Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

An information processing device that manages a plurality of models used in simulation and can receive an operation request from a plurality of user terminals, said information processing device comprising: a request reception unit (120) that receives an operation request for each of the plurality of models from a user terminal; an authority determination unit (140) that, when the request reception unit receives an operation request for one of the plurality of models from the user terminal, determines, on the basis of a preset operation authority relationship, whether the authority to operate the model for which the operation request has been made is set for the user terminal requesting the operation; and an operation control unit (150) that permits the user terminal requesting the operation to operate the model for which the operation request has been made if the authority determination unit determines that the authority to operate the model for which the operation request has been made is set for the user terminal requesting the operation, and does not permit the user terminal requesting the operation to operate the model for which the operation request has been made if the authority determination unit determines that the authority to operate the model for which the operation request has been made is not set for the user terminal requesting the operation.

Description

Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to an information processing technology for managing each model in a simulation model constructed by combining a plurality of models.

[0002] Among technologies using simulation models, there is a technology called model-based development. Model-based development is a method of modeling the behavior and functions of a system on a computer, and performing design and development based on the model (simulation model). Its purposes include shortening development man-hours and reducing costs by reducing the number of prototypes. In model-based development, there are technologies for preventing leakage of confidential information included in models. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of access control for access management of a simulation model including a plurality of model elements, in which when a model is read into each user's work environment or downloaded for editing, an alternative model with the content of the model removed is downloaded.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-092228

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, if a model is set to be kept confidential, the content of the model is deleted, which causes a problem that editing by a user becomes impossible.

[0005] The present disclosure solves the above problem, and aims to enable editing by users other than the owner while ensuring the confidentiality of the model.

[0006] The information processing device of the present disclosure is an information processing device for managing a plurality of models used in simulation, and is capable of receiving operation requests from a plurality of user terminals, comprising: a request receiving unit that receives operation requests for each of the plurality of models from the user terminals; an authority determination unit that, when the request receiving unit receives an operation request for one of the plurality of models from the user terminal, determines whether the user terminal that made the operation request has the authority to operate the requested model based on a pre-configured authority relationship; and an operation control unit that, if the authority determination unit determines that the user terminal that made the operation request has the authority to operate the requested model, permits the user terminal that made the operation request to operate the requested model, and does not permit the user terminal that made the operation request to operate the requested model if the authority determination unit determines that the user terminal that made the operation request does not have the authority to operate the requested model.

[0007] This disclosure has the effect of allowing users other than the owner to edit the model while ensuring its confidentiality.

[0008] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device and a system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the information processing device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device and an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an implementation example of the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure and the data flow in the implementation example. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of model transmission processing in the processing of the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of authorization determination processing in the processing of the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of operation control processing in the processing of the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. Figure 9 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the configuration of the information processing device and an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an implementation example of the first modified example of the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure and the data flow in the implementation example. Figure 11 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the configuration of the information processing device and an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an implementation example of a second modification of the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure and the data flow in the implementation example. Figure 13 is a diagram showing a third modification of the configuration of the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure and the information processing system including the information processing device. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an implementation example of a third modification of the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure and the data flow in the implementation example. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure and the system including the information processing device. Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure and the information processing system including the information processing device. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the information processing device according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure and the system including the information processing device.Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device and an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure. Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the information processing device according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure. Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device and a system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 5 of this disclosure. Figure 22 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device and an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 5 of this disclosure. Figure 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the information processing device according to Embodiment 5 of this disclosure. Figure 24 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device and a system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 6 of this disclosure. Figure 25 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device and an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 6 of this disclosure. Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the information processing device according to Embodiment 6 of this disclosure. Figure 27 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device and a system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 7 of this disclosure. Figure 28 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device and an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 7 of this disclosure. Figure 29 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the information processing device according to Embodiment 7 of this disclosure. Figure 30 shows a first example of a hardware configuration for realizing the functions according to the configuration of this disclosure. Figure 31 shows a second example of a hardware configuration for realizing the functions according to the configuration of this disclosure.

[0009] To further illustrate this disclosure, embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Embodiment 1 describes a basic configuration example of the present disclosure.

[0011] This document describes an example configuration of an information processing device and a system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing device and a system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. The information processing device 100 is an information processing device that manages multiple models used in simulation. That is, the information processing device 100 functions as a model management device. The information processing device 100 is configured to be able to receive operation requests from multiple user terminals 8. The information processing device 100 is connected to the user terminals 8 via a wireless communication line or a wired communication line so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0012] User terminal 8 is a terminal capable of making operation requests to multiple models used in the simulation. User terminal 8 is used by each user who wants to make an operation request to a model, and it receives the operation request from the user and sends a request (operation request) corresponding to the user's operation to the information processing device 100.

[0013] The model storage device 200 stores multiple models managed by the information processing device 100. The model storage device 200 is connected to the information processing device 100 via a wireless communication line or a wired communication line. The model storage device 200 may also be configured to be included inside the information processing device 100. When the model storage device 200 is included inside the information processing device 100, the model storage device 200 can also be referred to as a model storage unit (see "model storage unit 200" in the embodiments described later).

[0014] The information processing device 100 shown in Figure 1 includes a request receiving unit 120, an authority determination unit 140, and an operation control unit 150.

[0015] The request receiving unit 120 receives operation requests for models from user terminals 8. The request receiving unit 120 receives operation requests for at least one model from user terminals 8. Alternatively, the request receiving unit 120 receives operation requests for at least one model from multiple user terminals 8. For example, when an operation request is made from one of the multiple user terminals 8 for one of the multiple models stored in the model storage device 200, the request receiving unit 120 receives operation request information from the user terminal 8, which includes information such as terminal identification information to identify the user terminal, model identification information to identify the model to which the operation request pertains, and the type of operation.

[0016] The authorization determination unit 140 determines whether or not the user has the necessary authorization for an operation request. When the request receiving unit receives an operation request from the user terminal 8 for one of the multiple models, the authorization determination unit 140 determines whether the user terminal 8 that made the operation request has the necessary authorization for the requested model, based on the pre-configured authorization relationships. The authorization relationships only need to be configured in advance before the authorization determination process, and may be configured or modified in response to a request from outside the information processing device 100. Alternatively, they may be configured to be configured or modified in response to a request within the information processing device 100, as in the embodiment described later.

[0017] The operation control unit 150 controls operations on the model. If the authorization determination unit 140 determines that the user terminal 8 that made the operation request has the authority to operate on the requested model, the operation control unit 150 permits the user terminal 8 that made the operation request to operate on the requested model and causes the requested operation to be executed on the requested model. If the authorization determination unit 140 determines that the user terminal that made the operation request does not have the authority to operate on the requested model, the operation control unit 150 does not permit the user terminal 8 that made the operation request to operate on the requested model. The operation control unit 150 may be configured to notify the user terminal that the requested operation is not permitted.

[0018] Next, an example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. The processing shown in Figure 2 is an information processing method by the information processing device. That is, the information processing method by the information processing device is an information processing method for managing models that constitute a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models. When the information processing device 100 receives an operation request from, for example, a user terminal 8, it starts the processing shown in Figure 2 ("start").

[0019] The information processing device 100 then performs a request reception process (step ST110 "request reception"). In the request reception process, the request reception unit 120 of the information processing device 100 receives operation request information from the user terminal 8, which includes information such as terminal identification information to identify the user terminal, model identification information to identify the model related to the operation request, and the type of operation. The request reception unit 120 outputs the operation request information to the authorization determination unit 140.

[0020] The information processing device 100 performs an authorization determination process following the request reception process (step ST120 "Authorized?"). In the authorization determination process, when the request reception unit receives an operation request from the user terminal 8 for one of the multiple models, the authorization determination unit 140 of the information processing device 100 uses the operation request information to determine whether the user terminal that made the operation request has the necessary operation authority for the requested model, based on the pre-configured operation authority relationships.

[0021] If the information processing device 100 determines in the authorization determination process that the user terminal making the operation request does not have the necessary authorization to operate the requested model (step ST120 "Authorized?" "NO"), it then executes a disallowance notification process (step ST130 "Notification"). In the disallowance notification process, the authorization determination unit 140 of the information processing device 100 outputs notification information to the user terminal 8 indicating that the operation related to the operation request is not authorized. That is, the operation control unit 150 connected downstream of the authorization determination unit 140 does not authorize the user terminal 8 to operate the requested model if the authorization determination unit 140 determines that the user terminal 8 making the operation request does not have the necessary authorization to operate the requested model. Alternatively, the operation control unit 150 connected downstream of the authorization determination unit 140 may, based on the determination result of the authorization determination unit 140, not authorize the user terminal 8 to operate the requested model.

[0022] If the information processing device 100 determines in the authorization determination process that the user terminal that made the operation request has the authority to operate the requested model (step ST120 "Authorized?" "YES"), it then outputs information indicating the content of the operation to the operation control unit 150. The information indicating the content of the operation is, for example, operation content information including model identification information and the type of operation, based on the operation request information. The information processing device 100 then executes operation control processing (step ST140 "Operation control"). In the operation control processing, if the authorization determination unit 140 determines that the user terminal 8 that made the operation request has the authority to operate the requested model, the operation control unit 150 of the information processing device 100 grants permission to the user terminal 8 that made the operation request to operate the requested model, and causes the requested model to execute the requested operation.

