JP2004341675A - Development system, electronic form using system, server, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic form utilization system which makes it possible to provide a tool program which creates an external file of information specified according to an electronic form and an electronic form application which uses the external file and consists of general-purpose functional components. <P>SOLUTION: A control section 401 (definition file editing tool program 122) reads an electronic form 130, or a structure file 131 of the electronic form 130 and creates a definition file 140 in which information specified according to the electronic form 130 is sets up. A server 101 is equipped with the electronic form 130 and the definition file 140. A control section 201 (server program 103) performs check processing to input data of the electronic form 130 received from a client side according to information of the definition file 140, and the processing result is transmitted to a computer 111. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for using an electronic form via a network, and more particularly to a general-purpose electronic form application program on a server.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, many documents are managed and used as electronic data. Documents containing prescribed forms and descriptions, such as applications submitted to ministries and financial institutions, are stored as electronic data, electronic forms are displayed when necessary, and required items are entered and printed. By doing so, it is possible to create applications, notification forms, etc.
Further, with the development of networks such as the Internet, there are some electronic form utilization systems capable of submitting such documents as electronic documents in the form of electronic data to ministries and agencies to financial institutions and the like.
Further, in the development of application programs on the Web, there is also a method in which functions other than the interface are made into components and other items unique to each screen are stored in a database to realize the components (for example, [Patent Document 1] ]reference).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-325098 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In a conventional electronic form using system, a server and a terminal device on a client side are connected via a network, and the terminal device inputs data using an electronic form, transmits the data to a server side, and performs processing. In the processing performed on the server side, it is necessary to describe items (arguments) to be set for each electronic form. Conventional methods include (1) a method of incorporating arguments into a server program and (2) an electronic method. There was a method to specify arguments in the form.
[0005]
However, in the method of (1) incorporating an argument in a server program, if the description of the server program is changed in accordance with the modification of the electronic form, recompilation is required, and one server program is required for one electronic form. And development efficiency was poor. (2) In the method of specifying an argument in an electronic form, a server program is created for each form by separating arguments having different setting values from a server program and providing the electronic form with a general-purpose server program. Although it is not necessary to do so, depending on the processing content, it is necessary to set a large number of arguments, the capacity of the electronic form increases, and it is not desirable for operation to have variables used in server-side processing on the electronic form side Was. Thus, it has been difficult to create a general-purpose functional component in consideration of arguments.
[0006]
Further, in the case of [Patent Document 1] in the development of an application program on the Web, items unique to a database are stored as item objects, so that work such as construction of a database environment occurs depending on the environment. It also describes a database creation tool, but does not describe a specific implementation method.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and a tool program for creating information designated according to an electronic form as an external file, and an electronic form including general-purpose functional components using the external file An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic form utilization system or the like that can provide an application program.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a first invention is a development system including a first terminal device, comprising: a reading unit for reading electronic form-related data; and an electronic form corresponding to the read electronic form-related data. First display means for displaying the data structure of the above, setting means for setting definition information necessary for the processing content for an input item selected by the user, and storage means for storing the definition information. A development system characterized by the following.
[0009]
Further, it is preferable that the first display means further includes a second display means for displaying the electronic form when the electronic form is read.
Further, it is preferable that the apparatus further includes a preview unit that, when the electronic form is read, performs a preview display of an error check on the read electronic form using the stored definition information.
[0010]
In the first invention, the first terminal device reads the electronic form-related data, displays the data structure of the electronic form in accordance with the read electronic form-related data, and processes the input item selected by the user. The definition information necessary for the content is set, and the definition information is stored.
[0011]
The “electronic form” is a form having data corresponding to a portion (unfilled document) such as a frame of a normal document, a data input control function of a character input box, and the like, and has a program function.
“Input data” is data such as necessary items input by the user to the electronic form.
“Electronic form-related data” is structure data representing the structure of an electronic form or data input to the electronic form, and the structure data is data in XML format.
The “input item” is an input field for the electronic form, and the “input item attribute” is a numerical value input field and a character input field.
[0012]
The “definition information” is information such as an error check location, an error check content, and an operation content after the error check, and is data in XML format.
The “check location” corresponds to an input item of the electronic form.
The "check content" is for checking the character type, the value range, and the like. The "character type check" is for checking full-width characters, half-width characters, alphanumeric characters, kana characters, and the like. Means checking the validity of the date.
The “operation content after check” is an error message display, marking of a corresponding portion, and the like.
