JP3801822B2 - Visual programming system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a computer system, a visual programming system, and a medium on which a program is recorded.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, processing common to various application programs has been created as a subroutine. If such subroutines are created and prepared, desired processing can be realized simply by calling and executing these subroutines from each application program, so that duplication of program development can be reduced. In order to thoroughly reduce such duplication labor, it is desirable to create a subroutine for each single function.
[0003]
Furthermore, from the viewpoint of saving a memory area used when executing an application program, the above-described subroutine is also used as a dynamic link library (hereinafter referred to as “DLL”).
[0004]
In addition, what is called a visual programming environment has been developed in order to enable easy creation of a program runtime screen and easy creation of a program for a programmer with a low level of skill. Examples of this visual programming environment include "Visual Basic (trademark)" manufactured by Microsoft, "Delphi (trademark)" manufactured by Borland, and the like. Program creation in these visual programming environments is performed by placing components as appropriate on the program creation form, entering data into the properties of these components, and entering the source program into an event procedure or event handler. .
[0005]
Such a visual programming environment is widely used for creating a program for searching and updating a database.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, although it is easy to create an application program in a conventional visual programming environment, it is still necessary to input a source program. In order to improve this point, it is conceivable that common processing is made into subroutines as described above, and these subroutines are called from an event procedure or the like. However, even in such a case, it is still necessary to input a source program for calling a subroutine.
[0007]
The first object of the present invention is to provide a visual programming system capable of creating an application program without the input of a source program by a programmer in view of such problems of the prior art.
[0008]
In addition, in order to create a program for searching / updating a database, the programmer must be familiar with the structure and access method of the database.
[0009]
The second problem of the present invention is to create a program for searching / updating a database even if the programmer does not understand the structure and access method of the database in view of the problems of the prior art. It is to provide a visual programming system that can.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems. That is, the present invention provides a display memory that holds data to be displayed on a display device, a display controller that displays data held in the display memory on the display device, an interface to which instruction input means is connected, and a memory An external storage device and a control unit, displaying a program creation form on the display screen of the display device, and specifying a DLL specified by data set in a component arranged on the program creation form In a visual programming system for creating such a program to be executed by the control unit, the control unit includes:
In response to an instruction input from the instruction input means, the program creation form is read from the external storage device and displayed on the display device through the display memory and a display controller; a property for setting data; and A numeric data editing component or a character data editing component, including a property for setting a DLL (dynamic link library) called when data is input to the property and a property for setting an attribute of the data; Means for reading from the external storage device in response to an instruction input from the instruction input means and causing the display memory and a display controller to display at a position indicated by the instruction input means on the screen of the display device;
Read at least the item symbol, item name, and data attribute of each item included in the database from the database on the external storage device, and in the vicinity of the program creation form through the display memory and display controller, the at least item symbol and item Means for displaying an image indicating a name and data attribute, and at least the item symbol, item name, and data attribute when the image indicating at least the item symbol, item name, and data attribute is input through an instruction input unit Means for storing in the memory data corresponding to
Corresponding to at least the item symbol and data attribute stored for the property for setting the attribute of the data of any one of the components input in response to the instruction input from the instruction input means Means for writing data, means for creating a memory area definition file from the type of the component and the data corresponding to at least the item symbol and data attribute written in the property, and writing to the external storage device; and the instruction input In response to the instruction input from the means, the DLL (called when the data is input to the property for setting the data to the property for setting the DLL (dynamic link library) of any one of the components ( Dynamic link library) setting method When data is input to the property for setting the data of the component, the DLL (dynamic link library) set to the property for setting the DLL (dynamic link library) of the component is controlled. Including at least item symbols and data attributes according to a memory area definition file corresponding to the DLL (dynamic link library) when the generated program is executed, A function for securing an area on the memory of data to be transferred to the DLL (dynamic link library), and for setting the data of the component by executing the generated program A DLL (dynamic link library) set in a property for setting a DLL (dynamic link library) of the component when data is input to the property is executed while handing over an area on the memory. It is a visual programming system.
[0011]
  The DLL (dynamic link library) file name may be set in the property for setting the DLL (dynamic link library).
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings of FIGS.
[0021]
Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a computer system and a visual programming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the computer system and visual programming system are composed of a mouse 1, a keyboard 2, a display device 3, an external storage means 4, and a control device 12. The control device 12 includes a mouse interface 5, a keyboard interface 6, a display memory 7, a display device controller 8, an external storage interface 9, a memory 10, and a control unit 11 that are connected to each other via a bus B. Is made up of.
[0022]
The mouse 1 and the keyboard 2 are input devices for an operator to input data such as characters.
The display device 3 is a CRT that displays data input from the mouse 1 and the keyboard 2. The display device 3 may be a liquid crystal display.
[0023]
The external storage device 4 is a hard disk that stores programs processed by the control unit 11, data files, and the like. The external storage device 4 may be a magneto-optical disk. The external storage device 4 corresponds to storage means and a medium.
