JP2007272809A - Editor program, computer readable recording medium with editor program recorded thereon, and equipment operation support system using editor program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an editor program for facilitating creation of an integration program of a plurality of compound functions in creation of the simple integrated program for collectively executing functions of a plurality of pieces of equipment. <P>SOLUTION: An integrated function display means (control program not shown) visually displays image blocks 5, 38, 31, 25, 17 and connection lines 60, 62, 75, 82 in a predetermined matrix space and an integrated program creation means (control program not shown) creates a program list for specifying a processing order of programs based on this display. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an editor program that integrates the functions of a plurality of devices, a computer-readable recording medium that records the editor program, and a device operation support system that uses the editor program.

In order to easily operate a plurality of connected devices, the device operation support apparatus has an integrated function list that integrates functions of a plurality of devices in advance, and executes an integrated function selected based on the integrated function list. A technique is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).
JP 07-284164 A

  In the above conventional technique, it is difficult for a user to create and edit a list of integrated functions. It is an object of the present invention to solve this problem and provide a device operation support editor program that allows a user to easily create and edit a list of integrated functions.

  The present invention is an editor program that integrates the functions of a plurality of devices, and visually displays image blocks for each of the plurality of devices that specify the functions of the plurality of devices and connections between the image blocks in a predetermined matrix space. Integrated function display means for automatically displaying, and an integrated program for specifying a program for controlling the functions of the plurality of devices based on the display of the integrated function display means and creating a program list for specifying the processing order of the programs The main feature is to provide a creation means.

  In the present invention, the integrated function display means visually displays the image blocks for each of a plurality of devices that specify the functions of the plurality of devices and the connection between the image blocks in a predetermined matrix space, thereby expressing data branching. This makes it easy to create and edit a simple integrated program that executes a plurality of composite functions at once. In addition, the positions of the image blocks are gathered, it is easy to understand visually, the flow of files between the image blocks is clarified, and the bug reduction of the integrated program can be expected.

  In this embodiment, as an example, a program (hereinafter referred to as an integrated program) that integrates a function for capturing an image with a scanner, outputting scan data, converting the scan data into characters and storing it in a computer, and a function for printing the scan data with a printer. A configuration of a device operation support system for creating a program will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of the first embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the device operation support system according to the first embodiment includes a display 108, a computer 98, a keyboard 105, a scanner 106, and a printer 107.

  The computer 98 includes a CPU 99, a memory 100, a graphic controller 101, information storage means 102 that is an HDD, an interface 103, and a graphic memory 104. The computer 98 is connected to the display 108 through the graphic controller 101, and is connected to the keyboard 105, the scanner 106, and the printer 107 through the interface 103.

  The CPU 99 is a microprocessor that controls the operation of each unit in accordance with a program stored in the information storage unit 102. The memory 100 is a storage area used by the CPU 99 for device control and arithmetic processing. The graphic controller 101 is a part that displays the contents of the graphic memory 104 on the display 108. The graphic memory 104 is a memory that stores in advance a total of four windows: a program selection window 1, a placement and routing window 44, a display component selection window 128, and an operation screen creation window 136, which will be described later. The information storage unit 102 is a memory that stores programs and integrated programs. In the present embodiment, the information storage unit 102 exists in the computer 98 as an example, but may exist outside the computer 98 through a network.

  The interface 103 is an interface circuit that relays between the computer 98 and an external device. The editor program of this embodiment has a total of four windows: a program selection window 1, a placement and routing window 44, a display component selection window 128, and an operation screen creation window 136. These four windows are stored in the graphic memory 104 and are collectively displayed on the display 108 by the graphic controller 101 when an integrated program is created by the user. The user can specify the functions of the plurality of devices by operating the keyboard 105 while viewing the four windows displayed in a lump.

In describing this embodiment, the contents of these four windows will be described first.
In the present invention, the user operates these four windows collectively displayed on the display 108 using the cursor key of the keyboard 105 (FIG. 1) and the space key of the keyboard 105 (FIG. 1), and a desired function. Are integrated visually on the display 108, and based on the result, the CPU 99 creates an integrated program. The window configuration and setting of desired items will be described below.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a program selection window according to the first embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the program selection window 1 is used for the scanner 106 (FIG. 1) and the printer 107 (FIG. 2) to select a program to be executed by the computer 98 from a plurality of functions, respectively, based on a user request. It is a window. The program selection window 1 has a scanner window 2, a printer window 14, and a computer window 21 as child windows.

  The scanner window 2 includes a device name 3, an icon 4, an image block 5 that visualizes the scan function of the scanner 106, a program name 6 of a program that executes the function of the scanner 106, and a parameter name “DPI” that is set when the scan function is executed. The parameter input terminal 7 displaying the parameter name, the parameter input terminal 8 displaying the parameter name “file name”, the output terminal 9 displaying the extension of the file output when the scan function is executed, various image blocks 5, 17, 24, 31, A selection frame 10 for selecting 35 and 38 is provided.

  The display contents of the scanner window 2 (FIG. 2) are set by inputting or selecting items desired by the user in the scanner window setting list stored in the information storage unit 102 (FIG. 1) in advance.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a scanner window setting list.
The scanner window setting list 150 is a list for setting the display contents of the scanner window 2 between the code 151 “/ Machine” to the code 173 “/ Machine END”. The device name 3 is set with the code 152 “MNAME”, and the image file of the icon 4 is set with the code 153 “MPICT”.

  A portion between the code 157 “FUNCTION” and the code 172 “FUNCTION END” is a FUNCTION block 174, and the display content of the image block 5 (FIG. 2) is set by the FUNCTION block 174. The program name 6 is set by the code 158 “FNAME”, and the program command that the CPU 99 reads from the information storage unit 102 and executes it by the code 159 “FCODE”. The extension name of the output file is set by the code 154 “OUTPUT_FILE_EXT”. The extension name of the output file is displayed on the output terminal 9.

  The condition of the parameter input terminal 7 is set between the code 162 “/ PARAMETER” to the code 166 “/ PARAMETER END”. The parameter name to be displayed on the parameter input terminal 7 by the code 163 “PNAME” is a condition that can be input to the parameter input terminal 7 by the code 164 “PCODE”, and the initial value to be input to the parameter input terminal 7 by the code 165 “PDEFAULT” is Is set. Only parameters for which “PNAME” is set are displayed in the image block 5 (FIG. 2) as parameter input terminals.

  Code 170 “OUTPUT_FILE_UP” sets the output file name excluding the extension of the file output by the program specified by code 159 “FCODE”. The code 171 “PCODE” is the value of “PCODE” in the code 169, and “PDEFAULT” specified in the code 169 is designated unless the description of a parameter block 48 described later for setting the file name setting is changed by the user. XXX "is input. When the description of the parameter block 48 described later is updated, the updated description content is input to the code 170 “OUTPUT_FILE_UP”.

