Information viewing system, information viewing device, information viewing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information browsing system allowing a browsing user to properly browse information on a product, an information browsing apparatus, an information browsing method, and a program.SOLUTION: In an information browsing system 10, an information browsing apparatus 14 includes: a lightweight information storage unit 62 which stores lightweight information obtained by lightening the weight of product information; a receiving unit 54 which receives a browsing ticket presented from a browsing user; and a browsing processing unit 56 which allows the browsing user, when the receiving unit receives the browsing ticket, to browse the lightweight information corresponding to product information specified by the browsing ticket.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a construction information distribution system that distributes CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data and the like from a website. In Patent Document 1, information security is ensured by authentication using an authentication key. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-72937 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if the data size is relatively large, it takes a long time to communicate the data. Also, if the application software used to generate the data is not installed on the device receiving the data, the data may not be viewable.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information viewing system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a lightweight information storage unit that stores lightweight information obtained by lightweighting product information, a reception unit that accepts a viewing ticket from a viewer, and a viewing processing unit that, when the viewing ticket is accepted by the reception unit, allows the viewer to view the lightweight information corresponding to the product information identified by the viewing ticket.

[0007] An information viewing device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a reception unit that accepts presentation of a viewing ticket from a viewer, and a viewing processing unit that, when the viewing ticket is accepted by the reception unit, allows the viewer to view lightweight information that corresponds to product information identified by the viewing ticket and has been obtained by lightweighting the product information.

[0008] An information viewing method according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes the steps of accepting a viewing ticket from a viewer, and, when the viewing ticket is accepted, allowing the viewer to view lightweight information that corresponds to product information identified by the viewing ticket and has been obtained by lightweighting the product information.

[0009] A program according to yet another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute the steps of accepting presentation of a viewing ticket from a viewer, and, when the viewing ticket is accepted, allowing the viewer to view lightweight information that corresponds to product information identified by the viewing ticket and has been obtained by lightweighting the product information. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information viewing system, an information viewing device, an information viewing method, and a program that enable a viewer to satisfactorily view information related to a product. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information viewing system according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a viewing ticket. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information browsing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information browsing system according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] [One embodiment] An information viewing system, an information viewing device, an information viewing method, and a program according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the information viewing system according to the present embodiment.

[0013] The information viewing system 10 according to this embodiment may include a device 12, an information viewing device 14, a file exchange device 16, a device 18, and a storage 20.

[0014] The device 12 is installed, for example, in a certain place of business of a certain company. The user of the device 12 is, for example, an employee working in the place of business where the device 12 is installed.

[0015] The device 18 is installed, for example, at a business partner of the company that installs the device 12. The user of the device 18 is, for example, an employee working at the business partner.

[0016] Device 12 may be located at a first location of a plurality of locations belonging to a company, and device 18 may be located at a second location of the plurality of locations.

[0017] Device 12 may be located in a first country and device 18 may be located in a second country that is different from the first country.

[0018] The device 12 may include a calculation unit 24, a storage unit 26, an operation unit 28, and a display unit 30. The device 12 may include components other than these components, but the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0019] The calculation unit 24 may be configured by a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), that is, a processing circuitry.

[0020] The calculation unit 24 may include a control unit 32 and a display control unit 34. The control unit 32 and the display control unit 34 may be realized by the calculation unit 24 executing a program stored in the storage unit 26. The control unit 32 is responsible for the overall control of the device 12. The display control unit 34 may control the screen display of the display unit 30. The calculation unit 24 may include components other than these components, but the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0021] At least a part of the control unit 32 and the display control unit 34 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). At least a part of the control unit 32 and the display control unit 34 may be configured by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0022] The storage unit 26 may include a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). The volatile memory may include, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The volatile memory is used as a working memory of the processor, and temporarily stores data required for processing or calculation. The non-volatile memory may include, for example, a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, and the like. The non-volatile memory is used as a storage memory, and stores programs, tables, maps, and the like. At least a part of the storage unit 26 may be included in the processor, integrated circuit, and the like described above. The storage unit 26 may further include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and the like. Various applications (application programs) may be installed in the storage unit 26. For example, a CAD application or the like may be installed in the storage unit 26.

