Information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

The present invention improves the versatility of information acquired in a material development project. An information processing system according to the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires project information and fabrication information or evaluation information via respective screens therefor when a material development project is executed and a sample is fabricated or evaluated; an identifier addition unit that adds an identifier of the project to a fabrication information group including an identifier of basic information identifying a resource used for fabricating the sample and that adds the identifier of the project or an identifier of the fabrication information group to an evaluation information group including an identifier of basic information identifying a resource used for evaluating the sample; and an input / output control unit that performs control to store, in a storage unit, project information group including the identifier of the project and the fabrication information group or the evaluation information group having the identifier of the project added thereto. The input / output control unit uses the identifier to read information corresponding to an instruction by a user from the storage unit.

Description

Information Processing System, Information Processing Method, and Information Processing Program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

[0002] A system for collecting various information such as experimental data obtained when a project for material development or the like is executed is known. According to the system, a user can view information obtained in various past projects.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-175309

[0004] However, the information collected by the above system is originally information obtained by each acquisition method for each department or for each product, and due to reasons such as the lack of uniformity in the types of information to be acquired and the presence of notation variations, its versatility is low. For this reason, for example, when attempting to execute various processes using information collected from a plurality of departments or information collected for a plurality of products, there has been a problem that the convenience for the user is poor.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to improve the versatility of information obtained by executing a project for material development.

[0006] An information processing system according to a first aspect of this disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires project information showing an outline of a project and production information related to sample production or evaluation information related to sample evaluation via their respective screens when a materials development project is executed and a sample is produced or evaluated; an identifier addition unit that adds the project identifier to a production information group which includes identifiers of basic information that identify the resources used for sample production, and adds the project identifier or the production information group identifier to an evaluation information group which includes identifiers of basic information that identify the resources used for sample evaluation; and an input / output control unit that controls the storage unit to store the project information group which includes the project identifier and the production information group or the evaluation information group to which the project identifier has been added, wherein the input / output control unit reads information from the storage unit using the identifier in response to user instructions.

[0007] An information processing system according to a second aspect of this disclosure is an information processing system according to a first aspect, wherein the project information group is a group of information that includes, entered before a sample is prepared or evaluated, a project identifier, a project theme name, a project objective, a hypothesis in the project, and, entered after a sample is prepared or evaluated, a conclusion of the project.

[0008] An information processing system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing system according to a first or second aspect, wherein the storage unit registers basic information that identifies resources used for sample preparation or sample evaluation, in association with identifiers for each resource, and the basic information registered in the storage unit includes the chemical names of chemicals used for sample preparation or sample evaluation, and the device names of devices used for sample preparation or sample evaluation.

[0009] An information processing system according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure is an information processing system according to any of the first to third aspects, wherein the preparation information group includes sample preparation conditions including a recipe for sample preparation and the results of sample preparation including measurement data measured during sample preparation, and the evaluation information group includes sample evaluation conditions and the results of sample evaluation.

[0010] An information processing system according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing system according to a fourth aspect, wherein when the input / output control unit stores the evaluation information group in the storage unit, it controls the system to store the results of each sample evaluation in a main table corresponding to the type of sample evaluation experiment when multiple types of sample evaluation experiments are performed on a prepared sample, when sample evaluation experiments are performed on a prepared sample under multiple conditions, when sample evaluation results are stored in the main table as separate records, when multiple sample evaluation experiments are performed on a prepared sample under the same conditions, it controls the system to store representative values ​​of the results of each sample evaluation in the main table and to store the results of each sample evaluation in a sub-table, and the identifier addition unit adds the identifier from the main table to the sub-table when the results of each sample evaluation are stored in the sub-table.

[0011] An information processing system according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure is an information processing system according to any of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the menu bar of the screen includes: a transition button that instructs transitioning to a screen for inputting and outputting project information, which is displayed before preparing or evaluating a sample; a transition button that instructs transitioning to a screen for inputting and outputting preparation information; a transition button that instructs transitioning to a screen for inputting and outputting evaluation information; a transition button that instructs transitioning to a screen for inputting user instructions when reading and processing information from the storage unit in response to user instructions; and a transition button that instructs transitioning to a screen for inputting and outputting project information, which is displayed after preparing or evaluating a sample.

[0012] An information processing system according to a seventh aspect of this disclosure is an information processing system according to a sixth aspect, wherein the toolbar of the screen includes a transition button that instructs the user to transition to a screen for inputting user instructions when searching for information in accordance with user instructions from the information stored in the storage unit, and a transition button that instructs the user to transition to a screen for registering the basic information in the storage unit.

[0013] An information processing system according to the eighth aspect of this disclosure is an information processing system according to the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein a screen displayed before the preparation or evaluation of the sample includes an input field for entering a project identifier, and when an identifier is entered in the input field, a group of project information including the identifier entered in the input field is read from the storage unit by the input / output control unit, and each piece of project information is entered into the screen displayed before the preparation or evaluation of the sample.

[0014] An information processing system according to the ninth aspect of this disclosure is an information processing system according to any of the sixth to eighth aspects, wherein the screen for inputting and outputting the production information includes an area for displaying a list of production information stored in the storage unit and an area for displaying newly input production information.

[0015] An information processing system according to the tenth aspect of this disclosure is an information processing system according to any of the sixth to ninth aspects, wherein the screen for inputting and outputting the evaluation information includes an area for displaying a list of newly entered sample evaluation results and an area for displaying a graph of each data included in the newly entered sample evaluation results, and the graph plots each data with an item selected by the user as the axis.

[0016] An information processing system according to the eleventh aspect of this disclosure is an information processing system according to the seventh aspect, wherein the screen for registering the basic information in the storage unit has separate areas for inputting basic information that identifies the resources used for sample preparation or sample evaluation, arranged according to the order in which the user inputs the information.

[0017] An information processing system according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, comprising a recipe generation unit that generates a recipe for sample preparation in response to an instruction to generate a recipe for sample preparation, wherein the instruction to generate a recipe for sample preparation includes the results of a sample evaluation required for the sample for which the recipe is to be generated and the conditions for the sample preparation, and the recipe generation unit generates a recipe for sample preparation that satisfies the required sample evaluation results and the required conditions for sample preparation using information including the preparation information and evaluation information stored in the storage unit.

[0018] An information processing system according to the thirteenth aspect of this disclosure is an information processing system according to any of the first to twelfth aspects, comprising a model generation unit that, when information including the production information and evaluation information stored in the storage unit is read out as explanatory variables or target variables to be used for model generation, trains a model using the read-out explanatory variables and target variables and generates a trained model.

[0019] An information processing system according to a fourteenth aspect of this disclosure is an information processing system according to any of the first to thirteenth aspects, comprising a search unit that, when a user inputs an instruction indicating the scope of project information, an instruction indicating the scope of production information, or an instruction indicating the scope of evaluation information, outputs as a search result the information read by the input / output control unit from the storage unit in accordance with the input instruction.

[0020] An information processing system according to a 15th aspect of this disclosure is an information processing system according to any of the first to 13th aspects, comprising a search unit that outputs information read from the storage unit by the input / output control unit as a search result in accordance with a search expression constructed based on user instructions.

[0021] An information processing system according to the sixteenth aspect of this disclosure is an information processing system according to any of the first to fifteenth aspects, comprising a terminal device that displays a screen for the user to view and accepts user operations when a materials development project is carried out and samples are prepared or evaluated.

[0022] The information processing method according to the 17th aspect of the present disclosure involves a computer that, when a materials development project is executed and a sample is prepared or evaluated, acquires project information showing an outline of the project and preparation information related to sample preparation or evaluation information related to sample evaluation via their respective screens; adds the project identifier to a group of preparation information that includes identifiers of basic information that identify the resources used for sample preparation; adds the project identifier or the identifier of the group of preparation information to a group of evaluation information that includes identifiers of basic information that identify the resources used for sample evaluation; controls the computer to store the group of project information that includes the project identifier and the group of preparation information or the group of evaluation information to which the project identifier has been added in a storage unit; and reads information from the storage unit using the identifier in response to a user's instruction.

[0023] An information processing program according to the eighteenth aspect of this disclosure causes a computer to execute the following when a materials development project is executed and a sample is made or evaluated: an acquisition process that acquires project information showing an outline of the project and production information related to sample production or evaluation information related to sample evaluation via their respective screens; an identifier addition process that adds the project identifier to a production information group which includes identifiers of basic information that identify the resources used for sample production, and adds the project identifier or the identifier of the production information group to an evaluation information group which includes identifiers of basic information that identify the resources used for sample evaluation; and an input / output control process that controls the computer to store the project information group which includes the project identifier and the production information group or the evaluation information group to which the project identifier has been added in a storage unit, wherein the input / output control process reads information from the storage unit using the identifier in response to user instructions.

[0024] According to this disclosure, the versatility of information obtained by carrying out material development projects can be improved.

[0025] Figure 1 is the first diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an information processing system. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an overview of the processing in each phase of the information processing system. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information management unit in the first phase. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen. Figure 6A is the first diagram showing an example of basic information registered in the basic information storage unit. Figure 6B is the second diagram showing an example of basic information registered in the basic information storage unit. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information management unit in the second phase. Figure 8 is the first diagram showing an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting project information. Figure 9 is the second diagram showing an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting project information. Figure 10 is the first diagram showing an example of a project information table stored in the project information storage unit. Figure 11A is the first diagram showing an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting manufacturing information. Figure 11B is the second diagram showing an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting manufacturing information. Figure 11C is the third diagram showing an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting manufacturing information. Figure 12 is the first figure showing a specific example of processing by the identifier addition unit. Figure 13A is the first figure showing an example of a manufacturing information table stored in the manufacturing information storage unit. Figure 13B is the second figure showing an example of a manufacturing information table stored in the manufacturing information storage unit. Figure 14A is the first figure showing an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting evaluation information. Figure 14B is the second figure showing an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting evaluation information. Figure 15 is the second figure showing a specific example of processing by the identifier addition unit. Figure 16A is the first figure showing an example of an evaluation information table stored in the evaluation information storage unit. Figure 16B is the second figure showing an example of an evaluation information table stored in the evaluation information storage unit. Figure 16C is the third figure showing an example of an evaluation information table stored in the evaluation information storage unit. Figure 16D is the fourth figure showing an example of an evaluation information table stored in the evaluation information storage unit. Figure 16E is the fifth figure showing an example of an evaluation information table stored in the evaluation information storage unit. Figure 17 is a third diagram showing an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting project information.Figure 18 is a second diagram showing an example of a project information table stored in the project information storage unit. Figure 19 is a first diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information management unit in the third phase. Figure 20A is a first diagram showing an example of a processing screen for recipe generation. Figure 20B is a second diagram showing an example of a processing screen for recipe generation. Figure 20C is a third diagram showing an example of a processing screen for recipe generation. Figure 21 is a second diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information management unit in the third phase. Figure 22A is a first diagram showing an example of a processing screen for model generation. Figure 22B is a second diagram showing an example of a processing screen for model generation. Figure 22C is a third diagram showing an example of a processing screen for model generation. Figure 23 is a third diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information management unit in the third phase. Figure 24A is a first diagram showing an example of a search screen. Figure 24B is a second diagram showing an example of a search screen. Figure 25 is the fourth diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information management unit in the third phase. Figure 26 is a diagram showing an example of a request screen. Figure 27 is the second diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the information processing system. Figure 28 is a diagram showing a specific example of analysis processing by the analysis unit.

[0026] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0027] [First Embodiment] <System Configuration of the Information Processing System> First, the system configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described. The information processing system according to the first embodiment is a system that acquires various types of information when a materials development project is carried out and samples are prepared or evaluated.

[0028] Figure 1 is a first diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an information processing system. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 100 comprises an information processing device 110, an experimenter terminal device 130, and a viewer terminal device 140. In the information processing system 100, the information processing device 110, the experimenter terminal device 130, and the viewer terminal device 140 are communicated together via a network 150.

[0029] An information processing device 110 has an information processing program installed on it, and when this program is executed, the information processing device 110 functions as an information management unit 120. The information management unit 120 provides various display screens to the experimenter terminal device 130 and the viewer terminal device 140. The information management unit 120 also stores various information entered by the experimenter 131 through various operations performed on the experimenter terminal device 130 on which the provided display screens are displayed. Furthermore, the information management unit 120 executes various processes based on various instructions entered by the experimenter 131 or viewer 141 through various operations performed on the experimenter terminal device 130 and the viewer terminal device 140 on which the provided display screens are displayed. Experimenter 131 is an example of a user of the information processing system 100 and refers to a person who conducts experiments for sample preparation or sample evaluation. Viewer 141 is an example of a user of the information processing system 100 and refers to a person who reads information stored in the information processing system 100 and uses the read information to execute various processes.

[0030] Note that experimenter 131 and viewer 141 may be the same person or different people. Also, experimenter terminal device 130 and viewer terminal device 140 may be the same device or different devices. Figure 1 shows an example in which one experimenter terminal device 130 is connected to the information processing device 110 via the network 150 for communication. However, the number of experimenter terminal devices 130 is not limited to one. For example, two or more experimenter terminal devices 130 may be connected to the information processing device 110 via the network 150 for communication. Also, Figure 1 shows an example in which one viewer terminal device 140 is connected to the information processing device 110 via the network 150 for communication. However, two or more viewer terminal devices 140 may be connected to the information processing device 110 via the network 150 for communication.

[0031] The information management unit 120 provides a "registration screen" to the experimenter terminal device 130 for registering "basic information". In response to the information management unit 120 providing the registration screen, the experimenter 131 performs a registration operation, and the information management unit 120 registers the basic information in the basic information storage unit 121. "Basic information" refers to information about resources used for sample preparation or sample evaluation.

[0032] Note that the registration of basic information may be performed by a user other than experimenter 131, or by the administrator of the information processing device 110 (not shown), etc. However, in the following explanation, it will be assumed that experimenter 131 is the one who registers the basic information.

