JP5645897B2 - Database visualization system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a database visualization system that visualizes the relationship between data in a database.

  Conventionally, in a database management method, a relation between data is visualized by using a graph or the like. For example, an information visualization system is disclosed in which data and the degree of association between the data are visualized and viewed so that the overall characteristics can be grasped (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  By the way, data stored in the database may be used by a plurality of users, and not only data browsing and output, but also input and update of new data may be performed by a plurality of users. As described above, when data is input or updated by a plurality of users, it is difficult to sufficiently grasp the relationship between data in the database. For example, when some data is the reference source of multiple data, if the user updates the data of this reference source without fully understanding the relationship and dependency between the data, Originally, there is a problem in that it affects even the reference data that is not desired to be changed.

  In particular, in video game development sites, a large number of data used for game programs are managed in a database and updated by a plurality of developers. For example, different objects refer to the same material (data that identifies the material of the object), the same shader (a program that determines the color of the object), or the same texture (an image file that maps to the object). More specifically, when each of the wall object and the desk object refers to a woodgrain texture, updating this texture will cause the surface of both the wall and desk objects to be The pattern will be changed.

  However, if you do not know the dependency between the texture data of the reference source and the object data of the reference destination and want to change the pattern of some objects and update the texture, the texture is applied. Problems with other objects will occur. In order to prevent the occurrence of such a problem, the person in charge of game development has to proceed with updating the data while investigating the mutual dependency between the data over time.

JP 2008-225940 A

  The present invention aims to solve such a problem. By visualizing the dependency relationship between data, even if the data structure of the database is complicated, the user can easily connect between data. It aims at providing the database visualization system which can grasp the relation.

  The present invention provides a database in which first data and second reference source data that is a reference source of the first data are stored, and a reference source display request reception unit that receives a display request of the reference source of the first data. When the reference source display request receiving means accepts the display request for the reference source of the first data, the reference source data extraction that extracts the second reference source data that is the reference source of the first data from the database The present invention relates to a database visualization system comprising: means and reference source data display means for displaying second reference source data extracted by the reference source data extraction means on a display device in a manner associated with the first data.

  The database stores the relationship between the first data and the second reference source data of the reference source, and the user wants to know the reference source data by operating the input device. When one data is selected, second reference source data that is a reference source of the selected first data is extracted from the database. Then, the extracted second reference source data is displayed in a manner associated with the first data. Even if the data structure of the database is complicated, these relationships can be visualized in an easy-to-understand manner, so that the user can easily grasp the relationship between the data.

  The present invention relates to a database in which first data and second reference destination data that is a reference destination of the first data are stored, and a reference destination display request receiving unit that receives a display request for the reference destination of the first data. When the reference destination display request accepting unit accepts the display request for the reference destination of the first data, the reference destination data extraction that extracts the second reference destination data that is the reference destination of the first data from the database The present invention relates to a database visualization system comprising: means, and reference destination data display means for displaying second reference destination data extracted by the reference destination data extraction means on a display device in a manner associated with the first data.

  The database stores the relationship between the first data and the second reference destination data of the reference destination, and the user wants to know the reference destination data by operating the input device. When one data is selected, second reference destination data that is a reference destination of the selected first data is extracted from the database. Then, the extracted second reference destination data is displayed in a manner associated with the first data. Even if the data structure of the database is complicated, these relationships can be visualized in an easy-to-understand manner, so that the user can easily grasp the relationship between the data.

  The present invention includes a database that stores first data, second reference source data that is a reference source of the first data, and second reference destination data that is a reference destination of the first data, A reference source display request receiving unit that receives a display request of a reference source of one data, and when the display request of the reference source of the first data is received by the reference source display request receiving unit, the reference source of the first data The reference source data extracting means for extracting a certain second reference source data from the database, and the second reference source data extracted by the reference source data extracting means are displayed on the display device in a manner associated with the first data. When the display request of the reference destination of the first data is received by the reference source data display means, the reference destination display request reception means that receives the display request of the reference destination of the first data, and the reference destination display request reception means, The second In a mode in which the second reference destination data, which is the reference destination of the data, is extracted from the database, and the second reference destination data extracted by the data extraction means is associated with the first data. The present invention relates to a database visualization system comprising reference destination data display means for displaying on a display device.

  The database stores first data, second reference source data that is a reference source of the first data, and second reference destination data that is a reference destination of the first data. It is possible to switch whether to display the reference source or the reference destination of the first data.

  In the present invention, the database further accumulates third reference source data that is a reference source of the second reference source data, and the reference source data extraction means stores the extracted second reference source data. The third reference source data which is the reference source is extracted from the database, and the reference source data display means extracts the third reference source data extracted by the reference source data extraction means. It is preferable to display on the display device in a manner associated with the reference source data.

  In the present invention, the database further stores third reference destination data that is a reference destination of the second reference destination data, and the reference destination data extraction means extracts the extracted second reference destination. The third reference destination data that is the data reference destination is extracted from the database, and the reference destination data display means extracts the third reference destination data extracted by the reference destination data extraction means. It is preferable to display on the display device in a manner associated with the second reference destination data.

