Design support device, design support system, design support program, and design support method

Abstract

To provide a design support device, design support system, design support program, and design support method that can provide efficient support. [Solution] According to the embodiment, the design support device includes an interface and a processing circuit. The interface acquires a plurality of image data and a plurality of correspondence information related to the target device. One of the plurality of correspondence information corresponds to one of the plurality of image data. One of the plurality of correspondence information includes design values, scores, and characteristic values ​​related to one of the plurality of image data. The processing circuit includes a data generation unit. In the first operation, the data generation unit generates first display data that displays an output image including a plurality of symbols. One of the plurality of symbols corresponds to one of the plurality of feature quantities. One of the plurality of feature quantities corresponds to one of the plurality of image data. The plurality of symbols are displayed in a first display format according to the plurality of correspondence information corresponding to the plurality of image data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a design support device, a design support system, a design support program, and a design support method.

Background Art

[0002] For example, products of various devices such as semiconductor devices are designed. A design support device that efficiently supports design is desired.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide a design support device, a design support system, a design support program, and a design support method that can support efficiently.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to embodiments of the present invention, the design support device includes an interface and a processing circuit. The interface is configured to acquire a plurality of image data and a plurality of correspondence information relating to a target device. One of the plurality of correspondence information corresponds to one of the plurality of image data. One of the plurality of correspondence information includes a design value relating to one of the plurality of image data, a score relating to one of the plurality of image data, and a characteristic value relating to one of the plurality of image data. The processing circuit includes a data generation unit configured to perform a first operation. In the first operation, the data generation unit is configured to generate first display data that displays an output image including a plurality of symbols. One of the plurality of symbols corresponds to one of a plurality of feature quantities. One of the plurality of feature quantities corresponds to one of the plurality of image data. The plurality of symbols are displayed in a first display format corresponding to the plurality of correspondence information relating to the plurality of image data. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a design support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a design support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a design support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a design support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a design support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a design support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a design support method according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationships between the thickness and width of each part, as well as the ratios of the sizes of different parts, are not necessarily identical to those of reality. Even when representing the same part, the dimensions and ratios may differ between drawings. In this specification and in each figure, elements similar to those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals with respect to previously shown figures, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0008] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a design support device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the design support device 110 according to this embodiment includes an interface 78 and a processing circuit 70.

[0009] Interface 78 is configured to obtain multiple image data Dp0 and multiple corresponding information Ic0. The multiple image data Dp0 include image data relating to the target device.

[0010] The target device may be any target product to which the design support apparatus 110 according to the embodiment is applied. The target device may include, for example, at least one of semiconductor devices, magnetic devices, MEMS devices, sensor devices, imaging devices, and light-emitting devices. Examples of target devices will be described later.

[0011] One of the multiple correspondence information Ic0 corresponds to one of the multiple image data Dp0. Each of the multiple correspondence information Ic0 corresponds to one of the multiple image data Dp0.

[0012] One of the multiple correspondence information Ic0 includes a design value Vd0 for one of the multiple image data Dp0, a score Vs0 for one of the multiple image data Dp0, and a characteristic value Vf0 for one of the multiple image data Dp0. The score Vs0 may correspond to, for example, an objective function.

[0013] For example, multiple image data Dp0 include the first image data Dp1, the second image data Dp2, and the third image data Dp3. For example, multiple correspondence information Ic0 includes the first correspondence information Ic1, the second correspondence information Ic2, and the third correspondence information Ic3. The first correspondence information Ic1 corresponds to the first image data Dp1. The second correspondence information Ic2 corresponds to the second image data Dp2. The third correspondence information Ic3 corresponds to the third image data Dp3.

[0014] The first correspondence information Ic1 includes the first design value Vd1, the first score Vs1, and the first characteristic value Vf1 related to the first image data Dp1. The second correspondence information Ic2 includes the second design value Vd2, the second score Vs2, and the second characteristic value Vf2 related to the second image data Dp2. The third correspondence information Ic3 includes the third design value Vd3, the third score Vs3, and the third characteristic value Vf3 related to the third image data Dp3.

