu screen.

[0098] The processing unit 13, the first query configuration means 1212, the second query configuration means 1222, the first search unit 131, the second search unit 132, the information configuration unit 133, and the terminal processing unit 23 can usually be realized by a processor, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the processing unit 13, etc. is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded in a recording medium such as a ROM. However, they may also be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit). The processor may be a CPU, MPU, GPU, or the like, and the type is not important.

[0099] The output unit 14, image output unit 141, and result output unit 142 are usually realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by broadcasting means.

[0100] The output unit 14 and the like may be realized by an output device such as a display, a speaker, etc. The output unit 14 and the like may be realized by driver software for the output device, or a combination of driver software for the output device and the output device, etc.

[0101] The terminal reception unit 22 can be realized by a device driver for an input means such as a touch panel or a keyboard, or control software for a menu screen.

[0102] The terminal transmitting unit 24 is usually realized by a wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by a broadcasting means.

[0103] The terminal receiving unit 25 is usually realized by a wireless or wired communication means, but may be realized by a means for receiving a broadcast.

[0104] The terminal output unit 26 may be considered to include, or may not include, an output device such as a display, a speaker, etc. The terminal output unit 26 may be realized by driver software for an output device, or a combination of driver software for an output device and an output device, etc.

[0105] Next, an example of the operation of the product search device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0106] (Step S301) The reception unit 12 judges whether or not an output instruction for the target product that is the search target has been received. If an output instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S302, and if an output instruction has not been received, the process proceeds to step S304.

[0107] In this step, the reception unit 12 determines whether or not an output instruction has been received from the terminal device 2, for example.

[0108] (Step S302) The processing unit 13 acquires product information of the target product corresponding to the output instruction from the storage unit 11. Note that the product information usually includes an image of the target product.

[0109] (Step S303) The image output unit 141 outputs a part or all of the product information of the target product acquired in step S302. Here, the output unit 14 outputs, for example, an image of the target product. Return to step S301.

[0110] In this step, for example, the image output unit 141 transmits to the terminal device 2 a part or all of the product information of the target product acquired in step S302.

[0111] (Step S304) The first part receiving means 1211 judges whether or not the first query has been received. If the first query has been received, the process proceeds to step S305, and if the first query has not been received, the process returns to step S301.

[0112] In this step, the first part receiving means 1211 determines whether or not a first inquiry has been received from the terminal device 2, for example.

[0113] (Step S305) The first search unit 131 performs a first search process which is a first stage of narrowing down. An example of the first search process will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0114] (Step S306) The information configuration unit 133 configures a first search result using the one or more pieces of product information determined in step S305. Note that the one or more pieces of product information determined in step S305 are product information corresponding to the product identifiers, etc., stored in a buffer (not shown).

[0115] (Step S307) The result output unit 142 outputs the first search result formed in step S306.

[0116] In this step, the result output unit 142 transmits the first search result to the terminal device 2, for example.

[0117] (Step S308) The second part receiving unit 1221 judges whether or not the second query has been received. If the second query has been received, the process proceeds to step S309, and if the second query has not been received, the process returns to step S308.

[0118] In this step, the second part receiving means 1221 determines, for example, whether or not a second inquiry has been received from the terminal device 2.

[0119] (Step S309) The second search unit 132 performs a second search process which is a second stage of narrowing down. An example of the second search process will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0120] (Step S310) The information configuration unit 133 configures a second search result using the one or more pieces of product information determined in step S309. Note that the one or more pieces of product information determined in step S309 are product information corresponding to the product identifiers, etc., stored in a buffer (not shown).

[0121] (Step S311) The result output unit 142 outputs the second search result formed in step S310. Return to step S301.

[0122] In this step, the result output unit 142 transmits the second search result to the terminal device 2, for example.

[0123] In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0124] Next, a first example of the first search process in step S305 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0125] (Step S401) First search unit 131 acquires function information included in the first query.

[0126] (Step S402) First search unit 131 acquires processing method information included in the first query.

[0127] (Step S403) The first search unit 131 judges whether or not there is other information included in the first query. If there is other information, the process proceeds to step S404. If there is no other information, the process proceeds to step S405. The other information is information other than the function information and the processing method information, such as characteristic shape information.

[0128] (Step S404) First search unit 131 acquires other information contained in the first query.

[0129] (Step S405) The first retrieval unit 131 assigns 1 to a counter i.

[0130] (Step S406) First search unit 131 determines whether or not the i-th product information exists in product management unit 111. If the i-th product information exists, the process proceeds to step S407, and if the i-th product information does not exist, the process returns to the upper process.

[0131] (Step S407) The first search unit 131 acquires the function information and the like contained in the i-th product information from the product management unit 111. Note that the function information and the like is, for example, function information, processing method information, and characteristic shape information.

