JPH10312392A - Display method for data base - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To understand object data and to retrieve relative data by displaying the parent-child relation between the parent node of data in tree structure and nodes and leaves included it in an overlap state of plate type objects and objects representing the contents of the data. SOLUTION: 'Including' areas are represented as plate type objects 712 and 713 and 'included' objects 714 to 716 are arranged above or below the plates. When one object 713 is included in another object 712, the included object 713 is displayed in an overlap state cutting the including object 712. Thus, the parent-child relation is represented by overlaps of objects without using connection lines to evade a confusing display even when connection lines are needed for other reasons and makes the display where the parent-child relation is easy to grasp even if the viewpoint position of the display changes.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a database display method, and more particularly to a database having a hierarchical structure, a plurality of nodes having no hierarchical structure but related to each other, and leaves connected to each node. The present invention relates to a display method suitable for displaying a database.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various methods are known as methods for displaying "hierarchical relation (tree structure) by inclusion / containment" in a database according to the prior art, but most of them are developed by displaying a tree in three dimensions. It is to do.

In the above-described database display method according to the prior art, when data has a deeper hierarchy, the trees are overlapped, making it difficult to see the hierarchical relationship, and since there is no margin in the display axis, the relationship with other information is three-dimensionally expressed. Not suitable for

[0004] Further, in the display method according to the prior art, when a tree is represented in a connected manner, it is not possible to represent a hierarchical relationship between areas and a network connection inside the area. Although the area can be closed and the tree shrunk, the tree cannot be shrunk and the connection of the tree is kept, and a display such as showing the lower layer area cannot be performed.

[0005]

As described above, in the database display method according to the prior art, the tree as the database structure is expanded and displayed three-dimensionally. Is difficult to see, and there is a problem that the display axis has no margin and is not suitable for three-dimensionally expressing a relationship with other information.

[0006] Further, in the conventional database display method, it is difficult to clearly express the hierarchical relation of the area and the state of network connection in the area when the tree is expressed in a connected manner. Has problems.

Further, in the conventional database display method, the tree can be displayed by closing the lower area and closing the tree. However, the tree is reduced, the connection of the tree is maintained, and the lower area is displayed. However, there is a problem that a necessary display cannot be performed in a network display or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem of the database display method according to the prior art, and to arbitrarily specify data that is only included or included (hierarchical structure) from the database and replaces the data. It is an object of the present invention to provide a display method of a database which can be visually displayed and operated as an object in a three-dimensional space, and which can understand target data and search for related data.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided a method for displaying a database having a hierarchical structure, wherein a parent node of data having a tree structure of the database and a parent and child of nodes and leaves included therein are provided. By displaying the relationship by the overlapping state of the plate-shaped object and the object indicating the data content, the object indicating the parent node in the overlapping of the plate-shaped object displaying the data and the object indicating the data content. This is achieved by arranging and displaying child nodes and child leaves within the range indicated by.

[0010] The object is to provide a plate-like object for displaying the data, a display object for displaying overlapping data in an overlap of the object indicating the content of the data in different colors, or a plate-like object for displaying the data. This is achieved by abbreviating an object at an arbitrary position where objects indicating data contents overlap.

According to the present invention, there is provided a database display method comprising a plurality of nodes which do not have a hierarchical structure but are related to each other and a leaf connected to each node. A set of nodes that are connected to each other are placed on the circumference or on the surface of a sphere while maintaining a certain distance between each of the nodes. In addition, for nodes that are connected only by one route to each other, each of the nodes is arranged so that each of them keeps a certain distance and becomes an end point on a line segment, and the nodes are connected by a line. This is achieved by displaying with.

[0012] Further, the object is to form a leaf connected to each of the nodes at a predetermined distance from each other and to form a concentric circle centered on a spherical surface centered on the node or a point offset from the position of the node. Achieved by placing and displaying on top.

[0013] Further, the object is to provide a method in which a plurality of nodes arbitrarily selected from the plurality of nodes related to each other are converted into a single object having a size smaller than the space required for display by the original node. By expressing and displaying the object and the nodes related to each of the nodes grouped there together with a line, a node arbitrarily selected from the plurality of nodes related to each other The leaf connected to the selected node is not displayed, or a plurality of leaves connected to the selected node are
This is achieved by representing and displaying two small objects. According to the present invention, by providing the above-described configuration, the relationship between the parent and the child can be expressed by the overlapping of the objects without using the connection, so that the display is not confusing when the connection is necessary for other reasons, The display can be performed so that the parent-child relationship can be grasped even if the viewpoint position of the display changes.

According to the present invention, a node or leaf at an arbitrary position can be abbreviated and displayed, so that the tree does not need to be expanded unnecessarily large. Therefore, only a necessary portion is expanded in a limited screen and is easy to see. Display can be performed.

According to the present invention, there is provided a database comprising a plurality of nodes which do not have a hierarchical structure but are related to each other and a leaf connected to each node. Each of the multiple nodes is placed on the circumference or on the surface of a sphere while maintaining a certain distance, and the nodes that have a relationship are displayed by connecting them with a line. For nodes that do not have them, each node is kept at a certain distance and arranged so as to be the end point on the line segment, and the nodes are connected by a line and displayed, so even if the viewpoint position changes, the nodes The relationship can be easily grasped.

In the above-mentioned display, unnecessary parts can be omitted and displayed, so that only necessary parts can be developed and viewed in the displayed screen.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a database display method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a processing apparatus for displaying a database according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a CPU, 2 is a display unit, 3 is an input unit,
Is a keyboard, 5 is a mouse, 6 is a storage unit, 7 is a communication device, 8 is a server, 9 is a database, 10 is a personnel database, and 14 is a device database.

The processing device shown in FIG. 1 comprises a CPU 1, a display unit 2, a storage unit 6, a communication device 7, and a server 8 connected via the communication device 7. The display unit 2 includes a CPU
The necessary display is performed based on the instruction of (1). Input unit 3
Receives an operation input from an input device such as a keyboard 4 and a mouse 5 and transmits the operation input to the CPU 1. It is also possible to use a touch panel, a pen input device, or the like as the input device. The storage unit 6 stores definition information and parameters of operation states set by the user. When the processing of the illustrated processing apparatus ends, the state immediately before the end is stored, and at the next start-up, the state at the time of the previous end is saved. Can be used for return to state. The storage unit 6 may be located in the server 8.

The server 8 stores a database 9. This database may be stored not in the server but in a local auxiliary storage device, or may be stored in the hard disk by connecting a hard disk device or the like (not shown) to the CPU.

In the illustrated example, the database 9 includes a personnel database 10, a device database 14, and other databases. The type and number of databases to be stored can be arbitrarily determined. Further, each database may be a part of one database. Each database is constituted by data 11 and 15, display data 12 and 16 for displaying the data on the display unit, and related data 13 and 17 which record a relation between the data and data of another database. I have.
The units of the data 11, 15, the display data 12, 16 and the related data 1317 do not need to be in the same database, and are recorded in different places if the CPU 1 can extract necessary data according to the relation of the data. It may be.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the display screen of the display unit 2. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 18 denotes a related operation display unit,
9 is a two-dimensional display unit that is a first display unit, 20 is a three-dimensional display unit that is a second display unit, 21 is a three-dimensional plane projection view display unit,
Reference numeral 22 denotes a three-dimensional display area operation display unit; 23, a camera operation unit; and 24, a mouse cursor.

