Parts search system, parts search method and program

Abstract

To provide a component retrieval system capable of retrieving and presenting, as compatible components, non-genuine products having quality equal to or higher than that of a genuine product.SOLUTION: A component retrieval system 1 includes a component information storage unit 31, a past use record storage unit 32, an input unit 4, and a retrieval unit 65. The component information storage unit 31 stores component information related to a component of equipment and including inventory information of the component, the component being registered as a component to be retrieved. The past use record storage unit 32 stores past use record information related to the component of the equipment, the component being registered as the component to be retrieved. The input unit 4 receives an input of a component retrieval condition. The retrieval unit 65 retrieves a compatible component that meets the component retrieval condition input to the input unit 4, from among the components to be retrieved, which are registered in at least one of the component information storage unit 31 and the past use record storage unit 32. The retrieval unit 65 displays the retrieved compatible component on a predetermined display unit 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a parts search system, a parts search method, and a program for searching for a matching part from among registered search target parts. [Background technology]

[0002] In the parts replacement service system described in Patent Document 1, a service server receives replacement requests from each device requesting the replacement of a part within that device. The service server then compares the conditions contained in the replacement request with the conditions contained in the replacement part data, searches for a compatible part that meets the conditions, and notifies the device of the search results. The part within each device is then replaced with the notified compatible part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-200931 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the parts replacement service system described in Patent Document 1, when the service server searches for compatible parts that meet the conditions, it searches among genuine parts. Therefore, if there are no genuine parts that meet the conditions, the parts inside the device cannot be replaced and the entire device must be replaced.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure aims to provide a parts search system, a parts search method, and a program that can search for and present non-genuine parts with performance equal to or better than that of genuine parts as compatible parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A parts search system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an input unit and a search unit. Parts search conditions are input to the input unit. The search unit searches for matching parts that meet the parts search conditions input to the input unit from among the search target parts registered in at least one of a parts information storage unit and a usage history storage unit. The parts information storage unit stores part information related to equipment parts, including inventory information for the parts, thereby registering the parts as search target parts. The usage history storage unit stores usage history information related to the parts of the equipment, which is generated based on equipment operation information related to the operation of the equipment obtained from an external system that controls the operation of the equipment, thereby registering the parts as search target parts. The search unit displays the searched matching parts on a predetermined display unit. The usage history information includes at least one of a control count and an operating time. The control count is the number of times the search target part or the equipment on which the search target part is mounted is controlled. The operating time is the cumulative operating time of the equipment on which the search target part is mounted. A parts search system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an input unit and a search unit. Part search conditions are input to the input unit. The search unit searches for matching parts that match the part search conditions input to the input unit from among the search target parts registered in at least one of a part information storage unit and a usage history storage unit. The part information storage unit stores part information related to equipment parts, including inventory information for the parts, thereby registering the parts as search target parts. The usage history storage unit stores usage history information related to the parts of the equipment, thereby registering the parts as search target parts. The search unit displays the searched matching parts on a predetermined display unit. The part information and the usage history information each include at least one information item. The search unit calculates individual suitability of the information item with respect to the part search conditions for each of the search target parts, sums the calculated individual suitability for each of the search target parts, and calculates a suitability for each of the search target parts. The search unit displays the search target parts whose calculated suitability is within an acceptable range as matching parts on the predetermined display unit. The search unit displays the search target part, for which the sum of the individual conformance values ​​of the at least one information item in the usage history information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, as a reference part on the predetermined display unit, even if the conformance is not within the acceptable range.

[0007] A component search method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a component search method executed by a computer system. The component search method includes an input step, a search step, and a display step. In the input step, In the input section Part search conditions of input Accept In the search step, In the search section, A matching part that matches the part search conditions input to the input unit is searched for from among the search target parts registered in at least one of the part information storage unit and the usage history storage unit. The part information storage unit stores part information related to equipment parts, including inventory information of the parts, in the part information storage unit, thereby registering the parts as search target parts. The usage history storage unit stores usage history information related to the parts of the equipment, which is generated based on equipment operation information related to the operation of the equipment obtained from an external system that controls the operation of the equipment, in the usage history storage unit, thereby registering the parts as search target parts. In the display process, On a specified display The compatible parts searched in the search step Show Show. The usage history information includes at least one of a control count and an operating time. The control count is the number of times the search target part or the equipment on which the search target part is mounted is controlled. The operating time is the cumulative operating time of the equipment on which the search target part is mounted. A component search method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a component search method executed by a computer system. The component search method includes an input step, a search step, and a display step. In the input step, In the input section Part search conditions of input Accept In the search step, In the search section, A matching part that matches the part search conditions input to the input unit is searched from among the search target parts registered in at least one of the part information storage unit and the usage history storage unit. The part information storage unit stores part information related to equipment parts, including inventory information of the parts, in the part information storage unit, thereby registering the parts as search target parts. The usage history storage unit stores usage history information related to the parts of the equipment in the usage history storage unit, thereby registering the parts as search target parts. In the display process, On a specified display The compatible parts searched in the search step ShowThe part information and the usage history information each have at least one information item. In the search process, an individual suitability of the information item with respect to the part search conditions is calculated for each of the search target parts, the calculated individual suitability is summed for each of the search target parts to calculate a suitability for each of the search target parts, and the search target parts for which the calculated suitability is within an acceptable range are displayed as suitable parts on the predetermined display unit. In the search process, even if the suitability is not within the acceptable range, the search target parts for which the sum of the individual suitability of the at least one information item in the usage history information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold are displayed as reference parts on the predetermined display unit.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes one or more processors to execute the component search method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The parts search system, parts search method, and program disclosed herein have the advantage of being able to search for and present non-genuine parts with performance equal to or better than that of genuine parts as compatible parts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a parts search system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram that visualizes the flow of operations of the above-mentioned parts search system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for calculating the compatibility of a search target part. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of display of search results. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the above-mentioned parts search system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (Embodiment) A component search system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The configuration described in the present embodiment is merely an example of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the present embodiment, and various modifications can be made depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0012] (1) Configuration explanation The overall configuration of a parts search system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The parts search system 1 is a system for searching for compatible parts that match equipment parts installed in a facility when the equipment parts are replaced due to their lifespan, malfunction, or the like. That is, when a searcher inputs parts search conditions, the parts search system 1 searches for compatible parts that match the parts search conditions from among registered parts (parts to be searched) and presents the search results. The searcher selects a compatible part from the presented search results and uses that compatible part to replace the equipment part.

[0013] Here, the "parts search conditions" are information related to the parts to be searched for, in other words, conditions required for registered parts to be searched for. In this embodiment, the parts search conditions include, for example, the part number of the parts to be searched for. That is, for example, the part number of the parts to be searched for is input to the input unit 4 as the parts search conditions. Furthermore, the "matching parts" are parts that match the parts search conditions required for the parts to be searched for, and are not limited to parts that completely satisfy the parts search conditions, but also include parts that satisfy most but not all of the parts search conditions. More specifically, "matching parts" are parts whose suitability for the parts search conditions falls within an acceptable range. This will be described in detail later.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the component search system 1 includes a communication unit 2, a storage unit 3, an input unit 4, a display unit 5, and a processing unit 6.

[0015] The communication unit 2 communicates with external communication devices wirelessly or wired via a communication network 9 (for example, an internet line). The external communication devices are, for example, a communication device of the equipment management system 100, a communication device of the parts replacement company 200, a communication device of the parts manufacturing company 300, and a communication device of the parts sales company 400. In other words, the communication unit 2 and the communication devices of each company (the parts manufacturing company 300, the parts sales company 400, and the parts replacement company 200) can communicate with each other via the communication network 9.

