Simulation layer selection device, simulation layer selection method, and simulation layer selection program

Abstract

An acquisition unit (15a) acquires a search word which represents a simulation requirement. For each of a plurality of simulation layers which are capable of configuring a simulation, a calculation unit (15b) calculates: the simulation results in said simulation layers, which respectively correspond to the patterns of two or more prescribed parameters; and the difference between said simulation results. A selection unit (15c) selects a prescribed number of simulation layers, in order starting from the largest value of the difference between simulation results in each simulation layer.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a simulation layer selection device, a simulation layer selection method, and a simulation layer selection program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there are high expectations for a technology called digital twin, which reproduces a real-world environment in a digital virtual space and performs analysis and prediction. In addition, a technology for performing highly accurate simulations using digital twins is known (see Non-Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] “Toward a future society where a harmonious relationship is built between the Earth, society, and individuals: Four challenges of digital twin computing,” [online], November 2020, NTT, [Retrieved September 14, 2021], Internet<URL:https: / / group.ntt / jp / newsrelease / 2020 / 11 / 13 / 201113c.html> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, according to the conventional technology, it is not possible to select which of a plurality of existing simulation layers should be used for the information or service desired by the user.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to enable a user to easily select which simulation layer to use from among multiple existing simulation layers for the information or service that the user desires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the simulation layer selection device of the present invention is characterized by having an acquisition unit that acquires a search word indicating simulation requirements, a calculation unit that calculates, for each of a plurality of simulation layers that may constitute the simulation, simulation results in the simulation layer corresponding to each of two or more predetermined parameter patterns and differences between the simulation results, and a selection unit that selects a predetermined number of the simulation layers in order of the largest maximum value among the differences between the simulation results in each simulation layer. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to easily select which simulation layer should be used from among a plurality of existing simulation layers for the information or service desired by the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a simulation layer selection device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the simulation layer selection device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the process of the acquisition unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the process of the presentation unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the process of the presentation unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the execution unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the execution unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the simulation layer selection process. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the simulation layer selection process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a computer that executes a simulation layer selection program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0010] [Simulation Layer Selection Device Overview] 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a simulation layer selection device according to the present embodiment. The simulation layer selection device according to the present embodiment selects an optimal simulation layer from a large number of simulation layers in order to execute a multi-layer simulation realized by a combination of multiple simulation layers.

[0011] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 1, the simulation layer selection device uses a search word input by a user to specify the requirements of a desired service to estimate and select the optimal simulation layer for constructing a multi-layer simulation that realizes the service. In the example shown in Fig. 1, for example, when "product sales forecast" is input as a search word, a multi-simulation that performs product sales forecasting is estimated and selected to be realized by a combination of a human relationship layer, a hobby layer, and a material layer. Therefore, when the requirements of a desired simulation are specified, it becomes possible to easily construct a simulation without constructing a simulation from scratch.

[0012] [Configuration of simulation layer selection device] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a simulation layer selection device according to this embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a simulation layer selection device 10 according to this embodiment is realized by a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer, and includes an input unit 11, an output unit 12, a communication control unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 15.

[0013] The input unit 11 is realized by using input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and inputs various instruction information such as starting processing to the control unit 15 in response to an input operation by an operator. The output unit 12 is realized by a display device such as a liquid crystal display, a printer, etc. For example, the output unit 12 displays the results of a simulation layer selection process described later.

[0014] The communication control unit 13 is realized by a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like, and controls communication between the control unit 15 and an external device via an electric communication line such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. For example, the communication control unit 13 controls communication between the control unit 15 and a user terminal of a user who uses a simulation layer selection process described later.

[0015] The storage unit 14 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 14 stores in advance a processing program for operating the simulation layer selection device 10, data used during execution of the processing program, and the like, or temporarily stores the data each time processing is performed. The storage unit 14 may be configured to communicate with the control unit 15 via the communication control unit 13.

