Program for allowing multiple values for specifying target to be input to multiple cells in table, editing apparatus, and editing method

Abstract

To support inputting multiple values for specifying a target to multiple cells in a table.SOLUTION: A computer on which a program runs functions as an editing apparatus 101 configured to allow multiple values for specifying a desired target to be input to multiple specific cells arranged in a table 112 displayed in a screen. If one of the multiple specific cells is focused, an extraction unit 102 is configured to extract, as candidates, values inputtable to the focused cell and consistent with other values input to cells other than the focused cell among the multiple specific cells. A candidate display unit 103 displays the candidates in the vicinity of the focused cell in the screen. When one value is selected from among the displayed candidates, an update unit 104 inputs the selected value to the focused cell to update the table 112. The extraction unit 102 may further extract, as candidates, values inconsistent with the other values.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, an editing device, and an editing method for inputting a plurality of values for specifying a target into a plurality of cells in a table.

Background Art

[0002] A spreadsheet processed by a spreadsheet application is widely used for organizing information in a tabular format and performing various processes such as input, editing, viewing, calculation, and printing. Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for facilitating input to a cell by displaying a list of input value candidates for the cell in the spreadsheet and allowing the input value to be selected from the candidates.

[0003] Now, when designing an operation test such as a web service or reporting a defect, in a tabular format, the product, page presented to the user by the product, sub-areas such as elements arranged in the page, subjective representing the theme in the sub-area, action on the sub-area, results that can occur / have occurred due to the action etc. can be organized. By organizing information in a tabular format, it is considered to be easy to design test cases and create defect reports.

[0004] In this case, test cases and defect reports respectively correspond to the values input in one row of the table. Also, the targets of the test and the defect are specified by the cell values input in the cells of the product column, page column, sub-area column, subjective column, and action column in that row.

[0005] Here, since the products developed by a certain company are finite, the values that can be input into the cells of the product column in that row are limited to a finite number of candidates.

[0006] Also, since the number of pages provided by a certain product is limited, candidates for values that can be entered in the cells of the page column are determined according to the cell values entered in the cells of the product column of that row. That is to say, the values that can be entered in the cells of the page column are values that match (do not conflict with) the cell values of the product column, and values that conflict with the cell values of the product column cannot be entered in the cells of the page column.

[0007] Similarly, there are restrictions on the sub-areas arranged within a certain page and the actions that can be performed on the sub-areas. Also, when an input is adopted as an action, the subjective value corresponds to the input value, but there are cases where any value can be input, and there are also cases where the value is restricted. Therefore, in order for the target to be correctly defined by "an action related to a certain subjective in a certain sub-area of a certain page of a certain product", it is necessary that the cell values entered in each column within the row are consistent (do not conflict) with each other.

[0008] Not limited to test cases and defect reports, it is desired to input a plurality of values for specifying a desired target into a plurality of cells arranged in a table, and in that case, the values to be input into the plurality of cells should be made to match (not conflict with) the values already input in other cells. Situations where such constraints are imposed can be various scenarios.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0009]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] Therefore, there is a strong demand for a technology that supports easy input of values that match (do not conflict with) the values already entered in other cells of the same row when entering multiple values for specifying a desired target into multiple cells.

[0011] In addition, when modifying a value that has already been entered in a cell, there may be a situation where other cells in the same row become inconsistent (conflict) due to the modification. Therefore, it is desirable to clearly present the impact of the modification to the cell, particularly before the modification is made.

[0012] The present invention solves the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a program, an editing device, and an editing method for assisting in entering a plurality of values for specifying a target into a plurality of cells in a table.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] To solve the above problems, An editing device for causing a plurality of values for specifying a desired target to be respectively entered into a plurality of specific cells arranged in a table displayed on a screen is when any one of the plurality of specific cells is focused, values that are inputtable into the focused cell and match the other values entered in other cells among the plurality of specific cells that are not the focused cell (hereinafter referred to as "matching values"). are extracted as candidates, the candidates are displayed in the vicinity of the focused cell on the screen, when any value is selected from the displayed candidates, the table is updated by entering the selected value into the focused cell.

[0014] Typically, the above editing device is realized by executing a program on a computer.

Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a program, an editing device, and an editing method for assisting when inputting a plurality of values for specifying an object into a plurality of cells in a table.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Note that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can adopt embodiments in which each of these elements or all of these elements are replaced with equivalents thereof, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0018] (Aspects in which the editing device is realized) Generally, the editing device according to this embodiment is realized by causing a computer to execute a program. In this case, on the computer, an application program for executing processing by spreadsheet or spreadsheet calculation is operated, and the support functions described below are incorporated into the application program from the beginning, the support functions are realized by an add-on program added to the application program later, and the support functions are realized by the macro function of the spreadsheet. Various aspects can be considered, such as the aspect. Furthermore, the program is not limited to a program that processes spreadsheets and spreadsheet calculations. Any program that enables input and editing of information in a tabular format, for example, a dedicated target management program, a web application program, a script program that operates on a browser, a program for a smartphone, etc. can also be adopted.

[0019] Furthermore, it is also possible to execute processing by a dedicated electronic circuit. In addition, as an intermediate form between a computer and a dedicated electronic circuit, by applying technologies such as FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that compiles a program into a design script of an electronic circuit and dynamically configures an electronic circuit based on the design script, it is also possible to configure the server and terminal of this embodiment.

