Information process apparatus and method of controlling an information process apparatus

Abstract

This information processing device includes: a customer information receiving unit, which receives customer information including the requirements of customers who want to implement a robot system; a proposal information receiving unit, which receives proposal information from multiple proposers regarding the customer information and the type of robot system; and an information prompting unit, which prompts the individual proposal information from the multiple proposers received by the proposal information receiving unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing device and a control method for the information processing device. [Previous Technology]

[0002] To date, information processing devices for users to review robot systems have been disclosed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-117863 discloses a robot simulation device that can display animated images of robot movements. The robot simulation device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-117863 is equipped with a personal computer (PC). The PC has pre-stored three-dimensional models of the robot system, including the robot and peripheral devices. In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-117863, when the robot moves according to the motion program, the robot's current position information is input from the robot to the PC. The PC displays animated images of the robot system, including the robot and peripheral devices, on a display screen based on the input current position information of the robot. Users can view the animated images displayed on the display screen to review whether the robot system is moving appropriately.

[0003] However, the information processing device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-117863 displays animated images of the actions of a robot that has already been configured. Therefore, the information processing device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-117863 cannot be used to examine a robot system when the robot system has not yet been constructed, such as during the introduction of the robot system. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] The present invention was developed to solve the above-mentioned problems. One purpose of the invention is to provide an information processing device and a control method for the information processing device, which allows users to review the appropriate type of robot system when it is introduced.

[0005] The information processing apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention comprises: a customer information receiving unit that receives customer information including a request from a customer to import a robot system; a proposal information receiving unit that receives proposal information from a plurality of proposers regarding the customer information and including the type of robot system; and an information prompting unit that prompts the individual proposal information from the plurality of proposers received by the proposal information receiving unit.

[0006] As described above, the information processing apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention includes an information prompting unit. This information prompting unit prompts individual proposal information from multiple proposers received by the proposal information receiving unit, for customer information including the request of a customer to implement a robot system. By prompting the proposal information through the information prompting unit, users such as the holder of the information processing apparatus or the customer can review whether the proposal information matches the customer information when implementing the robot system. Therefore, when implementing the robot system, the user can review the appropriate type of robot system.

[0007] The control method of the information processing device of the second aspect of the present invention includes the following steps: receiving customer information containing the request of a customer to import a robot system at the customer information receiving unit; receiving proposal information from a plurality of proposers containing robot system types for the customer information at the proposal information receiving unit; and providing information prompts to the individual proposal information of the plurality of proposers received by the proposal information receiving unit at the information prompting unit.

[0008] As described above, the control method of the information processing device in the second aspect of the present invention includes a step in which the information prompting unit prompts individual proposal information from multiple proposers received by the proposal information receiving unit, based on customer information including the request of a customer to implement a robot system. Therefore, by prompting the proposal information through the information prompting unit, users such as the holder of the information processing device or the customer can review whether the proposal information matches the customer information when implementing the robot system. Thus, a control method for an information processing device can be provided that allows users such as the holder of the information processing device or the customer to review the appropriate type of robot system when implementing a robot system.

[0009] The information processing apparatus and the control method of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention allow users to review the appropriate type of robot system when introducing a robot system.

Implementation Method

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be embodied in the description of the drawings.

[0012] The information processing device 10 shown in Figure 1 is a device used to provide a matching service between customer information from customers and proposal information from proposers that includes the type of robot system. Here, as described later, customer information includes the requirements of the customer who wants to implement a robot system, and includes the working area of ​​the robot included in the robot system, the tasks to be performed by the robot, and three-dimensional data of the working area to be configured. Customers wishing to implement a robot system may lack information about the proposer offering the proposed robot system type, the implementation method, the implementation cost, on-site adjustments, and maintenance support. Furthermore, customers may lack the educational human resources to teach the operation of the robot system. The proposer is, for example, a contract development company that undertakes all procedures for developing the robot system, i.e., a system integrator. Hereinafter, the system integrator will also be referred to as an SIer. SIers typically accept development commissions from larger enterprises that are heavy users of robotic systems. However, due to insufficient human resources and time, they often struggle to obtain customer information from clients who have never implemented robotic systems before, making it difficult to secure development contracts. The information processing device 10 is used to provide a matching service between customers wishing to implement robotic systems and SIers. Here, in Figure 1, ASIer, BSIer, and CSIer represent multiple proposers.

[0013] The matching service will be explained here. As shown in FIG1, the information processing device 10 provides a matching service between customers and proposers such as SIers. As mentioned above, the customer is a company or other entity that wants to implement a robot system. The customer registers for use to utilize the information processing device 10. The SIer or other proposer pays a usage fee for the information processing device 10. The usage fee is, for example, billed monthly and paid to the provider of the matching service that owns the information processing device 10. As shown in FIG2, the customer has a customer terminal 20 connected to the information processing device 10 via an external network 1. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 is, for example, a server connected to the external network 1. As shown in FIG2, the proposer has a proposer terminal 30 connected to the information processing device 10 via an external network 1.

[0014] (Customer Terminal) The customer terminal 20 will be described here. As shown in FIG2, the customer terminal 20 is a terminal held by a customer. The customer terminal 20 is, for example, a tablet terminal. The customer terminal 20 includes a camera unit 21, a data acquisition unit 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, a memory unit 25, and a control unit 26. The data acquired by the data acquisition unit 22 is, for example, three-dimensional data. In addition, the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 22 may also be two-dimensional data.

