JP4738704B2 - Database system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention allows a user to add, delete or change data items arbitrarily and easily. De This is related to the database system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, the development and production of a system that executes software related to a database or a system that combines such software and hardware (hereinafter referred to as a “database-related software system”) requires specialized knowledge. Therefore, it is performed by a specialized system engineer or software engineer, or a company organization to which these engineers belong.
[0003]
Of the database-related software systems developed and produced in this way, those having typical functions or uses are usually marketed as package software. Such packaged software includes, for example, sales / order management software, customer management / address book software, inventory management software, schedule management software, CD / book library management software, accounting / housekeeping book software, attendance management software, assets Management software, maintenance service management software, etc.
[0004]
Such a database-related software system has a built-in database, and uses the input data to perform some processing (for example, data search, calculation, form creation, printing, etc.) on the data stored in the database. Make use of this. In this database-related software system, general data items are defined in advance according to the function or application, and a data input screen, a form output screen, etc. are generally prepared in advance. For example, in the case of customer management / address book software, examples of such data items include a name, a pseudonym, a postal code, an address, and a telephone number. The data items of the inventory management software include, for example, purchase date, supplier, contents (product name), quantity, amount, and the like.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When such a database-related software system is sold as packaged software, its data items and functions are determined by the greatest common divisor among those required by various users, developed, produced and sold. . Therefore, the data items and functions of the package software are not necessarily configured as desired by individual users. On the other hand, in general, when data management software is built and operated in some organization, the management items are fluid, and it is assumed that there are many cases in which management items must be changed at the operation stage. The
[0006]
Therefore, when package software is used, in order to cope with the change of the management item, the data item of the database or the configuration of the input screen must be changed. However, in order to add, modify, or delete data items in the package software database, or to change the configuration of the input screen, there is usually only a method of entrusting them to the package software developer. Note that it is unrealistic to request individual users to add, modify or delete such data items, or to change the configuration of the input screen.
[0007]
Even when package software is not purchased and such software is produced by requesting development from a software developer, specialized knowledge is required to add, modify, or delete data items. For this reason, every time a data item or function required by the user changes, it is actually entrusted to a software developer to deal with such a situation.
[0008]
Therefore, whether you purchase packaged software or request software development from a software developer, the conventional database-related software system can add, modify, or delete data items, or configure the input screen. In order to make a change, this must be outsourced to an external specialist, etc., and there is a problem that the operating cost of the database related software system increases.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described conventional problems. In a database-related software system, even a person who does not have specialized knowledge regarding the configuration of a database or base items can easily add data items. It is an object to be solved to provide means capable of performing correction and deletion. Furthermore, it is also an object to be solved to provide a means for easily changing the configuration of the input screen.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. De The database system is connected to a user computer (such as a personal computer) via (i) a communication network (for example, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a dial-up line, an ISDN line, or a LAN). A storage device storing a plurality of databases (a collection of data arranged in a searchable manner) , Server, With De Database system, A storage device storing a plurality of databases can use data stored in any information processing software, (Ii) Each database Is Dividing various data into data items The server includes item definition means for defining data items that can be shared by a plurality of databases according to instructions from the user computer, and each of the plurality of databases according to instructions from the user computer. A database / item association means for associating the data item, (Iii) From user computer Yu Over a communication network using a web browser Yu By operating while referring to the input screen of the user computer, By item definition means and database / item association means A data item can be arbitrarily added to, deleted from, or changed in each database.
[0011]
This De According to the database system, even if the user of the system does not have specialized knowledge about the configuration of the database or the base item, the user accesses the database through the communication network using the web browser, and the user computer By operating the user computer while referring to the input screen, data items of the database can be arbitrarily added, deleted, or changed with respect to each database.
[0012]
Up De In the database system, it is preferable that data items can be selected and displayed on the input screen in an arbitrary order by operating a user computer. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the data item can be displayed at an arbitrary position on the input screen by operating the user computer. In this way, the user of the system can easily change the configuration of the input screen.
