Compatible product information output system and compatible product information output method

Abstract

A compatible product information output system outputs product information pertaining to compatible products having compatibility with individual predetermined products that are made to mutually different specifications, the compatible product information output system comprising: a storage unit for storing, for each of the predetermined products, product information pertaining to a compatible product having compatibility with the predetermined product in association with each other; a retrieval unit for retrieving product information pertaining to a compatible product corresponding to a predetermined product from the storage unit on the basis of inputted product information pertaining to the predetermined product; and an output unit for outputting the product information pertaining to the compatible product retrieved by the retrieval unit.

Description

Compatible Product Information Output System and Compatible Product Information Output Method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a compatible product information output system and a compatible product information output method for outputting product information of compatible products.

[0002] When repairing components constituting a working machine, there is a selection support system that outputs repair parts that are candidates for ordering. As an example thereof, the selection support system of Patent Document 1 is known.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7113054

[0004] When repairing components of products such as pumps and multi-control valves, there are a method of replacing the components and a method of replacing the product itself. In the former case, since the product needs to be disassembled, the components replaced, and then reassembled, the amount of repair work increases. Therefore, the cost of replacement may be higher for the method of replacing components than for the method of replacing the product itself. On the other hand, even when replacing the product itself, it is difficult to reduce the cost if one tries to replace it with a standard product having exactly the same specifications as before the repair because the product itself is expensive. Also, depending on the use of the working machine, the desired performance may not be exhibited by products having the same specifications. Therefore, it is desirable to adopt a product according to price and use at the time of repair, and there are, for example, compatible products as such products.

[0005] In the selection support system of Patent Document 1 described above, components of a standard product that are candidates for ordering are displayed when repairing components, and compatible products are not output. Therefore, when trying to substitute with a compatible product at the time of repair, it is not possible to determine which compatible product should be substituted. In the first place, compatible products are not necessarily identical in function and form to the standard product, and there are many of them. The fact that there are many makes it more difficult to find compatible products corresponding to the standard product to be repaired.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a compatible product information output system and a compatible product information output method capable of easily finding compatible products corresponding to a standard product.

[0007] The first disclosed compatible product information output system is a compatible product information output system that outputs product information of compatible products that are compatible with each of the default products having different specifications, and comprises a storage unit that stores product information of compatible products that are compatible with each of the default products in association with each of the default products, a search unit that searches the storage unit for product information of compatible products corresponding to the default product based on the product information of the default product that is input, and an output unit that outputs the product information of compatible products that has been retrieved by the search unit.

[0008] According to the first disclosure, based on the product information of the input default product, product information for compatible products corresponding to the default product can be searched and output. Therefore, product information for compatible products corresponding to the default product can be presented. This makes it easy to find product information for compatible products corresponding to the default product. Consequently, the effort required for the searcher to find product information for compatible products corresponding to the default product can be reduced.

[0009] The second disclosure of a compatible product information output system is a compatible product information output system that outputs product information of compatible products, which are compatible with each other's default products and are composed of multiple modules, to each of the default products, and comprises an input unit into which first input information is input information of a target model which is a compatible product compatible with the default products and second input information is input information of a base model which is a compatible product different from the target model; a storage unit that stores information of the modules constituting the target model in association with the target model and stores information of the modules constituting the base model in association with the base model; and an output unit that outputs differences with respect to the modules constituting the target model and the base model, respectively.

[0010] According to the second disclosure, the differences in modules between the target model and the base model are output. Therefore, the differences between the target model and the base model can be easily identified. This makes it easy to identify, for example, the modules that need to be rearranged in the base model when building the target model from the base model.

[0011] The third disclosure is a compatible product information output system that outputs compatible products that are compatible with a given product, comprising: a storage unit that stores a compatible product comprising a component that constitutes the compatible product in association with the component; a search unit that searches the storage unit for a compatible product comprising the component based on the input component; and an output unit that outputs the compatible product found by the search unit.

[0012] According to the third disclosure, based on the input components, the system can retrieve and output compatible products comprising the components from its storage. Therefore, it is possible to present compatible products containing the components. This makes it possible to easily find compatible products containing the components. Consequently, the effort required for a searcher to find compatible products containing the components can be reduced.

[0013] The fourth disclosure is a compatible product information output method that outputs product information of compatible products that are compatible with each of the different default products, and comprises a search step of searching for product information of compatible products that are compatible with the default product based on the product information of the default product that is input, and an output step of outputting the product information of the compatible product that was found in the search step.

[0014] According to the fourth disclosure, based on the product information of the input default product, it is possible to search for and output compatible products that are compatible with the default product. Therefore, compatible products for the default product can be easily found. This reduces the effort required for the searcher to find compatible products corresponding to the default product.

[0015] According to the first and fourth disclosures, compatible products corresponding to the default products can be easily found.

[0016] According to the second disclosure, compatible products comprising the components can be easily found.

[0017] According to the third disclosure, when building a target model from a base model, it is possible to easily identify the modules that need to be rearranged in the base model.

[0018] The above-mentioned objectives, other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] This figure shows an overview of the compatible product information output system of the embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a perspective view showing the construction machine on which the default product to be searched is installed in the compatible product information output system of Figure 1. This figure shows the compatible product and the model number set for the compatible product. This figure shows the balloon number of the component. This is a flowchart of the procedure for the compatible product information output method implemented in the compatible product information output system of Figure 1. This figure shows the menu image displayed on the terminal device in the compatible product information output system of Figure 1. This figure shows the compatible product conversion image displayed on the terminal device when the compatible product search mode is performed in the compatible product information output system of Figure 1. This figure shows the specification information image displayed on the terminal device when the compatible product specification output mode is performed in the compatible product information output system of Figure 1. This figure shows the difference display image displayed on the terminal device when the model difference output mode is performed in the compatible product information output system of Figure 1. This figure shows the set content selection image displayed on the terminal when the set content output mode is performed in the compatible product information output system of Figure 1. This figure shows the reverse expansion search screen displayed on the terminal when the reverse expansion search mode is performed in the compatible product information output system of Figure 1. This figure shows the balloon number search screen displayed on the terminal when the balloon number search mode is performed in the compatible product information output system shown in Figure 1.

[0020] The compatible product information output system 1 and compatible product information output method of the embodiment described herein will be explained below with reference to the aforementioned drawings. Note that the compatible product information output system 1 and compatible product information output method described below are merely one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment, and additions, deletions, and modifications are permitted without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0021] The compatible product information output system 1 shown in Figure 1 outputs product information for compatible products that are compatible with each of the default products, which have different specifications. Default products are, for example, products installed in machinery such as construction machinery, and are products that are installed in the machinery when they are shipped from the manufacturer or other supplier, for example, genuine products sold through official channels. As mentioned above, default products come in various specifications, and each default product has at least one different component. Furthermore, different default products are installed depending on the model of the machine in which they are installed.

[0022] Compatible products are used as replacements for pre-installed standard products when repairing or modifying machinery, for example, when replacing a pre-installed standard product with a new product. Compatible products also come in various specifications, with at least one component differing for each specification. In this embodiment, the compatible product is configured as follows: The compatible product is composed of multiple modules, which will be described in detail later, and each module is composed of at least one component. Furthermore, for each specification of the compatible product, at least one of the multiple modules differs, and there are numerous specifications for compatible products.

[0023] The compatible product information output system 1 outputs product information for compatible products that are compatible with the default product, as described above, in order to propose compatible products with specifications that can be used as substitute products for the default product from among the many compatible products with specifications as described above. In this embodiment, the compatible product information output system 1 outputs the product information of compatible products to the terminal device 7 via a communication network such as the Internet. The terminal device 7 then displays the product information of the compatible product on the display unit 7e, which will be described in detail later. The compatible product information output system 1 configured in this way is applied to machinery such as construction machinery, as described above, and the default product is a hydraulic pump device 4 mounted on an excavator 3, which is an example of construction machinery as shown in Figure 2. Below, the excavator 3 equipped with the hydraulic pump device 4, which is the default product, will be described first. After that, the compatible product information output system 1 will be described in detail.

[0024] [Shovel] The shovel 3 shown in Figure 2 can perform various tasks such as excavation using an attachment, such as a bucket 15, that is mounted on its tip. The shovel 3 comprises a traveling device 11, a slewing body 12, a boom 13, an arm 14, and a bucket 15. The traveling device 11 includes, for example, a pair of crawlers 11L and 11R. Each crawler 11L and 11R can move in various directions by being driven. The slewing body 12 is mounted on the traveling device 11 so as to be able to slewing around a slewing axis L1 that extends in the vertical direction. The boom 13 is mounted on the slewing body 12 so as to be able to swing in the vertical direction. The arm 14 is mounted at the tip of the boom 13 so as to be able to swing in the front-rear direction, which is an example of a first direction. Furthermore, the bucket 15 is mounted at the tip of the arm 14 so as to be able to swing in the front-rear direction or in the vertical direction. The front-rear direction is the direction in which the boom 13 extends.