[0013]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic form utilizing system including a server connected via a network and a second terminal device, the server comprises: a database storing electronic forms corresponding to a plurality of types of documents; An external file that stores definition information that needs to be specified according to a form, first receiving means for receiving input data for an electronic form from the second terminal device, and the definition information corresponding to the location of the input data Checking means for checking the input data in accordance with the following, and first transmitting means for transmitting a processing result by the checking means to the second terminal device, wherein the second terminal device comprises: Second transmission means for transmitting input data of items required by a user to the server to the server; To receive, in response to the processing result, an electronic forms available system characterized by comprising: a second receiving means for reflecting the process results in the corresponding part of the electronic form.
[0014]
In the second invention, the server has a database that stores electronic forms corresponding to a plurality of types of documents, and an external file that stores definition information that needs to be specified according to the electronic form, and the second terminal The input data for the electronic form is received from the device, the input data is checked according to the definition information corresponding to the location of the input data, and the processing result of the check processing is transmitted to the second terminal device. The second terminal device transmits, to the server, input data of necessary items by the user with respect to the electronic form, receives the processing result from the server, and reflects the processing result in a corresponding portion of the electronic form according to the processing result.
[0015]
According to a third aspect, in a server connected to a second terminal device for inputting data using an electronic form via a network, a database storing an electronic form corresponding to a plurality of types of documents, An external file that stores definition information that needs to be specified according to the form, a first receiving unit that receives input data of necessary items for the electronic form from the second terminal device, and a location corresponding to the input data A server comprising: a check unit that checks the input data according to the definition information; and a first transmission unit that transmits a processing result of the check unit to the second terminal device.
[0016]
The third invention is an invention relating to a server used in the electronic form using system of the second invention.
[0017]
A fourth invention provides an electronic form using system comprising: a server connected via a network; a first terminal device; and a second terminal device for inputting data using the electronic form. The terminal device includes: a reading unit that reads electronic form-related data; a setting unit that sets definition information necessary for processing contents for an input item selected by a user; and a storage unit that stores the definition information. The server comprising: a database for storing an electronic form; an external file for storing the definition information; first receiving means for receiving input data of necessary items for the electronic form from the second terminal device; Checking means for checking the input data according to the definition information corresponding to the location of the input data; An electronic forms available system characterized by comprising: a first transmission means for transmitting to said second terminal device.
[0018]
In the fourth invention, the first terminal device reads the electronic form-related data, sets the definition information necessary for the processing content for the input item selected by the user, and stores the definition information. The server has a database that stores the electronic form and an external file that stores the definition information, receives input data of necessary items for the electronic form from the second terminal device, and according to the definition information corresponding to the location of the input data. The input data is checked, and the processing result is transmitted to the second terminal device.
[0019]
The above-described program may be stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed, or the program may be transmitted and received via a communication line.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an electronic form using system 100 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, components having the same functional configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic form using system 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 shows an example of an electronic form using system. As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic form using system 100 includes a server 101, a computer 111 of a client 110, a computer 121 of a development environment 120 for electronic form creation, It comprises a network 129 and the like. The electronic form using system 100 is configured by connecting a server 101, a computer 111, and a computer 121 via a network 129 such as the Internet.
[0022]
The server 101 is a server computer or the like as a server, and includes a server program 103, a Web (World Wide Web) server 105, an electronic form database 109, a definition file 140, and the like.
[0023]
The server program 103 receives input data 15 of necessary items for the electronic form 130 from the computer 111 of the client 110 via the Web server 105, and checks whether the input data is in an appropriate format using the definition file 140. Then, the processing result is transmitted to the computer 111 of the client 110.
[0024]
The server program 103 is a general-purpose servlet, is a modularized Java (registered trademark) program executed on the Web server 105, and is resident in a memory once called, unlike other server-side programs. The server program 103 reads the electronic form 130 on the servlet container 104 and the Web server 105 via the electronic form processing program 102 and the servlet API (Application Program, Interface) 107, and then displays the electronic form 130 on the client 110 side. It converts the data into a simple format and transmits and receives data to and from the client 110.
[0025]
The servlet API 107 is a module necessary for operating the servlet on the Web server 105, and is a Java (registered trademark) program.
The servlet container 104 is a module for extending the servlet on the Web server 105 together with the servlet API 107, and is also called a servlet engine.
[0026]
The electronic form database 109 holds a plurality of electronic forms 130-1, 130-2,..., 130-n such as various application forms and notification forms.
The definition files 140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-n hold definition item information (arguments) specified according to the electronic form 130. The definition file 140 is, for example, XML (extensible Markup Language) format data.