[0016] The equipment management system 100 manages multiple pieces of equipment installed in multiple facilities. The parts replacement company 200 is a service company that replaces parts for equipment managed by the equipment management system 100. For example, when replacing a part (a part to be replaced), the parts replacement company 200 uses the parts search system 1 to search for a compatible part that matches the part to be replaced, selects a replacement part from the searched compatible parts, and replaces the part to be replaced with the selected replacement part. In other words, the parts search system 1 is a system for searching for a compatible part that matches the part to be replaced when replacing a part (a part to be replaced) of equipment managed by the equipment management system 100. The parts manufacturing company 300 is a company that manufactures the searched parts. The parts sales company 400 is a company that sells the searched parts.

[0017] The equipment management system 100 includes an equipment operation information storage unit 101. When the equipment management system 100 operates the equipment it manages, it stores information about the operation (equipment operation information) in the equipment operation information storage unit 101. The equipment operation information includes the equipment operation start time, operation stop time, and equipment operation time. In other words, the equipment operation information includes at least information about the equipment operation time (equipment operation time information). In this embodiment, the usage history information described below is generated using the equipment operation information stored in the equipment operation information storage unit 101.

[0018] In this embodiment, the parts search system 1 receives part information and usage history information for various parts from each company (parts manufacturing company 300, parts sales company, and parts replacement company 200). The parts search system 1 then uses the provided part information and usage history information to construct a parts search database (i.e., storage unit 3), and uses this database to search for compatible parts that are compatible with the parts to be replaced.

[0019] Here, the "component information" refers to information such as basic component specification information, such as component size, component rating information (e.g., rated voltage or rated current if the component being searched for is an electronic component), price, component production status, and whether the component is a genuine component, a successor component, or a substitute component. However, the "component information" may include all or part of the above information, or may include information other than the above information. In this embodiment, the component information includes component inventory information. The "inventory information" refers to information about the component's inventory quantity. The "usage history information" refers to information about the component's usage history, such as the operating hours of the equipment on which the component is installed. The "genuine component" refers to a component whose quality is guaranteed by the component manufacturer. The "successor component" refers to a component manufactured by the component manufacturer as a successor component to the genuine component. The "substitute component" refers to a component manufactured by a manufacturer other than the component manufacturer, a component whose quality is not guaranteed by the manufacturer, or a component for other purposes.

[0020] The storage unit 3 is a non-volatile storage device, and is configured, for example, by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 3 stores various information (part information and usage history information) of the search target part in association with part identification information (for example, product number) of the search target part. The storage unit 3 configures the above-mentioned part search database. In this embodiment, by storing various information of the part (part information and usage history information) in the storage unit 3, the part is registered in the storage unit 3 as a search target part.

[0021] The storage unit 3 includes a component information storage unit 31, a usage history storage unit 32, a public component information storage unit 33, and a threshold storage unit .

[0022] The part information storage unit 31 stores part information on various parts mounted on equipment installed in at least one of the multiple facilities. The part information storage unit 31 stores the part information on the parts in association with part identification information (e.g., product number) of the parts. The multiple facilities and the various pieces of equipment are facilities and equipment that are subject to management by the equipment management system 100. When the part information on the parts is stored in the part information storage unit 31, the parts are registered in the part information storage unit 31 (i.e., storage unit 3) as parts to be searched for.

[0023] The usage history storage unit 32 stores usage history information of various parts installed in various pieces of equipment installed in at least one of the plurality of facilities. The usage history storage unit 32 stores the usage history information in association with part identification information (e.g., part number) of the part. When the usage history information of a part is stored in the usage history storage unit 32, the part is registered in the usage history storage unit 32 (i.e., storage unit 3) as a part to be searched.

[0024] The public parts information storage unit 33 stores parts information (public parts information) that is publicly available on the Internet regarding each part of various equipment installed in at least one of the multiple facilities. The public parts information storage unit 33 stores the public parts information in association with part identification information (e.g., product number) of the part.

[0025] The threshold memory unit 34 stores various types of threshold information used by the search unit 65 (described later) of the processing unit 6 when searching for suitable parts. The various types of threshold information include threshold information that specifies the tolerance range used when determining whether the suitability (described later) of the search target part is within the tolerance range, and individual threshold information that is used when calculating the individual suitability (described later). Threshold information is stored, for example, for each search target part. The individual threshold information specifies the correspondence relationship (or correspondence formula) between the condition items (described later) and information items (described later) and the individual suitability (described later). In other words, the individual threshold information is information that determines the individual suitability for given condition items and information items. The individual threshold information is stored for each search target part and for each information item. Note that if the above condition items are not given, default condition items are used.

[0026] The input unit 4 is an input device that accepts input of various information by an operator (including a searcher) to the component search system 1. More specifically, the input unit 4 accepts input of component search conditions by a searcher.

[0027] The display unit 5 is, for example, a liquid crystal display unit. The display unit 5 can display various information (for example, part search conditions) input to the input unit 4 and processing results of the processing unit 6 (for example, part search results for the part search conditions input to the input unit 4). The display unit 5 can display various input screens. The various input screens include a search input screen for inputting part search conditions. The part search conditions can be input by inputting the part search conditions into the search input screen displayed on the display unit 5 through input operations on the input unit 4.

[0028] The processing unit 6 stores various information (component information, usage history information, public component information, threshold information, individual threshold information) in the storage unit 3, and searches for matching components that meet the component search conditions input to the input unit 4 from among the search target components registered in the storage unit 3. The processing unit 6 has a component information input unit 61, a usage history input unit 62, a public component information collection unit 63, a threshold setting unit 64, a search unit 65, an input request unit 66, and an input contribution registration unit 67.

[0029] The processing unit 6 is mainly composed of, for example, a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. In the processing unit 6, the one or more processors execute a program recorded in the memory, thereby realizing the functions of each part of the processing unit 6. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0030] The part information input unit 61 stores part information provided from the communication devices of each company (parts manufacturing company 300, parts sales company 400, and parts replacement company 200) via the communication network 9 in the part information storage unit 31 in association with part identification information (e.g., product number). More specifically, when part information is input to the part information input unit 61 from the communication devices of each company via the communication network 9, the part information input unit 61 stores the part information in the part information storage unit 31.

[0031] Furthermore, the component information input unit 61 acquires public component information from the public component information storage unit 33 and stores the acquired public component information as component information in the component information storage unit 31. Every time new public component information is stored in the public component information storage unit 33 or at regular intervals, the component information input unit 61 acquires new public component information from the public component information storage unit 33 and stores the new public component information as component information in the component information storage unit 31. By using the public component information (component information published on various sites on the Internet) stored in the public component information storage unit 33 as component information, the effort of the worker manually inputting component information can be eliminated.

[0032] The usage history input unit 62 generates usage history information based on equipment operation information acquired from the equipment operation information storage unit 101 of the equipment management system 100, and stores the generated usage history information in the usage history storage unit 32 in association with the identification information of the part (e.g., product number). That is, in this embodiment, the usage history input unit 62 generates the usage history information by utilizing the equipment operation information stored by the equipment management system 100 as part of the equipment management work. Furthermore, when usage history information is input to the usage history input unit 62 from each company's communication device via the communication network 9, the usage history input unit 62 stores the usage history information in the usage history storage unit 32.

