Assembly presentation method, assembly presentation system, and program

Abstract

To enable presentation of a freely designed assembly while minimizing provision of information required for the presentation.SOLUTION: An assembly presentation method is provided, comprising designing a desired assembly, generating assembly CAD data CD of the designed assembly, generating assembly-related information RI related to the assembly based on the assembly CAD data CD, and displaying the assembly-related information RI on a second user terminal 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly product presentation method, an assembly product presentation system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the creation of assembled products such as furniture through DIY (Do It Yourself) has become widespread. Specifically, people purchase materials such as wood from a retail store such as a home improvement store, cut the materials themselves, or have the retail store cut them for them. Then, they assemble the cut parts to create an assembled product.

[0003] Patent Document 1 proposes a system that allows customers to order cutting of parts in advance over the Internet and then pick up the parts at the home improvement store after cutting is complete, in order to reduce waiting times when requesting cutting work at a retail store such as a home improvement store.

[0004] In addition, in the above system for ordering assembly products, assembly products that can be ordered over the Internet are presented to the user. The presented assembly products are selectable. By presenting the assembly products and making them selectable, the user can visually check the assembly products that can be ordered and then select the assembly product that they desire. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3220922 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the conventional system, only assemblies with a certain degree of predetermined design could be ordered, and it was not possible for any user to order an assembly designed freely. In addition, when submitting an assembly, it was necessary to provide an actual photo of the assembly and the person submitting the assembly with necessary information (product name, comments, etc.).

[0007] An object of the present invention is to present a freely designed assembly and to minimize the information required for presenting the assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The assembly presentation method according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the following steps. (a) Designing a desired assembly. (b) generating assembly CAD data for the designed assembly; (c) generating assembly-related information related to the assembly based on the assembly CAD data; (d) displaying the assembly-related information on the user terminal;

[0009] In the above-described assembly presentation method, a desired assembly can be designed, and assembly CAD data for the designed assembly is generated. Assembly-related information related to the assembly corresponding to the assembly CAD data is generated based on the generated assembly CAD data, and the generated assembly-related information is displayed on a user terminal. This allows a desired assembly to be freely designed, and assembly-related information related to the freely designed assembly can be presented on the user terminal.

[0010] Furthermore, since assembly CAD data contains a large amount of information about the designed assembly, by generating assembly-related information to be displayed on the user terminal based on the assembly CAD data, it is not necessary for the user who designed the assembly to provide the information necessary for presenting the assembly, or even if necessary, the information that needs to be provided can be kept to a minimum.

[0011] The assembly product presentation method according to the first aspect may further include the steps of receiving a search keyword from a user terminal and searching for assembly CAD data containing information matching the search keyword. Since the assembly CAD data contains a large amount of information about the designed assembly, by searching for assembly CAD data containing information matching the search keyword, assemblies that meet more detailed conditions can be presented. As a result, the user can select a more desired assembly.

[0012] In the assembly presentation method according to the first or second aspect, the step of generating assembly-related information may include a step of generating, based on the assembly CAD data, image data of the assembly shown in the assembly CAD data as the assembly-related information, thereby making it possible to present the appearance of the assembly on the user terminal without obtaining a photograph or the like of the assembly.

[0013] In the assembly presentation method according to any one of the first to third aspects, the assembly CAD data may include material cut-out information regarding the cutting of each part of the assembly from a material. This eliminates the need for the user who designed the assembly to create information about the parts when ordering each part of the assembly cut out from a member.

[0014] In the assembly presentation method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the assembly CAD data may include part information about each part of the assembly, thereby allowing more detailed information about the assembly to be included in the assembly CAD data.

[0015] An assembly presentation system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a first user terminal, a server, and a second user terminal. The first user terminal is a terminal for designing a desired assembly. The server generates assembly CAD data for the assembly designed using the first user terminal and generates assembly-related information related to the assembly based on the assembly CAD data. The second user terminal displays the assembly-related information generated by the server.