[0025] Furthermore, each of the traveling device 11, the slewing body 12, the boom 13, the arm 14, and the bucket 15 is equipped with a hydraulic actuator (not shown). Specifically, each of the crawlers 11L and 11R of the traveling device 11 is equipped with a traveling motor, and the slewing body 12 is equipped with a slewing motor (not shown). In addition, each of the boom 13, the arm 14, and the bucket 15 is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder (not shown). The excavator 3 is also equipped with a hydraulic pump device 4 and a multi-control valve 5 to supply working fluid to each of the aforementioned hydraulic actuators. In the excavator 3, the working fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump device 4 is supplied to each hydraulic actuator via the multi-control valve 5. This allows the traveling device 11, the slewing body 12, the boom 13, the arm 14, and the bucket 15 to move, and by moving them, the excavator 3 can perform various tasks.

[0026] In the Shovel 3, the required performance differs depending on the model. Therefore, the specifications of the hydraulic pump device 4 installed in the Shovel 3 are changed according to the required performance. Consequently, the standard product hydraulic pump device 4 is also manufactured in various specifications. Similarly, the compatible product hydraulic pump device 4A also has various specifications to correspond to each specification of the standard product hydraulic pump device 4. Regarding compatible products, for example, one or more compatible products with different specifications are compatible with the standard product for each specification. In other words, one or more compatible products with different specifications can be substituted for the standard product for each specification. In this relationship, the compatible product information output system 1 outputs product information for compatible products corresponding to the standard product in order to propose at least one compatible product for the standard product for each specification. Although the hydraulic pump device 4 was given as an example of a standard product, the standard product may be another product installed in the Shovel 3 (for example, the multi-control valve 5). Furthermore, the standard product may be a product other than one installed in the Shovel 3.

[0027] In the following, the standard product and the compatible product will be described using hydraulic pump devices 4 and 4A as examples. The standard product, hydraulic pump device 4, is composed of multiple components. For example, hydraulic pump device 4 is composed of multiple components such as a pump casing, valve block, piston, and drive shaft, and is manufactured by assembling these components. The compatible product, hydraulic pump device 4A, is also composed of multiple components, similar to the standard product hydraulic pump device 4. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the compatible product, hydraulic pump device 4A, is configured as follows to facilitate the rearrangement of its components. That is, as shown in Figure 3, hydraulic pump device 4A comprises a pump assembly 18 and a regulator assembly 19. Furthermore, each assembly 18 and 19 is composed of multiple modules. The pump assembly 18 includes, for example, a pump core module, a maximum / minimum displacement module, a drive shaft module, and a valve block module (see Figure 8 below). The regulator assembly 19 includes a feedback lever, a pilot control module, and a regulator core module (see Figure 8 below). Each module is composed of components as described above.

[0028] [Compatible Product Information Output System] As described above, the compatible product information output system 1 shown in Figure 1 outputs compatible products that are compatible with the default product. In this embodiment, the compatible product information output system 1 outputs product information for a compatible product, i.e., a hydraulic pump device 4A, that is compatible with the default product, the hydraulic pump device 4. The compatible product information output system 1 is, for example, a server computer, which is connected to the Internet 6, and further connected to each terminal device (for example, a personal computer) 7 via the Internet 6.

[0029] The terminal device 7 is configured to accept input of product information for a default product (hereinafter also referred to as "default product information"), and to display product information for a compatible product (hereinafter also simply referred to as "compatible product information") output from the compatible product information output system 1, as described above. More specifically, the terminal device 7 comprises an input operation unit 7a, a calculation unit 7b, a storage unit 7c, a communication unit 7d, and a display unit 7e.

[0030] The input operation unit 7a is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. The input operation unit 7a can input information such as default product information and compatible product information, as will be described in detail later, and can also perform various operations on the screen of the display unit 7e, as will be described in detail later, to give instructions. Note that the input operation unit 7a is not limited to a keyboard and a mouse, and may also be a touch panel or the like that is integrally formed with the display unit 7e, as long as it can input various kinds of information and perform various operations on the screen of the display unit 7e.

[0031] The arithmetic unit 7b is, for example, an arithmetic processing unit (abbreviated as CPU). The arithmetic unit 7b executes programs stored in the memory unit 7c, which will be described in detail later, and performs various processes. The communication unit 7d is, for example, a LAN board. Based on commands from the arithmetic unit 7b, the communication unit 7d outputs various information (for example, default product information entered in the input operation unit 7a, and instructions associated with operations on the screen) to the compatible product information output system 1 via the Internet 6. The communication unit 7d also receives information output from the compatible product information output system 1 (for example, compatible product information).

[0032] The storage unit 7c is, for example, a memory and a hard disk, and stores the aforementioned program and various other information. In this embodiment, the storage unit 7c stores information output from the compatible product information output system 1, for example, compatible product information. The display unit 7e is, for example, a display, and displays various information including compatible product information. More specifically, the display unit 7e displays various images, including compatible product information, based on the program and various information stored in the storage unit 7c. In the compatible product information output system 1, multiple terminal devices 7 configured in this way are connected via the Internet 6.

[0033] The compatible product information output system 1 searches for product information of compatible products that are compatible with the input default product, based on the default product information input from each of the terminal devices 7. The compatible product information output system 1 then outputs the retrieved compatible product information to the terminal devices 7 via the internet 6. More specifically, the compatible product information output system 1 comprises a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and an arithmetic processing unit 23. The communication unit 21 is a communication device, such as a LAN board. Default product information and compatible product information, etc., are input to the communication unit 21, which is an example of an input unit, from each terminal device 7 via the internet 6. Instructions are also input to the communication unit 21 from each terminal device 7. Furthermore, the communication unit 21, which is an example of an output unit, outputs the search results from the arithmetic processing unit 23, which will be described in detail later, such as compatible product information, etc., to each terminal device 7 via the internet 6.

[0034] The memory unit 22 stores default product information and compatible product information. Default product information includes, for example, the default product part number and the default product code. The part number is an identification code used, for example, to identify a product. The code is an identification code used, for example, to identify the function and performance of a product. Both the part number and the code are pre-set identification codes, for example, strings composed of a combination of multiple English letters and numbers. In addition, the default product information further includes the following information: the code of the front and rear regulator assemblies 19 equipped in the default product (Assembled Reg.(F)-Model Code, Assembled Reg.(R)-Model Code), and the mark of the equipment on which the product is installed. The mark of the equipment on which the default product is installed is, for example, the brand name of the equipment, or the name of the sales company. In the default product information, for each default product, the model and part number of the default product, the model numbers of the front and rear regulator assemblies 19 provided in the default product, and information related to the machine on which the default product is installed are associated with each other.

[0035] Each piece of compatible product information is stored in association with the product information of a compatible default product. In this embodiment, each piece of compatible product information is associated in the storage unit 22 with at least one of the part number and model number of a compatible default product. In this embodiment, at least one compatible product is associated with each default product. However, not all default products are necessarily associated with any compatible product, and there may be default products for which no compatible product is associated.

[0036] Furthermore, the compatible product information includes the following information: Specifically, the compatible product information includes the model number (Generic Model Code) of the compatible product. It also includes the Bill of Materials (BOM) information, compatibility information, a bird's-eye view of the compatible product, and a module assembly diagram. In addition, the storage unit 22 stores the program executed by the arithmetic processing unit 23, which will be described in detail later. Below, each piece of information included in the compatible product information stored in the storage unit 22 in this embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0037] In this embodiment, the model number of the compatible product is set as follows. That is, the model number of the compatible product consists of 30 characters, including, for example, a hyphen, as shown in model number 4a in Figure 3. Each character constituting the model number of the compatible product indicates the model number of the pump assembly 18 and the specifications of each module constituting the compatible product. Below, the model number of the compatible product will be explained using model number 4a of the hydraulic pump device 4A, which is a compatible product, as an example. The hydraulic pump device 4A has a model number, for example, "K3V112DT-AARAAGC0-GNAAAACDCFA1", and each character of the model number indicates the specifications of the hydraulic pump device 4A. More specifically, the model number includes the first to the 21st codes in order from the beginning of the string. The strings from the first to the 9th codes, i.e., the part "K3V112DT-AARACGA0", indicate the specifications of each module constituting the pump assembly 18. Furthermore, the string of characters from the 10th to the 21st code of the model number, i.e., the part "GNAAAAACDCFA1", indicates the specifications of each module that makes up the regulator assembly 19.

