JPH0689309A - Data base retrieval processing method by graphing set - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To visually evaluate the quantities of sets and logical relation between sets by substitutively performing the command operation of an inquiry language program corresponding to a data base control system and mapping the sets into geometric triangular figures and showing them in a graphic form. CONSTITUTION:Retrieval conditions of a set and the number of answers are registered as an integrated set object. Up to three set objects are selected from among registered set objects and a diagram wherein the quantities of the sets and the logical relation between sets are mapped into the geometric rectangular areas, is displayed on a screen. An area of plotted rectangles and a segment of the area are indicated by using an indicating device such as a mouse and a logical set is constituted by combining them. The set objects and the logically constituted set are mapped into elements of other data base files and the data base elements are extracted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a personal computer system or work provided with a graphic display device and a pointing device such as a mouse in the use of a commercial database service, a business database in a company and a personal database. The present invention relates to a database search processing method using a station system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional database search processing method describes a search condition expression using a command of a query language program provided by a database system and inputs it by a keyboard device. The data element is generally a method of outputting a response message in a character format to a display device such as a display device.

[0003]

The database search has a logical problem in thinking for recognizing an object and a technical problem in operating for seeking an object. The logical task is to analyze the requirements of abstract objects by knowledge and understanding in the target field, grasp the set of objects in the database, and create specific search conditions that limit the set, and This is to evaluate and judge the set obtained from the search result, and to create the optimum search condition that more accurately limits the target object. The technical problem is to command a query language program to search for a target object with familiarity with computer operation, database configuration information such as file names and field names, and knowledge of notation or grammar of the query language. Is to describe and enter.

It is an object of the present invention to graphically present the amount of sets of database searches and the logical relationship between sets as shown in FIG. , A graphic user interface that enables you to operate a set by pointing to a rectangular area on a diagram and extract data, and the logical and technical problems described above. It is to provide a search processing method that solves in an integrated manner.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has a computer system configuration including a graphic display device and a pointing device such as a mouse, and is an inquiry language program corresponding to a database management system. At the position of the user who operates the
Access the database system. The present invention is a system configuration form (2-a) in which the program, database, and system of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 operate in one personal computer system or workstation computer system, or A personal computer system or a workstation computer system in which a program operates is realized by a system configuration form (2-b) in which a personal computer system or a workstation computer system is connected by a communication network as a terminal system of a host computer in which a database system operates.

The present invention provides means based on the concept (object) described below to manage and control the inside of a program. (A) Spatial object The spatial object draws a rectangular area having a predetermined area on the screen of the graphic display device,
A topological database for evaluating the existence of data is represented by representing a database file or a user view of a population which is the basis of a search, and drawing a rectangular region representing the set inside the region. The spatial object is a spatial definition statement (A-) in which a unique identification number, a spatial object name, a database node, a database file name, and a query language name are connected by a comma.
1), a plurality of field definition statements (A in which field object names, data formats and data lengths, and database field names are linked by commas)
-2), it is possible to define up to 32 spatial objects. (A-1) Example of space definition statement 001, emp1oyee, Host, EMP, SQL (A-2) Example of field object definition statement personal_id, number (12), PE
RSONAL_NO name, char (30), NAME age, integer, AGE birthday, date, BIRTHDAY address, char (40), ADDR_1 Spatial objects have fields with common values that can correspond one-to-one with the elements of the set. By defining in the spatial join definition statement (A-3),
Elements of a set can be mapped to each other among spatial objects. The spatial join definition statement is the spatial object name_1. Field name_1, spatial object name_2. Field name_2 is described by connecting with a comma. (A-3) Example of spatial join definition statement employee. personal_id, pers
onal_history. h_emp_id

(B) Set Object The set object represents a database search set by integrating a conditional expression and the number of sets, and an identifier,
It is described by the condition attribute and number of attributes, and is managed by a unique identifier for each spatial object. The aggregate object identifier is automatically assigned sequentially from'A 'to'Z', followed by the letters'a 'to'z'. If explicitly specified, an aggregate object is generated. Description (B
In -3), the aggregate object identifier can be specified with up to 4 alphanumeric characters enclosed in double quotation marks.
The set object conditional attribute is described by a set conditional expression (B-1) or a set propositional logical expression (B-2). (B-1) Example of set conditional expression age> = 30 and age <35 (B-2) Example of set propositional logical expression <+>(('A' ^★ 'B') + ('A' ^★ 'C ')
+ ('B' ^★ 'C')) <->('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ '
C ') A set conditional expression is a description of a search conditional expression of a query language program. A key field as a search indicator and its conditional value are described by a relational operator. The set propositional logical expression is called a set logical expression (B-3), and the condition of the logical expression described by referring to the set conditional expression with the set object identifier is “true”.
Affirmative logic symbol "<+>" that indicates that
Describe the truth or falseness of the proposition by prefixing it with the negative logical symbol '〈−〉' that indicates that it is “false”. In the set logical expression, the set object identifier is a logical sum symbol '+', a logical difference symbol '
− ', Logical product symbol' ^★ '
Describe a logical set. The number and the population of all database files are indicated by the '#' symbol. (B-3) Example of set logical expression ('A'-(('A' ^★ 'B') + ('A' ^★ '
C ′))) A set object holding a set conditional expression is called a primitive set object (B-4), and a set object holding a set propositional logical expression is called a deductive set object (B-5). (B-4) Example of primitive set object 1, 'A', age> = 30 and age <3
5 (B-5) Example of deductive set object 2, "X", <+>(('A' ^★ 'B') + ('A'
^★ 'C') + ('B' ^★ 'C')) <->('A' ^★ '
B ' ^* ' C ') The numerical value at the front of the aggregate object is used to identify the primitive aggregate object (' 1 ') and the deductive aggregate object (' 2 ').