[0016] In this embodiment, the storage unit 14 stores a model of each simulation layer used in a simulation layer selection process described later, a pattern of predetermined parameters for each simulation layer, etc. As the pattern of predetermined parameters, for example, two or more patterns of predetermined parameters are stored for each simulation layer, such as four patterns of parameters for a weather simulation layer, namely, sunny, cloudy, rainy, and snowy.

[0017] The control unit 15 is realized by using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, and executes a processing program stored in a memory. As a result, the control unit 15 functions as an acquisition unit 15a, a calculation unit 15b, a selection unit 15c, a presentation unit 15d, and an execution unit 15e, as illustrated in FIG.

[0018] In addition, each or part of these functional units may be implemented in different hardware. For example, the presenting unit 15d and the executing unit 15e may be implemented in a device different from the other functional units. In addition, the control unit 15 may include other functional units.

[0019] The acquisition unit 15a acquires a search word indicating a requirement of a simulation. Specifically, the acquisition unit 15a accepts an input of a search word indicating a requirement of a simulation desired by a user via the input unit 11, or from another device such as a user terminal via the communication control unit 13. The acquisition unit 15a may store the acquired search word in the storage unit 14, or may immediately transfer the search word to the calculation unit 15b described later without storing the search word in the storage unit 14.

[0020] Here, Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the acquisition unit. The acquisition unit 15a acquires a search word input by a user, for example, as shown in Fig. 3. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the user inputs "Number of COVID-19 infected people in Tokyo in 5 years" as a search word specifying a desired multi-layer simulation.

[0021] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 2, the calculation unit 15b calculates, for each of a plurality of simulation layers that may constitute a simulation, a simulation result in the simulation layer corresponding to each of two or more predetermined parameter patterns, and a difference between the simulation results. Specifically, the calculation unit 15b calculates, between the simulation results, a difference in a portion of the simulation result that is expressed by a number contained in a search word. For example, the calculation unit 15b first extracts a number portion that is expressed by a number such as "number of people," "profit rate," and "sales volume" contained in a search word.

[0022] Furthermore, the calculation unit 15b applies two or more preset parameter patterns to each simulation layer to calculate a simulation result corresponding to each pattern. For example, for a certain simulation layer, three preset parameter patterns A, B, and C are applied to the simulation layer to calculate a simulation result in the simulation layer. That is, the calculation unit 15b calculates a simulation result A when the parameters of the pattern A are applied, a simulation result B when the parameters of the pattern B are applied, and a simulation result C when the parameters of the pattern C are applied.

[0023] Next, the calculation unit 15b calculates the difference between the simulation results A, B, and C. In this case, the calculation unit 15b calculates the difference in the numerical portion of each simulation result. For example, when the search word is "XX sales volume," the simulation result indicates, for example, "XX sales volume." In this case, the numerical portion of the search word is "sales volume," and the calculation unit 15b calculates the difference in the sales volume between the simulation results A, B, and C. Note that when the simulation result of a certain simulation layer does not explicitly indicate the sales volume, the difference in the sales volume is 0.

[0024] Furthermore, the calculation unit 15b stores the maximum value of the differences between the calculated simulation results A, B, and C in the storage unit 14 as the difference in the simulation results of the simulation layer. For example, if the simulation result A is 5, the simulation result B is 10, and the simulation result C is 40, the calculation unit 15b stores the maximum value of the differences=40-5=35 as the difference in the simulation results of the simulation layer. The calculation unit 15b performs the above process for each simulation layer.

[0025] The selection unit 15c selects a predetermined number L of simulation layers in descending order of the maximum value of the difference between the simulation results in each simulation layer. Here, it is considered that the larger the maximum value, the greater the impact on the multi-simulation. Therefore, for example, if the predetermined number L=2 and the maximum values ​​of the differences between the simulation results of the simulation layers α, β, and γ calculated by the calculation unit 15b are 10, 6, and 2, the selection unit 15c selects the simulation layers α and β.

[0026] The predetermined number L is set to a large value according to the complexity of the multi-layer simulation that realizes the desired service. That is, the simpler the multi-layer simulation, the smaller the value of L, and the more complex the multi-layer simulation, the larger the value of L. The value of L may be set in advance and stored in the storage unit 14, or may be input by a user, an operator, or the like during the simulation layer selection process.