[0132] (Step S408) First search unit 131 compares the function information etc. in the first query with the function information etc. acquired in step S407, and acquires a comparison result. Note that the comparison here is, for example, a comparison between the function information in the first query and the function information acquired in step S407, a comparison between the processing method information in the first query and the processing method information acquired in step S407, and a comparison between the characteristic shape information in the first query and the characteristic shape information acquired in step S407.

[0133] (Step S409) First search unit 131 judges whether or not the comparison result in step S408 satisfies a first condition. If the first condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S410, and if the first condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S411.

[0134] The first condition is, for example, that the two pieces of function information match, that the two pieces of processing method information match, and that the two pieces of feature shape information match. The first condition is, for example, that the two pieces of function information match, that the two pieces of processing method information match, that the two pieces of feature shape information match, and that the similarity of one or more function attribute values ​​corresponding to each of the two pieces of function information is equal to or greater than a threshold value, that the similarity of one or more processing method attribute values ​​corresponding to the two pieces of processing method information is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and that the similarity of one or more feature shape attribute values ​​corresponding to the two pieces of feature shape information is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0135] (Step S410) The first search unit 131 acquires the product identifier, etc. of the i-th product information, and temporarily stores it in a buffer (not shown). The product identifier, etc. is, for example, a product identifier and product information, or a product identifier and a product image. The i-th product identifier, etc. is used to compose the first search result.

[0136] (Step S411) The first retrieval unit 131 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S406.

[0137] Next, a second example of the first search process in step S305 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. The second example of the first search process is a case in which network structure information is used.

[0138] (Step S501) The first retrieval unit 131 assigns 1 to a counter i.

[0139] (Step S502) First search unit 131 determines whether or not the i-th product information exists in product management unit 111. If the i-th product information exists, the process proceeds to step S503, and if the i-th product information does not exist, the process returns to the upper process.

[0140] (Step S503) The first search unit 131 acquires the i-th product information from the product management unit 111.

[0141] (Step S504) The first search unit 131 performs a function node check. An example of the function node check will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0142] The function node inspection is a process for determining whether the function node of the target product to be searched and the function node of the i-th product information match the first function condition. The first function condition is a condition related to the function node among the first conditions.

[0143] (Step S505) If the determination result acquired in step S504 is "satisfies the first functional condition", the first search unit 131 proceeds to step S506, and if the determination result is "does not satisfy the first functional condition", the first search unit 131 proceeds to step S512.

[0144] (Step S506) The first search unit 131 performs a processing method node check. An example of the processing method node check will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0145] The processing method node inspection is a process to determine whether the processing method node of the target product to be searched and the processing method node of the i-th product information match the first processing method condition. The first processing method condition is a condition related to the processing method node among the first conditions.

[0146] (Step S507) If the judgment result obtained in step S506 is "satisfies the first processing method condition", the first search unit 131 proceeds to step S508, and if the judgment result is "does not satisfy the first processing method condition", the first search unit 131 proceeds to step S512.

[0147] (Step S508) The first search unit 131 performs a characteristic shape node inspection. An example of the characteristic shape node inspection will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0148] The feature shape node inspection is a process to determine whether the feature shape node of the target product to be searched and the feature shape node of the i-th product information match the feature shape first condition. The feature shape first condition is a condition related to the feature shape node among the first conditions.

[0149] (Step S509) If the determination result acquired in step S508 is "satisfies the first shape condition", the first search unit 131 proceeds to step S510, and if the determination result is "does not satisfy the first shape condition", the first search unit 131 proceeds to step S512.

[0150] (Step S510) The first search unit 131 obtains the weights of all edges connecting the function nodes, processing method nodes, and characteristic shape nodes that are determined to satisfy the condition, and obtains a statistical value (e.g., the sum) of the weights of all the edges.

[0151] (Step S511) The first search unit 131 accumulates the i-th product identifier, etc. in a buffer (not shown). The i-th product identifier, etc. is, for example, the i-th product identifier, product information, and a statistical value of weight. The i-th product identifier, etc. is used to compose the first search result.

[0152] (Step S512) The first retrieval unit 131 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S502.

[0153] Next, an example of the function node inspection in step S504 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0154] (Step S601) The first search unit 131 acquires one or more function nodes included in the product information of the target product.

[0155] (Step S602) The first retrieval unit 131 assigns 1 to a counter i.

[0156] (Step S603) First search unit 131 judges whether or not the i-th function node exists among the function nodes acquired in step S601. If the i-th function node exists, the process proceeds to step S604, and if the i-th function node does not exist, the process proceeds to step S610. Note that the function node acquired in step S601 is the function node on the search side.

[0157] (Step S604) The first retrieval unit 131 assigns 1 to a counter j.

[0158] (Step S605) First search unit 131 judges whether or not the jth function node on the searched side exists. If the jth function node exists, the process proceeds to step S606, and if the jth function node does not exist, the process proceeds to step S609. The searched side refers to the product information acquired in step S503.