On the display screen of the display unit 2, a related operation display unit 18, a two-dimensional display unit 19, a three-dimensional display unit 20, a three-dimensional plane projection view display unit 21, a three-dimensional display area operation display unit 2
2. A camera operation unit 23 is provided. Further, a mouse cursor 24 is displayed in response to the input of the mouse 5.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the two-dimensional display units 19, 3
Although only one dimension display unit 20 is provided, each number is not limited. When there is room in the size of the display unit, by providing many of these display units, a large amount of data can be displayed at the same time.
Operability can be improved. The layout of the display units 18 to 23 existing on the screen of the display unit 2 does not need to be particularly determined. The display units 18 to 23 may be divided into some groups, and each group may be displayed in one window. In this case, the layout can be easily used by moving the window, and the operability can be improved. In addition, all the display units may be combined into one window. In this case, the display of each of the display units 18 to 23 is not hidden by the overlapping of the windows, so that the visibility of the display can be improved.

FIG. 3 shows a two-dimensional display unit 19 as a first display unit.
It is a figure explaining the form of. In the display area 32 of the two-dimensional display unit 19, the database 9 instructed to be displayed by the CPU 1 includes at least a tree format, a list format, a diagram format,
It is displayed in a format suitable for two-dimensional display such as a map format, a graph format, and a table format. The display format of the data is included in the display data 12 and 16 of the database 9, but if the data can be displayed in a plurality of display formats, the user is given an opportunity to select the format. The data is displayed by characters and symbols based on the display data, and each is a switch for operation.

Scroll bars 34 and 38 are provided below and beside the display area 32 for scrolling the display of data that is not displayed because the data protrudes from the display area to the display area 32. A pull switch 41 for the user to specify a database to be displayed is provided near the display area 32.
The displayable database name is displayed on the dimension display unit 19. When the database is specified by the pull switch 41, C
PU1 displays the designated database in the display area 32. The pull switch 41 can be provided as a list displaying a plurality of database names.

FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensional display unit 20 as a second display unit.
It is a figure explaining the form of. In the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20, the database 9 instructed by the CPU 1 to be displayed is displayed as at least a three-dimensional display. CP
U1 generates display data of the database 9 instructed to be displayed as a three-dimensional object in the virtual three-dimensional space, and displays the data on the three-dimensional display unit 20 as an image projected by a camera arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space. Region 45
To be displayed.

The virtual three-dimensional space projected on the display area 45 can be divided into one or more space areas 46 and 47. The shape, size, and number of the divided space regions 46 and 47 are arbitrary as necessary. In the illustrated example, each space area is shown as having the same size and arranged vertically in the virtual three-dimensional space. However, the arrangement and relative positions of the space areas are arbitrary as necessary.

Although one spatial region simultaneously targets one database to be displayed, it is possible to simultaneously display the same database in two or more spatial regions. The display format of the database in each spatial area is included in the display data, but when the display data includes a plurality of display formats, the user can be given an opportunity to select a format. The data is displayed as a three-dimensional display object in a designated space area using characters and symbols based on display data. Each of them is an operation switch.

In the vicinity of the display area 45, there is provided a display state registration button 44 for registering a parameter group necessary for reproducing a state currently displayed in the display area. The button 44 may be provided as a pull-down menu. A name is given to the registered parameter group, and the name is displayed on a menu displayed by the status call pull switch 64. When a parameter group is designated by the pull switch 64, the CPU 1
Reproduces the display of the display area 45 in accordance with each parameter of the designated parameter group. The status call pull switch 64 may be provided as a list that displays the names of registered parameter groups. A scroll bar for operating a camera in the virtual three-dimensional space is provided on each side of the display area.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the format of the related operation display section 18. As shown in FIG. The related operation display unit 18 is a two-dimensional display unit 19 that is a first display unit, or a three-dimensional display unit 19 that is a second display unit.
The dimension display unit 20 displays buttons for displaying detailed data that is not displayed in the display area of each data displayed as symbols or characters, and buttons for performing an operation related to the data.

Examples of these buttons 25 to 31 are shown in FIG. These buttons may be provided as a pull-down menu. In this case, the display space can be reduced, so that when the display portion is narrow, the data display portion can be widened, and the operation can be comfortably performed. Performance can be improved.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the format of the three-dimensional plane projection view display unit 21, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are views for explaining projection views for three-dimensional display. These will be described below.

The three-dimensional plane projection view display section 21 is provided with a display area 66 for displaying data. In the display area 66, a three-dimensional image displayed on any one of the spatial areas 46 and 47 provided in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20 is displayed.
Based on the positional relationship of the symbols when viewed from any of the upper, lower, front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the six surfaces, the symbols are displayed as projections using symbols based on characters and display data. Each symbol based on characters and display data is an operation switch.

Further, in the display area 66, a database part which is out of the space area to be displayed is also displayed. The range currently displayed in the space area provided in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20 is as follows:
This is indicated by a range frame 67. On the side and below the display area 66,
Scroll bars 69 and 73 are provided for scrolling and displaying the data display that is not displayed because it extends beyond the display area 66. The scroll bar is operated to scroll the data display.
The range frame 67 is scrolled together with the data display.

When the user operates the pull switch 76, a name menu of the viewpoint of the space area is displayed.
When the name of the viewpoint is selected from the menu by the user, the CPU 1 changes the display of the display area 66 to the positional relationship of the symbols in the space area which is the display target of the display area 66 when viewed from the viewpoint. At the same time, it is changed to a symbol based on characters and display data.

When the user moves the range frame 67 in the display area 66 with the mouse, the area frame 67 is displayed in the space surrounded by the range frame 67 and the space area to be displayed in the display area 66 after the movement. The range of the data displayed in the space area is corrected by the CPU 1 so that the ranges correspond to each other. When the size of the range frame 67 in the display area 66 is changed by the user, the area surrounded by the range frame 67 after moving and the range displayed in the space area to be displayed in the display area 66 The range of data displayed in the space area 46 or 47 is corrected by the CPU 1 so that

When the pull switch 78 is operated by the user, a display scale menu of the display area 66 is displayed. When the user selects an arbitrary scale,
The CPU 1 changes the display scale of the display area 66 based on the center of the range frame 67 and displays again. Range frame 6 after changing the scale
The size of 7 is not changed. After changing the scale, CPU1
Is the space area 46 or the display area 66 to be displayed in the display area 66 so that the portion surrounded by the range frame 67 corresponds to the range displayed in the space area to be displayed in the display area 66. The display scale of 47 is changed and displayed again.

The example shown in FIG. 7 is an example in which the database is personnel information in an organization such as a company, and explains the generation of the projection. In this example, the organization has departments A and B at the same level, the lower level of department A has sections A and B at the same level belonging to department A, and employees A and B are in section A.
Is shown, and the state of the database configured with a hierarchical structure in which the employee C is assigned to the section B is projected.

The database having the above-mentioned hierarchical structure has a display area of the three-dimensional display unit 20 so that the departments, sections, and employees can see each of them as a specific hierarchical structure as indicated by reference numerals 151 to 156. It is displayed in a space area provided in 45, for example, 47. In the example of FIG. 7, this is projected as viewed from above, and a projection view as shown in the upper part of FIG. 7 is displayed in the display area 66. Therefore, the display of the display area 66 is as shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, the display area 6
The B section 168 is displayed outside the range frame 67 of No. 6.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the format of the three-dimensional display area operation display section 22. The three-dimensional display area operation unit 22 includes 3
There is provided a list 80 for displaying the names of the databases displayed in the display area 45 of the dimension display unit 20 together with the upper and lower sides of the space area for displaying each of the names. The list 80 is provided with an opacity button 82, a semi-transparency button 83, and a non-display button 84 alongside the names 81 and 89 of the respective databases.