[0015] The camera unit 21 is, for example, a two-dimensional camera. The lens of the camera unit 21 is disposed on the rear side of the customer terminal 20.

[0016] The data acquisition unit 22 acquires, for example, three-dimensional data of the subject captured by the camera unit 21. For example, the data acquisition unit 22 emits laser light towards the subject and receives the laser light reflected from the subject. The data acquisition unit 22 measures the distance to the subject based on the time from emitting the laser light to receiving the reflected laser light. In this way, the data acquisition unit 22 acquires three-dimensional data of the subject. Here, the three-dimensional data of the subject refers to the length, width, and height information of the subject. In addition, the subject may include, for example, walls, floors, power sockets located in the work area where the robot system to be implemented is installed, movement paths such as the robot's loading path, equipment such as cranes, etc. The data acquisition unit 22 is, for example, located near the lens of the camera unit 21 on the back side of the customer terminal 20. The data acquisition unit 22 includes, for example, sensors such as LiDAR sensors. Here, LiDAR sensors refer to Light Detection and Ranging Sensors.

[0017] The display unit 23 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, etc. The display unit 23 displays the images captured by the camera unit 21. The display unit 23 is disposed on the front side of the customer terminal 20.

[0018] The input unit 24 may be, for example, a touch panel displayed on the display unit 23. Customers can input their requests, etc., by operating the input unit 24. Alternatively, the input unit 24 may also be a button-type keyboard.

[0019] The memory unit 25 may be, for example, flash memory, solid-state drive, hard drive, etc. The memory unit 25 contains the programs to be executed by the memory control unit 26.

[0020] The control unit 26 includes a central processing unit (CPU), read-only memory (ROM), and random access memory (RAM). The control unit 26 controls the overall operation of the customer terminal 20.

[0021] (Proposer Terminal) The proposer terminal 30 is described herein. The proposer terminal 30 is a terminal held by the proposer. The proposer terminal 30 is, for example, a personal computer. The proposer terminal 30 includes a display unit 31, an input unit 32, a memory unit 33, and a control unit 34. The proposer terminal 30 is, for example, located in the company to which the proposer belongs.

[0022] The display unit 31 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a micro LED display, etc. The input unit 32 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The memory unit 33 is, for example, flash memory, a solid-state drive, a hard disk, etc. The memory unit 25 stores the program to be executed by the control unit 34.

[0023] The control unit 34 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The control unit 34 controls the overall operation of the proposer terminal 30.

[0024] (Information Processing Device) The configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described here. The information processing device 10 accepts requests from customers who wish to implement a robot system, and accepts robot system proposals from proposers based on customer requests. Specifically, the information processing device 10 includes a customer information receiving unit 11, a proposal information receiving unit 12, an information prompting unit 13, a robot system construction unit 14, a memory unit 15, a display unit 16, and a login receiving unit 17. Here, the information processing device 10 is, for example, a server, which includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The customer information receiving unit 11, the proposal information receiving unit 12, the information prompting unit 13, the robot system construction unit 14, and the login receiving unit 17 are functional blocks that execute software to achieve functions. The memory unit 15 is, for example, flash memory, a solid-state drive, or a hard disk. The display unit 16 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a micro LED display.

[0025] In this embodiment, the customer information receiving unit 11 receives customer information including the request of a customer to import a robot system. The customer information receiving unit 11 receives customer information via external network 1. Specifically, the customer information receiving unit 11 receives at least one of the robot's working area and the tasks to be performed by the robot in the robot system as customer information. In addition, the customer information receiving unit 11 receives three-dimensional data of the robot's working area as customer information. For example, after a customer starts the customer terminal 20, it connects to the information processing device 10. As shown in FIG3, the login receiving unit 17 displays the login screen G1 on the display unit 23 of the customer terminal 20. After the customer presses the customer button G1a, he enters the pre-registered ID and password to log in to the information processing device 10. Here, the login screen G1 and the customer button G1a are graphical user interfaces.

[0026] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the customer uses the camera unit 21 of the customer terminal 20 to capture images of the work area where the robot system to be installed is to be deployed. The data acquisition unit 22 acquires three-dimensional data of the work area. For example, it acquires three-dimensional data of the walls P1 and the floor P2 of the work area P shown in FIG. 4. In addition, the customer uses the dynamic images of the work performed by the operator W captured by the camera unit 21 as the work content to be performed by the robot. The three-dimensional data acquired by the data acquisition unit 22 and the dynamic images of the work performed by the operator W captured by the camera unit 21 are stored in the memory unit 25.

