Method, program, storage medium, device, and system related to simulation of particle group

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for efficiently simulating the behavior of a particle group.　According to one aspect, the present disclosure provides the following invention, or inventions related thereto, specifically a method for simulating the behavior of a particle group, the method comprising: a step for reading a first state of the particle group calculated at least on the basis of a first condition group, and a step for performing calculation, for the particle group in the first state, in order to obtain a result of a second state of the particle group at least on the basis of a second condition group, the second condition group being different from the first condition group in terms of at least one condition, and the at least one condition being a condition other than calculation time.

Description

Method, program, storage medium, apparatus, and system for simulating particle swarm

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method, program, storage medium, apparatus, and system for simulating particle swarm.

[0002] As a method for simulating the behavior of a particle swarm, the discrete element method (or distinct element method: DEM: Discrete Element Method) is known. In this method, first, particles are regarded as elements such as spheres. Next, contact and / or sliding between each element is calculated. Then, the behavior of each element at each time point is tracked.

[0003] When simulating the behavior of a particle swarm in a container, various setting operations on the screen are required. Patent Document 1 discloses a method and the like for setting a region in which a particle swarm is arranged.

[0004] Further, when simulating the behavior of a particle swarm, the behavior in a rotating body may be simulated. Patent Document 2 discloses a simulation for analyzing the behavior of the powder in a rotating body.

[0005] International Publication No. 2024 / 157503 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2021-190060

[0006] In order to simulate the behavior of a particle swarm, a dedicated simulation program is used. In the program, an interface for inputting initial conditions is typically provided. After inputting initial conditions through the interface, a user can virtually cause the particle swarm to behave and perform simulation through a trigger button or the like provided by the interface.

[0007] However, items to be input can be classified into several phases. For example, combinations of phases are as follows: arrangement of a particle swarm and behavior of the particle swarm; or arrangement of a first particle swarm and arrangement of a second particle swarm; or arrangement of a particle swarm, behavior of the particle swarm under a first condition group, and behavior of the particle swarm under a second condition group.

[0008] For example, there is a need to simulate the behavior of a particle swarm under various conditions after the initial arrangement of the particles. In this case, if the simulation is run under different conditions, the particle swarm arrangement process must be repeated. Such processing impairs the efficiency of the simulation.

[0009] Furthermore, various processes related to particle groups (e.g., arranging particle groups, simulating their behavior) consume a significant amount of time. Therefore, the occurrence of the aforementioned partial re-executions impairs the efficiency of the simulation work. Moreover, from a technical standpoint, the occurrence of the aforementioned partial re-executions leads to the inefficient consumption of resources in the information processing device that executes the program.

