Information provision system, non-transitory storage medium, and control method

Abstract

An information provision system 100 for providing item information about an item composed of a plurality of components is provided with a computer 42. The computer: acquires an item model D1 of the item that includes a plurality of component models respectively corresponding to the plurality of components; determines whether a component model included in the item model is a standard component model D2 corresponding to a standard component for which at least the shape is predetermined; acquires, via a first route, first information including a price and / or supply time of the standard component corresponding to the standard component model; acquires, via a second route different from the first route, second information including a price and / or supply time of a non-standard component corresponding to a non-standard component model D3, among the plurality of component models, that is different from the standard component model; and presents item information that includes the first information and the second information.

Description

Information provision system, non-transitory storage medium, and control method

[0001] The present invention relates to an information provision system that provides product information for an item that is composed of multiple parts. The present invention also relates to a non-transitory storage medium that stores an information provision program that provides product information for an item that is composed of multiple parts, and a control method for the information provision system.

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a design support method for supporting the design of an article consisting of multiple parts. In this design support method, a search is performed to determine whether a changed part is stored in a standard parts data storage unit. The standard parts data storage unit stores data on multiple standard parts, each of which includes pre-stored data including dimensions and model numbers. If the changed part is stored in the standard parts data storage unit, the model number of the standard part is replaced with the model number of the part before the change.

[0003] International Publication No. 2016 / 139874

[0004] For example, an article designed using the above-described design support method may include predetermined standard parts as well as non-standard parts. As an example, a part having a specific shape may be predetermined as a standard part, and the price and supply time (e.g., shipping date) of the standard part may also be predetermined. Furthermore, a non-standard part that is not a standard part may be, for example, a part designed by a user, and the price, supply time, etc. are not predetermined. Therefore, the present invention provides an information provision system that presents information on standard parts and non-standard parts.

[0005] An information provision system according to one embodiment includes a computer and provides product information for an item composed of a plurality of parts, wherein the computer: acquires an item model of the item including a plurality of part models corresponding to the plurality of parts, respectively; determines whether the part models included in the item model are standard part models corresponding to standard parts having at least a predetermined shape; acquires, via a first route, first information including at least one of a price and a supply time of the standard part corresponding to the standard part model; acquires, via a second route different from the first route, second information including at least one of a price and a supply time of a non-standard part corresponding to a non-standard part model different from the standard part model among the plurality of part models; and presents the item information including the first information and the second information.

[0006] Furthermore, a non-transitory storage medium according to another aspect is a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing an information provision program that provides product information of an product composed of a plurality of parts, wherein the information provision program causes a computer to: acquire an article model of the article including a plurality of part models respectively corresponding to the plurality of parts; determine whether the part models included in the article model are standard part models corresponding to standard parts having at least a predetermined shape; acquire first information including at least one of a price and a supply time of the standard part corresponding to the standard part model via a first route; acquire second information including at least one of a price and a supply time of a non-standard part corresponding to a non-standard part model different from the standard part model among the plurality of part models via a second route different from the first route; and present the product information including the first information and the second information.

[0007] Another aspect of the control method is a control method for an information provision system that includes a computer and provides product information for an product configured from a plurality of parts, wherein the computer: acquires an product model of the product including a plurality of part models corresponding to the plurality of parts, respectively; determines whether the part models included in the product model are standard part models corresponding to standard parts having at least a predetermined shape; acquires, via a first route, first information including at least one of a price and a supply time of the standard part corresponding to the standard part model; acquires, via a second route different from the first route, second information including at least one of a price and a supply time of a non-standard part corresponding to a non-standard part model different from the standard part model among the plurality of part models; and presents the product information including the first information and the second information.

[0008] 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of an information provision system. A schematic diagram for explaining the provision of information. A schematic block diagram of the information provision system. A schematic diagram of an example of a model selection screen. A schematic diagram of an example of a first list screen. A schematic diagram of an example of a second list screen. A schematic diagram of an example of an input screen. A schematic diagram of an example of a third list screen. A flowchart of information provision processing. A flowchart of standard part information acquisition processing. A flowchart of non-standard part information acquisition processing. A schematic diagram of an example of a data selection screen.

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments can be arbitrarily set and can be changed depending on the configuration or various conditions of the device or method to which the present invention is applied. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

[0010] In the following description, identification information refers to data consisting of letters, numbers, symbols, images, or a combination thereof, and uniquely identifies the identification target associated with the identification information. Unless otherwise specified, the term "model" refers to model data representing the geometric shape of an item or part. For example, the model data may be three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) data or two-dimensional CAD data representing the shape of the item.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows an information providing system 100 that provides product information for an item composed of multiple parts. For example, the item is an assembly that is constructed by assembling multiple separate parts. The item includes standard parts and non-standard parts that are different from the standard parts. The item may also be a finished product with a single integrated function, or a single item that is incorporated into a finished product. Furthermore, the item may also be a unit, a jig, a device, or a piece of equipment.

[0012] Standard parts are defined as specific parts in advance, while non-standard parts are parts other than standard parts. For example, standard parts are parts with at least a predetermined shape, identified by specific part identification information, and their price and supply time are also predetermined. On the other hand, non-standard parts are parts for which the price and supply time are not predetermined, and are, for example, parts designed by the user. For example, the price is the unit price of the part, but may include taxes or transportation charges. Furthermore, the supply time is the date of completion of production of the item, the date of completion of processing of the item, the date of arrival of the item at the logistics center, etc. These supply times are specific dates or times, but the supply time may be any information that can identify the timing of the supply of the item, and may be the length of time required for shipment, arrival, or completion, or the length of time required for transportation. Note that the following mainly describes the case where the supply time is the number of working days required for shipment.

[0013] Furthermore, information regarding the price, supply time, shape, dimensions (e.g., element length, width, height, depth, inner dimensions, outer dimensions, thickness, and length), and material of the standard part is predetermined as specification information of the standard part. Furthermore, information regarding the processing method (e.g., cutting), the manufacturer name, which is the name of the supplier that manufactures or processes the standard part, and the product name may also be predetermined as specification information of the standard part. The specification information of the standard part is associated with part identification information and included in the standard part database D4 (FIG. 3). For example, the part identification information is a model number, part code, or product name.

[0014] Alternatively, a part having a shape identical to or similar to a part included in the standard parts database D4 may be considered a standard part. In this case, a part having a shape identical to or similar to a specific shape is defined as a standard part. On the other hand, a part having a shape different from or dissimilar to the specific shape is considered a non-standard part. The following mainly describes the case where a part whose specification information is included in the standard parts database D4 is a standard part, and a part whose specification information is not included in the standard parts database D4 is a non-standard part.

