Drawing device and drawing method

Abstract

To improve a working efficiency when forming a screen file by reusing an object.SOLUTION: An input unit (11) of a PC (1) is configured to be able to, in forming a first screen file, accept a reuse operation that reuses a first object and a second object included in a second screen file; and a fusion operation that fuses the first object and the second object. When the input unit (11) accepts the fusion operation, the control unit (14) of the PC (1) forms third attribute information of a third object, which is the fusion of the first object and the second object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drawing apparatus and a drawing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a drawing device that can efficiently set attribute information of components included as images on a drawing screen for drawing a display screen to be displayed on a programmable display device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7186933 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Screen files for displaying screens on a programmable display device are created using a graphics device. When creating a screen file, objects contained in a previously created screen file may be reused. In this case, the specifications of the currently used graphics device may differ from those of the graphics device used to create the previously created screen file.

[0005] The drawing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not assume that objects contained in a screen file created using a drawing device with specifications different from those of a currently used drawing device will be reused. One aspect of the present invention aims to improve work efficiency when creating a screen file by reusing objects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a drawing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a drawing device capable of creating a first screen file based on a first specification, and includes an input unit that accepts user input, and a control unit that creates the first screen file in accordance with the user input accepted by the input unit, wherein the input unit is configured to accept, in creating the first screen file, a reuse operation that reuses a first object and a second object included in a second screen file created based on a second specification different from the first specification, and a fusion operation that fuses the first object and the second object reused by the reuse operation, and when the input unit accepts the fusion operation, the control unit creates third attribute information of a third object, which is an object formed by fusing the first object and the second object, based on first attribute information of the first object and second attribute information of the second object.

[0007] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, a drawing method according to one aspect of the present invention is a drawing method for creating a first screen file based on a first specification, comprising: an input step of accepting a user's input; and a creation step of creating the first screen file in accordance with the user's input accepted by the input step, wherein the input step includes a reuse receiving step of accepting a reuse operation for reusing a first object and a second object included in a second screen file created based on a second specification different from the first specification in creating the first screen file; and a fusion receiving step of accepting a fusion operation for merging the first object and the second object reused by the reuse operation, and wherein the creation step includes an information creation step of creating third attribute information of a third object, which is an object formed by fusing the first object and the second object, based on first attribute information of the first object and second attribute information of the second object, when the fusion operation is accepted in the fusion receiving step. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the work efficiency when creating a screen file by reusing objects. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing configurations of a PC, a programmable display, a PLC, and a device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a fusion operation performed using an input unit of the PC shown in FIG. 1, the fusion operation being performed on a screen displayed on a display unit. FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a diagram showing an example of how attribute information of objects is merged by the merging operation shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing an example of a fusion operation performed using an input unit, the fusion operation being performed in a display area and a working area included in a screen displayed on a display unit. [Diagram 5] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing how a switch object is merged with another switch object and how a text object is merged with an alarm object when a merging operation is performed using the input unit; [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing how the control unit merges a text group object and a table object to create an alarm object when a merging operation is performed using the input unit; FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram showing how the control unit creates a part object by fusing a part group object with a functional object when a merging operation is performed. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram showing how a control unit creates a switch object by merging a switch object with another switch object when a merging operation is performed. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of fusing a first object with a second object, which is executed by a control unit of the PC shown in FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a diagram showing a first table and a second table stored in a storage unit of the PC shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of fusing an alarm object with a switch object, the process being executed by a control unit of the PC shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram showing how a control unit merges an alarm object with a switch object when a merging operation is performed; FIG. [Figure 13] 2 is a diagram showing the data structure of each object when the control unit shown in FIG. 1 combines a switch object and a text object. FIG. [Figure 14] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an import process into a project executed by the control unit shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing configurations of a PC (personal computer) 1, a programmable display device 2, a PLC (programmable logic controller) 3, and a device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] (PC1) 1, the PC 1 includes a display unit 10, an input unit 11, a storage unit 12, an interface unit 13, and a control unit 14. The PC 1 is communicably connected to a programmable display device 2. The PC 1 is an example of a drawing device capable of creating a screen file used for displaying the programmable display device 2. The screen file is a file in a file format called a project, which includes multiple screens, each of which includes at least one object.

[0012] The display unit 10 is a monitor that displays the processing contents of the PC 1. The input unit 11 accepts user input, such as a keyboard for the user to input data and a mouse for the user to perform operations. The storage unit 12 stores screen files created by the control unit 14. The interface unit 13 is a communication unit that allows the PC 1 to communicate with the programmable display device 2. The control unit 14 controls each unit of the PC 1 and creates screen files.

[0013] (Programmable Display 2) The programmable display device 2 includes a display panel 20, a touch panel 21, a user memory 22, an interface unit 23, and a control unit 24. The programmable display device 2 is connected to a PLC 3. The programmable display device 2 communicates with the PLC 3 by being connected to the PLC 3 via a communication cable. The programmable display device 2 is a dedicated computer that realizes operation functions and display functions unique to the programmable display device by displaying a screen for operation and display, and is used as an HMI (Human Machine Interface) device.

[0014] The display panel 20 displays a screen created by a user or the status of the device 4. The touch panel 21, which receives touch operations by a user, is provided so as to overlap the display panel 20. The user memory 22 stores screen files created by the PC 1. The screen files are created by the control unit 14 of the PC 1 and downloaded from the PC 1 by the control unit 24.

[0015] The interface unit 23 is a communication unit for the programmable display device 2 to communicate with the PC 1 and the PLC 3. The control unit 24 executes an operation of displaying the state of the device 4 connected to the PLC 3, and an operation of controlling the state of the device 4 in response to an operation on the touch panel 21.

[0016] The PLC 3 is a control device that reads out the state of the device 4 at every predetermined scan time according to a sequence program created by a user, and issues control instructions to the device 4. The device 4 may include, for example, input devices such as sensors or switches, and output devices such as actuators, relays, solenoid valves, and displays.

[0017] (Object reuse operation) PC1 is a device capable of creating a first screen file based on a first specification, and a screen file created based on a second specification different from the first specification is called a second screen file. The first specification is the specification of first screen editing software for editing the first screen file, which is stored in the storage unit 12 of PC1. The first screen editing software is stored in the storage unit 12. The second specification is the specification of second screen editing software for editing the second screen file.

