Information providing device, information providing method, computer program, and information providing system

Abstract

To increase the number of objects to be traded.SOLUTION: A control unit that acquires inquiry information including at least one of an object, a compound, and a function and generates response information including at least one of an object, a compound, and a function corresponding to the inquiry information, wherein in a case where the inquiry information includes the object, the response information including at least one of a compound corresponding to a component included in the object and a function of the component included in the object is generated, and in a case where the inquiry information includes the compound, the response information including the object including the compound and the function of the compound is generated, in a case where the inquiry information includes a function, generates response information including at least one of a compound having the function and a target including the compound having the function.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing device, an information providing method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, systems have been proposed for acquiring more buyers of items for sale (hereinafter referred to as "items"). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system for enabling producers and buyers of items such as vegetables and fruits to communicate with each other from remote locations and realize sales. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-120106 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, sellers have a demand to find more sales channels. On the other hand, buyers also have a demand to find more objects that meet their desired conditions. Thus, there is a demand to increase the number of objects traded. This demand is not limited to vegetables and fruits as disclosed in Patent Document 1, but is a demand common to all objects.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that enables a larger number of objects to be traded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an information providing device that includes a control unit that acquires query information including at least one of an object, a compound, or a function, and generates response information including at least one of an object, a compound, or a function corresponding to the query information, and if the query information includes an object, generates response information including at least one of a compound corresponding to a component contained in the object and a function possessed by the component contained in the object, if the query information includes a compound, generates response information including at least one of an object containing the compound and a function possessed by the compound, and if the query information includes a function, generates response information including at least one of a compound having the function and an object containing a compound having the function.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an information providing method comprising a control step of acquiring query information including at least one of an object, a compound, or a function, and generating response information including at least one of the object, the compound, or the function corresponding to the query information, wherein if the query information includes an object, the control step generates response information including at least one of a compound corresponding to a component contained in the object and a function possessed by the component contained in the object, if the query information includes a compound, the control step generates response information including at least one of an object containing the compound and a function possessed by the compound, and if the query information includes a function, the control step generates response information including at least one of a compound having the function and an object containing a compound having the function.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a computer program for causing a computer to function as an information providing device, which includes a control unit that acquires query information including at least one of an object, a compound, or a function, and generates response information including at least one of an object, a compound, or a function corresponding to the query information, and if the query information includes an object, generates response information including at least one of a compound corresponding to a component contained in the object and a function possessed by the component contained in the object; if the query information includes a compound, generates response information including at least one of an object containing the compound and a function possessed by the compound; and if the query information includes a function, generates response information including at least one of a compound having the function and an object containing a compound having the function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present invention allows for a greater number of objects to be traded. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a system configuration of a first embodiment of an information providing system 100 of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 10. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of the information providing device 20. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of an object DB. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a specific example of a compound DB. [Figure 6] 4 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of processing of the information providing system 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of an information providing system 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of the application terminal device 30. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of a registration device 40. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of processing of the information providing system 100 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of an information providing system 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of an intermediary device 50. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of processing of the information providing system 100 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 90 applied to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Specific configuration examples of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of a first embodiment of an information providing system 100 of the present invention. In this embodiment, a "user" refers to a person who uses part or all of the information providing system 100, and is not limited to a person who has signed a specific contract or who meets specific conditions. In the first embodiment, information is provided to a user of a terminal device 10 based on information already registered in an information providing device 20. The first embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0012] The information providing system 100 includes a plurality of terminal devices 10 and information providing devices 20. The terminal devices 10 and the information providing devices 20 communicate with each other via a network 80. The network 80 may be a network using wireless communication or a network using wired communication. The network 80 may also be configured by combining a plurality of networks.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of terminal device 10. Terminal device 10 is configured using information devices such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or dedicated device. Terminal device 10 may be operated, for example, by a person who wishes to sell an object, by a person who wishes to purchase an object, or by someone with another purpose. Terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 11, an operation unit 12, an output unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 15.

[0014] The communication unit 11 is a communication device. The communication unit 11 may be configured as, for example, a network interface. The communication unit 11 communicates data with other devices via the network 80 in accordance with the control of the control unit 15. The communication unit 11 may be a device that performs wireless communication or a device that performs wired communication.

[0015] The operation unit 12 is configured using existing input devices such as a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), buttons, a touch panel, etc. The operation unit 12 is operated by a user when inputting user instructions to the terminal device 10. The operation unit 12 may be an interface for connecting an input device to the terminal device 10. In this case, the operation unit 12 inputs an input signal generated in the input device in response to a user input to the terminal device 10. The operation unit 12 may be configured using a microphone and a voice recognition device. In this case, the operation unit 12 performs voice recognition on words spoken by the user and inputs character string information of the recognition result to the terminal device 10. The voice recognition may be performed by the control unit 15 instead of the operation unit 12. The operation unit 12 may be configured in any way as long as it is configured to be able to input user instructions to the terminal device 10.

[0016] The output unit 13 outputs data to a user of the terminal device 10 via an output device (not shown) connected to the terminal device 10. The output device may be configured using, for example, a device that outputs images and text to a screen. For example, the output device may be configured using an image display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescent) display. The output unit 13 may be an interface for connecting an image display device to the terminal device 10. In this case, the output unit 13 generates a video signal for displaying image data and outputs the video signal to the image display device connected to the output unit 13. The output device may also be configured using a device that prints images and text on a sheet. For example, the output device may be configured using an inkjet printer, a laser printer, or the like. The output device may also be configured using a device that converts text into speech and outputs it. In this case, the output device may be configured using a speech synthesizer and a speech output device (such as a speaker or headphones). Speech synthesis may be performed by the control unit 15 rather than the output unit 13. In either case, the output unit 13 may be configured as an interface for connecting each device to the terminal device 10.

[0017] The storage unit 14 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive, a semiconductor storage device, etc. The storage unit 14 stores data used by the control unit 15.

[0018] The control unit 15 is configured using a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (main storage device). The control unit 15 functions when the processor executes a program. Note that all or part of the functions of the control unit 15 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs: Solid State Drives), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into computer systems. The program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0019] The control unit 15 may execute, for example, an application installed on its own device (terminal device 10). A specific example of such an application is an application provided to the terminal device 10 as a dedicated application for the information providing system 100. Another specific example of such an application is a web browser application. Such an application may be pre-installed on the terminal device 10 or may be downloaded each time a user operates it. For example, when implemented as a web browser application, the terminal device 10 may download and execute the application from a device (which may be the web server itself or another server) designated by a specific web server (e.g., the information providing device 20) when the terminal device 10 connects to the web server. The control unit 15 operates according to the program of the application being executed.

[0020] 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of the information providing device 20. The information providing device 20 is configured using an information processing device such as a personal computer or a server device. The information providing device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23.

[0021] The communication unit 21 is a communication device. The communication unit 21 may be configured as, for example, a network interface. The communication unit 21 communicates data with other devices via the network 80 in accordance with the control of the control unit 23. The communication unit 21 may be a device that performs wireless communication or a device that performs wired communication.

[0022] The storage unit 22 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 22 stores data used by the control unit 23. The storage unit 22 functions as, for example, an object DB storage unit 221, a compound DB storage unit 222, and a function DB storage unit 223.

[0023] The object DB storage unit 221 stores the object DB. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of the object DB. The object DB stores a plurality of object records. The object record has values ​​of object identification information, attribute information, and component information. The object identification information is identification information that identifies an object. The attribute information is attribute information of an object. The attribute information of an object includes information related to the object. The attribute information may include values ​​such as the type of object, the producer of the object, the producer (manufacturer) of the object, and the name of the object (e.g., a brand name). The component information is information that indicates the components contained in the object. The component information may be obtained, for example, by analyzing the object. The analysis of the object may be performed using, for example, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, or the like. Other specific examples of technologies applicable to analyzing objects include, but are not limited to, CE-MS (Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry), LC-UV / Vis (Liquid Chromatography-Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy), and LC-FL (Liquid Chromatography-Fluorescence Spectroscopy). The component information may include information indicating the content of the component. The content may be information that qualitatively indicates the content, such as "high" or "low," or information that quantitatively indicates the content. The object record may be generated in response to a registration request from, for example, a person who wishes to register an object in the object DB (hereinafter referred to as a "registration applicant"). For example, when the registration applicant sends the object to be registered and attribute information to a specific administrator, the administrator may analyze the object to obtain component information, assign object identification information to the object, generate an object record, and register the object in the object DB.

[0024] The compound DB storage unit 222 stores a compound DB. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of the compound DB. The compound DB stores multiple component records. Each component record has values ​​for compound identification information, attribute information, and function information. The compound identification information is identification information identifying a compound. The attribute information is attribute information of a compound. The compound attribute information includes information related to the compound. The attribute information may include values ​​such as the type of compound and the name of the compound. The function information is information indicating the function of a compound. Specific examples of functions possessed by a compound include antibacterial activity, antiviral activity, plant growth regulation activity, antioxidant activity, and anti-fatigue activity. Other specific examples of functions possessed by a compound include, but are not limited to, anti-glycation activity, blood glucose elevation suppression, blood pressure elevation suppression, insecticidal activity, cholesterol elevation suppression, uric acid level elevation suppression, memory maintenance, blood flow improvement, sleep support, stress care, bone formation promotion, and fat suppression. The function information may include information indicating the degree of function possessed by a compound. The degree of function may be information that qualitatively indicates the degree, such as "strong" or "weak," or may be information that quantitatively indicates the degree.

[0025] The function DB storage unit 223 stores a function DB. The function DB includes information about the functions possessed by compounds. The function DB stores a plurality of function records. Each function record has identification information indicating a function and attribute information indicating the content of the function.

[0026] The control unit 23 is configured using a processor such as a CPU and a memory (main storage device). The control unit 23 functions as a determination unit 231 and an information provision unit 232 by the processor executing a program. All or part of the functions of the control unit 23 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into a computer system. The above program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0027] When the determination unit 231 receives information indicating the provision of information from the terminal device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "request information"), it determines the information according to the received request information. As specific examples of the processing of the determination unit 231, there may be, for example, six specific patterns as shown below. In the following explanation, when describing the function possessed by a compound contained in a certain object, it will not be written as "the function possessed by the compound contained in the object," but will be abbreviated to "the function possessed by the object."

[0028] The request information may include, for example, information indicating a specific object and information indicating a request for information on a compound contained in the object. In this case, the determination unit 231 determines a compound corresponding to a component contained in the specific object by searching the object DB stored in the object DB storage unit 221.