[0015] For example, multiple image data Dp0 include the i-th image data Dpi, where "i" is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, multiple correspondence information Ic0 include the i-th correspondence information Ici, where the i-th correspondence information Ici corresponds to the i-th image data Dpi. The i-th correspondence information Ici includes the i-th design value Vdi, the i-th score Vsi, and the i-th characteristic value Vfi related to the i-th image data Dpi.

[0016] The processing circuit 70 includes a data generation unit 71. The data generation unit 71 is configured to perform a first operation. The processing circuit 70 may include, for example, an electronic circuit. The processing circuit 70 may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The data generation unit 71 may include, for example, an electronic circuit.

[0017] In the first operation, the data generation unit 71 is configured to generate first display data Dd1. The first display data Dd1 may be supplied to, for example, the display device 50. An output image 50i based on the first display data Dd1 is displayed in the display area 50D of the display device 50.

[0018] The output image 50i includes a plurality of symbols 58. The plurality of symbols 58 correspond to the respective feature amounts of the plurality of image data Dp0. One of the plurality of symbols 58 corresponds to one of the plurality of feature amounts. One of the plurality of feature amounts corresponds to one of the plurality of image data Dp0. The plurality of symbols 58 are displayed in a first display format DF1 according to a plurality of correspondence information Ic0 corresponding to the plurality of image data Dp0.

[0019] The first display format DF1 may include, for example, color. The plurality of symbols 58 are displayed in different colors according to the plurality of correspondence information Ic0. The plurality of symbols 58 may be, for example, marks having a specific shape. In the example of FIG. 1, the plurality of symbols 58 are circular marks. The plurality of symbols 58 are displayed in a color according to the correspondence information Ic0 corresponding to the plurality of symbols 58.

[0020] For example, for a target device, a plurality of image data Dp0 with different designs are generated. Each of the plurality of image data Dp0 has different characteristics according to different designs. The different characteristics are reflected in the image data Dp0. In one example, when the target product is a semiconductor device or the like, a simulation is performed regarding characteristics such as the current density distribution in the semiconductor device. Image data Dp0 representing the result is generated. The plurality of image data Dp0 reflect different characteristics (performances).

[0021] For example, multiple feature quantities are calculated for multiple image data Dp0. These multiple feature quantities correspond to different characteristics (performance) of the target product. In this embodiment, multiple symbols 58 corresponding to the multiple feature quantities of multiple image data Dp0 related to the target product are displayed in a first display format DF1 (e.g., differences in color) corresponding to multiple corresponding information Ic0 for each of the multiple image data Dp0. This allows the user of the design support device 110 to easily recognize the different characteristics (performance) of the target product. According to this embodiment, a design support device that can provide efficient support can be provided. For example, an efficient GUI (Graphical User Interface) can be provided.

[0022] For example, multiple symbols 58 are located in a display space 50S corresponding to the respective feature quantities of multiple image data Dp0. The display space 50S may be, for example, two-dimensional. A user-friendly display is provided.

[0023] For example, as already explained, multiple image data Dp0 include the first image data Dp1, the second image data Dp2, and the third image data Dp3, etc. The first image data Dp1 has a first feature. The second image data Dp2 has a second feature. The third image data Dp3 has a third feature.

[0024] The multiple symbols 58 include a first symbol 51 corresponding to the first feature, a second symbol 52 corresponding to the second feature, and a third symbol 53 corresponding to the third feature (see Figure 1). The first symbol 51 is located at the first display position 51p in the display space 50S. The second symbol 52 is located at the second display position 52p in the display space 50S. The third symbol 53 is located at the third display position 53p in the display space 50S.

[0025] For example, if the first absolute value of the first difference between the first feature and the second feature is smaller than the second absolute value of the second difference between the first feature and the third feature, then in the display space 50S, the first distance between the first display position 51p and the second display position 52p is shorter than the second distance between the first display position 51p and the third display position 53p.

