Data integration system, data integration method, and data integration program

Abstract

To provide a data integration system configured to create a definition for integrating data with less workload.SOLUTION: A data integration system 1 includes: an item definition acquisition unit 17 which acquires, for each of a plurality of individual systems 3, item definitions which are definitions of data items in data structures of the individual systems 3; a graph image generation unit 18 which generates an image for displaying, on a screen, a graph indicating contents of the item definitions of the plurality of individual systems 3; and an association definition creation unit 15 which creates data item association definitions representing associations between data items of one cooperation source system which is one out of the plurality of individual systems 3, and data items of a cooperation destination system which is the other one of the plurality of individual systems 3, in accordance with an input of a user on the graph displayed on the screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a data linkage system, a data linkage method, and a data linkage program for linking data. [Background technology]

[0002] Advances in internet and cloud technologies have made smooth data communication possible between multiple systems, including monitoring and control systems and maintenance management systems. This has led to expectations for the creation of new solutions that utilize data communication between multiple systems.

[0003] Regarding data usage in multiple systems, a data linkage system is known that links data handled in one of the multiple systems, a link source system, with data handled in another of the multiple systems, a link destination system.By applying a data linkage system, it becomes possible to link data between systems that have different definitions of data items in their data structures.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a data conversion system that converts data from multiple systems that handle data in different data formats. The data conversion system according to Patent Document 1 stores information indicating the definition of the data format in each system to be linked and information indicating the definition of a common data format, which is a commonly defined data format. The data conversion system according to Patent Document 1 has an operator define a first conversion rule for converting the data format of the input linkage target systems into a first common data format that is the data format of first common data, a second conversion rule for converting the first common data format into a second common data format that is the data format of second common data, and a third conversion rule for converting from the second common data format into the data format of the output linkage target systems, and performs a conversion process that converts the data format of the input linkage target systems into the data format of the output linkage target systems based on these conversion rules. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-185520 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the data conversion system disclosed in Patent Document 1, definition information indicating each conversion rule is implemented as a relational database. In this case, when a data item in a certain system is changed, multiple locations in the definition information need to be rewritten. Therefore, with the conventional technology in which definition information is implemented as a relational database, the amount of work required to create a definition for linking data becomes large, which is a problem.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a data linkage system that enables definitions for linking data to be created with a small amount of work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the data linkage system of the present disclosure comprises an item definition acquisition unit that acquires, for each of a plurality of individual systems, item definitions that are definitions of data items in the data structure that the individual systems have; a graph image generation unit that generates an image for displaying on a screen a graph showing the contents of the item definitions of each of the plurality of individual systems; and a linkage definition creation unit that creates, in accordance with user input on the graph displayed on the screen, a data item linkage definition that represents a link between a data item of a source system, which is one of the plurality of individual systems, and a data item of a destination system, which is another of the plurality of individual systems. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The data linkage system according to the present disclosure has an effect of enabling definitions for linking data to be created with a small amount of work. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a data linkage system according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a data item linkage definition created by the data linkage system according to the first embodiment; [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure when the data linking system according to the first embodiment acquires data from a link source system and sends the data to a link destination system. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure when the data linkage system according to the first embodiment creates a data item linkage definition. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen displayed by the data linkage system according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a first diagram for explaining the advantage of creating a data item linkage definition as a graph database by the data linkage system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining the advantage of creating a data item linkage definition as a graph database by the data linkage system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration for realizing a data linkage device according to a first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A data linkage system, a data linkage method, and a data linkage program according to an embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a data linkage system 1 according to a first embodiment. The data linkage system 1 is a system that links data handled in one of a plurality of systems with data handled in another of the plurality of systems. The data linkage system 1 acquires data from a link source system, which is one of the plurality of systems. The link destination system, which is another of the plurality of systems, acquires data from the data linkage system 1.

[0013] A system that can be at least one of a source system and a destination system is referred to as an individual system 3. An individual system 3 that provides data to the data linkage system 1 functions as a source system. An individual system 3 that acquires data from the data linkage system 1 functions as a destination system. The multiple individual systems 3 may include an individual system 3 that may function as a source system and an individual system 3 that may function as a destination system. The multiple individual systems 3 may also include an individual system 3 that may function as a source system but not as a destination system, or an individual system 3 that may function as a destination system but not as a source system.

