Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

An information processing device comprising a processor. The processor outputs, to a display unit, an inquiry image that is capable of displaying an evaluation result of a toxicity evaluation pertaining to a compound, the inquiry image including an operation part that receives an operation for transmitting an inquiry notification about the evaluation result to a destination designated in advance. When the operation part is operated, the processor executes control for incorporating information enabling at least part of the evaluation result to be shared with the destination into the inquiry notification and transmitting the inquiry notification to the destination.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, and program

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

[0002] In recent years, in the field of chemical substances, toxicity assessment using computer-based in silico methods has become common. Toxicity assessment of chemical substances requires not only obtaining a toxicity assessment result but also various considerations from the viewpoint of the cause of toxicity manifestation or the tendency of compounds that are likely to manifest toxicity.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-174331 describes an automated compound synthesis and evaluation system comprising: synthesis means 101, 102 for synthesizing a plurality of compounds by a liquid phase method or a solid phase method in accordance with synthesis conditions for forming a combinatorial chemical library; evaluation means 106-109 for evaluating the chemical, physical, or biological properties of the compounds; and main control means 121 having a memory for setting synthesis conditions for the synthesis means, processing the evaluation results of the properties obtained by the evaluation means for each compound obtained under the synthesis conditions, and registering a database for forming a combinatorial chemical library.

[0004] JP 2019-20791 A describes a method for predicting the toxicity of a compound, including: (1) receiving structural information of a test compound input by a user; (2) generating a three-dimensional molecular structure with an optimized structure based on the received structural information; (3) using the three-dimensional molecular structure to generate values ​​of one or more molecular descriptors, the values ​​including at least one molecular descriptor selected from the group consisting of three-dimensional molecular descriptors, four-dimensional molecular descriptors, and quantum chemical molecular descriptors; (4) using the molecular descriptor values ​​to calculate the probability of the test compound being toxic or not using a toxicity prediction model, wherein the sum of the probability of toxicity and the probability of non-toxicity is 100%; and (5) outputting the calculated probability.

[0005] JP 2020-25471 A describes a toxicity learning device that includes an input unit that inputs expression data of a sample exposed to a compound and expression data of a control, a comparison unit that compares the expression data of the sample and the control for each specified gene, an encoding unit that encodes the gene expression data based on differences in the expression data, a labeling unit that assigns compound toxicity labels to the encoded expression data, and a model learning unit that uses labeled training data to learn a model that predicts compound toxicity from gene expression data.

[0006] The technologies described in JP 2004-174331 A, JP 2019-20791 A, and JP 2020-25471 A take into consideration toxicity evaluation methods, but do not consider making it easier for users to consider the evaluation results. When a user adds consideration to the toxicity evaluation of a compound, for example, they may inquire about the evaluation results from an external expert or specialized institution. In this case, the user must inquire about the evaluation results from an external expert or specialized institution using a method other than the software used for the toxicity evaluation, which requires additional effort to share the evaluation results. Therefore, there is room for improvement in sharing the evaluation results of compound toxicity and providing support for compound toxicity evaluation.

[0007] One embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure provides an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that are capable of sharing evaluation results of the toxicity of compounds and supporting users in evaluating the toxicity of compounds.

[0008] A first aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an information processing device that includes a processor, and the processor outputs to a display unit a query image that is an image capable of displaying evaluation results of toxicity evaluation of a compound, and that includes an operation unit that accepts an operation to send an inquiry notification about the evaluation results to a pre-specified destination, and when the operation unit is operated, executes control to include information that allows at least a part of the evaluation results to be shared with the destination in the inquiry notification and send it to the destination.

[0009] A second aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an information processing device according to the first aspect, in which a query image is displayed by transitioning from a list image showing the results of toxicity assessment of each compound included in a group of multiple compounds that are the subject of toxicity assessment when at least one compound is selected from the list image.

[0010] A third aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is the information processing device according to the second aspect, in which the list images can be sorted and / or narrowed down according to conditions specified by a user.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is the information processing device according to the first aspect, in which the evaluation result includes a toxicity evaluation result for each toxicity item.

[0012] A fifth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an information processing device according to the fourth aspect, in which the toxicity assessment result includes a determination flow that indicates a toxicity assessment procedure used for toxicity assessment, has at least one determination step, and in which paths branch depending on the determination result of the determination step, and in which a path that leads to the toxicity assessment result of the compound, among multiple paths, is shown in a manner that makes it distinguishable from other paths.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is the information processing device according to the fifth aspect, in which the toxicity evaluation result includes an explanation of the determination content for each determination step included in the determination flow.

[0014] A seventh aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the information processing device according to the first aspect, wherein the inquiry image includes an input area into which inquiry content included in the inquiry notification can be input.

[0015] An eighth aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the information processing device according to the seventh aspect, in which the input area is a text input area into which text indicating the content of an inquiry can be input.

[0016] A ninth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is the information processing device of the second aspect, in which, when multiple compounds are selected in the list image, the shareable information includes at least a portion of each of the evaluation results of the multiple compounds.

[0017] A tenth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an information processing method including: outputting, to a display unit, a query image capable of displaying evaluation results of toxicity evaluation of a compound, the query image including an operation unit for performing an operation to send an inquiry notification about the evaluation results to a pre-specified destination; and, when the operation unit is operated, executing control to include information that allows at least a part of the evaluation results to be shared with the destination in the query notification and send it to the destination.

[0018] An eleventh aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to execute processing including: outputting to a display unit a query image that is an image capable of displaying evaluation results of toxicity evaluation of a compound and that includes an operation unit for performing an operation to send an inquiry notification about the evaluation results to a pre-specified destination; and, when the operation unit is operated, executing control to include information that allows at least a part of the evaluation results to be shared with the destination in the inquiry notification and send it to the destination.

[0019] The technology of the present disclosure provides an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that are capable of sharing evaluation results of the toxicity of compounds and supporting users in toxicity evaluation.

[0020] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an electrical system of a server. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a usage mode of the information processing system. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of main functions of a processor of a server. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of processing content of a toxicity evaluation unit. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of processing content of an image generation unit. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a mode in which a part of a display image is displayed on a display device. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a mode in which an inquiry notification is transmitted. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of server control processing. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a mode in which an inquiry notification is transmitted. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a mode in which a part of a display image is displayed on a display device. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a mode in which an inquiry notification is transmitted. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an electrical system of a client terminal. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing an example of main functions of a processor of a client terminal.

[0021] An example of an embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program according to the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] 1 , an information processing system 10 includes a client terminal 12 and a server 14. In the information processing system 10, the client terminal 12 and the server 14 are connected to each other via a network 16 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0023] The information processing system 10 is used, for example, to evaluate the properties of chemical substances (e.g., to evaluate the toxicity to the human body). By using the information processing system 10, a user 18 (e.g., a researcher) can predict and evaluate experimental results using computer simulations (i.e., evaluation using in silico techniques). For example, it is possible to obtain toxicity evaluation results for newly developed or under-developed chemical substances without conducting toxicity evaluation tests using actual chemical substances (i.e., in vitro or in vivo toxicity evaluation tests).