[0016] A program according to yet another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute the assembly presenting method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to present a freely designed assembly, and to minimize the information required for presenting the assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an assembly presentation system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a server. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing the assembly design operation in the assembly presentation system. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a CAD interface. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of assembly CAD data. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of components of an assembly. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of material cutout information. [Figure 8A] 10 is a flowchart showing an assembly product presentation / ordering operation in the assembly product presentation system. [Figure 8B] 10 is a flowchart showing an assembly product presentation / ordering operation in the assembly product presentation system. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a start screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of assembly-related information displayed on a second user terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a design change screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 1. Assembly product presentation system (1) Configuration of assembly product presentation system The assembly product presentation system 100 according to this embodiment will be described below. The assembly product presentation system 100 is a system that allows a user to design an assembly product and presents information about the assembly product designed by the user (referred to as assembly-related information RI). The assembly product presentation system 100 also allows other users to select their desired assembly product based on the presented assembly-related information RI, enabling the other users to order the assembly product selected. Examples of assemblies handled by the assembly product presentation system 100 include furniture, pergolas, dog houses, cycle ports, car camping beds, and car racks.

[0020] When a user places an order for an assembly, the assembly presentation system 100 requests a fabricator to cut out parts that make up the ordered assembly from at least one material. The fabricator then delivers the cut-out parts to the user. The user can complete the assembly by assembling the received parts.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an assembly product presentation system 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the assembly product presentation system 100 includes a first user terminal 1, a second user terminal 2, a processor terminal 3, and a server 4. The first user terminal 1, the second user terminal 2, the processor terminal 3, and the server 4 are connected to each other via a network 5 (for example, the Internet) so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0022] The first user terminal 1 and the second user terminal 2 are computer systems configured with a CPU, memory devices (memory devices such as RAM, ROM, SSD, HDD), various interfaces (input devices such as keyboard, mouse, touch panel, audio input / output devices such as microphone, speaker, network interface, etc.), display devices (organic EL display, liquid crystal display, etc.), etc. The first user terminal 1 and the second user terminal 2 are, for example, mobile terminals (e.g., smartphones, tablet terminals, etc.) or personal computers.

[0023] The first user terminal 1 and the second user terminal 2 are terminals used by users who use the assembly presentation system 100. In the following description, the terminal used by a user who designs an assembly is referred to as the first user terminal 1, and the terminal used by a user who views assembly-related information is referred to as the second user terminal 2. In addition, the user who designs an assembly is referred to as the "design user," and the user who views assembly-related information is referred to as the "viewing user."

[0024] The processor terminal 3 is a computer system configured with a CPU, memory devices (memory devices such as RAM, ROM, SSD, HDD), various interfaces (input devices such as keyboard, mouse, touch panel, audio input / output devices such as microphone, speaker, network interface, etc.), display devices (organic EL display, liquid crystal display, etc.), etc. The processor terminal 3 is, for example, a mobile terminal (for example, a smartphone, tablet terminal, etc.) or a personal computer.

[0025] The processor terminal 3 is a terminal used by a processor. The processor may be, for example, a store such as a home improvement store. The processor uses the processor terminal 3 to view the CAD data of the assembly received from the server 4 (referred to as assembly CAD data CD), and cuts out the parts that make up the assembly from the materials.

[0026] The server 4 is a computer system configured with a CPU, storage devices (storage devices such as RAM, ROM, SSD, and HDD), various interfaces (network interfaces, etc.), etc. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the server 4. The server 4 has an information processing unit 41 and a storage unit 43. The information processing unit 41 is configured using the CPU, storage devices, etc. that configure the server 4, and executes various information processes related to the server 4. The information processing unit 41 realizes various information processes by executing programs stored in the storage unit 43, etc. The storage unit 43 is configured with storage devices, etc. that configure the server 4, and stores various programs, data, etc.

[0027] The information processing unit 41 executes information processing to have the design user design an assembly using the first user terminal 1 and to generate assembly CAD data CD of the assembly designed using the first user terminal 1. Specifically, the information processing unit 41 executes the CAD program CP stored in the storage unit 43 on the first user terminal 1. The design user designs the assembly using the CAD program CP being executed on the first user terminal 1. The information processing unit 41 generates assembly CAD data CD of the assembly designed by the design user using the first user terminal 1 and stores it in the storage unit 43.

[0028] When an assembly is designed using the first user terminal 1, the information processing unit 41 causes the design user to input input information IN. The input input information IN is stored in the storage unit 43 in association with assembly CAD data CD of the same assembly. Furthermore, the information processing unit 41 generates assembly-related information RI, which is information related to the assembly, based on the assembly CAD data CD and / or the input information IN. The generated assembly-related information RI is stored in the storage unit 43 in association with the input information IN of the same assembly and the assembly CAD data CD of the assembly.