When the translucent button 83 is operated by the user, the CPU 1 translucents the display of the space area displaying the database on the same row as the button with the value read from the storage unit 6. Further, when the non-display button 84 is operated by the user, the CPU 1 temporarily hides the display of the spatial area displaying the database on the same row as the button. When the user operates the opacity button 82 arranged on the same line as the database name of the translucent, non-displayed space area display, the CPU 1 changes the display of the space area to a normal display.

When the user clicks the name of the database displayed in the list 80, the CPU 1
Makes that database name a selected state. And
The CPU 1 sets a space area displaying the selected database as a display target of the display area 66 of the three-dimensional plane projection view display unit 21.

In the vicinity of the list 80, a display release button 9
1, an interval increase button 92, an interval decrease button 93, and a display condition setting button 90 are provided. Database names 81, 8
When the user operates the display release button 91 in a state where 9 is selected, the CPU 1 deletes the display of the database and the displayed space area from the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20, The name of the database displayed in the list 80 and the button displayed on the same line as the name of the database are deleted. The CPU 1 only erases the display of the database but does not delete the data of the database.

When the user operates the space increase button 92 in a state where the database names 81 and 89 are selected, the CPU 1 determines the space between the space area for displaying the selected database and the adjacent space area. To the storage unit 6
Increases by the value read from. Database name 8
When the user operates the interval reduction button 93 in a state where the first and 89 are selected, the CPU 1 stores the interval between the space area displaying the selected database and the adjacent space area in the storage unit 6. Is reduced by the value read from. However, if the interval is equal to or less than the value specified in the storage unit 6, the CPU 1 does not reduce the interval.

With the database name 81 or 89 selected, the display attribute setting button 90 is set by the user.
Is operated, the CPU 1 opens a window for setting various conditions for displaying the database in the space area.

The camera operation display unit 23 displays the three-dimensional display of the database displayed in the space area in the three-dimensional display unit 20 by operating a virtual camera provided around the space area. It is used to change the display mode of the dimensional display. However, in the present invention, since the operation on the camera operation display unit 23 is not directly related, the description is omitted.

According to the present invention, the data structure of the database is
On the premise of a database that is only included / included (hierarchical structure), data is arbitrarily specified from the database, and the specified data is arranged and displayed as an object on the three-dimensional display unit 20 described above. The types of data constituting the hierarchical structure include those called leaves and nodes. The leaf is the data included in the node of the included relation (hierarchical relation), and the node is the hierarchy itself of the included relation (hierarchical relation).

When the data in the database is displayed as an object on the three-dimensional display unit, the designated data is displayed as an object in the three-dimensional display unit 20 as xz
It is arranged on a plane. Data (nodes) passing between designated data (leaves or nodes) are arranged on the xz plane as objects in the three-dimensional display unit.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the relative relationship (parent-child relationship) of the target objects. With reference to FIG. 10, an object name indicating the relative relationship of the target objects will be described. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 700 denotes a currently specified target object; 701, a higher-level object that is a parent of the target object; 703, an object in the same row as the target object that is a sibling of the target object; and 704, a lower-level object that is a child of the target object. It is. The hierarchical structure in the database is
When it is set as an object, it is formed as having a parent-child relationship, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a tree structure between nodes and leaves. Referring to FIG. 11, the selected node and the highest-order node passing when the leaves are connected by tracing the tree. The definition will be described.

A database having a tree structure of nodes and leaves can be expressed as shown in FIG. 11, and is laid out by a tree of a plurality of nodes 709 to 711 and leaves 705 to 708 connected to the nodes. . Such a tree structure has a two-dimensional display unit 1
9 can be displayed.

In FIG. 11, for example, the leaf "f-
When “1” (705) and “f−2” (706) are selected, “F” (709) is defined as the highest node. Also, leaves "f-1" (705) and "i-2"
If (707) is selected, "C" (710) to which these leaves are related is defined as the top node. Further, the leaves "f-1" (705) and "j-
When "2" (708) is selected, "R" (711) is defined as the highest-level node as described above.

FIGS. 12 to 16 are diagrams for explaining the basic expression when a database that can be expressed as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the three-dimensional display unit 20, and this will be described below.

As described above, the basis of the tree is the relationship of “include / include”. Therefore, in the present invention, the "included" area is represented by plate-shaped (regardless of shape) objects 712 and 713, and the "included" objects 714 to 716 are arranged above or below the plate. I do. Also in this case, the shape of what is “included” does not matter. In the above, what is included corresponds to a node having a hierarchical structure. Also, what is included corresponds to a leaf or node (including children) of the hierarchical structure.

In FIG. 12, an object 713
Is included in another object 712, the included object 713 is included in the included object 712.
Are displayed so as to overlap each other. Such overlapping objects can be displayed in different colors. Also, the object 712
Is always constant (this direction is referred to as a development direction). When the number of included objects 714 to 716 arranged on one of the plate-shaped objects 712 and 713 exceeds a certain number, the included object corresponding to the leaf is stored in the node as shown in FIG. The corresponding objects are arranged in two rows on the opposite side to the development direction with respect to the included objects.
In this case, if connection information is required, an object indicating a connection may be displayed on a board indicating the object.

In the case where the hierarchy is deep as shown in FIG. 13, the display of the intermediate hierarchy may be omitted as shown in FIG. The connection between the trees may be maintained while the tree is contracted in the form shown in FIG. 15 so that the lower layer area is shown.

Next, a description will be given of an efficient arrangement of objects expressing the relation (hierarchical structure) of the included and the included in the three-dimensional display.

Normally, when expressing the relation (hierarchical structure) that includes and includes, the object is expanded in the vertical axis direction. In such a format, as the expansion proceeds, the size in the vertical axis direction increases, while the horizontal axis size does not change much, so it becomes difficult to perform the expansion work in a state where the display range is limited. . Also, the above format is
It is also difficult to refer to the terminal nodes that are branched in a plurality of upstream hierarchies at the same time. In an environment where the object display in a three-dimensional space is viewed from various viewpoints, such as when rotating an object display, the parent and child of the hierarchical structure Is difficult to distinguish.

FIG. 17 is a view for explaining an example of a tree structure between nodes and leaves. FIGS. 18 and 19 show a database which can be expressed as shown in FIG.
Is a diagram for explaining the expression in the case of displaying in the following. With reference to these figures, a development direction for solving the above-described problem will be described below.

Assume that objects of a database having a hierarchical structure as shown in FIG. 17 are to be arranged, and the highest-order node in this case is 717. When all the node arrangements of the hierarchical structure as shown in FIG. 17 are expanded in one direction, the expression is as shown in FIG. In this case, FIG.
As can be seen from the figure, the size in the vertical axis direction becomes large.

Therefore, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 19, the uppermost node 717 is expanded in the x (horizontal) axis direction. The expression as shown in FIG. 19 is effective when rotated about the y-axis because the width occupying the xz plane is uniform. The child node corresponding to the top node 717 is represented by arranging objects in the x (horizontal) axis direction. The nodes other than the top node are represented by arranging objects in the z (vertical) axis direction.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example of a tree structure between nodes and leaves. FIGS. 21 to 23 show a database which can be expressed as shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the expression when displayed by an abbreviated object. Hereinafter, generation of an abbreviated object of an included / included relationship (hierarchical structure) expression in a three-dimensional display will be described with reference to these drawings.