  The database also stores third reference source data that is a reference source of the second reference source data and / or third reference destination data that is a reference destination of the second reference destination data. By associating with the second reference source data and the second reference destination data, it is possible to easily grasp the relationship between data even in a database having a more complicated data structure. Become.

  In the present invention, the reference source data display means and / or the reference destination data display means display icons corresponding to each data, and the associated mode is that the plurality of displayed icons are connected by lines or figures. It is preferable that the display mode is displayed.

  By connecting icons corresponding to each data with lines, arrows, etc., it becomes possible to easily grasp the dependency relationship of the data.

  In the present invention, the reference source data display means and / or the reference destination data display means display an icon corresponding to each data, and the reference source display request reception means and / or the reference destination display request reception means When an icon is selected by an input operation to the apparatus, it is preferable to accept a display request for the reference source of the first data and / or the reference destination of the first data corresponding to the selected icon.

  An icon corresponding to each data is displayed on the display screen, and by selecting one of these icons, the data structure can be visualized with the data corresponding to the selected icon as the first data. Become. The user can select which data is the first data by a simple operation such as double-clicking on the icon. In addition, it is possible to select whether the data of the reference source (downstream side) or reference destination (upstream side) of the first data is displayed as an icon by a simple method such as using a click method or a click position. Can do.

  The present invention is a database visualization program for visualizing the configuration of a database, which is executed in a computer device having a display device and an input device, and the database is a first data and a reference source of the first data. The second reference source data is stored, and the computer device refers to the first data by the reference source display request receiving means for receiving the display request of the reference source of the first data and the reference source display request receiving means. When the original display request is accepted, the second reference source data that is the reference source of the first data is extracted from the database, and the second reference source data extracted by the reference source data extraction unit A database visualization program that functions as reference source data display means for displaying the reference source data on the display device in a manner associated with the first data. About grams.

  The present invention is a database visualization program for visualizing the configuration of a database, which is executed in a computer device having a display device and an input device, and the database is a first data and a reference destination of the first data. The second reference destination data is stored, and the computer device refers to the first data by the reference destination display request receiving means for receiving the reference destination display request for the first data and the reference destination display request receiving means. When the previous display request is received, the second reference destination data, which is the reference destination of the first data, is extracted from the database by the reference destination data extraction means and the second reference destination data extraction means extracted by the reference destination data extraction means A database visualization program that functions as reference data display means for displaying the reference data on the display device in a manner associated with the first data. About grams.

  The present invention is a database visualization program for visualizing the configuration of a database, which is executed in a computer device having a display device and an input device, and the database is a first data and a reference source of the first data. The second reference source data and the second reference destination data that is the reference destination of the first data are accumulated, and the reference source display request for accepting the display request of the reference source of the first data from the computer device When the receiving unit and the reference source display request receiving unit accept the display request of the reference source of the first data, the reference source that extracts the second reference source data that is the reference source of the first data from the database The reference source data for displaying the second reference source data extracted by the data extraction means and the reference source data extraction means on the display device in a manner associated with the first data. The first data reference destination display request is received by the reference destination display request receiving means for receiving the first data reference destination display request, and the reference destination display request receiving means. In a mode in which the second reference destination data, which is the reference destination of the data, is extracted from the database, and the second reference destination data extracted by the data extraction means is associated with the first data. The present invention relates to a database visualization program that functions as reference data display means for display on a display device.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the database visualization apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the display screen at the time of visualizing the whole image of a data group. It is an example of a display screen when visualizing a data group that directly or indirectly refers to predetermined data. It is an example of a display screen when the data group which predetermined data refers directly or indirectly is visualized. It is a figure which shows an example of the icon displayed on the display screen of the visualization apparatus of a database. It is a figure showing an example of a menu window. It is an example of the figure showing the change of the display screen in the difference in the setting of a display icon selection box. It is an example of the figure showing the change of the display screen in the difference in the setting of a display depth setting slider. It is an example of the figure showing the change of the display screen in the difference in the setting of a sibling check box. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of a database. It is a figure showing the flowchart of the visualization system concerning embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the figure showing the change of the display screen by a user's operation. It is an example of the display screen of the database visualization apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a database visualization apparatus applied in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the database visualization device includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a main memory 12, an input device 13, a display device 14, a hard disk drive (HDD) 15, a CD-ROM / DVD drive 16, and communication. And an interface 17. The display device 14 includes a display screen 18, and a recording medium 19 can be attached to the DVD / CD-ROM drive 16. Further, the communication interface 17 is connected to a communication network by wireless or wired communication, and can be connected to the database 20 to be visualized via the communication network.

  The CPU 11 executes a program stored on the HDD 15 or the recording medium 19 to control the apparatus main body. The main memory 12 is a work area for the CPU 11. The HDD 15 is used as a storage area for storing programs and data.

  The DVD / CD-ROM drive 16 reads programs and data from the recording medium 19. The input device 13 is a mouse used as a pointing device, a keyboard having direction keys, or the like. The mouse is used to perform operations such as selecting an icon displayed on the display screen and a button on the icon, checking a check box in the menu window, and removing the check box. It is also possible to drag the position of the icon on the display screen using the mouse. Input data from the input device 13 is output to the main memory 12, and the CPU 11 interprets it and executes arithmetic processing. The program and data executed by the database visualization apparatus may be configured to be stored in the recording medium 19, for example.

