JPH11219371A - Data retrieval condition preparation method and preparation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data retrieval condition preparation method for making even a user inexperienced with a data base able to easily obtain appropriate retrieval conditions by displaying an operation screen capable of intuitively specifying a retrieval range at a display means and a data retrieval condition preparation device using the method. SOLUTION: Single conditional expressions prepared by the user and complicated conditional expressions for which the single conditional expressions are connected are respectively considered and handled as one term in a condition list display area 46 in a display screen 14a, the user prepares conditions just by repeating the setting of the logical connection relation of the two terms and the relation between the connected respective conditional expressions is illustrated and expressed in a condition detail display area in the display screen 14a. Then, since the user can refer to it at all times, the application of the conditional expression is intuitively understood and even the user lacking knowledge and experience to the data base easily prepares the appropriate retrieval conditions.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data search condition creation method and a data search condition creation apparatus that can easily create search conditions at the time of data search in a computer having a database.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when searching for desired data from a database constructed in a computer, a user operates a input part to create a search condition, and performs a search based on the search condition to obtain a corresponding data. The method of obtaining was common. To create a search condition in such a conventional data search, a user operates an input portion while referring to a screen of a display unit, and creates a conditional expression in which keywords (key values) corresponding to search items are associated one-to-one. In addition, a complicated conditional expression is created by logically combining a plurality of conditional expressions. FIGS. 9 and 10 show an example of a search condition creating apparatus to which such a search condition creating method is applied. There was something. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a conventional data search condition creation device, and FIG. 10 is a search condition creation flowchart of the conventional data search condition creation device.

As shown in FIG. 9, a search condition creation device to which the conventional data search condition creation method shown in the preceding figure is applied has an operation control unit 11 for performing an operation for controlling the entire system, and the operation control unit 11 An input means 12 for inputting various instructions of the arithmetic operation, and data registered as a database are stored, and various programs such as a search program used in the arithmetic control unit 11 are stored. Storage device 13 for reading and writing
And a display unit 14 for displaying a predetermined image controlled by the arithmetic control unit 11 and an arithmetic processing result of the arithmetic control unit 11 corresponding to an input from the input unit 12. Input means 1
In this configuration, a search condition is created according to the input from No. 2 and the input result is sequentially displayed by the display unit 14.

Next, a search condition creation operation using a conventional data search condition creation apparatus based on the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the arithmetic control unit 11 reads out an image set in advance by the search condition creation program stored in the storage device 13 and displays the image on the display unit 14. The search items are displayed in a partial area of the display means 14 in the form of a list as an initial screen.

[0005] In the area of the display means 14 where the search items are displayed in a list, the user operates the input means 12 to select one of the search items (step 101). Next, a search key value to be compared with the selected search item is input by the input means 12 from the user (step 102). Then, a comparison operator that specifies the relationship between the search item and the search key value is specified (step 103). In accordance with the designation of the comparison operator, the arithmetic control unit 11 performs processing, generates a conditional expression that defines the relationship between the search item and the search key value with this comparison operator, determines it, and displays it on the display means 14 (step 104). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not another conditional expression is further added to the conditional expression to be combined (step 105). When the further added conditional expression is combined, it is determined according to the logical combination with the combined conditional expression. The user specifies the logical operator by the input means 12 (step 106), and the steps 101 to 104 are performed again.
To create a conditional expression. When the final conditional expression is obtained and there is no need to add a conditional expression, a search is started using the obtained conditional expression as a search condition (step 10).
7), a series of condition creation processing procedures is completed.

[0006]

The search condition creation by the conventional data search condition creation device is performed as described above, and the data search condition is expressed in the form of a single expression consisting of only characters and mathematical expressions. Therefore, it is necessary for the user to create such an expression by input operation. If only one conditional expression needs to be specified, a search condition can be easily created even by a user who lacks knowledge of the database or is unfamiliar with data search. However, for such users, when creating a search condition where the logical connection relationship between multiple conditional expressions and the ranking relationship of the comparison operation are complicated when the search range is further narrowed or expanded, the search condition is not displayed. Since it is difficult to understand intuitively in the form of an expression consisting of only characters and mathematical expressions, it is difficult to combine multiple conditional expressions in a predetermined logical relationship and specify the priority of comparison operators, There is a problem that it is difficult to set an appropriate search condition for obtaining desired data.

Further, in conventional database software, a logical connection relationship between conditional expressions, for example, a logical operator such as AND or OR is expressed by replacing it with a concatenation of Japanese characters "and" or "or". However, there is a problem that the relation between the conditional expressions cannot be specifically displayed as in the case of the above, and it is difficult to set the search condition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and displays an operation screen for intuitively designating and understanding a search range. It is an object of the present invention to provide a data search condition creation method capable of easily obtaining search conditions and a data search condition creation device using the method.

[0009]

In a data search condition creating method according to the present invention, a user inputs search conditions of data to be taken out of an existing database from an input means while referring to sequential display by an input result display means. In the method for creating a data search condition, a logical relationship corresponding to the data search condition is input while being displayed on the display means as a graphic. As described above, according to the present invention, the logical relationship corresponding to the search condition is represented by a graphic on the display means, and this can be referred to by the user. As described above, there is no need to reassemble the search range from the form of an incomprehensible expression united through logical operators and parentheses, so that users who lack knowledge and experience in the database can use it. Therefore, appropriate search conditions can be easily created.

Further, according to the data search condition creating method of the present invention, if necessary, the figure displayed on the display means may be
It is a figure of a tree structure and / or a figure of a Venn diagram. As described above, according to the present invention, the logical relationship corresponding to the search condition is represented by a tree-structured graphic and / or a Venn diagram graphic on the display means, and the user can refer to this.
You can understand at a glance the logical connection relationships and hierarchical relationships between the conditions that make up the search conditions, and you can intuitively understand the application of the conditions, making it easy for users who lack knowledge and experience in the database. Therefore, it is possible to create a search condition appropriate for the search.

The data search condition creating method according to the present invention may include, if necessary, one or a plurality of single data created by associating a search item with a search key value on the same screen of the display means. A condition list display area for displaying a conditional expression, and at least two display areas for a condition detail display area for displaying the internal structure of the conditional expression in a graphic form, wherein the condition list display area is input by a user through an input means. After a plurality of single conditional expressions to be logically combined based on a search condition are selected and a predetermined logical operator is specified by an input from an input means, the plurality of single conditional expressions are To generate a new conditional expression combined with, and display the internal structure of the new conditional expression graphically in the condition detail display area together with a predetermined condition name indicating the new conditional expression, and in the condition list display area Is the selection Instead of a plurality of single conditional expressions, the condition name is displayed as a selection target of the same logical combination as the single conditional expression, and selection of the single conditional expression or the condition name displayed in the condition list display area, And the designation of the logical operator is repeated until the final condition expression structure is graphically displayed in the condition detail display area, and only the final condition expression condition name is displayed in the condition list display area. This is to create search conditions. As described above, according to the present invention, the created single conditional expression (comparison operation) and the complex conditional expression combined with the single conditional expression are treated as one item in the condition list display area, and are handled by the user. The condition can be created only by repeating the setting of the logical connection relationship between the two terms, and the relationship between the logically connected condition expressions is graphically represented by a combination of the above terms in the condition detail display area. Can always be referred to, and the logical connection of the conditional expressions is not expressed as a single, incomprehensible expression united through logical operators and parentheses. There is no need to reassemble (that is, the search range) in the mind, and the application of the conditional expression can be intuitively understood, so that even users who lack knowledge and experience in the database can easily find appropriate search conditions. That you can create That. Further, since a complicated conditional expression is also represented as one item in the condition list display area, expansion can be easily performed by adding a condition later, and user productivity can be improved.

In the data search condition creating method according to the present invention, if necessary, a logical connection relation selection area for displaying a list of a plurality of selectable logical operators is added to the same screen of the display means. Then, one of the logical operators displayed in the logical connection relation selection area is selected and designated by the input from the input means. As described above, according to the present invention, a list of logical operators that can be selected by the input unit is displayed on the display unit as one display area, so that the selection state of the logical operator can be easily understood, and the unusual use of the database is possible. The operator is less likely to make a mistake in selecting a logical operator, and the workability is improved.

The data search condition creating method according to the present invention displays a list of items that can be specified as search items in the database on the same screen of the display means as required, and allows inputting from the input means. Adding and setting two display areas, a search item list display area for selecting one of predetermined items and a value input area for displaying a search key value input from the input means; Create a single conditional expression by connecting the search item selected in the list display area and the search key value displayed in the value input area with a predetermined comparison operator, and display the single conditional expression in the condition list display area Things. As described above, according to the present invention, a data search item list in a format selectable by the input unit is displayed on the display unit as one display area, so that even a user unfamiliar with the database can select an appropriate search item for the database. Designation can be easily performed, and workability is improved.

Further, the data search condition creating method according to the present invention may be arranged such that when a predetermined item is selected in the search item list display area on the same screen of the display means, the item is A related key value list display area for displaying a list of a plurality of search key value candidates that can be compared and selecting one of predetermined search key value candidates by input from an input means; A search key value candidate selected in the value list display area is displayed as a search key value in the value input area. As described above, according to the present invention, a search key value candidate list in a format selectable by the input means is displayed on the display means as one display area, and the selection of the search key value to the value input area is performed by selecting the search key value candidate. Since direct input can be omitted, a user unfamiliar with the database can easily specify an appropriate search key value to be compared with a search item, thereby improving workability.

Further, the data search condition creating apparatus according to the present invention creates a search condition in accordance with an input from a user's input means and sequentially displays the input result on a display means when searching data in an existing database. In the condition creation device, a logical relationship corresponding to the data search condition is input while being displayed on the display means as a graphic. Thus, according to the present invention,
The logical relationship corresponding to the search condition is represented by a graphic on the display means and can be referred to by the user, so that the search range can be intuitively understood, and the user can use a logical operator and parentheses as in the past. There is no need to reassemble the search range from a single, difficult-to-understand formula to the user, and it is easy to create appropriate search conditions even for users who lack knowledge and experience in the database. Can be performed.

Further, in the data search condition creating device according to the present invention, the graphic displayed on the display means is a graphic having a tree structure and / or a graphic of Venn diagram. As described above, according to the present invention, the logical relationship corresponding to the search condition is represented by a tree-structured graphic and / or a Venn diagram graphic on the display means, and the user can refer to the logical relationship, so that each condition forming the search condition can be referred to. At a glance you can understand the logical and hierarchical relationships between the contents,
The application of the condition contents can be intuitively understood, so that even a user who lacks knowledge or experience in the database can easily create an appropriate search condition.

Further, the data search condition creating apparatus according to the present invention displays one or a plurality of single conditional expressions created by associating a search item with a search key value on the same screen of the display means. A condition list display area, and at least two display areas of a condition detail display area for displaying the internal structure of the conditional expression in a graphic form, based on a search condition from the condition list display area by an input from a user's input means; After a plurality of single conditional expressions to be logically combined are selected, and a predetermined logical operator is designated by an input from the input means, a new logical expression combining the plurality of single conditional expressions with the logical operator is selected. A conditional expression is generated, and the internal structure of the new conditional expression is graphically displayed in the condition detail display area together with a predetermined condition name indicating the new conditional expression, and the selected condition is displayed in the condition list display area. Multiple simple Instead of a conditional expression, the condition name is displayed as a selection target of the same logical combination as a single conditional expression, a single conditional expression or a condition name displayed in the condition list display area is selected, and a logical operator is designated. Is displayed graphically in the condition detail display area, and is repeatedly performed in the same manner as described above until only the condition name of the final condition expression is uniquely displayed in the condition list display area. To create.
As described above, according to the present invention, the created single conditional expression (comparison operation) and the complex conditional expression combined with the single conditional expression are treated as one item in the condition list display area, and are handled by the user. A condition can be created only by repeating the setting of the logical connection relationship between the two terms, and the relationship between the logically connected conditional expressions is graphically represented by a combination of the above terms in the condition detail display area,
Since the user can always refer to this, the logical connection relationship of the conditional expression is not expressed as one uncomprehensible expression united through logical operators and parentheses. It is not necessary to reassemble the relationship between conditional expressions (that is, search range) in the mind, the application of conditional expressions can be intuitively understood, and it is easy for users who lack knowledge and experience in the database. It is possible to create appropriate search conditions. Further, since a complicated conditional expression is also represented as one item in the condition list display area, expansion can be easily performed by adding a condition later, and user productivity can be improved.

Further, the data search condition creating apparatus according to the present invention may display a plurality of selectable logical operators in a list as an additional display area on the same screen of the display means, if necessary. A selection area is provided, and one of the logical operators displayed in the logical connection relation selection area is selected and designated by an input from the input means. As described above, according to the present invention, a list of logical operators that can be selected by the input unit is displayed on the display unit as one display area, so that the selection state of the logical operator can be easily understood, and the unusual use of the database is possible. The operator is less likely to make a mistake in selecting a logical operator, and the workability is improved.

