Computation formula setting system, computation formula setting method, and program

Abstract

To enhance convenience of a user for inputting a computation formula to be set in a database.SOLUTION: A display control unit (202) of a computation formula setting system (1) displays information other than functions, as candidates, on a computation formula setting screen on the basis of input of a user to the computation formula setting screen which accepts input of a computation formula to be set to a database. A specification unit (203) specifies a candidate selected by the user. An input assisting unit (204) assists the input of the computation formula on the basis of the candidate specified by the specification unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a calculation formula setting system, a calculation formula setting method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for automatically calculating a value of a field in a database based on a formula input by a user. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 describes a spreadsheet software that displays, as candidates, functions that match the characters input by the user on a screen that accepts input of a formula to be set in a database. In the spreadsheet software of Non-Patent Document 1, a candidate selected by the user is automatically input as a function of the formula. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] "What is the function list that appears when entering a formula?", Internet, searched October 12, 2023, online, https: / / forest.watch.impress.co.jp / docs / serial / exceltips / 1221327.html Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the spreadsheet software in Non-Patent Document 1 can display functions that match the characters entered by the user as candidates, but cannot display other information such as arguments as candidates. Since the user must input other information such as arguments after selecting a function displayed as a candidate, the spreadsheet software in Non-Patent Document 1 does not sufficiently improve user convenience.

[0005] One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The calculation formula setting system according to the present disclosure includes a display control unit that causes information other than functions to be displayed as candidates on a calculation formula setting screen, which accepts input of a calculation formula to be set in a database, based on a user's input to the calculation formula setting screen, an identification unit that identifies the candidate selected by the user, and an input assistance unit that assists in inputting the calculation formula based on the candidate identified by the identification unit. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure can improve user convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a calculation formula setting system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an application screen. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation formula setting screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation formula setting screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation formula setting screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions realized by the calculation formula setting system. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of application setting data. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of function data. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process executed by the calculation formula setting system. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a formula setting screen when a button indicating insertion of a field code is selected. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of candidate narrowing down data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [1. Hardware configuration of the calculation formula setting system] An example of an embodiment of a calculation formula setting system, a calculation formula setting method, and a program according to the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a calculation formula setting system. For example, calculation formula setting system 1 includes a server 10 and a user terminal 20. Each of server 10 and user terminal 20 is connected to a network N such as the Internet or a LAN.

[0010] The server 10 is a server computer. For example, the server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The control unit 11 includes at least one processor. The storage unit 12 includes at least one of a volatile memory such as a RAM and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The communication unit 13 includes at least one of a communication interface for wired communication and a communication interface for wireless communication.

[0011] The user terminal 20 is a user's computer. For example, the user terminal 20 is a personal computer, a tablet, or a smartphone. The user terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a memory unit 22, a communication unit 23, an operation unit 24, and a display unit 25. The hardware configurations of the control unit 21, the memory unit 22, and the communication unit 23 may be similar to those of the control unit 11, the memory unit 12, and the communication unit 13, respectively. The operation unit 24 is an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard. The display unit 25 is a liquid crystal or organic EL display.

[0012] The programs stored in the storage units 12, 22 may be supplied to each of the server 10 and the user terminal 20 via the network N. Furthermore, the hardware configurations of each of the server 10 and the user terminal 20 are not limited to the example in Fig. 1. For example, each of the server 10 and the user terminal 20 may include a reading unit (e.g., a memory card slot) that reads an information storage medium, or an input / output unit (e.g., a USB terminal) that connects to the information storage medium. In this case, the programs stored in the information storage medium may be supplied to each of the server 10 and the user terminal 20 via the reading unit or the input / output unit.

[0013] Furthermore, calculation formula setting system 1 may include at least one computer. The computers included in calculation formula setting system 1 are not limited to the example of FIG. 1. For example, calculation formula setting system 1 may include only server 10. In this case, user terminal 20 exists outside calculation formula setting system 1. Calculation formula setting system 1 may include only user terminal 20. In this case, server 10 exists outside calculation formula setting system 1. Calculation formula setting system 1 may include server 10 and another server computer. Calculation formula setting system 1 may include only computers other than the server computer.

[0014] [2. Overview of the formula setting system] In this embodiment, an example is taken of a case where the server 10 provides a groupware application to a user. The application includes a database in which various data related to the user's business is stored. The application is an example of a database. Therefore, in the following description, the word "application" can be read as "database." As in the modified example described below, the database is not limited to an application.

[0015] In addition, the application may have other functions in addition to the function as a database. For example, the application may have at least one of a function as a communication tool and a function as a file management. When a user logs into the groupware and selects an application, the user terminal 20 displays an application screen showing the contents of the application on the display unit 25.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen. In the example of FIG. 2, an application screen SC1 of an application for managing invoices is shown. For example, the application screen SC1 includes a record list L10 showing a list of records, which are each unit of data in the application. The record list L10 shows values ​​of fields, which are each item constituting a record. A field may be called by other names, such as a cell. The first row of the record list L10 shows a field name, which is the name of the field. A field name may be called by other names, such as a column name.

[0017] In this embodiment, a field code is prepared in addition to a field name to identify each field. Duplication of field codes is not permitted within an application. Field codes are mainly used for reference by a groupware program. Duplication of field names is permitted within an application. Field names are mainly used for display on the user terminal 20. Field names are displayed in the record list L10. Field codes are not displayed in the record list L10.

[0018] For example, the values ​​of the invoice number field, item name field, unit price field, and quantity field are entered by the user. The value of the subtotal field is calculated by multiplying the value of the unit price field and the value of the quantity field. The value of the total field is the sum of the values ​​of the subtotal fields. In the example of Figure 2, the user has already set formulas for these calculations. The app calculates the values ​​of the subtotal field and the total field based on the formulas set by the user.

[0019] An example of the operation for the user to set a formula will be described below. In the following description, it is assumed that the user has not yet set a formula in the app. For example, when the user selects icon I11 for various settings of the app and then specifies the field for which the formula is to be set, a formula setting screen that accepts input of the formula is displayed on the display unit. Here, it is assumed that the user has selected a field indicating the first subtotal. The field code of the field is "syou1". The field name of the field is "Subtotal 1".

[0020] 3 to 5 are diagrams showing an example of a formula setting screen. As shown in FIG. 3, the formula setting screen SC2 includes a window W20 that accepts user input. The window W20 shows the field code and field name of the field selected by the user. For example, the user can change the field code by selecting an icon I200. The user can change the field name by inputting information into an input form F201. The user can set a formula in the field by inputting information into an input form F202.

[0021] For example, the value of the field indicating the first subtotal is the product of the value of the field indicating the first unit price and the value of the field indicating the first quantity. For this reason, the user inputs into the input form F202 a calculation formula indicating the multiplication of the value of the field indicating the first unit price and the value of the field indicating the first quantity. In this embodiment, since duplicate field names are permitted, the field name may not uniquely identify the field. For this reason, the user inputs a field code, rather than a field name, as an argument for the calculation formula.

[0022] For example, assume that the field code of the field indicating the first unit price is "tan1". Furthermore, assume that the field code of the field indicating the first quantity is "suu1". In this case, if the user inputs a formula such as "tan1*suu1" into the input form F202, an appropriate formula can be set in the field indicating the first subtotal. The user may set the formula entirely by manual input, but in this embodiment, the user terminal 20 assists the user in input based on the input into the input form F202.

[0023] For example, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 4, suppose that the user inputs the letter "t" into the input form F202. The user terminal 20 searches for each of the function name, field code, and field name based on the letter "t" input by the user. Here, it is assumed that the function "DATE-FORMAT", the function "NOT", the function "CONTAINS", the field code "tan1", the field code "tan2", and the field code "tan3" are hits. The user terminal 20 displays a candidate list L207 showing these as candidates on the formula setting screen SC2.

[0024] For example, when the user selects the field code "tan1" from the candidate list L207, the user terminal 20 inputs the field code "tan1" into the input form F202, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 4. Thereafter, each time the user inputs something into the input form F202, the user terminal 20 similarly searches for candidates that can be components of the formula and displays them in the candidate list L207.

[0025] For example, the user completes the formula "tan1*suu1" while selecting candidates from candidate list L207 as necessary. When the user selects button B205, the setting of the formula is completed. When the user selects button B206, the setting of the formula is canceled. The processing when the user selects buttons B203 and B204 will be explained in the modified example described later. The user sets formulas in the same way for each of the fields for the second subtotal of the invoice and the third subtotal of the invoice.

[0026] For example, the total of an invoice is the sum of multiple subtotals. Here, the field code of the field indicating the first subtotal is "syou1". The field code of the field indicating the second subtotal is "syou2". The field code of the field indicating the third subtotal is "syou3". The function "SUM" is provided as a function for calculating total values. For example, if the user enters a formula such as "SUM(syou1,syou2,syou3)" in input form F202, an appropriate formula can be set in the field indicating the total.

[0027] For example, when a user inputs "s" into input form F202 as shown in the upper part of Fig. 5, the user terminal 20 searches for each of the function name, field code, and field name based on the character "s" input by the user. Here, it is assumed that the function "SUM", the function "CONTAINS", the field code "suu1", the field code "suu2", the field code "suu3", the field code "syou1", the field code "syou2", and the field code "syou3" are hits. The user terminal 20 displays a candidate list L207 showing these as candidates on the formula setting screen SC2.

[0028] For example, when the user selects the function "SUM" from the candidate list L207, the user terminal 20 inputs the function "SUM" into the input form F202, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 5. Thereafter, each time the user inputs something into the input form F202, the user terminal 20 similarly searches for candidates that can be components of the formula and displays them in the candidate list L207.

[0029] The total can also be calculated using a formula such as "syou1+syou2+syou3", so the user may input such a formula. In this case, the user terminal 20 searches for each of the function names, field codes, and field names based on the user's input, and displays the candidate list L207. The user can freely decide what kind of formula to set.

[0030] As described above, the calculation formula setting system 1 calculates each of the function name, field code, and field name based on the input to the input form F202. Based on these search results, the calculation formula setting system 1 displays on the user terminal 20 a candidate list L207 showing not only the function name but also at least one of the field code and the field name. In this way, the calculation formula setting system 1 is designed to improve the convenience of the user who inputs the calculation formula. The details of this embodiment will be described below.

[0031] [3. Functions realized by the formula setting system] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of functions realized by the calculation formula setting system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0032] [3-1. Functions realized by the server] For example, the server 10 includes a data storage unit 100, an assignment unit 101, and a display control unit 102. The data storage unit 100 is realized by the storage unit 12. Each of the assignment unit 101 and the display control unit 102 is realized by the control unit 11.