[0023] The operation unit 28 may be used when a user performs an operation input to the device 12. Examples of the operation unit 28 may include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. The display unit 30 is provided with a display element (not shown). Examples of the display element may include, for example, a liquid crystal display element, an organic electroluminescence display element, and the like. The operation unit 28 and the display unit 30 may be configured by a touch panel (not shown) provided with such a display element. The device 12 may communicate with the information browsing device 14 via a network (not shown) or the like.

[0024] Information viewing device 14 may include a calculation unit 36, a storage unit 38, and a communication unit 44. Note that information viewing device 14 may also include components other than these components, but the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0025] The calculation unit 36 ​​may be configured by a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, that is, a processing circuit. The calculation unit 36 ​​may include a control unit 46, an issuing unit 48, a transmitting unit 50, a receiving unit 52, a receiving unit 54, a browsing processing unit 56, and a weight reduction processing unit 58. The control unit 46, the issuing unit 48, the transmitting unit 50, the receiving unit 52, the receiving unit 54, the browsing processing unit 56, and the weight reduction processing unit 58 may be realized by the calculation unit 36 ​​executing a program stored in the storage unit 38. The calculation unit 36 ​​may include components other than these components, but the description will be omitted here. At least a part of the control unit 46, the issuing unit 48, the transmitting unit 50, the receiving unit 52, the receiving unit 54, the browsing processing unit 56, and the weight reduction processing unit 58 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. In addition, at least a portion of the control unit 46, the issuing unit 48, the transmitting unit 50, the receiving unit 52, the accepting unit 54, the browsing processing unit 56, and the weight reduction processing unit 58 may be configured by electronic circuits including discrete devices.

[0026] The storage unit 38 may include a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). The storage unit 38 may further include an HDD, an SSD, etc. The storage unit 38 may also include a weighted-down information storage unit 62, an issued information storage unit 64, and an access group storage unit 65.

[0027] The communication unit 44 includes, for example, a communication module (not shown). The communication unit 44 can transmit and receive data to and from a communication unit 72 (described later) via a network (not shown) or the like. Furthermore, the information browsing device 14 can communicate with the device 12 via a network (not shown) or the like, as described above.

[0028] The file exchange device 16, i.e., the file exchange system, may include a calculation unit 68, a storage unit 70, and a communication unit 72. The file exchange device 16 may also include components other than these components, but the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0029] The calculation unit 68 may be configured with, for example, a processor such as a CPU or GPU, that is, a processing circuit. The calculation unit 68 may be provided with a control unit 74. The control unit 74 is responsible for the overall control of the file exchange device 16. At least a part of the control unit 74 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. Also, at least a part of the control unit 74 may be configured with an electronic circuit including a discrete device. The calculation unit 68 may be provided with components other than these components, but the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0030] The storage unit 70 may include a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). The storage unit 70 may further include an HDD, an SSD, etc. The storage unit 70 may include a destination database 66, that is, a destination DB.

[0031] The communication unit 72 includes, for example, a communication module (not shown). The communication unit 72 can transmit and receive data to and from the communication unit 44 via a network (not shown). The communication unit 72 can also transmit and receive data to and from a communication unit 84 (described later) via a network 22 such as the Internet.

[0032] The device 18 may include a calculation unit 76, a storage unit 78, an operation unit 80, a display unit 82, and a communication unit 84. The device 18 may include components other than these components, but the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0033] The calculation unit 76 may be configured by a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, that is, a processing circuit. The calculation unit 76 may include a control unit 86 and a display control unit 88. The control unit 86 and the display control unit 88 may be realized by the calculation unit 76 executing a program stored in the storage unit 78. The calculation unit 76 may include components other than these components, but the description will be omitted here. The control unit 86 is responsible for the overall control of the device 18. The display control unit 88 may control the screen display of the display unit 82. At least a part of the control unit 86 and the display control unit 88 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. At least a part of the control unit 86 and the display control unit 88 may be configured by an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0034] The storage unit 78 may include a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). The storage unit 78 may further include an HDD, an SSD, or the like.