[0027]
The client 110 is a user who uses a Web application system, and the computer 111 has a Web (World Wide Web) browser 112, a local database 113, and the like. An electronic form 130 for creating an electronic form is provided on the Web browser 112.
The local database 113 holds input data input to the electronic form. The input data is, for example, XML (extensible Markup Language) format data.
[0028]
In the electronic form using system 100, the electronic form 130 received by the computer 111 connected to the server 101 is displayed on the computer 111, data is input, the input data is transmitted to the server 101, and the input is performed while receiving the processing result. Check, print, etc. Note that the computer 111 is usually a personal computer, a portable terminal, or the like.
[0029]
The development environment 120 creates an electronic form 130 in response to a request from the client 110, edits a definition file 140 or the like specified for each created electronic form 130, and performs these tests. The computer 121 has a definition file editing tool 122, an electronic form 130, an electronic form structure file 131, a definition file 140, and the like.
[0030]
The electronic form 130 is an electronic form created in response to a request from the client 110.
The electronic form structure file 131 is a part of the electronic form 130, and expresses the structure of data input to the electronic form by, for example, XML format data.
The definition file editing tool 122 is an executable program, reads the electronic form 130 or the structure file 131 of the electronic form, sets definition items to be defined according to the electronic form 130, and converts the definition items into, for example, an XML format. It is stored as a definition file 140 represented by data. The computer 121 is usually a personal computer or the like.
[0031]
The electronic form using system 100 is a system for creating an electronic form in a Web environment, and uses software having a function of controlling a character input frame as a standard.
[0032]
Next, the hardware configuration of the server 101 will be described. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the server 101.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 2, the server 101 includes a control unit 201, a storage device 202 (hard disk), a media input / output unit 203 (CD-ROM), a communication control unit 204 (a communication control device, a communication port, and the like), and an input unit 205. (A keyboard, a mouse, and the like), a printing unit 206 (printer), a display unit 207 (display), and the like are connected via a bus 209.
[0034]
The control unit 201 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and drives and controls each device connected via the bus 209 according to a program stored in a storage device 202 as a large-capacity storage medium.
[0035]
The storage device 202 stores a program for driving and controlling each component, a server program 103 which is an electronic form application program, an electronic form processing program 102, a servlet container 104, a program such as a servlet API 107, and an electronic form 131. An electronic form database 109 and a definition file 140 storing definition item information are stored.
[0036]
Each of these program codes is read as needed by the control unit 201, transferred to the RAM, read by the CPU, and executed as various means.
[0037]
The media input / output unit 203 (CD-ROM drive device) is used to upgrade programs and information stored in the ROM of the control unit 201 and the storage device 202, and to make settings such as device settings. The main unit is switched to the management mode, a CD-ROM for upgrading is inserted into the media input / output unit 203, and data is rewritten.
[0038]
The communication control unit 204 is a communication control device, a communication port, and the like, and controls communication between the server 101, the computer 111, and the computer 121 via the network 109.
[0039]
The input unit 205 is a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and performs various processes and operations in accordance with operation guidance and an electronic form displayed on the display unit 207 (display).
The printing unit 206 is a printer, and performs print output processing of an electronic form or the like to which data has been input according to the electronic form 130.
[0040]
Next, the file arrangement of the electronic form-related files in the storage device 202 will be described. FIG. 3 shows the file arrangement of the electronic form-related files in the storage device 202.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 3, in the storage device 202, an electronic form storage folder 311, a definition file storage folder 312, and a server program storage folder 313 are created under the application folder 301, and a plurality of electronic form storage folders are stored in each folder. 130-n, a plurality of definition files 140-1, 140-2,... 140-n, the server program 103, and the like. The electronic forms 130-1, 130-2, ..., 130-n and the definition files 140-1, 140-2, ... 140-n correspond one-to-one, and are defined in the electronic form 130. The file 140 is associated with the server program 103 which is a general-purpose servlet.
[0042]
Next, the hardware configuration of the computer 121 of the development environment 120 will be described. FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the computer 121.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 4, the computer 121 includes a control unit 401, a storage device 402 (hard disk), a media input / output unit 403 (CD-ROM), a communication control unit 404 (a communication control device, a communication port, and the like), and an input unit 405. (A keyboard, a mouse, etc.), a printing unit 406 (printer), a display unit 407 (display), and the like are connected via a bus 409.
[0044]
The control unit 401 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls driving of each device connected via the bus 409 according to a program stored in a storage device 402 as a large-capacity storage medium.
[0045]
In the storage device 402 (hard disk), a program for driving and controlling each component, a program such as a definition file editing tool program 122, an electronic form 130 created in response to a request from the client 110, an electronic form structure file 131, A definition file 140 and the like are stored.