[0015] The information providing system 100 includes a user terminal 40. Furthermore, the information providing system 100 may be configured as a network system or a client-server system including the user terminal 40, the search server 20, and the calculation server 60. Alternatively, the search server 20 or the calculation server 60 may function as the information providing system 100. Furthermore, at least two of the search server 20, the calculation server 60, and the user terminal 40 may cooperate to function as the information providing system 100. The following mainly describes an example in which the user terminal 40 functions as the information providing system 100.

[0016] The search server 20 and the calculation server 60 function as server devices. For example, the search server 20 is configured as a single logical server device by combining a plurality of server units 21 as computers. Similarly, the calculation server 60 is configured as a single logical server device by combining a plurality of server units 61. Alternatively, the search server 20 may be configured by a single server unit 21, and the calculation server 60 may be configured by a single server unit 61. Furthermore, the search server 20 and the calculation server 60 may be logically configured using cloud computing.

[0017] The search server 20 and the calculation server 60 provide various services to the user terminal 40, including an information provision service for transmitting and receiving various data used in designing an item. The various services include a distribution service for distributing programs or data to the user terminal 40 via the network 50. The various services also include a storage service for storing data uploaded or transmitted from the user terminal 40. Furthermore, the various services may include a service for executing processes such as arranging for ordered items, issuing delivery instructions, and billing for purchases in response to a request from a user.

[0018] The user terminal 40 is a computer device that can be connected to a network. For example, the user terminal 40 includes a desktop or notebook personal computer 41A and a portable tablet terminal device 41B. Other examples of the user terminal 40 include mobile terminal devices such as mobile phones (including smartphones). By implementing various computer software, the user terminal 40 can allow suppliers to enjoy various services provided by the search server 20 or the calculation server 60. For example, the user terminal 40 can display web pages provided by the search server 20 or the calculation server 60 using the implemented browser software. The user terminal 40 can also connect to the search server 20 and the calculation server 60 via a predetermined network 50. Below, an example will be described in which the user terminal 40 is a personal computer 41A.

[0019] The network 50 is configured to connect the user terminal 40 to the search server 20 and the calculation server 60. As an example, the network 50 is configured to realize network communication using the TCP / IP protocol. Specifically, a local area network (LAN) connects the search server 20 to the Internet 51. The Internet 51, which serves as a wide area network (WAN), is connected to the local area network LAN via a router 53. The network 50 may be a dedicated line, a telephone line, an in-house network, a mobile communication network, or any other communication line, or a combination thereof, and may be wired or wireless. The user terminal 40 is also configured to be connected to the Internet 51. Alternatively, the server unit 21 and the server unit 61 may be connected to the Internet 51 instead of or in addition to the local area network LAN.

[0020] [Provision of Information] Next, a general aspect of providing product information including first information and second information to a user will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Specifically, the product information includes standard part information as an example of the first information including at least one of the price and supply time of a standard part, and non-standard part information as an example of the second information including at least one of the price and supply time of a non-standard part.

[0021] 2 has installed on it CAD software such as 3D CAD software or 2D CAD software. Furthermore, an information provision program PG (FIG. 3) for presenting standard and non-standard component information is installed as an add-on program on the CAD software. This information provision program PG has a design support function for importing component models of standard components from a model library.

[0022] For example, a user generates an article model D1 ( FIG. 3 ) on a user terminal 40, which includes part models of imported standard parts and part models of non-standard parts designed by the user. In FIG. 2 , an article image A1 corresponding to the generated article model D1 is displayed on a screen S1A displayed on the display device 44 of the user terminal 40. The article corresponding to this article image A1 is constructed by assembling two standard parts, part A, and one non-standard part, part B. The search server 20 stores a standard parts database D4 containing standard parts information, including prices and supply times of multiple standard parts. Alternatively, the standard parts database D4 may be stored in the user terminal 40 or the calculation server 60 in addition to or instead of the search server 20.

[0023] When the user completes the design of the product, the user terminal 40 transmits a transmission instruction for standard parts information on part A, which is a standard part, to the search server 20. The transmission instruction includes part identification information that identifies part A. The search server 20 then references the standard parts database D4 to search for standard parts information on part A. The search server 20 then acquires the retrieved standard parts information from the standard parts database D4 and transmits it to the user terminal 40. This route from the search server 20 to the user terminal 40 is an example of a first route. The user terminal 40 then displays the price and supply time of part A acquired from the search server 20 as standard parts information on the screen S1B. Alternatively, the search server 20 may transmit the standard parts information to the user terminal 40 periodically or at a predetermined timing.

[0024] On the other hand, part B, which is a non-standard part, is designed by the user, and therefore its price and supply time are not predetermined. Therefore, the price and supply time of part B must be calculated individually. Therefore, the user terminal 40 uploads the part model of part B (i.e., non-standard part model D3) to the calculation server 60. Furthermore, the user terminal 40 accepts the estimation conditions (e.g., manufacturing information such as material, processing method, and surface treatment details) required for calculation from the user and transmits them to the calculation server 60. The calculation server 60 then acquires the part model and estimation conditions of part B and recognizes the shape of the part model. The calculation server 60 then calculates the price and supply time of part B based on the estimation conditions and the part model. Alternatively, the calculation server 60 may acquire only the part model from the user terminal 40 and calculate the price and supply time of part B. In this case, the calculation server 60 uses preset estimation conditions.

[0025] As an example, part B has a hole. The calculation server 60 calculates the machining cost and machining time of part B based on the shape and dimensions of each element of the non-standard part model D3. For example, the calculation server 60 stores a table that defines the cost and time according to the dimensions of the elements that make up the part for each material. Furthermore, the calculation server 60 calculates the hole machining cost and machining time based on the type of hole included in the quotation conditions. For example, the calculation server 60 stores a table that defines the cost and time for each type of hole. The calculation server 60 then calculates the total machining cost as the price of part B and the total machining time as the supply time of part B. The above-mentioned elements refer to parts that make up the part, such as holes, shafts, steps, notches, corners, faces, and ridges.

[0026] The calculation server 60 transmits the calculated non-standard part information to the user terminal 40. This route from the calculation server 60 to the user terminal 40 is an example of a second route. Subsequently, the user terminal 40 displays the price and supply time of part B acquired from the calculation server 60 as non-standard part information on the screen S1B. Alternatively, the calculation server 60 may have acquired the part model of part B from the user terminal 40 in advance. That is, the calculation server 60 does not need to calculate the non-standard part information immediately after uploading the part model. In this case, the calculation server 60 may transmit the previously calculated non-standard part information to the user terminal 40 in response to a transmission instruction from the user terminal 40.