[0038] To explain in more detail, the first code, "K3V112DT-", indicates, for example, the model number of the pump assembly 18. The letters in "AARAAGC0" are the second to ninth codes, and each of the second to ninth codes indicates the specifications of each module of the pump assembly 18. For example, the second code, "A", indicates the specifications of the pump core module, and the third code, "A", indicates the specifications of the maximum / minimum displacement adjustment module. In addition, the fourth code, "R", indicates the rotation direction of the drive shaft. Furthermore, each of the fifth to ninth codes also indicates the specifications of each module that makes up the pump assembly 18, such as the drive shaft module and the valve block module (see Figure 8 below).

[0039] Furthermore, each letter in "GNAAAAACDCFA1" represents a code from the 10th to the 21st, with each of the 10th to the 21st codes indicating the specifications of each module of the regulator assembly 19. For example, the 10th code, "G," indicates the specifications of the feedback lever, and the 11th code, "N," indicates the specifications of the pilot control module. The other codes from the 12th to the 20th also indicate the specifications of each module constituting the regulator assembly 19, such as the specifications of the regulator core module and the rear module (see Figure 8 below). The 21st code, for example, indicates the settings of the regulator assembly 19 (see Figure 8 below).

[0040] Furthermore, each code in the model number of a compatible product is set as follows, according to the modules that make up the product, the rotation direction of the drive shaft, and the settings of the regulator assembly 19. Specifically, regarding the codes included in the model number, the first code is assigned a string of characters corresponding to the model number of the pump assembly 18. The fourth code is assigned 'R' and 'L' according to the rotation direction of the drive shaft (i.e., clockwise and counterclockwise), and the 21st code is assigned a number according to the settings of the regulator assembly 19. Furthermore, the characters assigned to the second code, the third code, and the fifth to 20th codes are determined, for example, as follows. Specifically, each module that makes up a compatible product has different characters assigned to it according to its different specifications. For example, the maximum / minimum capacity adjustment module that makes up a compatible product has three specifications, and the characters 'A', 'B', and 'C' are assigned to each of the first to third specifications, respectively. In the compatible products of the aforementioned model, the maximum / minimum capacity adjustment module of the second specification is used, so the third code of the model is denoted by 'B'. Similarly, the second code and the fifth through twentieth codes are denoted by characters corresponding to the specifications of each module used in the compatible product. Regarding compatible products, by changing the combination of each module that constitutes it, it is possible to manufacture, for example, more than 100 different compatible products with different specifications. On the other hand, the model numbers of compatible products are determined and set by the characters as described above, so the specifications of the compatible product can be understood from the model number. Therefore, the specifications of the compatible product, that is, each module that the compatible product is equipped with, can be easily understood from the model number.

[0041] Furthermore, the memory unit 22 stores at least one compatible product as a base model from among multiple compatible products with different specifications. More specifically, compatible products can be assembled into various specifications by rearranging at least one module. In such compatible products, the base model is the compatible product used as the base when rearranging. As a base model, for example, a compatible product that is easy to rearrange into various types of compatible products is selected. In this embodiment, the memory unit 22 stores, for example, three types of compatible products as base models from among compatible products with more than 100 different specifications. Note that the base model is not limited to compatible products that are easy to rearrange, and may be, for example, a compatible product with the following specifications. That is, the base model may be a compatible product with specifications that are expected to be shipped in large numbers, or a compatible product that has more modules that are more frequently used in other compatible products. In addition, the memory unit 22 stores a base model that is recommended as the base when assembling each compatible product in association with it. More specifically, the memory unit 22 stores the model numbers of recommended base models in association with the model numbers of each compatible product.

[0042] BOM information is a so-called bill of materials (see Figure 8, which will be explained in detail later). The storage unit 22 stores BOM information for each specification of compatible products. The storage unit 22 stores the BOM information in association with the compatible product (more specifically, the product model) for each specification. The BOM information includes multiple modules that make up the compatible product, and key parts, which are one of the multiple components that make up those modules. More specifically, in the BOM information, each module that makes up the compatible product is associated with it, and furthermore, each key part is associated with each module. That is, in the BOM information, modules and key parts are associated with the compatible product in a hierarchical manner (see Figure 8, which will be explained in detail later). Note that the BOM information does not necessarily have to be stored in advance. For example, the storage unit 22 may have modules for specifications corresponding to the characters of each code in advance, and the BOM information may be created based on the characters of each code in the model of the compatible product. Furthermore, in the BOM information, each key part (i.e., component) is associated with its part number (in this embodiment, the detailed number (or string of characters), etc., is omitted).

[0043] Compatibility information refers to the compatibility between modules with different specifications. For example, in a drive shaft module with four or more specifications, a drive shaft module of specification 1 can be used in a compatible product as a substitute for drive shaft modules of specifications 2 and 3; that is, it is compatible with drive shaft modules of specifications 2 and 3. On the other hand, a drive shaft module of specification 1 cannot be used as a substitute for drive shaft modules of specifications other than specifications 2 and 3. In other words, a drive shaft module of specification 1 is not compatible with drive shaft modules of specifications other than specifications 2 and 3. The compatibility of each module is determined by factors such as the position of the screw holes, the external shape, and the function of each specification. In this way, compatibility information associates compatibility between each specification with other specifications.

[0044] The product bird's-eye view is respectively associated with compatible products and is a bird's-eye view of the corresponding compatible product (see FIG. 8 to be described in detail later). In the present embodiment, the product bird's-eye view is a disassembled bird's-eye view of the corresponding compatible product and indicates how to assemble the compatible product. Also, in the present embodiment, the product bird's-eye view includes a disassembled bird's-eye view of the hydraulic pump device 4A, which is a compatible product, and a disassembled bird's-eye view of the regulator assembly 19 provided therein. Such a product bird's-eye view is associated with the type of the product bird's-eye view compatible product in the storage unit 22, for example. The assembly diagram of the module is a disassembled bird's-eye view of the module. The assembly diagram of the module is associated with each module and is a disassembled bird's-eye view of the corresponding module (not shown).

[0045] Also, the storage unit 22 further stores balloon numbers and stock expected ranks. The balloon number, which is an example of tag information, is a number set for each element with respect to the module and the component, and is associated with each module and each component. The balloon number is set for the module as follows, for example. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, number ⑤ is set for the drive shaft module, and number ⑫ is set for the regulator core module. Also, the balloon number is set for the component as follows, for example. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, number 111 is set for the drive shaft (front) (Drive Shaft(F)), and number 113 is set for the drive shaft (rear) (Drive Shaft(R)). Thus, a balloon number is associated with each element of each module and each component.

[0046] The stock expectation rank is a rank calculated for each specification within each module. The stock expectation rank is an indicator of the recommended stock quantity for each specification within each module. More specifically, in compatible products, as mentioned above, it is possible to modify a compatible product with the required specifications (the target model, detailed below) by replacing at least one module of the base model with a module of a different specification. Therefore, repair companies, etc., can quickly respond to various specifications of compatible products when replacing standard products with compatible products by keeping modules with specifications not used in the base model in stock. On the other hand, there are multiple versions with different specifications for each module, and it is difficult to keep all specifications of each module in stock. Therefore, a stock expectation rank is set for each specification for each module. The stock expectation rank is an indicator of the degree to which each specification should be stocked, and is calculated, for example, according to the proportion of modules of that specification used in the modification of the base model. The stock expectation rank is associated with each specification within each module.

[0047] Furthermore, the storage unit 22 stores a compatibility list, a module list, and a unit list. The compatibility list is a list in which, for example, all default products are enumerated, and compatible products that are compatible with each default product are shown. The compatibility list shows, for example, the part numbers and model numbers of default products and the model numbers of compatible products in correspondence. The module list is a list in which all modules are enumerated by code (i.e., by element), and for each module, the contents of each specification and the key parts that constitute it are shown in correspondence. Furthermore, the unit list is a list in which the contents of each base model and the modules that constitute each are shown.

[0048] An example of the search unit, the arithmetic processing unit 23, executes a program stored in the storage unit 22. As a result, the arithmetic processing unit 23 executes a compatible product information output method described later in response to an input from the terminal device 7. In the compatible product information output method, the arithmetic processing unit 23 operates as follows. That is, the arithmetic processing unit 23 searches the storage unit 22 for product information of a compatible product (hereinafter referred to as a "target model") that is compatible with the default product based on the input default product information, and outputs it. Further, the arithmetic processing unit 23 searches the storage unit 22 for product information of a base model that serves as a base when assembling the target model, and outputs it. In addition, the arithmetic processing unit 23 outputs various information by detecting or calculating as will be described in detail later. In the present embodiment, the arithmetic processing unit 23 is, for example, an arithmetic processing unit (abbreviation: CPU). Such an arithmetic processing unit 23 includes a compatible product search section 23a, a specification search section 23b, a difference detection section 23c, and a set content selection section 23d.

