Server, method, and program

Abstract

A server (1) comprises: an acquisition unit (101) that acquires a condition in a mixing step for promoting mixing of a plurality of materials; an analysis unit (102) that analyzes, on the basis of the condition, the progress of the mixing of the plurality of materials in the mixing step; and an output unit (103) that outputs information indicating the analyzed progress.

Description

Server, method, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a server, a method, and a program that output information related to a mixing process that promotes the mixing of multiple ingredients.

[0002] With regard to a mixing process for promoting the mixing of a plurality of materials, a technique for grasping the state of the plurality of materials in a tank where mixing is being performed is disclosed.

[0003] Patent Literature 1 discloses a prediction device for predicting a performance value of a polymer at a predetermined timing in the production of a polymer. The prediction device predicts the performance value of the polymer at a predetermined timing from observed values ​​related to the production of the polymer, such as the agitation power value of an agitator that agitates a reaction mixture containing raw materials in a polymerization tank, and the pressure value inside the polymerization tank.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-13148

[0005] Because it is not possible to see inside the tank during the mixing process, there is a demand for understanding the progress of the mixing process, such as what is happening to the multiple materials during the mixing process, and what state the multiple materials are going through as they are mixed. However, the above-mentioned prediction device has the problem of not being able to present the progress of the mixing process to the user.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention aims to present the progress of the mixing process to the user.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a server according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires conditions in a mixing process that promotes the mixing of multiple ingredients, an analysis unit that analyzes the progress of mixing of the multiple ingredients in the mixing process based on the conditions, and an output unit that outputs information indicating the analyzed progress.

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, a method according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition step of acquiring conditions in a mixing process that promotes mixing of multiple materials, an analysis step of analyzing the progress of mixing of the multiple materials in the mixing process based on the conditions, and an output step of outputting information indicating the analyzed progress.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, a program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute an acquisition process for acquiring conditions in a mixing process that promotes the mixing of multiple materials, an analysis process for analyzing the progress of mixing of the multiple materials in the mixing process based on the conditions, and an output process for outputting information indicating the analyzed progress.

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, a program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute a first acquisition process that acquires conditions in a mixing process that promotes the mixing of multiple ingredients; a first output process that outputs the conditions to a server; a second acquisition process that acquires from the server information indicating a progression of mixing of the multiple ingredients in the mixing process, the progression being analyzed by the server based on the conditions; and a second output process that outputs an image signal indicating the progression.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, the progress of the mixing process can be presented to the user.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a table showing an example of conditions according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a table showing another example of conditions according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of processing executed in advance by an analysis unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by a server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a response surface referenced by an analysis unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an example of an image displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is another example of an image displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is yet another example of an image displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is yet another example of an image displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is yet another example of an image displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a progression of an image displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a progression displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of a progression displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another example of processing executed in advance by an analysis unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing yet another example of a progression displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by a server according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a transition displayed in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0014] (Configuration and Overview of System 100) The configuration and overview of the system 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0015] System 100 is a system that displays the progression of mixing of multiple materials in a mixing process that promotes mixing of multiple materials by placing multiple materials in a mixing tank. The materials in system 100 are not particularly limited and may be solid, liquid, or gas, or multiple materials in different states such as solid-liquid or liquid-gas. Examples of materials include chemicals (e.g., ink, paint, dye, pigment, resin, adhesive, thickener, etc.), cosmetics (e.g., lotion, cream, etc.), daily necessities (e.g., detergent, toothpaste, etc.), building materials (e.g., asphalt, etc.), food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.

[0016] Furthermore, an example of the transition of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process presented by system 100 is a transition in which the states of the multiple materials change over a predetermined period of time. The transition in the states of the multiple materials may be a transition in physical quantities (such as pressure, velocity, temperature, viscosity, density, and turbulence dissipation rate) or a transition in state (such as liquid surface deformation, rotation, vortex, flow path, particle behavior, and unevenness). With this configuration, system 100 can suitably present the transition of the multiple materials to the user.

[0017] Another example of a transition in which multiple materials are mixed in a mixing process presented in system 100 is a transition in which the conditions of the mixing tank (such as power, discharge flow rate, and circulation flow rate) during mixing change over a predetermined period of time.

[0018] 1, the system 100 includes a server 1 and a terminal 5. The server 1 and the terminal 5 are communicably connected to each other via a network N. An example of the server 1 is a desktop computer. An example of the terminal 5 is a smartphone or a tablet.

[0019] Specific examples of the network N include a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wired LAN, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a public line network, a mobile data communication network (3G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G, 5G, local 5G, etc.), or a combination of these networks. However, the network N is not limited to these.

[0020] In the system 100, the terminal 5 acquires conditions for the mixing process. The terminal 5 may acquire the conditions by executing an application for using the system 100. The terminal 5 outputs the acquired conditions to the server 1. The server 1 generates information indicating the progress of mixing of multiple ingredients based on the conditions acquired from the terminal 5. The server 1 outputs the generated information to the terminal 5. The terminal 5 presents the information acquired from the server 1 to the user.

[0021] The destination to which the server 1 outputs the generated information is not limited to the terminal 5 that output the conditions. As another example, the destination may be another terminal or a display device connected to the server 1.

[0022] Examples of conditions acquired by the terminal 5 and the server 1 are shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a table showing an example of conditions in this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a table showing another example of conditions in this embodiment.

[0023] 2 and 3, examples of the conditions include apparatus conditions for the mixing device, fluid conditions for the fluids of the materials being mixed, particle tracking conditions for tracking particles of the materials being mixed, liquid-liquid mixing conditions for mixing liquids, liquid-solid mixing conditions for mixing liquids and solids, or gas-liquid mixing conditions for mixing gases and liquids, and heat transfer conditions for heat transfer. Another example of the conditions is droplet conditions for droplets of the materials being mixed. With this configuration, system 100 can analyze the progression of multiple materials based on various conditions.

[0024] (Configuration of Server 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the server 1 includes a control unit 10, a communication unit 11, and a storage unit 12.

