Reuse support system and reuse support method

Abstract

This reuse assistance system comprises: a storage unit that stores information on components used for individual product types, and regulated-component information relating to regulated components that can become the focus of a component change due to a change in regulation among the components used; and a change component extraction unit that refers to the regulated-component information and extracts a change component that needs to be changed in response to a regulation when a product is reused.

Description

Reuse support system, reuse support device, reuse support method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a reuse support system, a reuse support device, a reuse support method, and a program.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art When reusing parts of products such as air conditioners, a technique has been disclosed for checking the usage time and performance to determine whether or not the parts can be reused (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-102688

[0004] However, in order to release a product, it is required that the parts used comply with (conform to) regulations set by government agencies (such as laws and regulations) or regulations based on guidelines set by industry associations. If regulations have changed since the product was released, parts that do not comply with the regulations cannot be reused, even if they are deemed reusable based on their usage time and performance. Because products use many parts and various domestic and international regulations must be taken into consideration, it has been difficult to comply with regulations when reusing products.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a reuse support system, a reuse support device, a reuse support method, and a program that can easily comply with regulations when reusing products.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present disclosure is a reuse support system including: a storage unit that stores information on parts used for each model of product and regulated part information related to regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations among the used parts; and a changed part extraction unit that references the regulated part information and extracts changed parts that require changes to comply with regulations when reusing the product.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a reuse support system that includes: a learning unit that generates a trained model for estimating regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations by performing machine learning using a dataset that includes regulatory information indicating the content of past regulations and information on parts used for each model of product that complies with the regulations; and a changed part extraction unit that uses the trained model generated by the learning unit to extract changed parts that require changes to comply with the regulations when reusing the product.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a reuse support device that includes a changed part extraction unit that references regulated part information stored in a storage unit that stores information on parts used for each model of a product and regulated part information related to regulated parts that may be subject to regulation among the used parts, and extracts changed parts that need to be changed to comply with regulations when reusing the product.

[0009] Furthermore, one aspect of the present disclosure is a reuse support method in a reuse support system including a memory unit that stores information on parts used for each model of a product and regulated part information regarding regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations among the used parts, an acquisition unit, and a changed part extraction unit, the reuse support method including the steps of: the acquisition unit acquiring information indicating the model to be reused in response to a user's input; and the changed part extraction unit extracting, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, changed parts that need to be changed due to regulations that must be addressed when reusing among the parts used for the model to be reused, by referring to the regulated part information stored in the memory unit.

[0010] Furthermore, one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer in a reuse support system having a memory unit that stores information on parts used for each model of product and regulated part information regarding regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations to execute the following steps: acquiring information indicating the model to be reused in response to input from a user; and extracting, based on the acquired information, modified parts that need to be changed due to regulations that must be addressed when reused from among the parts used in the model to be reused, by referring to the regulated part information stored in the memory unit.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily comply with regulations when reusing products.

[0012] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the main hardware configuration of a reuse support system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a reuse support system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a database of parts information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data on part material information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of data on a regulation compliance list according to the first embodiment. A flowchart showing an example of processing to extract changed parts according to the first embodiment. A block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a reuse support system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of data on substitute part information according to the second embodiment. A flowchart showing an example of processing to extract changed parts and substitute parts according to the second embodiment. A block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a reuse support system according to a third embodiment.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. First Embodiment First, a configuration example of a reuse support system according to a first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the main hardware configuration of the reuse support system according to this embodiment.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1 , the reuse support system 1 includes an information processing device 10 and a storage device 20. The information processing device 10 is an example of a reuse support device that executes processing in the reuse support system 1. The storage device 20 is an information storage device that stores a database or the like that is referenced by the information processing device 10 when executing processing. For example, the storage device 20 may be a NAS (Network Attached Storage) that the information processing device 10 can access via a communication network, or may be a file server. The storage device 20 may be built into the information processing device 10 as storage.

[0015] The information processing device 10 is a device having a computer, such as a notebook, tablet, or desktop personal computer, a smartphone, etc. The information processing device 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, an input device 13, a network (NW) adapter 14, a storage 15, and a display 16.

[0016] The processor 11 is a processing circuit including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 11 executes programs stored in the memory 12 to perform various processes of the information processing device 10.

[0017] The memory 12 is a writable memory used as a read area for programs executed by the processor 11 or as a work area for writing processing data for the programs executed by the processor 11. The memory 12 includes, for example, a plurality of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) chips.

[0018] The input device 13 is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch sensor, etc. When using the reuse support system 1, the input device 13 accepts input of various information by the user.

