Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This information processing device is for managing models constituting a simulation model constructed by combining a plurality of models, and comprises: a reception unit (110) that receives a sharing request from a second user requesting sharing of a first model owned by a first user; an information acquisition unit (120) that acquires model information within a disclosure range of the first model related to the sharing request, on the basis of confidential settings including the disclosure range for each model registered in advance; and a model sharing unit (130) that generates a shared model, which is a model to be shared, on the basis of the model information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and outputs the shared model to the second user.

Description

Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to an information processing technology for managing models constituting 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 design and development method that models the behavior and functions of a system on a computer and performs 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. Patent Document 1 discloses a simulation system "capable of creating a coupled simulation model (simulation model) by combining a plurality of simulation models (model elements) as components" (paragraph

[0019] ). In the simulation system of Patent Document 1, if a license for using the model is registered for the model that the user intends to combine, the user can download and use the model.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2023-041987

[0004] In model-based development, simulation models may become complicated in recent years as the development scale increases. The simulation apparatus described in Patent Document 1 simply downloads the model itself to a user terminal if a license for using the model is registered. Therefore, when an attempt is made to quickly create an overall system model through the work of multiple users, there is a problem that sufficient confidentiality cannot be ensured.

[0005] The present disclosure solves the above problem, and an object of the present disclosure is to improve the confidentiality of a model compared to the conventional technique while enabling an overall system model to be created quickly.

[0006] The information processing device disclosed herein is an information processing device for managing models that constitute a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models, and comprises: a receiving unit that receives a sharing request from a second user for a first model owned by a first user to be shared; an information acquisition unit that acquires model information within the disclosure range of the first model related to the sharing request based on confidentiality settings that include the disclosure range for each model which have been registered in advance; and a model sharing unit that generates a shared model, which is a model for sharing, based on the model information acquired by the information acquisition unit and outputs it to the second user.

[0007] According to this disclosure, it becomes possible to create a system-wide model quickly while improving the confidentiality of the model compared to conventional methods.

[0008] Figure 1 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 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of information attached to a model managed in the information processing device of the present disclosure. Figure 3 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 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the data flow in the information processing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the data flow in the information processing system according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of information attached to a shared model generated in the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the data flow in the information processing system according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure and an information processing system including said information processing device. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the data flow in the information processing system according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure and an information processing system including said information processing device. Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating information related to analysis settings attached to a model managed in the information processing device according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure. Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the data flow in the information processing system according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure.Figure 20 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of processing in an information processing device according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure. Figure 21 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 the present disclosure. Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating the data flow in the information processing system according to Embodiment 6 of the present disclosure. Figure 23 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of processing in an information processing device according to Embodiment 6 of the present disclosure. Figure 24 is a diagram showing a first example of a hardware configuration for realizing the functions according to the configuration of the present disclosure. Figure 25 is a diagram showing a second example of a hardware configuration for realizing the functions according to the configuration of the present 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.

[0011] This document describes an example configuration of an information processing device and an information processing 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 an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. The information processing system 1 according to this embodiment is a model management system that allows multiple users to perform processing related to the design and development of a product model composed of multiple models. The information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 is configured to include a user terminal 10, an information processing device 100, and a model storage unit 200.

[0012] User terminal 10 is a terminal operated by a user of the model management system. The user terminal 10 shown in Figure 1 is a terminal operated by a user who makes a model sharing request. The user who makes a model sharing request is also called the second user, in relation to the first user who owns the model.

[0013] The model storage unit 200 stores the simulation model and multiple models that constitute the simulation model. In this description, the model storage unit 200 is located inside the information processing device 100, but it may also be located outside the information processing device 100. The area outside the information processing device 100 may be, for example, a server or a cloud server.

[0014] The information processing device 100 according to this embodiment functions as a model management device. The model management device manages the models that constitute a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models. Furthermore, as a model management device, the information processing device 100 manages the models owned by multiple different users in a simulation model constructed by combining models owned by multiple different users. The information processing device 100 can generate and share a model that inherits the information of the requested model, rather than the model itself requested by the user. The model used in this disclosure is assumed to be a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models. The simulation model is, for example, a product model. With respect to the product model, the actual model is, for example, numerical data, drawing data, or numerical data and drawing data. In particular, numerical data (a group of numerical data) containing numerical values ​​related to the product, and drawing data describing the design related to the product are assumed to be product models. Specifically, the model is an information set 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 drawings, and perspective drawings. Furthermore, this product model is assumed to be composed of multiple models. For example, if we consider an electric vehicle as a product model, it means that it is composed of models of components 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. In this specification, design and development means design and development using models. That is, it means processing of models = electronic data, such as design and analysis using CAD on a computer. For the sake of clarity, in this explanation, we will introduce two users as entities that exchange models, and explain the procedure for the first user to share their first model (Model A) with the second user.The information processing device (model management device) 100 shown in Figure 1 includes a reception unit 110, an information acquisition unit 120, and a model sharing unit 130.

[0015] The reception unit 110 receives a sharing request from a second user requesting to share a first model owned by a first user. In other words, the reception unit 110 receives sharing requests from users other than the user who owns the model. The reception unit 110 is a component that performs reception processing when a second user makes a sharing request for model A. Sharing includes both a pattern requested by the second user from the first user and a pattern sent by the first user to the second user. A "sharing request" includes user identification information and a model identifier.

[0016] The information acquisition unit 120 performs a process to read the attributes assigned to the first model (model A). Based on the confidentiality settings, which include the disclosure scope for each model and are registered in advance, the information acquisition unit 120 acquires model information within the disclosure scope for the first model related to the sharing request. The "confidentiality settings" are also called "disclosure settings". The "disclosure settings" are set by the first user, who is the user who owns the model. They include the "disclosure scope," which is the range of attributes of the first model that can be disclosed. They also indicate the "acquisition authority," which is the authority that enables acquisition by the second user.

[0017] Figure 2 shows an example of information associated with a model managed in the information processing device of this disclosure. Model information 1000 includes information that constitutes the model and model-related information. The model information 1000 shown in Figure 2 shows model-related information that is associated with a model. Model information (model-related information) 1010 consists of a model identifier and disclosure settings. The model identifier is information that can identify each model. Disclosure settings 1020 consists of user identification information and disclosure scope. User identification information is information that can identify each user. Disclosure scope 1030 includes model attributes that can be disclosed (model attribute 1, ..., model attribute n). Model attributes refer to information that characterizes parts, including things like permissions as shown in the embodiments described later, as well as design information such as part configuration and material information.