[0024] The client terminal 12 is a terminal used by a user 18. The server 14 receives a processing request from the client terminal 12 via the network 16 and provides a service according to the request to the requesting client terminal 12 via the network 16. For example, when the server 14 receives a processing request to execute a process related to the evaluation of the properties of a chemical substance as a processing request, the server 14 transmits the evaluation results to the client terminal 12. In this embodiment, the server 14 is an example of an "information processing device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0025] For example, the server 14 is realized by a mainframe, but this is merely one example, and the server may be realized by cloud computing, or by network computing such as fog computing, edge computing, or grid computing. Here, the server 14 is given as an example of a device provided outside the client terminal 12, but this is merely one example, and the server 14 may be replaced by at least one personal computer or the like.

[0026] The network 16 is configured, for example, as at least one of a WAN (Wide Area Network) and a LAN (Local Area Network). Furthermore, the connection method between the client terminal 12 and the network 16 and the connection method between the server 14 and the network 16 may each be a wireless communication method or a wired communication method. The network 16 establishes communication between the client terminal 12 and the server 14 and transmits and receives various information between the client terminal 12 and the server 14.

[0027] A reception device 20 is connected to the client terminal 12. The reception device 20 receives instructions from the user 18. The reception device 20 includes a keyboard 21, a mouse 22, and the like. The keyboard 21 and the mouse 22 shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples. The reception device 20 may include only either the keyboard 21 or the mouse 22. Furthermore, instead of the keyboard 21 and / or the mouse 22, the reception device 20 may be, for example, at least one of a proximity input device that receives proximity input, a voice input device that receives voice input, and a gesture input device that receives gesture input. The proximity input device is, for example, a touch panel or a tablet.

[0028] A display device 24 is connected to the client terminal 12. Examples of the display device 24 include an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display and a liquid crystal display. The display device 24 displays various information (e.g., images and text) under the control of the client terminal 12.

[0029] Although a personal computer is shown as an example of the client terminal 12 here, this is merely an example. Mobile terminals such as smartphones and tablet terminals may also be used as the client terminal 12. Furthermore, although an example in which one client terminal 12 is connected to one server 14 via the network 16 is shown here, this is merely an example. Of course, the information processing system 10 may include multiple client terminals 12 and multiple servers 14.

[0030] 2 , the server 14 includes a computer 26, a communication I / F (Interface) 28, and a bus 36. The computer 26 includes a processor 30, a storage 32, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 34. The processor 30, the storage 32, the RAM 34, and the communication I / F 28 are connected to the bus 36. In this embodiment, the computer 26 is an example of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the processor 30 is an example of a "processor" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0031] Memory is connected to the processor 30. The memory includes a storage 32 and a RAM 34. The processor 30 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and a graphics processing unit (GPU). The GPU operates under the control of the CPU and is responsible for executing image processing.

[0032] The storage 32 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various programs, various parameters, etc. Examples of the storage 32 include flash memory (e.g., an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) and an SSD (Solid State Drive)) and / or a HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Note that flash memory and HDD are merely examples, and at least one of a flash memory, an HDD, a magnetoresistive memory, and a ferroelectric memory may be used as the storage 32.

[0033] The RAM 34 is a memory that temporarily stores information and is used as a work memory by the processor 30. The RAM 34 may be, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM).

[0034] The communication I / F 28 is connected to the network 16. The communication I / F 28 is responsible for sending and receiving information to and from an external communication device (e.g., the client terminal 12) via the network 16. For example, the communication I / F 28 transmits information in response to a request from the processor 30 to the external communication device via the network 16. The communication I / F 28 also receives information transmitted from the external communication device and outputs the received information to the processor 30 via the bus 36.

[0035] An evaluation processing program 32A is stored in the storage 32. The evaluation processing program 32A is a program that provides a simulation for evaluating the toxicity of chemical substances. The processor 30 reads the evaluation processing program 32A from the storage 32 and executes the read evaluation processing program 32A on the RAM 34 to perform toxicity evaluation processing. The toxicity evaluation processing is realized by the processor 30 operating as a first acquisition unit 30A and a toxicity evaluation unit 30B.

[0036] Furthermore, a generation processing program 32B is stored in the storage 32. The generation processing program 32B is a program that generates a display image 64 (see FIG. 7, etc.) that is output to the client terminal 12. The processor 30 reads the generation processing program 32B from the storage 32 and executes the read generation processing program 32B on the RAM 34 to perform image generation processing. The image generation processing is realized by the processor 30 operating as a second acquisition unit 30C, an image generation unit 30D, an output unit 30E, and a transmission control unit 30F. In this embodiment, the generation processing program 32B is an example of a "program" according to the technology disclosed herein.

[0037] Here, consider a case where a user 18 uses the information processing system 10 to evaluate the toxicity of a newly developed chemical substance A to the human body (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "toxicity evaluation"). Here, toxicity refers to the toxicity that the user 18 is interested in as an evaluation item, and examples include mutagenicity, sensitization, and irritation. Mutagenicity refers to the property of causing irreversible changes in the genetic information of an organism (the base sequence of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or the structure or number of chromosomes). Sensitization refers to the property of causing an allergic reaction when exposed to a chemical substance. Irritation refers to the property of a chemical substance or the like causing irritation (e.g., pain or a burning sensation) to the sense of touch or the like.

[0038] When evaluating toxicity, as shown in FIG. 3 , the user 18 inputs a compound list 58 into the client terminal 12 via the reception device 20. The compound list 58 is a list of chemical substances to be evaluated for toxicity. Examples of chemical substances include low-molecular-weight compounds (e.g., molecular weights less than 1,000), sugars, peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids. The compound list 58 includes multiple pieces of compound information 58A. The compound information 58A is information that can identify the chemical structure of a compound. More specifically, the compound information 58A is text information describing the chemical structure, such as a structural formula, a composition formula, or an amino acid sequence, or numerical information obtained by converting such text information into numerical values. The compound list 58 may also be a list of information indicating Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) numbers or names of chemical substances. In this case, the client terminal 12 or the server 14 references table data or the like that records correspondences between CAS numbers or chemical substance names and chemical structures to read the compound information 58A corresponding to the input chemical substance.

[0039] The compound list 58 may also be a list of image data showing the chemical structures of compounds as compound graphs (i.e., data structures with atoms as nodes and bonds as edges). In this case, the client terminal 12 or the server 14 refers to table data or the like that records the correspondence between the compound graphs and the compound information 58A, and reads out the compound information 58A that corresponds to the selected compound graph.

[0040] The user 18 also inputs a toxicity item list 60, which is a list of toxicity evaluation items, to the client terminal 12 via the reception device 20. Examples of toxicity evaluation items include evaluation items from the AMES test, skin irritation evaluation items, etc. The toxicity item list 60 includes multiple pieces of toxicity item information 60A. The toxicity item information 60A is information that can identify toxicity evaluation items.

[0041] 3 , a screen for selecting a compound list 58 and a toxicity item list 60 is displayed on the screen of the display device 24, and the user 18 performs a selection operation on the selection screen to select, for example, the compound list 58 and the toxicity item list 60. On the selection screen, for example, the user 18 clicks an input soft key 56 by operating a pointer 54 displayed on the screen of the display device 24 via the mouse 22. As a result, the compound list 58 and the toxicity item list 60 are transmitted from the client terminal 12 to the server 14, and a processing request for toxicity evaluation of the compounds is made.

[0042] Although the above description has been given with reference to an example in which a plurality of pieces of compound information 58A are listed and input at one time, it goes without saying that each of the plurality of pieces of compound information 58A may be input individually or may be input in a plurality of lists. Furthermore, a single piece of compound information 58A may be input, and the toxicity of a single compound and its metabolites may be evaluated.

[0043] As an example, as shown in Fig. 4 , a compound list 58 and a toxicity item list 60 are output from the client terminal 12 to the server 14. A toxicity evaluation process is executed in the processor 30 of the server 14. The toxicity evaluation process is a process for evaluating the toxicity of a compound. In the toxicity evaluation process, the first acquisition unit 30A outputs the acquired compound list 58 and toxicity item list 60 to the toxicity evaluation unit 30B. The toxicity evaluation unit 30B evaluates the toxicity of a plurality of compounds (i.e., a group of compounds) indicated by compound information 58A in the compound list 58.

[0044] Specifically, the toxicity evaluation unit 30B executes toxicity evaluation processing in accordance with a toxicity determination flow 33. The toxicity determination flow 33 is written in an evaluation processing program 32A and is schematically shown in FIG. 4 as stored in the storage 32. The toxicity determination flow 33 is a determination flow used to evaluate toxicity. The toxicity determination flow 33 has at least one determination step, and a path branches depending on the determination result in the determination step. Determination items in each determination step are predetermined. Examples of determination items include whether a compound is eliminated by metabolism, whether a compound permeates a cell membrane, or whether a compound satisfies a structure of concern rule. The structure of concern rule is a provision related to chemical structures and is a rule that identifies a substructure that may have toxicity of interest to the user. The toxicity determination flow 33 is an example of a "determination flow" related to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0045] The toxicity determination flow 33 is linked to the toxicity evaluation item, and the number of determination steps and the determination content for each determination step differ for each toxicity evaluation item. In the example shown in Figure 4, the toxicity determination flow 33 is displayed as toxicity determination flows 33A to 33C, each corresponding to a different evaluation item.

[0046] The toxicity evaluation unit 30B acquires toxicity item information 60A included in the toxicity item list 60. Then, the toxicity evaluation unit 30B selects one of the toxicity determination flows 33A to 33C according to the toxicity evaluation item indicated by the toxicity item information 60A.

[0047] The toxicity evaluation unit 30B inputs the compound list 58 into each of the toxicity determination flows 33A to 33C. In each of the toxicity determination flows 33A to 33C, the toxicity evaluation unit 30B executes a determination regarding toxicity evaluation for the compound information 58A for each determination step. The toxicity evaluation unit 30B outputs toxicity evaluation information 62A to 62C as toxicity evaluation results according to each of the toxicity determination flows 33A to 33C executed. Steps ST1 to ST5 described below are examples of "determination steps" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0048] In the following description of the toxicity determination flow 33, the toxicity determination flow 33A will be used as an example. As shown in FIG. 5 as an example, compound information 58A is input to the toxicity determination flow 33A. In the toxicity determination flow 33A, in step ST1, it is determined whether the compound indicated by the compound information 58A is a compound that is not broken down by metabolism in the body and remains. If the determination in step ST1 is positive, the toxicity evaluation of the compound proceeds to step ST2. If the determination in step ST1 is negative, the result of the toxicity evaluation of the compound is that the compound is determined to be a compound that is broken down and eliminated in the body (hereinafter simply referred to as a "eliminated compound"), and a negative (i.e., non-toxic) evaluation result is output.

[0049] Here, in a metabolic reaction, a metabolic enzyme forms a complex with a compound that fits into the active site of the metabolic enzyme. The metabolic enzyme then acts to promote the metabolic reaction by lowering the energy (i.e., activation energy) required for the compound to undergo a chemical reaction. A "eliminated compound" is a compound whose activation energy when complexed with a metabolic enzyme is lower than that of other metabolic products, and which undergoes a chemical reaction more quickly than other metabolic products, converting into the next metabolic product in a short period of time. Therefore, eliminated compounds are less likely to react with intracellular DNA, and there is less need to evaluate their toxicity (i.e., evaluate whether they are positive or negative).

[0050] In step ST2, descriptor calculation is performed on the compound information 58A. Descriptors include the molar mass of the compound or LogP (a common logarithm of the octanol / water partition coefficient). After the processing of step ST2 is performed, the toxicity evaluation proceeds to step ST3.

[0051] In step ST3, a determination is made as to whether or not the compound permeates the cell membrane based on the result of the descriptor calculation performed in step ST2. The numerical value indicated by the descriptor is compared with a threshold, and a determination is made as to whether or not the compound permeates the cell membrane based on the comparison result. If the determination in step ST3 is positive, the toxicity evaluation proceeds to step ST4. If the determination in step ST3 is negative, a negative evaluation result (i.e., no toxicity) is output as the result of the toxicity evaluation. This is because the compound does not permeate the cell membrane and is therefore considered to have little effect on the body.

[0052] In step ST4, the structure of concern rule is applied to the compound information 58A. After the process of step ST4 is executed, the toxicity evaluation proceeds to step ST5.

[0053] In step ST5, it is determined whether or not the molecular structure indicated by the compound information 58A includes a structure of concern. If the determination in step ST5 is negative, a negative (i.e., no toxicity) evaluation result is output as the toxicity evaluation result. This is because the compound does not have a structure of concern and is therefore considered unlikely to exhibit toxicity.

[0054] If the determination in step ST5 is affirmative, a positive (i.e., toxic) evaluation result is output as the toxicity evaluation result. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the toxicity evaluation of the compound shows the path and determination steps followed in the toxicity determination flow 33A, and an example is shown in which the compound is ultimately evaluated as positive. Furthermore, the toxicity evaluation information 62A includes, in addition to information indicating the toxicity evaluation result, information indicating the path leading to the toxicity evaluation result in the toxicity determination flow 33A (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "evaluation path"), information indicating an explanation of the determination items, and information indicating details of the determination result for each determination step.

[0055] In this way, the toxicity determination flow 33A outputs toxicity evaluation information 62A in accordance with the input compound information 58A. In the toxicity evaluation information 62, evaluation results are linked to each compound (see FIG. 4). In this way, the toxicity evaluation process is executed. The toxicity evaluation unit 30B outputs the toxicity evaluation information 62 to the second acquisition unit 30C.

[0056] As an example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the second acquisition unit 30C outputs the acquired toxicity evaluation information 62 and compound list 58 to the image generation unit 30D. The image generation unit 30D generates a display image 64 based on the toxicity evaluation information 62 and the compound list 58. The display image 64 is an image that can display the results of the toxicity evaluation. The display image 64 includes a result list image 66, a result summary image 68, and a result detail image 70. The result list image 66 is an image that shows a list of compounds as well as the evaluation results of each compound. The result summary image 68 is an image that shows a summary of the evaluation results of the toxicity items of the compound. Furthermore, the result detail image 70 is an image that shows details of the evaluation results of the toxicity items of the compound.

[0057] The result list image 66, the result summary image 68, and the result detail image 70 can be transitioned between each other. That is, when a compound is selected in the result list image 66, the image transitions to the result summary image 68 for that compound. Then, when a toxicity item is selected in the result summary image 68, the image transitions to the result detail image 70 for that toxicity item. It is also possible to transition between the result detail image 70 and the result list image 66. The result list image 66 is an example of a "list image" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0058] The result summary image 68 also includes an input area 68A and a send key 68B (see also FIG. 8 ). The input area 68A is an area where an inquiry about the evaluation results of toxicity items can be input. The send key 68B is a soft key for accepting an operation to send an inquiry notification about the evaluation results of toxicity items to a specified destination. The result summary image 68 is an example of an "inquiry image" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the send key 68B is an example of an "operation unit" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The input area 68A is an example of an "input area" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0059] The image generation unit 30D outputs the generated display image 64 to the output unit 30E. As an example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the output unit 30E of the server 14 executes control to output the display image 64 to the client terminal 12. In other words, the server 14 transmits information indicating the display image 64 to the client terminal 12. A screen 24A including the display image 64 is displayed on the display device 24 of the client terminal 12. The display device 24 is an example of a "display unit" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0060] A sidebar image 65 is displayed at the left end of the display image 64. The sidebar image 65 shows a list of the compounds that were evaluated. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the sidebar image 65 shows "acetaldehyde, acetonitrile, ethanamine, and chloroethylene" as the compounds that were evaluated. In addition, a mark 65A indicating that the result of the toxicity evaluation of the compound is "positive" is displayed to the left of the compound name. In the display image 64, even when the result list image 66, the result summary image 68, and the result detail image 70 transition from one to another, the sidebar image 65 is always displayed, making it easy for the user 18 to check the list of evaluation results.

[0061] A result list image 66 is displayed to the right of the sidebar image 65 of the display image 64. The result list image 66 includes an add key 66A, a reevaluation key 66B, an item selection key 66C, and an export key 66D. The add key 66A is a soft key that is operated when adding compound information 58A indicating a compound to be evaluated. The reevaluation key 66B is a soft key for reevaluating toxicity when the compound information 58A or the toxicity items are changed. The item selection key 66C is a soft key for changing the toxicity items. The export key 66D is a soft key for outputting the evaluation results to the outside.

[0062] A search bar 66E is also displayed in the result list image 66. By entering text into the search bar 66E, compounds that match the text are narrowed down from the compounds that are the subject of evaluation. The text that can be entered for the search may be, for example, the name of the compound, or a character string describing the CAS number or molecular structure.

[0063] The result list image 66 shows a result list table 66F that shows a list of evaluation results for toxicity items for each compound. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the column items of the result list table 66F are, from left to right, "#", "display name", "structural formula", "memo", "AMES test flow model", "AMES test ML model", and "skin irritation rule model". Each row of the result list table 66F contains content corresponding to the column item. In the example shown in FIG. 7, content related to acetaldehyde #1 (e.g., structural formula and toxicity evaluation results) is listed.

[0064] In the first row of the result list table 66F, a filter button 66F1 is provided for each column. By operating the filter button 66F1, each column can be sorted in ascending or descending order. In this way, in the result list table 66F, the search bar 66E and / or the filter button 66F1 can be used to narrow down and / or sort the compounds displayed in the result list table 66F according to conditions specified by the user 18.

[0065] Furthermore, by selecting a display name in the sidebar image 65 and the result list table 66F, the result list image 66 transitions to a result summary image 68. In the example shown in Fig. 7, when the display name "acetaldehyde" in the result list table 66F is selected via the pointer 54, the transition to the result summary image 68 related to acetaldehyde is shown.

[0066] As an example, as shown in FIG. 8 , in the display image 64, a result list image 66 transitions to a result summary image 68. In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the result summary image 68 related to acetaldehyde is shown. The result summary image 68 includes a memo input area 68C. The memo input area 68C is an area where the user 18 can input any text. The content input in the memo input area 68C is reflected in the cell in the column "Memo" in the result list table 66F (see FIG. 7 ) of the result list image 66.

[0067] The result summary image 68 also shows a result summary table 68D. The result summary table 68D is a table showing the evaluation results for each toxicity item for the selected compound. In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the column items in the result summary table 68D are, from left to right, "Toxicity Item," "Version," "Result," and "Description." Each row in the result summary table 68D contains content corresponding to the column item. In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the results of three types of toxicity items, namely, the AMES test (flow model and ML (machine learning) model) and skin irritation (rule model), are shown. Here, as the toxicity evaluation results for acetaldehyde, the AMES test (flow model) and skin irritation (rule model) show results of "no concern," and the AMES test (ML model) shows results of "concern."

[0068] The result summary image 68 includes an input area 68A and a send key 68B. The user 18 inputs an inquiry about the evaluation results into the input area 68A. Here, the input area 68A is a text input area (e.g., an email form) into which text indicating the inquiry can be input. Then, by operating the send key 68B, an inquiry notification including the inquiry is sent to a pre-specified destination (e.g., the expert's client terminal). The inquiry may include the cause of the evaluation result displayed in the result summary image 68, or the cause of the difference in the evaluation results for each toxicity item (e.g., the difference in the evaluation results of the AMES test (flow model and ML model)).

[0069] Furthermore, tabs 69 are displayed above the result summary image 68. Selecting a tab 69 makes it possible to switch between the result summary image 68 and a result detail image 70 relating to each toxicity item. In the example shown in FIG. 8 , tabs 69A to 69D are displayed. Tab 69A corresponds to the result summary image 68, tab 69B corresponds to the result detail image of the AMES test flow model, tab 69C corresponds to the result detail image of the AMES test ML model, and tab 69D corresponds to the result detail image of the skin irritation rule model.

[0070] 9, by selecting a tab 69 corresponding to the result details image, a result summary image 68 is transitioned to a result details image 70 in the display image 64. In the example shown in FIG. 9, by selecting tab 69C via pointer 54, a result details image 70 is displayed regarding the results of toxicity evaluation of acetaldehyde using the AMES test ML model.

[0071] The result detail image 70 includes a structural formula image 70A showing the structural formula of the compound and a final result image 70B showing the final result of the toxicity assessment. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the structural formula image 70A shows the structural formula of acetaldehyde, and the final result image 70B shows the result as "Concern" and the explanation as "The compound has been determined to be of concern."

[0072] The result detail image 70 also includes a flow image 70C showing the toxicity determination flow 33 used in the toxicity evaluation of the compound, a result explanation image 70D explaining the evaluation results in the toxicity determination flow 33, and a determination step explanation image 70E showing an explanation of the determination content for each determination step included in the toxicity determination flow 33. The toxicity determination flow 33 is an example of a "determination flow" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0073] In the flow image 70C, a path leading to an evaluation result (i.e., an evaluation path) is displayed. In the example shown in Fig. 9, an evaluation path in the AMES test ML model for acetaldehyde (here, a path leading to "positive") is displayed. In addition, in the flow image 70C, the evaluation path is shown so as to be distinguishable from other paths in the toxicity determination flow 33. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the evaluation path is shown in bold, and the other paths are shown in dashed lines.

[0074] 9, in the determination step explanation image 70E, "Check prediction result" is displayed as the determination step, and the corresponding explanation is "Check the prediction of the machine learning model." In addition, in the result explanation image 70D, "positive" is displayed as the result of the toxicity evaluation, and an explanation of the evaluation result is displayed, "The machine learning model predicted positive."

[0075] In this way, the user 18 can grasp a list of the toxicity evaluation results of a plurality of compounds and an overview and details of the toxicity evaluation of a selected compound by visually checking the result list image 66, the result summary image 68, and the result detail image 70. That is, by checking the evaluation results while shifting between the result list image 66, the result summary image 68, and the result detail image 70 in the display image 64, the toxicity evaluation of the compound group can be checked from an overall perspective to a detailed perspective.

[0076] In toxicity evaluation of a compound, it is sometimes necessary not only to simply confirm the evaluation results but also to add considerations to the results. In such cases, if the user 18 alone finds it difficult to interpret the evaluation results (e.g., when it is unclear why such evaluation results were obtained, or when the validity or reliability of the evaluation results is unclear), the user 18 must share structural information about the compound with an expert (e.g., an in-house chemical substance safety management officer or department) or an external specialist organization (hereinafter simply referred to as "expert") and explain the situation. In such cases, for example, if the evaluation results are explained only verbally or a separate document regarding the evaluation results is prepared in order to share the information with the expert, the user 18's workload increases. In addition, explanations given only verbally are prone to miscommunication, such as when the content of an inquiry is not accurately conveyed.

[0077] Therefore, the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment executes control to transmit an inquiry notification containing information that the user 18 wishes to share with an expert regarding the toxicity evaluation results. In this case, the user 18 inputs the inquiry content in an input field 68A displayed on the result summary image 68 (see FIG. 8 ). Then, as shown in FIG. 10 as an example, by clicking a send key 68B via the pointer 54, inquiry information 74, which is information indicating the inquiry notification, is transmitted from the client terminal 12 to the server 14. Then, in the server 14, the transmission control unit 30F of the processor 30 executes control to transmit the inquiry information 74 to a pre-specified destination. Specifically, destination identification information 76 is stored in the storage 32 of the server 14. The destination identification information 76 is information that can identify a pre-specified destination with which the evaluation results will be shared. Specifically, the destination identification information 76 is the destination address of the expert 82. The destination address is, for example, an account name or email address for each expert 82 set on the server 14. The destination address may also be the ID (identification) of the terminal used by the expert 82 .

[0078] The transmission control unit 30F transmits inquiry information 74 to the destination indicated by the destination identification information 76. In the example shown in Fig. 10, an inquiry notice is transmitted to the ID specified by the destination identification information 76 using the message sending / receiving function of the information processing system 10. The inquiry notice indicated by the inquiry information 74 includes the inquiry content stating "Please tell us about the evaluation results," and indicates the structural formula of the compound that was the subject of evaluation and the evaluation result indicating "concerns."

[0079] Under the control of the transmission control unit 30F, the inquiry information 74 transmitted from the server 14 is received by the client terminal 80. The client terminal 80 is a terminal device used by the expert 82. The expert 82 visually confirms the content of the inquiry notification indicated by the inquiry information 74 via the display device 84. This allows the user 18 and the expert 82 to share information regarding the evaluation results. The expert 82 then responds to the inquiry of the user 18 by, for example, inputting a response to the inquiry content via the reception device 86 (here, a keyboard 86A and a mouse 86B) and transmitting information indicating the response.

[0080] Next, the control processing in the server 14 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11 . The server control processing is processing executed by the server 14, and includes the toxicity evaluation processing and image generation processing described above. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the server control processing. The processing flow shown in Fig. 11 is an example of an "information processing method" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0081] 11 as an example, first, in step ST10, the first acquisition unit 30A determines whether or not the compound list 58, the toxicity item list 60, and the processing request have been acquired. If it is determined in step ST10 that the compound list 58, the toxicity item list 60, and the processing request have been acquired, the determination is affirmative, and the server control processing proceeds to step ST12. If it is determined in step ST10 that the compound list 58, the toxicity item list 60, and the processing request have not been acquired, the determination is negative, and the server control processing returns to step ST10.

[0082] In step ST12, the toxicity evaluation unit 30B performs a toxicity evaluation on each of the compounds indicated in the compound list 58, based on the toxicity item list 60 acquired in step ST10. Specifically, the toxicity evaluation unit 30B inputs compound information 58A to a toxicity determination flow 33 corresponding to the toxicity item indicated by the toxicity item information 60A. The toxicity determination flow 33 outputs toxicity evaluation information 62 for each compound. The toxicity evaluation unit 30B acquires the toxicity evaluation information 62. After the processing of step ST12 is executed, the server control processing proceeds to step ST14.

[0083] In step ST14, the second acquisition unit 30C acquires the toxicity evaluation information 62 and the compound list 58. After the process of step ST14 is executed, the server control process proceeds to step ST16.

[0084] In step ST16, the image generation unit 30D generates a display image 64 based on the compound list 58 and the toxicity evaluation information 62 acquired in step ST14. The display image 64 is an image capable of displaying the results of the toxicity evaluation. The display image 64 also includes a result summary image 68, which displays an input area 68A and a send key 68B. After the processing of step ST16 is executed, the server control processing proceeds to step ST18.

[0085] In step ST18, the output unit 30E executes control to output the display image 64 generated by the image generation unit 30D in step ST18 to the client terminal 12. Specifically, the output unit 30E transmits the display image 64 to the client terminal 12. After the processing of step ST18 is executed, the server control processing proceeds to step ST20.

[0086] In step ST20, the transmission control unit 30F determines whether or not an operation of the send key 68B has been accepted. If it is determined in step ST20 that an operation of the send key 68B has been accepted, the determination is affirmative, and the server control process proceeds to step ST22. If it is determined in step ST20 that an operation of the send key 68B has not been accepted, the determination is negative, and the server control process returns to step ST20.

[0087] In step ST22, the transmission control unit 30F acquires the inquiry information 74 from the client terminal 12. After the process of step ST22 is executed, the server control process proceeds to step ST24.

[0088] In step ST24, the transmission control unit 30F executes control to transmit the inquiry information 74 to the destination indicated by the destination specification information 76. After the process of step ST24 is executed, the server control process proceeds to step ST26.

[0089] In step ST26, the transmission control unit 30F determines whether a condition for terminating the server control process (hereinafter referred to as the "termination condition") has been satisfied. One example of the termination condition is that an instruction to terminate the server control process has been accepted. If the termination condition has not been satisfied in step ST26, the determination is negative, and the server control process proceeds to step ST10. If the termination condition has been satisfied in step ST26, the determination is positive, and the server control process ends.

[0090] As described above, in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment, the toxicity evaluation unit 30B in the processor 30 of the server 14 evaluates the toxicity of a compound. The image generation unit 30D then generates a display image 64. The display image 64 is an image capable of displaying the evaluation results of the toxicity of the compound. The display image 64 also includes a result summary image 68, which includes a send key 68B for accepting an operation to send an inquiry notification regarding the evaluation results to the expert 82. The output unit 30D outputs the display image 64 to the display device 24 of the client terminal 12. When the send key 68B is operated, the transmission control unit 30F executes control to transmit inquiry information 74 that can share the evaluation results of the toxicity of the compound with the expert 82. Thus, clicking the send key 68B included in the display image 64 showing the toxicity evaluation of the compound transmits information related to the toxicity evaluation, facilitating information sharing between the user 18 and the expert 82. As a result, this configuration provides assistance to the user in evaluating the toxicity of a compound.

[0091] For example, conventional toxicity evaluation software does not have a function for information sharing, and instead requires users to use other means to inquire with experts (e.g., by transcribing toxicity evaluation results or providing verbal explanations). In such cases, it is not possible to directly share the information in the toxicity evaluation software with experts and provide consultation. Therefore, there is room for improvement, particularly in expert reviews of unknown compounds. With this configuration, toxicity evaluation results obtained by the information processing system 10 can be directly shared with predetermined recipients, reducing the user's operational effort and facilitating information sharing.

[0092] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment, the display image 64 includes a result list image 66 that shows the results of toxicity assessments performed on each compound included in a group of multiple compounds that are the subject of toxicity assessment. When a compound is selected in the result list image 66, the result summary image 68 is displayed by transitioning from the result list image 66. This allows the user to check the assessment details of each of the multiple compounds and then decide whether to share the information with the expert 82, even when there are a large number of compounds that are the subject of toxicity assessment.

[0093] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment, the result list image 66 includes a search bar 66E. This narrows down the compounds that are the subject of evaluation in the result list image 66. Furthermore, a filter button 66F1 is provided in the result list table 66F that includes the result list image 66. This allows the contents of each column of the result list table 66F to be sorted in descending or ascending order. As a result, even when there are a large number of compounds that are the subject of toxicity evaluation, the user 18 can confirm the contents of the evaluation results for compounds that interest him or her and then decide whether or not to share the information with the expert 82.

[0094] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment, the result summary image 68 includes an input area 68A in which the user can input an inquiry about the evaluation result. The content input in the input area 68A is included in the inquiry information 74 sent to the expert 82. This allows the inquiry information 74 to include the inquiry content input by the user 18, thereby enabling the user 18 to inquire of the expert 82 about the content that the user wants to know.

[0095] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment, the input area 68A included in the result summary image 68 is a text input area in which text indicating the inquiry can be input. This allows text freely input by the user 18 to be included in the inquiry information 74. As a result, compared to when the type of inquiry is predetermined, the user 18 can more accurately inquire about the content they want to know.

[0096] It should be noted that the flow of toxicity assessment in the toxicity determination flow 33 shown in the first embodiment is merely an example. The flow of toxicity assessment in the toxicity determination flow 33 can be selected or changed as appropriate by the user. Furthermore, the determination steps shown in the flow image 70C of the result detail image 70 do not necessarily have to be all of the determination steps included in the toxicity determination flow 33, and some of the determination steps may be displayed. For example, the determination steps that are of interest to the user 18 may be displayed as the flow image 70C.

[0097] In the first embodiment, an example is described in which the tab 69 is selected to switch between the result summary image 68 and the result detail image 70 for each toxicity item, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the result summary image 68 may transition to the result detail image 70 for each toxicity item by clicking a toxicity item in the result summary table 68D shown in the result summary image 68.

[0098] In the first embodiment, an example was described in which selecting a display name in the result list table 66F transitions to a result summary image 68 related to the compound corresponding to the display name, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, selecting an evaluation result for each toxicity item in the result list table 66F may transition the result list image 66 directly to a result detail image 70 related to each toxicity item without passing through the result summary image 68.

[0099] In the first embodiment, an example in which the inquiry content is input by inputting text into the input area 68A has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the inquiry content may be input by selecting a radio button or a check button corresponding to a predetermined content.

[0100] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, an example was given in which an inquiry notification is sent using the message sending and receiving function of the information processing system 10, i.e., a dedicated message sending and receiving function built into the information processing system 10. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, an inquiry notification may be sent by using external message sending and receiving software separate from the information processing system 10, such as commercially available email software. In this case, the control of sending the inquiry notification executed by the transmission control unit 30F is, for example, control to launch external email software or chat software installed on the client terminal 12, transcribe the inquiry content into an email or chat, and then send the email or the like.

[0101] (First Modification) In the above-described first embodiment, an example was described in which the inquiry notification includes the inquiry content stating "Please tell us about the evaluation results" and indicates the structural formula of the compound to be evaluated and the evaluation result indicating "concerns," but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In this first modification, the inquiry notification includes the toxicity evaluation results for each toxicity item, the determination flow, and an explanation of the determination steps.

[0102] 12 , inquiry information 74, which is information indicating an inquiry notification, is transmitted from the client terminal 12 to the server 14. Then, in the server 14, the transmission control unit 30F of the processor 30 executes control to transmit the inquiry information 74 to the client terminal 80. In the example shown in FIG. 12 , an example is shown in which inquiry information 74 indicating an inquiry notification regarding the evaluation result of acetaldehyde is transmitted.

[0103] The query notification indicated by the query information 74 includes a result summary table 68D. The result summary table 68D shows the evaluation results for each toxicity item. The query notification also includes a flow image 70C. In the flow image 70C, the evaluation path is shown so as to be distinguishable from other paths in the toxicity determination flow 33. Here, the evaluation path in the AMES test ML model for acetaldehyde is shown.

[0104] The inquiry notification also includes a determination step explanation image 70E. In the determination step explanation image 70E, "prediction result check" is displayed as the determination step, and the corresponding explanation, "check the prediction of the machine learning model," is displayed as an explanation of the determination content. In addition, in the result explanation image 70D, "positive" is displayed as the result of the toxicity evaluation, and an explanation of the evaluation result, "the machine learning model predicted positive," is displayed.

[0105] The inquiry information 74 transmitted from the server 14 is received by the client terminal 80. The expert 82 visually confirms the content of the inquiry notification indicated by the inquiry information 74 via the display device 84. This allows the user 18 and the expert 82 to share information about the evaluation results.