  Here, an example of creating an output file name will be described. The CPU 99 checks the value of “PCODE” in the same PARAMETER block 167 from the setting of “OUTPUT_FILE_UP = PCODE”. At this time, assuming that the user has not changed the description of the parameter block described later, the value of “PCODE” is “XXX”. “XXX” is the file name excluding the extension of the output file. “OUTPUT_FILE_EXT = JPG” is set, and the extension of the output file is “JPG”. In addition, the output file name is “XXX.JPG”. This output file name is used when creating the integrated program.

  The line size of the image block is determined by the default line size, the number of parameters, the number of input file extensions, and the number of output file extensions. The size of the image block is used when changing the size of the matrix space of the placement and routing window (described later).

As an example of determining the size of the image block, a procedure for determining the size of the image block 5 (FIG. 2) is shown below.
A default line size Lyd of the image block and a line direction size Lyc of one character are set in advance. Let the row size of the image block be Ly. The CPU 99 calculates the number of parameters Np, the number of input file extensions Nin, and the number of output file extensions Nout from the FUNCTION block in the window setting list that determines the display contents of the image block. Further, the CPU 99 performs the following calculation.

N = MAX ((Nin + Npara), Nout) (210)
Ly = MAX ((N * Lyc), Lyd) (211)
“MAX” is an arithmetic function. When MAX (A, B) is described, A and B are compared and a large value is returned. In the expression (210), a large value is input to N by comparing (Nin + Npara) and Nout. In Expression (211), a large value is input to Ly by comparing (N * Lyc) and Lyd. The CPU 99 draws the outline of the image block with the dimension of Ly. Here, the column dimension Lxd of the image block is constant. Although a method is not described here, the column size may be calculated from the number of characters in the parameter, the number of characters in the input file extension name, and the number of characters in the output file extension name.

  In the image block 5 (FIG. 2), after drawing the outer shape, the input file extension name and the parameter name are arranged in order from the upper left, and the output file extension name is arranged from the upper right. A frame is drawn around the input file extension name and the output file extension name to draw the entire image block. As described above, since the image block is not prepared in advance as a graphic but is created from the list, it has a feature that it can be easily added.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the printer window 14 has a device name 15, an icon 16, and an image block 17 that visualizes the printing function of the printer 107. The image block 17 has an input terminal 19 that displays a program name 18 and an extension of an input file necessary for using the printing function. The display contents of the printer window 14 are set by inputting or selecting items desired by the user in the printer window setting list stored in the information storage unit 102 (FIG. 1) in advance.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a printer window setting list.
The contents of the printer window setting list 221 are almost the same as those of the scanner window setting list 150, and the description of the same parts is omitted. The code 222 “INPUT_FILE_EXT” sets the extension name of the input file, and the extension name of the input file is displayed on the input terminal 19. The input file name is input to the code 223 “INPUT_FILE”.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the computer window 21 has device names 22, icons 23, and image blocks 25, 31, 35, and 38 indicating programs stored in the information storage unit 102 by the computer 98. The image block 25 visualizing the print data creation function of the computer 98 includes a program name 24, a file input terminal 26, a file output terminal 27, a parameter input terminal 28 for setting “DPI”, and a parameter input for setting “number of prints”. The terminal 29 includes a parameter input terminal 30 for setting “paper size”.

The image block 31 that visualizes the file storage function of the computer 98 includes a program name 32, a file input terminal 33, and a parameter input terminal 34 for setting a storage destination folder in the information storage unit 102. The image block 35 visualizing the file display function of the computer 98 includes a program name 36 and a file input terminal 37. The image block 38 visualizing the character recognition function of the computer 98 includes a program name 39, a file input terminal 40, and a file output terminal 41. The display contents of the computer window 21 are set by inputting or selecting items desired by the user in a computer window setting list stored in advance in the information storage means 102 (FIG. 1).

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a computer window setting list.
The display contents of the computer window 21 are set in the computer window setting list 226. The contents of the computer window setting list 226 are almost the same as the scanner window setting list 150, and the description of the same part is omitted. The FUNCTION block 227 sets display contents of the image block 25, the FUNCTION block 229 sets display contents of the image block 31, the FUNCTION block 231 sets display contents of the image block 35, and the FUNCTION block 232 sets display contents of the image block 38, respectively. As a portion different from the scanner window setting list 150, a code 228 “NUM” and a code 230 “CHARA” are described. The code 228 “NUM” indicates that a value that can be set in “PCODE” is a number. The code 230 “CHARA” indicates that a value that can be set in “PCODE” is a character string.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of the placement and routing window of the first embodiment.
The placement and routing window 44 represents the connection relationship of image blocks that visualizes the program. Here, as an example, a program in which characters in scan data output by the scanner 106 are converted into text data and stored in a computer, and a scan function is printed on a printer, that is, a copy function is integrated. The function of converting the character in the scan data into text data and storing it is constituted by the image block 5, the connection line 60, the image block 38, the connection line 75, and the image block 31 of the placement and routing window 44. The copy function includes the image block 5, the connection line 62, the image block 25, the connection line 82, and the image block 17.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the placement and routing window of the first embodiment.
(A) shows the arrangement and wiring window before the image block arrangement, and (b) shows the setting contents of the matrix dimension setting list 118.
As shown to (a), the arrangement | positioning wiring window 44 is divided | segmented into the matrix space of the 1st-3rd column and the 1st line-the 3rd line by the boundary line 59. FIG. The boundary line 59 can be switched between display and non-display depending on the setting. The dimensions of each row and each column of the placement and routing window 44 can be set individually. The CPU 99 reads the setting contents of the matrix dimension setting list 118 shown in (b) and creates a matrix space to be displayed on the placement and routing window 44.

  The row dimension Lyi (i is a natural number of 1 to 3) in the matrix dimension setting list 118 represents the row dimension of the i-th row of the placement and routing window 44, and the column dimension Lxj (j is a natural number of 1 to 3) is the placement. The column dimension of the jth column of the wiring window 44 is represented. For example, when the value of the row dimension Ly <b> 1 is “200”, the CPU 99 arranges the boundary line 59 with the row dimension of the first row of the placement and routing window 44 being 200 pixels.

