JP2021012441A - Information processing device, information processing method and information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it possible to shorten the time required for a search, in the first search after a start of information processing.SOLUTION: Information processing using at least one of a plurality of data files is performed. Generation means generates list data representing a list of data files specified by an operator as a part of the plurality of data files. Storage means acquires the data file shown in the list represented by the list data generated by the generation means and stores it in a cache before processing means starts the information processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to information processing devices, information processing methods and information processing programs.

An information processing device that performs information processing for paperwork such as management of actual results related to commercial transactions and issuance of slips is already known as, for example, an office computer.
The office computer prepares a plurality of databases such as a database in which data such as names and addresses related to companies with which business transactions are made are described. Then, the office computer retrieves the data used for the above information processing from the above database.

By the way, the database is stored in a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk as a data file representing it. Then, every time the office computer needs to retrieve data from the database, the office computer searches the database stored in the storage device and retrieves the necessary data described above. Since the read speed of a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk is low, the above search may take a lot of time.
Therefore, by caching the data file representing the database to be searched in a storage device with a higher read speed such as RAM (random-access memory), the time required for the second and subsequent searches can be shortened. Is being done.

However, the time required for the first search cannot be shortened.
Under these circumstances, it has been desired that the time required for the search can be shortened even in the first search after the start of information processing.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-267232

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program capable of shortening the time required for the search in the first search after the start of information processing.

The information processing apparatus of the embodiment includes processing means, generation means, and storage means. The processing means executes information processing using at least one of a plurality of data files. The generation means generates list data representing a list of data files specified by the operator as part of a plurality of data files. The storage means acquires the data file shown in the list represented by the list data generated by the generation means and stores the data file in the cache prior to the processing means starting the information processing.

A block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of an office computer according to an embodiment. The flowchart of the information processing by the processor in FIG. The flowchart of the information processing by the processor in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the setting screen. The figure which shows an example of a list screen.

Hereinafter, an example of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an office computer as an example of the information processing device will be described as an example.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the office computer 1 according to the present embodiment.
The office computer 1 performs information processing that realizes various functions for office processing related to commercial transactions. An example of such paperwork is the management of actual results such as purchasing and sales. An example of the paperwork is the management of products handled. An example of such paperwork is the management of suppliers and customers. An example of such paperwork is the issuance of slips related to purchasing and sales.

The office computer 1 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage unit 13, a display unit 14, an input unit 15, a printer 16, a communication interface 17, and a transmission line 18. The processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage unit 13, the display unit 14, the input unit 15, the printer 16, and the communication interface 17 are connected by a transmission line 18. Then, the processor 11, the main memory 12, and the auxiliary storage unit 13 are connected by a transmission line 18 to form a processing computer that performs information processing for controlling the office computer 1.

The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the processing computer. The processor 11 performs information processing for realizing various functions as the office computer 1 according to the information processing program.

The main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the processing computer. The main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an information processing program in the non-volatile memory area. Further, the main memory 12 may store data necessary for the processor 11 to execute information processing in a non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses a volatile memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. At least a portion of the volatile memory area is, for example, the memory area of the RAM. A part of the memory area of this RAM is used as the cache CA1.

The auxiliary storage unit 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the processing computer. As the auxiliary storage unit 13, an HDD (hard disk drive) is typically used. As the auxiliary storage unit 13, in addition to the HDD, other well-known storage devices such as EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory) or SSD (solid state drive) may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Good. The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores data used by the processor 11 for performing various processes and data generated by the processes of the processor 11. The auxiliary storage unit 13 may store an information processing program.
One of the information processing programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 describes the information processing procedure related to the management of commercial transactions.

The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores a plurality of data files DF1, DF2, ... Each of the plurality of data files DF1, DF2, ... Represents a database that aggregates data used in information processing for paperwork. Examples of the database include customer master database, aggregation master database, unit master database, slip transaction, item transaction, supplier master database, collection / payment transaction, product master database, contract unit price master database, department master database, and set configuration master. Database, purchase unit price master database, update history database, update record database, company information database, slip information database, or deposit / payment item database. The storage device used to store the data files DF1, DF2, ... In the auxiliary storage unit 13 has a lower read speed than the storage device used as the cache CA1 in the main memory 12.
The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores the setting data SD1. The setting data SD1 represents a setting related to the startup cache described later.