[0027] Alternatively, a central server may be interposed between the first route and the second route. For example, standard part information is sent from the search server 20 to the central server, and non-standard part information is sent from the calculation server 60 to the central server. The user terminal 40 then acquires the standard part information and the non-standard part information from the central server. In this case, the first route from the search server 20 via the central server is different from the second route from the calculation server 60 via the central server. Furthermore, the item information may include information other than the standard part information and the non-standard part information. As an example, the item information may include the name, identification information, price (e.g., the total price of the parts), and supply time (e.g., the latest supply time of the part) of the item.

[0028] The user terminal 40, which is an example of the information providing system 100, can present both predetermined standard part information and non-standard part information when estimating the price and supply time of an item composed of standard and non-standard parts. This allows the user to check item information, including standard and non-standard part information, all at once on the same screen. Alternatively, the user can check the price and supply time estimates for the standard parts and, separately, the price and supply time estimates for the non-standard parts. However, in this case, the user must check the standard part information and the non-standard part information separately, which increases the effort required for checking.

[0029] [Control System] Referring to Fig. 3, the main parts of the control systems of the search server 20, the calculation server 60, and the user terminal 40 will be described. The search server 20 includes a search server control unit 22 and a search server memory 23. The calculation server 60 includes a calculation server control unit 62 and a calculation server memory 63. The user terminal 40 includes a terminal control unit 42 and a terminal memory 43.

[0030] The search server control unit 22, the calculation server control unit 62, and the terminal control unit 42 are configured as a computer that combines a processor that executes various arithmetic processing and operation control according to a predetermined program with other peripheral devices. As an example, each control unit has a processor. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). Each processor controls the entire device and also comprehensively controls various processes based on the program stored in each memory. Note that each control unit may have an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0031] The search server memory 23, the calculation server memory 63, and the terminal memory 43 are computer-readable non-transitory storage media. Each memory includes a random access memory (RAM) that is a system work memory for the processor to operate, and storage devices such as a read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD) that store programs and system software.

[0032] For example, each control unit performs various processing operations such as calculations, controls, and determinations according to a program stored in each memory. At least two of the search server control unit 22, the calculation server control unit 62, and the terminal control unit 42 may cooperate to function as the computer of the information provision system 100. Furthermore, each control unit may perform control according to a program stored in a portable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a CF (Compact Flash) card, or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or an external storage medium such as a server on the Internet. Each control unit is connected, either wired or wirelessly, to an operation unit including a keyboard or various switches for inputting predetermined commands and data. Each control unit is also connected, either wired or wirelessly, to a display unit for displaying the input status, setting status, measurement results, and various information of the device.

[0033] For example, the display device 44 ( FIG. 2 ) serving as the display unit of the user terminal 40 is a display that displays item information including standard part information and non-standard part information. The user terminal 40 then presents the item information including the standard part information and non-standard part information to the user via the display device 44. Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the display device 44, the user terminal 40 may present the item information including the standard part information and non-standard part information to the user by audio output from an audio output device (not shown). The display device 44 may also be a touch panel that functions as a display input device.

[0034] [Server] The search server memory 23 stores a standard parts database D4 in which standard parts information for each type of standard part is stored in association with part identification information. The search server control unit 22 has a search unit 22A that searches for standard parts information by referencing the standard parts database D4. The search server memory 23 also stores a search program (not shown) that causes the search server control unit 22, which is a computer, to function as the search unit 22A. In other words, the search server control unit 22 has the search unit 22A as a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware and software.

[0035] As an example, in the standard parts database D4, at least one of price and supply time as standard part information is associated with part identification information for each type of standard part. Then, upon receiving a transmission instruction from the user terminal 40, the search unit 22A acquires the part identification information of the standard part included in the transmission instruction. Furthermore, the search unit 22A searches for the price and supply time associated with the acquired part identification information. The search unit 22A then transmits the searched price and supply time to the user terminal 40 as standard part information. Then, the information acquisition unit 42D of the user terminal 40 acquires the standard part information.

[0036] The standard parts database D4 also stores a model library including standard part models D2 of a plurality of standard parts. The search server control unit 22 then provides various web pages in response to access from the user terminal 40 so that the user can select a standard part model D2. As an example, the search server control unit 22 provides a web page that displays part images corresponding to the standard part models D2 included in the model library.

[0037] The search server control unit 22 then transmits the standard part model D2 to the user terminal 40 in response to the user's operation to select a part image. This causes the model acquisition unit 42A of the terminal control unit 42 to acquire the standard part model D2 from the search server 20, which is an example of an external device different from the user terminal 40 serving as the information provision system 100. The user terminal 40 then imports the received standard part model D2 into CAD software. The user then incorporates the standard part model D2 into the article model D1 to design an article. Alternatively, the search server control unit 22 may automatically transmit at least some of the standard part models D2 included in the model library to the user terminal 40. Instead of or in addition to the search server 20, the model acquisition unit 42A may acquire the standard part model D2 from another server or an external storage device serving as an external device.

[0038] The calculation server control unit 62 has a calculation unit 62A that calculates the price and supply time of a non-standard part corresponding to the non-standard part model D3 based on the non-standard part model D3. The calculation server memory 63 stores a calculation program (not shown) that causes the calculation server control unit 62 as a computer to function as the calculation unit 62A. In other words, the calculation server control unit 62 has the calculation unit 62A as a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware and software.

[0039] As an example, the non-standard part model D3 is uploaded from the user terminal 40 to the calculation server 60. At the same time, the estimation conditions are transmitted from the user terminal 40 to the calculation server 60. The calculation unit 62A then calculates the price and supply time of the non-standard part based on the non-standard part model D3 and the estimation conditions. The calculation unit 62A then transmits the calculated price and supply time to the user terminal 40 as non-standard part information. The information acquisition unit 42D of the user terminal 40 then acquires the non-standard part information including at least one of the price and supply time of the non-standard part.

[0040] When the information providing system 100 includes the search unit 22A, the search server 20 and the user terminal 40 work together to function as the information providing system 100. When the information providing system 100 includes the calculation unit 62A, the calculation server 60 and the user terminal 40 work together to function as the information providing system 100. When the information providing system 100 includes the search unit 22A and the calculation unit 62A, the search server 20, the calculation server 60, and the user terminal 40 work together to function as the information providing system 100.

[0041] [Terminal Device] The information provision system 100 includes a user terminal 40 as an example of a terminal device. The user terminal 40 includes a terminal control unit 42 as an example of a computer. The terminal memory 43 of the user terminal 40 stores an information provision program PG and an article model D1 of an article designed by the user. The article model D1 also includes a standard part model D2 of a standard part included in the article and a non-standard part model D3 of a non-standard part included in the article. For example, the standard part model D2 is downloaded from a model library of the search server 20. The non-standard part model D3 is created by the user himself or by the user modifying the standard part model D2.

