JPH04195467A - Tree structure chart display system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To display a tree structure chart based upon the depth of an indicated node or level as a starting point by indicating the depth of the node or level from an indicating means. CONSTITUTION:A tree structure chart display means 1 converts input data from a data input means 2 into graphic data, which are displayed in a window 5. Node/chain relation data generated and edited by a tree structure generating and editing means 3 according to tree structure data from the data input means 2 are stored and held in a storage means 4 as a registration means. The indicating means 6 indicates the depth of the node or layer of the generated tree structure chart and the partial tree structure chart based upon the depth of the indicated node or level as the starting point is displayed in the window 5. Consequently, a desired tree structure chart constituting a tree structure chart is optionally specified and displayed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a tree structure diagram display method for illustrating a tree structure in a hierarchical system plan, its design, data structure description, etc.

[Conventional technology]

A so-called tree structure diagram is used when planning and designing a hierarchical system.

Tree structure diagrams are suitable for describing module configurations and data structures, and are therefore widely used, especially at the software design stage.

In mechanical drawings, etc., tree structure diagrams are used to represent the hierarchical structure of overall organization charts, subassembly diagrams, and parts diagrams.
Attempts have been made to more clearly represent the construction of drawings and the construction of parts.

Traditionally, this type of tree structure diagram was created by hand or by tracing using a template, but with the development of computers in recent years, tree structure diagram display systems have been developed that create and display them on the window of the display means. Ta.

Figure 11 shows the module configuration of a certain mechanical device, where the main frame consists of three subframes 1, 2°3,
Subframe 2 further includes three subframes 21, 22 .
The module configuration of the device consisting of 23 components is drawn using a template.

Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of a printout of a parts configuration list of a certain device outputted to a printer from the drawing tree structure diagram creation/editing system, and Figure 13 is created using a template based on the printout in Figure 12. This is a tree structure diagram.

As shown in Figure 12, level numbers (1, 2,
, 3, 4), or the column at which this level number is displayed is displayed in descending digits.

In displaying the tree structure using the templates shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, each time the design is changed, it is necessary to erase the diagram with poppy rubber or the like and redraw it, which is time-consuming.

In recent years, the graphic functions of computer display devices and output devices have been remarkable, and a tree structure diagram display system that allows displaying graphic images and printing them out has appeared.

In this type of tree structure diagram display system, the tree structure diagram is abstracted and expressed as a model as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 14, a line going from the highest level ■ to the next layer ■ is called an edge (or branch), and a layer ■ at a branch point branching from the hierarchy is called a node (or leaf). Furthermore, the highest layer ■ is called the root.

In most of these computer-based tree structure diagram display systems, the display is performed starting from the center of the left end of the window of the display device, that is, from the root, as shown in FIG.

In the display example shown in Figure 15, the tree structure starts from the center of the left edge, and the upper part of the window and the lower part of the window are displayed in a well-balanced manner, and the nodes of the same hierarchy are aligned, so the user interface is beautiful. It can be said to be a display.

In addition, this display method can be said to be the best display method for displaying small tree structure diagrams that does not place a burden on computer resources, including display speed, tree structure re-editing speed, and CPU memory. I can do it.

Note that, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-25721 is known as disclosing this type of prior art.

[Problem to be solved by the invention] However, as in the example above, there is no problem if the number of nodes is small, but when the number of nodes becomes tens, hundreds, or more, it becomes difficult to create a tree structure. Tracing the tree structure and displaying it as shown in FIG. 15 requires a lot of processing time and a large amount of memory. , increases exponentially as the number of nodes increases.

For this reason, in conversational systems, there is a problem in that it is difficult to handle tree structure diagrams with good response.

When displaying a tree structure diagram in which the above-mentioned response becomes a problem, the following problems can be raised.

First of all, when trying to determine the position of a certain node on the window, in the tree structure diagram display method shown in Figure 15, the node in question is influenced by the number and position of all other nodes. , its position cannot be determined locally.

In the tree structure diagram in Figure 15, for example, the root node (
.
I), and the root node (1, Mlooo
ol) to the bottom edge of the tree structure diagram from the node (2M1
00003) → Node (23100004) → Node (
IP100OO3) can be determined only after arriving at IP100OO3).

Thus, the logic for determining the position of a node on the window becomes extremely complex and consumes a lot of CPU processing time.

Furthermore, a large tree structure diagram is physically limited by the screen size of the display device, making it impossible to display the entire tree structure in a window.

For this reason, many tree structure diagram display systems support a virtual window function, in which a large tree structure diagram is displayed in a vast virtual window, which can be viewed through a real window.