[0029] When a viewing user accesses the server 4 using a second user terminal 2, the information processing unit 41 transmits the assembly-related information RI stored in the storage unit 43 to the second user terminal 2. The second user terminal 2 displays the received assembly-related information RI on a display device. This allows the viewing user to view the assembly-related information RI related to assemblies stored in the server 4. Furthermore, if a desired assembly is found, the viewing user can view detailed information about the assembly (for example, the entire contents of the assembly CAD data CD). Furthermore, the viewing user can use the second user terminal 2 to order the desired assembly (a set of parts for the assembly).

[0030] When viewing the assembly-related information RI using the second user terminal 2, the viewing user can search for an assembly using a search keyword. When the information processing unit 41 receives a search keyword for an assembly from the second user terminal 2, it can search for information included in the assembly CAD data stored in the storage unit 43 and extract the assembly-related information RI associated with the assembly CAD data that includes information matching the search keyword. In addition, the information processing unit 41 can search the input information IN stored in the storage unit 43 and extract the assembly-related information RI associated with the input information IN that matches the search keyword.

[0031] The assembly product presentation system 100 further includes an operator terminal 6. The operator terminal 6 is connected to the server 4 via the network 5 and is capable of communicating with the server 4. The operator terminal 6 is a computer system configured with a CPU, a storage device (storage devices such as RAM, ROM, SSD, HDD), various interfaces (input devices such as keyboard, mouse, touch panel, audio input / output devices such as microphone, speaker, network interface, etc.), a display device (organic EL display, liquid crystal display, etc.), etc. The operator terminal 6 is, for example, a mobile terminal (for example, a smartphone, tablet terminal, etc.) or a personal computer.

[0032] The operator terminal 6 is a terminal used by the operator of the service provided by the assembly presentation system 100. The operator uses the operator terminal 6 to monitor whether any assemblies designed by the design user are identical / similar to assemblies designed in the past. Specifically, the operator uses the operator terminal 6 to view the assembly CAD data CD, input information IN, and / or assembly-related information RI stored in the memory unit 43 of the server 4, thereby monitoring whether multiple identical / similar assemblies exist.

[0033] The administrator can take action such as, for example, issuing a warning to a design user who has designed an assembly that is identical / similar to an assembly designed in the past, or deleting data related to an assembly that is identical / similar to an assembly designed in the past (assembly CAD data CD, input information IN, and / or assembly-related information RI).

[0034] The above-described monitoring of identical / similar assemblies can also be automatically performed by the server 4. For example, the server 4 can use an AI model capable of comparing images to find whether multiple identical / similar assemblies exist in the assembly CAD data CD, input information IN, and / or assembly-related information RI stored in the storage unit 43 of the server 4.

[0035] The operator provides a predetermined incentive to the design user who designed the assembly whose detailed information was viewed by the viewing user and / or the design user who designed the assembly ordered by the viewing user. The incentives provided to the design users may be, for example, cash back, points for services provided by the assembly presentation system 100, or data usage fees for the assembly, which are benefits for the design users.

[0036] (2) Operation of the assembly presentation system (2-1) Assembly design The operation of the assembly presentation system 100 having the above configuration will be described below. First, the assembly design operation in the assembly presentation system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the assembly design operation in the assembly presentation system 100.

[0037] First, the design user accesses the server 4 using the first user terminal 1 (step S1). Specifically, for example, a web browser is executed on the first user terminal 1, and the address (e.g., URL) of the server 4 for designing an assembly is accessed using the web browser.

[0038] When the address for designing an assembly is accessed from the first user terminal 1, the information processing unit 41 of the server 4 executes a process to enable the CAD program CP to be executed on the first user terminal 1. Specifically, the information processing unit 41 executes the CAD program CP and transmits a CAD interface CI for remotely operating the CAD program CP being executed on the server 4 to the first user terminal 1 (step S2).

[0039] The CAD interface CI can be, for example, an interface as shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the CAD interface CI. This CAD interface CI includes a field FI for drawing an assembly, various tool buttons B1 for drawing the assembly, a cutting information button B2 for editing material cutting information CUT, and the like.