[0020] These programs can be recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory information recording medium such as a compact disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a digital video disk, a magnetic tape, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), a flash memory, a semiconductor memory, etc. This information recording medium can also be distributed and sold independently of the computer.

[0021] In a computer, a program recorded on a non-transitory information recording medium such as a flash memory or a hard disk is read into a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a temporary storage device, and then the CPU (Central Processing Unit) executes the instructions included in the read program. However, in an architecture where the ROM and RAM can be mapped to a single memory space for execution, the CPU directly reads and executes the instructions included in the program stored in the ROM.

[0022] Furthermore, the program can be distributed and sold from a distribution server or the like managed by an operator to a computer via a transitory transmission medium such as a computer communication network, independently of the computer on which the program is executed.

[0023] (Usage example of the editing device) The editing device according to this embodiment is for inputting a plurality of values for specifying a desired target into a plurality of specific cells arranged in a table displayed on the screen, and is typically realized by executing a program on a computer that controls the above screen and others. Hereinafter, first, an operation example in which values are input into the cells in the table by the editing device will be described.

[0024] First, the user starts editing the table using the editing device. At this stage, no values are input into each cell of the table. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example in which a table with no values input is displayed on the screen by the editing device. In the example shown in this figure, a table divided into square cells and an arrow-shaped pointer for indicating the target that the user is interested in are displayed.

[0025] The columns of the table are classified into three: "Precondition" (premise), "Step" (step), and "Expected Result" (expected result). For each column, the column names include "Product", "Device", "Step No.", "Page", "Sub Area", "Subjective", "Action", "Additional Information", "Corresponding Step No.", "Type", "Status", and "Target Page".

[0026] Below the column names, cells where values can be entered are arranged in 12 columns per row. Seven consecutive rows from the top display the entire cells, and then rows are arranged where only the upper part of the cells is displayed.

[0027] A scroll box is provided on the right side of each row. By using the pointer to indicate the scroll box and moving it up and down, the rows where values are entered in the table can be scrolled up and down.

[0028] In this embodiment, it is assumed that multiple test cases are entered into the table. Here, the name of the product to be tested is entered in the cell of the "Product" column. To enter the product name in the "Product" column of the first row, as shown in this figure, the cell of the "Product" column in the first row is indicated with the pointer, and the mouse is clicked or the return key on the keyboard is pressed, etc. While maintaining the position of the pointer, the cell is focused.

[0029] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the cell of the "Product" column in the first row is focused. In the example shown in this figure, a drop-down list with the same display width as the focused cell is displayed so as to overlap the focused cell.

[0030] In the dropdown list, "A", "B", "C", and "D" are listed in alphabetical order as candidates that can be entered into the cell. Also, since the cell currently has no value entered (i.e., a null value is entered), a null value is listed at the top of the candidates in the dropdown list. Also, a checkmark is attached to the beginning of the null value, which indicates that among the null value and "A", "B", "C", and "D" that are candidates in the dropdown list, the value currently entered in the cell is the null value.

[0031] The candidates in the dropdown list are separated by dotted lines, but a solid line is drawn below the last candidate "D". This is intended to mean that "there are no candidates hereafter".

[0032] A scroll box is provided on the right side of the dropdown list. This is to enable scrolling and selection of candidates when the number of candidates is so large that they cannot fit within the display size of the dropdown list.

[0033] Generally, it is desirable that the position where the dropdown list is displayed is near the focused cell. Also, it is desirable to set the size and position of the dropdown list so that columns other than the column where the focused cell is located (especially the right side of the column where the focused cell is located) are not hidden by the dropdown list. Therefore, when it is desired to make the display width of the dropdown list larger than the display width of the focused cell (for example, when the length of the candidates lined up in the dropdown list is longer than the display width of the focused cell), the right end of the dropdown list should be aligned with the right end of the focused cell, and the dropdown list should be arranged so that it protrudes to the left.

[0034] Here, when the user wants to enter a value listed as a candidate in the dropdown list into the cell in the "Product" column of the first row, the desired value is indicated by the pointer. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the situation when a desired value is indicated by the pointer from the dropdown list for the cell in the "Product" column of the first row. In the example shown in this figure, the candidate value "B" in the dropdown list is indicated.

[0035] If the user then performs a selection operation such as clicking the mouse or pressing the return key on the keyboard as it is, the candidate value "B" in the dropdown list will be selected as the value to be entered.

[0036] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when a desired value is selected from the dropdown list for the cell in the "Product" column of the first row. As described above, when the candidate value "B" in the dropdown list is selected, as shown in this figure, the position of the pointer is maintained, the dropdown list is erased from the screen, and the selected value "B" is entered into the cell in the "Product" column of the first row. Also, since a value has been entered into the cell in the "Product" column of the first row, the focus on the cell is released.

[0037] After this, to focus on the cell in the "Product" column of the first row again, the pointer can be moved and the mouse can be clicked or the like. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the situation when the cell in the "Product" column of the first row with the value "B" entered is indicated by the pointer. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the situation when the cell in the "Product" column of the first row with the value "B" entered is focused. As shown in these figures, when the cell with the value "B" entered is indicated by the pointer and the cell is focused, the dropdown list is displayed.