[0026] For example, multiple symbols 58 relating to multiple image data Dp0 with similar features are located close together in the display space 50S. Multiple symbols 58 relating to multiple image data Dp0 with different features are located far apart in the display space 50S. The first display data Dd1 that displays such an output image 50i allows for efficient recognition of differences in features, for example. The design support device 110 enables the user to recognize the features of multiple image data Dp0 more efficiently.

[0027] For example, the output image 50i includes a two-dimensional scatter plot of multiple symbols 58. For example, the data generation unit 71 is configured to perform dimensionality reduction on multiple feature vectors Fv0. Dimensionality reduction includes performing at least one of t-SNE (t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding), PCA (Principal component analysis), and MDS (Multi-dimensional scaling).

[0028] In this embodiment, feature quantities relating to multiple image data Dp0 are represented by multiple symbols 58 representing their positions within the display space 50S. Furthermore, these multiple symbols 58 are displayed in a first display format DF1 (e.g., color) corresponding to multiple corresponding information Ic0. By displaying the position within the display space 50S and the first display format DF1 (e.g., color), the relationship between the characteristics of the target device (e.g., performance) and the corresponding information Ic0 (design value Vd0, score Vs0, and characteristic value Vf0) can be efficiently recognized.

[0029] The first display format DF1 may include a display format based on at least one of the following: the color of multiple symbols 58 corresponding to multiple corresponding information Ic0, the brightness of multiple symbols 58 corresponding to multiple corresponding information Ic0, the size of multiple symbols 58 corresponding to multiple corresponding information Ic0, and the temporal change of multiple symbols 58 corresponding to multiple corresponding information Ic0. The temporal change of multiple symbols 58 may include, for example, blinking and the blinking period.

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a design support device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 illustrates an output image 50i based on the first display data Dd1. In this example, the multiple symbols 58 are circular marks. The multiple symbols 58 are displayed in a first display format DF1 corresponding to multiple corresponding information Ic0. For example, the circular marks are displayed in different colors or with different brightness (densities). The user of the design support device 110 can efficiently recognize the differences in the feature quantities Fv0 of multiple image data Dp0 based on their position in the output image 50i and the first display format DF1. This enables efficient design support.

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a design support device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, at least one of multiple image data Dp0 may be displayed in the output image 50i based on the first display data Dd1.

[0032] Thus, the data generation unit 71 may be configured to further perform an image display operation. In the image display operation, the data generation unit 71 may be configured to display at least one of a plurality of image data Dp0 together with at least a portion of a plurality of symbols 58. In this example, the target device is a transistor (semiconductor device). The plurality of image data Dp0 show the electric field strength distribution in the transistor.

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a design support device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the data generation unit 71 may include a feature extraction unit 71a. The feature extraction unit 71a extracts a feature quantity Fv0 from multiple image data Dp0. The dimension of the feature quantity Fv0 is lower than the dimension of the multiple image data Dp0.

[0034] In one example, the dimension of one of the multiple image data Dp0 is 1024 × 512 × 3. The feature extraction unit 71a extracts low-dimensional feature quantities Fv0 (e.g., feature vectors) from such multiple image data Dp0 using a method such as IDFD (Instance Discrimination and Feature Decorrelation). The dimension of the feature quantity Fv0 is lower than the dimension of one of the multiple image data Dp0. The dimension of the feature quantity Fv0 may be, for example, 100 or more dimensions.

[0035] For example, in the feature extraction unit 71a, representation learning may be performed. Based on the representation learning, multiple feature quantities Fv0 may be extracted.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the data generation unit 71 may include an image classification unit 71b. For example, multiple feature quantities Fv0 may be supplied from the feature extraction unit 71a to the image classification unit 71b. The image classification unit 71b is configured to classify multiple image data Dp0 based on the multiple feature quantities Fv0.