[0014] Examples of individual systems 3 are infrastructure systems such as a monitoring and control system, a maintenance management system, or an inspection support system. The multiple individual systems 3 may include an individual system 3 that performs overall monitoring or control of two or more other individual systems 3. The individual systems 3 may be any system that is capable of at least one of outputting data and acquiring data, and are not limited to the above examples.

[0015] The data linkage system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes a data linkage device 2 and a plurality of individual systems 3. Each of the plurality of individual systems 3 is communicably connected to the data linkage device 2 via a network. The network is, for example, a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. The network may also be a local area network (LAN). Although Fig. 1 shows three individual systems 3 connected to the data linkage device 2, the number of individual systems 3 connected to the data linkage device 2 is arbitrary.

[0016] For example, the data linkage device 2 is used by a business operator who manages the entirety of the multiple individual systems 3 that make up the data linkage system 1. The data linkage device 2 enables the data linkage system 1 to effectively utilize data between the individual systems 3.

[0017] The data linkage device 2 includes a data acquisition unit 11, a data item conversion unit 12, a data output unit 13, a linking definition management unit 14, a linking definition creation unit 15, a memory unit 16, an item definition acquisition unit 17, and a graph image generation unit 18.

[0018] The data acquisition unit 11 acquires data sent from the individual system 3 functioning as the cooperation source system. The data acquisition unit 11 outputs the acquired data to the data item conversion unit 12.

[0019] An item definition is set for each of the multiple individual systems 3. The item definition is a definition of a data item in the data structure of the individual system 3. A data item is the basic unit of the data structure made up of data handled in the individual system 3.

[0020] The data item conversion unit 12 converts the data items of the data from the source system into data items defined by the item definition of the individual system 3 functioning as the destination system, based on the data item linking definition. The data item linking definition represents the link between the data items of the individual system 3 functioning as the source system and the data items of the individual system 3 functioning as the destination system.

[0021] The data item conversion unit 12 outputs the data whose data items have been converted to the data output unit 13. The data output unit 13 outputs the data whose data items have been converted to the individual system 3 that functions as the linked system.

[0022] The item definition acquisition unit 17 acquires an item definition for each of the plurality of individual systems 3. The item definition acquisition unit 17 saves the acquired item definition in the storage unit 16. The storage unit 16 stores the item definition for each of the plurality of individual systems 3. The storage unit 16 also stores the data item linking definition created by the linking definition creation unit 15.

[0023] The linking definition creation unit 15 creates a data item linking definition. When the linking definition creation unit 15 creates a data item linking definition, the graph image generation unit 18 reads out the item definitions of each of the multiple individual systems 3 from the storage unit 16. The graph image generation unit 18 generates an image for displaying a graph on the screen showing the contents of the item definitions of each of the multiple individual systems 3. The graph image generation unit 18 displays a graph on the screen showing the contents of the item definitions of each of the multiple individual systems 3. The linking definition creation unit 15 creates a data item linking definition in accordance with a user's input for the graph displayed on the screen. The graph image generation unit 18 reflects the contents of the data item linking definition in the graph displayed on the screen.

[0024] For example, the association definition creation unit 15 and the graph image generation unit 18 have a GUI (Graphical User Interface) function. The graph image generation unit 18 has a display function for displaying a graph on a screen. The association definition creation unit 15 has an input function for accepting operations by a user. In this case, the user is an operator of the data linkage device 2.

[0025] Alternatively, the linking definition creation unit 15 may display a graph on the screen of an individual system 3 functioning as a linked system, and create a data item linking definition in accordance with operations in the individual system 3. The individual system 3 functioning as a linked system displays the graph and accepts operations by the user using a GUI function of the individual system 3. In this case, the user is an operator of the individual system 3 functioning as a linked system.

[0026] In this case, the linking definition creation unit 15 reads out the item definitions of each of the multiple individual systems 3 from the storage unit 16. The linking definition creation unit 15 provides, on the web, a linking definition creation API, which is an API (Application Programming Interface) for creating data item linking definitions. The individual systems 3 functioning as linked systems use the linking definition creation API on the web to display graphs and accept operations by users.

[0027] The linking definition creation unit 15 can create a new data item linking definition and update a data item linking definition. Creating a new data item linking definition means creating a new data item linking definition when no data item linking definition is stored in the storage unit 16. Updating a data item linking definition means changing a data item linking definition stored in the storage unit 16. In the first embodiment, creating a data item linking definition includes creating a new data item linking definition and updating a data item linking definition.