[0049] The compatible product search section 23a searches the storage unit 22 for product information of a compatible product that is compatible with the default product based on the input product information of the default product. More specifically, the compatible product search section 23a searches the storage unit 22 for product information of a compatible product associated with it, that is, product information of the target model, based on the product number or model type of the input default product. Further, the compatible product search section 23a searches the storage unit 22 for a base model recommended as a base when assembling the target model. Note that depending on the specifications of the target model, the target model itself may be recommended as the base model. Then, the compatible product search section 23a uses the searched target model and base model as detection results, and causes the communication unit 21 to output the detection results to the terminal device 7.

[0050] Furthermore, the compatible product search unit 23a searches for product information of a default product of the input part number or model. For example, when the part number (or model) of a default product is input to the compatible product search unit 23a, the model (or part number) of the default product associated with it, the model numbers of the preceding and succeeding regulator assemblies equipped with that default product, and information related to the machine on which the default product is installed are retrieved from the storage unit 22. The compatible product search unit 23a then outputs the retrieved default product model (or part number), the model numbers of the preceding and succeeding regulator assemblies, and the information related to the machine on which the default product is installed, along with the target model and base model, as detection results from the communication unit 21 to the terminal device 7 (see Figure 7, which will be described in detail later).

[0051] The specification search unit 23b searches the storage unit 22 for BOM information of compatible products. More specifically, when the part number or model number of a default product is input, the specification search unit 23b searches the storage unit 22 for product information of the corresponding compatible product (i.e., the target model). The specification search unit 23b then retrieves the model number and BOM information of the compatible product from the storage unit 22 and outputs them to the terminal device 7 via the communication unit 21 (see also Figure 8, which will be described in detail later). In this embodiment, in addition to the model number and BOM information of the compatible product, the specification search unit 23b searches the storage unit 22 for information related to the default product on which the input part number or model number is installed, and a bird's-eye view of the target model, and outputs them to the terminal device 7 via the communication unit 21.

[0052] The difference detection unit 23c detects differences in the modules of the target model and base model, from which product information is input. More specifically, the difference detection unit 23c detects differences by comparing characters with the same code numbers in the model numbers of the target model and base model, which are the input product information. Furthermore, the difference detection unit 23c retrieves BOM information, etc., for the target model and base model from the storage unit 22. Furthermore, the difference detection unit 23c determines whether the modules are compatible with each other based on the compatibility information. The difference detection unit 23c then outputs the module differences, the retrieved BOM information, and the aforementioned compatibility status to the terminal device 7 via the communication unit 21 (see Figure 8, which will be described in detail later).

[0053] The set contents selection section 23d proposes a breakdown of the recommended purchase quantities (i.e., recommended purchase quantities) for each specification of the base model when purchasing multiple base models with different specifications. In addition to the recommended purchase quantities for each base model, the set contents selection section 23d also proposes the modules with the necessary specifications and their recommended purchase quantities. More specifically, the memory unit 22 stores set contents-related information, which includes all the specifications of each module and the sales ratio of compatible products that possess each specification (see Figure 10, described later). The set contents selection section 23d then determines the set contents based on the set contents-related information, for example, as follows. That is, the set contents are determined for any number of compatible products, according to the sales ratio of compatible products that possess components with different specifications, with respect to predetermined components that the compatible products possess. For example, there are three specifications for the drive shaft, which is a component of the compatible product. Furthermore, of the three base models, the first and third base models are equipped with drive shafts of specification 1, and the second base model is equipped with drive shafts of specification 2. In all compatible products sold, the proportion of drive shafts equipped in them is 55% for specification 1, 40% for specification 2, and 5% for specification 3. In this case, the recommended number of base models to purchase for each specification is as follows, depending on the aforementioned proportions and the specifications of the drive shafts equipped in each base model: 5 for base model 1, 4 for base model 2, and 1 for base model 3. It is also recommended to purchase one drive shaft module equipped with the missing specification 3 drive shaft as a module for the required specification. In this way, when purchasing multiple base models of different specifications together, the number of base models of each specification and the additional modules to be purchased, i.e., the set contents, are proposed. Note that the proposed set contents may be adjusted according to the brand name or company name included in the equipment-related information.

[0054] The arithmetic processing unit 23 also includes a reverse expansion search unit 23e, a balloon search unit 23f, and a list search unit 23g. When the part number of a component is input, the reverse expansion search unit 23e searches the storage unit 22 for compatible products that include that component. In this embodiment, the reverse expansion search unit 23e searches the storage unit 22 for BOM information including the input component part number. The reverse expansion search unit 23e then outputs the search results to the terminal device 7 via the communication unit 21 (see Figure 11, which will be described in detail later). When the balloon number is input, the balloon search unit 23f searches the storage unit 22 for the module or component (more specifically, their part numbers) associated with that balloon number. The balloon search unit 23f then outputs the search results to the terminal device 7 via the communication unit 21. The list search unit 23g searches the storage unit 22 for a compatibility list, a module list, and a unit list according to a command, and outputs the search results to the terminal device 7 via the communication unit 21.

[0055] [Compatible Product Information Output Method] The compatible product information output method implemented in the compatible product information output system 1 will be explained below with reference to the flow chart in Figure 5. The compatible product information output method outputs product information of compatible products that are compatible with the default product, i.e., the target model. In addition, the compatible product information output system 1 outputs the differences between the target model and the base model (Difference Search: Module Difference Checker). Furthermore, the compatible product information output system 1 outputs the set contents that are recommended for purchase when purchasing multiple compatible products together (Set Contents Selector). Furthermore, the compatible product information output system 1 outputs product information of compatible products that include a component (Implosion Search). Furthermore, the compatible product information output system 1 outputs the component associated with a balloon number (Balloon Number Search). In the compatible product information output method, data is transmitted and received between the calculation processing unit 23 of the compatible product information output system 1 and the calculation unit 7b of the terminal device 7, thereby displaying various images on the display unit 7e of the terminal device 7. The compatible product information output method will be explained in more detail below.

[0056] In the compatible product information output method, when a user accesses the compatible product information output system 1 via the terminal device 7, a login screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 7e of the terminal device 7. When login information is entered via the input operation unit 7a of the terminal device 7, the login information is output from the communication unit 7d to the compatible product information output system 1. In the compatible product information output system 1, the calculation processing unit 23 determines whether there is any discrepancy between the entered login information and the pre-set login information. If there is no discrepancy, a menu image 41, as shown in Figure 6, is displayed on the display unit 7e of the terminal device 7. When the menu image 41 is displayed, the compatible product information output method is started and the process proceeds to step S1.

[0057] In step S1, which is a mode selection process, one of several modes is selected. In this embodiment, the compatible product information output system 1 has nine selectable modes, which are as follows: The compatible product information output system 1 has nine modes: Generic Model Translator, Generic Pump Specifications, Module Difference Checker, Bundle Contents Selector, Implosion Search, Balloon Number Search, Compatible List, Module List, and Unit List.

[0058] In the compatible product conversion mode, the target model is retrieved from the storage unit 22 for the input default product and output. In the compatible product specification output mode, the specification information of the compatible product of the input model, more specifically, the BOM information of the compatible product, is retrieved from the storage unit 22 and output. In the model difference output mode, the differences in specifications (more specifically, the differences in the modules each has) for the input target model and base model are detected and output. In the set contents output mode, when purchasing multiple base models of multiple specifications together, the breakdown of the recommended purchase quantity for each specification (more specifically, the set contents) is determined and output. In the reverse expansion search mode, product information of the compatible product, which includes the components of the input part number, is retrieved from the storage unit 22 and output. In the balloon number search mode, the module or component (more specifically, their part number) associated with the input balloon number is retrieved from the storage unit 22 and output. In the compatibility list output mode, module list output mode, and unit list output mode, the compatibility list, module list, and unit list are output, respectively.