[0025] The communication unit 11 is an interface that outputs and acquires data via the network N. For example, the communication unit 11 outputs data supplied from the control unit 10 to the terminal 5, and supplies data acquired from the terminal 5 to the control unit 10. Examples of the communication unit 11 include, but are not limited to, communication chips for various communication standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and wireless communication standards for mobile data communication networks, and connectors that comply with USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0026] The storage unit 12 stores data referenced by the control unit 10. Examples of data stored in the storage unit 12 include, but are not limited to, data acquired from the terminal 5, information indicating analyzed trends, and a program for causing a computer to function as the server 1. Examples of the storage unit 12 include, but are not limited to, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

[0027] (Functions of control unit 10) The control unit 10 controls each component included in the server 1. Examples of the control unit 10 that can be used include, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a micro processing unit (MPU), a floating point number processing unit (FPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a quantum processor, a microcontroller, or a combination thereof.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 10 includes an acquisition unit 101, an analysis unit 102, and an output unit 103.

[0029] The acquisition unit 101 acquires conditions for a mixing process that promotes mixing of a plurality of materials from the terminal 5 via the communication unit 11. The acquisition unit 101 stores the acquired conditions in the storage unit 12.

[0030] The analysis unit 102 analyzes the progress of mixing of the plurality of materials in the mixing process based on the conditions stored in the storage unit 12. The analysis unit 102 stores information indicating the analyzed progress in the storage unit 12.

[0031] The process executed by the analysis unit 102 before analysis will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the process executed by the analysis unit 102 before analysis according to this embodiment.

[0032] The analysis unit 102 acquires basic analysis conditions, which are basic conditions for analysis, from the conditions stored in the storage unit 12. Examples of basic analysis conditions include, but are not limited to, the impeller rotation speed, the tracer particle tracking time, and the liquid-liquid mixing analysis calculation time, as shown in FIG.

[0033] The analysis unit 102 calculates pre-calculation items, which are items that should be calculated in advance before analysis, based on the basic analysis conditions. Examples of pre-calculation items include, but are not limited to, torque, power, and flow rate.

[0034] For example, as shown in the lower left of Figure 4, if the force acting on the blade is W [N] and the distance from the center of the axis in a cross section along the axis of the mixing tank is r [m], the analysis unit 102 calculates the torque T using the following formula.

[0035] As another example, the analysis unit 102 calculates the power P (kW) using the following formula:

[0036] As another example, as shown in the lower right of FIG. 4, an inspection plane suitable for flow rate analysis can be defined as A [m ２ ] and linear velocity u [m / s], the analysis unit 102 calculates the volume flow rate Q [m ３ / s] is calculated using the following formula:

[0037] An example of the process in which the analysis unit 102 analyzes the transition will be described later.

[0038] The output unit 103 outputs the information indicating the transition stored in the storage unit 12. As described above, the output destination to which the output unit 103 outputs the information indicating the transition is not limited. Examples of the output destination include the terminal 5 and a display device connected to the server 1.

[0039] (Configuration of Terminal 5) As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal 5 includes a control unit 50, a communication unit 51, an input unit 52, and a display unit 53.

[0040] The communication unit 51 is an interface that outputs and acquires data via the network N. For example, the communication unit 51 outputs data supplied from the control unit 50 to the server 1, and supplies data acquired from the server 1 to the control unit 50. Examples of the communication unit 51 include, but are not limited to, communication chips for various communication standards such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and wireless communication standards for mobile data communication networks, and USB-compliant connectors.

[0041] The input unit 52 is an interface that accepts inputs from user operations. For example, the input unit 52 supplies information indicating the accepted inputs to the control unit 50. Examples of the input unit 52 include, but are not limited to, a mouse, a keyboard, and a touchpad superimposed on the display unit 53.

[0042] The display unit 53 is an interface that displays an image indicated by an image signal. As an example, the display unit 53 displays an image indicated by an image signal supplied from the control unit 50. Examples of the display unit 53 include, but are not limited to, a liquid crystal panel and an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0043] The control unit 50 controls each component included in the terminal 5. Examples of the control unit 50 include, but are not limited to, a CPU, a GPU, a DSP, an MPU, an FPU, a PPU, a TPU, a quantum processor, a microcontroller, or a combination thereof.

[0044] As an example, the control unit 50 executes an application for using the system 100. The application causes the control unit 50 to acquire, via the input unit 52, conditions for a mixing process that promotes the mixing of multiple ingredients (first acquisition process). The application also causes the control unit 50 to output the acquired conditions to the server 1 via the communication unit 51 (first output process). The application also causes the control unit 50 to acquire, via the communication unit 51, information from the server 1 that indicates the progress of mixing of multiple ingredients in the mixing process, which is analyzed by the server 1 based on the conditions (second acquisition process). The application also causes the control unit 50 to output an image signal indicating the progress to the display unit 53 (second output process).

[0045] (Processing Flow Executed by Server 1) The processing flow (method) executed by the server 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing flow executed by the server 1 according to this embodiment.

[0046] (Step S11: Acquisition Step) In step S11, the acquisition unit 101 acquires conditions for a mixing process that promotes mixing of a plurality of ingredients from the terminal 5 via the communication unit 11. The acquisition unit 101 stores the acquired conditions in the storage unit 12.

[0047] (Step S12: Analysis Step) In step S12, the analysis unit 102 analyzes the progress of mixing of the multiple materials in the mixing process based on the conditions stored in the storage unit 12. The analysis unit 102 stores information indicating the analyzed progress in the storage unit 12.

[0048] (Step S13: Output Step) In step S13, the output unit 103 outputs the information indicating the transition stored in the storage unit 12.

[0049] (Example 1 of a process in which the analysis unit 102 analyzes a transition) An example of a process in which the analysis unit 102 analyzes a transition will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a response surface referenced by the analysis unit 102 according to this embodiment.

[0050] The analysis unit 102 analyzes the transition based on a response surface or a response plane in which the conditions in the mixing process are used as input parameters and values ​​related to the transition are used as response parameters. For example, the analysis unit 102 analyzes the viscosity, rotation speed, and complete mixing time (transitions in concentration, temperature, density, particles, etc.) in advance based on a predetermined type of mixing tank, baffle, stirring blade, and viscosity model. As an example, the analysis unit 102 may divide the interior of the mixing tank into multiple grids and analyze the viscosity, rotation speed, and complete mixing time (transitions in concentration, temperature, density, particles, etc.) for each grid. In this case, the analysis unit 102 may set the grid size (resolution) to a predetermined size or a size specified by the user.