Data is arbitrarily specified from the database,
When displaying as an object in the three-dimensional display unit, node objects passing between designated objects are displayed, and the relationship between the designated objects is grasped. However, when all of these node objects are displayed, the number of objects increases. However, problems such as an increase in the object display range and difficulty in distinguishing the designated object from other objects occur. For this reason, in the present invention, a plurality of objects other than the designated object are abbreviated and represented as one object.

That is, in the present invention, a plurality of data is designated from a database having a tree structure, and a node passing between the designated data and the designated data is designated by 3D.
When arranging objects as objects in the display, a plurality of node objects other than the designated object are replaced with one object (this object is referred to as an abbreviated object). The omitted object is an included (hierarchical structure) expression included in the three-dimensional display, like the other nodes, and is displayed in an expression different from the form or color of the object to be omitted.

When the omitted object is expanded, if the number of objects included in the omitted is large, the display range is widened. In addition, since many of the omitted objects are expanded and the overall arrangement balance is greatly disrupted, there is a difference in the image that the user has with respect to the object arrangement after the expansion, and it is necessary to determine which object has been omitted. Have difficulty.

To solve the above problems, the present invention provides:
The object to be omitted is given a stage. In this case, it is possible to omit node objects over multiple layers, or omit expanded node objects.

Examples of omission and staging of the above-described objects will be described with reference to FIGS. Now, when an object is generated by selecting a node 731 and a leaf 732 of a database having a hierarchical structure as shown in FIG. 20, a three-dimensional display of all expanded levels is shown in FIG.
The situation is as shown in In addition, if the node objects 733 to 736 in the expanded example as shown in FIG. 21 are replaced with the omitted node objects 737 to 740, they can be expressed as shown in FIG. Further, when the plurality of node objects 733 to 736 in FIG. 21 are replaced with the omitted object 741, a situation as shown in FIG. 23 is obtained.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 described above,
According to the present invention, the omission of the object can be performed step by step, and the user can select the step.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a personnel database as a specific example of the database described above, and FIGS. 25 to 29 are diagrams for explaining an example in which the database shown in FIG. 24 is three-dimensionally displayed. Numeral 30 is a flowchart for explaining a process of selecting data from the database shown in FIG. 24 and displaying it three-dimensionally. Hereinafter, with reference to these drawings, a process of performing the display of FIGS. 25 to 29 will be described.

The personnel database shown in FIG. 24 is displayed on the two-dimensional display unit 19. Although the contents of the personnel data are apparent from the figure and will not be described, it is a database having a hierarchical structure. The processing for three-dimensional display is performed as shown in FIG. 30. Here, the processing in each processing step will be briefly described.

Step 3001 A leaf or node of the database displayed in the display area 32 of the two-dimensional display unit 19 is selected. Step 3002 When a single node is selected, in this example, the node b2c (7
Select 28).

Step 3003 The node b2c-related (728) is designated as a node from the data 11 of the personnel 10 in the database 9. Step 3004 From HR 10 in database 9,
Refers to a node or leaf included in the selected node. For example, Mr. B included in b2c-related (728) 7
29. Step 3005: Place B 729 and C 730 as leaves or nodes included in the selected node. Step 3006: Place the selected node b2c relation (728). Step 3007 After the process of step 3006, if there is no node passing between the selected leaf or node, a display as shown in FIG. 25 is performed on the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20.

Step 3009 When a single leaf is selected, in this example, after the processing of step 3001,
As the leaf of No. 4, Mr. A 722 is selected. Step 3010: From the data 11 of the personnel affairs 10 in the database 9, Mr. A 722 is designated as a leaf. Step 3011 From HR 10 in database 9,
Reference is made to the a2 section (721) including the node A 722 which is a node including the selected leaf. Step 3012 The selected leaf, Mr. A 72
2 is arranged. Step 3013: Place a2 section (721) which is a node included in the selected leaf. Step 3014 After the processing in step 3013, if there is no node passing between the selected leaf or node, a display as shown in FIG. 26 is performed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20.

Step 3015 When a plurality of nodes or leaves are selected, in this example, b2c
(728) and Mr. A 722 are selected. Step 3016 The node b2c (728), which is the node selected from the personnel 10 of the database 9, and the leaf A, 722, are designated. Step 3017: The node or leaf included in the node selected from the personnel 10 of the database 9 and the node including the selected node or leaf and the node in the same hierarchy as the leaf are referred to. Specifically, b2
c 730, c 730,
b2 including the b2a engagement (728) and the b3a engagement in the same hierarchy
B including section (725), b1 section (g) on the same level as section b2
Section (723) and section A (71) on the same level as section B (723).
Office A (718) including A9, a2 section including Mr. A (7
21), a1 section (720) on the same level as section a2 (721)
(A) (719), and A office (718) including B (723) on the same level as A (719). Step 3018 The business establishment A (718) is registered as the highest node. Step 3019 Arrange the nodes so as to include the leaves. Specifically, Mr. B 729 and Mr. C 730, B2c-related (728), b2a-related (726), b2 section (72)
5), b2 section (725) and b1 section (g), B section (72
3), Mr. A 722, a2 section (721) and a1 section (72)
0), B section (723), A section (719), and A office (718) are arranged. Steps 3020 and 3021 After the processing in step 3019, when a display in a mode not omitted is performed, a display as shown in FIG. 27 is performed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20.

Steps 3022 and 3023 When the display of the mode to be omitted is performed after the processing of the step 3019, the arrangement information is stored in the storage unit 6. Step 3024, the node containing the selected leaf,
Alternatively, nodes other than the selected node are registered as omitted objects. Specifically, section b2 (725),
B section (723), A section (719), A office (718)
Are registered as omitted node objects. Step 3025 Arrangement is performed so as to include the omitted node object. Specifically, b2 section (725) is b
2c section (728), section A (719) includes section a2 (721), section B (723) section b2 (72)
5), and the establishment A (718)
3), it is arranged so as to include the portion A (719). Thus, a display as shown in FIG. 27 is performed. Steps 3026 and 3027 After the processing in step 3025, when a display in a mode not omitted is performed, a display as shown in FIG. 28 is performed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20.

Steps 3028 and 3029 After the processing in step 3025, when displaying the mode to be omitted, the arrangement information is stored in the storage unit 6.

Step 3030 A node including the selected leaf or a node other than the selected node is registered as an abbreviated object. Specifically, each of the section b2 (725), the section B (723), the section A (719), and the office A (718) is registered as the omitted node object. Step 3031 Arrangement is performed so that the omitted object includes the node including the selected leaf, or includes the selected node. Specifically, if the omitted object is 2
Arrangement is made so as to include c section (728) and a2 section (721). Step 3032: Display Area 45 of the Three-Dimensional Display Unit 20
Then, a display as shown in FIG. 29 is performed.

Next, a description will be given of an operation for omitting the expression of the relation (hierarchical structure) included / included in the three-dimensional display described above.

By omitting the expression of the relation (hierarchical structure) included / included in the three-dimensional display, much information can be displayed in a limited display area, and the number of objects in the three-dimensional display can be reduced. Can be. In addition, it is possible to perform a display in which a necessary range is described in detail, and a related but not so necessary range is roughly grasped.

FIG. 31 to FIG. 33 are views showing an example of display on the three-dimensional display unit in the processing of expanding and omitting the omitted object. FIG. 34 is the processing of expanding the omitted object and expanding. FIG. 31 is a flowchart for explaining the process of FIG.
33 will be described. Note that in this example as well, the processing in each processing step shown in FIG. 34 will be briefly described assuming that the personnel database shown in FIG. 24 displayed on the two-dimensional display unit 19 is used.