  The CPU 11 expands the image data and displays the image on the display screen 18 of the display device 14. In such image processing, a control device for image processing (including a CPU, a ROM, and the like) may be used.

  Next, an example of a database in the database visualization system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present invention can be applied to visualizing a database composed of data of a plurality of different types or attributes having dependency relationships, such that one refers to the other or one is composed of the other. Here, a case where the present invention is applied to visualization of a data group used when displaying computer graphics, which can be utilized at a video game development site, will be mainly described.

  The database 20 stores a data group used when displaying computer graphics in a video game, for example, scene data, model data, material data, shaders, and textures having different data types and attributes.

  The scene data is used to identify a virtual space scene that can be used for each video game stage or map, and refers to model data. Model data identifies objects in the virtual space and refers to material data. The material data identifies the material of the model and refers to the shader and texture. The shader is a program for determining the color of the model, and the texture is an image file mapped to the model. The shader and texture are the most downstream data. Further, the scene data is obtained by referring to data downstream from this, and is the most upstream data.

  Next, a display screen of the database visualization apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. 2-4 is a figure which shows the example of the display screen of the visualization apparatus of a database. FIG. 2 is an example of a display screen when the entire image of the data group is visualized. FIG. 3 is an example of a display screen when a data group that directly or indirectly refers to predetermined data is visualized. FIG. 4 illustrates that the predetermined data refers directly or indirectly. It is an example of the display screen at the time of visualizing a data group.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, a scene icon 21a, a model icon 21b, a material icon 21c, a shader icon 21d, and a texture icon 21e are displayed on the display screen 18. The scene icon 21a is an icon corresponding to scene data, and the model icon 21b is an icon 21 corresponding to model data. The material icon 21c is an icon 21 corresponding to material data, the shader icon 21d is a shader, and the texture icon 21e is an icon 21 corresponding to a texture.

  A line 22 is connected between the icon 21 and the icon 21 in a reference-referenced relationship. The line 22 includes an icon corresponding to reference data (data referring to the referenced data) from an icon 21 (referenced icon) corresponding to the referenced data (data to be referred to from other data). An arrow indicating the direction toward 21 (reference icon) is displayed. For example, regarding the relationship between the scene icon 21a and the model icon 21b, the scene icon 21a is a reference icon, the model icon 21b is a referenced icon, and an arrow indicating the direction from the model icon 21b to the scene icon 21a is displayed. That is, an arrow is displayed from the icon 21 corresponding to the data on the downstream side to the icon 21 corresponding to the data on the upstream side.

In FIG. 2, all of the icons 21 corresponding to the data in the database are displayed. In FIG. 3, the display screen 18 includes material icons 21c _{1 to} 21c ₃ referring to the texture icon 21e ₁ , model icons 21b ₁ and 21b ₂ referring to the material icons 21c _{1 to} 21c _3, and A scene icon 21a ₁ referring to the model icons 21b ₁ and 21b ₂ is displayed.

When the icon 21 is displayed on the display screen 18 in a mode different from that in FIG. 3, the texture icon 21 e is clicked on the upstream display button provided on the texture icon 21 e ₁ in the display screen 18 with the mouse. When the user so as to display the upstream ₁ performs an operation instruction, as shown in FIG. 3, starting from the texture icon 21e _1, so that the icon 21 corresponding to the upstream data is displayed.

On the other hand, in FIG. 4, the material icons 21c ₅ and 21c ₆ referred to by the model icon 21b ₅ and the shader icons 21d ₅ and 21d ₆ referred to by the material icons 21c ₅ and 21c ₆ are displayed on the display screen 18. And texture icons 21e ₅ and 21e ₆ are displayed.

In the case that is displayed in the icon 21 in a different manner the display screen 18 of FIG. 4, such as by double-clicking the model icon 21b ₅ in the display screen 18, utilized to display the downstream model icon 21b ₅ When the operator gives an operation instruction, the icon 21 corresponding to the data downstream from the model icon 21b ₅ is displayed as shown in FIG.

  By clicking the upstream display button of the desired icon 21, the user can also display the icon 21 located upstream from the icon 21. Further, by double-clicking the desired icon 21, it is also possible to display the icon 21 further downstream from the icon 21 as a starting point. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, when the icon 21 corresponding to all data is displayed, when the icon 21 downstream of the predetermined icon 21 is displayed, or when the icon 21 upstream of the predetermined icon 21 is displayed. The display mode when is displayed can be switched between in accordance with the user's operation instruction to the input device.

  In consideration of the visibility of the data visualized with the icons 21, the number of icons displayed on the display screen 18 may be limited to 10-20. When limiting the number of icons to be displayed on the display screen 18, in the case of FIG. 2 or FIG. In the case as shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the downstream one is preferentially displayed.

  Next, the icon 21 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of icons displayed on the display screen of the database visualization device. The icon 21 is provided with an outer frame 31 on the outer peripheral portion, and a thumbnail display area 32 is provided inside the outer frame 31 and at the center of the icon 21.

