JP7110438B2 - PROGRAM CREATION SYSTEM, PROGRAM AND CREATION TERMINAL DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program creation system, a program, and a creation terminal device.

As a technique related to a conventional program creation system, for example, Patent Document 1 describes an authoring system for assisting creation/editing of behavior of a multi-joint structure.

JP 2002-120174 A

By the way, in recent years, for example, in order to use a device having a predetermined function such as a clock more variously, there are cases where an application program is used to operate the device in a variety of ways. It is desired to be able to create

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a program creation system, a program, and a creation terminal device that can easily create an application program for operating an operation target device. and

In order to achieve the above object, a program creation system according to the present invention comprises: an external device storing creation information for creating an application program for operating an operation target device; a communication unit capable of communicating with the external device; An input unit that accepts input from the outside, and a process capable of executing a process of creating the application program according to the input to the input unit based on the creation information acquired from the external device via the communication unit. The application program includes a service block program that defines output information output by the operation target device, and a trigger that triggers an action for outputting the output information and the trigger. and defines a trigger block program that causes the trigger generation unit to generate the trigger, and an action execution unit that executes the content of the action for outputting the output information and the action. an action block program causing the action execution unit to execute the action, wherein the processing unit performs an information acquisition process for acquiring the creation information from the external device via the communication unit; a creating process of creating the application program by combining the service block program, the trigger block program, and the action block program selected according to the creation information and the input to the input unit, The processing unit executes a product code transmission process for transmitting a product code specifying the model of the operation target device to the external device via the communication unit, information about the selected candidate trigger block program is acquired from the external device as the creation information, and the trigger block program to be incorporated into the application program is selected from the selected candidate trigger block programs according to the input to the input unit. and

Further, in the above program creation system, the application program is stored in one of the plurality of operation target devices, and the plurality of operation target devices are linked to generate the trigger by the trigger generation unit, output information and execution of the action by the action execution unit.

Further, in the above program creation system, the application program causes at least the generation of the trigger by the trigger generation unit, the acquisition of the output information, or the execution of the action to the creation terminal device that is also used as the operation target device. At least one or all of the execution of the actions by the unit may be performed.

Further, in the above program creation system, in the case where the external device receives a plurality of the product codes from the creation terminal device, the external device is capable of being realized by each of the operation target devices specified by each of the product codes. Selection candidate trigger block programs are extracted, and if there is no selection candidate trigger block program related to the operation target device specified by the product code received from the creation terminal device, the selection candidate trigger block program highly related to the product code is extracted. An operation target device may be estimated, and the selection candidate trigger block programs related to the operation target device having a high degree of relevance may be extracted.

Further, in the above program creation system, the creation terminal device has a display unit that is controlled by the processing unit and can display an image, and the processing unit selects the operation target device for generating the trigger. and a trigger selection area operated to select the trigger block program to be incorporated into the application program from the selection candidate trigger block programs is displayed on the display unit. and if there is a single selectable operation target device, an image representing the operation target device is displayed in the trigger generation device selection area, and if there are a plurality of selectable operation target devices, the input When the trigger generation device selection area is operated in accordance with an input to the unit, the image of the operation target device displayed in the trigger generation device selection region is sequentially changed, and the trigger generation device selection region is displayed in the trigger selection region. An image representing the selection candidate trigger block program that can be realized by the operation target device selected in .

Further, in the above program creation system, when the plurality of operation target devices are to be linked by the application program, the processing unit requests and acquires the product code for each of the plurality of operation target devices. can acquire the product code of each of the operation target devices.

To achieve the above object, a program according to the present invention is an application program for operating an operation target device, comprising: a service block program for defining output information output by the operation target device; a trigger block program that defines the content of a trigger for activating an action for the purpose and a trigger generation unit that generates the trigger, and causes the trigger generation unit to generate the trigger; and the content of the action for outputting the output information. Creation information for creating an application program including an action block program that defines an action execution unit for executing the action and causes the action execution unit to execute the action is acquired from an external device via the communication unit of the computer. and the service block program, the trigger block program, and the action block program selected according to the creation information acquired in the information acquisition process and the input to the input unit of the computer. making the computer execute a creation process for creating the application program; executing a product code transmission process for transmitting a product code specifying a model of the operation target device to the external device via the communication unit; Acquiring from the external device information on a selection candidate trigger block program corresponding to the product code transmitted in the product code transmission process from the external device as the creation information, and selecting the selection candidate trigger block program from the application program in response to an input to the input unit and selecting the trigger block program to be incorporated into the.

In order to achieve the above object, a creation terminal device according to the present invention provides a communication unit capable of communicating with an external device storing creation information for creating an application program for operating an operation target device; and a processing unit capable of executing a process of creating the application program according to an input to the input unit based on the creation information acquired from the external device via the communication unit. , the application program defines a service block program that defines output information to be output by the operation target device, contents of a trigger that activates an action for outputting the output information, and a trigger generation unit that generates the trigger. and a trigger block program for causing the trigger generation unit to generate the trigger, and an action execution unit for executing the action for outputting the output information, and the action execution unit executing the action. and an action block program that causes the processing unit to perform information acquisition processing for acquiring the creation information from the external device via the communication unit, and the creation information acquired in the information acquisition processing and the input unit and a creation process of creating the application program by combining the service block program, the trigger block program, and the action block program selected according to the input to executing product code transmission processing for transmitting a product code specifying the model of the operation target device to the external device via the product code transmission processing; The creation information is obtained from the external device, and the trigger block program to be incorporated into the application program is selected from the selection candidate trigger block programs according to the input to the input unit.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION The program preparation system, program, and preparation terminal device which concern on this invention are effective in the ability to prepare easily the application program which operates an operation target apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a programming system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the flow (sequence) of creating an application program by the program creating system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creating an application program by the program creating system according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creating an application program by the program creating system according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creating an application program by the program creating system according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creating an application program by the program creating system according to the modification. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the modification. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creating an application program by the program creating system according to the modification. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the modification. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the modification. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the modification. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the modification. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the modification. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the modification. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the modification. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the modification. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in creation of an application program by the program creation system according to the modification.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Below, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment. In addition, components in the following embodiments include components that can be easily replaced by those skilled in the art, or components that are substantially the same.

[Embodiment]
<Outline of programming system>
A program creation system S1 of this embodiment shown in FIG. It is a system that can easily create programs. The external device 10 constitutes a cloud service device (cloud server) implemented on the network N. FIG. The creation terminal device 20 is an electronic device that can receive various cloud services from the external device 10 by communicating and cooperating with the external device 10 . The creating terminal device 20 creates an application program in cooperation with the external device 10 . The creation terminal device 20 can be configured by, for example, a smart phone, a tablet PC, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, or the like. The operation target device D is an electronic device configured to be portable by the user and operated by an application program created by the creation terminal device 20 . The operation target device D can be configured by, for example, a smart phone, tablet PC, notebook PC, PDA, portable game device, etc., but is typically smaller than the creation terminal device 20 and is attached to the human body. It preferably includes wearable devices that are capable. Examples of wearable devices include devices such as wristbands, spectacles, rings, shoe lasts, and pendants. In the example of FIG. 1, the operation target device D is a wristband-type wearable device and is illustrated as an electronic watch (wristwatch) D1 that displays the time, a glasses-type wearable device D2, a smartphone D3, and the like. Further, the creation terminal device 20 described above may also be used as the operation target device D. FIG.

The external device 10 and the creation terminal device 20 typically communicate with each other via the network N. FIG. On the other hand, the creation terminal device 20 and the operation target device D communicate with each other via short-range wireless communication. The network N is composed of any communication network regardless of wireless communication using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), 4G, 5G, etc., or wired communication using communication lines, and connects the external device 10 and the creation terminal device 20. Connect for communication. Near field communication methods include, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), W-LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and NFC (Near Field Communication). However, the operation target device D may be configured to be able to communicate with the external device 10 and the creation terminal device 20 via the network N without being limited to short-range wireless communication. Hereinafter, each configuration of the programming system S1 will be described in detail with reference to each drawing.

<Basic configuration of the application program (applet) to be created>
First, an application program created by the program creation system S1 will be described. The application program is typically a relatively small-sized program that is executed by being incorporated in another application program such as a browser of the device D to be operated. Here, as an example, the application program is described as an applet executed on a browser. An applet is typically positioned as an application program with a fixed sequence. In the following description, an application program created by the program creation system S1 may be called an "applet".

The applet of this embodiment is a program that causes the operation target device D to operate by being executed by the operation target device D. FIG. The applet may be a program that causes an operation target device D to perform a predetermined operation alone, or a program that causes a plurality of operation target devices D to perform a predetermined operation in cooperation with each other. The applet of this embodiment includes a service block program, a trigger block program, and an action block program, and one applet is constructed by combining these three elements. In the following description, the service block program may be called "service block", the trigger block program may be called "trigger block", and the action block program may be called "action block".

A service block is a program that defines output information to be output by the operation target device D in accordance with the service contents according to the purpose desired by the user. In other words, a service block is a program that specifies the content of output information to be acquired according to the service content.

A trigger block is a program that defines the content of a trigger that activates an action for outputting output information according to service content and a trigger generation unit that generates the trigger, and causes the trigger generation unit to generate the trigger. Here, a trigger is a trigger for activating an action according to the content of the service, and is generated by the trigger generation unit. The trigger generation unit is provided in the operation target device D and generates a trigger. An example of what can constitute the trigger generation unit (trigger generation unit candidate) in the operation target device D includes an input unit, a detection unit, a timer unit, and the like of the operation target device D. FIG. The input unit of the device D to be operated is a portion that receives various inputs to the device D to be operated. The input unit 23 includes, for example, a touch panel for receiving operation input to the operation target device D, an operation button, a voice input device for receiving voice input to the operation target device D, and the like. When the device D to be operated is an electronic timepiece D1, the input section may include a crown, push buttons, register ring, and the like. The detection unit of the operation target device D is a detector that detects various information. The detection unit includes, for example, an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration acting on the operation target device D, an illuminance sensor that detects the illuminance of the light that irradiates the operation target device D, and a temperature sensor that detects the temperature near the operation target device D. , a voltage sensor for detecting the power supply voltage of the operation target device D and the presence or absence of power generation, a positioning device for measuring the current position of the operation target device D, and the like. The clock unit of the operation target device D is a circuit that clocks time (device internal time). The timing unit includes, for example, an oscillator, an oscillation circuit, a compensating circuit, a frequency dividing circuit, etc., and generates a clock signal having a predetermined frequency that serves as a reference for timing inside the device D to be operated. Time is measured by counting the pulses included in the clock signal. Examples of triggers generated by the trigger generation unit include a touch panel, voice input device, crown, push button, register ring, etc. that constitute the input unit, an acceleration sensor that constitutes the detection unit, an illuminance sensor, Detection of predetermined information by a temperature sensor, a voltage sensor, a positioning device, etc., and the result of time measurement by a time measurement unit, etc. can be mentioned. The trigger block causes the trigger generation unit defined by the trigger block to generate a trigger when the applet including the trigger block is executed by the control unit of the device D to be operated.