[0023] This embodiment shows an example configuration including the following: [1] An information processing device for managing a plurality of models used in simulation, the information processing device which can receive operation requests from a plurality of user terminals, comprising: a request receiving unit that receives operation requests for each of the plurality of models from the user terminals; an authority determination unit that, when the request receiving unit receives an operation request for one of the plurality of models from the user terminal, determines whether the user terminal that made the operation request has the authority to operate the requested model based on a pre-set authority relationship; and an operation control unit that, if the authority determination unit determines that the user terminal that made the operation request has the authority to operate the requested model, permits the user terminal that made the operation request to operate the requested model, and does not permit the user terminal that made the operation request to operate the requested model if the authority determination unit determines that the user terminal that made the operation request does not have the authority to operate the requested model.

[0024] This embodiment shows an example configuration including the following:

[12] An information processing device for managing a plurality of models used in simulation, and an information processing method by the information processing device that can receive operation requests from a plurality of user terminals, comprising: a request receiving unit of the information processing device which receives operation requests from the user terminals for each of the plurality of models; an authority determination unit of the information processing device which, when the request receiving unit receives an operation request from the user terminal for one of the plurality of models, determines, based on a pre-set operation authority relationship, whether the user terminal that made the operation request has the authority to operate the requested model; and an operation control unit of the information processing device which, when the authority determination unit determines that the user terminal that made the operation request has the authority to operate the requested model, permits the user terminal that made the operation request to operate the requested model, and does not permit the user terminal that made the operation request to operate the requested model when the authority determination unit determines that the user terminal that made the operation request does not have the authority to operate the requested model. This disclosure has the effect of providing an information processing method that allows users other than the owner to edit the model while ensuring the confidentiality of the model.

[0025] This embodiment shows an example configuration including the following: [1'] (

[23] ) A computer is an information processing device that manages a plurality of models used in simulation, and is capable of receiving operation requests from a plurality of user terminals, comprising: a request receiving unit that receives operation requests for each of the plurality of models from the user terminals; an authority determination unit that, when the request receiving unit receives an operation request for one of the plurality of models from the user terminal, determines whether the user terminal that made the operation request has the authority to operate the requested model based on a pre-set authority relationship; and an operation control unit that, if the authority determination unit determines that the user terminal that made the operation request has the authority to operate the requested model, permits the user terminal that made the operation request to operate the requested model, and does not permit the user terminal that made the operation request to operate the requested model if the authority determination unit determines that the user terminal that made the operation request does not have the authority to operate the requested model. This disclosure thus has the effect of providing a program that enables users other than the owner to edit a model while ensuring the confidentiality of the model.

[0026] This embodiment shows an example configuration including the following: [12'] (

[24] ) A program characterized in that it causes a computer to execute an information processing method comprising: an information processing device for managing a plurality of models used in simulation, and an information processing device that can receive operation requests from a plurality of user terminals, the information processing device comprising: a request receiving unit of the information processing device receiving operation requests from the user terminals for each of the plurality of models; an authority determination unit of the information processing device, when the request receiving unit receives an operation request from the user terminal for one of the plurality of models, determines, based on a pre-set operation authority relationship, whether the user terminal that made the operation request has the authority to operate the requested model; and an operation control unit of the information processing device, when the authority determination unit determines that the user terminal that made the operation request has the authority to operate the requested model, permits the user terminal that made the operation request to operate the requested model, and does not permit the user terminal that made the operation request to operate the requested model when the authority determination unit determines that the user terminal that made the operation request does not have the authority to operate the requested model. This disclosure has the effect of providing a program that allows users other than the owner to edit the model while ensuring the confidentiality of the model.

[0027] Embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 describes an example of a configuration in which the configuration according to Embodiment 1 is applied to a system that allows multiple users to manipulate models in a virtual workspace for each user, and which manages a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models.

[0028] This document describes an example configuration of an information processing device and an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing device and an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. The information processing system (model management system) 1 is envisioned as a system that can prevent different users from downloading data to user terminals, which are the user's terminals, in a virtual workspace. The information processing system (model management system) 1 shown in Figure 3 is configured to include a user terminal (first user terminal) 10, a user terminal (second user terminal) 20, and an information processing device (model management device) 100 (100A).

[0029] The user terminal (first user terminal) 10 is a terminal operated by the first user. In this description, the first user is, for example, a user who owns a model. The first user can set confidentiality settings for the model they own.

[0030] The user terminal (second user terminal) 20 is a terminal operated by the second user. In this description, the second user is, for example, a user who makes operation requests to the model. Operation requests include operations such as acquiring model data, downloading model data, and acquiring highly confidential information from the model data.

[0031] The distinction between the first user and the second user is not strictly limited to being two separate users; a user may be both the first and second user. In other words, even if the user is the same person, they are the first user when they own a model and apply confidential settings to that model, and the second user when they operate a model owned by another user.

[0032] The model storage unit 200 stores the models. The model storage unit 200 shown in the figure stores the models of the first user (first user model) and the models of the second user (second user model). The first user model is a model owned by the first user. The second user model is a model owned by the second user. The model storage unit 200 shown in the figure stores confidentiality setting information. Confidentiality setting information is information that includes settings related to the confidentiality of the model. Confidentiality setting information includes, for example, a model identifier, operation rights (operation type: acquisition, download, highly confidential information), and user identification information. The model identifier is a unique identifier for each model, identifying the model. Operation rights indicate the type of operation that is allowed or not allowed. In this explanation, for example, it is assumed that "acquisition," "download," and "highly confidential information" can be set as operation types for operation rights. "Acquisition" indicates, for example, the acquisition of the entire model. "Download" indicates, for example, the ability to download at least a part of the model. "Highly confidential information" indicates the acquisition of information that the first user, who owns the model, has registered in advance and wants to ensure confidentiality. User identification information is unique to each user and identifies them. Confidential settings information may include information indicating the user type (owner, operator).

[0033] The information processing device 100A according to this embodiment functions as a model management device. The model management device manages each model that constitutes a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models. Furthermore, as a model management device, the information processing device 100A manages models owned by multiple different users in a simulation model constructed by combining models owned by multiple different users. The information processing device (model management device) 100A shown in Figure 3 includes a work area unit 110, a model operation unit 115, a model transmission unit 130, an authority determination unit 140, an operation control unit 150, and a model storage unit 200. The model used in this embodiment is assumed to be a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models. The simulation model is, for example, a product model. Regarding the product model, the actual model is, for example, numerical data, drawing data, or numerical data and drawing data. In particular, numerical data (group of numerical data) including numerical values ​​related to the product, and drawing data describing the design related to the product are assumed to be product models. Specifically, a model is a collection of information that includes some or more of the following: analysis conditions, material constants, numerical calculation formulas, one-dimensional numerical data, multi-dimensional numerical data, block diagrams, plan views, and perspective views. Furthermore, this product model is assumed to consist of multiple models. For example, if an electric vehicle is considered the product model, it means that it is composed of models such as the battery, motor, and inverter. In the case of a motor, the motor itself is also composed of multiple models corresponding to the stator, rotor, etc., so which one is called the product model depends on the situation. Multiple users do not necessarily have to correspond to one physical person; organizations or groups (multiple people) that share the same user account can also be considered as one user. (See Figures 9 and 10) In this specification, design and development means design and development using a model. That is, it means processing of the model = electronic data, such as design and analysis using CAD on a computer. In the explanation, for ease of understanding, two users are introduced as entities that exchange models, and the procedure for sharing the first model (Model A) owned by the first user with the second user is shown and explained.

[0034] The work area section 110 consists of multiple work area sections, each configured to be accessible by user terminals of users who have been granted access rights in advance. The work area section 110 shown in Figure 3 includes a work area section for a first user (first partition section) 110-1 and a work area section for a second user (second partition section) 110-2. The work area section for a first user (first partition section) 110-1 is pre-accessed to the first user and is accessible by the user terminal (first user terminal) 10. The work area section for a second user (second partition section) 110-2 is pre-accessed to the second user and is accessible by the user terminal (second user terminal) 20. In this description, the work area section 110 is located inside the information processing device (model management device) 100, but it may also be located outside the information processing device (model management device) 100 (e.g., on a cloud server).

[0035] The model operation unit 115 receives and executes user operations in the work area unit 110 via a user terminal for each user. The model operation unit 115 is composed of a first user model operation unit 115-1 and a second user model operation unit 115-2. The first user model operation unit 115-1 receives operation requests from the first user via the first user terminal. The second user model operation unit 115-2 receives operation requests from the second user via the second user terminal. In this description, the model operation unit 115 is located inside the information processing device (model management device) 100, but it may also be located outside the information processing device (model management device) 100 (e.g., on a cloud server).

[0036] The model transmission unit 130 transmits models between different work area units 110. The model transmission unit 130 transmits a first model, which has been set to confidentiality by the first user (the user who owns the model), including settings for operating the model, to a work area unit 110 accessible by the second user via the second user's terminal.

[0037] The aforementioned privacy setting is a setting that prohibits the acquisition of the first model by the second user terminal. In this case, the operation permission is the permission to acquire the first model via the second user terminal. More specifically, for example, the operation permission is the permission to display or download the first model via the second user terminal.

[0038] Alternatively, the privacy setting is a setting that prohibits the download of the first model to the second user terminal. In this case, the operation permission is the permission to download the first model via the second user terminal.

[0039] Alternatively, the confidentiality setting is a setting that prohibits the acquisition of highly confidential information, which is a pre-configured part of the first model, by the second user terminal. In this case, the operation permission is the permission to perform an operation to acquire highly confidential information, which is a pre-configured part of the first model, via the second user terminal.