[0059] The menu image 41 displays selection buttons 42 to 50 corresponding to the nine modes described above. When one of the selection buttons 42 to 50 is selected by the input operation unit 7a, the mode to be executed changes to the mode corresponding to the selected selection button 42 to 45. More specifically, when the first selection button 42 is selected, the selection mode becomes the compatible product conversion mode and the process moves to step S11. When the second selection button 43 is selected, the selection mode becomes the compatible product specification output mode and the process moves to step S21. When the third selection button 44 is selected, the selection mode becomes the model difference output mode and the process moves to step S31. When the fourth selection button 45 is selected, the selection mode becomes the set contents output mode and the process moves to step S41. When the fifth selection button 46 is selected, the selection mode becomes the reverse expansion search mode and the process moves to step S51. When the sixth selection button 47 is selected, the selection mode becomes the balloon number search mode and the process moves to step S61. When the 7th to 9th selection buttons 48 to 50 are selected, the selection mode changes to the compatibility list output mode, module list output mode, and unit list output mode, respectively, and the process proceeds to step S71.

[0060] [Compatible Product Search Mode] In step S11, which is an example of a search process and is a target model search process, product information for the target model is searched based on the product information of the default product that is entered. More specifically, when the selection mode changes to compatible product search mode and the process moves to step S11, a compatible product conversion image 51 as shown in Figure 7 is displayed on the display unit 7e. In the compatible product conversion image 51, the product information of the default product can be entered by the input operation unit 7a. More specifically, in the compatible product conversion image 51, in the input field (Input) 51a, either the default product code or the default product part number can be selected by the input operation unit 7a. In addition, in the input field (Input) 51a, the selected of the code and part number is entered by the input operation unit 7a. For example, when the default product code is entered, the default product code is output to the compatible product information output system 1 via the communication unit 7d of the terminal device 7.

[0061] In the compatible product information output system 1, the arithmetic processing unit 23 (more specifically, the compatible product search unit 23a) searches the storage unit 22 for the model number of the target model based on the input default product model number. The compatible product search unit 23a also searches the storage unit 22 for the base model associated with the compatible product listed as the target model. Furthermore, the compatible product search unit 23a searches the storage unit 22 for the product information of the default product of the input model number. In this way, in the target model search process, the product information of the target model, base model, and default product is retrieved from the storage unit 22 based on the input default product model number. Once the retrieval is complete, the system proceeds to step S12.

[0062] In step S12, which is an example of an output process and is a target model output process, the product information of the target model found in the target model search process is output via the communication unit 21 of the compatible product information output system 1. More specifically, in the target model output process, along with the product information of the target model, the product information of the base model found in the target model search process and the product information of the default product are output via the communication unit 21 of the compatible product information output system 1. In this way, the search results from the target model search process are output from the compatible product information output system 1, and the search results are input to the terminal device 7 via the communication unit 7d. Then, the calculation unit 7b of the terminal device 7 displays the search results on the display unit 7e, as shown in the compatible product conversion image 51 in Figure 7.

[0063] To explain in more detail, the compatible product conversion image 51 contains the following information. The compatible product conversion image 51 further includes a Default Product field 51b, a Target Model field 51c, and a Recommended Base Model field 51d. The Default Product field 51b contains the model and part number of the default product, as well as the model (Assembled Reg.(F)-Model Code and Assembled Reg.(R)-Model Code) and part number (Assembled Reg.(F)-Part Number and Assembled Reg.(R)-Part Number) of the preceding and succeeding regulator assemblies 19. The Target Model field 51c contains the Generic Model Code of the searched target model. Furthermore, the Recommended Base Model field 51d contains the Generic Model Code of the recommended base model. In this embodiment, the search results include the model and part number of the recommended base model regulator assembly 19, which are also listed in the recommended base model column 51d. Thus, in the target model output process, the search results are output from the compatible product information output system 1, and the search results are displayed in the compatible product conversion image 51.

[0064] [Compatible Product Specification Output Mode] In step S21, which is the specification information search process, the BOM information of the compatible product is searched based on the model number of the compatible product that is entered. More specifically, by switching to compatible product specification output mode and proceeding to step S21, a specification information image 52 as shown in Figure 8 is displayed on the display unit 7e. In the specification information image 52, the product information of the compatible product (more specifically, the model number of the compatible product) can be entered into the input field 52a using the input operation unit 7a. Once the model number of the compatible product is entered, the model number of the compatible product is output to the compatible product information output system 1 via the communication unit 7d of the terminal device 7.

[0065] In the compatible product information output system 1, the calculation processing unit 23 (more specifically, the specification search unit 23b) retrieves the BOM information from the storage unit 22 based on the input compatible product model. The specification search unit 23b also retrieves the product overview diagram and the mounted machine-related information associated with the input model from the storage unit 22. In this way, in the compatible product specification search process, the BOM information, product overview diagram, and mounted machine-related information are retrieved from the storage unit 22 based on the input compatible product model. Once the information is retrieved, the system proceeds to step S22.

[0066] In step S22, which is the specification information output process, the BOM information retrieved in the specification information search process is output via the communication unit 21 of the compatible product information output system 1. More specifically, in the specification information output process, along with the BOM information, the product overview diagram and mounted machine-related information retrieved in the target model search process are output via the communication unit 21 of the compatible product information output system 1. In this way, the search results from the specification information search process are output from the compatible product information output system 1, and the search results are input to the terminal device 7 via the communication unit 7d. Then, the calculation unit 7b of the terminal device 7 displays the search results on the display unit 7e, as shown in the specification information image 52 in Figure 8.

[0067] More specifically, the specification information image 52 contains the following information. Specifically, the specification information image 52 further includes a compatible product model field (Default Product) 52b, a specification information field 52c, a bird's-eye view field (Exploded View of 3D model (General)) 52d, and an onboard equipment-related information field (Mark) 52e. The compatible product model field 52b contains the model number of the target model. More specifically, in the compatible product model field 52b, each character of the model number is listed separately according to its code. The specification information field 52c contains the BOM information of the target model. In this embodiment, the specification information field 52c contains the name of the module, the code of the specifications adopted by that module, and the specifications and key parts of the module, listed from top to bottom in order from the first code. Furthermore, the bird's-eye view field 52d below the specification information field 52c contains a bird's-eye view of the target model and a bird's-eye view of the regulator assembly 19 attached thereto. Furthermore, the mounted equipment-related information section 52e contains information related to the mounted equipment. In this way, during the specification information output process, the search results are output from the compatible product information output system 1, and the search results are displayed in the specification information image 52.

[0068] [Model Difference Output Mode] In step S31, which is the model difference detection process, the differences between the target model and the base model with respect to the constituent modules are output. More specifically, by entering the model difference output mode and proceeding to step S31, a difference display image (Module Difference Checker) 53, as shown in Figure 9, is displayed on the display unit 7e. In the difference display image 53, the first input information, which is the product information of the target model (more specifically, the model number of the target model), is input into the first input field 53a by the input operation unit 7a. Also, in the difference display image 53, the second input information, which is the product information of the base model (more specifically, the model number of the base model), is input into the second input field 53b by the input operation unit 7a. Once the two input information entries are received, that input information is output to the compatible product information output system 1 via the communication unit 7d of the terminal device 7.

[0069] In the compatible product information output system 1, the calculation processing unit 23 (more specifically, the difference detection unit 23c) detects differences in the modules constituting the target model and the base model based on the first and second input information. More specifically, the difference detection unit 23c detects differences by comparing the characters of codes with the same number for the model numbers of the target model and the base model, which are the input product information. For example, in the two model numbers, the characters of the 6th code, 7th code, 19th code, and 20th code are different from each other. Therefore, the difference detection unit 23c detects that the valve block module of the 6th code, the auxiliary valve unit of the 7th code, the adjustment stem of the 19th code, and the pilot spring of the 20th code are different from each other. Once differences are detected, the system proceeds to step S22.

[0070] To explain in more detail, the difference detection unit 23c further detects the following: Specifically, with respect to the differing modules as described above, the difference detection unit 23c determines whether the differing modules are compatible with each other based on compatibility information. In this embodiment, for example, the auxiliary valve unit of code 7, the adjustment stem of code 19, and the pilot spring of code 20 are not compatible with each other. On the other hand, the valve block modules of code 6 are compatible with each other. In this way, the difference detection unit 23c also detects compatibility between differing modules. Furthermore, the compatible product search unit 23a searches for the base model recommended for the target model and the model number of a default product that is compatible with the target model. Furthermore, the specification search unit 23b searches for their BOM information based on the model numbers of the target model and the base model. After detecting differences and compatibility between modules, the process proceeds to step S32.