[0038] In the previously displayed dropdown list and the currently displayed dropdown list, the candidates marked with a check mark representing the value entered in the focused cell are different. That is, in the previously displayed dropdown list, the empty value was checked, but in the currently displayed dropdown list, the value "B" is checked.

[0039] By performing operations such as clicking outside the dropdown list or pressing the Escape key, the value entered in the focused cell can remain "B", the display of the dropdown list can be cancelled, and the focus can be released.

[0040] Now, after entering the value "B" representing the product name in the "Product" column of the first row, it is assumed that the user will enter the device name targeted by the product. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the cell in the "Device" column of the first row is pointed to by the pointer. Similar to the operation on the cell in the "Product" column of the first row, after the user points to the cell where they want to enter a value with the pointer, an operation to gain focus (such as clicking the mouse or pressing the Return key) is performed.

[0041] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the cell in the "Device" column of the first row is focused. Similar to the processing for the cell in the "Product" column of the first row, a dropdown list is displayed near the cell in the "Device" column of the first row.

[0042] Here, the "Device" that the product "B" can target is limited to "PC_Chrome", "PC_Safari", "PC_Firefox", "SP_Safari", "SP_Chrome", "APP_iOS", and "APP_Android". In this embodiment, "PC_Chrome", "PC_Safari", "PC_Firefox", "SP_Safari", "SP_Chrome", "APP_iOS", and "APP_Android" shall all be called consistent values that are consistent (non - conflicting) with "Device".

[0043] In the dropdown list, in addition to the null value with a checkmark, some of the matching values for product "B" ("PC_Chrome", "PC_Safari", "PC_Firefox", "SP_Safari", "SP_Chrome", "APP_iOS") are listed as candidates.

[0044] Note that the height of the scroll box placed on the right side of the dropdown list is shorter than the height of the dropdown list. Therefore, by instructing the scroll box to move up and down, the candidates displayed in the dropdown list can be scrolled. Although not shown in this example, when the dropdown list is scrolled up, the rest of the matching values that were not displayed on the screen ("APP_Android") will appear from the bottom. And following the last candidate, a solid line indicating that there are no more candidates will appear below the last candidate.

[0045] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when a desired value is indicated by a pointer from the dropdown list for the cell in the "Device" column of the first row. In this figure, the value "SP_Sarari" is indicated from the candidates.

[0046] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when a desired value is indicated by a pointer from the dropdown list for the cell in the "Device" column of the first row. In this figure, the indicated value "SP_Safari" is input into the cell in the "Device" column of the first row that was in focus, and the dropdown list has been erased.

[0047] In this way, when successively inputting values into each cell in the first row, values that match (do not conflict with) the values already input into other cells in the same row are displayed as candidates in the dropdown list, and the user can input the correct value for specifying the target into each cell by indicating and selecting one of them.

[0048] For example, if the pages provided by the device "SP_Safari" of product "B" are "Login", "Home", "My Info", "List", and "Help", then these four will be the matching values that match the input values "B" and "SP_Safari". And these matching values, together with the blank values, are listed as candidates in the drop-down list for the cell in the first row, "Page" column.

[0049] If the user selects "Login" from among these candidates, then the value "Login" is input into the cell in the first row, "Page" column.

[0050] Here, assume that the following are arranged as sub-areas on the page "Login" provided by the device "SP_Safari" of product "B". The "Username Input box" is a text input element for entering the username of the user attempting to log in to the service, and only the action "Input" is possible. The "Password Input box" is a text input element for entering the login password set by the user, and only the action "Input" is possible. The "Pincode Input box" is a text input element for entering a PIN, one-time password, etc. assigned to the user, and only the action "Input" is possible. The "Login button" is a button element for sending the entered username and password to the server to attempt a login, and only the action "Click" is possible. The "Help link" is a link element for displaying help information about the page, and only the action "Click" is possible.

[0051] Therefore, when the values of "Product 'B'", "Device 'SP_Safari'", and "Page 'Login'" have been entered, the matching values for the sub - area are five types: "Username Input box", "Password Input box", "Pincode Input box", "Login button", and "Help link". Therefore, the user will repeatedly select one of these values and input the value into each cell.

[0052] That is, when a certain cell gains focus for the user, a drop - down list showing the candidate values for the value to be entered in the cell, which match the value already entered in the same row as the cell (in most cases, the value of the cell to the left of the cell in question), will be displayed. The user selects one from among them and proceeds to the next cell. By repeating this process, the test case target and the expected result in the test case will be input.

[0053] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when a test case for the process of entering a password after entering a username is input. In this figure, in test sequence 1 (represented by the value 1 in the "Step No." column) for "Product 'B'", "Device 'SP_Safari'", and "Page 'Login'", First, as the first test case 1 - 1 (first row) (represented by the value 1 of "Step No." and the value 1 of "Corresponding Step No."), when the action "Input" of entering the assigned value (subjective) "Alice" into the sub - area "Username Input box" is executed, In the user interface display "UI_display" on the screen, the state will be "No skew" with no abnormality in the display, And, Following Test Case 1-1, as Test Case 1-2 (second line) to be executed in the test (represented by the value 1 for "Step No." and the value 2 for "Corresponding Step No."), when the action "Input" of entering the assigned value (subjective) "p@23x#fdsa" is executed in the sub - area "Password Input box", in the user interface display "UI_display" on the screen, the state of "No skew", indicating no abnormality in the display, the entered table is illustrated.