  The outer frame 31 has a different color depending on the type of the icon 21. The user can easily recognize whether the icon corresponds to any data of a scene, a model, a material, a shader, or a texture only by confirming the color of the outer frame 31. The color of the outer frame 31 can be determined as appropriate depending on the type of the icon 21. For example, the color of the outer frame 31 is changed stepwise from a cold color to a warm color as it goes downstream from the scene icon 21 a on the upstream side. Also good. By changing the color of the outer frame stepwise according to the type of data, such as making the upstream side cold and the downstream side warm, the user can intuitively understand the type of data. It becomes.

  In the thumbnail display area 32, a diagram that can specify the contents of data is displayed. For example, even in the case of the texture icon 21e, a figure with a different shape or pattern is displayed in the thumbnail display area 32 depending on the content of the texture. The same applies to the scene icon 21a, the model icon 21b, the material icon 21c, and the shader icon 21d, and different shapes and patterns according to the contents are displayed. The user can grasp the contents of the data by confirming the figure displayed in the thumbnail display area 32.

  In addition, a data name 33 is displayed below the thumbnail display area 32, and a reference count 34 is displayed in the upper left portion of the icon 21 and in a portion overlapping the outer frame 31. The referenced number 34 indicates the number of data referring to the data corresponding to the icon 21. Whether or not to display the referenced number 34 on the icon 21 can also be set by a menu window described later.

  Further, an upstream display button 35 is provided in the upper right part of the icon 21 and in a portion overlapping the outer frame 31. When the user makes a selection by clicking the upstream display button 35 or the like, all the icons 21 on the upstream side of the starting icon 21 provided with the upstream display button 35 are displayed. That is, not only the icon 21 representing the data referring to the data corresponding to the starting icon 21, but also the icon 21 representing the data referring to the data is displayed.

  Next, a menu window displayed on the display screen in the database visualization apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu window. The menu window 40 is provided with a display icon selection box 41, a display depth setting slider 42, a sibling check box 43, and a reference number display check box 44. The user can make various settings using the menu window 40.

  The display icon selection box 41 is used to select the type of icon 21 to be displayed. By checking the box, the display icon selection box 41 is displayed from among the scene icon 21a, model icon 21b, material icon 21c, shader icon 21d, and texture icon 21e. You can set what you want to target.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a change in the display screen due to a difference in setting of the display icon selection box. In FIG. 7A, all the boxes in the display icon selection box 41 are checked, and any type of icon is a display target. Here, if the check is removed from the material-related boxes in the display icon selection box 41, the material icon 21c is omitted and is not displayed as shown in FIG. 7B. In this case, the shader referred to by the material data corresponding to the material icon 21c, the shader icon 21d indicating the texture, and the texture icon 21e are connected to the model icon 21b representing the model data referring to the material data. Displayed in various ways.

  In FIG. 7A, all types of icons 21 are displayed, and the relationship between the icons 21 can be displayed based on the direct reference-referenced relationship. The arrows and lines connecting the icons 21 are displayed as solid lines. On the other hand, in FIG. 7B, the model icon 21b is not in a direct reference-referenced relationship with the shader icon 21d or the texture icon 21e, but in an indirect reference-referenced relationship via the material icon 21c. Yes, the model icon 21b is connected to the shader icon 21d and the texture icon 21e by a broken line so that the user can grasp this.

  The display depth setting slider 42 adjusts the depth of data to be displayed when displaying upstream or downstream from the starting icon 21. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a change in the display screen due to a difference in setting of the display depth setting slider.

  In FIG. 8A, the setting of the display depth setting slider 42 is the depth “1”, and the “first generation” material icon that is directly in a reference-referenced relationship as viewed from the texture icon 21e. Up to 21c is displayed. In FIG. 8B, the setting of the display depth setting slider 42 is the depth “2”, and as viewed from the texture icon 21e, not only the “first generation” material icon 21c but also the material icon 21c directly. Are displayed up to the “second generation” model icon 21b in a reference-referenced relationship. Further, in FIG. 8C, the setting of the display depth setting slider 42 is “3”, and the icons 21 of “first generation” and “second generation” are only viewed from the texture icon 21e. Instead, the “second generation” model icon 21b is displayed up to the “third generation” scene icon 21a that is directly in a reference-referenced relationship. Thus, the visibility of the user can be improved by adjusting the depth of data to be displayed by the display depth setting slider 42.

By the way, when the data A refers to the data B ₁ and the data B ₂ , the data B ₁ and B ₂ are data having the same reference destination, and the data having such a relationship is defined as sibling data. can do. By checking the sibling check box 43, this sibling data can be displayed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating changes in the display screen due to differences in sibling check box settings. 9A and 9B, the texture icon 21e ₁ is the starting point, and the icon 21 upstream of the texture icon 21e ₁ is displayed. FIG. 9A shows a state in which the sibling check box 43 is not checked. By checking the sibling check box 43, the texture as the starting point as shown in FIG. icon 21 indicating the sibling data of data corresponding to the icon 21e ₁ is displayed. That is, texture icon 21e ₁ is data corresponding to the material icon _21c 1 _{~21c 3} is in the reference destination, and also, becomes data corresponding to these materials icons _21c 1 to c ₃ is the reference destination The shader icons 21d ₁ and 21d ₂ and the texture icon 21e ₂ are displayed. In this way, since the user can easily grasp sibling data, it is easy to determine which other data the data that is the reference destination of the target data further refers to. I can grasp it.