[0040] The authorization determination unit 140 determines whether or not the user has the authority to perform the operation request. The authorization determination unit 140 determines whether the operation related to the operation request from the second user to the first model, received via the second user terminal, is included in the operation authority granted to the second user.

[0041] The operation control unit 150 performs operation control based on the operation request and the operation authority. If the operation control unit 150 determines, based on the authority determination unit 140, that the operation request from the second user to the first model is included in the operation authority, it executes control to allow the requested operation.

[0042] Next, an implementation example of the information processing apparatus and the flow of data and the like in the implementation example will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an implementation example of the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure and the flow of data in the implementation example. FIG. 4 illustrates an information processing system 1 configured to include a common application unit for each user, wherein the application unit includes a plurality of "partition units" (Partition Unit A, Partition Unit B) accessible to specific users, and a user cannot read information of partition units for which the user does not have access rights. The partition unit corresponds to the work area unit 110 already described.

[0043] A model transmission unit 130 transmits a first confidential model (first model) for which a first confidentiality setting has been made to another partition unit.

[0044] The information processing terminal unit A corresponds to the user terminal 10 already described, and the information processing terminal unit B corresponds to the user terminal 20 already described. The information processing terminal units A and B for the respective users A and B are provided outside the partition units (A and B). The information processing terminal units A and B can issue commands to operate a model. Examples of the model operation include uploading a model to a partition unit, editing a model in a partition unit, and the like. Furthermore, a command to execute a simulation using the model can be issued. In addition, a simulation result obtained by the calculation environment unit 185 can be acquired.

[0045] Model operation units 115-1 and 115-2 update a model inside a partition unit based on a model operation command from the information processing terminal units (A and B). The model operation units 115-1 and 115-2 are provided inside the application unit. User A can accept an operation to assign a first confidentiality setting to user A's model via the model operation unit 115-1, and set the first confidentiality setting.

[0046] Here, the first concealment setting is a setting that prohibits any user other than a specific user registered in advance from acquiring the first concealment model to their own information processing terminal unit. Alternatively, the first concealment setting is a setting that prohibits any user other than a specific user from downloading information of the first concealment model to their own information processing terminal unit. Even if a user who is a destination to which the first concealment model is provided can view the model, the user cannot download the model, so leakage of model data can be prevented. Alternatively, the first concealment setting is a setting that prohibits any user other than a specific user from displaying highly confidential information, which is part of information of the first concealment model (first model) for which the first concealment setting has been made, on their own information processing terminal unit (user terminal). The highly confidential information is assumed to be, for example, information including highly confidential know-how that one does not want to be imitated by others, such as data representing numerical operation expressions used for controlling product operations, data representing three-dimensional shapes of parts, and material property data, but is not limited thereto.

[0047] Note that although the first concealment model in partition section A and the first concealment model in partition section B appear to be functionally separated, physically they may be stored as separate data on a storage medium, or may be stored as the same data on a storage medium. Although the model operation units 115-1 and 115-2 are provided inside the partition section in Fig. 4, they do not have to be provided inside the partition section as shown in Fig. 3. Although an embodiment in which a model in partition section A is transmitted to partition section B is shown, an embodiment in which a model in partition section B is transmitted to partition section A is also possible. Model operations include not only editing model information, but also uploading a model from the information processing terminal unit to the partition section.

[0048] In the configuration shown in Fig. 4, it is assumed that when an instruction to execute a simulation is received, a product model combining a plurality of models including the first concealment model is constructed and then delivered to the calculation environment unit 185. In this case, the model construction unit 180 according to an embodiment described later is provided. Note that the model construction unit 180 according to an embodiment described later may construct the product model in advance before receiving the instruction.

[0049] Next, an example of processing in the information processing device will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. The processing shown in Figure 5 is an information processing method by the information processing device. That is, the information processing method by the information processing device is an information processing method for managing models that constitute a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models. When the information processing device (model management device) 100A according to Embodiment 2 starts the processing shown in Figure 5 ("start"), it then executes a model transmission process (step ST1100 "model transmission"). In the model transmission process, the model transmission unit 130 of the information processing device (model management device) 100A transmits a first model, which has been set to confidentiality by a first user who owns the model, including the operation rights of the model, to the work area unit 110, which is accessible by a second user via a second user terminal.

[0050] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of model transmission processing in the processing of an information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. When the model transmission unit 130 of the information processing device (model management device) 100A according to Embodiment 2 starts the processing shown in Figure 6 ("Start"), it then performs a transmission command presence / absence determination process (Step ST1101 "Is there a first model transmission command?"). In the transmission command presence / absence determination process, if the model transmission unit 130 determines that it has not received a transmission command (Step ST1101 "Is there a first model transmission command?" "NO"), it repeats the process in Step 1101 until it receives a transmission command. If the model transmission unit 130 of the information processing device (model management device) 100A according to Embodiment 2 determines that it has received a transmission command in the transmission command presence / absence determination process (Step ST1101 "Is there a first model transmission command?" "YES"), it then performs a model search process (Step ST1102 "Model Search"). In the model search process, the model transmission unit 130 searches for and acquires the model (first model) that is the target of the transmission command in the model storage unit 200. The model transmission unit 130 of the information processing device (model management device) 100A according to this second embodiment then executes a process to transmit the model to the work area of ​​a different user (step ST1103 "Transmit the model to the work area of ​​a different user"). In this process, the model transmission unit 130 transmits the acquired model (first model) to the second user work area unit 110-2 (partition unit B) according to the transmission command. After the process of step ST1103 is completed, the model transmission unit 130 of the information processing device (model management device) 100A then completes the process shown in Figure 6 ("Complete").

[0051] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5, the information processing device (model management device) 100A performs an authorization determination process following step ST1100 (step ST1200 "authorization determination"). In the authorization determination process, the authorization determination unit 140 of the information processing device (model management device) 100A determines whether the operation related to the operation request for the first model received from the second user via the second user terminal is included in the operation authority granted to the second user.

[0052] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the authorization determination process in the processing of the information processing device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. When the authorization determination unit 140 of the information processing device (model management device) 100A according to Embodiment 1 starts the processing shown in Figure 7 ("Start"), it then performs an operation request existence determination process (Step ST1201 "Operation request present?"). In the operation request existence determination process, the authorization determination unit 140 determines whether an operation request has been received from the user terminal. When the authorization determination unit 140 of the information processing device (model management device) 100A according to Embodiment 2 determines that an operation request has been received in the operation request existence determination process (Step ST1201 "Operation request present?" "YES"), it then performs an operation authorization determination process (Step ST1202 "Is the operation related to the operation request included in the operation authorization?"). In the operation authorization determination process, the authorization determination unit 140 determines whether the operation related to the operation request is included in the operation authorization based on the operation request information including the operation related to the operation request and the operation authorization included in the previously registered confidential settings. If the authorization determination unit 140 of the information processing device (model management device) 100A according to this second embodiment determines that the operation related to the operation request is not included in the operation authority (step ST1202 "Is the operation related to the operation request included in the operation authority?" "NO"), it then executes an operation invalidation notification process (step ST1203 "Notify the user that they do not have operation authority"). In the operation invalidation notification process, the authorization determination unit 140 notifies the second user terminal that which made the operation request that it does not have operation authority. If the authorization determination unit 140 of the information processing device (model management device) 100A according to this second embodiment determines that the operation related to the operation request is included in the operation authority (step ST1202 "Is the operation related to the operation request included in the operation authority?" "YES"), it then executes a process to notify the operation control unit 150 (step ST1204 "Notify the operation control unit"). In this process, the authorization determination unit 140 outputs operation permission information to the operation control unit 150 that permits the operation related to the operation request.If the authorization determination unit 140 of the information processing device (model management device) 100A determines that it has not received an operation request in the operation request presence determination process (step ST1201 "Operation request present?" "NO"), it executes an operation invalidation notification process (step ST1203 "Notify the user that they do not have operation authority"), or executes a process to notify the operation control unit 150 (step ST1204 "Notify the operation control unit"), and then executes a termination determination process (step ST1205 "Termination?"). In the termination determination process, the authorization determination unit 140 of the information processing device (model management device) 100A determines whether the determination of whether or not operation authority is present has been completed. If it determines that the determination of whether or not operation authority is present has not been completed (step ST1205 "Termination?" "NO"), it returns to the process in step ST1201 and repeats. If the authorization determination unit 140 determines that the determination of whether or not operation authority is present has been completed (step ST1205 "Termination?" "YES"), it terminates the process shown in Figure 7.

[0053] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5, the information processing device (model management device) 100A then performs operation control processing (step ST1300 "operation control"). In the operation control processing, if the operation control unit 150 of the information processing device (model management device) 100A determines that the operation request from the second user to the first model is included in the operation authority, it performs control to allow the requested operation. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of operation control processing in the processing of the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. When the operation control unit 150 of the information processing device (model management device) 100A according to Embodiment 1 starts the processing shown in Figure 8 ("start"), it then performs operation type determination processing (step ST1301 "operation type determination"). In the operation type determination processing, the operation control unit 150 determines the operation type, which is the type of the requested operation, based on the operation permission information. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 8, it determines whether the type is "model acquisition," "model download," or "acquisition of highly confidential information in the model." In the operation control unit 150 of the information processing device (model management device) 100A according to this second embodiment, if the operation type is "model acquisition" (step ST1301 "operation type determination" "acquisition"), it then executes an acquisition permission process (step ST1302 "acquisition permission"). In the acquisition permission process, the operation control unit 150 controls the user terminal to allow it to acquire the model. As a result, the user terminal can acquire the entire model data. In the operation control unit 150 of the information processing device (model management device) 100A according to this second embodiment, if the operation type is "model download" (step ST1301 "operation type determination" "download"), it then executes a download permission process (step ST1303 "download permission"). In the download permission process, the operation control unit 150 controls the user terminal to allow it to download the model. As a result, the user terminal can download at least a portion of the model data. The operation control unit 150 of the information processing device (model management device) 100A according to this second embodiment then executes a process to authorize the acquisition of highly confidential information (step ST1304 "authorization to acquire highly confidential information").In the process of authorizing the acquisition of highly confidential information, the operation control unit 150 controls the user terminal to allow it to acquire highly confidential information in the model. This allows the user terminal to acquire highly confidential information of the model's data. When the operation control unit 150 of the information processing device (model management device) 100 completes any of the processes from step ST1302 to step ST1304, it then completes the process shown in Figure 6 ("termination").