[0051] The following three viscosity models are examples:

[0052] For example, when three types of mixing tanks, three types of baffles, 30 types of agitator blades, and 16 types of viscosity models are used, the analysis unit 102 analyzes 4,320 patterns of viscosity, rotation speed, and complete mixing time. Then, the analysis unit 102 generates a response surface (or response plane) based on the analyzed viscosity, rotation speed, and complete mixing time, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 6. As another example, the analysis unit 102 analyzes the viscosity, rotation speed, and discharge flow rate, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 6, and generates a response surface (or response plane).

[0053] Next, in step S12 described above, the analysis unit 102 analyzes the progress of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process based on the conditions acquired by the acquisition unit 101 and stored in the memory unit 12 and the generated response surface.

[0054] For example, the analysis unit 102 replaces the conditions acquired by the acquisition unit 101 with matching or similar conditions that were previously used to analyze the response surface or response plane. Then, the analysis unit 102 analyzes the progress of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process based on the replaced conditions and the generated response surface or response plane.

[0055] With this configuration, the analysis unit 102 can suitably analyze the progress of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process.

[0056] (Example 2 of Process in which Analysis Unit 102 Analyzes Transitions) Another example of process in which the analysis unit 102 analyzes transitions is when a machine learning model is used. One example of the machine learning model is a machine learning model that is trained to input conditions in the mixing process and output a transition of mixing of multiple ingredients in the mixing process. The analysis unit 102 inputs the conditions acquired by the acquisition unit 101 and stored in the memory unit 12 into the machine learning model, and analyzes the transition of mixing of multiple ingredients in the mixing process by referring to the output transition.

[0057] With this configuration, the analysis unit 102 can suitably analyze the progress of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process.

[0058] (Application Image Example 1) An example of an image displayed on the display unit 53 when the terminal 5 executes an application for using the system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an example of an image displayed on the display unit 53 in this embodiment.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, the image displayed on the terminal 5 includes an area in1 for inputting conditions for the mixing process and an area rs1 for displaying information obtained from the server 1.

[0060] In the image shown in Fig. 7, the terminal 5 acquires the equipment conditions. The terminal 5 outputs the acquired conditions to the server 1. The analysis unit 102 of the server 1 analyzes the progress of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process based on the conditions acquired from the terminal 5. As an example, the analysis unit 102 analyzes the progress of power based on the equipment conditions. The output unit 103 of the server 1 outputs information indicating the analyzed progress to the terminal 5. The terminal 5 displays the information indicating the progress of power output from the server 1 in the area rs1.

[0061] Furthermore, instead of the information indicating the transition, the server 1 may output information indicating the shape of the mixing tank that matches the conditions based on the device conditions acquired from the terminal 5 to the terminal 5. Upon acquiring the information from the server 1, the terminal 5 displays the shape of the mixing tank that matches the conditions in the area rs1 based on the information, as shown in FIG.

[0062] (Application Image Example 2) Another example of an image displayed on the display unit 53 when the terminal 5 executes an application for using the system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 shows another example of an image displayed on the display unit 53 in this embodiment.

[0063] In the example shown in Figure 8, the image displayed on terminal 5 also includes area in2 for inputting conditions for the mixing process and area rs2 for displaying information obtained from server 1.

[0064] In the image shown in FIG. 8 , the terminal 5 acquires fluid conditions. The terminal 5 outputs the acquired conditions to the server 1. The analysis unit 102 of the server 1 analyzes the progress of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process based on the conditions acquired from the terminal 5. As an example, the analysis unit 102 analyzes the progress of flow (the progress of flow speed) of each of the multiple materials on a predetermined plane based on the fluid conditions. The predetermined plane may be set by the user or may be set in advance. The output unit 103 of the server 1 outputs information indicating the analyzed progress to the terminal 5.

[0065] When the terminal 5 acquires the information indicating the progress from the server 1, it displays the progress of mixing of the multiple materials in the mixing process in the area rs2 that displays the analysis results based on the information, as shown in FIG. 8 . As an example, the terminal 5 may display in the area rs2 a video showing the flow (mixing state) of each of the multiple materials in a predetermined plane. The terminal 5 may also represent the magnitude of the flow speed by color. For example, the terminal 5 may represent the flow speed by a color gradation, such as the grayscale shown in FIG. 8 , with the fastest flowing area being red and the slowest flowing area being blue.

[0066] (Application Image Example 3) Another example of an image displayed on the display unit 53 when the terminal 5 executes an application for using the system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 shows another example of an image displayed on the display unit 53 in this embodiment.

[0067] In the example shown in Figure 9, the image displayed on terminal 5 also includes area in3 for inputting conditions for the mixing process and area rs3 for displaying information obtained from server 1.

[0068] In the image shown in Fig. 9, the terminal 5 acquires particle tracking conditions. The terminal 5 outputs the acquired conditions to the server 1. The analysis unit 102 of the server 1 analyzes the progress of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process based on the conditions acquired from the terminal 5. As an example, the analysis unit 102 analyzes the trajectories of tracer particles in each of the multiple materials as a progress based on the particle tracking conditions. The output unit 103 of the server 1 outputs information indicating the analyzed progress to the terminal 5.

[0069] When the terminal 5 acquires the information indicating the progress from the server 1, it displays the progress of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process in the region rs3 that displays the analysis results based on the information, as shown in Fig. 9 . As an example, the terminal 5 displays the trajectories of tracer particles in the mixing process in the region rs3. The terminal 5 may also display the magnitude of the particle velocity by color. For example, the terminal 5 may display the flow velocity by a color gradation, such as the grayscale shown in Fig. 9 , with the fastest particle region being red and the slowest particle region being blue.

[0070] (Application Image Example 4) Another example of an image displayed on the display unit 53 when the terminal 5 executes an application for using the system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is another example of an image displayed on the display unit 53 in this embodiment. Fig. 11 is another example of an image displayed on the display unit 53 in this embodiment.

[0071] 10, the image displayed on the terminal 5 also includes an area in4 for inputting conditions for the mixing process, and areas rs4 and rs_g for displaying information obtained from the server 1. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the image displayed on the terminal 5 also includes an area rs5 for displaying information obtained from the server 1.