An action block is a program that defines action content for outputting output information according to service content and an action execution unit that executes the action, and causes the action execution unit to execute the action. Here, an action is an operation corresponding to the content of the service provided by the applet, and is executed by the action execution unit. The action execution unit is provided in the operation target device D and executes an action. Examples of components (action execution unit candidates) that can constitute the action execution unit in the operation target device D include a communication unit, an output unit, and the like of the operation target device D. FIG. The communication unit of the operation target device D is a communication module capable of communicating with the outside of the operation target device D. FIG. The communication unit may communicate with the outside via short-range wireless communication, or may be communicatively connected to the network N regardless of wireless communication or wired communication, and communicates with the outside via the network N. It may be one that performs communication. The output unit of the operation target device D is a portion of the operation target device D that performs various outputs. The output unit includes, for example, a display that outputs image information, an indicator lamp that outputs visual information, a speaker/alarm buzzer that outputs sound information, a vibrator that outputs vibration information, and the like. When the device D to be operated is an electronic clock D1, the output section may include physical pointers for displaying the time and date, a date dial, a driving section, and the like. Examples of actions executed by the action execution unit include output of output information to the outside by the communication unit, display constituting the output unit, indicator light, speaker/alarm buzzer, vibrator, pointer, date dial, and drive unit. Output of output information by, etc. can be mentioned. When an applet including the action block is executed by the control unit of the operation target device D, the action block causes the action execution unit defined by the action block to execute the action for outputting the output information.

The applet configured as described above includes the above-described service block, trigger block, and action block, and defines output information, triggers, and actions according to the content of the service in association with each other. The applet may be stored in the storage unit of the operation target device D, for example, via the network N or short-range wireless communication. Further, when a plurality of operation target devices D are operated in cooperation, the applet may be collectively stored in any one of the plurality of operation target devices D, or may be distributed among the plurality of operation target devices D. may be stored as In addition, when the creation terminal device 20 described later is also used as the operation target device D to be operated by the applet, the applet created by the creation terminal device 20 is stored in the storage section of the creation terminal device 20. It may be stored as it is. The applet is executed by the control unit of the operation target device D, so that the trigger generated by the trigger generation unit causes the action execution unit to execute an action of outputting output information according to the service content.

The applet is stored in the operation target device D when the operation target device D alone performs a predetermined operation, and the operation target device D generates a trigger by the trigger generation unit, acquires output information, and , causes the action execution unit to execute the action. In this case, the applet, for example, starts with trigger generation by the operation target device D, causes the operation target device D to acquire output information according to the service content from an external device, and outputs the output information according to the acquired service content. An action to output to the target device D is executed. Further, when a plurality of operation target devices D are to be linked to perform a predetermined operation, the applet is stored in one of the plurality of operation target devices D, and the applet is stored in one of the plurality of operation target devices D to link the operation target devices D. A trigger is generated by the trigger generation unit, output information is acquired, and an action is executed by the action execution unit. Furthermore, when the creation terminal device 20 is also used as the operation target device D, the applet causes the creation terminal device 20, which is also used as the operation target device D, to generate the trigger by the trigger generation unit and acquire the output information. Alternatively, at least one or all of the execution of actions by the action execution unit is performed. In this case, the applet, for example, starts with trigger generation of the first operation target device D, and externally sends the second operation target device D (for example, it may be the creation terminal device 20) according to the trigger. An action of acquiring output information according to the service content from the device, transmitting the acquired output information to the first operation target device D, and causing the first operation target device D to output the output information according to the service content. to run. Also, the applet may consist of a plurality of block programs, each of which includes a service block, a trigger block, and an action block. In other words, in one applet, a plurality of output information defined by service blocks, triggers defined by trigger blocks, and actions defined by action blocks may be defined. Thereby, the applet can cause the operation target device D to perform a repeat operation based on a plurality of triggers, a plurality of output information corresponding to service contents, and a plurality of actions for outputting the plurality of output information.

<Specific example of operation using applet>
As an example, the output information according to the content of the service provided by the applet is "information on the weather one hour later", and the trigger for activating the action (in other words, the trigger for activating acquisition of the output information) is "electronic A case will be described in which the content of the action for outputting output information according to the content of the service is "display by driving the hands of the electronic timepiece D1". Here, it is assumed that the operation target device D is an electronic watch D1 and a smart phone D3 (which may also be used as the creation terminal device 20). In this case, when the user presses a push button (trigger generating unit) while the applet is activated and executed, the electronic timepiece D1 is triggered by the pressing operation, and the communication unit outputs an output information acquisition signal. to the smartphone D3. When the smartphone D3 receives the output information acquisition signal from the electronic timepiece D1 through the communication unit, the smartphone D3 inquires about the weather information to an external device (server or the like) via the communication unit, and receives the current location as output information from the external device. Get weather information for the next hour. Then, the smartphone D3 transmits the acquired weather information one hour after the current location or action instruction information corresponding to the weather information to the electronic timepiece D1 as output information via the communication unit. Then, when the electronic timepiece D1 receives the output information through the communication unit, the pointer (action execution unit) responds to weather information one hour after the current location or action instruction information corresponding to the weather information. to display (output) weather information one hour after the current location.

<Modified Example 1 of Specific Example of Operation Using Applet>
In the above specific example, the applet causes trigger generation and action execution to be performed by the same operation target device D (electronic watch D1). You can also make it work with For example, as a modification of the above specific example, the applet can cause the electronic watch D1 to generate the trigger as described above, and then cause the smartphone D3 to execute the action. In this case, the smartphone D3 does not transmit the output information acquired from the external device to the electronic timepiece D1, but displays the output information of the weather one hour after the current location by the display (action execution unit) constituting the output unit. may be performed to display (output) the information of Similarly, as another modification, the applet can cause both the smartphone D3 to generate the trigger and the execution of the action, or cause the smartphone D3 to generate the trigger and the electronic watch D1 to execute the action. You can also make it work. Furthermore, for example, as a modification of the above-described specific example, the applet causes the electronic watch D1 to generate the trigger as described above, causes the smartphone D3 to acquire the output information, and causes the glasses-type wearable device to execute the action. It is also possible to have the device D2 perform this.

<Modified Example 2 of Specific Example of Operation Using Applet>
In addition, the applet may consist of a plurality of block programs, each of which includes a service block, a trigger block, and an action block, as described above. In other words, in one applet, a plurality of output information defined by service blocks, triggers defined by trigger blocks, and actions defined by action blocks may be defined. As an example, the output information according to the content of the service provided by the applet is "today's exercise amount achievement rate" and "song corresponding to the exercise amount achievement rate", and the trigger for activating the action (in other words, The trigger for activating the acquisition of the output information is "pressing the push button of the electronic watch D1", and the content of the action for outputting the output information according to the content of the service is "driving the hands of the electronic watch D1". A case of "display" and "output from the speaker of the smartphone D3 (or headphones connected to the smartphone D3)" will be described. Here, it is assumed that the operation target device D is an electronic watch D1 and a smart phone D3 (which may also be used as the creation terminal device 20). In this case, in the electronic watch D1, when the user presses a push button (trigger generation unit) while the applet is activated and executed, the pressing operation becomes a trigger, and the control unit detects the acceleration sensor. Based on the results, etc., the achievement rate of today's exercise amount is calculated. Then, the electronic timepiece D1 operates the pointer (action execution unit) using the calculated achievement rate of today's exercise amount as the first output information, and outputs the information of the calculated achievement rate of today's exercise amount as a percentage (%). A first action to display (output) is performed. At the same time, the electronic timepiece D1 also transmits an output information acquisition signal corresponding to the calculated achievement rate of today's exercise amount to the smartphone D3. When the smartphone D3 receives the output information acquisition signal from the electronic watch D1 through the communication unit, the smartphone D3 selects a song stored in its own storage unit according to the achievement rate of today's exercise amount based on the output information acquisition signal. (For example, if the achievement rate is 50%, select a preset song A, and if the achievement rate is 90%, select a preset song B). Then, the smartphone D3 executes the second action of outputting the selected music as the second output information from the speaker/headphones (action executing section) constituting the output section. Note that the smartphone D3 is not limited to selecting a song corresponding to today's exercise amount achievement rate from songs stored in its own storage unit based on the output information acquisition signal. It may also be possible to inquire of an external device for the music that has been received via the communication unit and acquire the music.

<Modified Example 3 of Specific Example of Operation Using Applet>
The applet can also cause a service block, a trigger block, and an action block to be executed only by the same operation target device D, for example, an electronic watch D1. In this case, for example, when the applet is activated and executed, the electronic timepiece D1 detects information from the acceleration sensor incorporated in the electronic timepiece D1 by depressing the push button. ), and when the accumulated amount of exercise reaches a value set by the user, the hands of the electronic timepiece D1 may be moved to a position corresponding to the amount of exercise. Alternatively, the electronic timepiece D1 may operate a vibration alarm incorporated in the electronic timepiece D1 in place of the pointer operation as described above. It may be done at the same time.

<Modification 4 of Specific Example of Operation Using Applet>
The applet can execute a plurality of service blocks, trigger blocks, and action blocks, for example, in the same operation target device D, for example, an electronic clock D1, thereby outputting a plurality of output information according to service contents. The electronic timepiece D1 can be caused to repeat a plurality of actions to be performed. In this case, for example, when the applet is activated and executed, the electronic timepiece D1 detects information from the acceleration sensor incorporated in the electronic timepiece D1 by depressing the push button. ), and activates a vibration alarm each time the accumulated exercise amount reaches a predetermined value set by the user (for example, 2000 steps). In this case, for example, when the electronic timepiece D1 first reaches 2,000 steps (first trigger), it activates the vibration alarm (first action) with the vibration pattern 1 (first output information), and after that, it performs 2,000 steps again. is achieved (second trigger), the vibration alarm may be operated (second action) with vibration pattern 2 (second output information). Further, the electronic timepiece D1 also transmits the amount of exercise to, for example, a smartphone D3 that cooperates with the electronic timepiece D1, and outputs music A (first output information) when the first 2000 steps are achieved (first trigger). 1 action), and when 2000 steps are achieved again (second trigger), music B (second output information) may be output (second action). That is, an applet may be configured such that after an action is performed by satisfying a service's trigger, the service continues to be performed and the action is again performed each time the trigger is satisfied. At this time, the applet may be set to define a final trigger in the service (for example, a goal of 10,000 steps) and end the repeat action when the final trigger is met.

<Basic configuration of external device>
Next, the external device 10 will be described. The external device 10 includes an electronic circuit mainly composed of a well-known microcomputer including a central processing unit such as a CPU, various storage devices such as a semiconductor memory, and the like. The external device 10 can also be configured by installing a program that implements various processes in a computer system such as a known PC or workstation. The external device 10 stores various creation information for creating the application program described above. The external device 10 of this embodiment is composed of a plurality of devices. Specifically, the external device 10 is composed of an applet server 11 , a block server 12 and a product server 13 .

The applet server 11 is a server for managing applets. The applet server 11 functionally and conceptually includes a creation program storage unit 11a and an applet storage unit 11b.

The creation program storage unit 11a is a storage area that stores an applet creation program as creation information. The applet creation program is a program that is downloaded to the creation terminal device 20 via the network N or the like and executed on the creation terminal device 20 to cause the creation terminal device 20 to execute various processes necessary for applet creation. . The applet creation program is accessed from the creation terminal device 20 via a browser and executed on the applet server 11, thereby causing the creation terminal device 20 to execute various processes necessary for applet creation. may

The applet storage unit 11b is a storage area for storing applets created by the creation terminal device 20. FIG. The applet created by the creating terminal device 20 is uploaded to the applet server 11, stored in the applet storage unit 11b, and accumulated. The applet storage unit 11b can also store applets created by other than the creation terminal device 20 in the same way. The applet stored in the applet storage section 11b can be made public to a third party via the network N or the like. In this case, the applet stored in the applet storage unit 11b may be, for example, selectable to be disclosed or not disclosed to third parties. Applets can only be used by the creator who created the applet when private is selected, and other users other than the creator of the applet can be used when public is selected. Third parties, including, are also enabled.

