JP7184410B1 - Application development support device - Google Patents

Abstract

Kind Code: A1 A means for supporting application development capable of reducing the labor involved in application development by enabling intuitive editing of processing state transitions according to user input. Kind Code: A1 An application development support apparatus 1 of the present invention includes a display command unit 111 capable of commanding display of a state transition graph, an editing unit 112 capable of editing the state transition graph based on the display, and a state transition graph and a generation unit 113 capable of automatically generating an application based on, the state transition graph includes a first graphic indicating an input-enabled state in which a user using the application can input, and a transition condition in the input-enabled state. and a second graphic indicating that a transition to a transition destination processing state different from the input-enabled state is performed when an input satisfying the input is performed. It is possible to instruct the display of the state transition graph so as to correspond to the figure. [Selection drawing] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to an application development support device.

With the spread of smartphones and web applications, the development of applications for smartphones and web applications is becoming more and more popular. In response to this situation, various attempts have been made to automatically generate applications in order to reduce labor in application development.

Regarding automatic generation of an application, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing apparatus for generating an application, which includes IO definition means for receiving input of an IO definition screen that defines items displayed on the screen of the application, and an IO definition screen. event display screen definition means for accepting the definition of the event display screen to be displayed corresponding to the action event of each item defined in the event display screen definition means; and display screen data reception means for receiving; and application generation means for generating a prototype application in which display of data of data items displayed on the IO definition screen, the event display screen, and the event display screen is operated by an action event. and an information processing device.

According to the invention of Patent Document 1, it is possible for a sales person who makes a proposal to a customer, a business user, or the like to intuitively create a prototype of an application desired by the customer.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-103431

However, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the IO definition screen, the event display screen, and the event display screen are edited separately, and the display of the data of the data items displayed on them can generate a prototype application that operates according to an action event. Stay. Therefore, the technique of Patent Literature 1 has room for further improvement in terms of supporting the development of applications capable of intuitively editing processing state transitions according to user input.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art as described above. The purpose is to provide a means for supporting application development that can reduce

As a result of intensive studies to solve the above problems, the inventors of the present invention have found a state transition graph including a graphic indicating an input enabled state and a graphic indicating a transition condition from the input enabled state, which corresponds to the input enabled state. A display example is displayed near the figure corresponding to the transition condition, a graph displaying a character string that can identify the condition is displayed around the figure corresponding to the transition condition in an editable manner, and an application can be generated from the graph. The present inventors have found that the above-described problems can be solved by, for example, and completed the present invention. Specifically, the present invention provides the following.

The invention according to a first feature comprises a display commanding unit capable of commanding display of a state transition graph, an editing unit capable of editing the state transition graph based on the display, and an application automatically running based on the state transition graph. and a generator that can generate the state transition graph. and a second graphic indicating that a transition is made to a transition destination processing state different from the input-enabled state when an input that satisfies a transition condition is performed, wherein the display command unit controls the The display of the state transition graph can be commanded so as to show the display example of the application in association with the first graphic, and the state so as to show a character string capable of identifying the transition condition in association with the second graphic. Provided is an application development support device capable of instructing the display of a transition graph.

Smartphone applications and web applications include, as a main process flow, a process flow for transitioning to another screen in accordance with an input made on a screen on which user input is possible. Such a processing flow can be expressed as a Moore machine. Here, a Moore machine refers to a finite automaton whose state transitions according to inputs and whose output is determined by the current state. It is known that the Moore machine can intuitively grasp the flow of processing by using a state transition graph.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the support device includes a display command unit to set a first figure indicating an input-enabled state in which a user of the application can input, and a transition condition in the input-enabled state. A state transition graph including at least a second graphic indicating transition to a transition destination processing state different from the input-enabled state when a satisfying input is performed can be displayed.

According to the first aspect of the invention, in this state transition graph, a display example of the application in the input enabled state is shown in association with the first figure indicating the input enabled state. Therefore, the support device can display a graph that enables an intuitive understanding of what kind of screen the application accepts input from.

Further, according to the first aspect of the invention, in this state transition graph, a character string that can identify the transition condition is shown in association with the second graphic that indicates the transition condition. Therefore, the support device can display a graph that allows an intuitive understanding of what kind of input the application transitions to.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the support device includes the editing unit and the generation unit, so that the application can be automatically generated based on the state transition graph edited by the developer using the support device.

Therefore, according to the invention according to the first feature, the developer edits the state transition graph that enables intuitive understanding of the screen for accepting input and the transition conditions from the screen, thereby enabling the IO definition screen and the event display. An application can be developed in a more intuitive procedure than when using an information processing device capable of separately editing a screen and an event display screen. By being able to develop applications using a more intuitive procedure, developers can reduce the effort spent on application development.

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to intuitively edit the transition of the processing state according to the user's input, thereby supporting application development that can reduce the labor involved in application development. I can provide the means.

The invention according to a second feature is the invention according to the first feature, wherein the editing unit includes condition adding means capable of adding a transition condition to the input enabled state, and transition conditions are added by the condition adding means. and a state addition means capable of adding a transition destination processing state corresponding to the transition condition when the transition condition is set.

The processing of the application may include processing for transitioning the processing state to one of the plurality of transition destinations corresponding to the input content. In such processing, if it is possible to determine the correspondence between the transition condition and the transition destination, the developer who develops the application can develop the application in a more intuitive procedure.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the editing unit includes the condition adding means and the state adding means. can be added intuitively. As a result, the developer can develop an application including a process of making a transition according to an input in a more intuitive procedure.

Therefore, according to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to intuitively edit the transition of the processing state according to the user's input, thereby supporting application development that can reduce the labor involved in application development. I can provide the means.