[0071] In step S32, which is the difference information output process, the differences between the target model and the base model detected in the model difference detection process are output via the communication unit 21 of the compatible product information output system 1. More specifically, along with the differences detected in the model difference detection process, the compatibility between the differing modules is output via the communication unit 21 of the compatible product information output system 1. Further specifically, the model number and BOM information of the target model, as well as the model number and BOM information of the base model, which were retrieved in the model difference detection process, are output via the communication unit 21 of the compatible product information output system 1. In this way, the detection results from the model difference detection process are output from the compatible product information output system 1, and the search results are input to the terminal device 7 via the communication unit 7d. Then, the calculation unit 7b of the terminal device 7 displays the detection results on the display unit 7e, as shown in the difference display image 53 in Figure 9.

[0072] More specifically, the difference display image 53 includes the following additional information: The difference display image 53 further includes a target model type column 53c, a base model type column 53d, a target model specification column 53e, a base model specification column 53f, a compatibility column (Result) 53g, and a bird's-eye view column 52h. In the target model type column 53c and the base model type column 53d, the model types of each model are listed separately for each code. In the target model type column 53c and the base model type column 53d, modules that differ from each other, i.e., codes that differ from each other, are shown in different colors (in this embodiment, solid, shading, and diagonal lines) based on the differences. Furthermore, in the target model type column 53c and the base model type column 53d, modules that differ from each other are shown in different colors (in this embodiment, shading and diagonal lines) according to whether or not they are compatible.

[0073] Furthermore, the BOM information for each model is briefly described in the target model specification section 53e and the base model specification section 53f. Specifically, in the specification sections 53e and 53f, the codes and key parts of the module corresponding to each code are shown from top to bottom in order of code number. In addition, in the specification sections 53e and 53f, similar to the model number sections 53c and 53d, the codes are color-coded based on differences and compatibility. To explain in more detail, in the difference display image 53, to the left of the target model specification section 53e is the compatibility section (Result) 53g, which describes the compatibility between different modules. For example, if the module of code 6 (i.e., the valve block) is compatible with the target model and the base model, then "Compatible" is written in the compatibility section 53g. On the other hand, if the modules of codes 7, 19, and 20 are not compatible with the target model and the base model, then "Replace" is written in the compatibility section 53g. Furthermore, the bird's-eye view section 53h, like the bird's-eye view section 52d of the specification information image 52, shows a bird's-eye view of the target model product and a bird's-eye view of the regulator assembly 19 attached thereto. In this way, in the difference information output process, the compatible product information output system 1 outputs the detection results regarding the differences, and the search results are displayed in the difference display image 53.

[0074] [Bundle Contents Output Mode] In step S41, which is the bundle contents selection process, when purchasing multiple base models with different specifications, the breakdown of recommended purchase quantities for each specification is determined. More specifically, by switching to bundle contents output mode and proceeding to step S41, a bundle contents selection image (Bundle Contents Selector) 54, as shown in Figure 10, is displayed on the display unit 7e. In the bundle contents selection image 54, the onboard equipment-related information is entered into the onboard equipment-related information input field 54a by the input operation unit 7a, and the number of compatible products to be purchased (i.e., the planned purchase quantity) is entered into the set quantity input field (Total Q'ty) 54b by the input operation unit 7a. Once the onboard equipment-related information and the planned purchase quantity are entered, they are output to the compatible product information output system 1 via the communication unit 7d of the terminal device 7.

[0075] In the compatible product information output system 1, the calculation processing unit 23 (more specifically, the set content selection unit 23d) determines the recommended purchase quantity for each base model based on the mounted machine-related information and the planned purchase quantity. That is, as mentioned above, the set content selection unit 23d is determined according to the sales ratio of compatible products that each have components with different specifications, with respect to the predetermined components that the compatible product has. The set content selection unit 23d also calculates the number of modules of the specifications that will be needed when each base model is purchased in the recommended purchase quantity described above. In this way, the set contents, including the purchase quantity of each base model and the modules to be added, are determined. The set content selection unit 23d also searches the storage unit 22 for the expected stock rank of each module. Once the set contents are determined and the expected stock rank is found, the system proceeds to step S42.

[0076] In step S42, which is the set contents output process, the set contents determined in the set contents selection process are output via the communication unit 21 of the compatible product information output system 1. More specifically, along with the set contents determined in the set contents selection process, set contents-related information such as the full specifications of each module, the sales ratio of compatible products in which each specification is installed, and the expected stock rank are output via the communication unit 21 of the compatible product information output system 1. When the set contents and set contents-related information are input to the terminal device 7 via the communication unit 7d, the calculation unit 7b of the terminal device 7 displays the set contents on the display unit 7e, as shown in the set contents selection image 54 in Figure 10.

[0077] To explain in more detail, the set contents selection image 54 includes the following additional information. Specifically, the set contents selection image 54 has a set contents display field 54c. The set contents display field 54c contains the aforementioned set contents-related information and the set contents themselves. Here, the model number of each base model is listed under "Parts Name" for each part of "Base Pump Ass'y," and the recommended purchase quantity for each base model is shown under "Stock Q'ty." In addition, the model number or name of each specification is listed under "Parts Name" for each module, and the number of modules that may become excess inventory is listed under "Extra Q'ty." Furthermore, the part numbers of the base model and each module are listed under "Part Number," and the expected stock rank for each module is indicated under "EGS." In this way, during the set contents output process, the set contents are output from the compatible product information output system 1 and displayed on the set contents selection image 54.

[0078] [Reverse Expansion Search Mode] In step S51, which is the reverse expansion search process, compatible products that include the input component (more specifically, the part number of the component) are searched from the storage unit 22. More specifically, when the selection mode is changed to reverse expansion search mode and the system moves to step S51, a reverse expansion search image 55, as shown in Figure 11, is displayed on the display unit 7e. In the reverse expansion search image 55, the part number of the component can be entered using the input operation unit 7a. More specifically, in the reverse expansion search image 55, the part number of the component can be entered into the input field (Input) 55a using the input operation unit 7a. As a result, the part number of the component is output to the compatible product information output system 1 via the communication unit 7d of the terminal device 7.

[0079] In the compatible product information output system 1, the calculation processing unit 23 (more specifically, the reverse expansion search unit 23e) searches the storage unit 22 for compatible products containing the component with the input part number, based on the input part number of the component. More specifically, the reverse expansion search unit 23e searches the storage unit 22 for BOM information containing the component with the input part number. Based on the retrieved BOM information, the reverse expansion search unit 23e obtains compatible products containing the component with the input part number. Once compatible products are found in this way, the system proceeds to step S52.

[0080] In step S52, which is the reverse expansion list output process, the model number of the compatible product found in the reverse expansion search process is output via the communication unit 21 of the compatible product information output system 1. More specifically, in the reverse expansion search process, along with the model number of the compatible product's product information, the model number and part number of a default product that uses it as a target model are output via the communication unit 21 of the compatible product information output system 1. Furthermore, the model numbers and part numbers of the preceding and succeeding regulator assemblies equipped in that default product are stored in the storage unit 22, and the reverse expansion search unit 23e also outputs the model numbers and part numbers of the preceding and succeeding regulator assemblies 19 along with the model number of the compatible product's product information. In this way, the compatible product information output system 1 outputs the model number of the compatible product, etc., and the compatible product model number, etc., are input to the terminal device 7 via the communication unit 7d. Then, the calculation unit 7b of the terminal device 7 displays the search results on the display unit 7e, as shown in the reverse expansion search image 55 in Figure 11.

[0081] More specifically, the reverse-deployment search image 55 contains the following information. Specifically, the reverse-deployment search image 55 has a reverse-deployment list field 55b. The reverse-deployment list field 55b contains a reverse-deployment list listing information about compatible products that include the components of the input part number. In this embodiment, the reverse-deployment list contains information about the mounted machine, the model and part number of a compatible default product, the model and part number of the regulators before and after that default product, and the model number of the compatible product being searched for. Thus, in the reverse-deployment list output process, the compatible product information output system 1 outputs the model number of the compatible product, etc., and the reverse-deployment list is displayed in the reverse-deployment search image 55.

[0082] In this reverse search mode, compatible products containing the entered component part number are searched in reverse. This makes it easy to find out which compatible products use which stocked parts and modules. This helps to prevent an increase in unnecessary stocked items and modules.

[0083] [Balloon Number Search Mode] In step S61, which is the balloon search process, the component to which the input balloon number corresponds is searched from the storage unit 22 based on the input balloon number. More specifically, when the selection mode changes to balloon search mode and the process moves to step S61, a balloon search image 56 as shown in Figure 12 is displayed on the display unit 7e. In the balloon search image 56, the balloon number can be entered using the input operation unit 7a. More specifically, in the balloon search image 56, the balloon number can be entered using the input operation unit 7a in the input field (Input) 56a. The balloon number is then output to the compatible product information output system 1 via the communication unit 7d of the terminal device 7.