[0010] Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide a method for efficiently simulating the behavior of a group of particles.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure encompasses, in one aspect, the following inventions: (Invention 1) A method for simulating the behavior of a group of particles, the method comprising: reading a first state of the group of particles calculated based on at least a first set of conditions; and performing a calculation for the group of particles in the first state to obtain a result for a second state of the group of particles based on at least a second set of conditions, wherein the second set of conditions differs from the first set of conditions in at least one condition, the at least one condition being a condition other than calculation time. (Invention 2) The method of Invention 1, the method comprising: performing a calculation to obtain a result for the first state of the group of particles based on at least a first set of conditions; and storing data of the result for the first state, the reading step comprising reading data of the result for the first state. (Invention 3) A method of Invention 2, wherein the step of storing data of the first state includes storing predetermined items from among a plurality of items included in the data of the first state, and the step of reading the result data of the first state includes reading the predetermined items. (Invention 4) A method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the method further includes, after the step of reading the first state, outputting an image including an object representing the particle group of the first state as a preview, and, while maintaining the output of the preview, receiving input of the second set of conditions. (Invention 5) A method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the first set of conditions and the second set of conditions differ in that they are conditions relating to the behavior of a container and / or structure that affects the behavior of the particle group, or in the presence or absence of such conditions. (Invention 6) A method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 5, wherein the first group of conditions and the second group of conditions differ in at least in terms of the shape of the container for containing the particle group and / or the conditions relating to the structure present inside the container.(Invention 7) A method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 6, wherein the first set of conditions and the second set of conditions differ in at least in conditions relating to the physical properties of the particle group. (Invention 8) A method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 7, wherein the first set of conditions is a set of conditions for arranging a particle group in a container, the first state is a state in which the particle group is arranged in the container at least based on the first set of conditions, and the second set of conditions is a set of conditions for arranging a new particle group of the same type as the particle group and / or a particle group of a different type from the particle group outside the area of ​​the arranged particle group. (Invention 9) A program for causing an information processing device equipped with a processor to execute a method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 8 by instructing the processor. (Invention 10) A computer-readable non-temporary storage medium storing the program of Invention 9. (Invention 11) A system for simulating the behavior of a group of particles, the system comprising at least one server and at least one terminal, the system being configured to perform the following steps: reading a first state of the group of particles calculated based at least on a first set of conditions; and performing calculations on the group of particles in the first state to obtain a result for a second state of the group of particles based at least on a second set of conditions, wherein the second set of conditions differs from the first set of conditions in at least one condition, and the at least one condition is a condition other than calculation time.(Invention 12) An apparatus comprising a program that provides an interface for simulating the behavior of a group of particles, wherein the interface is configured to: read a first state of the group of particles calculated based on at least a first set of conditions; output an image including an object representing the group of particles in the first state as a preview after reading the first state; accept input of a second set of conditions while maintaining the output of the preview; and display the result of a second state of the group of particles calculated based on at least a second set of conditions for the group of particles in the first state, wherein the second set of conditions differs from the first set of conditions in at least one condition, and the at least one condition is a condition other than calculation time.

[0012] In one aspect, the above invention performs the steps of reading a first state and performing calculations to obtain the result of a second state. In another aspect, the system of the above invention includes a server and / or terminal capable of performing these steps. This allows calculations to be resumed from an intermediate state. Therefore, the number of times the same calculation is re-executed can be reduced. Thus, the behavior of the particle group can be simulated efficiently.

[0013] An information processing device of the present disclosure in one embodiment is shown. A system of the present disclosure in one embodiment is shown. The system may include a plurality of terminals and at least one server. The terminals and the server may be connected via a network. A method of the present disclosure in one embodiment is shown. A method of the present disclosure in one embodiment is shown. An interface of the present disclosure in one embodiment is shown. The interface may include an item for receiving a data file storing a first state (referred to as a "simulation data file" in Figure 5, and similarly in subsequent figures) and an item for receiving conditions for simulation. The interface may also include an item for displaying the state of a container and the particle group inside the container in three dimensions. An example of changing the conditions of the container in one embodiment is shown.

[0014] The following describes specific embodiments for carrying out the invention. The following description is intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0015] 1. Outline In one embodiment, this disclosure relates to a method, program, storage medium, apparatus, and system for simulating a group of particles.

[0016] The applicable technical fields are not particularly limited and can be applied to any technical field that simulates the behavior of particle swarms.

[0017] The particle size is not particularly limited, and the methods and programs of this disclosure are applicable to particles of any size. For example, the particle size may be on the order of meters, millimeters, micrometers, or nanometers. In one embodiment, the particles of this disclosure are powders. The type of particles is also not limited, and the methods and programs of this disclosure may simulate the behavior of one group of particles or the behavior of two or more groups of particles. The number of particles is also not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the terms "particle" and "powder" as used herein are interchangeable. In one embodiment, the terms "particle" and "powder" as used herein may or may not include media. The media has the function of grinding another group of particles introduced into the container and / or facilitating their agitation. Therefore, in certain embodiments, simulation is included to predict the state in which the group of particles to be ground and / or agitated and the media coexist in the container.

[0018] The simulation algorithm may be based at least on the discrete element method (DEM).

[0019] 2. Environment for Executing the Program The environment for executing the program and method is not particularly limited, and a typical information processing device (also called a computing device) can be used. The information processing device (100) may typically include a processor (110), memory (120), non-temporary storage medium (130), and a communication module (140), as shown in Figure 1.

[0020] The information processing device (100) includes, but is not limited to, the following: a server, a personal computer, a tablet device, a smartphone, a smartwatch, smart glasses, etc.