Note that the creation program storage unit 11 a and the applet storage unit 11 b described above may be provided in the creation terminal device 20 . In other words, part or all of the functions of the applet server 11 may be implemented as part of the creation terminal device 20 .

The block server 12 is a server for configuring an applet or managing various blocks. The block server 12 functionally and conceptually includes a block management unit 12a and a block creation unit 12b.

The block management unit 12a is a part having a function of storing and managing various blocks for configuring an applet. The block management unit 12a stores and manages a plurality of types of service blocks, trigger blocks, and action blocks as creation information. The various blocks managed by the block management unit 12a are blocks that can be selected as candidates for constructing an applet when the creating terminal device 20 creates the applet. In the following description, a service block that becomes a selection candidate is called a "selection candidate service block", a selection candidate trigger block is called a "selection candidate trigger block", and a selection candidate action block is called a "selection candidate action block". There is a case. The block management unit 12a, for example, stores and manages various blocks created by the block creation unit 12b. The block management unit 12a can also store and manage various blocks created without the block creation unit 12b and uploaded via the network N, for example. The block management unit 12a assigns a category (major category), a tab (middle category), etc. to each block according to the content of the service, etc., so that the creator of the applet can easily select the block with the desired content. can be managed by

Part or all of the selection candidate trigger blocks and selection candidate action blocks may be stored and managed in the product server 13 . In other words, the selection candidate trigger block and the selection candidate action block may be managed by the product server 13 or by both the block server 12 and the product server 13 .

The block creating unit 12b is a part having a function of creating various blocks stored and managed by the block managing unit 12a. The block creation unit 12b creates a service block, a trigger block, and an action block according to inputs from the applet user, the service provider providing the applet service, other providers, and the like. The block creation unit 12b stores the created various blocks in the block management unit 12a. The block creating unit 12b may assign the categories, tabs, etc. described above to the various created blocks in accordance with inputs from the applet user, the service provider providing the applet, other business operators, and the like. .

The product server 13 is a server for managing information on the product that is the target device D for operation. The product server 13 functionally and conceptually includes a product information storage unit 13a, a trigger information storage unit 13b, and an action information storage unit 13c.

The product information storage unit 13a is a storage area that stores the product code of the device D to be operated. The product code is product identification information for specifying the model of the operation target device D and the like. The product information storage unit 13a stores product codes of a plurality of operation target devices D for which applets can be created.

The trigger information storage unit 13b is a storage area that stores trigger information as creation information. Trigger information is various information about a trigger block. The trigger information includes, for example, trigger generator candidate information, trigger content information, and the like. The trigger generation unit candidate information is information related to a trigger generation unit candidate that can configure the trigger generation unit in the device D to be operated. The trigger content information is information about the content of a trigger that can be generated by the trigger generation unit candidate. The trigger information storage unit 13b stores the trigger information in association with each product code stored in the product information storage unit 13a. The trigger information storage unit 13b stores, as trigger information, trigger generation unit candidate information and trigger content information for each operation target device D specified by each product code in association with each product code. The trigger information stored in the trigger information storage unit 13b is also associated (linked) with the selection candidate trigger blocks managed by the block management unit 12a. Further, as described above, the trigger information storage unit 13b may contain the selection candidate trigger block itself as the trigger information.

The action information storage unit 13c is a storage area that stores action information as creation information. Action information is various information about an action block. The action information includes, for example, action execution part candidate information, action content information, and the like. The action execution unit candidate information is information related to an action execution unit candidate that can constitute an action execution unit in the device D to be operated. The action content information is information about the content of an action that can be executed by the action executing unit candidate. The action information storage unit 13c stores the action information in association with each product code stored in the product information storage unit 13a. The action information storage unit 13c stores action execution unit candidate information and action content information for each operation target device D specified by each product code as action information in association with each product code. The action information stored in the action information storage unit 13c is also associated (linked) with the selection candidate action blocks managed by the block management unit 12a. Also, as described above, the action information storage unit 13c may contain information of the selection candidate action block itself as the action information.

<Basic Configuration of Creation Terminal Device 20>
Next, the creation terminal device 20 will be described. The creation terminal device 20 is a terminal that communicates and cooperates with the external device 10 and creates an applet based on the creation information stored in the external device 10 . The production terminal device 20 includes an electronic circuit mainly composed of a well-known microcomputer including a central processing unit such as a CPU, various storage devices such as a semiconductor memory, and the like. The production terminal device 20 can also be configured by installing a program that implements various processes in a known computer system such as a PC or workstation. Specifically, the creation terminal device 20 has a power supply section 21 , a communication section 22 , an input section 23 , an output section 24 , a storage section 25 and a processing section 26 .

The power supply unit 21 is a power source for the creation terminal device 20 . The power supply unit 21 includes a chargeable/dischargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, and supplies power to each unit in the production terminal device 20 .

The communication unit 22 is a communication module capable of communicating with the outside of the creation terminal device 20 . The communication unit 22 is communicably connected to the network N regardless of whether it is wireless communication or wired communication, and communicates with the external device 10 via the network N. The communication unit 22 also communicates with the operation target device D via short-range wireless communication.

The input unit 23 is a part that receives various inputs to the creation terminal device 20 . The input unit 23 includes, for example, a touch panel 23a that receives an operation input to the creation terminal device 20, a voice input device 23b that receives voice input to the creation terminal device 20, and the like. The input unit 23 may also include input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse pointer.

The output unit 24 is a part that performs various outputs in the creation terminal device 20 . The output unit 24 includes, for example, a display 24a for outputting image information, a display lamp for outputting visual information, a speaker 24b for outputting sound information, and the like.

The storage unit 25 is a storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, a semiconductor memory, etc. built into the production terminal device 20 . The storage unit 25 stores conditions and information necessary for various processes in the production terminal device 20, various application programs to be executed in the production terminal device 20, control data, and the like. Further, the storage unit 25 can store various information received by the communication unit 22, various information input by the input unit 23, various information output by the output unit 24, and the like. The storage unit 25 stores, for example, creation information acquired from the external device 10 via the communication unit 22 to create an applet as various information received by the communication unit 22 . These pieces of information are read from the storage unit 25 by the processing unit 26 or the like as necessary.

The processing section 26 is electrically connected to each section of the production terminal device 20 and controls each section of the production terminal device 20 in an integrated manner. The processing unit 26 includes an electronic circuit mainly composed of a well-known microcomputer including a central processing unit such as a CPU. The processing unit 26 is communicably connected to each unit of the production terminal device 20, and can exchange various signals with each unit. The processing unit 26 executes various application programs stored in the storage unit 25, and executes various processes for realizing various functions by operating each unit of the production terminal device 20 by running the programs.

<Various processing related to applet creation>
The processing unit 26 of the present embodiment can execute processing for creating an applet according to an input to the input unit 23 based on creation information acquired from the external device 10 via the communication unit 22 .

Specifically, the processing unit 26 can execute information acquisition processing, service block selection processing, trigger block selection processing, action block selection processing, and creation processing. The processing unit 26 executes these processes by executing the applet creation program stored in the creation program storage unit 11a. Typically, the processing unit 26 preferably executes trigger block selection processing and action block selection processing after service block selection processing. In the following, first, each process will be briefly described, and then specific examples will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 13. FIG.

<Information Acquisition Processing>
The information acquisition processing executed by the processing unit 26 is processing for acquiring creation information from the external device 10 via the communication unit 22 . More specifically, the information acquisition processing includes service block information acquisition processing, trigger block information acquisition processing, and action block information acquisition processing. The service block information acquisition process is a process of acquiring information on selection candidate service blocks as creation information from the external device 10 via the communication unit 22 . The trigger block information acquisition process is a process of acquiring, as creation information from the external device 10 via the communication unit 22, information about a selection candidate trigger block corresponding to the operation target device D for which an applet is to be created. The action block information acquisition process is a process of acquiring, as creation information from the external device 10 via the communication unit 22, information on selection candidate action blocks corresponding to the operation target device D for which the applet is to be created. The processing unit 26 may continuously execute the service block information acquisition process, the trigger block information acquisition process, and the action block information acquisition process, or may execute each acquisition process step by step as necessary. .

Specifically, in the service block information acquisition process, the processing unit 26 acquires information on selection candidate service blocks managed by the block management unit 12a of the block server 12 as information on selection candidate service blocks. In the trigger block information acquisition process, the processing unit 26 obtains the trigger information (trigger generation unit candidate information, trigger content information) stored in the trigger information storage unit 13b of the product server 13 and the block server information as information related to the selection candidate trigger block. 12 acquires information on the selection candidate trigger blocks managed by the block management unit 12a. In the action block information acquisition process, the processing unit 26 obtains the action information (action execution unit candidate information, action content information) stored in the action information storage unit 13c of the product server 13 and the block server information as information related to the selection candidate action block. 12 acquires information on selection candidate action blocks managed by the block management unit 12a.

The processing unit 26 of the present embodiment executes product code transmission processing for transmitting a product code specifying the model of the operation target device D to the product server 13 via the communication unit 22 . Then, in the trigger block information acquisition process, the processing unit 26 acquires information on the selection candidate trigger block corresponding to the product code transmitted in the product code transmission process from the product server 13 via the communication unit 22 . Similarly, in the action block information acquisition process, the processing unit 26 acquires information on the selection candidate action block corresponding to the product code transmitted in the product code transmission process from the product server 13 via the communication unit 22 .

<Service block selection processing>
The service block selection process executed by the processing unit 26 is a process of selecting a service block to be incorporated into the applet from selection candidate service blocks according to the creation information acquired in the information acquisition process and the input to the input unit 23. . In the service block selection process, the processing unit 26 of the present embodiment selects a selection candidate service block based on the information about the selection candidate service block acquired in the service block information acquisition process, according to the input to the input unit 23 by the creator. , select the service block to include in the applet.

<Trigger block selection processing>
The trigger block selection process executed by the processing unit 26 is a process of selecting a trigger block to be incorporated into the applet from the selection candidate trigger blocks according to the creation information acquired in the information acquisition process and the input to the input unit 23. . In the trigger block selection process, the processing unit 26 of the present embodiment selects a selection candidate trigger block according to the input to the input unit 23 by the creator based on the information about the selection candidate trigger block acquired in the trigger block information acquisition process. , select the trigger block to include in the applet.

<Action block selection processing>
The action block selection process executed by the processing unit 26 is a process of selecting an action block to be incorporated into the applet from selection candidate action blocks according to the creation information acquired in the information acquisition process and the input to the input unit 23. . In the action block selection process, the processing unit 26 of the present embodiment selects a selection candidate action block based on the information about the selection candidate action block acquired in the action block information acquisition process, according to the input to the input unit 23 by the creator. , select the action block to include in the applet.

