Information processing device, information processing method, program, information display device, and information display method

Abstract

This information processing device includes at least one processor. The processor: selects, from among a plurality of images each having attribute information attached thereto, an image having attached thereto attribute information identical to designated attribute information which is attribute information that has been designated, said image being selected as a to-be-accessed image; and presents an access means for accessing the to-be-accessed image.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, program, information display device, and information display method

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, a program, an information display device, and an information display method.

[0002] The following technologies are known as technologies related to image data management systems. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-26330 describes an inspection result management server that includes: a management unit that associates and manages predetermined identification information that can be provided by an information item with past image data of a structure linked to the information item; a receiving unit that receives, via a communication network, the identification information transmitted by a communication terminal that has acquired the identification information from the information item; and a creation unit that creates a screen that displays, via the communication network, on the communication terminal, past image data of the structure that corresponds to the identification information received by the receiving unit.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-113762 describes an inspection and measurement device that includes an imaging means for imaging an object to be inspected, a recording means for recording the inspection image obtained by the imaging means and inspection information related to the inspection image, a display means for displaying the inspection image recorded in the recording means, and an inspection image search means for searching for an inspection image corresponding to the inspection information by specifying a portion of the inspection information recorded in the recording means and displaying it on the display means.

[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-269109 describes a thin film device manufacturing process management system that includes a database that stores, in association with each other, the product name of a thin film device, the name of a manufacturing process, a wafer number, the distribution of foreign matter and defects detected by an inspection device, keywords that describe the characteristics of the distribution of foreign matter and defects, images of foreign matter and defects taken based on the inspection data, keywords that describe the characteristics of the images of foreign matter and defects, and details of measures to deal with foreign matter and defects; means for accepting input by an operator of keywords for the distribution of foreign matter and defects and keywords for the images of foreign matter and defects, and input of a search logical expression using a plurality of keywords; means for searching the contents of the database according to the input search conditions to check whether there are any relevant past cases; and means for displaying the search results.

[0005] In the manufacturing process of industrial products, inspections using images of the target object (hereinafter referred to as image inspection) may be performed. For example, non-destructive inspections are performed using radiographic images to determine the presence or absence of defects inside the product. Image inspections are performed multiple times until the product is completed. Images may be taken of different parts of a single product, or images may be taken from different directions. Furthermore, if a single product is composed of multiple parts, image inspections are performed on each of the multiple parts, and then image inspections are performed on the completed product in which the multiple parts are assembled. When image inspections are performed multiple times for each part or product, the number of images acquired in each inspection process (hereinafter referred to as inspection images) becomes enormous, making it difficult to access the desired inspection image. For example, when comparing inspection images of different parts of the same product acquired in a certain inspection process or when comparing inspection images acquired in multiple inspection processes performed on the same product, it is desirable to be able to easily access the target inspection image.

[0006] The disclosed technology has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to make it easier to access a desired image.

[0007] The information processing device according to the disclosed technology includes at least one processor that selects, from among a plurality of images each having attribute information assigned thereto, an image that has attribute information identical to designated attribute information, as an image to be accessed, and presents an access means for accessing the image to be accessed.

[0008] The processor may accept attribute information assigned to an image being displayed on the display as designated attribute information. The processor may accept input of designation of attribute information as designated attribute information.

[0009] The multiple images may be inspection images acquired in an inspection process performed on the object included in the images. The attribute information may include information identifying the inspection process in which the images were acquired. The attribute information may further include at least one of information identifying an individual part or product that is the object, information identifying an individual product manufactured using the part that is the object, information identifying each individual part of multiple parts that make up the product that is the object, information identifying a production lot of the part or product that is the object, information identifying a portion of the object, information identifying the shooting direction of the image, and the shooting date of the image.

[0010] The processor may select, as access target images, a plurality of inspection images including different parts obtained for the same individual in the same inspection process based on the attribute information. The processor may present a plurality of access means corresponding to each of the plurality of access target images in an order according to the parts of the object included in the access target image.

[0011] The processor may select, based on the attribute information, a plurality of inspection images acquired for the same individual in the same inspection process and photographed from different directions as access target images, and may present an access means for accessing the plurality of access target images in an order according to the photographing directions.

[0012] The processor may select, based on the attribute information, a plurality of inspection images acquired for the same individual in each of a plurality of inspection processes performed at different times as the images to be accessed. The processor may select, based on the attribute information, a plurality of inspection images acquired for the same individual in inspection processes performed before and after a specific process as the images to be accessed.

[0013] The processor may select, based on the attribute information, each of an inspection image acquired for a first individual component identified by the designated attribute information, an inspection image acquired for a second individual component used in combination with the first individual component, and an inspection image acquired for an individual product manufactured using the first and second components, as access target images.The processor may select, based on the attribute information, each of an inspection image acquired for the individual product identified by the designated attribute information and an inspection image acquired for each of a plurality of components constituting the individual product, as access target images.The processor may present a plurality of access means corresponding to each of the plurality of access target images, categorized by component and by inspection process.The processor may present a plurality of access means corresponding to each of the plurality of access target images, arranged in chronological order of the inspection processes.

[0014] The processor may select an image to be accessed based on a priority set in the attribute information. The processor may vary the presentation form of a plurality of access means corresponding to each of the plurality of images to be accessed according to the priority set in the attribute information.