[0084] In the compatible product information output system 1, the arithmetic processing unit 23 (more specifically, the balloon search unit 23f) searches the storage unit 22 for the component corresponding to the input balloon number. More specifically, the balloon search unit 23f searches the storage unit 22 for the module or component (hereinafter also simply referred to as "component, etc.") associated with the input balloon number. Once a search is performed in this manner, the system proceeds to step S62.

[0085] In step S62, which is the component output process, the part numbers of the components found in the balloon search process are output via the communication unit 21 of the compatible product information output system 1. More specifically, in the balloon search process, balloon-related information concerning the components is output along with the part numbers of the components via the communication unit 21 of the compatible product information output system 1. More specifically, in the storage unit 22, balloon numbers are stored in association with the components, along with balloon-related information, namely the model of the compatible product that includes the components, and the model and part number of the default product that the compatible product is compatible with. The balloon-related information is then output along with the part numbers of the components via the communication unit 21 of the compatible product information output system 1. In this way, the part numbers of the components and balloon-related information are output from the compatible product information output system 1 and are input to the terminal device 7 via the communication unit 7d. Then, the calculation unit 7b of the terminal device 7 displays a list on the display unit 7e, as shown in the balloon search image 56 in Figure 12.

[0086] More specifically, the balloon search image 56 contains the following information. Specifically, the balloon search image 56 includes a component list field 56b. The component list field 56b contains a component list that enumerates the components associated with the input balloon number, and balloon-related information concerning those components. In this embodiment, the component list includes, for the component list being searched, the model and part number of the default product with which the compatible product containing it is compatible, the compatible product, the part number of the component, and the name of the component. Thus, in the component output process, the part number of the component, etc., is output from the compatible product information output system 1, and the component list is displayed in the balloon search image 56.

[0087] In this way, in balloon search mode, the part numbers of components and other items associated with the balloon number are searched based on the entered balloon number. This makes it easy to find out what specifications of components are available for each component.

[0088] [List Output Mode] In step S71, which is the list search process, a list is retrieved from the storage unit 22 based on the selected 7th to 9th selection buttons 48 to 50. More specifically, when the 7th selection button 48 is selected, the arithmetic processing unit 23 (more specifically, the list search unit 23g) searches for the compatibility list. When the 8th selection button 49 is selected, the list search unit 23g searches for the module list. Furthermore, when the 9th selection button 50 is selected, the list search unit 23g searches for the unit list. Once the search is completed in this manner, the process proceeds to step S72.

[0089] In step S72, which is the list output process, the list retrieved in the list search process is output via the communication unit 21 of the compatible product information output system 1, and the list is input to the terminal device 7 via the communication unit 7d. Then, the calculation unit 7b of the terminal device 7 displays the list on the display unit 7e.

[0090] In the compatible product information output system 1 of this embodiment, based on the product information of a default product that is input, the system can search for and output the product information of a compatible product corresponding to the default product, i.e., the target model (for example, the model number of the target model). Therefore, the product information of the target model can be presented. This makes it easy to find the product information of the target model. Consequently, the effort required for the searcher to find the product information of the target model can be reduced.

[0091] Furthermore, in the compatible product information output system 1 of this embodiment, the product information of the target model includes BOM information. Therefore, the specifications of the target model can be easily grasped. Moreover, in the compatible product information output system 1 of this embodiment, the BOM information includes information about each of the modules that constitute the compatible product. Therefore, the BOM information that constitutes the compatible product can be grasped by each module.

[0092] Furthermore, in the compatible product information output system 1 of this embodiment, the product information includes a bird's-eye view of the compatible product. Therefore, the appearance of the compatible product can be easily grasped.

[0093] Furthermore, in the compatible product information output system 1 of this embodiment, the product information includes an exploded view diagram, which is an assembly diagram of the compatible product. Therefore, it is possible to easily understand how to assemble the compatible product.

[0094] Furthermore, the compatible product information output system 1 of this embodiment outputs the differences in modules between the target model and the base model. Therefore, the differences between the target model and the base model can be easily identified. This makes it easy to identify, for example, the modules that need to be rearranged in the base model when assembling a target model from the base model.

[0095] Furthermore, the compatible product information output system 1 of this embodiment outputs the module specifications and the expected stock rank for those specifications. Therefore, it is possible to indicate how many modules of each specification should be stocked. This helps to suppress inventory imbalances for each module specification. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the time lag in repair work caused by a shortage of modules of the required specifications during repairs.

[0096] Furthermore, in the compatible product information output system 1 of this embodiment, based on the input components, compatible products comprising the components can be searched from the storage unit 22 and output. Therefore, compatible products containing the components can be searched from the components themselves. This allows compatible products to be searched in various ways, thereby improving the convenience of the compatible product information output system 1.

[0097] Furthermore, in the compatible product information output system 1 of this embodiment, the components of each specification can be searched from the storage unit 22 and output based on the input balloon number. Therefore, the specifications of each component associated with the balloon number can be searched. This improves the usability of the compatible product information output system 1.

[0098] Furthermore, the compatible product information output system 1 of this embodiment outputs the recommended purchase quantity for each base model with different specifications, which is determined based on predetermined rules. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a large surplus of purchased base models, i.e., to prevent them from becoming inventory.

[0099] Furthermore, the compatible product information output system 1 of this embodiment outputs the differences in modules between the target model and the base model. Therefore, the differences between the target model and the base model can be easily identified. This makes it easy to identify, for example, the modules that need to be rearranged in the base model when assembling a target model from the base model.

[0100] Furthermore, in the compatible product information output system 1 of this embodiment, based on the input components, the system can search the storage unit 22 for and output compatible products that include the components. Therefore, it is possible to present compatible products that contain the components. This makes it possible to easily find and present compatible products that contain the components. Consequently, the effort required for a searcher to find compatible products that contain the components can be reduced.

[0101] In the compatible product information output method of this embodiment, based on the product information of the input default product, it is possible to search for and output compatible products that are compatible with the default product. Therefore, compatible products for the default product can be easily found. This reduces the effort required for the searcher to find compatible products corresponding to the default product.

[0102] <Regarding Other Embodiments> In the compatible product information output system 1 of this embodiment, compatible products corresponding to default products installed in construction machinery are output, but compatible products corresponding to default products installed in other machinery such as vehicles and electrical equipment may also be output. In addition, in the compatible product information output system 1 of this embodiment, the model number of the compatible product is output as product information, but the part number of the compatible product may also be output. Furthermore, the information included in the BOM information is not limited to the information described above, and may include various information regarding compatible products and modules. Also, the search and images in the compatible product information output method of this embodiment are merely examples. For example, the drawing of the compatible product is not limited to the bird's-eye view described above, and the front view may be a perspective view, etc.

[0103] Furthermore, in the compatible product specification output mode, the input model number may be that of a compatible product, but it may also be that of a default product. In this case, the BOM information of the target model for the default product of the input model number is retrieved from the storage unit 22 and output. Also, in the model difference output mode, the input model number may be that of a default product. In this case, when a default product is input, the differences in specifications between the target model and base model associated with it are detected and output.

[0104] <Exemplary Embodiment> The compatible product detection system in the first phase is a compatible product information output system that outputs product information of compatible products that are compatible with each of the default products having different specifications, and comprises a storage unit that stores product information of compatible products that are compatible with each of the default products in association with each of the default products, a search unit that searches the storage unit for product information of compatible products corresponding to the default product based on the product information of the default product that is input, and an output unit that outputs the product information of the compatible product that has been retrieved by the search unit.

[0105] Following the above procedure, based on the product information of the input default product, it is possible to search for and output product information of compatible products corresponding to that default product. Therefore, product information of compatible products corresponding to the default product can be presented. This makes it easy to find product information of compatible products corresponding to the default product. Consequently, the effort required for the searcher to find product information of compatible products corresponding to the default product can be reduced.

[0106] In the second phase, the compatible product detection system, in the first phase, includes BOM information as part of the product information of the compatible product.

[0107] In accordance with the above situation, the product information for compatible products includes BOM (Bill of Materials) information. Therefore, the specifications of compatible products can be easily understood.

[0108] The compatible product detection system in the third phase is configured such that, in the compatible product detection system in the second phase, the compatible product is composed of a plurality of modules, and the BOM information includes information about each of the modules that constitute the compatible product.

[0109] According to the above, BOM information includes information about each module that makes up the compatible product. Therefore, the BOM information that makes up the compatible product can be obtained for each module.

[0110] In the fourth phase, the compatible product detection system is such that, in the third phase, the product information includes drawings of the compatible product.