[0018] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1, the model sharing unit 130 generates a shared model, which is a model intended for sharing, based on the model information acquired by the information acquisition unit 120, and outputs it to the second user. The model sharing unit 130 is a component that generates the model to be shared. In this case, the model to be shared ≠ the model to be shared. Since the model is electronic data, it can be completely copied, but by assigning an ID (a model identifier as described later), data with exactly the same content can be distinguished. This makes it possible to realize traceability and limitations on the scope of disclosure, as described later.

[0019] Here, a modified configuration of the information processing device and the information processing system including the information processing device will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a first modified configuration of the information processing device and the information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. The information processing system 1 (1A) according to Embodiment 1 is configured so that a user can operate a model via a user terminal 10, a model operation unit 20, and a work area unit 30. The information processing system 1 (1A) shown in Figure 3 is configured to include a plurality of user terminals 10, a model operation unit 20, a work area unit 30, an information processing device 100 (100A), and a model storage unit 200.

[0020] The user terminal (first user terminal) 10-1 shown in Figure 3 is a terminal operated by the first user, who owns the model. The user terminal (second user terminal) 10-2 shown in Figure 3 is a terminal operated by the second user, who requests to share the model.

[0021] The model operation unit 20 accepts operations from each user. The first user model operation unit 20-1 shown in Figure 3 accepts operations from the first user, who owns the model. The second user model operation unit 20-2 shown in Figure 3 accepts operations from the second user, who requests to share the model.

[0022] The work area 30 is a separate work area from the user terminal and is accessible only to users who have been registered in advance. The work area 30 is composed of partitions, for example, separated on the application. The first user's work area (first partition) 30-1 shown in Figure 3 is an area where the model can be edited by the first user, who owns the model. The second user's work area (second partition) 30-2 shown in Figure 3 is an area where the model can be edited by the second user, who requests to share the model.

[0023] The model storage unit 200 stores the simulation model and multiple models that constitute the simulation model. In this description, the model storage unit 200 is located inside the information processing device 100, but it may also be located outside the information processing device 100. The area outside the information processing device 100 may be, for example, a server or a cloud server.

[0024] The information processing device 100 (100A) according to this embodiment includes a reception unit 110 (110A), an information acquisition unit 120 (120A), and a model sharing unit 130 (130A). The reception unit 110 (110A), similar to the reception unit 110 already described, receives a sharing request from a second user requesting sharing of a first model owned by a first user. The information acquisition unit 120 (120A), similar to the information acquisition unit 120 already described, acquires model information within the disclosure range of the first model related to the sharing request, based on confidentiality settings that include the disclosure range for each model, which are registered in advance. The model sharing unit 130 (130A), similar to the model sharing unit 130 already described, generates a shared model, which is a model for sharing, based on the model information acquired by the information acquisition unit 120, and outputs it to the second user. The model sharing unit 130 (130A) outputs the shared model to, for example, the second user terminal 10 (10-2) or the second user work area unit 30 (30-2).

[0025] The information processing device 100 may also include, in addition to the above configuration, a control unit (not shown), a storage unit (not shown), and a communication unit (not shown). The control unit (not shown) controls the entire information processing device 100 and each of its components. The control unit (not shown) starts up the information processing device 100 according to an external command, for example. The control unit (not shown) also controls the state of the information processing device 100 (operating state = state such as startup, shutdown, sleep). The storage unit (not shown) stores the data used by the information processing device 100. The storage unit (not shown) stores the output (output data) from each component of the information processing device 100 and outputs the requested data to the requesting component. The communication unit (not shown) communicates with external devices. For example, it communicates between the information processing device 100 (100A) and peripheral devices (e.g., user terminal, model storage device). For example, if the information processing device 100 and the model storage device 200 are not connected by a wire, the communication unit (not shown) has the function of communicating between the information processing device 100 and the model storage device 200. The communication unit (not shown) also has the function of communicating with an external device, such as a server device. The control unit (not shown), storage unit (not shown), and communication unit (not shown) are the same in the embodiments described later.

[0026] Next, we will describe an example of processing in the information processing device. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the data flow in the information processing system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Since the internal processing of information processing device 100 and information processing device 100A are similar, we will describe an example of processing in information processing device 100A as a representative example. The processing shown in Figure 4 is an information processing method by the information processing device. That is, it is an information processing method for managing models that constitute a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models.

[0027] The information processing device 100 (100A) according to this first embodiment starts the process shown in Figure 4 ("start"), and then performs a reception process (step ST1010 "reception"). In this process, the reception unit 110 (110A) of the information processing device 100 (100A) receives a sharing request from the second user requesting to share the first model owned by the first user ("sharing request" shown in Figure 5).

[0028] The information processing device 100 (100A) then performs an information acquisition process (step ST1020 "Information Acquisition"). In this process, the information acquisition unit 120 (120A) of the information processing device 100 (100A) acquires model information within the disclosure range in the first model related to the sharing request, based on confidentiality settings that include the disclosure range for each model, which have been registered in advance ("Information Acquisition" shown in Figure 5).

[0029] The information processing device 100 (100A) then performs a model sharing process (step ST1030 "model sharing"). In this process, the model sharing unit 130 (130A) of the information processing device 100 (100A) generates a shared model, which is a model for sharing, based on the model information acquired by the information acquisition unit 120 (120A), and outputs it to the second user (as shown in Figure 5, "determining the sharing scope," "generating the model," and "acquiring the model").