[0046]
Each of these program codes is read out by the control unit 401 as necessary, transferred to the RAM, read out by the CPU, and executed as various means.
[0047]
The media input / output unit 403 (CD-ROM drive device) is used when upgrading the programs and information stored in the ROM of the control unit 401 and the storage device 402 and performing settings such as device settings. A version-up CD-ROM is inserted into the unit 403 to rewrite data.
[0048]
The communication control unit 404 is a communication control device, a communication port, and the like, and controls communication between the server 101 and the computer 121 via the network 109.
[0049]
The input unit 405 is a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and performs various processes and operations in accordance with an operation guide and an electronic form displayed on the display unit 407 (display).
The printing unit 406 is a printer and performs print output processing.
[0050]
The computer 111 of the client 110 has the same hardware configuration as the computer 121.
[0051]
Next, the file arrangement of the electronic form-related files in the storage device 402 will be described. FIG. 5 shows the file arrangement of the electronic form-related files in the storage device 402.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 5, for example, an electronic form storage folder 511, a structure file storage folder 512, a definition file storage folder 513, and an editing tool storage folder 514 are stored in the storage device 402 under an editing tool folder 501, which is an application folder. The created and created electronic form 130, the electronic form structure file 131, the electronic form 130 or the definition file 140 holding the definition items defined according to the electronic form structure file 131 in each folder. , A definition file editing tool program 122, a test program 502, and the like. Either the electronic form 130 or the structure file 131 of the electronic form may exist as a read file for the definition file editing tool program 122.
[0053]
Next, the data structure of the electronic form 130, the electronic form structure file 131, the definition file 140, and the like will be described. FIG. 6 shows a data structure of the electronic form 130. FIG. 7 shows the data structure of the structure file 131 of the electronic form. FIG. 8 shows the data structure of the definition form 140.
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 6, the electronic form 130 is described in an XML format, and includes frame data 601, field data 602, management information 603, and the like.
The frame data 601 includes decorations such as ruled lines, characters, and shaded images of the document.
The field data 602 includes a tag name for each input item (input field) in the electronic form, and is configured in association with an input field (input position).
The management information 603 includes management information of the electronic form 130, for example, a version number of the electronic form, a creation date, a form ID for specifying the form, attribute information, transmission destination information, and the like. Contains the definition file name to be used.
[0055]
As shown in FIG. 7, the structure file 131 of the electronic form describes the structure of data input to the electronic form which is a part of the electronic form 130 in an XML format. Field data 602 including a tag name for each field.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 8, the definition file 140 includes a plurality of definition item information 801 which is information (arguments to the server program 103) specified for each input item (input field) according to the electronic form 130. The definition file 140 is a file described in the XML format. The definition item information 801 includes a check location 811, a check content 812, an operation content after check 813, and the like.
[0057]
The check location 811 is a tag name, for example, a field “name”.
The check contents 812 are error check processing contents of the server program 103. For example, character type check (full-width character, half-width character, alphanumeric character, kana character, etc.), value range check (validity of date, etc.) It is.
The post-check operation content 813 is an operation content in a case where the data is not valid, and includes, for example, marking (applying a color to a field) a corresponding portion of the electronic form, displaying an error message, and the like.
[0058]
The processing procedure of the definition file editing tool 122 for creating the definition file 140 of the electronic form 130 in the computer 121 of the development environment 120 of the electronic form using system 100 will be described. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the definition file editing tool 122 (when reading the electronic form 130). FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the definition file editing tool 122 (when reading the structure file 131 of the electronic form).
[0059]
As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 401 of the computer 121 starts a definition file editing tool program 122 (hereinafter, referred to as an editing tool) which is an executable program (step 900).
[0060]
The editing tool 122 displays a tool menu screen 1200 on the display unit 407, and the user (developer) selects a menu function (step 901). FIG. 12 shows a tool menu screen 1200.
Note that the processing performed by the editing tool 122 described as in step 901 will be described below in that the control unit 401 of the computer 121 executes the definition file editing tool program 122 (editing tool) which is an executable program. The processing is performed by
[0061]
As shown in FIG. 12, the tool menu screen 1200 includes menu functions such as an electronic form read 1201, a structure file read 1202, a preview 1203, and an end 1204. The electronic form reading 1201 reads the electronic form 130 as an input file (existing file). The structure file read 1202 reads a structure file 131 associated with the electronic form 130 as an input file (existing file). The preview 1203 previews the electronic form 130 using the definition file 140 created by the editing tool 122.
[0062]
Note that by reading a target file, which is an input file (existing file), onto the editing tool 122, an interface or a tag structure is displayed on a GUI (Graphical User Interface). By selecting a definition item, the editing efficiency can be improved. Improve and reduce definition errors.
[0063]
When the user selects the electronic form reading 1201 (Yes in step 902), the editing tool 122 reads the electronic form 130 stored in the storage device 402 into the memory, and displays the tool screen (electronic form reading) on the display unit 407. 1300 is displayed (step 903). FIG. 13 shows a tool screen (electronic form reading) 1300.
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 13, the tool screen (read electronic form) 1300 includes a tag display screen 1301, an edit item confirmation screen 1302, an electronic form screen 1305, and the like. The tag display screen 1301 shows the data structure of the electronic form 130 and includes items 1307 (tag names). The edit item confirmation screen 1302 briefly shows the set contents and includes check contents 1303, post-check operation contents 1304, and the like. The electronic form screen 1305 shows the design of the electronic form, and includes a tag name and an input field 1306.
[0065]
The user clicks and selects an input field 1306 to be defined on the electronic form screen 1305 (step 904).
[0066]
The editing tool 122 displays a check content setting screen 1400 corresponding to the attribute of the input field (numeric input field / character input field) defined in the electronic form 130 on the display unit 407 (step 905). FIG. 14 shows a check content setting screen 1400.
[0067]
As shown in FIG. 14, the check content setting screen 1400 includes a check content screen 1401 and a post-check operation content screen 1402.
[0068]
The check content screen 1401 includes a plurality of check content definition items 1410 that can be selected according to the attribute of the input field. For example, when an input field 1306 "Name" (attribute: character input screen) is clicked, a check content screen 1401 displays definition items 1410 for check contents such as full-width characters, full-width hiragana, full-width katakana, half-width katakana, and half-width alphanumeric characters. Is displayed. In the case of a numerical value input field, a check range screen such as a date check and a telephone number check is displayed on the check content screen.
[0069]
The post-check operation content screen 1402 includes definition items (not shown) of the operation content when the data is not valid after the error check. For example, in the post-check operation content screen 1402, a corresponding portion of the electronic form 130 is marked (color is added to an input field), and an error message is displayed. Items that must be set individually, such as error message contents, are entered by the user.
[0070]
The user selects the definition item 1410 of the check content on the check content screen 1401 (step 906), selects the definition item 1410 of the post-check operation content on the post-check operation content screen 1402, and inputs it as necessary (step 907). ).
[0071]
The editing tool 122 briefly displays the set contents on the check contents 1303, the post-check operation contents 1304, etc. of the edit item confirmation screen 1302 (step 908).
[0072]
If the setting has not been completed for the necessary input field 1306 of the electronic form 130 (No in Step 909), the processing from Step 904 to Step 909 is repeated to perform the setting.
[0073]
As shown in FIG. 10, when the setting is completed for the necessary input field 1306 of the electronic form 130 (Yes in step 909), the editing tool 122 selects the save button 1310 and stores the set contents in the storage device 402. Is stored as a definition file 140 (step 1001). The editing tool 122 sets a check location (tag name) 811, a check content 812, and a post-check operation content 813 from the check content set for each input field 1306 and the definition item 1410 of the post-check operation content, and sets the definition file Create 140.
[0074]
When the user selects the preview 1203 on the tool menu screen 1200, the Web browser is activated and the electronic form 130 is displayed in the browser (step 1002). Here, by pressing a test button (not shown), The test program 502 stored in the storage device 402 is started, and the test program 502 performs an operation check (preview) such as an error check using the created and stored definition file 140 (step 1003).
[0075]
After the preview display, if correction is necessary (Yes in step 1004), the processing from step 903 to step 1004 is repeated, the tool screen is displayed again, and the setting and preview processing are performed.
[0076]
When the setting is determined without the need for modification (No in step 1004), the control unit 401 transfers the created definition file 140 via the communication control unit 404 and the network 129 (or via the media input / output unit 403). ), And place it in a corresponding folder of the server program 103 of the server 101, for example, a definition file storage folder 312 (step 1005).
[0077]
As shown in FIG. 11, when the user selects the structure file read 1202 (No in Step 902, Yes in Step 1100), the editing tool 122 reads the structure file 131 of the electronic form 130 stored in the storage device 402. The data is read into the memory, and a tool screen (reading a structure file) 1500 is displayed on the display unit 407 (step 1101). FIG. 15 shows a tool screen (read structure file) 1500.