[0033] The public component information collection unit 63 collects component information on components to be searched from texts posted on various websites on the Internet, and stores the collected component information (public component information) in the public component information storage unit 33. More specifically, the public component information collection unit 63 registers keywords for information collection (e.g., partial characters of the component name or part number) in the public component information collection unit 63. The public component information collection unit 63 then stores the numerical value written next to the keyword as public component information in the public component information storage unit 33 in association with the component identification information (e.g., the part number).

[0034] When threshold information and individual threshold information are input to the threshold setting unit 64 from the communication devices of each company (parts manufacturing company 300, parts sales company 400, and parts replacement company 200) via the communication network 9, the threshold setting unit 64 stores the threshold information and individual threshold information in the threshold memory unit 34.

[0035] The search unit 65 searches for matching parts that meet the part search conditions input to the input unit 4 from among the search target parts registered in the storage unit 3 (i.e., search target parts registered in at least one of the part information storage unit 31 and the usage history storage unit 32). Then, the search unit 65 displays the search results on the display unit 5.

[0036] More specifically, when part search conditions are input to the input unit 4, the search unit 65 calculates the degree of suitability of the search target parts registered in at least one of the part information storage unit 31 and the usage history storage unit 32 to the part search conditions. The search unit 65 then determines whether the calculated degree of suitability is within an allowable range specified by threshold information obtained from the threshold storage unit 34. The search unit 65 determines search target parts whose degree of suitability is within the allowable range as suitable parts that match the part search conditions, and determines search target parts whose degree of suitability is not within the allowable range as non-suitable parts that do not match the part search conditions. The search unit 65 then displays the search target parts determined to be suitable parts on the display unit 5 as search results.

[0037] The input request unit 66 determines whether the number of search target parts registered in the storage unit 3 is equal to or greater than a threshold number when the search unit 65 performs a search (for example, immediately before the search) or periodically. If the determination result indicates that the number of registrations is less than the threshold number, the input request unit 66 notifies the communication devices of each company (the parts manufacturing companies 300, the parts sales companies 400, and the management company) via the communication unit 2 of a request to register the search target parts in the storage unit 3 (i.e., to register part information and usage history information in the storage unit 3). Upon receiving this notification, the communication devices of each company urge the person in charge of each company to register the search target parts in the storage unit 3. As a result, the person in charge of each company registers the search target parts in the storage unit 3. As a result, the number of search target parts registered in the storage unit 3 is ensured to be equal to or greater than the threshold number. The threshold is stored, for example, in the threshold storage unit 34.

[0038] The input contribution registration unit 67 monitors the update frequency of the part information stored (registered) in the part information storage unit 31, and stores the update frequency as input contribution information in association with the part information in the part information storage unit 31. That is, in this embodiment, the part information stored (registered) in the part information storage unit 31 can be updated after registration from a communication device of the company that performed the registration, and the update frequency is stored as input contribution information in association with the part information in the part information storage unit 31. In this embodiment, the higher the update frequency based on this input contribution information of a search target part, the higher the display unit 5 is displayed with priority when the search target part is displayed as a search result.

[0039] Furthermore, input contribution registration unit 67 monitors the update frequency of the usage history information stored (registered) in usage history storage unit 32, and stores the update frequency as input contribution information in association with the usage history information in usage history storage unit 32. That is, in this embodiment, the usage history information stored (registered) in usage history storage unit 32 can be updated after registration from the communication device of the company that performed the registration, and the update frequency is stored as input contribution information in association with the usage history information in usage history storage unit 32. In this embodiment, search target parts with a higher update frequency based on this input contribution information are preferentially displayed on display unit 5 as search results.

[0040] From the viewpoint of parts search, it is desirable that the parts information and usage history information be the latest information. To this end, it is necessary for companies that provide parts information and usage history information to actively update the parts information and usage history information. In this embodiment, in return for companies actively updating the parts information and usage history information, search target parts that correspond to that parts information and usage history information are preferentially displayed on the display unit 5 as search results.

[0041] In this embodiment, when searching for a part, the search unit 65 uses part identification information (e.g., part number) to match the search target parts registered in the part information storage unit 31 with the search target parts registered in the usage history storage unit 32. At this time, the search unit 65 adds up the update frequencies specified in the input contribution information registered in the part information storage unit 31 and the usage history storage unit 32, and treats the sum as input contribution information associated with the matched search target parts.

[0042] (2) Details of the search process of the search unit 65 The search process of the search unit 65 will now be described in more detail.

[0043] The part search conditions input by the searcher into the input unit 4 include one or more (for example, a plurality of) condition items. The plurality of condition items are roughly divided into basic items and usage history items.

[0044] The basic items are the basic conditions required for the part to be searched for (i.e., part search conditions that are always input into input unit 4 when searching), such as part number, size, and rating information, and are usually conditions given as catalog values. The "part number" is the part number of the part to be searched for. The "size" is the size of the part to be searched for. The "rating information" is a condition that is input only when the part to be searched for is an electronic part, such as rated voltage or rated current. The basic items may be input by the searcher through input unit 4, or when the searcher inputs the part number of the part to be searched for into input unit 4, pre-registered catalog values ​​may be automatically input into input unit 4 as the basic items.

[0045] The usage history items are optional conditions required for the searched part (i.e., part search conditions that may or may not be input during a search), such as the number of times controlled, operating time, application history, applied building name, and applied equipment type. The "number of times controlled" is the number of times the searched part or equipment equipped with the searched part has been controlled by a higher-level device. The "operating time" is the cumulative operating time of the equipment equipped with the searched part. The "application history" is the number of times the searched part has been applied to equipment. The "applied property name" is the name of the building (e.g., building) in which the equipment to which the searched part has been applied is installed. The "applied equipment type" is the name of the equipment to which the searched part has been applied.

[0046] The part information stored in the part information storage unit 31 and the usage history information stored in the usage history storage unit 32 each have at least one information item. Therefore, a search target part registered in storage unit 3 has part information and usage history information, and therefore has multiple information items. The part information is information such as part number, size, rating information, and inventory quantity, and has items that correspond to the basic items of the part search conditions (e.g., part number, size, rating information, etc.) and items that do not correspond to the basic items of the part search conditions (e.g., inventory quantity). The usage history information is an item that corresponds to the usage history items of the part search conditions, but may also include items that do not correspond to the usage history items of the part search conditions.

[0047] When component search conditions are input to the input unit 4, the search unit 65 calculates the degree of suitability of the component to be searched for the component search conditions for all of the components to be searched that are registered in the storage unit 3.

[0048] More specifically, the search unit 65 first performs name matching between search target parts registered in the part information storage unit 31 and search target parts registered in the usage history storage unit 32 using part identification information (e.g., part number). That is, search target parts with the same identification information (e.g., part number) are considered to be the same search target part. That is, after name matching, the search target parts are considered to have their part information stored in the part information storage unit 31 and their usage history information registered in the usage history storage unit 32. Note that the search target parts after name matching include those that have both part information and usage history information, those that have only part information, and those that have only usage history information.

[0049] Then, for all search target parts after name identification, the search unit 65 calculates the degree of suitability (individual degree of suitability) of each information item of the part information and usage history information of the search target parts with respect to the part search conditions.

[0050] More specifically, for each information item in the part information and usage history information of the part to be searched for that has a corresponding condition item among the condition items of the part search conditions, the search unit 65 calculates the suitability (individual suitability) of the information item with respect to the corresponding condition item based on the individual threshold information stored in the memory unit 3.

[0051] Furthermore, for each information item in the part information and usage history information of the part to be searched for that has no corresponding condition item among the condition items of the part search conditions, the search unit 65 uses the individual threshold information stored in the threshold storage unit 34 (more specifically, individual threshold information using a default condition item because no corresponding condition item exists) to determine the individual suitability of the information item for the default condition item.The search unit 65 then regards this individual suitability as the individual suitability of the information item.