[0040] The first user terminal 1 that has received the CAD interface CI displays the received CAD interface CI on the display device of the first user terminal 1 (step S3). Specifically, the CAD interface CI is displayed on the Web browser that is executed on the first user terminal 1 and that was used to access the server 4.

[0041] When the CAD interface CI is displayed on the first user terminal 1, the design user designs the assembly by drawing it on the CAD interface CI displayed on the first user terminal 1 (step S4). When the drawing of the assembly is completed, the information processing unit 41 executes the CAD program CP to convert the assembly on the CAD interface CI into CAD data having a predetermined format, and generates assembly CAD data CD (step S5).

[0042] Specifically, the information processing unit 41 generates assembly CAD data CD having the configuration shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the assembly CAD data CD. The assembly CAD data CD has part information PI and material cutout information CUT.

[0043] The part information PI is information about each part that constitutes an assembly. The part information PI is generated for each part that constitutes an assembly. The part information PI includes part type information PI1, part dimension and placement information PI2, and part material information PI3.

[0044] The part type information PI1 is information related to the type of part. The part type information PI1 includes, for example, "wood" indicating that the part is made of wood, "board" indicating that the part is made of board material, "plywood" indicating that the part is made of plywood, "cylinder" indicating that the part is cylindrical (round bar), "disk" indicating that the part is disk-shaped, etc.

[0045] The part dimension and placement information PI2 is information about the dimensions of the part and the placement position of the part in the assembly. The part dimension and placement information PI2 includes, for example, the dimensions of the part (width, length, thickness), the placement position of the part relative to the reference position of the assembly (for example, the center position), the orientation of the part, etc.

[0046] Component material information PI3 is information about the material from which the component is cut out. The component material information PI3 includes, for example, the name of the material, the color of the material, the specular reflection coefficient of the material, the dimensions of the material (width, length, thickness), the specific gravity of the material, the price of the material, the manufacturer name of the material, the brand name, etc.

[0047] The material cutout information CUT is information related to the cutting of each part of an assembly from a material. In other words, the material cutout information is information indicating how parts are cut out from a material. For example, if an assembly is composed of five parts PA1 to PA5 as shown in FIG. 6, material cutout information CUT indicating the material cutout as shown in FIG. 7 is generated from rectangular materials MA1 and MA2. Note that the design user can edit the cutout state of the parts indicated in the material cutout information CUT on the CAD interface CI. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of component parts of an assembly. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the material cutout information CUT.

[0048] The information processing unit 41 that executes the CAD program CP can not only generate assembly CAD data CD from the drawing of the assembly, but also, conversely, reproduce an image showing the appearance of the assembly (drawing data of the assembly) from the part information PI etc. included in the assembly CAD data CD. In addition, by viewing the material cut-out information CUT of the assembly CAD data CD using the processor terminal 3, the processor can understand the materials of the assembly and the method of cutting out the parts from the materials.

[0049] Returning to the explanation of the assembly design operation, the design user can use the first user terminal 1 to input information about the designed assembly as input information IN (step S6). Note that input of the input information IN may be skipped. For example, the name of the assembly (e.g., the name of a shelf, a desk, etc.), the purpose of the assembly, and / or various comments about the assembly may be input as input information IN. Also, important keywords about the assembly may be written with "hashtags." This makes it easier to find important keywords when a search keyword is used when viewing an assembly.

[0050] The input information IN input using the first user terminal 1 is transmitted to the server 4. The information processing unit 41 of the server 4 that receives the input information IN associates the received input information IN with the assembly CAD data CD of the corresponding assembly, and stores the information in the storage unit 43 (step S7).

[0051] After designing an assembly, if the design user wishes to make the designed assembly public, the design user "posts" the designed assembly using the first user terminal 1 (step S8). For example, the assembly is posted by performing an operation to post the assembly on the first user terminal 1 (for example, an operation such as pressing a post button).

[0052] When an operation to post an assembly is performed on the first user terminal 1, the information processing unit 41 of the server 4 detects that the operation has been performed on the first user terminal 1, and generates assembly-related information RI regarding the designed assembly (step S9). The assembly-related information RI is information generated to enable viewing users to view the assembly.