[0159] (Step S606) First search unit 131 judges whether or not the i-th function node on the searching side and the j-th function node on the searched side satisfy the first functional condition. If they satisfy the first functional condition, the process proceeds to step S607, and if they do not satisfy the first functional condition, the process proceeds to step S608.

[0160] The first function condition is a first condition regarding function information. For example, the first function condition is that the function information of the function node on the searching side and the function information of the function node on the searched side match. For example, the first function condition is that the function information of the function node on the searching side and one or more function attribute values ​​completely match with the function information of the function node on the searched side and one or more function attribute values. For example, the first function condition is that the function information of the function node on the searching side and the function node on the searched side match with each other, and the similarity between the one or more function attribute values ​​of the function node on the searching side and the one or more function attribute values ​​of the function node on the searched side is equal to or greater than a threshold value. For example, the similarity between the one or more function attribute values ​​of the function node on the searching side and the one or more function attribute values ​​of the function node on the searched side is a value based on the similarity between two vectors having function attribute values ​​as elements, or the number of matching elements in two vectors having function attribute values ​​as elements.

[0161] (Step S607) The first retrieval unit 131 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S603.

[0162] (Step S608) The first retrieval unit 131 increments the counter j by 1. The process returns to step S605.

[0163] (Step S609) The first retrieval unit 131 assigns “not satisfied (for example, “0”)” to the variable “determination result”. Then, the process returns to the upper level process.

[0164] (Step S610) The first search unit 131 assigns "Satisfied (for example, "1")" to the variable "determination result". Then, the process returns to the upper level process.

[0165] Next, an example of the processing method node inspection in step S506 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0166] (Step S701) The first retrieval unit 131 assigns 1 to a counter i.

[0167] (Step S702) First search unit 131 judges whether or not the i-th function node on the search side exists.

[0168] (Step S703) The first search unit 131 acquires one or more processing method nodes connected to the i-th function node on the search side from the product information on the search side.

[0169] (Step S704) First search unit 131 acquires, from the product information on the searched side, one or more processing method nodes connected to a function node on the searched side that satisfies the first functional condition for the i-th function node on the searching side.

[0170] (Step S705) The first retrieval unit 131 assigns 1 to a counter j.

[0171] (Step S706) The first search unit 131 judges whether or not the jth processing method node exists among the one or more processing method nodes acquired in step S703. If the jth processing method node exists, the process proceeds to step S707, and if the jth processing method node does not exist, the process proceeds to step S713.

[0172] (Step S707) The first retrieval unit 131 assigns 1 to a counter k.

[0173] (Step S708) The first search unit 131 judges whether or not the kth processing method node exists among the one or more processing method nodes acquired in step S704. If the kth processing method node exists, the process proceeds to step S709, and if the kth processing method node does not exist, the process proceeds to step S712.

[0174] (Step S709) The first search unit 131 judges whether the j-th processing method node on the searching side and the k-th processing method node on the searched side satisfy the first processing method condition. If the first processing method condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S710. If the first processing method condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S711.

[0175] The first processing method condition is a first condition regarding processing method information. For example, the first processing method condition is that the processing method information possessed by the processing method node on the searching side coincides with the processing method information possessed by the processing method node on the searched side. For example, the first processing method condition is that the processing method information possessed by the processing method node on the searching side and one or more processing method attribute values ​​completely coincide with the processing method information possessed by the processing method node on the searched side and one or more processing method attribute values. For example, the first processing method condition is that the processing method information possessed by the processing method node on the searching side coincides with the processing method information possessed by the processing method node on the searched side, and the similarity between one or more processing method attribute values ​​possessed by the processing method node on the searching side and one or more processing method attribute values ​​possessed by the processing method node on the searched side is equal to or greater than a threshold value. In addition, the similarity between one or more processing method attribute values ​​of a processing method node on the search side and one or more processing method attribute values ​​of a processing method node on the searched side is, for example, a value based on the similarity between two vectors whose elements are the processing method attribute values, or the number of matching elements among two vectors whose elements are the processing method attribute values.

[0176] (Step S710) The first retrieval unit 131 increments the counter j by 1. The process returns to step S706.

[0177] (Step S711) The first retrieval unit 131 increments the counter k by 1. The process returns to step S708.

[0178] (Step S712) The first retrieval unit 131 assigns “not satisfied (for example, “0”)” to the variable “determination result”. Then, the process returns to the upper level process.

[0179] (Step S713) The first retrieval unit 131 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S702.

[0180] (Step S714) The first retrieval unit 131 assigns “Satisfied (for example, “1”)” to the variable “determination result”. Then, the process returns to the upper level process.

[0181] Next, an example of the characteristic shape node inspection in step S508 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0182] (Step S801) The first retrieval unit 131 assigns 1 to a counter i.

[0183] (Step S802) First search unit 131 judges whether or not the i-th function node on the search side exists.