[0042] The terminal control unit 42 of the user terminal 40 has the following functional units: a model acquisition unit 42A, a reception unit 42B, a determination unit 42C, an information acquisition unit 42D, a presentation unit 42E, a setting unit 42F, and a generation unit 42G. The information provision program PG causes the terminal control unit 42 as a computer to function as each functional unit. In other words, the terminal control unit 42 has each functional unit as a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware and software.

[0043] The model acquisition unit 42A acquires an article model D1 of an article that includes a plurality of part models corresponding to the plurality of parts, respectively. That is, this article model D1 includes part models corresponding to the respective parts that make up the article. As an example, the model acquisition unit 42A acquires the article model D1 created by a user and stored in the terminal memory 43. Alternatively, the model acquisition unit 42A may acquire the article model D1 stored in a storage device separate from the user terminal 40. In this case, the article model D1 may be a model created by someone other than the user.

[0044] Furthermore, the model acquisition unit 42A acquires the standard part model D2 and the non-standard part model D3 included in the article model D1. Here, the model acquisition unit 42A may acquire all the standard part models D2 and the non-standard part models D3, or may acquire the standard part models D2 and the non-standard part models D3 selected by the user.

[0045] The reception unit 42B receives a request for article information of an article corresponding to the article model D1 from a user. As an example, when a screen (not shown) presenting the article model D1 is displayed on the display device 44, the user selects an icon requesting article information. The reception unit 42B then receives a selection of the article model D1 for which information is to be provided. As an example, the user selects the target article model D1 on the model selection screen S2 for the article model D1 shown in FIG. 4. The presentation unit 42E displays an article image A2 representing the appearance of the article corresponding to the article model D1 on the model selection screen S2 so that the user can select the article model D1. Note that an example of the selection operation is a click operation or a touch operation.

[0046] The pop-up screen S2A shown in FIG. 4 provides guidance on how to select an article model D1. Specifically, the user clicks the model selection button S2B. Next, the user selects a range S2C including the model to be estimated from the displayed article image A2 by dragging. After that, when the user right-clicks, the article model D1 corresponding to the selected range S2C is selected. Alternatively, a model tree may be displayed on the model selection screen S2. In this case, the user selects the model to be estimated from the displayed model tree. As another example, the reception unit 42B may automatically select the article model D1 to be provided with information. For example, the reception unit 42B may automatically select the article model D1 displayed on the screen. Alternatively, the reception unit 42B may select all of the article models D1 to be provided with information.

[0047] When an article model D1 for which information is to be provided is selected, the determination unit 42C determines whether a part model included in the article model D1 is a standard part model D2 corresponding to at least a standard part whose shape is predetermined. For example, part identification information is set in advance for each standard part, and part identification information that identifies the standard part is associated with the standard part model D2. The determination unit 42C then determines that a part model associated with the part identification information is the standard part model D2. Here, one example of the part identification information is the model number of the standard part. As another example, the part identification information may be a part code, a product name, or the like. Alternatively, the determination unit 42C may refer to a list of part identification information and determine that a part model associated with part identification information included in the list is the standard part model D2.

[0048] On the other hand, no model number is set for a non-standard part before the estimate. Therefore, no model number is associated with the non-standard part model D3. Therefore, the determination unit 42C determines that a part model with no associated part identification information is a non-standard part model D3. Alternatively, the determination unit 42C may determine that a part model that was not determined to be a standard part model D2 is a non-standard part model D3. Note that the determination unit 42C determines whether all part models included in the article model D1 are standard part models D2. Alternatively, the determination unit 42C may determine whether some part models included in the article model D1 are standard part models D2. For example, the determination unit 42C may determine whether only part models selected by the user are standard part models D2.

[0049] As another example, the determination unit 42C may recognize the shape of a part model and compare it with the shape indicated by the standard part model D2. The standard part model D2 to be compared is acquired from a model library of the standard part database D4 of the search server 20 and stored in the terminal memory 43. In this case, the determination unit 42C determines that a part model showing a shape that is identical to or similar to the shape of the standard part model D2 is the standard part model D2. On the other hand, the determination unit 42C determines that a part model showing a shape that is dissimilar to the shape of the standard part model D2 is a non-standard part model D3.

[0050] The information acquisition unit 42D acquires standard part information via a first route, and acquires non-standard part information via a second route different from the first route. For example, the information acquisition unit 42D acquires standard part information via a route from the search server 20 to the user terminal 40 as the first route. The information acquisition unit 42D also acquires non-standard part information via a route from the calculation server 60 to the user terminal 40 as the second route.

[0051] Here, the standard part information includes at least one of the price and supply time of the standard part. Also, the non-standard part information includes at least one of the price and supply time of the non-standard part. That is, the information acquisition unit 42D may acquire only one of the price and supply time. If only one of them is acquired, the presentation unit 42E presents only the acquired one of the price and supply time. Note that the non-standard part corresponds to a non-standard part model D3 that is different from the standard part model D2 among the multiple part models included in the article model D1.

[0052] Specifically, after the part model determination process is completed, the information acquisition unit 42D transmits to the search server 20 a transmission instruction for standard part information corresponding to the standard part model D2. Here, the information acquisition unit 42D includes, in the transmission instruction, part identification information associated with the standard part model D2 determined by the determination unit 42C. Then, upon receiving the transmission instruction for the standard part information, the search unit 22A of the search server 20 refers to the standard part database D4 to search for specification information associated with the part identification information included in the transmission instruction. Thereafter, the search unit 22A transmits information on price and supply time included in the specification information of the searched standard part to the user terminal 40. Then, the information acquisition unit 42D acquires the received information on price and supply time as standard part information. Note that the search unit 22A may transmit other information to the user terminal along with the price and supply time.

[0053] After the part model determination process is completed, the information acquisition unit 42D uploads the non-standard part model D3 to the calculation server 60. The calculation unit 62A of the calculation server 60 then calculates the price and supply time of the non-standard part corresponding to the non-standard part model D3 based on the uploaded non-standard part model D3. The calculation server 60 may acquire quotation conditions from the user terminal 40, and the calculation unit 62A may calculate the price and supply time of the non-standard part based on the non-standard part model D3 and the quotation conditions. The calculation unit 62A may also calculate the price and supply time of the non-standard part using default quotation conditions pre-stored in the calculation server memory 63. The calculation unit 62A then transmits the calculated price and supply time of the non-standard part to the user terminal 40 as non-standard part information. The information acquisition unit 42D then acquires the received price and supply time as non-standard part information.

