JPH05250486A - Graph plotter - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the graph plotter capable of readily and speedily implementing the required graph even through a new graph is implemented by changing the expression form of the graph which has been implemented. CONSTITUTION:A storage means 110 stores the attribute data of the data for graph processing before the change. When an instruction means 130 makes an instruction changing the expression form of the implemented graph, a recognition means 160 recognizes that the successive attribute data exists as the attribute data required to implement a graph expressed by the style after the change based on the instruction of the means 130 in each attribute data stored in the storage means 110. Further, a processing means 150 reads the recognized attribute data from the storage means 110 to change the style of expressing graphs based on the read attribute data.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a graph creating apparatus capable of generating a graph having a predetermined expression format from data to be graphed and then changing the graph to another expression format.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of apparatus generally has a function of creating a graph based on data in a created document or data input for creating a graph. The graphs created include pie graphs, line graphs, and bar graphs.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the creation of a graph by a conventional graph creating apparatus.

In the above graph creating apparatus, in order to create a graph, first, data as shown in FIG. 13A is input (this is input to a graph application program for creating a graph). The input of this data also includes the case of referring to the data of other graph application programs), and then the type of graph such as "bar graph" as shown in 13 (b). Is specified, and further, the scale such as the “maximum value” and “minimum value” of the y-axis coordinate is specified as shown in FIG. 13C, and the pattern is specified as shown in FIG. 13D. Parameters are specified, and then the graph creation is instructed. As a result,
A bar graph as shown in (e) will be drawn.

In this case, the system (graph making device)
In addition to displaying input items corresponding to the selected graph type, there are cases in which default fixed values that are considered to be widely used are prepared in advance. This is for easier operation by the user, and the user can instruct the creation of the graph without performing a special input operation if the default value is acceptable. Further, there is a system in which the system automatically sets the contents that should be set depending on the contents of the data.

Regarding such a graph creating process, Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., issued in October 1990, "Gl.
"OvalView VP Business Graph Operation Manual" is known.

[0007]

However, in the graph creating process by the conventional graph creating apparatus described above,
If you change the expression format of a created graph (this is the type of graph, such as a bar graph, line graph, pie chart, etc.), specify a large number of parameters again for the graph of the modified expression format. I had to. For this reason, the operator's work becomes complicated, and the operation of creating a graph takes time, making it impossible to create a desired graph easily and quickly.

For example, when it is desired to change the bar graph shown in FIG. 13E into a line graph, the graph type is changed from "bar graph" to "line graph" as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14B, designation of scales such as “maximum value” and “minimum value” of the y-axis coordinate,
As shown in FIG. 14C, it is necessary to re-specify parameters necessary for the graph such as pattern specification. By performing such an operation, a line graph as shown in FIG. 14D is drawn. However, in the above example, although the scale data specified when the bar graph was created can be applied to the line graph, the scale must be specified again, which is troublesome. However, in reality, since there are many parameters and all of these parameters must be specified again, a great deal of effort was required to change the actual representation form of the graph.

The present invention provides a graph creating apparatus that can easily and quickly create a desired graph even when a new graph is created by changing the expression format of an already created graph. The purpose is to do.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, in the first invention, after generating a graph of a predetermined expression format from data to be graphed, it is possible to change to another expression format. In a possible graph creating device, a storage unit for storing the attribute data of the data before the change, an instruction unit for instructing to change the expression format of the generated graph,
Recognizing that, in the attribute data stored in the storage means, there is attribute data that can be inherited as the attribute data necessary for creating the graph of the modified expression format based on the instruction by the instruction means. And a processing means for reading out the recognized attribute data from the storage means and changing the representation format of the graph based on the read attribute data.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in a graph creating apparatus capable of generating a graph of a predetermined expression format from data to be graphed and changing the graph to another expression format, Storage means for storing the attribute data, a table in which the relationship of the attribute data that can be inherited between the graphs of each expression format is registered, an instruction means for instructing to change the expression format of the generated graph, and an instruction by this instruction means Of the attribute data necessary for creating the graph of the modified expression format based on the above, the inheritable attribute data obtained by referring to the table is read from the storage means, and based on the read attribute data. And a processing means for changing the expression form of the graph.