[0111] In accordance with the above circumstances, the product information includes drawings of the compatible product. Therefore, the appearance of the compatible product can be easily understood.

[0112] In the fifth phase, the compatible product detection system, as in the fourth phase, includes an assembly drawing as a drawing of the compatible product for the product information.

[0113] In the above scenario, product information includes assembly diagrams as drawings for compatible products. Therefore, it is easy to understand how to assemble compatible products.

[0114] The compatible product detection system in the sixth phase further comprises an input unit into which a first input information is input, which is product information of a target model that is a compatible product compatible with the predetermined product, and a second input information is input, which is product information of a base model that is a compatible product different from the target model. The compatible product is composed of a plurality of modules, the target model is composed of at least one module with different specifications from the base model, the storage unit stores information of the modules constituting the target model in association with the target model, and stores information of the modules constituting the base model in association with the base model, and the output unit outputs the differences with respect to the modules constituting the target model and the base model, respectively.

[0115] Following the above procedure, the differences in modules between the target model and the base model will be output. Therefore, the differences between the target model and the base model can be easily identified. This makes it easy to identify, for example, the modules that need to be rearranged in the base model when building a target model from the base model.

[0116] The compatible product detection system in the seventh phase is a compatible product detection system in any of the third to fifth phases, wherein for each specification, the specifications of at least one of the plurality of modules differ from each other, the storage unit stores a stock expectation rank which is an index of the recommended stock quantity for each specification of the module, and the output unit outputs the stock expectation rank for that specification along with the specifications of the module.

[0117] Following the above procedure, the module specifications and the expected stock rank for those specifications are output. Therefore, it is possible to indicate how many modules of each specification should be stocked. This helps to suppress inventory imbalances for each module specification. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the time lag in repair work caused by a shortage of modules of the required specifications during repairs.

[0118] The compatible product detection system in the eighth phase is a compatible product detection system in any of the first to seventh phases, wherein the storage unit stores the compatible product comprising the components that constitute the compatible product in association with the components that constitute the compatible product, the search unit searches the storage unit for the compatible product comprising the components based on the input components, and the output unit outputs the compatible product found by the search unit.

[0119] Following the above procedure, based on the input components, compatible products comprising those components can be retrieved from the storage unit and output. Therefore, compatible products containing those components can be searched for from the components themselves. This allows compatible products to be searched in various ways, thereby improving the convenience of the compatible product information output system.

[0120] The compatible product detection system in the ninth phase is a compatible product detection system in any of the first to eighth phases, wherein the storage unit stores tag information associated with each specification of the component constituting the compatible product, the search unit searches the storage unit for each specification of the component based on the input tag information, and the output unit outputs the component for each specification found by the search unit.

[0121] Following the above procedure, the system can retrieve and output the components for each specification from its memory based on the input tag information. Therefore, it is possible to search for the components for each specification that correspond to the tag information. This improves the convenience of the compatible product information output system.

[0122] The compatibility product detection system in the tenth phase further includes an input unit for inputting the planned purchase quantity for purchasing multiple base models with different specifications, with respect to a base model that serves as the basis for assembling a target model which is a compatible product that is compatible with the predetermined product, and the output unit outputs the recommended purchase quantity for each of the base models with different specifications.

[0123] Following the above procedure, the recommended purchase quantity for each base model with different specifications, determined based on predetermined rules, will be output. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a large amount of purchased base models from becoming unsold inventory.

[0124] The compatible product detection system in the eleventh phase is a compatible product information output system that outputs product information for each of the default products, which is compatible with default products having different specifications and is composed of multiple modules, and comprises an input unit into which first input information is input, which is product information of a target model that is a compatible product compatible with the default products, and second input information is product information of a base model that is a compatible product different from the target model, respectively; a storage unit that stores information of the modules constituting the target model in association with the target model, and stores information of the modules constituting the base model in association with the base model; and an output unit that outputs differences with respect to the modules constituting the target model and the base model, respectively.

[0125] Following the above procedure, the differences in modules between the target model and the base model will be output. Therefore, the differences between the target model and the base model can be easily identified. This makes it easy to identify, for example, the modules that need to be rearranged in the base model when building a target model from the base model.

[0126] The compatible product detection system in the twelfth phase is a compatible product information output system that outputs compatible products that are compatible with a given product, and comprises a storage unit that stores the compatible product, which is composed of components that constitute the compatible product, in association with the components that constitute the compatible product, a search unit that searches the storage unit for the compatible product, which is composed of components that constitute the components, based on the input components, and an output unit that outputs the compatible product found by the search unit.

[0127] Following the above procedure, based on the input components, the system can search for and output compatible products containing those components from its memory. Therefore, it can present compatible products that contain the components. This makes it easy to find compatible products that contain the components. Consequently, the effort required for the searcher to find compatible products containing the components can be reduced.

[0128] The compatible product detection method in the 13th phase is a compatible product information output method that outputs product information of compatible products that are compatible with each of the different default products, and comprises a search step of searching for product information of compatible products that are compatible with the default product based on the product information of the default product that is input, and an output step of outputting the product information of the compatible product that was found in the search step.

[0129] Following the above procedure, based on the product information of the input default product, it is possible to search for and output compatible products that are compatible with the default product. Therefore, compatible products for the default product can be easily found. This reduces the effort required for the searcher to find compatible products corresponding to the default product.

[0130] From the above description, many improvements and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be interpreted as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. The details of its structure and / or function can be substantially modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A compatible product information output system that outputs product information for compatible products for each of the default products having different specifications, comprising: a storage unit that stores product information for compatible products that are compatible with each of the default products in association with each of the default products; a search unit that searches the storage unit for product information for compatible products corresponding to the default product based on the product information of the default product that is input; and an output unit that outputs the product information of the compatible product retrieved by the search unit.

2. The compatible product information output system according to claim 1, wherein the product information of the compatible product includes BOM information.

3. The compatible product information output system according to claim 2, wherein the compatible product is composed of a plurality of modules, and the BOM information includes information relating to each of the modules constituting the compatible product.

4. The compatible product information output system according to claim 3, wherein the product information includes drawings of the compatible product.

5. The compatible product information output system according to claim 4, wherein the product information includes an assembly drawing as a drawing of the compatible product.

6. The compatible product information output system according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit into which first input information is product information of a target model which is a compatible product compatible with the default product, and second input information is product information of a base model which is a compatible product different from the target model, wherein the compatible product is composed of a plurality of modules, the target model is composed of at least one module with different specifications from the base model, the storage unit stores information of the modules constituting the target model in association with the target model, and stores information of the modules constituting the base model in association with the base model, and the output unit outputs differences with respect to the modules constituting the target model and the base model, respectively.

7. The compatible product information output system according to claim 3, wherein for each specification of the compatible product, the specifications of at least one of the plurality of modules are different from each other, the storage unit stores a stock expectation rank which is an index relating to the recommended stock quantity for each specification of the module, and the output unit outputs the stock expectation rank relating to the specification along with the specification of the module.

8. The compatible product information output system according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the compatible product comprising the components that constitute the compatible product in association with the components that constitute the compatible product, the search unit searches the storage unit for the compatible product comprising the components based on the input components, and the output unit outputs the compatible product found by the search unit.

9. The compatible product information output system according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores tag information associated with each specification of the component that constitutes the compatible product, the search unit searches the storage unit for each specification of the component based on the input tag information, and the output unit outputs the component for each specification found by the search unit.

10. The compatible product information output system according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit for inputting the planned purchase quantity for a base model that serves as the base for assembling a target model which is a compatible product compatible with the aforementioned default product, wherein the output unit outputs the recommended purchase quantity for each of the base models with different specifications.

11. A compatible product information output system that outputs product information for each of the default products, which is compatible with default products having different specifications and is composed of multiple modules, the system comprising: an input unit that receives first input information which is product information of a target model which is a compatible product compatible with the default products, and second input information which is product information of a base model which is a compatible product different from the target model; a storage unit that stores information of the modules constituting the target model in association with the target model, and stores information of the modules constituting the base model in association with the base model; and an output unit that outputs differences with respect to the modules constituting the target model and the base model, respectively.

12. A compatible product information output system that outputs compatible products that are compatible with a given product, comprising: a storage unit that stores a compatible product comprising a component that constitutes the compatible product in association with the component said component; a search unit that searches the storage unit for a compatible product comprising the component said component based on the component that is input; and an output unit that outputs the compatible product found by the search unit.

13. A compatible product information output method for outputting product information of compatible products that are compatible with each of the different default products, comprising: a search step of searching for product information of compatible products that are compatible with the default product based on product information of the default product that is input; and an output step of outputting the product information of the compatible product that is found in the search step.

Images