(C) Area Object The area object draws one collective object by mapping it to one rectangular area with the rectangular area of the spatial object as a drawing frame. Represented by the area, the logical relationship between sets,
This is represented by the arrangement of regions shown in FIG. The logical product of the two sets is the intersection (3-a) of the area objects, and the logical sum is the outer circumference (3-b) surrounding the two area objects.
And the logical difference is the intercept (3
-C), and the mother set excluding the search set is represented in the extension (3-d) of the region object. The segment of the area generated by the intersection of the area objects is a set logical expression (C
-1). (C-1) Example of set logical expression describing sum of intercepts of two area objects ('A'-(('A' ^★ 'B') + ('A' ^★ '
C '))) + (' B '-((' A ' ^★ ' B ') + ('
B ' ^★ ' C ')))

(D) Set Graph A diagram drawn by a region object that maps a set object in a rectangular region that represents a spatial object is called a set graph (FIG. 1). The set graph can draw up to three sets at the same time, and depending on the presence / absence of the logical product between the sets, the three region objects shown in FIG. , 7 formats (4-a), 6 formats (4-a)
b) 5 formats (4-c), 4 formats (4-d),
Represent relationships in three forms (4-e). In the graph of three set objects, there are eight logical sets including the area of the spatial object, and by combining these partitions, 255 kinds of search condition expressions can be generated.

A program realizing the present invention based on the above concept of an object draws an operation panel called a control panel shown in FIG. 5 on the screen of a graphic display device. The control panel has a rectangular area (5-1) that represents a spatial object.
And a field object browser (5-2) capable of displaying a field object defined in a space and selecting it, and a collective object displaying a collective object and selecting the collective object.
A message box (5-4) for inputting commands from the browser (5-3) and keyboard device and for displaying the output from the program, and a notification field (5 for displaying guidance, warning and error messages. −
5), and a set generation button (5-) for instructing execution of the means by clicking in the area with the mouse
6), group drawing button (5-7), group selection button (5
-8), a set mapping button (5-9) and a set extraction button (5-10) are drawn. In addition, a log window (5-) that records commands and internal processing that accompany operation, communication status with the inquiry language program, and displays them in real time
11) and the number of elements in the union of the drawn area objects (5-12), a graphic occupied by one element
Number of dots on display device (5-13), drawing style (5-14), spatial object name (5-15), number of elements in population (5-16), database node (5)
-17), the inquiry language program (5-18), the window (5-19) displaying the number attributes of the aggregate object and the sub-aggregate object are displayed, and the operation status and environment information are presented. When the program of the present invention is started, the corresponding database / database is defined based on the spatial object definition information defined for each user identification code of the user.
The file is opened. The spatial object can be selected by clicking on the spatial object name (5-15) to display the spatial object browser.

The program of the present invention has its own command called "aggregate graph search language", and the execution of the means by operating the control panel is converted into the aggregate graph search language and processed. The inside of the program is composed of modules shown in FIG. 6, and the inter-module is processed by an internal command called an object message described in the set graph retrieval language. The execution of the means can be executed non-procedurally (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6) by using the object as an input.

In the following description, the spatial object definition described below and the aggregate object generated will be exemplified. Spatial object name "employee" 1, employee, Host, EMP, SQL Employee code personal_id, number (8), PERSONAL_NO Employee number name, char (40), NAME name age, integer, AGE ageBirthyearBirthdayBirthdayBirthday. Day address, char (40), ADDR_1 address tel, char (12), TEL_NO telephone number years, integer, YEARS years of service depth_no, number (4), DEPT_CODE department number proj_no, DEJRO number, project space number, project number First name "personal_history" 2, personal_h story, TECH_HIST, SQL Vitae record h_emp_id, number (8), EMP_NO employee number h_keyword, char (20), SYSTEM career Guidelines h_from_date, date, START_DATE career start year month h_to_date, date, FINISH_DATE career End Year month h_description, char (255), DESC Biography content Spatial object binding definition statement employee. personal_id, pers
onal_history. h_emp_id Set object group of spatial object “employee” 1, 'A'age> = 30 and age <35 1,' B ', years> 12 1,' C ', proj_no is null 1,' E ', dept_no = 100 2, "X"<+>('A' ^★ 'B') + ('A' ^★ '
C ') + (' B ' ^★ ' C ')) <->(' A ' ^★ ' B '
^★ 'C') 2, 'D', 2: ['A'] 2, 'F', <+>('A' + 'B') <->('A'
^★ 'C') <+>('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'C') Spatial object “personal_histor”
Collection object of y ”1, 'A', h_keyword = 'UNIX'

(A) Set generation means A search condition expression (a-is described by combining a key field serving as a search indicator and a corresponding condition value with a relational operator.
Input 1) in the message box (5-4) and click the set generation button (5-6). Field name is Field Object Browser (5-3)
It is also possible to select by clicking with the mouse. (A-1) Input example of search condition expression age> = 30 and age <35

(B) Set drawing means When up to three set objects to be drawn are clicked and selected from the set object browser (5-3) with the mouse, the set objects are displayed in the message box (5-4). Since the identifier (b-1) of
Click the set drawing button (5-7). (B-1) Input example of selected aggregate object identifier'A ',' B, 'C'

(C) Set selection means The inside of the area object on the set graph is selected by clicking with the mouse. If the target set consists of multiple region objects, or the logical disjunction of their intercepts, select the region objects consecutively in any order while holding down the shift key to add them. Set logical expression (c-1) in box (5-4)
Is displayed, click the set selection button (5-8). The numerical value written after the equal sign at the end of the set logical expression indicates the number of logical sets that have been constructed. (C-1) An example of a set logical expression written by clicking a region object ('A'-(('A' ^★ 'B') + ('A' ^★ '
C '))) + (' C '-((' A ' ^★ ' C ') + ('
B ' ^★ ' C '))) + (' B '-((' A ' ^★ ' B ')
+ ('B' ^★ 'C'))) = 85