[0037] For example, the image classification unit 71b clusters multiple image data Dp0 using multiple feature quantities Fv0. In clustering, for example, k-means may be applied. In one example, the classification numbers (cluster numbers) may be determined based on, for example, at least part of multiple correspondence information Ic0. The classification numbers (cluster numbers) may be determined based on, for example, an objective function (score Vs0). The number of one of the classifications may be determined based on, for example, the median of the objective functions included in that classification.

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a design support device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the output image 50i may include a cluster display Dc0. The cluster display Dc0 corresponds to multiple clusters Cl0. Multiple clusters Cl0 are obtained, for example, by classifying multiple image data Dp0 based on multiple feature quantities Fv0. By displaying the cluster display Dc0, the design support device 110 allows the user to recognize the features of the multiple image data Dp0 more efficiently.

[0039] At least a portion of the first display format DF1 may be adapted to multiple clusters Cl0.

[0040] The shape of the cluster display Dc0 in the output image 50i can be a polygon, a circle, or a flattened circle. The shape of the cluster display Dc0 in the output image 50i can be arbitrary.

[0041] For example, the cluster representation Dc0 in the output image 50i may overlap with a portion of the multiple symbols 58 corresponding to that cluster representation Dc0. A portion of the multiple symbols 58 corresponding to the cluster representation Dc0 may exist inside the cluster representation Dc0 in the output image 50i. For example, the cluster representation Dc0 in the output image 50i may overlap with 90% or more of the multiple symbols 58 corresponding to that cluster representation Dc0.

[0042] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a design support device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, in the design support device 110 according to this embodiment, the data generation unit 71 may be configured to perform a second operation. Multiple symbols 58 are displayed in a second display format DF2 corresponding to multiple clusters Cl0.

[0043] In other words, in the second operation, the data generation unit 71 is configured to generate second display data Dd2 (see Figure 1) that displays an output image 50i containing multiple symbols 58. One of the multiple symbols 58 corresponds to one of the multiple feature quantities Fv0. One of the multiple feature quantities Fv0 corresponds to one of the multiple image data Dp0. In the second operation, the multiple symbols 58 are displayed in a second display format DF2 corresponding to multiple clusters Cl0 into which the multiple image data Dp0 are classified based on the multiple feature quantities Fv0. The design support device 110 allows the user to recognize the features of the multiple image data Dp0 more efficiently. Support is provided efficiently.

[0044] The first operation described above may be omitted, and the second operation described above may be performed instead. In this case, the design support device 110 includes an interface 78 and a processing circuit 70. The interface 78 is configured to acquire a plurality of image data Dp0 and a plurality of correspondence information Ic0 related to the target device. As already described, one of the plurality of correspondence information Ic0 corresponds to one of the plurality of image data Dp0. One of the plurality of correspondence information Ic0 includes a design value Vd0 related to one of the plurality of image data Dp0, a score Vs0 related to one of the plurality of image data Dp0, and a characteristic value Vf0 related to one of the plurality of image data Dp0.

[0045] The processing circuit 70 includes a data generation unit 71 configured to perform a second operation. In the second operation, the data generation unit 71 is configured to generate second display data Dd2 (see Figure 1) that displays an output image 50i containing a plurality of symbols 58. One of the plurality of symbols 58 corresponds to one of a plurality of feature quantities Fv0. One of the plurality of feature quantities Fv0 corresponds to one of a plurality of image data Dp0. The plurality of symbols 58 are displayed in a second display format DF2 corresponding to a plurality of clusters Cl0 into which the plurality of image data Dp0 are classified based on the plurality of feature quantities Fv0.

[0046] The second display format DF2 may include a display format based on at least one of the following: the color of multiple symbols 58 corresponding to multiple clusters Cl0, the brightness of multiple symbols 58 corresponding to multiple clusters Cl0, the size of multiple symbols 58 corresponding to multiple clusters Cl0, and the temporal change of multiple symbols 58 corresponding to multiple clusters Cl0. The temporal change of multiple symbols 58 may include, for example, blinking and the blinking period.