In the arrangement connection window 44, the image blocks 5, 17, 25, 31, 35, and 38 (FIG. 2) selected from the program selection window 1 (FIG. 2) are sequentially arranged one by one.
In the image block arranged in the arrangement connection window 44, a parameter block and a connection line are added to the display contents in the program selection window 1 (FIG. 2). For example, when the image block 25 is arranged in the arrangement / wiring window 44, parameter blocks 66, 68, 70 and connection lines 67, 69, 71 are added as shown in FIG. To do.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the matrix size of the image block group.
When arranging the image block group 65, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) compares the size of the matrix space with the size of the image block group + the empty space. If the size of the matrix space is small, the CPU 99 expands the matrix space. Therefore, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) calculates the dimension value of each image block.
Values are set in advance for the row dimension LyP66 and the column dimension LxP66 of the parameter block 66, and the column dimension LxP67 of the connection line 67. Draw.

At that time, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) calculates the row size LyP_A that combines the image block group and the empty space, and the column size LxP_A that combines the image block group and the empty space, and stores them in the memory 100. The calculation formula is as follows.
LxP_A = LxP66 + LxP67 + Lx25 + L1 * 2
LyP_A = Ly25 + L1 * 2
L1 is an empty space dimension, and a value is set in advance. Further, Lx25 is calculated by the column size of the image block 25, and Ly25 is calculated by the equation (211) in the image block 25.
The dimensions of the matrix space are changed using the above Lyi, Lxj, LxP_A, and LyP_A.

  In the first row and first column of the arrangement connection window 44 in FIG. 6, an image block group 45 including an image block 5 indicating the scanning function of the scanner 106, parameter blocks 46 and 48, and connection lines 47 and 49 is arranged. . “600” is set in the parameter block 46, and thereby the scan resolution is 600 DPI (Dot Per Inch).

  Since the scanner 106 of the present embodiment uses JPG as the file extension of the scan data, the file name of the scan data is “XXX.JPG”. The output terminal 9 is connected to the file input terminal 40 of the image block 38 through the connection line 60, and is connected to the file input terminal 26 of the image block 25 through the connection line 62. The file “XXX.JPG” is output from the scanner 106 (FIG. 1), stored in the information storage means 102 (FIG. 1) of the computer 98, and input to the character recognition program and the print data conversion program of the computer 98.

  The selection frame 10 selects one section of the matrix space. An image block 38 of the character recognition program in the computer 98 is arranged in the first row and second column of the arrangement and wiring window 44 of FIG. Since the character recognition program of this embodiment has no parameters to be set, no parameter block and connection line are added. The file output terminal 41 is connected to the file input terminal 33 of the image block 31 through a connection line 75.

  In the first row and third column of the arrangement / connection window 44, an image block group 76 including an image block 31, a parameter block 77, and a connection line 78 in which the file storage program is visualized is arranged. The image blocks 5, 38, and 31 described above represent a function in which scanned data is recognized, converted into character data, and stored in a designated folder.

  An image block group 65 including the image block 25, parameter blocks 66, 68 and 70, and connection lines 67, 69 and 71 is arranged in the second row and second column of the arrangement connection window 44. . When the parameter block 68 is displayed as “INPUT”, a value designated by the user on the display 108 (FIG. 1) is input when the integrated program is executed. The empty spaces 90 to 93 are empty spaces between the image block group 65 and the matrix space, and the length is L1.

Furthermore, an image block 17 representing the printing function of the printer 107 (FIG. 1) is arranged in the second row and third column of the arrangement connection window 44.
The scanned data is converted into print data by the image blocks 5, 25, and 17 described above, and the function printed by the printer 107 (FIG. 1) is expressed.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a display component selection window.
The display component selection window 128 shown in the figure has a character block 129, a parameter input block 130, an execution button 131, and a cancel button 132, which are display components arranged in the operation screen creation window 136 described below.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an operation screen creation window.
The operation screen creation window 136 shown in the figure is a portion for creating an operation screen of the display 108 (FIG. 1) when an operation screen program described later is executed. As an example, in FIG. 10, the operation screen creation window 136 has a character block 137, a character block 138, a parameter input block 139, an execution button 140, and a cancel button 141.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a display component arrangement list.
This figure is a display component arrangement list 184 that the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) outputs to the information storage means 102 (FIG. 1) when the operation screen creation window 136 shown in FIG. 10 is created. The code 185 is information on the character block 137. The structure of the code 185 is, in order from the left, a character block arrangement command, a display character string, an X coordinate at the upper left end of the character block 137, a Y coordinate at the upper left end, an X coordinate at the lower right end, and a Y coordinate at the lower right end. is there. The code 186 is information of the character block 138, and the content is the same as that of the code 185, so that the description is omitted.

  A code 187 is information of the parameter input block 139. The structure of the code 187 is, in order from the left, the parameter input block placement instruction, the register name to which the parameter value is input, the X coordinate of the upper left corner of the parameter input block, the Y coordinate of the upper left corner, the X coordinate of the lower right corner, It is a Y coordinate of a lower end part. The code 188 is information on the execution button 140. The structure of the code 188 is, in order from the left, an execution command, an integrated program name, an X coordinate at the upper left end of the execution button 140, a Y coordinate at the upper left end, an X coordinate at the lower right end, and a Y coordinate at the lower right end. A code 189 is information on the cancel button 141. The structure of the code 189 is, in order from the left, a stop command, the X coordinate of the upper left end of the stop button 141, the Y coordinate of the upper left end, the X coordinate of the lower right end, and the Y coordinate of the lower right end.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the comprehensive program list.
This figure is an integrated program list 175 created by the editor. The integrated program list 175 shown in the figure is composed of five command lines 176 to 180. The command line is a character string arranged in the order of "program command parameter parameter ...". A command line is entered into the computer 98 (FIG. 1) and the desired program is executed with the desired settings. The command line 176 is a program for executing scanning, the command line 177 for character recognition, the command line 178 for print data conversion, the command line 179 for storing data, and the command line 180 for printing.

  Next, as an example, a description will be given of a procedure for creating an integrated program in which an image is captured by a scanner, scan data is output, the scan data is converted into characters and stored in a computer, and a function of printing the scan data with a printer is integrated.

Procedure 1 (Preparation procedure for creating integrated program)
First, an integrated program creation preparation procedure by the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) will be described. The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) reads the editor and program stored in the information storage means 102 (FIG. 1) into the memory 100 and executes it. The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) executes an editor and an integrated program. The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) writes graphic data for display 108 (FIG. 1) in the graphic memory 104 (FIG. 1) in accordance with the execution of the editor and the integrated program. The graphic controller 101 (FIG. 1) reads the graphic data in the graphic memory 104 (FIG. 1), sends it to the display 108 (FIG. 1), and the above four windows (program selection window 1 (FIG. 2), placement and routing window 44 (FIG. 1). 6), a display component selection window 128 (FIG. 9), and an operation screen creation window (FIG. 10)) are collectively displayed on the display 108 (FIG. 1). The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) completes preparation for accepting user input based on this display.