[0028] The linking definition management unit 14 is responsible for managing linking definitions in the data linkage device 2. When the data item conversion unit 12 converts a data item, the linking definition management unit 14 reads out the data item linking definition from the storage unit 16 and outputs the read out data item linking definition to the data item conversion unit 12.

[0029] When a new data item linking definition is created by the linking definition creation unit 15, the linking definition management unit 14 acquires the data item linking definition created by the linking definition creation unit 15 from the linking definition creation unit 15. The linking definition management unit 14 stores the acquired data item linking definition in the storage unit 16.

[0030] When the linking definition creation unit 15 updates a data item linking definition, the linking definition management unit 14 reads the data item linking definition from the storage unit 16 and sends the read data item linking definition to the linking definition creation unit 15. Thereafter, the linking definition management unit 14 acquires the data item linking definition updated by the linking definition creation unit 15 from the linking definition creation unit 15. The linking definition management unit 14 stores the acquired data item linking definition in the storage unit 16.

[0031] Next, the data item linking definition will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the data item linking definition created by the data linkage system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0032] In the data linkage device 2, the data item linkage definition is created as a graph database represented by a network-like graph including nodes and edges. Each of the multiple nodes in the graph represents a data item. Each of the multiple edges in the graph represents a link between a data item of an individual system 3 functioning as a link source system and a data item of an individual system 3 functioning as a link destination system. The linkage definition creation unit 15 creates the data item linkage definition by constructing a network-like graph according to operations on the graph by the user.

[0033] In Figure 2, an example of data item linking definitions for three individual systems 3 is shown in the form of a network graph. System A, System B, and System C are each the name of an individual system 3. In Figure 2, rectangles represent nodes. In Figure 2, arrows between rectangles represent edges. Numerical values ​​such as 0100000001, 10001, and 001 shown in Figure 2 are numbers representing data items. In Figure 2, rectangles with the names of individual systems 3 written in them represent individual systems 3. In Figure 2, rectangles with numbers representing data items written in them represent data items.

[0034] In Figure 2, solid arrows represent the link between a data item in a destination system and a data item in a source system. The node at the base of the solid arrow represents a data item in the destination system. The node at the end of the solid arrow represents a data item in the source system. The edge representing the link between a data item in a destination system and a data item in a source system is a directed edge representing the relationship between the source and destination.

[0035] In Figure 2, dashed arrows represent hierarchical relationships in the data structure, i.e., parent-child relationships. The node at the base of the dashed arrow is a parent node representing the parent in the parent-child relationship indicated by the dashed arrow. The node at the end of the dashed arrow is a child node representing the child in the parent-child relationship indicated by the dashed arrow. The edge representing the parent-child relationship is a directed edge representing the parent-child relationship.

[0036] An item definition includes a number that represents the data item as a definition of the data item. In addition to the number that represents the data item, an item definition also includes information such as the name of the data item, the data type, or the data unit as a definition of the data item. In a graph database, an item definition is stored as a property of a node.

[0037] In the example shown in Figure 2, 0100000001, 0100000002, and 0100000003 are the numbers of data items defined in the item definition of system A. In the parent-child relationship between the node representing each data item of system A and the node representing system A, the node representing system A is the parent node, and the node representing each data item of system A is the child node.

[0038] In the example shown in Figure 2, 10001, 10002, and 10003 are the numbers of data items defined in the item definition of system B. In the parent-child relationship between the node representing each data item of system B and the node representing system B, the node representing system B is the parent node, and the node representing each data item of system B is the child node.

[0039] In the example shown in Figure 2, 001, 002, and 003 are the numbers of data items defined in the item definition of system C. In the parent-child relationship between the node representing each data item of system C and the node representing system C, the node representing system C is the parent node, and the node representing each data item of system C is the child node.

[0040] In Figure 2, two edges connect the node 0100000001, which is a data item of System A, and the node 10001, which is a data item of System B. Of these two edges, the edge pointing from the node 0100000001 to the node 10001 represents the link between the data items 0100000001 and 10001 when System A is the destination system and System B is the source system. Of these two edges, the edge pointing from the node 10001 to the node 0100000001 represents the link between the data items 10001 and 0100000001 when System B is the destination system and System A is the source system.