[0018] As an example, the first specification is a newer specification than the second specification. An example of the second specification is a specification that allows the setting of attribute information of a plurality of objects on different setting screens. An example of the first specification is a specification that allows the setting of attribute information of a plurality of objects, which required the setting of attribute information individually in the second specification, as a single object on a single setting screen. Another example of the first specification may further include a specification that selects the drawing or function of an object from the drawing or function of a plurality of objects that are set in advance. Also, another example of the second specification may further include a specification that draws an object.

[0019] The control unit 14 creates a first screen file according to the user's input received by the input unit 11. The input unit 11 is configured to be able to accept a reuse operation for reusing the first object and the second object included in the second screen file in creating the first screen file. This will be specifically described below.

[0020] Consider a case where the second screen file was created by a PC other than PC1 and stored in the storage unit of the other PC, and the second screen file was stored from the other PC to the storage unit 12 of PC1. In this case, the user can use the input unit 11 to perform a reuse operation for reusing the first object and the second object included in the second screen file into the first screen file. At this time, the input unit 11 accepts the reuse operation. Also, the control unit 14 uses the first screen editing software to convert the first object and the second object included in the second screen file into a first screen file so that they can be used by the first screen editing software.

[0021] (Object type) The object types include drawing objects, function objects, and drawing function objects. A drawing object is an object that has attribute information that indicates a drawing. Examples of drawing objects include objects that have attribute information that indicates a figure, a table, text, etc. The attribute information of a drawing object does not include information that indicates a function.

[0022] A functional object is an object having attribute information indicating a function. Examples of functional objects include objects having attribute information indicating a function such as a switch, an alarm, or a lamp. Examples of functional objects include objects having attribute information indicating multiple functions, such as an object having attribute information indicating multiple switch functions, or an object having attribute information indicating switch and alarm functions. The attribute information of a functional object does not include information indicating drawing.

[0023] A drawing function object is an object having attribute information indicating drawing and a function. For example, a drawing function object may be an object having attribute information indicating drawing and switch functions, or an object having attribute information indicating drawing and alarm functions.

[0024] (Object fusion operation) Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a fusion operation performed using the input unit 11 of the PC 1 shown in Fig. 1, the fusion operation being performed on a screen displayed on the display unit 10. Here, the screen displayed on the display unit 10 is a screen included in the first screen file. The input unit 11 is configured to be capable of receiving a fusion operation for fusing the first object and the second object reused by the reuse operation in creating the first screen file. This will be specifically described below.

[0025] In Fig. 2, it is assumed that the first object used from the second screen file is a switch object SW1 indicating a switch, and the second object used from the second screen file is a text object TX1 indicating a text. The switch object SW1 is a drawing function object, and the text object TX1 is a drawing object. As indicated by reference numeral 201 in Fig. 2, the user performs a merging operation of merging the text object TX1 with the switch object SW1 by a drag-and-drop operation DD using the input unit 11. At this time, the input unit 11 accepts the merging operation.

[0026] When the input unit 11 receives the merging operation, the control unit 14 creates a switch object SW2 that is an object in which the switch object SW1 and the text object TX1 are fused together, as shown by reference numeral 202 in Fig. 2. That is, the control unit 14 creates a third object that is a single object in which the first object and the second object are fused together. As a result, the text object TX1 becomes a part of the switch object SW2. The switch object SW2 is a drawing function object and a switch object with a nameplate.

[0027] As the merging operation, in addition to the drag-and-drop operation DD, the following operation is also possible. Specifically, the user performs a selection operation to select a switch object SW1 and a text object TX1 by operating the input unit 11. Also, the user right-clicks the mouse with the cursor over the selected switch object SW1 or text object TX1. This causes the control unit 14 to display a box B1, indicated by reference numeral 601 in FIG. 6, described later, on the display unit 10.

[0028] The user selects a predetermined item included in the box B1 using the input unit 11. The predetermined item is an item for executing a process of fusing the selected objects. When the predetermined item is selected, the control unit 14 fuses the text object TX1 with the switch object SW1. A series of operations including the above-mentioned selection operation, the operation of right-clicking the mouse, and the operation of selecting the predetermined item constitutes a fusing operation.

[0029] Also, the control unit 14 considers a case where the input unit 11 receives a predetermined operation other than the above-mentioned fusion operation in addition to the above-mentioned fusion operation. In this case, the control unit 14 duplicates a text object TX2 from the text object TX1 as shown by reference numerals 203 and 204 in Fig. 2. Also, the control unit 14 creates a switch object SW2 which is an object obtained by fusing the duplicated text object TX2 with the switch object SW1. The above-mentioned predetermined operation is, for example, an operation of maintaining the input of the Ctrl key or the Shift key on the keyboard until the operation DD is completed.

[0030] By the control unit 14 duplicating the text object TX2 from the text object TX1, the user does not need to set the same contents twice. In addition, the user does not need to repeatedly draw the same thing. Since the original object can be left as it is, the attribute information that has already been set can be used for other objects.

[0031] (Creating attribute information) Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of how attribute information of objects is merged by the merging operation shown in Fig. 2. Reference numeral 301 in Fig. 3 indicates a setting screen 30 showing attribute information of a switch object SW1, and reference numeral 302 in Fig. 3 indicates a setting screen 50 showing attribute information of a text object TX1. Reference numeral 303 in Fig. 3 indicates a setting screen 60 showing attribute information of a switch object SW2. The control unit 14 can display the setting screens 30, 50, and 60 on the display unit 10.

[0032] 2, when creating the switch object SW2, the control unit 14 creates attribute information of the switch object SW2 based on attribute information of the switch object SW1 and attribute information of the text object TX1. This will be specifically described below.

[0033] (Settings screen 30) As indicated by reference numeral 301 in FIG. 3, the setting screen 30 includes identification information 31, a drawing box 32, a shape selection button 33, a check box 34, a number of tabs such as a switch function tab 35, an OK button 40, and a cancel button 41.

[0034] The identification information 31 is information for identifying an object, such as a part ID. The drawing box 32 indicates how the switch object SW1 is drawn. When the shape selection button 33 is pressed, multiple candidates for the shape of the switch object SW1 are displayed, allowing the shape to be selected.