[0184] (Step S803) The first search unit 131 acquires one or more characteristic shape nodes connected to the i-th function node on the search side from the product information on the search side.

[0185] (Step S804) The first search unit 131 acquires, from the product information on the searched side, one or more characteristic shape nodes connected to a function node on the searched side that satisfies the first function condition for the i-th function node on the searching side.

[0186] (Step S805) The first retrieval unit 131 assigns 1 to a counter j.

[0187] (Step S806) The first search unit 131 judges whether or not a j-th characteristic shape node exists among the one or more characteristic shape nodes acquired in step S803. If the j-th characteristic shape node exists, the process proceeds to step S807, and if the j-th characteristic shape node does not exist, the process proceeds to step S813.

[0188] (Step S807) The first retrieval unit 131 assigns 1 to a counter k.

[0189] (Step S808) The first search unit 131 determines whether or not the kth characteristic shape node is present among the one or more characteristic shape nodes acquired in step S804. If the kth characteristic shape node is present, the process proceeds to step S809, and if the kth characteristic shape node is not present, the process proceeds to step S812.

[0190] (Step S809) The first search unit 131 judges whether the j-th characteristic shape node on the searching side and the k-th characteristic shape node on the searched side satisfy the first shape condition. If they satisfy the first shape condition, the process proceeds to step S810, and if they do not satisfy the first shape condition, the process proceeds to step S811.

[0191] The first shape condition is a first condition related to the feature shape information. For example, the first shape condition is that the feature shape information held by the feature shape node on the searching side matches the feature shape information held by the feature shape node on the searched side. For example, the first shape condition is that the feature shape information held by the feature shape node on the searching side and one or more feature shape attribute values ​​completely match the feature shape information held by the feature shape node on the searched side and one or more feature shape attribute values. For example, the first shape condition is that the feature shape information held by the feature shape node on the searching side matches the feature shape information held by the feature shape node on the searched side, and the similarity between one or more feature shape attribute values ​​held by the feature shape node on the searching side and one or more feature shape attribute values ​​held by the feature shape node on the searched side is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The similarity between one or more characteristic shape attribute values ​​of a characteristic shape node on the search side and one or more characteristic shape attribute values ​​of a characteristic shape node on the searched side is, for example, a value based on the similarity between two vectors whose elements are the characteristic shape attribute values, or the number of matching elements in two vectors whose elements are the characteristic shape attribute values.

[0192] (Step S810) The first retrieval unit 131 increments the counter j by 1. The process returns to step S806.

[0193] (Step S811) The first retrieval unit 131 increments the counter k by 1. The process returns to step S808.

[0194] (Step S812) The first retrieval unit 131 assigns “not satisfied (for example, “0”)” to the variable “determination result”, and returns to the upper level process.

[0195] (Step S813) The first retrieval unit 131 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S802.

[0196] (Step S814) The first retrieval unit 131 assigns “Satisfied (for example, “1”)” to the variable “determination result”. Then, the process returns to the upper level process.

[0197] Next, a first example of the second search process in step S309 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0198] (Step S901) The second search unit 132 acquires shape information included in the second query. The shape information here is, for example, shape surface information. The shape information here is, for example, shape surface information and one or more shape surface attribute values.

[0199] (Step S902) Second search unit 132 judges whether or not there is other information included in the second query. If there is other information, the process proceeds to step S903, and if there is no other information, the process proceeds to step S904.

[0200] (Step S903) The second search unit 132 acquires other information contained in the second query.

[0201] (Step S904) The second search unit 132 assigns 1 to a counter i.

[0202] (Step S905) The second search unit 132 determines whether the i-th product identifier is present among the product identifiers found as a result of the first search process. If the i-th product identifier is present, the process proceeds to step S906, and if the i-th product identifier is not present, the process returns to the upper process.

[0203] (Step S906) The second search unit 132 acquires shape information etc. corresponding to the i-th product identifier. The shape information etc. is, for example, shape surface information, or shape surface information and one or more shape surface attribute values.

[0204] (Step S907) The second search unit 132 compares the shape information etc. included in the second query with the shape information etc. corresponding to the i-th product identifier.

[0205] (Step S908) If the comparison result acquired in step S907 is information that "the second condition is satisfied", the second search unit 132 proceeds to step S909, and if the comparison result is information that "the second condition is not satisfied", the second search unit 132 proceeds to step S910.

[0206] The second condition is, for example, that the two pieces of shape information etc. are a perfect match, that the shape surface information possessed by the two pieces of shape information etc. is a match, or that the shape surface information possessed by the two pieces of shape information etc. is a match and the similarity of one or more shape surface attribute values ​​possessed by the two pieces of shape information etc. is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0207] (Step S909) The second search unit 132 acquires the i-th product identifier, etc., and stores it in a buffer (not shown). The product identifier, etc., is, for example, a product identifier and product information. The i-th product identifier, etc., is used to configure the second search result.