[0027] Next, as shown in Figure 5, the customer information receiving unit 11 displays the customer input screen G2 on the display unit 23 according to the operation of the customer terminal 20. Here, the customer input screen G2 is a graphical user interface. The customer uses the input unit 24 to input the case name, operation diagram, address, required performance, desired delivery date, workpiece shape, weight, gripping position, data of the subject obtained by the data acquisition unit 22, such as 3D data, operation video, and opinions, etc. The case name is a name appropriately determined by the customer. In addition, the customer's name, input date, etc. can also be entered along with the case name. The operation diagram displays a layout diagram of the operation area and an operation summary, etc., prepared by the customer in advance using drawing software, etc. The data of the operation diagram is, for example, stored in the memory unit 25, and the file name of the operation diagram data is specified by the customer. The address is the customer's address. The required performance is the cycle time of the robot system to be imported, etc. The desired delivery date is the delivery date desired by the customer. The workpiece shape refers to the shape of the workpiece to be grasped by the robot, such as a cuboid. The weight refers to the weight of the workpiece. The grasping position refers to the position where the robot will grasp the workpiece, such as the side of the workpiece. The 3D data is the 3D data acquired by the data acquisition unit 22, and the customer specifies the file name for the 3D data. The operation video is the operation video captured by the camera unit 21, and the customer specifies the file name for the operation video. The feedback is feedback freely written by the customer. The case name, operation diagram, address, required performance, desired delivery date, workpiece shape, weight, grasping position, 3D data, operation video, and feedback entered by the customer are transmitted to the customer information receiving unit 11 as customer information. The above information entered by the customer is just one example. Furthermore, the customer information received by the customer information receiving unit 11 is stored in the memory unit 15.

[0028] In this embodiment, the proposal information receiving unit 12 receives proposal information from multiple proposers, including those related to robot systems, concerning customer information. The proposal information receiving unit 12 receives proposal information via external network 1. For example, after a proposer activates the proposer terminal 30, it connects to the information processing device 10. As shown in FIG3, the proposal information receiving unit 12 displays a login screen G1 on the display 31 of the proposer terminal 30. After the proposer presses the integrator button G1b, they enter a pre-registered ID and password to log in to the information processing device 10. Here, the integrator button G1b is a graphical user interface.

[0029] In this embodiment, the robot system construction unit 14 is a tool used by the proposer to construct a robot system based on the customer information received by the customer information receiving unit 11. Specifically, as shown in FIG6, after the proposer logs into the information processing device 10, the robot system construction unit 14 displays the customer information uploaded by the customer on the display unit 31 of the proposer terminal 30. For example, as shown in FIG6, buttons G3a, G3b, and G3c are shown for selecting option A, option B, and option C, which correspond to customer information uploaded by multiple customers respectively. Here, buttons G3a, G3b, and G3c are graphical user interfaces. When the proposer presses any of buttons G3a, G3b, and G3c, as shown in FIG7, the robot system construction unit 14 displays the three-dimensional data acquired by the data acquisition unit 22 of the customer terminal 20 on the display unit 31 of the proposer terminal 30. FIG7 shows a cartoon image of the working area P created based on the three-dimensional data. Regarding the cartoon image of the work area P, for example, the wall P1 and floor P2 shown in Figure 7. In addition, proposers can refer to customer information such as diagrams and videos of the work handled by the Customer Information Reception Department 11.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG8, the robot system construction unit 14 displays a graphical user interface G4 on the display unit 31, which is used by the proposer to construct the robot system type, based on the operation of the proposer's terminal 30, and accepts the operation input of the proposer using the graphical user interface G4 to construct the robot system type. Specifically, the operation of constructing the robot system type accepted by the robot system construction unit 14 includes, for example, selecting a robot from a plurality of robots, inputting the configuration position of the selected robot, and inputting the action content of the selected robot. For example, the robot system construction unit 14 displays selection buttons for selecting the type of robot. The selection buttons include, for example, a button G4a for selecting a vertical multi-joint robot, a button G4b for selecting a horizontal multi-joint robot, etc., and the proposer presses the button to select the robot. Thereby, as shown in FIG9, a cartoon image of the selected robot RB is displayed in the cartoon image of the work area P. In addition, proposers can drag and drop the displayed cartoon image of the robot RB to change the configuration position of the selected robot RB.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG8, the robot system construction unit 14 handles the construction of the robot system type, including selecting peripheral equipment related to the robot's movements. For example, in addition to displaying a button for selecting the robot, the robot system construction unit 14 also displays buttons such as G4c for selecting peripheral equipment such as conveying devices, allowing the proposer to select the peripheral equipment to be configured in the work area P. Furthermore, the robot system construction unit 14 can also handle the selection of the type of hand to be installed on the robot, the selection of external axes that cooperate with the robot's movements, etc. As an example, FIG9 shows the state in which a vertical multi-joint robot RB and a conveying device CON are configured in the work area P. Furthermore, the proposer selects an appropriate robot based on the required performance, workpiece shape, weight, etc., contained in the customer information. Furthermore, the proposer selects the number of robots, peripheral equipment, etc., based on work videos, etc. The configuration positions of the robots, peripheral equipment, etc., handled by the robot system construction unit 14 are stored in the memory unit 15 as the robot system type.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in FIG10, the robot system construction unit 14 accepts input of the selected robot's motion content and also accepts input of the selected peripheral device's motion content. For example, the robot system construction unit 14 displays a motion content acceptance screen G5 on the display unit 31 of the proposer terminal 30 to accept the motion content of the robot and peripheral devices, based on the proposer's operation. Here, the motion content acceptance screen G5 is a graphical user interface. Input of the individual motion periods of the robot and peripheral devices is accepted through the proposer operation input unit 32. In FIG10, the MOVE icon indicates the individual movement motion period of the robot and peripheral devices, and the PICK icon indicates the robot's picking motion period.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the robot system construction unit 14 generates animated images displaying the robot's actions based on the received robot action content. Specifically, the robot system construction unit 14 generates animated images of the robot's movement and picking actions, as well as the operation of peripheral equipment, based on the robot's action content received through the action content reception screen G5. Here, the animated images generated by the robot system construction unit 14 display the predetermined actions to be performed by the robot and peripheral equipment, rather than animated images simulating the optimization of the robot and peripheral equipment's actions. The animated images generated by the robot system construction unit 14 are stored in the memory unit 15 as proposal information.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the proposal information receiving unit 12 displays the proposer input screen G6 on the display unit 31 based on the operation of the proposer terminal 30. Here, the proposer input screen G6 is a graphical user interface. The proposer uses the input unit 32 to input the case name, schematic diagram, target performance, price, delivery date, 3D model, acceptance conditions, after-sales service, purchase list, equipment list, and comments, etc. The case name is the case name of the case selected by the proposer, such as case A, case B, or case C. In addition, the proposer's name and input date can also be entered along with the case name. The schematic diagram is a schematic diagram of the robot system proposed by the proposer. The schematic diagram is, for example, stored in the memory unit 33, and the file name of the schematic diagram is specified by the proposer. In addition, the schematic diagram can also be an animation image generated by the robot system construction unit 14. The target performance is the performance that achieves the target of the robot system constructed by the proposer, such as cycle time. The price is the price of the robot system constructed by the proposer. The delivery date refers to the delivery date of the robot system constructed by the proposer. The 3D model refers to the comic images, animations, etc., of the robot system constructed by the proposer using the robot system construction unit 14. The acceptance criteria are used to confirm whether the submitted robot system meets the type requirements. After-sales service refers to the after-sales service that the proposer can provide after the robot system is implemented. The purchase list and the equipment list are lists of the equipment to be purchased and the equipment to be used, respectively. The comments are comments freely written by the proposer. The case name, schematic diagram, target performance, price, delivery date, 3D model, acceptance criteria, after-sales service, purchase list, equipment list, and comments entered by the proposer are transmitted to the proposal information receiving unit 12 as proposal information. In addition, the above information entered by the proposer is only one example. Furthermore, the proposal information received by the proposal information receiving unit 12 is stored in the memory unit 15. That is, the robot system model and animation image constructed by the proposer using the robot system construction unit 14 are received by the proposal information receiving unit 12 and stored in the memory unit 15 as proposal information.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG12, the proposal information receiving unit 12 receives proposal information including robot system types, as well as proposal information including at least one of the following: the proposer's area of ​​expertise, robot system kit information previously submitted by the proposer, and work availability information. Areas of expertise include, for example, industry, application, and track record. Industry includes, for example, the automotive industry, semiconductor industry, and medical industry. Application refers to robot-operated tasks such as assembly, operation, loading and unloading, palletizing, depalletizing, picking, painting, sealing, grinding, deburring, arc welding, spot welding, and wafer handling. Track record refers to the number of robot systems previously submitted by the proposer. Furthermore, kit information includes schematic diagrams, performance, delivery time, price, and contract terms. As shown in FIG13, the schematic diagram is a schematic diagram of a robot system with track record submitted by the proposer to date. Moreover, this schematic diagram differs from the animation image constructed using the aforementioned robot system construction unit 14. Figure 13 illustrates a robot system 200, which includes a horizontal articulated robot 201, a workpiece 202, a workpiece supply station 203, and a conveying device 204. Performance, delivery time, price, and contract terms refer to the performance, delivery time, price, and contract terms of the proven robot systems submitted by the proposer to date. "Location availability" refers to the proposer's current availability of robot system submissions, whether they can submit the robot system immediately or only after several months. Furthermore, the proposer's areas of expertise, information on previously submitted robot system kits, and availability information are handled separately by the proposer.