  The reference count display check box 44 is used to set whether to display the reference count of the data corresponding to the icon 21. By checking the reference count display check box 44, the icon 21 is displayed. The number of references 34 is displayed in the upper left part of.

  Next, the database will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a database used in the visualization system of the present invention. The database 20 stores a reference destination 56 and a reference source 57 for each data having different attributes of the scene data 51, model data 52, material data 53, shader 54, and texture 55. The database 20a in FIG. 10A stores the reference source 57 of the scene data 51, and the database 20b in FIG. 10B stores the reference destination 56 and the reference source 57 of the model data 52 in FIG. 10C. The database 20c stores a reference destination 56 and a reference source 57 of the material data 53. The database 20d in FIG. 10D stores the reference destination 56 of the shader 54, and the database 20e in FIG. 10E stores the reference destination 56 of the texture 55.

  Next, display processing of the visualization system will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of display processing in the visualization system of the present invention. First, a display request is accepted by an input to a user input device (step S1). The display request is a request to display the downstream of the data corresponding to the icon 21 when the icon 21 is double-clicked, and the icon 21 corresponds to the icon 21 when the upstream display button of the icon 21 is clicked. It is required to display the upstream of the data to be processed.

  When the display request is accepted in step S1, the reference source data (hereinafter also referred to as reference source data) or the reference destination data of the data corresponding to the icon 21 clicked at the time of the display request is referred to the database 20. (Hereinafter also referred to as reference destination data) is extracted (step S2). When the extracted data is reference source data, it is determined whether there is further reference source data of the reference source data. When the extracted data is reference destination data, the reference source data further includes the reference source data. It is determined whether the reference destination data exists (step S3).

  If there is further reference source or reference destination data in the extracted data (YES in step S3), the process returns to step S2, and the reference source or reference destination data is extracted. On the other hand, if there is no reference source or reference destination data in the extracted data (NO in step S3), the process proceeds to step S4. Therefore, the processing from step S2 to step S3 is repeatedly executed until there is no more reference source or reference destination data in the extracted data. However, if the number of icons to be displayed increases, it becomes difficult to grasp the contents of the visualized data. Therefore, the number of icons that can be displayed may be limited.

  When all the data to be displayed on the display screen 18 is extracted by executing the processes of steps S2 and S3, the icon 21 corresponding to the extracted data is displayed using lines, arrows, other figures, and the like. Drawing processing is executed so that it can be displayed on the display screen 18 in a connected manner (step S4). Next, it is displayed on the display screen 18 based on the display data obtained by the drawing process (step S5), and the series of processes ends.

Next, changes in the display screen 18 due to user operations will be described. FIG. 12 is an example of a diagram illustrating changes in the display screen due to user operations. In the initial state, the entire data group is displayed as shown in FIG. Here, when the upstream display button of the icon 21e ₅ is clicked, the material data that refers to the texture corresponding to the icon 21e ₅ , the model data that refers to the material data, and the scene data that refers to the model data are displayed. Extracted. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12B, only the icon 21c ₅ , icon 21b ₆ , and icon 21a ₅ that are upstream of the icon 21e ₅ are displayed, and the icons 21e ₅ to 21a ₅ are displayed between the icons. , Displayed to be linked by an arrow pointing upstream.

Next, when the icon 21b ₆ is double-clicked, the material data referred to by the model data corresponding to the icon 21b ₆ and the shader and texture referred to by the material data are extracted as display targets. As a result, an icon 21c ₅ , an icon 21d ₅ , and an icon 21e _{5 that} are downstream of the icon 21b ₆ are displayed. In other words, it is displayed newly icon 21d _5. Note that the icon 21a ₅ that is the upstream start point may be hidden, but may be displayed as shown in FIG. In this case, the icons 21a ₅ may be displayed thinner than usual.

Further extracted, clicking on the upstream display button icon 21d _5, the material data referring to shader corresponding to the icon 21d _5, model data further reference to the material data, as further scene data is displayed that refers to the model data Is done. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12 (d), the icon _21c 5, 21c ₆ is upstream of the icon 21d _5, icons _21b 5, 21b _6, the icon 21a ₅ is displayed. That is, the icons 21c ₆ and 21b ₅ are newly displayed. In a state before being made to be click on the upstream display button of the icon 21d _5, as well as had been dimmed the icon 21a _5, by clicking on the upstream display button of the icon 21d _5, icon 21a ₅ is displayed as usual . Note that the icon 21e ₅ is a starting point of the downstream side may be hidden, but may remain displayed as shown in FIG 12 (d). In this case, the icons 21e ₅ can display thinner than usual.

  In the above embodiment, the database visualization system of the present invention has been described mainly for the case of visualizing a database related to data groups for composing computer graphics of a video game. However, the present invention is particularly limited to this application. Do not mean. In the present invention, as in the embodiment described above, a database composed of data of a plurality of different types or attributes having a dependency relationship such that one refers to the other or one is composed of the other. It can be applied to visualize.