[0021] The program is stored in a non-temporary storage medium (130, e.g., HDD, SSD, etc.), loaded into memory (120, e.g., RAM, etc.) as needed, and executed by a processor (110, e.g., CPU, etc.). If necessary, the program can connect to a network via a communication module (140) to send and receive information.

[0022] In one embodiment, the program may be installed as application software on an information processing device (100) and executed by the information processing device (100).

[0023] In another embodiment, the number of information processing devices (100) is not limited to one, and multiple information processing devices (100) may be used as needed. In that case, the functions of the program may be distributed among multiple information processing devices (100).

[0024] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2, a system (200) configuration may be adopted in which a server (210) and a terminal (220) are interconnected via a network. In this system (200), the terminal (220) may receive input from a user and transmit at least a portion of the received input to the server (210). The server (210) may receive the input information transmitted from the terminal (220), process the information, and transmit a portion of the output to the terminal (220). The terminal (220) may then receive the output information transmitted from the server (210) and display it on the terminal (220).

[0025] Therefore, in another aspect, the Disclosure also relates to an information processing device including the Program of the Disclosure, and a system including the Information Processing Device. In yet another aspect, the Disclosure relates to terminals and / or servers constituting the System of the Disclosure. The internal configuration of the terminals and servers may be the same as that of the Information Processing Device shown in Figure 1. In yet another aspect, the Disclosure relates to a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium (e.g., HDD, SSD, flash memory, optical disk, etc.) storing the Program.

[0026] The information processing device described above may be connected to a display or the like as appropriate. The information processing device can then transmit signals to the display for displaying calculation results from a processor or the like on the display.

[0027] 3. Outline of the Method In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for simulating the behavior of a group of particles and a program for performing the method. The method includes the following steps (Figure 3): (A) reading a first state of the group of particles calculated based on at least a first set of conditions; (B) performing calculations for the group of particles in the first state to obtain a result for a second state of the group of particles based on at least a second set of conditions.

[0028] Here, the second set of conditions differs from the first set of conditions in at least one condition, and that at least one condition is other than computation time.

[0029] As used herein, the term "condition group" refers to a combination of multiple conditions. For example, when calculating the conditions under which a particle falls, the calculation takes into account the particle's weight, volume, air resistance, and gravity. Each of these individual items—particle weight, volume, air resistance, and gravity—corresponds to a "condition." The combination of information on particle weight, volume, air resistance, and gravity is a combination of multiple conditions necessary for a calculation for a specific purpose, and corresponds to a "condition group."

[0030] In a further embodiment, the method may further include the following steps (Figure 4): (C) a calculation step to obtain a result for a first state of the particle group based on at least a first set of conditions; (D) a step to store data of the result for the first state.

[0031] Here, the reading step in (A) may include reading the resulting data of the first state described above.

[0032] The following sections will detail each step.

[0033] 3-1. A calculation step to obtain a result of a first state of the particle group, based on at least a first set of conditions. The first set of conditions includes several individual conditions. The individual conditions may vary depending on the purpose and content of the calculation to obtain a result of a first state of the particle group. For example, the purpose and content of the calculation to obtain a result of a first state of the particle group may include one or more of the following examples: arranging the particle group, dropping the particle group, and moving the particle group by moving a container and / or structures present inside the container.

[0034] The set of conditions for arranging the particle group may include, for example, one or more of the following:

[0035] - Number of particles constituting the particle group, weight of the particle group, volume of the particle group, weight of individual particles, volume of individual particles, shape of individual particles, information required in the DEM method (e.g., rolling friction coefficient of individual particles, friction coefficient between individual particles, friction coefficient between individual particles and the inner wall of the container, interparticle interactions acting on individual particles (e.g., liquid bridging force)), Poisson's ratio of individual particles, Young's modulus of individual particles.

[0036] Information regarding where to place the particle group (in other words, information regarding the location where the particle group will be placed), and information regarding how to place the particle group (for example, information regarding the arrangement of the particle group, e.g., simple cubic lattice, face-centered cubic lattice, random arrangement, etc.).