The display unit 14 displays various screens for notifying the operator of various information. As the display unit 14, a liquid crystal display device is typically used. As the display unit 14, in addition to the liquid crystal display device, other well-known display devices such as a cathode ray tube display device, a plasma display device, or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display device may be used alone or in combination of two or more. May be good.

The input unit 15 inputs various instructions and various data by the operator. As the input unit 15, at least one or both of a touch sensor and a keyboard are typically used. As the input unit 15, in addition to the touch sensor and keyboard, other well-known input devices such as a mouse, a barcode scanner, or an optical drive may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The printer 16 prints various images on a print medium under the control of the processor 11. As the printer 16, a type of printing device suitable for printing on copying paper is used. The print device is typically a dot impact type print device. The printer 16 includes a transport mechanism that takes in the paper loaded in the paper tray and ejects it from the ejection port after printing.

The communication interface 17 is an interface for data communication via the communication network 3. As the communication interface 17, for example, a well-known communication device for performing data communication via a LAN (local area network) can be used. One of the data communication partners by the communication interface 17 is the office computer 2. The communication network 3 is typically a LAN. As the communication network 3, in addition to the LAN, other well-known networks such as the Internet, VPN (virtual private network), public communication network, and mobile communication network may be used alone or in combination as appropriate.
The transmission line 18 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like, and transmits data and control signals transmitted and received between each connected unit.

The office computer 1 is typically transferred to a company or the like that uses the office computer 1 in a state in which an information processing program describing information processing described later is stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13. .. However, the office computer 1 in which the information processing program is not stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13 may be transferred to the above-mentioned company or the like. In this case, the transfer of the information processing program to the above-mentioned company or the like can be realized by recording on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by downloading via a network. In this case, the information processing program is written to the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13 according to the operation by the administrator or the serviceman of the office computer 1.

Next, the operation of the office computer 1 configured as described above will be described.
When the office computer 1 is started, the processor 11 performs the information processing described below according to the information processing program stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13.
2 and 3 are flowcharts of information processing by the processor 11. The contents of the processes described below are examples, and it is possible to change the order of some processes, omit some processes, or add another process as appropriate.

ACT1 to ACT3 will be described later.
As the ACT 4, the processor 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the main screen. The main screen is an operation screen for allowing the operator to specify the function to be executed.
As ACT5, the processor 11 waits for the function to be executed to be specified. Then, the processor 11 determines YES if the operation for designating the function to be executed is performed by the operator in the input unit 15, and proceeds to ACT6. The processor 11 may receive an operation for designating a function to be executed as a sequential operation on a plurality of operation screens including the main screen.

As the ACT 6, the processor 11 confirms whether or not the designated function is the setting function of the target file. Then, the processor 11 determines YES if the setting function of the target file is specified, and proceeds to ACT7. If a function different from the setting function of the target file is specified, the processor 11 determines NO and shifts to the process for the specified function. The process for a function different from the target file setting function may be the same as the process performed on another existing office computer. Therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

As ACT7, processor 11 determines a candidate file. The candidate file is a data file that is a candidate for the target file. Specifically, if the setting data SD1 includes the target file, the processor 11 uses the target file as a candidate file.
As the ACT 8 in FIG. 3, the processor 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the setting screen. The setting screen is an operation screen for allowing the operator to perform an operation for setting the target file.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the setting screen SC1.
The setting screen SC1 represents the display area DA11 and the buttons BU11, BU12, BU13, and BU14.

The display area DA11 represents a list of candidate files. The display content in the display area DA11 changes according to the setting status of the candidate file. The setting screen SC1 shown in FIG. 4 is an example of a state in which two data files are set as candidate files. The setting screen SC1 represents the cursor CU11 in the display area DA11. The cursor CU 11 indicates which of the candidate files displayed in the display area DA11 is specified. The setting screen SC1 shown in FIG. 4 is an example of a state in which a candidate file corresponding to the product master database is specified.

The button BU 11 is a GUI (graphical user interface) element for receiving an instruction to add a candidate file. The button BU12 is a GUI element for receiving an instruction to delete the candidate file. The button BU 13 is a GUI element for receiving an instruction to update the setting data. The button BU 14 is a GUI element for receiving an instruction to cancel the update of the candidate file.