[0054] The combination of the values "B", "SP_Safari", "Login", "Username Input box", "Input" entered in the first line of this figure represents that "inputting a username in the Username input box on the Login page in the implementation of SP_Safari for Product B" is the subject of the test.

[0055] The combination of the values "B", "SP_Safari", "Login", "Password Input box", "Input" entered in the second line of this figure represents that "inputting a password in the Password input box on the Login page in the implementation of SP_Safari for Product B" is the subject of the test.

[0056] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when a test case for the process of clicking the login button after entering the username and password is input. In this figure, in addition to the first and second lines included in the table shown in Figure 11, the state of the third line being input is shown. That is, Following Test Cases 1-1 and 1-2 shown in Figure 11, as Test Case 1-3 (third line) to be executed in the test (represented by the value 1 for "Step No." and the value 3 for "Corresponding Step No."), when the action "Click" of clicking the sub - area "Login button" is executed, The process "Login" is executed and succeeds ("Success"), and it is expressed that the page "Home" is transitioned to as the target page ("Target Page") of the transition destination. is expressed.

[0057] The combination of the values "B", "SP_Safari", "Login", "Login button", and "Click" entered in the third line of this figure represents that "Click the Login button on the Login page in the implementation for SP_Safari of Product B" is the subject of the test.

[0058] Here, assume that the user notices that they forgot to enter the input for the test case regarding the "Pincode Input box", that is, they notice that Test Case 1-3 should have been for the "Pincode Input box" instead of the "Login button". In this embodiment, by implementing the following functions, even in such a case, it is possible to suppress input errors and clearly show the user the impact of the modification on a certain cell.

[0059] In this case, the user points to the cell in the "Sub Area" column of the third row with the pointer to focus on the cell. Then, the editing device extracts the value for the sub-area that matches (does not conflict with) the combination of the values "B", "SP_Safari", "Login", and "Click" other than the focused cell in the third row, that is, the element (sub-area) that can be clicked on the Login page in the implementation for SP_Safari of Product B, and arranges it as a candidate in the drop-down list.

[0060] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the cell in the "Sub area" column of the third row where a value has been input is focused. As described above, since the "clickable elements (sub-areas) on the Login page in the implementation for SP_Safari of Product B" are the "Login button" and the "Help link", as shown in this figure, in the drop-down list, there are the empty value, the "Login button", and the "Help link" listed in order, and a check mark indicating that it has been currently input is attached to the "Login button".

[0061] Also, a solid line is drawn under the "Help link", informing the user that the matching values are limited to those enumerated so far.

[0062] However, the value that the user wants to input into the cell is the "Pincode Input box" as described above. This is a conflicting value that does not match (conflicts with) the input value "Click".

[0063] Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to arranging matching values that match other values already input as input candidates in the drop-down list, even conflicting values that conflict with other values already input are to be enumerated in the drop-down list.

[0064] That is, after a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) has elapsed since the drop-down list with only the empty value and matching values listed is displayed on the screen, or when the user clicks on the solid line attached to the end of the matching value or the vicinity thereof, the editing device adds a conflicting value that conflicts with the value already input in other cells in the same row to the candidates in the drop-down list.

[0065] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when a candidate consisting of a conflicting value is added to the drop-down list. In the example shown in this figure, the length of the scroll box on the right side of the drop-down list is shorter than that in Figure 13, indicating that a candidate has been added.

[0066] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when a dropdown list with a conflicting value added is scrolled. In the example shown in this figure, the scroll box on the right side of the dropdown list is moved to scroll the order of candidates.

[0067] In the examples of these figures, the candidates due to the added conflicting values are three: "Username Input box", "Password Input box", and "Pincode Input box".

[0068] All of these three values are consistent with the values "B", "SP_Safari", and "Login" in the cell to the left of the focused cell (the preceding cell preceding the focused cell), but are values conflicting with the value "Click" in the cell to the right (the succeeding cell succeeding the focused cell).

[0069] In this way, the conflicting value added as a candidate in the dropdown list can be a value that is consistent with the value of the preceding cell but conflicts with the value of the succeeding cell. This conforms to the habit of inputting values in order from the left cell to the right cell first.

[0070] However, as conflicting values, it is also possible to include those that conflict with a part of the preceding cell (for example, the preceding cell adjacent to the focused cell). In such a case, in the dropdown list, in addition to the names of the sub-areas arranged in the "Login" page, the names of the sub-areas arranged in the "Home", "My Info", "List", and "Help" pages will also be listed.

[0071] In this way, in this embodiment, while referring to the value already input in the cell, desired values for input are listed as candidates and the user is allowed to select one of them, thereby assisting in making input that is labor-saving and less error-prone.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user can visually recognize the influence of the conflicting value.

[0073] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the pointer indicates the conflicting value "Password Input box" in the dropdown list. As described above, only "Input" is assumed as the action for the conflicting value "Password Input box". Therefore, the values in the "Action" column "Click", "Type" column "Login", "Status" column "Success", and "Target Page" column "Home" that have already been input conflict with the "Password Input box". Therefore, when the user selects the "Password Input box", it is necessary to re-enter the values in the cells of the "Action" column, "Type" column, "Status" column, and "Target Page" column.