[0035] The operation unit 80 can be used when a user performs an operation input to the device 18. Examples of the operation unit 80 include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The display unit 82 is provided with a display element (not shown).

[0036] The communication unit 84 includes, for example, a communication module (not shown). The communication unit 84 can transmit and receive data to and from the communication unit 72 via a network 22 such as the Internet.

[0037] The storage 20 may include a product information storage unit 90. The product information storage unit 90 stores product information (product data). The product information may be generated by, for example, a user who operates the device 12. The product information may include, for example, CAD data, CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) data, CG (Computer Graphics) data, etc., but is not limited to these. For example, the product information may be any one of these. Also, the product information may be a combination of some of these. The CAD data may include, for example, two-dimensional CAD data and three-dimensional CAD data. The storage 20 may be accessed from both the device 12 and the information viewing device 14. Here, the case where the storage 20 is provided separately from the device 12 has been described as an example, but the storage 20 may be provided within the device 12.

[0038] As described above, the information viewing device 14 may include the control unit 46. The control unit 46 is responsible for the overall control of the information viewing device 14.

[0039] As described above, the information browsing device 14 may include a weight reduction processing unit 58. The weight reduction processing unit 58 may reduce the weight of the product information stored in the product information storage unit 90. Weight reduction of the product information means reducing the data amount of the product information. Weight reduction of the product information may be performed by reducing the data amount of specific information included in the product information. For example, the product information may be reduced by deleting or reducing the content not provided for browsing without deleting or reducing the content provided for browsing. Weight reduction of the product information may be performed, for example, by changing the data format of the product information. For example, when the conversion accuracy during weight reduction is set to 1 / 100 and 3D CAD data is converted into data in a Hybrid Portable Document Format (HPDF) format, the data amount may be reduced to, for example, 1 / 5 to 1 / 8. Note that weight reduction of the product information is not limited to this. The weight reduction processing unit 58 stores the weight reduction information obtained by weight reduction of the product information in the weight reduction information storage unit 62. The weight reduction processing unit 58 periodically checks the product information storage unit 90. The weight reduction processing unit 58 checks whether or not product information that has not been reduced by the weight reduction processing unit 58 exists in the product information storage unit 90. If product information that has not been reduced by the weight reduction processing unit 58 exists in the product information storage unit 90, the weight reduction processing unit 58 generates reduced information by reducing the weight of the product information. The weight reduction processing unit 58 stores the reduced information generated by the weight reduction processing unit 58 in the reduced information storage unit 62. The data size of the reduced information is smaller than the data size of the product information corresponding to the reduced information. The data size of the product information is, for example, about 1 GB to 50 GB. In contrast, if the conversion accuracy during weight reduction is set to 1 / 100, the data size becomes, for example, 1 / 5 to 1 / 8 as a result of weight reduction. That is, the data size of the reduced information is, for example, about 200 MB to 10 GB. In this way, the data size of the reduced information is sufficiently smaller than the data size of the product information. The reduced information is generated in a data format that is more versatile than the product information.Therefore, the browsing processing unit 56, which will be described later, can allow the user to browse the condensed information without using the application software that was used when the product information was created.