The processor 11 proceeds to ACT9 in a state where the setting screen SC1 is displayed by the display unit 14.
As ACT9, the processor 11 confirms whether or not an additional instruction has been given. Then, if the processor 11 cannot confirm that the additional instruction has been given, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 10.
As the ACT 10, the processor 11 confirms whether or not the deletion instruction has been given. Then, if the processor 11 cannot confirm that the deletion instruction has been given, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 11.
As the ACT 11, the processor 11 confirms whether or not the update instruction has been given. Then, if the processor 11 cannot confirm that the update instruction has been made, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 12.
As the ACT 12, the processor 11 confirms whether or not the cancellation instruction has been given. Then, if the processor 11 cannot confirm that the cancellation instruction has been given, it determines NO and returns to ACT9.
Thus, the processor 11 waits for an addition instruction, a deletion instruction, an update instruction, or a cancellation instruction as ACT9 to ACT12.

When the operator wants to add a data file different from the data file displayed in the display area DA11 to the candidate file, the operator instructs the addition by, for example, a predetermined operation in the input unit 15. The touch or click of the button BU 11 is an example of an operation for instructing addition.

If the addition is instructed as described above, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT9 and proceeds to ACT13.
As the ACT 13, the processor 11 confirms whether or not the candidate file can be added. The processor 11 determines, for example, that the candidate file can be added if the condition for allowing the addition of the candidate file is satisfied. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the maximum number of candidate files is set to 10. Therefore, if the number of candidate files is 10 or more, the processor 11 determines that the candidate files cannot be added. Then, the processor 11 determines NO if the candidate file cannot be added, and returns to the standby state of ACT9 to ACT12. Further, the processor 11 determines that the candidate files can be added if the number of candidate files is less than 10. Then, the processor 11 determines YES if the candidate file can be added, and proceeds to ACT14.

As the ACT 14, the processor 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the list screen. The list screen represents a list of data files DF1, DF2, ..., And is an operation screen for allowing the operator to specify a data file to be added as a candidate file.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the list screen SC2.
The list screen SC2 represents the display area DA21 and the buttons BU21 and BU22.

The display area DA21 represents a list of data files DF1, DF2, .... The display content in the display area DA21 changes according to the storage status of the data files DF1, DF2, ... In the auxiliary storage unit 13. The display area DA21 represents the file name, the database name, the number of cases, and the size of each of the data files DF1, DF2, .... The file name is a name defined for identifying the data file in the auxiliary storage unit 13. The database name is a name defined so that the operator can easily recognize the database represented by the data file. The number of cases is the number of registrations in the database represented by the data file. The size is the data size of the data file. The display area DA21 represents the cursor CU21. The cursor CU 21 indicates which of the data files displayed in the display area DA21 is specified. The list screen SC2 shown in FIG. 5 is an example of a state in which a data file corresponding to a detailed transaction is specified. The data file represented by the list represented by the list screen SC2 may or may not include a data file that is already a candidate file. When a data file that is already a candidate file is included, each display form may be different so that the operator can easily distinguish between the data file that is already a candidate file and other data files. .. The processor 11 may sort the display order of each data file by using at least one of the file name, the database name, the number of cases, and the size as a key according to the instruction of the operator.
The button BU 21 is a GUI element for receiving an instruction to execute the addition of the candidate file. The button BU 22 is a GUI element for receiving an instruction to cancel the addition of the candidate file.

The processor 11 proceeds to the ACT 15 with the list screen SC2 displayed by the display unit 14.
As the ACT 15, the processor 11 confirms whether or not the cancellation instruction has been given. Then, if the processor 11 cannot confirm that the cancellation instruction has been given, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 16.
As the ACT 16, the processor 11 confirms whether or not an additional execution instruction has been given. Then, if the processor 11 cannot confirm that the execution instruction has been given, it determines NO and returns to the ACT 15.
Thus, the processor 11 waits for the cancel instruction or the execution instruction as the ACT 15 and the ACT 16.

The operator specifies a data file to be added to the target file from the data files displayed in the display area DA21. Then, the operator instructs the execution by, for example, a predetermined operation in the input unit 15. The touch or click of the button BU 21 is an example of an operation for instructing execution. For example, in order to select the data file to be added to the candidate file, the operator may refer to the number of registrations or the data size displayed in the display area DA21. That is, since a database with a large number of registrations tends to be a target of search, a data file representing the database is often suitable as a target of caching. Also, the larger the data size of a data file, the longer it may take to search the database represented by that data file, so that data file is often suitable for caching. Therefore, the operator compares the number of registrations or the data size and selects the data file to be added to the target file. However, even a database with a small number of registrations or a small data size may be suitable for caching if it is searched more frequently than other databases. Therefore, the operator may select the data file regardless of the number of registrations or the data size.