(D) Set mapping means A set to be mapped is selected from the set object browser (5-3) or a set selection means to select a logical set from the set graph, and the set is displayed in a message box. With the set object identifier or set propositional logical expression written (d-1), the set map button (5-
9) Click. (D-1) Example of set object identifier or set propositional logical expression to be mapped "A" or <+>(('A' ^★ 'B') + ('A' ^★ 'C')
+ ('B' ^★ 'C')) <->('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ '
C ') The set map button changes to the "OK?" Button, and the spatial object browser that displays a list of spatial objects that can be mapped is displayed at the display position of the field object browser. Click the space object name to be selected with the mouse, and in the state (d-2) described in the message box, click the "OK?" Button. (D-2) Example of destination spatial object name to be mapped employee

(E) Set extracting means A set to be extracted is selected from the set object browser (5-3) or a set selecting means to select a logical set from a set graph, and a set is displayed in a message box. With the set object identifier or set propositional logical expression (e-1) written, the set extraction button (5-
10) Click. (C-1) Example of set object identifier or set propositional logical expression to be extracted 'D' or <+>'A'<->(('A' ^★ '
B ') + (' A ' ^★ ' C ')) The set extraction button changes to the "OK?" Button. Click the field group to be extracted from the field object browser (5-2) with the mouse. Select and click the "OK?" Button in the state described in the message box (e-2). (E-2) Example of field object name of set to be extracted personal_id, name, age, depth
_No,

[0018]

[Action]

(A) Set generation operation By clicking the set generation button, the search condition expression (a-1) described in the message box is acquired, and the set generation object message (a-2) converted into the set graph search command is displayed. To generate. (A-1) Input example of search condition expression age> = 30 and age <35 (a-2) Example of set generation object message createSet 'A' where age> =
30 and age <35. The set generation object message is converted by the query language command generation unit into a search command of the query language defined in the spatial object and transmitted to the query language program through the query language interface unit. The response message received from the inquiry language program is analyzed by the inquiry language interface unit, and the number of answers is notified to the set generation unit. The set generation unit records the search condition expression in the condition attribute of the set and the number of responses in the number attribute of the set, and allocates and registers a unique identifier in the spatial object. It also executes the set drawing object message (a-3) for drawing the generated set object on the set graph. (A-3) Example of set drawing object message executed by set generating action drawSet'A 'by rate.

(B) Set drawing operation By clicking the set drawing button, the set object identifier (b-1) described in the message box is acquired, and the set drawing object and the message (b-2) are acquired.
To generate. (B-1) Example of aggregate object identifier to be drawn'A ',' B ',' C '(b-2) Example of aggregate drawing object message drawSet'A', 'B', 'C'by fi
t. When multiple aggregate objects are specified, the logical product between the selected aggregate objects is automatically verified. For the logical product between the aggregate objects, the aggregate object of the logical product condition is generated from the condition attribute of the aggregate object and a search process is performed to obtain the number of logical product sets. The conditional expression of this logical intersection set and the number of answers are called a subset object, which is retained and reused for the duration of the session. (B-3) Example of object message for generating subset object createSubSet'A ' ^★ ' B '. The set graph can be drawn in three modes: relative, fit, and zoom.
The relative style is a style in which the ratio of the number of aggregate objects to the number of elements of spatial objects is drawn as the area of the area object in the area of the spatial object, and is suitable for comparison with the population. The conforming style is
It is suitable for quantitative comparison between sets and determination of a logical relationship between sets in a manner in which all area objects are adjusted to draw at a magnification that can be accommodated in a drawing frame. The enlargement style is a style in which the drawing magnification of the relative style is set to 1 and drawn twice each time it is redrawn, and it is suitable for more attention to see the detailed relationship of the aggregate graph.

(C) Set selection operation By clicking the set selection button, the set logical expression (c-1) of the set formed by selecting the area object described in the message box is obtained, and the "set logical expression" is obtained. Paraphrase ”, paraphrase the set propositional logical expression (c-2) and describe it in the message box, and generate a set selection object message (c-3). (C-1) Example of set logical expression constructed by selecting area object (('A' ^★ 'B')-('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'C'))
+ (('B' ^★ 'C')-('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ '
C ')) + ((' A ' ^★ ' C ')-(' A ' ^★ '
B ' ^★ ' C ')) = 85 (c-2) An example of a set propositional logic expression written in a message box <+>((' A ' ^★ ' B ') + (' A ' ^★ ' C ')
+ ('B' ^★ 'C')) <->('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ '
C ') (c-3) Example of set selection object message selectSet <+>((' A ' ^★ ' B ') + ('
A ' ^★ ' C ') + (' B ' ^★ ' C ')) <->(' A '
^★ 'B' ^★ 'C') The set selection means determines a logical set, performs "paraphrasing of a set logical expression", and inputs it to each means of set generation, set mapping, and set extraction. This is to generate an expression. When the set generation button is clicked in the state where the set propositional logical expression (c-2) is written in the message box, the set generation object message (c-3) is executed, and the deductive set object is generated. (C-3) Example of object message for generating deductive set object createSet "X" with <+>(('
A ' ^★ ' B ') + (' A ' ^★ ' C ') + (' B ' ^★ '
C ')) <->(' A ' ^★ ' B ' ^★ ' C ')

(D) Set mapping operation By clicking the set mapping button, the set object identifier (d-1) described in the message box,
Alternatively, the set propositional logical expression is acquired, and then the spatial object name (d-2) of the destination described in the message box is acquired by clicking the "OK?" Button, and the set mapping object message ( d-3) is generated. (D-1) Example of aggregate object identifier'A '(d-2) Example of destination spatial object name to be mapped employee (d-3) Example of aggregate mapped object message projectSet'A'to 1: employee
e This object message executes the space selection object message (d-4) that shifts to the space object to be mapped, and after the space object displayed on each screen transitions, the set generation object message (d -5) is executed. The condition attribute of the set object generated by the set mapping operation is the original condition attribute that is modified by the original spatial object number. (D-4) Example of space selection object message selectSpace personal-hist
ory. (D-5) Example of Set Generation Object Message createSet'D'with 2: ['A'] The set generation object message executed by the set mapping object message is a query language defined in the spatial object of the mapping destination. Sent to the sub module of the command generator