[0078]
As shown in FIG. 15, the tool screen (structure file reading) 1500 includes a tag display screen 1301, an edit item confirmation screen 1302, and the like. The tag display screen 1301 shows the data structure of the electronic form 130 and includes items 1307 (tag names). The edit item confirmation screen 1302 briefly shows the set contents and includes check contents 1303, post-check operation contents 1304, and the like.
[0079]
The user clicks and selects an item 1307 (tag name) to be defined on the tag display screen 1301 (step 1102).
The editing tool 122 displays the attribute setting screen 1510 of the selected item 1307 on the display unit 407 (Step 1103). The user selects the attribute of numerical input 1511 or character input 1512 on the attribute setting screen 1510, and the editing tool 122 displays the check content setting screen 1400 corresponding to the attribute of FIG. 14 on the display unit 407 according to the selected attribute. It is displayed (step 1104).
[0080]
The user selects the definition item 1410 of the check content on the check content screen 1401 (step 1105), selects the definition item 1410 of the post-check operation content on the post-check operation content screen 1402, and inputs as necessary (step 1106). ).
[0081]
The editing tool 122 briefly displays the set contents on the check contents 1303 and the post-check operation contents 1304 of the edit item confirmation screen 1302 (step 1107).
[0082]
If the setting is not completed for the item 1307 that needs to be set (No in Step 1108), the processing from Step 1102 to Step 1108 is repeated to set.
[0083]
When the setting is completed for the item 1307 that needs to be set (Yes in step 1108), when the save button 1310 is selected, the editing tool 122 saves the set contents in the storage device 402 as the definition file 140 (step 1109). ). The editing tool 122 sets a check location (tag name) 811, a check content 812, and a post-check operation content 813 from the check content set for each item 1307 and the definition item 1410 of the post-check operation content, and sets the definition file 140 Create
[0084]
After that, when the electronic form 130 is completed, the editing tool 122 performs preview and additional correction using the electronic form 130 and the definition file 140.
[0085]
As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the editing tool 122 reads the electronic form 130 or the structure file 131 of the electronic form 130, and defines the definition item (error check) specified according to the electronic form 130. The contents and operation contents after error check) are selected and set from a plurality of items in a menu format, and the definition file 140 is created.
[0086]
As a result, for each electronic form, arguments having different set values are separated from the processing of the electronic form application, and the definition file 140 is provided, thereby improving the development efficiency of the electronic form application.
In addition, an interface or a tag structure is displayed on the GUI, and the interface or the tag structure can be created while being conscious of the interface of the electronic form to be associated, thereby improving the usability of the user and reducing errors.
Even if the electronic form is not yet completed, a definition file can be created prior to the completion of the electronic form as long as there is only XML data of the structure file of the electronic form.
[0087]
Next, another embodiment will be described. A definition file 140 that holds information (arguments) specified according to the electronic form 130 in the server 101 connected to the computer 111 of the client 110 that inputs data using the electronic form 130 via the network 129 is used. The processing (data check processing) of the general-purpose server program 103 (servlet) will be described. 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the server program 103. FIG. 18 shows a processing flow of the server program 103 using the definition file 140.
[0088]
As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in the computer 111 of the client 110, the Web browser 112 accesses the server 101 and calls the requested electronic form 130 (step 1601).
As shown in FIG. 18, for example, the Web browser 112 calls the electronic form “A” 130-1.
[0089]
The control unit 201 of the server 101 starts the server program 103 stored in the storage device 202.
The server program 103 reads the corresponding electronic form 130 from the electronic form database 109 stored in the storage device 202 and sends it to the computer 111 via the servlet container 104, the Web server 105, and the communication control unit 204 (step 1602).
Hereafter, the processing contents performed by the server program 103 described as in step 1602 are performed by the control unit 201 of the server 101 executing the server program 103 which is an executable program. is there.
[0090]
The server program 103 reads the associated definition file 140 from the storage device 202 based on the definition file name indicated in the read management information 603 of the electronic form 130 (step 1603).
As shown in FIG. 18, for example, the server program 103 reads the electronic form “A” 130-1 stored in the storage device 202 and defines the definition file name “definition file A” in the electronic form “A” 130-1. , The definition file “A” 140-1 is read.
[0091]
The Web browser 112 on the computer 111 displays the received electronic form 130 on the display unit 407 via the communication control unit 404 (Step 1604).
As shown in FIG. 18, for example, the Web browser 112 displays the received electronic form “A” 130-1.
[0092]
The user inputs necessary items in accordance with the displayed screen of the electronic form 130 and presses a send button (step 1605). Electronic form 130 transmits the input data to server 101 via communication control unit 404 (step 1606).