[0013]
Up De In the database system, a plurality of data items belonging to different databases are associated (relation), and the plurality of data items belonging to different databases can be collectively referred to based on the association. Preferably it is. In this way, the user of the system can easily and efficiently use a plurality of databases.
[0014]
Up De In a database system, search processing and / or calculation processing can be performed on data belonging to one or more data items, and the processing results can be stored in another data item. Is preferred. If it does in this way, the user of this system can add a new data item easily using an existing data item.
Also on De The database system stores data items The It may be registered in the database system, the name of the database is defined, and the defined database is associated with the registered data item.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described.
FIG. 1 shows a database system according to the present invention. The It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the utilized database related software system (information processing system).
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 1, in this database-related software system, a database system 1 (database system provider) includes a plurality of computers 3 such as a computer 3 used by an individual user and a computer 4 used by a corporate user via an Internet line 2. Connected to many computers. That is, a plurality or many users (individual users, corporate users, etc.) can use the database system 1 via the Internet line 2 using their computers 3 and 4.
[0017]
The database system 1 is provided with an Ethernet (registered trademark) line 5 for constructing a LAN in the database system 1 and a router 6 for connecting the Ethernet (registered trademark) line 5 to the Internet line 2. . A firewall system 7 (security system) that prevents unauthorized access to the database system 1 or the entry of harmful data (such as viruses) into the database system 1 on the Ethernet (registered trademark) line 5 in the vicinity of the router 6. ) Is provided. Further, the database system 1 includes a network hub 8 which is a central node of the Ethernet (registered trademark) line 5 (LAN), and a WEB server 9 (which is connected to the network hub 8 via the Ethernet (registered trademark) line 5). Internet server) and database server 10 are provided. A database 11 is attached (connected) to the database server 10.
[0018]
Here, a user who operates the computers 3, 4, etc. accesses the WEB server 9 in the database system 1 through the Internet line 2 using a browser. As a result, the user can use the WEB application or the WEB service on the WEB server 9, and thus can use the database-related service.
[0019]
Further, the WEB server 9 accepts necessary data to be provided to the user from the database server 10 and provides the user with the WEB application or WEB service of the WEB server 9. Further, the data input by the user is stored in the database 11 attached to the database server 10 using the WEB application or WEB service of the WEB server 9.
[0020]
Hereinafter, a basic configuration or function of the database system 1 or a database-related software system using the database system 1 will be described.
In the database system 1 to the database-related software system, various data stored in the database 11 can be used by arbitrary information processing software such as Microsoft Access, Excel, or the like. The database 11 stores various data by classifying them into data items.
[0021]
Here, even if the user does not have specialized knowledge regarding the configuration of the database or the base item, by operating each computer 3, 4 while referring to the input screen of the display 3a, 4a, Data items can be added, deleted or changed arbitrarily and easily. Furthermore, the user can perform search processing and / or calculation processing on data belonging to one or more data items, and store the processing results in another data item. Therefore, the user can easily add a new data item using an existing data item. With this function, for example, an accounting processing function or the like is realized.
[0022]
Further, the user can select the data items by operating the computers 3 and 4 and display them on the input screens of the displays 3a and 4a in any order in any order. Thus, the user can easily change the configuration of the input screens of the displays 3a and 4a.
[0023]
Further, in the database system 1 or the database related software system, a plurality of data items belonging to different databases 11 are related (associated), and a plurality of data items belonging to different databases 11 are collectively processed based on the relation. Can be referenced or used. For this reason, the user can use the plurality of databases 11 easily and efficiently.
[0024]
The features of the database system 1 or the database related software system (hereinafter simply referred to as “database system 1”) and the operation procedure by the user will be specifically described below. The database system 1 is a system that completely complies with the Microsoft “.NET framework architecture” that is the next-generation Internet standard environment. That is, in this database system 1, the database 11 can be easily accessed from the outside by mobile or the like through the Internet as well as the in-house network. It also has a function to construct an inter-company data linkage system (intranet, extranet) in consideration of security.