[0041] In the above, for each of the three individual systems 3, the node representing the individual system 3 and the node representing the data item are directly connected by an edge. This graph indicates that the data structure of each individual system 3 consists of two hierarchies. If the data structure of each individual system 3 consists of three or more hierarchies, the node representing the individual system 3 and the node representing the data item will be connected via one or more edges. For example, if the individual system 3 is a system that monitors a building and controls the equipment within the building, a node representing the floor of the building to be monitored or controlled may be connected between the node representing the individual system 3 and the node representing the data item.

[0042] Next, a description will be given of the processing executed by the data linkage system 1 when acquiring data from a link source system and sending the data to a link destination system. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure executed by the data linkage system 1 according to the first embodiment when acquiring data from a link source system and sending the data to a link destination system.

[0043] When a data request is sent from the destination system to the data linkage device 2, the data acquisition unit 11 receives the data request. In step S1, the data acquisition unit 11 determines whether or not a data request has been received from the destination system. If a data request has not been received (step S1, No), the data linkage device 2 repeats step S1.

[0044] When a data request is received (Yes at step S1), the data acquisition unit 11 transmits the received data request to the cooperation source system at step S2.

[0045] When the coordination source system receives the data request from the data coordination device 2, it transmits the requested data to the data coordination device 2. In step S3, the data acquisition unit 11 receives the data from the coordination source system. The data acquisition unit 11 outputs the received data to the data item conversion unit 12.

[0046] The linking definition management unit 14 reads out the data item linking definition from the storage unit 16 and outputs the read out data item linking definition to the data item conversion unit 12. In step S4, the data item conversion unit 12 converts the data items of the data from the link source system into data items of the data handled in the link destination system based on the data item linking definition. The data item conversion unit 12 outputs the data with the converted data items to the data output unit 13.

[0047] In step S5, the data output unit 13 transmits the data with the converted data items to the destination system. With the above, the data linkage device 2 ends the processing according to the procedure shown in FIG.

[0048] Next, the processing executed by the data linkage system 1 when creating a data item linkage definition will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure when the data linkage system 1 according to the first embodiment creates a data item linkage definition. Here, an example will be described in which a linkage definition creation API is provided to an individual system 3 functioning as a linkage destination system.

[0049] In step S11, the item definition acquisition unit 17 acquires the item definitions of each of the multiple individual systems 3. The item definition acquisition unit 17 saves the acquired item definitions in the storage unit 16. The storage unit 16 stores the item definitions for each of the multiple individual systems 3.

[0050] In step S12, the association definition creation unit 15 determines whether or not the association definition creation API has been called by the destination system, i.e., whether or not the association creation function has been called. If the destination system has not called the association creation function (step S12, No), the data association device 2 repeats step S12.

[0051] If the linking creation function is called by the linked system (Yes in step S12), in step S13, the linking definition creation unit 15 reads out the item definitions of each of the multiple individual systems 3 from the storage unit 16. If the data item linking definition is to be updated, the linking definition management unit 14 reads out the data item linking definition from the storage unit 16. The linking definition management unit 14 outputs the read out data item linking definition to the linking definition creation unit 15.

[0052] In step S14, the linking definition creation unit 15 provides the linking creation function to the destination system on the web. The destination system displays a graph on the screen by using the linking definition creation API on the web. The destination system accepts user operations for creating a data item linking definition by using the linking definition creation API on the web. The destination system transmits operation information indicating the content of the accepted operation to the data linkage device 2.

[0053] The linking definition creation unit 15 receives the operation information transmitted to the data linkage device 2. In step S15, the linking definition creation unit 15 creates a data item linking definition in accordance with the operation information from the destination system. The linking definition creation unit 15 creates or modifies nodes that indicate data items in accordance with the operation information. The linking definition creation unit 15 creates or modifies edges that represent links between data items in the destination system and data items in the source system, and edges that represent parent-child relationships between nodes, in accordance with the operation information.

[0054] When the creation of the data item linking definition is completed, the linking definition creation unit 15 outputs the created data item linking definition to the linking definition management unit 14. In step S16, the linking definition management unit 14 stores the data item linking definition in the storage unit 16. With this, the data linkage device 2 ends the processing according to the procedure shown in FIG.

[0055] Next, we will explain the details of the display and operation when a data item linking definition is created. Here, we will explain the display and operation when a data item linking definition is created by referring to an example of an editing screen displayed by using the linking definition creation API.