[0036] In this embodiment, the information prompting unit 13 prompts the customer with individual proposal information from multiple proposers received by the proposal information receiving unit 12. Specifically, the information prompting unit 13 prompts the customer with individual proposal information from multiple proposers. The information prompting unit 13 prompts the customer with individual proposal information from each proposer based on the operation of the customer terminal 20. The proposal information is displayed on the display unit 23 of the customer terminal 20. The proposal information includes the proposal information shown in Figure 11, such as the animated images constructed by the robot system construction unit 14, and the proposal information shown in Figures 12 and 13, such as the kit information of robot systems previously proposed by the proposer. In addition, the information prompting unit 13 may also use augmented reality (AR) technology to overlay virtual images of robots proposed by the proposer onto the working area of ​​the display unit 23 captured by the camera unit 21 of the customer terminal 20. Furthermore, the information prompting unit 13 can also use virtual reality (VR) technology to display virtual images of the proposed work area and robot on the display unit 23 of the customer terminal 20. Additionally, the information prompting unit 13 can also use mixed reality (MR) technology to display virtual images of the proposed work area and robot on the display unit 23 of the customer terminal 20.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information notification unit 13 does not notify any of the proposals submitted by other proposers to any of the multiple proposers. For example, the information notification unit 13 displays the proposal information of proposer ASIer itself on the display unit 23 of the customer terminal 20 based on the operation of proposer ASIer's proposer terminal 30. On the other hand, the information notification unit 13 does not notify proposer ASIer's proposal information to BSIer or CSIer.

[0038] Furthermore, the information prompting unit 13 prompts each proposer with individual proposal information based on the operation of the information processing device 10 held by the holder of the information processing device 10, i.e., the provider of the matching service. For example, the proposal information is displayed on the display unit 16 of the information processing device 10. Here, the provider of the matching service is, for example, a project manager who coordinates the implementation of a robot system.