[0030] After the information processing device 100 (100A) executes the model sharing process, it then terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0031] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of processing in an information processing device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. When the information processing device 100 (100A) according to Embodiment 1 receives a sharing request from a user, for example, it starts the processing shown in Figure 6 ("Start"). The information processing device 100 (100A) then performs acquisition request reception processing (step ST1110 "Receive acquisition request for model A"). In the acquisition request reception processing, the reception unit 110 (110A) in the information processing device 100 (100A) receives acquisition request information based on the sharing request. The acquisition request information includes, for example, a model identifier and user identification information. The information processing device 100 (100A) then performs request information acquisition processing (step ST1120 "Receive request model identifier and requesting user information"). In the request information acquisition processing, the reception unit 110 (110A) in the information processing device 100 (100A) receives the model identifier and user identification information included in the acquisition request information. The information processing device 100 (100A) then performs a request information notification process (step ST1130 "Send to Information Acquisition Unit and Model Sharing Unit"). In the request information notification process, the reception unit 110 (110A) of the information processing device 100 (100A) sends request information including a model identifier and user identification information to the information acquisition unit 120 (120A) and the model sharing unit 130 (130A). The information processing device 100 (100A) then performs a model information extraction process (step ST1140 "Acquire Attributes of Model A"). In the model information extraction process, the information acquisition unit 120 (120A) of the information processing device 100 (100A) acquires model attributes from the model information of the first model (Model A) from the model storage unit 200. The information processing device 100 (100A) then performs a disclosure condition setting process (step ST1150 "Set Disclosable Parts and Viewable Users"). In the disclosure condition setting process, the information acquisition unit 120 (120A) of the information processing device 100 (100A) outputs disclosure conditions such as the parts that can be disclosed and the users who can view them to the model sharing unit 130 (130A). The information processing device 100 (100A) then executes the disclosure determination process (step ST1160 "Is the requesting user a user who can view them?").In the disclosure determination process, the model sharing unit 130 (130A) in the information processing device 100 (100A) determines whether the requesting user is a user who can view the model based on the model identifier, user identification information, and disclosure conditions. If the information processing device 100 (100A) determines in step ST1160 that the requesting user is not a user who can view the model (step ST1160 "Is the requesting user a user who can view the model?" "NO"), it then executes a disclosure denial notification process (step ST1170 "Send the result to the requesting user"). In the disclosure denial notification process, the model sharing unit 130 (130A) in the information processing device 100 (100A) notifies the second user terminal 10 that the model related to the sharing request cannot be disclosed. If the information processing device 100 (100A) determines in step ST1160 that the requesting user is a user who can view the data (step ST1160 "Is the requesting user a user who can view the data?" "YES"), it then executes a shared model generation process (step ST1180 "Generate shared model"). In the shared model generation process, the model sharing unit 130 (130A) of the information processing device 100 (100A) generates a shared model, which is a model intended for sharing, using model attributes. The information processing device 100 (100A) then executes a shared model transmission process (step ST1190 "Send to requesting user"). In the shared model transmission process, the model sharing unit 130 (130A) of the information processing device 100 (100A) outputs the shared model to a second user. After the information processing device 100 (100A) has completed the processing in step ST1170 or step ST1190, it then terminates the processing shown in Figure 6 ("terminates").

[0032] The information processing device according to this embodiment can, when editing a part of a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models, generate and share a separate model that inherits at least a part of the information of the requested model, rather than the requested model itself. This ensures confidentiality. The information processing device according to this embodiment can generate a model according to the content of the confidentiality settings, so it can provide models such as a model generated (duplicated + encrypted) with some information confidential, as described later, or a model generated (duplicated + converted) with the model format standardized. It can also provide a completely duplicated model.

[0033] This embodiment shows an example configuration including the following: [1] An information processing device for managing models that constitute a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models, comprising: a receiving unit that receives a sharing request from a second user for a first model owned by a first user to be shared; an information acquisition unit that acquires model information within the disclosure range of the first model related to the sharing request based on confidentiality settings that include a disclosure range for each model that have been registered in advance; and a model sharing unit that generates a shared model, which is a model for sharing, based on the model information acquired by the information acquisition unit and outputs it to the second user. This disclosure has the effect of providing an information processing device that enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of models compared to conventional methods.

[0034] This embodiment shows an example configuration including the following: [8] An information processing method by an information processing device that manages models constituting a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models, comprising: an acceptance process in which the receiving unit of the information processing device accepts a sharing request from a second user for a first model owned by a first user; an information acquisition process in which the information acquisition unit of the information processing device acquires model information within the disclosure range in the first model related to the sharing request based on confidentiality settings including the disclosure range for each model that have been registered in advance; and a model sharing process in which the model sharing unit of the information processing device generates a shared model, which is a model for sharing, based on the model information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and outputs it to the second user. This disclosure has the effect of providing an information processing method that enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the models compared to conventional methods.

[0035] This embodiment shows an example configuration including the following: [1'] (

[15] ) A program that causes a computer to operate as an information processing device for managing models that constitute a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models, comprising: a receiving unit that receives a sharing request from a second user for a first model owned by a first user to be shared; an information acquisition unit that acquires model information within the disclosure range of the first model related to the sharing request based on confidentiality settings that include a disclosure range for each model that have been registered in advance; and a model sharing unit that generates a shared model, which is a model for sharing, based on the model information acquired by the information acquisition unit and outputs it to the second user. This disclosure has the effect of providing a program that enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the models compared to conventional methods.

[0036] This embodiment shows an example configuration including the following: [1''] A program that causes a computer to execute an information processing method by an information processing device that manages models constituting a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models, the method comprising: reception processing by which a reception unit of the information processing device receives a sharing request from a second user for a first model owned by a first user; information acquisition processing by which an information acquisition unit of the information processing device acquires model information within the disclosure range of the first model related to the sharing request, based on confidentiality settings including the disclosure range for each model that have been registered in advance; and model sharing processing by which a model sharing unit of the information processing device generates a shared model, which is a model for sharing, based on the model information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and outputs it to the second user. This disclosure has the effect of providing a program that enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the models compared to conventional methods.

[0037] Embodiment 2. Embodiment 1 described above illustrates a basic configuration example of the present disclosure. Embodiment 2 describes a configuration example that allows the original model and the shared model to be distinguished. In Embodiment 2, components of Embodiment 2 that are the same as those of Embodiment 1 described above are given the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate. Similarly, redundant explanations of the 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 described above. 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.