[0015] The information processing method according to the disclosed technology involves selecting, from among a plurality of images each having attribute information assigned thereto, an image that has been assigned attribute information identical to designated attribute information, which is designated attribute information, as an image to be accessed, and presenting an access means for accessing the image to be accessed.

[0016] The program relating to the disclosed technology is a program for causing at least one processor possessed by an information processing device to execute a process of selecting, from among a plurality of images each having attribute information assigned thereto, an image that has been assigned attribute information identical to designated attribute information, which is designated attribute information, as an image to be accessed, and presenting an access means for accessing the image to be accessed.

[0017] The information display device according to the disclosed technology displays on a display an access means for accessing an image, among a plurality of images each having attribute information assigned thereto, that has attribute information identical to designated attribute information, which is designated attribute information.

[0018] The information processing method according to the disclosed technology involves displaying on a display an access means for accessing an image, among a plurality of images each having attribute information assigned thereto, that has attribute information identical to designated attribute information, which is designated attribute information.

[0019] The disclosed technology makes it possible to easily access a desired image.

[0020] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image management system according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a data file of an inspection image handled by an image management system according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image browsing device according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image browsing device according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation form of an access means according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing performed by executing an access support program according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a method for capturing radiographic images acquired in non-destructive testing of metal products. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation form of an access means when a first restricted access request according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology is accepted. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation form of an access means when a second restricted access request according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology is accepted. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation form of an access means when a second restricted access request according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology is accepted. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation form of an access means when a second restricted access request according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology is accepted. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection process flow performed on the same individual part or product. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a manufacturing process flow including an inspection process performed on the same individual part or product. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation form of an access means when a fifth limited access request according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology is accepted. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation form of an access means according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation form of an access means according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0021] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the disclosed technology will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0022] [First Embodiment] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image management system 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The image management system 1 includes an image viewing device 10 and an image server 20. The image server 20 is a server computer equipped with a storage medium for storing inspection images acquired in an inspection process of industrial products. The inspection process may be, for example, a non-destructive inspection process in which the presence or absence of defects inside a product is determined using radiographic images. In other words, the inspection images may be radiographic images.

[0023] The image viewing device 10 is a computer having a function for viewing inspection images stored in the image server 20. The image viewing device 10 is communicably connected to the image server 20 via a network 30. The image viewing device 10 can download desired inspection images from the image server 20 and display them on a display 105. The image viewing device 10 may have the form of, for example, a desktop, notebook, or tablet computer, or may have the form of a smartphone. The image viewing device 10 is an example of an "information processing device" in the disclosed technology. Note that the image management system 1, which is configured to include the image viewing device 10 and the image server 20, can also be considered an "information processing device" in the disclosed technology.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows an example of the structure of an inspection image data file 40 handled by the image management system 1. The inspection image data file 40 is composed of attribute information 41 and image data 42. The image data 42 is pixel data of the inspection image. The attribute information 41 is metadata containing multiple pieces of information related to the image data 42. The attribute information 41 includes attribute items such as the date and time of shooting, a part ID (identification), a product ID, an inspection process ID, a shooting location ID, a shooting direction ID, and a lot ID. The shooting date and time indicates the date on which the inspection image was shot. The part ID identifies the individual part, which is the object included in the inspection image. The product ID identifies the individual product, which is the object included in the inspection image. The inspection process ID identifies the inspection process in which the inspection image was acquired (photographed). The shooting location ID identifies the part of the object included in the inspection image. The shooting location ID may also identify the relative positional relationship of the object. The shooting direction ID identifies the shooting direction of the inspection image. The imaging direction ID may be, for example, information identifying the front, back, top, right side, or left side, or information identifying an angle relative to a predetermined direction. The lot ID is information identifying the manufacturing lot of the object included in the examination image. The examination image data file 40 may have a format that complies with DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine), which is known as a format for medical image data.

[0025] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image browsing device 10. The image browsing device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a non-volatile memory 103, an input device 104, a display 105, and a network interface 106. These pieces of hardware are connected to a bus 107.

[0026] The display 105 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display. The input device 104 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and may also include a proximity input device such as a touch panel display, or a voice input device such as a microphone. The network interface 106 is an interface for connecting the image browsing device 10 to a network.

[0027] The nonvolatile memory 103 is a nonvolatile storage medium such as a hard disk or flash memory. An access support program 110 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 103. The RAM 102 is a work memory for the CPU 101 to execute processing. The CPU 101 loads the access support program 110 stored in the nonvolatile memory 103 into the RAM 102 and executes processing in accordance with the access support program 110. The CPU 101 is an example of a "processor" in the disclosed technology.

[0028] 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image browsing device 10. The image browsing device 10 functions as a designated attribute information accepting unit 11, an access target image selecting unit 12, and an access means presenting unit 13 by the CPU 101 executing the access support program 110.