[0208] (Step S910) The second search unit 132 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S904.

[0209] Next, a second example of the second search process in step S309 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 10. The second example of the second search process is a case in which network structure information is used.

[0210] (Step S1001) The second search unit 132 assigns 1 to a counter i.

[0211] (Step S1002) The second search unit 132 judges whether or not the i-th product information exists in the product information searched by the first search process. If the i-th product information exists, the process proceeds to step S1003, and if the i-th product information does not exist, the process returns to the upper process.

[0212] (Step S1003) The second search unit 132 acquires the i-th product information from the product information searched for by the first search process.

[0213] (Step S1004) The second search unit 132 assigns 1 to a counter j.

[0214] (Step S1005) The second search unit 132 judges whether or not the jth shape surface node exists among the shape surface nodes contained in the product information on the search side. If the jth shape surface node exists, the process proceeds to step S1006, and if the jth shape surface node does not exist, the process proceeds to step S10012.

[0215] (Step S1006) The second search unit 132 assigns 1 to a counter k.

[0216] (Step S1007) Second search unit 132 determines whether or not there is a k-th shape surface node on the searched side corresponding to the j-th shape surface node. If the k-th shape surface node exists, the process proceeds to step S1008, and if the k-th shape surface node does not exist, the process proceeds to step S1011.

[0217] In addition, the kth shape surface node on the searched side corresponding to the jth shape surface node is the kth shape surface node among the shape surface nodes connected by an edge to a feature shape node on the searched side that satisfies the first shape condition for the feature shape node on the search side that is connected to the jth shape surface node on the search side.

[0218] (Step S1008) The second search unit 132 judges whether or not the j-th shape surface node on the searching side and the k-th shape surface node on the searched side satisfy the second shape condition. If the second shape condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S1009, and if the second shape condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S1010.

[0219] The second shape condition is a second condition related to the shape information. The second shape condition is, for example, that the shape surface information of each of the two shape surface nodes is identical, or that the shape surface information of each of the two shape surface nodes and one or more shape attribute values ​​are all identical, or that the shape surface information of each of the two shape surface nodes is identical and the similarity of one or more shape attribute values ​​of each of the two shape surface nodes is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0220] (Step S1009) The second search unit 132 increments the counter j by 1. The process returns to step S1005.

[0221] (Step S1010) The second search unit 132 increments the counter k by 1. The process returns to step S1007.

[0222] (Step S1011) The second search unit 132 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S1002.

[0223] (Step S1012) The second search unit 132 accumulates the i-th product identifier, etc. in a buffer (not shown). The i-th product identifier, etc. are used to configure the second search result.

[0224] A specific example of the operation of the information system A in this embodiment will be described below.

[0225] Currently, the product management section 111 of the product search device 1 stores a function node management table as shown in FIG. 11. The function node management table is a table that manages one or more function nodes that make up product information. The function node management table manages one or more records that have a "function node identifier," "function information," and "function attribute value." The "function attribute value" stores information about the product, such as "constraint," "load," "material," and "processed material." The "function information" is information that indicates the function of the product. The "function attribute value" is a product attribute value related to the product's function. The unit of "load" is "kg / mm 2 "

[0226] The product management unit 111 stores a processing method node management table shown in FIG. 12. The processing method node management table is a table that manages one or more processing method nodes that make up product information. The processing method node management table manages one or more records that have a "processing method node identifier," "processing method information," and "processing method attribute value." The "processing method attribute value" has "drawing ratio," "forming speed," "density," "Young's modulus," and "Poisson's ratio." "Processing method information" is information that identifies the processing method. "Processing method attribute value" is a product attribute value related to the processing method of the product.

[0227] The product management unit 111 stores a characteristic shape node management table shown in FIG. 13. The characteristic shape node management table is a table that manages one or more characteristic shape nodes that make up product information. The characteristic shape node management table manages one or more records that have a "characteristic shape node identifier," "characteristic shape," "characteristic shape attribute value," and "image." The "characteristic shape attribute value" has "forming stress," "compressive stress," "load," "drawing diameter," "allowable dimensional error," "forming speed," and "path length." The "characteristic shape" is characteristic shape information. The "characteristic shape attribute value" is a product attribute value related to the product's characteristic shape. The "image" is an identifier for the product's image file. Files identified by the image file identifier are also stored in the product management unit 111.

[0228] The product management unit 111 stores a shape surface node management table shown in FIG. 14. The shape surface node management table is a table that manages one or more shape surface nodes that constitute product information. The characteristic shape node management table manages one or more records having a "shape surface node identifier", "shape surface", "shape surface attribute value", and "knowledge identifier". The "shape surface attribute value" has "drawing diameter", "allowable dimensional error", "compressive stress", "size", "curvature", "load", and "path length". The "shape surface" is shape surface information. The "shape surface attribute value" is a product attribute value related to the shape surface of the product. The "knowledge identifier" is an identifier of knowledge to be referred to when manufacturing the product. The "knowledge identifier" is information that identifies knowledge, for example, an identifier of a file in which the knowledge is stored. It is assumed that the knowledge identified by the identifier is also stored in the product management unit 111.