The invention according to a third feature is the invention according to the first or second feature, wherein the editing unit selects an addition target module from a module group including one or more modules that can be used as components of the application. A support device is provided, comprising selectable addition target selection means and state addition means capable of adding a corresponding input enable state corresponding to the addition target module to the state transition graph.

A developer who develops an application can expend a great deal of effort in building the parts of the application from scratch. A developer can reduce the effort in application development by using a module group that can be used as an application component.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the editing unit includes the addition target selection means and the state addition means, so that the developer using the support device can intuitively select the module from the module group. You can develop applications using groups. As a result, the support device can support reduction of labor in application development using a module group by intuitive operation.

Therefore, according to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to intuitively edit the transition of the processing state according to the user's input, thereby supporting application development that can reduce the labor involved in application development. I can provide the means.

The invention according to a fourth feature is the invention according to any one of the first to third features, wherein the application is a smartphone application executable on a smartphone, and the display command unit includes the To provide a support device capable of commanding display on a screen wider than the screen of a smart phone.

The screen of a smart phone is usually narrower than that of a stationary computer or the like. According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the display command unit can command display on a screen wider than the screen of the smartphone, it can command the screen of the smartphone to display a plurality of display examples on the wide screen.

Therefore, according to the fourth aspect of the invention, a developer using the support device can develop an application using a more intuitive state transition graph including multiple display examples. Therefore, the support device can further reduce the labor involved in application development.

Therefore, according to the fourth aspect of the invention, it is possible to intuitively edit the transition of the processing state according to the user's input, thereby supporting application development that can reduce the labor involved in application development. I can provide the means.

The invention according to a fifth feature is the invention according to any one of the first to fourth features, wherein the display command unit displays the state transition graph including the reduced display example. Provide a support device that can be commanded.

When the screen of a smartphone or the like that executes an application is wide, it may be difficult to show a plurality of display examples on the screen that the display command unit instructs to display. According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the display command unit can command display of the state transition graph including the reduced display example. Therefore, the display command unit can command display of the state transition graph so as to display a plurality of reduced display examples.

Therefore, according to the fifth aspect of the invention, a developer using the support device can develop an application using a more intuitive state transition graph including multiple display examples. Therefore, the support device can further reduce the labor involved in application development.

Therefore, according to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to intuitively edit the transition of the processing state according to the user's input, thereby supporting application development that can reduce the labor involved in application development. I can provide the means.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a means for assisting application development that can reduce the labor involved in application development by enabling intuitive editing of processing state transitions according to user input.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration and software configuration of the support device 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an example of the module list 121. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a main flowchart showing an example of a preferred flow of support processing executed by the support device 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart following FIG. FIG. 5 is a display example of a state transition graph displayed on the display unit 14 of the support device 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a display example when transition conditions are added to the state transition graph of FIG. FIG. 7 is a display example when a module is added to the state transition graph of FIG. FIG. 8 is a display example in which the first figure indicating the input enabled state, the GUI element for parameter editing, and the display example are displayed side by side in the same direction. FIG. 9 is a display example in which the first graphic, the parameter editing GUI element, and the display example are displayed side by side in the same direction in a module that includes a plurality of groups of possible input states.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Support system>
The support system (not shown) of the present embodiment includes at least an application development support device 1 capable of commanding display of a state transition graph.

The support system may further include a terminal (not shown) configured to communicate with the support device 1 via a network (not shown). As a result, the support device 1 can command the terminal to display the state transition graph. Therefore, a developer who develops using the support system can edit the state transition graph and develop the application at a location away from the support device 1 . In addition, the developer can display the state transition graph on a terminal used by another person involved in application development, and can consult with the other person about development.

[Support device 1]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration and software configuration of the support device 1 of this embodiment. An example of a preferred aspect of the support device 1 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

The support device 1 includes at least a control unit 11 and a storage unit 12 . The support device 1 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, various server devices, a cloud server configured using a plurality of computers that can communicate with each other, a terminal used by a developer who develops applications, or the like.

The support device 1 preferably further includes a communication unit 13 that enables communication with other terminals or the like via a network. As a result, the support device 1 can command the terminal to display the state transition graph.

The support device 1 preferably further includes a display unit 14 and an input unit 15 . As a result, the support device 1 can command the display unit 14 to display the state transition graph, edit the graph according to the input via the input unit 15, and automatically generate an application based on the graph.

[Control unit 11]
The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like.

The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 12, the communication unit 13, the display unit 14, and/or the input unit 15, etc., as necessary, and controls the display command unit 111 and the editing unit, which are software components of the support device 1. 112, generation unit 113, etc. can be implemented. The functions provided by each of the software components of the support device 1 are indicated in the description of the preferred flow of support processing that follows.

[Storage unit 12]
The storage unit 12 is a device in which data and/or files are stored, and has a data storage unit such as a hard disk, a semiconductor memory, a recording medium, and a memory card.

The storage unit 12 has a mechanism that enables connection with a storage device or storage system such as NAS (Network Attached Storage), SAN (Storage Area Network), cloud storage, file server and/or distributed file system via a network. may have.

The storage unit 12 stores control programs executed by the microcomputer, state transition graphs (groups), display examples (groups), applications (groups) to be developed, display states such as state transition graphs (groups), and the like. It is

The number of development target applications that can be stored in the storage unit 12 is preferably two or more. As a result, the developer can use the support device 1 to manage the development of multiple development target applications. As a result, the developer's efforts to manage multiple development target applications can be reduced. Therefore, the support device 1 can further reduce the labor involved in application development.

The display state of the state transition graph (group) or the like stored in the storage unit 12 is not particularly limited. The display state includes, for example, the display magnification of the state transition graph (group), the range/region of the state transition graph (group) to be displayed, the level of detail of the information included in the state transition graph (group), the state transition graph (group) ), the display magnification of display examples included in the state transition graph (group), and the like.