(E) Set extraction operation By clicking the set extraction button, the set object identifier described in the message box or the set propositional logical expression (e-1) is acquired, and then the "OK?" Button is clicked. Obtains the field object name (e-2) to be extracted described in the message box, and extracts the set object message (e-3)
To generate. (E-1) Example of set propositional logical expression <+>(('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'D') + ('A' ^★ '
C ' ^★ ' D ') + (' B ' ^★ ' C ' ^★ ' D ')) <-
>('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'C' ^★ 'D') (e-2) Example of field / object name to be extracted personal_id, name, age, depth
_No, (e-3) Example of set extraction object message readSet <+>(('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'D') +
('A' ^★ 'C' ^★ 'D') + ('B' ^★ 'C' ^★ '
D ')) <->(' A ' ^★ ' B ' ^★ ' C ' ^★ ' D ')
[Name, age, depth_no, proj_n
o]. The set extraction object message is transmitted to the query language command generation unit, converted into a query language search command, and transmitted to the query language program through the query language interface unit. The response message received from the inquiry language program is analyzed by the inquiry language interface unit, and the extracted data is returned to the set extraction command unit. The extracted data is displayed on the data display window.

(F) "Rewording of set logical expression" The selection of the area objects in the set graph in an arbitrary order means that the logical set composed of the same area objects shown in (7-a) of FIG. Different set logical expressions (f-1,
Obtain the result denoted by f-2). Also, since a set logical expression that describes the intercept of the region object is synthesized,
Descriptions of elements of the logical intersection set are duplicated, and descriptions of included sets exist. The “paraphrase of a set logical expression” is a set propositional logical expression (f-3) that describes a proposition by rearranging the elements of such an indeterminate and redundant set logical expression and calculating the logic of the elements. In other words. (F-1) Example of set logical expression (1) ('B'-(('A' ^★ 'B') + ('B' ^★ '
C '))) + ((' B ' ^★ ' C ')-(' A ' ^★ ' B '
^★ 'C')) + ('A'-(('A' ^★ 'B') + ('
A ' ^★ ' C '))) + ((' A ' ^★ ' B ')-(' A '
^★ 'B' ^★ 'C')) + ('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'C') =
255 (f-2) Example of set logical expression (2) ('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'C') + (('B' ^★ 'C') ) −
('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'C')) + (('A' ^★ 'B')
-('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'C')) + ('B' + (('
A ' ^★ ' B ') + (' B ' ^★ , C'))) + ('A'-
(('A' ^★ 'B') + ('A' ^★ 'C'))) = 25
5 (f-3) Example of set propositional logical expression <+>('A' + 'B') <->('A' ^★ 'C') <
+>('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'C') In the set propositional logical expression (f-3), the logical set on the left side is larger than the right side, and the sign “<+>” indicating positive logic and negative logic. And the symbol "<->" representing "," are described by connecting them alternately. "Exclude this part" from "big ones", but "do not exclude this part smaller than that included in the excluded part" It is a format that is expressed step by step. This expression format is a format in which the proposition of the set can be easily recognized and can be converted into a search command provided by a general query language. The set logical expression (f-5) including the deductive set object (f-4) is expanded by replacing the identifier of the deductive set object with the identifier of the primitive set object, and then "paraphrase of the set logical formula".
To construct a set propositional logical expression (f-6). (F-4) Example of deductive set object 2, 'F', <+>('A' + 'B') <->('A'
^★ 'C') <+>('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'C') (f-5) Example of set logical expression including deductive set object 'E' ^★ 'F' (f-6) Set proposition Example of logical expression <+>(('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'E') + ('B' ^★ '
C ' ^★ ' E ')) <->(' A ' ^★ ' B ' ^★ ' C ' ^★ '
E ′) FIG. 7 shows a diagram of a logical set formed by selecting a region object, a set logical expression representing the logical set, and a result of a set propositional logical expression generated by “paraphrasing the set logical expression”. .

(G) Inquiry Language Command Generation Function The inquiry language command generation unit generates a search command for the inquiry language program from the input object message. The query language command generation unit is provided with individual sub-modules corresponding to the language specifications, and generates a search command corresponding to the name of the query language program defined in the spatial object. The program of the present invention is a software software company SOAR Inc.
Sub-modules corresponding to each language specification, such as a search program, a conversational SQL program, and a HyperCard database function provided by Apple Computer, Inc. are installed. The SOAR search program converts the set-propositional logical expression generated by the program of the present invention into an S
It is possible to input and process the OAR-LQ program. The database function of HyperCard is executed by replacing the positive logic part and the negative logic part of the set propositional logic formula with individual mark commands, and finally the marked card becomes the search set. In the following description, an example of conversion into a search command of a general conversational SQL program will be described. The set generation object message (g-1) is
A search command (g-2) is generated using the database file name defined in the spatial object as the base table name for the search. (G-1) Example of set generation object message createSet'A'where age> = 30
and age <35. (G-2) Example of search command SELECT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP W
HERE age> = 30 and age <35; The set mapping object message (g-3) uses the database file name defined in the spatial object of the mapping destination as the base table name, and searches for linking elements in the link field. A command part (g-4) is generated, a search command part of the database file name and the conditional expression defined in the original space object is generated, and combined to generate one search command (g-5). . (G-3) Example of set mapping object message projectSet'A 'to employee. (G-4) Example of main search command section SELECT COUNT ( ^* ) FROM EMP WHERE EMP. PERSONAL_NO = TEC
H_HISTORY. EMP_ID (g-5) Example of set mapping search command generated by adding search condition of original object SELECT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM emplo
ye WHEE employee. personal_i
d = personal_history. h_emp_
id AND personal_history. h
_Keyword = 'UNIX'; The set extraction object message (g-6) is a data extraction command part (g-
7) is generated, the search command part is generated by referring to the condition attribute from the aggregate object identifier, and the search command part is synthesized to generate one search command (g-8). (G-6) Example of set extraction object message readSet'A '[personal_id, na
me, age, depth_no]. (G-7) Example of data extraction command section SELECT PERSONAL_NO, NAME, A
GE, DEPT_CODE FROM EMP (g-8) Example of set extraction search command generated by adding search command section SELECT PERSONAL_NO, NAME, A
GE, DEPT_CODE FROM EMP WHERE AGE> = 30 AND AGE <35; When the object message is an object message (g-9) including a set propositional logical expression, the set object identifier of the set propositional logical expression and the set logical The operator is converted into a corresponding SQL command to generate a query language command (g-10). The set logical operator is'or '
+ 'And positive logic'<+>'are"UNION" or "OR", logical difference'-' and negative logic '<->'
Is replaced with "MINUS", and the logical product " ^* " is replaced with "AND" or "INTERSECT". (G-9) Example of set generation object message by set propositional logical expression createSet'E'with <+>'A'<->
(('A' ^★ 'B') + ('A' ^★ 'C')). (G-10) Example of search command SELECT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP W
HERE AGE> = 30 AND AGE <35 M
INUS ((SELECT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP WHERE AGE> = 30 AND AGE> 35
AND YEARS> 12) UNION (SELECT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP WHERE AGE) = 30 AND AGE> 35
AND PROJ_CODE IS NULL));

(H) Query Language Interface Function The query language interface unit operates between the query language program and the program of the present invention through an interface with a communication line or a function such as a pipe on the same computer system. Controls transmission / reception processing. Select a reserved word for searching and extracting the number of responses from the input / output status of the query language program or the response message, and define it in the interface keyword statement in advance. The interface keyword statement describes a keyword, a query language program name, and a reserved word. For the transmission to the inquiry language program, the inputtable state is determined by the prompt message (h-1) and the command is transmitted. Reception from the inquiry language program includes reception of the number of responses and reception of data elements in set extraction. When receiving the number of responses, a reserved word (h-2) that describes the number of responses is searched and extracted from the received message text and transmitted to the request source. Upon reception of the data element, the state in which the query language command for set extraction is sent is recorded, and all response messages received thereafter are sent to the set extraction means unit until the next prompt message is received. (H-1) Example of prompt message definition prompt_ready, SOAR, " ^★ TYPE
COMMAND (M) "prompt_ready'SQL,"SQL>"(h-2) An example of a reserved word definition indicating the number of counts count_receive, SOAR," RECOR "
DS FOUND "count_receive, SQL," record
s selected ”

(I) Log record The operation record and the communication record with the inquiry language are recorded by adding the log header record described below. nnn sss-LE: message nnn. ． ． −. ． : Log line number. ． sss-. ． : Spatial object number Message level. ． ． ． ． ． -1. : Main command object message. ． ． ． ． ． -2. : Sub-command object message. ． ． ． ． ． -3. : Communication message with database query language. ． ． ． ． ． -4. : Trace message. ． ． ． ． ． -9. : Confirmation message of the contents obtained from the message box Message class code. ． ． ． ． ． −. C: Command. ． ． ． ． ． −. I: Trace information. ． ． ． ． ． −. W: Warning. ． ． ． ． ． −. E: Processing exception. ． ． ． ． ． −. F: System failure. ． ． ． ． ． −. ． : Object message and communication message Object messages record operation commands of the control panel and commands between modules.
A destination node name and a communication message sequence number are added to the communication message, and a command transmission message (i-1) and a response reception message (i-2) are recorded. (I-1) Example of command transmission message 032 001-3S: Host: 034: "SELE
CT COUNT ( ^★ ). ． ． ; (I-2) Example of response reception message 033 001-3R: Host: 034: "200
records selected. ”

[0027]

EXAMPLE An example of retrieving a personnel information database by a program realizing the present invention will be described below. The personnel information database is a database built on the database management system of SQL specification, and the employee table "
EMP "and technical history table" TECH_HISTO
There is RY ". The employee table has a spatial object" 0 ".
01 ", the technical history table is a spatial object" 0 ".
02 "," p "of spatial object" 001 "
personal_id, and spatial object "00"
The "emp_id" of 2 "is defined and combined in the spatial join statement. The proposition of the search is" create a list of new project leader candidates "and the candidate" ages 30 years old. 12 years old and above, under 35 years old
Years or more, or age 30 to less than 35 years old and do not belong to the project, or have worked for 12 years or more and do not belong to the project. It is necessary to be an employee who has development experience regarding ". Was analyzed.
This stage is a business thinking task based on the knowledge and experience in the field of application of HR personnel. The thinking task in the database search operation is to analyze the attribute of the target and describe the search condition expression. It is understood that the search target attribute is configured by a combination of the following four search conditions as factors. (A) "Age is 30 to 35 years old" (B) "Working for 12 years or more" (C) "Does not belong to project" (D) "Development experience on UNIX" To show the process The log that records the object message is written in.

An aggregate object satisfying the condition that "the age is 30 to 35 years old" is generated. In the message box, the condition "age> = 30 and age"
Enter <35 ”and click the set generation button on the operation screen.012 001-9I: create Set =: ag
e> = 30 and age <35 013 001-1C: createSet'A'wh
er age> = 30 and age <35. 014 001-3S: Host: 001: "SELE
CT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP NHRE
AGE> = 30 AND AGE <35;"015 001-3R: Host: 001:" 200
records selected. "016 001-2C: drawSet'A'by r
ate. The number of responses was 200. "Age is over 30 years old 3
An aggregate object that satisfies the condition of "under 5 years old"
A ′ is drawn in the relative style aggregate graph shown in FIG.

Next, a set object "B" is generated under the condition that "the number of years of service is 12 years or more". 017 001-9I: create Set =: ye
ars> 12 018 001-1C: createSet'B'wh
ere years> 12. 019 001-3S: Host: 002: "SELE
CT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP WHE
RE YEARS>12;"002 001-3R: Host: 002:" 150
records selected. "021 001-2C: drawSet'B'by r
ate. The number of responses was 150. Aggregate object'B '
Is registered and the set graph is drawn.

Here, the aggregate objects'A 'and'B'
Draw a set graph to see the relationship between. 022 001-9I: draw Set =: '
A ',' B '023 001-1C: drawSet'A', 'B'
by fit. 024 001-2C: createSubset '
A ' ^★ ' B '. 025 001-3S: Host: 003: "SELE
CT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP WHERE
AGE) = 30 AND AGE <35 AND Y
EARS>12;"026 001-3R: Host: 003:" 75 r
ecords selected. The number of logical intersection sets of the set objects “A” and “B” was 75. The set graph of the conforming style shown in FIG. 9 was drawn, and “Age between 30 and 35 years old, It can be determined that there are employees whose age is 12 years or more.

"Not belonging to a project" means that it is not currently assigned to a specific project, and can be searched under the condition "proj_no is null". Aggregate object '
Generate C '. 027 001-9I: create Set =: Pr
oj_no is null. 028 001-1C: createSet'C'wh
ere proj_nois null. 029 001-3S: Host: 004: “SELE
CT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP WHERE
PROJ_CODE IS NULL; "030 001-3R: Host: 004:" 100
records selected. "031 001-2C: drawSet'C'by r
ate. The number of responses was 100. Aggregate object'C '
Is registered and the set graph is drawn.

The subjects of the proposition are "A" of age 30 to under 35 "," A "and" B of 12 years or more "," B ",
It is the sum of the logical products of each of the set objects of “C” which does not belong to the project, and is the logical product of the condition of “development experience on UNIX”. Before generating the set "Development experience for UNIX", the three set objects'A ',' B ',' that have been generated so far are generated.
Draw a set graph with C '. 032 001-9I: draw Set =: '
A ',' B ',' C '033 001-1C: drawSet'A', '
B ',' C 'by fit. 034 001-2C: createSubset '
A ' ^★ ' C '. 035 001-3S: Host: 005: "SELE
CT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP WHERE
AGE> = 30 AND AGE <35 AND PROJ_CODE IS NULL; ”036 001-3R: Host: 005:” 50 r
ecords selected. "037 001-2C: createSubset '
B ' ^★ ' C '. 038 001-3S: Host: 006: "SELE
CT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP WHERE
YEARS> 12 AND PROJ_CODE I
S NULL; "039 001-3R: Host: 006:" 50 r
ecords selected. "040 001-2C: createsubset '
A ' ^★ ' B ' ^★ ' C '. 041 001-3S: Host: 007: "SELE
CT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP WHERE
AGE> = 30 AND AGE <35 AND
YEARS> 12 AND PROJ_CODE I
S NULL; "042 001-3R: Host: 007:" 30 r
ecords selected. "Subset object, 'A' ^{★ 50'C} ',' B '
^★ 'C' was 50 cases, 'A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'C' was 30 cases. As a result, according to the set graph shown in FIG.
It can be confirmed that there are intersecting parts in each of the three sets. The area of ('A' ^★ 'B') is "Age is 3
A logical intersection set of "0 years old to under 35 years old and 12 years or more of service" is shown in the area of ('A' ^★ 'C') "Age is 30 years old and under 35 years old and does not belong to the project." The logical intersection set of ('B' ^★ 'C') is
It is a region object that represents the existence of a logical intersection set of "not belonging to the project for more than a year". Also,('
The area of A ' ^★ ' B ' ^★ ' C ') represents a logical intersection set of "ages between 30 and 35 years old, 12 years of service or more, and no project". Parts must be excluded from the target.

(('A' ^★ 'B')-('A' ^★ 'B'
^★ 'C')), (('A' ^★ 'C')-('A' ^★ '
B ' ^★ ' C ')), ((' B ' ^★ ' C ')-('
A ' ^* ' B ' ^* ' C ') area object part is selected and one deductive set object is generated. The area on the set graph shown in FIG. 11 is selected by clicking with the mouse, and the set selection button is clicked to generate a set propositional logical expression. 043 001-9I: select Set
=: (('A' ^★ 'B')-('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ '
C ')) + ((' A ' ^★ ' C ')-(' A ' ^★ '
B ' ^★ ' C ')) + ((' B ' ^★ ' C ')-('
A ' ^★ ' B ' ^★ ' C ')) = 85 044 001-1C: selectSet <+
>(('A' ^★ 'B') + ('A' ^★ 'C') + ('
B ' ^★ ' C ')) <->(' A ' ^★ ' B ' ^★ ' C ') Message to register this logical set as a deduction set object with the identifier "X" explicitly specified. -Place the character cursor in front of the set propositional logic expression written in the box and enter '"X"with'. 045 001-9I: create Set =: ”
X "with <+>(('A' ^★ 'B') + ('
A ' ^★ ' C ') + (' B ' ^★ ' C ')) <->(' A '
^★ 'B' ^★ 'C') 046 001-1C: createSet ”X” wi
th <+>(('A' ^★ 'B') + ('A' ^★ 'C')
+ ('B' ^★ 'C')) <->('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ '
C ′) 047 001-3S: Host: 008: ”((SE
LECT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP WHE
RE AGE> = 30 AND AGE <35 AND YEARS> 12) UNION (SELECT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP
WHERE AGE> = 30 AND AGE <35
AND PROJ_CODE IS NULL) UNION (SELECT COUNT ( ^★ )) FROM EMP
WHERE YEARS> 12 AND PROJ_
CODE IS NULL)) MINUS (SELECT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM FROM EMP
WHERE AGE> = 30 AND AGE <35
AND YEARS> 12 AND PROJ_CO
DE IS NULL); "048 001-3R: Host: 008:" 85 r.
ecords selected. A deduction set object "" X "is registered.

The condition "development experience concerning UNIX" is to search for an employee number described as "UNIX" in the h_keyword field of the personal_history space object, and to retrieve that employee number.
This is to obtain a set mapped to the yee space object. First, click on the spatial object name,
Display Spatial Object Browser, person
Select the al_history space object and transition to the space object. 049 001-9I: select Space =:
personal_history 050 001-1C: selectSpace Pe
rsonal_history. An aggregate object with a condition of "development experience regarding UNIX" is generated. 051 002-9I: create Set =: h_
keyword = 'UNIX' 052 002-1C: createSet'A'wh
er e h_keyword = 'UNIX' 053 002-3S: Host: 009: "SELE
CT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM TECH_HIST
ORY WHERE SYSTEM = 'UNIX';"054 002-3R: Host: 009:" 625
records selected. "055 002-2C: drawSet'A'by
rate. The number of responses was 625. Personal_his is a group of employees called "Development experience about UNIX".
It is registered in the aggregate object'A 'of the tory space objects.

The generated aggregate object'A 'is em
Select from the Aggregate Object Browser to map to the playee space. 056 002-9I: project Set =: '
A ′ As shown in FIG. 12, a set map button (project
Set) changes to "OK?", And a message "Please select a space to map the set from the spatial object browser" is displayed in the notification field. Click on employee to select. 057 002-9I: project Space
=: Employee. 058 002-1C: projectSet'A't
o employee. 059 002-2C: selectSpace em
ployee. 060 001-3S: Host: 010: "SELE
CT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP WHERE
TECH_HISTORY. SYSTEM = 'UNI
X ';"061 001-3R: Host: 010:" 120 "
records selected. The aggregate object'A 'in the "personal_history space" is mapped onto the employee space object and registered as the aggregate object'D'.
The number of sets mapped to the employee space is 120.
It was a matter.

The previously generated deduction set object "X"
And the mapped aggregate object'D 'is designated to draw the aggregate graph. 062 001-9I: draw Set =: ”
X ", 'D' 063 001-1C: drawSet" X ", 'D'
by fit. 064 001-2C: createSubset ”
X " ^★ 'D'. 065 001-4I:" X " ^★ 'D' explod
ed to <+>(('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'D')
＋ ('A' ^★ 'C' ^★ 'D') + ('B' ^★ 'C' ^★ '
D ')) <->(' A ' ^★ ' B ' ^★ ' C ' ^★ ' D ') 066 001-3S: Host: 011: ”((SE
LECT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP WHE
RE AGE> = 30 AND AGE <35 AND YEARS> 12 AND TECH_HIS
TORY. SYSTEM = 'UNIX') UNION (SELECT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP
WHERE AGE> = 30 AND AGE <35
AND PROJ_CODE IS NULL AND TECH_HISTORY. SYSTEM = '
UNIX ') UNION (SELECT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP
WHERE YEARS> 12 AND PROJ_C
ODE IS NULL AND TECH_HIST
ORY. SYSTEM = 'UNIX')) MINUS (SELECT COUNT ( ^★ ) FROM EMP
WHERE AGE) = 30 AND AGE <35
AND YEARS> 12 AND PROJ_CO
DE IS NULL AND TECH_HISTO
RY. SYSTEM = 'UNIX'); 067 001-3R: Host: 011: "23 r
ecords selected. The number of logical intersection sets of "" X "and" D "was 23.
As a result, the set graph shown in FIG. 13 is drawn. ”
X ” ^★ 'D' means“ Project aged 30 to 35 years old with 12 years of service or more, aged 30 to 35 years and not affiliated with the project, 12 years or more of service Does not belong to
Furthermore, he has development experience with UNIX. It is a group of employees.

To create a list of subjects, a set "
X " ^★ Extract the employee number, name, age, and department / department number of" D ". Select the area object" X " ^★ " D "and click the set selection button. 068 001-9I: select Set =: ("
X " ^★ 'D') = 23 069 001-4I:" X " ^★ 'D' explod
ed to <+>(('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'D') +
('A' ^★ 'C' ^★ 'D') + ('B' ^★ 'C' ^★ '
D ')) <->(' A ' ^★ ' B ' ^★ ' C ' ^★ ' D ') 070 001-1C: selectSet <+>
(('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'D') + ('A' ^★ 'C' ^★ '
D ') + (' B ' ^★ ' C ' ^★ ' D ')) <->(' A '
^★ 'B' ^★ 'C' ^★ 'D') Click the set extraction button with the set-propositional logical expression written in the message box. 071 001-9I: read Set =: <+>
(('A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'D') + ('A' ^★ 'C' ^★ '
D ') + (' B ' ^★ ' C ' ^★ ' D ')) <->(' A '
^★ 'B' ^★ 'C' ^★ 'D') As shown in Fig. 14, the set extraction button (readSe)
t) changes to "OK?", and a message "Please select the field group to extract from the field object browser" is displayed in the notification field. From the Field Object Browser, click the field you want to extract to select it. 072 001-9I: read Items =: pe
rsonal_id, name, age, depth_n
o, 073 001-1C: readSet <+>(('
A ' ^★ ' B ' ^★ ' D ') + (' A ' ^★ ' C ' ^★ ' D ')
+ ('B' ^★ 'C' ^★ 'D')) <->('A' ^★ '
B ' ^★ ' C ' ^★ ' D ') [personal-id, n
ame, age, depth_no]. 074 001-3S: Host: 012: ”((SE
LECT PERSONAL_NO, NAME, AG
E, DEPT_CODE FROM EMP WHER
E AGE> = 30 AND AGE <35 AND
YEARS> 12 AND TECH_HISTORY. SYSTEM = '
UNIX ') UNION (SELECT PERSONAL_NO, NAME,
AGE, DEPT_CODE FROM EMP WH
ERE AGE> = 30 AND AGE <35 AND PROJ_CODE IS NULL AND
TECH_HISTORY. SYSTEM = 'UNI
X ') UNION (SELECT PERSONAL_NO, NAME,
AGE, DEPT_CODE FROM EMP WH
ERE YEARS> 12 AND PROJ_COD
E IS NULL AND TECH_HISTOR
Y. SYSTEM = 'UNIX')) MINUS (SELECT PERSONAL_NO, NAME,
AGE, DEPT_CODE FROM EMP WH
ERE AGE> = 30 AND AGE <35 AND YEARS> 12 AND PROJ_COD
E IS NULLAND TECH_HISTOR
Y. SYSTEM = 'UNIX'); 075 001-3R: Host: 012: "read
y for output ”As shown in the above embodiment, the“ database search processing method by schematizing a set ”is that all search processes are graphic objects except that conditional expressions of a basic set object are described. This is realized by a graphic user interface for instructing selection, and realized by a stepwise operation flow (FIG. 15) that is synchronized with the process of logical thinking.

[0038]

According to the present invention, by mapping a set to a geometrical rectangular figure and illustrating it, (a) the size of the rectangular area and the positional relationship, the amount of the set, and the distance between the sets. Can visually evaluate and recognize the logical relationships in
(B) The set graph drawn by the three rectangular regions includes 8 segments including the intercepts of the maximum 7 regions and the extension.
Individual logical sets are presented, and by selecting and instructing to combine these sets, 255 kinds of search condition expressions can be generated and data extraction operation can be performed. Since the amount and the relationship of the existence are recorded by a graph, there is an effect that it can be used as a medium for time series comparison of sets by a graph and for explanation and presentation by a graph. In database searches such as information searches and literature searches, we do not clearly know what to search for,
Repeat trial and error under tentative conditions that are uncertain and unclear. Such a search process has the purpose of searching for a target itself, and the search process is executed by a relatively simple conditional expression to generate a set, and the generated sets are combined by a pool operator to generate a set. The object is understood from a logical relationship. Also, in database searches such as personnel information and business management information, the best condition is described from the combination of sets obtained by describing multiple conditions for multiple items in multiple database files and assuming multiple condition values. May be asked. In all of these searches, the difficulty of the logical task of grasping the amount of sets and the logical relationship between sets is greater than the difficulty of the technical problems in computer operation. Therefore, the user hand-writes a diagram that represents the existence of the set as a circle on the paper surface of the desk,
It is often found that the user evaluates, judges, and understands graphically, and inputs the search condition again to the keyboard of the computer. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention has an effect of integrally solving a logical problem in the process of thinking and a technical problem in the process of operation in a complicated and advanced search or an uncertain and unclear search.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a “collection graph”.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system. (2-a) System configuration of a single computer system (2-b) System configuration connected to a host computer system

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a format in which a logical set is represented in a rectangular area (shaded portion). (3-a) A set intersection of the set'A 'and the set'B'.
It is written as A ' ^★ ' B '. (3-b) The union of the set'A 'and the set'B'
Notated as A '+' B '. (3-c) A difference set obtained by subtracting the set'B 'from the set'A', and is expressed ^as'A '-(' A ' ^★ ' B '). (3-d) A difference set obtained by subtracting the set'A 'and the set'B' from the mother set '#', and is expressed as '#'-('A' + 'B').

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a format of a set graph for drawing three sets. (4-a) 'A' ^★ 'B' ≠ 0, 'A' ^★ 'C' ≠
0, 'B' ^★ 'C' ≠ 0, 'A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'C' ≠ 0
In the case of, an arrangement format in which 7 sections are generated. (4-b) 'A' ^★ 'B' ≠ 0, 'A' ^★ 'C' ≠
0, 'B' ^★ 'C' ≠ 0, 'A' ^★ 'B' ^★ 'C' = 0
In the case of, an arrangement format in which 6 sections are generated. (4-c) 'A' ^★ 'B', 'A' ^★ 'C', '
B ' ^★ ' C 'is an arrangement format in which 5 divisions occur when one of them is 0. (4-d) 'A' ^★ 'B', 'A' ^★ 'C', '
Arrangement form in which 4 sections are generated when any two of B ' ^★ ' C 'are 0. (4-e) 'A' ^★ 'B', 'A' ^★ 'C', '
B ' ^* ' C 'is an arrangement format in which three divisions occur when all are 0.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation panel called a control panel.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a module configuration of a program for realizing the present invention and a processing order of means.

[Fig. 7] "paraphrase of set logical expression" by set selection means
It is a figure which shows the effect of. When the area of each graph is selected (shaded part), the logical expression shown at the bottom of the graph is written, and it is paraphrased to the set propositional logical expression described in the latter half of '='.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a set graph in which a generated set object is drawn in a relative mode after execution of a set generation command in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a set of objects'A 'and' in the embodiment.
It is a figure which shows the set graph of B '.

FIG. 10 is a set object 'in the example.
It is a figure which shows the set graph of A ',' B ', and'C'.

FIG. 11 is a deductive set object according to an embodiment.
It is a figure which shows the part on the set graph selected when generating X ".

FIG. 12: In the embodiment, when the set mapping button is clicked, the button is changed to an "OK?"
It is a figure which shows the state in which the browser was displayed.

FIG. 13 is a deductive set object according to an embodiment ”
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a set graph of X ″ and a mapped ensemble of the group of bar code sets'D '.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which a set extraction button is clicked and changed to an “OK?” Button in the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a step-by-step operation flow of a “database search processing method by schematizing a set” in an example.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. In a process of obtaining the number of sets of a database search and a process of extracting a data element of a set, (a) the search condition of the set and the number of answers are integrated as an abstract object (set object). (B) Select up to three aggregate objects from the registered aggregate objects, and register the amount of aggregate and the logical relationship between the aggregates with a geometric rectangle. The group mapping means for presenting the schematic image mapped to the area on the screen of the graphic display device, and (c) the drawn rectangular area and the section of the area are instructed by using an instruction device such as a mouse, A set selection means that forms a logical set that combines them, and (d) a set object, and a set that is logically formed by the set selection means Mapping the elements of the base file, a set mapping means, (e) the aggregate object and extracts the data elements of the set constituted logically by the set selecting means, a database search processing method which includes a set extraction means.