[0056] The linking definition creation unit 15 accepts operations for creating a data item linking definition on an editing screen displayed by the graph image generation unit 18. When an operation by a user is accepted by the input function of the linking definition creation unit 15, the editing screen is displayed by the display function of the graph image generation unit 18. The editing screen displayed by the display function of the graph image generation unit 18 is assumed to be the same as the editing screen displayed by using the linking definition creation API in the linked system.

[0057] 5 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen 20 displayed by the data linkage system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The editing screen 20 has a graph area 21 in which a graph is displayed, and a property area 22 in which node properties and edge properties are displayed.

[0058] In the example shown in Fig. 5, nodes are represented by circles in the graph area 21. In the example shown in Fig. 5, edges representing the association between data items in the destination system and data items in the source system are represented by solid arrows in the graph area 21. In the example shown in Fig. 5, edges representing the parent-child relationships between nodes are represented by dashed arrows in the graph area 21.

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 5, clicking "Insert Object" in the menu bar of the editing screen 20 displays a key for adding a circle representing a node, a key for adding an edge representing a link, and a key for adding an edge representing a parent-child relationship. By operating these keys, objects such as a circle representing a node, a solid arrow representing an edge representing a link, or a dashed arrow representing an edge representing a parent-child relationship are added to the graph area 21. The objects displayed in the graph area 21 can be moved within the graph area 21 by operations such as dragging the object. A graph database is constructed by these operations on the editing screen 20.

[0060] The property area 22 displays the properties of a node selected in the graph area 21 and the properties of the edges connected to that node. When one of the nodes displayed in the graph area 21 is selected by a user operation, the selected node is highlighted to indicate that it has been selected. Examples of highlighting include changing the color used to fill the node or coloring the area around the node. In FIG. 5, the hatching around one node indicates that the node has been colored in a color different from the background color. Note that any form of highlighting is possible.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 5, a table showing the properties of the selected node is displayed in the property area 22. Each row in the table represents a property. In the table, "Id" represents the data item number, "Name" represents the name of the data item, "Kind" represents the data type, and "Unit" represents the data unit. Values ​​representing the content of the property are displayed in the table. A property of the selected node is added by writing a value representing the content of the property into the table. Furthermore, the property of the selected node is updated by changing the value written in the table. A property is added to the selected node by performing an operation to add a property. A property is deleted from the selected node by selecting one of the properties shown in the table and performing an operation to delete the property.

[0062] A character string representing the edge function is displayed as a property of the edge in the section marked "Edge Function" in property area 22. By inputting a character string representing the edge function, it is possible to select whether the edge connected to the selected node is an edge representing a linkage or an edge representing a parent-child relationship.

[0063] When a new data item linking definition is created, the item definitions of each of the multiple individual systems 3 are read into the linking definition creation unit 15, and nodes indicating the data items indicated in the read item definitions are displayed in the graph area 21. Edges indicating parent-child relationships in the data structure of each individual system 3 are also displayed in the graph area 21. When the nodes indicating data items and the edges indicating parent-child relationships are displayed in the graph area 21, the user adds an edge indicating a link, and a graph database indicating the data item linking definition is constructed. In this way, the linking definition creation unit 15 can create a new data item linking definition by reusing the item definitions of each of the multiple individual systems 3.

[0064] When a data item linking definition is updated, the data item linking definition stored in storage unit 16 is read into linking definition creation unit 15, and a graph representing the read data item linking definition is displayed in graph area 21. A node is added to the graph displayed in graph area 21, and the properties of the node are written in property area 22, thereby adding a data item to the data item linking definition. Furthermore, when one node in the graph is selected, the properties of the node shown in property area 22 are rewritten, thereby updating the data item corresponding to the selected node. When one node in the graph is selected, the edge function shown in property area 22 is rewritten, thereby updating the properties of the edge connected to the selected node.

[0065] The editing screen 20 is not limited to the one shown in Fig. 5, as long as it is capable of displaying a graph and performing operations for creating a data item linking definition. The display mode on the editing screen 20 is arbitrary. For example, a number representing a data item may be written on an object representing a node.

[0066] Next, we will explain the advantages of creating data item linking definitions as a graph database. By creating data item linking definitions as a graph database, the data linking device 2 can display the data item linking definitions as a graph. The data linking device 2 can link data items in the link source system with data items in the link destination system by a simple operation of connecting nodes with edges.