The display state of the state transition graph (group) or the like stored in the storage unit 12 preferably includes the display magnification of the display example included in the state transition graph (group). As a result, the display command unit 111 can command display of a state transition graph including a reduced display example in a support process to be described later.

When the screen of a smartphone or the like that executes an application is large, it may be difficult to show multiple display examples on the screen that the display command unit 111 commands to display. Since the display state includes the display magnification, the display command unit 111 can command display of the state transition graph including the reduced display example. Therefore, the display command unit 111 can command display of the state transition graph so as to display a plurality of reduced display examples.

The storage unit 12 preferably stores a module list 121 that can store one or a plurality of modules that can be used as components of an application to be developed.

(Module list 121)
The module list 121 stores a module group including one or more modules that can be used as components of an application to be developed. As a result, the developer can intuitively select a module from the module group stored in the module list 121 to develop an application using the module group. Further, the support device 1 can generate an application by combining modules included in the state transition graph based on the edited graph.

The modules in the module group stored in the module list 121 are not particularly limited as long as they can be used as components of the application to be developed. The components include, for example, a component for displaying a start screen, a component for realizing service selection, a component for realizing user registration, a component for realizing login processing, a component for realizing screen display, a bulletin board and/or an SNS , a component for realizing a user list display, a component for realizing a search function, a component for realizing a pop-up screen, and the like.

The module group preferably includes at least a module group corresponding to a set of basic components of the smartphone application and the web application. The set of components preferably includes, for example, a component that displays a start screen, a component that implements user registration, a component that implements login processing, a component that implements screen display, and a component that implements a pop-up screen. . As a result, the support device 1 can provide the developer with a module group corresponding to a set of basic components of the smartphone application and the web application.

If the flow of processing implemented by a module includes one or more input-enabled state(s), the module is preferably stored in association with the input-enabled state(s). As a result, the support device 1, in accordance with the selection of the addition target module to be added to the state transition graph, displays the first graphic (group ) can be added to the state transition graph.

When a module is stored in association with an input-enabled state (group), the module is preferably stored in association with a transition condition (group) in the input-enabled state (group). As a result, the support device 1, in accordance with the selection of the addition target module to be added to the state transition graph, displays the first graphic (group ) and a second figure (group) indicating the transition condition (group) corresponding to the corresponding input enabled state (group) can be added to the state transition graph.

It is preferable that the module is stored including information used to generate display example(s) in the processing state(s) of the module's processing state with display such as input enabled state(s). Thereby, the support device 1 can display the display example (group) corresponding to the selected addition target module according to the selection of the addition target module to be added to the state transition graph.

Where modules are stored containing information used to generate display example(s), modules are preferably stored containing parameters relating to the generation of each display example(s). This allows the support device 1 to provide the developer with a means of editing the display example(s) via parameter editing.

The parameters are not particularly limited. The parameters include, for example, parameters related to character strings included in the display example, parameters related to the color scheme of the display example, parameters related to the size of the display example, parameters related to buttons included in the display example, parameters related to the arrangement of graphic elements included in the display example, and the like. mentioned.

Modules are preferably stored in association with module IDs that can identify the modules. As a result, the support device 1 can store and acquire modules and the like using the module IDs.

FIG. 2 is an example of the module list 121. As shown in FIG. The module list 121 shown in FIG. 2 has a module associated with the module ID "M0001" and containing the following information:
that the module is a "start screen" module,
that the module has a "start screen" state as an "enterable state";
The "start screen" state of the module shall include the transition conditions of "new registration" and "login".

Also, the module list 121 shown in FIG. 2 has a module associated with the module ID “M0004” and containing the following information:
that the module is a "posts" module,
The module must have "post list", "post creation", and "post details" as "enterable states",
that the module's "post list" state includes transition conditions for "new creation" and "like";
that the module's "Create Post" state contains a transition condition of "Post";
The "post details" state of the module does not contain any special transition conditions.

Since the module list 121 shown in FIG. 2 has the above-described modules, etc., the support device 1 can provide means for selecting an addition target module from these modules and adding the selected module to the state transition graph. This allows developers to easily develop applications that combine modules such as start screens, posts, and the like.

[Communication unit 13]
The communication unit 13 is not particularly limited as long as it connects the support device 1 to a network and enables communication with a terminal or the like. (Wireless Fidelity) compatible devices, short-range wireless devices compatible with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, network cards compatible with the Ethernet standard, and the like.

[Display unit 14]
The type of the display unit 14 is not particularly limited as long as it can display the state transition graph. The display unit 14 includes one or more display devices exemplified by, for example, a touch panel, a liquid crystal display (LCD display), an organic EL display, a monitor, a projector, and the like.

When the development target application includes a smartphone application, the display unit 14 preferably has a screen wider than the screen of the smartphone. The screen wider than the smartphone screen is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the screen of a display connected to a stationary computer or the like. Thereby, the display command unit 111 can command display on a screen wider than the screen of the smartphone. Therefore, the display command unit 111 can command the screen of the smartphone to display a plurality of display examples on a wide screen.

[Input unit 15]
The type of the input unit 15 is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to make an input regarding editing of the state transition graph displayed on the display unit 14 . The input unit 15 includes, for example, one or more of input devices such as a touch panel, a software keyboard, a communication device that receives input from an external device, a keyboard, and a mouse.

If the input unit 15 has the functions of both an input device such as a touch panel and a display device, the input unit 15 may be configured integrally with the display unit 14 . Thereby, the support device 1 can be configured to be smaller and/or lighter. This makes it easier for the developer to carry the support device 1 and receive support at a destination or the like.