[0074] In the example shown in this figure, when the "Password Input box" is selected, the cells that need to re-enter the values are notified to the user by changing the appearance of the cell display. In the example shown in this figure, the cells are decorated with hatching, but various methods can be adopted to change the appearance, such as changing the color of the text or background, drawing an underline or strikethrough, changing the thickness of the text, italicizing, or changing the font of the text itself.

[0075] After that, assume that the user moves the pointer and indicates the conflicting value "Pincode Input box". Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the pointer indicates the conflicting value "Pincode Input box" in the dropdown list. For the conflicting value "Pincode Input box", similar to the above "Password Input box", only "Input" is assumed as the action. Therefore, when the "Pincode Input box" is selected, the appearance of the cells "Click", "Login", "Success", and "Home" that need to re-enter the values is decorated.

[0076] Suppose the user selects the candidate for the conflicting value, "Pincode Input box" as it is. In this case, two modes can be adopted for handling other conflicting cells. The first mode is to erase the value. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a mode of erasing other conflicting cells when the conflicting value "Pincode Input box" in the drop-down list is selected. As shown in this figure, the cells in the "Action" column, "Type" column, "Status" column, and "Target Page" column are cleared, and it is necessary to re-enter the value as needed.

[0077] The second mode is to notify that it is necessary to correct the cell having the conflicting value by changing the format of displaying the value of the cell. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of changing the format of other conflicting cells when the conflicting value "Pincode Input box" in the drop-down list is selected. As shown in this figure, the format of display of the cells in the "Action" column, "Type" column, "Status" column, and "Target Page" column is changed, and the user is notified that it is necessary to correct the value.

[0078] To correct the value of the cell whose format has been changed, focus on the cell whose format has been changed to display the candidates, and select a value from them. Also in this case, first, the consistent values are listed as candidates, and the conflicting values are added as candidates based on the idle elapsed time or the user's instruction.

[0079] As described above, according to the editing device according to the present embodiment, when the user inputs / modifies a value in a cell, the user can select any one from the candidates that match the values input so far, and can also select a value from the candidates that conflict with the values input so far. Further, when trying to select a value from the candidates that conflict with the values input so far, the range affected thereby can be visually recognized in advance.

[0080] (Configuration of the editing device) FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the editing device. As described above, the editing device 101 according to the present embodiment causes a plurality of values for specifying a desired target to be input into a plurality of specific cells arranged in the table 112 displayed within the screen 111, and is typically realized by executing a program on a computer, and includes an extraction unit 102, a candidate display unit 103, and an update unit 104.

[0081] Here, the extraction unit 102 when any one of the plurality of specific cells is focused, values that are inputtable into the focused cell and values that match the other values input into the other cells that are not the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells (hereinafter referred to as "matching values") are extracted as candidates.

[0082] The "plurality of specific cells" mentioned here corresponds to the cells in the "Product" column, "Device" column, "Page" column, "Sub Area" column, "Subjective" column, and "Action" column in the same row in the above operation example, and the values in these columns identify the target of the test case. However, the "Type" column, "Status" column, and "Target Page" column in the same row may also be included in the "plurality of specific cells".

[0083] In this way, typically, within the table 112, the plurality of specific cells are located in a predetermined plurality of columns in the same row within the table 112.

[0084] Also, in each row within the table 112, a plurality of targets are identified by identifying the target based on the plurality of values input into the plurality of specific cells arranged in that row.

[0085] In the case of the example of editing the above test case, the definition information 113 as to whether the values of the cells in each column match (do not conflict) or do not match (conflict) can be obtained by extracting the dependency relationships of each element constituting the target from the matters described in the specification and the definitions in the pages crawled from the actually operating web server.

[0086] The definition information 113 can be registered in a database or the like, and can be in a form that the extraction unit 102 of the editing device 101 refers to as appropriate. Also, when the editing device 101 is realized on a spreadsheet processing spreadsheet application, in addition to the editing sheet for editing the target, in the definition sheet, for example, all the "rows in which the values for specifying the target are arranged in each column" are listed, and the extraction unit 102 of the editing device 101 may adopt a mode of referring to the definition sheet instead of a database or the like.

[0087] Note that the matching value extracted by the extraction unit 102 based on the definition information 113 is a non-empty value, but it may also be possible to further extract a null value as a candidate. Note that in cells where a null value is not allowed to identify the target, there is no need to use a null value as a candidate, so whether to further extract a null value or not can be appropriately selected according to the application.

[0088] In addition, a mode such as arranging the specific cell for identifying one target within the range of a predetermined plurality of rows and a predetermined plurality of columns may be adopted.

[0089] Also, the extraction unit 102 is a value that can be input into the focused cell and is a value that conflicts with other values (hereinafter referred to as "conflicting value"). may be further extracted as a candidate.

[0090] Here, the reason why the extraction unit 102 extracts a conflicting value as a candidate is simultaneously with extracting a matching value as a candidate is also possible, or as described above, after a predetermined time has elapsed without a selection being made after the matching value is displayed within the screen 111 as a candidate is also possible, or when a predetermined conflicting value addition operation (in the above example, clicking on the solid line representing the end of the matching value) is performed is also possible, or these may be adopted in appropriate combinations.