[0052] Then, as described above, the search unit 65 calculates the individual suitability of each information item of the part information and usage history information of the search target part against the part search conditions for each search target part after name matching, and adds up the calculated individual suitability for each search target part to calculate the suitability for each search target part.

[0053] The search unit 65 then determines whether the obtained compatibility of the search target parts is within an acceptable range, and determines search target parts whose compatibility is within the acceptable range as compatible parts, and determines search target parts whose compatibility is not within the acceptable range as non-compatible parts. Note that the above-mentioned acceptable range is stored in advance in the threshold storage unit 34 as a threshold condition. In other words, the search unit 65 obtains the threshold condition that defines the above-mentioned acceptable range from the threshold storage unit 34, and determines whether the compatibility of the search target parts is within the acceptable range.

[0054] (3) Individual compatibility and specific examples of compatibility Fig. 3 shows an example of inputting part search conditions and an example of registering various information (part information and usage history information) for search target parts (for example, search target part A with part number "LG-XXXX" and search target part B with part number "MG-XXXX"). Note that Fig. 3 shows the parts separated by line X1-X1 for convenience of drawing, but in reality they are connected by line X1-X1.

[0055] In Figure 3, the part number "EH-XXXX", rated voltage "10V", and size "2x2" are entered as basic items in the part search conditions. The usage history item in the part search conditions has not been entered.

[0056] The information items registered for the part information of the search target part A are the part number "LG-XXXX," the product number "LH-100," the genuine product information "Genuine Product," the production status "Discontinued," the inventory quantity "50 units," the rated voltage "10V," and the size "2x2." The "Genuine Product Information" indicates whether the search target part A is a genuine product, a successor product, a replacement product, or none of the above, of the part identified by the part number in the part search criteria. In the example of Figure 3, the genuine product information indicates that it corresponds to a "genuine product." The information items registered for the search target part A's usage history information are the number of controls "110 times," the operating hours "200 hours," the application history "2 times," the application building name "Building A," and the application equipment type "Equipment C," and the input contribution information is "Not entered."

[0057] The method for determining the degree of suitability of the search target part A in this case will be explained below. First, the degree of suitability of each information item (genuine product information, production status, inventory quantity, rated voltage, etc.) of the search target part A with respect to the part search conditions is determined.

[0058] For example, the individual suitability of the genuine part information "genuine part" for the search target part A is calculated as follows: The genuine part information can also be considered the suitability as a replacement part for the part specified by the part number (information item) of the search target part for the part specified by the part number (condition item) of the input part search conditions. The search unit 65 acquires predetermined individual threshold information from the threshold storage unit 34 and calculates the individual suitability of the genuine part information "genuine part" based on this predetermined individual threshold information. Specifically, the predetermined individual threshold information specifies that the individual suitability of the genuine part information for the search target part A is "5 points" when the genuine part information for the search target part A is "genuine part," "3 points" when the genuine part information for the search target part A is "successor part," "1 point" when the genuine part information for the search target part A is "replacement part," and "0 points" when the genuine part information for the search target part A does not correspond to any of "genuine part," "successor part," or "replacement." Based on this rule, the search unit 65 sets the individual compatibility score of the genuine product information "genuine product" of the search target part A to "5 points." Note that if the genuine product information of the search target part A is not "genuine product," "successor product," or "alternative product," the search target part A may be excluded from the search targets.

[0059] The individual suitability score for the production status of "suspended" for search target part A is calculated as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, there is no condition item corresponding to the production status among the condition items of the part target conditions. In this case, the search unit 65 acquires predetermined individual threshold information from the threshold storage unit 34 (i.e., individual threshold information corresponding to the search target part A and the information item "production status" when no condition item is given), and calculates the individual suitability score for the production status of "suspended" for search target part A based on this predetermined individual threshold information. Specifically, the predetermined individual threshold information specifies, for example, that the individual suitability score for the production status of search target part A is set to "5 points" when the production status of search target part A is "in production" and to "0 points" when the production status of search target part A is "suspended." Based on this specification, the search unit 65 sets the individual suitability score for the production status of "suspended" for search target part A to "0 points."

[0060] The individual conformance score for the inventory quantity of the search target part A, "discontinued," is calculated as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the part target conditions do not include a condition item corresponding to the inventory quantity. In this case, the search unit 65 acquires predetermined individual threshold information from the threshold storage unit 34 and calculates the individual conformance score for the inventory quantity of the search target part A, "30 units," based on this predetermined individual threshold information. Specifically, the predetermined individual threshold information specifies, for example, that the individual conformance score for the inventory quantity of the search target part A is "10 points" when the inventory quantity of the search target part A is "30±3 units," is "excessive" and "15 points" when the inventory quantity of the search target part A is "more than 33 units," and is "insufficient" and "5 points" when the inventory quantity of the search target part A is "less than 27 units." Based on this specification, the search unit 65 calculates the individual conformance score for the inventory quantity of the search target part A, "30 units," as "10 points."

[0061] The individual conformance score for the rated voltage "10V" of the search target component A is calculated as follows: That is, the component target conditions include a condition item corresponding to the rated voltage. In this case, the search unit 65 acquires predetermined individual threshold information from the threshold storage unit 34 and calculates the individual conformance score for the rated voltage "10V" of the search target component A based on this predetermined individual threshold information. Specifically, the predetermined individual threshold information specifies, for example, that the individual conformance score for the rated voltage of the search target component A is "10 points" when the rated voltage of the search target component A conforms to the rated voltage of the component search conditions; "3 points" when the rated voltage of the search target component A is within the allowable range of the rated voltage of the component search conditions (e.g., within ±10% of the rated voltage of the component search conditions); and "0 points" when it is outside the allowable range. Based on this specification, the search unit 65 calculates the individual conformance score for the rated voltage "10V" of the search target component A as "10 points."

[0062] The individual conformance score for the size "2x2" of the search target part A is calculated as follows: That is, the part target conditions include a condition item corresponding to size. In this case, the search unit 65 acquires predetermined individual threshold information from the threshold storage unit 34 and calculates the individual conformance score for the size "2x2" of the search target part A based on this predetermined reference information. Specifically, the predetermined individual threshold information specifies, for example, that the individual conformance score for the size of the search target part A is "10 points" when the size of the search target part A conforms to the size of the part search conditions, "3 points" when the size of the search target part A is within the allowable range of the size of the part search conditions (for example, within ±2% of the size of the part search conditions), and "0 points" when it is outside the allowable range. Based on this specification, the search unit 65 calculates the individual conformance score for the size "2x2" of the search target part A as "10 points."

[0063] The individual conformance of the "110 times" control count of the search target part A is calculated as follows: That is, the part target conditions do not include any condition items corresponding to the control count. In this case, the search unit 65 acquires predetermined individual threshold information from the threshold storage unit 34 and calculates the individual conformance of the "110 times" control count of the search target part A based on this predetermined individual threshold information. Specifically, the predetermined individual threshold information specifies, for example, that the individual conformance of the "100 times ±20 times" control count of the search target part A is determined as conformance and given a score of "10 points." When the "120 times" control count of the search target part A is exceeded, a score of "15 points" is calculated. When the "less than 80 times" control count of the search target part A is exceeded, a score of "5 points" is calculated. Based on this specification, the search unit 65 calculates the individual conformance of the "110 times" control count of the search target part A as "10 points."