[0037] • Information about the container (e.g., 3D data of the container, properties indicating whether or not particles can be filled inside).

[0038] - Information about structures present inside the container (e.g., 3D data of the structures, properties indicating whether or not particles can be packed inside).

[0039] Furthermore, information regarding the container may also include information regarding open-system equipment (e.g., screw feeders, tables of table sorting machines) (e.g., 3D data of these).

[0040] The set of conditions for causing a group of particles to fall may include, for example, gravity in addition to or instead of any one or more of the conditions in the set of conditions for arranging the group of particles.

[0041] The set of conditions for moving a group of particles by moving a container and / or a structure present within the container may include, for example, one or more conditions from the set of conditions for positioning the group of particles and the set of conditions for dropping the group of particles, in addition to, or instead of, one or more of the following: the motion of the container (e.g., rotation (e.g., spinning, revolution, etc.), vibration), the motion of the structure (e.g., rotation (e.g., spinning, revolution, etc.), vibration), time step, and calculation time.

[0042] Based on the above-mentioned condition group, calculation is performed to obtain the result of the first state of the particle group. The specific calculation method is not particularly limited, and methods known in the art may be used. For example, in the case of calculation aimed at moving the particle group by moving a container and / or a structure present in the container, the calculation may be performed based on DEM (the same applies to the calculation for obtaining the result of the second state of the particle group; the calculation may also be performed based on DEM).

[0043] 3-2. Step of Storing Data of Results of First State Calculation obtains data representing a result that the particle group has reached a specific state. The data can be stored in a storage medium. The storage medium may be a transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a memory (e.g., RAM)), or may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., HDD, SSD, USB memory, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.). Preferably, data is stored in the latter non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0044] In the former case, after the data of the result of the first state is obtained, calculation based on another condition group (details will be described later) can be subsequently performed. In the latter case, after the data of the result of the first state is obtained, further calculation can be temporarily suspended, and the data can be used to retrieve the data again when resuming further calculation after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0045] Items of data to be stored are not particularly limited, and for example, one or more of the following may be stored: each of one or more conditions included in the above-mentioned first condition group, the position of each particle, the velocity of each particle, the angular velocity of each particle, physical properties of each particle (e.g., size, weight, density, etc.), information related to the container or structure, posture information of each particle (e.g., when the particle is non-spherical, for example, information related to roll, yaw, pitch, etc.), position or posture information of the container or structure (e.g., when a structure such as the container or a rotating body moves), direction of gravity, result output interval, calculation area, information of a fluid field (when a fluid field is set), or information related to energy generated in collision between particles or between particles and a wall.

[0046] As will be described later, some items may be excluded from storage targets.

[0047] 3-3. Step of reading the first state of the particle group calculated based at least on the first condition group The data stored by the above method, that is, the data relating to the first state of the particle group calculated based at least on the first condition group is read at an appropriate timing. For example, the data may be read in order to calculate a result obtained by further moving the particle group under a specific condition group from the first state, and to set an initial state when starting the calculation.

[0048] 3-4. Step of performing calculation for obtaining a result of a second state of the particle group based at least on a second condition group with respect to the particle group in the first state After the data is read, calculation for moving the particle group based on the second condition group is performed starting from the first state. Then, the result of the second state can be obtained.

[0049] Items included in the second condition group may be the same as those in the first condition group. However, the second condition group differs from the first condition group in at least one condition. Here, the term "differ" may include being different in the presence or absence of a specific condition, and / or may include different numerical values set for the same type of condition. An example of the former is a case where gravity is not included in the first condition group, while gravity is included in the second condition group. In an example of the latter, the rotation speed of the structure is low or zero in the first condition group, while the rotation speed of the structure is high in the second condition group.

[0050] Here, at least one differing condition is one other than computation time. For example, some conventional simulation programs implement a function that performs calculations to move a group of particles, temporarily stops the motion of the particle group midway, and then resumes it. In this case, only the computation time differs before and after the temporary stop; everything else is the same. However, the method and program in one embodiment of the present disclosure differ from the functions of conventional simulation programs because they differ in conditions other than computation time.