[0019] The NW adapter 14 is a communication device that can be connected to a communication network, for example, via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a wired LAN. For example, the NW adapter 14 performs data communication with the storage device 20 via the communication network.

[0020] The storage 15 is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). For example, the storage 15 stores a system program executed by the processor 11, an application program running on the system, various data, etc. For example, the processor 11 executes an application program to realize the functions of the reuse support system 1.

[0021] The display 16 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. For example, when a user uses the reuse support system 1, the display 16 displays various information such as an input screen for the user to input information and an output screen for notifying the user of processing results.

[0022] The reuse support system 1 shown in FIG. 1 can facilitate compliance with regulations when reusing a product by extracting parts that need to be changed to comply with regulations from among the parts used in the product.

[0023] Here, an air conditioner will be described as an example of a product. Regulations include regulations (such as legal restrictions) established by government agencies and standards and guidelines established by industry associations. For example, regulations include the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act, the Radio Act, the Energy Conservation Act (Act on the Rational Use of Energy and Conversion to Non-Fossil Energy), the Chemical Substances Control Act (Act on the Examination of Chemical Substances and Regulation of Their Manufacture, etc.), the Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association (JRA) Guideline GL16, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS), and the like. Regulations may include not only mandatory regulations, but also desirable regulations.

[0024] When reusing an air conditioner, if there have been any changes to regulations such as those mentioned above since the time of release, the reuse support system 1 automatically extracts the parts that need to be changed to comply with the changed regulations. The functional configuration for extracting the parts that need to be changed to comply with these regulations will be described with reference to FIG.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the reuse support system according to this embodiment. The processing unit 110 shown in Fig. 2 is a functional configuration realized by the processor 11 of the information processing device 10 executing a program, and includes a part information acquisition unit 111, a part information registration unit 112, a target model restriction acquisition unit 113, a changed part extraction unit 114, and an output unit 115. The storage device 20 also includes a used part information storage unit 21 and a part detail information storage unit 22.

[0026] The part information acquisition unit 111 acquires information on parts used for each model of air conditioner. The part information acquisition unit 111 also acquires regulated part information on regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to regulatory changes among the used parts. The part information acquisition unit 111 may acquire the above-mentioned various pieces of information based on input to the input device 13, or may acquire the above-mentioned various pieces of information as input data (data files) from an external storage device via the NW adapter 14. The part information acquisition unit 111 may also acquire input data (data files) containing the above-mentioned various pieces of information from a storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory via a USB connector (not shown) or the like.

[0027] The part information registration unit 112 stores and registers the various pieces of information acquired by the part information acquisition unit 111 in the storage device 20. For example, the part information registration unit 112 stores, as a database in the storage device 20, information on parts used for each model of air conditioner and regulated part information on regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations.

[0028] For example, the storage device 20 includes a used parts information storage unit 21 and a detailed parts information storage unit 22. For example, the used parts information storage unit 21 stores information on used parts for each model of air conditioner, and regulated parts information on regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a parts information database according to this embodiment. The illustrated database stores part information for parts used by each model of air conditioner. For example, the illustrated database associates the model name of the air conditioner with the part type, part name, and material of the parts used, and information indicating whether each part is subject to regulation (regulated part information for regulated parts). Examples of regulations shown here include the RoHS Directive, RoHS2 Directive, the Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation of Their Manufacture, etc., the DEN-AN Act (until July 2026), the DEN-AN Act (from August 2026), the Energy Conservation Act, and the JRA. Note that RoHS2 is the colloquial name for the revised RoHS. For each regulation, parts that are not subject to regulation and are therefore usable are marked with a "O," while parts that are subject to regulation and therefore cannot be used (and require modification) are marked with an "X."

[0030] The part types used in indoor unit A, which is an air conditioner model, include part A (part model name: A-1), part B (part model name: B-1), rubber bushing (part model name: C-1), motor (part model name: D-1), etc. Furthermore, the part types used in indoor unit B, which was released later than indoor unit A, include part A (part model name: A-2), part B (part model name: B-2), rubber bushing (part model name: C-2), motor (part model name: D-2), etc. Furthermore, the database includes information on the material of each part type (material list). For example, the material information for each part is stored in the detailed part information storage unit 22.

[0031] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of data on component material information according to this embodiment. This Figure 4 shows an example of material information (CC list) for a rubber bushing (component model name: C-1) from among the components used in the indoor unit A of Figure 3. The rubber bushing (component model name: C-1) contains ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) and paraffin-based plasticizers as materials. The material information (CC list) also includes information on whether or not the materials used contain regulated substances (presence or absence of use).