[0038] 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 the present disclosure. 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 is the same as the configuration shown in Figure 1 or Figure 3, and will therefore be explained with reference to Figure 1 or Figure 3. In the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100B) according to Embodiment 2, the function of the model sharing unit 130 (130B) is different. Compared to the model sharing unit 130 (130A) already described, the model sharing unit 130 (130B) further has the function of assigning model identifiers to shared models. That is, multiple models managed by the information processing device 100 (100B) are each equipped with a model identifier that identifies them. The model sharing unit 130 (130B) generates and assigns new model identifiers to the generated shared models. This makes it possible to manage newly generated shared models as well. Next, an example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the data flow in the information processing system according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of processing in an information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. The processing shown in Figure 8 differs from the processing of the information processing device already described in that it includes the identifier issuance processing in step ST2190. When the information processing device 100 (100B) according to this embodiment receives a sharing request from a user, for example, it starts the processing shown in Figure 8 ("Start"). The receiving unit 110 (110B) of the information processing device 100 (100B) then performs acquisition request acceptance processing (step ST2110 "Acceptance request for acquisition of model A"). The receiving unit 110 (110B) of the information processing device 100 (100B) then performs request information acquisition processing (step ST2120 "Receive identifier of requested model and requesting user information"). The receiving unit 110 (110B) of the information processing device 100 (100B) then performs request information notification processing (step ST2130 "Send to information acquisition unit and model sharing unit"). The information acquisition unit 120 (120B) of the information processing device 100 (100B) then performs model information extraction processing (step ST2140 "Acquire attributes of model A").The information acquisition unit 120 (120B) of the information processing device 100 (100B) then performs a disclosure condition setting process (step ST2150 "Setting the parts that can be disclosed and the users who can view them"). The model sharing unit 130 (130B) of the information processing device 100 (100B) then performs a disclosure determination process (step ST2160 "Is the requesting user a user who can view them?"). If the information processing device 100 (100B) determines in step ST2160 that the requesting user is not a user who can view them (step ST2160 "Is the requesting user a user who can view them?" "NO"), then it performs a disclosure denial notification process (step ST2170 "Sending the result to the requesting user"). If the information processing device 100 (100B) determines in step ST2160 that the requesting user is a user who can view the data (step ST2160 "Is the requesting user a user who can view the data?" "YES"), it then executes a shared model generation process (step ST2180 "Generate shared model"). In the shared model generation process, the model sharing unit 130 (130B) in the information processing device 100 (100B) generates a shared model using model attributes. The information processing device 100 (100B) then executes an identifier issuance process (step ST2190 "Issuance of identifier"). In the identifier issuance process, the model sharing unit 130 (130B) in the information processing device 100 (100B) generates and assigns a new model identifier to the generated shared model (model information 2000 in Figure 7). Figure 9 shows an example of information attached to a shared model generated in the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. The model information 3000 shown in Figure 9 includes model information (model ancillary information) 3010, a disclosure setting for the shared model 3020, and a disclosure scope for the shared model 3030. The model information (model ancillary information) 3010 includes a model identifier and a disclosure setting. The disclosure setting for the shared model 3020 includes user identification information and a disclosure scope. The disclosure scope for the shared model 3030 includes model attributes. The information processing device 100 (100B) according to this embodiment assigns a different ID to the shared model B (shared model) than to the original model A.At this time, even if the model has exactly the same attributes as the original model A, a different ID is assigned. The information processing device 100 (100B) then performs the shared model transmission process (step ST2200 "Send to requesting user"). In the shared model transmission process, the model sharing unit 130 (130B) in the information processing device 100 (100B) outputs the generated shared model to the second user. After the information processing device 100 (100B) performs the process in step ST2170 or step ST2200, it then terminates the process shown in Figure 8 ("Termination").

[0039] The information processing device according to this embodiment can identify even duplicate models as "different" models, thereby ensuring traceability such as operation history. This improves the uniqueness of the models.

[0040] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following: [2] In the above [1], the plurality of models are each provided with a model identifier that identifies them, and the model sharing unit generates and assigns a new model identifier to the generated shared model, characterized in that the information processing device is provided. This further provides an information processing device that can ensure traceability such as operation history by identifying and managing newly generated shared models, and that enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the models compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, the above embodiment can achieve 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.

[0041] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following: [9] In the above [8], the plurality of models are each provided with a model identifier that identifies them, and in the model sharing process, a new model identifier is generated and assigned to the shared model generated by the model sharing unit, characterized in that the information processing method is provided. This further provides an information processing method that can ensure traceability such as operation history by identifying and managing newly generated shared models, and that enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the models compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, the above embodiment can achieve the same effects as above by applying the above configuration to a system including an information processing device or to the above program.

[0042] Embodiment 3. Embodiment 2 described above describes an example configuration that enables management including shared models. Embodiment 3 further describes an example configuration that allows privacy settings to be set for each user. In Embodiment 3, for components and processes related to Embodiment 3 that are the same as those described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. In the description of Embodiment 3, the reference numeral "A" in the components related to Embodiment 1 described above will be replaced with "C" in the description.

[0043] An example configuration of an information processing device and an information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure will be described. The configuration of the information processing device and the information processing system including the information processing device according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure is the same as the configuration shown in Figure 1 or Figure 3, and will therefore be described with reference to Figure 1 or Figure 3. The confidentiality setting according to Embodiment 3 allows the disclosure scope to be set for each user. The confidentiality setting can be realized by setting a combination of user identification information and a disclosure scope that differs for each user in the model information 1000 according to Embodiment 1 which has already been described. The model sharing unit 130 (130C) generates the shared model based on the disclosure scope set for the user who made the sharing request.

[0044] Next, a processing example in the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the flow of data in the information processing system according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of processing in the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10, the owner of the model (a first user) can add settings to the model owned by the user himself / herself to determine "to which user" and "to what extent among the information constituting the model" is to be shared. For convenience herein, the attribute information included in the model is {a, b, c}. It is assumed that the attribute c is set to non-disclosure for a second user. For example, if the model is for an electronic device, a setting such as "share, with the second user, portions excluding components containing the company's confidential information included in the substrate" is applied. With reference to that the sharing target user is the second user, a shared model is generated by determining up to which attribute is to be shared based on the disclosure settings of the model. That is, for the attributes of the original model, a model having an attribute (c) instead of the non-disclosure set attribute c is generated, and this model is shared. Here, (x) (for example, (c) in the figure) means an alternative attribute to the attribute x. For example, the image is such that numerical data is replaced with an encrypted character string, and 3D parts are replaced with a simplified shape or a black box whose inside cannot be seen. Of course, {a, b}, in which the non-disclosure attribute c itself is deleted, is also included. In this case, the alternative attribute (c) is interpreted as indicating empty data ( ).

[0045] The information processing apparatus 100 (100C) according to the present embodiment, for example, when receiving a sharing request from a user, starts the processing shown in FIG. 11 ("START"). Next, the information processing apparatus 100 (100C) executes an acquisition request reception process, similarly to the acquisition request reception process already described (step ST3110 "Accept acquisition request for model A"). Next, the information processing apparatus 100 (100C) executes request information acquisition processing (step ST3120 "Accept identifier of requested model and requester user information").

[0046] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 (100C) executes request information notification processing (step ST3130 "Transmit to information acquisition unit and model sharing unit").

[0047] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 (100C) executes model information extraction processing (step ST3140 "Acquire attributes of model A").

[0048] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 (100C) executes processing for determining whether any confidential parts are included (step ST3150 "Does the model include any confidential parts?").

[0049] When it is determined in the processing of step ST3150 that confidential parts are included (step ST3150 "Does the model include any confidential parts?", "YES"), the information processing apparatus 100 (100C) next executes encryption processing (step ST3160 "Encrypt corresponding parts"). In the encryption processing, an information acquisition unit 120 (120C) in the information processing apparatus 100 (100C) encrypts model information related to the confidential parts and outputs encrypted model information. When it is determined in the processing of step ST3150 that no confidential parts are included (step ST3150 "Does the model include any confidential parts?", "NO"), or after executing the encryption processing of step ST3160, the information processing apparatus 100 (100C) next executes disclosure condition setting processing (step ST3170 "Set disclosable parts and authorized users").

[0050] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 (100C) executes model registration processing (step ST3180 "Register model in model sharing unit").

[0051] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 (100C) executes disclosure determination processing (step ST3190 "Is the requesting user an authorized user?"). When the information processing apparatus 100 (100C) determines in the processing of step ST3190 that the requesting user is not an authorized user (step ST3190 "Is the requesting user an authorized user?", "NO"), it next executes non-disclosure notification processing (step ST3200 "Transmit result to the requesting user").