[0033] The information management unit 120 provides an "input / output screen" to the experimenter terminal device 130 for inputting and outputting "project information". In response to the information management unit 120 providing the input / output screen, the experimenter 131 performs an input operation, and the information management unit 120 stores the project information group as a "project information table" in the project information storage unit 122. "Project information" refers to information that shows the outline of the project, and "project information group" refers to project information of multiple items that include the same project identifier (project ID). For example, in the example of Figure 10 described later, the project information of multiple items stored in the project information table 1000 is the project information group. If multiple project information tables containing the same project ID are stored, the project information of multiple items stored in the multiple project information tables containing the same project ID is the project information group.

[0034] The information management unit 120 provides the experimenter terminal device 130 with an "input / output screen" for inputting and outputting "manufacturing information" and an "input / output screen" for inputting and outputting "evaluation information". When the experimenter 131 performs an input operation in response to the information management unit 120 providing an input / output screen for inputting and outputting manufacturing information, the information management unit 120 stores the manufacturing information group as a "manufacturing information table" in the manufacturing information storage unit 123. Similarly, when the experimenter 131 performs an input operation in response to the information management unit 120 providing an input / output screen for inputting and outputting evaluation information, the information management unit 120 stores the evaluation information group as an "evaluation information table" in the evaluation information storage unit 124.

[0035] "Preparation information" refers to information related to sample preparation, and "preparation information group" refers to preparation information for multiple items that contain the same process identifier. We will explain this in detail using Process 1 as an example, referring to Figures 13A and 13B which will be described later. For example, suppose the same Process 1 ID is set for: ・Preparation information table 1310, which is the "Process 1" table (main table) (Figure 13A) ・Preparation information table 1330, which is the "Process 1" recipe table (sub-table) (Figure 13B) ・Preparation information table 1340, which is the "Process 1" step table (sub-table) (Figure 13B) In this case, the preparation information for each item stored in each preparation information table constitutes the preparation information group.

[0036] "Evaluation information" refers to information related to sample evaluation, and "evaluation information group" refers to evaluation information for multiple items that contain the same evaluation information identifier. This will be explained in detail using Figure 16B, which will be described later, as an example. For example, suppose the same evaluation ID is set in the evaluation information table (main table) 1630 and the detailed evaluation information table (sub-table) 1631. In this case, the evaluation information for each item stored in the evaluation information table and the detailed evaluation information table constitutes the evaluation information group.

[0037] The production information group includes identifiers for basic information, and when the information management unit 120 stores the production information group as one or more production information tables in the production information storage unit 123, it adds a project identifier to at least one production information table before storing it. The evaluation information group includes identifiers for basic information and identifiers for production information tables. When the information management unit 120 stores the evaluation information group as one or more evaluation information tables in the evaluation information storage unit 124, it adds a project identifier to at least one evaluation information table before storing it. The basic information table, project information table, production information table, and evaluation information table each contain identifiers that identify each table and are stored in their respective storage units. In the diagrams of the various tables described later, the identifiers that identify the tables are exemplified in the first row.

[0038] The evaluation information group after processing by the identifier addition unit 440 includes at least one of the identifiers of the fabrication information group and the project identifier. In this embodiment, the case in which both the identifier of the fabrication information group and the project identifier are included in the evaluation information group will be explained as an example. Here, the case in which the evaluation information group after processing by the identifier addition unit 440 includes the identifier of the fabrication information group but does not include the project identifier will be explained in detail. The identifier addition unit 440 of the information processing device 110 adds the identifier of the fabrication information group of the sample to be evaluated, which is input together with the evaluation information group, to the evaluation information group. The input / output control unit 420 stores the evaluation information group to which the fabrication information group identifier has been added in the evaluation information storage unit 124. The information processing device 110 identifies and uses the project identifier of the evaluation information group as the project identifier included in the fabrication information group, based on the identifier of the fabrication information group included in a certain evaluation information group. Except for these points, the explanation is the same as when both the identifier of the fabrication information group and the project identifier are included in the evaluation information group after processing by the identifier addition unit 440, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0039] Furthermore, the information management unit 120 provides the experimenter terminal device 130 or the viewer terminal device 140 with a "processing screen" for recipe generation and a "processing screen" for model generation. Assuming that the experimenter 131 or viewer 141 performs the recipe generation process in response to the information management unit 120 providing the processing screen for recipe generation, the information management unit 120 reads information including the production information and evaluation information from the production information storage unit 123 and the evaluation information storage unit 124 and executes the recipe generation process.

[0040] Assuming that the information management unit 120 has provided a processing screen for model generation, the experimenter 131 or viewer 141 has performed the operation to execute the model generation process. In this case, the information management unit 120 reads information including the creation information and evaluation information from the creation information storage unit 123 and the evaluation information storage unit 124 and executes the model generation process.

[0041] The information management unit 120 provides a "search screen" for inputting a user instruction when searching for information according to the user's instruction to the experimenter terminal device 130 or the viewer terminal device 140. Suppose that in response to the information management unit 120 providing the search screen, an execution operation of the search process is performed by the experimenter 131 or the viewer 141. In this case, the information management unit 120 executes a search process on the basic information storage unit 121, the project information storage unit 122, the production information storage unit 123, or the evaluation information storage unit 124.

[0042] The information management unit 120 provides a "request screen" for experiment requests to the experimenter terminal device 130 or the viewer terminal device 140. Suppose that in response to the information management unit 120 providing the request screen, a request process execution operation is performed by the viewer 141. In this case, the information management unit 120 executes the request process.

[0043] The experimenter terminal device 130 is a terminal device that displays various display screens viewed by the experimenter 131 and accepts various operations by the experimenter 131 when a project for material development is executed and samples are produced or evaluated.The experimenter terminal device 130 transmits various information or various instructions input by the experimenter 131 through an input operation to the information processing device 110 for various display screens ("registration screen", "input / output screen") provided by the information processing device 110. Further, the experimenter terminal device 130 transmits various instructions input by the experimenter 131 through an execution operation to the information processing device 110 for various display screens ("processing screen", "search screen", "request screen") provided by the information processing device 110.

[0044] Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 1, for example, an experimental procedure manual that the experimenter 131 refers to when performing an experimental operation on the experimental device may be transmitted and displayed from the information processing device 110 to the experimenter terminal device 130. Thereby, the experimenter 131 can perform an input operation of information acquired during the experiment on the experimenter terminal device 130 while performing an experimental operation on the experimental device while looking at the experimental procedure manual.

[0045] The viewer terminal device 140 displays various screens for the viewer 141 to view and accepts various operations from the viewer 141. The viewer terminal device 140 transmits various instructions entered by the viewer 141 through execution operations on various screens ("processing screen", "search screen", "request screen") provided by the information processing device 110 to the information processing device 110.

[0046] In this way, when a materials development project is carried out and samples are prepared or evaluated, the information processing system 100 acquires information via the input / output screen and stores it in each memory unit. As a result, the information processing system 100 can acquire more versatile information compared to when information is acquired by each department or product using different acquisition methods. In other words, the information processing system 100 can improve the versatility of the information acquired when a materials development project is carried out. Consequently, the information processing system 100 can improve the convenience of the experimenter 131 or viewer 141 when attempting to perform various processes using the information stored in each memory unit.

[0047] Furthermore, when the information processing system 100 stores information acquired via the input / output screen, it stores it in multiple tables, while using identifiers to associate these multiple tables. Then, when the information processing system 100 reads information from the storage unit in response to instructions from, for example, the experimenter 131 or the viewer 141, it uses these identifiers to read the information. For this reason, even though the information processing system 100 stores acquired information in multiple tables, it does not reduce the convenience for the experimenter 131 or the viewer 141 when reading the stored information and performing various processes.

[0048] <Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Device> Next, the hardware configuration of the information processing device 110 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 110 includes a processor 201, a memory 202, an auxiliary storage device 203, a connection device 204, a communication device 205, and a drive device 206. Each hardware included in the information processing device 110 is interconnected via a bus 207. In the example of FIG. 2, the information processing device 110 is shown as having one of each hardware, but the information processing device 110 may include multiple of the same hardware.

[0049] The processor 201 includes various arithmetic devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 201 reads out and executes various programs (for example, information processing programs, etc.) on the memory 202.

[0050] The memory 202 includes main memory devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The processor 201 and the memory 202 form a so-called computer, and the computer realizes various functions by the processor 201 executing various programs read out on the memory 202.

[0051] The auxiliary storage device 203 stores various programs and various information used when the various programs are executed by the processor 201. The basic information storage unit 121, the project information storage unit 122, the production information storage unit 123, and the evaluation information storage unit 124 are realized in the auxiliary storage device 203.

[0052] The connection device 204 connects the operation device 211 and the display device 212 to the information processing device 110. The operation device 211 is a device through which an administrator (not shown) of the information processing device 110 inputs various instructions to the information processing device 110, and the display device 212 is a device that displays the internal processing in the information processing device 110 to an administrator (not shown) of the information processing device 110.

[0053] The communication device 205 communicates with the experimenter terminal device 130 and the viewer terminal device 140 via the network 150.

[0054] The drive device 206 is a device for setting the recording medium 213. The recording medium 213 here includes media that record information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as CD-ROMs, flexible disks, and magneto-optical disks. The recording medium 213 may also include semiconductor memory that records information electrically, such as ROMs and flash memory.

[0055] The various programs to be installed on the auxiliary storage device 203 are installed, for example, when the distributed storage medium 213 is set in the drive device 206 and the various programs are read by the drive device 206. Alternatively, the various programs to be installed on the auxiliary storage device 203 may be installed by downloading them from the network 150 via the communication device 205.

[0056] Furthermore, although the example in Figure 2 shows that various programs are executed by a single information processing device 110, the various programs may be configured to be executed in cooperation with multiple information processing devices. In other words, the information processing system 100 can be composed of either a single information processing device or multiple information processing devices.

[0057] <Processing in Each Phase of the Information Processing System> Next, an overview of the processing in each phase of the information processing system 100 will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an overview of the processing in each phase of the information processing system. As shown in Figure 3, the processing in the information processing system 100 can be broadly divided into the first to third phases.

[0058] Reference numeral 310 indicates the processing in the first phase of the information processing system 100. As shown by reference numeral 310, the information processing system 100 performs basic information registration processing in the first phase. In this way, before processing in the second phase, the information processing system 100 has the experimenter 131 input basic information via the experimenter terminal device 130 and register it in the basic information storage unit 121. If there is already basic information that has been registered in the past, the experimenter 131 does not need to perform basic information registration in the first phase. Furthermore, if it becomes necessary to register basic information during the second or third phase (for example, if an unregistered device or chemical is to be used during the third phase), the experimenter 131 performs basic information registration in the second or third phase.

[0059] Reference numeral 320 indicates processing in the second phase of the information processing system 100. As shown by reference numeral 320, in the second phase, the information processing system 100 performs input processing of various types of information acquired in connection with the execution of the project. The various types of information acquired in connection with the execution of the project include project information, production information, and evaluation information.

[0060] Reference numeral 330 indicates processing in the third phase of the information processing system 100. As shown by reference numeral 330, in the third phase, the information processing system 100 performs various processes on information including various information stored in the basic information storage unit 121, project information storage unit 122, production information storage unit 123, and evaluation information storage unit 124. These various processes include the recipe generation process, model generation process, search process, and request process described above. The various processes performed in the third phase may be performed independently of the project execution or as part of the project. For example, the recipe generation process and the model generation process may be performed as part of the project.

[0061] The following describes the details of the processing in Phases 1 through 3.

[0062] <Details of the processing in the first phase> First, the details of the processing (reference numeral 310) in the first phase of the information processing system 100 will be explained.

[0063] (1) The information management unit functional configuration diagram 4 is a diagram showing an example of the information management unit's functional configuration in the first phase. In the first phase, the information management unit 120 has a screen provisioning unit 410 and an input / output control unit 420.

[0064] The screen provisioning unit 410 provides the registration screen to the experimenter terminal device 130. When the registration screen is provided to the experimenter terminal device 130, the experimenter 131 inputs basic information by performing a registration operation. Once the experimenter 131 has input the basic information, the screen provisioning unit 410 notifies the input / output control unit 420 of the input basic information.

[0065] When the input / output control unit 420 receives basic information from the screen provisioning unit 410, it registers the basic information by storing it in the basic information storage unit 121.

[0066] (2) Specific Example of Registration Screen Figure 5 shows an example of a registration screen. In this embodiment, the toolbar of each display screen provided by the information processing device 110 has a “Basic Information Registration” button 501 arranged as a transition button that instructs the user to transition to the registration screen for registering basic information in the basic information storage unit 121. When the experimenter 131 presses the “Basic Information Registration” button 501, the user transitions to the registration screen 500.

[0067] As shown in Figure 5, the registration screen 500 has areas for inputting information about resources used for sample preparation or evaluation, such as: • "Chemicals" (reference numeral 511), • "Apparatus" (reference numeral 512), • "Tools" (reference numeral 513), and • "Authority" (reference numeral 514). These areas are provided for each type of resource and are arranged in the order in which the experimenter 131 inputs the information.

[0068] Of these, the registration screen 500 in Figure 5 shows the display of areas for inputting information about "chemicals" (reference numeral 511). As shown in the registration screen 500, the areas for inputting information about "chemicals" (reference numeral 511) include, for example, an area (reference numeral 520) for inputting "chemical list ID", "chemical name", "manufacturer name", and "category", and an area (reference numeral 530) for inputting "chemical ID", "lot", "receiving date", "purity", and "used". Experimenter 131 inputs the information corresponding to the input fields in each area.

[0069] Furthermore, the reference numeral 530 may be used to input the remaining amount of the drug or the amount of the drug used. The information processing device 110 may display the remaining amount of the drug that was entered, or the remaining amount of the drug calculated from past drug usage. This allows the experimenter 131 to know the remaining amount of the drug in advance, improving convenience.

[0070] Although not explicitly shown in Figure 5, the area for inputting information regarding “authority” (reference numeral 514) includes an area for inputting information indicating whether the experimenter performing the sample preparation or sample evaluation experiment is authorized to do so. For example, the information indicating authorization may include whether a particular experimenter has completed the necessary training to perform a certain experiment, or whether a particular experimenter is qualified to perform a certain experiment. The request unit 2510, described later, generates a list of information (reference numeral 2631 in Figure 26) indicating whether each experimenter is authorized to perform the sample preparation or sample evaluation experiment, using this authorization information.