[0024]
The control device 12 processes data input from the mouse 1 and the keyboard 2, processes screen data to be displayed on the display device 3, reads data from the external storage device 4, and writes data to the external storage device 4. It is a device that performs.
[0025]
The mouse interface 5 is a device that transmits instruction input data input from the mouse 1 to the bus B.
The keyboard interface 6 is a device that transmits data such as characters input from the keyboard 2 to the bus B.
[0026]
The display memory 7 is a memory for holding data such as characters and images to be displayed on the display device 3.
The display device controller 8 is a device that controls processing for displaying data such as characters and images held in the display memory 7 on the display device 3.
[0027]
The external storage interface 9 is a device that controls processing of reading data from the external storage device 4 and writing data to the external storage device 4.
The memory 10 is configured by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like, and is a memory used by the control unit 11 for work.
[0028]
The control unit 11 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, and instructs the display device controller 8 and the external storage interface 9 to display a screen, write data to the external storage device 4, or data from the external storage device 4, respectively. Instruct reading. Further, the control unit 11 receives input data from the mouse 1 through the mouse interface 5 and input data from the keyboard 2 through the keyboard interface 6. The control unit 11 corresponds to control means.
<Description of operation of embodiment>
Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking as an example the creation and execution of an employee database search program for searching an employee database.
[0029]
The employee database described below consists of two items: employee number and employee name. Also, two item symbols, “NM2114”, which is a character string corresponding to the item name “employee number”, and “NM2040”, which is a character string corresponding to the item name “employee name”. Data is added.
[0030]
The employee database search program to be created below inputs the employee number numerical data, searches the employee database data file for the employee name corresponding to the employee number, and displays it on the display device 3. It is a program for.
[0031]
As a DLL for performing processing for assisting the search of the employee database, an input data check DLL (this DLL file name is “WCHECKKD.DLL”), a data file search DLL (this DLL file name is “”) WCHKNAME.DLL ") is prepared.
[0032]
The input data check DLL receives input data and item symbols corresponding to the input data as arguments. The input data check DLL refers to the data item file based on the item symbol. As a result, the input data check DLL obtains the file name of the DLL that executes the process of searching for the data file based on the input data and the item symbol. Further, the input data check DLL calls and executes the DLL.
[0033]
The data file search DLL receives data serving as a search key and item symbols corresponding to the data as arguments. The data file search DLL searches for a data file based on the data and the item symbol.
[0034]
A DLL argument definition file is prepared for each DLL as a file that defines an argument name of an argument to be transferred to each DLL and a memory area (hereinafter referred to as “DLL argument memory area”) necessary for writing the argument. Has been. This DLL argument definition file is stored in the external storage device 4. For the above-described input data check DLL, a DLL argument definition file whose file name is “WCHECKKD.DSL” is prepared. Similarly, a DLL argument definition file whose file name is “WCHKNAME.DSL” is prepared for the data file search DLL described above. As described above, the DLL and the DLL argument definition file for the DLL have a character string in which “DLL” and “DSL” are added to the end of the same character string as the file name. Therefore, the DLL argument definition file name for the DLL can be determined from the DLL file name. Similarly, the DLL file name can be determined from the DLL argument definition file name.
[0035]
Furthermore, a memory area securing DLL (the DLL file name is “DSL32.DLL”) is prepared as a DLL for performing a process of passing an argument when calling a DLL from a program or when calling a DLL from a DLL. Has been.
[0036]
The memory area securing DLL receives the file name of the memory area definition file as an argument. Then, the memory area definition file is read from the external storage device 4. Then, it is checked whether or not a memory area corresponding to the contents of the file already exists on the heap area of the memory 10. If the memory area does not exist, a memory area is secured on the heap area of the memory 10 based on the contents of the file.
[0037]
Next, a character string display component, a numerical data editing component, a character string data editing component, and a memory area control component, which are components used when creating the employee database search program, will be described.
[0038]
The character string display component has a character string data property for setting character string data. Then, a character string corresponding to the character string data set in the character string data property is displayed.
[0039]
The numeric data editing component displays a numeric data property for setting numeric data, an item symbol property for setting item symbol data corresponding to the numeric data, and when numeric data is input to the numeric data property. The DLL file name property for setting the DLL file name to be called and executed, the DLL execution enabled property for setting whether to execute the DLL, and the data type for setting the numerical data A data type property and a data digit number property for setting the number of digits of numeric data are provided.
[0040]
At the time of executing the program in which the numerical data editing component is arranged, numerical data input from the keyboard 2 or the like, or numerical data obtained as a result of executing the processing of the program is set in the numerical data property. In addition, item symbol data input from the keyboard 2 and the like, and item symbol data obtained as a result of executing the program processing are set in the item symbol data property. Then, the numerical data editing component displays a numerical value corresponding to the numerical data set in the numerical data property. Further, when data is input to the numerical data property, if the value of the DLL execution valid property is valid, the DLL corresponding to the file name set in the DLL file name property is called and executed.