[0027] The selection unit 15c selects a predetermined number of simulation layers in descending order of the maximum value of the difference calculated in each simulation layer for each of the parts represented by a number included in the search word. In other words, the selection unit 15c executes a process of selecting a simulation layer for each of the number parts represented by a number included in the search word. For example, when the search word includes multiple number parts such as "sales number" and "number of people", the calculation unit 15b and the selection unit 15c first perform the above process for "sales number" to select L simulation layers that construct a multi-layer simulation for "sales number". The calculation unit 15b and the selection unit 15c also perform a similar process for "number of people" to select L simulation layers.

[0028] A different L may be applied to each of the multiple parts. For example, the simulation layer selection device 10 may clearly indicate to the user a plurality of multiple parts extracted from the search word and accept the specification of the value of L for each of them.

[0029] The presentation unit 15d presents the selected simulation layer. That is, the presentation unit 15d outputs the result of the simulation layer selection process to an external device such as a user terminal via the output unit 12 or the communication control unit 13.

[0030] Here, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are diagrams for explaining the processing of the presentation unit. As shown in Fig. 4, the presentation unit 15d presents the result of the above-mentioned simulation layer selection processing to the user. In the example shown in Fig. 4, a human movement simulation layer, a vaccination simulation layer, and a restaurant business simulation layer are selected for a multi-layer simulation showing "the number of COVID-19 infected people in Tokyo in 5 years". The simulation layers selected here are simulation layers that have a large impact on the multi-layer simulation and are necessary as components.

[0031] In the example shown in Fig. 4, the result of the multi-layer simulation is presented, showing that "the number of infected people per day is 38 (2 serious cases)." In addition, when the vaccination simulation layer is specified in Fig. 4, the processing contents of the vaccination simulation layer are presented as shown in Fig. 5. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the vaccination simulation layer reproduces the situations of unvaccinated people, vaccinated people, and people who died after vaccination six months, one year, three years, and five years later.

[0032] Returning to the description of Fig. 2, the execution unit 15e accepts parameter changes for the presented simulation layers and executes a simulation. For example, the execution unit 15e executes a "What-If analysis" for each of the selected and presented simulation layers, in which a simulation is performed by setting assumptions by changing parameters.

[0033] Here, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are diagrams for explaining the processing of the execution unit. In the example shown in Fig. 6, a What-If analysis is performed on the vaccination simulation layer with "Post-vaccination deaths +5%". As a result, in the example shown in Fig. 7, the result of the multi-layer simulation is presented as "2400 infected people per day (320 serious cases)". This result is significantly different from the result of "38 infected people per day (2 serious cases)" exemplified in Fig. 4. In this way, the simulation layer selection device 10 makes it easy to perform What-If analysis on the multi-layer simulation.

[0034] [Simulation layer selection process] Next, a simulation layer selection process by the simulation layer selection device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the simulation layer selection process. The flowchart in Fig. 8 starts, for example, when a user performs an operation input to instruct the start of the process.

[0035] First, the acquisition unit 15a accepts an input of a search word that represents a requirement of a simulation desired by a user (step S1).

[0036] Next, the calculation unit 15b extracts the portion represented by a number contained in the search word (step S2).

[0037] Furthermore, the calculation unit 15b applies two or more predetermined parameter patterns to the i-th (1≦i≦N) simulation layer (step S3) and calculates a simulation result corresponding to each pattern (steps S4 to S5). For example, for the i-th simulation layer, two parameter patterns, patterns A and B, which are set in advance, are applied to calculate a simulation result in the simulation layer. That is, the calculation unit 15b calculates a simulation result A when the parameters of pattern A are applied, and a simulation result B when the parameters of pattern B are applied.

[0038] Furthermore, the calculation unit 15b calculates the maximum value of the difference between the simulation results (step S6). For example, the calculation unit 15b calculates the difference C_i between the simulation results A and B, and stores the difference C_i in the storage unit 14. Then, the calculation unit 15b repeats the processes of steps S4 to S6 for the (i+1)th simulation layer (step S7→S3).

[0039] When the calculation unit 15b has calculated the maximum value of the difference between the simulation results in the simulation layers corresponding to each of the patterns of two or more predetermined parameters for all the simulation layers, the calculation unit 15b advances the process to step S8.

[0040] In the process of step S8, the selection unit 15c selects a predetermined number L of simulation layers in descending order of the maximum value of the difference between the simulation results in each simulation layer, that is, in descending order of the influence, thereby completing a series of simulation layer selection processes.

[0041] [effect] As described above, in the simulation layer selection device 10 of this embodiment, the acquisition unit 15a acquires a search word indicating a requirement of a simulation. The calculation unit 15b calculates, for each of a plurality of simulation layers that may constitute a simulation, a simulation result in the simulation layer corresponding to each of two or more predetermined parameter patterns and a difference between the simulation results. The selection unit 15c selects a predetermined number of simulation layers in descending order of the maximum value of the difference between the simulation results in each simulation layer.

[0042] Specifically, the calculation unit 15b calculates the difference between the simulation results in terms of the parts represented by the numbers included in the search words of the simulation results.

[0043] In this way, the simulation layer selection device 10 estimates and selects a simulation layer that is greatly affected by parameter changes as a simulation layer essential for constructing a multi-layer simulation. This makes it possible for the simulation layer selection device 10 to easily select which layer to use from among multiple simulation layers for the information and services desired by the user. Therefore, it is easily possible to realize simulations to satisfy multiple different requirements, such as "prediction of the number of COVID-19 cases per day in several years" and "prediction of congestion on evacuation routes due to heavy rain in three days" in one system.

[0044] Here, Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the simulation layer selection process. A multi-layer simulation is realized by combining a plurality of simulation layers. In that case, as illustrated in Fig. 9, the simulation of each simulation layer needs to be reproduced for each person. Meanwhile, the simulation result of each simulation layer needs to take into account the influence of the simulation result of other simulation layers.

[0045] For such a multi-layer simulation, a What-If analysis is possible, in which a simulation is performed by setting hypothetical conditions for each simulation layer selected by the simulation layer device. Therefore, for example, a What-If analysis can be performed for a multi-layer simulation that reproduces the situation of getting used to the corona virus as illustrated in Fig. 9, and it becomes possible to clarify the optimal measures for the penetration of preventive measures such as voluntary restraint on store operations.

[0046] In addition, the selection unit 15c selects a predetermined number of the simulation layers in descending order of the maximum value of the difference calculated in each simulation layer for each of the parts represented by a plurality of numbers included in the search word. This makes it possible to build a multi-layer simulation with higher accuracy.

[0047] Furthermore, the presentation unit 15d presents the selected simulation layer, which improves the convenience for the user and makes it possible to easily perform an analysis such as a What-If analysis, for example.

[0048] Furthermore, the execution unit 15e accepts changes to the parameters for the presented simulation layer and executes the simulation, which makes it possible to perform analysis such as what-if analysis.

[0049] [program] A program in which the processing executed by the simulation layer selection device 10 according to the above embodiment is written in a language executable by a computer can also be created. As an embodiment, the simulation layer selection device 10 can be implemented by installing a simulation layer selection program that executes the above simulation layer selection processing as package software or online software on a desired computer. For example, by executing the above simulation layer selection program on an information processing device, the information processing device can function as the simulation layer selection device 10. The information processing device referred to here includes desktop or notebook personal computers. In addition, the information processing device also includes mobile communication terminals such as smartphones, mobile phones, and PHS (Personal Handyphone System), and further slate terminals such as PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The function of the simulation layer selection device 10 may be implemented on a cloud server.

[0050] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a computer that executes a simulation layer selection program. The computer 1000 includes, for example, a memory 1010, a CPU 1020, a hard disk drive interface 1030, a disk drive interface 1040, a serial port interface 1050, a video adapter 1060, and a network interface 1070. These components are connected by a bus 1080.