<Create process>
The creation process executed by the processing unit 26 is actually combining the service block selected in the service block selection process, the trigger block selected in the trigger block selection process, and the action block selected in the action block selection process. This is the process of creating an applet. In the creation process, the processing unit 26 of the present embodiment creates an applet by combining blocks selected in each selection process on the external device 10, and uploads the created applet to the applet storage unit 11b of the applet server 11. You may Further, in the creation process, the processing unit 26 of the present embodiment downloads each block selected in each selection process from the block server 12 or the product server 13 to the creation terminal device 20 and temporarily stores it in the storage unit 25. After creating an applet, the created applet may be uploaded to the applet storage unit 11 b of the applet server 11 .

<Example of applet creation sequence>
Next, an example of the flow of applet creation by the program creation system S1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 to 13 will be referred to below for examples of display screens on the display 24a of the production terminal device 20. FIG.

First, the processing unit 26 of the creation terminal device 20 transmits an applet creation program request to the applet server 11 via the communication unit 22 and the network N in response to an input by the creator to the input unit 23 (step S1). .

When the applet creation program request is received from the creation terminal device 20, the applet server 11 reads the applet creation program stored in the creation program storage unit 11a and returns it to the creation terminal device 20 via the network N (step S2). It should be noted that if the creation program storage unit 11a is provided in the creation terminal device 20, the processing in step S1 and the processing in step S2 are unnecessary.

When the processing unit 26 receives the applet creation program from the applet server 11, it temporarily stores it in the storage unit 25 and executes the applet creation program. The applet creation program is executed by the processing unit 26 to send the product code transmission process, information acquisition process (service block information acquisition process, trigger block information acquisition process, action block information acquisition process) to the production terminal device 20 as a computer. ), service block selection processing, trigger block selection processing, action block selection processing, and creation processing. The applet creation program, for example, causes each process to be executed interactively. As described above, the processing unit 26 of the production terminal device 20 accesses the applet production program stored in the production program storage unit 11a of the applet server 11 via the browser, and executes the applet production program on the applet server 11. You may make it perform each said process by performing.

When the applet creation program is executed by the processing unit 26 of the creation terminal device 20, the processing unit 26 causes the display 24a to display a creation/editing selection screen 100 as illustrated in FIG. The create/edit selection screen 100 shown in FIG. 3 includes a new creation selection area 100A and an edit selection area 100B. The creation/edit selection screen 100 has a new creation selection area 100A located on the upper side and an edit selection area 100B located on the lower side. The new creation selection area 100A is an area that is selected when creating a new applet, and displays character images such as "NEW APPLET" and "Create a new applet". The edit selection area 100B is an area that is selected when editing an existing applet, in which character images such as "CUSTOMIZE" and "edit applet" are displayed. When the new creation selection area 100A is selected according to the creator's tap operation on the touch panel 23a, the processing unit 26 causes the display 24a to display an applet creation screen 101 as illustrated in FIG. 4 (step S3). The processing of steps S1 to S3 described above constitutes the applet creation screen display flow.

In the following description, the case where the new creation selection area 100A is selected and a new applet is created will be described. When the editing selection area 100B is selected and an existing applet is edited, a part of the processing that is executed when creating a new applet is partially performed, so detailed description thereof will be omitted here. .

The applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. 4 includes a service selection area 101A, a trigger selection area 101B, and an action selection area 101C. The applet creation screen 101 has a trigger selection area 101B on the top, a service selection area 101A in the center, and an action selection area 101C on the bottom. The service selection area 101A is an area that is selected when selecting a service block for configuring an applet, and displays character images such as "SERVICE" and "SELECT A SERVICE". A trigger selection area 101B is an area that is selected when selecting a trigger block for configuring an applet, and displays character images such as "TRIGGER" and "determine the trigger switch". The action selection area 101C is an area that is selected when selecting an action block for configuring an applet, and displays character images such as "ACTION" and "determine action". Then, when the service selection area 101A is selected according to the creator's tap operation or the like on the touch panel 23a, the processing unit 26 shifts to the service specifying flow. It should be noted that, when creating an applet, it is typically preferable to select the service block, the trigger block, and the action block in this order. For this reason, the applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. 4, as an example, is in a state in which the service selection area 101A, which is recommended to be selected first, is displayed larger than the trigger selection area 101B and the action selection area 101C and highlighted. represents.

In the following description, a case in which service selection area 101A, trigger selection area 101B, and action selection area 101C are selected in this order will be described, but this is not necessarily the case. Also, the applet creation program may cause the order of service block selection, trigger block selection, and action block selection to be performed in a fixed order regardless of the intention of the creator. In this case, it is preferable that the applet creation program is configured so that the service block is first selected to determine the skeleton of the applet, and then the trigger block and action block are selected.

When the service selection area 101A is selected according to the creator's tap operation or the like on the touch panel 23a, the processing unit 26 causes the display 24a to display the service selection screen 102 illustrated in FIG. 5 (step S4). The service selection screen 102 shown in FIG. 5 includes a category selection area 102A, tab selection area 102B, and block selection area 102C. The service selection screen 102 has a category selection area 102A located on the upper side, a tab selection area 102B located in the center, and a block selection area 102C located on the lower side. The category selection area 102A is an area operated to select a category according to the content of the service, etc. The character image representing the selected category is highlighted, and the character image representing the unselected category is highlighted. Displayed in gray color. When the category selection area 102A is operated in response to the creator's swipe operation or the like on the touch panel 23a, the processing unit 26 selects a category to be highlighted in the category selection area 102A, for example, "outing", "business", " Information"...etc. The tab selection area 102B is an area operated to select a tab corresponding to the category selected in the category selection area 102A, and displays a character image representing the selected tab. When the tab selection area 102B is operated in response to the creator's swipe operation or the like on the touch panel 23a, the processing unit 26 selects the tabs to be displayed in the tab selection area 102B, for example, "CAFE", "THEATER", "TRAVEL". , "RESTAURANT", and so on. The block selection area 102C is an area operated to select a service block to be incorporated into the applet from selection candidate service blocks, and displays a plurality of icon images 102D imitating the selection candidate service blocks. The processing unit 26 causes the block selection area 102C to display icon images 102D of selection candidate service blocks corresponding to the category selected in the category selection area 102A and the tab selected in the tab selection area 102B. For example, the processing unit 26 may sequentially change the tabs displayed in the tab selection area 102B in accordance with the creator's tap operation on the arrow images "<" and ">" in the tab selection area 102B. good.

As an example, the service selection screen 102 shown in FIG. 5 represents a state in which the "outing" category is selected in the category selection area 102A and the "CAFE" tab is selected in the tab selection area 102B. In the tab selection area 102B, character images such as "CAFE" and "Relax" are displayed. Further, in the service selection screen 102 shown in FIG. 5, a block selection area 102C displays icon images 102D of a plurality of selection candidate service blocks to which the "outing" category and the "CAFE" tab are assigned. The icon images 102D of the selection candidate service blocks created by the operator or the like are displayed side by side in the "BRAND OFFICIAL" column, and the icon images 102D of the selection candidate service blocks created by individuals other than the operator are displayed in the "USER MADE" column. displayed in columns. The block selection area 102C switches in conjunction with the category selected in the category selection area 102A and the tab selected in the tab selection area 102B. Further, the "BRAND OFFICIAL" column area and the "USER MADE" column area of the block selection area 102C are scrollable in either the vertical direction or the horizontal direction or in both directions.

On the service selection screen 102 shown in FIG. 5, the processing unit 26 operates the category selection area 102A and the tab selection area 102B according to the creator's swipe operation on the touch panel 23a, thereby selecting the contents of the desired service. A corresponding category and tab are selected (step S5). Then, the processing unit 26 transmits a block information request corresponding to the selected category and tab to the block server 12 via the communication unit 22 and the network N (step S6).

When the block server 12 receives a block information request corresponding to the selected category and tab from the creation terminal device 20, the block server 12 selects from among the selection candidate service blocks managed by the block management unit 12a in response to the block information request. , the selected category, and the selected service block to which the tab is attached are extracted. Then, the block server 12 returns information on the extracted selection candidate service block as block information to the creating terminal device 20 via the network N (step S7). The information about the selection candidate service block returned here is not the selection candidate trigger block itself, but information such as an icon image representing the selection candidate trigger block.

When the block information is received from the block server 12, the processing unit 26 temporarily stores it in the storage unit 25, and displays the block selection screen in the block selection area 102C of the service selection screen 102 shown in FIG. 5 (step S8). Specifically, the processing unit 26 arranges and displays the icon images 102D of the selection candidate service blocks included in the block information, that is, the icon images 102D of the selection candidate service blocks to which the selected category and tab are assigned. The icon images 102D displayed in the block selection area 102C may be arranged according to regularity based on various tendencies such as the number of times of use by the user and the number of times of download. Then, on the service selection screen 102 shown in FIG. 5, the processing unit 26 selects one of the icon images 102D in the block selection area 102C according to the creator's tap operation or the like on the touch panel 23a. A service block to be actually incorporated into the applet is selected from the blocks (step S9).

When a service block is selected in the process of step S9, the processing unit 26 causes the display 24a to display a service content determination screen 103 as illustrated in FIG. The service content determination screen 103 shown in FIG. 6 includes a determination block display area 103A, a detailed content explanation area 103B, and a service content selection area 103C. The service content determination screen 103 has a decision block display area 103A located on the upper side, a detailed content explanation area 103B located in the center, and a service content selection area 103C located on the lower side. The determined block display area 103A is an area for displaying the service block selected in step S9, and the icon image 103D of the selected service block is displayed. In this case, the determined block display area 103A may also display icon images of service blocks that were not selected in step S9 in gray or the like. The detailed content explanation area 103B is an area for displaying the detailed contents of the service block selected in step S9, and displays a character image explaining the detailed contents of the service block, recommended settings, and the like. The service content selection area 103C is an area operated to select output information to be output according to the service content of the service block selected in step S9. Image 103E is displayed. The processing unit 26 causes the service content selection area 103C to display an icon image 103E of output information corresponding to the service content that can be implemented in the service block. As an example, the service content determination screen 103 shown in FIG. 6 displays an icon image 103E representing "navigation information," an icon image 102D representing "payment information," An icon image 103E representing "congestion information" is displayed.

In the service content determination screen 103 shown in FIG. 6, the processing unit 26 selects one of the icon images 103E in the service content selection area 103C in accordance with the tap operation of the creator on the touch panel 23a, and selects the icon image 103E as a selection candidate. Output information corresponding to a desired service is selected from the service contents (step S10). Then, the processing unit 26 stores the selection result of the service block selected in step S9 and the service content selected in step S10 in the storage unit 25. FIG.

The processing of steps S4 to S10 described above constitutes the service specifying flow, the processing of step S7 corresponds to the service block information acquisition processing of the information acquisition processing, and the processing of step S9 corresponds to the service block selection processing. .

When the service content of the service block is selected in the process of step S10, the processing unit 26 again displays the applet creation screen 101 as shown in FIG. 7 on the display 24a. In this case, the processing unit 26 fills the service selection area 101A on the applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. 7 with an icon image 101D of the service block selected in step S9 and an An icon image 101E of output information is displayed. When the trigger selection area 101B is selected according to the tap operation of the creator on the touch panel 23a, the processing unit 26 shifts to the trigger specifying flow (step S11). As an example, the applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. 7 shows a state in which a trigger selection area 101B, which is recommended to be selected next, is displayed and highlighted larger than the service selection area 101A and the action selection area 101C. there is

When the trigger selection area 101B is selected in the processing of step S11, the processing unit 26 transmits a product code request to the operation target device D for which the applet is created via the communication unit 22 (step S12). When receiving the product code request from the creation terminal device 20, the operation target device D reads out the product code stored in its storage unit and returns it to the creation terminal device 20 (step S13). When a plurality of operation target devices D are linked by an applet, the processing unit 26 performs the processing of steps S12 and S13 for each of the plurality of operation target devices D, and sets the product code of each of the plurality of operation target devices D. get.