[0029] The request information may include, for example, information indicating a specific object and information indicating a request for information on a function possessed by the object. In this case, the determination unit 231 determines a compound corresponding to a component contained in the specific object by searching the object DB stored in the object DB storage unit 221. Furthermore, the determination unit 231 determines the function possessed by the object by searching the compound DB stored in the compound DB storage unit 222.

[0030] The request information may include, for example, information indicating a specific compound and information indicating a request for information on an object containing the compound. The information indicating the specific compound may be, for example, a name, a CAS number, a chemical structure, or the like, or may specify a compound having a specific partial structure or a compound similar to a specific chemical structure. In this case, the determination unit 231 searches the object DB stored in the object DB storage unit 221 to determine an object containing the specific compound as an ingredient.

[0031] The request information may include, for example, information indicating a specific compound and information indicating a request for information on the function possessed by the compound. The information indicating the specific compound may be, for example, a name, a CAS number, a chemical structural formula, or the like, or may specify a compound having a specific partial structure or a compound similar to a specific chemical structure. In this case, the determination unit 231 determines the function possessed by the specific compound by searching the compound DB stored in the compound DB storage unit 222.

[0032] The request information may include, for example, information indicating a specific function and information indicating a request for information on a compound having that function. In this case, the determination unit 231 determines a compound having the specific function by searching the compound DB stored in the compound DB storage unit 222.

[0033] The request information may include, for example, information indicating a specific function and information indicating a request for information on an object having that function. In this case, the determination unit 231 determines a compound having the specific function by searching the compound DB stored in the compound DB storage unit 222. Furthermore, the determination unit 231 determines an object containing the compound by searching the object DB stored in the object DB storage unit 221.

[0034] The information providing unit 232 generates information including the determination result obtained by the determining unit 231. The information providing unit 232 transmits the information including the determination result to the terminal device 10 that is the sender of the request information.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of processing of the first embodiment of the information providing system 100. First, the terminal device 10 generates request information in response to a user input. The terminal device 10 transmits the generated request information to the information providing device 20 (step S101). Upon receiving the request information, the determination unit 231 of the information providing device 20 executes a determination process in response to the received request information (step S102). The information providing unit 232 generates information indicating a determination result of the determination process and transmits the information to the terminal device 10 (step S103). Upon receiving the information indicating the determination result, the control unit 15 of the terminal device 10 outputs the determination result from the output unit 13 in a manner that can be recognized by the user (step S104). For example, the control unit 15 may display the information indicating the determination result on the output unit 13 configured as a display device.

[0036] In the information provision system 100 configured in this manner, a user can use the terminal device 10 to specify at least one of a specific object, compound, and function and make an inquiry to the information provision device 20, thereby obtaining information corresponding to the specified object, compound, or function.

[0037] For example, a user can obtain information about the compounds contained in a specific object from the information providing device 20 by inquiring about the compounds contained in the specific object. Therefore, when trading a specific object, the user can search for a trading partner using information about the compounds contained in the object. Therefore, even if a user is unfamiliar with the object, it is possible to treat someone who is interested in the compounds contained in the object as a potential trading partner. As a result, it is possible to increase the opportunities to come into contact with trading partners for the object, and to increase the number of objects traded.

[0038] For example, a user can obtain information about the functions of a specific object from the information providing device 20 by inquiring about the functions of the specific object. Therefore, when trading a specific object, the user can search for a trading partner using information about the functions of the object. Therefore, even if a user is unfamiliar with the object, it is possible to treat someone who is interested in the functions of the object as a potential trading partner. As a result, it is possible to increase opportunities to come into contact with trading partners for the object, and to increase the number of objects traded.

[0039] For example, a user can obtain information about objects containing a specific compound from the information providing device 20 by inquiring about objects containing a specific compound. Therefore, when searching for an object containing a specific compound, the user can find new objects that were previously unknown. As a result, the person who made the inquiry is more likely to be able to obtain the specific compound, and the producer of the object notified as a result of the inquiry is more likely to find a new trading partner for that object. As a result, it is possible to increase opportunities to come into contact with trading partners for the object, and the number of objects traded can be increased.

[0040] For example, a user can obtain information about the functions of a specific compound from the information providing device 20 by inquiring about the functions of the specific compound. Therefore, when trading an object containing a specific compound, the user can search for a trading partner using information about the functions of the object. Therefore, even if a user is unfamiliar with the object, it is possible to treat someone who is interested in the functions of the object as a potential trading partner. As a result, it is possible to increase opportunities to come into contact with trading partners for the object, and to increase the number of objects traded.

[0041] For example, a user can inquire about a compound having a specific function and obtain information about the compound having the specific function from the information providing device 20. This makes it easier for the user to search for a compound having the desired function based on the obtained information. As a result, the person who made the inquiry is more likely to be able to easily obtain a compound having the desired function, and the producer of the object containing the compound notified as the result of the inquiry is more likely to find a new trading partner for that object. As a result, it is possible to increase the opportunities to come into contact with trading partners for the object, and it is possible to increase the number of objects traded.

[0042] For example, a user can obtain information about an object having a specific function from the information providing device 20 by inquiring about the object. Therefore, when searching for an object having a specific function, the user can discover a new object that was previously unknown. As a result, the person who made the inquiry is more likely to be able to obtain an object with the desired function, and the producer of the object notified as the result of the inquiry is more likely to find a new trading partner for that object. As a result, it is possible to increase opportunities to come into contact with trading partners for the object, and the number of objects traded can be increased.

[0043] (Variation) The transmission of request information by a user to the information providing device 20 may be performed by a method other than data communication via the network 80 by the terminal device 10 as described above. For example, the user may operate the terminal device 10 to generate an e-mail including the request information and send it to the terminal device 10 operated by the person operating the information providing device 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "operator"). The request information may be included in the body of the e-mail or in an attachment. The information providing device 20 has a user interface for the operator. For example, the information providing device 20 further has components equivalent to the operation unit 12 and output unit 13 of the terminal device 10.

[0044] When an operator receives an email sent from a user, the operator operates the operation unit of the information providing device 20 to input request information contained in the received email to the information providing device 20. The information providing device 20 executes a determination process based on the input request information and outputs the determination result to an output unit of the information providing device 20. The determination result may be output, for example, by displaying it on a screen. In this case, the operator may input the determination result displayed on the screen into his / her own terminal device, generate an email, and send it to the user. The determination result may be output by recording electronic data showing characters or images indicating the determination result on an information recording medium such as a USB memory. In this case, the operator may input the determination result recorded on the information recording medium into his / her own terminal device, generate an email, and send it to the user.

[0045] The determination result may be output by transmitting the electronic data to a terminal device used by the operator when creating and sending an email to the user. In this case, the operator may generate an email including the received electronic data on the terminal device and send it to the user. The determination result may be output by printing it on a sheet of paper or the like using a printing device such as a printer or multifunction peripheral. In this case, the operator or a related party sends the sheet on which the determination result is printed to the user.

[0046] In the above example, the request information is sent by the user via email, but the request information may be sent by other methods. For example, the request information may be sent by sending a sheet with the request information filled out to the operator or the corporation to which the operator belongs. For example, the request information may be sent by facsimile or verbally by telephone. The same applies to the transmission of the judgment results.

[0047] [Second embodiment] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of an information provision system 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The information provision system 100 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it further includes an application terminal device 30 and a registration device 40. In the second embodiment, a user of the application terminal device 30 can apply to analyze a specific object and register information about the analysis results (components contained in the object) in the object DB of the information provision device 20. Upon receiving the application, the administrator of the registration device 40 analyzes the object and registers information about the object, including the analysis results, in the information provision device 20. The information provision system 100 according to the second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0048] The information providing system 100 includes a plurality of terminal devices 10, an information providing device 20, an application terminal device 30, and a registration device 40. The application terminal device 30 and the registration device 40 communicate with each other via a network 80. The information providing device 20 and the registration device 40 communicate with each other via the network 80.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of the application terminal device 30. The application terminal device 30 is configured using information devices such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or dedicated device. The application terminal device 30 may be operated, for example, by a person who wishes to sell an object, or by someone with a different purpose. In particular, the application terminal device 30 may be operated by a person who wishes to request an analysis of a specific object and register an object record containing the analysis results (components found to be contained in the specific object) in the object DB. The application terminal device 30 includes a communication unit 31, an operation unit 32, an output unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a control unit 35.

[0050] The communication unit 31 is a communication device. The communication unit 31 may be configured as, for example, a network interface. The communication unit 31 communicates data with other devices via the network 80 in accordance with the control of the control unit 35. The communication unit 31 may be a device that performs wireless communication or a device that performs wired communication.

[0051] The operation unit 32 is configured using existing input devices such as a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), buttons, and a touch panel. The operation unit 32 is operated by a user when inputting user instructions to the application terminal device 30. The operation unit 32 may be an interface for connecting an input device to the application terminal device 30. In this case, the operation unit 32 inputs an input signal generated in the input device in response to a user input to the application terminal device 30. The operation unit 32 may be configured using a microphone and a voice recognition device. In this case, the operation unit 32 performs voice recognition on words spoken by the user and inputs character string information of the recognition result to the application terminal device 30. The voice recognition may be performed by the control unit 35 instead of the operation unit 32. The operation unit 32 may be configured in any way as long as it is capable of inputting user instructions to the application terminal device 30.

[0052] The output unit 33 outputs data to the user of the application terminal device 30 via an output device (not shown) connected to the application terminal device 30. The output device may be configured using, for example, a device that outputs images and text to a screen. For example, the output device may be configured using an image display device such as a CRT, LCD display, or OLED display. The output unit 33 may be an interface for connecting an image display device to the application terminal device 30. In this case, the output unit 33 generates a video signal for displaying image data and outputs the video signal to the image display device connected to the output unit 33. The output device may also be configured using a device that prints images and text on a sheet. For example, the output device may be configured using an inkjet printer, a laser printer, or the like. The output device may also be configured using a device that converts text into voice and outputs it. In this case, the output device may be configured using a voice synthesizer and a voice output device (such as a speaker or headphones). Voice synthesis may be performed by the control unit 35 rather than the output unit 33. In either case, the output unit 33 may be configured as an interface for connecting each device to the application terminal device 30.

[0053] The storage unit 34 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive, a semiconductor storage device, etc. The storage unit 34 stores data used by the control unit 35.

[0054] The control unit 35 is configured using a processor such as a CPU and a memory (main storage device). The control unit 35 functions when the processor executes a program. All or part of the functions of the control unit 35 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into computer systems. The program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0055] The control unit 35 generates information (hereinafter referred to as "registration request information") for requesting that a specific object be analyzed and information about the object be registered in the object DB in response to a user operation. The control unit 35 transmits the generated registration request information to the registration device 40. In parallel with the transmission of such registration request information, the specified object or a sample thereof is sent to the person (corporation or natural person) operating the registration device 40 or the person analyzing the object. The registration request information may include attribute information of the object.

[0056] 9 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of registration device 40. Registration device 40 is configured using an information processing device such as a personal computer or a server device. Registration device 40 includes a communication unit 41, an information input unit 42, a storage unit 43, and a control unit 44.

[0057] The communication unit 41 is a communication device. The communication unit 41 may be configured as, for example, a network interface. The communication unit 41 communicates data with other devices via the network 80 in accordance with the control of the control unit 44. The communication unit 41 may be a device that performs wireless communication or a device that performs wired communication.

[0058] The information input unit 42 is a device that inputs information to the registration device 40. The information input unit 42 may be configured using, for example, a communication interface that inputs information indicating analysis results from an analysis device that analyzes components contained in a target object. For example, when the registration device 40 and the analysis device communicate using a LAN, the information input unit 42 may be configured as a LAN communication device. For example, when the registration device 40 and the analysis device communicate using a USB cable, the information input unit 42 may be configured as a USB interface. The information input unit 42 may be configured using, for example, an input device through which an operator inputs information indicating analysis results from the analysis device into the registration device 40. For example, the information input unit 42 may be configured using an existing input device such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a button, or a touch panel. The information input unit 42 may be an interface for connecting the input device to the registration device 40. In this case, the information input unit 42 inputs an input signal generated in the input device in response to an input by the operator into the registration device 40. The information input unit 42 may be configured using a microphone and a voice recognition device. In this case, the information input unit 42 performs voice recognition on the words spoken by the operator and inputs character string information of the recognition result to the registration device 40. The voice recognition may be performed by the control unit 44 instead of the information input unit 42. The information input unit 42 may be configured in any way as long as it allows the operator to input the analysis results to the registration device 40.

[0059] The analysis of the target substance may be performed using, for example, LC-MS, GC-MS, NMR spectroscopy, or other techniques described above. Upon receiving the registration request information, the target substance sent together with the registration request information is analyzed to obtain component information.

[0060] The storage unit 43 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 43 stores data used by the control unit 44. The storage unit 43 functions as an object information storage unit 431, for example.

[0061] The object information storage unit 431 stores information about the object. The information about the object includes, for example, information indicating the analysis result input by the information input unit 42. This information indicating the analysis result may be used as the value of the component information included in the object record of the object DB. The information about the object may further include attribute information about the object. Such attribute information may be information provided by, for example, a provider of the object. In this case, the operator may operate the information input unit 42 to input the attribute information into the registration device 40.

[0062] The control unit 44 is configured using a processor such as a CPU and a memory (main storage device). The control unit 44 functions as an information acquisition unit 441 and a registration control unit 442 when the processor executes a program. All or part of the functions of the control unit 44 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into a computer system. The above program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0063] The information acquisition unit 441 acquires information input to the registration device 40 via the information input unit 42 and records it in the storage unit 43. For example, when information indicating an analysis result of an object is input via the information input unit 42, the information acquisition unit 441 records the input information in the object information storage unit 431. Alternatively, when attribute information of an object is input via the communication unit 41 or the information input unit 42, the information acquisition unit 441 may record the input attribute information in the object information storage unit 431.

[0064] The registration control unit 442 performs processing for registering the information stored in the object information storage unit 431 as part of an object record in the object DB of the information providing device 20. For example, the registration control unit 442 reads out the information stored in the object information storage unit 431 (information obtained by analysis and information included in the registration request information), and performs application processing for registering the read out information as a new object record.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of processing of the second embodiment of the information providing system 100. First, the application terminal device 30 generates registration request information in response to a user input. The application terminal device 30 transmits the generated registration request information to the registration device 40 (step S201). In response to the registration request, an analysis process is performed on the object that is the subject of the registration request (step S202). Such analysis process may be performed, for example, by the operator of the registration device 40, or by a third party entrusted with analysis by the operator of the registration device 40. Upon receiving information indicating the analysis result, the information acquisition unit 441 of the registration device 40 records the information in the object information storage unit 431. The registration control unit 442 of the registration device 40 performs processing to register the information stored in the object information storage unit 431 as part of the object record in the object DB of the information providing device 20. For example, the registration control unit 442 generates registration information including the information stored in the object information storage unit 431 and transmits it to the information providing device 20 (step S203). The control unit 23 of the information providing device 20 registers the information stored in the object information storage unit 431 as part of the object record. For example, when the control unit 23 receives registration information from the registration device 40, it generates an object record including the information included in the registration information and registers it in the object DB storage unit 221 (step S204).

[0066] The information provision system 100 of the second embodiment configured as described above provides the same effects as the information provision system 100 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the information provision system 100 of the second embodiment allows a request to register a new object record in the object DB of the information provision device 20. For example, a person wishing to increase the number of traded objects for a specific object can request that information about the specific object be registered in the object DB storage unit 221. Registering information about the object in the object DB storage unit 221 may result in the information provision device 20 notifying a third party that the object has a specific component or a specific function. Therefore, when trading a specific object, a user can search for a trading partner using information about the compounds contained in the object. This increases the opportunities to meet trading partners for the object, thereby increasing the number of objects traded.

[0067] (Variation) The information providing system 100 of the second embodiment may be configured in a modified manner similar to the first embodiment. Similar to the transmission of request information to the information providing device 20, the user's transmission of registration request information to the registration device 40 may be performed by a method other than data communication via the network 80 by the application terminal device 30. For example, the user may operate the application terminal device 30 to generate an e-mail containing the registration request information and send it to the terminal device 10 operated by the person operating the registration device 40 (hereinafter referred to as the "operator"). The registration request information may be included in the body of the e-mail or in an attachment. The registration device 40 has a user interface for the operator. For example, the registration device 40 further includes components equivalent to the operation unit 32 and output unit 33 of the application terminal device 30. When the operator receives the e-mail sent from the user, the operator operates the operation unit of the registration device 40 to input the registration request information contained in the received e-mail into the registration device 40. The registration device 40 then operates as described above.

[0068] In the above example, the user sends the registration request information by email, but the registration request information may be sent by other methods. For example, the registration request information may be sent by sending a sheet with the registration request information filled out to the operator or the corporation to which the operator belongs. For example, the registration request information may be sent by facsimile or by oral communication over the telephone.

[0069] The registration information may be transmitted from the registration device 40 to the information providing device 20 by the registration device 40 using a method other than data communication via the network 80. For example, an operator may operate the registration device 40 to generate an email containing the registration information and transmit the email to the terminal device 10 operated by the operator of the information providing device 20. The registration information may be included in the body of the email or in an attachment. The information providing device 20 has a user interface for the administrator. For example, the information providing device 20 further includes components equivalent to the operation unit 32 and output unit 33 of the application terminal device 30. Upon receiving the transmitted email, the operator operates the operation unit of the information providing device 20 to input the registration information contained in the received email into the information providing device 20, thereby generating an object record containing the registration information and registering it in the object DB.

[0070] [Third embodiment] 11 is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of an information provision system 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The information provision system 100 according to the third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that it includes an intermediary device 50 instead of the information provision device 20. The information provision system 100 according to the third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the second embodiment.

[0071] The information providing system 100 includes a plurality of terminal devices 10, an application terminal device 30, a registration device 40, and an intermediary device 50. The terminal devices 10, the application terminal device 30, and the registration device 40 communicate with each other via a network 80. The plurality of terminal devices 10 and the intermediary device 50 communicate with each other via the network 80.

[0072] 12 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of the intermediary device 50. The intermediary device 50 is configured using an information processing device such as a personal computer or a server device. The intermediary device 50 includes a communication unit 51, a storage unit 52, and a control unit 53.

[0073] The communication unit 51 is a communication device. The communication unit 51 may be configured as, for example, a network interface. The communication unit 51 communicates data with other devices via the network 80 in accordance with the control of the control unit 53. The communication unit 51 may be a device that performs wireless communication or a device that performs wired communication.

[0074] The storage unit 52 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 52 stores data used by the control unit 53. The storage unit 52 functions as, for example, an object DB storage unit 521, a compound DB storage unit 522, a function DB storage unit 523, a registrant information storage unit 524, and an intermediary information storage unit 525. The object DB storage unit 521, the compound DB storage unit 522, and the function DB storage unit 523 are configured in the same manner as the object DB storage unit 221, the compound DB storage unit 222, and the function DB storage unit 223 in the information providing device 20.

[0075] The registrant information storage unit 524 stores information about persons who wish to act as intermediaries. Hereinafter, persons whose information is recorded in the registrant information storage unit 524 will be referred to as "registrants." Specific examples of information about registrants include the registrant's contact information (e.g., email address, telephone number, address). Registrants include persons who provide the object (suppliers) and persons who wish to receive the object (demanders). When the registrant is a supplier, the registrant information storage unit 524 stores information about the object that the supplier wishes to supply (e.g., object identification information) and information about the supplier (e.g., the above-mentioned contact information). When the registrant is a consumer, the registrant information storage unit 524 stores information about the compound or function that the consumer wishes to receive and information about the consumer (e.g., the above-mentioned contact information).

[0076] The intermediation information storage unit 525 stores information related to the intermediation process performed by the intermediation control unit 533. Specific examples of information related to the intermediation process include information related to the two parties (the demander and the supplier) who are the subject of intermediation, and object identification information that indicates the object that is the subject of intermediation. The intermediation information storage unit 525 may also store information related to the transaction (for example, the quantity, unit price, total amount, etc. of the object being traded).

[0077] The control unit 53 is configured using a processor such as a CPU and a memory (main storage device). The control unit 44 functions as a determination unit 531, an information providing unit 532, and an intermediary control unit 533 by the processor executing a program. Note that all or part of the functions of the control unit 53 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into computer systems. The above program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line. The determination unit 531 and the information providing unit 532 operate in the same manner as the determination unit 231 and the information providing unit 232 of the information providing device 20.

[0078] The intermediary control unit 533 receives a negotiation request from the terminal device 10. After displaying the determination result, the terminal device 10 in the third embodiment accepts a negotiation request instruction from the user. The negotiation request includes information indicating the object to be negotiated. The negotiation request may be initiated by a party providing the object (supplier) or by a party wishing to receive the object (demandor). The negotiation request also includes information indicating whether the party that inputs the negotiation request is a demandor or a supplier.

[0079] When the intermediary control unit 533 receives a negotiation request from a supplier, it searches the registrant information storage unit 524 for a consumer who desires a compound or function contained in the object to be negotiated. The compound or function contained in the object to be negotiated is obtained as the judgment result of the judgment unit 531. The intermediary control unit 533 transmits negotiation information to the searched consumer. The negotiation information includes information indicating that a negotiation request has been made by a supplier of an object having the compound or function desired by the consumer, as well as information about the object to be negotiated (e.g., information registered in the object DB). When a response indicating that the consumer is willing to negotiate is received from the consumer, the intermediary control unit 533 transmits information about the supplier who desires to negotiate to the consumer, and registers information about the intermediation in the intermediary information storage unit 525.

[0080] When the intermediary control unit 533 receives a negotiation request from a consumer, it searches the registrant information storage unit 524 for a supplier of the object that is the subject of negotiation. The intermediary control unit 533 transmits negotiation information to the searched supplier. The negotiation information includes information indicating that a negotiation request has been made by a consumer who wishes to acquire the object, as well as information about the object that is the subject of negotiation (for example, information registered in the object DB). When a response is received from the supplier indicating that the supplier is willing to negotiate, the intermediary control unit 533 transmits information about the consumer who wishes to negotiate to the supplier, and registers information about the intermediation in the intermediary information storage unit 525.

[0081] The intermediation control unit 533 performs billing processing for the intermediation registered in the intermediation information storage unit 525 at a predetermined timing. The billing processing may be performed, for example, only on the sender of the negotiation request, only on the recipient of the negotiation information, or on both. The billing processing may be performed from the perspective of the consumer and supplier of the object, rather than from the perspective of the transmission and reception of the negotiation request. The billing processing may be performed, for example, only on the consumer, only on the supplier, or on both. The amount to be billed may be, for example, a fixed amount per intermediation processing, or a pay-as-you-go amount depending on the quantity, unit price, or total amount of the intermediation object.

[0082] Fig. 13 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the processing of the third embodiment of the information providing system 100. The processing of steps S101 to S104 is the same as the processing of the same symbols described in Fig. 6. After viewing the judgment result, the user may start negotiation if the desired judgment result is obtained. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0083] The user inputs information about negotiation into the terminal device 10 in accordance with the obtained determination result. The terminal device 10 generates negotiation request information based on the input information and transmits it to the intermediary device 50 (step S301). When the intermediary control unit 533 of the intermediary device 50 receives the negotiation request information, it records the intermediation information in the intermediary information storage unit 525 based on the received negotiation request (step S302). The intermediary control unit 533 searches the registrant information storage unit 524 for the negotiation partner indicated in the received negotiation request. The intermediary control unit 533 transmits the negotiation information to the terminal device 10 of the searched negotiation partner (step S303). Thereafter, the intermediary control unit 533 performs billing processing in accordance with the negotiation status (step S304).

[0084] Below, specific examples of the processing flow will be described for the cases where the user is a consumer and the user is a supplier. When the user is a consumer, information about the target object having the desired compound or function is obtained as a determination result in the processing of step S104. Therefore, negotiation information for the target object supplier is input to the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10 transmits negotiation information for the target object supplier to the intermediary device 50 (step S301). Upon receiving the negotiation request information, the intermediary control unit 533 of the intermediary device 50 records information about the target object being negotiated and information about the consumer who transmitted the negotiation information as intermediary information in the intermediary information storage unit 525 (step S302). The intermediary control unit 533 searches the registrant information storage unit 524 for the supplier of the target object as the negotiation partner indicated in the received negotiation request. Such information may also be searched for in the target object DB. The intermediary control unit 533 transmits the negotiation information to the terminal device 10 of the searched negotiation partner (the supplier of the target object) (step S303). Thereafter, the intermediary control unit 533 performs billing processing according to the negotiation status (step S304).

[0085] If the user is a supplier, information about the compound or function possessed by the desired object is obtained as a result of the determination in step S104. Therefore, negotiation information for a consumer who desires the compound or function is input to the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10 transmits the negotiation information for the consumer to the intermediary device 50 (step S301). Upon receiving the negotiation request information, the intermediary control unit 533 of the intermediary device 50 records information about the object being negotiated and information about the supplier who transmitted the negotiation information as intermediary information in the intermediary information storage unit 525 (step S302). The intermediary control unit 533 searches the registered user information storage unit 524 for a consumer who desires the compound or function possessed by the object as a negotiation partner indicated in the received negotiation request. The intermediary control unit 533 transmits the negotiation information to the terminal device 10 of the searched negotiation partner (consumer) (step S303). Thereafter, the intermediary control unit 533 performs billing processing according to the negotiation status (step S304).

[0086] The information provision system 100 of the third embodiment configured as described above provides the same effects as the information provision system 100 of the first embodiment and the information provision system 100 of the second embodiment. Furthermore, in the information provision system 100 of the third embodiment, the intermediary device 50 mediates negotiations between those who wish to demand a specific object and those who wish to provide it. This increases opportunities to provide the object to demanders, making it possible to increase the number of objects traded. Furthermore, it becomes possible to charge for providing such opportunities.

[0087] (Variation) The information providing system 100 of the third embodiment may be configured in a modified manner similar to the first or second embodiment. The supplier may transmit the negotiation request by operating the application terminal device 30 instead of the terminal device 10.