[0053] Specifically, the information processing unit 41 generates image data of the assembly shown in the assembly CAD data CD as assembly-related information RI based on the assembly CAD data CD of the posted assembly. The information processing unit 41 executes the CAD program CP to reproduce image data representing the appearance of the assembly from information included in the assembly CAD data CD of the posted assembly (e.g., parts information PI). The information processing unit 41 can generate thumbnail images to be displayed on the second user terminal 2, for example, based on the assembly CAD data.

[0054] The information processing unit 41 can also generate assembly-related information RI based on the assembly CAD data CD and / or the input information IN. For example, a summary of the contents of the input information IN can be generated as the assembly-related information RI. The information processing unit 41 can generate a summary of the assembly from the assembly CAD data CD and / or the input information IN using, for example, a generative AI model, and use this as the assembly-related information RI.

[0055] The information processing unit 41 stores the assembly-related information RI generated as described above in the storage unit 43 in association with the assembly CAD data CD of the corresponding assembly and the input information IN.

[0056] As described above, by providing the CAD interface CI to the first user terminal 1, the design user can freely design a desired assembly. Furthermore, by generating assembly CAD data CD for the assembly designed on the CAD interface CI and generating assembly-related information RI for viewing by the viewing user based on this, the design user does not need to provide information necessary for presenting the assembly designed by the design user, or, even if necessary, the information to be provided can be kept to a minimum. For example, information included in the assembly CAD data CD, such as the color of the assembly, detailed dimensions of the assembly, and materials used in the assembly, does not need to be provided by the design user as input information IN.

[0057] (2-2) Presenting / ordering assembly items 8A and 8B, a description will be given of the assembly product presentation / ordering operation in the assembly product presentation system 100. FIGS. 8A and 8B are flowcharts showing the assembly product presentation / ordering operation in the assembly product presentation system 100.

[0058] First, the viewing user accesses the server 4 using the second user terminal 2 (step S11). Specifically, for example, the viewing user executes a web browser on the second user terminal 2 and accesses the address (e.g., URL) of the server 4 for viewing the assembled product using the web browser.

[0059] When the address for viewing the assembly is accessed from the second user terminal 2, the information processing unit 41 of the server 4 transmits a start screen ST as shown in Fig. 9 to the second user terminal 2 (step S12). The start screen ST has, for example, a link button B3 for displaying assembly-related information RI for each type of assembly, a keyword input interface IF1, and a search button B4. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the start screen ST.

[0060] The second user terminal 2 that has received the start screen ST displays the received start screen ST on the display device of the second user terminal 2 (step S13). Specifically, the start screen ST is displayed on the web browser that is executed on the second user terminal 2 and that was used to access the server 4.

[0061] When the start screen ST is displayed on the second user terminal 2, the viewing user can view a desired assembly by pressing the link button B3 on the start screen ST, or by inputting a search keyword into the keyword input interface IF1 and pressing the search button B4. In the following explanation, viewing using a search keyword will be explained as an example. Note that when the link button B3 is pressed, assembly-related information RI for an assembly of the specified type (desk, chair, rack, etc.) is displayed on the second user terminal 2.

[0062] When the viewing user inputs a search keyword into the keyword input interface IF1 on the start screen ST displayed on the second user terminal 2 and presses the search button B4 (step S14), the input search keyword and a command to execute a search using the search keyword are transmitted to the server 4. The information processing unit 41 of the server 4 that has received the search keyword and the command extracts assembly-related information RI of assemblies that match the search keyword by searching using the search keyword (step S15).

[0063] Specifically, the information processing unit 41 searches for whether or not assembly CAD data CD including information matching the received search keyword and / or input information IN including that information are stored in the storage unit 43. If assembly CAD data CD and / or input information IN including information matching the search keyword are stored in the storage unit 43, the information processing unit 41 extracts the assembly-related information RI associated with the assembly CAD data CD and / or input information IN including information matching the search keyword as the assembly-related information RI of the assembly matching the search keyword.

[0064] For example, when the search keyword "shelf made of wood" is input, the information processing unit 41 can extract assembly-related information RI that is associated with input information IN that includes information related to or similar to "shelf" and that is associated with assembly CAD data CD that includes part information PI in which part type information PI1 is "wood."

[0065] For example, when the search keyword "red shelf" is input, the information processing unit 41 can extract assembly-related information RI that is associated with input information IN that includes information related or similar to "shelf" and that is associated with assembly CAD data CD that includes part information PI in which the "material color" of the part material information PI3 is "red."