[0047] In at least one of the first and second operations, a portion of the multiple image data Dp0 may be subject to the above processing. For example, the data generation unit 71 may be configured to select at least one of the multiple image data Dp0 that is not subject to the output image 50i, based on a plurality of corresponding information Ic0 corresponding to each of the multiple image data Dp0. Depending on the situation, processing (and display) of some of the image data Dp0 may not be performed. This allows for efficient support.

[0048] As shown in Figure 1, the processing circuit 70 may further include an optimization unit 75. The optimization unit 75 is configured to derive the above-mentioned plurality of image data Dp0 and the above-mentioned plurality of corresponding information Ic0. The plurality of image data Dp0 and the plurality of corresponding information Ic0 derived by the optimization unit 75 are supplied to the interface 78.

[0049] The optimization unit 75 calculates the characteristics of the target device by, for example, changing the design values ​​for the target device. This allows the optimization unit 75 to derive multiple image data Dp0. The optimization unit 75 then derives a score Vs0 (e.g., an objective function) and a characteristic value Vf0 for each of the multiple image data Dp0. The optimization unit 75 outputs the design value Vd0, the score Vs0, and the characteristic value Vf0 along with the multiple image data Dp0.

[0050] The location where the optimization unit 75 is provided may be different from the location where the data generation unit 71 is provided. The circuit operating as the optimization unit 75 may be different from the circuit operating as the data generation unit 71. Data transmission and reception between the optimization unit 75 and the data generation unit 71 may be performed by at least one of wired or wireless means.

[0051] In the example in Figure 5, at least one of the multiple image data Dp0 corresponding to the cluster display Dc0 may be displayed. One of the multiple image data Dp0 corresponding to one of the multiple clusters Cl0 may be displayed. One of the multiple image data Dp0 may be, for example, a representative image.

[0052] The representative image may, for example, correspond to the image data Dp0 whose characteristic value is the median, maximum, or minimum among multiple image data Dp0 corresponding to one of the multiple clusters Cl0. The representative image may, for example, correspond to the image data Dp0 corresponding to one of the multiple symbols 58 closest to the centroid in the output image 50i of one of the multiple clusters Cl0.

[0053] The representative image may, for example, correspond to the image data Dp0 whose design value is the median, maximum, or minimum among multiple image data Dp0 corresponding to one of multiple clusters Cl0.

[0054] The representative image may, for example, correspond to the image data Dp0 in which the score Vs0 is the median, maximum, or minimum among multiple image data Dp0 corresponding to one of the multiple clusters Cl0. The representative image may, for example, correspond to the image data Dp0 corresponding to one of the multiple symbols 58 closest to the centroid in the output image 50i of one of the multiple clusters Cl0.

[0055] In the example shown in Figure 5, data entered by the user (e.g., text data) may be displayed corresponding to the cluster display Dc0. The data entered by the user may include shapes and other elements.

[0056] The target device to which the design support apparatus 110 according to the embodiment is applied may include, for example, a semiconductor device. In this case, at least one of the design value Vd0, score Vs0, and characteristic value Vf0 may include at least one selected from the group consisting of electron current density, hole current density, acceptor density, donor density, doping density, Auger recombination rate, electric field strength, lateral component of the electric field, longitudinal component of the electric field, electrostatic potential, impact ionization coefficient, trap density, trap occupancy rate, lattice temperature, pseudo-Fermi potential, electron pseudo-Fermi potential, hole pseudo-Fermi potential, slope of the electron pseudo-Fermi potential, slope of the hole pseudo-Fermi potential, space charge density, stress, electron density, hole density, electron mobility, hole mobility, and Shockley-Reed-Hole recombination rate.