[0040] As described above, the information viewing device 14 may include the issuing unit 48. The issuing unit 48 issues the viewing ticket 92. That is, the issuing unit 48 issues a viewing ticket file. FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a viewing ticket. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the format of the viewing ticket 92. The viewing ticket 92 is an electronic ticket for allowing a specific viewer to view information related to a product. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the viewing ticket 92 may include information indicating the management number of the viewing ticket 92. The viewing ticket 92 may also include information indicating the type of data of product information that may be viewed using the viewing ticket 92. The viewing ticket 92 may also include information indicating the name of product information that may be viewed using the viewing ticket 92. The viewing ticket 92 may also include information indicating the revision of product information that may be viewed using the viewing ticket 92. The viewing ticket 92 may also include information related to an access group. More specifically, the viewing ticket 92 may include information related to an access group to which a viewer belongs. The access group to which a viewer belongs is determined in advance. An access group is given a right according to the access group. Such a right may include a read right to read out product information and a rewrite right to rewrite product information. A user of the device 18 may access product information within the scope of the right given to the access group to which the user belongs. Information indicating the right given to the access group is stored in the access group storage unit 65. The view ticket 92 may include information indicating the update date and time of the product information that can be viewed using the view ticket 92. The view ticket 92 may include information indicating the creator who created the product information that can be viewed using the view ticket 92, or information indicating the editor who edited the product information. The view ticket 92 may include a hash value used when authenticating the view ticket 92.

[0041] The viewing ticket 92 may be issued in a state where communication is established between the device 12 and the information viewing device 14. When issuing the viewing ticket 92, a viewing ticket issuing screen (not shown) for issuing the viewing ticket 92 may be displayed on the display unit 30 of the device 12. The user may select product information that the user wishes the viewer to view on the viewing ticket issuing screen. The issuing unit 48 provided in the information viewing device 14 issues the viewing ticket 92 corresponding to the product information selected by the user. When issuing the viewing ticket 92, the issuing unit 48 stores issuing information, which is information related to the issuance of the viewing ticket 92, in the issuing information storage unit 64. Such issuing information includes information indicating the contents of the viewing ticket 92. Examples of the information indicating the contents of the viewing ticket 92 include, but are not limited to, the information described above with reference to FIG. 2.

[0042] As described above, the information viewing device 14 may include a transmission unit 50. The transmission unit 50 transmits the viewing ticket 92 issued by the issuing unit 48 to the viewer. The viewing ticket 92 may be transmitted, for example, in a state where communication is established between the device 12, the information viewing device 14, and the file exchange device 16. The communication between the device 12 and the file exchange device 16 may be established, for example, via the information viewing device 14, but is not limited to this. When transmitting the viewing ticket 92, a viewing ticket transmission screen (not shown) for transmitting the viewing ticket 92 may be displayed on the display unit 30 of the device 12. The user may select a transmission destination (delivery destination, destination) of the viewing ticket 92 on the viewing ticket transmission screen (destination selection screen). Note that the transmission destination of the viewing ticket 92 may be selected from a plurality of destinations stored in the destination database 66 provided in the file exchange device 16, but is not limited to this. The transmission unit 50 transmits the viewing ticket 92 issued by the issuing unit 48 to the transmission destination selected by the user. Here, an example will be described in which the destination of the view ticket 92 is the user who operates the device 18. The transmitting unit 50 transmits the view ticket 92 to the device 18 via the file exchange device 16.

[0043] As described above, the information viewing device 14 may be provided with a receiving unit 52. The receiving unit 52 receives the viewing ticket 92 presented by the viewer. The viewing ticket 92 may be presented via the file exchange device 16. The viewing ticket 92 may be presented by uploading the viewing ticket 92 on a check-in screen, which will be described later. In other words, the viewing ticket 92 may be presented by uploading a viewing ticket file on the check-in screen. The receiving unit 52 receives the viewing ticket 92 presented from the device 18 via the file exchange device 16.

[0044] As described above, the information viewing device 14 may include the reception unit 54. The reception unit 54 may perform reception processing of the viewing ticket 92 presented by the viewer. More specifically, the reception unit 54 may perform reception processing of the viewing ticket 92 based on the issuance information stored in the issuance information storage unit 64. In the reception processing of the viewing ticket 92, for example, the viewing ticket 92 may be authenticated using a hash value attached to the viewing ticket 92, but is not limited to this.

[0045] As described above, the information viewing device 14 may include the viewing processing unit 56. When the reception unit 54 completes the reception process of the viewing ticket 92, the viewing processing unit 56 allows the viewer to view the lightened information corresponding to the product information specified by the viewing ticket 92. The viewing ticket 92 includes information for specifying the revision of the product information to be viewed. Therefore, the lightened information corresponding to the product information of the revision specified by the viewing ticket 92 may be viewed. The lightened information may be viewed in a state where communication is established between the information viewing device 14, the file exchange device 16, and the device 18. The lightened information may be displayed on the display unit 82 included in the device 18. The lightened information is not downloaded to the device 18. A signal for displaying the lightened information on the display unit 82 included in the device 18 is supplied from the information viewing device 14 to the device 18 via the file exchange device 16. The viewer may view the lightened information displayed on the display unit 82 included in the device 18. As described above, the lightened information is generated in a data format that is more versatile than the product information. Therefore, the viewing processing unit 56 can allow the viewer to view the lightened information without using the application software used when the product information was created. The lightened information can be viewed in a state where communication is established between the information viewing device 14 and the device 12. The lightened information can be displayed on the display unit 30 provided in the device 12. The lightened information is not downloaded to the device 12. A signal for displaying the lightened information on the display unit 30 provided in the device 12 is supplied from the information viewing device 14 to the device 12. The user operating the device 12 can view the lightened information displayed on the display unit 30 provided in the device 12. The user operating the device 12 and the viewer operating the device 18 can each view the lightened information displayed in this way. In this way, the product information can be shared between the user operating the device 12 and the viewer operating the device 18.

[0046] As described above, the lite information has a sufficiently small data size. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the viewer can quickly view the product-related information. Moreover, as described above, the lite information is generated in a highly versatile data format. Therefore, the viewing processing unit 56 can allow the viewer to view the lite information without using the application software used when the product information was created.

[0047] Next, the operation of the information browsing system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

[0048] In step S1, a login screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 30 of the device 12. The login screen is a screen for the device 12 to log in to the file exchange device 16. When communication is established between the device 12, the information viewing device 14, and the file exchange device 16, the login screen is displayed on the display unit 30 of the device 12. After that, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0049] In step S2, login is performed by a user who operates the device 12. The login is performed on a login screen displayed on the display unit 30 of the device 12. After that, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0050] In step S3, a viewing ticket issuing screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 30 of the device 12. A product information list, which is a list including information on a plurality of products, may be displayed on the viewing ticket issuing screen. After this, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0051] In step S4, product information to be viewed by the viewer is selected. The selection of product information may be performed, for example, on a viewing ticket issuing screen displayed on the display unit 30 of the device 12. The selection of product information may be performed by a user who operates the device 12. After this, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0052] In step S5, the issuing unit 48 issues a viewing ticket 92 corresponding to the product information selected by the user, and then the process proceeds to step S6.

[0053] In step S6, the issuing unit 48 stores information about the viewing ticket 92 issued by the issuing unit 48 in the issuing information storage unit 64. That is, the issuing unit 48 stores the issuing information, which is information about the issuance of the viewing ticket 92, in the issuing information storage unit 64. After that, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0054] In step S7, a view ticket transmission screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 30 of the device 12. After that, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0055] In step S8, a destination to which the view ticket 92 is to be sent is selected. The selection of the destination to which the view ticket 92 is to be sent may be performed, for example, on a view ticket sending screen displayed on the display unit 30 of the device 12. The selection of the destination to which the view ticket 92 is to be sent may be performed by a user operating the device 12. Note that the destination to which the view ticket 92 is to be sent may be selected from a plurality of destinations stored in the destination database 66 provided in the file exchange device 16, but is not limited to this. After this, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0056] In step S9, the transmission unit 50 transmits the viewing ticket 92 issued by the issuing unit 48 to a destination selected by the user. Here, an example will be described in which the destination of the viewing ticket 92 is the user who operates the device 18. The transmission unit 50 transmits the viewing ticket 92 to the device 18 via the file exchange device 16. In this manner, the process shown in FIG. 3 is completed.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information browsing system according to this embodiment.

[0058] In step S11, a login screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 82 of the device 18. The login screen is a screen for the device 18 to log in to the file exchange device 16. In a state where communication is established between the device 18 and the file exchange device 16, the login screen is displayed on the display unit 82 provided in the device 18. After this, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0059] In step S12, login is performed by the user operating the device 18. The login is performed on a login screen displayed on the display unit 82 of the device 18. After that, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0060] In step S13, a check-in screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 82 of the device 18. The check-in screen is a screen for checking in the viewing ticket 92. In other words, the check-in screen is a screen for the viewer to present the viewing ticket 92. After this, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0061] In step S14, check-in is performed by a user operating the device 18. That is, the viewing ticket 92 is presented by the user. The viewing ticket 92 can be presented by uploading the viewing ticket 92 on the check-in screen. That is, the viewing ticket 92 can be presented by uploading a viewing ticket file on the check-in screen. The viewing ticket 92 can be presented via the file exchange device 16. After this, the process transitions to step S15.

[0062] In step S15, the receiving unit 52 receives the viewing ticket 92 presented by the viewer. The receiving unit 52 receives the viewing ticket 92 presented from the device 18 via the file exchange device 16. After that, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0063] In step S16, the reception unit 54 performs reception processing of the viewing ticket 92 presented by the viewer. More specifically, the reception unit 54 performs reception processing of the viewing ticket 92 based on the issuance information stored in the issuance information storage unit 64. In the reception processing of the viewing ticket 92, for example, the viewing ticket 92 may be authenticated using a hash value attached to the viewing ticket 92. Specifically, the viewing ticket 92 may be authenticated depending on whether or not the hash value in the viewing ticket 92 presented by the viewer matches the hash value in the issuance information stored in the issuance information storage unit 64. Then, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0064] In step S17, the viewing processing unit 56 identifies the lite information corresponding to the product information identified by the viewing ticket 92. That is, the viewing processing unit 56 identifies the lite information to be viewed. Then, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0065] In step S18, the viewing processing unit 56 allows the viewer to view the lightened information identified as the object of viewing. The lightened information may be viewed in a state where communication is established between the information viewing device 14, the file exchange device 16, and the device 18. The lightened information may be displayed on the display unit 82 provided in the device 18. The viewer may view the lightened information displayed on the display unit 82 provided in the device 18. The lightened information may be viewed in a state where communication is established between the information viewing device 14 and the device 12. The lightened information may be displayed on the display unit 30 provided in the device 12. The user operating the device 12 may view the lightened information displayed on the display unit 30 provided in the device 12. The user operating the device 12 and the viewer operating the device 18 may each view the lightened information thus displayed. In this way, the product information may be shared between the user operating the device 12 and the viewer operating the device 18. In this way, the process shown in FIG. 4 is completed.

[0066] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the viewing ticket 92 is accepted by the accepting unit 54, the viewer is allowed to view the lite information corresponding to the product information identified by the viewing ticket 92. The lite information has a sufficiently small data size. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the viewer can quickly view the information related to the product. Moreover, the lite information is generated in a highly versatile data format. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the viewer can view the lite information without using the application software that was used when the product information was created. As described above, according to this embodiment, the viewer can smoothly view the information related to the product.

[0067] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0068] The invention that can be understood from the above-described embodiments will be described below.

[0069] The information viewing system (10) includes a lightweight information storage unit (62) that stores lightweight information obtained by lightweighting product information, a reception unit (54) that receives a viewing ticket (92) from a viewer, and a viewing processing unit (56) that allows the viewer to view the lightweight information corresponding to the product information specified by the viewing ticket when the viewing ticket is received by the reception unit. According to this configuration, when the viewing ticket is received by the reception unit, the viewer is allowed to view the lightweight information corresponding to the product information specified by the viewing ticket. The lightweight information has a sufficiently small data size. Therefore, according to this configuration, the viewer can quickly view information related to a product. Moreover, the lightweight information is generated in a highly versatile data format. Therefore, according to this configuration, the viewer can view the lightweight information without using application software used when the product information was created. Thus, according to this configuration, the viewer can view information related to a product satisfactorily.

[0070] The system may further include an issuing unit (48) that issues the viewing ticket, and an issuing information memory unit (64) that stores issuing information relating to the issuance of the viewing ticket, and the accepting unit may accept the viewing ticket based on the issuing information stored in the issuing information memory unit.

[0071] The system may further include a lightweighting processing unit (58) that generates the lightweight information by lightweighting the product information stored in a product information storage unit (90) that stores the product information, and stores the generated lightweight information in the lightweight information storage unit.

[0072] The system may further include a transmission unit (50) for transmitting the viewing ticket to the viewer designated by the user.

[0073] The product information may be at least one of CAD data, CAE data, and CG data.

[0074] The information viewing device (14) includes a reception unit that receives a viewing ticket from a viewer, and a viewing processing unit that, when the viewing ticket is received by the reception unit, allows the viewer to view the lightweight information that corresponds to product information identified by the viewing ticket and is obtained by lightweighting the product information.

[0075] The system may further include an issuance unit that issues the viewing ticket and an issuance information memory unit that stores issuance information which is information regarding the issuance of the viewing ticket, and the acceptance unit may accept the viewing ticket based on the issuance information stored in the issuance information memory unit.

[0076] The information viewing method includes a step (S16) of accepting presentation of a viewing ticket from a viewer, and, when the viewing ticket is accepted, a step (S18) of allowing the viewer to view lightweight information that corresponds to product information identified by the viewing ticket and has been obtained by lightweighting the product information.

[0077] The method may further include a step (S5) of issuing the viewing ticket and a step (S6) of storing issuance information which is information regarding the issuance of the viewing ticket, and in the step of accepting presentation of the viewing ticket, the viewing ticket may be accepted based on the issuance information.

[0078] The program causes a computer to execute the steps of accepting presentation of a viewing ticket from a viewer, and, when the viewing ticket is accepted, allowing the viewer to view lightweight information that corresponds to product information identified by the viewing ticket and has been obtained by lightweighting the product information.

[0079] The computer may further execute a step of issuing the viewing ticket and a step of storing issuance information which is information regarding the issuance of the viewing ticket, and in the step of accepting presentation of the viewing ticket, the viewing ticket may be accepted based on the issuance information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10: Information viewing system 12, 18: Equipment 14: Information viewing device 16: File exchange device 20: Storage 22: Network 24, 36, 68, 76: Arithmetic section 26, 38, 70, 78: Storage section 28, 80: Operation section 30, 82: Display section 32, 46, 74, 86: control unit 34, 88: display control unit 44, 72, 84: Communications Department 48: Publications Department 50: Transmitter 52: Receiver 54: Reception section 56: Viewing processing section 58: Lightweight processing unit 62: Lightweight information storage unit 64: Issue information storage unit 66: Destination database 90: Product information storage unit 92: Viewing ticket

Claims

1. a lightweight information storage unit that stores lightweight information obtained by lightweighting the product information; A reception unit that receives presentation of a viewing ticket from a viewer; a browsing processing unit that, when the browsing ticket is accepted by the accepting unit, causes the browser to browse the lite information corresponding to the product information identified by the browsing ticket; Equipped with The reduction in the size of the product information is achieved by changing a data format of the product information; the viewing ticket is an electronic ticket for allowing a specific viewer to view information about a product; The lightened information is viewed by the viewer by supplying a signal for displaying the lightened information on a display unit provided in the device operated by the viewer without downloading the lightened information to the device operated by the viewer; and the viewing ticket includes information for identifying the revision of the product information to be viewed; An information viewing system, wherein the lightweight information corresponding to the product information of the revision identified by the viewing ticket can be viewed by the viewer.