[0012]

According to the present invention, the storage means stores the attribute data of the data to be graphed before the change.
After that, when the instructing means gives an instruction to change the expression format of the created graph, the recognizing means, in the attribute data stored in the storage means, recognizes the graph of the changed expression format based on the instruction from the instructing means. Recognizing that there is attribute data that can be inherited as the attribute data necessary for creating, the processing means reads the recognized attribute data from the storage means, and based on the read attribute data. Since the graph expression format is changed by changing the graph expression format, the data that can inherit the graph attribute data of the expression format before change can be set again. No need.

Further, according to the present invention, the relationship of the attribute data that can be inherited between the graphs of each expression format is registered in the table, and the data which is the object of graphing before the change is stored in the storage means. Attribute data is stored. afterwards,
When the instructing means gives an instruction to change the representation format of the created graph, the processing means creates a table out of the attribute data necessary to create the graph of the altered expression format based on the instruction from the instructing means. Since the inheritable attribute data obtained by referencing is read from the storage means and the graph expression format is changed based on the read attribute data, among the graph attribute data of the changed expression format, , It is not necessary to set again the data that can inherit the attribute data of the graph in the expression format before the change.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of a graph creating apparatus according to the present invention.

The storage means 110 stores data to be graphed. In the table 120, information indicating the relationship of the attribute data that can be inherited between the graphs of each expression format is registered in advance.

The expression format means the type of graph. Therefore, the graph of each expression format is, for example, a bar graph, a pie graph, a line graph, or the like. In addition, the attribute data includes data (label and numerical data corresponding to it) which is a basis of graphing, data such as a title, scale, and pattern.

The instructing means 130 gives an instruction to specify or change the expression format of the graph (type of graph) and sets various parameters for graphing. These parameter values and commands are input to the interface means 140.

The interface means 140 controls the interface between the user and the system, and processes each parameter value or command from the instruction means 130 to the processing means 150.
Alternatively, it is given to the recognition means 160.

The processing means 150 is the interface means 1.
Regarding the new graph input from the instructing means 130 via 40, the original data of the graph, the type of the graph, the parameter values such as title and scale, etc. are stored in the storage means 110, and the data and The graph of the specified expression format is laid out based on the parameter value and output to the output means 170.

The output means 170 displays a property sheet for inputting attribute data required to create a graph, displays a laid out graph, or prints a laid out graph.

In this embodiment, the instruction means 13
If there is an instruction to change the representation format of the created graph (change of the type of graph) by 0, the instruction is notified to the recognition means 160 and a predetermined process is performed, as described below. And the instruction is given to the processing means 150.
There are two cases in which the predetermined processing is performed by being notified to. Next, those methods will be described.

[Change Method 1] The recognizing means 160 is the instructing means 130 inputted through the interface means 140.
Based on the instruction to change the representation format of the graph from FIG. 1, the instruction means 1 is included in the attribute data stored in the storage means 110.
It is recognized that attribute data that can be inherited is present as the attribute data necessary for creating the graph of the changed expression format based on the instruction from 30. The recognized attribute data is notified to the processing means 150.

The processing means 150 reads the recognized attribute data from the storage means 110 and sets the read attribute data in the corresponding area of the property sheet described above. For attribute data other than the attribute, a default value is set in the corresponding area of the above-mentioned property sheet or blank. The property sheet created in this way is output to the output means 170 and confirmed by the operator.

[Modification Method 2] The processing means 150 has the instruction means 130 input through the interface means 140.
Of the attribute data necessary to create the graph of the expression format after the change based on the change instruction based on the change instruction of the expression format of the graph from
Information about which attribute data can inherit the attribute data of the graph in the expression format before the change is searched. Next, the processing unit 150 reads out the inheritable attribute data based on the information obtained by the search from the storage unit, and sets the read attribute data in the corresponding area of the property sheet described above. .. For attribute data other than the attribute, a default value is set in the corresponding area of the above-mentioned property sheet or blank. The property sheet created in this way is output to the output means 170 and confirmed by the operator.