Note that the processes of steps S12 and S13 may be performed at appropriate times in a state in which short-range wireless communication between the creation terminal device 20 and the operation target device D is enabled via the communication unit 22 . Here, the processing unit 26 transmits a product code request to the operation target device D, and receives a response from the operation target device D to acquire the product code. , can also be acquired by directly inputting to the input unit 23 from the creator. Further, the processing unit 26 can acquire the product code of the operation target device D for which the applet is to be created by searching for the product code or designating the desired product code from the list ( The same applies to the product code in the action specific flow, which will be described later.)

Here, when the processing unit 26 receives the product code from the operation target device D, the processing unit 26 transmits the received product code to the product server 13 via the communication unit 22 and the network N (step S14). When the product server 13 receives the product code from the production terminal device 20, the product server 13 selects the relevant trigger block from among the selection candidate trigger blocks managed by the block management unit 12a of the block server 12 (or the trigger information storage unit 13b of the product server 13). A selection candidate trigger block that can be realized by the operation target device D specified by the product code is extracted. When the product server 13 receives a plurality of product codes from the production terminal device 20, it extracts a selection candidate trigger block that can be realized by each operation target device D specified by each product code. Further, when there is no selection candidate trigger block related to the operation target device D specified by the product code received from the creation terminal device 20, the product server 13 estimates the operation target device D highly related to the product code. A selection candidate trigger block related to the operation target device D having a high degree of relevance may be extracted. Then, the product server 13 returns information about the extracted selection candidate trigger block to the production terminal device 20 via the network N as trigger extraction information (step S15). The information about the selection candidate trigger block returned here does not represent the extracted selection candidate trigger block itself, but indicates the trigger information (trigger generation unit candidate information, trigger content information) of the selection candidate trigger block and the selection candidate trigger block. This is information such as an icon image.

When receiving the trigger extraction information from the product server 13, the processing unit 26 temporarily stores it in the storage unit 25, and displays the trigger selection screen 104 as illustrated in FIG. 8 on the display 24a (step S16). The trigger selection screen 104 shown in FIG. 8 includes a trigger generation device selection area 104A and a trigger selection area 104B. The trigger selection screen 104 has a trigger generation device selection area 104A located on the upper side and a trigger selection area 104B located on the lower side. The trigger generation device selection area 104A is an area operated to select an operation target device D for generating a trigger, and a character image representing the selected operation target device D is displayed. When there is only one selectable operation target device D, the processing unit 26 displays a character image representing the operation target device D in the trigger generation device selection area 104A. When there are a plurality of selectable operation target devices D (for example, when a plurality of operation target devices D are linked by an applet), the processing unit 26 generates a trigger generation device in response to a swipe operation of the creator on the touch panel 23a. When the selection area 104A is operated, the character image of the operation target device D displayed in the trigger generation device selection area 104A is sequentially changed. The trigger selection area 104B is an area operated to select a trigger block to be incorporated into the applet from the selection candidate trigger blocks, and a plurality of icon images 104C imitating the selection candidate trigger blocks that can be implemented in the operation target device D are displayed. be done. The processing unit 26 causes the trigger selection area 104B to display icon images 104C of selection candidate trigger blocks that can be realized by the operation target device D selected in the trigger generation device selection area 104A.

The trigger selection screen 104 shown in FIG. 8 shows, as an example, a state in which "clock" is selected as the operation target device D in the trigger generation device selection area 104A, and "WATCH" is displayed in the trigger generation device selection area 104A. A character image such as "Use the clock as a trigger" is displayed. The trigger selection screen 104 may further display a character image such as the brand name or model name of the selected operation target device D in the trigger generation device selection area 104A. In the trigger selection screen 104 shown in FIG. 8, an icon image 104C of a selection candidate trigger block that can be realized by the "clock" that is the operation target device D is displayed in the trigger selection area 104B. An icon image 104C representing "Press", an icon image 104C representing "Push Counts", and an icon image 104C representing "Steps" are displayed. Further, the trigger selection area 104B is a vertically scrollable area.

In the trigger selection screen 104 shown in FIG. 8, the processing unit 26 selects one of the icon images 104C in the trigger selection area 104B according to the tap operation of the creator on the touch panel 23a, and selects the icon image 104C from the selection candidate trigger block. A trigger block to be actually incorporated into the applet is selected (step S17). Then, the processing unit 26 stores the selection result of the trigger block selected in step S17 in the storage unit 25. FIG.

In the process of step S16, the processing unit 26 uses the trigger selection screen 104 shown in FIG. 8 together, or uses the trigger selection screen 105 shown in FIG. 9 instead of the trigger selection screen 104 shown in FIG. good too. Trigger selection screen 105 shown in FIG. 9 includes trigger selection area 105A. Similar to the trigger selection area 104B, the trigger selection area 105A is an area operated to select a trigger block to be incorporated into the applet from the selection candidate trigger blocks. This differs from the trigger selection area 104B in that the The schematic image 105B is a device image 105C that simulates the shape of each part of the operation target device D that generates a trigger. It is an image incorporating image 105D. Then, when there is only one selectable operation target device D, the processing unit 26 displays the schematic image 105B of the operation target device D in the trigger selection area 105A. In the case where there are a plurality of selectable operation target devices D, the processing unit 26, when the trigger selection area 105A is operated in accordance with the swipe operation of the creator on the touch panel 23a, etc., performs the operation of displaying in the trigger selection area 105A. The schematic image 105B of the target device D is changed sequentially. In this case, the trigger selection screen 105 may further display a character image such as the brand name or model name of the selected operation target device D in the trigger selection area 105A. In this case, in the process of step S17, the processing unit 26 selects one of the position images 105D in the trigger selection area 105A on the trigger selection screen 105 shown in FIG. By doing so, the trigger block to be actually incorporated into the applet is selected from the selection candidate trigger blocks.

The processing of steps S11 to S17 described above constitutes the trigger identification flow, the processing of step S14 corresponds to the product code transmission processing, and the processing of step S15 corresponds to the trigger block information acquisition processing of the information acquisition processing. , the processing of step S17 corresponds to the trigger block selection processing.

When the trigger block to be incorporated into the applet is selected in the process of step S17, the processing unit 26 again displays the applet creation screen 101 as shown in FIG. 10 on the display 24a. In this case, the processing unit 26 displays the icon image 101F of the trigger block selected in step S17 in the trigger selection area 101B on the applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. A character image 101G is displayed. Then, when the action selection area 101C is selected according to the creator's tap operation or the like on the touch panel 23a, the processing unit 26 shifts to the action specifying flow (step S18). As an example, the applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. 10 shows a state in which an action selection area 101C recommended to be selected next is displayed and highlighted larger than the service selection area 101A and the trigger selection area 101B. there is

When the action selection area 101C is selected in the process of step S18, the processing unit 26 transmits a product code request to the operation target device D for which the applet is created via the communication unit 22 (step S19). Upon receiving the product code request from the creation terminal device 20, the operation target device D reads out the product code stored in its storage unit and returns it to the creation terminal device 20 (step S20). When a plurality of operation target devices D are linked by an applet, the processing unit 26 performs the processing of steps S19 and S20 for each of the plurality of operation target devices D, and sets the product code of each of the plurality of operation target devices D. get. Note that the processing of steps S19 and S20 may also be used as the processing of steps S12 and S13 described above.

When receiving the product code from the operation target device D, the processing unit 26 transmits the received product code to the product server 13 via the communication unit 22 and the network N (step S21). When the product code is received from the production terminal device 20, the product server 13 selects the relevant code from among the selection candidate action blocks managed by the block management unit 12a of the block server 12 (or the action information storage unit 13c of the product server 13). A selection candidate action block that can be realized by the operation target device D specified by the product code is extracted. When the product server 13 receives a plurality of product codes from the production terminal device 20, it extracts a selection candidate action block that can be realized by each operation target device D specified by each product code. Further, when there is no selection candidate action block related to the operation target device D specified by the product code received from the creation terminal device 20, the product server 13 estimates the operation target device D highly related to the product code. Selection candidate action blocks related to the highly relevant operation target device D may be extracted. Then, the product server 13 returns information on the extracted selection candidate action block as action extraction information to the creation terminal device 20 via the network N (step S22). The information about the selection candidate action block returned here does not represent the extracted selection candidate action block itself, but the action information (action execution part candidate information, action content information) of the selection candidate action block and the selection candidate action block. This is information such as an icon image.

When the action extraction information is received from the product server 13, the processing section 26 temporarily stores it in the storage section 25, and displays the action selection screen 106 as illustrated in FIG. 11 on the display 24a (step S23). The action selection screen 106 shown in FIG. 11 includes an action execution device selection area 106A and an action selection area 106B. The action selection screen 106 has an action execution device selection area 106A located on the upper side and an action selection area 106B located on the lower side. The action execution device selection area 106A is an area operated to select an operation target device D for executing an action, and a character image representing the selected operation target device D is displayed. When there is only one selectable device D to be operated, the processing unit 26 displays a character image representing the device D to be operated in the action execution device selection area 106A. When there are a plurality of selectable operation target devices D (for example, when a plurality of operation target devices D are linked by an applet), the processing unit 26 selects an action execution device according to the swipe operation of the creator on the touch panel 23a. When the selection area 106A is operated, the character image of the action target device D displayed in the action execution device selection area 106A is sequentially changed. The action selection area 106B is an area operated to select an action block to be incorporated into the applet from the selection candidate action blocks. be done. The processing unit 26 causes the action selection area 106B to display icon images 106C of selection candidate action blocks that can be realized by the target device D selected in the action execution device selection area 106A.

As an example, the action selection screen 106 shown in FIG. 11 shows a state in which "clock" is selected as the operation target device D in the action execution device selection area 106A. A character image such as "Move by clock" is displayed. The action selection screen 106 may further display a character image such as the brand name or model name of the selected operation target device D in the action execution device selection area 106A. In the action selection screen 106 shown in FIG. 11, an action selection area 106B displays an icon image 106C of a selection candidate action block that can be realized by the "clock" that is the operation target device D. As an example, "Direction , an icon image 106C representing "Count", and an icon image 106C representing "Display" are displayed. Further, the action selection area 106B is a vertically scrollable area.

In the action selection screen 106 shown in FIG. 11, the processing unit 26 selects one of the icon images 106C in the action selection area 106B according to the creator's tap operation or the like on the touch panel 23a. An action block to be actually incorporated into the applet is selected (step S24). Then, the processing unit 26 stores the selection result of the action block selected in step S24 in the storage unit 25. FIG.