[0054] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5, after the information processing device (model management device) 100A executes the process in step ST1300, it then terminates the process shown in Figure 5 ("terminate").

[0055] Here, a modified version of the information processing device of the present disclosure will be described. Modification 1 Figure 9 is a diagram showing a first modified version of the configuration of the information processing device and the information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an implementation example of the first modified version of the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure and the data flow in the implementation example. In the information processing device described above, a configuration in which one user can access one partition section (work area section) has been described. In the information processing device of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, there may be multiple users who can access one partition section (work area section). For example, as shown in Figure 8, user group A (members of n people) can access partition section A, and user group B (members of m people) can access partition section B. In this case, management can be achieved by using a combination of information such as partition section identification information, user group identification information, and user identification information.

[0056] Modification 2 Figure 11 is a diagram showing a second modification of the configuration of an information processing device and an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an implementation example of the second modification of the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure and the data flow in the implementation example. As shown in Figure 11, a shared work area section 111 may be provided in the work area section 110. The shared work area section 111 can be set by using, for example, a combination of work area identification information, user group identification information, and user identification information. Also, as shown in Figure 12, there may be a partition section (partition section C) shared by multiple user groups (user group A, user group B). Note that, as shown in Figure 12, the first confidential model may be transmitted from the information processing terminal section A to the partition section C without going through partition section A. This can further improve the confidentiality of the model.

[0057] Modification 3 Figure 13 is a diagram showing a third modification of the configuration of the information processing device and the information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an implementation example of the third modification of the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure and the data flow in the implementation example. Modification 2 describes a configuration in which a shared work area section 111 (partition section C), which is a work area section 110 for sharing, is added and configured. Alternatively, only the shared work area section 111 (partition section C) may be configured in the work area section 110. In this configuration, the model operation section 115 and the model transmission section 130 may be integrated, and the model operation section 115 also serves as the model transmission section 130.

[0058] With the configuration according to this embodiment, it is possible to control whether to allow or restrict the operation of a model related to confidentiality settings that have been set in advance by the owner user. This makes it possible to enable editing of the model by users other than the owner while ensuring the confidentiality of the model.

[0059] This embodiment shows an example configuration including the following: [3] In the information processing device of [1] or [2] above, the information processing device is an information processing device that manages a model used for simulation in a work area that is accessible by a user terminal of a user who has been granted access rights in advance, and when the terminal operated by a first user who is the user who owns the model is designated as the first user terminal, and the user terminal that is the source of the operation request is designated as the second user terminal, the information processing device comprises a model transmission unit that transmits a first model, which has a confidential setting that includes the operation rights, to the work area that is accessible by the second user via the second user terminal via the first user terminal, the authority determination unit determines whether the operation related to the operation request from the second user to the first model received via the second user terminal is included in the operation rights granted to the second user, and the operation control unit executes control to allow the requested operation when the authority determination unit determines that the operation request from the second user to the first model is included in the operation rights. This disclosure has the effect of providing an information processing device that allows users other than the owner to edit the model while ensuring the confidentiality of the model.

[0060] This embodiment shows an example configuration including the following:

[14] An information processing method according to

[12] or

[13] above, wherein the information processing device manages a model used for simulation in a work area accessible by a user terminal of a user who has been granted access rights in advance, wherein the terminal operated by a first user who is the user who owns the model is the first user terminal, and the user terminal that makes the operation request is the second user terminal, the information processing method further comprises a model transmission process in which the model transmission unit of the information processing device transmits a first model, which has a confidential setting that includes the operation rights, via the first user terminal to the work area accessible by the second user via the second user terminal, the authority determination unit determines whether the operation related to the operation request from the second user to the first model received via the second user terminal is included in the operation rights granted to the second user, and the operation control unit executes control to allow the requested operation when the authority determination unit determines that the operation request from the second user to the first model is included in the operation rights. This disclosure has the effect of providing an information processing method that allows users other than the owner to edit the model while ensuring the confidentiality of the model.

[0061] This embodiment shows an example configuration including the following: [3'] (

[23] ) A program that causes a computer to operate as an information processing device that manages a model used for simulation in a work area accessible by a user terminal of a user who has been granted access rights in advance, comprising: a model transmission unit that transmits a first model, which has been set to confidentiality by a first user who is the owner of the model, including the right to operate the model, to the work area accessible by a second user via a second user terminal; a right determination unit that determines whether an operation relating to an operation request for the first model from the second user received via the second user terminal is included in the operation rights granted to the second user; and an operation control unit that, if the right determination unit determines that the operation request for the first model from the second user is included in the operation rights, executes control to allow the requested operation. This provides the effect that the present disclosure can provide a program that enables editing of a model by a user other than the owner while ensuring the confidentiality of the model.

[0062] This embodiment shows an example configuration including the following: [14'] (

[24] ) A program that causes a computer to execute an information processing method by an information processing device that manages a model used for simulation in a work area accessible by a user terminal of a user who has been granted access rights in advance, the method comprising: a model transmission process in which the information processing device transmits a first model, which has been set to confidentiality by a first user who is the owner of the model, including the right to operate the model, to the work area accessible by a second user via a second user terminal; a right determination process in which the information processing device determines whether an operation relating to an operation request for the first model from the second user received via the second user terminal is included in the operation rights granted to the second user; and an operation control process in which, if the right determination unit determines that an operation request for the first model from the second user is included in the operation rights, the information processing device executes control to allow the requested operation. This provides the effect that the present disclosure can provide a program that enables editing of a model by a user other than the owner while ensuring the confidentiality of the model.

[0063] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following: [4] An information processing device according to [3] above, characterized in that the confidentiality setting is a setting that prohibits the first model from being acquired by the second user terminal. As a result, this disclosure can control whether the model is acquired by anyone other than the user who owns it through the confidentiality setting, and thus provides an information processing device that enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, this disclosure can achieve the same effect as above by applying the above configuration to a system including the information processing device, the above information processing method, or the above program.

[0064] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following: [5] An information processing device according to [3] above, characterized in that the confidentiality setting is a setting that prohibits the first model from being downloaded to the second user terminal. As a result, this disclosure can control the download of model information, and therefore can provide an information processing device that enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, this disclosure can achieve the same effect as above by applying the above configuration to a system including the information processing device, the above information processing method, or the above program.

[0065] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following: [6] In the information processing device of [3] above, the confidentiality setting is a setting that prohibits the acquisition of highly confidential information, which is a pre-set part of the first model, by the second user terminal. As a result, this disclosure can control the acquisition of highly confidential information among the model information by setting it, and thus provides an information processing device that enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, this disclosure can achieve the same effect as above by applying the above configuration to a system including the information processing device, the above information processing method, or the above program.

[0066] This embodiment further illustrates an example configuration including the following:

[15] An information processing method characterized in that, in the information processing device of

[14] above, the confidentiality setting is a setting that prohibits the first model from being acquired by the second user terminal. As a result, this disclosure provides an information processing method that enables the model to be acquired by anyone other than the user who owns it due to the confidentiality setting, and further enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, this disclosure achieves the same effect as above by applying the above configuration to a system including an information processing device or to the above program.

[0067] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following:

[16] An information processing method characterized in that, in the information processing device of

[14] above, the confidentiality setting is a setting that prohibits the first model from being downloaded to the second user terminal. As a result, this disclosure can control the download of model information, and therefore provides an information processing method that enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, this disclosure can achieve the same effect as above by applying the above configuration to a system including an information processing device or to the above program.

[0068] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following:

[17] An information processing method characterized in that, in the information processing device of

[14] above, the confidentiality setting is a setting that prohibits the acquisition of highly confidential information, which is a pre-set part of the first model, by the second user terminal. As a result, this disclosure can set and control the acquisition of highly confidential information among the model information, and thus provides an information processing method that enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, this disclosure can achieve the same effect as above by applying the above configuration to a system including an information processing device, or to the above program.

[0069] Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 2 described above, an example configuration was described in which operations related to the confidentiality settings on the model are restricted or permitted based on pre-set confidentiality settings. In Embodiment 3, an example configuration is described in which the confidentiality settings can be changed.

[0070] This document describes an example configuration of an information processing apparatus and an information processing system including the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. In Embodiment 3, components of Embodiment 3 that are the same as those of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 already described are given the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate. Similarly, redundant explanations of processing are omitted as appropriate. Components of Embodiment 2 are described by replacing "A" with "B" in the reference numerals of the components of Embodiment 1 already described. Note that "user" and "model" are not included in the replacement, and descriptions such as "user A" and "model A" are used as they are.