[Terminal]
The terminal (not shown) is not particularly limited as long as it can display the state transition graph and allows input related to editing the displayed state transition graph, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone and a tablet terminal , various terminals exemplified by stationary terminals such as personal computers.

〔network〕
The type of network (not shown) is not particularly limited as long as it enables communication between the support device 1 and the terminal. For example, personal area network, local area network, intranet, extranet, Internet, Wi-Fi. A network, a mobile phone network, a mobile communication network, or a network combining a plurality of these networks can be used.

[Flowchart of Support Processing Executed by Support Device 1]
FIG. 3 is a main flowchart showing an example of a preferred flow of support processing executed by the support device 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart following FIG. An example of a preferred flow of application development support processing executed by the support device 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG.

[Login process]
Although not an essential aspect, the support process is a login process for determining whether or not a person who wishes to use the support device 1 is a prescribed user who can receive support for application development by the support device 1. is preferably included. As a result, the support device 1 can prevent a person who cannot receive application development support from changing or deleting an application.

Login processing is not particularly limited. In the login process, for example, account designation means (e.g., account name input, account selection from an account list, etc.) and authentication means (e.g., password authentication, biometric authentication, etc.) determine whether or not the user is a specified user. A conventional log-in process for determining is sufficient.

The support processing preferably includes a series of procedures (display state change procedure) that enable change of the display state of the state transition graph or the like executed in steps S1 to S2. Thereby, the support device 1 can provide means for changing the display state, such as changing the display example shown in the state transition graph to a reduced display mode.

[Step S1: Determining whether an instruction to change the display state has been issued]
The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 12 and the communication unit 13 and/or the input unit 15 to execute the display command unit 111, and performs a process of determining whether a command to change the display state has been issued (step S1, display state change command determination step). If it is determined that an instruction to change the display state has been issued, the control section 11 shifts the process to step S2. If it is not determined that a command to change the display state has been given, the control section 11 shifts the process to step S3.

The change of the display state by the instruction is not particularly limited. The command preferably includes a command to change the display example shown in the state transition graph to a reduced display mode. Thereby, the display command unit 111 can command display of the state transition graph including the reduced display example. Therefore, the display command unit 111 can command display of the state transition graph so as to display a plurality of reduced display examples.

Therefore, developers can develop applications using more intuitive state transition graphs including multiple display examples. Therefore, the support device 1 can further reduce the labor involved in application development.

The command preferably includes a command to change the display state of the information edit screen used for generating the display example (group) between display and non-display in the display commanded by the display command unit 111 . Thereby, the display command unit 111 can change the display state of the information edit screen used for generating the display example (group) between display and non-display according to the developer's request. Therefore, the developer can more intuitively edit the transition of the processing state according to the user's input.

The command preferably includes a command to change and/or move the displayed area of the state transition graph in the display commanded by the display command unit 111 . This allows the developer to change and/or move the displayed area of the state transition graph so that the portion of the state transition graph that the developer wants to focus on in application development can be easily seen. Therefore, the developer can more intuitively edit the transition of the processing state according to the user's input.

The command preferably includes a command to change and/or move the position where the display example is displayed in the display commanded by the display command unit 111 . This allows the developer to display the display example at a more visible position. Therefore, the developer can more intuitively edit the transition of the processing state according to the user's input.

The command preferably includes a command to change the display state of the module selection screen on which the module to be added can be selected from the module group between display and non-display in the display commanded by the display command unit 111 . Thereby, the display command unit 111 can change the display state of the module selection screen between display and non-display according to the developer's request. Therefore, the developer can more intuitively edit the transition of the processing state according to the user's input.

Preferably, the command includes a command to change the display state of each of various types of information regarding the input enable state corresponding to the first graphic inside and/or in the vicinity of the first graphic in the display commanded by the display command unit 111. . Thereby, the display command unit 111 can change the display state of each of the various types of information regarding the input enable state according to the developer's request. The change includes, for example, a change to display various information, a change to hide various information, a change in detail level of display of various information, a change in display position of various information, and the like. Therefore, the developer can more intuitively edit the transition of the processing state according to the user's input.

[Step S2: Store display state after change]
The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 12 to execute the display command unit 111, and performs processing for storing the changed display state according to the command in step S1 in the storage unit 12 (step S2, display state storage step). The control unit 11 shifts the process to step S3.

[Step S3: Command display of state transition graph]
The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 12 and the communication unit 13 and/or the display unit 14 to execute the display command unit 111 to display the state transition graph of the application to be developed (step S3, display command step). The control unit 11 shifts the process to step S4.

If the support process includes a display state change procedure, the display command step preferably includes a procedure of displaying the state transition graph based on the display state stored in the storage unit 12. FIG. As a result, the developer can change various display states and more intuitively edit the transition of the processing state according to the user's input.

The state transition graph displayed in step S3 includes at least a first figure indicating an input-enabled state in which a user using the application can input among the processing states of the application to be developed, and and a second figure indicating transition to a transition destination processing state different from the input enabled state when an input that satisfies the transition condition is performed.

The first graphic is not particularly limited as long as it indicates an input enabled state. The first graphic may be, for example, a closed graphic that encloses part or all of various information regarding the input enabled state. Preferably, the closed figure includes a rectangle. By including a rectangle in the closed graphic, the support device 1 can indicate the input enabled state in an intuitive manner using a graphic similar to the symbol indicating "processing" in the flow chart.

Preferably, the display command step is capable of displaying the first graphic in a corresponding enterable state to identify the need for additional development procedures. The identifiable indication of the need for additional development steps is not particularly limited. The display that enables identification of the necessity of the additional development procedure may be, for example, a display in which the first figure is color-coded according to the degree of necessity of the additional development procedure.