[0029] The designated attribute information receiving unit 11 receives designated attribute information, which is designated attribute information among the attribute information (photographing date and time, component ID, product ID, inspection process ID, photographed portion ID, photographing direction ID, and lot ID) assigned to the inspection image. In this embodiment, the designated attribute information receiving unit 11 receives, as the designated attribute information, attribute information assigned to the inspection image currently displayed on the display 105. The designated attribute information receiving unit 11 may also receive, as the designated attribute information, attribute information that includes only some attribute items selected, for example, according to a predetermined priority order, from among the multiple attribute items (photographing date and time, component ID, product ID, inspection process ID, photographed portion ID, photographing direction ID, and lot ID) that make up the attribute information assigned to the inspection image currently displayed on the display 105.

[0030] The access target image selection unit 12 selects, as access target images, inspection images assigned with attribute information identical to the designated attribute information accepted by the designated attribute information accepting unit 11 from among the inspection images stored in the image server 20. That is, the access target image selection unit 12 selects, as access target images, inspection images assigned with attribute information including attribute items whose values ​​are the same as at least one of the multiple attribute items (photographing date and time, part ID, product ID, inspection process ID, photographed part ID, photographing direction ID, and lot ID) constituting the designated attribute information. The access target image selection unit 12 may select, as access target images, inspection images assigned with attribute items whose values ​​include attribute information and some attribute items selected according to a predetermined priority order from the multiple attribute items constituting the designated attribute information. The access target image selection unit 12 may, for example, select access target images by referring to an attribute information list that lists attribute information for all inspection images stored in the image server 20. This attribute information list is automatically created by the image server 20. The attribute information list is updated each time a new inspection image is stored in the image server 20 and transmitted to the image browsing device 10. The access target image selection unit 12 may request the process of selecting the access target image from the image server 20. In this case, the access target image selection unit 12 transmits the specified attribute information to the image server 20 and receives the selection result from the image server 20.

[0031] The access means presenting unit 13 presents an access means for accessing the access target image selected by the access target image selecting unit 12. The access means may be, for example, a hyperlink for accessing the access target image. For example, the access means presenting unit 13 may display, on the display 105, a character string indicating the file name or URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the access target image, or a thumbnail of the access target image with a hyperlink embedded therein. The access means presenting unit 13 may generate the access means by, for example, referring to a URL list that lists the URLs for all examination images stored in the image server 20. The URL list is automatically generated by the image server 20. The URL list is updated each time a new examination image is stored in the image server 20 and transmitted to the image viewing device 10. The access means presenting unit 13 may also request the image server 20 to generate the access means.

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of how access methods are presented. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the inspection image 50 (file name: AA000.dcm) currently displayed on the display 105 was downloaded from the image server 20 by the user. The designated attribute information accepting unit 11 accepts, as designated attribute information, attribute information assigned to the inspection image 50 currently displayed on the display 105. The access target image selecting unit 12 selects, as access target images, inspection images assigned attribute information identical to the designated attribute information assigned to the inspection image 50 currently displayed on the display 105. FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which inspection images with file names "AA001.dcm," "AB002.dcm," and "AB004.dcm" have been selected as access target images. The access method presenting unit 13 displays, as access methods, hyperlinks 60 on the display 105 for accessing each of the selected access target images. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the hyperlinks 60 are embedded in character strings indicating the file names of the respective access target images. When the user clicks on any of the hyperlinks 60 using the mouse pointer 70 , the corresponding image to be accessed is downloaded from the image server 20 and displayed on the display 105 .

[0033] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the CPU 101 when the CPU 101 executes the access support program 110. The access support program 110 is executed, for example, when a user instructs the start of processing by operating the input device 104 while an inspection image that is the starting point for generating an access means is displayed on the display 105.

[0034] In step S1, the designated attribute information receiving unit 11 receives the attribute information assigned to the test image being displayed on the display 105 as designated attribute information.

[0035] In step S2, the access target image selection unit 12 selects, as access target images, inspection images to which attribute information identical to the designated attribute information accepted in step S1 has been assigned from among the inspection images stored in the image server 20. That is, the access target image selection unit 12 selects, as access target images, inspection images to which attribute information including attribute items whose values ​​are the same as at least one of the multiple attribute items (photographing date and time, part ID, product ID, inspection process ID, photographed portion ID, and lot ID) that make up the designated attribute information has been assigned.

[0036] In step S3, the access means presenting unit 13 presents an access means for accessing the access target image selected in step S3. For example, the access means presenting unit 13 may cause the display 105 to display a character string indicating the file name or URL of the access target image, or a thumbnail of the access target image, with a hyperlink for accessing the access target image embedded therein.

[0037] As described above, the image browsing device 10 according to the embodiment of the disclosed technology selects, from among a plurality of images each having attribute information assigned thereto, an image to which attribute information identical to designated attribute information, which is designated attribute information, as an image to be accessed, and presents an access means for accessing the image to be accessed. The image browsing device 10 accepts, as designated attribute information, the attribute information assigned to an image being displayed on the display 105.

[0038] The image to be accessed has at least a portion of the attribute information that is the same as the image currently being displayed on display 105, and is related to the image currently being displayed on display 105. Therefore, the image to be accessed is likely to be the image that the user wishes to access next after the image currently being displayed on display 105. By presenting an access means for accessing such an image, it is possible to make it easier for the user to access the image they desire.