[0052] If the information processing device 100 (100C) determines in step ST3190 that the requesting user is a user who can view the data (step ST3190 "Is the requesting user a user who can view the data?" "YES"), it then performs a decryption process (step ST3210 "Decrypt the parts within the disclosed range"). In the decryption process, the model sharing unit 130 (130C) of the information processing device 100 (100C) performs a decryption process on the encrypted model information and outputs the model information.

[0053] The information processing device 100 (100C) then performs a shared model generation process (step ST3220 "Generation of shared model").

[0054] The information processing device 100 (100C) then performs the shared model transmission process (step ST3230 "Send to requesting user").

[0055] After the information processing device 100 (100C) has completed the processing in step ST3200 or step ST3230, it then terminates the processing shown in Figure 11 ("terminate").

[0056] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the scope of disclosure can be set for each user according to the settings of the model owner.

[0057] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following: [3] In the above [1] or [2], the confidentiality setting allows the disclosure scope to be set for each user, and the model sharing unit generates the shared model based on the disclosure scope set for the user who made the sharing request, characterized in that this information processing device makes it possible to set confidentiality for each model, enabling the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the models 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 or to the above information processing method.

[0058] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following:

[10] In the above [8] or [9], the information acquisition process includes an encryption process in which the information acquisition unit encrypts at least a part of the first model based on an encryption target set in advance by the first user, and when the second user is the disclosure target of the first model, the model sharing process includes a decryption process in which the model sharing unit decrypts the encrypted first model. This provides an information processing method that further enables the setting of confidentiality for each model, enabling the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the models compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, this disclosure achieves the same effect as above by applying the above configuration to the above program.

[0059] Embodiment 4. In the embodiments described above, a configuration for assigning a model identifier to a shared model was explained. In Embodiment 4, a configuration example for storing a history of operations related to the model will be explained. In Embodiment 4, for components and processes related to Embodiment 4 that are the same as those described in Embodiments 1, 2, or 3, redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0060] 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 will be described. Figure 12 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 (1D) according to this embodiment further has a function to record the history of processing performed on a model. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100D) shown in Figure 12 is configured to include a user terminal 10, an information processing device 100, and a model storage unit 200. The user terminal 10 is the same as the user terminal 10 already described.

[0061] The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100D) according to this embodiment generates history information indicating the processing content performed by the user on the model. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100D) is configured to include a reception unit 110 (110D), an information acquisition unit 120 (120D), and a model sharing unit 130 (130D). The reception unit 110 (110D) is the same as any of the reception units 110 already described. The information acquisition unit 120 (120D) is the same as any of the information acquisition units 120 already described. The model sharing unit 130 (130D) is the same as any of the model sharing units 130 already described. The history unit 140 stores the history information of the model. The history unit 140 stores the operation content (processing content) performed by the user on the model as history information. The history unit 140 may be configured to store the history information, or it may store the history information in the model storage unit 200. The model storage unit 200 may be configured to store history information generated by the history unit 140, in addition to the model storage unit 200 described above.

[0062] Next, an example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the information processing device according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the data flow in the information processing system according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. The information processing device 100 (100D) according to this embodiment starts the processing shown in Figure 13 ("Start") when, for example, a user performs an operation on a model. The information processing device 100 (100D) then performs an operation content acquisition process (Step ST4010 "Acquisition of operation content on model"). In the operation content acquisition process, the history unit 140 of the information processing device 100 (100D) acquires the operation content on the model via the user terminal 10 or the work area unit 30.

[0063] The information processing device 100 (100D) then performs a history information generation process (step ST4020 "History Information Generation"). In the history information generation process, the history unit 140 in the information processing device 100 (100D) generates history information based on the acquired operation details. The history information may include, for example, information such as a model identifier, user identification information, operation type, and operation details.

[0064] The information processing device 100 (100D) then performs a history information storage process (step ST4030 "history information storage"). In the history information storage process, the history unit 140 of the information processing device 100 (100D) stores the generated history information, or stores it in the model storage unit 200.

[0065] After the history unit 140 in the information processing device 100 (100D) executes the history information storage process in step ST4030, it then terminates the process shown in Figure 13 ("terminate").

[0066] The history unit 140 stores the processing history related to the first model (Model A). The image of the processing for which the history is stored is as follows: - Sending and receiving the model (request from user α, sending to user α, etc.) - Actions on the model (second user obtains the shared model from the model management system, second user performs analysis using the shared model, second user downloads the shared model, etc.) These are recorded by the history unit 140 along with a timestamp and model ID (model identifier). This allows the provider to track who obtained the model and when, thus ensuring traceability.

[0067] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of processing in an information processing device according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. When the information processing device 100 (100D) according to this embodiment receives a sharing request from a user, for example, it starts the processing shown in Figure 15 ("Start"). The information processing device 100 (100D) then performs acquisition request acceptance processing (Step ST4110 "Receive acquisition request for Model A"). The information processing device 100 (100D) then performs request information acquisition processing (Step ST4120 "Receive identifier of requested model and requesting user information"). The information processing device 100 (100D) then performs request information notification processing (Step ST4130 "Send to information acquisition unit and model sharing unit"). The information processing device 100 (100D) then performs model information extraction processing (Step ST4140 "Acquire attributes of Model A"). The information processing device 100 (100D) then performs a disclosure condition setting process (step ST4150 "Setting the parts that can be disclosed and the users who can view them"). The information processing device 100 (100D) then performs a disclosure determination process (step ST4160 "Is the requesting user a user who can view them?"). If the information processing device 100 (100D) determines in step ST4160 that the requesting user is not a user who can view them (step ST4160 "Is the requesting user a user who can view them?" "NO"), it then performs a disclosure denial notification process (step ST4170 "Sending the result to the requesting user"). If the information processing device 100 (100D) determines in step ST4160 that the requesting user is a user who can view them (step ST4160 "Is the requesting user a user who can view them?" "YES"), it then performs a shared model generation process (step ST4180 "Generating the shared model"). The information processing device 100 (100D) then performs a history saving process (step ST4190 "Saving History"). In the history saving process, the history unit 140 of the information processing device 100 (100D) stores the processing details performed by the user on the model as history information. The history unit 140 may also store the history information in the model storage unit 200.The information processing device 100 (100D) then performs the shared model transmission process (step ST4200 "Send to requesting user"). After performing the process in step ST4170 or step ST4200, the information processing device 100 (100D) then terminates the process shown in Figure 15 ("Terminate").

[0068] The configuration according to this embodiment ensures the traceability of the model.

[0069] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following: [4] An information processing device characterized by comprising a history unit that stores the processing content performed by the user on the model as history information, in [1], [2], or [3] above. This disclosure further provides an information processing device that enables traceability of the model and allows for 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 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.

[0070] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following:

[11] An information processing method characterized in that, in any one of [8], [9], or

[10] above, the history unit of the information processing device stores the processing content performed by the user on the model as history information, further comprising a history storage process. This disclosure further provides an information processing method that enables traceability of the model and allows for 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 effects as above by applying the above configuration to a system including an information processing device or to the above program.

[0071] Embodiment 5. In the embodiments described above, models can be combined if they are in the same data format. However, in cases where models are created with different software, it may not be possible to simply combine the models. Embodiment 5 describes an example of a configuration that enables the conversion and combination of models in different formats. In Embodiment 5, for components and processes related to Embodiment 5 that are the same as those described in Embodiments 1, 2, 3, or 4, redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0072] Next, 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 the present disclosure will be described. 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 5 of the present disclosure. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100E) in the information processing system (model management system) 1 (1E) according to this embodiment differs from the information processing device (model management device) 100 already described in that it has the following functions. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100E) has a function to convert models owned by different users into different formats so that the same analysis can be performed. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100E) shown in Figure 16 is configured to include a reception unit 110 (110E), an information acquisition unit 120 (120E), a model sharing unit 130 (130E), and a history unit 140. The reception unit 110 (110E) is the same as any of the reception units 110 described earlier, and the history unit 140 is the same as the history unit 140 described earlier.

[0073] The aforementioned model information includes analysis settings that indicate settings related to the analysis of the model. Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating information related to analysis settings attached to a model managed in an information processing device according to Embodiment 5 of this disclosure. The model information 5000 shown in Figure 17 consists of model information (model-related information) 5010 and analysis settings 5020. The model information (model-related information) 5010 consists of a model identifier, disclosure settings, and analysis settings. The analysis settings 5020 include attributes such as model extension and analysis conditions. The model extension is the extension of the model data.

[0074] Returning to the explanation of Figure 16, the information acquisition unit 120 (120E) acquires model information within the disclosure range of the first model related to the sharing request, based on confidentiality settings that include the disclosure range for each model, which have been registered in advance. The information acquisition unit 120 (120E) further acquires the model information of the second model, which is owned by the second user.

[0075] The model sharing unit 130 (130E) generates a shared model, which is a model for sharing, based on the model information acquired by the information acquisition unit 120 (120E), and outputs it to the second user. When generating the shared model, the model sharing unit 130 (130E) converts one of the first model and the second model related to the sharing request based on the difference in analysis settings between the model information of the first model related to the sharing request and the model information of the second model, so that analysis can be performed by combining the first model and the second model related to the sharing request.

[0076] An example of processing in an information processing device according to Embodiment 5 of this disclosure will be described. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in an information processing device according to Embodiment 5 of this disclosure. Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the data flow in an information processing system according to Embodiment 5 of this disclosure. When the information processing device 100 (100E) according to this embodiment starts the processing shown in Figure 18 ("Start"), it then performs a difference extraction process (Step ST5010 "Difference Extraction"). In the difference extraction process, the model sharing unit 130 (130E) of the information processing device 100 (100E) extracts the difference between the first model and the second model using information related to the analysis settings ("Difference Detected" in Figure 19). The information processing device 100 (100E) then performs a difference presence / absence determination process (Step ST5020 "Difference Found?"). In the difference presence / absence determination process, the model sharing unit 130 (130E) of the information processing device 100 (100E) determines whether there is a difference between the first model and the second model. If the information processing device 100 (100E) determines that there is a difference in the processing of step ST5020 (step ST5020 "Difference?" "YES"), it then executes a conversion process (step ST5030 "Conversion"). In the conversion process, the model sharing unit 130 (130E) of the information processing device 100 (100E) performs a conversion on the first model or the second model so that the difference is eliminated (Figure 19 "Model Conversion"). If the information processing device 100 (100E) determines that there is no difference in the processing of step ST5020 (step ST5020 "Difference?" "NO"), or executes the conversion process of step ST5030, it then terminates the process shown in Figure 18 ("Termination").

[0077] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of processing in an information processing device according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure. When the information processing device 100 (100E) according to this embodiment receives a sharing request from a user, for example, it starts the processing shown in Figure 20 ("Start"). The information processing device 100 (100E) then performs acquisition request acceptance processing (step ST5110 "Receive acquisition request for model A"). The information processing device 100 (100E) then performs request information acquisition processing (step ST5120 "Receive identifier of requested model and requesting user information"). The information processing device 100 (100E) then performs request information notification processing (step ST5130 "Send to information acquisition unit and model sharing unit"). The information processing device 100 (100E) then performs first model information extraction processing (step ST5140 "Acquire attributes of model A"). The information processing device 100 (100E) then performs a second model information extraction process (step ST5150 "Acquire the attributes of Model B"). In the second model information extraction process, the information acquisition unit 120 (120E) in the information processing device 100 (100E) extracts model information from the second model (Model B). The information processing device 100 (100E) then performs a difference extraction process (step ST5160 "Extract the difference in model attributes"). In the difference extraction process, the information acquisition unit 120 (120E) in the information processing device 100 (100E) extracts the difference in model attributes using the model information of the first model and the model information of the second model (Figure 19 "Difference detection 0"). The information processing device 100 (100E) then performs a difference determination process (step ST5170 "Is there a difference?"). If the information processing device 100 (100E) determines that there is a difference in the difference determination process of step ST5170 (step ST5170 "Is there a difference?" "YES"), it then performs a conversion process (step ST5180 "Conversion of Model A or Model B").In the conversion process, the model sharing unit 130 (130E) of the information processing device 100 (100E) converts either the first model and the second model related to the sharing request based on the difference in analysis settings between the model information of the first model related to the sharing request and the model information of the second model, so that a combined analysis of the first model and the second model related to the sharing request can be performed. If the information processing device 100 (100E) determines that there is no difference in the difference determination process of step ST5170 (step ST5170 "Is there a difference?" "NO"), or if it executes the conversion process of step ST5180, it then executes the shared model generation process (step ST5190 "Generate shared model"). The information processing device 100 (100E) then executes the shared model transmission process (step ST5200 "Send to requesting user"). After executing the process of step ST5200, the information processing device 100 (100E) then terminates the process shown in Figure 18 ("Terminate").

[0078] In model-based development (product design), models are created for analysis on a computer, and therefore may include analysis settings. These analysis settings refer to things like the "model file extension" and "analysis conditions." Analysis settings are one of the model attributes. If users use different analysis software, combining shared models will not allow for direct analysis. This is because the analysis settings differ. Therefore, the differences in the analysis settings of both models are extracted and converted to the same analysis settings. This configuration allows other users to incorporate models created with different software into their own models by converting them into a common data format.