[0041]
The character string data editing component includes a character string data property for setting character string data, an item symbol property for setting item symbol data corresponding to the character string data, and a character string in the character string data property. A DLL file name property for setting a DLL file name to be called and executed when data is input, a DLL execution enable property for setting whether to execute the DLL, and a character string data A data type property for setting the data type and a data digit number property for setting the data digit number of the character string data are provided.
[0042]
When the program in which the character string data editing component is arranged is executed, character string data input from the keyboard 2 or the like or character string data obtained as a result of executing the processing of the program is set in the character string data property. In addition, item symbol data input from the keyboard 2 and the like, and item symbol data obtained as a result of executing the program processing are set in the item symbol data property. Then, the numerical data editing component displays a character string corresponding to the character string data set in the numerical data property. Further, when data is input to the character string data property, if the value of the DLL execution valid property is valid, the DLL corresponding to the file name set in the DLL file name property is called and executed.
[0043]
The memory area control component has a screen control property and a DLL argument definition file name property. The screen control property is a property for setting a character string “True” or “False”. The DLL argument definition file name property is a property for setting the file name of the DLL argument definition file described above.
[0044]
Next, the operation of the memory area control component when creating a program will be described.
When the value of the screen control property is set to “True” at the time of creating the program, the memory area control component does not change the value of the DLL argument definition file name property of each editing component placed on the program creation form. A file (hereinafter referred to as “screen data memory area definition file”) that defines a memory area (hereinafter referred to as “screen data memory area”) for writing data to be set in each data property is generated. Each DLL writes data obtained as a result of various processes in a place indexed by an item symbol of the data in the screen data memory area. Then, the program sets the data written in the screen data memory area to the data property corresponding to the item symbol of the component. As a result, the data is displayed on the component on the program execution screen. When the value of the screen control property is set to “False”, the memory area control component does not generate a screen data memory area definition file.
[0045]
Next, an operation when the program in which the memory area control component is arranged is executed will be described.
When the value of the screen control property is “True”, the program in which the memory area control component is arranged, regardless of the value of the DLL argument definition file name property, the screen data memory area definition generated as described above. A screen data memory area is secured on the heap area of the memory 10 in accordance with the contents of the file.
[0046]
When the value of the screen control property is “False”, the program in which the memory area control component is arranged changes the DLL argument memory area into the heap area of the memory 10 according to the contents of the file name set in the DLL argument definition file name property. Secure on top.
<Create employee database search program>
Next, the control processing program executed in the control unit 11 for creating the employee database search program will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0047]
The control unit 11 starts the processes of FIGS. 2 to 4 in response to an instruction input from the mouse 1 or the keyboard 2.
First, the control unit 11 reads the program creation form data from the external storage device 4 and writes it into the display memory 7. At the same time, the display device controller 8 is instructed to display the contents of the display memory 7 on the display device 3 (S001).
[0048]
Next, the control unit 11 checks whether or not the data for notifying that the instruction to place the component on the program creation form has been input from the mouse 1 or the keyboard 2. If data notifying that an instruction to place a component has been received, the process proceeds to S003. If not, the process proceeds to S004 (S002).
[0049]
In step S <b> 003, the control unit 11 reads the data of the component instructed to be arranged from the external storage device 4 in accordance with the instruction data notified from the mouse 1 or the keyboard 2. Then, the control unit 11 writes the image data of the component in the display memory 7 so that the image of the component is displayed at the position of the mouse cursor on the display screen of the display device 3, and returns the process to S002. The mouse cursor is displayed on the screen of the display device 3 at an arbitrary position determined by an input instruction from the mouse 1.
[0050]
On the other hand, if there is no data notifying that an instruction to place a component has been input in S002, the control unit 11 determines that the data notifying that an instruction to end the placement of the component has been input is the mouse 1 or Check if it came from the keyboard 2. If there is data notifying that an instruction to end the component placement has been received, the control unit 11 moves the process to S005, and if not, returns the process to S002.
[0051]
When receiving data notifying that an instruction to finish component placement has been input, the control unit 11 reads the data item file from the external storage device 4. Then, the control unit 11 displays an image indicating the item symbol, item name, data type, and number of data digits of each item included in the database in the vicinity of the image of the program creation form (S005).
[0052]
Next, the control unit 11 checks whether or not the data for notifying that the instruction input for ending the setting of the properties and the like of each component arranged on the program creation form has come from the mouse 1 or the keyboard 2. If such data is received, the control unit 11 moves the process to S018, and if not, moves the process to S007 (S006).
[0053]
In step S007, the control unit 11 checks whether data notifying that the mouse button has been pressed has come from the mouse 1. Then, the control unit 11 shifts the process to S008 if data notifying that the mouse button has been pressed is received, and returns the process to S006 if not.
[0054]
When the data for notifying that the mouse button is pressed comes from the mouse 1, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the mouse cursor is on the image displaying the contents of the data item file on the display screen of the display device 3. If it is on the image, the process proceeds to S009. Otherwise, the process returns to S006 (S008).
[0055]
In S009, the control unit 11 stores data corresponding to the item symbol, item name, data type, and data digit number of the line where the mouse cursor is located on the display screen of the display device 3 among the data in the data item file. Write to.
[0056]
Then, the control unit 11 waits for the mouse button of the mouse 1 to be released (S010).
When the mouse button of the mouse 1 is released, the control unit 11 checks whether or not the mouse cursor is on the image of any component placed on the program creation form. Then, if the mouse cursor is on the image of any component, the control unit 11 moves the process to S012, and if not, returns the process to S006 (S011).
[0057]
In S012, the control unit 11 checks whether or not the component is a character string display component. If the component is a character string display component, the process proceeds to S013. If not, the process proceeds to S014.
[0058]
When the component with the mouse cursor is a character string display component, the control unit 11 reads character string data corresponding to the item name among the data written in the memory 10 in S009. Then, the character string data is written in the character string property of the character string display component, and the process returns to S006 (S013).
[0059]
On the other hand, when the component with the mouse cursor is not a character string display component, the control unit 11 checks whether or not the component is a numerical data editing component. If the component is a numerical data editing component, the process proceeds to S015; otherwise, the process proceeds to S016 (S014).
[0060]
In S015, the control unit 11 reads data corresponding to the data type, the number of data digits, and the item symbol among the data written in the memory 10 in S009. The control unit 11 writes these data in the data type property, data digit property, and item symbol property of the component, and returns the process to S006.
[0061]
On the other hand, when the component with the mouse cursor is not a numerical data editing component, the control unit 11 checks whether or not the component is a character string data editing component. If the component is a character string data editing component, the process proceeds to S017; otherwise, the process returns to S006 (S016).
[0062]
In S017, the control unit 11 reads data corresponding to the data type, the number of data digits, and the item symbol among the data written in the memory 10 in S009. The control unit 11 writes these data in the data type property, data digit property, and item symbol property of the component, and returns the process to S006.
[0063]
On the other hand, if a notification to end the setting of the properties of each component has been received from the mouse 1 or the keyboard 2 in S006, the control unit 11 notifies that an input for instructing the end of the program creation has been made. Check if data has arrived. Then, the control unit 11 moves the process to S031 if a notice to instruct the end of the program creation is received, and moves the process to S019 if not (S018).
[0064]
In step S019, the control unit 11 checks whether data notifying that the mouse button has been double-clicked has come from the mouse 1. If data notifying that the double click has been received, the process proceeds to S020; otherwise, the process returns to S018.
[0065]
If data notifying that the double click has been received, the control unit 11 checks whether or not the mouse cursor is on any component placed on the program creation form. If the mouse cursor is on any component, the control unit 11 moves the process to S021, and if not, returns the process to S018 (S020).
[0066]
In S021, the control unit 11 checks whether the double-clicked component is either a numerical data editing component or a character string data editing component. If the component is either a numerical data editing component or a character string data editing component, the control unit 11 moves the process to S028, and if not, moves the process to S022.
[0067]
In S022, the control unit 11 further checks whether or not the component is a memory area control component. Then, if the component is a memory area control component, the control unit 11 moves the process to S023, and if not, moves the process to S018.
[0068]
In S023, the control unit 11 displays a property setting window in the vicinity of the component.
Then, the control unit 11 waits for completion of data input to the property setting window (S024).
[0069]
When the data input is completed, the control unit 11 first checks whether or not the data input in the screen control property input field is “True”. If the data is “True”, the control unit 11 moves the process to S026, and if not, moves the process to S027 (S025).
[0070]
In step S026, the control unit 11 creates a screen data memory area definition file from the types of editing components arranged in the program creation form, their data properties, and item symbol properties, and writes them to the external storage device 4. In the present embodiment, the file name of the screen data memory area definition file is “TEST1.DSL”. Then, the control unit 11 returns the process to S018.
[0071]
On the other hand, when the data input to the screen control property input field is not “True”, the control unit 11 writes the data input to the DLL argument definition file name property input field to the property and returns the process to S018. (S027).
[0072]
If it is determined in S021 that the double-clicked component is a numerical data editing component or a character string data editing component, the control unit 11 displays a DLL setting window in the vicinity of the component (S028).
[0073]
Then, the control unit 11 waits for completion of data input to the DLL setting window (S029).
When the data input is completed, the control unit 11 writes the data input to the DLL setting window to the property of the component, and returns the process to S018 (S030).
[0074]
On the other hand, if the data for notifying the end of program creation is received in S018, the control unit 11 generates a program based on the components arranged on the program creation form, their properties, and the like (S030). .
[0075]
In this program generation, the control unit 11 generates image data at the time of program execution from the arrangement of each component on the program creation form. In addition, when data is input to the numerical data editing component and the character string data editing component arranged on the program creation form, the control unit 11 calls and executes the DLL set in the DLL file name property of the component. So that the program is generated. Further, if there is a memory area control component arranged on the program creation form having a screen control property of “True”, the control unit 11 sets the data written in the screen data memory area as the property of each component. Generate a program to set.
[0076]
Then, the control unit 11 writes the program thus obtained in the external storage device 4. In the present embodiment, the file name of the employee database search program is “TEST1.EXE”.
