JP2003050827A - Data map preparation support device, data map preparation support method, computer readable recording medium stored with data map preparation support program, and data map preparation support program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily prepare a data map where graphic objects of the number and size in accordance with data quantity, to which links to data are set, are arranged at optional positions on an image. SOLUTION: The data map is prepared by using the data map preparation support device provided with a table data input means for inputting table data, a link object generating means for generating link objects to which the link to the inputted table data is set, a position specifying means specifying the arranging position of the link object and an object arranging means for arranging the link object at the position specified in the position specifying means.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention uses table data and an object in which a link to the table data is set,
Data map creation support device, data map creation support method, computer readable recording medium storing data map creation support program, and data for creating data map for efficiently and effectively browsing and analyzing table data Map creation support program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, when analyzing patent search results, etc., the data is categorized by field and applicant and summarized in a table data format for each category, or the number of cases for each category is counted and displayed in a graph. BACKGROUND ART Work for creating a so-called patent map (hereinafter referred to as a data map) is performed such as representing or arranging a plurality of specific symbols at specific positions on a graphic.

Examples of conventional data maps are shown in FIGS.

FIG. 9 (a) is a bar graph showing the number of cases for each applicant, and FIG. 9 (b) is a two-dimensional map of circles having a size corresponding to the number of applications for each applicant / classification. It is arranged above.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a patent map creation support system described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-231141.

In the patent map creation support system described in this publication, the patent information to which the classification code is added is stored in the patent database recording section, and the type of chart, the elements on the vertical and horizontal axes of the chart, etc. are used as parameters. Give,
A data map as shown in FIG. 10A is generated and displayed according to the designated parameters. 1 of the constituent elements (for example, minor classification) in the state that the data map is displayed
Select one with the mouse, as shown in FIG.
A list of patent information included in the selected component is displayed. Further, when a list of patent information is displayed and one of them is selected with the mouse, image information of the selected patent is displayed in a mode as shown in FIG. 10 (c).

FIG. 11 (a) shows the number of applications for each constituent element of the bicycle by the number of circles, and FIG. 11 (b).
Shows the circles of the size corresponding to the number of applications for each category arranged on the functional system diagram.

[0008]

The graphs and data maps shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are displayed on a personal computer, software called so-called spreadsheet software (for example, EXCEL (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation), It can be created by the patent map creation support system described in JP-A-6-231141.

However, as shown in FIG. 11, a symbol (hereinafter referred to as a graphic object) having a number and a size corresponding to the amount of data such as the number of applications is arranged at a specific position on a specific image or graphic. A system for creating such data maps has not been realized, and at present, using general spreadsheet software and graphic creation software, the user can create graphic objects in a mode (number, size, etc.) according to the number of cases. The only way to create it manually is to place it on the image. This method has a problem that when data is added or deleted after the data map is created, the mode of the graphic object must be manually corrected according to the changed data amount.

In the case of a method of manually creating a graphic object and arranging it at a specific position on the image, the function as described with reference to FIG. 10, that is, the component (graphic object)
When is selected with the mouse, the function of displaying a list of patent information and image information included in the component (hereinafter, referred to as a link function) cannot be realized.

Microsoft's EXCE
In L, it is possible to manually set the link information in the graphic object, but the complicated work of creating the graphic object according to the amount of data and setting the link information for the graphic object is required. Must be repeated as many times as necessary.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. A graphic object having a number and size according to the amount of data and a link to the data is set at an arbitrary position on an image. An object is to provide a data map creation support device capable of easily creating an arranged data map, a data map creation support method, a computer-readable recording medium storing a data map creation support program, and a data map creation support program. To do.

[0013]

A data map creation support device according to the present invention comprises a table data input means for inputting table data and a link object generation means for generating a link object in which a link to the input table data is set. When,
It is characterized in that it is provided with a position designating means for designating a layout position of the link object and an object placement means for arranging the link object at the position designated by the position designating means.

According to the data map creation support device of the present invention, since the link object in which the link to the table data is set can be arranged at an arbitrary position, a data map having good operability and easy to use can be easily created. can do.