[0035] The check box 34 is a check box that can specify whether or not the switch object SW1 has a shape. The switch function tab 35 is for setting the function of the switch object SW1. The OK button 40 is for completing the change of the attribute information of the switch object SW1. The Cancel button 41 is for canceling the change of the attribute information of the switch object SW1.

[0036] Moreover, the switch function tab 35 includes a check box 36, a multi-function list 37, a plurality of function selection buttons 38, and an address box 39. The check box 36 is a check box capable of specifying the presence or absence of a function of the switch object SW1.

[0037] The multi-function list 37 displays, for the switch object SW1, a selected function from among a plurality of function selection buttons 38. When pressed, the plurality of function selection buttons 38 add a function to the switch object SW1. The address box 39 allows the setting of a bit address for the switch object SW1.

[0038] (Settings screen 50) 3, the setting screen 50 includes a drawing box 51, a font box 52, a selection box 53, a color box 54, a background box 55, and a text input area 56. The drawing box 51 indicates how the text object TX1 is drawn. The font box 52 allows the font type of the text object TX1 to be set.

[0039] The selection box 53 allows the font of the text object TX1 to be set. The color box 54 allows the color of the text object TX1 to be set. The background box 55 allows the background color of the text object TX1 to be set. The text input area 56 is an area in which the text indicated by the text object TX1 can be input.

[0040] (Settings screen 60) 3, the setting screen 60 includes a nameplate tab 61. The nameplate tab 61 is for making settings related to the text to be drawn on the switch object SW2. The nameplate tab 61 also includes a font box 52, a color box 54, a background box 55, a text input area 56, a state selection box 62, a size specification box 63, a language box 64, and a check box 65.

[0041] The control unit 14 creates attribute information of the switch object SW2 by combining attribute information of the switch object SW1 and attribute information of the text object TX1. Specifically, the control unit 14 creates one setting screen 60 by adding a nameplate tab 61 including at least a part of the attribute information shown in the setting screen 50 to the setting screen 30. As a result, the setting screen 60 includes the font box 52, color box 54, background box 55, and text input area 56 that were included in the setting screen 50. Also, the text of the text object TX1 becomes the nameplate of the switch object SW2.

[0042] The control unit 14 may create the setting screen 60 so that the setting screen 60 includes a state selection box 62, a size designation box 63, a language box 64, and a check box 65. The state selection box 62 allows the state of the switch object SW2 to be set. The size designation box 63 allows the size of the switch object SW2 to be set.

[0043] The language box 64 allows the user to set the display language of the text indicated by the switch object SW2. The check box 65 allows the user to specify whether or not to fix the relative position of the text to the switch portion of the switch object SW2. The relative position is, for example, the center position of the switch portion.

[0044] As described above, when the input unit 11 accepts the merging operation, the control unit 14 creates third attribute information of the third object based on the first attribute information of the first object and the second attribute information of the second object. The attribute information of the switch object SW1 is an example of the first attribute information, the attribute information of the text object TX1 is an example of the second attribute information, and the attribute information of the switch object SW2 is an example of the third attribute information.

[0045] Consider a case where a first object and a second object included in a second screen file created based on a second specification different from the first specification are reused. In this case, the control unit 14 creates third attribute information of a third object that is an object obtained by combining the first object and the second object.

[0046] This allows the user to easily obtain desired third attribute information by a merging operation when creating the first screen file while reusing the first object and the second object from the second screen file having specifications different from those of the first screen file. Therefore, the user can obtain the third attribute information created by the control unit 14 by reusing the first object and the second object without performing an operation for newly creating the third attribute information, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0047] Furthermore, the control unit 14 can reduce the number of objects by creating a third object by fusing the first object and the second object. This makes it easier to adjust the arrangement of objects, and improves drawing efficiency. When the control unit 14 enlarges or reduces the third object based on the operation accepted by the input unit 11, since the third object is a single object, multiple elements such as switches or texts can be enlarged or reduced collectively.

[0048] Since the number of objects is reduced, the area that the objects occupy on the screen can be made smaller, and since duplication of attribute information can be reduced, the data size of the screen file can be made smaller. Furthermore, the efficiency of screen editing in the first screen editing software is improved, making it easier to convert to future screen editing software. Also, it becomes easier to change the placement positions of objects around a certain object.

[0049] Moreover, the control unit 14 creates one setting screen 60 by combining the attribute information shown on the setting screen 30 and the attribute information shown on the setting screen 50. Therefore, the user does not need to configure settings on each of the setting screens 30 and 50, and can configure settings related to the switch function and text on the single setting screen 60. Therefore, the user can easily edit the screen.

[0050] Conventionally, in the second specification, an object may be configured by grouping a first object and a second object. For example, an object may be configured by grouping a text object TX1 over a switch object SW1.

[0051] When attempting to reuse these grouped objects in a drawing device of the first specification, in order to edit the objects by changing their size or adjusting their position, it is necessary to first ungroup the objects, at which point the grouped objects are separated into a first object and a second object.

[0052] Therefore, after editing the first object and the second object, the user needs to perform an operation to group the first object and the second object again. Also, if the grouped objects cannot be reused in the drawing device of the first specification, the user needs to perform an operation to create a new object. At this time, the user needs to input and set, edit the design and shape, adjust the position, etc. again.

[0053] Therefore, when the user places an alarm part, sets a rectangle on the setting screen, and inputs text, the number of drawing steps increases. It is also difficult for the user to draw an intuitive layout. If transparent switches are used frequently in the data converted from the second screen file, the user must perform an operation to set the parts drawing again. Therefore, the control unit 14 can solve such problems by creating a third object by fusing the first object and the second object.

[0054] In addition, the above-mentioned grouped objects do not allow the setting of attribute information of the grouped objects to be set on one setting screen, but allow the setting of attribute information of each of the multiple objects included in the grouped objects to be set on different setting screens.

[0055] (Work area 71) Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a fusion operation performed using the input unit 11 in a display area 70 and a working area 71 included in a screen displayed on the display unit 10. Reference numeral 401 in Fig. 4 indicates a part of the display area 70 and the working area 71, and reference numeral 402 in Fig. 4 indicates an alarm object AL1 representing an alarm part created by the fusion operation. The display area 70 displays a screen included in the first screen file, and the working area 71 is an area for creating an object by the fusion operation.