[0077]
As described above, the control unit 11 ends the execution of the control processing program for creating the employee database search program.
<Procedure for creating an employee database search program>
Next, with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 15, a procedure for creating an employee database search program by a programmer and a screen display example will be described.
[0078]
First, when the programmer inputs an instruction to start program creation from the mouse 1 or the keyboard 2, a program creation form 22 is displayed on the display screen 20 of the display device 3. FIG. 5 is an initial display screen of the program creation form 22 displayed on the display screen 20 of the display device 3. In this initial display screen, the programmer can input a character string display component 23, 25, a numeric data editing component 24, a character string data editing component 26, a memory area on the program creation form 22 by inputting an instruction from the mouse 1 or the keyboard 2. The securing components 27 and 28 are respectively arranged (FIG. 6).
[0079]
Next, the programmer inputs an instruction to end the component arrangement from the mouse 1 or the keyboard 2. Then, the database item display window 29 is displayed on the display screen 20 of the display device 3 (FIG. 7). The programmer operates the mouse 1 to move the mouse cursor 21 onto the line 30 including the item name “employee number” on the database item display window 29. The programmer then depresses the mouse button. Further, the programmer operates the mouse 1 while holding down the mouse button, moves the mouse cursor 21 onto the character string display component 23, and releases the finger from the mouse button. When the programmer releases the mouse button, the value of the character string property of the character string display component 23 is set to “employee number”. Then, the character string display component 23 displays the character string “employee number” which is the value of the character string property (FIG. 8).
[0080]
The programmer operates the mouse 1 to move the mouse cursor 21 onto the line 30 again. The programmer then depresses the mouse button. Further, the programmer operates the mouse 1 while holding down the mouse button, moves the mouse cursor 21 onto the numerical data editing component 24, and releases the finger from the mouse button (FIG. 9). When the programmer releases the mouse button, the data type property and the data digit property of the numerical data editing component 24 are changed.
[0081]
Next, the programmer operates the mouse 1 to move the mouse cursor 21 onto the line 31 including the item name “employee name” on the database item display window 29. Then, the programmer depresses the mouse button (FIG. 10). Further, the programmer operates the mouse 1 while holding down the mouse button, moves the mouse cursor 21 onto the character string display component 25, and releases the finger from the mouse button. When the programmer releases the mouse button, the value of the character string property of the character string display component 25 is set to “employee name”. Then, the character string display component 25 displays the character string “employee name” which is the value of the character string property (FIG. 11).
[0082]
The programmer operates the mouse 1 to move the mouse cursor 21 onto the line 31 again. The programmer then depresses the mouse button. Further, the programmer operates the mouse 1 while holding down the mouse button, moves the mouse cursor 21 onto the character string data editing component 26, and releases the finger from the mouse button (FIG. 12). When the programmer releases the mouse button, the data type property and the data digit property of the character string data editing component 26 are changed.
[0083]
Next, the programmer moves the mouse cursor 21 onto the numerical data editing component 24 and double-clicks the mouse button. Then, a DLL setting window 32 is displayed near the numerical data editing component 24 (FIG. 13).
[0084]
The programmer inputs a DLL file name to be executed when numerical data is input to the numerical data editing component 24 in the DLL file name property input field 33 in the DLL setting window 32. In the present embodiment, “WCHECKKD.DLL” which is the file name of the input data check DLL described above is input. Then, by clicking the DLL execution valid property input field 34, the fact that the DLL is actually executed when the numerical data is input to the numerical data editing component 24 is set. When the above input is completed, the programmer clicks the OK column 35 in the DLL setting window 32 with the mouse 1. In order to cancel data input to the DLL file name property input field 33 and the DLL execution valid property input field 34, the cancel field 36 is clicked.
[0085]
Next, the programmer moves the mouse cursor 21 onto the memory area control component 27 and double-clicks the mouse button. Then, a property setting window 37 is displayed in the vicinity of the memory area control component 27 (FIG. 14).
[0086]
In order to use the memory area control component 27 for screen memory area control, the programmer inputs “True” in the screen memory area control property input field 39 in the property setting window 37 and clicks the OK field 40. .
[0087]
Next, the programmer moves the mouse cursor 21 onto the memory area control component 28 and double-clicks the mouse button. Then, a property setting window 42 is displayed in the vicinity of the memory area control component 28 (FIG. 15).
[0088]
In order to use the memory area control component 28 for controlling the DLL argument memory area, the programmer inputs the input data which is the DLL previously set in the DLL setting window 32 in the DLL argument definition file name property input field 43 in the property setting window 42. Enter “WCHECKKD.DSL”, which is the file name of the file that defines the argument to the check DLL. Further, the programmer inputs “False” to the screen memory area securing property 44 and clicks the OK column 45.
[0089]
As described above, the programmer transfers the value from the database item display window 29 to the property of each component, or inputs the file name or the like in the DLL setting window 30 and the property setting windows 37 and 42 to execute the employee database search program. Can be created.
<Execution of employee database search program>
Next, the operation of the control unit 11 when executing the employee database search program created as described above will be described.