[0057] In embodiments, the target device may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of semiconductor devices, magnetic devices, MEMS devices, sensor devices, imaging devices, light-emitting devices, antenna devices, communication devices, computing devices, memory devices, lighting devices, motors, generators, electrical devices, manufacturing devices, mechanical devices, robots, automobiles, aircraft, drones, ships, and tools. Manufacturing devices may include, for example, semiconductor manufacturing devices. At least one of the semiconductor devices and electrical devices may include at least one of a power converter and a control device. Manufacturing devices may include at least one of a gas device and a pollution control device. Mechanical devices may include, for example, cranes. Tools may include, for example, screws.

[0058] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment relates to a design support system. The processing in the design support device 110 according to the embodiment may be carried out by a plurality of processing circuits 70. The design support system 210 according to the embodiment (see Figure 1) may have the same configuration as the design support device 110 described above. The design support system 210 may be configured to perform at least a part of the operations described with respect to the design support device 110. The configuration described with respect to the design support device 110 can be applied to the design support system 210.

[0059] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment relates to a design support program. The design support program causes a computer to perform processing operations. The processing operations include acquiring a plurality of image data Dp0 and a plurality of correspondence information Ic0 related to a target device. One of the plurality of correspondence information Ic0 corresponds to one of the plurality of image data Dp0. One of the plurality of correspondence information Ic0 includes a design value Vd0 related to one of the plurality of image data Dp0, a score Vs0 related to one of the plurality of image data Dp0, and a characteristic value Vf0 related to one of the plurality of image data Dp0. The processing operations include a first operation. In the first operation, first display data Dd1 is generated that displays an output image 50i containing a plurality of symbols 58. One of the plurality of symbols 58 corresponds to one of a plurality of feature quantities Fv0. One of the plurality of feature quantities Fv0 corresponds to one of the plurality of image data Dp0. The plurality of symbols 58 are displayed in a first display format DF1 corresponding to the plurality of correspondence information Ic0 corresponding to the plurality of image data Dp0. An efficient design support program is provided.

[0060] (Fourth Embodiment) The fourth embodiment relates to a design support method. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a design support method according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the design support method according to the embodiment includes acquiring a plurality of image data Dp0 and a plurality of correspondence information Ic0 relating to the target device (step S110). One of the plurality of correspondence information Ic0 corresponds to one of the plurality of image data Dp0. One of the plurality of correspondence information Ic0 includes a design value Vd0 relating to one of the plurality of image data Dp0, a score Vs0 relating to one of the plurality of image data Dp0, and a characteristic value Vf0 relating to one of the plurality of image data Dp0.

[0061] The design support method according to the embodiment includes, in the first operation, generating first display data Dd1 that displays an output image 50i containing a plurality of symbols 58 (step S120). One of the plurality of symbols 58 corresponds to one of a plurality of feature quantities Fv0. One of the plurality of feature quantities Fv0 corresponds to one of a plurality of image data Dp0. The plurality of symbols 58 are displayed in a first display format DF1 corresponding to a plurality of correspondence information Ic0 corresponding to the plurality of image data Dp0. An efficient design support method is provided.

[0062] According to the embodiment, a design support device, a design support system, a design support program, and a design support method that can provide efficient support are provided.

[0063] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, the specific configuration of each element, such as processing circuits, interfaces, and data generation units, included in the design support device is included within the scope of the present invention as long as those skilled in the art can appropriately select from the known scope to implement the present invention in the same way and obtain similar effects.

[0064] Combinations of two or more elements from each example, to the extent technically feasible, are also included within the scope of the present invention, insofar as they encompass the gist of the invention.

[0065] All design support devices, design support systems, design support programs, and design support methods that a person skilled in the art can implement by appropriately modifying the design based on the above-described embodiments of the present invention also fall within the scope of the present invention, insofar as they encompass the gist of the present invention.

[0066] Within the scope of the concept of this invention, a person skilled in the art would be able to conceive of various modifications and alterations, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of this invention.