The second graphic is not particularly limited as long as it indicates a transition condition. The second graphic includes, for example, an arrow indicating the transition from the transition source to the transition destination, a closed graphic surrounding a character string that can identify the transition condition, an arrow from the transition source to the closed graphic, and an arrow from the closed curve to the transition destination. , etc. may be used. Preferably, the closed figure includes a rhombus. By including the rhombus in the closed graphic, the support device 1 can indicate the transition condition in an intuitive manner using a graphic similar to the symbol indicating "judgment" in the flow chart.

In particular, the second graphic preferably includes a graphic combining a closed graphic surrounding a character string capable of identifying a transition condition, an arrow from the transition source to the closed graphic, and an arrow from the closed curve to the transition destination. As a result, the support device 1 can easily display a character string that can identify the transition condition in association with the second figure.

In addition, the display command step can command display of the state transition graph so as to show a display example of the application in the input enabled state in association with the first graphic according to the display state. As a result, the support device 1 can display a graph that allows an intuitive understanding of what kind of screen the application accepts input from. A means for the association is not particularly limited. The association means may be, for example, means for displaying the first figure and the display example side by side in a predetermined direction (for example, vertical direction, horizontal direction, etc.).

Further, the display command step can command the display of the state transition graph so as to associate a character string capable of identifying the transition condition with the second graphic according to the display state. As a result, the support device 1 can display a graph that allows an intuitive understanding of what kind of input the application transitions to.

Preferably, the display command step is capable of commanding the display of a third graphic indicating the correspondence between the module and one or more processing state(s). As a result, the support device 1 can display a graph that enables an intuitive grasp of the correspondence between each module (group) and processing state (group) included in the application and one or a plurality of processing states (group).

If the display command step can command the display of the third graphic indicating the correspondence with the module, the third graphic is the first graphic indicating the processing state (group) corresponding to the module and the transition condition corresponding to the module. It preferably includes a closed figure surrounding a second figure indicating (group). As a result, the support device 1 can display a graph that enables a more intuitive understanding of the correspondence between modules and processing states (groups).

[Step S4: Determining whether an instruction to edit the state transition graph has been issued]
The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 12 and the communication unit 13 and/or the display unit 14 to execute the editing unit 112, and performs processing for determining whether an instruction to edit the state transition graph has been issued (step S4, edit instruction discrimination step). If it is determined that an instruction to edit the state transition graph has been issued, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S5. If it is not determined that an instruction to edit the state transition graph has been issued, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S9.

The support processing preferably includes a series of procedures (transition condition addition procedures) that enable adding transition conditions and transition destinations to the state transition graph executed in steps S5 to S6. This allows the developer to intuitively add the transition condition and the corresponding transition destination processing state to the input enabled state. As a result, the developer can develop an application including a process of making a transition according to an input in a more intuitive procedure.

[Step S5: Determining Whether Addition of Transition Condition Is Commanded]
The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 12 and the communication unit 13 and/or the display unit 14 to execute the editing unit 112, and performs processing for determining whether or not an instruction to add a transition condition has been issued (step S5, condition addition step ). If it is determined that the addition of the transition condition has been commanded, the control unit 11 adds the transition condition to the state transition graph, and shifts the process to step S6. If it is not determined that the addition of the transition condition has been commanded, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S7.

Condition transition means for adding a transition condition in the condition adding step is not particularly limited. The condition transition means may be, for example, means for adding a transition condition to the first graphic displayed by an operation via a GUI. This allows developers to add transition conditions through intuitive operations via the GUI.

[Step S6: Add Transition Destination to State Transition Graph]
The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 12 to execute the editing unit 112, and performs a process of adding to the state transition graph the transition destination corresponding to the transition condition whose addition was instructed in step S5 (step S6, state addition step). The control unit 11 shifts the process to step S9.

By including the state addition step in the support processing, the support device 1 adds the transition destination processing state corresponding to the transition condition added in step S5 to the state transition graph when the transition condition is added by the condition addition means in step S5. can provide a state addition means that can be added to

The support process preferably includes a series of procedures (module addition procedures) that enable a module to be selected from the module group executed in steps S7 to S8 and added to the state transition graph. As a result, the developer can develop an application using the module group by an intuitive operation of selecting a module from the module group. As a result, the support device 1 can support reduction of labor in application development using a module group by intuitive operation.

[Step S7: Determining Whether Addition of Module Is Commanded]
The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 12 and the communication unit 13 and/or the display unit 14 to execute the editing unit 112, and performs processing for determining whether or not an instruction to add the addition target module has been issued (step S7, transition condition additional command determination step). If the controller 11 determines that an instruction to add a module has been issued, the controller 11 shifts the process to step S8. If the control unit 11 does not determine that an instruction to add a module has been issued, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S9.

The addition target module is not particularly limited as long as it is a module selected from the module group stored in the module list 121 by the addition target selection means. The addition target selection means is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a means using a menu from which a module can be selected from a module group displayed by a command from the display command unit 111 or the like.

[Step S8: Add a corresponding input-enabled state to the state transition graph]
The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 12 to execute the editing unit 112, and performs processing for adding a corresponding input-enabled state to the state transition graph (step S8, state addition step). The control unit 11 shifts the process to step S9.

The state addition step is not particularly limited as long as it is a step that implements state addition means capable of adding a corresponding input-enabled state to the state transition graph. The state addition step may be, for example, conventional means of adding a node such as a corresponding input enabled state to a graph such as a state transition graph.

[About other editing methods]
As means for editing the state transition graph included in the editing unit 112, the condition transition means and state addition means of the transition condition addition procedure, and the addition target selection means and state addition means of the module addition procedure have been described. However, means for editing the state transition graph included in the editing unit 112 are not limited to these means. The means for editing the state transition graph included in the editing unit 112 preferably includes one or more of various editing means such as transition destination changing means, deletion means, parameter editing means, and the like.