[0072] In the image shown in FIG. 10 , the terminal 5 acquires liquid-liquid mixing conditions. The terminal 5 outputs the acquired conditions to the server 1. The analysis unit 102 of the server 1 analyzes the progress of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process based on the conditions acquired from the terminal 5. As an example, the analysis unit 102 analyzes the progress of concentration on a predetermined plane in the mixing process based on the liquid-liquid mixing conditions. The predetermined plane may be set by the user or may be set in advance. The output unit 103 of the server 1 outputs information indicating the analyzed progress to the terminal 5.

[0073] When the terminal 5 acquires the information indicating the transition from the server 1, it displays the transition of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process in the region rs4 that displays the analysis results based on the information, as shown in Fig. 10 . As an example, the terminal 5 displays the transition of concentration in a predetermined plane in the mixing process in the region rs4. The terminal 5 may also represent the concentration of a material by color. For example, the terminal 5 may represent the level of concentration by a color gradation, such as the grayscale shown in Fig. 10 , with high concentration regions being red and low concentration regions being blue.

[0074] Furthermore, the terminal 5 may display the transition in a graph. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the terminal 5 may display in the area rs_g a graph in which the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the concentration at a predetermined position. The predetermined position may be set by the user or may be set in advance.

[0075] 11, the terminal 5 may display the overall change in concentration in the mixing process in an area rs5. As an example, when the user performs an operation to display the overall change in concentration in the mixing process, the terminal 5 may change the image displayed on the display unit 53 from the image shown in FIG. 10 to the image shown in FIG.

[0076] The transition of the image displayed in the area rs5 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 shows an example of the transition of the image displayed on the display unit 53 in this embodiment.

[0077] In the image shown in FIG. 12, the concentration is 0.5 [mol / m ３ ] or 0.5 [mol / m ３ ], the color is darker, and the concentration is 0.5 [mol / m ３ The closer the concentration is to 0.5 [mol / m], the whiter (or more transparent) the color is displayed. ３ ] is red, and the area above 0.5 [mol / m ３ ] is blue, and the concentration may be expressed by a color gradation like the gray scale shown in FIG. ３ ] is referred to as "completely mixed." In other words, when the colors are completely mixed, the entire color becomes white (or transparent). With this configuration, the terminal 5 allows the user to clearly determine the areas that are easy to mix and the areas that are difficult to mix.

[0078] Immediately after mixing multiple materials, the concentration in the mixing tank is 0.5 [mol / m ３ ]. Therefore, in the region rs5, an image of the inside of the mixing tank being entirely black is displayed, as shown on the left side of FIG. 12. If mixing is continued from the state on the left side of FIG. 12, the concentration in the mixing tank will become higher or lower than 0.5 [mol / m ３ ]. Therefore, in the region rs5, an image in which the color of the inside of the mixing tank gradually becomes whiter is displayed, as shown in the center of Figure 12. As mixing continues, the concentration in the mixing tank approaches approximately 0.5 [mol / m ３Therefore, an image in which the color of the inside of the mixing tank is white is displayed in the region rs5, as shown on the right side of FIG.

[0079] (Example 1 of Displayed Transitions) An example of the transitions displayed in the areas rs1 to rs5 for displaying information acquired from the server 1 in the above-described Figures 7 to 11 will be described with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the transitions displayed in this embodiment.

[0080] The analysis unit 102 analyzes the basic mixing performance (power, flow rate, and complete mixing time) based on the acquired conditions. The output unit 103 outputs information indicating the basic mixing performance analyzed by the analysis unit 102 to the terminal 5. The terminal 5 displays the basic mixing performance on the display unit 53 based on the information acquired from the server 1. As an example, the terminal 5 displays the image shown in FIG. 13 on the display unit 53. FIG. 13 shows graphs of the power, discharge flow rate, and complete mixing time versus the rotation speed. Instead of the graph shown in FIG. 13, the terminal 5 may display on the display unit 53 a graph showing the transition of the concentration used in analyzing the power, discharge flow rate, and complete mixing time versus time.

[0081] (Example 2 of Displayed Transitions) Another example of the transitions displayed in the areas rs1 to rs5 for displaying information acquired from the server 1 in the above-described Figures 7 to 11 will be described with reference to Figure 14. Figure 14 is a diagram showing another example of the transitions displayed in this embodiment.

[0082] The analysis unit 102 may analyze the progress of mixing of multiple materials in a mixing process using a static mixer. In this case, for example, the analysis unit 102 analyzes the trajectories of tracer particles in the mixing process using a static mixer as a progress based on the acquired conditions. The output unit 103 outputs information indicating the trajectories of the tracer particles analyzed by the analysis unit 102 to the terminal 5. The terminal 5 displays the trajectories of the tracer particles on the display unit 53 based on the information acquired from the server 1.

[0083] As an example, the terminal 5 displays the image shown in Fig. 14 on the display unit 53. Fig. 14 shows the path of flow of tracer particles placed in a static mixer. The terminal 5 may also display the magnitude of the velocity of the tracer particles by color. For example, the terminal 5 may display the flow velocity by a color gradation, such as the gray scale shown in Fig. 14, with red representing the area with the fastest tracer particles and blue representing the area with the slowest particles.

[0084] (Example 3 of Displayed Transitions) Another example of the transitions displayed in the areas rs1 to rs5 for displaying information acquired from the server 1 in the above-described Figures 7 to 11 will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 is a diagram showing another example of processing executed in advance by the analysis unit 102 according to this embodiment. Figure 16 is a diagram showing yet another example of the transitions displayed in this embodiment.

[0085] The analysis unit 102 acquires basic analysis conditions from among the conditions stored in the storage unit 12. Examples of the basic analysis conditions include, but are not limited to, a reference droplet diameter, a volume fraction of the dispersed phase, and surface tension, as shown in FIG. 15 . The analysis unit 102 calculates pre-calculation items based on the basic analysis conditions. Examples of the pre-calculation items include, but are not limited to, a total number density, a number density, and a volume fraction, as shown in FIG. 15 .

[0086] The analysis unit 102 analyzes the progress of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process based on the droplet conditions for the droplets of the materials to be mixed output from the terminal 5. As an example, the analysis unit 102 analyzes the progress of dispersion and emulsification of particles before and after passing through a neck (orifice) based on the droplet conditions. The output unit 103 of the server 1 outputs information indicating the analyzed progress to the terminal 5.

[0087] When the terminal 5 receives the information indicating the transition from the server 1, it displays the analysis results based on the information, as shown in Fig. 16. The upper part of Fig. 16 is a graph for five types of particles with different sizes, with the horizontal axis representing position and the vertical axis representing volume fraction. The lower part of Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the flow of liquid in a mixing tank with a neck through which liquid flows from left to right.

[0088] (Example 4 of Displayed Transitions) Yet another example of the transitions displayed in the areas rs1 to rs5 for displaying information acquired from the server 1 in the above-described Figures 7 to 11 will be described with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 is a diagram showing yet another example of the transitions displayed in this embodiment.

[0089] The analysis unit 102 acquires the heat transfer conditions from among the conditions stored in the storage unit 12. Then, the analysis unit 102 calculates the heat generation Q using the following formula, for example.

[0090] The meaning of each term in the above formula is as follows:

[0091] The analysis unit 102 analyzes the transition of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process based on the heat transfer conditions. As an example, the analysis unit 102 analyzes the transition of temperature in the mixing tank. The output unit 103 of the server 1 outputs information indicating the analyzed transition to the terminal 5.

[0092] When the terminal 5 acquires the information indicating the transition from the server 1, it displays the analysis results based on the information, as shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 17 shows the temperature of each region in the heat exchanger as an example. The terminal 5 may also indicate the temperature level by color. For example, the terminal 5 may indicate the temperature by a color gradation, such as the grayscale shown in Fig. 17, with the highest temperature region being red and the lowest temperature region being blue.

[0093] (Effects of System 100) As described above, in the system 100 according to this embodiment, the server 1 analyzes the progress of mixing of multiple materials based on the conditions acquired from the terminal 5. The server 1 also outputs information indicating the analyzed progress to the terminal 5. Therefore, in the system 100, the server 1 can present the progress in the mixing process to the user. Furthermore, this configuration allows the user to predict the mixing progress in advance without operating the equipment, etc. Therefore, the system 100 can select appropriate materials, equipment, parts, etc. for actual production with high accuracy, which is expected to reduce costs in production. Furthermore, the system 100 can reduce losses such as a decrease in yield due to scale-up, and reduce design errors in the production process.

[0094] [Embodiment 2] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0095] (Configuration and Overview of System 200) The configuration and overview of the system 200 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system 200 according to this embodiment.

[0096] 18, the system 200 includes a server 2 and a terminal 5. The configuration and functions of the terminal 5 are as described in the above embodiment.

[0097] In system 200, in addition to the processing executed by server 1 described above, server 2 outputs to terminal 5 information indicating the progress of mixing of multiple ingredients in the mixing process based on conditions obtained by changing at least a portion of the acquired conditions.

[0098] 18, the server 2 includes a control unit 20, a communication unit 11, and a storage unit 12. The communication unit 11 and the storage unit 12 are as described in the above-described embodiment.

[0099] The control unit 20 controls each component included in the server 2. As shown in Fig. 18 , the control unit 20 also includes an acquisition unit 101, an analysis unit 102, an output unit 103, and a generation unit 104. The acquisition unit 101 and the output unit 103 are as described in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0100] The analysis unit 102 analyzes the progress of mixing of the multiple materials in the mixing process based on the conditions changed by the generation unit 104. The analysis process performed by the analysis unit 102 is as described in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0101] The generating unit 104 generates conditions by changing at least a part of the conditions acquired by the acquiring unit 101. The generating unit 104 stores the generated conditions in the storage unit 12.

[0102] As an example, the acquisition unit 101 acquires upper and lower limit values ​​of the condition to be changed. The generation unit 104 changes at least a part of the condition by referring to the upper and lower limit values ​​acquired by the acquisition unit 101. As an example, the generation unit 104 generates a condition changed by a parametric sweep within the range of the upper and lower limit values ​​acquired by the acquisition unit 101.

[0103] As another example, the generating unit 104 generates conditions in which a condition that does not have a value for the stirring blade, etc. is changed to a predetermined setting. As one example, when generating conditions in which the stirring blade is changed, the generating unit 104 generates a condition in which the stirring blade is a paddle blade, a condition in which the stirring blade is a helical ribbon blade, a condition in which the stirring blade is an anchor blade, and the like.

[0104] As yet another example, the generation unit 104 generates the conditions using a machine learning model. One example of the machine learning model is a machine learning model that is trained to use conditions in the mixing process as input and output conditions with at least some changes made.

[0105] As one example, if there is no difference in the analyzed transition between condition A before the change and condition B after the change, when condition A is input to the machine learning model, the machine learning model is trained so as not to generate condition B. As another example, if there is a significant difference in the analyzed transition between condition C before the change and condition D after the change, when condition C is input to the machine learning model, the machine learning model is trained so as to generate one or more conditions E between condition C and condition D in addition to condition D.

[0106] This configuration allows the generation unit 104 to suitably generate conditions with different transitions. Furthermore, this configuration allows the user to infer the root cause of a problem or defect to be solved from the generated mixing transition information, and further to obtain ideas for new manufacturing methods, device selection, etc.

[0107] (Processing Flow Executed by Server 2) The processing flow executed by the server 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the processing flow executed by the server 2 according to this embodiment.

[0108] (Step S11) In step S11, the acquisition unit 101 acquires conditions for a mixing process that promotes mixing of a plurality of materials from the terminal 5 via the communication unit 11. The acquisition unit 101 stores the acquired conditions in the storage unit 12.

[0109] (Step S21) In step S21, the control unit 20 starts a loop process of changing conditions.

[0110] (Step S22) In step S22, the generating unit 104 generates conditions by changing at least a part of the conditions acquired by the acquiring unit 101.

[0111] (Step S12) In step S12, the analysis unit 102 analyzes the progress of mixing of the multiple ingredients in the mixing process based on the conditions stored in the storage unit 12 and generated by the generation unit 104. The analysis unit 102 stores information indicating the analyzed progress in the storage unit 12.

[0112] (Step S23) In step S23, the generating unit 104 determines whether or not all conditions to be generated have been generated.