[0039] Second Embodiment Fig. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a method for capturing radiographic images in nondestructive testing of metal products. In nondestructive testing, when the size of the object is large, multiple inspection images are captured by changing the captured region so as to cover a predetermined inspection range. Fig. 7A shows a case in which multiple inspection images (file names: AA000.dcm, AA001.dcm, AA002.dcm, AA003.dcm) are captured along a weld line 80. It is expected that a user will simultaneously or sequentially view multiple inspection images captured by capturing different regions of the same object.

[0040] The access target image selection unit 12 according to the second embodiment selects, as access target images, multiple inspection images including different parts acquired for the same individual in the same inspection process based on attribute information. Specifically, upon receiving an access request (hereinafter referred to as a first restricted access request) for multiple inspection images including different parts acquired for the same individual in the same inspection process, the access target image selection unit 12 selects, as access target images, multiple inspection images to which attribute information including attribute items that have the same values ​​for the part ID (or product ID) and inspection process ID but different values ​​for the photographed part ID among the multiple attribute items constituting the designated attribute information is assigned. Note that the first restricted access request can be made, for example, by the user operating the input device 104.

[0041] When a first limited access request is received, the access method presentation unit 13 presents a plurality of access methods corresponding to each of the selected plurality of access target images in an order corresponding to the location of the object included in the access target image. Figure 7B is a diagram showing an example of the presentation form of the access methods when a first limited access request is received, and corresponds to Figure 7A. In Figure 7B, the inspection image 50 (file name: AA000.dcm) currently displayed on the display 105 is the top image of the series of inspection images taken along the weld line 80 shown in Figure 7A. The access target image selection unit 12 selects the series of inspection images (file names: AA001.dcm, AA002.dcm, AA003.dcm) taken along the weld line 80 as the access target images. The access means presenting unit 13 arranges the hyperlinks 60 for accessing each of the selected access target images (file names: AA001.dcm, AA002.dcm, AA003.dcm) in an order corresponding to the location of the object contained in the image, and displays them on the display 105. That is, if the location of the object contained in the access target image is located relatively higher, the access means presenting unit 13 positions the hyperlink 60 corresponding to that image relatively higher.

[0042] As described above, based on attribute information, multiple inspection images containing different parts obtained from the same individual in the same inspection process are selected as access target images, and multiple access means corresponding to each of the multiple access target images are presented in an order according to the parts of the object contained in the access target image, making it easy to access the desired image.

[0043] [Third embodiment] Fig. 8A is a diagram showing an example of a method for capturing radiographic images acquired in non-destructive testing of metal products. In non-destructive testing, when the structure of an object is complex, multiple inspection images are acquired while changing the imaging direction so as to cover a predetermined inspection range. Fig. 8A shows a case in which inspection images are acquired of an object 90 from four directions (D1, D2, D3, D4). It is assumed that a user will wish to simultaneously or sequentially view multiple inspection images acquired of the same object from different imaging directions.

[0044] The access target image selection unit 12 according to the third embodiment selects, based on attribute information, multiple inspection images acquired in the same inspection process and with different shooting directions as access target images. Specifically, upon receiving an access request (hereinafter referred to as a second restricted access request) for multiple inspection images acquired in the same inspection process and with different shooting directions for the same individual, the access target image selection unit 12 selects, as access target images, multiple inspection images assigned attribute information including attribute items that have the same values ​​for the part ID (or product ID) and inspection process ID but different values ​​for the shooting direction ID among the multiple attribute items constituting the designated attribute information. The second restricted access request can be made by the user operating the input device 104.

[0045] When a second restricted access request is received, the access method presentation unit 13 presents access methods for accessing the selected multiple access target images in an order corresponding to the shooting direction. Figures 8B and 8C are diagrams showing an example of how access methods are presented when a second restricted access request is received. In Figure 8B, an inspection image 50A (file name: AC001.dcm) captured from direction D1 is displayed on the display 105. The access target image selection unit 12 selects a series of inspection images captured from multiple shooting directions as access target images. The access method presentation unit 13 displays access buttons 71R and 71L on the display 105 as access methods for accessing each of the selected access target images. When the inspection image 50A (file name: AC001.dcm) captured from direction D1 is displayed on the display 105, clicking the access button 71R once using the mouse pointer 70 causes an inspection image captured from direction D2 to be displayed on the display 105. 8C, when access button 71R is clicked once more, inspection image 50B (file name: AC0003.dcm) captured from direction D3 is displayed on display 105. On the other hand, when inspection image 50A captured from direction D1 is displayed on display 105, when access button 71L is clicked once using mouse pointer 70, an inspection image captured from direction D4 is displayed on display 105.

[0046] As described above, based on attribute information, multiple inspection images obtained for the same individual in the same inspection process but with different shooting directions are selected as images to be accessed, and access means for accessing the multiple images to be accessed in an order according to the shooting directions is presented, thereby making it easy to access the desired image.

[0047] [Fourth Embodiment] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection process flow performed on the same individual part or product. Fig. 9 illustrates a case in which a first inspection process P1 is performed on the same individual part or product at a predetermined timing, a second inspection process P2 is performed after the first inspection process P1, and a third inspection process P3 is performed after the second inspection process P2. Inspection images are acquired in each inspection process. It is expected that a user will wish to simultaneously or sequentially view multiple inspection images acquired on the same individual part or product in each of multiple inspection processes performed at different times.