In order to explain the above, Figure 17 is a conceptual representation of a tree structure diagram created in a virtual window viewed from a real window, with one node displayed considerably larger than the real window. It is something.

The second problem is that, as shown in Figure 17 above, when displaying from the top left end of the display screen as in a window system that supports general virtual window functions, the root node (IMlooL) is not executed. There is no guarantee that it will be displayed in the window, and in the worst case, as shown in FIG. 18, a situation may occur in which nothing is displayed in the real window.

In order to avoid such a situation, it is necessary to find the display position of the root node and perform scrolling so that the root node is centered at the left end of the actual window.

However, this scrolling process causes a large amount of memory space swapping in large virtual windows, and the CPU
It will also impose a heavy burden on them.

The third problem is that for a tree structure diagram with a number of nodes that is even larger than the example shown in FIG. 17, and whose number of nodes exceeds the size of the virtual window, scroll processing as explained in FIG. There may be cases where the root node cannot be found in the actual window no matter how much you try.

In the worst case, a situation may occur in which even the tree structure diagram cannot be found in the real window.

An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the above-mentioned conventional techniques, and to provide a tree structure diagram display method that can easily display a desired part of a huge tree structure diagram that cannot be handled by conventional tree structure diagram display systems. Our goal is to provide the following.

[Means for Solving the Problem] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a data input means (2 in FIG. 1) for inputting data of items constituting a tree structure diagram, and a data input means for inputting data of items constituting a tree structure diagram. a tree structure diagram creation/editing means (3 in Figure 1) that creates and edits the tree structure based on data input from the means; and nodes of the tree structure diagram created by the tree structure diagram creation/editing means and their nodes. Storage means for registering chain relationships (
4) in FIG. 1; a tree structure diagram display means (1 in FIG. 1) for displaying the node/chain relationship data stored in the storage means as a tree structure diagram; The present invention is characterized in that it is comprised of an instruction means (6 in FIG. 1) for instructing the depth, and is capable of displaying a subtree structure diagram starting from the depth of the node or hierarchy specified by the instruction means. Tree structure diagram display method.

[Operation] The tree structure diagram creation/editing means (3 in FIG. 1) is provided with a node table (3 to 1 in FIG. 1), and arranges tree structure node data on this node table.

The storage means (4 in FIG. 1) registers the node/chain relationships created by the tree structure diagram creation/editing means (3 in FIG. 1) and stores and holds them.

The tree structure diagram display means (1 in FIG. 1) displays the node/chain relationship data stored in the storage means as a tree structure diagram on the window (5 in FIG. 1).

The indicating means (6 in FIG. 1) indicates the depth of the node or hierarchy of the tree structure diagram displayed on the window by the tree structure diagram display means (1 in FIG. 1).

Thereby, by specifying the depth of a node or hierarchy from the instruction means (6 in FIG. 1), a tree structure diagram starting from the specified node or depth of the hierarchy can be displayed.

[Example] Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a first embodiment of the tree structure diagram display method according to the present invention, in which 1 is a tree structure diagram display means, and 2 is a data input means for inputting data constituting the tree structure diagram. , 3 is a tree structure diagram creation/editing means for creating and editing a tree structure diagram based on data input from the data input means;
-1 is a node table, 4 is a storage means for registering the nodes constituting the tree structure diagram created by the tree structure diagram creation/editing means and their chain relationships, 5 is a window, and 6 is an indication of a node on the tree structure diagram. The instruction means 7 is a graphic printer for printing out the tree structure diagram.

In the same figure, a tree structure diagram is created in a tree structure diagram creation/editing means 3 based on data input from a data input means 2 and indicating the nodes constituting the tree structure diagram and their chain relationships.

The tree structure diagram display means 1 converts the input data from the data input means 2 into graphic data and displays it on the window 5.

On the other hand, the node/chain relation data created/edited by the tree structure creation/editing means 3 based on the tree structure data from the data input means 2 is stored and held in the storage means 4, which is a registration means.

The instruction means 6 indicates the depth of the node or hierarchy of the created tree structure diagram, and a partial tree structure diagram starting from the designated node or depth of the hierarchy is displayed on the window 5. .

Note that the graphic printer 8 is used to print out the tree structure diagram displayed in the window 5.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a tree structure diagram displayed on the window 5 in this embodiment, in which 20 is a tree structure diagram display window, 21 is a whole level selection button of the hierarchy, and 22
is also a partial level selection button, 23 is a level change button, 24.25 is a scroll bar, 26, 27.28.
29 is a node display of 1st layer, 2nd layer, 3rd layer, and 54 layers, respectively.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a tree structure diagram is displayed starting from the upper left end of the window 5 in FIG. 1.