[0071] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device and a system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B) shown in Figure 15 differs from the configuration of the information processing device 100 already described in Figure 1 in that it includes an operation authority setting unit 160. The following description will focus on the differences from the information processing device (model management device) 100 already described. The information processing device 100 (100B) shown in Figure 15 is configured to include a request receiving unit 120, an authority determination unit 140, an operation control unit 150, and an operation authority setting unit 160.

[0072] The operation authority setting unit 160 sets operation permissions for user terminals and models. The operation authority setting unit 160 sets the operation permission relationships, which are the relationships between each of the multiple models stored in the model storage device (model storage unit) 200 and each of the user terminals 8. The operation authority setting unit 160 determines, for example, whether the user terminal 8 that made the setting request has the authority to make the setting, based on the setting request from the user terminal 8 and the pre-set setting permission relationships, and if the user terminal 8 that made the setting request has the authority to make the setting, it allows the setting of operation permissions. The operation authority setting unit 160 sets operation permissions according to the content of the setting request. The operation authority setting unit 160 obtains setting request information, including the content of the setting request from the user terminal 8, via the request reception unit 120 and the authority determination unit 140, and sets operation permissions based on the setting request information. The operation authority setting unit 160 also functions as a confidential setting change unit, which will be described later.

[0073] Next, we will describe an example of a configuration in which the configuration according to Embodiment 3 is applied to a system that allows multiple users to operate models in a virtual workspace for each user, and which manages a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models. Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device and an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. The information processing system 1 (1B) shown in Figure 16 differs from the information processing device (model management device) 100 already described in that the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B) further includes a confidentiality setting change unit 160. The following will focus on the differences from the information processing device (model management device) 100 already described. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B) is configured to include a workspace unit 110, a model operation unit 115, a model transmission unit 130, an authority determination unit 140, an operation control unit 150, and a confidentiality setting change unit 160.

[0074] The model operation unit 115 further accepts confidential settings for the model. The model operation unit 115-1 for the first user accepts confidential settings for the first model from the first user via the first user terminal.

[0075] The confidentiality setting change unit 160 updates the confidentiality settings for the first model. The confidentiality setting change unit 160 changes the confidentiality settings for the first model based on the content of the confidentiality settings for the first model received from the first user via the first user terminal. The confidentiality setting change unit 160 changes the confidentiality settings for the first model based on the content of the confidentiality settings for the first model received from the first user via the first user terminal while the first model is being held in the second user's work area.

[0076] If the model storage unit 200 holds confidential setting information, it updates the confidential setting information according to the change command from the confidential setting change unit 160.

[0077] Next, an example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure will be described. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. When the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B) according to Embodiment 3 receives an operation request from a user terminal via the model operation unit 115, for example, it starts the processing shown in Figure 17 ("Start"). The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B) then performs an operation request existence determination process (Step ST2010 "Operation request from the first user?"). In the operation request existence determination process, the confidential setting change unit 160 of the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B) determines whether the operation request is from the first user who owns the model, based on the user identification information and model identifier included in the operation request and the user identification information (owner's user identification information) and model identifier included in the model information. If the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B) determines that the request is from a first user (step ST2010 "Is this a request from a first user?" "YES"), it then performs a process to determine whether the operation related to the request is set to confidential (step ST2020 "Is the operation related to the request set to confidential?"). In this process, the confidential setting change unit 160 of the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B) determines whether the operation related to the request is set to confidential based on the operation type included in the request information. If the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B) determines in the process of step ST2020 that the operation related to the request is set to confidential (step ST2020 "Is the operation related to the request set to confidential?" "YES"), it then performs a confidential setting update process (step ST2030 "Confidential setting update"). In the confidential setting update process, the confidential setting change unit 160 of the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B) updates the confidential setting information based on the content of the confidential setting related to the operation request.If the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B) determines in the processing of step ST2020 that the operation related to the operation request is not set to confidential (step ST2020 "Is the operation related to the operation request set to confidential?" "NO"), or if it executes the processing of step ST2030, it then terminates the processing shown in Figure 17 ("Terminate").

[0078] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the first user can change the privacy settings of the model, so that edits agreed upon between the owner and other users can be quickly performed on models owned by different owners.

[0079] This embodiment further describes an example configuration including the following: [2] An information processing device of the above [1], further comprising: a model storage unit for storing the plurality of models; and an authorization setting unit for setting the operation authorization relationships, which are the relationships between each of the plurality of models stored in the model storage unit and each of the user terminals. This disclosure provides an information processing device that enables the rapid execution of edits agreed upon between the owner and other users, and further enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the models compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, this disclosure provides the same effects as above by applying the above configuration to a system including the information processing device, the above information processing method, or the above program.

[0080] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following: [7] An information processing device in any of the above [3], [4], [5], and [6], characterized in that it includes a confidential setting change unit that changes the confidential setting for the first model based on the content of the confidential setting for the first model received from the first user via the first user terminal. This provides an information processing device that enables the rapid execution of edits agreed upon between the owner and other users, and further enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, this disclosure provides similar effects by applying the above configuration to a system including the information processing device, the above information processing method, or the above program.

[0081] This embodiment further includes an example configuration:

[13] The information processing method of

[12] above, characterized in that the authority setting unit of the information processing device further comprises an authority setting process that sets the operation authority relationship which is the relationship between each of the plurality of models and each of the user terminals.

[0082] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following:

[18] An information processing method in any of the above

[14] ,

[15] ,

[16] , and

[17] , characterized in that the information processing device comprises a confidential setting change process, in which the confidential setting change unit of the information processing device changes the confidential setting for the first model based on the content of the confidential setting for the first model received from the first user via the first user terminal. This provides an information processing method that enables the rapid execution of edits agreed upon between the owner and other users, and further enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, this disclosure provides similar effects by applying the above configuration to a system including an information processing device or to the above program.

[0083] Embodiment 4. Embodiment 3 described above describes an example configuration in which the privacy settings can be changed. Embodiment 4 further describes an example configuration in which the model is automatically updated when the model is edited by the user. In Embodiment 4, for components of Embodiment 4 that are the same as those of Embodiments 1, 2, or 3 already described, redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Similarly, redundant explanations of the processing will also be omitted as appropriate.

[0084] Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device and a system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100C) shown in Figure 18 differs from the configuration of the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B) already described in Figure 15 in that it includes an automatic update unit 170. The following will focus on the differences from the information processing device 100B already described. The information processing device 100 (100C) shown in Figure 18 is configured to include a request reception unit 120, an authority determination unit 140, an operation control unit 150, an operation authority setting unit 160, and an automatic update unit 170. The automatic update unit 170 automatically updates the models stored in the model storage device (model storage unit) 200 in response to operations on the models from the user terminal 8.

[0085] Next, we will describe an example of the configuration of Embodiment 4 when applied to a system that allows multiple users to operate models in a virtual workspace for each user, and which manages a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models. We will describe an example of the configuration of an information processing device and an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure. Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device and an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure. The information processing system (model management system) 1 (1C) shown in Figure 19 differs from the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B) already described in that it includes an automatic update unit 170 in the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100C). The following will focus on the differences from the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B) already described.

[0086] The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100C) is configured to include a work area unit 110, a model operation unit 115, a request reception unit 120, a model transmission unit 130, an authority determination unit 140, an operation control unit 150, a confidentiality setting change unit 160, and an automatic update unit 170.

[0087] The automatic update unit 170 automatically updates the model in the work area unit 110 based on the user's update status of the model in the work area unit 110. The automatic update unit 170 synchronizes the first model updated based on the operation request made by the user who made the operation request with the first model held in the work area unit of a user other than the user who made the operation request.

[0088] Next, an example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. When the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100C) according to Embodiment 4 starts the processing shown in Figure 20 ("Start"), it then performs a process to confirm the first model in each work area (Step ST3010 "Confirm the first model in each work area"). In this process, the automatic update unit 170 of the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100C) acquires the update status of the first model in each work area 110 and confirms the update status. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100C) then performs a model update determination process (Step ST3020 "Is there a first model update?"). In the model update determination process, the automatic update unit 170 of the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100C) determines whether the first model has been updated based on the update status of the first model in each work area 110. If the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100C) determines in the model update determination process of step ST3020 that the first model has been updated (step ST3020 "First model updated?" "YES"), it then executes a synchronization process (step ST3030 "Synchronize"). In the synchronization process, the automatic update unit 170 of the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100C) updates to the latest update state based on the update status in the time series. If the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100C) determines in the model update determination process of step ST3020 that the first model has not been updated (step ST3020 "First model updated?" "NO"), or if it executes the synchronization process of step ST3030, it then executes a termination determination process (step ST3040 "Termination?"). If the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100C) determines in the termination determination process of step ST3040 that it is not going to terminate the process ((Step ST3040 "Termination?" "NO"), it proceeds to the process of step ST3010, and thereafter repeats from the above process of step ST3010.If the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100C) determines in the termination determination process of step ST3040 that it should terminate the process (step ST3040 "Termination?" "YES"), it then terminates the process shown in Figure 20 ("Termination").

[0089] According to the configuration of this embodiment, when a user (first user or second user) updates the first confidential model (first model) within their own partition unit (work area unit), the same update is automatically applied to part or all of the information in the first confidential model (first model) transmitted to other partition units (work area units).

[0090] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following: [8] An information processing device in any of the information processing devices described in [3], [4], [5], [6], and [7] above, characterized in that it is equipped with an automatic update unit that synchronizes a first model updated based on an operation request made by a user who made the operation request with a first model held in the work area of ​​a user other than the user who made the operation request. As a result, this disclosure provides an information processing device that enables rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods, since changes to the model are reflected in the same model in different work areas. Furthermore, this disclosure achieves the same effects as described above by applying the above configuration to a system including an information processing device, the above information processing method, or the above program.

[0091] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following:

[19] An information processing method in any of the above

[14] ,

[15] ,

[16] ,

[17] , and

[18] , characterized in that the automatic update unit of the information processing device includes an automatic update process that synchronizes the first model updated based on the operation request made by the user who made the operation request with the first model held in the work area of ​​a user other than the user who made the operation request. As a result, this disclosure provides an information processing method that enables rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods, since changes to the model are reflected in the same model in different work area units. Furthermore, this disclosure achieves the same effects as above by applying the above configuration to a system including an information processing device or to the above program.

[0092] Embodiment 5. Embodiment 4 described above described an example configuration in which the model is automatically updated when it is edited. Embodiment 5 describes an example configuration in which the user is notified that the model has been edited. In Embodiment 5, for components related to Embodiment 5 that are the same as those related to Embodiments 1, 2, 3, or 4 already described, redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Similarly, redundant explanations of the processing will also be omitted as appropriate.

[0093] An example of the configuration of an information processing device and an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 5 of this disclosure will be described. Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device and a system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 5 of this disclosure. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100D) shown in Figure 21 differs from the configuration of the information processing device 100C shown in Figure 18, which has already been described, in that it is equipped with an update notification unit 175. The following description will focus on the differences from the information processing device (model management device) 100C, which has already been described. The information processing device 100 (100D) shown in Figure 21 is configured to include a request reception unit 120, an authority determination unit 140, an operation control unit 150, an operation authority setting unit 160, an automatic update unit 170, and an update notification unit 175. The update notification unit 175 notifies the user terminal 8 that the model has been updated when the model operated by the operation request has been updated. The update notification unit 175, for example, compares the model being controlled by the operation control unit 150 with the model stored in the model storage device (model storage unit) 200. If it determines that the model has been updated, it refers to the operation authority relationship information and sends a notification to the user terminal 8 that has operation authority over the updated model.

[0094] Next, we will describe an example of a configuration in which the configuration according to Embodiment 5 is applied to a system that allows multiple users to operate models in a virtual workspace for each user, and which manages a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models. Figure 22 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to Embodiment 5 of this disclosure and an information processing system including said information processing device. The information processing system (model management system) 1 (1D) shown in Figure 22 differs from the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100C) already described in that it further includes an update notification unit 175 in the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100D). The following will focus on the differences from the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100C) already described.

[0095] The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100F) is configured to include a work area unit 110, a model operation unit 115, a model transmission unit 130, an authority determination unit 140, an operation control unit 150, a confidentiality setting change unit 160, an automatic update unit 170, and an update notification unit 175.

[0096] When a model is updated, the update notification unit 175 notifies users who have access to the work area that holds the model of the update. If the first model is updated based on the operation request made by the user who made the operation request, the update notification unit 175 notifies the user terminals of users who have been granted access to the work area that holds the first model that the first model has been updated.

[0097] Next, an example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 23 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure. When the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100D) according to Embodiment 5 starts the processing shown in Figure 23 ("Start"), it then performs a process to determine whether the first model has been synchronized (Step ST4010 "Is the first model synchronized?"). In the process, the update notification unit 175 of the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100D) obtains update information, including the model identifier and update content of the model to be updated, from the automatic update unit 170, for example, and determines whether the first model has been synchronized in each work area based on the update information. If the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100D) determines that the first model has been synchronized (Step ST4010 "Is the first model synchronized?" "YES"), it then performs a notification process (Step ST4020 "Notification"). In the notification process, the update notification unit 175 of the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100D) sends a notification containing the update details to each user who has access rights to the work area section holding the first model related to the update. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100D) then executes a termination determination process (step ST4030 "Termination?"). In the termination determination process, the update notification unit 175 of the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100D) determines that the process will terminate if a notification has been executed. If the information processing device 100 (100D) determines in the termination determination process of step ST4030 that the process will not terminate (step ST4030 "Termination?" "NO"), it proceeds to the process of step ST4010 and repeats from the above process of step ST4010 thereafter. If the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100D) determines in the termination determination process of step ST4030 that it should terminate the process (step ST4030 "Termination?" "YES"), it then terminates the process shown in Figure 23 ("Termination").

[0098] According to the configuration of this embodiment, when a user updates the first confidential model (first model) inside their partition (work area), the information processing terminal (user terminal) of the user who has access rights to the partition (work area) containing the first confidential model (first model) can be notified that the first confidential model (first model) has been updated. This allows the user to be aware of updates to the model related to their work.

[0099] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following: [9] An information processing device according to [8] above, characterized in that when the first model is updated based on an operation request made by the user who made the operation request, the information processing device is equipped with an update notification unit that notifies the user terminal of the user who has been granted access rights to the work area unit holding the first model that the first model has been updated. This provides an information processing device that enables users to be aware of updates to the model related to their work, and further enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, this disclosure provides similar effects by applying the above configuration to a system including the information processing device, the above information processing method, or the above program.

[0100] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following:

[20] The information processing method of

[19] above, characterized in that the update notification unit of the information processing device notifies the user terminal of a user who has been granted access rights to the work area unit holding the first model that the first model has been updated when the first model has been updated based on the operation request made by the user who made the operation request. This disclosure provides an information processing method that enables users to be aware of updates to the model related to their work, and further enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, this disclosure provides the same effects as above by applying the above configuration to a system including an information processing device or to the above program.

[0101] Embodiment 6. In the embodiments described above, a configuration including one in which the system does not have a configuration for performing simulations was described. In Embodiment 6, an example of a configuration in which the system does have a configuration for performing simulations will be described. In Embodiment 6, for components related to Embodiment 6 that are the same as those related to Embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 already described, redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Similarly, redundant explanations of the processing will also be omitted as appropriate.

[0102] Next, an example of the configuration of an information processing device and an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 6 of this disclosure will be described. Figure 24 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device and a system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 6 of this disclosure. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100E) shown in Figure 24 differs from the configuration of the information processing device 100D shown in Figure 21, which has already been described, in that it includes a model construction unit 180 and a calculation environment unit 185. The following description will focus on the differences from the information processing device (model management device) 100D which has already been described. The information processing device 100 (100E) shown in Figure 24 is configured by removing the automatic update unit 170 and update notification unit 175 in the previously described embodiment and adding a model construction unit 180 and a calculation environment unit 185. Specifically, the information processing device 100 (100E) includes a request reception unit 120, an authority determination unit 140, an operation control unit 150, an operation authority setting unit 160, a model construction unit 180, and a calculation environment unit 185.

[0103] The model building unit 180 constructs a model using multiple models. In response to a request from the user terminal 8, the model building unit 180 combines multiple models stored in the model storage device 200 to construct a simulation model, which is a model for simulation.

[0104] The computing environment unit 185 executes simulation processing using the model. The computing environment unit 185 executes simulation processing using the simulation model constructed by the model construction unit 180. The computing environment unit 185 outputs the simulation results, which are the result of the simulation processing. The computing environment unit 185 outputs the simulation results so that they can be presented, for example, via the user terminal 8.

[0105] Next, we will describe an example of a configuration in which the configuration according to Embodiment 6 is applied to a system that allows multiple users to operate models in a virtual workspace for each user, and which manages a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models. Figure 25 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to Embodiment 6 of this disclosure and an information processing system including said information processing device. The information processing system (model management system) 1 (1E) shown in Figure 25 differs from the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B) already described in that the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100E) includes a model construction unit 180 and a calculation environment unit 185. The following will focus on the differences from the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B) already described.

[0106] The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100E) is configured to include a work area unit 110, a model operation unit 115, a model transmission unit 130, an authority determination unit 140, an operation control unit 150, a confidentiality setting change unit 160, a model construction unit 180, and a calculation environment unit 185.

[0107] The model construction unit 180 constructs a model using multiple models. The model construction unit 180 combines multiple models within the work area unit 110 to construct a simulation model, which is a model for simulation.

[0108] The computing environment unit 185 executes simulation processing using the model. The computing environment unit 185 executes simulation processing using the simulation model constructed by the model construction unit 180. The computing environment unit 185 outputs the simulation results, which are the result of the simulation processing.

[0109] An example of processing by an information processing device according to Embodiment 6 of this disclosure will be described. Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by an information processing device according to Embodiment 6 of this disclosure. When the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100E) according to Embodiment 6 starts the processing shown in Figure 26 ("Start"), it then performs a process to determine whether a model construction command exists (Step ST5010 "Is there a model construction command?"). In this process, the model construction unit 180 of the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100E) determines whether a model construction command has been received by determining whether a model construction command has been received. A model construction command is received, for example, when a simulation execution command is received from a user via the model operation unit 115, or when the user confirms the update of a model in the user's work area unit 110 (partition unit). The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100E) then performs a process to construct a model by combining multiple models (Step ST5020 "Construct a model by combining multiple models"). In this process, the model construction unit 180 of the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100E) constructs a model (simulation model) that combines multiple models using the model information of multiple models in the work area unit 110. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100E) then executes a simulation process using the constructed model (step ST5030 "Simulation process using the constructed model"). In this process, the calculation environment unit 185 of the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100E) executes a simulation process using the model (simulation model). The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100E) then executes a process to output the simulation results (step ST5040 "Output simulation results"). In this process, the calculation environment unit 185 of the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100E) outputs the simulation results, which are the result of the simulation process, to the work area unit 110 from which the simulation execution command was issued.After executing the process in step ST5040, the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100E) then terminates the process shown in Figure 26 ("terminate").