The data search condition creating apparatus according to the present invention displays a list of items that can be specified as search items in the database as an additional display area on the same screen of the display means, if necessary, and A search item list display area for selecting one of predetermined items by input from the input means, and a value input area for displaying a search key value input from the input means, wherein the search item list display area A single conditional expression created by connecting the search item selected in the above and the search key value displayed in the value input area by a predetermined comparison operator is displayed in the condition list display area. As described above, according to the present invention, a data search item list in a format selectable by the input means is displayed on the display means as one display area, so that even a user unfamiliar with the database can obtain a desired data set of the database. Appropriate search items can be easily specified, and workability is improved.

Further, the data search condition creating device according to the present invention can be used, when necessary, when a predetermined item is selected in the search item list display area as an additional display area on the same screen of the display means. A list of a plurality of search key value candidates that can be compared with the item is provided, and a related key value list display area is provided so that one of the predetermined search key value candidates can be selected by input from the input means. A search key value candidate selected in the key value list display area is displayed as a search key value in the value input area. As described above, according to the present invention, a search key value candidate list in a format selectable by the input means is displayed on the display means as one display area, and the selection of the search key value to the value input area is performed by selecting the search key value candidate. Since direct input can be omitted, a user who is unfamiliar with the database can easily specify an appropriate search key value for obtaining necessary data for a search item, thereby improving workability.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment of the Present Invention) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a search condition creation flowchart of the data search condition creation device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen of a display means in the data search condition creation device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a display state of the display means in a single condition expression creation state and a fixed state of the data search condition creation device according to the embodiment. FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a display state of the display means in a selected state, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a display state of the display means in a combined condition expression state and a determined search condition state of the data search condition creation device according to the present embodiment.

In each of the drawings, the data search condition creating apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an arithmetic control unit 11, an input unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a display unit 14, similarly to the conventional apparatus shown in FIG. A GUI (Graphic) in which the arithmetic control unit 11 arranges a plurality of display areas on the same screen.
al User Interface) is displayed on the display means 14, and the content displayed on the display means 14 is controlled based on the input from the input means 12.

The GUI displayed on the display means 14 is a search item list display area 41 for displaying a list of item names that can be specified as search items, and a value input area for inputting a search key value. 42, an operator selection area 43 that is an icon group for selecting a comparison operator that defines a relation between a search item and a search key value, and the search item list display area 4
1 is used to select a search item, input a search key value in the value input area 42, and display a condition expression as an area expressing a condition connected by a comparison operator in the operator selection area 43 as a character string. Area 44, an add button 45 which is an icon for confirming use of the conditional expression displayed in the conditional expression display area 44, and a condition list display area 46 which is an area for displaying a list of added conditions.
A condition detail display area 47 which is an area for displaying the details of the combined conditions in detail, and a logical connection relationship which is an icon group for connecting a plurality of conditions selected in the condition list display area 46 in a predetermined logical connection relationship. And a selection area 48.

The logical connection relation selection area 48 includes an AND connection button 48a for connecting the two conditions selected in the condition list display area 46 by a logical operator AND, and a logical operator O
It has an OR combination button 48b for combining with R and a delete button 48c for deleting a condition selected in the condition list display area 46.

Next, a description will be given of a search condition creation and display operation of the search condition creation apparatus based on the above configuration. It is assumed that a search program constituting the database is stored in the storage device 13 and that
Is operated to input a start command to the arithmetic control unit 11, the arithmetic control unit 11 reads out the search program from the storage device 13 and activates it. In this state, when the user operates the input means 12 to instruct search condition setting, the arithmetic control unit 11 reads out a search condition creation program among the search programs stored in the storage device 13 and selects each of the data selection items. An initial screen in which the list is arranged in the screen is displayed on the display screen 14a of the display unit 14.

First, the user performs a search condition creation operation by inputting the input means 12 in the search item list display area 41 where the search items are displayed among the display areas displayed on the display screen 14a of the display means 14. One of the displayed search items is selected and specified by a key operation or a mouse operation (step 1).

Next, a search key value is input to the value input area 42 by operating the key of the input means 12 in correspondence with the specified selected search item (step 2). Then, among the comparison operators in the operator selection area 43, a comparison operator that defines the relation of the search object to the search key value is selected in the search item list display area 41. Selection is made from available comparison operators according to the item type (character type or numeric type) (step 3). By this selection, a single conditional expression in which the relation between the search item and the search key value is defined by the comparison operator is displayed in the conditional expression display area 44 (see FIG. 3A).

In order to use this single conditional expression for search,
When the additional button 45 is pressed by the key operation of the input means 12 or the mouse operation, the single conditional expression displayed in the conditional expression display area 44 is determined. It is displayed in the list display area 46 (step 4, see FIG. 3B).

Thereafter, it is determined whether all the single conditional expressions included in the search condition have been defined (step 5). If the search condition includes multiple single conditional expressions and it is necessary to set additional single conditional expressions, repeat step 1
Then, one new search item is selected and designated, and the above processing is repeated (steps 1 to 4). In this way, the necessary number of steps 1 to 4 are repeated to define all the single conditional expressions constituting the search condition and display them in the condition list display area 46 (see FIG. 4A).

If it is determined in step 5 that all the single conditional expressions have been defined and no additional conditional expression is necessary,
Further, it is determined whether there are a plurality of conditional expressions in the condition list display area 46 (step 6). When there is one single conditional expression included in the search condition, one conditional expression is displayed in the condition list display area 46. Since this only conditional expression is the final search condition, the search is started as it is. (Step 12) to end a series of condition creation processing procedures.

On the other hand, when a plurality of single conditional expressions are included in the search condition and a plurality of conditional expressions are displayed in the condition list display area, the operation of defining the logical connection between these conditional expressions is as follows. Done. While a plurality of conditional expressions are displayed in the condition list display area 46, two conditional expressions to be logically combined based on the search condition are selected from the conditional expressions by a key operation or a mouse operation of the input means 12 (step). 7, refer to FIG. 4 (B)), and select and specify a logical operator in accordance with the logical connection relation of the two conditional expressions in the logical connection relation selection area 48 (step 8).

As a result, a new conditional expression is generated by combining the two conditional expressions with a predetermined logical operator.
The arithmetic control unit 11 performs an arithmetic process on a connection relationship defined by the logical operator between the two conditional expressions selected in the condition list display area 46, and data specified by the new conditional expression combining the conditional expressions. As an image representing a set, a higher-level condition name indicating this new conditional expression and a character, symbol, or symbol representing a logical operator are expressed as a set, and two lower-level combined single conditional expressions are expressed as one set. The system diagram of the tree structure is displayed in the detailed condition display area 47 on the display screen 14a of the display unit 14 (step 9).

At the same time, in the condition list display area 46, instead of deleting the two selected conditional expressions, a detailed condition display area 47 is displayed.
Is displayed as the same logical expression as that of the single conditional expression to be selected (step 10, see FIG. 5A).

After that, it is necessary to combine conditional expressions displayed in the condition list display area 46 or conditional expressions including a plurality of conditions indicated by the condition name with a predetermined logical operator to newly define them as conditional expressions. Determine if there is (Step 1
1). If a plurality of conditional expressions are displayed, and if it is necessary to additionally combine the conditional expressions with a predetermined logical operator, return to step 7 and select and designate two new conditional expressions to be logically combined. , The above processing is repeated (steps 7 to 10). The procedure of steps 7 to 10 is repeated as many times as necessary, and the structure of the final conditional expression obtained by combining all the conditional expressions constituting the search condition via the logical operator is shown in the detailed condition display area 47. Only the condition name of the final condition expression is displayed in the condition list display area 46 (FIG. 5).
(B)).

If it is determined in step 11 that the connection relation between all the conditional expressions has been defined, one condition name is displayed in the condition list display area 46. Since the conditional expression shown is the final search condition,
The search is started as it is (step 12), and a series of condition creation processing procedures are completed.

As described above, in the data search condition creating apparatus according to the present embodiment, on the display screen 14a of the display means 14, a single conditional expression and a relation in which the relation between the search item and the search key value is defined by the operator. This complex conditional expression logically combined with the single conditional expression is treated as one item in the condition list display area 46, and the condition is created only by the user repeating the operation of defining the logical combination of the two items. And the relationship between the logically connected conditional expressions is graphically represented in the detailed condition display area 47 in a tree structure, which can be referred to by the user during condition creation. It is intuitively understood, and a user who is unfamiliar with the database can create an appropriate search condition without being confused. Also, a data search item list in a format selectable by the input means 12 is used as the search item list display area 41 as the display means 1.
4 and can be used, even a user unfamiliar with the database can easily specify an appropriate search item for desired data in the creation of a single conditional expression, thereby improving workability.

(Second Embodiment of the Present Invention)
Will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. FIG. 6 is a partially omitted flowchart of search condition creation in the data search condition creation device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a selection condition and a conditional expression of a decoupling target condition expression in the data search condition creation device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a display state of the display means in a connection release state.

In each of the drawings, the data search condition creating apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an arithmetic control unit 11, an input unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a display unit 14, as in the first embodiment. As a different configuration, in the logical connection relation selection area 48 of the GUI displayed by the arithmetic control unit 11 on the display unit 14, an icon for performing an operation of releasing the connection of the once logically connected conditional expressions and returning to the original two conditional expressions This is a configuration in which a coupling release button 48d is additionally provided.

Next, a description will be given of a search condition creation and display operation of the search condition creation apparatus based on the above configuration. Steps up to step 10 in FIG. 1 are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Thereafter, a conditional expression including a plurality of conditional expressions displayed in the condition list display area 46 or a plurality of conditions indicated by the condition name is combined with a predetermined logical operator to newly define a conditional expression, It is determined whether or not the expression needs to be edited (step 11). In step 11, when it is necessary to further logically combine a plurality of conditional expressions or edit the conditional expression, first, change the new conditional expression generated in step 9,
It is determined whether or not correction is necessary (step 13). If an incorrect conditional expression or logical operator is selected and a change is required,
The key name of the input means 12 or the mouse operation is used to select and specify the condition name of the conditional expression to be decoupled graphically displayed in the condition detail display area 47 or the condition name of the conditional expression displayed in the condition list display area 46. (Step 14, FIG. 7
(See (A)), and at the same time, select a connection release button 48d in the logical connection relationship selection area 48 (step 1).
5). Thereby, the combination of the conditional expressions is released, the part relating to the decoupled conditional expression is deleted from the condition list display area 46 and the condition detail display area 47, and the original two conditional expressions are displayed in the condition list display area 46. It is displayed again (Fig. 7
(B)). Thereafter, the process returns to step 7 to select and designate two conditional expressions to be logically combined, and repeats the above processing (steps 7 to 10). The procedure of steps 7 to 10 is repeated as many times as necessary, and the structure of the final conditional expression obtained by combining all the conditional expressions constituting the search condition via the logical operator is shown in the detailed condition display area 47. Only the condition name of the final conditional expression is displayed in the condition list display area 46.

On the other hand, if it is not necessary to change the conditional expression in step 13, the procedure returns to step 7, and the procedure of steps 7 to 10 is repeated in the same manner as described above. Thereafter, if it is determined in step 11 that the connection relationship between all the conditional expressions has been defined, the conditional expression indicated by the condition name uniquely displayed in the condition list display area 46 is used as the final search condition. Therefore, the search is started as it is (step 12), and a series of condition creation processing procedures are completed.

As described above, in the data search condition creating apparatus according to the present embodiment, if a new conditional expression created by logically combining two conditional expressions is incorrect, the unlinking button is pressed. 48d easily breaks the bond,
Since the work can be redone, the workability for the user can be improved, and even a user with little database search experience can use it without being confused.

In the data search condition creating apparatuses according to the first and second embodiments, the G shown in FIG.
The UI is displayed on the display screen 14a of the display unit 14 and used. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the GUI displayed on the display unit 14 by the arithmetic control unit 11 includes a search item list display area 41. Is a display area that displays a list of a plurality of search key value candidates that can be compared in relation to the search item specified in step 1, and that allows one of the predetermined search key value candidates to be selected by operating the input unit 12. A key value list display area 49 is additionally arranged in the vicinity of the value input area 42 so as to be switchable between display and non-display, and the search key value candidate selected in the related key value list display area 49 is input as the search key value. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the value is displayed in the area 42.
Since the direct input of the search key value by the key input with the input means 12 can be omitted, even a user who is unfamiliar with the database and does not know what search key value should be defined in order to obtain necessary data can be searched. An appropriate search key value can be easily specified for an item, and workability is further improved.

In the data search condition creating apparatus according to each of the first and second embodiments, the creation of a single conditional expression to be displayed in the condition list display area 46 is performed by using the search item list display area 41 and the value input It is configured to perform according to a predetermined procedure of the GUI including the area 42, the operator selection area 43, the conditional expression display area 44, and the add button 45. List display area 46
Alternatively, a single conditional expression can be directly input by the input means 12 using a key, so that the operation time can be reduced without going through a plurality of steps.

Further, in the data retrieval condition creation devices according to the first and second embodiments, the comparison operator in the operator selection area 43 as a GUI is set without including any negation, so that the conditional expression In the specification of the logical connection relation between all the conditions, all conditions can be expressed only by using AND or OR as the logical operator, and only the icons of the AND connection and the OR connection are set in the logical connection relation selection area 48. In the logical connection relation selection area 48, a NOR connection and a NAND connection icon for connecting a plurality of conditional expressions selected in the condition list display area as a NOR or NAND logical connection relation may be added.

[0045]

As described above, in the present invention, the logical relationship corresponding to the search condition is represented by a graphic on the display means, and this can be referred to by the user, so that the search range can be intuitively understood. The user does not need to reassemble the search range from the form of a single expression that is difficult to understand as a unit via logical operators and parentheses, as in the past, and lacks knowledge and experience with the database. This provides an effect that even a user who is able to easily create an appropriate search condition. Further, in the present invention, the logical relationship corresponding to the search condition is represented by a tree-structured graphic and / or a Venn diagram graphic on the display means, and this can be referred to by the user, so that the content of each condition constituting the search condition can be obtained. At a glance, the application of condition contents can be understood intuitively, and even users with insufficient knowledge and experience in the database can easily create appropriate search conditions. It has the effect of being able to do it. Further, in the present invention, the created single conditional expression (comparison operation) and the complicated conditional expression combined with the single conditional expression are treated as one item in the condition list display area, and are handled by the user. The condition can be created only by repeating the setting of the logical connection relationship of the items, and the relationship between the logically connected condition expressions is graphically represented by the combination of the above items in the condition detail display area. By being able to refer to, the logical connection relationship of the conditional expressions is not expressed in the form of one uncomprehensible expression united via logical operators and parentheses. It is not necessary to reassemble the search range) in the head, and the application of the conditional expression can be intuitively understood, so that even users who lack knowledge and experience in the database can easily create appropriate search conditions. Can be done Having. In addition, since a complicated conditional expression is also expressed as one item in the condition list display area, expansion can be easily performed by adding a condition later, and there is an effect that user productivity can be improved. Further, in the present invention, by displaying a list of logical operators in a format that can be selected by the input unit on the display unit as one display area, the selection state of the logical operator is easily understood, so that a user who is unfamiliar with the database can use it. Also, there is an effect that erroneous selection of a logical operator or the like hardly occurs and workability is improved. Also, in the present invention, by displaying a data search item list in a format selectable by the input means on the display means as one display area, a user unfamiliar with the database can specify an appropriate search item for the database. It is easy to perform and has the effect of improving workability. Further, in the present invention, a search key value candidate list in a format selectable by the input means is displayed on the display means as one display area, and the search key value is directly input to the value input area by selecting the search key value candidate. Can be omitted, and even a user unfamiliar with the database can easily specify an appropriate search key value to be compared with a search item, thereby improving the workability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a search condition creation flowchart of a data search condition creation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen of a display unit in the data search condition creating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a display state of a display unit in a single conditional expression creation state and a fixed state of the data search condition creation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a display state of the display means in a state where all conditional expressions are determined and a conditional expression is selected in the data search condition creating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a display state of the display means in the condition expression combination state and the search condition finalized state of the data search condition creation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partially omitted flowchart of search condition creation of the data search condition creation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a display state of a display means in a condition for decoupling target conditional expression selection state and conditional expression decoupling state of the data search condition creating device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a display state of the display means in a search key value candidate selection state and a search key value determination state of the data search condition creation device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a conventional data search condition creation device.

FIG. 10 is a search condition creation flowchart of a conventional data search condition creation device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 data search condition creation device 11 arithmetic control unit 12 input means 13 storage device 14 display means 14a display screen 41 search item list display area 42 value input area 43 operator selection area 44 conditional expression display area 45 add button 46 condition list display area 47 Condition detail display area 48 Logical connection relation selection area 48a AND connection button 48b OR connection button 48c Delete button 48d Connection release button 49 Related key value list display area

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Yuji Tensha 17-58 Higashi-Kasuga-cho, Oita City, Oita Prefecture Inside Fujitsu Oita Software Laboratory Co., Ltd. No. 1 Inside Fujitsu Limited