[0229] The product management unit 111 stores an edge management table shown in Fig. 15. The edge management table is a table that manages one or more edges that make up product information. The edge management table manages one or more records that have an "edge identifier," "connection node 1," "connection node 2," and "weight." "Connecting node 1" and "connecting node 2" are the identifiers of the two nodes that the edge connects.

[0230] The product management unit 111 stores a knowledge management table shown in Fig. 16. The knowledge management table is a table that manages knowledge in the manufacturing (or processing) of a product. The knowledge management table manages one or more records that have a "knowledge identifier" and "knowledge." The "knowledge identifier" is information that identifies knowledge.

[0231] The product management unit 111 stores an image management table shown in FIG. 17. The image management table is a table for managing product images. The image management table has an "image identifier" and an "image." In this case, the "image" is a three-dimensional CAD image of the product. The "image identifier" is information that identifies an image, such as the file name of the image.

[0232] Also, a shape surface node identifier is associated with one or more regions of each image, as shown in the example of Fig. 18. A region can be, for example, either a first region or a second region.

[0233] Also, network structures that can be configured using the management tables of Figs. 11 to 16 are illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20. Fig. 19 is a network structure used by first search unit 131 for a search in the first stage. Such a network structure has function nodes, processing method nodes, characteristic shape nodes, and edges connecting these nodes. Fig. 20 is a network structure used by second search unit 132 for a search in the second stage. Such a network structure has shape surface nodes, and edges connecting these nodes. Corresponding to the characteristic shape nodes and shape surface nodes of Fig. 20.

[0234] In the above situation, it is assumed that the user has output the image of the product information in FIG. 21 to the terminal device 2 in order to search for product information similar to the product information in FIG. 21 and designed in the past. Next, it is assumed that the user inputs a first query to the terminal device 2 by pointing to the first region 2101 of the image in FIG. 21. It is assumed that the product information corresponding to the image in FIG. 21 has the network structure of FIG. 22 in association with the first region 2101 of the image in FIG. 21. The network structure has a function node (F101), a processing method node (M101), a characteristic shape node (TOP_C101), and edges (U_101, U_102, U_103) connecting them (see FIG. 22). Then, the terminal device 2 accepts the first query and transmits the first query to the product search device 1. It is assumed that the first query has the network structure of FIG. 22.

[0235] Next, the first partial receiving means 1211 of the product search device 1 receives a first inquiry having the network structure of FIG. 22 from the terminal device 2. Next, the first search unit 131 performs a first search process, which is a first stage of narrowing down product information, by the process described using the flowchart of FIG. 5. Here, it is assumed that the first search unit 131 has determined six pieces of product information. Next, the information configuration unit 133 configures the first search result using the determined six pieces of product information. Next, the result output unit 142 transmits the configured first search result to the terminal device 2.

[0236] Next, the terminal device 2 receives and outputs the first search result. An example of such output is shown in Fig. 23. 2301 in Fig. 23 indicates that six pieces of product information similar to the product information in Fig. 21 were found. Then, the user designates the third piece of product information (see 2302), and an image 2303 constituting the third piece of product information is output.

[0237] Next, it is assumed that the user designates the second area 2401 of the image of the output product information (see FIG. 24). By designating the second area 2401, the user inputs a second query to the terminal device 2. It is assumed that the second area 2401 of the image of the product information is associated with the network structure shown in FIG. 25. In other words, the second query has the network structure shown in FIG. 25.

[0238] Next, the second part receiving means 1221 of the product search device 1 receives a second inquiry having the network structure of FIG. 25 from the terminal device 2. Next, the second search unit 132 performs a second search process, which is a second stage of narrowing down, on the six product information narrowed down in the first stage by the process described using the flowchart of FIG. 10. Here, it is assumed that the second search unit 132 has determined one product information. Next, the information configuration unit 133 configures a second search result using the determined one product information. Next, the result output unit 142 transmits the configured second search result to the terminal device 2.

[0239] Next, the terminal device 2 receives and outputs the second search result. An example of such output is 2402 in Fig. 24. In 2402, images and knowledge contained in the narrowed-down product information are output.

[0240] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily search for necessary product information from among multiple pieces of product information. In particular, according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily obtain desired product information from among multiple pieces of product information by narrowing down the search in two stages.

[0241] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the product information is narrowed down in the first stage using product function information and product processing method information, and in the second stage using product shape information, thereby making it possible to easily obtain desired product information.

[0242] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the first stage, product information is narrowed down using product function information, product processing method information, and product characteristic shape information, and in the second stage, product information is narrowed down using product shape surface information, thereby making it possible to easily obtain desired product information.