[0071] (3) Specific Examples of Basic Information Figures 6A and 6B are the first or second figures showing an example of basic information registered in the basic information storage unit.

[0072] As shown in Figure 6A, each piece of basic information entered through the area for entering information about "chemicals" (reference numeral 511) on the registration screen 500 is stored in the basic information storage unit 121 as: • Chemical category 610 (including "chemical category"), • Chemical list 620 (including "chemical name" and "manufacturer name"), • Chemical master 630 (including "lot number", "purity", "receiving date", and "used flag"), • Chemical master (details) 640 (including "component chemical ID" and "weight %").

[0073] The drug category 610 is a table that includes categories indicating the uses and roles of drugs (for example, "monomers," "polymerization initiators," "neutralizing agents," "reducing agents," etc.).

[0074] Drug list 620 is a table containing information listed in the drug catalog (for example, the name of the manufacturer).

[0075] The drug master 630 is a table that contains information specific to the drugs used (for example, the drug's lot number).

[0076] The drug master (details) is a table containing detailed information about a drug, such as a table containing the drug's compound composition (for example, drug master (details) 640 in Figure 6A) and a table of physical properties (not shown).

[0077] As shown in Figure 6A, the basic information contained in each table is stored in association with the identifier of that basic information. The drug list 620 may also store the identifier that identifies the drug in the compound database, in association with the basic information.

[0078] As shown in Figure 6B, each piece of basic information entered through the area for entering information about the “device” (reference numeral 512) on the registration screen 500 in Figure 5 is stored in the basic information storage unit 121 as: • Device category 650 (including “device category”), • Device master 660 (including “device name” and “installation location”).

[0079] Equipment Category 650 is a table that includes categories indicating the role of the equipment in the experiment and the measurement items used in the experiment. "Equipment Category" includes items such as "polymerization oven," "mixer," "dispersion mortar," "viscosity evaluation," and "tensile test."

[0080] The device master 660 is a table containing information specific to the device being used (for example, the location where the device is installed).

[0081] As shown in Figure 6B, the basic information contained in each table is stored in association with the identifier of that basic information.

[0082] Although not explicitly shown in the example in Figure 6A, the chemical master (details) 640 is a subtable of the chemical master 630. In this way, subtables may be provided in association with basic information. Furthermore, the subtable stores information such as the characteristics and physical properties of the chemicals (specifically, information indicating which color formulation (white formulation, black formulation) of the elastomer or rubber used to prepare the sample the chemical is used in).

[0083] <Details of the processing in the second phase> Next, we will explain the details of the processing in the second phase of the information processing system 100 (reference numeral 320 in Figure 3).

[0084] (1) The information management unit's functional configuration diagram 7 shows an example of the information management unit's functional configuration in the second phase. In the second phase, the information management unit 120 includes a screen provisioning unit 410, an input / output control unit 420, an acquisition unit 430, an identifier addition unit 440, and a graph generation unit 450.

[0085] The screen provisioning unit 410 provides input / output screens to the experimenter terminal device 130. Once the input / output screens are provided to the experimenter terminal device 130, the experimenter 131 performs input operations and inputs various types of information (project information, manufacturing information, and evaluation information). The screen provisioning unit 410 displays the input project information, manufacturing information, and evaluation information on their respective input / output screens and notifies the acquisition unit 430. When the screen provisioning unit 410 displays the input evaluation information on the input / output screen, it also displays a graph of the evaluation information generated by the graph generation unit 450, which will be described later.

[0086] As described above, the set of fabrication information entered by experimenter 131 includes the identifier of the basic information. In addition, when experimenter 131 enters the fabrication information, the project identifier is also entered. Similarly, the set of evaluation information entered by experimenter 131 includes the identifier of the basic information and the identifier of the fabrication information table. In addition, when experimenter 131 enters the evaluation information, the project identifier is also entered.

[0087] When the experimenter 131 performs a read operation, the screen providing unit 410 notifies the input / output control unit 420 of the read instruction. The screen providing unit 410 outputs the basic information, project information, manufacturing information, or evaluation information read by the input / output control unit 420 in response to the notified read instruction to the input / output screen.

[0088] When the researcher 131 performs a save operation on the input / output screen and the screen provisioning unit 410 notifies the acquisition unit 430 of a save instruction, the acquisition unit 430: - Acquires the project information group entered via the input / output screen and generates a project information table. - Acquires the manufacturing information group that includes the identifier of the basic information entered via the input / output screen and generates a manufacturing information table, and also acquires the project identifier entered when the manufacturing information group is entered. - Acquires the evaluation information group that includes the identifier of the basic information and the identifier of the manufacturing information table entered via the input / output screen and generates an evaluation information table, and also acquires the project identifier entered when the evaluation information group is entered.

[0089] The acquisition unit 430: - Notifies the input / output control unit 420 of the generated project information table. - Notifies the identifier addition unit 440 of the generated manufacturing information table and the project identifier obtained when acquiring the manufacturing information group. - Notifies the identifier addition unit 440 of the generated evaluation information table and the project identifier obtained when acquiring the evaluation information group.

[0090] The identifier addition unit 440 adds the project identifier (project ID) notified by the acquisition unit 430 to the manufacturing information table notified by the acquisition unit 430 (see reference numeral 710 in Figure 7). The identifier addition unit 440 also adds the project identifier (project ID) notified by the acquisition unit 430 to the evaluation information table notified by the acquisition unit 430 (see reference numeral 720 in Figure 7).

[0091] The identifier addition unit 440: - Notifies the input / output control unit 420 of the manufacturing information table with the project identifier added. - Notifies the input / output control unit 420 of the evaluation information table with the project identifier added.

[0092] The input / output control unit 420 stores the project information table notified by the acquisition unit 430 in the project information storage unit 122. The input / output control unit 420 stores the manufacturing information table notified by the identifier addition unit 440 in the manufacturing information storage unit 123. The input / output control unit 420 stores the evaluation information table notified by the identifier addition unit 440 in the evaluation information storage unit 124. Furthermore, when the input / output control unit 420 receives a read instruction from the screen provision unit 410, it reads the basic information, project information, manufacturing information, or evaluation information in accordance with the read instruction and notifies the screen provision unit 410. When the input / output control unit 420 reads the basic information, project information, manufacturing information, or evaluation information in accordance with the read instruction, it uses: - Identifiers included in the manufacturing information table and identifiers added to the manufacturing information table, or - Identifiers included in the evaluation information table and identifiers added to the evaluation information table.

[0093] When the graph generation unit 450 receives notification from the screen provision unit 410 of evaluation information entered into the input / output screen, it generates a graph of the evaluation information by plotting the evaluation information on a graph (for example, a two-dimensional planar graph) and notifies the screen provision unit 410. As a result, the graph of the evaluation information is output to the input / output screen.

[0094] (2) Specific Example of an Input / Output Screen for Inputting and Outputting Project Information Figure 8 is a first diagram showing an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting project information. In this embodiment, the menu bar of each display screen provided by the information processing device 110 has a “Project Information (Project Proposal)” button 811. The “Project Information (Project Proposal)” button 811 is an input / output screen for inputting and outputting project information, and is a transition button that instructs the experimenter 131 to transition to an input / output screen that is viewed before preparing or evaluating a sample. When the experimenter 131 presses the “Project Information (Project Proposal)” button 811, the screen providing unit 410 provides the input / output screen 800.

[0095] As shown in Figure 8, the input / output screen 800 displays a list of project information tables (reference numeral 820) stored in the project information storage unit 122. The input / output screen 800 also displays a "New" button 821 as a transition button that instructs the user to transition to an input / output screen for entering new project information. When entering new project information, the experimenter 131 presses the "New" button 821.

[0096] Figure 9 is the second diagram showing an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting project information. The input / output screen for inputting and outputting project information includes an input / output screen for creating new project information and an input / output screen for updating project information. However, for the sake of simplifying the diagram, both input / output screens will be explained together here, referring to Figure 9.

[0097] First, with reference to Figure 9, we will explain the specific process for creating new project information. When the "Create New" button 821 is pressed on the input / output screen 800 (Figure 8), the screen provider unit 410 provides the input / output screen 900.

[0098] As shown in Figure 9, the input / output screen 900 includes a “reference source” input field 901. The “reference source” input field 901 is where the project identifier included in the project information table stored in the project information storage unit 122 is entered. Here, experimenter 131, for example, enters the identifier of a past project whose project information is similar to the project being input by experimenter 131 into the “reference source” input field 901. When the identifier is entered into the “reference source” input field 901, the screen providing unit 410 notifies the input / output control unit 420 to read the project information table containing that identifier. As a result, the input / output control unit 420 reads the project information table containing that identifier from the project information storage unit 122. The screen providing unit 410 also enters the newly set project ID into the input field 911 of the input / output screen 900. The screen providing unit 410 then enters the corresponding project information from among the multiple project information contained in the read project information table into each of the input fields 912 to 921.

[0099] As a result, the identifier of a past project is displayed in the "Reference Source" input field 901, and the identifier of the project that experimenter 131 is inputting is displayed in the "Project ID" input field 911. Experimenter 131 checks the input fields 912 to 921 of the input / output screen 900, which contain project information of past projects that are similar to the project information of experimenter 131's target project. Experimenter 131 also changes the parts of the project information of the past project that differ from the project information of the target project. In this way, experimenter 131 can input new project information by changing the project information of the past project to the project information of the target project. As a result, according to the input / output screen 900, the effort required for experimenter 131 to input project information can be reduced. Although this explanation uses the example of inputting new project information by referring to past project information that is similar to the project information of experimenter 131's target project, it is not limited to this example. Experimenter 131 can input new project information by referring to any project information.

[0100] As shown in the input fields 911 to 921 of the input / output screen 900, the multiple project information entered by the experimenter 131 includes, for example: • The project identifier entered in the "Project ID" input field 911; • The project theme name entered in the "Theme Name" input field 912; • The project initiator's name entered in the "Initiator" input field 913; • The project title entered in the "Project Title" input field 914; • The project start date and time entered in the "Project Start" input field 915; • The project end date and time entered in the "Project End" input field 916; • The current project status entered in the "Status" input field 917; • The project objective entered in the "Purpose" input field 918; • The hypothesis formulated for carrying out the project, entered in the "Hypothesis" input field 919; • The conclusion obtained from carrying out the project, entered in the "Conclusion" input field 920. - The input field 921 for “Next Action” will include what should be done in the next project.

[0101] Experimenter 131 inputs project information by modifying the project information of past projects as described above, before preparing or evaluating the samples. Alternatively, experimenter 131 may sequentially input the project information for each project into input fields 912-915 and 917-919 before preparing or evaluating the samples, without referring to the project information of past projects.

[0102] Next, we will explain the specific processing involved when updating project information. When experimenter 131 updates project information, the screen provision unit 410 displays an input / output screen for updating project information. The input / output screen for updating project information includes the same input fields as the input / output screen 900 shown in Figure 9, except that it does not include the "reference source" input field 910 mentioned above. Experimenter 131 enters the identifier of the project to be updated in the "project ID" input field 911. The information management unit 120 displays the saved project information in input fields 911 to 915 and 917 to 919, and updates the project information by accepting modifications or deletions of the displayed information by experimenter 131.

[0103] Next, we will explain the process (save process) that is common to both creating new project information and updating project information.

[0104] When experimenter 131 has finished entering or updating project information in input fields 912-915 and 917-919, they press the “Save” button 931. As a result, the screen provisioning unit 410 notifies the user of a save command, and the acquisition unit 430 acquires the project information entered or updated in input fields 911-915 and 917-919, generates a project information table, and notifies the input / output control unit 420. As a result, the project information table notified by the acquisition unit 430 is stored in the project information storage unit 122 by the input / output control unit 420.

[0105] (3) Specific Examples of Project Information Figure 10 is the first figure showing an example of a project information table stored in the project information storage unit. The project information entered in each input field 911 to 915 and 917 to 919 of the input / output screen 900 (Figure 9) is stored in the project information storage unit 122 by the input / output control unit 420 as a project information table 1000 (Figure 10). Figure 10 is an example of a project information table generated in response to input on the input / output screen 900 before the sample is prepared or evaluated.

[0106] In the project information table 1000 in Figure 10, "Project ID" is the project identifier entered in input field 911, and "Theme ID" is the theme identifier corresponding to the theme name entered in input field 912. In the project information table 1000 in Figure 10, "Initiator" is information indicating the initiator entered in input field 913. In the project information table 1000 in Figure 10, "Title" is information indicating the project title entered in input field 914. In the project information table 1000 in Figure 10, "Start Date" is information indicating the project start date entered in input field 915. In the project information table 1000 in Figure 10, "Status" is information indicating the status of the project (whether the project has not yet started, is in progress, or has finished) entered in input field 917. In the project information table 1000 in Figure 10, "Objective" is information indicating the objective entered in input field 918, and "Hypothesis" is information indicating the hypothesis entered in input field 919. The other information is stored in the project information table via an update input / output screen when a sample is prepared or evaluated, or after a sample is prepared or evaluated, and will be described later with reference to Figure 18.

[0107] (4) Specific Example of an Input / Output Screen for Inputting and Outputting Preparation Information Figure 11A is the first figure showing an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting preparation information. In this embodiment, the menu bar of each display screen provided by the information processing device 110 has a “Sample Preparation” button 812 arranged as a transition button that instructs the user to transition to the input / output screen for inputting and outputting preparation information. When the experimenter 131 presses the “Sample Preparation” button 812, the screen providing unit 410 provides the input / output screen for inputting and outputting preparation information. In this embodiment, sample preparation is to be performed in “Step 1” and “Step 2”. In this embodiment, the input / output screen for inputting and outputting preparation information includes: an input / output screen that displays a list of recipes for each step (“Step 1”, “Step 2”), an input / output screen for inputting and outputting preparation information for “Step 1”, and an input / output screen for inputting and outputting preparation information for “Step 2”. The list of recipes for each step is a list of preparation information groups including each recipe, when sample preparation is performed under different recipes in each step. Each recipe consists of multiple pieces of preparation information (conditions for sample preparation).