[0056] As shown by reference numeral 401 in Fig. 4, the user moves the table object CH1, text object TX3 and switch object BU1 to area R1 in the working area 71 by an operation DD using the input unit 11. This causes the control unit 14 to combine the table object CH1, text object TX3 and switch object BU1 to create an alarm object AL1. The alarm object AL1 created by the control unit 14 is reserved in area R1. The table object CH1 and text object TX3 are drawing objects. The switch object BU1 is a drawing function object and a switch object with a nameplate.

[0057] The user performs a duplication operation to duplicate the alarm object AL1 reserved in the area R1 using the input unit 11, whereby the control unit 14 can duplicate the alarm object AL1 on the screen included in the first screen file. Also, the control unit 14 can create multiple areas R1 in the working area 71 by the user operating the input unit 11. The user places an object in each of the multiple areas R1 by the operation DD, whereby the control unit 14 can fuse the multiple objects in each of the multiple areas R1.

[0058] 4, the alarm object AL1 is a fusion of a table object CH1, a text object TX3, and a switch object BU1. When the control unit 14 creates the alarm object AL1, the alarm object AL1 may include a line RW1 indicating text.

[0059] (Unification of attribute information) Fig. 5 is a diagram showing how a switch object BU3 is merged with a switch object BU2 and how a text object TX4 is merged with an alarm object AL2 when a merging operation is performed using the input unit 11. In Fig. 5, it is assumed that the first object is the alarm object AL2, the second object is the switch object BU3, and the third object is the alarm object AL3. The alarm object AL2 and the alarm object AL3 are drawing function objects. The switch objects BU2 and BU3 are drawing function objects and switch objects with nameplates.

[0060] Here, the data structure of the attribute information of the object may include type information indicating the type of the object. The control unit 14 determines the type of the object by referring to the type information included in the data structure of the attribute information of the object. As described above, the type of the object may be a type that is distinguished into any one of a drawing object, a function object, and a drawing function object. More specifically, the type of the object may be a type that is distinguished into any one of a table, text, a switch, an alarm, a lamp, etc.

[0061] 5, consider a case where the user performs a merging operation to merge the switch object BU3 with the alarm object AL2 by an operation DD using the input unit 11. In this case, the control unit 14 determines the types of the switch object BU3 and the alarm object AL2 by referring to type information included in the data structure of the attribute information for the switch object BU3 and the alarm object AL2.

[0062] The control unit 14 selects attribute information of an alarm object corresponding to the determined combination of the types of the switch object BU3 and the alarm object AL2 from among attribute information of a plurality of types of objects preset in the first screen editing software. The control unit 14 sets the attribute information of the switch object BU3 and the attribute information of the alarm object AL2 as the attribute information of the selected alarm object.

[0063] As a result, the control unit 14 creates attribute information of the alarm object AL3 including the attribute information of the switch object BU3 and the attribute information of the alarm object AL2. As a result of the control unit 14 fusing the alarm object AL2 and the switch object BU3, the switch object BU3 becomes a part of the alarm object AL3.

[0064] When creating the attribute information of the alarm object AL3, the control unit 14 changes the attribute information of the switch object BU3 to match the attribute information of the alarm object AL2. At this time, the control unit 14 changes a part of the attribute information of the switch object BU3. As a result, as shown by reference numeral 502 in Fig. 5, the shape and design of the switch object BU3 are changed to match the shape and design of the switch object BU2 included in the alarm object AL2. Specifically, the shape and design of the switch object BU3 become the same as the shape and design of the switch object BU2.

[0065] As a result, when the input unit 11 receives the above-mentioned merging operation, the control unit 14 creates third attribute information of the third object that includes the first attribute information of the first object and the second attribute information of the second object that has been changed to match the first attribute information.

[0066] The control unit 14 creates the third attribute information including the first attribute information and the second attribute information changed to match the first attribute information, so that the third attribute information in which the first attribute information and the second attribute information are unified can be created. Therefore, when performing an operation to create the third attribute information, the user does not need to perform an operation to change the second attribute information to match the first attribute information.

[0067] When the input unit 11 receives the merging operation, the control unit 14 may automatically adjust the arrangement of the switch object BU3 in accordance with the arrangement of the switch object BU2. In other words, the control unit 14 may automatically adjust the arrangement of the switch object BU3 based on the arrangement of the switch object BU2.

[0068] 5, a case will be considered in which the user performs a merging operation to merge a switch object BU2 into the alarm object AL2 by an operation DD when the alarm object AL2 does not include a switch object, as shown in reference numeral 501 in Fig. 5. In this case, the control unit 14 changes the shape and design of the switch object BU2 in accordance with the attribute information of the alarm object AL2. At this time, the shape and design of the switch object are preset in the alarm object AL2.

[0069] Consider a case where the user performs a fusion operation to fuse multiple text objects including a text object TX4 into an alarm object AL2 by an operation DD, as shown by reference numeral 503 in Fig. 5. In this case, as shown by reference numeral 504 in Fig. 5, the control unit 14 creates an alarm object AL4 which is an object in which multiple text objects are fused into the alarm object AL2. As a result, the multiple text objects become part of the alarm object AL4.

[0070] (Changes to drawings and objects that show functionality) 6 is a diagram showing how the control unit 14 creates an alarm object AL5 by fusing a text group object TXG1 and a table object CH2 when a merging operation is performed using the input unit 11. Here, the text group object TXG1 is an object in which a plurality of text objects are grouped. The text group object TXG1 and the table object CH2 are drawing objects, and the alarm object AL5 is a drawing function object.

[0071] As shown by reference numeral 601 in Fig. 6, the user performs a selection operation to select a text group object TXG1 and a table object CH2 by operating the input unit 11. At this time, the control unit 14 refers to the type information included in the data structure of the attribute information for the text group object TXG1 and the table object CH2 selected by the above selection operation. As a result, the control unit 14 determines the types of the text group object TXG1 and the table object CH2.

[0072] The control unit 14 selects attribute information of an alarm object corresponding to the determined combination of the types of text group object TXG1 and table object CH2 from among attribute information of multiple types of objects preset in the first screen editing software. The attribute information selected by the control unit 14 here indicates a function and is preset information.