Procedure 2 (Placement of image blocks in the place and route window)
Next, the procedure for placing image blocks on the placement and routing window by the integrated program creation editor will be described. As described above, the editor operates on the computer 98 (FIG. 1), the program selection window 1 (FIG. 2), the placement and routing window 44 (FIG. 6), the display component selection window 128 (FIG. 9), and the operation screen creation window. 136 (FIG. 10). The user selects the image blocks 5, 17, 25, 31, and 38 in the program selection window 1 and places them on the placement and routing window 44 (FIG. 2). The detailed contents will be described below.

  The user selects an image block of a program to be used from the program selection window 1 (FIG. 2). The user moves the selection frame 10 (FIG. 2) to a desired image block by pressing the cursor key on the keyboard 105 (FIG. 1). The user selects an image block by pressing the space key on the keyboard 105 (FIG. 1). When an image block is selected, the selection frame 10 (FIG. 2) moves to the placement and routing window 44 (FIG. 6). The selection frame 10 (FIG. 6) surrounds one section of the matrix space on the placement and routing window 44 (FIG. 6). The user moves the selection frame 10 (FIG. 6) to a desired area by pressing the cursor key, and places the image block 5 (FIG. 6) selected on the program selection window 1 (FIG. 6) in the desired section by pressing the space key. To do. At that time, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) creates a program arrangement list and a parameter list in the information storage means 102 (FIG. 1). The contents of the program arrangement list will be described below, followed by the contents of the parameter list.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a program arrangement list according to the first embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the program arrangement list 193 is divided into five fields. The first field from the left of each row is a program number field 194 indicating a program setting order number (hereinafter referred to as a program number). The program number is updated each time an image block is placed in the placement and routing window 44 (FIG. 6). To do. The second field from the left is a line number field 195 indicating the line number of the arrangement space of the image block. The third field from the left is a column number field 196 indicating the column number of the arrangement space of the image block. The fourth field from the left is a program name field 197 indicating the program name of the program visualized by the image block. The fifth field from the left is a connection number field 198 indicating the arrangement order number of the image block that gives the input file to the image block.

  As an example, when the first scanned image block 5 is placed in the first row and first column of the placement and routing window 44 (FIG. 6), the program number field 194 in the first row of the program placement list shows the program placement order. "1" as the number, "1" as the line number where the program is arranged in the line number field 195, "1" as the column number where the program is arranged in the column number field 196, and a program in the program name field 197 The name “scan” is described and put together, the first line of the program arrangement list 193 becomes “1 1 1 scan”. When the second character recognition image block 38 is arranged in the first row and the second column of the arrangement wiring window 44 (FIG. 6), the second row of the program arrangement list 193 becomes “2 1 2 character recognition”. At this time, since the wiring between the image blocks is not performed, the fifth character string is not input. The fifth character string will be described in the following procedure 2.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a parameter list according to the first embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the structure of the parameter list 200 is such that the first character string is a program number field 201 indicating the arrangement order number of the program arrangement list 193 (FIG. 13), and the second and subsequent character strings represent parameter setting values. This is a parameter field 202. The first line of the parameter list 200 sets parameters of the image blocks 5 arranged in the first row and first column of the placement and routing window 44 (FIG. 6). The first character string is “1” which is the arrangement sequence number of the first line of the program arrangement list 193 (FIG. 13), and the second character string is “600” which is the value of the parameter “DPI” of the image block 5. The second character string represents “XXX” which is the value of the parameter “file name” of the image block 5. The order of the parameters corresponds to the parameter setting order in the FUNCTION block 174 (FIG. 3).

  In step 2, the size of each row and each column of the placement and routing window 44 (FIG. 6) can be set individually. The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) reads the setting contents of the matrix dimension setting list 118 shown in FIG. 7B, and creates a matrix space to be displayed on the placement and routing window 44 (FIG. 6). The dimensions of the matrix space are automatically updated as follows, saving labor. When the line dimension value LyP_A of the image block group to be arranged is larger than the line dimension value Lyi of the arrangement place, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) rewrites the line dimension value of the arrangement place to the line dimension value LyP_A of the image block group, The display of the placement and routing window 44 is updated by changing the row space of the placement location according to the value. Similarly, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) rewrites the column dimensions.

Procedure 3 (Wiring connection between image blocks and parameter change)
After completing the arrangement of the image blocks, the user performs wiring between the image blocks and parameter change processing. The user moves the selection frame 10 (FIG. 6) by pressing the cursor key, and selects the image block group arranged on the placement and routing window 44 (FIG. 6) by pressing the space key. When an image block group is selected, the selection frame 10 (FIG. 6) surrounds one of the input / output terminals or parameter blocks in the image block group. The user moves the selection frame 10 (FIG. 6) to the input / output terminal or parameter block by pressing the cursor key, and selects the input / output terminal or parameter block by pressing the space key.

The operation during wiring between the input / output terminals will be described below.
When an input terminal is selected, a file having the same file extension name that can be input to the input terminal can be wired to an output terminal that can output the file, and the selection frame 10 (FIG. 6) can move the corresponding output terminal. The user can wire the selected input terminal and output terminal with a connection line by pressing the space key. As an example, the file input terminal 40 of FIG. 6 can be wired by the connection line 60 with the output terminal 9 whose input file extension name is TIF or JPG and whose output file extension name is JPG.

  When wiring between the input terminal and the output terminal, the CPU 99 inserts the program number of the upstream image block that outputs the file into the connection number field 198 on the program arrangement list 193 shown in FIG. As an example, the connection of the image block 5 and the image block 38 in FIG. 6 will be described. The user selects and wires the file input terminal 40 of the image block 38 and the output terminal 9 of the image block 5. At that time, in the connection number field 198 on the second line of the program arrangement list 193 (FIG. 13) that is the arrangement information of the image block 38, the program on the first line of the program arrangement list 193 (FIG. 13) that is the information on the image block 5 is displayed. By describing the value 1 in the number field 194 (FIG. 13), the CPU 99 manages the connection between the image block 5 and the image block 38.

  As described above, by arranging image blocks in the matrix space, the positions of the image blocks are gathered, it is easy to understand visually, the flow of files between the image blocks becomes clear, and it is expected to reduce bugs in the integrated program and shorten the development period. it can. Next, the contents of parameter change will be described. The user can select a parameter block and change the parameter value. The values that can be set in the parameter block are the PCODE setting values described in the window setting list. As an example, a value that can be set in the parameter “DPI” of the scanner window setting list 150 in FIG. 3 is any one of “1200”, “600”, and “300” set in the code 164 “PCODE”. When the value set in “PCODE” is any one of “INPUT”, “NUM”, and “CHARA”, the user can set the target parameter, and can also set it from the operation screen when executing the operation screen program described later. “INPUT” has no condition for the set value. “NUM” can only be set to numbers. “CHARA” can be set with letters and numbers.