In the data map creation support device of the present invention, image data input means for inputting image data is provided,
The position specifying means may specify a position on the input image data, and the object arranging means may arrange the link object on the input image data.

According to the data map creation support device of the present invention, since the link object can be arranged at any position on any image, it is possible to create a data map that is easy to see and understand. You can

In the data map creation support device of the present invention, the link object creating means may be configured to create a link object in a mode according to the data amount of the input table data.

According to the data map creation support device of the present invention, since the link object can be displayed in a mode according to the data amount of the table data, it is possible to create a data map that is easy to see and understand. it can.

In the data map creation support device of the present invention, the table data input means can input a plurality of classified table data, and the link object generation means inputs each of the plurality of input table data. A plurality of link objects to which links are set are generated, the position specifying means specifies the arrangement position of each link object generated by the link object generating means, and the link object generating means specifies the position specifying means. You may comprise so that the said some object may be arrange | positioned at each position.

According to the data map creation support apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to collectively generate link objects in which links to each of a plurality of table data are set and to collectively arrange them at respective arrangement positions. Therefore, it is possible to easily create a data map which has good operability and whose contents are easy to understand as described above.

In the data map creation support device of the present invention, the link object generation means is responsive to the data amount of the table data having the largest data amount among the plurality of input table data and the data amount of each table data. You may comprise so that the link object of each aspect may be produced | generated, respectively.

According to the data map creation support device of the present invention, the link object having the largest amount of data among the plurality of table data and the link object in the mode corresponding to the data amount of each table data are respectively generated. Since it is possible to create a link object in an appropriate manner, it is possible to create a data map that is easy to see and understand.

In the data map creation support device of the present invention, a quantity object generating means for counting the data amount of the inputted table data and generating a quantity object in which the counting result is expressed by a numeral is provided, and the object arranging means is provided. The quantity object generated by the quantity object generating means may be arranged near the link object arranged by the position specifying means.

According to the data map creation support device of the present invention, since the data amount of table data can be displayed numerically near the link object, it is possible to create a data map that is easy to see and understand. You can

The data map creation support method of the present invention comprises the steps of inputting table data and generating a link object in which a link to the table data is set.
The method is characterized by having a step of designating a layout position of the generated link object and a step of arranging the link object at the designated position.

The computer-readable recording medium of the present invention specifies a table data input step, a link object setting link to the table data, and an arrangement position of the generated link object. It is characterized by storing a data map creation support program for causing a computer to execute the steps and the step of arranging the link object at a designated position.

The data map creation support program of the present invention comprises a step of inputting table data into a computer,
A step of generating a link object in which a link to the table data is set, a step of designating an arrangement position of the generated link object, and a step of arranging the link object at the designated position. To do.

[0028]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a system block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a data map creation support device of the present invention.

The data map creation support device of FIG. 1 has the same structure as a general personal computer, and includes a central control device 100 (hereinafter referred to as CPU 100), a data memory 200, a program memory 300,
The display unit 400, the input unit 500, the external storage unit 600, and the like are provided. The functional units that make up the data map creation support device are connected to each other. The details of each functional unit will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data map created using the data map creation support device of FIG.
The data map of this example is a patent map in which a graphic object having a size corresponding to the number of patent applications for each part of the bicycle is arranged at a predetermined position on the drawing of the bicycle.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the display unit 400 has a drawing 405 of the bicycle, a graphic object 406 having a size corresponding to the number of patent applications for the steering wheel, and a numerical quantity representing the number of applications. The object 407 and the like are displayed. The page (sheet) on which the drawing 405 of the bicycle, the graphic object 406, the quantity object 407, and the like are arranged is hereinafter referred to as a “map sheet 401”.

The map sheet 401 includes a data input / edit button 402, a graphic object creation button 403,
Command buttons such as an end button 404 are arranged. These will be described later.

In the graphic object 406, the data map creation support device sets a link to the head position of the table data of the patent regarding the handle. Therefore,
When the user clicks on the graphic object 406 with a mouse 510 or the like, which will be described later, as shown in FIG. 2B, the display unit 400 displays the patent table data 411 regarding the handle. The page (sheet) on which the table data 411 is arranged as shown in FIG. 2B will be referred to as “data sheet 410” hereinafter.

The data sheet 410 includes a return button 40.
Command buttons such as 9 are arranged. Back button 4
In 09, a link to the leading position of the map sheet 401 is set by the data map creation support device.
Therefore, when the user clicks the return button 409 with the mouse 510 or the like, the map sheet 401 is displayed on the display unit 400 as shown in FIG.

At the bottom of the display unit 400, a tag indicating the currently displayed sheet and a tag that can display the designated sheet by clicking are displayed. You can select the sheets to display. For example, in FIG. 2 (a),
When the “handle” data sheet tag 408 is clicked with the mouse 510, the “handle” data sheet is displayed as shown in FIG. 2B. In FIG. 2B, the map sheet tag 412 is clicked with the mouse 510. When clicked, a map sheet 401 is displayed as shown in FIG.

As described above, a technique is known in which a plurality of tags corresponding to each sheet are displayed at the bottom of the display unit 400, and when one of the tags is clicked, the sheet corresponding to the tag is displayed on the display unit 400. For example, since it is realized by the above-mentioned Microsoft EXCEL or the like, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, details of each functional unit of the data map creation support device shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

The CPU 100 is a program memory 300.
It operates based on various control programs stored in, and controls the entire data map creation support device. Also,
Each flowchart shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 8 described later is realized by the operation of the CPU 100.

The data memory 200 is a semiconductor memory or a magnetic storage medium, and stores data necessary for operating the data map creation support device and data input from the input unit 500 or the external storage unit 600. . The data memory 200 includes a table data storage area 210,
It is divided into a graphic object data storage area 220, a background image data storage area 230, and another data storage area 240.

The table data storage area 210 stores a plurality of patent search result list data, which are summarized for each predetermined classification and each applicant. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the table data 411 of the patent regarding the handle of the bicycle is stored in the data sheet 1 storage area 211, and the table data of the patent regarding the tire is stored in the data sheet 2 storage area 212.

The graphic object data storage area 220 contains property (attribute) data (graphic object ID, shape, color, etc.) of a plurality of graphic objects (graphic object 406, quantity object 407, etc.) arranged on the map sheet 401. (Size, placement position, link destination position, etc.) is the graphic object 1 data storage area 22.
1 and the graphic object 2 are stored in the data storage area 222 and the like.

Normally, the data sheet 1 is stored in the link destination position property of the graphic object 1 data storage area 221.
A value indicating the start position of the storage area 211 is stored, and a value indicating the start position of the data sheet 2 storage area 212 is stored in the link destination position property of the graphic object 2 data storage area 222. For example, the link destination position property of the graphic object 406 in FIG.
The upper left position of the table data 411 in (b), that is, "A column, second row" is set.

However, the value of the link destination position property can be changed arbitrarily. For example, a value indicating the start position of the data sheet 2 storage area 212 is stored in the link destination position property of the graphic object 1 data storage area 221, or the data sheet 1 is stored in the link destination position property of the graphic object 2 data storage area 222. It is also possible to store a value indicating an intermediate position of the storage area 211.

An image arranged on the map sheet 401 (for example, FIG. 2A) is stored in the background image data storage area 230.
Data of the bicycle drawing 405, etc.) is stored. The other data storage area 240 stores variable data and the like necessary for operating the data map creation support device.

The contents of the table data storage area 210, the graphic object data storage area 220, and the background image data storage area 230 can be stored together in one file in the external storage unit 600, or can be called. In this embodiment, the file is called a "book". It is possible to permanently store a plurality of books in the external storage unit 600.

A data map creation support program 310 and a data map display program 320 are stored in the program memory 300.

The data map creation support program 310 includes a background image data input program 311, a table data input / editing program 312, a graphic object generation program 313, a graphic object correction program 314, and a graphic object movement program 315. include.