[0088] Similar to the transmission of request information to the information providing device 20, the user's transmission of a negotiation request to the intermediary device 50 may be performed by a method other than data communication via the network 80 using the terminal device 10. For example, the user may operate the terminal device 10 to generate an email containing the contents of the negotiation request and send it to the terminal device 10 operated by the person operating the intermediary device 50 (hereinafter referred to as the "operator"). The negotiation request may be included in the body of the email or in an attachment. The intermediary device 50 has a user interface for the operator. For example, the intermediary device 50 further includes components equivalent to the operation unit 12 and output unit 13 of the terminal device 10. When the operator receives the email sent from the user, the operator operates the operation unit of the intermediary device 50 to input the negotiation request contained in the received email into the intermediary device 50. The intermediary device 50 then operates as described above.

[0089] In the above example, the user sends the negotiation request by email, but the negotiation request may be sent by other methods. For example, the negotiation request may be sent by sending a sheet with the negotiation request filled out to the operator or the corporation to which the operator belongs. For example, the negotiation request may be sent by facsimile or by oral communication via telephone.

[0090] The operator may transmit a negotiation request to the negotiation partner by a method other than data communication via the network 80 using the intermediary device 50. For example, the operator may operate his / her own terminal device to generate an email containing the contents of the negotiation request and send it to the terminal device 10 operated by the negotiation partner. The negotiation request may be included in the body of the email or in an attachment. When the user corresponding to the negotiation partner receives the email sent from the operator, the user operates the terminal device 10 to display the contents of the negotiation request included in the received email on the terminal device 10 and confirm it.

[0091] In the above example, the operator sends the negotiation request by email, but the negotiation request may be sent by other methods. For example, the negotiation request may be sent by sending a sheet with the negotiation request filled out to the negotiation partner or the corporation to which the negotiation partner belongs. For example, the negotiation request may be sent by facsimile or by oral communication via telephone.

[0092] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 90 applied to this embodiment. The information processing device 90 includes a processor 91, a main memory device 92, a communication interface 93, an auxiliary memory device 94, an input / output interface 95, and an internal bus 96. The processor 91, the main memory device 92, the communication interface 93, the auxiliary memory device 94, and the input / output interface 95 are communicably connected to each other via the internal bus 96. The information processing device 90 may be applied to, for example, the terminal device 10, the information providing device 20, the application terminal device 30, the registration device 40, and the intermediary device 50. In this case, for example, the communication unit of each device may be configured using the communication interface 93. For example, the memory unit of each device may be configured using the auxiliary memory device 94. Furthermore, the control unit of each device may be configured using the processor 91 and the main memory device 92. Furthermore, the operation unit of each device and the information input unit 42 of the registration device 40 may be configured using the input / output interface 95.

[0093] In each embodiment, the terminal device 10, the information providing device 20, the application terminal device 30, the registration device 40, and the intermediary device 50 may each be configured using one information processing device or multiple information processing devices. The information providing device 20 and the registration device 40 may be configured as a single device. The intermediary device 50 and the registration device 40 may be configured as a single device.

[0094] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10...terminal device, 11...communication unit, 12...operation unit, 13...output unit, 14...storage unit, 15...control unit, 20...information providing device, 21...communication unit, 22...storage unit, 221...object DB storage unit, 222...compound DB storage unit, 223...function DB storage unit, 23...control unit, 231...determination unit, 232...information providing unit, 30...application terminal device, 31...communication unit, 32...operation unit, 33...output unit, 34...storage unit, 35...control unit, 40...registration device, 41...communication unit, 42...information input unit, 43...storage unit, 431...object information storage unit, 44...control unit, 441...information acquisition unit, 442...registration control unit, 50...intermediary device, 51...communication unit, 52...storage unit, 521...object DB storage unit, 522...compound DB storage unit, 523...function DB storage unit, 524...registrant information storage unit, 525...intermediary information storage unit, 53...control unit, 531...determination unit, 532...information provision unit, 533...intermediary control unit, 80...network, 90...information processing device, 91...processor, 92...main memory device, 93...communication interface, 94...auxiliary memory device, 95...input / output interface, 96...internal bus, 100...information provision system

Claims

1. a control unit that acquires query information including at least one of an object, a compound, or a function, and generates response information including at least one of an object, a compound, or a function in response to the query information, If the query information includes a target object, generating response information including at least one of a compound corresponding to a component included in the target object and a function of the component included in the target object; If the query information includes a compound, generating response information including at least one of an object including the compound and a function of the compound; When the query information includes a function, the information providing device generates response information including at least one of a compound having the function and an object including a compound having the function.

2. a control step of acquiring query information including at least one of an object, a compound, or a function, and generating response information including at least one of an object, a compound, or a function in response to the query information, When the query information includes a target object, in the control step, response information including at least one of a compound corresponding to a component included in the target object and a function of the component included in the target object is generated; If the query information includes a compound, in the control step, response information including at least one of an object including the compound and a function of the compound is generated; An information providing method in which, if the query information includes a function, in the control step, response information including at least one of a compound having the function and an object including a compound having the function is generated.

3. a control unit that acquires query information including at least one of an object, a compound, or a function, and generates response information including at least one of an object, a compound, or a function in response to the query information, If the query information includes a target object, generating response information including at least one of a compound corresponding to a component included in the target object and a function of the component included in the target object; If the query information includes a compound, generating response information including at least one of an object including the compound and a function of the compound; A computer program for causing a computer to function as an information providing device that, when the query information includes a function, generates response information including at least one of a compound having the function and an object including a compound having the function.

Images