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A data search condition creating method for creating a search condition of data to be taken out from an existing database by inputting from an input means while a user refers to sequential display by an input result display means, A logical relationship corresponding to the search condition is input while being displayed on the display means as a graphic. 2. The data search condition creating method according to claim 1, wherein the graphic displayed on the display means is a graphic having a tree structure and / or
Or, a data search condition creating method characterized by being a Venn diagram. 3. The data search condition creating method according to claim 1, wherein one or a plurality of single items created by associating a search item with a search key value are displayed on the same screen of the display means. A condition list display area for displaying one conditional expression and at least two display areas for a condition detail display area for displaying the internal structure of the conditional expression in graphic form are set, and the condition list is displayed by an input from a user's input means. After selecting a plurality of single conditional expressions to be logically combined based on a search condition from the area and further specifying a predetermined logical operator by input from an input means, the plurality of single conditional expressions are subjected to the logical operation. Generating a new conditional expression linked by a child, displaying the internal structure of the new conditional expression graphically in the detailed condition display area together with a predetermined condition name indicating the new conditional expression, and displaying the condition list display area Before The condition name is displayed as a selection target of the same logical combination as the single condition expression instead of the selected plural single condition expressions, and the single condition expression or the condition name displayed in the condition list display area is selected. And the specification of the logical operator is repeated until the structure of the final conditional expression is graphically displayed in the detailed condition display area, and only the final condition name of the final conditional expression is displayed in the condition list display area. A data search condition creating method characterized in that a search condition is created by causing a search condition to be created. 4. The data search condition creating method according to claim 3, wherein a logical connection relation selection area for displaying a list of a plurality of selectable logical operators is added to the same screen of the display means. A method for setting a data search condition, wherein one of the logical operators displayed in the logical connection relation selection area is selected and designated by an input from the input means. 5. The data search condition creating method according to claim 3, wherein items that can be designated as search items in a database are displayed in a list on the same screen of the display means and input from an input means. A search item list display area in which one of the predetermined items can be selected, and a value input area which is an area for displaying a search key value input from the input means, are additionally set. Create a single conditional expression by connecting the search item selected in the item list display area and the search key value displayed in the value input area with a predetermined comparison operator, and display the single conditional expression in the condition list display area A data search condition creating method. 6. The data search condition creating method according to claim 5, wherein when a predetermined item is selected in the search item list display area on the same screen of the display means, the item is compared with the selected item. A related key value list display area for displaying a list of a plurality of search key value candidates that can be a target and selecting one of predetermined search key value candidates by input from the input means; A data search condition creating method, wherein a search key value candidate selected in a list display area is displayed as a search key value in the value input area. 7. A data search condition creating apparatus for creating search conditions in accordance with an input from a user's input means and sequentially displaying an input result by a display means when searching data in an existing database. A data search condition creating apparatus, wherein a corresponding logical relationship is input while being displayed on the display means as a graphic. 8. The data search condition creating device according to claim 7, wherein the graphic displayed on the display means is a tree-structured graphic and / or
Alternatively, a data search condition creation device characterized by being a Venn diagram graphic. 9. The data search condition creating device according to claim 7, wherein one or a plurality of single items created by associating a search item with a search key value are displayed on the same screen of the display means. A condition list display area for displaying one conditional expression and at least two display areas for a condition detail display area for displaying the internal structure of the conditional expression in graphic form are set, and the condition list is displayed by an input from a user's input means. After selecting a plurality of single conditional expressions to be logically combined based on a search condition from the area and further specifying a predetermined logical operator by input from an input means, the plurality of single conditional expressions are subjected to the logical operation. Generating a new conditional expression linked by a child, displaying the internal structure of the new conditional expression graphically in the detailed condition display area together with a predetermined condition name indicating the new conditional expression, and displaying the condition list display area Before The condition name is displayed as a selection target of the same logical combination as the single condition expression instead of the selected plural single condition expressions, and the single condition expression or the condition name displayed in the condition list display area is selected. And the specification of the logical operator is repeated until the structure of the final conditional expression is graphically displayed in the detailed condition display area, and only the final condition name of the final conditional expression is displayed in the condition list display area. A data search condition creating apparatus for creating a search condition. 10. The data search condition creating device according to claim 7, wherein an additional display area is provided on the same screen of the display means.
A logical connection relation selection area for displaying a list of a plurality of selectable logical operators, wherein one of the logical operators displayed in the logical connection relation selection area is selected and designated by an input from the input means. Characteristic data search condition creation device. 11. The data search condition creating device according to claim 7, wherein an additional display area is provided on the same screen of the display means.
A search item list display area for displaying a list of items that can be specified as search items in the database, and selecting one of predetermined items by input from the input means, and an area for displaying a search key value input from the input means And a single conditional expression created by connecting a search item selected in the search item list display area and a search key value displayed in the value input area with a predetermined comparison operator. A data search condition creating device for displaying in a display area. 12. The data search condition creating device according to claim 11, wherein: an additional display area on the same screen of the display means.
When a predetermined item is selected in the search item list display area, a plurality of search key value candidates that can be compared with the item are displayed in a list, and one of the predetermined search key value candidates is input by an input unit. A data search condition creating device, comprising: a selectable related key value list display area; and displaying a search key value candidate selected in the related key value list display area as a search key value in the value input area.