(Transition destination changing means)
The editing unit 112 preferably performs a procedure for providing transition destination changing means capable of changing the transition destination according to the transition condition. The means is not particularly limited. For example, when the second graphic is associated with the first graphic by an operation via the GUI, the transition destination corresponding to the transition condition corresponding to this second graphic is changed to this first graphic. Means for changing to an input enabled state corresponding to the figure may be used. Thereby, the developer can change the transition destination according to the transition condition by intuitive operation via the GUI.

(Deletion means)
The editing unit 112 preferably performs a procedure for providing deletion means capable of deleting the input enable state and/or transition condition specified by the developer. The means is not particularly limited, for example, means for deleting the specified input-enabled state and/or transition condition when the input-enabled state and/or transition condition are designated to be deleted by an operation via the GUI. etc. Thereby, the developer can specify and delete the input enabled state and/or the transition condition by intuitive operation via the GUI.

(Parameter editing means)
The editing unit 112 preferably performs a procedure for providing a parameter editing means capable of editing parameters relating to the generation of display examples (groups) corresponding to input enabled states specified by the developer. The means is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, means for designating a parameter to be edited by an operation via a GUI and making the parameter editable by a keyboard operation or the like. As a result, the developer can edit the parameters by intuitive operations via the GUI.

If the editing unit 112 can perform the procedure of providing parameter editing means, the parameter editing means can display a GUI element for editing parameters (group) in association with the first figure corresponding to the input enabled state specified by the developer. is preferably A means for the association is not particularly limited. The means for associating may be, for example, means for arranging and displaying the first figure and the GUI element in a specific direction (for example, vertical direction, horizontal direction, etc.).

When the means for associating includes means for arranging and displaying the first graphic and the GUI element in a specific direction, the specific direction is the same as the predetermined direction for associating the first graphic and the display example. Preferably. Thereby, the support device 1 can more clearly show the correspondence between the first graphic, the display example, and the GUI element.

A parameter (group) to be edited by the parameter editing means is not particularly limited. Parameters (group) include, for example, parameters specifying an image to be used as a background image in an input-enabled state, parameters specifying various texts displayed in an input-enabled state, etc., characters that can identify transition conditions (group) parameter(s) comprising one or more, such as parameters specifying columns;

[Step S9: Determining whether generation of an application has been commanded]
The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 12 and the communication unit 13 and/or the display unit 14 to execute the generation unit 113, and performs processing for determining whether generation of an application has been commanded (step S9, generation command determination step ). If it is determined that the generation of the application has been commanded, the control unit 11 shifts the process to step S10. If the controller 11 does not determine that an application generation command has been issued, the controller 11 shifts the process to step S1, and repeats the processes from step S1 to step S10.

[Step S10: Automatically Generate Application]
The control unit 11 cooperates with the storage unit 12 to execute the generation unit 113 to automatically generate an application based on the state transition graph stored in the storage unit 12 (step S10, generation step). The control unit 11 shifts the process to step S1 and repeats the processes from step S1 to step S10.

A state transition graph is a graph that expresses processing state transitions in a finite automaton such as an application implemented by a computer program. Therefore, by using the state transition graph, the support device 1 can automatically generate an application including the processing state transition represented by the state transition graph.

Since the state transition graph used in the generating step is the state transition graph whose display was commanded in step S3 and edited in steps S4 to S8, the developer using the support device 1 can easily create the displayed state transition graph. You can develop applications through editing. Then, the developer can command the support device 1 to automatically generate the developed application.

[Other processing]
(initial setting step)
The support processing preferably includes an initialization step of adding input-enabled states corresponding to the minimum required modules to the state transition graph when starting development of the application. The minimum required modules are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a start screen module. This allows the developer to start developing the application without wasting the effort of figuring out which modules to add first.

(Display target switching step)
When the number of development target applications stored in the storage unit 12 is two or more, the support processing displays the state transition graph corresponding to any development target application among the stored development target applications in the display command step. It is preferable to include a display target switching step for performing processing for enabling switching between the two. As a result, the developer can display and edit the state transition graph corresponding to the development target application that the developer desires to edit.

(application registration step)
The support processing preferably includes an application registration step that allows the automatically generated application to be registered with an application distribution service. This allows the developer to register the automatically generated application with the distribution service without expending the effort of manually registering the automatically generated application with the application distribution service.

[Effect of support processing]
According to the support processing of this embodiment, the developer can intuitively develop an application by editing a state transition graph that enables intuitive grasping of the screen for accepting input and transition conditions from the screen. . By being able to develop applications in an intuitive procedure, developers can reduce the effort spent on application development.

Therefore, the support device 1 of the present embodiment, which can execute the support processing described above, can intuitively edit the transition of the processing state according to the user's input, thereby reducing the labor involved in application development. It is possible to provide means for supporting the development of flexible applications.

In addition, the support device 1 of the present embodiment can shorten the time required for defining the requirements of an application to be developed between the development requester and the developer of the application.

This is because the support device 1 of the present embodiment enables intuitive editing of processing state transitions according to user input, thereby reducing the effort involved in application development. Therefore, the developer can quickly create a prototype of the application and show the prototype to the development client. This allows the development client to have a clearer image of the application to be developed. Therefore, the development client can define the requirements of the application with the developer in a shorter period of time.

Since the support device 1 of the present embodiment can reduce the labor involved in application development, when the specifications of an application related to requirement definitions are changed by a development requester, a prototype that reflects the specification changes can be automatically created in a shorter period of time. can be generated. For example, the developer can automatically generate a prototype that reflects the specification change during a remote meeting in which the development client informs the specification change.

As a result, the image of the application can be shared between the development requester and the developer, and the requirements of the application can be defined in an even shorter period of time. Therefore, by using the support device 1 of the present embodiment, the developer can shorten the entire application development period.