[0051] As another example, conventional simulation programs performed the following calculations: (Calculation to obtain the first state) → (Calculation to obtain the second state) (Second condition group A) (Calculation to obtain the first state) → (Calculation to obtain the second state) (Second condition group B) (Calculation to obtain the first state) → (Calculation to obtain the second state) (Second condition group C)

[0052] Furthermore, the calculations to obtain the first state and the calculations to obtain the second state were performed as a single batch (i.e., there was no function to pause processing and save intermediate results between the two calculations). In this case, the calculation to obtain the first state is executed three times, and the same result is obtained all three times, resulting in redundant calculations.

[0053] However, with the method described above, only one calculation is required to obtain the first state. Therefore, calculations can be performed efficiently for the purpose of trying various conditions (specifically, for the purpose of trying various variations in the second set of conditions). As a result, the behavior of the particle swarm can be simulated efficiently. This also leads to the efficient use of resources in the information processing device that executes the program.

[0054] 4. Data Reading and Data Storage In one embodiment, the step of storing data in a first state may include storing predetermined items from among a plurality of items included in the data in the first state. Then, reading the result data of the first state may include reading predetermined items.

[0055] For example, data that is not necessary from the perspective of obtaining the result of the second state based on the second set of conditions may be excluded from being stored or excluded from being read.

[0056] The items to be stored and the items to be loaded may be specified in advance by the user through the interface, or they may be automatically selected by the program based on predetermined settings. If predetermined settings are made, the program may be configured to select the items to be stored and the items to be loaded according to the content to be calculated based on a second set of conditions.

[0057] For example, the items to be stored and the items to be stored include one or more of the following: the position of each particle, the velocity of each particle, the angular velocity of each particle, the physical properties of each particle (e.g., size, weight, or density), information about the container or structure, orientation information of each particle (e.g., if the particle is non-spherical, information about roll, yaw, pitch, etc.), or position or orientation information of the container or structure (e.g., if the container or a rotating body or other structure is moving).

[0058] For example, items that are not required but may be stored or loaded include one or more of the following: gravity direction, result output interval, calculation domain, and fluid field information (if a fluid field is set).

[0059] These items are often set the same way for both the first and second sets of conditions. Therefore, by memorizing these items, the user can avoid the trouble of setting them again when configuring the second set of conditions.

[0060] For example, items that are not stored or read include one or more of the following: information about the energy generated by collisions between particles or between particle walls.

[0061] As described above, by appropriately selecting items that are not to be stored or read, it becomes possible to efficiently utilize resources such as storage media.

[0062] 5. Preview display and input of second set of conditions In one embodiment, the method may further include the following steps: after reading a first state, outputting an image as a preview that includes an object representing the particle group of the first state; and while maintaining the output of the preview, receiving input of a second set of conditions.

[0063] Information regarding the first state may be provided visually through an interface. For example, as shown in Figure 5, a part of the interface may output an image that includes an object representing the particle group in the first state. This object may include, in addition to the particle group, a container or structure (a stirring blade in Figure 5).

[0064] The user can visually confirm the state immediately before starting the calculation to obtain the second state based on the second set of conditions. The user can then input the second set of conditions through the same interface.

[0065] 6. System The methods and programs described above may be executed by, for example, a single information processing device. However, in another embodiment, as mentioned in "2. Environment for Executing the Program" (particularly as mentioned in Figure 2), some processing may be executed by a server and other processing may be executed by a terminal.

[0066] Therefore, in one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system for simulating the behavior of a group of particles contained in a container.

[0067] In one example, the server and the terminal may each have modules for performing their respective processes. Here, a module may be a virtual component realized by a combination of a processor and a program (for example, a function, method, class, etc. that has a specific function).

[0068] <Example 1> For example, a module may perform steps including at least the following: (A) reading a first state of a particle group calculated based on at least a first set of conditions; (B) performing calculations on the particle group that is in the first state to obtain a result for a second state of the particle group based on at least a second set of conditions.

[0069] <Example 2> In a further example, the following steps may be performed: (C) a calculation step to obtain a result for a first state of the particle group based on at least a first set of conditions; (D) a step to store data of the result for the first state.