[0039] The login processing unit 17 controls logins from customers and proposers. The login processing unit 17 allows customers and proposers to log in to the information processing device 10 based on their pre-registered IDs and passwords.

[0040] (Matching performed by the matching service provider) The matching service provider compares customer information, including the customer's requirements, with proposal information, including the type of robot system, to determine which proposal information from multiple proposers matches the customer's customer information. This determination by the provider is referred to as matching. The matching service provider performs matching manually. Furthermore, the matching service provider determines whether the required performance, delivery time, etc., of the robot system requested by the customer matches the target performance, delivery time, etc., of the robot system proposed by the proposer. Additionally, the provider may consider the proposer's areas of expertise and information on robot system kits previously proposed by the proposer to determine which proposal information from multiple proposers matches. Furthermore, the matching service provider conveys the information of the matching proposers to the customer. This communication is transmitted to the customer's terminal 20 via external network 1, or by telephone, etc. In addition, the matching service provider also notifies the matching proposers that their proposal information meets the customer's requirements. Furthermore, the matching service provider may arrange a meeting between the customer and the proposer, or invite them to online meetings, etc. Here, customers can also review the proposal information from multiple proposers displayed in Information Prompt Section 13 and select a proposal. In this case, the customer is notified to the matching service provider that they have selected a proposal.

[0041] As described above, the matching service provider is a proposer who introduces the proposed robot system to customers through the matching service. Furthermore, customers can conceive of a robot system based on the animated images of the proposed robot system. Additionally, customers can obtain advice from the matching service provider regarding the cost of implementing the robot system. Furthermore, customers can compare the costs of multiple proposers. Furthermore, customers can understand the acceptance criteria required for on-site adjustments of the robot system. Furthermore, customers can obtain advice from the matching service provider regarding support such as maintenance of the robot system. Furthermore, customers can obtain educational support from the proposer on operating the robot system. Furthermore, the proposer can receive information from the matching service provider about a large number of customers who wish to implement the robot system, thus eliminating the need for human resources for business promotion to customers.

[0042] (Control method of information processing device) The control method of information processing device 10 will be described here.

[0043] As shown in Figure 14, in step S1, the login acceptance unit 17 accepts the login operation from the customer terminal 20.

[0044] In step S2, the customer information receiving unit 11 receives customer information including the requirements of customers who want to import the robot system. Specifically, after the customer terminal 20 logs into the information processing device 10, the customer information receiving unit 11 displays the customer input screen G2 on the display unit 23. The customer uses the input unit 24 to input the case name, operation diagram, address, required performance, desired delivery date, workpiece shape, weight, gripping position, 3D data, operation video, and opinions as customer information. The customer information receiving unit 11 receives the input customer information and stores it in the memory unit 15.

[0045] In step S3, the login acceptance unit 17 accepts the login operation from the proposer terminal 30.

[0046] In step S4, the robot system construction unit 14 receives the robot system construction operation from the proposer terminal 30. The type of the robot system constructed by the robot system construction unit 14 is stored in the memory unit 15.

[0047] In step S5, the proposal information receiving unit 12 receives proposal information for customer information, including the type of robot system. Specifically, the proposal information receiving unit 12 displays the proposer input screen G6 on the display unit 31. The proposer uses the input unit 32 to input the case name, schematic diagram, target performance, price, delivery date, 3D model, acceptance conditions, after-sales service, purchase list, equipment list, and opinions, etc. Here, the proposer can also input proposal information including the proposer's area of ​​expertise, robot system kit information previously proposed by the proposer, and work availability information, instead of the proposal information entered in the proposer input screen G6.

[0048] In step S6, the information prompting unit 13 prompts the proposal information to the display unit 23 of the customer terminal 20 according to the information prompt request from the customer. Furthermore, the information prompting unit 13 prompts the proposal information to the display unit 31 of the proposer terminal 30 according to the information prompt request from the proposer. Here, the information prompting unit 13 only prompts the proposal information proposed by a proposer and does not prompt the proposer with proposal information from other proposers. Furthermore, the information prompting unit 13 prompts the proposal information to the display unit 16 of the information processing device 10 according to the information prompt request from the matching service provider. Moreover, the matching service provider compares customer information including the customer's requirements with proposal information including the type of robot system to determine which proposal information from multiple proposers matches the customer's customer information. In addition, a matching success notification is sent to the proposer and the customer for successful matching.

[0049] [Effects of this Embodiment] The information processing device 10 is equipped with an information prompting unit 13, which prompts the individual proposal information of each proposer received by the proposal information receiving unit 12. Therefore, by prompting the proposal information through the information prompting unit 13, users such as owners of the information processing device 10 and customers can review whether the proposal information matches the customer information when the robot system is implemented. Thus, users can review the appropriate robot system type when implementing the robot system.

[0050] The Customer Information Reception Department 11 receives at least one of the following as customer information: the working area of ​​the robot to be configured in the robot system and the tasks to be performed by the robot. Based on this, the proposer can propose a robot system that meets the customer's requirements according to the working area of ​​the robot to be configured and the tasks to be performed by the robot contained in the customer information.

[0051] The Customer Information Reception Department 11 receives 3D data of the work area where a robot needs to be configured as customer information. Based on this, the proposer can propose a robot system that is more suitable for the actual work area.