Step 4 (Create operation screen)
The following describes the procedure for creating an operation screen after completion of wiring and parameter change. However, if the operation screen is unnecessary, step 4 may be skipped.
The user sets the selection frame 10 to the window switching mode by pressing the escape key of the keyboard 105 (FIG. 1), moves the selection frame 10 to the display component selection window 128 (FIG. 9) by pressing the cursor key, and presses the space key to select the selection frame. 10 is moved to the operation screen creation window 136 (FIG. 10).
The user selects a desired display component from the display component selection window 128 (FIG. 9) and places it on the operation screen creation window 136 (FIG. 10). When the user moves the selection frame 10 on the display content selection window 128 and selects a display component, the selection frame 10 moves to the operation screen creation window 136 (FIG. 10).

  In the operation screen creation window 136 (FIG. 10), the user moves the selection frame 10 to a desired position and fixes the upper left corner of the display component selected previously by pressing the space key. Thereafter, the lower right corner of the display component can be moved by pressing the cursor key, and the lower right corner of the display component is fixed by pressing the space key. The CPU 99 (FIG. 10) describes the display component arrangement information in the display component arrangement list 184 of FIG. As an example, an operation when the character block 137 (FIG. 10) is arranged is shown. The user selects the character block 129 (FIG. 9) in the display component selection window 128, fixes the upper left upper end and lower right end of the character block 129 selected in the operation screen creation window 136 (FIG. 10), and displays the display character “copy & “Character conversion” is input to create a character block 137. At this time, in the code 185 of the display component arrangement list 184 (FIG. 11), “CHARA” indicating that the arranged display component is a character block, “copy & character conversion” which is a display character, character block The X coordinate X1 of the upper left end portion of 137, the Y coordinate Y1 of the upper left end portion, the X coordinate X2 of the lower right end portion, and the Y coordinate Y2 of the lower right end portion are described. Thereby, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) manages the arrangement positions and display contents of the display components in the operation screen creation window 136 (FIG. 10).

Step 5 (Create operation screen program and integrated program)
An operation screen program is created, and an integrated program is created from the program arrangement list 193 (FIG. 13) created in step 3 above. In this procedure 5, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) compiles the display component arrangement list 184 (FIG. 1) and creates an operation screen program in an executable format. By executing the operation screen program, the display content window created in the operation screen creation window 136 of FIG. 6 is displayed on the display 108 (FIG. 1). Thereafter, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) creates an integrated program list 175 shown in FIG. 12 from the program arrangement list 193 (FIG. 13). Hereinafter, a procedure for creating an integrated program list will be described with reference to a flowchart.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for creating an integrated program list.
The CPU 99 first creates the most upstream command line for outputting a file in S1-1 to S1-4, and then creates a downstream command line in S1-5 to S1-13. The created command lines are integrated into an integrated program list. Below, it demonstrates in order of a step.

Step S1-1
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) sets C representing the program depth to 1. The program depth C indicates the upstream and downstream of the program. A program having a program depth C of 1 is positioned at the uppermost stream and only outputs without inputting a file. A program with a program depth C inputs an output file of a program with a program depth “C = 1”. R is the program order of program depth C. Here, the value C corresponds to the value in the column of the placement and routing window 44 (FIG. 6), and R corresponds to the value in the row of the placement and routing window 44 (FIG. 6).

Step S1-2
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) detects the most upstream program from the program arrangement list 193 (FIG. 13). The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) manages the detected program by a program number, and specifically stores and manages it in a program number (R, C) which is a two-dimensional array. The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) detects the program on the line having no value in the connection number field 198 (FIG. 13) as the most upstream program. If the program can be detected in step S1-2 (YES), the process proceeds to step S1-3. If the program cannot be detected (NO), the process proceeds to step S1-5. Here, R corresponds to the row number in FIG. 6, and C corresponds to the column number.

Step S1-3
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) creates a command line for the detected program. The command line creation flow will be described later.

Step S1-4
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) adds “1” to the R value and returns to S1-2. The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) creates the command line of the most upstream program in the loop of S1-2 to S1-4.

Step S1-5
The CPU 99 substitutes a value obtained by subtracting 1 from R into RDMAX. Here, RDMAX is the number of programs with a program depth of 1. The process proceeds from S1-5 to S1-6.

Step S1-6
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) substitutes R = 1, C = 2, and RD = 1. RD is the order of programs having a program depth “C-1”.

Step S1-7
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) detects the program number (R, C) for inputting the output file of the program number (RD, C-1). Here, a line having the same value as the program number (RD, C-1) in the connection number field 198 (FIG. 13) is detected, and the program number of the detected line is substituted into the program number (R, C). If the program number (R, C) can be detected (YES), the process proceeds to S28. If the program number (R, C) cannot be detected (NO), the process proceeds to S1-10.

Step S1-8
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) creates a command line for the program number (R, C) and proceeds to step S1-9.

Step S1-9
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) adds 1 to R and returns to S1-7. In the loop of S1-7 to S1-9, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) creates a command line for the program located downstream of the program number (RD, C-1).

Step S1-10
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) determines whether RD and RDMAX are equal. If RD and RMAX are not equal (NO), since all the command lines having the program depth C have not been created, the process proceeds to S1-11, and the condition is In the case of YES, all command lines having the program depth C have been created, and the process proceeds to step S1-12.

Step S1-11
CPU99 (FIG. 1) adds 1 to RD, and returns to step S1-7. In the loop from step S1-7 to step S1-11, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) creates a command line with a program depth C.

Step S1-12
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) determines whether R is equal to 1. If NO, not all command lines have been created. The process proceeds to S1-13. If YES, it is determined that all command lines have been created. Then, the creation of the integrated program list is completed.

Step S1-13
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) substitutes C by 1 and subtracts 1 from RD and substitutes it into RMAX, substitutes 1 into RD, and returns to step S1-7. In the loop from step S1-7 to step S1-13, a command line of a program other than the most upstream is created, and the flow is terminated through step S1-12.

As an example, when the flowchart (FIG. 15) is applied to create the integrated program list 175 of FIG. 12, the flow proceeds as follows.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of program numbers (R, C) according to the first embodiment.
This figure shows program numbers (R, C) which are two-dimensional arrays with R values and program depth C values. The program number (R, C) is used when creating a command line, and stores the program number of the program arrangement list 193 (FIG. 13). The program numbers (R, C) are stored in the memory 100 (FIG. 1).

  In step S1-1, R = 1 and C = 1. In step S1-2, the CPU 99 searches for a line having no value in the connection number field 198 (FIG. 13) and detects the first line. The CPU 99 substitutes the value 1 in the program number field 194 (FIG. 13) of the detected row into the program number (1, 1). The program numbers (R, C) are substituted as shown in FIG. Proceeding to step S1-3, the command line “SCAN 600 XXX” of program number (1, 1) is entered in the first line of the integrated program list (FIG. 12).