[0243] The processing in this embodiment may be realized by software. This software may be distributed by software download or the like. This software may also be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. This also applies to the other embodiments in this specification. The software that realizes the product search device 1 in this embodiment is a program such as the following. In other words, this program causes a computer that can access a product management unit in which two or more pieces of product information having functional information of a product, processing method information of the product, and shape information related to the shape of the product are stored to function as: a first reception unit that receives a first query having functional information that identifies the function of a target product and processing method information that identifies the processing method of the target product; a first search unit that determines from the product management unit two or more pieces of product information that satisfy a first condition for the functional information and the processing method information contained in the first query; a result output unit that outputs a first search result for the two or more pieces of product information determined by the first search unit; a second reception unit that receives a second query having shape information of the target product; and a second search unit that determines, from the two or more pieces of product information determined by the first search unit, one or more pieces of product information that satisfy a second condition for the shape information contained in the second query, and the result output unit outputs a second search result for the one or more pieces of product information determined by the second search unit.

[0244] Fig. 26 shows the appearance of a computer that executes the programs described in this specification to realize the product search device 1 and the like of the various embodiments described above. The above-mentioned embodiments can be realized by computer hardware and a computer program executed thereon. Fig. 26 is an overview of this computer system 300, and Fig. 27 is a block diagram of the system 300.

[0245] In FIG. 26, a computer system 300 includes a computer 301 including a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard 302, a mouse 303, and a monitor 304.

[0246] 27, computer 301 includes, in addition to CD-ROM drive 3012, MPU 3013, bus 3014 connected to CD-ROM drive 3012 etc., ROM 3015 for storing programs such as a boot-up program, RAM 3016 connected to MPU 3013 for temporarily storing instructions of application programs and providing temporary storage space, and hard disk 3017 for storing application programs, system programs, and data. Although not shown here, computer 301 may further include a network card for providing connection to a LAN.

[0247] A program for causing computer system 300 to execute functions such as the product search device 1 of the above-described embodiment may be stored on CD-ROM 3101, inserted into CD-ROM drive 3012, and further transferred to hard disk 3017. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored on hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into RAM 3016 when executed. The program may also be loaded directly from CD-ROM 3101 or the network.

[0248] The program does not necessarily include an operating system (OS) or a third party program that causes the computer 301 to execute the functions of the product search device 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment. The program only needs to include an instruction portion that calls appropriate functions (modules) in a controlled manner to obtain a desired result. How the computer system 300 operates is well known, and a detailed description will be omitted.

[0249] In addition, in the above program, the steps of transmitting information and receiving information do not include processing performed by hardware, such as processing performed by a modem or interface card in the transmitting step (processing that is performed only by hardware).

[0250] The program may be executed by a single computer or a plurality of computers. That is, the program may be executed by a centralized processing or a distributed processing.

[0251] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication means present in one device may be physically realized by one medium.

[0252] In each of the above embodiments, each process may be realized by centralized processing in a single device, or may be realized by distributed processing in a plurality of devices.

[0253] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0254] As described above, the product search device 1 according to the present invention has the effect of easily searching for required product information from among a plurality of pieces of product information, and is useful as a support device for supporting product design, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0255] A. Information Systems 1 Product search device 2 Terminal Device 11 Storage area 12 Reception 13 Processing section 14 Output section 21 Terminal storage section 22 Terminal Reception 23 Terminal Processing Section 24 Terminal transmitter 25 Terminal receiving section 26 Terminal Output Section 111 Product Management Department 121 First Reception Department 122 Second Reception Department 131 First Search Department 132 Second Search Section 133 Information Composition Department 141 Image output unit 141 First image output unit 142 Result output section 1211 First part reception means 1212 First query construction means 1221 Second part reception means 1222 Second query composition means

Claims

1. a first reception unit that receives a first inquiry having function information that identifies a function of the target product and processing method information that identifies a processing method of the target product; a first search unit that determines, from a product management unit in which two or more pieces of product information are stored, the product information having function information of a product, processing method information of the product, and shape information relating to a shape of the product, two or more pieces of product information that satisfy a first condition for the function information and the processing method information contained in the first query; a result output unit that outputs a first search result related to the two or more pieces of product information determined by the first search unit; a second reception unit that receives a second inquiry having shape information of the target product; a second search unit that determines one or more pieces of product information that satisfy a second condition for the shape information included in the second query from the two or more pieces of product information determined by the first search unit, The result output unit is The product search device outputs a second search result relating to the one or more pieces of product information determined by the second search unit.