[0091] Also, as described above, the conflicting values to be extracted are for a plurality of specific cells located in a predetermined plurality of columns within the same row in Table 112, Among the plurality of specific cells, it is consistent with the value entered in the preceding cell in the same row as the focused cell, Among the plurality of specific cells, it conflicts with the value entered in the subsequent cell in the same row as the focused cell can take a value.

[0092] Also, as described above, by further extracting, as conflicting values, values that conflict with the values of specific cells adjacent to the focused cell among the preceding cells, the constraints on the displayed candidates can also be relaxed. Also, the "adjacent preceding cell (specific cell)" may be the "directly adjacent preceding cell", or may be a preceding cell whose column direction distance from the focused cell is within a predetermined range.

[0093] On the other hand, the candidate display unit 103 displays the extracted candidates in the vicinity of the focused cell within the screen 111. "Vicinity" can adopt various modes, for example, it can be displayed so that the top of the dropdown list with the same width as the focused cell overlaps the focused cell.

[0094] When displaying candidates, the consistent values can be sorted in a predetermined order (for example, lexicographical order). The sorting order may be specified by the user.

[0095] Also, among the displayed candidates, the consistent values and the conflicting values may be displayed in different formats, or may be displayed in the same format.

[0096] In particular, when the consistent values and the conflicting values are displayed in the same format, as in the above operation example, it is desirable to display the consistent values before the conflicting values, sort the consistent values among them, and sort and display the conflicting values among them.

[0097] In the above example, the candidate null value is displayed at the top ahead of the matching value. However, the position of the null value may also be after the matching value. This order allows for the input of null values during the editing process, but is suitable when displaying candidates for cells that do not allow null values in order to finally identify the target. Therefore, the position of the null value within the candidates may be changed according to whether the value to be entered into the cell allows null values or not.

[0098] Here, as in the above operation example, "indication" is an operation of pointing to any one of the candidates using a pointer or the like, and "selection" is an operation of determining the value of the desired candidate as the selection result. Therefore, as in the above operation example, if any conflicting value is indicated from the displayed candidates prior to the selection of a candidate, it may be possible to highlight the cell among other cells in which a value conflicting with the indicated value is entered.

[0099] Furthermore, when any value is selected from the displayed candidates, the update unit 104 updates the table 112 by inputting the selected value into the focused cell.

[0100] When a selected conflicting value is input into the focused cell by the update unit 104, it may be possible to input a null value into the cell in which a value conflicting with the input conflicting value is entered, prompting the user to input a new value, or it may be possible to highlight the cell in which a value conflicting with the input conflicting value is entered, prompting the user to input a new value. This may also be done.

[0101] (Processing) FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the control flow of the editing process executed by the editing device. The following will be described with reference to this figure.

[0102] When this process starts, the editing device 101 first performs various initializations (step S301). Specifically, it includes clearing or loading Table 112 to be edited, reading definition information, preparing for screen display, etc.

[0103] Then, the editing device 101 displays Table 112 on the screen 111 (step S302).

[0104] Next, it waits for various events such as operations from the user or the passage of time to occur (step S303), and branches the control as follows according to the type of the occurred event (step S304).

[0105] When the occurred event is a focus operation by the user (S304; Focus), the editing device 101 focuses on the cell indicated by the pointer, cursor, etc. (step S305).

[0106] Then, the editing device 101 refers to other specific cells for specifying the target together with the focused cell, extracts the matching value for the focused cell (step S306). Adds the null value, the extracted matching value, and the candidates of the drop-down list (step S307), displays the drop-down list near the focused cell within the screen 111 (step S308), and returns the control to step S304.

[0107] On the other hand, when the solid line under the last candidate in the drop-down list is clicked, or when no selection is made from the candidates while the drop-down list is being displayed and a certain period of time has passed, When additional events such as this occur (S309; addition), the editing device 101 refers to other specific cells for specifying the target together with the focused cell, extracts a conflicting value for the focused cell (step S309), further adds the extracted conflicting value to the candidates in the drop-down list (step S310), updates the display of the drop-down list in the screen 111 (step S311), and returns the control to step S304.

[0108] In addition, when any of the candidates displayed in the drop-down list is indicated by the pointer (step S304; indication), the editing device 101 repeats the following processing for other specific cells for specifying the target together with the focused cell (step S312).

[0109] That is, the editing device 101 checks whether the specific cell is consistent or conflicting with the indicated candidate (step S313).

[0110] If they are consistent (step S313; consistent), the editing device 101 sets the format when displaying the specific cell on the screen 111 to the normal format (step S314). On the other hand, if they are conflicting (step S313; conflicting), the editing device 101 sets the format when displaying the specific cell on the screen 111 to an emphasized format in order to call attention to the specific cell (step S315).

[0111] In this way, the editing device 101 repeats these processes for other specific cells for specifying the target together with the focused cell (step S316).

[0112] Then, in order to reflect the set format on the screen 111, the editing device 101 updates the display of the table 111 (step S317) and returns the control to step S304.