[0066] The information processing unit 41 transmits the assembly-related information RI extracted by the search to the second user terminal 2 (step S16). Upon receiving the assembly-related information RI, the second user terminal 2 displays the received assembly-related information RI on the display device of the second user terminal 2 (step S17). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of pieces of assembly-related information RI transmitted from the server 4 are displayed in a list on the display device of the second user terminal 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of how the assembly-related information RI is displayed on the second user terminal 2.

[0067] 10, the assembly-related information RI includes, for example, a first appearance image IM1 (e.g., a thumbnail image) representing the appearance of the assembly, and explanation information EX, which is text information explaining the assembly. The explanation information EX can be composed of, for example, the name of the assembly (product name) and a summary of comments regarding the assembly. The assembly-related information RI also includes a link to assembly CAD data CD and / or input information IN associated with the assembly-related information RI.

[0068] When any of the assembly-related information RI listed on the display device of the second user terminal 2 is selected (for example, by positioning the cursor on any of the assembly-related information RI and clicking, or by touching any of the assembly-related information RI), the information processing unit 41 of the server 4 transmits the assembly CAD data CD and input information IN associated with the selected assembly-related information RI (step S19).

[0069] The second user terminal 2, which has received the assembly CAD data CD and input information IN associated with the selected assembly-related information RI, displays the received assembly CAD data CD and input information IN on a display device (step S20). In this way, the viewing user can view details of the assembly CAD data CD and input information IN of the selected assembly.

[0070] As described above, when the viewing user is able to view the assembly CAD data CD and details of the input information IN of the selected assembly, the information processing unit 41 of the server 4 determines whether or not to grant an incentive to the design user who designed the assembly for the viewing user's viewing of the assembly CAD data CD and details of the input information IN of the assembly (step S21). At this stage, whether or not the design user desires an incentive can be set, for example, by using the first user terminal 1 when the design user designs the assembly.

[0071] If the design user of the selected assembly desires an incentive at this stage ("Yes" in step S21), the information processing unit 41 executes a process to provide the incentive to the design user (step S22). For example, the information processing unit 41 executes a process to grant points to the design user, pay money to the design user, or notifies the operator terminal 6 to perform these actions. On the other hand, if the design user does not desire an incentive at this stage ("No" in step S21), the information processing unit 41 skips execution of step S22.

[0072] Furthermore, when the assembly CAD data CD and details of the input information IN of the selected assembly become available for viewing, the viewing user can also make design changes to the selected assembly using the second user terminal 2. For example, the viewing user can display a design change screen ED as shown in Fig. 11 on the second user terminal 2 and make design changes to the assembly on the design change screen ED. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the design change screen ED.

[0073] The design change screen ED displays, for example, a second appearance image IM2 that shows the appearance of the assembly to be changed in design, and a design change interface IF2 for making the design change. On the design change screen ED shown in Fig. 11, the design of the assembly can be changed by directly inputting the outer dimensions of the assembly (shelf), the number of shelves, plate thickness, etc., using the design change interface IF2.

[0074] When the design of the assembly is changed using the design change screen ED ("Yes" in step S23), the second user terminal 2 transmits information about the assembly after the design change to the server 4 (step S24). The information about the assembly after the design change is, for example, information about changed information and changed values ​​among the information included in the assembly CAD data CD. In other words, even if the viewing user changes the design of the assembly, the design change is not reflected in the assembly CAD data CD stored in the storage unit 43.

[0075] On the other hand, if the design of the selected assembly has not been changed ("No" in step S23), execution of step S23 above is skipped.

[0076] Thereafter, when the viewing user places an order for the selected assembly product using the second user terminal 2 (step S25), an ordering process is executed. An order for the assembly product using the second user terminal 2 is placed, for example, by pressing an order button (a button displayed on the display device) on the second user terminal 2 and notifying the server 4 that the order button on the second user terminal 2 has been pressed.

[0077] The information processing unit 41 of the server 4, which has been notified that the assembly product has been ordered, executes a settlement process for purchasing the assembly product ordered by the browsing user (step S26). In addition, the information processing unit 41 transmits assembly product CAD data CD of the ordered assembly product to the processor terminal 3 (step S28).