[0079] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following: [5] In any one of [1], [2], [3], or [4] above, the model information includes analysis settings indicating settings related to the analysis of the model, the information acquisition unit further acquires the model information of a second model which is owned by the second user, and the model sharing unit converts either the first model and the second model related to the sharing request so that they can be combined for analysis based on the difference in analysis settings between the model information of the first model related to the sharing request and the model information of the second model, characterized in that the information processing device is provided in such a way that the present disclosure can provide an information processing device that can combine models even when using models created with different software, and further enables the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the models compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, the present disclosure can achieve 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:

[12] In any one of [8], [9],

[10] , or

[11] above, the model information includes analysis settings indicating settings related to the analysis of the model, in the information acquisition process, the information acquisition unit further acquires the model information of a second model which is owned by the second user, and in the model sharing process, the model sharing unit converts either the first model and the second model related to the sharing request so that they can be combined for analysis, based on the difference in analysis settings between the model information of the first model related to the sharing request and the model information of the second model. This provides an information processing method that enables the combination of models even when using models created with different software, 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 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.

[0081] Embodiment 6. In the embodiments described above, a configuration was described in which a new model for analysis is generated by combining multiple models. Embodiment 6 describes an example of a configuration that enables model analysis to be performed in an information processing device. In Embodiment 6, among the components related to Embodiment 6, components and processes that are the same as those described in Embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 will be omitted as appropriate to avoid repetition.

[0082] 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 21 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. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100F) in the information processing system (model management system) 1 (1F) according to this embodiment shown in Figure 21 differs from the information processing device (model management device) 100 already described in the following respects. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100F) has a function to perform analysis processing. The information processing device (model management device) 100 (100F) is configured to include a reception unit 110 (110F), an information acquisition unit 120 (120F), a model sharing unit 130 (130F), a history unit 140, and an analysis unit 150. The reception unit 110 (110F) is configured in the same way as any of the reception units 110 already described. The information acquisition unit 120 (120F) is configured in the same manner as any of the information acquisition units 120 already described. The history unit 140 is configured in the same manner as any of the history units 140 already described. The model sharing unit 130 (130F) generates a model that combines the first model and the second model. Specifically, the model sharing unit 130 (130F) generates a third model by incorporating the first model related to the sharing request into the second model. The analysis unit 150 performs analysis processing using the third model. The analysis unit 150 performs analysis processing consisting of a process that takes the shared model as input to the analysis solver and a process that outputs the results of the analysis solver. The analysis solver is a software module that calculates the optimal solution for a specific problem, and for example, it assembles equations based on the shape, material, and boundary conditions input by the user, finds the solution, and outputs the result value.

[0083] An example of processing in an information processing device according to Embodiment 6 of this disclosure will be described. Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating the data flow in an information processing system according to Embodiment 6 of this disclosure. Figure 23 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of processing in an information processing device according to Embodiment 6 of this disclosure. Figure 23 shows processing with analysis processing added to the processing shown in Figure 20, which has already been described. The processing from step ST6110 to step ST6200 shown in Figure 23 is the same as the processing in Figure 20, which has already been described, so the explanation will be omitted. The analysis processing related to the information processing device will be described. The information processing device 100 (100F) then performs analysis solver input processing (step ST6210 "Input to analysis solver"). In analysis solver input processing, the analysis unit 150 in the information processing device 100 (100F) takes the shared model as input to the analysis solver. The information processing device 100 (100F) then performs analysis result output processing (step ST6220 "Output of analysis results"). In the analysis result output processing, the analysis unit 150 in the information processing device 100 (100F) outputs the results of the analysis performed by the analysis solver. After executing the process in step ST6220, the information processing device 100 (100F) then terminates the process ("terminate").

[0084] The configuration according to this embodiment makes it possible to incorporate models from other users and perform analysis.

[0085] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following: [6] In the above [5], the model sharing unit generates a third model by incorporating the first model relating to the sharing request into the second model. This provides an information processing device that can generate a model by combining common models, enabling the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the models 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 device, the above information processing method, or the above program.

[0086] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following: [7] An information processing apparatus characterized by comprising an analysis unit that performs analysis processing using the third model, as described in [6] above. This provides an information processing apparatus that can generate a model combining multiple models and perform analysis processing, 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 can achieve the same effects as described above by applying the above configuration to a system including the information processing apparatus, the above information processing method, or the above program.

[0087] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following:

[13] An information processing method characterized in that, in the model sharing process described in

[12] above, the model sharing unit incorporates the first model relating to the sharing request into the second model to generate a third model. This provides an information processing method that can generate a model by combining common models, enabling the rapid creation of a system-wide model while improving the confidentiality of the models compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, this disclosure can achieve the same effects as described above by applying the above configuration to a system including the above information processing device or to the above program.

[0088] This embodiment further shows an example configuration including the following:

[14] An information processing method characterized in that, in any one of [8], [9],

[10] ,

[11] ,

[12] , or

[13] above, the analysis unit includes an analysis process comprising the process of inputting the shared model to an analysis solver and the analysis unit outputting the results of the analysis solver. This provides an information processing method that enables the generation of a model combining multiple models and the execution of an analysis process, 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 effects as above by applying the above configuration to a system including an information processing device or to the above program.

[0089] Here, we will describe the details of the hardware configuration for realizing the functions of the present disclosure. Figure 24 is a diagram showing a first example of the hardware configuration for realizing the functions according to the configuration of the present disclosure. Figure 25 is a diagram showing a second example of the hardware configuration for realizing the functions according to the configuration of the present disclosure.In the information processing system (model management system) 1 (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F) and information processing device (model management device) 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F) of the present disclosure, the model operation unit 20, the model operation unit 20-1 for the first user, the model operation unit 20-2 for the second user, the work area unit 30, the work area unit (first partition unit) 30-1 for the first user, and the work area unit for the second user The domain section (second partition section) 30-2, reception section 110 (110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 110F), information acquisition section 120 (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F), model sharing section 130 (130A, 130B, 130C, 130D, 130E, 130F), history section 140, and analysis section 150 are each implemented by hardware as shown in Figure 24 or Figure 25.