[0073] Then, the user right-clicks the mouse while the cursor is over the text group object TXG1 or table object CH2 selected by the above selection operation. This causes the control unit 14 to display a box B1 on the display unit 10. The box B1 contains multiple items for performing a predetermined process.

[0074] In addition, the control unit 14 includes in the box B1 an item CV1 for executing a process of converting the object selected by the above selection operation into an alarm object corresponding to the determined object type. When the user selects the item CV1 included in the box B1 using the input unit 11, the control unit 14 sets the attribute information of the text group object TXG1 and the attribute information of the table object CH2 as the attribute information of the alarm object.

[0075] 6, the control unit 14 creates an alarm object AL5 and also creates attribute information of the alarm object AL5 indicating drawings and functions. Thus, the text group object TXG1 and the table object CH2 are converted into the alarm object AL5.

[0076] Consider a case where, with the text group object TXG1 and the table object CH2 selected, the user selects an item other than the item CV1 included in the box B1 using the input unit 11. In this case, the control unit 14 may display on the display unit 10 a plurality of functional objects of different types, which are preset in the first screen editing software.

[0077] The user uses the input unit 11 to perform a selection operation to select one of the functional objects displayed on the display unit 10. As a result, the control unit 14 sets the attribute information of the text group object TXG1 and the attribute information of the table object CH2 to the attribute information of the selected functional object. Then, the control unit 14 creates attribute information of objects indicating drawings and functions.

[0078] Examples of the multiple function objects displayed on the display unit 10 include, in addition to the alarm object, the following: a switch object, a numeric display object, a keyboard object, and a logging display object.

[0079] A switch object includes an outer rectangular frame and a character string placed within the rectangle. A numeric display object includes an outer rectangular frame and a multi-digit number placed within the rectangle. A keyboard object includes multiple sets, with each set consisting of a rectangle and an alphanumeric character. A logging display object, for example, displays logging data (sampling data) in a table format.

[0080] As a result, when the input unit 11 receives the above-mentioned fusion operation, the control unit 14 creates third attribute information indicating the drawing and the function by setting the first attribute information indicating the drawing and the second attribute information indicating the drawing to attribute information that indicates a function and that has been set in advance.

[0081] Since the attribute information indicating the function is set in advance, the user can easily obtain the third attribute information of the third object having the drawing and the function by the fusion operation. Therefore, even if the first object and the second object do not have the function, the user can easily obtain the third attribute information of the third object having the drawing and the function.

[0082] (Fusion of part group object FG1 to function object F1) Fig. 7 is a diagram showing how the control unit 14 creates a part object F2 by fusing a part group object FG1 with a functional object F1 when a merging operation is performed using the PC1 shown in Fig. 1. Here, the part group object FG1 is a drawing object.

[0083] Consider a case where the user performs a fusion operation to fuse a parts group object FG1 with a functional object F1 by an operation DD, as shown by reference numeral 701 in Fig. 7. In this case, as shown by reference numeral 702 in Fig. 7, the control unit 14 creates a parts object F2 which is an object obtained by fusing the functional object F1 and the parts group object FG1.

[0084] At this time, the control unit 14 creates attribute information of the part object F2 including the attribute information of the function object F1 and the attribute information of the part group object FG1. That is, when the input unit 11 accepts the above-mentioned merging operation, the control unit 14 creates third attribute information including the first attribute information indicating the function and the second attribute information indicating the drawing. This allows the user to easily obtain the third attribute information of the third object having the drawing and the function even if the first object does not have the drawing.

[0085] (Switch object BU5 is merged with switch object BU4) Fig. 8 is a diagram showing how the control unit 14 creates a switch object BU6 by merging a switch object BU4 with a switch object BU5 when a merging operation is performed using the PC1 shown in Fig. 1. The switch objects BU4, BU5, and BU6 are drawing function objects and are switch objects with nameplates.

[0086] Consider a case where the user performs a fusion operation to fuse a switch object BU5 with a switch object BU4 by an operation DD, as shown by reference numeral 801 in Fig. 8. In this case, as shown by reference numeral 802 in Fig. 8, the control unit 14 creates a switch object BU6 that is an object obtained by fusing the switch object BU4 and the switch object BU5.

[0087] At this time, the control unit 14 creates attribute information of the switch object BU6 by adding the attribute information of the switch object BU5 to the attribute information of the switch object BU4. Therefore, the attribute information of the switch object BU6 includes information indicating the function of the switch object BU4 and information indicating the function of the switch object BU5.

[0088] That is, the switch object BU6 has multiple functions. Also, the multi-function list on the setting screen of the switch object BU6 includes information indicating the function of the switch object BU4 and information indicating the function of the switch object BU5. When the first screen file is downloaded to the programmable display device 2 and the switch object BU6 on the screen included in the first screen file is pressed by a touch operation on the touch panel 21, multiple functions are executed.

[0089] (Process of fusing the second object with the first object) Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing a process of fusing a first object with a second object, which is executed by the control unit 14 of the PC 1 shown in Fig. 1. The steps shown in Fig. 9 are included in a drawing method for creating a first screen file, and the drawing method includes an input step of accepting a user's input, and a creation step of creating the first screen file.

[0090] First, the input unit 11 accepts the above-mentioned reuse operation by the user (reuse acceptance step). Next, as shown in Fig. 9, the control unit 14 judges whether the input unit 11 has accepted a fusion operation for blending the first object and the second object (S1). When the control unit 14 judges that the input unit 11 has not accepted the above-mentioned fusion operation (NO in S1), the process ends.

[0091] On the other hand, when the control unit 14 determines that the input unit 11 has received the fusion operation (YES in S1: fusion reception step), it determines whether a combination of the first object and the second object exists in the first table T1 shown in FIG. 10 (S2). A specific description will be given below. The reuse reception step and the fusion reception step are included in the input step. Note that the reuse reception step and the fusion reception step may not be steps during execution of the same software.

[0092] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a first table T1 and a second table TA stored in the storage unit 12 of the PC 1 shown in Fig. 1. The storage unit 12 stores first screen editing software including the first table T1 and the second table TA. Furthermore, the first screen editing software includes second tables TB-TE in addition to the second table TA.