In step S1-4, R = 2 is set. Proceeding to step S1-2, the CPU 99 detects that there is no line having no value in the connection number field 198 other than the previously searched line, and proceeds to step S1-5. In step S1-5, RDMAX = 1 is set. In step S1-6, R = 1, C = 2, and RD = 1.
In step S1-7, the CPU 99 detects an input program from the output file of the program number (1, 1). The CPU 99 searches for the value 1 of the program number (1, 1) in the connection number field 198 (FIG. 13), and detects the second line of the program arrangement list 193 (FIG. 13). The CPU 99 substitutes the value 2 of the program number field 194 (FIG. 13) of the detected row into the program number (1, 2).

  Proceeding to step S1-8, the CPU 99 writes the command line “OCR XXX.JPG” of the program number (1, 2) in the second line of the integrated program list 175 (FIG. 13). Proceeding to step S1-9, CPU 99 sets R = 2 and returns to step S1-7. In step S1-7 for the second time, the program output file of the program number (1, 1) detects the input program again. At this time, the CPU 99 detects the fourth line of the program arrangement list 193 (FIG. 13), and substitutes the value 4 in the program number field 194 (FIG. 13) of the detected line into the program number (2, 2). Proceeding to step S1-8, the CPU 99 describes the command line “PRNTRANS 600% OP1% A4 XXX.JPG” of the program number (2, 2) in the third line of the integrated program list 175 (FIG. 13).

  Proceeding to step S1-9, CPU 99 sets R = 3, and returns to step S1-7. In step S1-7, the CPU 99 cannot detect the file output destination program of the program number (1, 1), and proceeds to step S1-10. In step S1-10, the CPU 99 determines that both RD and RDMAX are equal to 1, and proceeds to step S1-12. In step S1-12, the CPU 99 determines that R is not 1, and proceeds to step S1-13. In step S1-13, the CPU 99 sets R = 1, C = 3, RDMAX = 2, and RD = 1, and proceeds to step S1-7.

  In step S1-7, the CPU 99 detects the file output destination program of the program indicated by the program number (1, 2). At this time, the CPU 99 detects the third line of the program arrangement list 193, and substitutes the value 3 in the program number field 194 (FIG. 13) of the detected line into the program number (1, 3). Proceeding to step S1-8, the CPU 99 describes the command line “COPY XXX.TXT C: ¥ TEMP” of the program number (1,3) in the fourth line of the integrated program list 175. Proceeding to step S1-9, CPU 99 sets R = 2 and returns to step S1-7.

In step S1-7, the CPU 99 cannot detect the file output destination program of the program number (1, 2), and proceeds to step S1-10.
In step S1-10, the CPU 99 determines that RD and RDMAX are not equal, and proceeds to step S1-11. In step S1-11, the CPU 99 sets RD = 2 and returns to step S1-7. In step S1-7, the CPU 99 detects the output destination program of the program indicated by the program number (2, 2). At this time, the CPU 99 detects the fifth line of the program arrangement list 193 (FIG. 13), and substitutes the value 5 in the program number field 194 (FIG. 13) of the detected line into the program number (2, 3).

Proceeding to step S1-8, the CPU 99 describes the command line “PRINT XXX.PRN” of the program number (2, 3) in the fifth line of the integrated program list 175. Proceeding to step S1-9, CPU 99 sets R = 3 and returns to step S1-7. In step S1-7, the CPU 99 cannot detect the file output destination program of the program number (2, 2), and proceeds to step S1-10. In step S1-10, the CPU 99 determines that RD and RDMAX are both equal to 2, and proceeds to step S1-12.
In step S1-12, the CPU 99 determines that R is not 1 and proceeds to step S1-13.

  In step S1-13, the CPU 99 sets R = 1, C = 4, RDMAX = 2, and RD = 1, and returns to step S1-7. In step S1-7, the CPU 99 cannot detect the file output destination program of the program number (1, 3), and proceeds to step S1-10. In step S1-10, the CPU 99 determines that RD and RDMAX are not equal, and proceeds to step S1-11. In step S1-11, the CPU 99 sets RD = 2 and returns to S27. In step S1-7, the CPU 99 cannot detect the file output destination program of the program number (2, 3), and proceeds to step S1-10. In step S1-10, the CPU 99 determines that RD and RDMAX are both equal to 2, and proceeds to step S1-12. In step S1-12, the CPU 99 determines that R is 1, and ends the creation of the integrated program list. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16, the values of the program number field 194 (FIG. 13) of the image blocks arranged in the placement and routing window 44 of FIG. 6 are matrixed.

The procedure for creating the command line that constitutes the integrated program list 175 (FIG. 13) is shown below.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a command line creation procedure according to the first embodiment.
Step S1-21
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) acquires the program name of the program number (R, C) for which the command line is to be created from the program name field 197 (FIG. 13) and sets it as the program name A.

Step S1-22
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) loads the FUNCTION block A having the same “FNAME” value as the program name A into the scanner window setting list 150 (FIG. 3), the printer window setting list 221 (FIG. 4), and the computer window setting list 226 (FIG. 5). ) To detect.

Step S1-23
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) writes the “FCODE” value in the FUNCTION block A on the leftmost side of the command line.

Step S1-24
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) searches the program number field 201 of the parameter list 200 (FIG. 14) for the value of the program number (R, C), and the description content of the detected parameter field 202 on the command line. Add the “FCODE” value to the right side of the description and end the flow.

As an example, when the command line 176 shown in FIG. 12 is applied to the flowchart shown in FIG. 17, the flow proceeds as follows.
First, the value of the program number (1, 1) is “1”. In S1-21, the CPU 99 searches each line of the program arrangement list 193 (FIG. 13) having the same program number as the program number (1, 1). Here, the CPU 99 detects the first line of the program arrangement list 193 (FIG. 13), and sets the program name “scan” on the first line as the program name A.

  The CPU 99 selects the FUNCTION block A in which the program name “FNAME” is “scan” in step S1-22, the scanner window setting list 150 (FIG. 3), the printer window setting list 221 (FIG. 4), and the computer window setting list 226 ( Search from FIG. At this time, the CPU 99 detects the FUNCTION block 174 in the scanner window setting list 150 (FIG. 3) and sets it as the FUNCTION block A. In step S1-23, the CPU 99 describes the value “SCAN” of the program code “FCODE” described in the FUNCTION block A on the leftmost side of the command line.