[0090]
When an instruction to execute the employee database search program is given by an instruction input from the mouse 1 and the keyboard 2, the control unit 11 starts the processes shown in FIGS.
[0091]
First, the control unit 11 displays an initial screen of the employee database search program (S101).
Next, the control unit 11 checks whether the memory area securing DLL already exists in the text area of the memory 10. If the memory area securing DLL already exists in the memory 10, the process proceeds to S104, and if not, the process proceeds to S103 (S102).
[0092]
In S <b> 103, the control unit 11 reads the memory area securing DLL from the external storage device 4 and writes it in the text area of the memory 10.
In S104, the control unit 11 calls the memory area securing DLL with “TEST1.DSL”, which is the file name of the screen data memory area definition file of the employee database search program created as described above, as an argument. The control unit 11 determines this file name by replacing “EXE” in “TEST1.EXE”, which is the file name of the employee database search program, with “DSL”.
[0093]
When the memory area reservation DLL is called, the control unit 11 moves the process to S201.
In step S <b> 201, the control unit 11 reads the contents of the file from the external storage device 4 based on the file name of the memory area definition file received as an argument (in this case, “TEST1.DSL”).
[0094]
Then, the control unit 11 checks whether or not an area corresponding to the content of the file already exists on the heap area of the memory 10. If the area does not exist on the heap area of the memory 10, the control unit 11 moves the process to S203, and otherwise ends the process (S202).
[0095]
In S203, the control unit 11 secures an area on the heap area of the memory 10 based on the contents of the memory area definition file read in S201, and ends the process.
[0096]
When the processing of the memory area securing DLL as described above ends, the control unit 11 continues the processing of the employee database search program from S105.
In S105, the control unit 11 replaces “DLL” in “WCHECKDD.DLL”, which is the value of the DLL file name property of the numerical data editing component, with “DSL”, thereby storing a memory area for the argument of the DLL. The file name of the definition file is determined as “WCHECKDD.DSL”. Then, the memory area securing DLL is called with the character string data of “WCHECKKD.DSL” which is the character string of the memory area definition file name as an argument.
[0097]
When the memory area reservation DLL is called, the control unit 11 moves the process to S201.
In S <b> 201, the control unit 11 reads the contents of the file from the external storage device 4 based on the file name of the memory area definition file received as an argument (in this case, “WCHECKDD.DSL”).
[0098]
Then, the control unit 11 checks whether or not an area corresponding to the content of the file already exists on the heap area of the memory 10. If the area does not exist on the heap area of the memory 10, the control unit 11 moves the process to S203, and otherwise ends the process (S202).
[0099]
In S203, the control unit 11 secures an area on the heap area of the memory 10 based on the contents of the memory area definition file read in S201, and ends the process.
[0100]
When the processing of the memory area reservation DLL as described above is completed, the control unit 11 continues the processing of the employee database search program from S106.
In S106, the control unit 11 waits for the numerical data of the employee number to be input to the numerical data editing component.
[0101]
When the numerical data of the employee number is input, the control unit 11 checks the input data of the character string data “NM2114” that is the character string set in the item symbol property of the numerical data editing component and the numerical data of the employee number. Write to the area on the memory 10 reserved for the argument to the DLL (S107).
[0102]
Then, the control unit 11 calls the DLL call management routine with the character string data of the character string “WCHECKDD.DLL” set in the DLL file name property of the numerical data editing component as an argument (S108).
[0103]
The DLL call management routine is a subroutine that is statically linked at compile time.
When the DLL call management routine is called, the control unit 11 moves the process to S301.
[0104]
In S <b> 301, the control unit 11 already has a DLL content corresponding to the DLL file name received as an argument from S <b> 106 (in this case, “WCHECKKD.DLL”) in the text area on the memory 10. Check whether or not.
[0105]
If the content of the DLL does not exist on the memory 10, the control unit 11 moves the process to S302. If it already exists on the memory 10, the control unit 11 moves the process to S303.
[0106]
In S <b> 302, the control unit 11 reads the contents of the DLL corresponding to the DLL file name received as an argument from the external storage device 4 and writes it in the text area on the memory 10.
[0107]
In step S303, the control unit 11 calls a DLL corresponding to the DLL file name received as an argument (in this case, the input data check DLL (file name “WCHECKDD.DLL”)).
[0108]
When the input data check DLL is called in this way, the control unit 11 moves the process to S401.
In S401, the control unit 11 reads the item symbol (in this case, the item symbol “NM2114” of the employee number) from the memory area reserved for the argument.
[0109]
Then, the control unit 11 searches for the data item file by the item number “NM2114” of the employee number, and executes the data file search based on the item number “NM2114” of the employee number (in this embodiment, the file name of the DLL). The file name “WCHKNAME.DLL” of the data file search DLL described above is obtained (S402).
[0110]
The control unit 11 replaces “DLL” in “WCHKNAME.DLL”, which is the DLL file name obtained as described above, with “DSL”, thereby defining a memory area definition file for an argument to the DLL. Is determined as “WCHKNAME.DSL”. Then, the memory area securing DLL is called by using “WCHKNAME.DSL” as an argument (S403).