Steps 3401 and 3402 Objects displayed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20, in this example, the omitted object 7 shown in FIG.
Select 42. Steps 3403 and 3404 An expansion command is designated, and the storage unit 6 refers to the arrangement information of the omitted node object included in the omitted object. Step 3405: The omitted node objects 743 to 746 are arranged based on the arrangement information referred to.

Step 3406 The display as shown in FIG. 32 is performed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display section 20.

Steps 3400, 3407 Objects displayed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20, in this example, the omitted object 7 shown in FIG.
Select 44. Steps 3408 and 3409 The expansion command is specified, and the arrangement information of the omitted node object included in the omitted object is referred to from the storage unit 6. Step 3410 The omitted node objects 747 and 748 are arranged based on the referred arrangement information. Step 3411 The display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20
Then, a display as shown in FIG. 33 is performed.

As described above, by selecting and expanding the omitted object, it is possible to expand the omitted node object in which the leaf and the node object included in the expanded node object are omitted.

FIGS. 35 to 38 are views showing an example of display on the three-dimensional display unit in the omission processing in the operation of expanding and omitting the omitted object. FIG. 39 is the processing of omitting the operation of expanding and omitting the omitted object. FIG. 35 is a flowchart for explaining FIG.
38 will be described. Note that in this example as well, the processing in each processing step shown in FIG. 34 will be briefly described assuming that the personnel database shown in FIG. 24 displayed on the two-dimensional display unit 19 is used.

Steps 3900, 3902 A single node object 749 displayed on the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display section 20, for example, displaying a node object expanded in a child of FIG. 36 is selected. Steps 3903 and 3904 By specifying the omission command, the storage unit 6 stores the arrangement information. Steps 3905, 3906 The selected node object is replaced with the omitted node 750, and the display as shown in FIG. 38 is performed on the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20.

Steps 3901 and 3907 For example, a plurality of node objects or omitted objects 751 to 753 which are displayed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20 and have a hierarchical relationship with each other in FIG. 35 are selected. Steps 3908 and 3909 Specify the omission command and cause the storage unit 6 to store the arrangement information. Steps 3910 and 3911 The selected node object is replaced with the omitted node object 754, and a display as shown in FIG. 37 is performed on the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20.

As described above, by selecting an object to be omitted and specifying an omission level, the selected object can be changed to an omitted object. Next, an operation of opening and closing a relation (hierarchical structure) expression included in the three-dimensional display will be described.

FIGS. 40 and 41 are diagrams showing examples of display in the open processing of opening and closing operations of the included (hierarchical structure) expression included in three-dimensional display, and FIG. 42 is included in three-dimensional display. Open relationship (hierarchical structure) expression,
It is a flowchart explaining the opening process of the closing operation. Hereinafter, the opening process of the opening and closing operations of the included relation (hierarchical structure) expression included in the three-dimensional display will be described with reference to these drawings.

Step 4201 An object displayed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display section 20 is selected. In this example, the b2c relation (755) shown in FIG. 40 is selected. Steps 4202 and 4203 Double-click the mouse or select a command to open, and refer to the node or leaf included in the selected node from the personnel 10 of the database 9. In this example, b shown in FIG.
Mr. B (729) and Mr. C (7
30). Step 4204: Arrange the leaves or nodes included in the selected node. In this example, Mr. B (75
6), Mr. C (757) is arranged. Steps 4205 and 4206 The b2c-member (758) that is the selected node is arranged. Thus, a display as shown in FIG. 41 is performed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display 20.

FIGS. 43 to 46 are views showing examples of display in the closing processing of the operations of opening and closing the relation (hierarchical structure) expression included and included in the three-dimensional display, and FIG. 47 is included in the three-dimensional display. It is a flowchart for explaining the closing process of the operation of opening and closing the relationship (hierarchical structure) expression to be displayed. The closing process of the closing operation will be described.

Steps 4701, 4702 Select an object displayed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display section 20. In this example, the b2c section (76
0) is selected. In this case, the parent of the selected node object 760 is the expanded node 759. Steps 4703, 4704 When the mouse is double-clicked or a close command is selected, the selected node and the contained leaf or node are replaced with a closed node object. Specifically, the b2c staff (7
60) and Mr. B (763) and Mr. C (762)
Replace with the closed b2c section (764). Step 4705 The display area 45 of the three-dimensional display 20
Then, a display as shown in FIG. 44 is performed.

Steps 4701 and 4706 Select an object displayed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display section 20. Here, the b2c relation (760) shown in FIG.
Is selected. In this case, the parent of the selected node object 760 is the omitted node 761. Steps 4707, 4708 When the mouse is double-clicked or the close command is selected, the selected node and the contained leaves or nodes 760, 762,
763 and the omitted parent 761 are hidden.

Step 4709 The display as shown in FIG. 46 is performed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display 20.

Including in the three-dimensional display as described above,
By opening and closing the included relation (hierarchical structure) expression, a large amount of information can be displayed in a limited display area, and the number of objects in the three-dimensional display unit can be reduced. In addition, a directory tree can be operated in the three-dimensional display unit, so that only items are usually grasped, and detailed information of a target item can be quickly extracted when necessary.

As described with reference to the flow, by selecting a closed node object and specifying "open", it can be replaced with an expanded node object, and a parent node corresponding to the selected child node is expanded. In this case, the child node object can be replaced with a closed node object by selecting the expanded node object and specifying close. In addition, if the parent node is omitted for the selected child node, selecting the child's expanded object and specifying Close will close the expanded node object of the parent of the omitted node. it can.

Up to the foregoing, various examples of three-dimensionally displaying data in a database having a hierarchical structure have been described.
Next, a description will be given of a display according to the present invention in a case where a three-dimensionally displayed hierarchical structure is further expressed by adding a correlation having no hierarchical relationship.

As a database, there is a database having a hierarchical structure and in which parallel layers are mutually related. Data is arbitrarily specified from such a database, visually displayed as an object in a three-dimensional display unit, and made operable, so that the target data can be easily understood and related data can be easily searched. Can be.

Such a display that further adds a correlation having no hierarchical relationship to the display of the three-dimensionally displayed hierarchical structure is, for example, a connection state between ATM switches or an ATM switch which is observed in a connection state of a network machine or the like. It is possible to quickly and accurately grasp the status of the ES (End System ATM compatible server or client machine) connected to the server.

Now, the data structure of the database having the above-mentioned hierarchical structure and the parallel hierarchies are related to each other has a hierarchical structure of two hierarchies including and including the hierarchical relationship. It is assumed that those that do not have a mutual relationship like the connection state of a network machine. And the mutual relationship is the relationship between the "closed connection (connection that goes around once when following a connection)" and the "open connection (connection that does not go around even if following a connection)" like the connection state of a network machine. Either shall be present.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing a display example of a database having the related data as described above. In FIGS. 48A and 48B, the parent object 766 is an included object in three-dimensional display, and the child object 765 is an included object in three-dimensional display.

In the example shown in FIG. 48, a plurality of child objects 765 are arranged and displayed on the xz plane in a ring around one parent object 766. When the number of child objects changes, the distance between the parent and the child (annular radius) and the number of annular rows of child objects (number of rings of child objects) are changed and displayed as shown in FIG. Can also. In this case, the child objects are arranged so as to avoid the overlap by increasing the angle between the center and the adjacent same-layer object. Further, it is possible to display the child objects as if they were arranged on the surface of a sphere, instead of being arranged in a ring (on the circumference) on a plane.

Parent Object 766 and Child Object 7
65 has a different y coordinate, and the same hierarchical object is arranged so as to have the same y coordinate. The parent object 766 and the child object 765 are displayed in association with each other as an object 767. This related display is connected by a line in this example. When the coordinates of the parent object are moved, the coordinates of the child object are moved accordingly.

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing another display example of the database having the related data as described above. The example shown in FIG. 49 is an example in which the interrelationship between parent objects in a three-dimensional space is displayed.
(The same level objects are connected by a line). The distance between the parent objects is set such that a radius size from the center is ensured so that the parent object and the child objects arranged in a ring around the parent object do not overlap each other.

The example described with reference to FIGS.
Taking the M protocol connection as an example, the ATM protocol connection is represented by a unit formed by one ATM and a group of ESs connected thereto (this unit is called an ATM unit). The area occupied by ATM units is ES
There are 3 sizes depending on the number of circumferences on which are arranged. In the example shown in FIG. 48A, in one ATM unit, an ATM object 766 is arranged at the center, and an ES 765 is arranged on a circumference surrounding the ATM object 766. The arrangement of ESs on one circle is performed at an equal angle, and when the number of ESs exceeds a certain number, the ESs are arranged on concentric circles extending outward as shown in FIG. Done in

The circumference on which the ES 765 is arranged is referred to as a first arrangement circle, a second arrangement circle... In order from the inside, and ESs are arranged from the inside circle in ascending order of port numbers. There is no hierarchical relationship between ESs arranged in each circle. ES
The connection 767 extends from behind the ES 765 toward the ATM 766 (the ES always turns away from the ATM). Also,
The connection 768 between ATMs is, as shown in FIG.
It may be wired so as to pass over the upper part of S765.

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing still another display example of the database having the related data as described above. FIG.
In the example shown in the figure, in one ATM unit, A
This is an example in which a TM object 777 is arranged, and ES778 is arranged on up to five concentric circles surrounding the TM object 777.

In FIG. 50, the circles on which ES778 are arranged are referred to as a first arrangement circle, a second arrangement circle, a third arrangement circle, a fourth arrangement circle, and a fifth arrangement circle in this order from the inside. The ESs connected to the board 1 are in the first arrangement circle, the ESs connected to the board 2 are in the second arrangement circle, and the ESs connected to the boards 3 and 4 are in the third arrangement circle. Board 5 in the fourth placement circle
The ESs connected to the boards 7 and 8 are arranged in the fifth arrangement circle, and the ESs connected to the boards 7 and 8 are arranged in the fifth arrangement circle.
There is no hierarchical relationship between ESs arranged in each circle.

The arrangement of ESs on one circle is basically performed at an equal angle. In the range of each board, the ESs are arranged clockwise in the order of connection port numbers, and unused connection ports are left open. deep. On the arrangement circumference, different ESs of the board
A gap is provided between the board and a mark 782 indicating the direction in which the board boundary and the connection port are arranged. ES connection is ES
(ES always turns toward the ATM) from behind, and a connection 781 between the ATMs is wired so as to pass above the ES778.

Now, when the system shown in FIG. 1 is started, when the ATM system is selected as the database, the system connects to the ATM connection diagram of the entire system based on the information in the database, for example, as shown in FIG. The automatic connection diagram shown in FIG. When the system is subsequently started, the self-diagram is displayed.
The user can edit the automatically drawn diagram for easy use. Also in this case, when the system is started after the editing, the connection diagram after the editing is displayed. Further, the user can designate a partial range of the connection diagram as a backbone.

The basic rule for displaying the connection diagram is that, in a closed connection circuit, the ATM belonging to the circuit is connected to the ATM connection ring 78.
3 on the circumference to display the connection, other ATM
Are arranged in a chain according to the connection relationship between ATMs,
The spacing between them is such that each ATM unit does not touch.

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing an abbreviated expression on the ATM connection, which will be described below. In the ATM connection diagram, in order to clearly display the ATM designated by the user for display, immediately after the display of the ATM connection diagram, other ATM connections are omitted by the system. Abbreviations include:
As shown in FIG. 51, a composite omission 769 and a single omission 77
There is 0.

The compound omission 769 is obtained by using a plurality of ATM units as one omission object. The compound omission can be divided into a general compound omission and a backbone compound omission, and the difference between the two is whether or not a backbone connection circuit specified by the user is included, and is substantially limited only to the difference in object representation. The simple omission 770 is an abbreviated expression of ES and ES connection connected to a single ATM. If an ATM unit is a node, it corresponds to a closed ATM unit. Compound omission 769 is
49 is the omission of the internal structure of the ATM connection ring 783, and the single omission 770 is the omission of the internal structure of the ATM object 766 and the ES object 765 in FIG.

The basic rule for displaying compound omissions on the above-described connection diagram is that, between a compound omission and an ATM adjacent to the omission, a connection from the ATM to the ATM included in the omission is displayed. That is, in the case of a compound omission including a closed circuit, a plurality of connections for the omission are displayed from an ATM located on the circuit and outside the omission range.

Further, the basic rule for displaying a single abbreviation on the connection diagram described above is that, immediately after a composite abbreviation is developed, each ATM unit included in the composite abbreviation is displayed as a single abbreviation, and one ATM unit is displayed. Is also displayed when the ATM unit is omitted as a single unit. In addition, the abbreviation of a single unit omits the ES and the connection of the ES.
It is assumed to be equivalent to an ATM unit having a smaller S arrangement circumference size.

The basic rules for displaying the omission and expansion on the connection diagram are as follows. When a part of the ATM connection is omitted or the omission is expanded, the object (group) subjected to the omission and expansion of the ATM connection diagram is displayed. With the display position as the center of the display change,
Change the display, omission, display after expansion,
Basically, while maintaining the connection angle between the omitted object and the ATM unit, change the connection length, and change the connection angle where there is inconsistency or oversight on the display under certain rules. It is.

Next, the arrangement definition of the ATM unit object on the open ATM connection (after executing the initial drawing and the automatic layout function) will be described.

First, the arrangement coordinates are calculated. The calculation of the arrangement coordinates of the ATM unit object is performed at the farthest position from the ATM unit on the ATM connection ring.
It starts from the ATM unit (where M is the largest) and proceeds in the following order.

First, the ATM on the ATM connection ring
From the ATM to each ATM unit. Next, the ATM units directly connected to the ATM on the ATM connection ring are set to level 0, and thereafter, the respective ATM units are classified into level 1, level 2,...

With respect to the ATM unit at the level with the largest number of passes, the layout coordinates are calculated in units of the passing ATM (the ATM unit at the next higher level). The unit used here is a new arrangement unit. The level of this arrangement unit is equal to the level of the transit ATM which is the core of unit formation.

For the ATM unit having the second largest number of passes and the ATM unit group previously determined as an arrangement unit,
The arrangement coordinates are calculated for each passing ATM.

The above calculations are repeated up to the level 1 ATM unit, and the AT of one branch extending from the ATM connection ring is determined.
Decide the arrangement of M units.

The arrangement coordinates of each ATM unit are coordinates with respect to reference coordinates determined for each arrangement unit of each level. Therefore, the absolute display coordinates cannot be determined unless the display coordinates of the ATM unit on the ATM connection ring are determined.

FIG. 52 shows an example of the structure of an ATM system for specifically describing the calculation order of the arrangement coordinates described above.
With reference to FIG. 52, the calculation order of the arrangement coordinates will be described.

Modules 78 arranged as shown in FIG.
In case of ATM unit included in branch 5 The arrangement of the ATM unit 794, which is the ATM unit with the largest number of passes, is determined. These arrangement coordinates can be determined using the passing ATM 792 as reference coordinates.
A group 793 of these ATM units is used as an arrangement unit in the next step. 2. Similar to the collection of ATM units 793, the arrangement of the ATM units passing through the ATM units 790 is calculated. A group 791 of these ATM units is used as an arrangement unit in the next step. 3. Next, the arrangement of the ATM unit passing through the ATM unit 787 is calculated. The unit of placement is a single AT
The M unit 789 and a group of ATM units 793 and 791 of which the arrangement coordinates have been calculated are used.
The coordinate calculation method is the same as in the case of the ATM units 793 and 791. 4. Hereinafter, this method is repeated. 5. The arrangement coordinates of the arrangement unit passing through the module 785 on the ATM connection ring are calculated. Only in this case is the calculation rule different from the others. 6. The arrangement coordinates of the ATM units on the ATM connection ring are calculated using the group 786 of the ATM units passing through the module 785 as the arrangement unit.

FIG. 53 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of unit objects on the ATM connection ring. This will be described below.

The arrangement of the ATM unit and the omitted object on the ATM connection ring is performed according to the default display rule, and as shown in FIG. 53, the ATM unit or the omitted object currently displayed on the ATM connection ring. Based on the largest size, the arrangement angle and the radius of the ATM connection ring are determined. At this time, the size of the single abbreviated object is the AT having one arrangement circle.
Treat as the same size as the M unit. The specifications in FIG. 53 can be calculated as follows.

N: Number of ATM units and omitted objects on ATM connection ring ra: Arrangement angle of ATM units and omitted objects =
360 ° @ n dcx: the largest ATM unit on the ATM connection ring,
Or the size of the omitted object da: radius of the ATM connection ring = dcx ÷ tan (ra / 2) + γ where γ is a positive constant (arbitrary) The size of the ATM connection ring is the maximum size of the ATM unit or the size of the omitted object. , And the number is provided by a table, and is referred to at the time of drawing.

A variety of methods have been described above for expressing a correlation that does not have a hierarchical relationship in the hierarchical structure in the three-dimensional display.
If the number of objects included in the omission is large, the display range is widened. In addition, if many of the omitted objects are expanded, the overall arrangement balance is greatly disrupted. Therefore, there is a difference in the image that the user has with respect to the object arrangement after the expansion, and it is determined which object has been omitted. It becomes difficult.

In order to solve the above problem, in the present invention, a step is given to an object to be omitted. This stage is provided for each abbreviated unit of the abbreviated object, and a compound abbreviation and a singular abbreviation are provided as abbreviated units. These have already been described with reference to FIG. That is, the compound omission is to omit a plurality of parent objects as shown by 769 in FIG. 51, and the singular omission is to omit child objects by the parent as shown by 770 in FIG.

FIGS. 54 to 57 show examples of display on the three-dimensional display unit in the omission processing in the object omission and expansion operations in the case of expressing a correlation having no hierarchical relation in the hierarchical structure in the three-dimensional display. FIG. 58 and FIG. 58 are flow charts for explaining the omission processing in the omission and expansion operations of objects when expressing a correlation having no hierarchical relationship in the hierarchical structure. A description will be given of an omission process for performing the display of FIGS. Hereinafter, processing in each processing step illustrated in FIG. 58 will be briefly described.

Steps 5800 and 5802 The object displayed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display section 20 is selected. In this example, an ATM system as shown in FIG. 54 is displayed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20, and a plurality of ATM switch objects, a single unit omitted, a plurality of compound omitted objects, and a dotted line part 771 are selected. Steps 5803 to 5805 When the compound omission command is specified, the selected object is replaced with the compound omission object 772, and the display as shown in FIG.

Steps 5801 and 5806 Select an object displayed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20. Here, the display area 4 of the three-dimensional display unit 20
In FIG. 5, an ATM system as shown in FIG. 56 is displayed.
The ATM switch object 773 has been selected. Steps 5807 to 5809 When the simple object omission command is specified, the selected object is replaced with the simple object omission object 774, and the display as shown in FIG. 57 is performed on the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20.

By performing the operation described above, that is, selecting an object to be omitted and performing the omission operation, the selected object is changed to a compound omitted object or a single omitted object.

FIGS. 59 and 60 show the omission of an object in the case of expressing a correlation having no hierarchical relationship in the hierarchical structure in the three-dimensional display and the processing of expanding the omitted object in the expansion operation. FIG. 61 is a flowchart showing a display example, and FIG. 61 is a flowchart for explaining a process of expanding an omitted object in an operation of omitting and expanding an object when expressing a correlation having no hierarchical relationship in a hierarchical structure. Referring to FIG.
The expansion processing for performing the display in FIG. 60 will be described. Hereinafter, FIG.
1 will be briefly described.

Steps 6100 and 6102 Select an object displayed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display section 20. Here, the display area 4 of the three-dimensional display unit 20
In FIG. 5, an ATM system as shown in FIG. 59 is displayed.
The omitted switch object 775 has been selected. Steps 6103 and 6104 When the expansion command is specified, the ES included in the selected object is referred to from the device arrangement 14 of the database 9. Steps 6105 and 6106 The referenced ES 776 is arranged at the position of the omitted switch object 775, and a display as shown in FIG. 60 is performed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20.

Steps 6101 and 6107 The object displayed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display section 20 is selected. Here, the display area 4 of the three-dimensional display unit 20
In FIG. 5, an ATM system as shown in FIG. 55 is displayed.
The composite omitted object 765 has been selected. Steps 6108 and 6109 When the expansion command is specified, the device arrangement 14 of the database 9 refers to the single object omitted object included in the selected object. Steps 6110 and 6111 The referenced single object omitted objects 775 and 777 to 781 are arranged, and the display as shown in FIG. 59 is performed in the display area 45 of the three-dimensional display unit 20.

By performing the above-described operation, that is, selecting a compound omitted object and performing an expansion operation, a single omitted object can be displayed.

[0140]

As described above, according to the present invention, a relationship between a parent and a child can be expressed by overlapping objects without using a connection, so that a confusing display is required when a connection is required for another reason. Instead, the display can be performed so that the parent-child relationship can be grasped even if the viewpoint position of the display changes.

According to the present invention, a node or leaf at an arbitrary position can be abbreviated and displayed, so that the tree does not need to be expanded unnecessarily. Therefore, only a necessary portion within a limited screen is expanded. This makes it possible to provide a clear and easy-to-read display.

Further, according to the present invention, a node which does not have a hierarchical structure but has a plurality of nodes related to each other and a plurality of nodes related to each other in a database constituted by a leaf connected to each node is connected to each other. A set of nodes is placed on the circumference or on the surface of a sphere, keeping a certain distance between each of the nodes, connecting the related nodes with a line, and displaying each other with one path. For nodes that have a connection only with, each of them is kept at a certain distance, arranged so as to be the end point on the line segment, and displayed by connecting the nodes with a line,
Even if the viewpoint position changes, the relationship between the nodes can be easily grasped.

Further, according to the present invention, unnecessary portions can be omitted from the above-mentioned display, so that only necessary portions can be developed and viewed in the displayed screen.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a processing device for displaying a database according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a display screen of a display unit 2.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a format of a two-dimensional display unit 19 as a first display unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a format of a three-dimensional display unit 20 as a second display unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a format of a related operation display unit 18.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a format of a three-dimensional plane projection diagram display unit 21.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a projection view of three-dimensional display.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a projection view of three-dimensional display.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a format of a three-dimensional display area operation display unit 22.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a relative relationship (parent-child relationship) between target objects.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a tree structure between nodes and leaves.

12 is a diagram illustrating a basic expression when a database that can be expressed as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the three-dimensional display unit 20. FIG.

13 is a diagram illustrating a basic expression when a database that can be expressed as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the three-dimensional display unit 20. FIG.

14 is a diagram illustrating a basic expression when a database that can be expressed as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the three-dimensional display unit 20. FIG.

15 is a diagram illustrating a basic expression when a database that can be expressed as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the three-dimensional display unit 20. FIG.

16 is a diagram illustrating a basic expression when a database that can be expressed as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the three-dimensional display unit 20. FIG.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tree structure between nodes and leaves.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an expression when a database that can be expressed as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the three-dimensional display unit 20.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an expression when a database that can be expressed as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the three-dimensional display unit 20;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example of a tree structure between nodes and leaves.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an expression when a database that can be expressed as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed on the three-dimensional display unit 20 by an abbreviated object.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an expression when a database that can be expressed as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed on the three-dimensional display unit 20 by an abbreviated object.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an expression in a case where a database that can be expressed as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed on the three-dimensional display unit 20 using an omitted object.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a personnel database as a specific example of the database described above.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the database shown in FIG. 24 is three-dimensionally displayed.

26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the database illustrated in FIG. 24 is three-dimensionally displayed.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the database shown in FIG. 24 is three-dimensionally displayed.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the database shown in FIG. 24 is three-dimensionally displayed.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the database shown in FIG. 24 is three-dimensionally displayed.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a process of selecting data from the database shown in FIG. 24 and displaying the data three-dimensionally.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a three-dimensional display unit in a process of expanding an omitted object and expanding the omitted operation.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a three-dimensional display unit in a process of expanding an omitted object and expanding the omitted operation.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a three-dimensional display unit in a process of developing an omitted object and developing the omitted operation.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating expansion processing in expansion and omission operations of an omitted object.

FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a three-dimensional display unit in a process of omitting an expansion and omitting operation of an omitting object.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a three-dimensional display unit in an omission process in an operation of expanding and omitting an omission object.

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a three-dimensional display unit in an omission process in an operation of expanding and omitting an omission object.

FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a three-dimensional display unit in an omission process in an operation of expanding and omitting an omission object.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart for describing omission processing in operations of expanding and omitting an omission object.

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a display example in an opening process of an opening / closing operation of a relation (hierarchical structure) expression included in a three-dimensional display.

FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating a display example in an opening process of an opening / closing operation of an included relation (hierarchical structure) expression included in a three-dimensional display.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating a process of opening and closing a relation (hierarchical structure) expression included and included in a three-dimensional display.

FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating a display example in a closing process of an opening / closing operation of an included relation (hierarchical structure) expression included in a three-dimensional display.

FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating a display example in a closing process of an opening / closing operation of an included relation (hierarchical structure) expression included in a three-dimensional display.

FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating a display example in a closing process of an opening / closing operation of a relation (hierarchical structure) expression included and included in a three-dimensional display.

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a display example in a closing process of an opening / closing operation of an included relation (hierarchical structure) expression included in a three-dimensional display.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating a closing process of an opening / closing operation of a relation (hierarchical structure) expression included in a three-dimensional display.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing a display example of a database having related data.

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing another display example of a database having related data.

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing still another display example of a database having related data.

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing an abbreviated expression on an ATM connection;

FIG. 52 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an ATM system that specifically describes a calculation order of arrangement coordinates.

FIG. 53 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of unit objects on an ATM connection ring;

FIG. 54 omits objects when expressing a correlation having no hierarchical relationship in a hierarchical structure in a three-dimensional display;
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a three-dimensional display unit in a process omitted in a deployment operation.

FIG. 55 omits objects when expressing a correlation having no hierarchical relationship in the hierarchical structure in a three-dimensional display;
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a three-dimensional display unit in a process omitted in a deployment operation.

FIG. 56 omits objects when expressing a correlation having no hierarchical relationship in a hierarchical structure in a three-dimensional display,
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a three-dimensional display unit in a process omitted in a deployment operation.

FIG. 57 omits objects when expressing a correlation having no hierarchical relationship in the hierarchical structure in a three-dimensional display,
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a three-dimensional display unit in a process omitted in a deployment operation.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart for describing omission processing in omission and expansion operations of an object when expressing a correlation having no hierarchical relationship in the hierarchical structure.

FIG. 59 illustrates omission of an object when expressing a correlation having no hierarchical relationship in a hierarchical structure in a three-dimensional display,
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a three-dimensional display unit in a process of expanding an omitted object in a developing operation.

FIG. 60 omits an object when expressing a correlation having no hierarchical relationship in a hierarchical structure in a three-dimensional display,
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a three-dimensional display unit in a process of expanding an omitted object in a developing operation.

FIG. 61 is a flowchart illustrating a process of expanding an omitted object in an operation of omitting and expanding an object when expressing a correlation having no hierarchical relationship in the hierarchical structure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CPU 2 Display part 3 Input part 4 Keyboard 5 Mouse 6 Storage part 7 Communication device 8 Server 9 Database 10 Personnel database 14 Equipment database

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Satoru Satoru 1099 Ozenji Temple, Aso-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside Hitachi, Ltd.System Development Laboratory (72) Inventor Shigeru Miyake 1099 Ozenji Temple, Aso-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture Stock Company (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Kamata 5030 Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Software Development Division, Hitachi, Ltd.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A display method of a database having a hierarchical structure, wherein a parent node of data having a tree structure of the database and a parent-child relationship between nodes and leaves included therein are shown as plate-like objects and data contents. A method of displaying a database, characterized in that the display is performed according to the state of overlapping of objects. 2. A plate-like object for displaying the data, a child node within a range indicated by an object indicating a parent node in an overlap of objects indicating data contents,
2. The child leaf is arranged and displayed.
How to display the mentioned database. 3. The database display method according to claim 1, wherein overlapping objects in a plate-shaped object for displaying the data and an object indicating the data content are displayed in different colors. . 4. The database display according to claim 1, wherein a plate-shaped object for displaying the data and an object at an arbitrary position where the object indicating the content of the data overlaps are omitted. Method. 5. A database display method comprising a plurality of nodes having no hierarchical structure but related to each other and a leaf connected to each node, wherein the plurality of related nodes are connected to each other. A method of displaying a database, wherein a plurality of nodes are arranged on a circumference or a surface of a sphere while maintaining a certain distance, and connected nodes are connected to each other with a line. . 6. A method for displaying a database comprising a plurality of nodes which do not have a hierarchical structure but are related to each other and a leaf connected to each node. A method of displaying a database, comprising: arranging nodes so as to be end points on a line segment while maintaining a fixed distance, and displaying the nodes by connecting the nodes with lines. 7. A leaf connected to each of the nodes is disposed on a sphere surface centered on the node or on a concentric circle centered on a point offset from the position of the node while maintaining a fixed distance. 7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the database is displayed. 8. A plurality of nodes arbitrarily selected from the plurality of nodes related to each other, each having a size smaller than a space size required for display by an original node.
Object, and that object,
9. The database display method according to claim 6, wherein each of the collected nodes is connected to a node having a relationship with a line and displayed. 9. A method in which a leaf connected to a node arbitrarily selected from the plurality of nodes related to each other is not displayed, or a plurality of leaves connected to the selected node are collectively expressed and displayed by one small object. 9. The database display method according to claim 6, wherein the database is displayed.