That is, the position of the root note' (IMlooOOl,) in the virtual window always takes the coordinates fixed to the upper left edge of the window.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the node table 3-1 of the tree structure diagram creation/editing means in this embodiment. It consists of the Y coordinate.

Data is set to this node table 3-1 according to the procedure shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart explaining the operation of setting data to the node table. When this data center program starts, the node table 3-1 is first initialized (step 1, hereinafter referred to as S-1). .

Next, window resources for displaying the tree structure diagram on the window are secured from the storage means 4 (S-2).

When window resources are secured (S-3), set the node ID of the start node (root node) to 1 (
S-4).

Tree structure data regarding the node with this ID is obtained from the storage means 4 (S-5), and a node table is created (S-6).
).

Then, the initial values of the coordinates are set to XX=O, YY=0 (5-7), and the process goes to tree structure display processing (S-8).

The tree structure diagram processed in (S-8) is displayed on the window 5 by the tree structure diagram display means 1.

Figure 5 shows the tree structure diagram display processing step (S) in Figure 4.
8) is a flowchart illustrating detailed processing of step -8).

In FIG. 5, first, process the table showing the ID of the start node in the node table in FIG. , at the coordinate Y (YY+10
0) respectively (S-11).

The start node processed in (S-11) is displayed on the window of the display device (S-12).

Next, offset the X coordinate by setting XX=XX+120, and offset the Y coordinate by setting YY=YY+15 (S
-13).

Determine whether or not there is a node in the next hierarchy, that is, a child node (S-14); if not, exit (return); if there is, set the ID of the child node of the start node ID (S-15) , call this tree structure display process (
S-16) Perform the same process as above and repeat this.

Calling the tree structure display process during the tree structure display process in this way is called recursive call.

When the tree structure shown in FIG. 6 is processed by this recursive call, the nodes are processed in the following order, and data is set in the node table as shown in FIG.

(1,M 1.OOOOl) → (1M1000
02) → (13100001) → (1M100
002) → (1,5100002) → (I PI
00001) → (IS100002) → (IP10
0002) → (IS100002) → (1M10000
2) → (IMlooool) → (2M100003) →
(IS100003) → (2M100003) → (2S
100003) → (2M100003) → (2P100
004) → (IP100003) → (2P10000
4)→(2M100003)→(IMlooOOI) Through this processing order (tree walking), the parent-child relationship (hierarchical relationship) of each node is confirmed as shown in FIG.

Additionally, the terminal node of the edge is also confirmed.

In the conventional tree structure diagram display method, it was not possible to determine the coordinates of each node until the tree structure was confirmed by tree walking, but according to the present embodiment, the fourth
The initial values of the coordinates (XX=O; YY=O) set in (S-7) of the flowchart shown in the figure are set in the node table in (S-11) of the flowchart shown in Figure 5. .

The coordinates of subsequent nodes are sequentially set during the tree walking process.

Therefore, there is no need to execute logic for calculating the coordinates of each node after the tree walking process is completed.

That is, the creation and display of the tree structure diagram can be completed by simply performing the simple processing shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

An example of the window of the display means in the tree structure diagram display method according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 8.

The tree structure diagram shown in Figure 2 shows the 4
Although all levels are displayed, the window size is exceeded by the four-level entry 29, so it is not possible to tell what the end of the tree structure is.

In the case of the tree structure diagram shown in FIG. 2, the entire tree structure diagram can be displayed by scrolling with the scroll bar.

If the tree structure is too large to be scrolled by the scroller, press the "partial display" button 22 on the window 20, which is the instruction means 6, and select any node displayed in the window. displays a subtree structure with the selected node as the root node.

(The above-mentioned pressing of the "partial display" button and node selection are actually executed, for example, by using the mouse cursor and clicking the button.) As shown in Figure 2, the node (1M100002) is selected. FIG. 8 shows an example of the display of the subtree structure in this case.

This process is performed at (S-4) in the tree structure display flowchart in FIG.
This can be done by setting the node ID of the selected node instead of the one that was previously set.

This allows it to handle much larger interface structures than a tree structure diagram display system that simply uses virtual windows.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

If you try to handle a tree structure that is even larger than that explained in the first embodiment, for example, if the subtree structure starting from the example node (1M100002) shown in FIG. (2M100003
) goes to the bottom of the display window of the tree structure diagram, and even if you try to check the subtree structure after the node (1M100003) by going beyond the range of the virtual window, the method of the above example will not work. Then (2M1000
03), it becomes impossible to select the node.