[0032] The example shown in Fig. 4 indicates that substance No. 7 of the RoHS2 target substances is used. Therefore, in the parts information database shown in Fig. 3, the rubber bushing (part model name: C-1) used in indoor unit A is determined to be not subject to regulation under the RoHS Directive and is marked with "O", but is determined to be subject to regulation under the RoHS2 Directive and therefore is marked with "X" as a part that cannot be used.

[0033] In other words, the rubber bushing (part model name: C-1) is a regulated part that may be subject to part changes when reused, and is a modified part that needs to be changed in order to make indoor unit A compliant with the RoHS2 Directive when reused.

[0034] In addition to the material list, the part detail information storage unit 22 also stores a regulation compliance list as information for determining whether a part is subject to regulation. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of data in the regulation compliance list according to this embodiment. The example shown in Fig. 5 is an example of the Den-An technical standards compliance list, showing example data from a motor lock test. The Den-An technical standards compliance list associates part types, part model names, the details of the Den-An Act, and compliance results (determination results).

[0035] For example, under the DEN-AN Act until July 2026 (until July 2026), both a motor with part model name D-1 and a motor with part model name D-2 meet the standard and are judged as compliant with a "Yes" rating. On the other hand, under the DEN-AN Act from August 2026 onwards (August 2026 onwards), a motor with part model name D-2 is judged as compliant with a "Yes" rating, but there is no test data for the motor with part model name D-1 under that standard and it is judged as "No." Therefore, in the parts information database shown in Figure 3, the motor (part model name: D-1), one of the parts used in indoor unit A, is judged as "Yes" under the DEN-AN Act until July 2026 (until July 2026), as it is not subject to regulation, but under the DEN-AN Act from August 2026 onwards (August 2026 onwards), it is judged as "No" as it is a part that cannot be used due to being subject to regulation.

[0036] In other words, the motor with the part model name D-1 is a regulated part that may be subject to part changes when reused, and is a modified part that must be changed in order to comply with the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (2026.8~) from August 2026 when indoor unit A is reused.

[0037] Of the parts used in indoor unit A, the rubber bushing (part model name: C-1) is subject to regulation under the RoHS2 Directive, and the motor (part model name: D-1) is subject to regulation under the DEN-AN Act (from August 2026) from August 2026 onwards. Therefore, the entire indoor unit A is subject to regulation under the RoHS2 Directive and the DEN-AN Act (from August 2026) from August 2026 onwards, and is therefore deemed unusable and marked with an "X".

[0038] The target model restriction acquisition unit 113 acquires information indicating which models of air conditioners are eligible for reuse and information indicating which regulations must be followed when reusing them, in response to input by the user to the input device 13. In other words, when the user inputs the model of the air conditioner they wish to reuse and the regulations that must be followed using the input device 13, the target model restriction acquisition unit 113 acquires the input information from the input device 13. Here, users include not only manufacturers of air conditioners, but also businesses that do not manufacture air conditioners themselves but that operate the reuse sales of air conditioners.

[0039] The changed part extraction unit 114 extracts changed parts that need to be changed to comply with regulations when reusing an air conditioner, by referring to the regulated part information in the database of part information stored in the used part information storage unit 21. For example, based on the information acquired by the target model regulation acquisition unit 113, the changed part extraction unit 114 extracts changed parts that need to be changed to comply with regulations that must be complied with when reusing, from among the used parts of the model of air conditioner that the user wishes to reuse.

[0040] As an example, if the user inputs using the input device 13 that indoor unit A is a model eligible for reuse and that the RoHS2 Directive is a regulation that must be complied with, the target model restriction acquisition unit 113 acquires the input information from the input device 13. Based on the information acquired by the target model restriction acquisition unit 113, the changed part extraction unit 114 references the regulated part information in the parts information database shown in FIG. 3 and extracts a rubber bushing (part model name: C-1) as a changed part that must be changed to comply with the RoHS2 Directive when reused. Furthermore, if the user inputs that indoor unit A is a model eligible for reuse and that the DEN-AN Act (August 2026 onward) is a regulation that must be complied with, the changed part extraction unit 114 references the regulated part information in the parts information database shown in FIG. 3 and extracts a motor (part model name: D-1) as a changed part that must be changed to comply with the DEN-AN Act (August 2026 onward) when reused.

[0041] The output unit 115 outputs information about the changed parts extracted by the changed part extraction unit 114. For example, the output unit 115 displays the information about the changed parts extracted by the changed part extraction unit 114 on the display 16. The output unit 115 may also output file data including the information about the changed parts extracted by the changed part extraction unit 114. When outputting the information about the changed parts, the output unit 115 may also output information about the model of the air conditioner to be reused, information about applicable regulations, and the information about the changed parts in association with each other.