[0064] The individual conformance of the operating time of the search target part A, "200 hours," is calculated as follows: That is, the part target conditions do not include a condition item corresponding to operating time. In this case, the search unit 65 acquires predetermined individual threshold information from the threshold storage unit 34 and calculates the individual conformance of the operating time of the search target part A, "200 hours," based on this predetermined individual threshold information. Specifically, the predetermined individual threshold information specifies, for example, that the individual conformance of the operating time of the search target part A is determined as conformance, with "10 points," when the operating time of the search target part A is "200 times ±20 times," as "excess," with "15 points," when the operating time of the search target part A is "more than 220 times," and as "insufficient," with "5 points," when the operating time of the search target part A is "less than 180 times." Based on this specification, the search unit 65 determines the individual conformance of the operating time of the search target part A, "200 hours," as "10 points."

[0065] The individual suitability of the application record of the search target component A "twice" is calculated as follows: That is, there is no condition item corresponding to the application record among the condition items of the component object conditions. In this case, the search unit 65 acquires predetermined individual threshold information from the threshold storage unit 34 and calculates the individual suitability of the application record of the search target component A "twice" based on this predetermined individual threshold information. Specifically, the predetermined individual threshold information specifies, for example, that the individual suitability of the application record of the search target component A is "(20 × N) points" when the application record of the search target component A is "N times," indicating that there is an application record, and "5 points" when the application record of the search target component A is "0 times," indicating that there is no application record. Based on this specification, the search unit 65 sets the individual suitability of the application record of the search target component A "twice" to "40 points."

[0066] Furthermore, the individual suitability of the applicable equipment type "Facility C" of the search target part A is calculated as follows. That is, there is no condition item corresponding to the applicable equipment type among the condition items of the part target conditions. In this case, the search unit 65 acquires predetermined individual threshold information from the threshold storage unit 34, and calculates the individual suitability of the applicable equipment type "Facility C" of the search target part A based on this predetermined individual threshold information. Specifically, the above-mentioned predetermined individual threshold information specifies, for example, that the individual suitability of the applicable equipment type of the search target part A is set to "0 points" regardless of the applicable equipment type of the search target part A. Based on this specification, the search unit 65 sets the individual suitability of the applicable equipment type "Facility C" of the search target part A to "0 points."

[0067] The evaluation value of the "not input" input contribution information of the search target component A is calculated as follows: The search unit 65 acquires evaluation value threshold information from the threshold storage unit 34, and calculates the evaluation value of the input contribution information of the search target component A based on this evaluation value threshold information. Specifically, the above evaluation value threshold information specifies, for example, that the evaluation value of the input contribution information of the search target component A is "updated weekly," "15 points," when the input contribution information of the search target component A is "updated as appropriate," and "0 points," when the input contribution information of the search target component A is "not input." Based on this specification, the search unit 65 sets the evaluation value of the "not input" input contribution information of the search target component A to "0 points." The above evaluation value threshold information is stored in the threshold storage unit 34.

[0068] Then, the search unit 65 adds up the individual suitability of each information item in the part information and usage history information and the evaluation value of the input contribution information for the search target part A to calculate a suitability of "95 points" for the search target part A. This suitability is the suitability of the search target part A with respect to the part search conditions.

[0069] The information items registered for part information on search target part B with part number "LG-XXXX" are part number "MG-XXXX", product number "MH-100", genuine product information "replacement", production status "in production", inventory quantity "40 units", rated voltage "10V", and size "2 x 1". Additionally, the information items registered for usage history information on search target part B are number of controls "200 times", operating time "300 hours", application history "1 time", applicable building name "Building B", and applicable equipment type "Equipment D". Additionally, "Weekly update" is registered as input contribution information for search target part B. In this case, similar to the method for calculating the compatibility of search target part A, first, the individual compatibility scores of each information item in the part information and usage history information of search target part B (genuine product information: "replacement", production status: "in production", inventory quantity: "40", rated voltage: "10V", size: "2 x 1", number of controls: "200", operating time: "300", application history: "1 time") and the evaluation value of input contribution information: "updated weekly" are calculated. These are then summed to calculate the compatibility score of search target part B: "104 points".

[0070] Then, for all of the search target parts registered in the storage unit 3, the search unit 65 calculates the individual suitability and evaluation value of the input contribution information for each information item of the part information and usage history information of the search target parts, in the same way as in the above-mentioned search target parts A and B. Then, the search unit 65 adds these up to calculate the suitability of the search target parts (the suitability of the search target parts with respect to the part search conditions).

[0071] The search unit 65 then acquires threshold information specifying the acceptable range of compatibility from the threshold storage unit 34, and displays search target parts having a compatibility level within the acquired acceptable range, among the obtained compatibility levels of all search target parts, as matching parts on the display unit 5 as search results. Note that the acceptable range may be, for example, a compatibility level equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or the top three compatibility levels of all compatibility levels. The search unit 65 displays the matching parts on the display screen of the display unit 5 in descending order of compatibility level from top to bottom of the display screen. As a result, search target parts with higher compatibility levels are displayed preferentially on the display unit 5.

[0072] In this embodiment, the degree of suitability of a search target part increases as the individual suitability of each information item of the part information and usage history information of the search target part increases, and as the evaluation value of the input contribution information increases. Therefore, search target parts with higher individual suitability and higher evaluation values ​​of the input contribution information are displayed preferentially on the display unit 5.

[0073] In this embodiment, the suitability of each search target component is calculated by adding together the evaluation value of the input contribution information in addition to the individual suitability, but the evaluation value of the input contribution information does not have to be added together.

[0074] In this embodiment, the part number of the part to be searched is used in the part search conditions, and the part number of the part to be searched is used in the part information and usage history information of the part to be searched, but the part name may be used instead of or in addition to the part number.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the component search conditions may include the category of the component to be searched for (e.g., screw, nut, resistor, capacitor, etc.) as a condition item, and the component information and usage history information of the component to be searched may include the category of the component to be searched for (e.g., screw, nut, resistor, capacitor, etc.). When searching for matching components that meet the component search conditions from among the components to be searched registered in storage unit 3, search unit 65 may search for matching components that meet the component search conditions by searching only the components to be searched registered in storage unit 3 that are in the same category as the component search conditions entered in input unit 4.

[0076] (4) Example of search results As shown in FIG. 4, the display screen G1 of the display unit 5 displays, for example, the component search conditions W1 input to the input unit 4 and the search results W2 for the component search conditions.

[0077] The component search conditions W1 are displayed, for example, in a first area (e.g., an upper section) R1 of the display screen G1 of the display unit 5. In the example of FIG. 4, the component search conditions W1 include a component name "valve" and an applicable equipment type "air conditioning." That is, in the example of FIG. 4, the component name "valve" and the applicable equipment type "air conditioning" are input as the component search conditions W1. In this case, when a component name is input into the input unit 4, the basic items identified by the component name are automatically input.

[0078] The search results W2 are displayed, for example, in the second area (e.g., the lower middle area) R2 of the display screen G1 of the display unit 5. The search results W2 display, for example, various pieces of information W21 and W22 related to two compatible parts A and B, and various pieces of information W23 and W24 related to two reference parts C and D. As described above, compatible parts A and B are search target parts whose compatibility falls within the acceptable range. The various pieces of information W21 related to compatible part A include, for example, the part name "duct valve A," the production status "in production," and the inventory quantity "0 units." The various pieces of information W22 related to compatible part B include, for example, the part name "duct valve B," genuine product information "alternative part," and the inventory quantity "10 units."