As shown in FIG. 18, for example, the electronic form “A” 130-1 transmits the input data “dainippontaro” of the input field “furigana” to the server 101.
[0093]
The communication control unit 204 of the server 101 receives the input data and passes it to the server program 103 via the Web server 105 (Step 1607).
[0094]
The server program 103 performs a data check process according to the corresponding definition item information 801 of the definition file 140 (Step 1608).
As shown in FIG. 18, for example, the server program 103 changes the definition item information 801 of the check point 811 corresponding to the input field “reading” with respect to the received input data “dainippon” of the input field “reading”. The search is performed, and in accordance with the check content 812 “check 01 (full-width katakana check processing) execution”, check 01 (full-width katakana check processing) is executed on the input data “dainippon taro”.
[0095]
The server program 103 transmits the processing result of the data check processing, and if the data is not valid data, the operation content after the check according to the definition item information to the computer 111 via the Web server 105 and the communication control unit 404 ( Step 1609).
As shown in FIG. 18, for example, after executing the check 01 (full-width katakana check), if the data is not valid, the server program 103 displays the post-check operation content 813 “field color change, color: red” as the processing result 1721. Send it to the computer 111.
[0096]
The electronic form 130 on the computer 111 receives the processing result from the server 101 via the communication control unit 404 (Step 1610).
As shown in FIG. 18, for example, the electronic form 130-1 receives the processing result 1721 “field color change, color: red”.
[0097]
If the processing result is an error (Yes in step 1611), the electronic form 130 performs processing of the operation content after the check on the corresponding portion (tag name) (step 1612).
As shown in FIG. 18, for example, the electronic form 130-1 changes the field color to red for a corresponding portion (input field “reading”).
[0098]
If the input to the electronic form 130 has not been completed (No in Step 1613), the processing from Step 1605 to Step 1613 is repeated.
When the input to the electronic form 130 is completed (Yes in step 1613), the electronic form 130 saves the input data and ends.
[0099]
As described above, according to the present embodiment of the present invention, server 101 responds to electronic forms 130-1, 130-2,..., 130-n corresponding to a plurality of types of documents and electronic form 130. A plurality of definition files 140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-n for storing definition item information (arguments) that need to be specified are stored in the storage device 202, and the server program (servlet) 103 The electronic form 130 in response to the request from the client 110 and the corresponding definition file 140 are read, input data of necessary items for the electronic form is received from the computer 111 of the client 110, and the input data corresponds to the position of the input data. Check processing according to the definition item information 801 is performed, and a processing result of the check processing and an appropriate If not over data, and sends the check after the operation content 813 corresponding to the computer 111, electronic forms 130 on the computer 111 performs a process operation contents after checking in accordance with the received processing result.
[0100]
Thus, for each electronic form, arguments having different setting values are separated from the processing of the server program 103 (servlet), and the server 101 is provided with the definition file 140, so that the server program 103, which is a general-purpose electronic form application, can be used. It is not necessary to create and recreate the server program 103 for each electronic form. Also, by creating a tested general-purpose server program 103 (servlet), debugging work on the server program can be minimized.
Further, the separation between the interface and the server processing becomes clear, and it is possible to proceed with development in parallel, thereby improving the development efficiency of the electronic form application.
[0101]
As described above, the preferred embodiments of the electronic form using system 1 and the like according to the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in the present application, and these naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. I understand.
[0102]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, a tool program for creating information designated according to an electronic form as an external file, and an electronic form application program including general-purpose functional components using the external file An electronic form utilizing system capable of providing the information can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic form using system 100 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a server 101.
FIG. 3 is a view showing a file arrangement of electronic form-related files in a storage device 202;
FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of a computer 121.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a file arrangement of electronic form-related files in a storage device 402.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data structure of an electronic form 130.
FIG. 7 shows a data structure of an electronic form structure file 131.
FIG. 8 shows a data structure of a definition form 140.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (when reading the electronic form 130) of the definition file editing tool 122;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (when reading the electronic form 130) of the definition file editing tool 122;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the definition file editing tool 122 (when reading a structure file 131 of an electronic form);
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a tool menu screen 1200.
FIG. 13 is a view showing a tool screen (electronic form reading) 1300.