[0070] <Example 3> In a further example, the following steps may be performed: (E) After reading the first state, outputting an image containing an object representing the particle group of the first state as a preview; (F) While maintaining the output of the preview, receiving input for a second set of conditions.

[0071] <Example 4> In a further example, the following steps may be performed: (G) Outputting an image as a preview that includes an object representing the particle group in the second state.

[0072] <Example 5> In a further example, the following steps may be performed: (H) A step of receiving input for the first set of conditions.

[0073] The module can perform steps that include any combination of the above Examples 1 to 5 (however, Example 1 must always be included).

[0074] For example, if (E) to (H) above are executed on the terminal side and (A) to (D) above are executed on the server side, the terminal may be equipped with a module for executing (E) to (H), and the server may be equipped with a module for executing (A) to (D). Note that (A) above may also be executed on the terminal side, in which case the terminal may be equipped with a module for executing (A). Furthermore, it may be equipped with a module for sending the information read in (A) to the server.

[0075] For example, steps (A) through (H) above may be performed in the following order: (H) → (C) → (D) → (A) → (E) → (F) → (B) → (G).

[0076] The terminal may include a module for displaying the various types of information described in the embodiments described above. The terminal may also include a module for receiving the various types of information entered by the user, as described in the embodiments described above, and, if necessary, for sending it to the server. For example, the terminal may include a module for sending the information received in (H) and / or (F) above to the server.

[0077] The server may include a module for transmitting various information to the terminal. For example, the server may include a module for transmitting information regarding the calculation results of (C) and / or (B) above to the terminal.

[0078] 7. Information Processing Device In one embodiment of the Information Processing Device, the Disclosure may include a device comprising a program that provides an interface for simulating the behavior of a group of particles contained in a container. The program may, but is not limited to, be in HTML format, for example. The HTML may be dynamically generated on the server side and transmitted to the terminal. The HTML may then be displayed on the terminal's display through browser software or the like.

[0079] The interface may be configured to enable the following operations: (a) reading a first state of a particle group calculated based on at least a first set of conditions; (e) outputting an image containing an object representing the particle group in the first state as a preview after reading the first state; (f) accepting input of a second set of conditions while maintaining the output of the preview; and (g) displaying the result of a second state of the particle group calculated based on at least a second set of conditions for the particle group in the first state.

[0080] For example, (a) above may be implemented by providing an interface for specifying a particular file, such as the "Browse" button shown in Figure 5. Alternatively, although not shown in the figure, it may be implemented by providing an interface for selecting specific data (data recording the first state) in the form of a list, pull-down menu, etc.

[0081] For example, (e) and (g) above may be implemented by displaying the image within a specific frame, as shown in Figure 5. Also, although not shown in Figure 5, (e) above may be implemented by displaying it through a pop-up screen.

[0082] For example, (f) above may be implemented by displaying the item name (or label, e.g., "Agitator Blade Rotation Axis") and providing a text box into which a value can be entered, as shown in Figure 5.

[0083] The interface may include an object that triggers the execution of the simulation (for example, a "RUN" button), as shown in Figure 5. After the user has finished setting the simulation conditions, the simulation is executed by manipulating this object (for example, by clicking the button). The simulation may be executed on the terminal side or on the server side. The simulation results may include calculation results for obtaining the result of the first state of the particle group, and / or calculation results for obtaining the result of the second state of the particle group. The simulation results are displayed on the interface. Here, the simulation results or data related thereto may include information about the position of each particle in three-dimensional spatial coordinates at each time. Therefore, displaying the results of simulating the behavior of the particle group may include visually reproducing the behavior of each particle within the interface (for example, displaying a still image or playing a video).

[0084] The interface may be configured to display the various types of information described in the embodiments described above. The interface may also be configured to receive the various types of information entered by the user, as described in the embodiments described above, and, if necessary, to transmit it to the server. Furthermore, the interface may be configured to allow the loading of information about containers and / or structures by uploading a file defining the structure (e.g., a CAD file).