[0113] Also, when the candidate indicated in the drop-down list is selected (step S304; Selection), the editing device 101 inputs the value of the selected candidate into the cell that is in focus (step S318). For other specific cells that conflict with the input value, the editing device 101 clears the value, or, while keeping the current value as it is, sets it to emphasize the format to draw attention (step S319). Then, the editing device 101 releases the focus on the cell (step S320) and deletes the drop-down list from the screen 111 (step S321).

[0114] Furthermore, the editing device 101 updates the display of the table 112 on the screen 111 based on the newly input or cleared value and the newly set format (step S322), and returns the control to step S304.

[0115] When any other event occurs (step S304; Others), the corresponding process for the event is executed (step S323), and the control is returned to step S304. Here, as the events to be processed and the processes to be executed, for example, a process of saving the table 112, a process of adding blank lines in the middle or at the end of the table 112, a process of ending the editing of the table 112, a process of clearing the table 112, a process of starting the editing of a new table and various other processes related to the editing of the table can be adopted.

[0116] As described above, according to the editing device 111 according to the present embodiment, when a cell is in focus, the user is presented with consistent values that do not conflict with other cells that identify the target together with the focused cell as candidates to be input into the focused cell. Therefore, the user can easily input values.

[0117] Further, according to the editing device 111 according to the present embodiment, when a cell is focused, it is possible to present to the user, as candidates to be input to the focused cell, conflicting values that conflict with other cells that identify a target together with the focused cell, and it is possible to clearly present to the user the influence on other cells when it is assumed that the conflicting value is selected.

[0118] (Summary) Regarding the program, editing device, and editing method according to the present embodiment described above, the following is appended.

[0119] (Appended Note 1) A program for causing a computer to input, to a plurality of specific cells arranged in a table displayed on a screen controlled by the computer, a plurality of values for identifying a desired target, respectively, wherein the program causes the computer to, when any one of the plurality of specific cells is focused, extract, as candidates, values that are inputtable to the focused cell and match other values (hereinafter referred to as "matching values") input to other cells among the plurality of specific cells that are not the focused cell, an extraction unit; a candidate display unit that displays the candidates in the vicinity of the focused cell on the screen; an update unit that updates the table by inputting the selected value to the focused cell when any value is selected from the displayed candidates, characterized in that it functions as.

[0120] (Appended Note 2) The extracted matching values are non-empty values, and the extraction unit further extracts empty values as the candidates, the program according to Appended Note 1, characterized in that.

[0121] (Appended Note 3) Among the candidates shown, the matching values are sorted and displayed in a predetermined order. The program according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that

[0122] (Appendix 4) The extraction unit is a value that can be input into the focused cell and is a value that conflicts with the other values (hereinafter referred to as "conflicting value"). is further extracted as the candidate, when the conflicting value is selected, the update unit inputs the selected value into the focused cell, and the update unit inputs a blank value into a cell among the other cells in which a value conflicting with the selected value is input. The program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that

[0123] (Appendix 5) The extraction unit is a value that can be input into the focused cell and is a value that conflicts with the other values (hereinafter referred to as "conflicting value"). is further extracted as the candidate, when the conflicting value is selected, the update unit inputs the selected value into the focused cell, and highlights a cell among the other cells in which a value conflicting with the selected value is input. The program according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that

[0124] (Appendix 6) Among the candidates shown, the matching values and the conflicting values are displayed in different formats. The program according to Appendix 4 or 5, characterized in that

[0125] (Appendix 7) Among the candidates shown, the matching values and the conflicting values are sorted and displayed in a predetermined order. The program according to appended note 6, characterized in that...

[0126] (Appended note 8) In the candidates to be displayed, the matching value is displayed prior to the conflicting value The program according to any one of appended notes 4 to 7, characterized in that...

[0127] (Appended note 9) In the candidates to be displayed, the matching values are sorted in a predetermined order, and the conflicting values are sorted and displayed in the predetermined order The program according to appended note 8, characterized in that...

[0128] (Appended note 10) After a predetermined time has elapsed without the selection being made since the matching value is displayed as the candidate within the screen, the extraction unit extracts the conflicting value and adds it to the candidates displayed within the screen The program according to appended note 8 or 9, characterized in that...

[0129] (Appended note 11) Before the selection is made, if any conflicting value is indicated from the displayed candidates, among the other cells, the cells in which values conflicting with the indicated value are input are highlighted The program according to any one of appended notes 4 to 10, characterized in that...

[0130] (Appended note 12) In the table, the plurality of specific cells are located in a predetermined plurality of columns within the same row The extraction unit Among the plurality of specific cells, it matches the value input to the preceding cell that precedes the focused cell within the same row, but Among the plurality of specific cells, it conflicts with the value input to the succeeding cell that succeeds the focused cell within the same row The value is extracted as the conflicting value The program according to any one of Appendices 4 to 11, characterized in that...

[0131] (Appendix 13) In the table, the plurality of specific cells are located in a predetermined plurality of columns in the same row within the table, In each row of the table, a plurality of objects are specified by specifying an object based on a plurality of values input to the plurality of specific cells arranged in that row. The program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 11, characterized in that...

[0132] (Appendix 14) An editing device for inputting a plurality of values for specifying a desired object into a plurality of specific cells arranged in a table displayed on a screen, respectively, When any one of the plurality of specific cells is focused, A value that can be input to the focused cell, A value that is consistent with other values input to other cells that are not the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells (hereinafter referred to as "consistent value"). An extraction unit that extracts the value as a candidate, A candidate display unit that displays the candidate in the vicinity of the focused cell on the screen, When any value is selected from the displayed candidates, an update unit that updates the table by inputting the selected value into the focused cell. An editing device, characterized by comprising...