[0113] In step S23, if it is determined that all the conditions to be generated have not been generated (step S23: NO), the generating unit 104 executes step S22 again.

[0114] (Step S24) If it is determined in step S23 that all conditions to be generated have been generated (step S23: YES), the control unit 20 ends the loop process of changing conditions in step S24.

[0115] (Step S13) In step S13, the output unit 103 outputs the information indicating the transition stored in the storage unit 12.

[0116] (Example 5 of Displayed Transition) An example of the transition displayed on the display unit 53 of the terminal 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the transition displayed in this embodiment.

[0117] For example, if the stirring impeller included in condition A acquired by acquisition unit 101 is blade A, generation unit 104 generates condition B by changing the stirring impeller to blade B. Analysis unit 102 analyzes the progress of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process based on each of condition A and condition B. Output unit 103 outputs information indicating the progress analyzed by analysis unit 102 to terminal 5.

[0118] The terminal 5 displays the transition on the display unit 53 based on the information acquired from the server 1. As an example, the terminal 5 displays the image shown in Fig. 20 on the display unit 53. The upper part of Fig. 20 is a graph for each blade, with the horizontal axis representing the mixing time and the vertical axis representing the normalized concentration. The lower part of Fig. 20 shows the shapes of blades A and B and the points at which the concentration was monitored. By presenting the graph shown in the upper part of Fig. 20, the terminal 5 can present the transition of the concentration for each blade to the user.

[0119] (Example 6 of Displayed Transition) Another example of the transition displayed on the display unit 53 of the terminal 5 will be described (not shown in the drawings).

[0120] For example, if the stirring impeller included in condition C acquired by acquisition unit 101 is blade C, generation unit 104 generates condition D, condition E, condition F, and condition G by changing the stirring impeller to blade D, blade E, blade F, and blade G, respectively. Analysis unit 102 analyzes the progress of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process based on each of conditions C to G. Output unit 103 outputs information indicating the progress analyzed by analysis unit 102 to terminal 5.

[0121] The terminal 5 displays the progress on the display unit 53 based on the information acquired from the server 1. As an example, the terminal 5 can show how a plurality of materials flow for each blade on the display unit 53. By displaying the image, the terminal 5 can show the user how the materials are mixed for each blade.

[0122] (Effects of System 200) In this way, in system 200 according to this embodiment, server 2 generates conditions by changing at least some of the conditions acquired from terminal 5, and analyzes the progress of mixing of multiple materials based on the generated conditions. Furthermore, server 1 outputs information indicating the analyzed progress to terminal 5. Therefore, in system 200, server 2 allows the user to compare how the progress of mixing of multiple materials differs for each condition. Furthermore, with this configuration, the user can compare information on each mixing progress, deduce the root cause of the problem or defect that needs to be solved, and obtain ideas for selecting an ideal manufacturing method or device to solve the problem.

[0123] [Embodiment 3] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of convenience, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0124] (Configuration and Overview of System 300) The configuration and overview of the system 300 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system 300 according to this embodiment.

[0125] 21, the system 300 includes a server 3 and a terminal 5. The configuration and functions of the terminal 5 are as described in the above embodiment.

[0126] In system 300, in addition to the processing executed by servers 1 and 2 described above, server 3 changes the specified conditions and outputs to terminal 5 information indicating the progress of mixing of multiple ingredients in the mixing process based on the changed conditions.

[0127] 21, the server 3 includes a control unit 30, a communication unit 11, and a storage unit 12. The communication unit 11 and the storage unit 12 are as described in the above-described embodiment.

[0128] The control unit 30 controls each component included in the server 3. As shown in Fig. 21 , the control unit 30 includes an acquisition unit 101, an analysis unit 102, an output unit 103, a generation unit 104, a designation unit 105, and a determination unit 106. The acquisition unit 101 and the output unit 103 are as described in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0129] The analysis unit 102 analyzes the progress of mixing of the multiple materials in the mixing process based on the conditions changed by the generation unit 104. The analysis process performed by the analysis unit 102 is as described in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0130] The generating unit 104 generates conditions by changing at least a part of the conditions specified by the specifying unit 105 from the conditions acquired by the acquiring unit 101. The generating unit 104 stores the generated conditions in the storage unit 12.

[0131] The designation unit 105 designates at least a part of the conditions to be changed by the generation unit 104. As an example, the acquisition unit 101 acquires at least a part of the conditions to be changed by the generation unit 104 from the terminal 5. The designation unit 105 instructs the generation unit 104 to change at least a part of the conditions acquired by the acquisition unit 101.

[0132] The determination unit 106 determines whether the conditions generated by the generation unit 104, in which at least some of the conditions have been changed, are optimal conditions for the mixing process, based on the transitions analyzed by the analysis unit 102. Examples of optimal conditions include, but are not limited to, a condition in which the complete mixing time is short and a condition in which the power per unit volume (volumetric energy density) is small.

[0133] As an example, the determination unit 106 first refers to the transition analyzed by the analysis unit 102 based on the conditions generated by the generation unit 104, with at least some of the conditions specified by the specification unit 105 changed. Next, the determination unit 106 determines whether the transition matches (or is similar to) a predetermined optimal transition. The predetermined optimal transition may be stored in advance in the storage unit 12 as a database, or may be stored as a response surface or a response plane.

[0134] If it is determined that the transition matches (or is similar to) a predetermined optimal transition, the determination unit 106 determines that the conditions generated by the generation unit 104 are optimal conditions. On the other hand, if it is determined that the transition does not match (or is not similar to) the predetermined optimal transition, the determination unit 106 determines that the conditions generated by the generation unit 104 are not optimal conditions.

[0135] As another example, the determination unit 106 uses a machine learning model to determine whether the conditions are optimal. One example of the machine learning model is a machine learning model that receives inputs of the conditions in the mixing process and the progression of mixing of multiple ingredients in the mixing process, and is trained to output whether the conditions are optimal. The determination unit 106 inputs into the machine learning model the conditions generated by the generation unit 104, which are stored in the memory unit 12 and in which at least some of the conditions specified by the designation unit 105 have been changed, and the progression analyzed by the analysis unit 102, and determines whether the input conditions are optimal by referring to the output determination result.

[0136] This configuration allows the determination unit 106 to appropriately determine whether the conditions are optimal. Furthermore, this configuration allows the obtained input / output information to be accumulated and utilized in a machine learning model, contributing to the transmission of skilled know-how (tacit knowledge) in the manufacturing process and the provision of a numerical interpretation of that know-how. Furthermore, this configuration allows the optimal solution for various conditions to be predicted when making investment decisions, such as when introducing equipment, contributing to the speeding up of management decisions.

[0137] (Processing Flow Executed by Server 3) The processing flow executed by the server 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 22. Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing the processing flow executed by the server 3 according to this embodiment.

[0138] (Step S11) In step S11, the acquisition unit 101 acquires conditions for a mixing process that promotes mixing of a plurality of materials from the terminal 5 via the communication unit 11. The acquisition unit 101 stores the acquired conditions in the storage unit 12.

[0139] (Step S31) In step S31, the control unit 20 starts a loop process of changing conditions.

[0140] (Step S32) In step S32, the designation unit 105 designates at least some of the conditions to be changed by the generation unit 104.

[0141] (Step S33) In step S33, the generation unit 104 generates conditions by changing at least some of the conditions specified by the specification unit 105 from the conditions acquired by the acquisition unit 101. The generation unit 104 stores the generated conditions in the storage unit 12.

[0142] (Step S12) In step S12, the analysis unit 102 analyzes the progress of mixing of the multiple ingredients in the mixing process based on the conditions stored in the storage unit 12 and generated by the generation unit 104. The analysis unit 102 stores information indicating the analyzed progress in the storage unit 12.

[0143] (Step S33) In step S33, the determination unit 106 determines whether the conditions generated by the generation unit 104, in which at least some of the conditions have been changed, are optimal conditions for the mixing process, based on the transition analyzed by the analysis unit 102.

[0144] In step S33, if it is determined that the conditions generated by the generation unit 104, in which at least some of the conditions have been changed, are not optimal conditions (step S33: NO), the generation unit 104 executes the processing of step S33 again.

[0145] (Step S34) In step S33, if it is determined that the conditions generated by the generation unit 104, in which at least some of the conditions have been changed, are optimal conditions (step S33: YES), in step S34 the control unit 20 ends the loop processing of changing conditions.

[0146] (Step S13) In step S13, the output unit 103 outputs the information indicating the transition stored in the storage unit 12.

[0147] (Example 7 of Displayed Transition) An example of a transition displayed on the display unit 53 of the terminal 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 23. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing another example of a transition displayed in this embodiment.

[0148] For example, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the stirring blade as a condition to be changed, and the designation unit 105 instructs the generation unit 104 to change the stirring blade.

[0149] The generation unit 104 generates conditions in which the agitating blades are changed. For example, if the agitating blade included in the condition H acquired by the acquisition unit 101 is blade H, the generation unit 104 generates condition I, condition J, and condition K in which the agitating blade is changed to blade I, blade J, and blade K, respectively. The analysis unit 102 analyzes the progress of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process based on each of conditions H to K. The determination unit 106 determines which agitating blade is optimal based on the progress analyzed by the analysis unit 102. The output unit 103 outputs to the terminal 5 information indicating the progress analyzed based on at least the condition determined to be optimal by the determination unit 106.

[0150] The terminal 5 displays the transition on the display unit 53 based on the information acquired from the server 1. As an example, the terminal 5 displays the transition analyzed based on the conditions determined to be optimal on the display unit 53.

[0151] As another example, the terminal 5 displays on the display unit 53 the transitions analyzed based on each of the conditions H to K, as shown in Fig. 23. Fig. 23 is a graph in which the horizontal axis represents the rotation speed and the vertical axis represents the complete mixing time for blades H to K corresponding to conditions H to K, respectively. By displaying the graph in Fig. 23, the terminal 5 can indicate to the user that blade J is the optimal blade (one with the shortest complete mixing time).

[0152] (Effects of System 300) In this way, in the system 300 according to this embodiment, the server 3 determines whether at least some of the specified conditions are optimal conditions for the mixing process based on the analyzed transition. The server 3 also outputs information indicating the analyzed transition to the terminal 5. Therefore, the system 300 can present optimal conditions to the user. For example, the system 300 can present to the user whether there are better conditions than the conditions under which mixing is actually performed.

[0153] [Example of implementation using software] The functions of Server 1 to Server 3 and Terminal 5 (hereinafter referred to as "devices") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly, control units 10 to 30, and each unit included in control unit 50).

[0154] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The functions described in each of the above embodiments are realized by executing the program using the control device and storage device.

[0155] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0156] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0157] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may run on the control device or on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0158] [Summary] The server (1 to 3) according to aspect 1 of the present invention includes an acquisition unit (101) that acquires conditions in a mixing process that promotes mixing of a plurality of materials, an analysis unit (102) that analyzes the progress of mixing of the plurality of materials in the mixing process based on the conditions, and an output unit (103) that outputs information indicating the analyzed progress.

[0159] The server (2) according to aspect 2 of the present invention further includes a generation unit (104) that generates conditions by changing at least a part of the conditions acquired by the acquisition unit (101) in aspect 1, and the analysis unit (102) analyzes the progress of mixing of the multiple materials in the mixing process based on the conditions changed by the generation unit (104).

[0160] In the server (2) according to aspect 3 of the present invention, the generation unit (104) according to aspect 2 generates the at least partially modified conditions using a machine learning model that has been trained to take the conditions in the mixing process as input and output at least partially modified conditions.

[0161] The server (3) according to aspect 4 of the present invention further includes a designation unit (105) that designates at least some of the conditions to be changed by the generation unit (104) in aspect 2 or 3, and the generation unit (104) generates conditions by changing at least some of the conditions designated by the designation unit (105) from the conditions acquired by the acquisition unit (101), and the analysis unit (102) analyzes the progress of mixing of the multiple materials in the mixing process based on the conditions changed by the generation unit (104).

[0162] The server (3) according to aspect 5 of the present invention further includes a judgment unit (106) that judges whether the conditions generated by the generation unit (104) in aspect 4, in which at least some of the conditions have been changed, are optimal conditions for the mixing process based on the transition analyzed by the analysis unit (102).