2. 2. The information viewing system according to claim 1, an issuing unit that issues the viewing ticket; an issuance information storage unit that stores issuance information that is information regarding issuance of the viewing ticket; Further comprising: The reception unit receives the viewing ticket based on the issuance information stored in the issuance information storage unit.

3. 3. The information browsing system according to claim 1, The information browsing system further includes a lightweight processing unit that generates the lightweight information by lightweighting the product information stored in a product information storage unit that stores the product information, and stores the generated lightweight information in the lightweight information storage unit.

4. In the information viewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a transmission unit that transmits the viewing ticket to the viewer designated by a user, The user operates a second device that is different from a first device that is the device operated by the viewer, An information viewing system in which the user can specify the destination of the viewing ticket by selecting a destination of the viewing ticket on a destination selection screen displayed on a display unit of the second device.

5. In the information viewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An information browsing system, wherein the product information is at least one of CAD data, CAE data, and CG data.

6. A reception unit that receives presentation of a viewing ticket from a viewer; a browsing processing unit that, when the browsing ticket is accepted by the accepting unit, causes the browser to browse lightened information that corresponds to product information specified by the browsing ticket and that is obtained by lightening the product information; Equipped with The reduction in the size of the product information is achieved by changing a data format of the product information; the viewing ticket is an electronic ticket for allowing a specific viewer to view information about a product; The lightened information is viewed by the viewer by supplying a signal for displaying the lightened information on a display unit provided in the device operated by the viewer without downloading the lightened information to the device operated by the viewer; and the viewing ticket includes information for identifying the revision of the product information to be viewed; An information viewing device, wherein the lightweight information corresponding to the product information of the revision identified by the viewing ticket can be viewed by the viewer.

7. 7. The information viewing device according to claim 6, an issuing unit that issues the viewing ticket; an issuance information storage unit that stores issuance information that is information regarding issuance of the viewing ticket; Further comprising: The reception unit receives the viewing ticket based on the issuance information stored in the issuance information storage unit.

8. A step of accepting presentation of a viewing ticket from a viewer; a viewing step of, when the viewing ticket is accepted, allowing the viewer to view lightened information corresponding to the product information specified by the viewing ticket and obtained by lightening the product information; having The reduction in the size of the product information is achieved by changing a data format of the product information; the viewing ticket is an electronic ticket for allowing a specific viewer to view information about a product; In the viewing step, the lightened information is not downloaded to a device operated by the viewer, and a signal for displaying the lightened information is supplied to a display unit included in the device operated by the viewer, whereby the lightened information is viewed by the viewer; the viewing ticket includes information for identifying the revision of the product information to be viewed; The method of viewing information, wherein the viewer may view the condensed information corresponding to the product information of the revision identified by the view ticket.

9. 9. The information browsing method according to claim 8, issuing the viewing ticket; and storing issuance information, which is information regarding the issuance of the viewing ticket, In the step of accepting presentation of the viewing ticket, the viewing ticket is accepted based on the issuance information.

10. On the computer, A step of accepting presentation of a viewing ticket from a viewer; a viewing step of, when the viewing ticket is accepted, allowing the viewer to view lightened information corresponding to the product information specified by the viewing ticket and obtained by lightening the product information; A program for executing The reduction in the size of the product information is achieved by changing a data format of the product information; the viewing ticket is an electronic ticket for allowing a specific viewer to view information about a product; In the viewing step, the lightened information is not downloaded to a device operated by the viewer, and a signal for displaying the lightened information is supplied to a display unit included in the device operated by the viewer, whereby the lightened information is viewed by the viewer; the viewing ticket includes information for identifying the revision of the product information to be viewed; The program allows the viewer to view the condensed information corresponding to the product information of the revision identified by the view ticket.

11. The program according to claim 10, issuing the viewing ticket; storing issuance information which is information regarding the issuance of the viewing ticket; and causing the computer to further execute the steps: The step of accepting presentation of the viewing ticket includes accepting the viewing ticket based on the issuance information.

Images