[0052] The proposal information receiving department 12 receives proposal information including the type of robot system, as well as proposal information including at least one of the following: the proposer's area of ​​expertise, information on robot system packages previously proposed by the proposer, and information on available work slots. This allows users to consider the proposer's area of ​​expertise to more appropriately review the type of robot system. Furthermore, users can consider information on robot system packages previously proposed by the proposer to more appropriately review the type of robot system. Additionally, users can consider available work slot information to assess whether the robot system can be implemented at the desired time.

[0053] The information processing device 10 includes a robot system construction unit 14, which allows proposers to construct a robot system model based on customer information received by the customer information receiving unit 11. The proposal information receiving unit 12 receives proposal information including the robot system model constructed by the robot system construction unit 14. Therefore, even if the proposer does not have software for constructing robot system models, they can easily construct a robot system model.

[0054] The robot system construction unit 14 displays a graphical user interface G4 for proposers to construct robot system models, and accepts input from proposers regarding the construction of robot system models using the graphical user interface G4. Thus, through the display of the graphical user interface G4, proposers can intuitively construct robot system models.

[0055] The Robot System Construction Department 14 accepts the selection of a robot from among a plurality of robots, the input of the configuration position of the selected robot, and the input of the motion content of the selected robot, as an operation for constructing the robot system type. In this way, the proposer can easily construct a robot system type that conforms to customer information, including the type of robot, the configuration position of the robot, and the motion content of the robot.

[0056] The robot system construction unit 14 generates an animated image representing the robot's actions based on the received robot's action content. This allows the user to easily confirm the type of the constructed robot system by viewing the animated image. As a result, the user can easily determine whether the type of the constructed robot system is appropriate.

[0057] The robot system construction unit 14 accepts the selection of peripheral equipment related to the robot's actions as an operation for constructing the robot system type. In this way, the constructed robot system type can include not only the robot but also the peripheral equipment. As a result, the overall robot system type can be constructed.

[0058] The customer information receiving unit 11 receives customer information via external network 1, and the proposal information receiving unit 12 receives proposal information via external network 1. Therefore, even when customers and proposers are located remotely, the information processing device 10 can receive customer information and proposal information via external network 1. As a result, customers and proposers do not need to go to the location where the information processing device 10 is installed.

[0059] The information notification unit 13 will notify the customer of individual proposal information from multiple proposers, but will not notify any proposer of proposal information submitted by other proposers. This prevents the leakage of proposal information between proposers.

[0060] [Modifications] The embodiments disclosed herein should be understood as illustrative rather than limiting the invention. The scope of the invention is based on the claims and not on the description of the embodiments above, and includes all modifications (variations) within the same meaning and scope as the claims.

[0061] The above embodiment illustrates that the customer information receiving unit 11, the proposal information receiving unit 12, and the information prompting unit 13 are included in one server, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the customer information receiving unit 11, the proposal information receiving unit 12, and the information prompting unit 13 may also be configured on a plurality of servers connected to each other via an external network 1.

[0062] The above embodiments illustrate that the proposer is an SIer, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in the pairing service of the first variant of FIG15, the proposer may include a solution provider in addition to the SIer. Here, the solution provider is, for example, a seller of products. For example, the solution provider sells an appearance inspection device for inspecting objects. Furthermore, the proposal information proposed by the SIer may also include proposals from the solution provider. In addition, the solution provider may also submit proposal information without going through the SIer. Here, the solution provider also pays a usage fee for using the information processing device 10.

[0063] The above embodiments illustrate customer registration for using the matching service, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in the second variation of the matching service in FIG16, if the customer is unaware of the matching service, a trading company or the like can introduce the customer to the matching service provider. The customer only registers for using the matching service after receiving a contact from the matching service provider. In this case, the trading company can charge the matching service provider a referral fee. For example, if the customer information obtained by the trading company from the customer is unrelated to its own business, although the customer information cannot be utilized, the trading company can request a referral fee by introducing the customer to the matching service, and the customer can be introduced into the robot system. In addition, as shown in the third variation of the matching service in FIG17, the trading company can also register for using the matching service, and the customer and the trading company sign a contract regarding the introduction of the robot system. In this case, the trading company pays the usage fee for using the information processing device 10 and transmits the customer information to the customer information receiving unit 11 of the information processing device 10. Furthermore, the trading company can confirm the proposal information.

[0064] The above embodiment illustrates that the customer information receiving unit 11 receives both the working area of ​​the robot included in the robot system to be configured and the work content to be performed by the robot as customer information, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the customer information receiving unit 11 may also receive only at least one of the working area of ​​the robot included in the robot system to be configured and the work content to be performed by the robot as customer information.

[0065] The above embodiment illustrates that the three-dimensional data acquired by the data acquisition unit 22 of the customer terminal 20 is transmitted to the customer information receiving unit 11 as information on the working area where the robot is to be configured, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) data on the working area where the robot is to be configured can also be transmitted to the customer information receiving unit 11 as information on the working area where the robot is to be configured.

[0066] The above-described embodiment illustrates that the proposal information receiving unit 12, in addition to receiving proposal information including robot system types, also receives all proposal information including the proposer's area of ​​expertise, robot system kit information previously proposed by the proposer, and work availability information. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in addition to receiving robot system types, the proposal information receiving unit 12 may also receive proposal information including at least one of the following: the proposer's area of ​​expertise, robot system kit information previously proposed by the proposer, and work availability information.