[0033] [Data storage section] The data storage unit 100 stores various data in the groupware. For example, the data storage unit 100 stores application setting data D1 indicating application settings, and function data D2 indicating functions that can be components of a formula.

[0034] 7 is a diagram showing an example of application setting data D1. For example, data indicating each of an application ID, an application name, a field code, a field name, a field type, and a calculation formula is stored in the application setting data D1. Any data may be stored in the application setting data D1. The data included in the application setting data D1 is not limited to the example in FIG. 7. For example, the application setting data D1 may include record data indicating details of each record, or data indicating whether or not a field is a selection-type field (for example, a field such as a drop-down or radio button).

[0035] The application ID is an ID by which the calculation formula setting system 1 identifies the application. The application name is the name of the application for display. The field type is the data type of the field. For example, the field type may be numeric, calculation, string (single line), string (multiple lines), date and time, link, or lookup. The user can specify any field type for the field. The field type may be displayed in the candidate list L207. A calculation formula may be set only in fields of some field types (for example, a calculation field type).

[0036] In this embodiment, each of the field codes and field names is expressed by letters, numbers, other symbols, or a combination of these. For example, the application setting data D1 stores data indicating each of the field code, field name, and field type for each field of the application. Data indicating the formula is stored in a field in which a formula is set. When the user changes the settings of the application, the server 10 updates the application setting data D1 to reflect the changes specified by the user.

[0037] For example, a formula set in a certain field is an expression that uses the value of at least one other field as an argument. The components of the formula may be the same as those employed in known applications. For example, the components of the formula may be operators used in calculations such as arithmetic operations, functions used in calculations such as sums, field codes that allow the formula setting system 1 to identify fields, or other components.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of function data D2. Function data D2 indicates a function that the user can specify as a calculation formula. For example, function data D2 stores data indicating a function name and data indicating a description of the function. Any data may be stored in function data D2. The data included in function data D2 is not limited to the example of FIG. 8. For example, function data D2 may include icon data indicating an icon of a function, data indicating arguments that the user needs to specify for the function, or other data.

[0039] The data storage unit 100 may store any data. The data stored in the data storage unit 100 is not limited to the application setting data D1 and the function data D2. For example, the data storage unit 100 may store data necessary for displaying a screen such as a formula setting screen SC2. The data storage unit 100 may store data of an icon displayed in the candidate list L207. The data storage unit 100 may store other data such as a user ID and a password for a user to log in to the groupware.

[0040] [Granting section] The assignment unit 101 assigns the field name of a field to a field code that is used by the calculation formula setting system 1 to identify a field of an application. When the assignment unit 101 assigns a field name to a field code, it means that the assignment unit 101 associates the field code and the field name with each other. In other words, when the assignment unit 101 assigns a field name to a field code, it means that the assignment unit 101 makes it possible to search for the field name from the field code. In this embodiment, the assignment unit 101 assigns the field name to the field code by storing the field code and the field name in the application setting data D1 in such a manner that the field code and the field name are associated with each other.

[0041] For example, the assignment unit 101 assigns a field name specified by the user to a field code specified by the user. The user can specify any characters, numbers, other symbols, or a combination of these as the field code and the field name. Instead of the user specifying each of the field code and the field name, the assignment unit 101 may automatically generate each of the field code and the field name. In this case, it is assumed that a program for generating these is stored in the data storage unit 100. For example, the initial value of the field name may be the same as the field code. The initial value of the field code may be specified by the user or may be automatically generated by the server 10.

[0042] [Display control section] The display control unit 102 causes the user terminal 20 to display various screens of the groupware. For example, the display control unit 102 transmits display data of a screen to be displayed to the user terminal 20, thereby causing the user terminal 20 to display the screen. The display data may be in any format as long as it is data necessary for the user terminal 20 to display some screen on the display unit 25. For example, when the user uses a browser, the display data is HTML data. When the user uses a program dedicated to the groupware instead of a browser, the display data may be data in a format compatible with the program (for example, image data such as JPEG).

[0043] In this embodiment, the display data includes a script indicating the processing executed by the user terminal 20 and data referenced by the script. For example, the display data of the formula setting screen SC2 includes a script indicating the processing of each of the input receiving unit 201, the display control unit 202, the identification unit 203, and the input assistance unit 204 described below, and data referenced by these processing (for example, all or a part of the application setting data D1, and the function data D2). The processing of each of the input receiving unit 201, the display control unit 202, the identification unit 203, and the input assistance unit 204 may be executed by a program dedicated to the groupware stored in the data storage unit 200 of the user terminal 20, instead of the script of the display data.

[0044] [3-2. Functions realized on user terminals] For example, the user terminal 20 includes a data storage unit 200, an input reception unit 201, a display control unit 202, a specification unit 203, and an input assistance unit 204. The data storage unit 200 is realized by the storage unit 22. Each of the input reception unit 201, the display control unit 202, the specification unit 203, and the input assistance unit 204 is realized by the control unit 21.

[0045] [Data storage section] The data storage unit 200 stores data necessary for a user to use the groupware. For example, the data storage unit 200 stores a browser. The data storage unit 200 may store a program dedicated to the groupware. The data storage unit 200 may store display data for a screen such as the formula setting screen SC2.

[0046] [Input reception section] The input accepting unit 201 accepts various inputs from the user. For example, the input accepting unit 201 accepts user input to the formula setting screen SC2. The input accepting unit 201 accepts input of letters, numbers, other symbols, or combinations thereof that can be components of a formula in at least one of the input form F202 and the candidate list L207. The input accepting unit 201 may also accept other inputs.