[0108] The input / output screen 1100A in Figure 11A is an example of an input / output screen provided by the screen provisioning unit 410 when the experimenter 131 presses the "Sample Preparation" button 812 and the "Recipe List" button 1111.

[0109] As shown in Figure 11A, the input / output screen 1100A includes a "Project ID" input field 1101. Experimenter 131 enters the identifier of the project to be input into the "Project ID" input field 1101. Upon the experimenter 131 entering the identifier into the "Project ID" input field 1101, the screen providing unit 410 notifies the input / output control unit 420 of a read instruction for the manufacturing information table to which the identifier has been added and which contains the recipe for each process. As a result, the input / output control unit 420 reads the manufacturing information table to which the identifier has been added and which contains the recipe for each process from the manufacturing information storage unit 123. The screen providing unit 410 displays a list of the manufacturing information group, including the recipes for each process included in the manufacturing information table read by the input / output control unit 420, on the input / output screen 1100A (see reference numerals 1121 and 1122). For example, if the experiment for process 1 has been performed multiple times in the past, the manufacturing information group for each time will be displayed in each row of the list in reference numeral 1121.

[0110] As shown in reference numeral 1121, the production information table containing each recipe in the recipe list for "Process 1" includes, as a set of production information: "Process 1 ID", "Recipe Name", "Experimenter", "Date of Implementation", "Production Amount", "Concentration", "Control Temperature", "Rotation Speed", and "Expected Yield".

[0111] "Production volume" refers to the quantity of the sample itself to be prepared (planned value), and "Concentration" refers to the concentration of the sample to be prepared (planned value). "Expected yield" displays information indicating the amount of solution that can be obtained to obtain the planned value of the sample at the entered concentration, calculated based on the information entered in "Production volume" and the information entered in "Concentration". "Control temperature" and "Rotation speed" display the measurement data measured during sample preparation. Note that the measurement data measured during sample preparation may include time-series measurement data.

[0112] As shown in reference numeral 1122, each recipe included in the recipe list for "Step 2" contains a production information table which includes, as production information, "Step 2 ID", "Step 2 Recipe Name", "Experimenter", "Date of Implementation", "Production Amount", "Final Concentration", and "Temperature". Also, as shown in reference numeral 1122, each recipe included in the recipe list for "Step 2" contains a production information table which includes, as production information, a "Step 1 ID" indicating which recipe in "Step 1" it corresponds to.

[0113] On the other hand, if the experimenter 131 presses the "Sample Preparation" button 812 and also presses the "Step 1" button 1112, the screen providing unit 410 provides an input / output screen for inputting and outputting the preparation information for "Step 1".

[0114] Figure 11B is a second diagram showing an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting fabrication information, and is an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting fabrication information for "Step 1". Each row of the list of fabrication information for "Step 1" (reference numeral 1130) contains the conditions for sample preparation, including the recipe for sample preparation, and the results of sample preparation, including the measurement data measured during sample preparation. Although not explicitly shown in the example of reference numeral 1130, the conditions for sample preparation may include the setting values ​​set in the device used for sample preparation.

[0115] When experimenter 131 wants to add a new row of manufacturing information to the list of manufacturing information groups for "Step 1" (reference numeral 1130), they press the "Create New" button 1141. This causes the screen provider 410 to add a new row to the list of manufacturing information groups for "Step 1" (reference numeral 1130). As a result, experimenter 131 can input new manufacturing information for "Step 1" into the newly added row. If the experiment for Step 1 is performed multiple times, experimenter 131 inputs the manufacturing information group for each performance into the respective rows of the list reference numeral 1130. The measurement data included in the manufacturing information may be entered manually by experimenter 131, or it may be entered by uploading a file containing the measurement data. When the "Create New" button 1141 is pressed, the screen provider 410 may display an input screen (not shown) for inputting the newly created manufacturing information group.

[0116] Furthermore, if experimenter 131 wishes to change some of the manufacturing information in the list of manufacturing information groups for "Step 1" (reference numeral 1130), they select the row to be changed in the list of manufacturing information groups for "Step 1" (reference numeral 1130). Subsequently, experimenter 131 presses one of the following buttons depending on the change: "Add Chemical" button 1151, "Delete Chemical" button 1152, "Change Chemical" button 1153, "Reload" button 1154, or "Reference Other Projects" button 1155.

[0117] To add a chemical to the selected row, experimenter 131 presses the "Add Chemical" button 1151. To delete a chemical in the selected row, experimenter 131 presses the "Delete Chemical" button 1152. To change a chemical in the selected row, experimenter 131 presses the "Change Chemical" button 1153. To reload the individual preparation information for the selected row, experimenter 131 presses the "Reload" button 1154. To modify the individual preparation information constituting the selected row by referring to preparation information used during the execution of other projects, experimenter 131 presses the "Refer to Other Projects" button 1155.

[0118] Although not explicitly shown in the input / output screen 1100B of Figure 11B, when inputting new preparation information for "Step 1," or when modifying some of the preparation information, the experimenter 131 inputs identifiers for basic information to identify the chemicals and equipment used in sample preparation. It is essential that the preparation information includes basic information such as the chemicals and equipment used in the sample preparation experiment, and the experimenter 131 inputs this basic information using identifiers.

[0119] In the input / output screen 1100B of Figure 11B, the formulation table display area 1161 displays in a table format the chemicals used in sample preparation based on each recipe included in the list of preparation information for "Step 1", and the amount (mixing amount) of each chemical.

[0120] On the other hand, if the experimenter 131 presses the "Sample Preparation" button 812 and also presses the "Step 2" button 1113, the screen providing unit 410 provides an input / output screen for inputting and outputting the preparation information for "Step 2".

[0121] Figure 11C is a third figure showing an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting manufacturing information, and is an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting manufacturing information for "Process 2". When experimenter 131 wants to add a new row to the list of manufacturing information for "Process 2" (reference numeral 1170), he presses the "Create New" button 1181. As a result, the screen providing unit 410 adds a new row to the list of manufacturing information for "Process 2" (reference numeral 1170). As a result, experimenter 131 can input new manufacturing information for "Process 2" into the newly added row.

[0122] Although not explicitly shown in the input / output screen 1100C of Figure 11C, when inputting new preparation information for "Step 2," or when modifying some of the preparation information, the experimenter 131 inputs identifiers for basic information to identify the chemicals and equipment used in sample preparation. It is essential that the preparation information includes basic information such as the chemicals and equipment used in the sample preparation experiment, and the experimenter 131 inputs this basic information using identifiers. If the experiment in Step 2 is performed multiple times, the experimenter 131 inputs the preparation information for each time into the respective rows of the list of reference numeral 1170. The measurement data included in the preparation information may be entered manually by the experimenter 131, or it may be entered by uploading a file containing the recorded measurement data.

[0123] Experimenter 131 presses the “Save” button 1191 when the operation to input new manufacturing information is completed, or when the operation to modify some of the manufacturing information is completed.

[0124] Although a "Save" button is not shown in Figure 11B, a "Save" button may also be provided on the input / output screen 1100B. In other words, the information processing system 100 may be able to save the input content each time input is completed for each process.

[0125] (5) Specific example of processing of production information by the acquisition unit and identifier addition unit In the input / output screen 1100C of Figure 11C, when the “Save” button 1191 is pressed, the acquisition unit 430 acquires: the project identifier entered in the “Project ID” input field 1101 of the input / output screen 1100A, and the new production information group for each process (or the production information group for each modified process) entered via the input / output screens 1100B and 1100C, which includes the identifier of the basic information. In this embodiment, when the acquisition unit 430 acquires the production information group entered via the input / output screens 1100B and 1100C, it generates multiple production information tables. The method for generating multiple production information tables is predetermined. Specifically, in the case of the example manufacturing information tables shown in Figures 13A and 13B described later, the acquisition unit 430 generates: • A "Process 1" table (main table), which is a manufacturing information table 1310 containing manufacturing information that shows an overview of "Process 1"; • A "Process 1 Recipe" table (sub-table), which is a manufacturing information table 1330 containing manufacturing information that shows the recipe for "Process 1"; • A "Process 1 Step" table (sub-table), which is a manufacturing information table 1340 containing manufacturing information that shows the details of some of the processes within "Process 1"; • A "Process 2" table (main table), which is a manufacturing information table 1320 containing manufacturing information that shows an overview of "Process 2"; • A "Process 2 Recipe" table (sub-table), which is a manufacturing information table 1350 containing manufacturing information that shows the recipe for "Process 2".

[0126] The identifier addition unit 440 adds the project identifier acquired by the acquisition unit 430 to the main table among the multiple production information tables generated by the acquisition unit 430. The identifier addition unit 440 also adds the identifier of the main table to a subtable containing detailed information about that main table.

[0127] Figure 12 is the first figure showing a specific example of processing by the identifier addition unit, and shows a specific example of processing by the identifier addition unit 440 when multiple production information tables are notified from the acquisition unit 430.

[0128] As shown in Figure 12, the identifier addition unit 440 adds the project identifier (project ID) notified by the acquisition unit 430 to the "Process 1" table (main table) notified by the acquisition unit 430. The identifier addition unit 440 adds the project identifier (project ID) notified by the acquisition unit 430 to the "Process 2" table (main table) notified by the acquisition unit 430. Furthermore, the identifier addition unit 440 adds the identifier of the corresponding "Process 1" main table ("Process 1" table) to the "Process 2" table (main table) notified by the acquisition unit 430.

[0129] Furthermore, the identifier addition unit 440 adds the identifier (Process 1 ID) of the corresponding main table ("Process 1" table) to the "Process 1 Recipe" table (subtable) and "Process 1 Step" table (subtable) notified by the acquisition unit 430. In addition, the identifier addition unit 440 adds the identifier (Process 2 ID) of the corresponding main table ("Process 2" table) to the "Process 2 Recipe" table (subtable) notified by the acquisition unit 430.

[0130] Each manufacturing information table to which an identifier has been added by the identifier addition unit 440 is stored in the manufacturing information storage unit 123 by the input / output control unit 420.

[0131] (6) Specific Examples of Manufacturing Information Figures 13A and 13B are the first and second figures showing examples of manufacturing information tables stored in the manufacturing information storage unit.

[0132] Of these, the manufacturing information table 1310 in Figure 13A is an example of the "Process 1" table (main table), and the manufacturing information table 1320 in Figure 13A is an example of the "Process 2" table (main table).

[0133] As shown in Figure 13A, the fabrication information table 1310 stores identifiers of basic information (e.g., equipment ID, experimenter ID) as well as project identifiers (project ID) added by the identifier addition unit 440. The fabrication information table 1320 also stores identifiers of basic information (e.g., equipment ID, experimenter ID). Furthermore, the fabrication information table 1320 stores project identifiers (project ID) added by the identifier addition unit 440 and the corresponding main table identifier (process 1 ID).

[0134] The manufacturing information table 1330 in Figure 13B is an example of a “Process 1” recipe table (subtable), and the manufacturing information table 1340 in Figure 13B is an example of a “Process 1” step table (subtable). Furthermore, the manufacturing information table 1350 in Figure 13B is an example of a “Process 2” recipe table (subtable).

[0135] As shown in Figure 13B, the manufacturing information table 1330 stores identifiers for basic information (e.g., drug category ID, drug list ID, drug ID), as well as identifiers for the corresponding main table (process 1 ID) added by the identifier addition unit 440. The manufacturing information table 1330 also includes the process 1 recipe ID, which is the identifier for the manufacturing information table 1330. In the manufacturing information table 1330, "input ratio" is information about the ratio of the drug indicated by the drug ID to other materials, and "input amount" is information about the amount of the drug indicated by the drug ID used.

[0136] Furthermore, the production information table 1340 stores the identifier (Process 1 ID) of the corresponding main table, which has been added by the identifier addition unit 440. The production information table 1340 includes information such as the process classification and process name, which indicate the classification of the process, as well as the planned start time of the operation, the actual start time and end time of the operation, and the operation duration, which indicates the time from the actual start to the end of the operation. In the production information table 1340, "process parameters" are information indicating the conditions for sample preparation (for example, synthesis temperature and stirrer rotation speed), and "completion flag" is information indicating whether or not the process (step of "Process 1") in the production information table 1340 has been completed.

[0137] Furthermore, the manufacturing information table 1350 stores identifiers for basic information (for example, drug category ID, drug list ID, drug ID), as well as identifiers for the corresponding main table of "Process 2" (Process 2 ID) that have been added by the identifier addition unit 440.

[0138] (7) Specific Example of an Input / Output Screen for Inputting and Outputting Evaluation Information Figure 14A is a first diagram showing an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting evaluation information. In this embodiment, the menu bar of each display screen provided by the information processing device 110 has a “Sample Evaluation” button 813 arranged as a transition button that instructs the user to transition to an input / output screen for inputting and outputting evaluation information. When the experimenter 131 presses the “Sample Evaluation” button 813, the screen providing unit 410 provides an input / output screen for inputting and outputting evaluation information. In this embodiment, the sample evaluation will include viscosity evaluation, Mooney evaluation, ppm evaluation, peel evaluation, temperature characteristic evaluation, GPC evaluation, and tensile testing (see “Viscosity Evaluation” button 1411 to “Tensile Test” button 1417).

[0139] The input / output screen 1400A in Figure 14A is an example of an input / output screen provided by the screen providing unit 410 when the experimenter 131 presses the "sample evaluation" button 813 and the "viscosity evaluation" button 1411.

[0140] As shown in Figure 14A, the input / output screen 1400A includes a "Project ID" input field 1401. Experimenter 131 enters the identifier of the project to be input into the "Project ID" input field 1401. Upon experimenter 131 entering the identifier into the "Project ID" input field 1401, the screen provision unit 410 notifies the input / output control unit 420 of a command to read the evaluation information table to which the identifier has been added. As a result, the input / output control unit 420 reads the evaluation information group included in the evaluation information table to which the identifier has been added from the evaluation information storage unit 124. The screen provision unit 410 also displays the evaluation information group read by the input / output control unit 420 as a list on the input / output screen 1400A (see reference numeral 1421).