[0090] The information processing system (model management system) 1 (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F) and the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F), etc., 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 24. 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 model operation unit 20, a model operation unit 20-1 for the first user, a model operation unit 20-2 for the second user, a work area unit 30, a work area unit (first partition unit) 30-1 for the first user, a work area unit (second partition unit) 30-2 for the second user, a reception unit 110 (110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 110F), an information acquisition unit 120 (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F), a model sharing unit 130 (130A, 130B, 130C, 130D, 130E, 130F), a history unit 140, an analysis unit 150, and a control unit (not shown). The processor 10001 reads and executes the program stored in memory 10002, thereby realizing the functions of the model operation unit 20, the model operation unit 20-1 for the first user, the model operation unit 20-2 for the second user, the work area unit 30, the work area unit (first partition unit) 30-1 for the first user, the work area unit (second partition unit) 30-2 for the second user, the reception unit 110 (110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 110F), the information acquisition unit 120 (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F), the model sharing unit 130 (130A, 130B, 130C, 130D, 130E, 130F), the history unit 140, the analysis unit 150, and the control unit (not shown). Furthermore, the model storage unit 200 and a storage unit (not shown) are realized by memory 10002 or other memory (not shown). In addition, a communication unit (not shown) is realized by communication circuit 10004.

[0091] 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.

[0092] Alternatively, in the information processing system (model management system) 1 (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F) and the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F), etc., the model operation unit 20, the model operation unit 20-1 for the first user, the model operation unit 20-2 for the second user, the work area unit 30, the work area unit (first partition unit) 30-1 for the first user, the work area unit (second partition unit) The functions of the following components may be implemented by a dedicated processing circuit 20001, as shown in Figure 26: the input section 30-2, the reception section 110 (110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 110F), the information acquisition section 120 (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F), the model sharing section 130 (130A, 130B, 130C, 130D, 130E, 130F), the history section 140, the analysis section 150, and the control unit (not shown).

[0093] 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), etc. Furthermore, the model storage unit 200 and a storage unit (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, in the information processing system (model management system) 1 (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F) and the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F), etc., the model operation unit 20, the model operation unit 20-1 for the first user, the model operation unit 20-2 for the second user, the work area unit 30, the work area unit (first partition unit) 30-1 for the first user, the work area unit (second partition unit) The functions of the input section 30-2, the reception section 110 (110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 110F), the information acquisition section 120 (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F), the model sharing section 130 (130A, 130B, 130C, 130D, 130E, 130F), the history section 140, the analysis section 150, and the control unit (not shown) may be implemented by separate processing circuits or by a single processing circuit.

[0094] Alternatively, in the information processing system (model management system) 1 (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F) and the information processing device (model management device) 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F), etc., the model operation unit 20, the model operation unit 20-1 for the first user, the model operation unit 20-2 for the second user, the work area unit 30, the work area unit (first partition unit) 30-1 for the first user, the work area unit (second partition unit) 30-2 for the second user, and the reception unit 1 10 (110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 110F), information acquisition unit 120 (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F), model sharing unit 130 (130A, 130B, 130C, 130D, 130E, 130F), history unit 140, analysis unit 150, and some functions of the control unit (not shown) may be implemented by the processor 10001 and memory 10002, while the remaining functions are implemented by the processing circuit 20001.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 1 (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F) Information processing system (model management system), 10 User terminals, 10-1 User terminal (first user terminal), 10-2 User terminal (second user terminal), 20 Model operation unit, 20-1 Model operation unit for first user, 20-2 Model operation unit for second user, 30 Work area unit, 30-1 Work area unit for first user (first partition unit), 30-2 Work area unit for second user (second partition unit), 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F) Information processing device (model management device), 110 (110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 110F) Reception unit, 120 (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) Information acquisition unit, 130 (130A, 130B, 130C, 130D, 130E, 130F) Model sharing unit, 140 History unit, 150 Analysis unit, 200 Model storage unit, 1000 Model information, 1010 Model ancillary information, 1020 Disclosure settings, 1030 Disclosure scope, 2000 Model information, 3000 Model information (shared model model information), 3010 Model ancillary information (shared model model ancillary information), 3020 Disclosure settings (shared model disclosure settings), 3030 Disclosure scope (shared model disclosure scope), 5000 Model information, 5010 Model ancillary information, 5020 Analysis settings, 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 models that constitute a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models, comprising: a receiving unit that receives a sharing request from a second user for a first model owned by a first user; an information acquisition unit that acquires model information within the disclosure range of the first model related to the sharing request based on confidentiality settings that include the disclosure range for each model which have been registered in advance; and a model sharing unit that generates a shared model, which is a model for sharing, based on the model information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and outputs it to the second user.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of models is provided with a model identifier that identifies it, and the model sharing unit generates and assigns a new model identifier to the generated shared model.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the confidentiality setting allows the disclosure scope to be set for each user, and the model sharing unit generates the shared model based on the disclosure scope set for the user who made the sharing request.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a history unit that stores the processing details performed by the user on the aforementioned model as historical information.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the model information includes analysis settings indicating settings related to the analysis of the model, the information acquisition unit further acquires the model information of a second model which is owned by the second user, and the model sharing unit converts either the first model and the second model related to the sharing request so that a combined analysis of the two models can be performed based on the difference in analysis settings between the model information of the first model related to the sharing request and the model information of the second model.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the model sharing unit incorporates the first model relating to the sharing request into the second model to generate a third model.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, comprising an analysis unit that performs analysis processing using the third model described above.

8. An information processing method by an information processing device for managing models that constitute a simulation model constructed by combining multiple models, comprising: an information processing device receiving a sharing request from a second user for a first model owned by a first user; an information acquisition process from an information acquisition device acquiring model information within the disclosure range of the first model related to the sharing request based on confidentiality settings that include a pre-registered disclosure range for each model; and a model sharing process from an information processing device generating a shared model, which is a model for sharing, based on the model information acquired by the information acquisition device, and outputting it to the second user.

9. The information processing method according to claim 8, characterized in that the plurality of models each have a model identifier that identifies them, and in the model sharing process, a new model identifier is generated and assigned to the shared model generated by the model sharing unit.

10. The information processing method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the information acquisition process includes an encryption process in which the information acquisition unit encrypts at least a portion of the first model based on an encryption target set in advance by the first user, and if the second user is the target of disclosure of the first model, the model sharing process includes a decryption process in which the model sharing unit decrypts the encrypted first model.

11. The information processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a history storage process in which the history unit of the information processing device stores the processing content performed by the user on the model as history information.

12. The information processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the model information includes analysis settings indicating settings related to the analysis of the model, in the information acquisition process, the information acquisition unit further acquires the model information of a second model which is owned by the second user, and in the model sharing process, the model sharing unit converts either the first model and the second model related to the sharing request based on the difference in analysis settings between the model information of the first model related to the sharing request and the model information of the second model so that a combined analysis of the first model and the second model related to the sharing request can be performed.

13. The information processing method according to claim 12, characterized in that, in the model sharing process, the model sharing unit incorporates the first model relating to the sharing request into the second model to generate a third model.

14. The information processing method according to claim 13, characterized in that the analysis unit of the information processing device includes an analysis process comprising the process of inputting the shared model to an analysis solver and the process of outputting the results of the analysis solver.

15. A program characterized by causing a computer to operate as an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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