[0054] The information acquisition unit 42D associates the standard part information and the non-standard part information with the identification information of the item and stores them in the terminal memory 43. Alternatively, the information acquisition unit 42D may include the standard part information in the additional information of the standard part model D2 and the non-standard part information in the additional information of the non-standard part model D3, and store them in the terminal memory 43.

[0055] As another example, a device other than the search server 20 may search for standard part information, or a device other than the calculation server 60 may calculate non-standard part information. For example, a standard part database D4 may be stored in the terminal memory 43, and the information acquisition unit 42D may search for and acquire standard part information by referring to the standard part database D4 stored in the terminal memory 43. Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 42D may calculate and acquire non-standard part information based on the non-standard part model D3 determined by the determination unit 42C. The information acquisition unit 42D may acquire both standard part information and non-standard part information from the same server (e.g., the search server 20 or the calculation server 60). In this case, the information acquisition unit 42D acquires standard part information via a route from the search unit 22A of the server as a first route. Then, the information acquisition unit 42D acquires non-standard part information via a route from the calculation unit 62A of the server as a second route.

[0056] The presentation unit 42E presents product information for the product, including the standard part information and non-standard part information acquired by the information acquisition unit 42D. For example, the presentation unit 42E displays the product information on the display device 44 of the user terminal 40. Specifically, the presentation unit 42E displays the first list screen S4, including the estimate list S4B shown in FIG. 5. In the example of FIG. 5, numbers 3 to 6 in the estimate list S4B are standard parts. Also, numbers 1 and 2 in the estimate list S4B are non-standard parts. The presentation unit 42E then displays, as standard part information, the unit price of each standard part, the subtotal calculated by multiplying the unit price by the quantity, and the supply time. On the other hand, non-standard part information is not displayed because it has not yet been acquired.

[0057] The part information items displayed in the quotation list S4B include the part number, part name, model number, manufacturer name, product name, image, order quantity, judgment result, processing method, material, unit price, subtotal, and supply time. The quotation list S4B also includes a GO button S4A for obtaining detailed information about non-standard parts.

[0058] As an example, the part name field displays the name of the part corresponding to the part set by the user. The manufacturer name field displays the name of the supplier that manufactures or processes the part. The product name field displays the product name of the standard part and the product name of the non-standard part. The supply time field displays, for example, the number of working days required until shipment. The image field displays, for example, a three-dimensional image based on the part data as an image of the part. The judgment result field displays the judgment result by the judgment unit 42C. In the example of Figure 5, the judgment result displays the word "standard" corresponding to the standard part model D2 and the word "non-standard" corresponding to the non-standard part model D3. Note that the judgment result may be displayed using characters, symbols, marks, or the like other than "standard" and "non-standard."

[0059] The presentation unit 42E also displays the total estimated price as information about the items below the estimate list S4B. Here, the total estimated price includes the total price of the standard parts and the total price of the non-standard parts. In the example of FIG. 5, price information for the non-standard parts has not been acquired, so the total price of the standard parts is displayed as the total estimated price. As another example, the tentative price of the non-standard parts may be included in the total estimated price. Alternatively, the total estimated price may include transportation fees, storage fees, etc.

[0060] When the user selects the Update button S4C after the non-standard part information is acquired, the presentation unit 42E displays the second list screen S4 shown in FIG. 6 . In the example of FIG. 6 , provisional prices and supply times are displayed for the non-standard parts numbered 1 and 2. As an example, the provisional prices and supply times are calculated by the calculation unit 62A of the calculation server 60 and acquired by the information acquisition unit 42D. The presentation unit 42E then displays the provisional prices and supply times acquired by the information acquisition unit 42D. At this time, the presentation unit 42E emphasizes the price and supply time by displaying them alongside the word "provisional." Alternatively, the presentation unit 42E may display the price and supply time alongside other characters or symbols, such as "provisional estimate." As another example, the presentation unit 42E may dim the price and supply time. Note that in the example of FIG. 6 , the total estimated price includes the total price of the standard parts and the total price of the non-standard parts (the total of the provisional prices).

[0061] Before the user inputs the quotation conditions, the calculation unit 62A calculates a tentative price and supply time using the default quotation conditions stored in the calculation server memory 63. For example, after the part model determination process is completed, the information acquisition unit 42D uploads the non-standard part model D3 to the calculation server 60 and instructs the calculation server 60 to calculate and transmit a tentative price and supply time as an approximate estimation result. The calculation unit 62A then calculates the tentative price and supply time based on the non-standard part model D3 and the default quotation conditions, and transmits non-standard part information including the tentative price and supply time to the user terminal 40. Alternatively, the information acquisition unit 42D may instruct the calculation and transmission of the tentative price and supply time when the user selects and operates the update button S4C.

[0062] If the user wishes to be presented with a price and supply time based on detailed quotation conditions, the user selects the GO button S4A on the list screen S4. When the GO button S4A is selected, the terminal control unit 42 transmits a request for providing an input screen for quotation conditions to the calculation server 60. Then, the calculation server 60 provides a web page for the input screen S5 for quotation conditions shown in FIG.

[0063] The input screen S5 displays an input field S5A for quotation conditions. The user then selects and inputs the desired processing method, material, surface treatment details, and part quantity from the drop-down lists in the input field S5A. Alternatively, the user may input this information using an input device such as a keyboard or numeric keypad. The user can also input the order number of the non-standard part using the input device.

[0064] Note that the user may change the non-standard part model D3. In this case, when the user selects the article model D1 again, a re-estimate button is provided on the input screen S5 instead of the GO button S4A. When the user selects the re-estimate button, a process of calculating detailed non-standard part information is performed, similar to when the GO button S4A is selected.

[0065] On the input screen S5, the user selects the Confirm button S5B to confirm the quotation conditions. When the Confirm button S5B is selected, the terminal control unit 42 transmits information on the confirmed quotation conditions to the calculation server 60. The calculation unit 62A then calculates a detailed price and supply time for the non-standard part based on the confirmed quotation conditions and the previously uploaded non-standard part model D3. The calculated price and delivery time are displayed in the estimate field S5D of the input screen S5. The calculation unit 62A also issues a model number, which is an example of identification information for the non-standard part. In the example of FIG. 7 , the model number of the non-standard part issued by the calculation unit 62A is displayed in the model number field S5C.

[0066] 7, a part image A3 representing the appearance of a part corresponding to the non-standard part model D3 is displayed on the input screen S5. The non-standard part model D3 may also be modified on the input screen S5.

[0067] The calculation unit 62A transmits the calculated detailed price and supply time as non-standard part information to the user terminal 40. Then, the information acquisition unit 42D acquires the received price and supply time as non-standard part information.