[0141] As shown in reference numeral 1421, the evaluation information for viscosity evaluation includes "evaluation ID", "sample recipe name", "experimenter", "date", "time", "temperature", and "viscosity".

[0142] When experimenter 131 wants to input new evaluation information, they press the “New Creation” button 1431. This causes the screen provider 410 to add a new row to the list of evaluation information (reference numeral 1421). As a result, experimenter 131 can input new evaluation information into the newly added row. The screen provider 410 may also display an input screen (not shown) for inputting the newly created evaluation information when the “New Creation” button 1431 is pressed.

[0143] Although not explicitly shown in the input / output screen 1400A of Figure 14A, when inputting new evaluation information, the experimenter 131 inputs an identifier for basic information to identify the equipment used for sample evaluation. In addition, the experimenter 131 inputs an identifier from the preparation information table (e.g., Process 1 ID, Process 2 ID) to identify which recipe was used to prepare the sample for which the sample evaluation is being performed in each process. Furthermore, the measurement data included in the evaluation information may be manually entered by the experimenter 131, or it may be entered by uploading a file containing the recorded measurement data.

[0144] When experimenter 131 has finished entering new evaluation information, he presses the “Save” button 1461. This causes the graph generation unit 450 to plot each data point from the sample evaluation results included in the input evaluation information onto a two-dimensional planar graph, thereby generating a graph of the evaluation information. Figure 14B is a second diagram showing an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting evaluation information, displaying the evaluation information graph 1450 generated by the graph generation unit 450 after experimenter 131 has entered new evaluation information.

[0145] The input / output screen 1400B includes areas for specifying the X and Y axes of a two-dimensional planar graph (reference numerals 1441 and 1442). The graph generation unit 450 generates the evaluation information graph 1450 using the items specified by the experimenter 131 as the X and Y axes. The "data classification" specification field in the input / output screen 1400B may also be used to specify the information to be illustrated in the graph. For example, if a sample name is specified in the "data classification" specification field, the evaluation information graph 1450 may illustrate the measurement data for each sample name, and each sample name may also be displayed as a legend.

[0146] Experimenter 131 may refer to the evaluation information graph 1450, confirm the evaluation information on the graph, and then press the “Save” button 1461. The saved graph may be saved as evaluation information. This allows experimenter 131 to immediately grasp the measured data in a graph. Furthermore, by saving the graph that experimenter 131 has confirmed as evaluation information, it becomes possible to review the graph later.

[0147] (8) Specific example of processing of evaluation information by the acquisition unit and identifier addition unit In the input / output screen 1400B of Figure 14B, when the “Save” button 1461 is pressed, the acquisition unit 430 acquires: the project identifier entered in the “Project ID” input field 1401 of the input / output screen 1400A, and a group of evaluation information entered via the input / output screen 1400A, which includes the identifier of the basic information and the identifier of the production information table. In this embodiment, when the acquisition unit 430 acquires the group of evaluation information entered via the input / output screen 1400A, it generates multiple evaluation information tables. The method for generating multiple evaluation information tables is predetermined. Specifically, the acquisition unit 430 acquires: if multiple types of sample evaluation experiments are performed on the produced sample, it acquires the results of multiple sample evaluations according to the type of sample evaluation experiment and generates multiple evaluation information tables (main tables). More specifically, an evaluation information table (main table) is generated for each type of experiment, and each evaluation information table contains the conditions and results of the sample evaluation for the type of experiment corresponding to the type of experiment in that evaluation information table. If a sample evaluation experiment is performed on a prepared sample under multiple conditions, the results of multiple sample evaluations are obtained and stored as separate records to generate one evaluation information table (main table). More specifically, if a particular type of experiment is performed under multiple conditions, the results of the sample evaluation (e.g., measurement data) for that type are stored as separate records for each condition in the evaluation information table (main table). If a sample evaluation experiment is performed on a prepared sample under the same conditions multiple times, the representative value of the result of each sample evaluation and the result of each sample evaluation are obtained, and one evaluation information table (main table) containing the representative value of the result of each sample evaluation, and one detailed evaluation information table (subtable) that stores the result of each sample evaluation as a separate record are generated.

[0148] The identifier addition unit 440 adds the project identifier acquired by the acquisition unit 430 to the evaluation information table (main table) acquired by the acquisition unit 430. The identifier addition unit 440 also adds the identifier from the main table to the detailed evaluation information table (sub-table).

[0149] Figure 15 is a second diagram showing a specific example of processing by the identifier addition unit, and shows a specific example of processing by the identifier addition unit 440 when the evaluation information table and the detailed evaluation information table are notified from the acquisition unit 430.

[0150] As shown in Figure 15, the identifier addition unit 440 adds the project identifier (project ID) notified by the acquisition unit 430 to the evaluation information table (main table) notified by the acquisition unit 430. The identifier addition unit 440 also adds the identifier (evaluation ID) of the corresponding main table (evaluation information table) to the detailed evaluation information table (subtable) notified by the acquisition unit 430.

[0151] The evaluation information table and detailed evaluation information table, to which identifiers have been added by the identifier addition unit 440, are stored in the evaluation information storage unit 124 by the input / output control unit 420.

[0152] (9) Specific Examples of Evaluation Information Figures 16A to 16E are the first to fifth figures showing examples of evaluation information tables stored in the evaluation information storage unit.

[0153] Of these, evaluation information tables 1610 and 1620 in Figure 16A are examples of main tables. Evaluation information tables 1610 and 1620 show how the results of two types of sample evaluation experiments are stored when two types of sample evaluation experiments are performed on a prepared sample. If the first type of sample evaluation experiment was performed under multiple conditions, the results of the sample evaluation under each condition are stored as separate records in evaluation information table 1610. Similarly, if the second type of sample evaluation experiment was performed under multiple conditions, the results of the sample evaluation under each condition are stored as separate records in evaluation information table 1620.

[0154] Evaluation information tables 1610 and 1620 store identifiers for basic information (e.g., equipment ID, experimenter ID; not shown in Figure 16A) and identifiers for the fabrication information table, respectively. Evaluation information tables 1610 and 1620 also store project identifiers (project IDs) added by the identifier addition unit 440. In evaluation information tables 1610 and 1620, "evaluation ID" is the identification information for the evaluation information table, "evaluation conditions" is information indicating the conditions for sample evaluation (e.g., experimental conditions for sample evaluation), and "evaluation results" is information indicating the results of the sample evaluation (representative values ​​or measured values).

[0155] The evaluation information table (main table) 1630 in Figure 16B is an example of a main table, and the detailed evaluation information table (sub-table) 1631 in Figure 16B is an example of a sub-table. The evaluation information table (main table) 1630 stores representative values ​​of the results of each sample evaluation when multiple sample evaluation experiments are performed on the prepared sample under the same conditions. The evaluation information table (main table) 1630 also stores identifiers for basic information (e.g., equipment ID, experimenter ID; not shown in Figure 16B) and identifiers for the preparation information table. The evaluation information table (main table) 1630 also stores the project identifier (project ID) added by the identifier addition unit 440.

[0156] The detailed evaluation information table (subtable) 1631 stores the results of each sample evaluation as separate records when multiple sample evaluation experiments are performed on the prepared sample under the same conditions. The detailed evaluation information table (subtable) 1631 also stores identifiers for basic information (e.g., equipment ID, experimenter ID; not shown in Figure 16B) and identifiers for the preparation information table. The detailed evaluation information table (subtable) 1631 also stores identifiers for the evaluation information table (main table) 1630 that have been added by the identifier addition unit 440. In the detailed evaluation information table (subtable) 1631, "n number" indicates the number of sample evaluation experiments, and the "acceptance flag" indicates whether or not the experiment will be used for analysis. For example, if the measurement data will be used for analysis, the "acceptance flag" will be set to "accepted," while measurement data that will not be used for analysis, such as outliers or measurement data due to operational errors, will have the "acceptance flag" set to "not accepted."

[0157] The evaluation information table (main table) 1640 in Figure 16C is an example of a main table. The evaluation information table (main table) 1640 stores the results of a sample evaluation experiment performed on a prepared sample under a single condition. The evaluation information table (main table) 1640 also stores identifiers for basic information (e.g., equipment ID, experimenter ID; not shown in Figure 16C) and identifiers for the preparation information table. The evaluation information table (main table) 1640 also stores the project identifier (project ID) added by the identifier addition unit 440.

[0158] The evaluation information table (main table) 1650 in Figure 16D is an example of a main table. As shown in Figure 16D, the evaluation information table (main table) 1650 stores the sample evaluation conditions and the results of the sample evaluation (representative values ​​and measured values). The detailed evaluation information table (sub-table) 1651 stores the raw data, which are measured values ​​(X1, X2, and Y are measured values ​​for different measurement items). The detailed evaluation information table (sub-table) 1651 also stores the identifier (evaluation ID) of the main table where the representative values ​​of the raw data are stored, and the identifier (evaluation detail ID) of the sub-table. Storing the raw data in the detailed evaluation information table (sub-table) 1651 improves the versatility of the evaluation information table (main table) 1650.

[0159] The evaluation information table (main table) 1660 in Figure 16D is an example of a main table. The evaluation information table (main table) 1660 shows an evaluation information table in which binary data is stored as a result of sample evaluation. By storing binary data in the evaluation information table (main table) 1660, the structure of the evaluation information table (main table) 1660 is simplified. As a result, the capacity of the evaluation information table (main table) 1660 can be reduced, and the processing speed when processing the evaluation information table (main table) 1660 can be improved. If raw data is obtained as a result of sample evaluation, the evaluation information storage unit 124 stores either: the evaluation information table (main table) 1650 and the detailed evaluation information table (sub-table) 1651, or the evaluation information table (main table) 1660.

[0160] When the evaluation information table (main table) 1650 and the detailed evaluation information table (subtable) 1651 are used, the measurement data itself is stored in the evaluation information storage unit 124, making it possible to manage the measurement data itself with the information processing system 100. When the evaluation information table (main table) 1660 is used, binary data with a smaller data capacity than the measurement data is stored in the evaluation information storage unit 124, thus reducing the amount of data stored in the information processing system 100.

[0161] The evaluation information table (main table) 1670 in Figure 16E is an example of a main table. The evaluation information table (main table) 1670 is an evaluation information table that stores information indicating the storage location of the image data instead of storing the image data itself as a result of the sample evaluation. By storing information indicating the storage location of the image data, the capacity of the evaluation information table (main table) 1670 can be reduced.

[0162] However, the methods for reducing the size of the evaluation information table are not limited to those mentioned above. For example, the size of the evaluation information table may be reduced by converting image data into data with a smaller file size. Processes for converting image data into data with a smaller file size include compressing the image data, converting the image data into string data, and converting the image data into binary data.

[0163] In the evaluation information table (main table) 1670 in Figure 16E, "Person in Charge" is information that identifies the experimenter who took the image, and "Purpose" is information that indicates the purpose of the experiment. Also in the evaluation information table (main table) 1670, "Experimental Conditions" is information that indicates the image shooting conditions and the conditions of the photographed sample. Also in the evaluation information table (main table) 1670, "Experimental Results (Analysis Values)" is information that indicates the results analyzed from the image, and "Experimental Results (Image Path)" is information that indicates the storage location of the image data. The storage location of the image data may be a storage device (not shown) of the information processing system 100 or the evaluation information storage unit 124, or it may be a storage device of another device outside the information processing system 100.

[0164] (10) A specific example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting project information Figure 17 is a third figure showing an example of an input / output screen for inputting and outputting project information. In this embodiment, the menu bar of each display screen provided by the information processing device 110 has a “Project Information (Conclusion)” button 815. The “Project Information (Conclusion)” button 815 is an input / output screen for inputting and outputting project information, and is a transition button that instructs the experimenter 131 to transition to an input / output screen that is viewed after the sample has been prepared or evaluated. When the experimenter 131 presses the “Project Information (Conclusion)” button 815, the screen providing unit 410 provides the input / output screen 1700.

[0165] As shown in Figure 17, the input / output screen 1700 includes a "Project ID" input field 1701. Experimenter 131 enters the identifier of the project to be input into the "Project ID" input field 1701. Upon the experimenter 131 entering the identifier into the "Project ID" input field 1701, the screen provider unit 410 notifies the input / output control unit 420 to read the project information table containing the identifier. As a result, the input / output control unit 420 reads the project information table containing the identifier from the project information storage unit 122. The screen provider unit 410 inputs the corresponding project information from among the multiple project information contained in the project information table read by the input / output control unit 420 into the respective input fields 912 to 921 of the input / output screen 1700.

[0166] At this stage, the "Project Completion" input field 916, the "Conclusion" input field 920, and the "Next Action" input field 921 are blank. Therefore, experimenter 131 enters project information into the "Project Completion" input field 916, the "Conclusion" input field 920, and the "Next Action" input field 921.

[0167] When experimenter 131 has finished entering project information into the "Project Completion" input field 916, the "Conclusion" input field 920, and the "Next Action" input field 921, he presses the "Save" button 1721. As a result, the screen provisioning unit 410 notifies the user of a save command, and the acquisition unit 430 acquires the project information entered in input fields 911 to 921 as a project information table and notifies the input / output control unit 420. Consequently, the project information table notified by the acquisition unit 430 is stored in the project information storage unit 122 by the input / output control unit 420.

[0168] (11) Specific Example of Project Information Figure 18 is a second figure showing an example of a project information table stored in the project information storage unit. The project information entered in each input field 911 to 921 of the input / output screen 1700 is stored in the project information storage unit 122 by the input / output control unit 420 as a project information table 1800.

[0169] In the project information table 1800 in Figure 18, "Conclusion" is information indicating the conclusion entered in input field 920, "Content" is information indicating the outline of the experiment, and "Future" is information indicating future actions entered in input field 921. Furthermore, when the project is completed, the "Completion Date" in the project information table 1800 stores the information indicating the date the project was completed, which was entered in input field 916. Although input fields are not shown in the input / output screen 1700 in Figure 17, the input / output screen 1700 may have input fields for entering information indicating the outline of the experiment, which is stored in the "Content" of the project information table 1800.