[0067] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 50: Display device, 50D: Display area, 50S: Display space, 50i: Output image, 51~53: 1st~3rd symbols, 51p~53p: 1st~3rd display positions, 58: Symbol, 70: Processing circuit, 71: Data generation unit, 71a: Feature extraction unit, 71b: Image classification unit, 75: Optimization unit, 78: Interface, 110: Design support device, 210: Design support system, Cl0: Cluster, Dc0: Cluster display, Dd1, Dd2: 1st, 2nd display data, DF1, DF2: 1st, 2nd display format, Dp0: Image data, Dp1~Dp3: 1st~3rd image data, Dpi: ith image data, Fv0: Feature quantity, Ic0: Correspondence information, Ic1~Ic3: 1st~3rd correspondence information, Ici: ith correspondence information, Vd0: Design value, Vd1~Vd3: 1st to 3rd design values, Vdi: i-th design value, Vf0: Characteristic value, Vf1~Vf3: 1st to 3rd characteristic values, Vfi: i-th characteristic value, Vs0: Score, Vs1~Vs3: 1st to Vs3 scores, Vsi: i-th score

Claims

1. An interface configured to acquire multiple image data and multiple correspondence information relating to a target device, wherein one of the multiple correspondence information corresponds to one of the multiple image data, and the one of the multiple correspondence information includes a design value relating to the one of the multiple image data, a score relating to the one of the multiple image data, and characteristic values ​​relating to the one of the multiple image data, A processing circuit including a data generation unit configured to perform a first operation, wherein in the first operation, the data generation unit is configured to generate first display data that displays an output image including a plurality of symbols, one of the plurality of symbols corresponds to one of a plurality of feature quantities, one of the plurality of feature quantities corresponds to one of the plurality of image data, and the plurality of symbols are displayed in a first display format corresponding to the plurality of corresponding information corresponding to the plurality of image data, A design support device equipped with these features.

2. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of symbols are located in a display space corresponding to the plurality of feature quantities.

3. The plurality of image data includes first image data, second image data, and third image data. The first image data has a first feature, The aforementioned second image data has a second feature, The aforementioned third image data has a third feature, The plurality of symbols include a first symbol corresponding to the first feature, a second symbol corresponding to the second feature, and a third symbol corresponding to the third feature. The design support device according to claim 2, wherein if the first absolute value of the first difference between the first feature quantity and the second feature quantity is smaller than the second absolute value of the second difference between the first feature quantity and the third feature quantity, the first distance between the first display position of the first symbol in the display space and the second display position of the second symbol in the display space is shorter than the second distance between the first display position and the third display position of the third symbol in the display space.

4. The design support device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the display space is two-dimensional.

5. The design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first display format includes a display format based on at least one of the colors of the plurality of symbols corresponding to the plurality of corresponding information, the brightness of the plurality of symbols corresponding to the plurality of corresponding information, the size of the plurality of symbols corresponding to the plurality of corresponding information, and the temporal change of the plurality of symbols corresponding to the plurality of corresponding information.

6. The data generation unit is configured to further perform an image display operation. The design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the image display operation, the data generation unit is configured to display at least one of the plurality of image data together with at least a portion of the plurality of symbols.

7. The design support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the output image includes a cluster display corresponding to the plurality of image-classified clusters based on the plurality of feature quantities.

8. The design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least a portion of the first display format corresponds to the plurality of clusters.

9. The data generation unit is configured to further perform a second operation. In the second operation, the data generation unit is configured to generate second display data that displays the output image including the plurality of symbols, One of the plurality of symbols corresponds to one of the plurality of features, and one of the plurality of features corresponds to one of the plurality of image data. The design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the second operation, the plurality of symbols are displayed in a second display format corresponding to the plurality of image-classified clusters based on the plurality of feature quantities.