[0163] In the server (3) according to aspect 6 of the present invention, the determination unit (106) according to aspect 5 uses a machine learning model that has been trained to input the conditions in the mixing process and the progression of mixing of multiple ingredients in the mixing process, and to output whether the conditions are optimal, to determine whether the conditions generated by the generation unit (104) in which at least some of the conditions have been changed are optimal.

[0164] In the server (1 to 3) according to aspect 7 of the present invention, the analysis unit (102) according to any one of aspects 1 to 6 analyzes the transition based on a response surface or a response plane in which conditions in the mixing process are used as input parameters and values ​​related to the transition of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process are used as response parameters.

[0165] In the server (1 to 3) according to aspect 8 of the present invention, the analysis unit (102) according to any one of aspects 1 to 6 analyzes the transition using a machine learning model that has been trained to input conditions in a mixing process and output the transition of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process.

[0166] In the server (1 to 3) according to aspect 9 of the present invention, the conditions in any of aspects 1 to 8 include at least one of apparatus conditions relating to an apparatus that performs mixing, fluid conditions relating to fluids of the plurality of materials, particle tracking conditions relating to tracking of particles of the plurality of materials, liquid-liquid mixing conditions relating to mixing of liquids, liquid-solid mixing conditions relating to mixing of liquids and solids, or gas-liquid mixing conditions relating to mixing of gases and liquids, heat transfer conditions relating to heat transfer, and droplet conditions relating to droplets of the plurality of materials.

[0167] In a server (1 to 3) according to aspect 10 of the present invention, the analysis unit (102) in any of aspects 1 to 9 analyzes at least one of a transition in physical quantity and a transition in state as the transition of the mixing of the multiple materials.

[0168] A method according to aspect 11 of the present invention includes an acquisition step of acquiring conditions in a mixing process that promotes mixing of a plurality of materials, an analysis step of analyzing the progress of mixing of the plurality of materials in the mixing process based on the conditions, and an output step of outputting information indicating the analyzed progress.

[0169] A program according to aspect 12 of the present invention causes a computer to execute an acquisition process for acquiring conditions in a mixing process that promotes the mixing of multiple materials, an analysis process for analyzing the progress of mixing of the multiple materials in the mixing process based on the conditions, and an output process for outputting information indicating the analyzed progress.

[0170] A program according to aspect 13 of the present invention causes a computer to execute a first acquisition process for acquiring conditions in a mixing process that promotes the mixing of multiple ingredients; a first output process for outputting the conditions to a server; a second acquisition process for acquiring from the server information indicating a progression of mixing of the multiple ingredients in the mixing process, the progression being analyzed by the server based on the conditions; and a second output process for outputting an image signal indicating the progression.

[0171] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0172] 1, 2, 3 Server 10, 20, 30, 50 Control unit 100, 200, 300 System 101 Acquisition unit 102 Analysis unit 103 Output unit 104 Generation unit 105 Designation unit 106 Determination unit

Claims

1. A server comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires conditions in a mixing process that promotes the mixing of multiple ingredients; an analysis unit that analyzes the progress of mixing of the multiple ingredients in the mixing process based on the conditions; and an output unit that outputs information indicating the analyzed progress.

2. The server according to claim 1, further comprising a generation unit that generates conditions by changing at least a portion of the conditions acquired by the acquisition unit, wherein the analysis unit analyzes the progress of mixing of the multiple ingredients in the mixing process based on the conditions changed by the generation unit.

3. The server according to claim 2, wherein the generation unit generates the at least partially modified conditions using a machine learning model that has been trained to use conditions in the mixing process as input and output at least partially modified conditions.

4. The server according to claim 2, further comprising a designation unit that designates at least a portion of the conditions to be changed by the generation unit, wherein the generation unit generates conditions by modifying at least a portion of the conditions designated by the designation unit from the conditions acquired by the acquisition unit, and the analysis unit analyzes the progress of mixing of the multiple ingredients in the mixing process based on the conditions changed by the generation unit.

5. The server according to claim 4, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether the conditions generated by the generation unit, which have been modified from at least some of the conditions, are optimal conditions for the mixing process, based on the transition analyzed by the analysis unit.

6. The server according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit uses a machine learning model that has been trained to input the conditions in the mixing process and the progression of mixing of multiple ingredients in the mixing process, and to output whether the conditions are optimal conditions, to determine whether the conditions generated by the generation unit, which have been modified from at least some of the conditions, are optimal conditions.

7. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the analysis unit analyzes the transition based on a response surface or a response plane having conditions in the mixing process as input parameters and values ​​related to the transition of mixing of multiple materials in the mixing process as response parameters.

8. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the analysis unit analyzes the transition using a machine learning model that has been trained to input conditions in a mixing process and output the transition of mixing of multiple ingredients in the mixing process.

9. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conditions include at least one of: equipment conditions relating to a mixing device; fluid conditions relating to fluids of the multiple materials; particle tracking conditions relating to tracking of particles of the multiple materials; liquid-liquid mixing conditions relating to mixing of liquids, liquid-solid mixing conditions relating to mixing of liquids and solids, or gas-liquid mixing conditions relating to mixing of gas and liquid; heat transfer conditions relating to heat transfer; and droplet conditions relating to droplets of the multiple materials.

10. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the analysis unit analyzes at least one of the following as the transition of the mixing of the multiple materials: a transition of a physical quantity; and a transition of a state.

11. A method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring conditions in a mixing process that promotes mixing of multiple ingredients; an analysis step of analyzing a progression of mixing of the multiple ingredients in the mixing process based on the conditions; and an output step of outputting information indicating the analyzed progression.

12. A program that causes a computer to execute the following: an acquisition process that acquires conditions in a mixing process that promotes the mixing of multiple materials; an analysis process that analyzes the progress of mixing of the multiple materials in the mixing process based on the conditions; and an output process that outputs information indicating the analyzed progress.

13. A program that causes a computer to execute the following: a first acquisition process that causes a computer to acquire conditions in a mixing process that promotes the mixing of multiple ingredients; a first output process that causes a computer to output the conditions to a server; a second acquisition process that causes a computer to acquire, from the server, information indicating a progression analyzed by the server based on the conditions and indicating a progression of the mixing of the multiple ingredients in the mixing process; and a second output process that causes a computer to output an image signal indicating the progression.

Images