[0042] Next, the operation of the change part extraction process in which the processing unit 110 of the information processing device 10 in the reuse support system 1 extracts change parts that need to be changed in order to comply with regulations when reusing air conditioners will be described.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the changed part extraction process according to this embodiment.

[0044] (Step S101) The processing unit 110 acquires information indicating the model of the air conditioner to be reused in response to an input by the user to the input device 13. Then, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0045] (Step S103) The processing unit 110 acquires information indicating regulations that must be complied with when reusing the product, in response to an input from the user to the input device 13. Then, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0046] (Step S105) The processing unit 110 extracts, from the parts used in the air conditioner to be reused acquired in step S101, parts that need to be changed to comply with the regulations acquired in step S103. For example, the processing unit 110 references the regulated parts information in the parts information database stored in the used parts information storage unit 21, and extracts, from the parts used in the air conditioner to be reused, parts that need to be changed to comply with the regulations. Then, the processing proceeds to step S107.

[0047] (Step S107) The processing unit 110 determines whether or not a changed component was extracted in step S105. If the processing unit 110 determines that a changed component was extracted (YES), the processing proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, if the processing unit 110 determines that a changed component was not extracted (NO), the processing proceeds to step S111.

[0048] (Step S109) The processing unit 110 outputs information about the changed parts extracted in step S105. For example, the processing unit 110 displays the information about the extracted changed parts on the display 16. The processing unit 110 may output file data including information about the extracted changed parts. When outputting the information about the changed parts, the processing unit 110 may also output information about the model of the air conditioner to be reused, information about applicable regulations, and the information about the changed parts in association with each other.

[0049] (Step S111) The processing unit 110 outputs information indicating that no changed parts were extracted. For example, the processing unit 110 displays text or an image indicating that no changed parts were extracted on the display 16. The processing unit 110 may output file data including text or an image indicating that no changed parts were extracted. When outputting the information indicating that no changed parts were extracted, the processing unit 110 may output the information in association with information about the model of the air conditioner to be reused and information about applicable regulations.

[0050] As described above, the reuse support system 1 according to this embodiment includes an information processing device 10 (an example of a reuse support device) and a storage device 20 (an example of a storage unit). The storage device 20 stores information on parts used for each model of air conditioners (an example of a product) and regulated part information on regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations. The information processing device 10 (e.g., the changed part extraction unit 114) references the regulated part information stored in the storage device 20 to extract changed parts that require changes to comply with regulations when reusing air conditioners.

[0051] As a result, when reusing an air conditioner, the reuse support system 1 can extract modified parts that need to be changed if there are changes in regulations since the time of release, making it easier to comply with regulations.

[0052] Furthermore, in the reuse support system 1, the information processing device 10 is equipped with a target model restriction acquisition unit 113 (an example of an acquisition unit) that acquires, in response to user input, information indicating models of air conditioners that are eligible for reuse and information indicating regulations that must be followed when reusing.The information processing device 10 (for example, a changed part extraction unit 114) then extracts, based on the information acquired by the target model restriction acquisition unit 113, changed parts that must be changed in order to comply with regulations that must be followed when reusing, from among the parts used in the model that are eligible for reuse.

[0053] As a result, when a user inputs the model of air conditioner they wish to reuse and the regulations that need to be complied with, the reuse support system 1 extracts the parts that need to be changed to comply with the regulations, making it easier to comply with the regulations.

[0054] The target model restriction acquisition unit 113 acquires information indicating the model of the air conditioner that is eligible for reuse in response to input from the user, but does not need to acquire information indicating the restrictions that must be followed when reusing. For example, in the change part extraction process shown in Figure 6, the processing of step S103 may be omitted. In other words, the user inputs information indicating the model that is eligible for reuse, but does not need to input information indicating the restrictions that must be followed when reusing.

[0055] Then, the information processing device 10 (for example, the change part extraction unit 114) may extract, based on the information acquired by the target model regulation acquisition unit 113 (information indicating the model to be reused), change parts that need to be changed from the parts used in the model to be reused in order to comply with regulations that must be met when reusing.

[0056] In this case, since the user does not specify which regulations are to be targeted when extracting changed parts, the information processing device 10 extracts changed parts that require changes at the time of reuse from all of the regulations registered as regulated targets in the parts information database shown in Fig. 3. The user simply needs to address the changed parts that comply with the regulations that actually apply to the model to be reused from among the extracted changed parts.

[0057] In this way, when a user inputs the model of air conditioner they wish to reuse, the reuse support system 1 extracts the parts that need to be changed to comply with regulations, making it easier to comply with regulations.

[0058] In addition, in the reuse support system 1, the information processing device 10 (for example, the output unit 115) outputs information on the changed parts extracted by the changed part extraction unit 114.