  In step S1-24, the CPU 99 searches the parameter list 200 (FIG. 14) for a line having the same program number as the program number (1, 1). At that time, the CPU 99 detects the first line of the parameter list 200. The contents of the parameter field 202 of the detected line are described after “SCAN” on the command line. At this time, “600 XXX” is described. In summary, the command line of the first line of the integrated program list 175 is “SCAN 600 XXX”. The above is the procedure for creating the command line 176.

An integrated program is created through steps 1 to 5 described above.
The following describes how the integrated program created in this way operates, that is, the operation when the integrated program list 175 (FIG. 12) is executed.

  The user executes the operation screen program stored in the information storage means 102 (FIG. 2), and displays the operation screen creation window 136 (FIG. 10) on the display 108 (FIG. 1). The user sets the value of the parameter input block 139 (FIG. 10) on the operation screen program and presses the execution button 140 (FIG. 10). The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) stores the value of the parameter input block 139 (FIG. 1) as the OP1 value in the memory 100 (FIG. 1), and executes the integrated program.

  The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) executes scan, character recognition, print data conversion, character recognition data storage, and print data printing in this order in accordance with the contents of the integrated program list 175 (FIG. 12). The details are shown below.

  At the command line 176 (FIG. 12), the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) sends a resolution of 600 DPI, output file name XXX. To the scanner 106 (FIG. 1) via the interface 103 (FIG. 1). A scan command is transmitted under the condition of JPG. The scanner 106 (FIG. 1) stores the file XXX. The JPG is transmitted to the computer 98 (FIG. 1). The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) sends the file XXX.X to the information storage means 102 (FIG. 1) via the interface 103 (FIG. 1). Store JPG.

  On the command line 177 (FIG. 12), the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) executes the character recognition program OCR and executes the file XXX. JPG character recognition, and the result is file XXX. The information is stored in the information storage means 102 (FIG. 1) as TXT.

  On the command line 178 (FIG. 12), the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) executes the print data conversion program PRNTRANS and executes the file XXX. From JPG, a print data file XXX. Under the conditions of resolution 600 DPI, number of prints OP1, paper size A4. Create a PRN. The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) reads the file XXX. The PRN is stored in the information storage unit 102 (FIG. 1).

  At the command line 179 (FIG. 12), the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) reads the file XXX. TXT is stored in the C: ¥ TEMP folder of the information storage means 102 (FIG. 1).

On the command line 180 (FIG. 12), the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) executes a print program command PRINT and sends the file XXX.X to the printer 107 (FIG. 1) via the interface 103 (FIG. 1). Send PRN. The printer 107 (FIG. 1) stores the file XXX. Print according to the contents of PRN.
The above is the operation when the integrated program list 175 is executed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since an image block obtained by visualizing a plurality of programs is arranged and connected in a matrix space and an integrated program is created, data branching can be expressed, and a plurality of composite functions can be expressed together. This makes it easy to create an integrated program that can be executed. In addition, since the size of the matrix space is automatically changed in accordance with the size of the image block, it is possible to save the labor of the change and shorten the development period. Further, the positions of the image blocks are gathered, and it is easy to understand visually, the flow of the file between the image blocks is clarified, and the effect that the bug reduction of the integrated program can be expected is obtained. Further, since the image block is not prepared graphically from the beginning, but is created from the character string list, the effect that the user can shorten the period for creating the image block is obtained. Furthermore, since the initial value of the parameter is automatically given to the image block, an effect is obtained that an integrated program can be developed even if the user has little program knowledge.

  In this embodiment, since the extension of the output file of the image block is different from the extension of the input file of the next image block, the case where the connection of both image blocks cannot be directly connected is handled. In the present embodiment, an image block that can be inserted between image blocks that cannot be directly connected is searched from the information storage means, and as a result, the detected image block is inserted between both blocks.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of the placement and routing window of the second embodiment.
This figure shows an arrangement and wiring window 44 to which the image block 5 for the scan function and the image block 17 for the print function are connected. A relay candidate window 215 is displayed below the placement and routing window 44. In the relay candidate window 215, a relay candidate button 216 and a cancel button 217 are displayed.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the placement and routing window of the second embodiment.
This figure shows the placement and routing window 44 when the relay candidate button 216 in FIG. 18 is selected. 18, the image block 17 has moved to the third column, and the image block group 65 of the print data creation function is inserted in the second column.

  In the layout wiring window 44 of FIG. 18, the image block 5 of the scan function is arranged in the first row and the first column, the image block 17 of the print function is arranged in the first row and the second column, and the image block 5 and the image block 17 are arranged. Connect. The extension of the output file of the image block 5 is “JPG”, and the extension of the input file of the image block 17 is “PRN”. In this case, in this embodiment, an image block that can be inserted between image blocks that cannot be directly connected is presented to further reduce development time. Furthermore, combinations that are not anticipated by the user can be presented, and the range of integrated program development can be expanded.

  In this embodiment, as an example, in the procedure for creating an integrated program that integrates the function of capturing an image with a scanner, outputting scan data, converting the scan data into characters and storing it in a computer, and printing the scan data with a printer, The procedure 3 is different from the first embodiment as follows. In this embodiment, when wiring between image blocks, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) executes the following procedure. The procedure will be described below using a flowchart.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the wiring operation procedure of the second embodiment.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of the program arrangement list according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the program arrangement list according to the second embodiment.

Step S2-1
The output file extension name E of the upstream image block is compared with the input file extension name F of the downstream image block. If they match, the process proceeds to step S2-2, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to step S2-3.

Step S2-2
As in the first embodiment, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) wires the designated input terminals and output terminals with connection lines, updates the program arrangement list 193, and completes the wiring.

Step S2-3
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) searches for an image block filling the middle between the output file extension name E and the input file extension name F. The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) reads the input file extension name “INPUT_FILE_EXT” from the scanner window setting list 150 (FIG. 3), the printer window setting list 221 (FIG. 4), and the computer window setting list 226 (FIG. 5). All the FUNCTION blocks that match the child name E and whose output file extension name “OUTPUT_FILE_EXT” matches the input file extension name F are searched. If the corresponding FUNCTION block cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step S2-3 in the direction indicated as NO, and the wiring operation is terminated. If the corresponding FUNCTION block can be detected, the process proceeds to step S2-4.

Step S2-4
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) displays the image block of the corresponding FUNCTION block in the relay candidate window 215. The user selects a desired relay image block from the relay candidate window 215 (FIG. 18). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S2-5.

Step S2-5
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) moves the downstream image block to the right by one row. 1 is added to the column number of the corresponding row in the program arrangement list 193 (FIGS. 21 and 22).

Step S2-6
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) arranges the relay image block selected in step S2-4. At the time of arrangement, the relay image block information is described in the program arrangement list 193 (FIGS. 21 and 22).

Step S2-7
The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) wires between the output terminal of the upstream image block and the input terminal of the relay image block, wires the output terminal of the relay image block and the input terminal of the downstream image block, and ends the wiring operation.