[0170] <Details of the processing in the third phase> Next, the details of the processing in the third phase of the information processing system 100 (reference numeral 330 in Figure 3) will be described. As described above, the processing in the third phase includes recipe generation processing, model generation processing, search processing, and request processing. The information processing system 100 may save the results of the processing in the evaluation information storage unit 124 or other storage device (not shown) each time either the recipe generation processing or the model generation processing is completed.

[0171] (1) Functional configuration of the information management unit (recipe generation process) Figure 19 is the first diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information management unit in the third phase, and shows an example of the functional configuration of the information management unit for executing the recipe generation process. In the third phase, the information management unit 120 for executing the recipe generation process includes a screen provisioning unit 410, an input / output control unit 420, and an analysis unit 1910.

[0172] The screen provisioning unit 410 provides the processing screen to the experimenter terminal device 130. When the processing screen is provided to the experimenter terminal device 130, the experimenter 131 instructs the execution of the recipe generation process by performing an execution operation. The instruction to execute the recipe generation process (recipe generation instruction) includes conditions (constraints) regarding the information used to generate the recipe, and conditions (proposed conditions) regarding the recipe to be generated.

[0173] The constraints include the results of the sample evaluation required for the sample from which the recipe will be generated (evaluation information) and the conditions for sample preparation (preparation information). The proposed conditions include the recipe generation method, the number of recipes to be generated, and the accuracy level of the generated recipes. The results of the sample evaluation required for the sample from which the recipe will be generated are, for example, the physical properties required for the sample.

[0174] The analysis unit 1910 includes a constraint acquisition unit 1911, a proposed condition acquisition unit 1912, and a recipe generation unit 1913.

[0175] The constraint acquisition unit 1911 acquires the constraints input by the experimenter 131 via the screen provision unit 410. The constraint acquisition unit 1911 notifies the input / output control unit 420 of a readout instruction for manufacturing information and evaluation information that satisfy the acquired constraints. As a result, the input / output control unit 420 reads the manufacturing information and evaluation information corresponding to the readout instruction from the manufacturing information storage unit 123 or the evaluation information storage unit 124 and notifies the recipe generation unit 1913.

[0176] The proposed conditions acquisition unit 1912 acquires the proposed conditions entered by the experimenter 131 via the screen provision unit 410. The proposed conditions acquisition unit 1912 notifies the recipe generation unit 1913 of the acquired proposed conditions.

[0177] The recipe generation unit 1913 generates a new recipe using the manufacturing information and evaluation information notified by the input / output control unit 420, based on the proposed conditions notified by the proposed conditions acquisition unit 1912. This allows the recipe generation unit 1913 to generate a recipe that satisfies both the required sample evaluation results and the required sample manufacturing conditions, based on the proposed conditions.

[0178] The recipe generation unit 1913 notifies the screen provision unit 410 of the newly generated recipe and proposes the new recipe to the experimenter 131.

[0179] In the example shown in Figure 19, the case in which the recipe generation process is performed using the manufacturing information stored in the manufacturing information storage unit 123 and the evaluation information stored in the evaluation information storage unit 124 was described. However, the information used when performing the recipe generation process is not limited to the manufacturing information stored in the manufacturing information storage unit 123 and the evaluation information stored in the evaluation information storage unit 124. For example, the recipe generation unit 1913 may perform the recipe generation process by appropriately including information other than the manufacturing information stored in the manufacturing information storage unit 123 and the evaluation information stored in the evaluation information storage unit 124.

[0180] (2) Specific Examples of Processing Screens for Recipe Generation Figures 20A to 20C are the first to third figures showing examples of processing screens for recipe generation. In this embodiment, the menu bar of each display screen provided by the information processing device 110 has an "Analyze" button 814 arranged as a transition button that instructs the transition to the processing screen for recipe generation. When the experimenter 131 presses the "Analyze" button 814, the screen providing unit 410 provides the processing screen for recipe generation. Processing screen 2000A in Figure 20A shows an example of a processing screen when the experimenter 131 presses the "Analyze" button 814 and also presses the "Target / Constraint Input" button 2001.

[0181] As shown in Figure 20A, the processing screen 2000A includes a "Target" selection field 2010 and "Constraints" input fields 2021 and 2022. Experimenter 131 enters the results of the sample evaluation required for the sample to be used to generate the recipe (evaluation information) in the "Target" selection field 2010. Experimenter 131 also enters the conditions for sample preparation required for the sample to be used to generate the recipe (preparation information) in the "Constraints" input fields 2021 and 2022.

[0182] The conditions for sample preparation include, for example, information on the conditions under which the experiment can be conducted (numerical range of chemical amounts, type of catalyst, numerical range of catalyst amount, etc.). More specifically, the example in Figure 20A shows that "metal" has been selected as a constraint (input field 2021). The example in Figure 20A also shows that input field 2022 is displayed, which specifies the minimum and maximum amounts of the catalyst, which is a chemical containing "metal," and the numerical range of catalyst amounts to be considered in recipe generation (the "step size" in Figure 20A). This allows the constraint acquisition unit 1911 to acquire conditions (constraints) related to the information used in recipe generation.

[0183] The processing screen 2000B in Figure 20B shows an example of the processing screen when the experimenter 131 presses the “Analyze” button 814 and the “Input Proposed Conditions” button 2002.

[0184] As shown in Figure 20B, the processing screen 2000B includes a “search mode” setting area 2031, a “number of proposed conditions” input field 2032, and a “number of iterations” input field 2033. The experimenter 131 inputs the recipe generation method via the “search mode” setting area 2031 and the number of recipes to be generated via the “number of proposed conditions” input field 2032. The experimenter 131 also inputs the precision level of the recipes to be generated via the “number of iterations” input field 2033. As a result, the proposed conditions acquisition unit 1912 can acquire the conditions (proposed conditions) related to the recipes to be generated.

[0185] Once experimenter 131 has finished inputting the constraints and proposed conditions, they press the "Start" button 2041 to input a recipe generation instruction. Upon receiving the recipe generation instruction, the constraint acquisition unit 1911 notifies the input / output control unit 420 of the instruction to read the manufacturing information and evaluation information that satisfy the constraints. The input / output control unit 420, for example, reads the manufacturing information that satisfies the constraints from the manufacturing information storage unit 123, and reads the evaluation information table using the identifier of the manufacturing information table containing the manufacturing information. Furthermore, the input / output control unit 420 reads the evaluation information that satisfies the constraints from the evaluation information storage unit 124 among the read evaluation information tables. As a result, the recipe generation unit 1913 generates a new recipe using the manufacturing information and evaluation information that satisfy the constraints under the proposed conditions. The recipe generated by the recipe generation unit 1913 is a recipe that satisfies the required sample evaluation results and the required sample manufacturing conditions.

[0186] The processing screen 2000C in Figure 20C shows an example of the processing screen when the experimenter 131 presses the "Start" button 2041 and the "Check Results" button 2003.

[0187] As shown in Figure 20C, the processing screen 2000C displays the recipes generated by the recipe generation unit 1913 as a list of proposed recipes (reference numeral 2050). The processing screen 2000C also displays a graph (reference numeral 2060) showing the positional relationship of the preparation information included in the proposed recipes with respect to the distribution of the preparation information used to generate the recipes. By checking the graph showing the positional relationship of the preparation information included in the proposed recipes, the experimenter 131 can determine whether the proposed recipe is similar to the preparation information used to prepare samples in the past. If the recipe is similar to the preparation information used in past experiments, the experimenter 131 can prepare samples using the proposed recipe, referring to the past preparation information and evaluation information.

[0188] (3) Functional configuration of the information management unit (model generation process) Figure 21 is a second diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information management unit in the third phase, and shows an example of the functional configuration of the information management unit for executing the model generation process. In the third phase, the information management unit 120 for executing the model generation process includes a screen provisioning unit 410, an input / output control unit 420, and an analysis unit 2110.

[0189] The screen provisioning unit 410 provides the processing screen to the experimenter terminal device 130. When the processing screen is provided to the experimenter terminal device 130, the experimenter 131 instructs the model generation process to be executed by performing an execution operation. The instruction to execute the model generation process (model generation instruction) includes conditions regarding the information used to generate the model, the specification of explanatory variables, and the specification of the target variable.

[0190] The analysis unit 2110 includes a model generation information acquisition unit 2111, a specified information acquisition unit 2112, a model generation unit 2113, a variable acquisition unit 2121, and a trained model 2122.

[0191] The model generation information acquisition unit 2111 acquires the conditions related to the information used for model generation, which are input by the experimenter 131, via the screen provision unit 410. The model generation information acquisition unit 2111 notifies the input / output control unit 420 of a readout instruction for creation information or evaluation information that satisfies the acquired conditions. As a result, the input / output control unit 420 reads the creation information or evaluation information corresponding to the readout instruction from the creation information storage unit 123 or the evaluation information storage unit 124 and notifies the model generation unit 2113.

[0192] The designated information acquisition unit 2112 acquires the designated information for explanatory variables and the designated information for the target variable from the screen provision unit 410 when the experimenter 131 has specified the explanatory variables and the target variable. The designated information acquisition unit 2112 then notifies the model generation unit 2113 of the acquired designated information for explanatory variables and the designated information for the target variable.

[0193] The model generation unit 2113 trains the model by using the manufacturing information and evaluation information notified by the input / output control unit 420 as explanatory variables or target variables.

[0194] Specifically, the model generation unit 2113 inputs the information designated as explanatory variables from the manufacturing information and evaluation information notified by the input / output control unit 420 into the model and acquires the information output from the model. The model generation unit 2113 also compares the information designated as the target variable from the manufacturing information and evaluation information notified by the input / output control unit 420 with the information output from the model and calculates the loss. The model generation unit 2113 trains the model by updating the model parameters so that the calculated loss satisfies predetermined conditions. As a result, the model generation unit 2113 can generate the trained model 2122.

[0195] The generated pre-trained model 2122 is used as follows: The variable acquisition unit 2121 inputs the newly entered explanatory variables from the experimenter 131 via the screen provision unit 410 into the pre-trained model 2122.

[0196] The trained model 2122 predicts the target variable when explanatory variables are input by the variable acquisition unit 2121. The target variable predicted by the trained model 2122 is displayed on the processing screen as a prediction result by the screen provision unit 410.

[0197] In the example shown in Figure 21, the case in which the model generation process is performed using the manufacturing information stored in the manufacturing information storage unit 123 and the evaluation information stored in the evaluation information storage unit 124 was described. However, the information used when performing the model generation process is not limited to the manufacturing information stored in the manufacturing information storage unit 123 and the evaluation information stored in the evaluation information storage unit 124. For example, the model generation unit 2113 may perform the model generation process by appropriately including information other than the manufacturing information stored in the manufacturing information storage unit 123 and the evaluation information stored in the evaluation information storage unit 124.

[0198] Furthermore, in the above description, it was assumed that the model generation unit 2113 generates a trained model 2122 that predicts the target variable. However, the function of the model generation unit 2113 is not limited to this, and the model generation unit 2113 may also have a function to generate an importance determination unit that determines which explanatory variables influence the target variable (i.e., the importance of the explanatory variables). Alternatively, the model generation unit 2113 may have a function to generate a dependency calculation unit that calculates the degree of dependence of each explanatory variable.

[0199] (4) Specific Examples of Processing Screens for Model Generation Figures 22A to 22C are the first to third figures showing examples of processing screens for model generation. In this embodiment, the menu bar of each display screen provided by the information processing device 110 has an "Analyze" button 814 arranged as a transition button that instructs transition to the processing screen for model generation. When the experimenter 131 presses the "Analyze" button 814, the screen providing unit 410 provides the processing screen for model generation. The "Analyze" button 814 is configured to allow the user to select whether to transition to the processing screen for recipe generation or to the processing screen for model generation. Processing screen 2200A in Figure 22A shows an example of a processing screen when the experimenter 131 presses the "Analyze" button 814 and also presses the "Single Page Output" button 2201.

[0200] As shown in Figure 22A, the processing screen 2200A includes a "condition file" selection field 2205, a "process" selection field 2206, and a "display column" selection field 2207. The "process" selection field 2206 also includes a selection field for selecting a filtering method.

[0201] Experimenter 131 selects a condition file in the "condition file" selection field 2205. A condition file is a file that stores the conditions related to the creation information and evaluation information used to generate the model. Experimenter 131 also selects a process in the "process" selection field 2206. By using the "condition file," it becomes possible to easily retrieve the creation information and evaluation information used to generate the model under the same conditions as in the past, thus improving the convenience for experimenter 131.

[0202] Furthermore, experimenter 131 inputs the filtering method in the “Process” selection field 2206. For example, experimenter 131 inputs the granularity for summarizing the readout results. In this embodiment, the readout results can be displayed as a single group of all readout results, grouped by theme, or grouped by project. Experimenter 131 also constructs conditions related to the manufacturing information and evaluation information used for model generation by inputting filtering conditions. In the “Display Columns” selection field 2207, the columns to be output as a single table are entered.

[0203] Furthermore, experimenter 131 presses the “Read” button 2208. As a result, the model generation information acquisition unit 2111 outputs the information read by the input / output control unit 420 from the fabrication information storage unit 123 and the evaluation information storage unit 124 as a single table, according to the conditions constructed based on the experimenter 131's instructions.

[0204] When displaying the single-page table output by the input / output control unit 420, the screen providing unit 410 may display the single-page table according to the display columns selected by the experimenter 131. The screen providing unit 410 may also display the single-page table after performing cleansing (deleting duplicate reading results, deleting missing rows, etc.). The screen providing unit 410 may also display the single-page table as a graph. The screen providing unit 410 may also receive input (for example, a range of records) specifying the data to be used for model training from the data displayed on the single-page table.

[0205] Furthermore, the conditions file may be configured to specify, for example, the type of sample evaluation experiment and the records. This allows the model to be trained only on the results of sample evaluations of a specific type of experiment, performed under specific conditions. Additionally, the conditions file may be configured to specify, for example, a range of records. This allows the model to be trained only on the results of sample evaluations performed under conditions x through y.