[0025]
In the database 11, the user can freely set data items. In other words, in the database system 1 to database 11, the user himself can freely set what purpose, form, aspect or specification to use it, and the database 11 in use (in operation) can be set. On the other hand, data items can be freely added, deleted, and / or changed (modified). Therefore, the database systems 1 to 11 are extremely versatile database systems that can easily and flexibly cope with various usage purposes or usage forms of users, depending on the ideas of the users.
[0026]
Each processing such as setting, addition, deletion, and change (correction) of data items in the database system 1 to database 11 is performed by operating the computers 3 and 4 in the following operation procedure.
(1) Register data items to be used (item definition operation).
(2) Define the name of the database (database definition operation).
(3) Associate a defined database with a data item to be used (database / item association operation).
[0027]
(4) Name and manage the data input screen, search output screen, and write output screen (input / output screen definition operation).
(5) Select a data item and associate it with the input / output screen name (input / output screen / item association operation).
(6) Various data operations such as input, search display, and writing (database use operation) are performed.
(7) A program to be used at the time of data reference is specified (data reference program specifying operation).
[0028]
Hereinafter, the operation procedure of these users will be described more specifically.
(1) Item definition operation
This operation is performed using, for example, an item definition screen displayed on the display as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the item definition screen includes input fields for “item name”, “item description”, and “data type”. In addition, an “add / modify” button, a “cancel” button, a “modify” button, and the like are also provided.
[0029]
A plurality of databases 11 can be defined. All data items that can be used by each database 11 are defined on this screen. A plurality of screens may be used to define different screens for each related item. In this case, regardless of the configuration of the definition screen, it is possible to freely set which database 11 each data item belongs to according to a procedure described later. However, once defined data items cannot be deleted to prevent accidental erasure of data. However, the data item may be deleted by following a predetermined somewhat complicated procedure. Alternatively, the data item may be simply deleted. When a specific data item is no longer required in a certain database 11, the same effect as that obtained by deleting the data item can be obtained by removing the data item from the association on the database / item association screen described later.
[0030]
In this operation, first, predetermined items are input in the “item name” field and the “item description” field. Duplicate names may be used in the “item name” column. This is because the program can recognize the data item by the item number automatically assigned. However, when the same item name exists, it is possible to input a predetermined item in the “item description” column so that the user can distinguish them. If item classification numbers are input at the top of the “item description” field, they can be sorted using the sort function, and management of data items becomes easy.
[0031]
Next, enter the data type in the “Data Type” field. Since there are various types of data as described below, the data type of this data item is specified when the data item is created. The data type is selected from a drop-down list (not shown).
(I) Character type data
The data consists of a character string of up to 255 characters.
(Ii) Numeric data
Data consisting of numerical values, which can be used in accounting and calculation work.
(Iii) Date type data
This data represents the date and can be used in business handling date and time.
[0032]
(Iv) Check box type data
It can be used when inputting binary data (ON / OFF, etc.).
(V) Still image type data
It is data that saves a photo with a file name.
(Vi) Movie type data
It is data that saves a movie with a file name.
(Vii) Log data
This is data that saves the measurement data of the device stored in text format as a file name.
(Viii) Word data: Data in which a document created in the word format is saved with a file name.
[0033]
After entering the specified items in the “Item Name”, “Item Description”, and “Data Type” fields as described above, if you need to add more items, click the “Add / Modify” button. Then, the above operation is performed again. This addition operation is repeated until there is no management item to be added. Thereby, all necessary data items are input.
[0034]
As described above, once created data items cannot be deleted, but item names, item descriptions, or data types can be modified. However, when correcting the data type, it is necessary to keep in mind that the data entered before the correction may not be usable if the data is not compatible before and after the correction. To correct this, click the “Modify” button at the left end of the corresponding data item, and then enter the correct data in the “Item Name”, “Item Description”, or “Data Type” fields and execute the correction. To do.
[0035]
(2) Database definition operation
This operation is performed using, for example, a database definition screen displayed on the display as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, this database definition screen includes an input field for “database name”. In addition, an “add / modify” button, a “cancel” button, a “modify” button, and the like are also provided.
[0036]
In this database definition operation, first, a database name is entered in the “database name” field. However, when adding databases, it is not preferable to make the names of a plurality of databases the same. To add a database, enter a name corresponding to the purpose of use and click the “Execute” button. Once defined, the database cannot be deleted in order to prevent accidental deletion, as in the case of item definition operations.
[0037]
A database once defined cannot be deleted, but the name of the database can be modified. The database name is corrected by clicking the “correct” button at the left end of the corresponding column, inputting the desired name, and clicking the “execute” button.
[0038]
(3) Database / item association operation
This operation is performed using a database / item association screen displayed on the display as shown in FIG. 4, for example. As shown in FIG. 4, the database / item association screen includes input fields for “database name” and “additional item name”. In addition, a “display” button, an “add” button, and the like are also provided.
[0039]
In this database / item association operation, first, the name of the database is entered in the “database name” field. Specifically, the database for performing the association operation is selected from a drop-down list (not shown). In the drop-down list, the name of the database defined by the database definition operation is displayed. After selection, by clicking the “display” button on the right side of the “database name” column, a list of data items currently associated with the selected database is displayed.
[0040]
Next, an additional item name is input in the “additional item name” field. In this case, an additional item name is selected from a drop-down list (not shown). After selection, the selected data item is associated with the database by clicking the “add” button on the right side of the “additional item name” column. As a result, this data item is added to the list. After selecting the database name, when the “display” button on the right side of the “database name” column is clicked, a list of data items associated with the selected database is displayed. If you click the “Delete” button at the left end of the data item you want to delete, that data item is removed from the database association.
[0041]
(4) Screen definition operation
This operation is performed using, for example, an input / output screen definition screen displayed on the display as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the input / output screen definition screen includes input fields for “database name”, “screen name”, and “screen type”. A “display” button, a “cancel” button, an “add / modify” button, and the like are also provided.
[0042]
When the number of data items constituting the database increases, when data is input into the database or when data is displayed, the data does not fit on one screen, and it may become difficult to input or display the data. In addition, when a frequently used data item is divided into one end and the other end of the screen, the usability is poor. Therefore, in order to deal with such a situation, this “screen definition” operation is performed.
[0043]
In this screen definition operation, first, only necessary data items are selected from the data items constituting the database, and a screen name is assigned to the data item configuration and saved. If the screen defined by the screen definition operation is used when inputting or displaying data, only data items selected in advance are displayed on the screen. The remaining data items are not displayed on the screen. Since a plurality of screen definitions can be made for one database, the configuration of the display screen can be changed according to the application. The display order of data items can also be specified.
[0044]
Specifically, a database is selected from a drop-down list (not shown) in the “database name” column. Next, click the “Display” button on the right side of the “Database Name” column. As a result, a list of screen names currently defined for this database is displayed. Furthermore, a screen name is input in the “screen name” field. The screen name is preferably a name that can be used for the purpose of the screen.
[0045]
Next, the screen type is input (selected) in the “screen type” field. Three types of screens are set: an input screen, an output (display / write) screen, and an input / output (input / output) screen, and these are selected according to the application. In addition, the screen configuration at the time of operation is defined by selecting an input screen and an output screen from screen names defined in advance in the “screen selection menu”. The screen is switched using this “screen selection menu”.
[0046]
In this screen definition operation, the screen name and the screen type can be corrected. To make this correction, select “Database Name” and then click the “Display” button. At this time, a list of screens defined for the selected database is displayed. Here, the user clicks the “correct” button of the data item to be corrected, inputs desired data in the “screen name” or “screen type” field, and clicks the “execute” button to correct the data item.
[0047]
(5) Input / output screen / item association operation
This operation is performed using an input / output screen / item association screen displayed on the display as shown in FIG. 6, for example. As shown in FIG. 6, the input / output screen and the item association screen are provided with input fields for “database name” and “screen name”. In addition, a “database confirmation” button, a “screen confirmation” button, and the like are also provided.
[0048]
In this input / output screen / item association operation, a data item is associated with an input / output screen name. At this time, not only the selection of data items but also the order of input / display is defined. First, a database is selected from a drop-down list (not shown) in the “database name” column. Next, click the “Database confirmation” button on the right side of the “Database name” column. As a result, a list of data items currently defined for this database is displayed.
[0049]
Next, an input / output screen is selected from a drop-down list (not shown) in the “screen name” column. Next, click the “Screen Confirm” button on the right side of the “Screen Name” field. As a result, the data items currently defined for this database and the input order are listed. The data items whose numbers are automatically entered in the “input order” column are the selected data items, and these are displayed on the screen during data manipulation. When the “select” button corresponding to the selected data item is clicked again, the selection is released. This data item does not appear on the screen during data manipulation. The number in the “input order” column of this data item is deleted. Note that the input order is automatically assigned as a sequential number in the order in which the data items are selected.
[0050]
(6) Database usage operation
This operation is performed using a data operation menu screen displayed on the display as shown in FIG. 7, for example. As shown in FIG. 7, the data operation menu screen includes a data operation menu selection field. This menu displays database names that have been defined in advance.
[0051]
In this database use operation, first, the name of the database for data operation is clicked. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, this database is displayed with a screen type of “data output screen”. Here, if it is desired to change the screen configuration (display item), it is only necessary to change to another screen that has been previously defined by a screen definition operation using the “screen selection menu”. The method for changing the screen configuration is as described in the above screen definition operation.
[0052]
When the “new input” button is clicked on the data output screen shown in FIG. 8, the data input screen is displayed. As the data input screen, a new data input screen shown in FIG. 9 and a data correction screen shown in FIG. 10 are set. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the new data input screen and the data correction screen are basically the same screen, but no data is input on the new data input screen.
[0053]
When each data is input using the new data input screen shown in FIG. 9 and the "return to output screen" button is clicked to return to the output screen, one line of data is added and the list display is returned. When the “update” button in FIG. 9 is clicked, the data can be updated without returning to the list display. Here, when the “return to output screen” button is clicked without inputting data, one line of empty data is added. Clicking the “Delete Data” button returns to the output screen. In this case, empty data is not added.
[0054]
When the data output screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, if the “correct” button of the corresponding data row is clicked, a data correction screen with the input data is displayed as shown in FIG. The When correcting data, correct the data directly on this screen and return to the output screen. After confirming the data, if this data is unnecessary, the “data deletion” button in FIG. 10 may be clicked.
[0055]
If the “search” button is clicked when the data output screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, the search initial screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed, and data search can be performed according to the following procedure. The search result is displayed in the output screen configuration.
(I) Select a definition screen from the list of input / output screen definitions.
(Ii) Clicking the “Display” button displays a list of data items defined on the screen.
(Iii) Enter data corresponding to each data item, select a condition from a drop-down list (not shown), and put a check mark on the search item.
(Iv) Clicking the “Search” button displays the search results on the output screen.
Each item is displayed as AND or OR. If there is no matching data, the list display screen is not displayed. In this case, the search condition is changed and the search is executed again.
[0056]
If the “export to file” button is clicked when the data output screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, the file export setting screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, and the file can be written. In this case, the following items are set to write the file.
(I) Setting data items to be exported
Use the screen definition data item structure created in advance in the I / O screen definition. A screen definition name is selected from a drop-down list (not shown) in the “output form” column of the screen shown in FIG. When the “form confirmation” button is clicked, the data items defined in the screen definition are displayed in a list.
(Ii) Setting the output destination file
Specify the output destination from the drive to the file name. The default value specified in advance in the “write file path” described later is input to the above data, but this can be corrected to specify an arbitrary drive and folder file name.
[0057]
(7) Data reference program designation operation
When the “Details” button is clicked on the data output screen shown in FIG. 8, if the data type is a still image type, a moving image type, a log data type or a word data type, the corresponding program is started, and the data is referred to / edited. can do. As shown in FIG. 13, “writing file path” is a writing execution screen, and the file designated here is input in advance in the writing destination designation field. It is also possible to correct this on the writing execution screen.
[0058]
By performing the operation as described above, in this database system 1, even if the user does not have specialized knowledge about the configuration of the database or the base item, by operating each computer 3, 4, Data items can be added, deleted or changed arbitrarily and easily. In addition, the user can easily add a new data item using an existing data item. Furthermore, the user can easily change the configuration of the input screen and the like, and can use a plurality of databases easily and efficiently.
[0059]
By the way, in the database-related software system according to this embodiment, the database system 1 and the computers 3 and 4 are connected via the Internet line 2. However, the database system 1 may be set up in the computers 3 and 4. In such a case as well, the same operations and effects as in the case of this embodiment are basically obtained.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the database system according to the present invention, even if the user does not have specialized knowledge regarding the configuration of the database or the base item, the user can operate the computer while referring to the input screen. It is possible to add, delete, or change arbitrarily and easily, and the configuration of the input screen can be easily changed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a system configuration of a database-related software system including a database system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an item definition screen displayed on a display.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a database definition screen displayed on a display.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a database / item association screen displayed on a display.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an input / output screen definition screen displayed on a display.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an input / output screen / item association screen displayed on a display.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a data operation menu screen displayed on a display.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a data output screen displayed on a display.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a new data input screen displayed on the display.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a data correction screen displayed on a display.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a search initial screen displayed on the display.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a file writing setting screen displayed on a display.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a data reference program designation screen displayed on a display.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Database system, 2 ... Internet line, 3 ... Computer, 4 ... Computer, 5 ... Ethernet (trademark) line, 6 ... Router, 7 ... Firewall system, 8 ... Network hub, 9 ... WEB server, 10 ... Database server 11 ... Database.

Claims (6)

Ru is connected to the user computer via a communication network, a de chromatography database system comprising a storage device for storing a plurality of databases (a set of searchable arranged data), and the server, and
The storage device storing the plurality of databases can use data stored in any information processing software,
Each database is intended to be arranged by dividing the various types of data for each data item,
The server
Item definition means for defining data items that can be shared by the plurality of databases according to an instruction from the user computer;
Database / item association means for associating each of the plurality of databases with the data item according to an instruction from the user computer;
Have
From said user computer by Yu over THE operates with reference to the input screen of the upper SL user computer through the communications network using a web browser, by the item definition means and the database entry associating means optionally additional, features and to Lud over database system that is adapted to be able to delete or change to said each database the data item. By operating the computer for the user and selection of data items, characterized in that it can now be viewed in any order to the input screen, according to claim 1 de Database system. By operating the computer for the user, characterized in that it become possible to display the data items in an arbitrary position on the input screen, de chromatography database system according to claim 2. A plurality of data items belonging to different databases are associated with each other, and based on the association, the plurality of data items belonging to different databases can be collectively referred to, de chromatography database system according to claim 3. It is possible to perform search processing and / or arithmetic processing on data belonging to one or a plurality of data items and store the processing results in another data item. de chromatography database system according to claim 4. Register Data items to 該De over database system, it defines the name of the database, characterized in that is adapted to associate the defined database with registered data items, data of claim 1 Database system.

Images