[0079] As described above, reference parts C and D are search target parts whose degree of conformance of the search target parts is outside the allowable range, but whose total value of the individual conformance of each information item in the usage history information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (i.e., a relatively high value). Reference parts C and D are parts of the same type as or similar to the parts specified by the part search conditions. The search unit 65 determines, for example, from the part numbers of reference parts C and D and the part numbers of the part search conditions, whether reference parts C and D are parts of the same type as or similar to the parts specified by the part search conditions. That is, reference parts C and D are search target parts that, of all search target parts, are parts of the same type as or similar to the parts specified by the part search conditions, and whose total value of the individual conformance of each information item in the part information is not high, but whose total value of the individual conformance of each information item in the usage history information is relatively high (i.e., search target parts whose degree of conformance of the part information is low (in other words, not all information items in the part information are available), but whose degree of conformance of the usage history information is relatively high).

[0080] The various information W23 regarding reference part C includes, for example, a part name "Flexible C," reference part information "Reference part," stock information "20 units," and vendor information "C Techno." The various information W24 regarding reference part D includes, for example, a part name "Flexible D," reference part information "Reference part," stock information "25 units," and vendor information "D Techno." The "reference part information" is information indicating that the part with the above part name is a reference part. The "vendor information" is, for example, information indicating vendor information (e.g., company name ("C Techno" or "D Techno")) of the manufacturing company that produces reference parts C and D.

[0081] In the example of Fig. 4, in the second area (lower middle area) R2 of the display screen G1, compatible parts ("Duct Valve A") with a higher compatibility level are displayed in the upper part of the second area R2. The example of Fig. 4 also illustrates a case where the number of compatible parts A and B (product names "Duct Valve A" and "Duct Valve B") displayed in the second area R2 is small. In this case, in addition to compatible parts A and B, reference parts C and D (product names "Flexible C" and "Flexible D") are displayed as clues to alternative parts.

[0082] (5) Operation explanation The operation of the parts search system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0083] When part search conditions are input to the input unit 4 (S1), the search unit 65 determines whether the number of registrations of part information registered in the part information storage unit 31 (i.e., the number of registrations of search target parts registered in the part information storage unit 31) is equal to or greater than a first threshold number (S2). If the result of this determination is that the number of registrations of part information registered in the part information storage unit 31 is not equal to or greater than the first threshold number (S2: NO), the input request unit 66 sends a notification to the communication device of each company via the communication unit 2 requesting that the part information be registered in the part information storage unit 31 (S3). Then, the process returns to step S2.

[0084] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S2 is that the number of registered pieces of part information registered in the part information storage unit 31 is equal to or greater than the first threshold number (S2: YES), the search unit 65 searches for matching parts that match the part search conditions input to the input unit 4 from among the search target parts registered in the part information storage unit 31 and the usage history storage unit 32 (S4). More specifically, the search unit 65 calculates the suitability of the search target parts with respect to the part search conditions input to the input unit 4 for all of the search target parts registered in the storage unit 3. The search unit 65 then obtains threshold information that defines an allowable range of the suitability from the threshold storage unit 34, and determines, of all the search target parts, the search target parts whose suitability is within the above threshold range as matching parts that match the above part search conditions.

[0085] Then, the search unit 65 determines the display order of the compatible parts on the display screen of the display unit 5 so that the higher the compatibility, the higher the position of the compatible parts on the display screen, and the lower the compatibility, the lower the position of the compatible parts on the display screen (S5). As a result, the compatible parts with higher compatibility are displayed preferentially on the display unit 5. The search unit 65 then displays the compatible parts on the display screen of the display unit 5 in the display order of step S5 (S6).

[0086] Then, the search unit 65 determines whether the number of suitable parts determined in step S4 is equal to or greater than the second threshold number (S7). If the result of this determination is that the number of suitable parts is equal to or greater than the second threshold number (S7: YES), the processing ends. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S7 is that the number of suitable parts is not equal to or greater than the second threshold number (S7: NO), the search unit 65 determines whether or not there are reference parts among the search target parts registered in the storage unit 3 (S8). If the result of this determination is that there are reference parts, the reference parts are displayed on the display unit 5 together with the suitable parts (S9). Then, the processing ends. On the other hand, if the result of this determination is that there are no reference parts, the processing ends.

[0087] (6) Main Effects As described above, the parts search system 1 according to this embodiment includes the parts information storage unit 31, the usage history storage unit 32, the input unit 4, and the search unit 65. The parts information storage unit 31 stores parts information related to equipment parts, including part inventory information, thereby registering parts as search target parts. The usage history storage unit 32 stores usage history information related to equipment parts, thereby registering parts as search target parts. The input unit 4 receives input of parts search criteria. The search unit 65 searches for matching parts that meet the parts search criteria input to the input unit 4 from among the search target parts registered in at least one of the parts information storage unit 31 and the usage history storage unit 32. The search unit 65 displays the searched matching parts on the display unit 5.

[0088] With this configuration, compatible parts that are compatible with equipment parts are searched for using usage history information in addition to part information. Therefore, non-genuine parts with performance equal to or better than genuine parts can be searched for and presented as compatible parts. Since non-genuine parts are generally cheaper than genuine parts, using non-genuine parts with performance equal to or better than genuine parts allows equipment maintenance and repair costs to be kept to a minimum while operating the equipment.

[0089] (7) Parts search methods and programs, etc. The same functions as those of the component search system 1 according to the above-described embodiment may be realized by a component search method, a (computer) program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which the program is recorded.

[0090] A parts search method according to one embodiment includes a parts information storage step, a usage history storage step, an input step, a search step, and a display step. In the parts information storage step, parts information related to equipment parts, including parts inventory information, is stored in the parts information storage unit 31, thereby registering the parts as search target parts. In the usage history information storage step, usage history information related to the equipment parts is stored in the usage history storage unit 32, thereby registering the parts as search target parts. In the input step, parts search conditions are input to the input unit 4. In the search step, matching parts that meet the parts search conditions input to the input unit 4 are searched for from among the search target parts registered in at least one of the parts information storage unit 31 and the usage history storage unit 32. In the display step, the matching parts found in the search step are displayed on a predetermined display unit 5.

[0091] A program according to one aspect causes one or more processors to execute the component search method according to the above embodiment.

[0092] A non-transitory recording medium according to one aspect temporarily records a program that causes one or more processors to execute the above-mentioned component search method.

[0093] (8) Variations Modifications of the above embodiment will be described. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations. In the modifications described below, differences from the above embodiment will be mainly described.

[0094] (8-1) Variation 1 In the above embodiment, the search unit 65 prioritizes displaying compatible parts on the display unit 5 in accordance with the degree of compatibility. However, the search unit 65 may also obtain the number of times that a compatible part has been used from the usage history information of the compatible part, and prioritize displaying compatible parts with a greater number of times of use on the display unit 5. Alternatively / and, the search unit 65 may obtain the number of stocked compatible parts from the part information of the compatible part, and prioritize displaying compatible parts with a greater number of stocked compatible parts on the display unit 5. With this configuration, compatible parts with a greater number of times of use and / or compatible parts with a greater number of stocked compatible parts can be easily found from the compatible parts displayed on the display unit 5.

[0095] (8-2) Variation 2 In the above embodiment, a threshold condition (e.g., a cutoff point) for the compatibility of the component to be searched may be input (set) by inputting the condition into the input unit 4. When the threshold condition is input into the input unit 4, the search unit 65 displays on the display unit 5 only those compatible components whose compatibility level satisfies the input threshold condition. As a result, if the threshold condition is relaxed (e.g., if the cutoff point is lowered), a wider range of compatible components can be displayed on the display unit 5. On the other hand, if the threshold condition is strengthened (e.g., if the cutoff point is raised), only compatible components that are highly compatible with the component to be searched for can be displayed on the display unit 5.