If the execution is instructed as described above, the processor 11 determines YES in the ACT 16 and proceeds to the ACT 17.
As the ACT 17, the processor 11 sets the designated data file as a candidate file. Then, the processor 11 returns to ACT8 after this.

When canceling the addition of the candidate file, the operator instructs the cancellation by, for example, a predetermined operation in the input unit 15. The touch or click of the button BU 22 is an example of an operation for instructing cancellation. If the cancellation is instructed in this way, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT15, passes ACT16 and ACT17, and returns to ACT8.

When the processor 11 returns from ACT15 or ACT17 to ACT8, the processor 11 displays the setting screen SC1 again on the display unit 14, and then shifts to the standby state of ACT9 to ACT12. The setting screen SC1 to be displayed on the display unit 14 when the processor 11 returns from the ACT 17 to the ACT 8 is a screen in which the candidate file added in the ACT 17 is displayed in the display area DA11.

If the operator does not want the data file displayed in the display area DA11 to be the target file, the operator specifies the data file and instructs the deletion, for example, by a predetermined operation in the input unit 15. The touch or click of the button BU12 is an example of an operation for instructing deletion.

If the deletion is instructed as described above, the processor 11 determines YES in the ACT 10 and proceeds to the ACT 18.
As the ACT 18, the processor 11 cancels the setting as a candidate file for the designated data file. Then, the processor 11 then returns to ACT8 to display the setting screen SC1 on the display unit 14 again, and then shifts to the standby state of ACT9 to ACT12. In the processor 11, the setting screen SC1 to be displayed on the display unit 14 here is a screen in which the current candidate file is displayed in the display area DA11.

If the operator decides to update the setting data according to the list displayed in the display area DA11 of the setting screen SC1, the operator instructs the update by, for example, a predetermined operation in the input unit 15. The touch or click of the button BU 13 is an example of an operation for instructing an update.

If the update is instructed as described above, the processor 11 determines YES in the ACT 11 and proceeds to the ACT 19.
As the ACT 19, the processor 11 updates the setting data SD1 so as to represent a list including all the data files set as the candidate files at this time as the target files. Then, the processor 11 then returns to ACT4 in FIG. That is, the processor 11 updates the setting data SD1 according to the instruction of the operator, and then ends the setting function. Here, the setting data SD1 corresponds to list data representing a list of data files specified by the operator. As the processor 11 executes information processing based on the information processing program in this way, the computer having the processor 11 as a central portion functions as a generation means for generating the list data.

If the operator cancels the update of the setting data, the operator instructs the cancellation by, for example, a predetermined operation in the input unit 15. The touch or click of the button BU 14 is an example of an operation for instructing cancellation.

If the cancellation is instructed as described above, the processor 11 determines YES in the ACT 12, and returns to the ACT 4 in FIG. 2 without executing the ACT 19. That is, even if the candidate file is changed by the ACT 17 or the ACT 18, the processor 11 ends the setting function without reflecting the change in the setting data.

By the way, as an example, the office computer 1 is repeatedly started and stopped according to the daily work performed by the operator. When the office computer 1 is stopped, the data in the cache CA1 is lost.
Then, the office computer 1 is restarted, and the processor 11 starts the information processing shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

As ACT1, the processor 11 confirms whether or not the startup cache is valid. For example, if the setting data SD1 is in a state of including at least one target file as described above, the processor 11 determines that the startup cache is valid and determines YES, and proceeds to ACT2. However, the processor 11 may determine whether or not the startup cache is valid in consideration of another condition. For example, the processor 11 may store a flag indicating the validity / invalidity of the startup cache in the auxiliary storage unit 13 in response to an instruction from the operator, and the fact that this flag indicates validity may be another condition described above.

As ACT2, the processor 11 caches the target file of the startup cache. Specifically, the processor 11 reads the data file represented as the target file in the setting data SD1 among the data files DF1, DF2, ... From the auxiliary storage unit 13 and saves it in the cache CA1. Thus, when the processor 11 executes information processing based on the information processing program, the computer having the processor 11 as a central portion functions as a storage means. Further, the auxiliary storage unit 13 and the main memory 12 are examples of a first storage device and a second storage device.