[0047] [Display control section] The display control unit 202 causes various screens in the groupware to be displayed on the display unit 25. The display control unit 202 causes the display unit 25 to display a screen in the groupware based on the display data of the screen to be displayed received from the server 10. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the display control unit 202 displays various screens on a browser, but the display control unit 202 may also display various screens on a program dedicated to the groupware. Hereinafter, of the screens displayed by the display control unit 202, the formula setting screen SC2 will be mainly described.

[0048] For example, display control unit 202 displays information other than functions as candidates on formula setting screen SC2 based on a user's input on formula setting screen SC2 that accepts input of a formula to be set in the app. The user's input can also be said to be a user's operation on formula setting screen SC2. The user's input may be any input that the user can make from formula setting screen SC2. For example, the user's input may be any letter, number, other symbol, or a combination of these. The user's input may be a selection of an image (e.g., button B204) displayed on formula setting screen SC2. The user's input may be an input of a specific key on operation unit 24.

[0049] The other information is information indicating components of the formula other than functions. The information here indicates what appears on the screen. In the example of Figures 4 and 5, items other than functions among the items included in the candidate list L207 correspond to the other information. In this embodiment, data necessary for displaying the other information is included in the display data of the formula setting screen SC2. For example, the display data of the formula setting screen SC2 includes data such as the field code of the application for which the formula is to be set, among the application setting data D1. The display data of the formula setting screen SC2 also includes function data D2. The display control unit 202 controls the display of the candidate list L207, etc., based on these data.

[0050] In this embodiment, the display control unit 202 displays at least one of the field code and the field name as candidates on the formula setting screen SC2. In the examples of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the display control unit 202 displays both the field code and the field name as candidates on the formula setting screen SC2. The display control unit 202 may display only one of the field code and the field name as candidates. For example, when only one of the concepts of the field code or the field name exists, the display control unit 202 displays only one of the field code and the field name as candidates.

[0051] For example, the display control unit 202 searches for each of the field codes and field names based on the user's input. That is, the display control unit 202 executes a search using the user's input as a query and the field codes and field names as indexes. The display control unit 202 displays at least one of the field codes and field names found in the search as candidates on the formula setting screen SC2. The display control unit 202 may execute a search using any algorithm. For example, the display control unit 202 may execute a search based on partial match, exact match, front match, rear match, or other algorithms. The search may or may not distinguish between uppercase and lowercase letters. The search may or may not distinguish between full-width and half-width characters. The display control unit 202 may execute a search based on a fuzzy search.

[0052] For example, the display control unit 202 may display each of functions and other information as candidates on the formula setting screen SC2. That is, the display control unit 202 may display not only other information such as field codes and field names as examples, but also functions as candidates on the formula setting screen SC2. In other words, the display control unit 202 may display the formula setting screen SC2 in which functions and other information are mixed as candidates.

[0053] For example, the display control unit 202 searches not only for a field code and a field name but also for a function name based on the user's input. That is, the display control unit 202 executes a search using the user's input as a query and the function name as an index. In this case, any of the above-mentioned algorithms may be used for the search. When a function and other information are found in the search, the display control unit 202 displays a candidate list L207 containing a mixture of functions and other information on the formula setting screen SC2.

[0054] The other information that the display control unit 202 displays as candidates is not limited to the example of this embodiment. The display control unit 202 may display other information other than the field code and the field name as candidates. For example, the display control unit 202 may predict operators that the user is likely to subsequently input based on the user's input, and display them as candidates on the formula setting screen SC2. The display control unit 202 may predict characters, etc. that the user is likely to input based on the user's current input and the user's past input, and display them as candidates on the formula setting screen SC2.

[0055] For example, the display control unit 202 may search for candidates and display them on the calculation formula setting screen SC2 every time the user makes an input to the input form F202. If no candidates are found, the candidate list L207 is not displayed on the calculation formula setting screen SC2. The display control unit 202 may search for candidates and display the candidate list L207 on the calculation formula setting screen SC2 not only when some characters or the like are input, but also when characters or the like input to the input form F202 are deleted.

[0056] For example, when the caret is located immediately after a specific symbol, the display control unit 202 may search for candidates and display the candidate list L207 on the formula setting screen SC2. The caret is a symbol that indicates the user's input position. In the example of Figs. 3 to 5, the caret is a vertical bar that blinks in the input form F202 when the user operates the cursor C to focus on the input form F202.

[0057] For example, when the caret is located immediately after a specific symbol, the display control unit 202 may display at least one of the field codes and field names of all fields as candidates in the candidate list L207. Also, when a line feed is performed in the input form F202, the display control unit 202 may not display the candidate list L207 on the formula setting screen SC2 immediately after the business opens.

[0058] For example, the display control unit 202 may display a candidate list L207 including only some of the candidates, instead of displaying a candidate list L207 including all candidates hit by the search. The display control unit 202 may display candidates on the formula setting screen SC2 by a method other than the candidate list L207. The display control unit 202 may display only one of the multiple candidates hit by the search without using the candidate list L207. The display control unit 202 may display candidates in the input form F202 by using a placeholder function or the like, instead of the candidate list L207.