[0085] In the following sections, specific application examples of the method and program of this disclosure in one embodiment will be described. In particular, specific examples relating to the first state and the second state, and specific examples of the differences between the first set of conditions and the second set of conditions will be described.

[0086] 8. Specific Example 1 (Modification of Structural Behavior Conditions, etc.) In one embodiment, the first group of conditions and the second group of conditions may differ at least in the conditions relating to the behavior of containers and / or structures that affect the behavior of the particle group, or in the presence or absence of such conditions.

[0087] In one example, the first state and the first set of conditions may relate to a situation in which a group of particles is placed inside a container (e.g., a rotating drum). Next, the second state and the second set of conditions may relate to the container rotating. In this case, the rotation speed and other parameters can be adjusted to various values ​​in relation to the second set of conditions and simulated.

[0088] In another example, the first state and the first set of conditions may relate to the arrangement of a group of particles in a container (for example, a table used for table sorting). Next, the second state and the second set of conditions may relate to the container undergoing vibrational motion. In this case, the vibration period, amplitude, etc., can be adjusted to various values ​​in relation to the second set of conditions and simulated.

[0089] 9. Specific Example 2 (Modification of Container and / or Structure) In one embodiment, the first group of conditions and the second group of conditions may differ in at least the shape of the container containing the particle group and / or the conditions relating to the structure present inside the container.

[0090] In one example, the first state and the first set of conditions may relate to a situation in which a lid is attached to the bottom of the container, as shown in Figure 6, and a group of particles is placed inside the container. The second state and the second set of conditions may relate to a situation in which the lid is not attached to the bottom, and the group of particles is discharged from the bottom of the container according to gravity or the like. In this case, in relation to the second set of conditions, the length, shape, etc. of the discharge port at the bottom of the container can be adjusted to various values ​​and simulated. This example can also be applied to the discharge port of a screw feeder.

[0091] In another example, the first state and the first set of conditions may relate to the situation in which a group of particles is placed in a container. Next, the second state and the second set of conditions may relate to the positioning of an excavator blade in a position that does not interfere with the placed group of particles. In this case, the shape of the blade and other elements can be adjusted to various shapes in relation to the second set of conditions and simulated.

[0092] In another example, the first state and the first set of conditions may relate to a situation in which a group of particles is placed in a V-shaped mixer. Next, the second state and the second set of conditions may relate to a situation in which the V-shaped mixer is in rotational motion. In this case, the simulation can be performed by adjusting one length and / or the other length of the V-shaped mixer in relation to the second set of conditions.

[0093] 10. Specific Example 3 (Modification of the physical properties of the particle group) In one embodiment, the first condition group and the second condition group may differ in at least the conditions relating to the physical properties of the particle group.

[0094] In one example, a specific group of particles and a medium for crushing the particle group are placed in a container. The first state and the first set of conditions may relate to the arrangement of the particle group and the medium (the material of the medium may be arbitrarily set) in the container. The second state and the second set of conditions may relate to crushing the particle group using the medium in the container. In this case, the material of the medium and other parameters can be adjusted to various values ​​in relation to the second set of conditions and simulated.

[0095] 11. Specific Example 4 (Addition of Particle Groups of the Same or Different Types) In one embodiment, the first set of conditions may be a set of conditions for arranging a group of particles in a container, and the first state may be a state in which a group of particles is arranged in a container, at least based on the first set of conditions. Furthermore, the second set of conditions may be a set of conditions for arranging a new group of particles of the same type as the arranged group and / or a group of particles of a different type outside the area of ​​the arranged group of particles.

[0096] In one example, a specific group of particles and a media for crushing the particle group are placed in a container. The first state and the first set of conditions may relate to the arrangement of the particle group in the container. The second state and the second set of conditions may relate to the arrangement of the media in the container in a position that does not interfere with the presence of the particle group. In this case, the shape of the media, the amount added, etc., can be adjusted in various ways in relation to the second set of conditions and simulated.

[0097] In another example, two specific groups of particles are introduced into a container. The first state and the first set of conditions may relate to the circumstances under which the first type of particle group is placed in the container. The second state and the second set of conditions may relate to the circumstances under which the second type of particle group is placed in the container. In this case, the amount of particle introduced and other factors can be adjusted in various ways in relation to the second set of conditions and simulated.