2. The shape information includes characteristic shape information that is information that specifies a feature of the shape, and shape surface information that is information about surfaces that constitute the shape, the first inquiry includes the function information of the target product, the processing method information of the target product, and characteristic shape information of the target product; The first search unit, determining, from the product management unit, two or more pieces of product information that satisfy the first condition for the function information, the processing method information, and the characteristic shape information contained in the first inquiry; The second query has shape surface information of the target product, The second search unit, The product search device according to claim 1 , further comprising: determining, from the two or more pieces of product information determined by the first search unit, one or more pieces of product information that satisfy the second condition for the shape surface information contained in the second query.

3. The product information of the product management unit also includes material information that identifies materials of the product, the first query also includes material information; The first search unit, 3. The product search device according to claim 1, wherein two or more pieces of product information that satisfy the first condition are determined from the product management unit for the material information included in the first query.

4. The product information of the product management unit includes an image of a product specified by the product information, and function information and processing method information corresponding to a first region which is at least a part of the image, an image output unit that outputs an image of the target product; The first reception unit, a first portion receiving means for receiving a first portion instruction, which is an instruction for a first region of the image of the target product output by the image output unit; The product search device according to claim 1 , further comprising a first query construction means for acquiring a first query having the function information and the processing method information associated with the first region.

5. The product information of the product management unit also includes shape information corresponding to a second region which is at least a part of the image of the product, The second reception unit is a second part receiving means for receiving a second part instruction, which is an instruction for a second area of ​​the image of the target product being output by the image output unit; 5. The product search apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a second query constructing means for obtaining a second query having said shape information associated with said second region.

6. 6. A product search device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the product information has three or more nodes and two or more edges connecting the three or more nodes, and the three or more nodes include network structure information having one or more function nodes that are nodes corresponding to the function information, one or more processing method nodes that are nodes corresponding to the processing method information, and one or more shape nodes that are nodes corresponding to the shape information.

7. The shape information includes characteristic shape information that identifies a feature of the shape and shape surface information related to a surface, 7. The product search device of claim 6, wherein the product information of the product management unit has four or more nodes and three or more edges connecting the four or more nodes, and the four or more nodes include network structure information having one or more function nodes that are nodes corresponding to the function information, one or more processing method nodes that are nodes corresponding to the processing method information, one or more characteristic shape nodes that are nodes corresponding to the characteristic shapes, and one or more shape surface nodes that are nodes corresponding to the shape surfaces.

8. each of the two or more edges of the product information has a weight; The second search unit, 8. The product search device according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising: acquiring, from the two or more pieces of product information determined by the first search unit, the two or more pieces of product information that satisfy the second condition for the shape information contained in the second query; acquiring weights of two or more edges contained in each of the two or more pieces of product information; and acquiring the second search result using the two or more weights.

9. The product information of the product management unit has three or more nodes and two or more edges connecting the three or more nodes, and the three or more nodes include network structure information having one or more function nodes that are nodes corresponding to the function information, one or more processing method nodes that are nodes corresponding to the processing method information, and one or more shape nodes that are nodes corresponding to the shape information, The first query configuration means is Acquire a first query including network structure information having one or more function nodes which are function information corresponding to the first region, one or more processing method nodes which are processing method information corresponding to the first region, and one or more edges connecting the one or more function nodes and the one or more processing method nodes; The first search unit, 5. The product search device according to claim 4, further comprising: determining, for the network structure information included in the first query, the two or more pieces of product information having network structure information that satisfies the first condition.

10. A product search method implemented by a first reception unit, a first search unit, a result output unit, a second reception unit, and a second search unit, a first reception step in which the first reception unit receives a first inquiry having function information that identifies a function of a target product and processing method information that identifies a processing method of the target product; a first search step in which the first search unit determines, from a product management unit in which two or more pieces of product information are stored, the product information having function information of a product, processing method information of the product, and shape information related to the shape of the product, the two or more pieces of product information that satisfy a first condition for the function information and the processing method information contained in the first query; a result output step in which the result output unit outputs a first search result related to the two or more pieces of product information determined in the first search step; a second reception step in which the second reception unit receives a second inquiry having shape information of the target product; a second search step in which the second reception unit determines one or more pieces of product information that satisfy a second condition for the shape information included in the second query from the two or more pieces of product information determined in the first search step; The result output unit is and outputting a second search result relating to the one or more pieces of product information determined by the second search unit.

11. A computer that can access a product management unit in which two or more pieces of product information including product function information, product processing method information, and product shape information are stored, a first reception unit that receives a first inquiry having function information that identifies a function of the target product and processing method information that identifies a processing method of the target product; a first search unit that determines, from the product management unit, two or more pieces of product information that satisfy a first condition for the function information and the processing method information included in the first query; a result output unit that outputs a first search result related to the two or more pieces of product information determined by the first search unit; a second reception unit that receives a second inquiry having shape information of the target product; functioning as a second search unit that determines, from the two or more pieces of product information determined by the first search unit, one or more pieces of product information that satisfy a second condition for the shape information included in the second query; The result output unit is A program for causing the computer to function as outputting a second search result related to the one or more pieces of product information determined by the second search unit.

Images