[0110] According to the configuration of this embodiment, a computing environment unit is provided for executing simulations by combining models inside the partition unit, so that simulations combining multiple models can be performed.

[0111] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following:

[10] An information processing device comprising any of the above [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], and [9], including: a model construction unit that constructs a model by combining a plurality of models within the work area unit; and a calculation environment unit that executes a simulation process using the model constructed by the model construction unit. This disclosure further provides an information processing method that enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods, since it can output simulation results by combining a plurality of models. Furthermore, this disclosure achieves the same effects as above by applying the above configuration to a system including the information processing device, the above information processing method, or the above program.

[0112] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following:

[21] An information processing method in any of the above

[14] ,

[15] ,

[16] ,

[17] ,

[18] ,

[19] , and

[20] , comprising: a model construction process in which the model construction unit of the information processing device constructs a model by combining a plurality of models within the work area unit; and a calculation environment process in which the calculation environment unit of the information processing device executes a simulation process using the model constructed by the model construction unit. This disclosure further provides an information processing method that enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods, since it can output simulation results by combining a plurality of models. Furthermore, this disclosure achieves the same effects as above by applying the above configuration to a system including the above information processing device or to the above program.

[0113] Embodiment 7. Embodiment 6 described above included a configuration in which a simulation process is performed by combining multiple models. However, the results of the simulation process may include information that the user wishes to keep confidential. Therefore, Embodiment 7 describes an example of a configuration that restricts the output of the simulation process results. In Embodiment 7, for components related to Embodiment 7 that are the same as those related to Embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 already described, redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Similarly, redundant explanations of the process will also be omitted as appropriate.

[0114] Next, an example of the configuration of an information processing device and an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 7 of this disclosure will be described. Figure 27 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device and a system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 7 of this disclosure. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100F) shown in Figure 27 differs from the configuration of the information processing device 100E shown in Figure 24, which has already been described, in that it further includes an output limiting unit 190. The following description will focus on the differences from the information processing device (model management device) 100E, which has already been described. The information processing device 100 (100F) shown in Figure 27 is configured to include a request receiving unit 120, an authority determination unit 140, an operation control unit 150, an operation authority setting unit 160, a model construction unit 180, a calculation environment unit 185, and an output limiting unit 190.

[0115] The output limiting unit 190 limits the output of simulation results to the user terminal. The output limiting unit 190 limits the output of simulation results based on pre-set output limiting information. The output limiting information consists of a combination of information such as model identification information, output limiting information type, and user terminal identification information.

[0116] Next, we will describe an example of a configuration in which the configuration according to Embodiment 7 is applied to a system that allows multiple users to operate models in a virtual workspace for each user, and which manages a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models. Figure 28 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to Embodiment 7 of this disclosure and an information processing system including the information processing device. The information processing system (model management system) 1 (1F) shown in Figure 28 differs from the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100E) already described in that it further includes an output limiting unit 190 in the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100F). The following description will focus on the differences from the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100E) already described.

[0117] The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100F) is configured to include a work area unit 110, a model operation unit 115, a model transmission unit 130, an authority determination unit 140, an operation control unit 150, a confidentiality setting change unit 160, a model construction unit 180, a calculation environment unit 185, and an output restriction unit 190.

[0118] The output limiting unit 190 limits the output of the simulation results to the user terminal. In this embodiment, the confidential setting assigned to the first model includes a setting that limits the output of the simulation results obtained by the simulation process to the user terminal. Information including a setting that limits the output of the simulation results to the user terminal can be expressed as output limiting information. The output limiting information is assumed to be information that can allow estimation of the model's internal information, such as data representing numerical calculation formulas used to control product operation, data representing the three-dimensional shape of parts, and material property data, but it is not limited to these; the user can set and register any information they wish to limit the output of in advance. Based on the confidential setting, the output limiting unit 190 limits the output of the simulation results obtained by the simulation process by the calculation environment unit 185 to the user terminal. Specifically, based on the output limiting information included in the confidential setting, the output limiting unit 190 deletes or replaces the information that the user wishes to limit the output of from the simulation results, as indicated in the output limiting information, before outputting the results.

[0119] An example of processing by the information processing device according to Embodiment 7 of this disclosure will be described. Figure 29 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing device according to Embodiment 7 of this disclosure. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100F) according to Embodiment 7 starts the processing shown in Figure 29 ("Start") when, for example, the calculation environment unit 185 outputs the results of the simulation processing. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100F) then performs output restriction determination processing (Step ST6010 "Is there an output restriction on the model to be simulated?"). In the output restriction determination processing, the output restriction unit 190 of the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100F) determines whether there is an output restriction on the model to be simulated based on the output restriction information related to the confidential setting in the model information attached to the model. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100F) then performs output restriction processing to the user terminal (Step ST6020 "Output restriction to the user terminal"). In the output restriction process, the output restriction unit 190 of the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100F) performs a process to delete or replace the information whose output is to be restricted, as indicated in the output restriction information, from the simulation results based on the output restriction information included in the confidentiality setting, and then outputs the results. After executing the process of step ST6020, the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100F) then terminates the process shown in Figure 29 ("termination").

[0120] According to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent highly confidential information that may be included in the simulation results from being output as simulation results, thereby improving confidentiality.

[0121] This embodiment further illustrates an example configuration including the following:

[11] The information processing apparatus of

[10] above, wherein the confidentiality setting assigned to the first model includes a setting that restricts the output of the simulation results obtained by the simulation process to the user terminal, and the information processing apparatus is characterized by comprising an output limiting unit that restricts the output of the simulation results obtained by the simulation process by the computing environment unit to the user terminal based on the confidentiality setting. As a result, this disclosure can ensure confidentiality of information included in the simulation results, and therefore provides an information processing apparatus that enables rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, this disclosure can achieve the same effects as above by applying the above configuration to a system including the information processing apparatus, the above information processing method, or the above program.

[0122] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following:

[22] The information processing method of

[21] above, wherein the confidentiality setting assigned to the first model includes a setting that restricts the output of the simulation results obtained by the simulation process to the user terminal, and the output restriction unit of the information processing device is equipped with an output restriction process that restricts the output of the simulation results obtained by the simulation process by the computing environment unit to the user terminal based on the confidentiality setting. As a result, this disclosure can ensure confidentiality of information included in the simulation results, and further provides an information processing method that enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods. In addition, this disclosure can achieve the same effect as above by applying the above configuration to a system including the above information processing device or to the above program.

[0123] Here, we will describe the details of the hardware configuration for realizing the functions of the present disclosure. Figure 30 is a diagram showing a first example of a hardware configuration for realizing the functions of the configuration of the present disclosure. Figure 31 is a diagram showing a second example of a hardware configuration for realizing the functions of the configuration of the present disclosure. In the information processing system (model management system) 1 (1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F) and the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F) of this disclosure, the work area section 110, the work area section for the first user (first partition section) 110-1, the work area section for the second user (second partition section) 110-2, the model operation section 115, the model operation section for the first user 115-1, the model operation section for the second user 115-2, the model transmission section 130, the authority determination section 140, the operation control section 150, the confidential setting change section 160, the automatic update section 170, the model construction section 180, the calculation environment section 185, and the output restriction section 190 are each implemented by hardware as shown in Figure 30 or Figure 31.

[0124] The information processing system (model management system) 1 (1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F) and the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F) are each composed of, for example, a processor 10001, a memory 10002, an input / output interface 10003, and a communication circuit 10004, as shown in Figure 23. The processor 10001 and memory 10002 are, for example, those installed in a computer. Memory 10002 stores programs for causing the computer to function as a work area unit 110, a work area unit for the first user (first partition unit) 110-1, a work area unit for the second user (second partition unit) 110-2, a model operation unit 115, a model operation unit for the first user 115-1, a model operation unit for the second user 115-2, a model transmission unit 130, an authority determination unit 140, an operation control unit 150, a confidential setting change unit 160, an automatic update unit 170, a model construction unit 180, a calculation environment unit 185, an output restriction unit 190, and a control unit (not shown). The processor 10001 reads and executes a program stored in memory 10002, thereby realizing the functions of the work area section 110, the first user work area section (first partition section) 110-1, the second user work area section (second partition section) 110-2, the model operation section 115, the first user model operation section 115-1, the second user model operation section 115-2, the model transmission section 130, the authority determination section 140, the operation control section 150, the confidential setting change section 160, the automatic update section 170, the model construction section 180, the calculation environment section 185, the output restriction section 190, and a control section (not shown). In addition, the model storage section 200 and a storage section (not shown) are realized by memory 10002 or other memories (not shown). Furthermore, a communication section (not shown) is realized by the communication circuit 10004.

[0125] The processor 10001 uses, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory 10002 may be a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or flash memory; it may be a magnetic disk such as a hard disk or flexible disk; it may be an optical disk such as a CD (Compact Disc) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc); or it may be a magneto-optical disk. The processor 10001 and the memory 10002 or the communication circuit 10004 are connected in a manner that enables them to transmit data to each other. Furthermore, the processor 10001, the memory 10002, and the communication circuit 10004 are connected in a manner that allows them to mutually transmit data with other hardware via the input / output interface 10003.

[0126] Alternatively, the functions of the work area section 110, the work area section (first partition section) 110-1, the work area section (second partition section) 110-2, the model operation section 115, the model operation section 115-1 for the first user, the model operation section 115-2 for the second user, the model transmission section 130, the authority determination section 140, the operation control section 150, the confidential setting change section 160, the automatic update section 170, the model construction section 180, the calculation environment section 185, the output limiting section 190, and the control section (not shown) in the information processing system (model management system) 1 (1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F) and the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F), etc., may be realized by a dedicated processing circuit 20001, as shown in Figure 31.