[0059] As a result, the reuse support system 1 can enable users to easily identify parts that need to be changed to comply with regulations when reusing an air conditioner.

[0060] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 (an example of a reuse support device) according to this embodiment refers to regulated parts information stored in a storage device 20 (an example of a storage unit) that stores information on parts used for each model of air conditioner (an example of a product) and regulated parts information on regulated parts among the used parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations, and extracts changed parts that require changes to comply with regulations when reusing an air conditioner.

[0061] As a result, when reusing an air conditioner, the information processing device 10 (an example of a reuse support device) can extract modified parts that need to be changed if there are changes in regulations since the time of release, making it easier to comply with regulations.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reuse support method in the reuse support system 1, which is equipped with a storage device 20 (an example of a storage unit) that stores information on parts used for each model of air conditioners (an example of a product) and regulated part information on regulated parts among the used parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations, a target model regulation acquisition unit 113 (an example of an acquisition unit), and a changed part extraction unit 114, includes the steps of the target model regulation acquisition unit 113 acquiring information indicating the model to be reused and information indicating regulations that must be followed when reusing, in response to input from a user, and the changed part extraction unit 114 extracting, based on the information acquired by the target model regulation acquisition unit 113, changed parts that need to be changed due to regulations that must be followed when reusing, from among the parts used for the model to be reused, by referring to the regulated part information stored in the storage device 20.

[0063] As a result, the reuse support method in the reuse support system 1 allows the user to input the model of air conditioner they wish to reuse and the regulations that need to be complied with, and extracts the parts that need to be changed to comply with the regulations, making it easier to comply with regulations when reusing air conditioners.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reuse support method in the reuse support system 1, which is equipped with a storage device 20 (an example of a storage unit) that stores information on parts used for each model of air conditioners (an example of a product) and regulated part information on regulated parts among the used parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations, a target model regulation acquisition unit 113 (an example of an acquisition unit), and a changed part extraction unit 114, includes a step in which the target model regulation acquisition unit 113 acquires information indicating the model of the product to be reused in response to a user's input, and a step in which the changed part extraction unit 114, based on the information acquired by the target model regulation acquisition unit 113, refers to the regulated part information stored in the storage device 20 to extract changed parts that need to be changed due to regulations that must be addressed when reused, from among the parts used for the model of the product to be reused.

[0065] As a result, the reuse support method in the reuse support system 1 allows the user to input the model of air conditioner they wish to reuse, and extracts the parts that need to be changed to comply with regulations, making it easier to comply with regulations when reusing air conditioners.

[0066] In addition, the program according to this embodiment causes a computer (e.g., information processing device 10) in a reuse support system 1 that has a storage device 20 (an example of a storage unit) that stores information on parts used for each model of air conditioner (an example of a product) and regulated part information on regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations to execute the following steps: acquiring information indicating the model to be reused and information indicating regulations that must be followed when reusing, in response to input from a user; and extracting, based on the acquired information, changed parts that must be changed due to regulations that must be followed when reusing, from among the parts used for the model to be reused, by referring to the regulated part information stored in the storage device 20.

[0067] As a result, when a user inputs the model of air conditioner they wish to reuse and the regulations that need to be complied with, the computer serving as the information processing device 10 (an example of a reuse support device) in the reuse support system 1 extracts the parts that need to be changed to comply with the regulations, making it easier to comply with regulations when reusing air conditioners.

[0068] In addition, the program according to this embodiment causes a computer (e.g., information processing device 10) in a reuse support system 1 that includes a storage device 20 (an example of a storage unit) that stores information on parts used for each model of air conditioners (an example of a product) and regulated part information on regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations to execute the following steps: acquiring information indicating the model to be reused in response to input from a user; and, based on the acquired information, extracting, by referring to the regulated part information stored in the storage device 20, parts that need to be changed due to regulations that must be addressed when reused from among the parts used for the model to be reused.

[0069] As a result, when a user inputs the model of the air conditioner they wish to reuse, the computer serving as the information processing device 10 (an example of a reuse support device) in the reuse support system 1 extracts the parts that need to be changed to comply with regulations, making it easier to comply with regulations when reusing air conditioners.

[0070] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. The main hardware configuration of the reuse support system according to this embodiment is the same as the configuration shown in Fig. 1, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. In the first embodiment, a configuration for extracting parts that need to be changed in response to regulations when reusing air conditioners was described, but in this embodiment, a configuration for extracting substitute parts that comply with the regulations will be described.