[Support for development requesters]
In addition, since the support device 1 of the present embodiment can intuitively edit the transition of the processing state according to the user's input, it can support the editing of the transition by the development requester himself/herself. With the support device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to edit processing state transitions by intuitive procedures such as selecting and adding modules from a module group. can edit the transition.

When assisting the development client in editing the transition, the support device 1 instructs the terminal used by the development client (development client terminal) to display the state transition graph, and displays the state transition graph on the development client terminal. Editing means are preferably provided.

As a result, the development client can have a clearer image of the application to be developed through editing of the state transition graph including the display example on the development client terminal. Therefore, the development client can define the requirements of the application with the developer in a much shorter period of time. Therefore, developers can shorten the overall development time of their applications.

[Development support by graphic designers]
In addition, since the support device 1 of the present embodiment can intuitively edit the transition of the processing state according to the user's input, it supports the editing of the transition by a graphic designer who is not familiar with application development. can.

Therefore, by using the support device 1 of this embodiment, a graphic designer can develop an application. A graphic designer who is proficient in graphic design can more clearly convey the visual image of the application to be developed to the development requester. Therefore, a developer such as a graphic designer can define the requirements of the application with the development requester in a much shorter period of time.

When supporting editing of the transition by a graphic designer, the support device 1 commands a terminal (designer terminal) used by the graphic designer to display a state transition graph, and provides means for editing the graph on the designer terminal. is preferred.

As a result, a graphic designer or the like can more clearly convey the image of the application to be developed to the development client by editing the state transition graph including the display example on the designer terminal. can be developed. Therefore, a developer such as a graphic designer can define the requirements of the application with the development requester in a much shorter period of time. Therefore, developers can shorten the overall development time of their applications.

<Usage example of support device 1>
Next, a usage example of the support device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[Initial settings for application development]
The developer instructs the support device 1 to make initial settings for application development. The support device 1 executes an initialization step, and adds the start screen module and the matching module included in the module group stored in the module list 121 to the state transition graph. The support device 1 displays the state transition graph for which the initial setting has been performed on the display unit 14 .

[Command to change to the display state showing the display example]
The developer instructs the support device 1 to change the display state to show the display example. The support device 1 executes the display command step and changes the display state to show the display example. The support device 1 displays the state transition graph on the display unit 14 in the changed display state.

FIG. 5 is a display example of a state transition graph displayed on the display unit 14 of the support device 1 of this embodiment. The state transition graph shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to an application that includes a start screen module and a matching module.

The state transition graph shown in FIG. 5 includes the following graphics, character strings, and display examples:
No. 1 No. 3 figure TS1 indicating the module of the start screen,
No. 1 No. 1 figure FS1 indicating an input enable state corresponding to the module on the start screen,
No. 1a No. 2 figure SS1a and No. 1a character string TX1a indicating the transition condition corresponding to the case where "new registration" is input in the input enabled state of No. 1 No. 1 figure FS1;
No. 1 display example DE1 corresponding to the input possible state of No. 1 first figure FS1,
No. 2 No. 3 figure TS2 showing the module of matching,
No. 2 No. 1 figure FS2 indicating the input enable state corresponding to the matching module,
No. 2a No. 2 figure SS2a and No. 2a character string TX2a indicating the transition condition corresponding to the case where "I want to study abroad" is input in the input enabled state of No. 2 No. 1 figure FS2,
No. 2b No. 2 figure SS2b and No. 2b character string TX2b indicating the transition condition corresponding to the case where "I want to introduce" is input in the input enabled state of No. 2 No. 1 figure FS2,
No. 2 display example DE2 corresponding to the input possible state of No. 2 first figure FS2.

Since the state transition graph shown in FIG. 5 includes the above-described figures, character strings, and display examples, the developer can press the "new registration" button in the input-enabled state of display example DE1 No. 1. It can be intuitively grasped that the input possible state of No. 2 display example DE2 in which matching is selected from "I want to study abroad" and "I want to introduce" is changed.

[Instruct addition of transition condition]
The developer instructs the support device 1 to add a transition condition. The support device 1 executes the editing step and adds the commanded transition condition to the state transition graph being displayed. The support device 1 displays the state transition graph after addition on the display unit 14 .

FIG. 6 is a display example when transition conditions are added to the state transition graph of FIG. More specifically, FIG. 6 adds a transition condition corresponding to the fact that the "login" button is pushed to the input enabled state of the first figure FS1 included in the state transition graph of FIG. This is a display example when

In addition to the graphics, character strings, and display examples included in the state transition graph illustrated in FIG. 5, the state transition graph illustrated in FIG. 6 further includes the following graphics, character strings, and display examples:
No. 1 first figure FS1 indicating an input enable state corresponding to the module of the start screen and including a button for inputting "login";
No. 1b No. 2 figure SS1b and No. 1b character string TX1b indicating the transition condition corresponding to the case where "login" is input in the input enabled state of No. 1 No. 1 figure FS1,
No. 3 No. 3 figure TS3 showing the login module,
No. 3 No. 1 figure FS3 indicating an input enable state corresponding to the login module,
A No. 3 display example DE3 corresponding to the input possible state of No. 3 No. 1 figure FS3.

Since the state transition graph shown in FIG. 6 further includes the above-described figures, character strings, and display examples, the developer can press the "login" button in the input-enabled state of display example DE1 No. 1. Intuitive operation can be used to edit the flow of processing for transitioning to the input possible state of display example DE3 No. 3, which displays the login screen when the login screen is displayed.

[Command addition of module]
The developer instructs the support device 1 to display the module group. The support device 1 executes the display command step and commands the display unit 14 to display the module group stored in the module list 121 .