[0093] The first table T1 indicates a first correspondence relationship between the type of a first object and the type of a second object. More specifically, the first table T1 indicates the correspondence relationship between the type of a first object, the type of a second object, the type of a third object, and the type of a second object.

[0094] The types of the first object include, for example, a switch, an alarm part, or a table. The types of the second object include, for example, a text or a switch. The types of the third object include, for example, a switch with a nameplate, a multifunction switch, an alarm part with an item name, an alarm part with a switch, or an alarm part. The types of the second table include the second tables TA to TE.

[0095] The control unit 14 determines whether or not it is possible to fuse the first object with the second object by referring to the first correspondence relationship indicated in the first table T1 stored in the storage unit 12. Specifically, the control unit 14 determines whether or not a combination of the first object and the second object to be the target of the fusion operation accepted by the input unit 11 in step S1 exists in the first table T1.

[0096] When the control unit 14 determines that the combination of the first object and the second object exists in the first table T1, it determines that the first object and the second object can be fused together. On the other hand, when the control unit 14 determines that the combination of the first object and the second object does not exist in the first table T1, it determines that the first object and the second object cannot be fused together.

[0097] As described above, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the first object and the second object can be merged by referring to the first correspondence relationship indicated in the first table T1. Therefore, the control unit 14 can create the third attribute information of the third object assumed in advance, and can make the third object function normally.

[0098] When the control unit 14 determines that a combination of a first object and a second object exists in the first table T1 (YES in S2), the control unit 14 merges the objects defined in the first table T1 according to the second table (S3). Specifically, the control unit 14 refers to the second table corresponding to the combination of the first object and the second object determined to exist in the first table T1.

[0099] For example, consider a case where the control unit 14 determines that a combination of a switch and text exists in the first table T1 as a combination of a first object and a second object. In this case, the control unit 14 determines whether or not fusion is possible for each of the character string, font, color, coordinates, angle, and position fixation by referring to the second table TA corresponding to the combination of the switch and text.

[0100] The control unit 14 merges the elements included in the first attribute information and the elements included in the second attribute information for the elements that are determined to be fusion-able. Then, the control unit 14 creates third attribute information of a third object that is an object obtained by fusing the first object and the second object (information creation step). The information creation step is included in the above-mentioned creation step.

[0101] On the other hand, when the control unit 14 determines that the combination of the first object and the second object does not exist in the first table T1 (NO in S2), the control unit 14 only executes the movement of the second object to the first object (S4). In other words, the control unit 14 does not execute the process of fusing the first object and the second object.

[0102] In the second table TA, "◯" indicates that the first object and the second object can be fused, "△" indicates that the first object and the second object can be fused but a part of the first attribute information or the second attribute information will be changed, and "×" indicates that the first object and the second object cannot be fused.

[0103] Regarding the coordinates of the second table TA, when the control unit 14 blends a second object with a first object, the control unit 14 converts the coordinates of the second object to match the coordinates of the first object. Also, regarding the angle of the second table TA, when the control unit 14 blends a second object with a first object, if at least one of the first attribute information and the second attribute information includes angle information, the control unit 14 invalidates the angle information.

[0104] Furthermore, regarding the position fixation of the second table TA, when the control unit 14 merges the second object with the first object, the position fixation setting is enabled. The position fixation setting is a setting that can be specified by a check box 65 shown in FIG.

[0105] As a result, the first attribute information and the second attribute information each include a plurality of elements of different types. The second tables TA to TE indicate a second correspondence relationship between the type of element and whether the element can be combined, which corresponds to the first correspondence relationship indicated by the first table T1.

[0106] When the input unit 11 accepts a merging operation, in step S3, the control unit 14 refers to the second correspondence relationship indicated in one of the second tables TA to TE stored in the storage unit 12. As a result, the control unit 14 determines, for each type of element, whether or not an element included in the first attribute information can be fused with an element included in the second attribute information. As a result, the control unit 14 can merge elements that are expected to be fused together in advance, and can cause the multiple elements included in the third object to function normally.

[0107] The first attribute information includes a first element and a second element of different types, and the second attribute information includes a third element that is an element of the same type as the type of the first element, and a fourth element that is an element of the same type as the type of the second element. In this case, when the input unit 11 accepts a merging operation in step S3, the control unit 14 merges the first element with the third element and merges the second element with the fourth element. In other words, the control unit 14 merges elements of the same type.

[0108] Therefore, when the first object and the second object are fused, elements of the same type are fused together, so that the user does not need to select elements of the same type when performing an operation to create the third attribute information of the third object, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0109] (Process of fusing an alarm object with a switch object) Fig. 11 is a flow chart showing a process of fusing an alarm object with a switch object, executed by the control unit 14 of the PC1 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing how the control unit 14 fusing a switch object SW3 with an alarm object AL6 when a fusing operation is performed using the PC1 shown in Fig. 1. The alarm object AL6 is a drawing function object. The switch object SW3 is a drawing function object and a switch object with a nameplate.

[0110] 11 and 12, a case will be considered in which the control unit 14 determines that the input unit 11 has received a merging operation for merging the switch object SW3 with the alarm object AL6 (S11). In this case, the control unit 14 determines an element of the switch object SW3 (S12).

[0111] Specifically, the control unit 14 refers to the attribute information of the switch object SW3 to determine the elements included in the attribute information of the switch object SW3. In addition, the control unit 14 may refer to type information included in the data structure of the attribute information for the alarm object AL6 and the switch object SW3 that have been merged in the merging operation in step S12. In this way, the control unit 14 determines the types of the alarm object AL6 and the switch object SW3.

[0112] After determining the elements of the switch object SW3, the control unit 14 determines whether the alarm object AL6 has an element that can be combined with the elements of the switch object SW3 (S13). A specific description will be given below. Here, it is assumed that a combination of an alarm object and a switch object exists in the first table T1.

[0113] The control unit 14 refers to the second correspondence indicated in the second table TD shown in FIG. 10 to determine whether the alarm object AL6 has an element that can be combined with an element of the switch object SW3.

[0114] When the control unit 14 determines that the alarm object AL6 does not have an element that can be combined with an element of the switch object SW3 (NO in S13), the control unit 14 only moves the switch object SW3 to the alarm object AL6 (S17). In other words, the control unit 14 does not perform the process of combining the alarm object AL6 and the switch object SW3.

[0115] When the control unit 14 determines that the alarm object AL6 has an element that can be combined with an element of the switch object SW3 (YES in S13), it acquires importable information from the element of the switch object SW3 (S14). After acquiring the importable information, the control unit 14 displays the list LI1 shown in Fig. 12 on the display unit 10 and accepts the selection of the element of the switch object SW3 to be combined with the element of the alarm object AL6 (S15).

[0116] After receiving a selection of an element of the switch object SW3 by a user's operation on the input unit 11, the control unit 14 sets the received element of the switch object SW3 in the attribute information of the alarm object AL6 (S16).

[0117] In step S16, since the control unit 14 prioritizes the coordinates of the alarm object AL6, the coordinates of the character string among the elements of the switch object SW3 do not have to be set in the attribute information of the alarm object AL6. Also, since the control unit 14 prioritizes the settings of the alarm object AL6, the coordinates of the character string among the elements of the switch object SW3 do not have to be set in the attribute information of the alarm object AL6.

[0118] Furthermore, consider a case where the alarm object AL6 does not support mounting multiple functions on a switch object. In this case, the control unit 14 does not need to set the setting of multiple functions on the switch object among the elements of the switch object SW3 in the attribute information of the alarm object AL6. Moreover, since the control unit 14 prioritizes the setting of the alarm object AL6, it does not need to set the animation of the switch among the elements of the switch object SW3 in the attribute information of the alarm object AL6.

[0119] That is, the control unit 14 does not need to set, among the elements of the switch object SW3, elements that are not supported by the alarm object AL6 in the attribute information of the alarm object AL6.

[0120] (Object data structure) Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the data structure of each object when the control unit 14 shown in Fig. 1 merges a switch object and a text object. As shown in Fig. 13, a switch object and a text object are different types of objects and have different data structures.

[0121] The control unit 14 acquires necessary elements such as character strings and fonts from the attribute information of the text object. At this time, the control unit 14 may convert the elements acquired from the attribute information of the text object to match the data structure of the switch object. The control unit 14 also disables elements (angle, etc.) that are unnecessary for the switch object among the elements acquired from the attribute information of the text object. Furthermore, the control unit 14 enables elements unique to the switch object (fixed position, etc.).

[0122] The control unit 14 creates a switch object with a nameplate by fusing a text object with a switch object. When creating a switch object with a nameplate, the control unit 14 defines the data structures of the switch object and the text object in the data structure of the switch object with a nameplate.

[0123] As a result, the data structure of the switch object with nameplate includes the data structure of the switch object in the portion indicated by PP1, and includes the data structure of the text object in the portion indicated by PP2. Furthermore, the control unit 14 sets the coordinates of the elements of the text object as relative coordinates or relative data from the coordinate data of the switch object.

[0124] (Importing to a project) Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining the import process into a project executed by the control unit 14 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 14, the projects PR1 and PR2 are projects with the same data structure. In other words, the projects PR1 and PR2 include the same type of data, and data of the same type is adjacent to each other within the project.

[0125] Consider a case where the control unit 14 creates project PR3 by merging projects PR1 and PR2 based on the user's operation of the input unit 11. In this case, the control unit 14 sets the data of the screen P3 and alarm message M2 of project PR2 in project PR3 without converting the data, maintaining the same data structure. As a result, the control unit 14 creates project PR3 in which data of the same type are adjacent to each other within the project.

[0126] [Software implementation example] The functions of the PC 1 and the programmable display 2 (hereinafter referred to as the "device") can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as the device, and a program for causing a computer to function as the control block (particularly the control units 14, 24) of the device.

[0127] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The control device and storage device execute the program to realize each function described in the above embodiment.

[0128] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded in one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be provided to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0129] In addition, some or all of the functions of each of the control blocks can be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of each of the control blocks can be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0130] 〔summary〕 A drawing device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a drawing device capable of creating a first screen file based on a first specification, and comprises an input unit that accepts user input, and a control unit that creates the first screen file in accordance with the user input accepted by the input unit, wherein the input unit is configured to accept, in creating the first screen file, a reuse operation that reuses a first object and a second object included in a second screen file created based on a second specification different from the first specification, and a fusion operation that fuses the first object and the second object reused by the reuse operation, and when the input unit accepts the fusion operation, the control unit creates third attribute information of a third object, which is an object formed by fusing the first object and the second object, based on first attribute information of the first object and second attribute information of the second object.

[0131] Consider a case where a first object and a second object included in a second screen file created based on a second specification different from the first specification are reused. In this case, the control unit creates third attribute information of a third object that is an object obtained by combining the first object and the second object.

[0132] This allows the user to easily obtain desired third attribute information by a merging operation when creating the first screen file while reusing the first object and the second object from the second screen file having specifications different from those of the first screen file. Therefore, the user can obtain the third attribute information created by the control unit by reusing the first object and the second object without performing an operation for newly creating the third attribute information, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0133] In a drawing device according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in aspect 1 above, when the input unit receives the fusion operation, the control unit may create the third attribute information indicating a drawing and a function by setting the first attribute information indicating a drawing and the second attribute information indicating a drawing to attribute information that indicates a function and that has been set in advance.

[0134] Since the attribute information indicating the function is set in advance, the user can easily obtain the third attribute information of the third object having the drawing and the function by the fusion operation. Therefore, even if the first object and the second object do not have the function, the user can easily obtain the third attribute information of the third object having the drawing and the function.

[0135] In a drawing device according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in aspect 1 or 2 above, the control unit may create the third attribute information including the first attribute information and the second attribute information changed to match the first attribute information when the input unit receives the fusion operation.

[0136] The control unit creates the third attribute information including the first attribute information and the second attribute information changed to match the first attribute information, so that the third attribute information in which the first attribute information and the second attribute information are unified can be created. Therefore, when performing an operation to create the third attribute information, the user does not need to perform an operation to change the second attribute information to match the first attribute information.

[0137] In a drawing device according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 3 above, the control unit may create the third attribute information including the first attribute information indicating a function and the second attribute information indicating a drawing when the input unit receives the fusion operation.

[0138] The control unit creates third attribute information including first attribute information indicating a function and second attribute information indicating a drawing, so that even if the first object does not have a drawing, the user can easily obtain the third attribute information of the third object having the drawing and the function.

[0139] In a drawing device according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 4 above, the first attribute information includes a first element and a second element of different types, and the second attribute information includes a third element which is an element of the same type as the type of the first element and a fourth element which is an element of the same type as the type of the second element, and when the input unit accepts the merging operation, the control unit may merge the first element with the third element and merge the second element with the fourth element.

[0140] When the first object and the second object are fused, elements of the same type are fused together, so that the user does not need to select elements of the same type when performing an operation to create the third attribute information of the third object, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0141] A drawing device according to aspect 6 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 5 above, is provided with a memory unit that stores a first table indicating a first correspondence between the type of the first object and the type of the second object, and when the input unit receives the merging operation, the control unit may determine whether or not merging of the first object and the second object is possible by referring to the first correspondence indicated in the first table stored in the memory unit.

[0142] The control unit determines whether or not the first object and the second object can be merged by referring to the first correspondence relationship indicated in the first table, and therefore the control unit can create third attribute information of a third object that is assumed in advance, and can cause the third object to function normally.

[0143] In a drawing device according to aspect 7 of the present invention, in aspect 6 above, the first attribute information and the second attribute information each include a plurality of elements of different types, and the memory unit stores a second table indicating a second correspondence relationship corresponding to the first correspondence relationship, the second correspondence relationship being between the types of the elements and whether the elements can be fused, and when the input unit accepts the fusion operation, the control unit may determine, for each type of element, whether the elements included in the first attribute information and the elements included in the second attribute information can be fused by referring to the second correspondence relationship indicated in the second table stored in the memory unit.

[0144] The control unit determines, for each type of element, whether or not an element included in the first attribute information can be fused with an element included in the second attribute information by referring to the second correspondence relationship indicated in the second table. Therefore, the control unit can fuse elements that are expected to be fused together, and can allow the multiple elements included in the third object to function normally.

[0145] A drawing method according to aspect 8 of the present invention is a drawing method for creating a first screen file based on a first specification, comprising: an input step for accepting user input; and a creation step for creating the first screen file in accordance with the user input accepted by the input step, wherein the input step includes a reuse receiving step for accepting a reuse operation for reusing a first object and a second object included in a second screen file created based on a second specification different from the first specification in creating the first screen file, and a fusion receiving step for accepting a fusion operation for merging the first object and the second object reused by the reuse operation, wherein the creation step includes an information creation step for creating third attribute information of a third object, which is an object formed by fusing the first object and the second object, based on first attribute information of the first object and second attribute information of the second object, when the fusion operation is accepted in the fusion receiving step.

[0146] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Configurations obtained by appropriately combining multiple technical means disclosed in the respective embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 1 PC 10 Display 11 Input section 12 Storage section 14 Control section AL1~AL6 Alarm Objects BU1~BU6, SW1~SW3 Switch objects CH1, CH2 table objects F1 Function Object F2 Part Object FG1 Part Group Object TX1~TX4 Text Objects TXG1 Text Group Object T1 Table 1 TA~TE Table 2

Claims

1. A screen creation device capable of creating a first screen file based on a first specification, an input unit for accepting user input; a control unit that creates the first screen file in accordance with a user input received by the input unit, The input unit, in creating the first screen file, a reuse operation for reusing a first object and a second object included in a second screen file created based on a second specification different from the first specification; a fusion operation for merging the first object and the second object reused by the reuse operation, The control unit is When the input unit receives the fusion operation, a drawing device creates third attribute information of a third object, which is an object formed by fusing the first object and the second object, based on first attribute information of the first object and second attribute information of the second object.

2. The control unit is 2. The drawing device according to claim 1, wherein when the input unit receives the merging operation, the third attribute information indicating a drawing and a function is created by setting the first attribute information indicating a drawing and the second attribute information indicating a drawing to attribute information indicating a function and set in advance.

3. The control unit is 3. The drawing device according to claim 1, wherein when the input unit receives the merging operation, the third attribute information is created, the third attribute information including the first attribute information and the second attribute information modified to match the first attribute information.

4. The control unit is 3 . The drawing device according to claim 1 , wherein when the input unit receives the merging operation, the third attribute information is generated, the third attribute information including the first attribute information indicating a function and the second attribute information indicating a drawing.

5. the first attribute information includes a first element and a second element that are different in type from each other, the second attribute information includes a third element that is an element of the same type as the type of the first element, and a fourth element that is an element of the same type as the type of the second element, The control unit is The drawing device according to claim 1 , wherein, when the input unit receives the merging operation, the first element and the third element are fused together, and the second element and the fourth element are fused together.

6. a storage unit that stores a first table indicating a first correspondence relationship between the type of the first object and the type of the second object; The control unit is 3. The drawing device according to claim 1, wherein when the input unit receives the merging operation, the drawing device determines whether or not the first object and the second object can be fused by referring to the first correspondence relationship indicated in the first table stored in the memory unit.

7. the first attribute information and the second attribute information each include a plurality of elements of different types; The storage unit is storing a second table indicating a second correspondence relationship between the type of the element and whether the element can be combined, the second table being a second correspondence relationship corresponding to the first correspondence relationship; The control unit is 7. The drawing device according to claim 6, wherein when the input unit receives the merging operation, the second table stored in the memory unit is referred to as the second correspondence relationship, and for each type of element, it is determined whether or not the element included in the first attribute information and the element included in the second attribute information can be fused.

8. A method for creating a first screen file based on a first specification, comprising the steps of: an input step for accepting user input; a creating step of creating the first screen file in accordance with the user input received in the input step, In the input step, in creating the first screen file, a reuse receiving step of receiving a reuse operation for reusing a first object and a second object included in a second screen file created based on a second specification different from the first specification; a fusion receiving step of receiving a fusion operation for merging the first object and the second object reused by the reuse operation, The creating step includes: The drawing method includes an information creation step of creating third attribute information of a third object, which is an object formed by fusing the first object and the second object, based on first attribute information of the first object and second attribute information of the second object, when the fusion operation is accepted in the fusion acceptance step.

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