[0048] The access target image selection unit 12 according to the fourth embodiment selects, as access target images, multiple inspection images acquired for the same individual in multiple inspection processes performed at different times, based on attribute information. Specifically, upon receiving a request for access to multiple inspection images acquired for the same individual in multiple inspection processes performed at different times (hereinafter referred to as a third restricted access request), the access target image selection unit 12 selects, as access target images, multiple inspection images assigned attribute information including attribute items that have the same part ID (or product ID) value and different inspection process ID values, among the multiple attribute items constituting the designated attribute information. Note that the third restricted access request can be made, for example, by the user operating the input device 104.

[0049] When the third limited access request is received, the access means presentation unit 13 displays on the display 105 the multiple access means corresponding to each of the selected multiple access target images in an order according to the order in which the inspection process in which the access target images were acquired was carried out.

[0050] In this way, multiple inspection images obtained for the same individual in each of multiple inspection processes performed at different times are selected as access target images, and multiple access means corresponding to each of the selected access target images are presented in an order that corresponds to the order in which the inspection processes in which the access target images were obtained were performed, thereby making it easy to access the desired image.

[0051] Fifth Embodiment Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a manufacturing process flow including inspection processes performed on the same individual component or product. Fig. 10 illustrates an example in which a first inspection process P1 is performed on the same individual component or product at a predetermined timing, a rework process R1 is performed after the first inspection process P1 to repair defects discovered in the first inspection process P1, and a second inspection process P2 is performed after the rework process R1 to determine the appropriateness of the defect repair through rework. Inspection images are acquired in each inspection process. It is expected that a user will simultaneously or sequentially view multiple inspection images acquired on the same individual component or product in the inspection processes performed before and after the rework process.

[0052] The access target image selection unit 12 according to the fifth embodiment selects, as access target images, multiple inspection images acquired for the same individual in inspection processes performed before and after a specific process (e.g., a rework process) based on attribute information. Specifically, upon receiving a request for access to multiple inspection images acquired for the same individual in inspection processes performed before and after a specific process (hereinafter referred to as a fourth limited access request), the access target image selection unit 12 selects, as access target images, multiple inspection images assigned with attribute information including attribute items whose component ID or product ID values ​​are the same and whose inspection process ID values ​​correspond to inspection processes performed before and after the specific process (e.g., a rework process) among multiple attribute items constituting the designated attribute information. Note that the fourth limited access request can be made, for example, by a user operating the input device 104.

[0053] When the fourth limited access request is accepted, the access means presentation unit 13 displays on the display 105 the multiple access means corresponding to each of the selected multiple access target images in an order according to the order in which the inspection process in which the access target images were acquired was carried out.

[0054] In this way, multiple inspection images obtained for the same individual in inspection processes carried out before and after a specific process (e.g., a rework process) are selected as access target images, and multiple access means corresponding to each of the selected multiple access target images are presented in an order according to the order in which the inspection processes in which the access target images were obtained were carried out, thereby making it easy to access the desired image.

[0055] [Sixth Embodiment] Generally, image inspection is performed multiple times until a product is completed. Images may be taken of different parts of a single product, or images may be taken from different directions. Furthermore, when a single product is composed of multiple parts, image inspection is performed on each of the multiple parts, and further, image inspection is performed on the completed product in which the multiple parts are assembled. In this way, when image inspection is performed multiple times for each part and each product, the number of inspection images acquired in each inspection process becomes enormous, making it difficult to access the desired inspection image.

[0056] Based on the attribute information, the access target image selection unit 12 according to the sixth embodiment selects, as access target images, an inspection image acquired for a first component identified by the specified attribute information (hereinafter referred to as a first component inspection image), an inspection image acquired for a second component used in combination with the first component (hereinafter referred to as a second component inspection image), and an inspection image acquired for a product manufactured using the first component and the second component (hereinafter referred to as a product inspection image). Note that it is assumed here that the inspection image currently displayed on the display 105 is the first component inspection image.

[0057] When the access target image selection unit 12 receives a request for access to a plurality of inspection images including a part inspection image and a product inspection image (hereinafter referred to as a fifth limited access request), the access target image selection unit 12 identifies a product ID of an individual product manufactured using the first individual part based on the part ID of the first individual part included in the designated attribute information, and further selects a part ID of an individual second part used in combination with the first individual part based on the product ID. For example, by referencing the product ID and part ID assigned to the product inspection image, the part IDs of all individual parts constituting the product can be identified. The access target image selection unit 12 selects, as an access target image, an inspection image assigned attribute information including attribute items whose values ​​are the same as the part ID of the first individual part included in the designated attribute information, the part ID of the identified second individual part, and the product ID of the individual product. Note that the fifth limited access request can be made, for example, by a user operating the input device 104.

[0058] When the fifth limited access request is received, the access means presenting unit 13 presents the plurality of access means corresponding to each of the selected plurality of access target images, categorized by part, product, and inspection process. The access means presenting unit 13 also presents the plurality of access means corresponding to each of the plurality of access target images, arranged in chronological order of the inspection processes.