[0059] [Specific part] The identification unit 203 identifies a candidate selected by the user. The identification unit 203 identifies a candidate selected by the user based on an input accepted by the input accepting unit 201. In this embodiment, the identification unit 203 identifies a candidate selected by the user based on an input to the candidate list L207. Even when candidates are displayed by a method other than the candidate list L207, the identification unit 203 may identify a candidate based on the user's input.

[0060] [Input assistance section] The input assistance unit 204 assists in the input of a formula based on the candidates identified by the identification unit 203. The input assistance unit 204 assists in the input of a formula means that the input assistance unit 204 automatically inputs the candidate selected by the user or a corresponding item as a part of a component of the formula. The automatic input can also be called a complement. For example, the input assistance unit 204 automatically inputs letters, numbers, other symbols, or a combination thereof indicated by the candidates into the input form F202.

[0061] For example, when the user selects a function, the input assistance unit 204 automatically inputs the function name of the function into the input form F202. When the user selects a field code of a field, the input assistance unit 204 automatically inputs the field code into the input form F202. When the user selects a field name of a field, the input assistance unit 204 automatically inputs the field code of the field since it is necessary to input the field code, not the field name, of the field into the input form F202. Similarly, when other information is displayed as a candidate, the input assistance unit 204 may perform automatic input according to the candidate selected by the user.

[0062] For example, the input assistance unit 204 may assist in inputting a formula by replacing a word at the position of the caret with a candidate. The input assistance unit 204 may assist in inputting a formula by adding, rather than replacing, a word at the position of the caret. When the ( in the parentheses () of a function is originally present, the input assistance unit 204 may replace the character string being input with the function name and not automatically input the ( in the parentheses () of the function. When the ( in the parentheses () of a function is not originally present, the input assistance unit 204 may replace the word at the position of the caret with the function name and automatically input the parentheses () of the function. The caret may be moved to immediately after the ( in the parentheses () of the function.

[0063] [4. Processing performed by the formula setting system] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the processing executed by calculation formula setting system 1. The processing in Fig. 9 is executed by control units 11, 21 executing programs stored in storage units 12, 22, respectively. The example in Fig. 9 shows the processing when the user selects an app and a field for which a calculation formula is to be set. Each of the processing shown in Fig. 9 is also an example of the processing included in the calculation formula setting method according to the present disclosure.

[0064] 9, the server 10 generates display data for a formula setting screen SC2 based on the application and field selected by the user as the target for setting the formula (S1). In S1, the server 10 refers to the application setting data D1 and acquires data on the field name and field type of each field of the application selected by the user. The server 10 generates display data including the acquired data and function data D2. It is assumed that data indicating the script included in the display data is stored in advance in the storage unit 12.

[0065] Server 10 transmits display data for formula setting screen SC2 to user terminal 20 (S2). User terminal 20 receives the display data for formula setting screen SC2 from server 10 (S3). For example, user terminal 20 causes display unit 25 to display formula setting screen SC2 based on the display data (S4). The display data for formula setting screen SC2 includes data necessary for the processes of S4 to S10. Therefore, user terminal 20 can execute processes of S4 to S10 without communicating with server 10.

[0066] Next, a process will be described when the user focuses on the input form F202 and inputs characters or the like. The user terminal 20 accepts the user's input to the input form F202 (S5). The user terminal 20 displays a candidate list L207 on the calculation formula setting screen SC2 based on the user's input (S6). In S6, the user terminal 20 searches for each of the function name, field code, and field name based on the user's input. The user terminal 20 displays the candidate list L207 showing the candidates found in the search on the calculation formula setting screen SC2. If no hits are found in the search, the user terminal 20 does not display the candidate list L207 on the calculation formula setting screen SC2.

[0067] The user terminal 20 identifies the candidate selected by the user (S7). The user terminal 20 assists in inputting the formula by automatically inputting characters, etc. of the candidate selected by the user into the input form F202 (S8). If the user does not select a candidate, the processes of S7 and S8 are not executed. The user terminal 20 determines whether or not to complete the setting of the formula (S9). In S9, the user terminal 20 determines whether or not the user has selected button B205. If the user has selected button B206, the process ends without executing the processes from S10 onwards.

[0068] In S9, if it is not determined that the setting of the formula is completed (S9: N), the process returns to S5. Setting the Formula If it is determined that the setting of the formula is completed (S9: Y), the user terminal 20 transmits a setting request for setting the formula to the server 10 (S10). The setting request includes data indicating the formula entered in the input form F202. The server 10 receives the setting request for the formula from the user terminal 20 (S11). The server 10 executes the setting of the formula (S12), and this process ends. In S12, the server 10 updates the application setting data D1 so that the formula is set in the field of the application specified by the user.

[0069] The calculation formula setting system 1 of this embodiment displays information other than functions as candidates on the calculation formula setting screen SC2 based on the user's input to the calculation formula setting screen SC2. The calculation formula setting system 1 identifies the candidate selected by the user. The calculation formula setting system 1 assists in inputting the calculation formula based on the identified candidate. This allows the user to proceed with inputting the calculation formula while selecting candidates, so the calculation formula setting system 1 can reduce the user's operational burden and improve user convenience. For example, even if the user does not remember all of the other information such as field codes, the user can display candidates as long as they remember only a portion of the information, so the calculation formula setting system 1 can also improve user convenience in this respect.