[0111]
When the memory area reservation DLL is called, the control unit 11 moves the process to S201.
In S <b> 201, the control unit 11 reads the contents of the file from the external storage device 4 based on the file name of the memory area definition file received as an argument (in this case, “WCHKNAME.DSL”).
[0112]
Then, the control unit 11 checks whether or not an area corresponding to the content of the file already exists on the heap area of the memory 10. If the area does not exist on the heap area of the memory 10, the control unit 11 moves the process to S203, and otherwise ends the process (S202).
[0113]
In S203, the control unit 11 secures an area on the heap area of the memory 10 based on the contents of the memory area definition file read in S201, and ends the process.
[0114]
When the processing of the memory area reservation DLL as described above is completed, the control unit 11 continues the processing of the input data check DLL from S404.
In S404, the control unit 11 receives the item symbol (in this case, “NM2114”) received as an argument and the input data (in this case, the numerical data of the input employee number). Are written in the memory area for the argument to the DLL file name obtained in S402 (in this case, “WCHKNAME.DLL”).
[0115]
Then, the control unit 11 calls the DLL call management routine using the DLL file name obtained in S402 (in this case, “WCHKNAME.DLL”) as an argument.
[0116]
When the DLL call management routine is called, the control unit 11 moves the process to S301.
In S301, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the content of the DLL corresponding to the DLL file name received as an argument (in this case, “WCHKNAME.DLL”) already exists in the text area on the memory 10. Check.
[0117]
If the content of the DLL does not exist on the memory 10, the control unit 11 moves the process to S302. If it already exists on the memory 10, the control unit 11 moves the process to S303.
[0118]
In S <b> 302, the control unit 11 reads the contents of the DLL corresponding to the DLL file name received as an argument from the external storage device 4 and writes it in the text area on the memory 10.
[0119]
In step S303, the control unit 11 calls a DLL corresponding to the DLL file name received as an argument (in this case, a data file search DLL (file name “WCHKNAME.DLL”)).
[0120]
When the data file search DLL is called in this way, the control unit 11 moves the process to S501.
In step S <b> 501, the control unit 11 reads “NM2114”, which is an item symbol of the employee number, and numerical data of the employee number from the memory area for the argument.
[0121]
Next, the control unit 11 searches the data file (in this embodiment, the file name is “DATA1.DAT”) with the numerical data of the employee number, and obtains the employee name corresponding to the employee number ( S502).
[0122]
Then, the control unit 11 writes the employee name data obtained as a result of the search in S502 into the screen data memory area using the employee name item symbol “NM2040” as an index (S503). And the control part 11 complete | finishes the process of data file search DLL.
[0123]
When returning from the data file search DLL, the control unit 11 continues the processing of the DLL call management routine from S304.
In S304, the control unit 11 releases the text area on the memory 10 occupied by the data file search DLL.
[0124]
Then, the control unit 11 returns from the DLL call management routine.
When returning from the DLL call management routine, the control unit 11 returns to the input data check DLL, but ends the process and returns.
[0125]
When returning from the input data check DLL, the control unit 11 continues the DLL call management routine from S304.
In S304, the control unit 11 releases the text area on the memory 10 occupied by the input data check DLL.
[0126]
Then, the control unit 11 returns from the DLL call management routine.
When returning from the DLL call management routine, the control unit 11 continues the processing of the employee database search program from S109.
[0127]
In S109, the control unit 11 reads the character string data of the employee name from the screen data memory area using the employee name item symbol “NM2040” as an index. Then, the character string data of the employee name is set in the character string property of the character string data editing component, and the employee name is displayed on the screen. And the control part 11 complete | finishes a process.
[0128]
As described above, the control unit 11 can execute the employee database search program.
<Description of functional blocks of this embodiment>
FIG. 23 is a conceptual diagram showing the embodiment described above in blocks for each function. 23, this computer system includes a data item management means 50, a program creation means 51, a program execution means 52, an argument delivery management means 53, a DLL call management means 54, an input data check means 55, a data The file access means 56 and the data holding means 57 are comprised.
[0129]
Next, each functional block in FIG. 21 will be described.
The data item management means 50 fulfills the same function as the external storage device 4.
[0130]
The program creation means 51 fulfills the same function as the control unit 11.
The program execution means 52 performs the same function as the control unit 11.
The argument delivery management unit 53 performs the same function as the function performed by the memory 10 and the control unit 11.
[0131]
The DLL call management unit 54 performs the same function as the function performed by the memory 10 and the control unit 11.
The input data check means 55 fulfills the same function as the control unit 11.
[0132]
The data file access unit 56 performs the same function as the control unit 11.
The data holding unit 57 performs the same function as the external storage device 4.
[0133]
Next, the operation of each functional block in FIG. 23 will be described.
The program creation means 51 receives data item data from the data item management means 50 and creates a program in accordance with an instruction from the programmer.
[0134]
The program execution unit 52 executes the program created by the program creation unit 51.