[0059] 11 is a diagram showing an example of the presentation form of access means when a fifth limited access request is received. In FIG. 11, hyperlinks 60A and 60B are shown as access means corresponding to the inspection images (file names: AA001.dcm, AA002.dcm) acquired in the intermediate inspection process and the inspection images (file names: AB001.dcm, AB002.dcm) acquired in the post-rework inspection process for a first part, "Part X." Also, hyperlink 60C is shown as an access means corresponding to the inspection images (file names: CA001.dcm, CA002.dcm) acquired in the intermediate inspection process for a second part, "Part Y," used in combination with the first part. Furthermore, for "product Z" manufactured using the first and second parts, hyperlinks 60D and 60E are illustrated as access means corresponding to inspection images (file names: DD001.dcm, DD002.dcm, DD003.dcm) acquired in the intermediate inspection process after assembly and inspection images (file names: DE001.dcm, DE002.dcm, DE003.dcm) acquired in the final inspection process. Each of hyperlinks 60A to 60E as access means corresponding to each of the above inspection images is categorized by part, product, and inspection process, and further displayed on display 105 in chronological order of each inspection process.

[0060] In this way, the inspection image acquired for the individual first part identified by the specified attribute information, the inspection image acquired for the individual second part used in combination with the individual first part, and the inspection image acquired for the individual product manufactured using the first part and the second part are each identified as an access target image, and the multiple access means corresponding to each of the multiple access target images are classified by part and by inspection process, and further presented in chronological order of the inspection processes, making it easy to access the desired image.

[0061] In the above explanation, the case where the inspection image being displayed on display 105 is a first component inspection image has been exemplified, but if the inspection image being displayed on display 105 is a product inspection image, the processing is as follows: That is, based on the attribute information, access target image selection unit 12 selects, as access target images, the inspection image acquired for the individual product identified by the designated attribute information and each of the inspection images acquired for each of the multiple components that make up the individual product.

[0062] [Seventh Embodiment] In the above-described second to sixth embodiments, the case where the user issues a limited access request to limit the inspection images identified as the access target images is exemplified. In contrast, in this embodiment, the inspection images identified as the access target images are limited by the priority set in the attribute information. That is, a priority is set for multiple attribute items that make up the attribute information. The priority can be set by the user. The access target image selection unit 12 selects the access target images based on the priority set in the attribute information. The priority may be a priority order.

[0063] The access target image selection unit 12 extracts some attribute items with relatively high priority from among the multiple attribute items (photographing date and time, part ID, product ID, inspection process ID, photographed part ID, photographing direction ID, lot ID) that make up the designated attribute information. The attribute items with relatively high priority may be attribute items with a priority equal to or higher than a threshold. The access target image selection unit 12 selects, as access target images, inspection images to which attribute information including at least one of the extracted attribute items and the attribute item is assigned. Among the multiple attribute items that make up the designated attribute information, attribute items with relatively low priority are not taken into consideration when selecting access target images. The image browsing device 10 according to this embodiment can prevent the number of access target images from becoming enormous, thereby facilitating access to desired images.

[0064] [Eighth Embodiment] In the seventh embodiment described above, the image to be accessed is selected based on the priority set in the attribute information, but the presentation form of the multiple access means corresponding to each of the multiple images to be accessed may be different depending on the priority.

[0065] As an example, consider a case where three inspection images [#2], [#3], and [#4] are identified as images to be accessed based on attribute information assigned to inspection image [#1] currently being displayed on display 105. Inspection image [#1] is an inspection image of individual A1 of component A photographed from direction D1 in the first inspection process. The attribute information for inspection image [#1] includes <component ID: A1>, <inspection process ID: P1>, and <photographing direction ID: D1>. Inspection image [#2] is an inspection image of individual A1 of component A photographed from direction D2 in the first inspection process. The attribute information for inspection image [#2] includes <component ID: A1>, <inspection process ID: P1>, and <photographing direction ID: D2>. Inspection image [#3] is an inspection image of individual A1 of component A photographed from direction D1 in the second inspection process. The attribute information of inspection image [#3] includes <component ID: A1>, <inspection process ID: P2>, and <photographing direction ID: D1>. Inspection image [#4] is an inspection image of individual A1 of component A photographed from direction D2 in the second inspection process. The attribute information of inspection image [#4] includes <component ID: A1>, <inspection process ID: P2>, and <photographing direction ID: D2>.

[0066] 12A and 12B are diagrams showing an example of the presentation form of access means when a relatively high priority is set for "inspection process ID" among the multiple attribute items constituting the attribute information in the above case. The access means presentation unit 13 presents the access means corresponding to inspection image [#2] (file name: AA001.dcm), which is an access target image to which attribute information including the same value as the value "P1" of inspection process ID, an attribute item with a relatively high priority among the attribute information assigned to inspection image [#1] 50A (file name: AA000.dcm) currently displayed on the display 105, in a form different from the access means corresponding to inspection image [#3] (file name: AB001.dcm) and inspection image [#4] (file name: AB002.dcm), which are other access target images.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 12A , the access means presenting unit 13 displays a hyperlink 60A as an access means corresponding to the inspection image [#2] (file name: AA001.dcm) along with the inspection image [#1] 50A (file name: AA000.dcm) on the display 105. The access means presenting unit 13 hides the access means corresponding to the inspection images [#3] and [#4], while displaying an icon 72 for displaying the hidden access means on the display 105. When the user clicks on the icon 72 using the mouse pointer 70, hyperlinks 60B and 60C as access means corresponding to the inspection images [#3] and [#4], respectively, are displayed as shown in FIG. 12B .