[0071] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the reuse support system according to this embodiment. A processing unit 110A shown in Fig. 7 includes an alternative part extraction unit 116 in addition to the units (part information acquisition unit 111, part information registration unit 112, target model restriction acquisition unit 113, changed part extraction unit 114, and output unit 115) included in the processing unit 110 shown in Fig. 2.

[0072] The alternative part extraction unit 116 extracts alternative parts for the changed parts extracted by the changed part extraction unit 114. In other words, the alternative part extraction unit 116 extracts parts that comply with the regulations and can be used in place of changed parts that do not comply with the regulations for reuse and need to be changed, as alternative parts.

[0073] For example, the storage device 20A includes an alternative part information storage unit 23 in addition to a used part information storage unit 21 and a part detail information storage unit 22. The alternative part information storage unit 23 stores information indicating regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to regulatory changes, and alternative part information regarding alternative parts that can be used in place of the regulated parts.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of data for alternative part information according to this embodiment. The alternative part information shown in FIG. 8 associates, for each model of air conditioner, the part type, the part model name of the regulated part (altered part), and the part model name of the alternative part. For example, a rubber bush (part model name: C-2) is set as an alternative part for a rubber bush (part model name: C-1) used in indoor unit A. The rubber bush (part model name: C-1) is a regulated part that does not comply with the RoHS2 Directive, while the rubber bush (part model name: C-2) is used in indoor unit B and is a part that complies with the RoHS2 Directive (but is not subject to regulation) (see FIG. 3 ).

[0075] Additionally, a motor (part model name: D-2) has been set as an alternative part to the motor (part model name: D-1) used in indoor unit A. The motor (part model name: D-1) is a regulated part that does not comply with the DEN-AN Act (August 2026 onwards), but the motor (part model name: D-2) is used in indoor unit B and complies with the DEN-AN Act (August 2026 onwards) (not subject to regulation) (see Figure 3).

[0076] The substitute part information stored in the substitute part information storage unit 23 is updated whenever a change occurs in a regulation or whenever a new part that complies with a regulation appears. Although one substitute part is generally set for one regulated part, multiple substitute parts may be set as candidates and presented to the user, allowing the user to ultimately decide on a substitute part.

[0077] The alternative part extracting unit 116 refers to the alternative part information stored in the alternative part information storing unit 23 and extracts alternative parts for the changed parts extracted by the changed part extracting unit 114 .

[0078] As an example, if a rubber bush (part model name: C-1) and a motor (part model name: D-1) are extracted as changed parts by the changed part extraction unit 114, the alternative part extraction unit 116 extracts a rubber bush (part model name: C-2) as an alternative part for the rubber bush (part model name: C-1), and extracts a motor (part model name: D-2) as an alternative part for the motor (part model name: D-1).

[0079] Next, the operation of the extraction process for extracting parts that need to be changed in response to regulations when reusing air conditioners and their replacement parts in this embodiment will be described.

[0080] 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for extracting changed parts and substitute parts according to this embodiment. Note that the processes of steps S201, S203, S205, S207, and S211 shown in Fig. 9 correspond to and are similar to the processes of steps S101, S103, S105, S107, and S111 shown in Fig. 6, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0081] (Step S209) If the processing unit 110A determines that a changed part has been extracted in step S207, the processing unit 110A extracts an alternative part for the extracted changed part. For example, the processing unit 110A extracts an alternative part for the extracted changed part by referring to the alternative part information stored in the alternative part information storage unit 23. Then, the processing proceeds to step S213.

[0082] (Step S213) Processing unit 110A outputs information about the changed parts extracted in step S205 and information about the alternative parts extracted in step S209. For example, processing unit 110A displays the extracted information about the changed parts and information about the alternative parts on display 16. Processing unit 110A may output file data including the extracted information about the changed parts and information about the alternative parts. When outputting the information about the changed parts and information about the alternative parts, processing unit 110A may also output the information about the changed parts and information about the alternative parts in association with information about the model of the air conditioner to be reused and information about applicable regulations.

[0083] As described above, in the reuse support system 1 according to this embodiment, the storage device 20A (an example of a storage unit) stores alternative part information regarding alternative parts that can be used in place of regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations. The information processing device 10 (e.g., the changed part extraction unit 114) references the regulated part information stored in the storage device 20A to extract changed parts that require changes to comply with regulations when reusing air conditioners. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 (e.g., the alternative part extraction unit 116) references the alternative part information stored in the storage device 20A to extract alternative parts for the changed parts extracted by the changed part extraction unit 114.

[0084] As a result, when reusing an air conditioner, if there are changes in regulations since the time of release, the reuse support system 1 can extract alternative parts that can be used in place of modified parts that require modification, making it easier to comply with regulations.

[0085] Furthermore, in the reuse support system 1, the information processing device 10 (e.g., the output unit 115) outputs information on the changed parts extracted by the changed part extraction unit 114 and information on the alternative parts extracted by the alternative part extraction unit 116.

[0086] As a result, the reuse support system 1 can enable users to easily identify modified parts and alternative parts that need to be changed to comply with regulations when reusing an air conditioner.

[0087] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the above first and second embodiments, an example was described in which parts that need to be changed to comply with regulations when reused are extracted by referencing a database containing information on parts used for each model of air conditioner and regulated part information on regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations among the used parts. In contrast, in the present embodiment, an example is described in which AI (Artificial Intelligence) is used based on past regulations and information on parts used for each model of air conditioners that were released in compliance with the regulations to estimate and extract parts that need to be changed to comply with regulations when reused.

[0088] For example, the reuse support system 1 according to this embodiment uses machine learning to determine which parts used in each model of air conditioner released in the past have been changed due to changes in regulations, and can estimate which parts need to be changed when regulations change at the time of reuse.

[0089] Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the reuse support system according to this embodiment. A processing unit 110B shown in Fig. 10 includes a learning data acquisition unit 101, a learning unit 102, a target model restriction acquisition unit 113, a changed part extraction unit 114, and an output unit 115. The storage device 20B includes a learning data storage unit 201 and a trained model storage unit 202.

[0090] The learning data acquisition unit 101 acquires regulatory information indicating the content of past regulations and information on parts used for each model of air conditioner that complies with the regulations. For example, the learning data acquisition unit 101 stores the acquired information as learning data in the learning data storage unit 201 of the storage device 20B. Note that the learning data acquisition unit 101 may also store the acquired information as learning data in the storage 15 within the information processing device 10.

[0091] The learning unit 102 references the learning data stored in the learning data storage unit 201 to generate a dataset including regulatory information indicating the content of past regulations and information on parts used for each model of air conditioner that complies with the regulations. The learning unit 102 then performs machine learning using the generated dataset to generate a trained model for estimating regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations. Any machine learning method, such as a neural network, may be used for the machine learning.

[0092] For example, the learning unit 102 stores the generated trained model in the trained model storage unit 202 of the storage device 20B. Note that the training data acquisition unit 101 may store the generated trained model in the storage 15 within the information processing device 10.

[0093] As described in the first embodiment, the target model regulation acquisition unit 113 acquires information indicating the models of air conditioners that are eligible for reuse and information indicating regulations that must be observed when reusing the air conditioner, in response to input from the user to the input device 13.

[0094] The changed part extraction unit 114 uses the trained model generated by the learning unit 102 to extract (estimate) changed parts that require changes to comply with regulations when reusing air conditioners. For example, the changed part extraction unit 114 reads out the trained model generated by the learning unit 102 from the trained model storage unit 202. Then, based on the information acquired by the target model restriction acquisition unit 113, the changed part extraction unit 114 inputs information indicating the model of the air conditioner that the user wants to reuse and information indicating regulations that must be complied with when reusing into the trained model read out from the trained model storage unit 202, thereby extracting (estimates) changed parts that require changes to comply with regulations.

[0095] The output unit 115 outputs information about the changed parts extracted by the changed part extraction unit 114, as described in the first embodiment.

[0096] As described above, in the reuse support system 1 according to this embodiment, the information processing device 10 (an example of a reuse support device) includes a learning unit 102 that generates a trained model. The learning unit 102 performs machine learning using a dataset that includes regulation information indicating the content of past regulations and information on parts used for each model of air conditioners (an example of a product) that comply with the regulations, thereby generating a trained model for estimating regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations. Then, the information processing device 10 (e.g., the changed part extraction unit 114) uses the trained model generated by the learning unit 102 to extract changed parts that require changes to comply with regulations when reusing air conditioners.

[0097] As a result, when reusing an air conditioner, the reuse support system 1 can use AI to extract modified parts that will need to be changed if there are changes in regulations since the time of release, making it easier to comply with regulations.

[0098] The regulation information indicating the content of past regulations may include information indicating changes to regulations. The learning unit 102 may generate a trained model by performing machine learning using a dataset including regulation information including information indicating past changes to regulations and information on parts that have been changed in accordance with the changes to regulations.

[0099] As a result, when reusing an air conditioner, the reuse support system 1 can use AI to extract modified parts that will need to be changed if there are changes in regulations since the time of release, making it easier to comply with regulations.

[0100] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the information processing device 10 includes the training data acquisition unit 101 and the training unit 102 as functional components for generating a trained model, but this is not limiting. For example, the functional components of the training data acquisition unit 101 and the training unit 102 may be included in an information processing device (computer) other than the information processing device 10. That is, a training device that generates a trained model and an extraction device (estimation device) that estimates and extracts changed parts using the trained model may be included in different information processing devices (computers).