[0206] Next, experimenter 131 presses the “Confirm / Preprocessing” button 2202. Figure 22B shows an example of the processing screen 2200B when experimenter 131 has pressed both the “Analyze” button 814 and the “Confirm / Preprocessing” button 2202.

[0207] As shown in Figure 22B, the processing screen 2200B includes an "analysis method" input field 2211 and an area 2212 for specifying explanatory variables and target variables. The area 2212 for specifying explanatory variables and target variables in the processing screen 2200B may be configured to allow the user to specify explanatory variables and target variables from among the selectable candidates for explanatory variables and target variables among the information used for training the model. For example, the screen providing unit 410 may be configured to display candidates for explanatory variables in a pull-down format when any of the explanatory variables X1 to X3 in the area 2212 for specifying explanatory variables and target variables is selected. Alternatively, the screen providing unit 410 may be configured to display candidates for explanatory variables in a pull-down format when the target variable Y in the area 2212 for specifying explanatory variables and target variables is selected.

[0208] Experimenter 131 enters information in the “Analysis Method” input field 2211, specifies the explanatory and dependent variables in the area 2212 for specifying explanatory and dependent variables, and then presses the “Model Generation” button 2203. As a result, the “Model Generation” button 2213 appears in the area 2212 for specifying explanatory and dependent variables. Experimenter 131 inputs the instruction to generate a model by pressing the “Model Generation” button 2213. Note that the “Analysis Method” is not limited to machine learning; as shown in Figure 22B, it may be data processing based on theoretical formulas such as regression analysis, or data processing based on empirical formulas.

[0209] When a model generation instruction is input, the model generation information acquisition unit 2111 notifies the input / output control unit 420 of the instruction to read the manufacturing information and evaluation information to be used for model generation. The input / output control unit 420, for example, reads the manufacturing information that satisfies the conditions related to the manufacturing information from the manufacturing information storage unit 123, and reads the evaluation information table using the identifier of the manufacturing information table that contains the manufacturing information. Furthermore, the input / output control unit 420 reads the evaluation information that satisfies the conditions related to the evaluation information from the evaluation information storage unit 124 from the read evaluation information table. In addition, the specification information acquisition unit 2112 notifies the model generation unit 2113 of the specification information for explanatory variables and the specification information for target variables. As a result, the model generation unit 2113 can use the manufacturing information and evaluation information read by the input / output control unit 420 as explanatory variables or target variables to train the model and generate the trained model 2122.

[0210] Once the generation of the trained model is complete, experimenter 131 presses the "Use Model" button 2204, which instructs the user to transition to a processing screen for using the generated trained model. The processing screen 2200C in Figure 22C is an example of the processing screen when experimenter 131 has pressed both the "Analyze" button 814 and the "Use Model" button 2204.

[0211] As shown in Figure 22C, the processing screen 2200C includes an area 2221 for inputting new explanatory variables to be entered into the trained model 2122. The experimenter 131 inputs the new explanatory variables and presses the "Run Model" button 2222. As a result, the trained model 2122 is executed and the target variable is displayed as the prediction result.

[0212] (5) Functional configuration of the information management unit (search processing) Figure 23 is a third diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information management unit in the third phase, and shows an example of the functional configuration of the information management unit for executing search processing. In the third phase, the information management unit 120 for executing search processing has a screen provisioning unit 410, an input / output control unit 420, and a search unit 2310.

[0213] The screen provisioning unit 410 provides the search screen to the viewer terminal device 140. When the search screen is provided to the viewer terminal device 140, the viewer 141 instructs the execution of the search process by performing an execution operation. The instruction to execute the search process (search instruction) includes the search conditions.

[0214] The search unit 2310 acquires the search criteria entered by the viewer 141 via the screen provision unit 410. The search unit 2310 notifies the input / output control unit 420 of a read command for information that satisfies the acquired search criteria. As a result, the input / output control unit 420 reads basic information, project information, manufacturing information, or evaluation information corresponding to the read command from the basic information storage unit 121, project information storage unit 122, manufacturing information storage unit 123, or evaluation information storage unit 124. The search unit 2310 notifies the screen provision unit 410 of the information read by the input / output control unit 420 as search results. As a result, the search results are output to the search screen.

[0215] (6) Specific Examples of Search Screens Figures 24A and 24B are the first and second figures showing examples of search screens. In this embodiment, the toolbar of each display screen provided by the information processing device 110 has a “Data Search” button 2401 arranged as a transition button that instructs the user to transition to the search screen. When the viewer 141 presses the “Data Search” button 2401, the screen providing unit 410 provides, for example, the search screen 2400A.

[0216] As shown in Figure 24A, the search screen 2400A includes a “Process” selection field 2421, a “Search Criteria” input field 2422, a “Refine Criteria” button 2423, and a “Display Column” selection field 2424. The viewer 141 specifies the process to search for by selecting a process in the “Process” selection field 2421.

[0217] Viewer 141 enters information in the “search criteria” input field 2422, thereby entering one of the following: an instruction indicating the scope of project information, an instruction indicating the scope of production information, or an instruction indicating the scope of evaluation information.

[0218] For example, viewer 141 may input instructions indicating the scope of project information, such as the experimenter, theme name, and the period during which the project was carried out. Also, for example, viewer 141 may input instructions indicating the scope of manufacturing information, such as the type of chemical and the range of chemical mixing ratios. Furthermore, for example, viewer 141 may input instructions indicating the scope of evaluation information, such as the physical properties evaluated in the sample evaluation experiment and the range of physical property values.

[0219] Furthermore, viewer 141 presses the “Refine Conditions” button 2423. As a result, the search unit 2310 outputs the information read by the input / output control unit 420 from the basic information storage unit 121, project information storage unit 122, manufacturing information storage unit 123, or evaluation information storage unit 124 in accordance with the input instruction, as search results. As a result, the search unit 2310 can output as search results information related to a predetermined process, which includes: - Information corresponding to an instruction indicating the range of project information, or - Information corresponding to an instruction indicating the range of manufacturing information, or - Information corresponding to an instruction indicating the range of evaluation information. When the input / output control unit 420 reads information corresponding to an instruction indicating the range of project information, it uses the identifier of the project within the specified range. When the input / output control unit 420 reads information corresponding to an instruction indicating the range of manufacturing information, it uses the identifier of the manufacturing information table that contains the manufacturing information within the specified range. When the input / output control unit 420 reads information corresponding to an instruction indicating the range of evaluation information, it uses the identifier of the evaluation information table that contains the evaluation information within the specified range.

[0220] Furthermore, when displaying the search results output by the search unit 2310, the screen providing unit 410 may display the search results according to the display column selected by the viewer 141. The screen providing unit 410 may also display the search results after performing cleansing (deleting duplicate search results, deleting missing rows, etc.). The screen providing unit 410 may also display the search results as a graph.

[0221] Furthermore, although not explicitly shown in the example in Figure 24A, the “search criteria” input field 2422 may be configured to allow input of categories and chemicals. Alternatively, the “search criteria” input field 2422 may be configured to allow input of categories, subcategories, and chemicals. By providing subcategories between categories and chemicals, and inputting information about rubber types (intermediate concept information), such as “acrylic rubber,” all information included in the intermediate concept can be searched. Alternatively, the “search criteria” input field 2422 may be configured to allow input of physical properties and numerical ranges. Alternatively, the “search criteria” input field 2422 may be configured to allow input of chemical characteristics and physical property values.

[0222] Furthermore, the method for inputting search criteria is not limited to the input method shown in the search screen 2400A in Figure 24A. For example, when the viewer 141 presses the "Data Search" button 2401, the screen providing unit 410 may provide the search screen 2400B in Figure 24B.

[0223] As shown in Figure 24B, the search screen 2400B includes a "condition file" selection field 2431, a "process" selection field 2432, and a "display column" selection field 2433. The "process" selection field 2432 also includes a selection field for selecting a filtering method.

[0224] Viewer 141 selects a condition file in the "condition file" selection field 2431. A condition file is a file that stores search conditions (for example, search expressions). Viewer 141 also selects a process in the "process" selection field 2432. By using a "condition file," it becomes possible to easily search using the same search expression as in the past, thus improving the convenience for viewer 141.

[0225] Furthermore, the viewer 141 inputs a filtering method in the “Process” selection field 2432. For example, the viewer 141 inputs the level of granularity to group the search results. In this embodiment, the search results can be displayed as a single group of all search results, as a group by theme, or as a group by project. The viewer 141 also constructs a search expression by inputting filtering conditions.

[0226] Furthermore, the viewer 141 presses the "search" button 2441. As a result, the search unit 2310 retrieves information read by the input / output control unit 420 from the basic information storage unit 121, project information storage unit 122, production information storage unit 123, or evaluation information storage unit 124, according to the search formula constructed based on the viewer's instructions. The search unit 2310 also displays the retrieved information as search results.

[0227] Similar to Figure 24A, when displaying the search results output by the search unit 2310, the screen providing unit 410 may display the search results according to the display column selected by the viewer 141. The screen providing unit 410 may also display the search results after performing cleansing (deleting duplicate search results, deleting missing rows, etc.). Furthermore, the screen providing unit 410 may display the search results as a graph.

[0228] (7) Functional configuration of the information management unit (request processing) Figure 25 is the fourth figure showing an example of the functional configuration of the information management unit in the third phase, and shows an example of the functional configuration of the information management unit for executing request processing. In the third phase, the information management unit 120 for executing request processing includes a screen provisioning unit 410, an input / output control unit 420, and a request unit 2510.

[0229] The screen provisioning unit 410 provides the request screen to the viewer terminal device 140. When the request screen is provided to the viewer terminal device 140, the viewer 141 instructs the execution of the request process by performing an execution operation. The instruction to execute the request process (request instruction) includes information about the requester, information identifying the recipient, and information about the content of the request.

[0230] When the screen provisioning unit 410 accepts an execution operation, it displays information regarding the experiment request to each experimenter on the request screen.

[0231] The request unit 2510 notifies the input / output control unit 420 of the instruction to read the information necessary to generate information related to experiment requests for each experimenter. The input / output control unit 420 then reads basic information, fabrication information, or evaluation information from the basic information storage unit 121, fabrication information storage unit 123, or evaluation information storage unit 124 according to the read instruction. Based on the information read by the input / output control unit 420, the request unit 2510 generates information related to experiment requests for each experimenter. As a result, the information related to experiment requests for each experimenter is output to the request screen by the screen provision unit 410.

[0232] Furthermore, the request unit 2510 receives a request instruction notified from the screen provision unit 410. Upon receiving the request instruction, the request unit 2510 transmits the request instruction to the recipient terminal device (for example, the experimenter terminal device 130).

[0233] The request unit 2510 may also transmit the request instructions by other means. Alternatively, the request unit 2510 may transmit the request instructions by using a combination of methods. For example, the request unit 2510 may transmit the request instructions by sending an email containing the content corresponding to the request instructions to the contact person of the request recipient (e.g., the experimenter's email address).

[0234] Furthermore, the request unit 2510 may use the information on the experiment start date and time and the experiment end date and time included in the request instruction to send an email requesting the addition of an experiment to the schedule from the experiment start date and time to the experiment end date and time. If the recipient accepts the request instruction, an experiment schedule corresponding to the content of the request instruction will be added to the scheduler.

[0235] Alternatively, the request unit 2510 may use the information regarding the start date and time of the experiment and the information regarding the end date and time of the experiment included in the request instructions to add the schedule from the start date and time of the experiment to the end date and time of the experiment to the scheduler of the requesting party, and notify the requesting party accordingly.

[0236] The request unit 2510 may include information other than the experiment start date and time and the experiment end date and time in the email sent to the requesting party or the notification to the requesting party that the experiment has been added to the scheduler. Specifically, the request unit 2510 may include detailed information about the experiment requested from the requesting experimenter, as well as a link to the detailed information. The detailed information about the experiment may be, for example, preparation information or evaluation information depending on the content of the request.

[0237] The experimenter's email address and other contact information may be stored in the basic information storage unit 121 as basic information.

[0238] (8) Specific Example of Request Screen Figure 26 shows an example of a request screen. In this embodiment, the toolbar of each display screen provided by the information processing device 110 has a "Request Experiment" button 2601 arranged as a transition button that instructs the user to transition to the request screen for requesting an experiment. When the viewer 141 presses the "Request Experiment" button 2601, the screen providing unit 410 provides the request screen 2600.

[0239] As shown in Figure 26, the request screen 2600 includes a "requester" input field 2611 and an "experimenter" input field 2612, and is configured to display a list of request history on the request screen 2600. Specifically, the viewer 141 enters information into the "requester" input field 2611 and the "experimenter" input field 2612. Based on this, the request unit 2510 notifies the input / output control unit 420 of a read instruction to display the list of request history based on the entered information. As a result, the input / output control unit 420 reads the manufacturing information or evaluation information corresponding to the read instruction and notifies the request unit 2510.

[0240] The request unit 2510 generates a list of request history based on the notified manufacturing information or evaluation information, in which the requester entered in the "Requester" input field 2611 has requested the experimenter entered in the "Experimenter" input field 2612 to perform an experiment or evaluation. Note that when generating the list of request history, it is sufficient for either the "Requester" input field 2611 or the "Experimenter" input field 2612 to be filled in.

[0241] In Figure 26, reference numeral 2620 indicates an example of a list of request history generated by the request unit 2510.

[0242] Here, we will explain the specific processing of experiment requests. The viewer 141 reads the information of the experiment they wish to request from the experimenter (if it is a sample preparation experiment, it is preparation information; if it is a sample evaluation experiment, it is evaluation information) from the preparation information storage unit 123 or the evaluation information storage unit 124. When the viewer 141 wants to make a new request for a sample preparation experiment or a sample evaluation experiment to the experimenter, they press the "Create New" button 2621. As a result, the screen provision unit 410 adds a new row to the request history list (reference numeral 2620). The viewer 141 refers to the list of information indicating whether the experiment can be performed (reference numeral 2631), which will be described later, and the workload status of each experimenter (reference numeral 2632), and specifies the recipient to whom the experiment will be requested. In addition, if the experiment to be requested is a sample preparation experiment, the viewer 141 specifies the process ID of the target process in sample preparation, and if it is a sample evaluation experiment, they specify the evaluation ID.