[0068] In this way, by varying the presentation form of the multiple access means corresponding to each of the multiple access target images according to the priority set in the attribute information, it is possible to guide the user to give priority to access to a specific access target image. According to the above example, it is possible to guide the user to give priority to access to inspection image [#2] that was acquired in the same inspection process as inspection image [#1] currently displayed on the display 105 and that was taken in a different direction from inspection image [#1].

[0069] In the above-described embodiments, the designated attribute information receiving unit 11 receives, as designated attribute information, attribute information assigned to an inspection image being displayed on the display 105. However, the disclosed technology is not limited to this example. The designated attribute information receiving unit 11 may receive a designation input of attribute information to be treated as designated attribute information. This designation input can be performed by the user operating the input device 104. According to this example, it is possible to select an image to be accessed even when no inspection image is being displayed on the display 105.

[0070] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the image viewing device 10 and the image server 20 are configured as separate computers connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other, but the image viewing device 10 may also have the functions of the image server 20. In each of the above embodiments, the image management system 1 handles inspection images, but it is possible to handle any images other than inspection images.

[0071] In each of the above embodiments, the following various processors can be used as the hardware structure of the processing units that perform various processes, such as the designated attribute information receiving unit 11, the access target image selecting unit 12, and the access means presenting unit 13. As described above, the various processors include CPUs and GPUs, which are general-purpose processors that execute software (programs) and function as various processing units, as well as dedicated electrical circuits, such as programmable logic devices (PLDs) that are processors whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as FPGAs, and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), which are processors with a circuit configuration designed specifically for performing specific processes.

[0072] A single processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, multiple processing units may be configured with a single processor.

[0073] Examples of configuring multiple processing units with a single processor include: first, a form in which one processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, as typified by computers such as client and server computers, and this processor functions as multiple processing units; second, a form in which a processor is used to realize the functions of an entire system including multiple processing units with a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by systems on chips (SoCs); in this way, various processing units are configured using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0074] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the access support program 110 is described as being pre-stored (installed) in the non-volatile memory 103, but this is not limiting. The access support program 110 may be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The access support program 110 may also be downloaded from an external device via a network. In other words, the program described in this embodiment (i.e., the program product) may be provided on a recording medium or may be distributed from an external computer.

[0076] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above first to eighth embodiments: (Supplementary Note 1) An information processing device having at least one processor, wherein the processor selects, from among a plurality of images each having attribute information assigned thereto, an image assigned with attribute information identical to designated attribute information that is designated attribute information, as an image to be accessed, and presents an access means for accessing the image to be accessed.

[0077] (Supplementary Note 2) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the processor accepts attribute information assigned to an image being displayed on a display as the designated attribute information.

[0078] (Supplementary Note 3) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the processor accepts a designated input of attribute information as the designated attribute information.

[0079] (Supplementary Note 4) The information processing device described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the plurality of images are inspection images acquired in an inspection process performed on an object included in the images, and the attribute information includes information identifying the inspection process in which the images were acquired.

[0080] (Supplementary Note 5) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the attribute information further includes at least one of information identifying an individual part or product that is the target object, information identifying an individual product manufactured using the part that is the target object, information identifying each individual part of a plurality of parts that make up the product that is the target object, information identifying a production lot of the part or product that is the target object, information identifying a part of the target object, information identifying a direction in which the image was taken, and a date on which the image was taken.

[0081] (Supplementary Note 6) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the processor selects, as the images to be accessed, a plurality of inspection images including different parts acquired for the same individual in the same inspection process, based on the attribute information.

[0082] (Supplementary Note 7) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the processor presents the plurality of access means corresponding to each of the plurality of access target images in an order according to the portion of the object included in the access target image.

[0083] (Supplementary Note 8) The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 5 to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the processor selects, as the images to be accessed, a plurality of inspection images acquired for the same individual in the same inspection process and photographed in different directions, based on the attribute information.

[0084] (Supplementary Note 9) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the processor presents the access means for accessing the plurality of access target images in an order according to an image capturing direction.

[0085] (Supplementary Note 10) The information processing device described in any one of Supplementary Note 5 to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the processor selects, based on the attribute information, a plurality of inspection images acquired for the same individual in each of a plurality of inspection processes performed at different times, as the images to be accessed.

[0086] (Supplementary Note 11) The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 5 to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the processor selects, based on the attribute information, a plurality of inspection images acquired for the same individual in inspection processes performed before and after a specific process as the images to be accessed.

[0087] (Supplementary Note 12) The information processing device described in any one of Supplementary Note 5 to Supplementary Note 11, wherein the processor selects, based on the attribute information, each of an inspection image acquired for an individual of a first part identified by the specified attribute information, an inspection image acquired for an individual of a second part used in combination with the individual of the first part, and an inspection image acquired for an individual of a product manufactured using the first part and the second part, as the image to be accessed.

[0088] (Supplementary Note 13) The information processing device described in any one of Supplementary Note 5 to Supplementary Note 12, wherein the processor selects, based on the attribute information, an inspection image acquired for an individual product identified by the specified attribute information and an inspection image acquired for each of a plurality of parts constituting the individual product as the image to be accessed.

[0089] (Supplementary Note 14) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 12 or Supplementary Note 13, wherein the processor presents the plurality of access means corresponding to each of the plurality of access target images by classifying them by component and by inspection process.

[0090] (Supplementary Note 15) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 14, wherein the processor presents the plurality of access means corresponding to the plurality of access target images in chronological order of the inspection process.

[0091] (Supplementary Note 16) The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 15, wherein the processor selects the image to be accessed based on a priority set in the attribute information.

[0092] (Supplementary Note 17) The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 15, wherein the processor changes the presentation form of a plurality of access means corresponding to each of the plurality of access target images according to a priority set in the attribute information.

[0093] (Supplementary Note 18) An information processing method in which at least one processor of an information processing device executes the following processes: select, from among a plurality of images each having attribute information assigned thereto, an image assigned with attribute information identical to designated attribute information, which is designated attribute information, as an image to be accessed; and present an access means for accessing the image to be accessed.

[0094] (Supplementary Note 19) A program for causing at least one processor of an information processing device to execute the following process: selecting, from among a plurality of images each having attribute information assigned thereto, an image assigned with attribute information identical to designated attribute information, which is designated attribute information, as an image to be accessed; and presenting an access means for accessing the image to be accessed.

[0095] (Supplementary Note 20) An information display device that displays on a display an access means for accessing an image that has been assigned attribute information identical to designated attribute information, which is designated attribute information, among a plurality of images each assigned attribute information.

[0096] (Supplementary Note 21) An information display method that displays on a display an access means for accessing an image that has been assigned attribute information identical to designated attribute information, which is designated attribute information, from among a plurality of images each assigned attribute information.

[0097] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-144437, filed on September 12, 2022, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition, all documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. An information processing device having at least one processor, wherein the processor selects, from among a plurality of images each having attribute information assigned thereto, an image to be accessed that has been assigned attribute information identical to at least a portion of designated attribute information, which is designated attribute information, and presents an access means for accessing the image to be accessed.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the processor accepts at least a part of attribute information assigned to an image being displayed on a display as the designated attribute information.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the processor accepts input of designated attribute information as the designated attribute information.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of images are inspection images acquired in an inspection process carried out on an object contained in the images, and the attribute information includes information identifying the inspection process in which the images were acquired.

5. The information processing device of claim 4, wherein the attribute information further includes at least one of information identifying an individual part or product that is the target object, information identifying an individual product manufactured using the part that is the target object, information identifying each of multiple parts that make up the product that is the target object, information identifying the production lot of the part or product that is the target object, information identifying a part of the target object, information identifying the direction in which the image was taken, and information identifying the date on which the image was taken.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the processor selects, as the images to be accessed, a plurality of inspection images including different parts acquired for the same individual in the same inspection process, based on the attribute information.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the processor presents the plurality of access means corresponding to each of the plurality of access target images in an order according to the location of the object included in the access target image.

8. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the processor selects, as the images to be accessed, a plurality of inspection images that were acquired of the same individual in the same inspection process and were photographed in different directions, based on the attribute information.

9. The information processing device according to claim 8, wherein the processor presents the access means for accessing the plurality of access target images in an order according to the shooting direction.

10. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the processor selects, based on the attribute information, a plurality of inspection images acquired for the same individual in each of a plurality of inspection processes performed at different times, as the images to be accessed.

11. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the processor selects, based on the attribute information, a plurality of inspection images acquired for the same individual in inspection processes carried out before and after a specific process as the images to be accessed.

12. The information processing device described in claim 5, wherein the processor selects, based on the attribute information, each of an inspection image acquired for an individual first part identified by the specified attribute information, an inspection image acquired for an individual second part used in combination with the individual first part, and an inspection image acquired for an individual product manufactured using the first part and the second part, as the image to be accessed.

13. The information processing device described in claim 5, wherein the processor selects, based on the attribute information, each of the inspection images acquired for the individual product identified by the specified attribute information and each of the inspection images acquired for each of the multiple parts that make up the individual product as the image to be accessed.

14. The information processing device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the processor presents the plurality of access means corresponding to each of the plurality of access target images, categorizing them by part and by inspection process.

15. The information processing device according to claim 14, wherein the processor presents the plurality of access means corresponding to each of the plurality of access target images in chronological order of the inspection process.

16. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processor selects the image to be accessed based on a priority set in the attribute information.

17. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processor varies the presentation format of the plurality of access means corresponding to each of the plurality of access target images according to the priority set in the attribute information.

18. An information processing method in which at least one processor of an information processing device executes the following process: selects, from among a plurality of images each having attribute information assigned thereto, an image assigned with attribute information identical to designated attribute information, which is designated attribute information, as an image to be accessed; and presents an access means for accessing the image to be accessed.

19. A program for causing at least one processor of an information processing device to execute the following process: select, from among a plurality of images each having attribute information assigned thereto, an image assigned with attribute information identical to designated attribute information, which is designated attribute information, as an image to be accessed; and present an access means for accessing the image to be accessed.

20. An information display device that displays on a display an access means for accessing an image that has been assigned attribute information identical to designated attribute information, among a plurality of images each having attribute information assigned to it.

21. An information display method that displays on a display an access means for accessing an image that has been assigned attribute information identical to designated attribute information, among multiple images each assigned attribute information.