[0106] As described above, in the information processing system 10 according to the first modification, the evaluation results that can be shared with the expert 82 include toxicity evaluation results for each toxicity item. This allows the evaluation results for each toxicity item to be shared, so more detailed information can be shared than when only the presence or absence of toxicity is shared.

[0107] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10 according to the first modified example, the toxicity evaluation results include a toxicity determination flow 33. Of the multiple paths in the toxicity determination flow 33, the evaluation path is displayed in a manner that makes it distinguishable from the other paths. This allows the toxicity determination flow 33 to be shared, making it possible to share more detailed information compared to when only the presence or absence of toxicity is shared. Furthermore, because the evaluation path is displayed in a distinguishable manner in the toxicity determination flow 33, it is easy for the sharing party to understand what evaluation path was followed to evaluate the presence or absence of toxicity.

[0108] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10 according to the first modified example, the toxicity evaluation result includes an explanation of the determination content for each determination step included in the toxicity determination flow 33. This makes it easy to understand what determination was made in each determination step of the toxicity determination flow 33.

[0109] In the first modified example, the inquiry notification includes the toxicity assessment results for each toxicity item, the determination flow, and an explanation of the determination steps. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The inquiry notification may include any one or two of the toxicity assessment results for each toxicity item, the determination flow, and an explanation of the determination steps. Furthermore, the content of the inquiry notification may be set by the user 18 as appropriate.

[0110] (Second Modification) In the first embodiment, an example is described in which one compound is selected from a plurality of compounds to be evaluated and an inquiry is made about the selected compound, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In this second modification, when a plurality of compounds are selected, an inquiry is made about each of the plurality of compounds.

[0111] As an example, as shown in Fig. 13, a check box 66F2 is provided in the leftmost column in a result list table 66F of the result list image 66. Selecting the check box 66F2 via the pointer 54 inputs a check mark into the check box 66F2, indicating that the row with the check mark has been selected. In the example shown in Fig. 13, "acetaldehyde" and "acetonitrile" have been selected in the result list table 66F.

[0112] With multiple compounds selected in the result list table 66F, as shown in FIG. 14 for example, by clicking the send key 68B via the pointer 54, query information 74, which is information indicating a query notification, is transmitted from the client terminal 12 to the server 14. Then, in the server 14, the transmission control unit 30F of the processor 30 executes control to transmit the query information 74 to the client terminal 80. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the query information 74 indicating a query notification regarding the evaluation results of acetaldehyde and acetonitrile is transmitted. Here, the query information 74 includes a result summary table 68D indicating the evaluation results for each toxicity item of each compound.

[0113] The query information 74 transmitted from the server 14 is received by the client terminal 80. The expert 82 visually confirms the content of the query notification indicated by the query information 74 via the display device 84. This allows the user 18 and the expert 82 to share information regarding the evaluation results of a plurality of compounds.

[0114] As described above, in the information processing system 10 according to the second modification, when multiple compounds are selected in the result list table 66F of the result list image 66, the evaluation results of the multiple compounds are included in the information that can be shared with the expert 82. This allows information to be shared collectively for multiple compounds, thereby reducing the operational effort of the user 18 compared to sharing information for each compound one by one.

[0115] Second Embodiment In the above-described first embodiment, an example was described in which the toxicity assessment process and the image generation process were performed in the server 14, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the present second embodiment, the toxicity assessment process is performed in the server 14, and the image generation process is performed in the client terminal 12. In this embodiment, the client terminal 12 is an example of an "information processing device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0116] 15 , the client terminal 12 includes a computer 38, a reception device 20, a display device 24, a communication I / F 40, an external I / F 42, and a bus 50. The computer 38 includes a processor 44, a storage 46, and a RAM 48. The processor 44, the storage 46, the RAM 48, the reception device 20, the display device 24, the communication I / F 40, and the external I / F 42 are connected to the bus 50. In the present embodiment, the processor 44 is an example of a “processor” according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0117] The hardware configuration of the computer 38 (i.e., the processor 44, the storage 46, and the RAM 48) is basically the same as the hardware configuration of the computer 26, so a description of the hardware configuration of the computer 38 will be omitted here.

[0118] The communication I / F 40 is connected to the network 16. The communication I / F 40 controls the exchange of information with an external communication device (e.g., the server 14) via the network 16. For example, the communication I / F 40 transmits information in response to a request from the processor 44 to the external communication device via the network 16. The communication I / F 40 also receives information transmitted from the external communication device and outputs the received information to the processor 44 via the bus 50.

[0119] The external I / F 42 controls the exchange of various information with an external device (not shown) located outside the client terminal 12. The external device may be, for example, at least one of a smart device, a personal computer, a server, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a memory card, a printer, etc. An example of the external I / F 42 is a USB interface. The external device is directly or indirectly connected to the USB interface.

[0120] A control processing program 46A is stored in the storage 46. The control processing program 46A is a program for executing image generation and display control. The processor 30 reads the control processing program 46A from the storage 46 and executes the read control processing program 46A on the RAM 48 to perform image generation processing. The image generation processing is realized by the processor 44 operating as an acquisition unit 44A, an image generation unit 44B, a display control unit 44C, and a transmission control unit 44D. In the present embodiment, the computer 38 is an example of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the control processing program 46A is an example of a "program" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0121] 16 , in the processor 30 of the server 14, the toxicity evaluation unit 30B outputs toxicity evaluation information 62 obtained by the toxicity evaluation process to the output unit 30E. The output unit 30E outputs the toxicity evaluation information 62 to the client terminal 12 via the network 16.

[0122] In the processor 44 of the client terminal 12, the acquisition unit 44A acquires toxicity evaluation information 62 via the network 16. Then, the acquisition unit 44A outputs the compound list 58 and the toxicity evaluation information 62 to the image generation unit 44B. The image generation unit 44B generates a display image 64 based on the compound list 58 and the toxicity evaluation information 62. Then, the image generation unit 44B outputs the generated display image 64 to the display control unit 44C. The display control unit 44C controls a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for displaying the display image 64, thereby causing the display device 24 to display the display image 64.

[0123] The display image 64 includes a send key 68B. When the send key 68B is operated by the user 18, the transmission control unit 44D executes control to transmit the inquiry information 74 to a pre-specified destination (e.g., the client terminal 80). In this case, the transmission control unit 30F may transmit the inquiry information 74 via the server 14, or may transmit the inquiry information 74 by directly communicating with the client terminal 80.

[0124] [Third Embodiment] In the above-described first embodiment, an example was described in which the toxicity assessment process and the image generation process were performed in the server 14, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the present third embodiment, the toxicity assessment process and the image generation process are performed in the client terminal 12. In this embodiment, the client terminal 12 is an example of an "information processing device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0125] 17 , a compound list 58 and a toxicity item list 60 are received at the client terminal 12 via the reception device 20. In the processor 44 of the client terminal 12, a toxicity evaluation unit 44E performs toxicity evaluation indicated by the toxicity item list 60 on the group of compounds indicated by the compound list 58. Then, an image generation unit 44B generates a display image 64 based on the toxicity evaluation information 62 and the compound list 58. A display control unit 44C causes the display device 24 to display the display image 64.