[0243] In this way, viewer 141 enters a new request for a sample preparation experiment or a request for a sample evaluation experiment in the newly added row. If the experiment request is confirmed, the request unit 2510 obtains the request instruction and sends the request instruction to the requesting party.

[0244] Furthermore, when the request unit 2510 issues a command to read out preparation information or evaluation information, it issues a command to read out basic information for multiple experimenters, including the experimenter entered in the "experimenter" input field 2612. In this case, the input / output control unit 420 uses the identifier of each of the multiple experimenters to read information from the basic information storage unit 121 indicating whether or not each experimenter can perform the sample preparation or sample evaluation experiment.

[0245] By reading basic information about multiple experimenters, the request unit 2510 generates an information list (code 2631) indicating whether each experimenter can perform the sample preparation or sample evaluation experiment. The request unit 2510 generates an information list (code 2631) in which experimenters who meet the experimental conditions set for each experiment name are marked with "○" and experimenters who do not meet the conditions are marked with "(blank)". The experimental conditions set for each experiment name include, for example, that the experimenter has specific qualifications or that the experimenter has completed specific training. The viewer 141 makes an experiment request while referring to the available experimenters.

[0246] Furthermore, by reading past experiment request information, production information, or evaluation information for the experimenter entered in the "experimenter" input field 2612, the request unit 2510 calculates the workload status of each experimenter from the start and end dates and times of the experiments included in each piece of information (reference numeral 2632). This allows the viewer 141 to make experiment requests while referring to the experimenter's workload status. Alternatively, instead of calculating the workload status of the experimenter entered in the "experimenter" input field 2612, the request unit 2510 may read information indicating the workload status of the experimenter selected in the list of information indicating feasibility (reference numeral 2631). In this case, the information indicating the workload status read by the request unit 2510 may be, for example, a schedule obtained from the experimenter's scheduler.

[0247] <Summary> As is clear from the above explanation, the information processing system 100 according to the first embodiment: - When a materials development project is executed and a sample is made or evaluated, it acquires project information showing an overview of the project and production information related to sample production or evaluation information related to sample evaluation via their respective input / output screens. - It adds a project identifier to the production information table, which contains identifiers of basic information that identify the resources used for sample production. It also adds a project identifier to the evaluation information table, which contains identifiers of basic information that identify the resources used for sample evaluation and identifiers from the production information table. - It controls the system to store the project information table containing the project identifier and the production information table or evaluation information table to which the project identifier has been added in the storage unit. - It reads information from the storage unit using the identifier according to the user's instructions.

[0248] In this way, when a materials development project is carried out and samples are prepared or evaluated, the information processing system 100 acquires information via the input / output screen and stores it in each memory unit. As a result, the information processing system 100 can acquire more versatile information compared to when information is acquired by each department or product using different acquisition methods. In other words, the information processing system 100 can improve the versatility of the information acquired when a materials development project is carried out. Consequently, the information processing system 100 can improve the convenience of the experimenter 131 or viewer 141 when attempting to perform various processes using the information stored in each memory unit.

[0249] Furthermore, when the information processing system 100 stores information acquired via the input / output screen, it stores it in multiple tables, while using identifiers to associate these multiple tables. Then, when the information processing system 100 reads information from the storage unit in response to instructions from, for example, the experimenter 131 or the viewer 141, it uses these identifiers to read the information. For this reason, even though the information processing system 100 stores acquired information in multiple tables, it does not reduce the convenience for the experimenter 131 or the viewer 141 when reading the stored information and performing various processes.

[0250] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the information processing device that functions as an information management unit is configured to include a basic information storage unit 121, a project information storage unit 122, a production information storage unit 123, and an evaluation information storage unit 124. However, the information processing device that functions as an information management unit and the information processing device that includes the basic information storage unit 121, the project information storage unit 122, the production information storage unit 123, and the evaluation information storage unit 124 may be configured as separate entities.

[0251] Figure 27 is a second diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an information processing system. The difference from the system configuration described using Figure 1 in the first embodiment is that, in the case of the information processing system 2700, instead of the information processing device 110, it has an information processing device 2710 and an information processing device 2720.

[0252] The information processing device 2710 functions as an information management unit 2711. The information management unit 2711 has a functional configuration that excludes the input / output control unit 420 from each of the functional units of the information management unit 120 (Figures 4, 7, 19, 21, 23, and 25).

[0253] The information processing device 2720 functions as an input / output control unit 420. The information management unit 2711 has the same functions as the input / output control unit 420 of the information management unit 120 (Figures 4, 7, 19, 21, 23, and 25).

[0254] Thus, the information processing system 2700 according to the second embodiment can be composed of a plurality of information processing devices 2710, 2720.

[0255] [Third Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the processing in the third phase was described as including a recipe generation process, a model generation process, a search process, and a request process. However, the processing in the third phase is not limited to these. For example, the information processing system 100 may perform an analysis process as processing in the third phase. The information processing system 100 performs one or more analysis processes.

[0256] The analysis process performs a more detailed numerical analysis than the evaluation information input / output screen (Figure 14B). The analysis method used in the analysis process is assumed to be pre-configured. Figure 28 shows a specific example of the analysis process performed by the analysis unit.

[0257] For example, suppose a certain evaluation information table contains measurement data of shear stress measured at shear rates in predetermined numerical increments. In this case, as shown in Figure 28, the analysis unit plots the shear stress (Pa) to the power of 1 / 2 on the vertical axis and the shear rate (1 / S) to the power of 1 / 2 on the horizontal axis, performs a pre-set numerical analysis, and outputs the analysis result (for example, an approximation formula). At this time, the analysis unit may plot each measurement data on a graph and further superimpose approximation lines.

[0258] In another example, during the analysis process, curve fitting may be performed on the time-series measurement data measured during sample preparation, and an approximate curve may be displayed. The time-series data is, for example, temperature measurement data measured at predetermined time intervals from the start to the end of the reaction during the sample preparation process.

[0259] In another example, during the analysis process, an approximate curve of the spectrum of the measurement results from optical analysis may be displayed.

[0260] [Fourth Embodiment] Although not explicitly stated in the information processing system 100 or information processing system 2700 according to each of the above embodiments, the information processing system 100 or information processing system 2700 may include other systems. These other systems refer to, for example, a system for measuring or storing measurement data in sample preparation, or a system for measuring or storing measurement data in sample evaluation.

[0261] For example, in the first embodiment described above, the raw data and binary data stored in the evaluation information tables (main tables) 1650 and 1660 (Figure 16D) as a result of sample evaluation may be data transmitted from the other system. Also, in the first embodiment described above, the information indicating the storage location of the image data stored in the evaluation information table (main table) 1670 (Figure 16E) as a result of sample evaluation may be information that specifies the other system as the storage location.

[0262] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the configurations shown in the above embodiments, including combinations with other elements. These aspects can be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention and can be appropriately determined according to their application.

[0263] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-020177, filed on 10 February 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference to the entire contents of the said Japanese Patent Application.

[0264] 100: Information processing system 110: Information processing device 120: Information management unit 130: Experimenter terminal device 140: Viewer terminal device 410: Screen provision unit 420: Input / output control unit 500: Registration screen 430: Acquisition unit 440: Identifier addition unit 450: Graph generation unit 800, 900: Input / output screen 1100A-1100C: Input / output screen 1400A: Input / output screen 1400B: Input / output screen 1700: Input / output screen 1910: Analysis unit 1911: Constraint condition acquisition unit 1912: Proposal condition acquisition unit 1913: Recipe generation unit 2000A-2000C: Processing screen 2110: Analysis unit 2111: Model generation information acquisition unit 2112: Specified information acquisition unit 2113: Model generation unit 2121: Variable acquisition unit 2122: Trained model 2200A-2200C: Processing screen 2310: Search unit 2400A, 2400B: Search screen 2510: Request unit 2600: Request screen 2700: Information processing system 2710, 2720: Information processing device 2711: Information management unit

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires project information showing an overview of the project and production information related to sample production or evaluation information related to sample evaluation via their respective screens when a materials development project is executed and a sample is produced or evaluated; an identifier addition unit that adds the project identifier to a production information group which includes identifiers of basic information that identify the resources used for the sample production, and adds the project identifier or the identifier of the production information group to an evaluation information group which includes identifiers of basic information that identify the resources used for the sample evaluation; and an input / output control unit that controls the storage unit to store the project information group which includes the project identifier and the production information group or the evaluation information group to which the project identifier has been added, wherein the input / output control unit reads information from the storage unit using the identifier in accordance with the user's instructions.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the project information group is a group of information that includes, entered before the sample is prepared or evaluated, a project identifier, a project theme name, a project objective, a hypothesis in the project, and, entered after the sample is prepared or evaluated, a conclusion of the project.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage unit registers basic information that identifies the resources used for sample preparation or sample evaluation, in association with the identifier of each resource, and the basic information registered in the storage unit includes the chemical name of the chemical used for sample preparation or sample evaluation and the device name of the apparatus used for sample preparation or sample evaluation.

4. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the preparation information group includes conditions for preparation, including a recipe for preparation, and the results of preparation, including measurement data measured during preparation, and the evaluation information group includes conditions for preparation and the results of preparation.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein when the input / output control unit stores the evaluation information group in the storage unit, if multiple types of sample evaluation experiments are performed on the prepared sample, the results of each sample evaluation are stored in a main table corresponding to the type of sample evaluation experiment; if sample evaluation experiments are performed on the prepared sample under multiple conditions, the results of each sample evaluation are stored in the main table as separate records; if multiple sample evaluation experiments are performed on the prepared sample under the same conditions, the representative value of each sample evaluation result is stored in the main table, and the results of each sample evaluation are stored in a sub-table; and the identifier addition unit adds the identifier from the main table to the sub-table when the results of each sample evaluation are stored in the sub-table.

6. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the menu bar of the screen is arranged to include: a transition button that instructs the user to transition to a screen for inputting and outputting project information, which is displayed before preparing or evaluating a sample; a transition button that instructs the user to transition to a screen for inputting and outputting preparation information; a transition button that instructs the user to transition to a screen for inputting and outputting evaluation information; a transition button that instructs the user to transition to a screen for inputting and outputting project information, which is displayed after preparing or evaluating a sample.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein the toolbar of the screen includes a transition button that instructs the user to transition to a screen for inputting user instructions when searching for information in accordance with the user's instructions from the information stored in the memory unit, and a transition button that instructs the user to transition to a screen for registering the basic information in the memory unit.

8. The information processing system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the screen displayed before preparing or evaluating the sample includes an input field for entering a project identifier, and when an identifier is entered in the input field, the project information group including the identifier entered in the input field is read from the storage unit by the input / output control unit, and each piece of project information is entered into the screen displayed before preparing or evaluating the sample.

9. The information processing system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the screen for inputting and outputting the manufacturing information includes an area for displaying a list of manufacturing information stored in the storage unit and an area for displaying newly input manufacturing information.

10. The information processing system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the screen for inputting and outputting the evaluation information includes an area for displaying a list of newly entered sample evaluation results and an area for displaying a graph of each data included in the newly entered sample evaluation results, and the graph plots each data with an item selected by the user as the axis.

11. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the screen for registering the basic information in the storage unit has separate areas for inputting basic information that identifies the resources used for sample preparation or sample evaluation, arranged according to the order in which the user inputs the information.

12. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a recipe generation unit that generates a recipe for sample preparation in response to an instruction to generate a recipe for sample preparation, wherein the instruction to generate a recipe for sample preparation includes the results of a sample evaluation required for the sample for which the recipe is to be generated and the conditions for the sample preparation, and the recipe generation unit generates a recipe for sample preparation that satisfies the required results of the sample evaluation and satisfies the required conditions for sample preparation using information including the preparation information and evaluation information stored in the storage unit.

13. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a model generation unit that, when information including the manufacturing information and evaluation information stored in the memory unit is read out as explanatory variables or target variables to be used for model generation, trains a model using the read-out explanatory variables and target variables and generates a trained model.

14. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a search unit that, when a user inputs an instruction indicating the scope of project information, an instruction indicating the scope of production information, or an instruction indicating the scope of evaluation information, outputs information read from the storage unit by the input / output control unit in accordance with the input instruction as a search result.

15. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a search unit that outputs information read from the storage unit by the input / output control unit as a search result in accordance with a search expression constructed based on user instructions.

16. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a terminal device that displays a screen for the user to view and accepts user operations when a materials development project is carried out and samples are prepared or evaluated.

17. An information processing method comprising: when a materials development project is executed and a sample is prepared or evaluated, the computer acquires project information showing an overview of the project and preparation information related to sample preparation or evaluation information related to sample evaluation via their respective screens; adds the project identifier to a group of preparation information containing identifiers of basic information that identify the resources used for sample preparation; adds the project identifier or the identifier of the group of preparation information to a group of evaluation information containing identifiers of basic information that identify the resources used for sample evaluation; controls the computer to store the group of project information containing the project identifier and the group of preparation information or the group of evaluation information to which the project identifier has been added in a storage unit; and reads information from the storage unit using the identifier in accordance with the user's instructions.

18. An information processing program that causes a computer to execute the following when a materials development project is carried out and a sample is prepared or evaluated: an acquisition process that acquires project information showing an overview of the project and preparation information related to sample preparation or evaluation information related to sample evaluation via their respective screens; an identifier addition process that adds the project identifier to a group of preparation information that includes identifiers of basic information that identify the resources used for sample preparation, and adds the project identifier or the identifier of the group of preparation information to a group of evaluation information that includes identifiers of basic information that identify the resources used for sample evaluation; and an input / output control process that controls the computer to store the group of project information that includes the project identifier and the group of preparation information or the group of evaluation information to which the project identifier has been added in a storage unit, wherein the input / output control process reads information from the storage unit using the identifier in accordance with the user's instructions.

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