[0070] Furthermore, the calculation formula setting system 1 assigns the field name of the field to the field code. In this way, when a field is identified by a field code and a field name, the calculation formula setting system 1 can improve user convenience by reducing the operational burden on the user who inputs a calculation formula. The calculation formula setting system 1 makes it easier for the user to manage fields by managing each field with a field code that is different from the field name displayed on the application screen SC1.

[0071] Furthermore, the calculation formula setting system 1 displays at least one of the field code and the field name as candidates on the calculation formula setting screen SC2. This allows the calculation formula setting system 1 to improve the convenience of the user who specifies a field as a component of a calculation formula. For example, when displaying field codes as candidates, the calculation formula setting system 1 can eliminate the need for the user to input the entire field code. When displaying field names as candidates, the calculation formula setting system 1 can display the field names as candidates even if the user has forgotten the field code, as long as the user remembers even part of the field name.

[0072] Furthermore, the calculation formula setting system 1 executes searches for each of the field codes and field names, and displays at least one of the field codes and field names found in the search as candidates on the calculation formula setting screen SC2. This allows the calculation formula setting system 1 to display the field names as candidates even if the field code does not match the user's input. The calculation formula setting system 1 can display the field codes as candidates even if the field name does not match the user's input. Since the user only needs to remember either the field code or the field name to search for the desired field, the calculation formula setting system 1 can further improve user convenience.

[0073] Furthermore, the formula setting system 1 displays each of the functions and other information as candidates on the formula setting screen SC2, thereby improving the convenience of the user who inputs not only other information such as field codes but also functions.

[0074] [5. Modifications] The present disclosure is not limited to the examples of the embodiments, and may be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0075] [5-1. Variation 1] For example, the display control unit 202 may display, as candidates, a plurality of different types of other information on the formula setting screen SC2. The type of other information refers to the content of the other information. The field codes and field names described in the embodiment are also examples of a plurality of different types of other information, since they are different in terms of information content. The plurality of different types of other information is not limited to field codes and field names. For example, the other information may be an operator, a number indicating a date, a number that can be some kind of threshold value, characters previously entered by the user, or characters frequently used in formulas.

[0076] The display control unit 202 of the first modified example may display, as candidates, each of a plurality of different types of other information that may be components of a formula. For example, the display control unit 202 may display each of the field code, the field name, and the operator as candidates. The display control unit 202 may display, as candidates, an operator that matches the user's input, or may display, as candidates, an operator that the user estimates will be input next. Data necessary for displaying information other than the field code and the field name is included in the display data of the formula setting screen SC2.

[0077] For example, when the user can specify the app name of another app as a component of the formula, the display control unit 202 may display the app name as a candidate. The display control unit 202 may display the app name that matches the user's input as a candidate, or may display the app name that is estimated to be input by the user next as a candidate. The display control unit 202 may display two or more of the field code, the field name, the operator, and the app name as candidates. The display control unit 202 may display other information that can be a component of the formula as a candidate.

[0078] The formula setting system 1 of the first modification displays each of a plurality of different types of other information as candidates on the formula setting screen SC2. This allows the formula setting system 1 to effectively reduce the operational burden on the user who inputs a formula to be set in the application. For example, even if the user needs to include various components in the formula, the formula setting system 1 can display candidates for these components on the formula setting screen SC2.

[0079] [5-2. Variation 2] For example, when the user selects button B203 indicating insertion of a function, display control unit 202 may display a function list showing a list of functions that the user can specify on calculation formula setting screen SC2. Data necessary for displaying the function list is included in the display data of calculation formula setting screen SC2. Identification unit 203 identifies the function selected by the user from the function list. Input assistance unit 204 assists in inputting the calculation formula based on the function identified by identification unit 203.

[0080] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the calculation formula setting screen SC2 when button B204 indicating insertion of a field code is selected. Display control unit 202 of modification 2 causes field list L208 including at least one of the field code and the field name of each of a plurality of fields as candidates to be displayed on calculation formula setting screen SC2. In the example of Fig. 10, field list L208 includes both the field code and the field name as candidates, but field list L208 may include only either the field code or the field name.

[0081] In the second modification, it is assumed that the field list data necessary for displaying the field list L208 is included in the display data of the calculation formula setting screen SC2. The field list data may be a part of the application setting data D1, or may be data different from the application setting data D1. The display control unit 202 displays the field list L208 on the calculation formula setting screen SC2 based on the field list included in the display data of the calculation formula setting screen SC2.

[0082] The identification unit 203 of the second modification identifies a candidate selected by the user from the field list L208. The identification unit 203 identifies the candidate selected by the user based on the input accepted by the input accepting unit 201. The input assistance unit 204 assists in the input of a formula based on the candidate selected by the user from the field list L208. The process in which the input assistance unit 204 assists in the input of a formula is as described in the embodiment.

[0083] The calculation formula setting system 1 of the second modification displays a field list including at least one of the field code and the field name of each of a plurality of fields as candidates on the calculation formula setting screen SC2. The calculation formula setting system 1 identifies the candidate selected by the user from the field list. This allows the calculation formula setting system 1 to allow the user to select a function from the field list L208, thereby improving user convenience. For example, even if the user does not enter anything in the input form F202, the user can select a field to be included in the calculation formula by selecting button B204.

[0084] [5-3. Variation 3] For example, depending on the function, the arguments that the user can specify may be limited. In this case, if a candidate that the user cannot specify as an argument is displayed, the user may mistakenly select the candidate. Therefore, the user terminal 20 of the third modification narrows down the candidates so that candidates that the user cannot specify as an argument are not displayed. Note that, in the third modification, the display data of the formula setting screen SC2 includes data indicating the field type of each field of the application for which the formula is set.