In this example, for a huge tree structure like the one above,
When displaying up to a desired node, the hierarchical level display window 100 opens by pressing the "Change r level" button 23 on the window 20 shown in FIG. Note that the hierarchical level referred to here refers to the hierarchical depth.

If, for example, "2" is selected from the list of hierarchical display levels displayed in the hierarchical level display window 100 and the "display all" button 21 is pressed, a display as shown in FIG. 9 is obtained.

Then, press the "Change level" button 23 again to open the hierarchy level window 100, select the desired display level, press the "Partial display" button 22 and select the desired node, for example, node (2M100003). , a subtree structure diagram below the node (2M100003) is displayed.

According to this display method, it is possible to display a much larger tree structure diagram than in the first embodiment without impairing the response.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, when trying to determine the position of a certain node on the window, the position can be determined locally, and the window of the display device Even if the size of the tree structure diagram is physically limited, a desired subtree structure diagram constituting the tree structure diagram can be arbitrarily specified and displayed.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tree structure diagram display method that can easily display even huge tree structure diagrams that cannot be handled by conventional tree structure diagram display systems.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the tree structure diagram display method according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the tree structure diagram displayed on the window in FIG. 1, and FIG. 1
4 is a flowchart explaining the operation of setting data to the node table, and FIG. 5 is a detailed diagram of the tree structure diagram display processing step in FIG. 4. Flowchart to explain, Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a tree structure, Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a tree structure.
An explanatory diagram of a node table in which data is set in the processing shown in the figure. Figures 8, 9, and 10 are explanatory diagrams of windows in the tree structure diagram display method of the present invention. Figure 11 is a tree structure diagram. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the module configuration of a certain mechanical device, and Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of a printout of a parts configuration list of a certain equipment output from the drawing tree structure diagram creation/editing system to a printer. An explanatory diagram of a tree structure diagram created using a template based on the printout, Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of a tree structure diagram of an abstracted model,
Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a tree structure diagram that is displayed starting from the left center of the window of the display device; Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the increase in the number of nodes and the tree structure diagram creation processing time;
Figures 7 and 18 are explanatory diagrams conceptually representing the state in which a tree structure diagram created in a virtual window is viewed from a real window, with one node displayed in a larger size than the real window. . 1... Tree structure diagram display means, 2... Data input means, 3... Tree structure diagram creation/editing means, 3-1 is a node table, 4... Storage means, 5... . . . Window, 6. . Instruction means, 7. . . Graphic printer. Applicant Fuji Zero 7x Co., Ltd. Agent Patent Attorney Yoji Onodera (1 other person) Figure 1 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 10 4 1, )'1LHJIJ
LJi Small 1 ↓ November 30, 1990 Director General of the Patent Office Satoshi Uematsu 2, Invention name tree structure diagram display method 3, Relationship with the person making the amendment Patent applicant name (549) Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. 4. Agent address: 3-11-12-5 Hatchobori, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
, Date of amendment order Voluntary amendment 6, Detailed explanation column of the specification to be amended Detailed explanation column of the specification page 20, line 5 and I! Page 21, line 16 “・
It says, "It's a lot bigger than..."
Correct it to ``It's much bigger than...''. that's all

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In the tree structure diagram display method, a data input means for inputting data of items constituting the tree structure diagram, and a tree structure for creating and editing the tree structure based on data input from the data input means. diagram creation and editing means; storage means for registering the nodes of the tree structure diagram created by the tree structure diagram creation and editing means and their chain relationships; and node/chain relationship data stored in the storage means. It is comprised of a tree structure diagram display means for displaying a tree structure diagram, and an instruction means for indicating a node of the tree structure diagram, and is characterized in that a partial tree structure diagram is displayed starting from the node indicated by the instruction means. Tree structure diagram display method. (2) In the tree structure diagram display method, a data input means for inputting data of items constituting the tree structure diagram, and a tree for creating and editing the tree structure diagram based on the data input from the data input means. Structure diagram creation/editing means; Storage means for registering the nodes of the tree structure diagram created by the tree structure diagram creation/editing means and their chain relationships; and Node/chain relationship data stored in the storage unit. The present invention is comprised of a tree structure diagram display means for displaying the tree structure diagram as a tree structure diagram, and an instruction means for indicating the depth of the hierarchy of the tree structure diagram, and displays the present structure diagram starting from a node in the hierarchy specified by the instruction means. A tree structure diagram display method characterized by: