JPH1195992A - Data preparation supporting device, object-oriented analytic design supporting device and data managing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simultaneously handle plural pieces of data, to store them while reducing overlapping information and to facilitate data management, by holding the operation history of preparation object data and managing this operation history for every independent range of preparation object data. SOLUTION: Based on object-oriented analytic designing, analytic design is performed through an input part 21. When describing a class drawing, a user uses the graphic editing supporting function of a graphic editing part 22. The described class drawing is preserved in a class drawing information preserving part 231 at an analytic design information preserving part 23. When changing the class drawing, the class drawing is changed while using a new change processing part 241 and an additional change processing part 242 at a change processing part 24. The changed information is preserved in a changed information preserving part 232. Thus, since data management is performed by relating data based on a change history and the change history is managed for each independent part of data, all the data can be efficiently managed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a data creation support apparatus, an object-oriented analysis design support apparatus, and a data management method for supporting data creation such as analysis and design by an object-oriented analysis design method in software development.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Object-oriented is a concept of developing software using real-world "objects" as constituent units, and many object-oriented analysis and design methods have been proposed (for example, reference: J. Amer. R
Umbaugh et al (translated by Hanyuda): Object Oriented Methodology OMT, Toppan, 1992, etc.).
Although there are small differences between the techniques, those techniques proceed with the analysis design using several types of diagrams unique to those techniques.

One of the diagrams used in the object-oriented analysis design method is a class diagram. The class diagram is a diagram expressing the static aspect of the object (system) to be developed. The class diagram expresses the concept of "things" in the real world as classes, and associates these classes using associations. Associations also have some special associations, such as inheritance and aggregation, depending on their nature. There is a diagram corresponding to this in any method, and various other diagrams are created based on each class extracted here as a class.

[0004] Many object-oriented analysis and design support devices having editors for describing various diagrams proposed in the object-oriented analysis and design method including class diagrams have been proposed for each method.

[0005] In this object-oriented analysis design, usually, the class diagram is frequently rewritten.
In addition, it is often the case that the most ideal result is used as the final analysis design result after several analysis design results are created and compared.

When development is performed by a conventional object-oriented analysis / design support apparatus, one analysis / design result is collectively managed. In this case, when a part of the analysis design result is changed and saved as another result, it is managed separately from the original analysis design result. However, such changes are frequently made in the object-oriented analysis design, so that if it is left as a different result, a large number of analysis design results must be separately managed. In such a case, if a plurality of results are to be switched and displayed, a plurality of analysis design results are switched, so that there is a lot of waste from the viewpoint of processing in a display switching operation or the like. In the object-oriented analysis design, such a change often changes only a small part of the entire analysis design result. In this case, since most of the obtained data of the analysis and design results are the same, it is wasteful to manage them separately from the viewpoint of memory resources.
Furthermore, only one analysis design result is left at the end, but the management of other analysis design results that are generated in excess is usually not handled by the apparatus, so that unnecessary analysis design results are discarded. Must be done by the user.

Incidentally, in addition to design tools, description tools or editing tools, for example, the above-mentioned object-oriented analysis design support apparatus, various tools such as CAD, drawing system drawing tools, GUI builder, digital video editing apparatus, and text editor are usually used. , Undo function are provided. The Undo function is a function that can invalidate an already performed operation in order from the latest operation, and greatly saves the trouble of repairing when this function is not provided.

However, in the conventional Undo function, since the operations input by the user are retroactively invalidated one by one in order, some inconveniences may occur. For example, even if there is an operation that the user wants to keep without canceling during the canceling operation, the operation must be canceled. In addition, for example, a plurality of operations cannot be canceled at once, and operations may be complicated.

[0009]

In the conventional object-oriented analysis / design support apparatus, since a large number of analysis / design results are separately managed by a user, memory resources are wasted and display switching processing is also wasted. There were many. Also,
There is a problem that the user must discard the unnecessary analysis design result. This point similarly occurs in other design tools and the like.

[0010] In the conventional Undo function, since the operations input by the user are sequentially invalidated one by one, some inconveniences may occur.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and handles data such as a plurality of analysis design results collectively, reduces and stores redundant information, and facilitates data management. It is an object to provide an apparatus, an object-oriented analysis design support apparatus, and a data management method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a data creation support device, an object-oriented analysis and design support device, and a data management method which facilitate switching of display.

Further, the present invention provides a data creation support apparatus, an object-oriented analysis design support apparatus, and a data processing apparatus that can leave data such as one analysis design result and automatically discard unnecessary information automatically. The purpose is to provide a management method.

Alternatively, the present invention provides a more operable Un
An object of the present invention is to provide a data creation support device, an object-oriented analysis design support device, and a data management method capable of realizing a do function.

[0015]

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention (claim 1) provides:
In a data creation support device that supports creation of data,
It is characterized by comprising means for holding an operation history of the creation target data, and means for managing the operation history for each independent range of the creation target data.

[0016] Preferably, the operation history may be managed using changes based on a plurality of operations as a unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data creation supporting apparatus for supporting creation of data, comprising: means for holding an operation history of data to be created; Means for managing the history.

[0018] Preferably, means for executing a predetermined process for at least one unit of the operation history may be further provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data creation supporting apparatus for supporting creation of data, wherein a history of operations performed an arbitrary number of times for each of a plurality of independent portions of base data is stored for each of the independent portions. And a means for generating post-operation data based on the history of the operation and the base data before and at a specified time for each of the plurality of independent parts. And characterized in that:

Preferably, the apparatus may further include means for displaying the generated data after the operation on a display screen.

Preferably, when confirmation is instructed,
A means for saving only the generated data after the operation and erasing other information may be further provided.

According to the present invention (claim 8), in an object-oriented analysis and design support apparatus for supporting object-oriented analysis and design, a corresponding part which is performed an arbitrary number of times for each of a plurality of independent parts of the analysis and design results used as basic data Means for sequentially storing the contents after the operation as a difference between the contents before and after the operation, for each of the plurality of independent parts, means for receiving selection of the contents after the operation, and for each of the plurality of independent parts Means for generating a selected post-operation analysis design result based on the information of all differences corresponding to the selected post-operation content and the analysis design result used as the basic data. Good.

Preferably, means for receiving an instruction to start an operation of the independent part and an instruction to start an additional operation with respect to the operation of the independent part; In addition to generating information for managing the series of operations of the independent part, generating information for managing the difference related to the new operation, and issuing an instruction to start further operation for the operation of the independent part If received, a means for generating information for managing the difference related to the addition operation may be further provided.

[0024] Preferably, in the operation relating to one independent part, means for detecting that an operation that interferes with another independent part has been performed may be further provided.

Preferably, the apparatus may further include means for displaying the generated analysis design result after the operation on a display screen.

Preferably, when confirmation is instructed,
A means for saving only the generated analysis design result after the operation and deleting other information may be further provided.

Preferably, the analysis design result is a class diagram in which classes and relationships between the classes are described as elements.
Class deletion, association addition, and association deletion may be configured as elements.

[0028] In the data management method according to the present invention (claim 12), the history of operations performed an arbitrary number of times for each of a plurality of independent parts of the underlying data is managed for each of the independent parts, and The post-operation data is generated based on the history of the operation and the base data before and at a designated point in time for each independent part.

The data management method according to the present invention (claim 13) is a data management method for returning a state corresponding to an operation to an original state according to a history related to a given operation. , Wherein a portion corresponding to the predetermined range is managed, and a portion corresponding to the predetermined range is returned to an original state based on a history of the operation.

It should be noted that the above-described inventions relating to the respective devices also hold as inventions relating to the method, and the inventions relating to the respective methods also hold as inventions relating to the device.

The above-described invention is also realized as a machine-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the corresponding procedure or means.

According to the present invention, the data management is performed by associating data with each other based on the change history, and the change history is managed for each independent part of the data. When data is changed and stored as other new data, all data can be efficiently managed.

Retrieving specified data;
This can be easily displayed. It is also possible to easily leave one data and delete the other data.

According to the present invention, data management is performed by associating data with each other based on a change history.
Since change history is managed for each independent part of the data,
For example, it is possible to easily realize various convenient functions such as ending only an independent arbitrary part.

Further, according to the present invention, the change history is managed as a unit of a change made by a series of a plurality of change operations, so that various convenient functions such as undoing a plurality of operations collectively are provided. Can be easily realized.

[0036]

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

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an object-oriented analysis and design support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The object-oriented analysis / design support apparatus is:
Input unit 21, figure editing unit 22, analysis design information storage unit 2
3, a change processing unit 24, a display unit 25, and a display 26.

The input section 21 is for inputting data for graphic editing from a user, instructions regarding change processing, and the like, and is configured using an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard.

The graphic editing unit 22 edits class diagram information based on an input from a user.

The analysis design information storage unit 23 includes a class diagram information storage unit 231 for storing the determined class diagram information, and change information for storing information regarding a change made by the user to the determined class diagram information. It has a storage unit 232. As will be described in detail later, there are two types of class diagram changes: a new change that is newly performed and an additional change that occurs during the current change. Further, the change information storage unit 232 includes change tables of the same number as the number of new changes, and change information units of the same number as the total number of new and additional changes. FIG. 2 shows an example of the change table, and FIG.
Shows an example of the change information section.

In changing the class diagram, the class diagram information stored in the class diagram information storage unit 231 is to be changed (if there is more than one, the class diagram identifier is designated and selected). The target class diagram may be a class diagram edited by the graphic editing unit 22 and stored in the class diagram information storage unit 231 or may be a class diagram read from the outside.

The change processing unit 24 includes a new change processing unit 241 for performing a process for a new change, an additional change processing unit 242 for performing a process for an additional change, and a process for selecting one of various changes to be displayed. Change selection section 24 to be made
3. It has a change determination unit 244 that performs a process of determining one of various changes as an edit result.

The display unit 25 processes information of a class diagram to be displayed.

The display 26 displays a class diagram.

In the object-oriented analysis and design support apparatus, the user operates the input unit 2 based on the object-oriented analysis and design method supported by the object-oriented analysis and design support apparatus.
Perform analysis design through 1. When a user describes a class diagram, the diagram editing support function of the diagram editing unit 22 is used.

The described class diagram is stored in the class diagram information storage unit 231 of the analysis design information storage unit 23.

When changing the class diagram, the change processing unit 24
The class diagram is changed using the new change processing unit 241 and the additional change processing unit 242. The changed information is stored in the change information storage unit 232.

When a plurality of pieces of analysis design information created by the user are switched and displayed, the analysis design information to be displayed is selected using the change selection section 243, and the contents of the change information storage section 232 are updated accordingly. . Actual display 2
6 is displayed by the display unit 25 based on the information stored in the analysis design information storage unit 23.

The process when the user selects the final result from the plurality of analysis design results is performed by the change determination unit 244.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall processing procedure relating to the change processing of the object-oriented analysis and design support apparatus.

When performing the change processing, first, a change menu is displayed and the user waits for a selection input (step S1).
1). As will be described later in detail, there are four menus: [start new change], [start additional change], [select result], and [fix].

When the start of new change is selected (step S12), the process of initial setting of the change information storage unit is performed (step S15), the process of editing the class diagram is performed (step S16), and the process of display is performed. (Step S18).

When the start of addition change is selected (step S12), processing for adding and setting a change information section is performed (step S15), processing for editing a class diagram is performed (step S16), and display processing is performed. (Step S18).

When the result selection is selected (step S1)
2, S13), and performs a change selection process (step S1).
7) A display process is performed (step S18).

When the confirmation is selected (step S12,
S13), a change selection process is performed (step S19).

Next, the configuration and operation of the object-oriented analysis and design support apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail with specific examples.

In the following, the management of a plurality of analysis results, which is caused by changing a part of the class diagram, by the object-oriented analysis and design support apparatus of the present embodiment will be described in the following order. 1) In an analysis design using the object-oriented analysis design support apparatus of the present embodiment, a class diagram described by a user in a diagram editing unit 22 through an input device 21 will be described using a description example. 2) Class diagram information storage unit 23 of analysis design information storage unit 23
The analysis design information of the class diagram stored in No. 1 will be described using the description example of the above (1).

3) The change of the class diagram by the change processing unit 24 will be described using the description example of the above (1) and the stored information of the above (2). 4) Switching of display of a plurality of analysis design results according to the above (3) will be described. 5) Processing for displaying one of the analysis design results will be described. 6) One decision among a plurality of analysis design results according to the above (3) will be described.

(1) First, the figure editor 2 in the analysis design
The class diagram described in 2 will be described.

FIG. 5 shows a description example of a class diagram described at the time of analysis design by the object-oriented analysis and design technique supported by the object-oriented analysis and design support apparatus of the present embodiment. The user describes the class diagram as shown in FIG. Note that detailed information not shown in the figure (for example, class attributes, methods, method arguments,
The type of association (inheritance, aggregation, etc.) etc.
2 is input.

Here, this class diagram will be briefly described. The classes extracted at the time of analysis design are drawn on the class diagram, and the relationships between them are described. In the example of FIG. 5, the classes are represented by rectangles, and there are four classes A, B, C, and D. If there is any relationship between the classes, a relationship line is drawn between them to indicate that there is a relationship between those classes. In FIG. 5, associations are set between classes A and B, between classes B and C, and between classes B and D, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 5, the format for describing the analysis design result in a class diagram is a class diagram described in an object-oriented analysis and design technique assumed to be supported by the object-oriented analysis and design support apparatus of the present embodiment. This is merely an example, and the present invention can be applied to a case of supporting another object-oriented analysis design method having a different description format of the analysis design result.

(2) Next, the analysis design information of the class diagram stored in the class diagram information storage unit 231 of the analysis design information unit 23 will be described.

The classes existing in the class diagram described by the user in the diagram editing unit 22 and the relationships between them are stored in the class diagram information storage unit 231. Here, information stored in the class diagram information storage unit 231 will be described using an example of the class diagram in FIG.

The class diagram information storage unit 231 stores the classes existing in the class diagram and the relationships between them. FIG.
In the class diagram, there are a class A, a class B, a class C, and a class D, a relationship between AB, a relationship between BC, and a relationship between BD. In this case, the class diagram information storage unit 231
FIG. 6 shows an example of the format of the data stored in. "Cl
The item “ass:” indicates an existing class, and the item “Relation:” indicates an association between the existing classes. The keyword “rel” in the figure indicates “general association”, for example, r
el (A, B) indicates that there is a general association between classes A and B. In object-oriented, there are cases where there are types of associations other than general associations. In that case, a keyword corresponding to each type of association is defined,
The part of “rel” indicating the general relation in FIG. 6 is changed according to the type of the relation. For example, if there is an inheritance relationship between classes A and B, Inherit (A, B)
As shown.

This storage mode is an example in the object-oriented analysis and design support apparatus of the present embodiment, and various other storage modes can be used.

(3) Next, the change of the class diagram by the change processing unit 24 and the management of a plurality of analysis design results will be described.

Here, a specific example will be described in which the analysis design information of FIG. 5 is targeted, and a part of the analysis design information is changed to be a candidate for the analysis design result.

There are two types of class diagram changes: a new change that is newly made and an additional change that occurs during the current change. In the following, an example in which some other analysis design results are prepared based on the analysis design information of FIG. 5 will be described in the following three processes. 3-1) New class diagram change 3-2) Additional class diagram change for the result of <3-1> above 3-3) New class diagram for a place completely independent of the above <3-1> Change <3-1> Change of class diagram (new change 1) The procedure of the new change of the class diagram is as follows (i) to (iv). In this case, the class D is deleted in FIG. 5, and the classes E and F are added instead.
A specific procedure for changing the class diagram will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, taking an example in which a relationship is provided between the classes EF. Also, “change 1” is used as a name for identifying the type of change, and “result 1-2” is used as a name for identifying the result after the change. 7 and 8, (a) shows an internal change of the change information storage unit 232 of the analysis design information storage unit 23 in this example.
(B) shows a display example displayed based on the display.

Here, the processing of “initial setting of the change information storage unit” in FIG. 4 is performed. FIG. 9 shows an example of the procedure of the process of “initial setting of the change information storage unit”.

(I) First, when a change is started in the figure editing unit 22, a change menu as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed (step S11 in FIG. 4). In the first change, only [new change start] can be selected, and [additional change start], [result selection], and [fix] cannot be selected. Items that cannot be selected, such as [Start additional change],
It is preferable to present to the user that selection is not possible, for example, by displaying in gray.

(Ii) Next, the user selects [start new change] from the change menu as shown in FIG. 10 (step S12 in FIG. 4). In addition, a name for identifying the type of change (here, “change 1”) and a name for identifying the result after the current change (“result 1-2”) are input.

Then, the new change processing unit 241 causes
Two change information units are stored in the change information storage unit 232 (see FIG. 3).
And one change table (see FIG. 2) is created (FIG. 9).
Step S21).

A pointer to one of the higher-level information in the created change information section is set so as to point to the class diagram information to be changed (step S22 in FIG. 9). Nothing is recorded in the deletion information section and the additional information section of the change information section.

The pointer to the upper information of the other created change information section is set so as to point to the one change information section (step S23 in FIG. 9). Nothing is recorded in the deletion information part and the additional information part of the change information part.

In the created change table, a name for identifying the type of change input by the user is recorded in “change name”, “candidate name 1” is set to “before change”, and the former change Recorded to point to the information section. Also,
The “selected candidate name” and “candidate name 2” are both names for identifying the result after the change input by the user, and “candidate name 2” indicates the latter change information section. (Steps S24 and S2 in FIG. 9)
5).

As in this example, if the name for identifying the change is “change 1” and the name for identifying the newly generated result is “result 1-2”, the items in the change table are respectively , “Change name” is “change 1”, and “selected candidate name” and “candidate name 2” are “result 1-
For convenience of the two change information sections, the former is the change information section of “change 1”, and the latter is “result 1−”.
2 ”, the“ candidate name 1: before change ”in the change table is the change information part of“ change 1 ”.
“Candidate name 2: Result 1-2” respectively indicates the change information part of “Result 1-2”. Also, “Result 1-2”
The pointer to the higher-level information of the change information section of "Change 1" points to the change information section of "Change 1."

FIGS. 7A and 7B show the state of the change information storage unit 232 and the class diagrams displayed at that time.
Are shown below.

(Iii) Next, the new change processing unit 241 changes the class diagram.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the procedure of the "edit class diagram" process of FIG. In editing the class diagram, a deletion process (step S32) and an addition process (step S33) are performed as appropriate. FIG. 12 shows an example of the procedure of the "deletion process" of FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 shows an example of the procedure of the "addition process" of FIG.

When the user edits the class diagram through the graphic editing unit 22, the latter two change information sections of the change information storage unit 232 (in this example, “Result 1-
In the additional information section of "2" change information section), the added contents of the changed contents are recorded (step S51 in FIG. 13),
In the deletion information section of the change information section, the deleted contents of the change contents are recorded. When the relation between the classes is deleted, the relation between the classes is recorded (FIG. 12).
(Steps S41 and S45), when the class is deleted, the class is recorded, the relations of the class are checked, and the relevant relations are recorded for deletion (steps S41 to S44 in FIG. 12). ).

In this example, first, the class D is deleted.
Then, the association between the classes BD connected to the class D is also deleted. At this time, in the change information storage unit 232, the relation rel (B, D) between the classes D and BD is recorded in the deletion information part of the change information part of “Result 1-2”.

Next, classes E and F are added, and associations are set between classes BE and EF. At this time, in the change information storage unit 232, the classes E, F, rel (B,
E), rel (E, F) are added.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the state of the change information storage unit 232 and the class diagrams displayed at that time.
Are shown below.

(Iv) Next, the current change information storage unit 232
The changed class diagram is displayed on the basis of the state (step S18 in FIG. 4). A specific display method will be described later.

<3-2> Change of Class Diagram (Additional Change) The additional change is performed when it is desired to add another analysis design result to the analysis design result currently being changed.

The procedure of the additional change is as follows (i) to (iv). Here, it is considered as a continuation from the state of FIG. 8 described above, and in FIG.
Delete the relationship between class F and class B-C, and replace C
A specific procedure for changing a class diagram will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 by taking as an example the case of setting an association between -E. 14 and 15 show internal changes in the change information storage unit 232 of the analysis design information storage unit 23 in this example and display examples displayed based on the internal changes.

Here, the processing of “addition and setting of change information” in FIG. 4 is performed. FIG. 16 shows an example of the procedure of the process of “addition and setting of change information”.

(I) First, when a change is started in the figure editing unit 22, a menu shown in FIG. 10 is displayed (step S11 in FIG. 4).

(Ii) Next, the user selects [start additional change] from the menu in FIG. Also, a name for identifying the result after the change performed this time is input.

Then, the addition / change processing unit 242 causes
The change information section shown in FIG. 3 is created in the change information storage section 232 (step S61 in FIG. 16). The pointer to the created higher-level information of the change information section is recorded so as to point to the change information section indicating the currently displayed state (the change information section indicated by the selected candidate name in the change table) ( Step S62 in FIG. 16). Further, a new name for identifying the result input by the user is recorded in the name of the change table (step S63 in FIG. 16), and is recorded so as to point to the change information part created here (step S63 in FIG. 16). S64). Furthermore, “Selected candidate name”
Is changed to a name for identifying the result after the change input by the user.

In this example, the name for identifying a newly generated analysis design result is “result 1-3”. Then, a new change information section is created in the change information storage section 232. This will be referred to as a “change result section” of “Result 1-3” for convenience. The pointer to the higher-level information in the change information part of “Result 1-3” is “Result 1-to” pointed by the pointer of “Result 1-2” which is the candidate name selected in the change table.
2 is set to indicate the change information section. Also, "candidate name 3:" is added to the item of the change table, and "result 1" is added to the candidate name selected as "candidate name 3:".
"Candidate name 3:" is recorded as "result 1-".
3 "is set to indicate the change information section.

FIG. 14 shows the state of the change information storage unit 232 so far and the class diagram displayed at that time.

(Iii) Next, the addition / change processing unit 242 changes the class diagram.

When the user edits the class diagram through the graphic editing unit 22, the change information storage unit 232 is used in (ii) above.
The content added to the additional information portion of the newly added change information portion is recorded (step S51 in FIG. 13), and the deleted content is recorded in the deletion information portion of the change information portion (FIG. 12). Steps S41 to S45).

In this example, first, the class F is deleted.
Then, the association between the classes EF connected to the class F is also deleted. Also, the association between classes BC is deleted. At this time, the change information storage unit 232 stores “Result 1
The relation rel (E, F) between the classes F and EF is recorded in the deletion information part of the change information part of "-3". The relation rel (B, C) between BC is also a deletion information part. Next, when an association is set between C and E, the association rel (C, C) between C and E is added to the additional information section of the change information section of “Result 1-3”.
E) is recorded.

FIG. 15 shows the state of the change information storage unit 232 so far and the class diagram displayed at that time.

(Iv) Next, the current change information storage unit 232
The changed class diagram is displayed on the basis of the state (step S18 in FIG. 4). A specific display method will be described later.

<3-3> Second New Change In the object-oriented analysis and design support apparatus of the present embodiment, a new change is a change independent of each other. Therefore, a plurality of new changes can be made to one design target. Next, a case where a second new change is performed after the first new change will be described.

The procedure for changing the class diagram is as follows (i) to (i).
v) As shown. Here, class G in FIG.
And a specific procedure for changing the class diagram will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18 by taking as an example the case of setting an association between classes A and G. Also, “change 2” is used as a name for identifying the type of change, and “result 2-2” is used as a name for identifying the result after the change. 17 and 18 show an internal change in the change information storage unit 232 of the analysis design information storage unit 23 in this example and a display example displayed based on the internal change.

(I) First, when a change is started in the figure editing unit 22, a menu shown in FIG. 10 is displayed (step S11 in FIG. 4).

(Ii) Next, the user selects [start new change] from the menu shown in FIG. In addition, a name for identifying the type of change (here, “change 2”) and a name for identifying the result after the current change (“result 2-2”) are input.

Then, the new change processing unit 241 causes
Two change information units are stored in the change information storage unit 232 (see FIG. 3).
And one change table (see FIG. 2) is created.

A pointer to one higher-level information of the created change information section is set so as to point to the class diagram storage information (step S22 in FIG. 9). Nothing is recorded in the deletion information section and the additional information section of the change information section.

A pointer to the higher-level information of the other created change information section is set so as to point to the one change information section (step S23 in FIG. 9). Nothing is recorded in the deletion information part and the additional information part of the change information part.

In the created change table, a name for identifying the type of change input by the user is recorded in “change name”, “candidate name 1” is set to “before change”, and the change information section Recorded to point to the former. Also,
The “selected candidate name” and “candidate name 2” are both names for identifying the result after the change input by the user, and “candidate name 2” indicates the latter of the above-mentioned change information section. (Steps S24 and S2 in FIG. 9)
5).

As in this example, if the name for identifying the change is “change 2” and the name for identifying a newly generated result is “result 2-2”, the items of the change table are respectively , “Change name” is “change 2”, and “selected candidate name” and “candidate name 2” are “result 2-
For convenience of the two change information sections, the former is the change information section of “change 2” and the latter is “result 2”.
2 ”, the“ candidate name 1: before change ”in the change table is the change information part of“ change 2 ”.
“Candidate name 2: Result 2-2” indicates the change information part of “Result 2-2”. Also, “Result 2-2”
The pointer to the higher-level information of the change information section of “change 2” now points to the change information section of “change 2.

FIG. 17 shows the state of the change information storage unit 232 so far and the class diagram displayed at that time.

(Iii) Next, the new change processing unit 241 changes the class diagram.

Then, the contents of the change added to the latter additional information part of the two change information parts of the change information storage unit 232 and the deleted contents are recorded in the deletion information part. These operations are basically the same as (iii) of <3-1> described above. However, if the content to be deleted exists in each change information section referenced from another change table of the change information storage section 232, the change and the current change are not independent. It is desirable to display an error message.

In this example, first, a class G is added, and an association is set between the classes A and G. At this time, in the change information storage unit 232, the class G, rel (A, G) is added to the additional information part of the change information part of “Result 2-2”.

FIG. 18 shows the state of the change information storage unit 232 so far and the class diagram displayed at that time.

(Iv) Next, the current change information storage unit 232
The changed class diagram is displayed on the basis of the state (step S18 in FIG. 4). A specific display method will be described later.

Note that such a new change can be made any number of times after the third time, but the operation of the third time and thereafter is the same as that of the second time.

By the way, as the change processing to be performed after the state of FIG. 18, three kinds of change, ie, additional change to change 1, additional change to change 2, and new change can be selected.

(4) Next, switching of the display of a plurality of analysis design results will be described.

The procedure for switching the display when a plurality of analysis design results are created as in the above (3), that is, the procedure for selecting one from the plurality of analysis design results is as follows (i).
To (v).

Here, the processing of “change selection processing (result selection)” in FIG. 4 is performed. FIG. 19 shows an example of the procedure of the “change selection processing (result selection)” processing.

(I) First, when a change is started in the figure editing unit 22, a menu shown in FIG. 10 is displayed (step S11 in FIG. 4).

(Ii) Next, the user selects [Result Selection] from the menu shown in FIG. Then, a switching selection screen as illustrated in FIG. 20 is displayed (step S71 in FIG. 4). A list of identification names indicating currently selectable changes is displayed on the screen (step S72 in FIG. 4).
The identification name indicating a selectable change displayed here is the change name of each change table existing in the change information storage unit 232 at that time.

Based on the state of FIG. 18 shown as a specific example above, in this example, the change information storage unit 232 has a change table of “change 1” and a change table of “change 2”. Accordingly, the displayed switching selection screen is as shown in FIG.

(Iii) Next, the user selects a target change on the switching selection screen (step S7 in FIG. 4).
3). Then, a result selection screen as illustrated in FIG. 22 is displayed (step S74 in FIG. 4). A list of identification names indicating the currently selectable analysis design results is displayed on the screen (step S75 in FIG. 4). The identification name indicating a selectable analysis design result displayed here is a list of change table candidate names corresponding to the change selected in the change information storage unit 232 at that time.

In this example, “change 1” and “change 2” can be selected on the switching selection screen of FIG. Here, as an example, when “selection 1” is selected, in this example, the change table corresponding to the selected change in the change information storage unit 232 includes “before change” and “result 1” as candidate names.
-2 "and" Result 1-3. "Therefore, the displayed result selection screen is as shown in FIG.

(Iv) Next, an analysis design result to be displayed on the result selection screen is selected (step S76 in FIG. 4). Then, the “selected candidate name” in the change table corresponding to the change selected in (iii) above is set as the candidate name of the analysis design result selected here (step S76 in FIG. 4).

In the result selection screen of FIG. 23, "Result 1-2" is displayed.
As an example, in this example, the change table corresponding to the change selected in the above (iii) in the change information storage unit 232 is the change table of “change 1” in this example. Here, assuming that “result 1-2” is selected, “selected candidate name” in the change table of “change 1” is changed to “result 1-2”.

In this case, the “selected candidate name” in the change table of “change 2” remains “result 2-2”.

FIG. 24 shows the state of the change information storage unit so far and the class diagram displayed at that time.

(V) When the selection is completed, the changed class diagram is displayed based on the current state of the change information storage unit 232 (step S18 in FIG. 4). A specific display method will be described later.

(5) Next, the process of displaying the analysis design result at the end of the new change or the addition change or the analysis design result selected by the user by switching the display will be described.

As described in the above (2), the analysis design information expresses not the image information itself of the class diagram but the logical contents described in the class diagram. From the user's point of view, when a plurality of analysis / design results are switched, the display content of the diagram changes. However, what is actually switched in the object-oriented analysis / design support apparatus is not the image information itself, but the actual analysis. Based on the information in the class diagram information storage unit 231 and the change information storage unit 232 of the design information storage unit 23, the data of the analysis design result to be displayed by the display unit 25 is processed, and this is displayed on the display 26.

FIG. 25 shows an example of the procedure of the "display" process in FIG. It is assumed that the display unit 25 has three buffers: a drawing buffer, a deletion buffer, and an addition buffer, as shown in FIG.

Here, FIG. 2 shown as a specific example above is used.
Explanation will be made based on the state of No. 4. The display procedure is as follows (i) to (vi).

(I) First, the information in the class information storage unit 231 is written to the drawing buffer of the display unit 25 (step S).
81).

In this example, the class A,
B, C, D, related rel (A, B), rel (B,
C), rel (B, D) are written. The result is shown in FIG.

(Ii) Next, the following series of processing is performed for every change table existing in the change information storage unit 232 (step S82).

A) The change information section pointed to by the candidate name set for the selected candidate name is checked (step S83).

B) The contents of the erasure information section of the change information section to be investigated are written to the erasure buffer. However, if the same data has already been written, nothing is done (step S84).

C) The contents of the additional information section of the change information section to be investigated are written to the additional buffer. However, if the same data has already been written, nothing is done (step S85).

D) If the destination pointed to by the pointer to the higher-level information is the change information section, the change information section is set as a target to be examined (steps S86 and S87), and steps S84 to S87 are performed.
Is repeated.

E) If the pointer pointed to by the higher-level information points to the class information storage unit 231, the process proceeds to the process (iii) (step S88).

In this example, as a result of the above (iii), that is, as a result of the processing of steps S81 to S82, from the change information part of "result 1-2", the class D and the related re
1 (B, D) is written, and classes E and F and related rel (B, E) and rel (E, F) are written in the additional buffer. Also, from the change information part of “Result 2-2”,
The class G and the associated rel (A, G) are written to the additional buffer. The result is shown in FIG.

(Iii) Next, of the contents written in the drawing buffer of the display unit 25, the contents written in the additional buffer are written in the drawing buffer. However, if the same data has already been written, nothing is done (step S88).

(Iv) Next, of the contents written in the drawing buffer of the display unit 25, the contents written in the deletion buffer are deleted (step S89).

In this example, as a result of the above (iii) and (iv), that is, the processing of steps S88 and S89, the drawing unit 2
5, the classes A, B, C, E, F, G and the related rel (A, B), rel (B, C), rel
(B, E), rel (E, F), and rel (A, G) are written. The result is shown in FIG.

(V) Next, the contents lacking in the drawing buffer are displayed on the display 26 (step S9).
0).

In this example, classes A, B, C, E, F,
The association between G and AB, BC, BE, EF, AG is drawn on the display 26 (the class diagram at the left in FIG. 24 is drawn).

(Vi) Then, the contents of the addition buffer and the deletion buffer of the display unit 25 are cleared (step S9).
1).

(6) Next, a process for determining one result from a plurality of analysis design results will be described.

Finally, one result is determined based on the plurality of analysis design results created.

FIG. 30 shows the "change selection process (confirmation)" of FIG.
An example of the procedure of the processing of FIG.

Here, FIG. 2 shown as a specific example above is shown.
Explanation will be made based on the state of No. 4. The display procedure is as follows (i) to (v).

(I) In the procedure shown in (5) above, the analysis / design result to be determined is displayed.

(Ii) In this state, when a change is started in the figure editing unit 22, a menu shown in FIG. 10 is displayed (step S11).

(Iii) The user selects [OK] from the menu shown in FIG.

Then, the contents of the display buffer of the display unit 25 are written into the class diagram information storage unit 231 by the change determination unit 244 (step S101).

In this example, classes A, B, C, E, F,
G and related rel (A, B), rel (B, C), rel
(B, E), rel (E, F), and rel (A, G) are written in the class diagram information storage unit 231. The class diagram information at this time is shown in FIG. 31 (the displayed class diagram is FIG.
4 (b)).

(Iv) Next, all the contents of the change information storage unit 232 are deleted (step S102).

At this time, if it is considered that the other drawing in the object-oriented analysis design is affected, that is, if the class present in the deletion buffer of the display unit 25 is included in the other drawing, the drawing is displayed. It is desirable to make a list and present it to the user.

(V) The contents of each buffer of the display unit 25 are cleared (step S103).

In the above, a unified management mechanism for a plurality of analysis and design results and a method of using this mechanism have been described.
The present invention can be applied to a so-called Undo function in a design tool, a description tool, an editing tool, or the like. In the following, the object-oriented analysis design support device,
A case where the present invention is applied to CAD, a drawing system drawing tool, a GUI builder, a digital video editing device, and a text editor will be described as an example.

First, main changes in the above embodiment will be described.

For each change table, the selected candidate name indicates the latest change information section.
That is, the latest change information section selected for each change table becomes the content of all the current data.

As the change name and the candidate name, an appropriate one such as a serial number may be automatically generated.

When the Undo operation is performed, the latest change information section of the change table to be Undo is discarded, and the immediately preceding change information section becomes the latest change information section. Information about the former is deleted in the Undo change table, and the selected candidate name indicates the latter. As a result, no operation corresponding to the discarded change information section (for example, data addition, deletion, copy (addition), movement (addition and deletion), or addition, deletion, or change of data attributes) was performed. Will be.

The change information section (that is, the history) is automatically created for each operation, or is created as a series of operations. The latter includes a method in which the user instructs the end of a series of operations, and a method in which the end of a series of operations is automatically determined based on a predetermined criterion (for example, by setting the number of a series of operations to be grouped together and automatically how to,
A method of defining and automating an operation which is a trigger for ending a series of operations to be grouped) can be considered.

Next, the parts unique to each of the various tools will be described.

<1> Object Oriented Analysis Design Support Device Undo / The types of drawing objects are "class" and "association". Associations exist only between classes, not alone. Therefore, a class having an association with another class cannot be deleted by itself, and the association is also deleted. Undo can be added or deleted by Undo.

<2> CAD Undo / Drawing target types are "icons" representing ICs and the like, and "lines" representing wirings. Although there are a plurality of types of ICs, basically, the icons correspond to the class of the object-oriented analysis and design support apparatus of <1>, and the wiring corresponds to the association. However, there may be a case where the wiring can exist alone.

<3> Draw System Drawing Tool Undo / Drawing target types include "line", "graphic", and "image". Unlike the object-oriented analysis and design support apparatus of <1> above, there is no semantic connection between the objects. However, there is a context for the overlap of the objects.

In order to maintain the context, all objects must have IDs when adding or deleting a figure, and one of the following must be performed.

I) The target to be added / deleted is 1 on the screen.
The ID of the next target is held at the same time. However, if the image is drawn at the top, it is null.

Ii) The target to be added / deleted is 1 on the screen.
The IDs of the subordinate objects are simultaneously held. However, if the image is drawn at the bottom, it is null.

Iii) For the object to be added / deleted, the current depth (a value indicating the number in the context) is added, and a new object is added or another object is added. Every time the context is moved, the depth is recalculated.

Iv) In the processing of the display unit, the objects placed in the deletion buffer are displayed as “transparent”. Also,
Other operations (selection and movement of figures, etc.) cannot be performed. However, the preservation of the context (calculation) is performed in the same manner as the other objects (displayed).

<4> GUI Builder Undo / Drawing target types are GUI parts such as "window", "panel", "button", and "text".

As in the case of the drawing system drawing tool of <3>, since there is a contextual relationship regarding the overlap of the objects, it is necessary to perform any one of the above-mentioned i to iv in order to maintain the contextual relationship.

Although there is no semantic connection between the objects, container-based components such as panels and windows recursively hold component-based components (buttons, texts, etc.) therein. Therefore, when erasing the container GUI, it is necessary to erase other GUI components held by the GUI. The case where the container includes the component is dealt with as follows, for example. -Each object is roughly classified into two types, component and container, and these are further distinguished (classified) for each component. As the component information, the information to be held by the component is also held. When recording data in the deletion information section and the deletion buffer, if the target is a component, the target contained therein is also recorded.

<5> Digital Video Editing Apparatus Undo / Drawing target types are "image data" and "audio data".

Within the same type of object, there is a relationship regarding the continuity (back and forth) in the time axis direction. Further, there is a case where there is a correspondence based on time between the image and the audio data (depending on the implementation).

The correspondence to the context can be considered to be the same as that of the drawing system drawing tool. When image and audio data at the same time are handled as a pair, both data must be deleted information, additional information or a deletion buffer when deleting / adding, etc.
Record in the additional buffer.

<6> Text Editor Undo / The type of drawing target is only "text".

In the case where various decorations (font change, underlining, shading, etc.) are applied to the text, the text information includes such information.

In each of the above examples, the last Undo
May be provided with a Redo function for invalidating the function. in this case,
Information necessary for reproducing the state when the Undo operation is performed may be held.

In each of the above embodiments, the oldest version of all data is held and the change information section is held as a difference. Conversely, the newest version of all data is held and the change information section is held as a difference. You may make it hold | maintain.

Each of the above functions can be realized as software. Further, the present invention can be embodied as a machine-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described procedures or means.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be implemented with various modifications within the technical scope.

[0188]

According to the present invention, data management is performed by associating data with each other based on the change history, and change history management is performed for each independent part of the data. In the case where the copy is changed and stored as other new data, all data can be managed efficiently.

Also, extracting specified data,
This can be easily displayed. It is also possible to easily leave one data and delete the other data.

According to the present invention, data management is performed by associating data with each other based on the change history.
Since change history is managed for each independent part of the data,
For example, it is possible to easily realize various convenient functions such as ending only an independent arbitrary part.

Further, according to the present invention, the change history is managed as a unit of a change made by a series of a plurality of change operations, so that various convenient functions such as undoing a plurality of operations collectively are provided. Can be easily realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an object-oriented analysis design support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a change table.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a change information unit.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an example of an overall processing procedure according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a description example of a class diagram.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a format of data stored in a class information storage unit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a state of data in a change information storage unit and a class diagram displayed at that time;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a state of data in a change information storage unit and a class diagram displayed at that time;

9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of an initial setting process of a change information storage unit in FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a change menu.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of editing the class diagram of FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a deletion process in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of an additional process in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a state of data in a change information storage unit and a class diagram displayed at that time;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a state of data in a change information storage unit and a class diagram displayed at that time;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of processing for adding and setting change information in FIG. 4;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a state of data in a change information storage unit and a class diagram displayed at that time;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a state of data in a change information storage unit and a class diagram displayed at that time;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a change selection process (result selection) in FIG. 4;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a switching selection screen.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a switching selection screen.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a result selection screen.

FIG. 23 shows an example of a result selection screen.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a state of data in a change information storage unit and a class diagram displayed at that time;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the display process of FIG. 4;

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a buffer configuration in a display unit.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state of a buffer in a display unit;

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state of a buffer in a display unit.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state of a buffer in a display unit;

30 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a change selection process (confirmation) in FIG. 4;

FIG. 31 shows an example of newly generated class diagram information.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 21 input unit 22 graphic editing unit 23 analysis design information storage unit 24 change processing unit 25 display unit 26 display 231 class diagram information storage unit 232 change information storage unit 241 new change processing unit 242 addition Change processing unit 243: change selection unit 244: change determination unit

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A data creation supporting device for supporting creation of data, comprising: means for holding an operation history of creation target data; and means for managing the operation history for each independent range of the creation target data. A data creation support device characterized by the following. 2. The data creation support device according to claim 1, wherein the operation history is managed using a change based on a plurality of operations as a unit. 3. A data creation support device for supporting creation of data, comprising: means for holding an operation history of data to be created; and means for managing the operation history with changes based on a plurality of operations as a unit. A data creation support device, comprising: 4. The data creation support apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for executing a predetermined process for at least one unit of the operation history. 5. A data creation support device for supporting creation of data, wherein: means for managing a history of operations performed an arbitrary number of times for each of a plurality of independent portions of base data for each of the independent portions; Means for generating post-operation data based on the history of the operation and the base data before and at a specified point in time for each of the plurality of independent parts. Data creation support device. 6. The data creation support apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising means for displaying the generated data after the operation on a display screen. 7. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising means for saving only the generated data after the operation and erasing other information when the confirmation is instructed. Data creation support device as described. 8. An apparatus for supporting object-oriented analysis and design. In an object-oriented analysis and design support apparatus, for each of a plurality of independent parts of an analysis and design result used as basic data, the contents after operation of the corresponding part performed an arbitrary number of times are described. Means for sequentially storing as a difference between the contents before and after the operation, means for receiving the selection of the contents after the operation for each of the plurality of independent parts, and means for receiving the selection of the contents after the operation for each of the plurality of independent parts Means for generating a selected post-operation analysis design result based on the information of all differences corresponding to the contents and the analysis design result used as the basic data. apparatus. 9. A means for receiving an instruction to start an operation of an independent part and an instruction to start an additional operation for the operation of an independent part; In addition to generating information for managing the series of operations of the independent part, generating information for managing the difference relating to the new operation, receiving an instruction to start further operation for the operation of the independent part 9. The object-oriented analysis and design support apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a unit that generates information for managing the difference relating to the additional operation in the case where the addition operation is performed. 10. An apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising means for detecting that an operation that interferes with another independent part has been performed in an operation related to one independent part.
An object-oriented analysis and design support device according to item 1. 11. The analysis and design result is a class diagram in which classes and relationships between classes are described as elements. Differences between contents before and after the operation are determined by adding a class, deleting a class, adding a relationship and adding a relationship. The object-oriented analysis and design support apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the object-oriented analysis and design support apparatus (10) is configured as a component. 12. A history of operations performed an arbitrary number of times for each of a plurality of independent parts of underlying data is managed for each of said independent parts, and a designated time point and a time point for each of said plurality of independent parts are managed. A data management method comprising: generating post-operation data based on a history of the previous operation and the base data. 13. According to a history regarding a given operation,
In the data management method for returning a state corresponding to the operation to an original state, a history related to the operation is managed for each predetermined range, and a portion corresponding to the predetermined range is based on the history related to the operation. A data management method characterized by returning to an original state.