[0078] If a design change has been made to the ordered assembly, the information processing unit 41 temporarily changes the information contained in the assembly CAD data CD based on the information about the assembly after the design change received in step S24, and transmits the changed assembly CAD data CD to the processing company terminal 3.

[0079] The processor terminal 3 that has received the assembly CAD data CD displays the received assembly CAD data CD on the display device of the processor terminal 3 (step S28). The processor refers to the assembly CAD data CD displayed on the processor terminal 3, selects materials for cutting out each part of the ordered assembly, and cuts out each part from the selected materials.

[0080] When the cut-out parts of the assembly are received by the viewing user and the transaction is completed, the processor uses the processor terminal 3 to notify the server 4 that the transaction for the ordered assembly has been completed (step S29).

[0081] The information processing unit 41 of the server 4, which has been notified of the completion of the transaction, determines whether or not to grant an incentive for the purchase of the assembly to the design user who designed the assembly (step S30). At this stage, whether or not the design user desires an incentive can be set, for example, by using the first user terminal 1 when the design user designs the assembly.

[0082] In addition, the design user can use the first user terminal 1 to arbitrarily set whether he / she wants only an incentive for the viewing user viewing the assembly CAD data CD and details of the input information IN of the assembly, whether he / she wants only an incentive for the assembled product being purchased, whether he / she wants both of these incentives, or whether he / she wants neither incentive.

[0083] If an incentive is desired for the purchase of the assembly ("Yes" in step S30), the information processing unit 41 executes a process to give an incentive to the design user who designed the purchased assembly (step S31). For example, the information processing unit 41 executes a process to give points to the design user, pay money to the design user, or the like, or notifies the operator terminal 6 to perform these processes.

[0084] The type of incentive given to a viewing user for viewing the details of the assembly product CAD data CD and input information IN of an assembly product and the type of incentive given to a user for purchasing an assembly product may be the same or different. For example, the incentive given to a viewing user for viewing the details of the assembly product CAD data CD and input information IN of an assembly product may be points awarded to the design user, and the incentive given to a user for purchasing an assembly product may be a monetary payment to the design user (for example, a predetermined percentage of the purchase price). Additionally, for example, the number of points awarded when an assembly product is purchased may be greater than the number of points awarded when a viewing user views the details of the assembly product CAD data CD and input information IN of an assembly product.

[0085] On the other hand, if the design user does not desire an incentive at this stage ("No" in step S30), the information processing unit 41 skips the execution of step S31.

[0086] By the above-described assembly product presentation / ordering operation, the viewing user can view various assemblies designed by any design user, find an assembly that best suits his / her preferences, and place an order. Furthermore, by the above-described assembly product presentation / ordering operation, the viewing user can, as needed, for example, modify the design of an assembly that suits his / her preferences to suit his / her own use, etc.

[0087] 2. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Note that the following modifications can basically be applied simultaneously. (a) The execution order of each step in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3, 8A, and 8B and the processing content of each step can be changed as appropriate without changing the gist of the invention.

[0088] (b) In the above embodiment, an assembly is designed using a CAD interface CI displayed on a web browser executed on the first user terminal 1. However, this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to execute a dedicated application for designing an assembly on the first user terminal 1 and design the assembly on that application.

[0089] (c) In the above embodiment, information viewed by the viewing user, such as assembly-related information RI, was displayed on the web browser executed on the second user terminal 2. However, this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to execute a dedicated application on the second user terminal 2 for displaying / viewing information about the assembly, and to display / view information about the assembly on that application.

[0090] (d) The design user, the viewing user, and / or the fabricator may be the same user. Also, the first user terminal 1, the second user terminal 2, and / or the fabricator terminal 3 may be the same terminal.

[0091] (e) The assembly-related information RI may be generated based on the assembly CAD data CD and / or input information IN of the specified assembly when a viewing user requests viewing of an assembly and specifies the assembly to be viewed, rather than when the assembly is designed.

[0092] 3. Notes (First Aspect) The assembly product presentation method comprises the following steps: Note that the following steps (a) to (d) do not limit the processing order of each step. (a) Designing a desired assembly (eg, steps S1-S4). (b) A step of generating assembly CAD data (eg, assembly CAD data CD) of the designed assembly (eg, step S5). (c) A step of generating assembly-related information (eg, assembly-related information RI) related to the assembly based on the assembly CAD data (eg, step S9). (d) A step (for example, steps S11 to S17) of displaying the assembly-related information on a user terminal (for example, the second user terminal 2).