In either case of the above two methods, the operator may adopt a default value or enter a desired value for the attribute data that cannot inherit the attribute data of the graph before the change. Become. After the operator confirms the contents of the property sheet in this way, if there is an instruction to create a graph, the processing means 15
In the case of 0, the craft of the modified expression format is created based on the content of the property sheet after confirmation, and is output to the output means 160.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration for realizing the apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG.
Specifically, it can be applied to an information processing device such as a personal computer, a general-purpose computer, or a workstation.

In the figure, the disk device 210 is a document creation application program in which an application program for realizing the graph creation function is incorporated.
Stores the property sheet data for setting the program, graph data, and each parameter for graph creation. The disk control unit 220 controls access to the disk device 210.

The keyboard 230 is for inputting various data and commands, and the mouse 240 is a pointing device for designating a desired portion on the display screen of the display device. The keyboard / mouse control unit 250 controls various data and commands input from the keyboard 230 and the mouse 240.

The main memory 260 stores the data and programs loaded from the disk 210, as well as various data and commands input from the keyboard 230 and the mouse 240.

The display device 270 is a bit map type display, and displays a multi-window, a property sheet and a created graph. The display control unit 280 controls display on the display device 270.

Central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 29
0 is connected to the common bus BUS200, and the common bus BUS
The graph creating process is executed by controlling the respective control units and the main memory connected to the computer 200, and loading and executing the document creating application program from the disk device 210 to the main memory 260.

The correspondence between the components of the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 1 and the components of the block diagram shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

The storage means 110 and the table 120 correspond to the disk device 210 and the main memory 260, the instruction means 130 corresponds to the keyboard 230 and the mouse 240,
The interface unit 140, the processing unit 150, and the recognition unit 160 correspond to the CPU 290 (actually, the CPU 29
0 is realized by executing an application program for realizing the graph creating function), and the output unit 170 corresponds to the display device 270.

Next, a user interface for creating a graph will be described.

In order to create a graph, it is necessary to insert a graph frame (graphic frame) in the document window and create a graph in this graph frame. An example of a state in which a graph frame is inserted in the document window is shown in FIG. The processing operation will be described with reference to FIG.

When the user requests the creation of a document by operating the keyboard 230, for example, the CPU 290
Reads the document creation application program, data, etc. from the disk device 210 and stores these data, program, etc. in the main memory 260. Then C
The PU 290 displays, on the display screen 310 of the display device 270, on the basis of data and programs in the main memory 260.
A window (desktop) 320 displaying an icon (pictogram) indicating an existing document is displayed. Subsequently, when a desired icon 330 is designated from the icons in the window 320 by operating the mouse 240, the CPU 290 causes the designated icon 330 to be designated.
The document window 340 corresponding to is displayed on the display screen 310. When a graph frame insertion instruction is further issued, a graph frame (graphic frame) 350 facilitated by the system is inserted into the displayed document window 340.

Reference numeral 360 in FIG. 3 is a graphic cursor, and the graphic cursor 360 is the mouse 24.
It is linked with the movement of 0. For example,
The document window 340 is opened and displayed by operating the mouse 240 and pointing the icon 330 with the graphic cursor 360. By operating the mouse 240 and designating a certain point by the graphic cursor 360, the point at the upper left corner of the graph frame 350 prepared by the system is inserted so as to be located at this designated point. The graph frame 350 can be expanded or expanded.

Next, when the user operates the keyboard 230 to request the display of the property sheet for designating the attributes related to the line graph of the graph frame, the CPU 290 displays the graph property sheet as shown in FIG. It is displayed on the display screen 310 of the display device 210.

The graph property sheet 400 shown in FIG.
In the figure, it is composed of a region 410 and a region 420.

The area 410 is for designating the types of line graphs, bar graphs, and pie charts. In this case, since the creation of a line graph has been instructed, the "line graph" item is shaded. .. Here, when the item of “bar graph” or “pie graph” is specified, the graph property sheet of the corresponding graph is displayed on the display device 27.
It will be displayed on the display screen 310 of 0.