  The above is the operation at the time of inter-image block wiring in the present embodiment. As an example, an explanatory diagram (No. 1) of the placement and routing window of the second embodiment in FIG. 18 will be described. In FIG. 18, an image block 5 for a scan function and an image block 17 for a print function are arranged. The program arrangement list at that time is as shown in FIG.

According to the procedure of FIG. 20, the flow is as follows.
In step S 2-1, the output file extension of the upstream image block 5 is “JPG” set by “OUTPUT_FILE_EXT” of the FUNCTION block 174 in FIG. 3, and “JPG” is the output file extension name E. The input file extension of the downstream image block 17 is “PRN” set by “INPUT_FILE_EXT” of the FUNCTION block 224 in FIG. 4, and “PRN” is the input file extension name F.

The CPU 99 (FIG. 1) determines that the output file extension name E and the input file extension name F do not match, and proceeds to step S2-3.
In step S2-3, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) scans the FUNCTION block in which the input file extension name “INPUT_FILE_EXT” matches the output file extension name E and “OUTPUT_FILE_EXT” matches the input file extension name F. Search is performed from the window setting list 150 (FIG. 3), the printer window setting list 221 (FIG. 4), and the computer window setting list 226 (FIG. 5). At this time, the FUNCTION block 227 in the computer window setting list 226 is detected, and the process proceeds to step S2-4.

  In step S2-4, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) creates an image block 25 in which only “FNAME” is extracted from the FUNCTION block 227 detected in step S2-3, and the image block 25 is used as a relay candidate. It is displayed in the candidate window 215. Here, the user selects the image block 25 from the relay candidate window 215. In step S2-5, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) moves the downstream image block 17 to the third column on the right by one column. At this time, 1 is added to the value “2” of the column number field 196 in the second row of the program arrangement list 193 shown in FIG.

  In step S2-5, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) sets the image block group 65 to be arranged on the arrangement and wiring window 44 of the FUNCTION block 227 related to the image block 25 selected in step S2-4 in the first row second. Place in a column. At that time, as shown in FIG. 22, the arrangement information of the image block group 65 is described in the third line of the program arrangement list 193. At this time, no value is described in the connection number field 198 in the third row of the program arrangement list 193 in FIG.

  In step S2-7, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) connects the output terminal 9 of the image block 5 and the input terminal 26 of the image block 25 in the image block group 65, and outputs the file of the image block 25 in the image block group 65. The terminal 27 and the file input terminal 19 of the image block 17 are connected. At that time, the CPU 99 (FIG. 1) sets the value of the connection number field in the second row of the program arrangement list 193 to 3 and sets the value of the connection number field in the third row to 1, as shown in FIG. The flow is finished as described above.

  As described above, in this embodiment, an image block that can be inserted between image blocks that cannot be directly connected is presented, and an effect that further development time reduction can be expected is obtained. In addition, combinations that are not anticipated by the user can be presented, and the integrated program development can be broadened.

  In the above description, the editor program according to the present invention has been described as a device operation support system stored in advance in the information storage means 102 (FIG. 1), but the present invention is not limited to this example. That is, the editor program according to the present invention may be stored in a program storage medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk as an example, and may be installed in the information storage means 102 (FIG. 1) as necessary.

1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the program selection window of Example 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of a scanner window setting list. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a printer window setting list. It is explanatory drawing of a computer window setting list. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a placement and routing window according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the placement and routing window of the first embodiment. It is matrix dimension explanatory drawing of an image block group. It is explanatory drawing of a display component selection window. It is explanatory drawing of the operation screen creation window. It is explanatory drawing of a display component arrangement | positioning list. It is explanatory drawing of a comprehensive program list. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a program arrangement list according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a parameter list according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart of integrated program list creation. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of program numbers (R, C) according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart of a command line creation procedure according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) of the arrangement | positioning wiring window of Example 2. FIG. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) of the arrangement | positioning wiring window of Example 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a wiring operation procedure according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a program arrangement list according to the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the program arrangement list according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

5 Image block 7 Parameter input terminal 8 Parameter input terminal 9 Output terminal 10 Selection frame 17 Image block 19 Input terminal 25 Image block 26 File input terminal 27 File output terminal 28 Parameter input terminal 29 Parameter input terminal 30 Parameter input terminal 31 Image block 33 File input terminal 34 Parameter input terminal 38 Image block 40 File input terminal 44 Placement and wiring window 46 Parameter block 47 Connection line 48 Parameter block 49 Connection line 59 Boundary line 60 Connection line 62 Connection line 65 Image block group 66 Parameter block 67 Connection line 68 Parameter block 69 Connection line 70 Parameter block 71 Connection line 75 Connection line 76 Image block 77 Parameter block 78 Connection line 82 Connection line 90 free space 92 free space 93 free space

Claims (10)

An editor program that integrates the functions of multiple devices,
Integrated function display means for visually displaying, in a predetermined matrix space, image blocks for each of the plurality of devices that specify functions of the plurality of devices and connections between the image blocks;
An integrated program creating unit that identifies a program that controls the functions of the plurality of devices based on the display of the integrated function display unit and creates a program list that identifies the processing order of the program. Editor program. Program name, program command, program factor name information to be added to the program command, program factor code setting value information, program factor code initial value information, program input file data extension information, Information storage means for holding at least one program attribute information of the program output file data extension information;
The integrated function display means includes
Of the program attribute information held by the information storage means, at least one program attribute information is read and displayed visually on the image block;
The integrated program creation means includes:
2. The editor program according to claim 1, wherein the program list corresponding to the connection state of the image block is created with the file data output side of the program being upstream. The integrated function display means includes
3. The program attribute information setting / changing means for generating an operation screen in which the program attribute information can be set or changed is provided in an image block for each of the plurality of devices. Editor program. The integrated function display means includes
The second image block obtained by visualizing the initial value of the program factor code is arranged and connected in the vicinity of the first image block when the first image block is arranged. Editor program. The integrated function display means includes
When the upstream output file data extension A is different from the downstream input file data extension B between the pair of image blocks connected in the matrix space, the input file data is sent from the information storage means. Search for a program D whose extension matches the output file data extension A and whose output file data extension matches the input file data extension B, and the image corresponding to the program D in the matrix space The editor program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a block is displayed.   6. The editor program according to claim 1, wherein the integrated function display unit changes a dimension of the matrix space corresponding to a dimension of the image block.   The editor program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the integrated function display unit creates an operation screen on which the program factor code can be set.   3. The editor program according to claim 2, wherein the information storage means can add / change a predetermined program through a network.   A computer-readable recording medium in which the editor program according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is recorded. A device operation support system using the editor program according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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