[0068] When the presentation unit 42E acquires the non-standard part information, it pops up an information reflection screen (not shown) so that it is superimposed on the list screen S4. This information reflection screen has an information reflection button and a cancel button. When the user selects the information reflection button, the presentation unit 42E reflects the model number, price, and supply time of the non-standard part in the estimate list S4B. Specifically, the third list screen S4 shown in FIG. 8 displays the reflected model number for the non-standard part number 1. Furthermore, the reflected price and supply time for the non-standard part number 1 are displayed without the word "tentative."

[0069] When the user selects the information reflection button, the presentation unit 42E may pop up an estimate data reflection screen (not shown) so as to be superimposed on the list screen S4. This estimate data reflection screen is provided with an estimate data reflection button and a cancel button. When the user selects the estimate data reflection button, the presentation unit 42E reflects the data of the estimate result in the additional information of the non-standard part model D3 stored in the user terminal 40. Specifically, the presentation unit 42E adds the model number, price, and supply time of the non-standard part to the additional information of the non-standard part model D3. After the user performs an operation on the estimate data reflection screen, the presentation unit 42E displays the model number, price, and supply time.

[0070] Alternatively, when the user selects the confirm button S5B on the input screen S5, the presentation unit 42E may reflect the model number, price, and supply time of the non-standard part in the quotation list S4B without displaying the information reflection screen and the quotation data reflection screen.

[0071] In this way, the presentation unit 42E presents the estimate list S4B as item information including the standard part information (first information) and the non-standard part information (second information). This allows the presentation unit 42E to present to the user both standard part information, whose shape is predetermined, and non-standard part information, whose shape is not predetermined. Furthermore, the presentation unit 42E presents, on the same screen, the standard part information acquired via the first route and the non-standard part information acquired via the second route, which is different from the first route. This allows the user to check the prices and supply times of the standard parts and the non-standard parts at the same time.

[0072] Furthermore, when the detailed price of the non-standard part is acquired, the presentation unit 42E reflects the price in the total estimated amount. Specifically, the price of the non-standard part (3,745 yen) shown in FIG. 8 is a detailed estimate result based on the estimate conditions and the non-standard part model D3. The detailed price differs from the provisional price (3,786 yen) shown in FIG. 6. Therefore, the total estimated amount (17,253 yen) shown in FIG. 8 also differs from the provisional total estimated amount (17,294 yen) shown in FIG. 6. However, the detailed price and supply time may be the same as the provisional price and supply time. The detailed price may be higher or lower than the provisional price. The detailed supply time may be longer or shorter than the provisional supply time.

[0073] The presentation unit 42E also presents the product information such that the presentation mode of the non-standard part information differs from the presentation mode of the standard part information. In the example of FIG. 8 , the display position of the non-standard part information differs from the display position of the standard part information so that the presentation modes of the two pieces of information are different. This allows the user to visually distinguish and recognize the standard part information from the non-standard part information. Alternatively, the presentation unit 42E may use a different color, size, brightness, font, or the like for the non-standard part information than for the standard part information so that the presentation modes of the two pieces of information are different.

[0074] Alternatively, the presentation unit 42E may display a list of standard parts including standard part information and a list of non-standard parts including non-standard part information side by side as the product information. Furthermore, the presentation unit 42E may transmit the product information including the standard part information and the non-standard part information to the user by email or other medium.

[0075] The list screen S4 also has an add to cart button S4D and an output button S4E. When the user selects the add to cart button S4D, the presentation unit 42E displays an order screen for the item on the display device 44, allowing the user to order the item on the order screen. As an example, the order screen is a web page provided by another server. When the user selects the output button S4E, a parts list in CSV (Comma Separated Values) format is output.

[0076] Specifically, the user selects the Add to Cart button S4D on the list screen S4. The presentation unit 42E then displays an order screen for the item on the display device 44. This order screen has an Order button. When the user selects the Order button, the search server 20 or the calculation server 60 transmits the model numbers and purchase quantities of the standard and non-standard parts to the supplier. Alternatively, an ordering server that performs ordering processing may be provided. In this case, when the user selects the Order button, the ordering server transmits the model numbers and purchase quantities to the supplier.

[0077] When a part model created or modified by the user corresponds to a standard part, the setting unit 42F sets part identification information of the standard part corresponding to the standard part model D2 in association with the part model. For this purpose, the terminal memory 43 stores data of part identification information (e.g., model number) according to the type of standard part. As a result, the part model associated with the part identification information of the standard part is determined to be the standard part model D2. Note that when it is not necessary to set part identification information, the setting unit 42F can be omitted.

[0078] For example, when a user creates a part model, the setting unit 42F determines whether the standard part model D2 stored in the terminal memory 43 is identical to or similar to the part model created by the user. If they are identical or similar, the setting unit 42F associates the model number of the standard part corresponding to the standard part model D2 with the created part model. Similarly, the setting unit 42F determines whether the stored standard part model D2 is identical to or similar to a part model changed by the user. If they are identical or similar, the setting unit 42F associates the model number of the standard part corresponding to the standard part model D2 with the changed part model.

[0079] Note that if the part identification information is associated with the part model in advance, the setting unit 42F does not need to set the part identification information. For example, the part identification information of the standard part is associated with the standard part model D2 imported from the model library of the standard part database D4 of the search server 20. Alternatively, the setting unit 42F may replace the part model created or modified by the user with a standard part model D2 that is identical to or similar to the part model. In this case, the part identification information of the standard part is associated with the replaced standard part model D2.

[0080] The generation unit 42G generates a CAD model of an article, which is an example of the article model D1, in response to a user operation. Specifically, the CAD software and information provision program PG installed on the user terminal 40 cause the terminal control unit 42, which is a computer, to function as the generation unit 42G. In this case, the presentation unit 42E can display article information, including standard part information and non-standard part information, on the display device 44 either consecutively with the generation of the article model D1 or together with the generation screen of the article model D1.

[0081] [Information Provision Processing Flow] Next, the information provision processing for presenting product information including standard part information and non-standard part information will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11. Figure 9 shows a flowchart of the overall information provision processing executed by the user terminal 40. Figure 10 shows a flowchart of the standard part information acquisition processing executed by the search server 20 and the user terminal 40. Figure 11 shows a flowchart of the non-standard part information acquisition processing executed by the calculation server 60 and the user terminal 40.

[0082] 9 , the generation unit 42G of the user terminal 40 generates an article model D1 including a plurality of part models in response to a user operation (S101). Furthermore, if a part model included in the article model D1 corresponds to a standard part, the setting unit 42F of the user terminal 40 associates the model number of the standard part with the part model and sets it (S102). However, if a model number is already associated with the part model, setting the model number is omitted.