[0085] Display control unit 202 of modification 3 displays candidates on calculation formula setting screen SC2 based on a function corresponding to the position of the caret on calculation formula setting screen SC2. For example, data storage unit 200 stores caret position data indicating the position of the caret. User terminal 20 updates the caret position data so that the caret moves based on a user operation. It is assumed that the relationship between the position of the caret and the candidate display targets, which are candidates to be displayed on calculation formula setting screen SC2, is stored in data storage unit 200. In modification 3, the display data of calculation formula setting screen SC2 includes candidate narrowing down data that display control unit 202 uses to narrow down the candidate display targets. The candidate narrowing down data is also stored in data storage unit 100 of server 10.

[0086] 11 is a diagram showing an example of candidate narrowing data. For example, the display control unit 202 narrows down candidates associated with the function corresponding to the caret position from among multiple candidates hit by a search using the same method as in the embodiment, based on the candidate narrowing data D3. The function corresponding to the caret position is a function that includes the caret, or a function closest to the caret (a function immediately before the caret). The display control unit 202 displays the narrowed down candidates from among multiple candidates hit by the search in the candidate list L207.

[0087] For example, the display control unit 202 may display field information of a field as a candidate on the formula setting screen SC2 based on the function corresponding to the caret position and the field type of the field in the database. The field information is information that enables a user to identify a field. For example, the field information is at least one of a field code and a field name. In the example of FIG. 11, for the function "SUM", a numeric field type, a numeric array field, and a function are shown in the candidate narrowing data D3 as candidate display targets. When the function corresponding to the caret position is "SUM", the display control unit 202 displays the numeric field type, the numeric array field, and the function as candidates in the candidate list L207 from among the multiple candidates hit by the search.

[0088] 11, for each of the functions "IF", "AND", "OR", and "NOT", all field types, choice-format fields, and functions are shown in the candidate narrowing data D3. When the function corresponding to the caret position is one of these four functions, the display control unit 202 displays all field types, choice-format fields, and functions among the multiple candidates hit by the search as candidates in the candidate list L207.

[0089] 11, for each of the functions "ROUND", "ROUNDUP", "ROUNDDOWN", and "YEN", a numeric field type and a function are indicated in the candidate narrowing data D3. When the function corresponding to the caret position is one of these four functions, the display control unit 202 displays the numeric field type and the function as candidates in the candidate list L207 from among the multiple candidates hit by the search.

[0090] For example, when the user can specify multiple arguments for the function corresponding to the caret position, the display control unit 202 may display candidates on the formula setting screen SC2 based on the argument corresponding to the caret position among the multiple arguments. The argument corresponding to the caret position is the order of the arguments in the function. The argument corresponding to the caret position may be specified by the number of commas in the parentheses of the function, or the like. The display control unit 202 refers to the candidate narrowing down data D3 and narrows down the multiple candidates found in the search based on the function and argument corresponding to the caret position.

[0091] In the example of FIG. 11, two arguments are specified for the function "CONTAINS." Three arguments are specified for the function "DATE_FORMAT." There may be functions for which four or more arguments are specified. Data indicating how many arguments are required for which function is assumed to be included in the display data of the formula setting screen SC2. Display control unit 202 may identify the number of arguments for the function corresponding to the caret position based on that data.

[0092] In the example of FIG. 11, the function "CONTAINS" has a string-format array field and a function as the first argument, which are shown in the candidate narrowing data D3. The function corresponding to the caret position is "CONTAINS" and the argument corresponding to the caret position is the first argument, which are shown in the candidate narrowing data D3. When the function corresponding to the caret position is "CONTAINS" and the argument corresponding to the caret position is the first argument, the display control unit 202 displays the string-format array field and the function as candidates in the candidate list L207 among the multiple candidates hit by the search. When the function corresponding to the caret position is "CONTAINS" and the argument corresponding to the caret position is the second argument, the display control unit 202 displays the string-format field, the option-format field, and the function as candidates in the candidate list L207 among the multiple candidates hit by the search.

[0093] In the example of FIG. 11, for the function "DATE_FORMAT", a field in numeric format and a function are shown in the candidate narrowing data D3 as the first argument. For each of the second and third arguments, a field in character string format and a function are shown in the candidate narrowing data D3. When the function corresponding to the position of the caret is "DATE_FORMAT" and the argument corresponding to the position of the caret is the first argument, the display control unit 202 displays the field in numeric format and the function as candidates in the candidate list L207 among the multiple candidates hit by the search. When the function corresponding to the position of the caret is "DATE_FORMAT" and the argument corresponding to the position of the caret is the second or third argument, the display control unit 202 displays the field in character string format and the function as candidates in the candidate list L207 among the multiple candidates hit by the search.

[0094] The formula setting system 1 of the modified example 3 displays candidates on the formula setting screen SC2 based on the function corresponding to the position of the caret on the formula setting screen SC2. The formula setting system 1 can prevent the user from erroneously specifying a component that cannot be specified in a function, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0095] Furthermore, the calculation formula setting system 1 displays field information of the field as candidates on the calculation formula setting screen SC2 based on the function corresponding to the caret position and the field type of the database field. This makes it possible for the calculation formula setting system 1 to prevent the user from accidentally specifying a field of a field type that cannot be specified in a function, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0096] Furthermore, when the user can specify multiple arguments for the function corresponding to the caret position, the calculation formula setting system 1 displays candidates on the calculation formula setting screen SC2 based on the argument corresponding to the caret position among the multiple arguments. This allows the calculation formula setting system 1 to prevent the user from erroneously specifying a component that cannot be specified by a specific argument in the function, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0097] [5-4. Other variations] For example, the formula setting system 1 may combine the first to third modifications.