[0127] The processing circuit 20001 may be a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a SoC (System-on-a-Chip), or a system LSI (Large-Scale Integration). Furthermore, the model storage unit 200 and other storage units (not shown) are realized by memory 20002 or other memory (not shown). The memory 20002 may be a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or flash memory; it may be a magnetic disk such as a hard disk or flexible disk; it may be an optical disk such as a CD (Compact Disc) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc); or it may be a magneto-optical disk. Furthermore, a communication unit (not shown) is realized by the communication circuit 20004. The processing circuit 20001 and the memory 20002 or the communication circuit 20004 are connected in a manner that allows them to transmit data to each other. Furthermore, the processing circuit 20001, the memory 20002, and the communication circuit 20004 are connected in a manner that allows them to transmit data to each other with other hardware via the input / output interface 20003.Furthermore, the functions of the work area section 110, the work area section for the first user (first partition section) 110-1, the work area section for the second user (second partition section) 110-2, the model operation section 115, the model operation section for the first user 115-1, the model operation section for the second user 115-2, the model transmission section 130, the authority determination section 140, the operation control section 150, the confidential setting change section 160, the automatic update section 170, the model construction section 180, the calculation environment section 185, the output limiting section 190, and the control section (not shown) in the information processing system (model management system) 1 (1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F) and the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F), etc., may be implemented by separate processing circuits, or they may be implemented together in a single processing circuit.

[0128] Alternatively, in the information processing system (model management system) 1 (1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F) and the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F), etc., the work area section 110, the work area section for the first user (first partition section) 110-1, the work area section for the second user (second partition section) 110-2, the model operation section 115, the model operation section for the first user 1 15-1, The second user model operation unit 115-2, model transmission unit 130, authorization determination unit 140, operation control unit 150, confidential setting change unit 160, automatic update unit 170, model construction unit 180, calculation environment unit 185, output limiting unit 190, and some functions of the control unit (not shown) may be implemented by the processor 10001 and memory 10002, while the remaining functions may be implemented by the processing circuit 20001.

[0129] Within the scope of this disclosure, it is possible to freely combine the embodiments, modify any component of each embodiment, or omit any component of each embodiment.

[0130] This disclosure enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods, making it suitable for use, for example, in a model management device in a simulation system.

[0131] 1 (1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F) Information processing system (model management system), 10 User terminal (first user terminal), 20 User terminal (second user terminal), 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F) Information processing device (model management device), 110 Work area section, 110-1 Work area section for first user (first partition section), 110-2 Work area section for second user (second partition section), 115 Model operation section, 115-1 Model operation section for first user, 115-2 Model operation section for second user, 120 Request reception section, 130 Model transmission section, 140 Authority determination section, 150 Operation control section, 160 Confidentiality setting change section, 170 Automatic update section, 175 Update notification section, 180 Model construction section, 185 Computation environment section, 190 Output limiting unit, 200 Model storage device (model memory unit), 10001 Processor, 10002 Memory, 10003 Input / Output interface, 10004 Communication circuit, 20001 Processing circuit, 20002 Memory, 20003 Input / Output interface, 20004 Communication circuit.

Claims

1. An information processing device for managing multiple models used in a simulation, the information processing device which can receive operation requests from multiple user terminals, comprising: a request receiving unit that receives operation requests for each of the multiple models from the user terminals; an authority determination unit that, when the request receiving unit receives an operation request for one of the multiple models from the user terminal, determines whether the user terminal that made the operation request has the authority to operate the requested model, based on a pre-configured authority relationship; and an operation control unit that, if the authority determination unit determines that the user terminal that made the operation request has the authority to operate the requested model, permits the user terminal that made the operation request to operate the requested model, and does not permit the user terminal that made the operation request to operate the requested model if the authority determination unit determines that the user terminal that made the operation request does not have the authority to operate the requested model.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a model storage unit for storing the plurality of models; and an authorization setting unit for setting the operation authorization relationships, which are the relationships between each of the plurality of models stored in the model storage unit and each of the user terminals.

3. The information processing device is an information processing device that manages a model used for simulation in a work area accessible by a user terminal of a user who has been granted access rights in advance, wherein the terminal operated by a first user who is the user who owns the model is designated as the first user terminal, and the user terminal that is the source of the operation request is designated as the second user terminal, and the device includes a model transmission unit that transmits a first model, which has been set to confidential settings including the operation rights, via the first user terminal to the work area accessible by the second user via the second user terminal, wherein the authority determination unit determines whether the operation related to the operation request for the first model from the second user received via the second user terminal is included in the operation rights granted to the second user, and the operation control unit executes control to allow the requested operation when the authority determination unit determines that the operation request for the first model from the second user is included in the operation rights, characterized in that the information processing device is as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the confidentiality setting is a setting that prohibits the first model from being acquired by the second user terminal.

5. The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the confidentiality setting is a setting that prohibits the first model from being downloaded to the second user terminal.

6. The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the confidentiality setting is a setting that prohibits the acquisition of highly confidential information, which is a pre-configured part of the first model, by the second user terminal.

7. The information processing device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, further comprising a privacy setting change unit that changes the privacy setting for the first model based on the content of the privacy setting for the first model received from the first user via the first user terminal.

8. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, further comprising an automatic update unit that synchronizes a first model updated based on an operation request made by a user who made the operation request with a first model held in the work area of ​​a user other than the user who made the operation request.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising an update notification unit that, when the first model is updated based on the operation request made by the user who made the operation request, the first model has been updated, and the user terminal of the user who has been granted access rights to the work area unit holding the first model is notified that the first model has been updated.

10. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 9, comprising: a model construction unit that constructs a model by combining a plurality of models within the work area unit; and a computing environment unit that executes simulation processing using the model constructed by the model construction unit.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the confidentiality setting assigned to the first model includes a setting that restricts the output of the simulation results obtained by the simulation process to the user terminal, and the apparatus further includes an output restriction unit that restricts the output of the simulation results obtained by the simulation process by the computing environment unit to the user terminal based on the confidentiality setting.

12. An information processing device for managing multiple models used in a simulation, and an information processing method using the information processing device that can receive operation requests from multiple user terminals, comprising: a request receiving unit of the information processing device receiving operation requests from the user terminals for each of the multiple models; an authority determination unit of the information processing device, when the request receiving unit receives an operation request from the user terminal for one of the multiple models, determines, based on a pre-configured authority relationship, whether the user terminal that made the operation request has the authority to operate the requested model; and an operation control unit of the information processing device, which, when determined by the authority determination unit, determines that the user terminal that made the operation request has the authority to operate the requested model, permits the user terminal that made the operation request to operate the requested model, and does not permit the user terminal that made the operation request to operate the requested model when determined by the authority determination unit.

13. The information processing method according to claim 12, further comprising a permission setting process in which the permission setting unit of the information processing device sets the operation permission relationship which is the relationship between each of the plurality of models and each of the user terminals.

14. The information processing device is an information processing device that manages a model used for simulation in a work area accessible by a user terminal of a user who has been granted access rights in advance, wherein the terminal operated by a first user who is the user who owns the model is the first user terminal, and the user terminal that makes the operation request is the second user terminal, and the model transmission unit of the information processing device further comprises a model transmission process that transmits a first model, which has a confidential setting that includes the operation rights, via the first user terminal to the work area accessible by the second user via the second user terminal, the authority determination unit determines whether the operation related to the operation request from the second user to the first model received via the second user terminal is included in the operation rights granted to the second user, and the operation control unit executes control to allow the requested operation when the authority determination unit determines that the operation request from the second user to the first model is included in the operation rights.

15. The information processing method according to claim 14, characterized in that the confidentiality setting is a setting that prohibits the first model from being acquired by the second user terminal.

16. The information processing method according to claim 14, characterized in that the confidentiality setting is a setting that prohibits the first model from being downloaded to the second user terminal.

17. The information processing method according to claim 14, characterized in that the confidentiality setting is a setting that prohibits the acquisition of highly confidential information, which is a pre-configured part of the first model, by the second user terminal.

18. The information processing method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the confidential setting change unit of the information processing device includes a confidential setting change process that changes the confidential setting for the first model based on the content of the confidential setting for the first model received from the first user via the first user terminal.

19. The information processing method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the automatic update unit of the information processing device includes an automatic update process that synchronizes the first model updated based on the operation request made by the user who made the operation request with the first model held in the work area of ​​a user other than the user who made the operation request.

20. The information processing method according to 19, characterized in that the update notification unit of the information processing device provides an update notification process, which notifies the user terminal of a user who has been granted access rights to the work area unit holding the first model that the first model has been updated when the first model has been updated based on the operation request made by the user who made the operation request.

21. The information processing method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, comprising: a model construction process in which the model construction unit of the information processing device constructs a model by combining a plurality of models within the work area unit; and a calculation environment process in which the calculation environment unit of the information processing device executes a simulation process using the model constructed by the model construction unit.

22. The information processing method according to 21, characterized in that the confidentiality setting assigned to the first model includes a setting that restricts the output of the simulation results obtained by the simulation processing to the user terminal, and the output restriction unit of the information processing device provides an output restriction process that restricts the output of the simulation results obtained by the simulation processing by the computing environment unit to the user terminal based on the confidentiality setting.

23. A program characterized by causing a computer to operate as an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

24. A program characterized by causing a computer to execute the information processing method described in any one of claims 12 to 22.

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