[0067] The above-described embodiment illustrates a type in which the proposer constructs a robot system using the robot system construction unit 14, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the proposer may also construct a robot system using software owned by the proposer itself.

[0068] The above embodiment illustrates that the robot system construction unit 14 is configured on a server, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the robot system construction unit 14 may also be configured on the proposer terminal 30, the customer terminal 20, etc. In this case, the information processing apparatus of the present invention includes, for example, a server, a proposer terminal 30, and a customer terminal 20.

[0069] The above embodiment illustrates that the robot system construction unit 14 accepts the selection of a robot from a plurality of robots, the input of the configuration position of the selected robot, and the input of the action content of the selected robot, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the robot system construction unit 14 may also accept only the selection of a robot from a plurality of robots and the input of the configuration position of the selected robot.

[0070] The above embodiment illustrates that the robot system construction unit 14 generates an animated image displaying the robot's actions based on the received robot's action content, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the robot system construction unit 14 can also perform simulations to optimize the robot's actions.

[0071] The above embodiment illustrates that the customer information receiving unit 11 receives customer information via the external network 1, and the proposal information receiving unit 12 receives proposal information via the external network 1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, customers and proposers can also directly operate the information processing device 10 without going through the external network 1.

[0072] The above embodiment illustrates that the information prompting unit 13 will not prompt any of the multiple proposers with the proposal information of other proposers, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the information prompting unit 13 may also prompt the proposal information of one proposer to other proposers.

[0073] The above-described embodiment illustrates that a matching service provider compares customer information with proposal information to determine which proposal information from a plurality of proposers matches the customer's customer information, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in the modified information processing apparatus 40 of FIG18, the matching unit 41 included in the information processing apparatus 40 can also be used to match customer information received by the customer information receiving unit 11 with proposal information received by the proposal information receiving unit 12. The matching unit 41 is a functional block that executes software to achieve the function. In addition, the matching unit 41 can be used, for example, to perform the matching using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Thus, since the information processing apparatus 10 has a matching unit 41 that matches customer information received by the customer information receiving unit 11 with proposal information received by the proposal information receiving unit 12, the matching service provider does not need to perform the matching manually, thereby saving the matching service provider's labor and time.

[0074] The above embodiment illustrates that a customer transmits customer information to the customer information receiving unit 11 by operating the customer terminal 20, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a matching service provider may also visit the customer and have the matching service provider operate the customer terminal 20 to transmit customer information to the customer information receiving unit 11.

[0075] The functions of the elements disclosed in this specification can be performed using circuits or processing circuits that include general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. A processor can also be considered a processing circuit or circuit because it includes transistors or other circuitry. In this invention, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs the listed functions, or hardware that programs the listed functions into executable functionality. The hardware can be the hardware disclosed in this specification, or other conventional hardware that programs or configures the listed functions into executable functionality. When hardware is considered a processor of a circuit, the circuit, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used in the configuration of the hardware and / or processor.

[0076] [Style] Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will understand that the above-described embodiments are specific examples of the following styles.

[0077] (Sample 1) An information processing apparatus comprising: a customer information receiving unit for receiving customer information including a request from a customer to implement a robot system; a proposal information receiving unit for receiving proposal information from a plurality of proposers regarding the aforementioned customer information and including the type of the aforementioned robot system; and an information prompting unit for prompting the respective proposal information from the plurality of proposers received by the proposal information receiving unit.

[0078] (Version 2) The information processing apparatus as described in Version 1, wherein the aforementioned customer information receiving unit receives at least one of the working area of ​​the robot included in the aforementioned robot system and the work content to be performed by the aforementioned robot as the aforementioned customer information.

[0079] (Version 3) The information processing apparatus as described in Version 2, wherein the aforementioned customer information receiving unit receives three-dimensional data of the working area of ​​the aforementioned robot to be configured as the aforementioned customer information.

[0080] (State 4) The information processing device described in any one of States 1 to States 3, wherein the aforementioned proposal information receiving unit, in addition to receiving the aforementioned proposal information including the type of the aforementioned robot system, also receives the aforementioned proposal information including at least one of the aforementioned proposer's area of ​​expertise, the robot system kit information previously proposed by the aforementioned proposer, and the work gap information.

[0081] (Patent 5) The information processing apparatus described in any one of Patterns 1 to 4 includes a robot system construction unit, which is used to allow the aforementioned proposer to construct the type of the aforementioned robot system based on the aforementioned customer information received by the aforementioned customer information receiving unit; the aforementioned proposal information receiving unit receives the aforementioned proposal information that includes the type of robot system constructed by the aforementioned robot system construction unit.

[0082] (Version 6) The information processing apparatus as described in Version 5, wherein the aforementioned robot system construction unit displays a graphical user interface for the aforementioned proposer to construct the aforementioned robot system type; and accepts input from the aforementioned proposer regarding the construction of the aforementioned robot system type using the aforementioned graphical user interface.

[0083] (Version 7) The information processing apparatus as described in Version 6, wherein the aforementioned robot system construction unit accepts the selection of a robot among a plurality of robots, the input of the configuration position of the selected robot, and the input of the action content of the selected robot, as an operation for constructing the type of the aforementioned robot system.

[0084] (Version 8) The information processing apparatus as described in Version 7, wherein the aforementioned robot system construction unit generates an animated image displaying the actions of the aforementioned robot based on the received action content of the aforementioned robot.