In the area 420, detailed designated input items are changed according to the selection of the item of the graph type. In the example shown in the figure, the input items for the line graph are shown. The title column 430 is for entering a title when the graph is created. The data 440 consists of each item and the value corresponding to each item. The Y-axis maximum value column 451 is for entering the maximum value to be represented on the y-axis in the graph. The Y-axis scale value column 452 is for entering the scale interval on the y-axis. The Y-axis minimum value column 453 is for entering the minimum value to be represented on the y-axis. The left margin column 454 is for writing a left margin from the left end (end in the minimum value direction) of the x-axis. Right margin column 455
Is for writing a right margin from the right end (the end in the maximum value direction) of the x-axis. Note that the fields 451 to 455 are for entering information relating to scale setting. The rotation designation item 460 is for entering how many times the coordinate system in which the graph is drawn is rotated.
It is possible to specify any item of "degree", "90 degree", "180 degree", and "270 degree". The designation item 470 of the graph shape is the designation item 4 for designating the item of the shape of any one of the “solid line”, the “dotted line”, and the “dash-dotted line”
71, and a designation item 472 for designating the item of the shape of any one point among “circle”, “square”, and “triangle”.

The graph property sheet 4 shown in FIG.
If "bar graph" is selected instead of "line graph" in the area 410 of 00, the contents of this property sheet are changed to the contents shown in FIG.
In the graph property sheet 500 shown in FIG. 5,
In the graph property sheet 400 shown in FIG. 4, the "bar graph" item in the area 410 is shaded,
Graph shape designation item 470 is graph shape designation item 5
The number is changed to 10, and a bar thickness designation item 520 is added. The graph shape designation item 510 is for designating the item of the pattern on any one of the “solid fill”, “oblique line”, “mesh”, “vertical line”, and “horizontal line”. The bar thickness designation item 520 is for designating one of the thickness items of “thin”, “medium”, and “thick”.

Furthermore, if "pie chart" is selected instead of "bar chart" in the area 410 of the graph property sheet 500 shown in FIG. 5, the contents of this property sheet are changed to those shown in FIG. To be done. In the graph property sheet 600 shown in FIG. 6, in the graph property sheet 500 shown in FIG. 5, the “pie graph” item in the area 410 is shaded, and the columns 451 to 456 and coordinate graphics (that is, the setting of the scale). Information), the rotation designation item 460, and the bar thickness designation item 520 are deleted, and the sorting designation item 6 is also deleted.
10, an overview designation item 620 has been added. The rearrangement designation item 610 is for designating one of the "data order" and "sort" sort items.
The outline designation item 620 is for designating any of the outline items of “circle” and “donut”.

The contents of each graph property sheet set in this way are stored in the main memory 260 and referred to by the recognition means 160 (in the case of the above-mentioned graph expression format changing method 1) or processing. It is referred to by the means 150 (in the case of the method 2 for changing the graph representation format described above). The contents of each graph property sheet will be stored in the disk device 210 and reused.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the inheritance of attributes when the bar graph is changed to the line graph, and FIG. 8 is for explaining the inheritance of attributes when the bar graph is changed to the pie graph. FIG.

In FIG. 7, among the attribute data of the bar graph, the attribute data that can be inherited by the line graph are "data" and "scale", whereas the attribute data that cannot be inherited are "type of graph" and "scale". It means that it is a "pattern". Naturally, the graphs drawn are different. Regarding the inheritable attribute data,
Even when the line graph is changed to the bar graph, the bar graph can inherit the attributes of the line graph.

In FIG. 8, among the attribute data of the bar graph, the attribute data that can be inherited by the pie chart are “data” and “pattern”, while the attribute data that cannot be inherited are “type of graph”, It indicates that it is a "scale". Naturally, the graphs drawn are different. Regarding the inheritable attribute data,
Even when the pie chart is changed to the bar chart, the bar chart can inherit the attributes of the pie chart.