[0126] The display image 64 includes a send key 68B. When the user 18 operates the send key 68B, the transmission control unit 44D executes control to send the inquiry information 74 to a pre-specified destination (for example, a terminal used by the expert 82). In this case, the transmission control unit 30F may start email software or chat software installed on the client terminal 12 to send the inquiry information 74, or may directly communicate with the terminal used by the expert 82 to send the inquiry information 74.

[0127] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the inquiry notification indicated by the inquiry information 74 includes text and / or an image indicating the toxicity assessment result, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the inquiry notification may include an identifier indicating the toxicity assessment result (e.g., a two-dimensional matrix image), a link that can display the display image 64, or the display image 64 itself.

[0128] Although the above embodiment shows an example in which the toxicity evaluation process is performed to obtain the toxicity evaluation information 62, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the server 14 or the client terminal 12 may receive already obtained toxicity evaluation information 62 (e.g., toxicity evaluation information 62 obtained as a result of processing by an external device, or toxicity evaluation information 62 obtained in the past) and perform the image generation process.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the evaluation processing program 32A and the generation processing program 32B are stored in the storage 32, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the evaluation processing program 32A and the generation processing program 32B may be stored in a portable storage medium such as an SSD or USB memory. The storage medium is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The evaluation processing program 32A and the generation processing program 32B stored in the storage medium are installed on the computer 26. The processor 30 executes control processing of the server 14 in accordance with the evaluation processing program 32A and the generation processing program 32B. Similarly, the control processing program 46A may also be stored in a storage medium rather than in the storage 46.

[0130] In the above embodiment, the computers 26 and 38 are exemplified, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and devices including an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and / or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) may be applied instead of the computers 26 and 38. Furthermore, instead of the computers 26 and 38, a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration may be used.

[0131] The hardware resources for executing the various processes described in the above embodiments can be various processors, as follows: Examples of processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that functions as a hardware resource for executing toxicity assessment processing and / or image generation processing (hereinafter also simply referred to as "various processes") by executing software, i.e., a program. Examples of processors include dedicated electronic circuits, such as FPGAs, PLDs, or ASICs, which are processors having a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing specific processes. Each processor has built-in or connected memory, and each processor uses the memory to execute various processes.

[0132] The hardware resources that execute various processes 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 processor and an FPGA). Also, the hardware resources that execute various processes may be a single processor.

[0133] As an example of a system configured with a single processor, first, one processor is configured by combining one or more processors with software, and this processor functions as a hardware resource that executes various processes. Second, there is a system that uses a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system, including multiple hardware resources that execute various processes, on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by SoC (System-on-a-chip). In this way, various processes are realized using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as hardware resources.

[0134] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors can be, more specifically, electronic circuits that combine circuit elements such as semiconductor devices. The various processes described above are merely examples. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the order of processes may be rearranged, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0135] The above-described description and illustrations are a detailed explanation of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects is an explanation of an example of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made to the above-described description and illustrations within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the above-described description and illustrations omit explanations of common technical knowledge that do not require particular explanation to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0136] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same concept as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed by connecting them with "and / or."

[0137] All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0138] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-059424, filed on March 31, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0139] The following is further disclosed regarding the above embodiment. <Supplementary Note 1> An information processing device including a processor, wherein the processor outputs to a display unit a query image capable of displaying evaluation results of a toxicity evaluation of a compound, the query image including an operation unit that accepts an operation to send an inquiry notice about the evaluation results to a pre-specified destination, and when the operation unit is operated, executes control to include information that allows at least a portion of the evaluation results to be shared with the destination in the query notice and send the query notice to the destination. <Supplementary Note 2> The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the query image is displayed by transitioning from a list image showing results of toxicity evaluation of each of the compounds included in a group of multiple compounds to be subjected to toxicity evaluation when at least one compound is selected from the list image. <Supplementary Note 3> The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the list image can be sorted and / or narrowed down according to conditions specified by a user. <Supplementary Note 4> The information processing device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 3, wherein the evaluation results include toxicity evaluation results for each toxicity item. <Supplementary Note 5> The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the toxicity evaluation result includes a determination flow used for the toxicity evaluation, the determination flow having at least one determination step and showing a toxicity determination procedure in which paths branch depending on the determination results of the determination step, the determination flow showing a path leading to the toxicity evaluation result of the compound among a plurality of paths in a manner that makes it distinguishable from other paths. <Supplementary Note 6> The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the toxicity evaluation result includes an explanation of the determination content for each of the determination steps included in the determination flow. <Supplementary Note 7> The information processing device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 6, wherein the query image includes an input area into which the query content included in the query notification can be input. <Supplementary Note 8> The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the input area is a text input area into which text indicating the query content can be input. <Supplementary Note 9> The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 2 and any one of Supplements 3 to 8 which cite Supplementary Note 2, wherein when a plurality of compounds are selected in the list image, the sharable information includes at least a portion of each of the evaluation results of the plurality of compounds.

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a processor, the processor outputs to a display unit a query image capable of displaying evaluation results of a toxicity evaluation of a compound, the query image including an operation unit that accepts an operation to send an inquiry notification about the evaluation results to a pre-specified destination, and when the operation unit is operated, executes control to include information capable of sharing at least a portion of the evaluation results with the destination in the query notification and send it to the destination.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the query image is displayed by transitioning from a list image showing the results of the toxicity evaluation performed on each of a plurality of compound groups that are the subject of toxicity evaluation when at least one compound is selected from the list image.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the list of images can be sorted and / or narrowed down according to conditions designated by a user.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation results include toxicity evaluation results for each toxicity item.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the toxicity assessment result includes a judgment flow used in the toxicity assessment, having at least one judgment step, and indicating a toxicity assessment procedure in which a path branches depending on the judgment result of the judgment step, and wherein, among multiple paths, a path leading to the toxicity assessment result of the compound is shown in a manner that is distinguishable from other paths.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the toxicity evaluation result includes an explanation of the judgment content for each of the judgment steps included in the judgment flow.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the inquiry image includes an input area into which the inquiry content included in the inquiry notification can be input.

8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the input area is a text input area into which text indicating the content of an inquiry can be input.

9. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein when multiple compounds are selected in the list image, the sharable information includes at least a portion of each of the evaluation results of the multiple compounds.

10. An information processing method including: outputting to a display unit a query image capable of displaying evaluation results of a toxicity evaluation of a compound, the query image including an operation unit for performing an operation to send an inquiry notification regarding the evaluation results to a pre-specified destination; and, when the operation unit is operated, executing control to include information capable of sharing at least a part of the evaluation results with the destination in the query notification and send it to the destination.

11. A program that causes a computer to execute a process including: outputting to a display unit a query image capable of displaying the evaluation results of a toxicity evaluation of a compound, the query image including an operation unit for performing an operation to send an inquiry notification regarding the evaluation results to a pre-specified destination; and, when the operation unit is operated, executing control to include information capable of sharing at least a part of the evaluation results with the destination in the query notification and send it to the destination.

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