  For example, the present invention can be applied to a case where the design data of a product, the design data of a device unit constituting the product, and the part data constituting the device unit are stored in the database. Manufacturers that manufacture various types of advanced electrical appliances in recent years have provided multiple products with different functions and price ranges. For this reason, some parts use common parts while others use parts unique to the product. In order to satisfy the demands for improving functions and safety, reducing costs, etc., when reviewing the design of each product and parts, etc., which parts are commonly used for which equipment and which products A method that can be easily grasped is desirable for product developers and designers.

  FIG. 13 is an example of a display screen of the database visualization apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 13, the display screen 18 displays a product icon 61a corresponding to the product design data, a device unit icon 61b corresponding to the device unit design data, and a component icon 61c corresponding to the component data constituting the device unit. ing. In this case, the product icon 61a is on the most upstream side, and the part icon 61c is on the most downstream side.

Parts corresponding to parts icon 61c ₁ is used by a plurality of equipment units, component icons 61c ₁ is connected while directing the arrow to the apparatus unit icon _61b 1, 61b _2. Furthermore, the device unit icon 61b ₁ is connected to the product icon 61a ₁ and the device unit icon 61b ₂ is connected to the product icon 61a ₂ with the arrow pointing.

Here, by clicking the upstream display button component icons 61c _1, and device unit data using the component corresponding to the component icons 61c _1, product data using those equipment units are extracted for display as a result, the starting point and the icon group in the component icons 61c ₁ downstream, i.e., component icons 61c _1, the apparatus unit icon _61b 1, 61b _2, only product icons _61a 1, 61a ₂ is displayed on the display screen 18 .

On the other hand, instead of clicking the upstream display button component icons 61c _1, by double-clicking the product icon 61a _1, and the product is being equipment unit data used that corresponds to the product icon 61a _1, their equipment unit is extracted as the part data is display data are used, the result, the starting point and the icon group in the product icon 61a ₁ upstream, that is, product icons 61a _1, device unit icon _61b 1, 61b _3, component icons _61c 1, only 61c ₂ is displayed on the display screen 18.

11 CPU
12 Main memory 13 Input device 14 Display device 15 HDD
16 CD-ROM / DVD drive 17 Communication interface 18 Display screen 19 Recording medium 20 Database 21 Icon 40 Menu window

Claims (16)