[0098] For example, the database in which the calculation formula is set is not limited to a groupware app. The calculation formula setting system 1 may set the calculation formula in a database other than the app. For example, the calculation formula setting system 1 may set the calculation formula in a database other than the app among the groupware databases. The calculation formula setting system 1 may set the calculation formula in a database of a business support system that is not classified as groupware. The calculation formula setting system 1 may set the calculation formula in a database other than the business support system. The calculation formula setting system 1 may set the calculation formula in a database in which data other than business support is stored. For example, the database may be a relational type, a network type, a NoSQL type, or another type.

[0099] For example, when the user places cursor C on a component of a formula input in input form F202, display control unit 202 may display an image showing supplementary explanation of the component indicated by cursor C on formula setting screen SC2. In this case, data for displaying the image is assumed to be included in the display data of formula setting screen SC2. Display control unit 202 identifies which component is being pointed to based on the position of cursor C. Display control unit 202 displays an image showing supplementary explanation of the identified component on formula setting screen SC2. The supplementary explanation may indicate a function, a field code, or another component.

[0100] For example, the functions described as being realized by the user terminal 20 may be realized by the server 10. In this case, the same functions as those of the user terminal 20 may be realized by being executed by a program of the server 10. For example, the display control unit 102 may have the same functions as those of the display control unit 202. In this case, every time the user makes an input, the user terminal 20 transmits data indicating the input content to the server 10. The display control unit 202 generates data of the candidate list L207 based on the data, and causes the user terminal 20 to display the candidate list L207.

[0101] For example, each of the specification unit 203 and the input assistance unit 204 may be realized by the server 10. That is, the main function of assisting in input of a formula may be realized by the server 10, not by the user terminal 20. Conversely, the function described as being realized by the server 10 may be realized by the user terminal 20. At least one of the function described as being realized by the server 10 and the function described as being realized by the user terminal 20 may be shared by multiple computers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1 Calculation formula setting system, 10 server, 11,21 control unit, 12,22 storage unit, 13,23 communication unit, 20 user terminal, 24 operation unit, 25 display unit, N network, 100 data storage unit, C cursor, D1 application setting data, D2 function data, D3 candidate selection data, SC1 application screen, SC2 calculation formula setting screen, L10 record list, I11 icon, W20 window, B203, B204, B205, B206 button, I200 icon, F201, F202 input form, L207 candidate list, L208 field list, 100 data storage unit, 101 assignment unit, 102 display control unit, 200 data storage unit, 201 input reception unit, 202 display control unit, 203 identification unit, 204 input assistance unit.

Claims

1. a display control unit that displays information other than functions as candidates on a formula setting screen based on a user's input to the formula setting screen that accepts input of a formula to be set in a database; an identification unit that identifies the candidate selected by the user; an input assistance unit that assists in input of the formula based on the candidates identified by the identification unit; A calculation formula setting system including.

2. The calculation formula setting system further includes an assigning unit that assigns a field name of the field to a field code for identifying a field of the database by the calculation formula setting system. The calculation formula setting system according to claim 1 .

3. the display control unit causes each of the plurality of other information of different types to be displayed as the candidate on the formula setting screen; 3. The calculation formula setting system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the display control unit causes the formula setting screen to display at least one of the field code and the field name as the candidate.

3. The calculation formula setting system according to claim 2.

5. the display control unit executes a search for each of the field codes and the field names, and displays at least one of the field codes and the field names found in the search as the candidates on the formula setting screen.

5. The calculation formula setting system according to claim 4.

6. the display control unit causes the calculation formula setting screen to display a field list including at least one of the field code and the field name of each of the plurality of fields as the candidate; The identification unit identifies the candidate selected by the user from the field list.

6. A calculation formula setting system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. the display control unit causes the calculation formula setting screen to display each of the functions and the other information as the candidates.

3. The calculation formula setting system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the display control unit causes the candidates to be displayed on the calculation formula setting screen based on the function corresponding to a position of a caret on the calculation formula setting screen.

3. The calculation formula setting system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the display control unit causes the calculation formula setting screen to display field information of the field as the candidate, based on the function corresponding to the position of the caret and the field type of the field of the database. The calculation formula setting system according to claim 8.

10. the display control unit, when the user is able to specify a plurality of arguments for the function corresponding to the position of the caret, causes the candidates to be displayed on the calculation formula setting screen based on the argument corresponding to the position of the caret among the plurality of arguments. The calculation formula setting system according to claim 8.

11. displaying information other than functions as candidates on a formula setting screen based on a user's input to the formula setting screen that accepts input of a formula to be set in the database; Identifying the candidate selected by the user; Assisting input of the formula based on the identified candidates; How to set calculation formula.

12. a display control unit that displays information other than functions as candidates on a formula setting screen based on a user's input to the formula setting screen that accepts input of a formula to be set in a database; an identification unit for identifying the candidate selected by the user; an input assistance unit that assists in input of the formula based on the candidates identified by the identification unit; A program that makes a computer function as a

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