[0093] In the above-described assembly presentation method, a desired assembly can be designed, and assembly CAD data for the designed assembly is generated. Assembly-related information related to the assembly corresponding to the assembly CAD data is generated based on the generated assembly CAD data, and the generated assembly-related information is displayed on a user terminal. This allows a desired assembly to be freely designed, and assembly-related information related to the freely designed assembly can be presented on the user terminal.

[0094] Furthermore, since assembly CAD data contains a large amount of information about the designed assembly, by generating assembly-related information to be displayed on the user terminal based on the assembly CAD data, it is not necessary for the user who designed the assembly to provide the information necessary for presenting the assembly, or even if necessary, the information that needs to be provided can be kept to a minimum.

[0095] (Second Aspect) The assembly product presentation method according to the first aspect may further include a step of receiving a search keyword from a user terminal (e.g., step S14), and a step of searching for assembly CAD data containing information matching the search keyword (e.g., step S15). Since assembly CAD data contains a large amount of information about the designed assembly, by searching for assembly CAD data containing information matching the search keyword, assemblies that meet more detailed conditions can be presented. As a result, the user can select a more desired assembly product.

[0096] (Third Aspect) In the assembly presentation method according to the first or second aspect, the step of generating assembly-related information may include a step of generating, based on the assembly CAD data, image data (e.g., a first appearance image IM1) of the assembly shown in the assembly CAD data as the assembly-related information. This allows the appearance of the assembly to be presented on the user terminal without acquiring a photograph or the like of the assembly.

[0097] (Fourth Aspect) In the assembly presentation method according to any one of the first to third aspects, the assembly CAD data may include material cut-out information (e.g., material cut-out information CUT) relating to the cutting of each part of the assembly from a material. This eliminates the need for the user who designed the assembly to create information about the parts when cutting out each part of the assembly from a member and ordering it.

[0098] (Fifth Aspect) In the assembly presentation method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the assembly CAD data may include part information (e.g., part information PI) relating to each part of the assembly. This allows more detailed information about the assembly to be included in the assembly CAD data.

[0099] (Sixth Aspect) An assembly presentation system (e.g., assembly presentation system 100) includes a first user terminal (e.g., first user terminal 1), a server (e.g., server 4), and a second user terminal (e.g., second user terminal 2). The first user terminal is a terminal for designing a desired assembly. The server generates assembly CAD data for the assembly designed using the first user terminal, and generates assembly-related information related to the assembly based on the assembly CAD data. The second user terminal displays the assembly-related information generated by the server.

[0100] (Seventh Aspect) A program for causing a computer to execute the assembly product presentation method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 100: Assembly product presentation system 1: First user terminal 2: Second user terminal 3: Processor terminal 4: Server 41: Information Processing Department 43: Storage section 5: Network 6: Operator terminal CD: Assembly CAD data PI: Parts information PI1: Part type information PI2: Part dimension and placement information PI3: Parts and materials information CUT: Material cutting information RI: Assembly related information

Claims

1. Designing a desired assembly; generating assembly CAD data for the designed assembly; generating assembly-related information related to the assembly based on the assembly CAD data; displaying the assembly-related information on a user terminal; A method for presenting an assembly comprising:

2. receiving a search keyword from the user terminal; The assembly presentation method according to claim 1 , further comprising: searching the assembly CAD data for information that matches the search keyword.

3. 2. The assembly presentation method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating the assembly-related information includes a step of generating, based on the assembly CAD data, image data of the assembly shown in the assembly CAD data as the assembly-related information.

4. The assembly presentation method according to claim 1 , wherein the assembly CAD data includes material cutout information relating to the cutting of each part of the assembly from a material.

5. The method for presenting an assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the assembly CAD data includes part information for each part of the assembly.

6. a first user terminal for designing a desired assembly; a server that generates assembly CAD data of an assembly designed using the first user terminal and generates assembly-related information related to the assembly based on the assembly CAD data; a second user terminal that displays the assembly-related information generated by the server; An assembly presentation system comprising:

7. A program that causes a computer to execute the assembly product presentation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images