[0098] In another example, a specific group of the same type of particles is introduced into a container multiple times. The first state and the first set of conditions may relate to the circumstances under which the first group of particles is placed in the container. The second state and the second set of conditions may relate to the circumstances under which the second group of particles is placed in the container. In this case, the amount of particles introduced and other factors can be adjusted in various ways in relation to the second set of conditions and simulated.

[0099] 12. Others Although various specific examples have been described above, these examples represent only a part of the technical concept of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art will understand that there are many other specific examples. For example, the above refers to the first state and the second state, as well as the first and second sets of conditions. However, the above invention is not limited to cases dealing only with the first state and the second state, as well as the first and second sets of conditions. For example, the above invention can be further applied to a third state and a third set of conditions, and also includes dealing with such further states and sets of conditions.

[0100] The above describes specific embodiments of the invention. The above embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the technical features disclosed in one of the above embodiments can be applied to other embodiments. Also, unless otherwise specified, for a particular method, it is possible to change the order of some steps and other steps, and further steps may be added between two specific steps. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims.

[0101] Potential Contribution to the SDGs: According to one embodiment of this disclosure, efficient operation in particle swarm simulations using an information processing device may lead to energy savings. Energy savings indirectly contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases. Therefore, one embodiment of this disclosure may contribute to Goal 13 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts."

Claims

1. A method for simulating the behavior of a group of particles, the method comprising: reading a first state of the group of particles calculated based on at least a first set of conditions; and performing a calculation on the group of particles in the first state to obtain a result for a second state of the group of particles based on at least a second set of conditions, wherein the second set of conditions differs from the first set of conditions in at least one condition, and the at least one condition is a condition other than computation time.

2. A method according to claim 1, the method comprising: performing calculations to obtain a result of a first state of the particle group based on at least a first set of conditions; and storing data of the result of the first state, wherein the reading step includes reading the data of the result of the first state.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of storing data of a first state includes storing predetermined items from among a plurality of items included in the data of the first state, and the step of reading data of the result of the first state includes reading the predetermined items.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the method further comprising: after reading the first state, outputting an image as a preview which includes an object representing the particle group of the first state; and while maintaining the output of the preview, receiving input of the second set of conditions.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first group of conditions and the second group of conditions differ in at least in the presence or absence of conditions relating to the behavior of a container and / or structure that affects the behavior of the particle group.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first group of conditions and the second group of conditions differ in at least in terms of the shape of a container for containing the particle group and / or the structure present inside the container.

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first group of conditions and the second group of conditions differ in at least in terms of conditions relating to the physical properties of the particle group.

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first set of conditions is a set of conditions for arranging a group of particles in a container, the first state is a state in which a group of particles is arranged in the container at least based on the first set of conditions, and the second set of conditions is a set of conditions for arranging a new group of particles of the same type as the group of particles and / or a group of particles of a different type than the group of particles outside the area of ​​the arranged group of particles.

9. A program for an information processing device equipped with a processor, which causes the processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 by instructing the processor.

10. A computer-readable non-temporary storage medium storing the program of claim 9.

11. A system for simulating the behavior of a group of particles, the system comprising at least one server and at least one terminal, the system being configured to perform the following steps: reading a first state of the group of particles calculated based at least on a first set of conditions; and performing a calculation on the group of particles in the first state to obtain a result for a second state of the group of particles based at least on a second set of conditions, wherein the second set of conditions differs from the first set of conditions in at least one condition, and the at least one condition is a condition other than computation time.

12. An apparatus comprising a program that provides an interface for simulating the behavior of a group of particles, wherein the interface is configured to: read a first state of the group of particles calculated based on at least a first set of conditions; output an image including an object representing the group of particles in the first state as a preview after reading the first state; accept input of a second set of conditions while maintaining the output of the preview; and display the result of a second state of the group of particles calculated based on at least a second set of conditions for the group of particles in the first state, wherein the second set of conditions differs from the first set of conditions in at least one condition, and the at least one condition is a condition other than computation time.

Images