FIG. 14 shows a check content setting screen 1400.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a tool screen (reading a structure file) 1500;
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the server program 103;
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the server program 103;
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the server program 103 using the definition file 140.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 ..... Electronic form utilization system
101 ... Server
103 ... Server program (servlet)
110 ……… Client
111, 121 ... Computer
120 ...... Development environment
122 Definition file editing tool
129 Network
130 ...... Electronic form
131 ……… Electronic form structure file
140 ……… Definition file

Claims (30)

A development system including a first terminal device,
Reading means for reading electronic form-related data;
First display means for displaying a data structure of an electronic form according to the read electronic form-related data;
Setting means for setting definition information necessary for processing contents for an input item selected by a user;
Storage means for storing the definition information;
A development system comprising: 2. The development system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic form-related data is an electronic form or structural data representing a structure of data input to the electronic form. 3. The development system according to claim 2, wherein the structure data is XML format data. The first display means includes:
2. The development system according to claim 1, further comprising: second display means for displaying the electronic form when the electronic form is read. The development system according to claim 1, wherein the definition information includes at least one piece of information such as a check location, a check content, and a post-check operation content. 2. The development system according to claim 1, wherein the definition information is XML format data. The setting means,
2. The development system according to claim 1, wherein the definition information is set according to an attribute of the input item. 8. The development system according to claim 7, wherein the attribute of the input item is a numerical value input or a character input. 2. The development system according to claim 1, further comprising a preview unit that, when the electronic form is read, performs a preview display of an error check on the read electronic form using the stored definition information. A server connected to a second terminal device for inputting data using an electronic form via a network,
A database that stores electronic forms corresponding to multiple types of documents,
An external file that stores definition information that needs to be specified according to the electronic form,
First receiving means for receiving input data of necessary items for an electronic form from the second terminal device;
Checking means for checking the input data according to the definition information corresponding to the location of the input data,
First transmitting means for transmitting a processing result by the checking means to the second terminal device;
A server comprising: The first transmitting means,
11. The server according to claim 10, further comprising transmitting an operation content according to the definition information when the data is not valid. The server according to claim 10, wherein the definition information includes at least one piece of information such as a check location, a check content, and an operation content after the check. 13. The server according to claim 12, wherein the check location corresponds to an input item of the electronic form. 13. The server according to claim 12, wherein the check content includes checking a character type, a value range, and the like. 13. The server according to claim 12, wherein the operation content after the check includes at least one of an error message display, marking of a corresponding portion, and the like. 11. The server according to claim 10, wherein the definition information is XML format data. In an electronic form using system including a server and a second terminal device connected via a network,
The server comprises:
A database that stores electronic forms corresponding to multiple types of documents,
An external file that stores definition information that needs to be specified according to the electronic form,
First receiving means for receiving input data for an electronic form from the second terminal device;
Checking means for checking the input data according to the definition information corresponding to the location of the input data,
First transmitting means for transmitting a processing result by the checking means to the second terminal device;
With
The second terminal device includes:
Second transmission means for transmitting input data of necessary items by the user to the electronic form to the server;
Second receiving means for receiving a processing result from the server, and reflecting the processing result in a corresponding portion of the electronic form according to the processing result;
An electronic form utilization system, comprising: In an electronic form using system including a server connected via a network, a first terminal device, and a second terminal device for inputting data using the electronic form,
The first terminal device is
Reading means for reading electronic form-related data;
Setting means for setting definition information necessary for processing contents for an input item selected by a user;
Storage means for storing the definition information;
With
The server comprises:
A database for storing electronic forms,
An external file for storing the definition information,
First receiving means for receiving input data of necessary items for an electronic form from the second terminal device;
Checking means for checking the input data according to the definition information corresponding to the location of the input data,
First transmitting means for transmitting a processing result by the checking means to the second terminal device;
An electronic form utilization system, comprising: 19. The electronic form utilizing system according to claim 18, wherein the electronic form related data is an electronic form or structure data representing a structure of data input to the electronic form. 20. The electronic form using system according to claim 19, wherein the structure data is XML format data. 19. The electronic form using system according to claim 18, wherein the definition information includes at least one piece of information such as a check location, a check content, a post-check operation content, and the like. 22. The electronic form using system according to claim 21, wherein the check points correspond to input items of the electronic form. 22. The electronic form using system according to claim 21, wherein the check content includes a character type check, a value range check, and the like. 22. The electronic form using system according to claim 21, wherein the operation content after the check includes at least one of an error message display, a marking of a corresponding portion, and the like. 19. The electronic form using system according to claim 18, wherein the definition information is XML format data. The first transmitting means,
19. The electronic form using system according to claim 18, further comprising transmitting the operation content according to the definition information when the data is not valid. A program for causing a computer to function as the development system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A recording medium recording a program for causing a computer to function as the development system according to claim 1. A program for causing a computer to function as the server according to any one of claims 10 to 16. A recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as the server according to any one of claims 10 to 16.

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