FIG. 9 shows the relationship of the attribute data that can be inherited between the graphs of different expression formats. In the example shown in FIG. 9, "title", "data", "scale", "rotation", "thickness of bar", respectively, corresponding to each of the "line", "bar", and "circle" columns. It shows a matrix in which each row of "sorting", "outline", and "graph shape" is provided. Then, in the rectangular area where each column and each row intersect, information indicating whether or not the attribute data in each row is necessary when creating the graph of the expression format in each column is described. In this embodiment, the symbol “◯” indicates that it is necessary data, and the symbol “x” indicates that it is unnecessary data. As for the "graph shape", the "line graph" is a line, and the "bar graph" and the "pie graph" are all areas.

Therefore, in a rectangular area where each column and each row intersect, data in which the same symbol "O" and the same character string "face" are described are inheritable data. For example, if you change from a bar chart to a line chart, you can change the title, data, scale,
It is possible to inherit the bar graph data for each rotation data. When the pie chart is changed to the bar chart, the pie chart data can be inherited for the title, data, and graph shape. Similarly,
The same can be considered when changing a graph of one expression form to a graph of another expression form.

In this embodiment, information indicating the relationship as shown in FIG. 9 is registered in the table, and when the expression format is changed,
The table is referenced to recognize which attribute data can be inherited. Note that such a table corresponds to the table 120 shown in FIG. The same can be said with respect to other than the types and attributes of the graph shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 described in the section of the prior art here.
In the case of changing from the bar graph with the setting contents shown in (a) to (d) to the line graph, according to the present embodiment, FIG.
As shown in (a), "bar graph" to "line graph"
It is sufficient to change the type of the graph to, and then reset the pattern (graph shape) as shown in FIG. As a result, a line graph similar to that of FIG. 14 (d) described above as shown in FIG. 10 (c) is obtained. Thus, according to this embodiment, FIG.
It is not necessary to perform the reset operation for the inheritable data shown in (b). Of course, if you want to change the scale,
Naturally, the operation of resetting is necessary.

However, in the past, in order to change the above expression format, the operations shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C had to be performed.

Next, the graph type changing process in the case of the above-mentioned changing method 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The recognition means 160 is the interface means 1
Based on an instruction to change the type of graph from the instruction unit 120 input via 40, the designated item in the graph property sheet stored in the storage unit 110 is scanned (step 1101), and the designated item is over. It is determined whether or not (1102). If there is a designated item, it is determined whether or not the attribute set in the designated item is an attribute required for the changed graph (1103), and the determination result is notified to the processing unit 150.

In the processing means 150, if the notification result indicates that the attribute is a necessary attribute, the attribute is stored in the storage means 1.
The information (specifically, a graph property sheet) for storing a graph before change stored in 10 is read from an area for storing, and the read attribute data is used for creating a graph after change ( Specifically, it is transcribed to the area for storing the graph property sheet (110).
4). On the other hand, if it is not necessary, the attribute is discarded (step 1105).

If it is determined in step 1102 that the designated items have ended, that is, if it has been determined whether or not the attributes set in all designated items can be inherited, the recognition means 160 notifies the processing means 150 of that fact. Therefore, upon receiving the notification, the processing unit 150 sets default values or blanks for the attributes required for the changed graph in the information for creating the changed graph, other than the transferred attributes. (Step 1106). Step 1
When 106 is finished, the graph changing process is finished. The inheritable attribute data displayed on the graph property sheet may be blinked or highlighted so that the operator can emphasize that the attribute data is inheritable.

The changed graph is created based on the information for creating the changed graph at the time when step 1106 is completed.

Next, the graph type changing process in the case of the changing method 2 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

It should be noted that it is assumed that the table 120 is registered with information indicating the relationship of attribute data that can be inherited between graphs of different representation formats, as shown in FIG.

The processing means 160 is the interface means 1
Based on an instruction to change the graph type from the instruction unit 120 input via the table 40, the table 120 is referred to (step 1201), and attributes that can be inherited from the attributes of the graph before the change to the graph after the change. (Step 1
202). Next, the designated item of the contents of the graph property sheet stored in the storage unit 110 is scanned (step 1203), and it is determined whether the designated item is the end (1204).