In addition, in the process of step S23, the processing unit 26 uses the action selection screen 106 shown in FIG. 11 together, or uses the action selection screen 107 shown in FIG. good too. The action selection screen 107 shown in FIG. 12 includes an action selection area 107A. Like the action selection area 106B, the action selection area 107A is an area operated to select an action block to be incorporated into the applet from the selection candidate action blocks. This differs from the action selection area 106B in that The schematic image 107B is a device image 107C that simulates the shape of each part of the operation target device D that executes the action, and the position indicating the position of the action execution unit candidate corresponding to the selection candidate action block that can be realized by the operation target device D. It is an image incorporating image 107D. Then, when there is only one selectable operation target device D, the processing unit 26 displays the schematic image 107B of the operation target device D in the action selection area 107A. When the action selection area 107A is operated in accordance with the creator's swipe operation or the like on the touch panel 23a when there are a plurality of selectable operation target devices D, the processing unit 26 displays an action in the action selection area 107A. The schematic image 107B of the target device D is changed sequentially. In this case, the action selection screen 107 may further display a character image such as the brand name or model name of the selected operation target device D in the action selection area 107A. In this case, in the process of step S24, the processing unit 26 selects one of the position images 107D in the action selection area 107A on the action selection screen 107 shown in FIG. By doing so, an action block to be actually incorporated into the applet is selected from the selection candidate action blocks.

The processing of steps S18 to S24 described above constitutes the action specifying flow, the processing of step S21 corresponds to the product code transmission processing, and the processing of step S22 corresponds to the action block information acquisition processing of the information acquisition processing. , the processing of step S23 corresponds to the action block selection processing.

When the action block to be incorporated into the applet is selected in the process of step S24, the processing unit 26 displays the applet creation screen 101 as shown in FIG. 13 again on the display 24a. In this case, the processing unit 26 displays the icon image 101H of the action block selected in step S24 in the action selection area 101C on the applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. A character image 101I is displayed. Then, the processing unit 26 causes the creation start operation area 101J to be further displayed below the action selection area 101C on the applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. The creation start operation area 101J is an area operated by the selected block to start creation of the applet, and as an example, a character image such as "All parts are ready" or "Create" is displayed. . When the creation start operation area 101J is selected according to the creator's tap operation or the like on the touch panel 23a, the processing unit 26 shifts to the applet creation flow (step S25).

Note that when any one of the service selection area 101A, the trigger selection area 101B, and the action selection area 101C is selected on the applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. You may make it transfer to either a flow or an action specific flow. When creating an applet composed of a plurality of service blocks, trigger blocks, and action blocks, the processing unit 26 repeats the service specific flow, the trigger specific flow, and the action specific flow a plurality of times, respectively, depending on the number. , select multiple service blocks, trigger blocks, and action blocks.

When the creation start operation area 101J is selected in the process of step S25, the processing unit 26 selects the service block selected in step S9, the service content selected in step S10, the trigger block selected in step S17, and the trigger block selected in step S24. Based on each selection result such as the action block selected in step S26, an applet creation request is transmitted to the block server 12 via the communication unit 22 and the network N (step S26). At this time, the processing unit 26 causes the creator to input a name, category, tab, description, etc., to be given to the applet to be created in accordance with the tapping operation of the creator on the touch panel 23a, and this information is also sent to the block server together with the applet creation request. 12 may be sent.

When the block server 12 receives the applet creation request from the creation terminal device 20, the block server 12 selects from among the selection candidate blocks managed by the block management unit 12a (or the trigger information storage unit 13b or the action information storage unit 13c of the product server 13). , reads each block selected above and combines each block to create an applet. The block server 12 then transmits the created applet to the applet server 11 and stores it in the applet storage unit 11b (step S27). At this time, when the block server 12 receives various information such as the applet name, category, tabs, description, etc. along with the applet creation request from the creation terminal device 20, the created applet includes these names, categories, tabs, descriptions, etc. may be added and stored in the applet storage unit 11b. The processes of steps S25 to S27 described above constitute the applet creation flow, and the process of step S26 corresponds to the creation process.

<Action and effect of the embodiment>
The program creation system S1 described above performs information acquisition processing (steps S7, S15, and S22), service block selection processing (step S9), and trigger block selection processing (step S17) by the processing unit 26 of the creation terminal device 20. ), action block selection processing (step S24), and creation processing (step S26). The applet creation program described above includes information acquisition processing (steps S7, S15, and S22), service block selection processing (step S9), trigger block selection processing (step S17), and action block selection processing (step S24) and the creation process (step S26) are executed by the creation terminal device 20 as a computer. As a result, the program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 create an applet including a service block, a trigger block, and an action block. It can be created by decomposing into units and freely selecting and combining them. As a result, the program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 can easily create an applet that causes the operation target device D to operate.

The program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 described above, for example, cause a plurality of operation target devices D to cooperate, generate triggers by the trigger generation unit, acquire output information, and perform actions. An applet that causes an action to be executed by the execution unit can be easily created. Similarly, the program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 described above can easily create an applet to be operated by using the creation terminal device 20 as the operation target device D, for example. .

After the service block selection process (step S9), the program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 described above perform the trigger block selection process (step S17) and the action block selection process (step S24). ) is preferably performed. As a result, the program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 can select the trigger block and the action block after determining the framework of the applet by first selecting the service block. , the creator can easily select desired trigger blocks and action blocks.

The program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 described above are the operation targets for applet creation in the trigger block information acquisition process (step S15) and the action block information acquisition process (step S22). Information on the selection candidate trigger block and the selection candidate action block selected and extracted according to the device D is acquired. As a result, the program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 select the desired trigger block and action block for the creator in the trigger block selection process (step S17) and the action block selection process (step S24). You can make it easier to choose.

The program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 described above generate selection candidate trigger blocks and selection candidates according to the product code transmitted to the external device 10 in the product code transmission process (steps S14 and S21). Action blocks are selected and extracted, and trigger block selection processing (step S17) and action block selection processing (step S24) are executed based on the selected selection candidate trigger blocks and selection candidate action blocks. As a result, the program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 perform the trigger block selection process (step S17) and the action block selection process (step S24) in the operation target device D, which is the applet creation target. It is possible to facilitate the selection of feasible trigger blocks and action blocks. Here, the program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 can automatically acquire the product code of the operation target device D through short-range wireless communication with the operation target device D. , selection candidate trigger blocks, and selection candidate action blocks can be selected and extracted, making it possible to further facilitate applet creation.

In the program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 described above, the operation target device D for which the applet is to be created is composed of an electronic watch D1, a glasses-type wearable device D2, a smartphone D3, or the like. Therefore, it is possible to easily create an applet capable of providing various services to the user via the electronic watch D1, wearable device D2, smart phone D3, and the like.

Note that the program creation system, program, and creation terminal device according to the embodiments of the present invention described above are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. .

The processing unit 26 described above acquires each block itself selected in each selection process from the external device 10 as creation information, creates an applet on the creation terminal device 20 based on the acquired block, and stores the applet as it is. It may be stored in the unit 25 .

In the selection processing of each block, the processing unit 26 described above selects service blocks, trigger blocks, and action blocks to be incorporated into the applet from all selection candidate blocks regardless of the product code of the device D to be operated. You may enable it to be selected arbitrarily.

In the above description, the external device 10 is configured by a plurality of devices (the applet server 11, the block server 12, and the product server 13), but is not limited to this. The manner in which the functions of the external device 10 are distributed is not limited to the above, and can be configured by distributing/integrating functionally or physically in arbitrary units as long as similar effects and functions can be achieved. Further, the programs, various data, and the like described above may be updated as appropriate, or may be stored in another server connected to the external device 10 via any network N. The programs and various data described above are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, MO, DVD, etc., and are executed by being read from the recording medium by a computer. can also Further, for example, all or any part of the processing functions provided by the processing unit 26 and the external device 10 may be implemented by, for example, a CPU or the like and a program interpreted and executed by the CPU or the like. Alternatively, it may be implemented as hardware using wired logic or the like.

<Modification 1: Block search function>
5, the trigger selection screen 104 shown in FIG. 8, the action selection screen 106 shown in FIG. may FIG. 14 shows an example in which the service selection screen 102 is provided with a search window area 102E. The service selection screen 102 shown in FIG. 14 includes a search window area 102E instead of the category selection area 102A shown in FIG. For example, in the processing of step S4 described above, the processing unit 26 causes the display 24a to display a service selection screen 102 as illustrated in FIG. Here, the display 24a constitutes a display section that is controlled by the processing section 26 and is capable of displaying an image. The service selection screen 102 shown in FIG. 14 has a search window area 102E on the top, a tab selection area 102B in the center, and a block selection area 102C on the bottom. The search window area 102E is an area operated to search for a block desired by the creator, and for example, a character image such as "Search" is displayed. In this case, the processing unit 26 makes it possible to directly select a tab via the tab selection area 102B without requiring selection of a category, and displays in the block selection area 102C corresponding to the tab selected in the tab selection area 102B. The icon image 102D of the selected candidate service block is displayed. Then, when the search window area 102E is selected in accordance with the creator's tap operation or the like on the touch panel 23a on the service selection screen 102 shown in FIG. It is displayed on the display 24a.

The search screen 108 shown in FIG. 15 includes a search input area 108A, a search refinement area 108B, and a block selection area 108C. The search screen 108 has a search input area 108A located on the upper side, a search refinement area 108B located in the center, and a block selection area 108C located on the lower side.

The search input area 108A is an area where a search word input operation is performed to search for a block desired by the creator. When the search input area 108A is operated on the search screen 108 shown in FIG. 23a, the input operation of the search word by the creator is accepted. Then, the processing unit 26 searches for blocks based on the input search word.

The search narrowing area 108B is an area operated to narrow down the search target of the block, and the character image representing the selected search target is highlighted with respect to the character image representing the non-selected search target. . In the search screen 108 shown in FIG. 15, character images such as "All", "Official", and "User" are displayed in the search refinement area 108B as search targets. The search screen 108 shown in FIG. 15 shows a state in which "All" is selected as a search target and "All" is highlighted with respect to "Official" and "User". In the search screen 108 shown in FIG. 15, the processing unit 26 selects one of "All", "Official", and "User" in the search refinement area 108B according to the tap operation of the creator on the touch panel 23a. , narrows down the block search target according to the selection. When "All" is selected as the search target, the processing unit 26 does not narrow down the search target and searches all blocks. When "Official" is selected as the search target, the processing unit 26 searches the operator's official block created by the operator or the like. When "User" is selected as a search target, the processing unit 26 searches for blocks created by individuals other than the business operator.

The block selection area 108C displays the searched blocks (service blocks) and is an area operated to select the blocks (service blocks) to be incorporated in the applet, imitating the searched blocks (service blocks). A plurality of icon images 108D are displayed. The processing unit 26 displays, in the block selection area 108C, an icon image 108D of a block (service block) searched based on the search word input in the search input area 108A and the search target selected in the search refinement area 108B. display. In the search screen 108 shown in FIG. 15, icon images 108D of relatively popular blocks are displayed side by side in the "POPULAR" column in a block selection area 108C, and icon images 108D of blocks created by business operators and the like are displayed. are displayed side by side in the "BRAND OFFICIAL" column, and block icon images 108D created by individuals other than the business operator are displayed side by side in the "USER MADE" column.

Then, on the search screen 108 shown in FIG. 15, the processing unit 26 selects one of the icon images 108D in the block selection area 108C according to the creator's tap operation or the like on the touch panel 23a. , the service block that is actually incorporated into the applet is selected.

The program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 are added with the block search function as described above, so that the creator can easily search for the desired block. As a result, the program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 can more easily create the applet desired by the creator. It should be noted that the processing unit 26 can apply the block search function in the same manner as described above when selecting a trigger block or an action block. The processing unit 26 can also narrow down the block search target based on the categories and tabs illustrated in FIG. 5 and the like, for example.

<Modification 2: Detailed description display function>
The processing unit 26 causes the display 24a to display a detailed explanation screen including detailed explanations of the blocks and service contents selected in the processing of step S9, the processing of step S10, the processing of step S17, the processing of step S24, and the like. You may do so. For example, the processing unit 26, in the process of step S9, the process of step S10, the process of step S17, the process of step S24, and the like, performs the block or service content desired by the creator according to the tap operation of the creator on the touch panel 23a. is selected, the detailed explanation screen is displayed on the display 24a. FIG. 16 shows, as an example, the detailed explanation screen 109 when the service content desired by the creator is selected in the process of step S10. In the process of step S10, when the service content desired by the creator is selected in accordance with the creator's tap operation or the like on the touch panel 23a, the processing unit 26 displays a detailed explanation screen 109 as shown in FIG. 16 on the display 24a. to display.

The detailed explanation screen 109 of FIG. 16 includes a target display area 109A, a detailed content explanation area 109B, a recommended setting display area 109C, and a similar candidate display area 109D. The detailed explanation screen 109 has a target display area 109A on the upper side, a detailed content explanation area 109B on the lower side, a recommended setting display area 109C on the lower side, and similar candidate display on the lowermost side. Region 109D is located.

The target display area 109A is an area for displaying the service block selected in steps S9 and S10 and the service content, and the icon image 109E of the service block selected in step S9 and the service content selected in step S10. icon image 109F is displayed. The target display area 109A also includes a confirmation operation area 109G. The confirmation operation area 109G is an area operated to confirm the selected service block and service content, and for example, a character image such as "SET" is displayed. When the confirmation operation area 109G of the target display area 109A is selected on the detailed explanation screen 109 of FIG. is determined as the service block and service content to be actually incorporated into the applet. On the other hand, the processing unit 26 returns the screen of the display 24a to the service content determination screen 103 shown in FIG. It is also possible to return to the processing of

The detailed contents description area 109B is an area for displaying the details of the service block selected in steps S9 and S10, and the like, and displays a character image 109H describing the details of the service block. Here, in the detailed description area 109B, an icon image 109I representing selectable service contents in the service block selected in step S9 is also displayed together with the character image 109H.

The recommended setting display area 109C is an area for displaying recommended settings for the service block and service content selected in steps S9 and S10. An icon image 109J representing a combination of blocks and action blocks is displayed. Combinations of recommended service blocks, service contents, trigger blocks, and action blocks are stored in association with each other, for example, in each block stored in the block management unit 12a.

The similarity candidate display area 109D is an area for displaying service blocks similar to the service blocks selected in steps S9 and S10, and icon images 109K representing the similar service blocks. Similar service blocks are stored in association with each other, for example, in each block stored in the block management unit 12a. The processing unit 26 selects one of the icon images 109K in the similarity candidate display area 109D according to the tap operation of the creator on the touch panel 23a on the detailed explanation screen 109 of FIG. It is possible to move to a detailed explanation screen 109 about the service block of the icon image 109K and the service content. The processing after shifting to the detailed explanation screen 109 is almost the same as described above, so the details are omitted here.

The program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 are added with the detailed explanation display function of the blocks as described above, so that when the creator selects the block desired by the creator, It is possible to enrich the information provided as a judgment material. As a result, the program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 can more easily create the applet desired by the creator. It should be noted that the processing unit 26 can apply the detailed explanation display function of blocks in the same manner as described above when selecting a service block, selecting a trigger block, and selecting an action block.

<Modification 3: Target model arbitrary selection function>
The processing unit 26, in place of the processing of step S12, the processing of step S13, the processing of step S19, and the processing of step S20 described above, selects an operation target for which an applet is to be created without being based on the product code or the like of the operation target device D. It is also possible for the creator to arbitrarily select the model of the device D. FIG. In this case, for example, in the creation/edit selection screen 100 shown in FIG. The model selection screen 110 is displayed on the display 24a.

The model selection screen 110 shown in FIG. 17 includes a creation/editing display area 110A, a manufacturer selection area 110B, and a model selection area 110C. The model selection screen 110 has a creation/editing display area 110A on the upper side, a manufacturer selection area 110B in the center, and a model selection area 110C on the lower side.

The create/edit display area 110A is an area for displaying whether the current state is to create a new applet or to edit an existing applet. In the model selection screen 110 shown in FIG. 17, character images such as "NEW APPLET" and "Create a new applet" are displayed in the create/edit display area 110A, and the current state is to create a new applet. state. When the current state of the model selection screen 110 is to create a new applet, a character image such as "CUSTOMIZE" or "Edit applet" is displayed in the create/edit display area 110A. .

The maker selection area 110B is an area operated to select the maker of the model of the operation target device D for which the applet is to be created. is displayed. Here, the icon image 110D is, for example, a character image of "Company C". In the model selection screen 110 shown in FIG. 17, when the manufacturer selection area 110B is operated in response to the swipe operation of the creator on the touch panel 23a, etc., the processing unit 26 sequentially changes the manufacturers displayed in the manufacturer selection area 110B. .

The model selection area 110C is an area operated to select the model of the operation target device D for which the applet is to be created, and an icon image 110E representing the model corresponding to the maker selected in the maker selection area 110B. is displayed. Here, the icon images 110E are, for example, character images of "model A" and "model B". The processing unit 26 causes the model selection area 110C to display an icon image 110E modeled after the model corresponding to the manufacturer selected in the manufacturer selection area 110B. The model selection area 110C is switched in conjunction with the manufacturer selected in the manufacturer selection area 110B.

In the model selection screen 110 shown in FIG. 17, the processing unit 26 selects one of the icon images 110E in the model selection area 110C according to the creator's tap operation or the like on the touch panel 23a. The model of the target device D to be operated is determined. Then, the external device 10 performs the process of step S<b>15 and the process of step S<b>22 based on the model of the operation target device D determined by the processing unit 26 . That is, the external device 10 extracts selection candidate trigger blocks and selection candidate action blocks that can be realized by the determined model of the operation target device D, and returns trigger extraction information and action extraction information to the creation terminal device 20 .

The program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 are added with the block target model arbitrary selection function as described above, so that the creator can easily select the block desired by the creator. In addition, this allows the program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 to easily create an applet for an operation target device D that is not owned by the creator, for example. As a result, the program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 can more easily create the applet desired by the creator.

<Modification 4: Variation 1 of applet creation screen>
7, 10, and 13, the processing unit 26 displays blocks and services selected in each process in the service selection area 101A, the trigger selection area 101B, and the action selection area 101C. Although the icon images 101D, 101E, 101F, 101H and the character images 101G, 101I of the content are displayed, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the processing unit 26 can prevent the icon images 101D, 101E, 101F, and 101H from being displayed on each applet creation screen 101 shown in FIGS.

FIG. 18 shows, as an example, an applet creation screen 101 displayed in place of the applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. 13, and corresponds to a screen for starting creation of an applet. In this case, when an action block to be incorporated into an applet is selected in the process of step S24, the processing section 26 causes the display 24a to display an applet creation screen 101 as illustrated in FIG.

Here, on the service selection screen 102 shown in FIG. 5 described above, tabs such as "CAFE", "THEATER", "TRAVEL", and "RESTAURANT" displayed in the tab selection area 102B are used to narrow down the selection candidate service blocks. equivalent to the service refinement options of Character images such as "CAFE", "THEATER", "TRAVEL", and "RESTAURANT" correspond to the service narrowing-down option images 102F representing the service narrowing-down options. Also, the icon image 102D corresponds to an icon image representing a selection candidate service block narrowed down by the service narrowing options. That is, when the processing unit 26 selects a service block from the selection candidate service blocks in the above-described service block selection process (step S9, etc.), the service narrowing option image 102F and the service narrowing option image 102F and The icon image 102D corresponding to the service narrowing option is displayed on the display 24a.

Similarly, on the trigger selection screen 104 shown in FIG. 8, the name of the operation target device D displayed in the trigger generation device selection area 104A is the name of the operation target device D that can be selected as the device for generating the trigger. , and corresponds to a trigger narrowing option for narrowing down the selection candidate trigger blocks. A character image such as "WATCH" representing the name of the operation target device D corresponds to the trigger narrow-down option image 104D representing the trigger narrow-down option. Also, the icon image 104C corresponds to an icon image representing a selection candidate trigger block narrowed down by the trigger narrowing options. That is, when the processing unit 26 selects a trigger block from the selection candidate trigger blocks in the above-described trigger block selection process (step S17, etc.), the trigger narrowing option image 104D and the trigger narrowing option image 104D and The icon image 104C corresponding to the trigger narrowing option is displayed on the display 24a.

Similarly, on the action selection screen 106 shown in FIG. 11, the name of the action target device D displayed in the action execution device selection area 106A is the name of the action target device D that can be selected as the device for executing the action. , and corresponds to an action narrowing option for narrowing down the selection candidate action blocks. A character image such as "WATCH" representing the name or the like of the operation target device D corresponds to the action narrow-down option image 106D representing the action narrow-down option. The icon image 106C corresponds to an icon image representing selection candidate action blocks narrowed down by the action narrowing options. That is, when selecting an action block from the selection candidate action blocks in the above-described action block selection process (step S24, etc.), the processing unit 26 displays the action narrowing option image 106D and the action narrowing option image 106D and The icon image 106C corresponding to the action narrowing option is displayed on the display 24a.

After the service block selection process (step S9, etc.), the trigger block selection process (step S17, etc.), and the action block selection process (step S24, etc.), the processing unit 26 performs the creation process (step S26, etc.). ), an applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the display 24a. That is, in this case, the processing unit 26 causes the display 24a to display a service narrowing-down option image 101K, a trigger narrowing-down option image 101L, and an action narrowing-down option image 101M on the applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. Such icon images 101D, 101E, 101F, and 101H are not displayed. Here, the service narrowing-down option image 101K is an image similar to the service narrowing-down option image 102F in FIG. 5 (character image of "CAFE" in the example of FIG. 18), and is displayed in the service selection area 101A. The trigger narrow-down option image 101L is an image similar to the trigger narrow-down option image 104D in FIG. 8 (character image of "WATCH" in the example of FIG. 18), and is displayed in the trigger selection area 101B. The action narrow-down option image 101M is an image similar to the action narrow-down option image 106D of FIG. 11 (in the example of FIG. 18, it is a character image of "WATCH", and is displayed in the action selection area 101C.

Note that the processing unit 26 also displays the service narrowing-down option image 101K and the trigger narrowing-down option image 101L on the display 24a on the applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. 7 and the applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. 10 in the same manner as described above. It is also possible to prevent the icon images 101D, 101E, and 101F from being displayed.

The program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 do not display the icon image representing the selected block on the applet creation screen 101 of FIG. By displaying the narrow-down option image 101K, the trigger narrow-down option image 101L, and the action narrow-down option image 101M, it is possible to give a sense of uniformity to the expression on the screen for starting the creation of the applet. For example, icon images representing blocks may be individually designed for each block arbitrarily by the business or individual who created the blocks. In this case, a sense of unity is created in the design of icon images representing selected blocks may not be. On the other hand, the service narrowing-down option image 101K, the trigger narrowing-down option image 101L, and the action narrowing-down option image 101M tend to be more easily designed with a sense of unity than icon images representing blocks. As a result, the program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 can give a sense of unity to the expression on the screen for starting the creation of the applet as described above, which is more preferable. You can create an applet in .

In this case, the processing unit 26 selects one of the service selection area 101A, the trigger selection area 101B, and the action selection area 101C on the applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. By doing so, the screen for detailed explanation of the selected block (for example, the detailed explanation screen 109 in FIG. 16, etc.) may be displayed.

In addition, the processing unit 26 displays the service selection area 101A, the trigger selection area 101B, and the action selection area 101C corresponding to the blocks whose selection has been completed on the applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. A selection completion image 101N representing is displayed. In the example of FIG. 18, the selection completion image 101N is, as an example, an image representing a "checkmark", but is not limited to this, and may be a "circular motif" or the like, as in the applet creation screen 101 illustrated in FIG. It may be an image or the like representing a graphic motif. Also, the processing unit 26 reverses the colors of the service selection area 101A, the trigger selection area 101B, and the action selection area 101C corresponding to blocks for which selection has been completed, as in the applet creation screen 101 illustrated in FIG. may indicate that block selection is complete. As an example, the applet creation screen 101 illustrated in FIG. 20 represents a state in which the selection of the service block has been completed, but the selection of the trigger block and the action block has not been completed.

<Modification 5: Variation 2 of applet creation screen>
The processing unit 26 can display an applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. 21 instead of each applet creation screen 101 shown in FIGS. In this case, the processing unit 26 displays an icon image representing the selected block, a narrow-down option image, or the like in the service selection area 101A, the trigger selection area 101B, and the action selection area 101C on the applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. Instead, character images 101O such as "SERVICE", "TRIGGER", and "ACTION" representing the respective areas may be displayed.

In this case as well, the program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 can give a sense of unity to the expression on the screen for starting the creation of the applet, as described above. An applet can be conveniently created.

Also in this case, the processing unit 26 selects one of the service selection area 101A, the trigger selection area 101B, and the action selection area 101C on the applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. By being selected, a screen for detailed explanation of the selected block (for example, the detailed explanation screen 109 in FIG. 16, etc.) may be displayed. Further, the processing unit 26 causes the selection completion image 101N to be displayed in the service selection area 101A, the trigger selection area 101B, and the action selection area 101C corresponding to the blocks for which the selection has been completed on the applet creation screen 101 shown in FIG. can be

<Modification 6: Variation 3 of applet creation screen>
The processing unit 26 displays icon images arbitrarily selected by the creator in the service selection area 101A, the trigger selection area 101B, and the action selection area 101C in each applet creation screen 101 shown in FIGS. can also be displayed. 5, the trigger selection screen 104 shown in FIG. 8, the action selection screen 106 shown in FIG. Images can also be displayed. In this case, for example, when the new creation selection area 100A is selected in accordance with the creator's tap operation on the touch panel 23a on the creation/edit selection screen 100 shown in FIG. The image selection screen 111 is displayed on the display 24a.

The image selection screen 111 shown in FIG. 22 includes an icon selection area 111A. The icon selection area 111A is an area operated to select an icon image displayed on each screen, and has various designs along with a character image such as "Please select two favorite icons." A plurality of types of icon images 111B, 111C, 111D, 111E, and 111F are displayed. The processing unit 26 selects one of the icon images 111B, 111C, 111D, 111E, and 111F in the icon selection area 111A on the image selection screen 111 shown in FIG. This determines the icon image to be displayed on each screen.

FIG. 22 illustrates an image selection screen 111 for selecting an icon image to be displayed on each screen when, for example, "WATCH" is selected as a device for generating a trigger or executing an action. The processing unit 26 selects, for example, two of the creator's favorites from the icon images 111B, 111C, 111D, 111E, and 111F displayed in the icon selection area 111A of the image selection screen 111 shown in FIG. After that, the processing unit 26 allows the creator to arbitrarily select on which screen two selected from the icon images 111B, 111C, 111D, 111E, and 111F are to be displayed via a selection screen or the like (not shown). . FIG. 23 shows an example in which an icon image 111E selected from icon images 111B, 111C, 111D, 111E, and 111F is displayed in the trigger generation device selection area 104A of the trigger selection screen 104. FIG. 24 shows an example in which an icon image 111C selected from the icon images 111B, 111C, 111D, 111E, and 111F is displayed in the trigger selection area 101B of the applet creation screen 101. FIG.

Note that the processing unit 26 also displays various icons arbitrarily selected by the creator in the service selection area 101A and action selection area 101C of the applet creation screen 101, the action execution device selection area of the action selection screen 106, and the like. An image may be displayed.

The program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 display icon images arbitrarily selected by the creator on each screen as described above, thereby diversifying the preferences of the creator on each screen. can be expressed, and an applet can be created more appropriately. Further, as a result, the program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 distinguish the icon images corresponding to each, for example, when a plurality of service blocks, trigger blocks, and action blocks are selected. can also be displayed.

<Modification 7: Variation 4 of applet creation screen>
The processing unit 26 does not collectively display the service selection area 101A, the trigger selection area 101B, and the action selection area 101C on each applet creation screen 101 shown in FIGS. may be displayed. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the processing unit 26 selects a service according to a swipe operation for each area or a tap operation for arrow images "<" and ">" on the applet creation screen 101 via the touch panel 23a. The area 101A, the trigger selection area 101B, and the action selection area 101C may be sequentially switched and displayed by sliding.

The program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 display the service selection area 101A, the trigger selection area 101B, and the action selection area 101C as separate screens on the applet creation screen 101 as described above. For example, it is possible to display a desired icon image without worrying about uniformity of icon images representing each selected block. In addition, the program creation system S1, the applet creation program, and the creation terminal device 20 can relatively reduce the space required for displaying the applet creation screen 101. FIG.

The program creation system, program, and creation terminal device according to this embodiment may be configured by appropriately combining the components of the embodiments and modifications described above.

10 External device 11 Applet server 12 Block server 13 Product server 20 Creation terminal device 22 Communication unit 23 Input unit 24 Output unit 24a Display (display unit)
25 storage unit 26 processing unit D operation target device D1 electronic clock S1 program creation system

Claims (8)

an external device that stores creation information for creating an application program that operates an operation target device;
A communication unit that can communicate with the external device, an input unit that accepts input from the outside, and the application according to the input to the input unit based on the created information acquired from the external device via the communication unit. A creation terminal device having a processing unit capable of executing processing for creating a program,
The application program is
a service block program that defines output information output by the operation target device;
a trigger block program that defines the content of a trigger that activates an action for outputting the output information and a trigger generation unit that generates the trigger, and causes the trigger generation unit to generate the trigger;
an action block program that defines the content of the action for outputting the output information and an action execution unit that executes the action, and causes the action execution unit to execute the action;
including
The processing unit is
an information acquisition process for acquiring the creation information from the external device via the communication unit;
creation processing for creating the application program by combining the service block program, the trigger block program, and the action block program selected according to the creation information acquired in the information acquisition processing and the input to the input unit; When,
and run
The processing unit executes product code transmission processing for transmitting a product code specifying the model of the operation target device to the external device via the communication unit, information about the selected candidate trigger block program is acquired from the external device as the creation information, and the trigger block program to be incorporated into the application program is selected from the selected candidate trigger block programs according to the input to the input unit. to be
programming system. The application program is stored in one of the plurality of operation target devices, and causes the plurality of operation target devices to cooperate to generate the trigger by the trigger generation unit, acquire the output information, and execute the action. causing execution of the action by a unit;
The programming system according to claim 1. The creation terminal device is also used as the operation target device,
The application program instructs the creation terminal device, which is also used as the operation target device, to at least generate the trigger by the trigger generation unit, acquire the output information, or execute the action by the action execution unit. do one or all
3. The programming system according to claim 1 or 2. When the external device receives a plurality of the product codes from the creating terminal device, the external device extracts the selection candidate trigger block programs that can be implemented in each of the operation target devices specified by each of the product codes. death,
When there is no selection candidate trigger block program related to the operation target device specified by the product code received from the creation terminal device, the operation target device highly related to the product code is estimated, and the relatedness is estimated. extracting the selection candidate trigger block program related to the high operation target device;
4. The programming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The creation terminal device has a display unit that is controlled by the processing unit and is capable of displaying an image,
The processing unit is
A trigger generation device selection area operated to select the operation target device for generating the trigger, and a trigger operated to select the trigger block program to be incorporated into the application program from the selection candidate trigger block programs. causing the display unit to display a trigger selection screen including a selection area;
if there is only one selectable device to be operated, displaying an image representing the device to be operated in the trigger generating device selection area;
When there are a plurality of selectable operation target devices, when the trigger generation device selection area is operated in response to an input to the input unit, the image of the operation target device displayed in the trigger generation device selection area is displayed. change sequentially,
displaying, in the trigger selection area, an image representing the selection candidate trigger block program that can be realized by the operation target device selected in the trigger generation device selection area;
5. The programming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The processing unit requests and acquires the product code for each of the plurality of operation target devices when the plurality of operation target devices are linked by the application program, and obtains the product code of each of the plurality of operation target devices. to obtain, respectively,
6. The programming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. An application program for operating an operation target device, the service block program defining output information output by the operation target device, content of a trigger for activating an action for outputting the output information, and generating the trigger. A trigger block program that defines a trigger generation unit and causes the trigger generation unit to generate the trigger, and an action execution unit that defines the content of the action for outputting the output information and the action execution unit that executes the action, and executes the action. an information acquisition process for acquiring creation information for creating an application program including an action block program that causes a unit to execute the action from an external device via a communication unit of the computer;
The application program is created by combining the service block program, the trigger block program, and the action block program selected according to the creation information acquired in the information acquisition process and the input to the input unit of the computer. creation process;
causing the computer to execute
executing product code transmission processing for transmitting a product code specifying a model of the operation target device to the external device via the communication unit, and selecting candidate trigger blocks according to the product code transmitted in the product code transmission processing; Information about the program is acquired from the external device as the creation information, and the trigger block program to be incorporated into the application program is selected from the selection candidate trigger block programs according to the input to the input unit,
program. a communication unit capable of communicating with an external device that stores creation information for creating an application program for operating an operation target device;
an input unit that receives input from the outside;
a processing unit capable of executing a process of creating the application program according to an input to the input unit based on the creation information acquired from the external device via the communication unit;
The application program is
a service block program that defines output information output by the operation target device;
a trigger block program that defines the content of a trigger that activates an action for outputting the output information and a trigger generation unit that generates the trigger, and causes the trigger generation unit to generate the trigger;
an action block program that defines the content of the action for outputting the output information and an action execution unit that executes the action, and causes the action execution unit to execute the action;
including
The processing unit is
an information acquisition process for acquiring the creation information from the external device via the communication unit;
creation processing for creating the application program by combining the service block program, the trigger block program, and the action block program selected according to the creation information acquired in the information acquisition processing and the input to the input unit; When,
and run
The processing unit executes product code transmission processing for transmitting a product code specifying the model of the operation target device to the external device via the communication unit, information about the selected candidate trigger block program is acquired from the external device as the creation information, and the trigger block program to be incorporated into the application program is selected from the selected candidate trigger block programs according to the input to the input unit. to be
Creation terminal equipment.

Images