First data, at least one second reference source data that is a reference source of the first data, and at least one third reference source data that is a reference source of the second reference source data Accumulated database and
A reference source display request receiving means for receiving a display request of the reference source of the first data;
When the display request of the reference source of the first data is received by the reference source display request receiving means, the second reference source data that is the reference source of the first data is extracted from the database, and the extracted second Reference source data extraction means for extracting third reference source data that is a reference source of the reference source data from the database;
The second reference source data extracted by the reference source data extraction unit is displayed on the display device in a manner associated with the first data, and the third reference source data extracted by the reference source data extraction unit is extracted. Data display means for displaying on the display device in a manner associated with the second reference source data,
Data type selection means for selecting which type of data to display on the display device, the first data, the second reference source data and the third reference source data;
The data display means displays an icon corresponding to each data, and the data type selection means selects any one of the first data, the second reference source data, and the third reference source data. Then, only the icon corresponding to the selected type of data is displayed on the display device in an associated manner ,
The manner in which the associated data is displayed in different manners when the corresponding data is a direct reference source and a reference destination and when the corresponding data is an indirect reference source and a reference destination. , Connected and displayed by lines or figures,
Database visualization system. A database that accumulates first data and second reference source data that is a reference source of the first data;
A reference source display request receiving means for receiving a display request of the reference source of the first data;
When the reference source display request receiving means receives the display request of the reference source of the first data, the reference source data extracting means for extracting the second reference source data that is the reference source of the first data from the database;
Data display means for displaying the second reference source data extracted by the reference source data extraction means on the display device in a manner associated with the first data;
Other data display request receiving means for receiving a display request for other data with the second reference source data as a reference source,
When the display request for other data is accepted by the other data display request accepting means, the data display means extracts other data with the second reference source data extracted by the reference source data extracting means as the reference source. Display on the display device in a manner associated with the second reference source data.
Database visualization system. First data, at least one second reference source data that is a reference source of the first data, and at least one third reference source data that is a reference source of the second reference source data Accumulated database and
A reference source display request receiving means for receiving a display request of the reference source of the first data;
When the display request of the reference source of the first data is received by the reference source display request receiving means, the second reference source data that is the reference source of the first data is extracted from the database, and the extracted second Reference source data extraction means for extracting third reference source data that is a reference source of the reference source data from the database;
The second reference source data extracted by the reference source data extraction unit is displayed on the display device in a manner associated with the first data, and the third reference source data extracted by the reference source data extraction unit is extracted. Data display means for displaying on the display device in a manner associated with the second reference source data,
The data display means displays an icon corresponding to each data,
There is an upper limit on the number of icons displayed by the data display means,
The data display means gives priority to the second reference source data over the third reference source data and prioritizes the first reference source data over the second reference source data within the upper limit of the number of icons. Display,
Database visualization system. First data, at least one second reference destination data that is a reference destination of the first data, and at least one third reference destination data that is a reference destination of the second reference destination data. Accumulated database and
A reference display request receiving means for receiving a display request for the reference destination of the first data;
When the display request for the reference destination of the first data is received by the reference destination display request receiving means, the second reference destination data that is the reference destination of the first data is extracted from the database, and the extracted second data Reference destination data extraction means for extracting third reference destination data, which is a reference destination of the reference destination data, from the database;
The second reference destination data extracted by the reference destination data extraction means is displayed on the display device in a manner associated with the first data, and the third reference destination data extracted by the reference destination data extraction means is extracted. Data display means for displaying on the display device in a manner associated with the second reference destination data,
Data type selection means for selecting which type of data to display on the display device, the first data, the second reference destination data and the third reference destination data,
The data display means displays an icon corresponding to each data, and the data type selection means selects any one of the first data, the second reference destination data, and the third reference destination data. Then, only the icon corresponding to the selected type of data is displayed on the display device in an associated manner ,
The manner in which the associated data is displayed in different manners when the corresponding data is a direct reference destination and a reference source and when the corresponding data is an indirect reference destination and a reference source. , Connected and displayed by lines or figures,
Database visualization system. A database in which first data and second reference data that is a reference destination of the first data are accumulated;
A reference display request receiving means for receiving a display request for the reference destination of the first data;
When a reference destination display request is received by the reference destination display request receiving unit, a reference destination data extracting unit that extracts second reference destination data that is a reference destination of the first data from the database;
Data display means for displaying the second reference destination data extracted by the reference destination data extraction means on the display device in a manner associated with the first data;
Other data display request receiving means for receiving a display request for other data with the second reference destination data as a reference destination,
When the display request for other data is received by the other data display request receiving unit, the data display unit extracts other data that has the second reference destination data extracted by the reference destination data extraction unit as a reference destination. Display on the display device in a manner associated with the second reference destination data.
Database visualization system. First data, at least one second reference destination data that is a reference destination of the first data, and at least one third reference destination data that is a reference destination of the second reference destination data. Accumulated database and
A reference display request receiving means for receiving a display request for the reference destination of the first data;
When the display request for the reference destination of the first data is received by the reference destination display request receiving means, the second reference destination data that is the reference destination of the first data is extracted from the database, and the extracted second data Reference destination data extraction means for extracting third reference destination data, which is a reference destination of the reference destination data, from the database;
The second reference destination data extracted by the reference destination data extraction means is displayed on the display device in a manner associated with the first data, and the third reference destination data extracted by the reference destination data extraction means is extracted. Data display means for displaying on the display device in a mode associated with the second reference destination data,
The data display means displays an icon corresponding to each data,
There is an upper limit on the number of icons displayed by the data display means,
The data display means gives priority to the second reference data over the third reference data and prioritizes the first reference data over the second reference data within the upper limit of the number of icons. Display,
Database visualization system. The database further accumulates third reference source data that is a reference source of the second reference source data,
The reference source data extracting means extracts third reference source data that is a reference source of the extracted second reference source data from the database,
3. The data display unit displays the third reference source data extracted by the reference source data extraction unit on the display device in a manner associated with the extracted second reference source data. The database visualization system described. The database further accumulates third reference destination data that is a reference destination of the second reference destination data,
The reference destination data extraction means extracts third reference destination data that is a reference destination of the extracted second reference destination data from the database,
The data display means displays the third reference destination data extracted by the reference destination data extraction means on the display device in a manner associated with the extracted second reference destination data. The database visualization system described. The data display means displays an icon corresponding to each data,
9. The database visualization system according to claim 2 , wherein the associated mode is a mode in which a plurality of displayed icons are connected and displayed by lines or figures. The data display means displays an icon corresponding to each data,
When the reference source display request receiving unit or the reference destination display request receiving unit selects an icon by an input operation to the input device, the reference source or the first data of the first data corresponding to the selected icon The database visualization system according to claim 1, wherein a display request for a reference destination is received. A database visualization program for visualizing a database configuration, which is executed in a computer device having a display device and an input device,
The database includes first data, at least one second reference source data that is a reference source of the first data, and at least one third reference source that is a reference source of the second reference source data. Data, and
Computer equipment,
A reference source display request receiving means for receiving a display request of the reference source of the first data;
When the display request of the reference source of the first data is received by the reference source display request receiving means, the second reference source data that is the reference source of the first data is extracted from the database, and the extracted second Reference source data extraction means for extracting third reference source data that is a reference source of the reference source data from the database;
The second reference source data extracted by the reference source data extraction unit is displayed on the display device in a manner associated with the first data, and the third reference source data extracted by the reference source data extraction unit is extracted. Data display means for displaying on the display device in a manner associated with the second reference source data,
Function as data type selection means for selecting which type of data to display on the display device, the first data, the second reference source data and the third reference source data,
The data display means displays an icon corresponding to each data, and the data type selection means selects any one of the first data, the second reference source data, and the third reference source data. Then, only the icon corresponding to the selected type of data is displayed on the display device in an associated manner ,
The manner in which the associated data is displayed in different manners when the corresponding data is a direct reference destination and a reference source and when the corresponding data is an indirect reference destination and a reference source. , Connected and displayed by lines or figures,
Database visualization program. A database visualization program for visualizing a database configuration, which is executed in a computer device having a display device and an input device,
The database stores first data and second reference source data that is a reference source of the first data.
Computer equipment,
A reference source display request receiving means for receiving a display request of the reference source of the first data;
When the reference source display request receiving means receives the display request of the reference source of the first data, the reference source data extracting means for extracting the second reference source data that is the reference source of the first data from the database;
Data display means for displaying the second reference source data extracted by the reference source data extraction means on the display device in a manner associated with the first data;
Function as other data display request receiving means for receiving a display request for other data with the second reference source data as a reference source;
When the display request for other data is accepted by the other data display request accepting means, the data display means extracts other data with the second reference source data extracted by the reference source data extracting means as the reference source. Display on the display device in a manner associated with the second reference source data.
Database visualization program. A database visualization program for visualizing a database configuration, which is executed in a computer device having a display device and an input device,
The database includes first data, at least one second reference source data that is a reference source of the first data, and at least one third reference source that is a reference source of the second reference source data. Data, and
Computer equipment,
A reference source display request receiving means for receiving a display request of the reference source of the first data;
When the display request of the reference source of the first data is received by the reference source display request receiving means, the second reference source data that is the reference source of the first data is extracted from the database, and the extracted second Reference source data extraction means for extracting third reference source data that is a reference source of the reference source data from the database;
The second reference source data extracted by the reference source data extraction unit is displayed on the display device in a manner associated with the first data, and the third reference source data extracted by the reference source data extraction unit is extracted. Function as data display means for displaying on the display device in a manner associated with the second reference source data,
The data display means displays an icon corresponding to each data,
There is an upper limit on the number of icons displayed by the data display means,
The data display means gives priority to the second reference source data over the third reference source data and prioritizes the first reference source data over the second reference source data within the upper limit of the number of icons. Display,
Database visualization program. A database visualization program for visualizing a database configuration, which is executed in a computer device having a display device and an input device,
The database includes first data, at least one second reference destination data that is a reference destination of the first data, and at least one third reference destination that is a reference destination of the second reference destination data. Data, and
Computer equipment,
A reference display request receiving means for receiving a display request for the reference destination of the first data;
When the display request for the reference destination of the first data is received by the reference destination display request receiving means, the second reference destination data that is the reference destination of the first data is extracted from the database, and the extracted second data Reference destination data extraction means for extracting third reference destination data, which is a reference destination of the reference destination data, from the database;
The second reference destination data extracted by the reference destination data extraction means is displayed on the display device in a manner associated with the first data, and the third reference destination data extracted by the reference destination data extraction means is extracted. Data display means for displaying on the display device in a manner associated with the second reference destination data,
Function as data type selection means for selecting which type of data to display on the display device, the first data, the second reference destination data and the third reference destination data;
The data display means displays an icon corresponding to each data, and the data type selection means selects any one of the first data, the second reference destination data, and the third reference destination data. Then, only the icon corresponding to the selected type of data is displayed on the display device in an associated manner ,
The manner in which the associated data is displayed in different manners when the corresponding data is a direct reference destination and a reference source and when the corresponding data is an indirect reference destination and a reference source. , Connected and displayed by lines or figures,
Database visualization program. A database visualization program for visualizing a database configuration, which is executed in a computer device having a display device and an input device,
The database stores the first data and the second reference destination data that is the reference destination of the first data.
Computer equipment,
A reference display request receiving means for receiving a display request for the reference destination of the first data;
When a reference destination display request is received by the reference destination display request receiving unit, a reference destination data extracting unit that extracts second reference destination data that is a reference destination of the first data from the database;
Data display means for displaying the second reference destination data extracted by the reference destination data extraction means on the display device in a manner associated with the first data;
Function as other data display request accepting means for accepting a display request for other data with the second reference destination data as a reference destination,
When the display request for other data is received by the other data display request receiving unit, the data display unit extracts other data that has the second reference destination data extracted by the reference destination data extraction unit as a reference destination. Display on the display device in a manner associated with the second reference destination data.
Database visualization program. A database visualization program for visualizing a database configuration, which is executed in a computer device having a display device and an input device,
The database includes first data, at least one second reference destination data that is a reference destination of the first data, and at least one third reference destination that is a reference destination of the second reference destination data. Data, and
Computer equipment,
A reference display request receiving means for receiving a display request for the reference destination of the first data;
When the display request for the reference destination of the first data is received by the reference destination display request receiving means, the second reference destination data that is the reference destination of the first data is extracted from the database, and the extracted second data Reference destination data extraction means for extracting third reference destination data, which is a reference destination of the reference destination data, from the database;
The second reference destination data extracted by the reference destination data extraction means is displayed on the display device in a manner associated with the first data, and the third reference destination data extracted by the reference destination data extraction means is extracted. Functioning as data display means for displaying on the display device in a manner associated with the second reference destination data,
The data display means displays an icon corresponding to each data,
There is an upper limit on the number of icons displayed by the data display means,
The data display means gives priority to the second reference data over the third reference data and prioritizes the first reference data over the second reference data within the upper limit of the number of icons. Display,
Database visualization program.

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