[0096] (8-3) Variation 3 In the above embodiment, the multiple information items, which are a combination of the information items of the part information and the usage history information, may include specific information items (e.g., rated voltage, size, etc.). The search unit 65 may search for matching parts by limiting the search target parts registered in the storage unit 3 to those parts whose individual suitability of the specific information items to the part search conditions satisfies a predetermined threshold condition. That is, in this case, the search unit 65 searches for matching parts by excluding from the search target parts registered in the storage unit 3 those parts whose individual suitability of the specific information items to the part search conditions does not satisfy a predetermined threshold condition. This makes it possible to search for matching parts from among the search target parts whose specific information items satisfy the predetermined threshold condition.

[0097] (8-4) Variation 4 In the above embodiment, it is desirable that information be stored (registered) in the component information storage unit 31 and the threshold value storage unit 34 manually rather than automatically. Manual registration allows for more accurate component information and threshold value information than automatic registration. Furthermore, the more information items in the component information, the more likely it is that search accuracy will be improved, so the more information items in the component information, the better.

[0098] (8-5) Variation 5 In the above embodiment, when an applicable building name (the name of the building where the finished product to which the searched-for part is applied will be installed) is specified in the part search conditions entered in the input unit 4, the search unit 65 may display, as search results, only search target parts having the same applicable building name as the specified applicable building name on the display unit 5. In this case, even if the search target part is a part for equipment installed in a building other than the building with the applicable building name specified in the part search conditions and the compatibility of the search target part is outside the allowable range, the search unit 65 may display, as reference parts, the search target parts for which the total value of the individual compatibility of each information item in the usage history information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold on the display unit 5 together with compatible parts.

[0099] The reference part is a part of the same type as or similar to the part specified by the part search conditions. The search unit 65 determines whether the reference part is of the same type as or similar to the part specified by the part search conditions, for example, based on the part number of the reference part and the part number of the part search conditions.

[0100] According to this configuration, reference parts can be displayed in addition to compatible parts on the display unit 5. As a result, when the number of compatible parts displayed on the display unit 5 is small, clues to alternative parts can be presented by the reference parts displayed together.

[0101] (8-6) Variation 6 In the above embodiment, if a search for compatible parts is performed for a certain part, and a compatible part whose genuine product information is "alternative" is selected from the compatible parts displayed on display unit 5 as the search result and actually used, machine learning can be performed to increase the individual compatibility of the alternative part with respect to the similar part by a certain amount, so that the search target part whose genuine product information is "alternative" is more likely to be listed as a compatible part for the similar part the next time a search for compatible parts is performed for a similar part to the certain part. This makes it possible to increase the number of compatible parts displayed on display unit 5.

[0102] (8-7) Variation 7 In the above embodiment, the part information for the search target part may include vendor information (e.g., links to websites and contact information) for each company (e.g., parts manufacturing company 300 and parts sales company 400) that handles the search target part. When the search target part is displayed on display unit 5 as a compatible part, the vendor information may be displayed in association with the search target part. It is beneficial for each company to have vendor information for each company displayed on display unit 5 in association with a compatible part. For this reason, each company will actively update its part information and usage history information to make efforts to increase the evaluation value of the input contribution information so that the search target part it handles will be more likely to be displayed on display unit 5 as a compatible part. This will result in the part information and usage history information being updated frequently, allowing the part information and usage history information to be kept up to date.

[0103] (9) Summary The present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0104] The part search system (1) of the first aspect includes a part information storage unit (31), a usage history storage unit (32), an input unit (4), and a search unit (65). The part information storage unit (31) stores part information related to equipment parts, including part inventory information, thereby registering parts as search target parts. The usage history storage unit (32) stores usage history information related to equipment parts, thereby registering parts as search target parts. The input unit (4) receives part search conditions. The search unit (65) searches for matching parts that meet the part search conditions input to the input unit (4) from among the search target parts registered in at least one of the part information storage unit (31) and the usage history storage unit (32). The search unit (65) displays the searched matching parts on a predetermined display unit (5).

[0105] With this configuration, since the search for compatible parts that are compatible with equipment parts is performed using usage history information in addition to part information, non-genuine parts with performance equal to or better than genuine parts can be searched for and presented as compatible parts. Since non-genuine parts are generally cheaper than genuine parts, using non-genuine parts with performance equal to or better than genuine parts allows the equipment to be operated with maintenance and repair costs kept to a minimum.

[0106] In the part search system (1) of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the usage history information is generated based on facility operation information relating to the operation of the facility.

[0107] According to this configuration, the usage record information is generated based on existing equipment operation information, and therefore can be generated easily.

[0108] In the parts search system (1) of the third embodiment, in the second embodiment, the equipment operation information is acquired from an external system (equipment management system 100) that controls the operation of the equipment.

[0109] According to this configuration, the equipment operation information is acquired from an external system that controls the operation of the equipment, so that the equipment operation information can be easily acquired.

[0110] In the part search system (1) of the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the part information and the usage history information each have at least one information item. The search unit (65) calculates the individual suitability of the information item for the part search conditions for each search target part, sums the calculated individual suitability for each search target part to calculate the suitability for each search target part, and displays search target parts whose calculated suitability is within an allowable range as suitable parts on a predetermined display unit (5).

[0111] With this configuration, the degree of suitability of each information item for the part search conditions is calculated for each search target part, and the degree of suitability for each search target part is calculated by adding up the calculated individual degrees of suitability. Therefore, the degree of suitability of the search target parts can be calculated with high accuracy. Search target parts whose degree of suitability falls within an acceptable range are displayed as suitable parts on a predetermined display unit (5), enabling accurate searches for non-genuine parts that are equivalent to or better than genuine parts.

[0112] In the part search system (1) of the fifth aspect, the plurality of information items, which are the combination of the information items of the part information and the usage history information in the fourth aspect, include a specific information item. The search unit (65) searches for matching parts by searching only those search target parts among the registered search target parts whose individual suitability of the specific information item with respect to the part search conditions satisfies a predetermined threshold condition.

[0113] According to this configuration, it is possible to search for suitable parts from among search target parts whose specific information items satisfy predetermined threshold conditions.

[0114] In the sixth aspect of the parts search system (1), in the fourth or fifth aspect, the search unit (65) displays, on a predetermined display unit (5), as a reference part, a search target part for which the total value of the individual compatibility of at least one information item in the usage history information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, even if the compatibility is not within the allowable range.

[0115] According to this configuration, reference parts can be displayed in addition to compatible parts on the display unit 5. As a result, when the number of compatible parts displayed on the display unit 5 is small, clues to alternative parts can be presented by the reference parts displayed together.

[0116] The sum of the individual suitability scores of at least one information item in the usage history information being equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold means that the individual suitability scores of all information items in the usage history information are relatively high. That is, not only is the usage frequency sufficiently high, but the applicable equipment is the same as or similar to the equipment of the part being searched for. In other words, a reference part is, for example, a search target part whose part information does not fully satisfy the requirements, but whose applicable equipment is the same or similar and whose usage frequency is sufficiently high.

[0117] In the seventh aspect of the part search system (1), in any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, a threshold condition for the compatibility of the compatible parts is set. The search unit (65) displays only the compatible parts that satisfy the threshold condition among the searched compatible parts on a predetermined display unit (5). By adjusting the threshold condition, the number of compatible parts displayed on the predetermined display unit (5) can be adjusted.