10. An interface configured to acquire multiple image data and multiple correspondence information relating to a target device, wherein one of the multiple correspondence information corresponds to one of the multiple image data, and the one of the multiple correspondence information includes a design value relating to the one of the multiple image data, a score relating to the one of the multiple image data, and characteristic values ​​relating to the one of the multiple image data, A processing circuit including a data generation unit configured to perform a second operation, wherein in the second operation, the data generation unit is configured to generate second display data for displaying an output image including a plurality of symbols, one of the plurality of symbols corresponds to one of a plurality of feature quantities, one of the plurality of feature quantities corresponds to one of the plurality of image data, and the plurality of symbols are displayed in a second display format corresponding to a plurality of clusters identified in the plurality of images based on the plurality of feature quantities, A design support device equipped with this device.

11. The design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the target device includes at least one selected from the group consisting of semiconductor devices, magnetic devices, MEMS devices, sensor devices, imaging devices, light-emitting devices, antenna devices, communication devices, computing devices, memory devices, lighting devices, motors, generators, electrical devices, manufacturing devices, mechanical devices, robots, automobiles, aircraft, drones, ships, and tools.

12. The data generation unit includes a feature extraction unit, The feature extraction unit extracts the plurality of feature quantities from the plurality of image data, The design support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the dimensions of the plurality of feature quantities are lower than the dimensions of the plurality of image data.

13. The data generation unit includes an image classification unit, The design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the image classification unit is configured to classify the plurality of image data based on the plurality of feature quantities.

14. The design support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the data generation unit is configured to select at least one of the plurality of image data that is not to be used as the target of the output image, based on the plurality of corresponding information corresponding to each of the plurality of image data.

15. The processing circuit further includes an optimization unit, The design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the optimization unit is configured to derive the plurality of image data and the plurality of corresponding information.

16. The design support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the output image includes a two-dimensional scatter plot relating to the plurality of symbols.

17. The data generation unit is configured to perform dimensionality reduction on the plurality of feature quantities. The design support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the dimensionality reduction includes performing at least one of t-SNE (t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding), PCA (Principal component analysis), and MDS (Multi-dimensional scaling).

18. An interface configured to acquire multiple image data and multiple correspondence information relating to a target device, wherein one of the multiple correspondence information corresponds to one of the multiple image data, and the one of the multiple correspondence information includes a design value relating to the one of the multiple image data, a score relating to the one of the multiple image data, and characteristic values ​​relating to the one of the multiple image data, A processing circuit including a data generation unit configured to perform a first operation, wherein in the first operation, the data generation unit is configured to generate first display data that displays an output image including a plurality of symbols, one of the plurality of symbols corresponds to one of a plurality of feature quantities, one of the plurality of feature quantities corresponds to one of the plurality of image data, and the plurality of symbols are displayed in a first display format corresponding to the plurality of corresponding information corresponding to the plurality of image data, A design support system equipped with these features.

19. A design support program that causes a computer to perform processing operations, The processing operation includes acquiring a plurality of image data and a plurality of correspondence information relating to the target device, wherein one of the plurality of correspondence information corresponds to one of the plurality of image data, and the one of the plurality of correspondence information includes a design value relating to the one of the plurality of image data, a score relating to the one of the plurality of image data, and characteristic values ​​relating to the one of the plurality of image data. The processing operation includes a first operation, in which first operation generates first display data that displays an output image including a plurality of symbols, one of the plurality of symbols corresponds to one of a plurality of feature quantities, one of the plurality of feature quantities corresponds to one of the plurality of image data, and the plurality of symbols are displayed in a first display format according to the plurality of correspondence information corresponding to the plurality of image data. Design support program.

20. Multiple image data and multiple correspondence information relating to the target device are acquired, one of the multiple correspondence information relating to one of the multiple image data, and one of the multiple correspondence information relating to one of the multiple image data includes a design value relating to one of the multiple image data, a score relating to one of the multiple image data, and characteristic values ​​relating to one of the multiple image data. In the first operation, first display data is generated that displays an output image containing multiple symbols, one of the multiple symbols corresponds to one of the multiple feature quantities, one of the multiple feature quantities corresponds to one of the multiple image data, and the multiple symbols are displayed in a first display format according to the multiple correspondence information corresponding to the multiple image data. Design support method.

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