[0085] (Version 9) The information processing apparatus as described in Version 7 or Version 8, wherein the robot system construction unit accepts the selection of peripheral devices related to the operation of the robot as an operation for constructing the type of the robot system.

[0086] (Patent 10) The information processing apparatus as described in any one of Patterns 1 to 9, wherein the aforementioned customer information receiving unit receives the aforementioned customer information via an external network; and the aforementioned proposal information receiving unit receives the aforementioned proposal information via the aforementioned external network.

[0087] (State 11) The information processing device as described in any one of States 1 to States 10, wherein the aforementioned information prompting unit prompts the aforementioned proposal information of each of the plurality of aforementioned proposers to the aforementioned customer; and for any one of the plurality of aforementioned proposers, the aforementioned proposal information proposed by other proposers is not prompted.

[0088] (Pattern 12) The information processing apparatus described in any one of Patterns 1 to 11 is equipped with a pairing unit, which pairs the customer information received by the customer information receiving unit with the proposal information of a plurality of proposers received by the proposal information receiving unit; the information prompting unit prompts the proposal information of the proposers paired by the pairing unit.

[0089] (Sample 13) A control method for an information processing device includes the following steps: receiving customer information containing a customer's request to import a robot system at a customer information receiving unit; receiving proposal information from a plurality of proposers regarding the aforementioned customer information and the type of the aforementioned robot system at a proposal information receiving unit; and providing information prompts to each of the plurality of proposers receiving the aforementioned proposal information at an information prompting unit. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a matching service implementation. Figure 2 is a block diagram of an information processing device implementation. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the login screen. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the work area captured by the camera unit of the customer terminal. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the customer input screen for entering customer information. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the button for selecting a case displayed on the proposer terminal. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the work area displayed on the proposer terminal. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the graphical user interface displayed on the proposer terminal for constructing a robot system. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the state of configuring the robot and conveyor in the work area using the graphical user interface for constructing a robot system. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the state of inputting robot action content using the graphical user interface for constructing a robot system. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the proposer input screen for entering proposal information. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the proposer's areas of expertise, information on previously proposed robot system sets, and availability information. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing a robot system proposed by a proposer in the past. Figure 14 is a flowchart of a control method for an implementation of an information processing device. Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the pairing service of a first variation. Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the pairing service of a second variation. Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the pairing service of a third variation. Figure 18 is a block diagram of the information processing device of the variation.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising: a customer information receiving unit for receiving customer information including a customer's request to import a robot system; a proposal information receiving unit for receiving proposal information from a plurality of proposers regarding the aforementioned customer information, including the type of the aforementioned robot system; and an information prompting unit for prompting each of the plurality of proposers' respective proposal information received by the proposal information receiving unit.

2. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned customer information receiving department receives at least one of the following as customer information: the operating area of ​​the robot included in the aforementioned robot system and the tasks to be performed by the aforementioned robot.

3. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein, The aforementioned customer information receiving department receives 3D data of the work area where the aforementioned robot is to be configured as the aforementioned customer information.

4. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, In addition to accepting proposals that include the aforementioned robot system type, the aforementioned proposal information receiving department also accepts proposals that include at least one of the following: the proposer's area of ​​expertise, information on robot system kits previously proposed by the proposer, and information on available work slots.

5. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1 includes a robot system construction unit, which is used to allow the aforementioned proposer to construct the type of the aforementioned robot system based on the aforementioned customer information received by the aforementioned customer information receiving unit; the aforementioned proposal information receiving unit receives the aforementioned proposal information including the type of robot system constructed by the aforementioned robot system construction unit.

6. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 5, wherein, The aforementioned robot system construction section displays a graphical user interface for the aforementioned proposer to construct the aforementioned robot system model; and accepts input from the aforementioned proposer regarding the construction of the aforementioned robot system model using the aforementioned graphical user interface.

7. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 6, wherein, The aforementioned robot system construction unit accepts the selection of a robot from among a plurality of robots, the input of the configuration position of the selected robot, and the input of the action content of the selected robot, as an operation to construct the type of the aforementioned robot system.

8. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 7, wherein, The aforementioned robot system construction department generates animated images that display the robot's actions based on the received robot's action content.

9. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 7, wherein, The aforementioned robot system construction department is responsible for accepting the selection of peripheral equipment related to the operation of the aforementioned robot, and constructing the type of the aforementioned robot system.

10. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned customer information receiving department receives the aforementioned customer information via an external network; the aforementioned proposal information receiving department receives the aforementioned proposal information via the aforementioned external network.

11. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned information notification system will display the individual proposal information of each of the aforementioned proposers to the aforementioned customer; however, for any one of the aforementioned proposers, the proposal information of the other proposers will not be displayed.

12. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1 includes a matching unit that matches the customer information received by the aforementioned customer information receiving unit with the proposal information of a plurality of aforementioned proposers received by the aforementioned proposal information receiving unit; and the aforementioned information prompting unit prompts the aforementioned proposal information of the aforementioned proposers matched by the aforementioned matching unit.

13. A control method for an information processing device, comprising the following steps: receiving customer information including a customer's request to import a robot system at a customer information receiving unit; receiving proposal information from a plurality of proposers regarding the aforementioned customer information and the type of the aforementioned robot system at a proposal information receiving unit; and displaying the aforementioned proposal information from each of the plurality of proposers received by the aforementioned proposal information receiving unit at an information display unit.

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