As ACT3, the processor 11 logs the result of the startup cache. The processor 11 adds, for example, a predetermined data record regarding the cache in the ACT 2 to the log data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13. The data record includes, for example, the execution date and time, the file name of the data file at which the cache was attempted, the success or failure of the cache for each data file, the time required for the entire ACT2 process, the time required for each data file, and the like. However, it is not essential to include all of these data in the above data record. Other data may be included in the above data record. Then, the processor 11 then proceeds to ACT4, and thereafter processes as described above. If it cannot be confirmed that the startup cache is valid, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT1, passes ACT2 and ACT3, and proceeds to ACT4.

When the processor 11 determines that NO in ACT6 and it becomes necessary to search the database in the processing executed for various functions, the processor 11 caches the data file representing the database if it is the target file. The search process is executed for the data file stored in CA1. Thus, when the processor 11 executes information processing based on the information processing program, the computer having the processor 11 as a central portion functions as a processing means. The processor 11 may search the database in response to a search request made from the office computer 2 via the communication network 3 and notify the office computer 2 of the search result. In this case as well, if the data file representing the database to be searched is the target file, the processor 11 executes the search process on the data file stored in the cache CA1. Further, the processor 11 may transmit a data file to the office computer 2 in response to a transfer request made from the office computer 2 via the communication network 3. In this case as well, if the data file representing the database to be transmitted is the target file, the processor 11 transmits the data file stored in the cache CA1.

As described above, the office computer 1 caches the data file representing the database after the start-up and before executing the process for the function involving the database search. Therefore, the time required for the first search after the start of the above process can be shortened.

Since only a part of the data files DF1, DF2, ... Is targeted as the target file, the time required for the first search cannot be shortened when the search target is a database represented by a data file different from the target file. However, if all of the data files DF1, DF2, ... Are cached, the time required for caching becomes long, and the waiting time until the processing for various functions can be started becomes long, so the total efficiency is improved. Can be planned.

Moreover, in the office computer 1, the operator can set the data file as the target file. Therefore, if the target file is appropriately set in consideration of the usage status of the office computer 1, the time required for the first search in many cases can be shortened.

This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.
The target of the cache is not limited to the data file representing the database. For example, a data file representing image data representing a slip form may be cached.

The office computer 1 may cache a data file acquired from the communication network from the office computer 2 or a server device (not shown). In this case, either the storage area of the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13 may be used as the cache CA1.

It can also be realized as an information processing device that performs information processing different from the information processing that realizes various functions for paperwork related to commercial transactions.

Each function realized by the processor 11 by information processing can also be realized by hardware that executes information processing that is not based on a program such as a logic circuit or the like. Further, each of the above-mentioned functions can be realized by combining software control with the above-mentioned hardware such as a logic circuit.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 ... Office computer, 11 ... Processor, 12 ... Main memory, 13 ... Auxiliary storage unit, 14 ... Display unit, 15 ... Input unit, 16 ... Printer, 17 ... Communication interface, 18 ... Transmission line.

Claims (5)

A processing means for executing information processing using at least one of a plurality of data files,
A generation means for generating list data representing a list of the data files specified by the operator as a part of the plurality of data files.
A storage means for acquiring the data file shown in the list represented by the list data generated by the generation means and storing the data file in a cache prior to the processing means starting the information processing.
Information processing device equipped with. A first storage device that stores the plurality of data files, and
A second storage device that can be read faster than the first storage device,
Further equipped,
The storage means stores the data file read from the first storage device in the cache set in the second storage device.
The information processing device according to claim 1. Each of the plurality of data files represents a database.
The processing means uses the data obtained by searching the database represented by the data file in the information processing.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. In an information processing device provided with a processing means for executing information processing using at least one of a plurality of data files.
Generates list data representing a list of the data files specified by the operator as part of the plurality of data files.
The data file shown in the list represented by the generated list data is acquired and stored in the cache prior to the processing means starting the information processing.
Information processing method. A computer equipped with an information processing device
A processing means for executing information processing using at least one of a plurality of data files,
A generation means for generating list data representing a list of the data files specified by the operator as a part of the plurality of data files.
A storage means for acquiring the data file shown in the list represented by the list data generated by the generation means and storing the data file in a cache prior to the processing means starting the information processing.
An information processing program to make it work.