The background image data input program 311, for example, controls the image scanner 530 included in the input unit 500 to input image data, or based on an instruction input by the mouse 510 also included in the input unit 500. A processing procedure for creating graphic data and image data and storing them in the background image data storage area 230 is described.

In the table data input / edit program 312, for example, the patent search result list data is read from the external storage unit 600, or the table data input by the keyboard 520 included in the input unit 500 is stored in the table data storage area. A processing procedure of storing the table data in the table data storage area 210 and a processing procedure of editing (adding / deleting / correcting data) the table data stored in the table data storage area 210 are described.

The graphic object generation program 313 describes the processing procedure for determining the properties (ID, shape, color, size, layout position, link destination position, etc.) of the graphic object and storing it in the graphic object data storage area 220. ing.

The graphic object modification program 314 describes processing procedures for modifying various properties of a graphic object generated based on the graphic object generation program 313.

In the graphic object moving program 315, the layout position property of the graphic object generated based on the graphic object generating program 313 is stored.
A processing procedure for making corrections according to instructions from the mouse 510 or the keyboard 520 is described.

In the data map display program 320,
Background image display program 321, graphic object display program 322, link instruction support program 32
3 and a data sheet display program 324 are included.

The background image display program 321 describes a processing procedure for displaying the background image data stored in the background image data storage area 230 on the display unit 400.

The graphic object display program 322 includes a display unit 40 based on the graphic object data stored in the graphic object data storage area 220.
A processing procedure for displaying a graphic object on the background image displayed at 0 is described.

In the link instruction corresponding program 323, the graphic object displayed on the display unit 400 is displayed by the mouse 510.
A processing procedure for performing an operation (such as a display instruction of a link destination sheet) based on the link destination position property of the graphic object is described when the mouse is clicked by, for example, the like.

The data sheet display program 324 includes
The table data specified as the link destination is displayed on the display unit 40.
The detailed processing procedure of the operation displayed at 0 is described.

The programs described above are executed in the order described in the flowcharts below. A program in which the execution procedure is described is also stored in the program memory 300.

Here, each of the above programs may be stored in advance in the program memory 300, or may be read from the external storage unit 600 and stored when the power of the data map creation support device is turned on. You may do it. Alternatively, it may be downloaded from a host computer (not shown) via a communication line and stored.

The display unit 400 is a display device such as a CRT or LCD capable of displaying the above-mentioned map sheet (data map: sheet including background image / graphic object), data sheet (classified table data), and the like. And a display control device.

As described above, the input section 500 includes the pointing device such as the mouse 510 and the keyboard 520.
And an image input device such as an image scanner 530.

The external storage unit 600 is a hard disk, C
A storage device and a storage medium such as a D-ROM and a magneto-optical disk.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a schematic operation procedure of the data map creation support device of FIG. This Figure 3
The flowchart of FIG. 6 and the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 8 described later are realized by the operation of the CPU 100 based on the program stored in the program memory 300.

When the operation of the data map creation support device is started, first, a new data map (map sheet and data sheet) is created by operating the input section 500, or an existing data map (external storage section 600 is created. It is selected whether or not to read the book stored in (step S1).

When it is input by the operation of the input unit 500 to create a new data map, a new map sheet (a blank page as a base for arranging a background image and a graphic object) is generated in step S2. Is displayed on the display unit 400.

FIG. 4A shows a new map sheet 401.
Is displayed on the display unit 400. This FIG. 4 (a)
Command buttons such as a data input / edit button 402, a graphic object creation button 403, and an end button 404 are also displayed on the display screen of FIG.

In step S3, the background image data is read from the image scanner 530 or the external storage section 600 based on the background image data input program 311 and the background image display program 321, and stored in the background image data storage area 230. New map sheet 401
It is displayed above and the process proceeds to step S6.

FIG. 4B shows a state in which a background image (bicycle image 405) is displayed on the map sheet 401.