The argument delivery management means 53 receives an argument from the program execution means 52 and passes it to the input data check means 55. The argument delivery management unit 53 receives an argument from the input data check unit 55 and passes it to the data file access unit 56. The argument delivery management unit 53 receives a return value from the data access unit 56 and passes it to the program execution unit 52.
[0135]
The DLL call management unit 54 calls and executes the input data check unit 55 according to an instruction from the program execution unit 52, and the memory area on the memory 10 occupied by the input data check unit 55 after the execution of the data check unit 55 is completed. release. The DLL call management unit 54 calls and executes the data access unit 56 in accordance with an instruction from the input data check unit 55, and the memory area on the memory 10 occupied by the data access unit 56 after the execution of the data access unit 56 is completed. To release.
[0136]
The input data check means 55 searches the data item information of the data item management means 50 based on the data received from the program execution means 52 via the argument delivery management means 53, and obtains the information of the data file access means 56. Then, it instructs the data access means 56 via the DLL call management means 54 to search the data holding means 57 thereafter.
[0137]
The data access unit 56 searches the data holding unit 57 based on the data received from the input data check unit 55 via the argument delivery management unit 53. Then, the search result is returned to the program execution means 52 via the argument delivery management means 53.
[0138]
The data holding unit 57 holds data.
As described above, the creation and execution of the employee database search program is realized by the functional blocks of FIG.
[0139]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the memory area occupied by the DLL can be released without inputting a source program for releasing the memory area occupied by the DLL. Furthermore, the application program can be created without the programmer having to input the source program. Even if the programmer does not understand the structure and access method of the database, a program for searching the database can be created.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control process executed in the control unit of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control process executed in the control unit of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control process executed in the control unit of FIG.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the display device of FIG.
6 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the display device of FIG.
7 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the display device of FIG. 1. FIG.
8 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the display device of FIG. 1. FIG.
9 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the display device of FIG.
10 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the display device of FIG.
11 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the display device of FIG.
12 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the display device of FIG.
13 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the display device of FIG.
14 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the display device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the display device of FIG.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a control process executed in the control unit of FIG. 1;
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing control processing executed in the control unit of FIG. 1;
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a control process executed in the control unit of FIG.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing control processing executed in the control unit of FIG. 1;
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a control process executed in the control unit of FIG.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the display device of FIG.
22 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the display device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 23 is a functional block diagram showing creation and execution of an employee database search program.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 mouse
2 Keyboard
3 Display device
4 External storage device
8 Display controller
10 memory
11 Control unit
12 Control device

Claims (2)

A display memory for holding data to be displayed on a display device; a display controller for displaying data held in the display memory on the display device; an interface to which an instruction input means is connected; a memory; and an external storage device; , and a control unit, the display displays the program creation form on the display screen of the device, DLL is the data-to Therefore specified set on the component which is arranged on the programming form a (dynamic link library) In a visual programming system for creating such a program to be executed by the control unit, the control unit includes :
Means for reading the program creation form from the external storage device and displaying it on the display device through the display memory and a display controller in response to an instruction input from the instruction input means;
Numeric data editing including a property for setting data, a property for setting a DLL (dynamic link library) called when data is input to the property, and a property for setting the attribute of the data the component or character data editing component, in response to an instruction input from the instruction input means, indicated by the instruction input means on the screen of the display device through the display memory and the display controller reads from the front Kigaibu storage device Means for displaying in a position,
Read at least the item symbol, item name, and data attribute of each item included in the database from the database on the external storage device, and in the vicinity of the program creation form through the display memory and display controller, the at least item symbol and item Means for displaying an image showing a name and data attributes;
Means for storing, in the memory, data corresponding to at least the item symbol, item name, and data attribute when the image indicating the at least item symbol, item name, and data attribute is input through the instruction input unit;
Corresponding to at least the item symbol and data attribute stored for the property for setting the attribute of the data of any one of the components input in response to the instruction input from the instruction input means Means for writing data;
Means for creating a memory area definition file from the type of the component and the data corresponding to the at least item symbol and data attribute written in the property and writing the file to the external storage device;
Called when data is input to a property for setting a DLL (dynamic link library) of any one of the components in response to an instruction input from the instruction input unit. Means for setting up a dynamic link library (DLL) ,
When data is input to a property for setting the data of the component, a DLL (dynamic link library) set to a property for setting the DLL (dynamic link library) of the component is set to the control unit. is executed, and generating means for generating the program,
Wherein the data to pass before Symbol before Symbol DLL when generated program is executed the DLL containing at least Symbol and data attributes according to the memory region definition file corresponding to the (dynamic link library) (dynamic link library) It functions as a means to secure the area on the memory ,
By executing the previous SL generated program, DLL, which is set in the property for setting the DLL (dynamic link library) for the component when the data is input in the property for setting the data of the components ( A dynamic programming library is executed by handing over an area on the memory. Visual programming system according to claim 1 which is the property for setting the DLL (dynamic link library), characterized in that the file name of the D LL (dynamic link library) is set.

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