[0051] The memory 1010 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1011 and a RAM 1012. The ROM 1011 stores a boot program such as a BIOS (Basic Input Output System). The hard disk drive interface 1030 is connected to a hard disk drive 1031. The disk drive interface 1040 is connected to a disk drive 1041. A removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk is inserted into the disk drive 1041. The serial port interface 1050 is connected to a mouse 1051 and a keyboard 1052, for example. The video adapter 1060 is connected to a display 1061, for example.

[0052] Here, the hard disk drive 1031 stores, for example, an OS 1091, an application program 1092, a program module 1093, and program data 1094. Each piece of information described in the above embodiments is stored in the hard disk drive 1031 or memory 1010, for example.

[0053] Moreover, the simulation layer selection program is stored in the hard disk drive 1031, for example, as a program module 1093 in which instructions to be executed by the computer 1000 are described. Specifically, the program module 1093 in which each process executed by the simulation layer selection device 10 described in the above embodiment is described is stored in the hard disk drive 1031.

[0054] Furthermore, data used for information processing by the simulation layer selection program is stored as program data 1094, for example, in the hard disk drive 1031. Then, the CPU 1020 reads out the program module 1093 and the program data 1094 stored in the hard disk drive 1031 into the RAM 1012 as necessary, and executes each of the above-mentioned procedures.

[0055] The program module 1093 and program data 1094 relating to the simulation layer selection program are not limited to being stored in the hard disk drive 1031, and may be stored in, for example, a removable storage medium and read by the CPU 1020 via the disk drive 1041 or the like. Alternatively, the program module 1093 and program data 1094 relating to the simulation layer selection program may be stored in another computer connected via a network such as a LAN or a WAN (Wide Area Network), and read by the CPU 1020 via the network interface 1070.

[0056] Although the embodiment to which the invention made by the present inventor is applied has been described above, the present invention is not limited by the description and drawings which form a part of the disclosure of the present invention according to the present embodiment. In other words, other embodiments, examples, operation techniques, etc. made by those skilled in the art based on the present embodiment are all included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10 Simulation Layer Selection Device 11 Input section 12 Output section 13 Communication control section 14 Storage section 15 Control section 15a Acquisition part 15b Calculation part 15c Selection section 15d Presentation part 15e Executive Department

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires search words indicating requirements for the simulation; A calculation unit that calculates, for each of a plurality of simulation layers that may configure the simulation, a simulation result in the simulation layer corresponding to each of patterns of two or more predetermined parameters and a difference between the simulation results; a selection unit that selects a predetermined number of the simulation layers in descending order of a maximum value of a difference between the simulation results in each simulation layer, The calculation unit calculates a difference between the simulation results in a portion of the simulation results that is represented by a number included in the search word. A simulation layer selection device comprising:

2. The simulation layer selection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the selection unit selects a predetermined number of the simulation layers in order of the largest maximum value of the differences calculated in each simulation layer for each part represented by a plurality of numbers included in the search word.

3. 2. The simulation layer selection device according to claim 1, further comprising a presentation unit that presents the selected simulation layer.

4. 4. The simulation layer selection device according to claim 3, further comprising an execution unit that accepts changes to parameters for the presented simulation layer and executes the simulation.

5. A simulation layer selection method executed by a simulation layer selection device, comprising: An acquisition step of acquiring search words indicative of requirements for the simulation; A calculation step of calculating, for each of a plurality of simulation layers that may constitute the simulation, a simulation result in the simulation layer corresponding to each of patterns of two or more predetermined parameters and a difference between the simulation results; a selection step of selecting a predetermined number of the simulation layers in descending order of a maximum value of a difference between the simulation results in each simulation layer; The calculation step calculates a difference between the simulation results in terms of a portion of the simulation results that is represented by a number included in the search word. A simulation layer selection method comprising:

6. A simulation layer selection program for causing a computer to function as the simulation layer selection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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