[0083] The receiving unit 42B of the user terminal 40 then determines whether or not it has received a user request for article information about an article corresponding to the article model D1 (S103). Here, the receiving unit 42B may also receive a selection of the article model D1 to be provided with information along with the request for article information. If the receiving unit 42B has not received a request for article information (S103; NO), the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, if the receiving unit 42B has received a request for article information (S103; YES), the determination unit 42C of the user terminal 40 determines whether the part model included in the article model D1 is the standard part model D2 (S104). The terminal control unit 42 of the user terminal 40 then executes a standard part information acquisition process (S105) for the standard part model D2 among the part models, and executes a non-standard part information acquisition process (S106) for the non-standard part model D3 that is not the standard part model D2.

[0084] The standard part information acquisition process of step S105 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 . In this acquisition process, the information acquisition unit 42D of the user terminal 40 acquires the standard part information via the first route. Specifically, the terminal control unit 42 of the user terminal 40 first transmits the model number of the standard part corresponding to the standard part model D2 to the search server 20 (S111). The search unit 22A of the search server 20 then acquires the model number of the standard part transmitted from the user terminal 40 (S201). The search unit 22A then references the standard part database D4 to search for specification information of the standard part corresponding to the model number (S202). The search unit 22A then transmits the standard part information, including the price and supply time included in the retrieved specification information, to the user terminal 40 (S203). The information acquisition unit 42D of the user terminal 40 then acquires the standard part information transmitted from the search server 20 (S112). The terminal control unit 42 of the user terminal 40 executes the above-described process for all of the standard part models determined in step S104 in cooperation with the search server 20. Then, when the terminal control unit 42 acquires the standard part information corresponding to all of the standard part models, the acquisition process ends.

[0085] The non-standard part information acquisition process of step S106 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 . In this acquisition process, the information acquisition unit 42D of the user terminal 40 acquires the non-standard part information via a second route different from the first route described above. Specifically, first, the terminal control unit 42 of the user terminal 40 uploads the non-standard part model D3 determined in step S104 to the calculation server 60 (S121). The calculation server control unit 62 of the calculation server 60 acquires the non-standard part model D3 uploaded from the user terminal 40 (S301). Then, the calculation unit 62A of the calculation server 60 calculates the price and supply time of the non-standard part based on the non-standard part model D3 (S302). Thereafter, the calculation unit 62A transmits non-standard part information including the calculated price and supply time to the user terminal 40 (S303). The information acquisition unit 42D of the user terminal 40 acquires the non-standard part information transmitted from the calculation server 60 (S122). The terminal control unit 42 of the user terminal 40 executes the above-described process for all of the non-standard part models determined in step S104 in cooperation with the calculation server 60. Then, when the terminal control unit 42 acquires the non-standard part information corresponding to all of the non-standard part models, the terminal control unit 42 ends the acquisition process.

[0086] In step S302, the calculation unit 62A may calculate a tentative price and supply time using the initial estimate conditions and the non-standard part model D3 that are pre-stored in the calculation server memory 63. The calculation unit 62A may also calculate a detailed price and supply time using the estimate conditions and the non-standard part model D3 transmitted from the user terminal 40.

[0087] Returning to FIG. 9 , upon completion of the processes of steps S105 and S106, the presentation unit 42E of the user terminal 40 presents item information including the standard part information and non-standard part information acquired by the information acquisition unit 42D (S107), and the user terminal 40 terminates the information provision process. If step S105 is completed before step S106, the presentation unit 42E may present item information including only standard part information, as shown in FIG. 5 . In this case, after completion of step S106, the presentation unit 42E presents item information including standard part information and non-standard part information, as shown in FIG. 6 or 8 . If step S106 is completed before step S105, the presentation unit 42E may present item information including only non-standard part information. In this case, after completion of step S105, the presentation unit 42E presents item information including standard part information and non-standard part information.

[0088] The information providing system 100 described above can present standard part information acquired via the first route and non-standard part information acquired via the second route in a single display, allowing the user to check the price or supply time of the standard part and the price or supply time of the non-standard part in a single display.

[0089] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Inventions modified without violating the present invention, and inventions equivalent to the present invention, are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each embodiment and each modified form, and technical means included in each embodiment or each modified form, can be combined as appropriate without violating the present invention.

[0090] For example, in the above-described step S106, the user may be allowed to select the non-standard part model D3 from which non-standard part information is to be acquired. Specifically, before step S121, the presentation unit 42E pops up a data selection screen S3 shown in FIG. 12 so that the user can select the non-standard part model D3. Then, the reception unit 42B receives the user's selection of the non-standard part model D3.

[0091] The user sets the name of the folder to which the non-standard part model D3 will be uploaded. In the example of FIG. 12 , the folder name "20230117" is entered and set in the name field S3A. This folder name is the name of a folder that is created or has been created in the calculation server 60. The uploaded non-standard part model D3 is stored in the folder. The data selection screen S3 also displays a part name list S3B indicating the part names set by the user. The user selects the non-standard part models D3 corresponding to the remaining parts by unchecking the checkboxes corresponding to the part names. Alternatively, the user may select the non-standard part models D3 by checking the checkboxes corresponding to the non-standard part models D3 to be uploaded.

[0092] Alternatively, information specifying the non-standard part, such as the product name, identification information, and file name, may be displayed on the data selection screen S3 so that the non-standard part model D3 can be selected. Furthermore, the user may be able to select a portion or range corresponding to the non-standard part model D3 to be estimated from the article image A2 displayed on the model selection screen S2.

[0093] When the user has completed the selection of the non-standard part model D3, he or she selects the OK button S3C. Then, in step S121, the terminal control unit 42 uploads the selected non-standard part model D3 to the calculation server 60. This makes it possible to shorten the process of acquiring non-standard part information by excluding non-standard parts for which price and supply time estimates have already been completed.

[0094] Similarly, in step S105 described above, the user may be allowed to select the model number of the standard part model D2 from which standard part information is to be acquired. Specifically, before step S111, the presentation unit 42E displays a selection screen on which the user can select the model number of the standard part model D2. Then, in step S111, the terminal control unit 42 transmits the model number of the selected standard part to the search server 20. This allows the standard part information acquisition process to be shortened by excluding standard parts for which price and supply time estimates have already been completed.

[0095] For example, at least one of the functional units of the user terminal 40 may be provided in the search server 20 or the calculation server 60. In this case, the search server 20 or the calculation server 60 functions as the information providing system 100 in cooperation with the user terminal 40. The information providing program PG may be a program that runs on the search server 20 or the calculation server 60. Furthermore, the user terminal 40 may be provided with at least one of the search unit 22A and the calculation unit 62A. When the user terminal 40 is provided with the search unit 22A, the terminal memory 43 stores the standard parts database D4.