If there is still a designated item in step 1204, whether or not the attribute set in the designated item is an attribute required for the changed graph, that is, the attribute set in the designated item is the recognized attribute. It is determined whether or not it is included (1205). Here, if the attribute is a necessary attribute, the same processing as step 1104 in FIG. 11 is performed (12
06), on the other hand, if the attribute is not necessary, the same processing as step 1105 of FIG. 11 is performed (1207).

If the designated item is finished in step 1204, that is, if it is determined whether or not the attributes set in all designated items can be inherited, the processing means 150 determines that the attribute other than the transcribed attribute is set. The attributes required for the changed graph in the information for creating the changed graph are set to default values or blanks (step 1208). When step 1208 ends, the graph changing process ends.

Note that the changed graph is created based on the information for creating the changed graph at the time when step 1208 is completed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, among the attribute data of the graph of the expression format after the change, those which can inherit the attribute data of the graph of the expression format before the change are set again. Since there is no need to revise it, it is possible to reduce the setting operation of parameters for creating a graph,
Work efficiency can be improved.

[0066]

As described above, according to the present invention, whether there is attribute data that can be inherited as the attribute data of the graph of the expression format after the change in the attribute data of the graph of the expression format before the change. Whether or not it is determined that the attribute data can be inherited as a result of the determination,
Since the attribute data is adopted as the attribute data of the graph in the changed expression format, the operator does not need to set the attribute again, and therefore, the operator does not have to perform the operation for creating the graph. There is an advantage that it can be reduced.

Therefore, it is possible to provide a graph creating apparatus which can easily and quickly create a desired graph even when the expression form of the already created graph is changed to create a new graph. You can

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of a graph creating apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration for realizing the apparatus of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating insertion of a graph frame into a document according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a property sheet of a line graph of a graph frame in the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a property sheet of a bar graph of a graph frame in the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a property sheet of a pie chart of a graph frame in the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of inheritance of attributes when changing the representation format of a graph from a bar graph to a line graph in the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of inheritance of attributes when a graph representation format is changed from a bar chart to a pie chart in the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a relationship of attribute data that can be inherited between graphs of each expression format in this embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a comparison between a graph expression format changing process and a conventional graph expression format changing process in the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of a graph representation format changing process in the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of a graph representation format changing process in this embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the creation of a graph by a conventional graph creation device.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the creation of a graph by a conventional graph creating device.

[Explanation of symbols]

110 ... Storage means, 120 ... Table, 130 ... Instructing means, 140 ... Interface means, 150 ... Processing means,
160 ... Recognition means, 170 ... Output means, 210 ... Disk device, 220 ... Disk control section, 230 ... Keyboard, 240 ... Mouse, 250 ... Keyboard / mouse control section, 260 ... Main memory, 270 ... Display device, 280 ... Display Control unit, 290 ... Central processing unit, 400, 500, 6
00 ... Graph property sheet.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A graph creating apparatus capable of generating a graph in a predetermined expression format from data to be graphed and then changing it to another expression format, storing attribute data of the data before the change. Storage means, instruction means for instructing to change the expression format of the generated graph, and a graph of the expression format after the change based on the instruction by the instruction means in the attribute data stored in the storage means. Recognition means for recognizing that there is attribute data that can be inherited as necessary attribute data, and the recognized attribute data is read from the storage means, and the graph data is read based on the read attribute data. A graph creating apparatus comprising: a processing unit that changes an expression format. 2. A graph creating apparatus capable of generating a graph of a predetermined expression format from data to be graphed and then changing it to another expression format, storing attribute data of the data before the change. Storage means, a table in which relations of attribute data that can be inherited between graphs of each expression format are registered, an instruction means for instructing a change in the expression format of the generated graph, and after the change based on the instruction by the instruction means. Of the attribute data necessary for creating the graph of the expression format of, the inheritable attribute data obtained by referring to the table is read from the storage means, and the graph expression is based on the read attribute data. A graph creating apparatus comprising a processing unit for changing the format.