On the other hand, in step S1, the input unit 50
When it is input that the existing book is read by the operation of 0, in step S4, one of the plurality of books stored in the external storage unit 600 is selected and read, and the table data storage area 210 and the graphic object data storage are performed. The data is stored in the area 220 and the background image data storage area 230.

In step S5, the background image (existing map sheet) stored in the background image data storage area 230 is displayed on the display unit 40 based on the background image display program 321.
0, and further, based on the graphic object display program 322, the graphic object data storage area 2
A plurality of graphic objects stored in 20 are displayed at a predetermined position on the background image described above in a predetermined size (based on properties of each graphic object data). Further, a tag corresponding to table data (data sheet) stored in the table data storage area 210 and a quantity object representing the number of data items of each table data are also displayed. After the display process is completed, the process proceeds to step S6.

FIG. 5B shows a background image (bicycle image 4).
05), graphic object 406, quantity object 4
07 and the data sheet tag 408 are displayed.

In step S6, it is determined whether or not a data input / edit instruction is input from the input section 500, and if it is input, the process proceeds to step S21 in FIG. In addition,
The data input / edit instruction is input by clicking the data input / edit button 402 using the mouse 510.

Next, the data input / edit processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the data input / edit button 402 is clicked, a dialog box (dialog window) is displayed in step S21 as to whether to newly create a data sheet or edit an already created data sheet. When displaying and inquiring the user, the process proceeds to step S22 when newly created, and proceeds to step S28 when editing an existing data sheet.

In step S22, the user inputs the name of the new data sheet using the keyboard 520 or the like. For example, when it is desired to newly create the table data of the patent regarding the handlebar of the bicycle from the state shown in FIG. 4B, "handle" is input.

In step S23, a new data sheet (a plain table in which data is input at the end) is created and displayed on the display unit 400.
To display. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the new data sheet 410 is displayed on the display unit 400. Command buttons such as a return button 409 and an end button 404 are also displayed on the display screen of FIG.

The above steps S22 to S23 are executed based on the table data input / edit program 312 and the data sheet display program 324.

In step S24, 0 is substituted for the variable n indicating the number of data items. The variable data is stored in the other data storage area 240 in the data memory 200.

In step S25, a graphic object of a mode corresponding to the value of the variable n, for example, a graphic with a black circle having a size proportional to the value of the variable n is generated. Further, a quantity object that numerically represents the value of the variable n is also generated.

The quantity object is a kind of graphic object generally called a text box,
Text data can be stored as a property. The value of the numerical value n is stored in this text data property.

If the generated graphic objects and quantity objects are associated with each other, such as by setting a group, it is convenient when moving the arrangement position. Since a technique of grouping a plurality of graphic objects is known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In step S26, the link destination position property of the graphic object generated in step S25 is set to a predetermined position on the data sheet 410 generated in step S23, for example, the first row / first digit position. In the example of FIG. 7, the cell in the second row of column A is set.

As shown in FIG. 7, the data sheet 410 is composed of a plurality of data input columns (which are called "cells"), and A, B, C ... In the column direction.
However, the codes 1, 2, 3 ... Are assigned in the row direction.

In step S27, the layout position property of the graphic object is set to the new map sheet 401 displayed in step S2 or a predetermined position (for example, upper left coordinate) on the existing map sheet 401 displayed in step S5. Further, the placement position property of the quantity object is set near the placement position of the graphic object, and the process proceeds to step S31.

The data relating to the graphic object and the quantity object generated and set in steps S24 to S27, that is, the graphic object
Quantity object ID, shape, color, size, placement position,
Property data such as a link destination position and text data is stored in the graphic object data storage area 220.

The processes of steps S24 to S27 described above are executed based on the graphic object generation program 313.

On the other hand, if a new data sheet is not created in step S21, that is, if it is instructed to edit an existing data sheet, the user is allowed to select which existing data sheet to edit in step S28. Select data sheet tag 408 with mouse 5
Click 10 to do so. The existing data sheet is a data sheet that has already been created by the processing of steps S22 to S27.

In step S29, the selected (designated) data sheet 410 is displayed on the display section 400.

The processing of steps S28 to S29 described above is executed based on the data sheet display program 324.

In step S30, the user uses the keyboard 520 or the like to perform editing work such as additional input / deletion / correction of data.

In step S31, it is determined whether or not the user has finished editing the data, depending on whether or not the end button 404 has been clicked, or the return button 409 or the map sheet tag 412 has been clicked, and the processing ends. If so, the process proceeds to step 32, and if not, the process proceeds to step S30 to continue the editing work.

The above steps S30 to S31 are executed based on the table data input / editing program 312.

In step S32, the data sheet 410
The data amount of the table data 411 input above, for example, the number of data items, that is, the number of rows in the table is substituted into the variable n. To obtain the number of data items from the table data 411, for example, it is sequentially determined whether or not data is input for each cell in the downward direction from the link destination position (cell) set in step S26, and the data It is good to count the number of rows until a cell that has not been input appears.

In step S32, for example, importance data is input to each data, and the data amount is calculated according to the importance, or the data amount is calculated in consideration of the age such as filing date. You may

In step S33, the property data of the graphic object and the quantity object generated in step S25 are modified according to the value of the variable n.

The above steps S32 to S33 are executed based on the graphic object modification program 314.

In step S34, the background image display program 321 and the graphic object display program 322 are displayed.
Based on the above, the map sheet 401 is displayed on the display unit 400, and the process returns to step S6 of FIG. At this time, the background image and the graphic object are superimposed and displayed on the map sheet 401 based on the background image data storage area 230 and the property data of the graphic object.

FIG. 5A shows a state in which the graphic object 406 and the quantity object 407 generated and set in steps S25 to S27 are displayed in a superimposed manner on the map sheet 401.

Returning to step S6 of FIG. 3, if it is determined in step S6 that the data input / edit instruction has not been input from the input section 500, the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S7, it is determined whether or not an instruction to move the graphic object is input from the input section 500.
If it is input, the process proceeds to step S8. The instruction to move the graphic object is given by the user by dragging and dropping a desired graphic object or a corresponding quantity object using the mouse 510, for example.

In step S8, the value of the placement position property of the graphic object subjected to the drag and drop operation is corrected to the dropped coordinate position. The value of the layout position property of the corresponding quantity object is also corrected to the same value, and the process returns to step S6. Note that the drop operation can be performed at any position on the map sheet 401, and may be, for example, a position overlapping on the background image displayed in step S3 or step S5.

As a result of the moving process in step S8, the process shown in FIG.
In FIG. 5A, the graphic object 406 and the quantity object 407 arranged at the upper left are moved to the right as shown in, for example, FIG. Can be placed at. Accordingly, it is possible to easily understand that the graphic object 406 is a graphic object linked to the data regarding the handle.

The lead line 413 in FIG. 5 (b).
Is a line drawing object arbitrarily created by the user for easier understanding.

The above steps S7 to S8 are executed based on the graphic object moving program 315.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that the instruction to move the graphic object has not been input, the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S9, it is determined whether or not a link destination display instruction is input from the input section 500, and if it is input, the process proceeds to step S10. The link destination display instruction is given by the user clicking the desired graphic object using the mouse 510, for example.

In step S10, the link destination position property of the clicked graphic object is referred to,
The data sheet including the cell designated as the link destination is displayed on the display unit 400 so that the cell is located at the upper end of the display screen, and the process proceeds to step S31 in FIG.

The processes of steps S9 to S10 described above are executed based on the link instruction corresponding program 323 and the data sheet display program 324.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S9 that the link destination display instruction has not been input, step S1
Move to 1.

In step S11, it is determined whether or not a graphic object creation instruction is input from the input unit 500,
If it is input, the process proceeds to step S41 in FIG. The user can give an instruction to create a graphic object, for example, with the mouse 5.
This is performed by clicking the graphic object creation button 403 using 10.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing for creating a graphic object in which a link is set at a desired position on an existing data sheet.

Here, the existing data sheet is a data sheet created in advance by the processing of steps S22 to S27 described above or a data sheet created by a conventional technique, that is, a conventional generally spreadsheet software, Or it is a sheet created by software called spreadsheet software.

The data map creation support apparatus of this embodiment can take in a sheet created in advance by such general spreadsheet software and handle it as a data sheet.

The fetched data sheet is shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), a "tire" is displayed at the bottom of the display unit 400.
A tag and a "pedal" tag are displayed and can be displayed by clicking these tags with the mouse 510. It should be noted that since a technique of importing a sheet created by general spreadsheet software and a technique of displaying a corresponding sheet by clicking a tag are known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, each step of FIG. 8 will be described in detail.

In step S41, a dialog box is displayed on the display unit 400 and the user is prompted to "create a graphic object in which links are collectively set for a plurality of data sheets" or "designate data sheet". "Create a graphic object with a link set to the specified position of".

When the above-mentioned "create a graphic object in which a link is set at a specified position of a specified data sheet" is selected, the user is made to specify the link destination position in step S42. The designation of the link destination position is input by, for example, an operation of clicking a cell in a desired data sheet with the mouse 510.

In step S43, as in step S32, the number of data items of the table data at the designated link destination position is acquired and substituted into the variable n.

In step S44, as in step S25, a graphic object and a quantity object corresponding to the value of the variable n are generated.

In step S45, the link destination position property of the graphic object generated in step S44 is set to
A value indicating the cell designated in step S42 is set.

In step S46, the layout position property of the graphic object is set as in step S27.

In step S47, the map sheet 401 is displayed on the display section 400 as in step S34, and the process returns to step S6 in FIG.

As described above, by the processes of steps S42 to S47, it is possible to create a graphic object in which a link is set to a specified position on a specified data sheet.

On the other hand, when "create a graphic object in which links are collectively set for a plurality of data sheets" is selected in step S41, 1 is first set in the variable D for the counter in step S48. substitute.

In step S49, it is determined whether or not the graphic object to which the link is set already exists in the data sheet designated by the value of the variable D (hereinafter referred to as "data sheet (D)"). Is determined by referring to the graphic object data storage area 220, and if present, the process proceeds to step S55, and if not present, the process proceeds to step S50.

In step S50, the data sheet (D)
The number of data items of the table data of is acquired and substituted into the variable n.

In step S51, as in step S25, a graphic object and a quantity object corresponding to the value of the variable n are generated.

Incidentally, step S25 or step S
In 51, the graphic object may be generated with the size of the value obtained by the following expression (1). However, in the equation (1), S is the size of the graphic object to be generated, Smax is a predetermined maximum size of the graphic object, n is the value of the variable n, and nmax is the maximum data amount of the plurality of table data. This is a large amount of table data.

S = Smax × n / nmax Equation (1) In step S52, the link position property of the graphic object generated in step S51 is set to a predetermined value on the data sheet (D) as in step S26. Is set to the position of, for example, the first row / first column position.

In step S53, the position on the map sheet 401 where the graphic object is to be arranged is determined.
The position where the graphic object is arranged can be obtained by a simple calculation based on the value of the variable D (for example, the value of the variable D is multiplied by a predetermined coefficient).

In step S54, the value obtained in step S53 is set in the layout position property of the graphic object, as in step S27.

At step S55, 1 is added to the variable D, and at step S56, it is judged whether or not the data sheet (D) exists, that is, whether or not the processing for all the data sheets is completed, and the processing is completed. If not, step S4
9, the process of steps S50 to S55 is repeated, and if completed, the process returns to step S6 of FIG.

As described above, by the processing of steps S48 to S56, it is possible to create a graphic object in which links are collectively set for a plurality of data sheets.

In the above embodiment, a graphic object having a size corresponding to the number of data items is generated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The value may be changed according to the magnitude of the value, or the color and quantity of the graphic object may be changed according to the number of data items.

[0136]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, since the link object having the link to the table data can be arranged at an arbitrary position, the data map which has good operability and is easy to utilize. Can be created easily. Further, since the link object can be arranged at any position on any image, it is possible to create a data map that is easy to see and understand. Furthermore, since the link object can be displayed in a mode according to the data amount of the table data, it is possible to create a data map that is easy to see and understand.

According to the present invention, it is possible to collectively generate link objects in which links to each of a plurality of table data are set and to arrange them at respective arrangement positions collectively. You can easily create a data map that is easy to operate and easy to understand.

According to the present invention, it is possible to generate a link object having a mode corresponding to the data amount of the table data having the largest data amount among the plurality of table data and the data amount of each table data. As a result, it is possible to generate a link object in an appropriate mode, and as a result, it is possible to create a data map that is easy to see and understand. Further, since the data amount of the table data can be displayed in the vicinity of the link object as a numerical value, it is possible to create a data map that is easy to see and understand.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a data map creation support device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data map created by the data map creation support device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the data map creation support device of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in the middle of a map sheet created by the data map creation support device of FIG. 1.

5 is a diagram showing an example of a map sheet created by the data map creation support device of FIG.

6 is a flowchart showing a data input / edit processing procedure of the data map creation support device of FIG. 1. FIG.

7 is a diagram showing a new data sheet displayed on the data map creation support device of FIG. 1. FIG.

8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when creating a graphic object in which a link to an existing data sheet is set in the data map creation support device of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional data map.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a conventional data map.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a conventional data map.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 CPU (central control unit) 200 data memory 210 table data storage area 220 Graphic object data storage area 230 background image data storage area 300 program memory 310 Data Map Creation Support Program 320 Data map display program 400 display 401 map sheet 406 Graphic object 407 Quantity object 410 Data Sheet 411 table data 500 input section 600 external storage

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 5B046 FA01 HA05                 5B075 ND20 ND36 PQ02 PQ13 PQ16                       PQ32 QT06 UU40                 5E501 AA02 AC10 AC34 BA20 CA03                       EA31 FA13 FA14 FA22 FA23                       FA44 FB04

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A table data input means for inputting table data, and a link object generation means for generating a link object in which a link to the input table data is set.
A data map creation support apparatus comprising: a position designating unit that designates a layout position of a link object; and an object placement unit that layouts a link object at a position designated by the position designating unit. 2. An image data input means for inputting image data is provided, the position designating means is configured to designate a position on the input image data, and the object arranging means is arranged on the input image data. The data map creation support device according to claim 1, wherein the data map creation support device is configured to arrange a link object. 3. The data map according to claim 1, wherein the link object generation means is configured to generate a link object in a mode according to the data amount of the input table data. Creation support device. 4. The table data input means is capable of inputting a plurality of classified table data, and the link object generation means is a link object in which a link to each of the inputted plurality of table data is set. A plurality of positions are specified by the position specifying means, and the link object generating means specifies the arrangement position of each link object generated by the link object generating means. The data map creation support device according to claim 1, wherein the data map creation support device is configured to arrange the plurality of objects. 5. The link object generation means is configured to generate a link object having a mode corresponding to the data amount of the table data having the largest data amount among the plurality of table data and the data amount of each table data. The data map creation support device according to claim 4, wherein the data map creation support device is configured as follows. 6. A quantity object generation means for counting the data amount of the input table data and generating a quantity object in which the counting result is expressed by a numeral is provided, and the object arrangement means is generated by the quantity object generation means. 6. The data map creation support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the created quantity object is arranged in the vicinity of the link object arranged by the position specifying means. 7. A step of inputting table data, a step of generating a link object in which a link to the table data is set, a step of designating an arrangement position of the generated link object, and a link to the designated position. A data map creation support method comprising a step of arranging an object. 8. A step of inputting table data, a step of generating a link object in which a link to the table data is set, a step of designating an arrangement position of the generated link object, and a link at a designated position. A computer-readable recording medium that stores a data map creation support program for causing a computer to execute a step of arranging an object. 9. A step of inputting tabular data to a computer, a step of generating a link object in which a link to the tabular data is set, a step of designating an arrangement position of the generated link object, and a designated step. And a step of arranging a link object at a position, the data map creation support program.