[0096] As another example, the presenting unit 42E may present non-standard part information estimated by the supplier. As an example, the information acquiring unit 42D may acquire non-standard part information as second information from a transaction support server instead of or in addition to the calculation server 60. This transaction support server is a web server that guides the user through various procedures required to conclude a transaction between the supplier and the user via the user terminal 40. Specifically, the transaction support server presents a group of service candidates including multiple services that can be provided to the user.

[0097] For example, the transaction support server may provide a web page listing potential services offered by suppliers. The user may then search for a desired service from the listed service candidates. The user may then upload a non-standard part model D3 to the transaction support server and request a quote for the non-standard part from a supplier that corresponds to the service they found.

[0098] In this case, the user inputs quotation conditions for the non-standard part via a web page provided by the transaction support server. The user then performs an operation to request a quotation from the supplier. The supplier then confirms the quotation conditions and inputs the price and supply time of the non-standard part as the quotation results to the transaction support server. Meanwhile, the information acquisition unit 42D acquires standard part information from the search server 20. The presentation unit 42E then displays the standard part information acquired from the search server 20 and the non-standard part information acquired from the supplier via the transaction support server on the display device 44. In this way, the presentation unit 42E presents product information including the standard part information and the non-standard part information.

[0099] Even in this case, the user terminal 40 can simultaneously present the standard part information acquired via the first route, which is the route from the search server 20 to the user terminal 40, and the non-standard part information acquired via the second route, which is the route from the transaction support server to the user terminal 40. This allows the user to check the price or supply time of the standard part and the price or supply time of the non-standard part all at once.

[0100] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0101] (Supplementary Note 1) An information provision system comprising a computer, which provides product information of an product composed of a plurality of parts, wherein the computer: acquires an article model of the article including a plurality of part models respectively corresponding to the plurality of parts; determines whether the part models included in the article model are standard part models corresponding to standard parts having at least a predetermined shape; acquires first information including at least one of a price and a supply time of the standard part corresponding to the standard part model via a first route; acquires second information including at least one of a price and a supply time of a non-standard part corresponding to a non-standard part model different from the standard part model among the plurality of part models via a second route different from the first route; and presents the product information including the first information and the second information.

[0102] (Supplementary Note 2) The information providing system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the computer presents the first information and the second information such that a presentation manner of the second information is different from a presentation manner of the first information.

[0103] (Supplementary Note 3) The information providing system according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the standard part model is associated with part identification information that identifies the standard part, and the computer determines that the part model associated with the part identification information is the standard part model.

[0104] (Supplementary Note 4) The information providing system according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the computer acquires the first information from a standard parts database in which the first information for each type of standard part and the part identification information are stored in association with each other.

[0105] (Supplementary Note 5) The information providing system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein the computer acquires the second information including at least one of the price and the supply time of the non-standard part calculated based on the non-standard part model.

[0106] (Supplementary Note 6) A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing an information provision program that provides product information of an product composed of a plurality of parts, wherein the information provision program causes a computer to: acquire an product model of the product including a plurality of part models corresponding to the plurality of parts, respectively; determine whether the part models included in the product model are standard part models corresponding to standard parts having at least a predetermined shape; acquire first information including at least one of a price and a supply time of the standard part corresponding to the standard part model via a first route; acquire second information including at least one of a price and a supply time of a non-standard part corresponding to a non-standard part model different from the standard part model among the plurality of part models, via a second route different from the first route; and present the product information including the first information and the second information.

[0107] (Supplementary Note 7) A control method for an information provision system including a computer and providing product information for an product composed of a plurality of parts, wherein the computer: acquires an product model of the product including a plurality of part models respectively corresponding to the plurality of parts; determines whether the part models included in the product model are standard part models corresponding to standard parts having at least a predetermined shape; acquires first information including at least one of a price and a supply time of the standard part corresponding to the standard part model via a first route; acquires second information including at least one of a price and a supply time of a non-standard part corresponding to a non-standard part model different from the standard part model among the plurality of part models via a second route different from the first route; and presents the product information including the first information and the second information.

[0108] 22A: Search unit 40: User terminal 42: Terminal control unit (computer) 42A: Model acquisition unit 42C: Determination unit 42D: Information acquisition unit 42E: Presentation unit 62A: Calculation unit 100: Information provision system D1: Article model D2: Standard part model D3: Non-standard part model D4: Standard part database PG: Information provision program

Claims

1. An information providing system that includes a computer and provides article information of an article composed of a plurality of parts, wherein the computer acquires an article model of the article including a plurality of part models respectively corresponding to the plurality of parts, determines whether the part models included in the article model are standard part models corresponding to standard parts whose shapes are at least predefined, acquires first information including at least one of the price and supply time of the standard parts corresponding to the standard part models via a first route, acquires second information including at least one of the price and supply time of non-standard parts corresponding to non-standard part models different from the standard part models among the plurality of part models via a second route different from the first route, and presents the article information including the first information and the second information.

2. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the computer presents the first information and the second information such that a presentation mode of the second information is different from a presentation mode of the first information.

3. Part identification information for identifying the standard parts is associated with the standard part models, and the computer according to claim 1 determines that a part model with which the part identification information is associated is the standard part model.

4. The information providing system according to claim 3, wherein the computer acquires the first information from a standard part database in which the first information for each type of standard part is stored in association with the part identification information.

5. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the computer acquires the second information including at least one of the price and supply time of the non-standard parts calculated based on the non-standard part models.

6. A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing an information providing program for providing article information of an article composed of a plurality of parts, wherein the information providing program causes a computer to acquire an article model of the article including a plurality of part models respectively corresponding to the plurality of parts, determine whether the part models included in the article model are standard part models corresponding to standard parts whose shapes are at least predetermined, acquire first information including at least one of the price and supply time of the standard parts corresponding to the standard part models via a first route, acquire second information including at least one of the price and supply time of non-standard parts corresponding to non-standard part models different from the standard part models among the plurality of part models via a second route different from the first route, and present the article information including the first information and the second information.

7. A control method for an information providing system including a computer and providing article information of an article composed of a plurality of parts, wherein the computer acquires an article model of the article including a plurality of part models respectively corresponding to the plurality of parts, determines whether the part models included in the article model are standard part models corresponding to standard parts whose shapes are at least predetermined, acquires first information including at least one of the price and supply time of the standard parts corresponding to the standard part models via a first route, acquires second information including at least one of the price and supply time of non-standard parts corresponding to non-standard part models different from the standard part models among the plurality of part models via a second route different from the first route, and presents the article information including the first information and the second information.

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