The developer selects a module to be added from the displayed module group and instructs the support device 1 to add the selected module to be added. The support device 1 executes the editing step and adds the addition target module to the state transition graph being displayed. The support device 1 displays the state transition graph after addition on the display unit 14 .

FIG. 7 is a display example when a module is added to the state transition graph of FIG. More specifically, FIG. 7 is a display example when the "Post" module is added to the state transition graph of FIG.

The state transition graph shown in FIG. 7 further includes the following figures in addition to the figures, character strings, and display examples included in the state transition graph shown in FIG.
No. 4 No. 3 figure TS4 showing the module of the post,
No. 4a No. 1 figure FS4a indicating the input enable state of "post list" among the input enable states corresponding to the post module,
No. 4b No. 1 figure FS4b indicating the input enable state of "post creation" among the input enable states corresponding to the post module,
No. 4a No. 2 figure SS4a and No. 4a character string TX4a indicating a transition condition for transition from "post list" to "post creation" among the transition conditions corresponding to the modules of posts.

Since the state transition graph shown in FIG. 7 further includes the above-described figures, the developer can intuitively perform editing for adding a post module to the application to be developed. Then, the developer can intuitively perform further editing to add a transition condition for transitioning to an input enabled state of the first figure FS4a of No. 4a corresponding to the added module.

[Edit parameters]
The developer instructs the support device 1 to edit the specified module. The support device 1 executes the display command step, and displays the first figure indicating the input enabled state, the GUI element for parameter editing, and the display example in association with each other. Then, the support device 1 executes an editing step to edit parameters using the parameter editing GUI element.

FIG. 8 is a display example in which the first figure indicating the input enabled state, the GUI element for parameter editing, and the display example are displayed side by side in the same direction. In the display example shown in FIG. 8, the No. 2 first graphic FS2 and the No. 2 display example DE2 corresponding to the No. 2 first graphic FS2 are displayed side by side in the horizontal direction. Also, the No. 2 first graphic FS2 and the No. 2 parameter editing GUI element GE2 corresponding to the No. 2 first graphic FS2 are displayed side by side in the horizontal direction.

This allows developers to intuitively grasp these correspondences. Then, the developer can edit the parameter corresponding to the input enabled state using the associated parameter editing GUI element.

In the display example shown in FIG. 8, the module list display area ML is displayed on the left side of the No. 2 first figure FS2. Thereby, the developer can add a module by an intuitive operation of selecting a module from the modules (group) displayed in the module list display area ML.

FIG. 9 is a display example in which the first graphic, the parameter editing GUI element, and the display example are displayed side by side in the same direction in a module that includes a plurality of groups of possible input states. In the display example shown in FIG. 9, the above-mentioned No. 4a first figure FS4a, No. 4a first figure FS4a, No. 4a display example DE4a corresponding to No. 4a first figure FS4a, and No. 4a parameter editing GUI element GE4a are displayed side by side in the vertical direction. ing. In the display example shown in FIG. 9, the above-described No. 4b first figure FS4b, No. 4b display example DE4b corresponding to No. 4b first figure FS4a, and No. 4b parameter editing GUI element GE4b are arranged in the vertical direction. is displayed.

As a result, the developer can intuitively grasp the correspondence even though the module includes a plurality of input-enabled state groups. Then, the developer can edit the parameter corresponding to the input enabled state using the associated parameter editing GUI element.

It should be noted that within the scope of the idea of the present invention, those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and modifications, and it is understood that these modifications and modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, additions, deletions, or design changes of components, or additions, omissions, or changes in conditions of the above-described embodiments by those skilled in the art are also subject to the gist of the present invention. is included in the scope of the present invention as long as it has

1 support device 11 control unit 111 display command unit 112 editing unit 113 generation unit 12 storage unit 121 module list 13 communication unit 14 display unit 15 input unit FS first graphic SS second graphic TS third graphic DE display example TX character string GE GUI element for editing parameters ML Module list display area

Claims (5)

a display command unit capable of commanding display of the state transition graph;
an editing unit capable of editing the state transition graph based on the display;
a generator capable of automatically generating an application based on the state transition graph;
with
The state transition graph is
a first figure indicating an input-enabled state in which a user using the application can input among the processing states of the application;
a second figure indicating that a transition to a transition destination processing state different from the input-enabled state occurs when an input that satisfies a transition condition is performed in the input-enabled state;
is a graph containing at least
The display command unit
commanding display of the state transition graph so as to show a display example of the application in the input enabled state in association with the first figure;
commanding the display of the state transition graph so as to associate the character string capable of identifying the transition condition with the second graphic ,
The second figure is a figure obtained by combining a closed figure surrounding a character string capable of identifying a transition condition, an arrow from the transition source to the closed figure, and an arrow from the closed figure to the transition destination,
Display of a third graphic indicating correspondence between a module and one or more processing state(s) can be commanded, the third graphic being associated with a first graphic indicating processing state(s) corresponding to the module. a closed figure enclosing a second figure indicating the transition condition(s) corresponding to the module;
Support device for application development. The editorial department
a condition adding means capable of adding a transition condition to the input enabled state;
state addition means capable of adding a transition destination processing state corresponding to the transition condition when the transition condition is added by the condition addition means;
2. The assist device of claim 1, comprising: The editorial department
addition target selection means capable of selecting an addition target module from a module group including one or more modules that can be used as components of the application;
state addition means capable of adding a corresponding input-enabled state corresponding to the addition target module to the state transition graph;
3. The support device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: The application is a smartphone application that can be executed on a smartphone,
The display command unit can command display on a screen wider than the screen of the smartphone,
The support device according to claim 1 . 5. The support device according to claim 4 , wherein said display command unit is capable of commanding display of said state transition graph including said display example displayed in reduced form.

Images