[0118] According to this configuration, by adjusting the threshold condition, it is possible to increase or decrease the number of compatible parts displayed on the display unit 5. For example, by loosening the threshold condition, a wider range of compatible parts can be displayed on the display unit 5, and by tightening the threshold condition, it is possible to display compatible parts that are highly compatible with the searched part on the display unit 5.

[0119] In the eighth aspect of the parts search system (1), in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the search unit (65) determines the suitability of search target parts registered in at least one of the parts information storage unit (31) and the usage history storage unit (32) to the parts search conditions, and displays search target parts with a higher degree of suitability on a predetermined display unit (5) with higher priority.

[0120] According to this configuration, it is possible to easily find a compatible part with a high degree of compatibility from among the compatible parts displayed on the display unit (5).

[0121] In the ninth aspect of the parts search system (1), in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the search unit (65) obtains the actual number of times that compatible parts have been used from the usage history information, and displays the compatible parts with a higher number of actual usages on a predetermined display unit (5) with priority, and / or obtains the inventory number of compatible parts from the parts information, and displays the compatible parts with a higher inventory number on a predetermined display unit (5) with priority.

[0122] According to this configuration, compatible parts that have been used many times and / or that are in large stock can be easily found from the compatible parts displayed on the display unit (5).

[0123] The parts search method of the tenth aspect includes a parts information storage step, a usage history storage step, an input step, a search step, and a display step. In the parts information storage step, parts information related to equipment parts, including parts inventory information, is stored in a parts information storage unit (31), thereby registering the parts as search target parts. In the usage history storage step, usage history information related to the equipment parts is stored in a usage history storage unit (32), thereby registering the parts as search target parts. In the input step, parts search conditions are input to the input unit (4). In the search step, matching parts that match the parts search conditions input to the input unit (4) are searched for from among the search target parts registered in at least one of the parts information storage unit (31) and the usage history storage unit (32). In the display step, the matching parts found in the search step are displayed on a predetermined display unit (5).

[0124] With this configuration, since the system searches for compatible parts that are compatible with equipment parts using usage history information in addition to part information, it can search for and present non-genuine parts with performance equal to or better than the genuine parts even if genuine parts are not available. Since non-genuine parts are generally cheaper than genuine parts, using non-genuine parts with performance equal to or better than the genuine parts allows the system to operate with maintenance and repair costs kept to a minimum.

[0125] A program according to an eleventh aspect causes one or more processors to execute the component search method according to the tenth aspect.

[0126] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a program for causing one or more processors to execute the above-described component search method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1. Parts search system 4 Input section 5 Display section 31 Part information storage unit 32 Usage record memory section 65 Search Department 100 Facility management system (external system)

Claims

1. an input section for inputting part search conditions; a search unit that searches for suitable parts that meet the part search conditions input to the input unit from among search target parts registered in at least one of a part information storage unit that stores part information related to equipment parts, including inventory information of the parts, thereby registering the parts as search target parts, and a usage history storage unit that stores usage history information related to the parts of the equipment, which is generated based on equipment operation information related to the operation of the equipment obtained from an external system that controls the operation of the equipment, the search unit displays the searched compatible parts on a predetermined display unit, the usage history information includes at least one of the number of controls and the operating time, the number of times of control is the number of times of control of the search target part or the equipment on which the search target part is mounted, The operating time is a cumulative operating time of the equipment in which the search target part is installed. Parts search system.

2. each of the part information and the usage history information has at least one information item; the search unit calculates an individual suitability of the information item with respect to the part search conditions for each of the search target parts, adds up the calculated individual suitability for each of the search target parts to calculate a suitability for each of the search target parts, and displays on the predetermined display unit, as the suitable parts, the search target parts whose calculated suitability is within an allowable range. The parts search system according to claim 1 .

3. the plurality of information items, which are a combination of the information items of the part information and the usage history information, include a specific information item, the search unit searches for the matching parts by searching only for search target parts whose individual suitability of the specific information item with respect to the part search conditions satisfies a predetermined threshold condition among the registered search target parts. The parts search system according to claim 2 .

4. an input section for inputting part search conditions; a search unit that searches for suitable parts that meet the part search conditions input to the input unit from among the search target parts registered in at least one of a part information storage unit that stores part information related to equipment parts, including inventory information of the parts, thereby registering the parts as search target parts, and a usage history storage unit that stores usage history information related to the parts of the equipment, thereby registering the parts as search target parts, the search unit displays the searched compatible parts on a predetermined display unit, each of the part information and the usage history information has at least one information item; the search unit calculates an individual suitability of the information item with respect to the part search conditions for each of the search target parts, calculates a suitability for each of the search target parts by adding up the calculated individual suitability for each of the search target parts, and displays the search target parts whose calculated suitability is within an allowable range as suitable parts on the predetermined display unit; the search unit displays, on the predetermined display unit, as a reference part, the search target part for which the total value of the individual conformance of the at least one information item in the usage history information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, even if the conformance is not within the allowable range. Parts search system.

5. a threshold condition for the goodness of fit of the compatible part is established; the search unit displays only the matching parts that satisfy the threshold condition among the matching parts found on the predetermined display unit; By adjusting the threshold condition, the number of the compatible parts displayed on the predetermined display unit is It is adjustable, The parts search system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. the search unit determines the degree of suitability of the search target parts registered in at least one of the part information storage unit and the usage history storage unit with respect to the part search conditions, and displays the search target parts with higher degrees of suitability on the predetermined display unit with higher priority. The parts search system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the search unit obtains the number of times that the compatible parts have been used from the usage history information, and displays the compatible parts with a higher number of times of use on the predetermined display unit with priority, and / or obtains the number of stocks of the compatible parts from the parts information, and displays the compatible parts with a higher number of stock on the predetermined display unit with priority. The parts search system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. 1. A part search method executed on a computer system, comprising: an input step of receiving input of part search conditions in an input unit; a search step in the search unit for matching parts that match the part search conditions input to the input unit from among the search target parts registered in at least one of a part information storage unit in which part information related to equipment parts, including inventory information of the parts, is stored and the parts are registered as search target parts, and a usage history storage unit in which use history information related to the parts of the equipment, generated based on equipment operation information related to the operation of the equipment obtained from an external system that controls the operation of the equipment, is stored and the parts are registered as search target parts; a display step of displaying the compatible parts found in the search step on a predetermined display unit, the usage history information includes at least one of the number of controls and the operating time, the number of times of control is the number of times of control of the search target part or the equipment on which the search target part is mounted, The operating time is a cumulative operating time of the equipment in which the search target part is installed. How to search for parts.

9. 1. A part search method executed on a computer system, comprising: an input step of receiving input of part search conditions in an input unit; a search step in which the search unit searches for suitable parts that meet the part search conditions input to the input unit from among the search target parts registered in at least one of a part information storage unit that stores part information related to equipment parts, including inventory information of the parts, thereby registering the parts as search target parts, and a usage history storage unit that stores usage history information related to the parts of the equipment, thereby registering the parts as search target parts; a display step of displaying the compatible parts found in the search step on a predetermined display unit, each of the part information and the usage history information has at least one information item; In the search step, an individual suitability of the information item with respect to the part search conditions is calculated for each of the search target parts, the calculated individual suitability is added up for each of the search target parts to calculate a suitability for each of the search target parts, and the search target parts whose calculated suitability is within an allowable range are displayed on the predetermined display unit as suitable parts, In the search step, even if the degree of conformance is not within the allowable range, the search target part for which the total value of the individual conformance of the at least one information item in the usage history information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is displayed as a reference part on the predetermined display unit. How to search for parts.

10. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the component search method according to claim 8 or 9.

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