[0133] (Appendix 15) An editing method executed by an editing device for inputting a plurality of values for specifying a desired object into a plurality of specific cells arranged in a table displayed on a screen, respectively, When any one of the plurality of specific cells is focused, the editing device A value that can be input to the focused cell, A value that matches other values entered in other cells among the plurality of specific cells that are not the focused cell (hereinafter referred to as "matching value"). An extraction step of extracting the value as a candidate. A candidate display step in which the editing device displays the candidate in the vicinity of the focused cell within the screen. When a value is selected from the displayed candidates, an update step in which the editing device updates the table by inputting the selected value into the focused cell An editing method characterized by comprising the above.

[0134] The present invention can be implemented in various embodiments and variations without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Also, the above-described embodiments are for explaining the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the embodiments. And various modifications made within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the meaning of the invention equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0135] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a program, an editing device, and an editing method for assisting when inputting a plurality of values for specifying an object into a plurality of cells in a table.

Explanation of Signs

[0136] 101 Editing device 102 Extraction unit 103 Candidate display unit 104 Update unit 111 Screen 112 Table 113 Definition information

Claims

1. A program for causing a computer to input a plurality of values for specifying a desired target into a plurality of specific cells arranged in a table displayed within a screen controlled by the computer, wherein the program causes the computer to, when any one of the plurality of specific cells is focused, extract, as candidates, values that are inputtable into the focused cell and that match other values (hereinafter referred to as "matching values") input into other cells that are not the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells, an extraction unit; a candidate display unit that displays the candidates in the vicinity of the focused cell within the screen; an update unit that updates the table by inputting the selected value into the focused cell when any one of the displayed candidates is selected and functions as. A program characterized by that.

2. The extracted matching values are non-empty values, and the extraction unit further extracts empty values as the candidates. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. In the displayed candidates, the matching values are sorted and displayed in a predetermined order. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that.

4. The extraction unit extracts, as the candidates, values that are inputtable into the focused cell and that conflict with other values (hereinafter referred to as "conflicting values"), and when a conflicting value is selected, the update unit inputs the selected value into the focused cell, and the update unit inputs an empty value into cells among the other cells in which values conflicting with the selected value are input. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. The extraction unit extracts, as the candidates, values that are inputtable into the focused cell and that conflict with other values (hereinafter referred to as "conflicting values"), and when a conflicting value is selected, the update unit inputs the selected value into the focused cell, and highlights cells among the other cells in which values conflicting with the selected value are input. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. In the displayed candidates, the matching values and the conflicting values are displayed in different formats. The program according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that.

7. ​ ​ In the candidates to be displayed, the matching value and the conflicting value are sorted and displayed in a predetermined order. The program according to claim 6, characterized in that.

8. In the candidates to be displayed, the matching value is displayed prior to the conflicting value. The program according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that.

9. In the candidates to be displayed, the matching value is sorted in a predetermined order, and the conflicting value is sorted and displayed in the predetermined order. The program according to claim 8, characterized in that.

10. After a predetermined time has elapsed without the selection being made after the matching value is displayed as the candidate within the screen, the extraction unit extracts the conflicting value and adds it to the candidate displayed within the screen. The program according to claim 8, characterized in that.

11. Prior to the selection being made, if any conflicting value is indicated from the displayed candidates, among the other cells, the cell in which a value conflicting with the indicated value is input is highlighted. The program according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that.

12. In the table, the plurality of specific cells are located in a predetermined plurality of columns within the same row. The extraction unit matches the value input to the preceding cell in the same row as the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells, but conflicts with the value input to the subsequent cell in the same row as the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells. extracts the value as the conflicting value. The program according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that.

13. In the table, the plurality of specific cells are located in a predetermined plurality of columns within the same row in the table. In each row in the table, a plurality of objects are specified by specifying an object by a plurality of values input to the plurality of specific cells arranged in that row. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that.

14. An editing device for inputting a plurality of values for specifying a desired object to a plurality of specific cells arranged in a table displayed on the screen, respectively. When any one of the plurality of specific cells is focused, a value that can be input to the focused cell and is a value that matches the other values input to the other cells that are not the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells (hereinafter referred to as "matching value"). an extraction unit that extracts as a candidate. A candidate display unit that displays the candidates in the vicinity of the focused cell within the screen; An update unit that updates the table by inputting the selected value into the focused cell when any value is selected from the displayed candidates. An editing device characterized by comprising the above.

15. An editing method executed by an editing device for inputting a plurality of values for specifying a desired target into a plurality of specific cells arranged in a table displayed within a screen, comprising: When any one of the plurality of specific cells is focused, the editing device Extracts, as candidates, values that are inputtable into the focused cell and Match the other values input into other cells that are not the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells (hereinafter referred to as "matching values"); An extraction step; A candidate display step in which the editing device displays the candidates in the vicinity of the focused cell within the screen; An update step in which when any value is selected from the displayed candidates, the editing device updates the table by inputting the selected value into the focused cell. An editing method characterized by comprising the above.

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