[0101] Although the embodiments have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and the embodiments can be modified or omitted as appropriate.

[0102] Although the above embodiment has been described as a reuse support system 1 for reusing air conditioners, the system can also be applied to products other than air conditioners as long as they are products that need to comply with certain regulations.

[0103] Furthermore, the regulations exemplified in the above embodiment (RoHS, DENAN Law, Radio Law, Energy Conservation Law, JRA, etc.) are merely examples, and any regulations may be used depending on the product to be reused.

[0104] Furthermore, the reuse of products such as air conditioners also includes changing the destination of the product. For example, when a Japanese product is changed to a different country in order to sell the product there, regulations may differ depending on the country. Therefore, the reuse support system 1 according to the above embodiment can also be applied when the product is reused after changing its destination.

[0105] Furthermore, the reuse of products such as air conditioners also includes changing the use of the product. For example, regulations may differ depending on the environment or location in which the product is used. Therefore, the reuse support system 1 according to the above embodiment can also be applied when changing the use of a product and reusing it.

[0106] It is also possible to record a program for realizing the functions of the information processing device 10 on a computer-readable recording medium, and have the computer system read and execute the program to perform processing in the control unit of each device. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices.

[0107] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" also includes devices that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs over networks like the Internet or communication lines like telephone lines, and devices that store programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory within computer systems that serve as servers or clients. The programs may also be programs that implement some of the aforementioned functions, or may be programs that can achieve the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already stored in the computer system. The programs may also be stored on a designated server and distributed (e.g., downloaded) over communication lines in response to requests from other devices.

[0108] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function may be individually implemented as a processor, or some or all of the functions may be integrated into a processor. The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be implemented using a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used.

[0109] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Reuse support system 10 Information processing device 11 Processor 12 Memory 13 Input device 14 NW (network) adapter 15 Storage 16 Display 20 Storage device 21 Used part information storage unit 22 Part detailed information storage unit 23 Substitute part information storage unit 101 Learning data acquisition unit 102 Learning unit 110 Processing unit 111 Part information acquisition unit 112 Part information registration unit 113 Target model regulation acquisition unit 114 Changed part extraction unit 115 Output unit 116 Substitute part extraction unit 201 Learning data storage unit 202 Learned model storage unit

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores information on parts used by each model of air conditioner and information on regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations among the used parts; a change part extraction unit that refers to the regulated part information and extracts change parts that need to be changed in order to comply with regulations when reusing the air conditioner; an output unit that outputs information about the changed parts extracted by the changed part extraction unit; an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating models of the air conditioners that are eligible for reuse and information indicating regulations that must be complied with when the air conditioners are reused in response to input by a user; Equipped with The changed part extraction unit extracting, from among the parts used in the model to be reused, parts that need to be changed in order to comply with regulations that must be met when reused, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit; Reuse support system.

2. the storage unit stores alternative part information relating to alternative parts that can be used in place of the regulated parts, an alternative part extraction unit that refers to the alternative part information and extracts an alternative part for the changed part extracted by the changed part extraction unit; The reuse support system according to claim 1 , comprising:

3. an output unit that outputs information on the changed parts extracted by the changed part extraction unit and information on the alternative parts extracted by the alternative part extraction unit; The reuse support system according to claim 2 , comprising:

4. a learning unit that generates a trained model for estimating regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations by performing machine learning using a dataset that includes regulatory information indicating the content of past regulations and information on parts used for each model of product that complies with the regulations; and a change part extraction unit that extracts change parts that need to be changed in response to regulations when reusing the product, using the trained model generated by the learning unit; and A reuse support system equipped with the following.

5. The regulatory information includes information indicating regulatory changes, The learning unit The trained model is generated by performing machine learning using a dataset including the regulatory information and information on parts changed in accordance with the regulatory changes. The reuse support system according to claim 4.

6. A reuse support method in a reuse support system including a memory unit that stores information on parts used for each model of air conditioner and regulated part information on regulated parts that may be subject to part changes due to changes in regulations among the used parts, an acquisition unit, a changed part extraction unit, and an output unit, The acquisition unit acquires information indicating models of the air conditioners that are eligible for reuse and information indicating regulations that must be complied with when the air conditioners are reused, in response to input from a user; a step in which the changed part extraction unit extracts changed parts that need to be changed due to regulations that must be met when reused from among parts used in the model to be reused, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, by referring to the regulated part information stored in the storage unit; a step in which the output unit outputs information about the changed parts extracted by the changed part extraction unit; Reuse support methods including.