[0067] In addition, the user can easily understand the linkage between data items in the created data item linking definition by visually checking the displayed graph. Since the linkage source and linkage destination relationships are shown by directed edges, the user can easily understand the linkage source and linkage destination relationships between linked data items.

[0068] Furthermore, by creating the data item link definition as a graph database, there is an advantage in that the amount of work required when updating the data item link definition can be reduced. Such advantages will be explained below.

[0069] Fig. 6 is a first diagram for explaining the advantage of creating data item linkage definitions as a graph database by the data linkage system 1 according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 6, similar to Fig. 2, examples of data item linkage definitions for each of system A, system B, and system C are represented by a network graph. The nodes and edges are assumed to be the same as those shown in Fig. 2.

[0070] Here, as an example, a case will be described in which a data item of one node in the graph shown in FIG. 6 is changed to another data item. For example, suppose one of the data items in system A, a data item numbered 0100000001, is changed to a data item numbered 0100000004. The user rewrites the item definition shown in the property of that node. The user rewrites the number included in the property of that node from 0100000001 to 0100000004. In FIG. 6, the hatching around the character string 0100000001 indicates that it is subject to change. To change the data item of one node, only one location in the graph, that is, one node, needs to be rewritten.

[0071] Fig. 7 is a second diagram for explaining the advantage of creating a data item linking definition as a graph database by the data linkage system 1 according to the first embodiment. Here, a case where a data item linking definition is created as a relational database will be explained as a comparison with a case where a data item linking definition is created as a graph database. Fig. 7 shows, in a tabular format, the contents of the relational database when the data item linking definition represented by the graph shown in Fig. 6 is created as a relational database.

[0072] In Figure 7, the table "Linking definition for system A" represents the linking definition for converting a data item of system A to a data item of system B or a data item of system C. In Figure 7, the table "Linking definition for system B" represents the linking definition for converting a data item of system B to a data item of system A or a data item of system C. In Figure 7, the table "Linking definition for system C" represents the linking definition for converting a data item of system C to a data item of system A or a data item of system B.

[0073] In the "Linking definition for System A" table, each row shows the link between a data item in System A and a data item in System B or a data item in System C. In the "Linking definition for System B" table, each row shows the link between a data item in System B and a data item in System A or a data item in System C. In the "Linking definition for System C" table, each row shows the link between a data item in System C and a data item in System A or a data item in System B. In each table, the "Id" column represents the number assigned to each row. In each table, the "System A" column represents the number of the data item in System A. In each table, the "System B" column represents the number of the data item in System B. In each table, the "System C" column represents the number of the data item in System C.

[0074] As in the above case, suppose that one of the data items in System A, a data item numbered 0100000001, is to be changed to a data item numbered 0100000004. The user rewrites one row in the table "Linking definition for System A" from 0100000001 to 0100000004. The user also rewrites one row in the table "Linking definition for System B" from 0100000001 to 0100000004. The user also rewrites one row in the table "Linking definition for System C" from 0100000001 to 0100000004. In Figure 7, the hatching around the character string 0100000001 indicates that it is subject to change. There are three locations that need to be rewritten to change the data item of one node.

[0075] In this way, when a data item linking definition is created as a graph database, fewer parts need to be rewritten when the data item linking definition is changed, compared to when the data item linking definition is created as a relational database. As a result, by creating the data item linking definition as a graph database, it becomes possible to create the data item linking definition with a small amount of work. Furthermore, because the data item linking definition can be created with a small amount of work, it is possible to reduce the number of work omissions when creating the data item linking definition. This reduces the occurrence of problems due to work omissions.

[0076] Next, a hardware configuration for realizing the data linkage device 2 according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the data linkage device 2 according to the first embodiment. The data linkage device 2 is realized by a computer system including a processing circuit 30, a communication device 31, an input device 34, and a display device 35. The processing circuit 30 includes a processor 32 and a memory 33. The processing circuit 30 is a circuit on which the processor 32 executes software.

[0077] The processing functions of each of the data acquisition unit 11, data item conversion unit 12, data output unit 13, linking definition management unit 14, linking definition creation unit 15, item definition acquisition unit 17, and graph image generation unit 18 shown in Figure 1 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0078] The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in memory 33. In the processing circuitry 30, the processor 32 reads and executes the program stored in memory 33, thereby realizing the above-mentioned processing functions of the data linkage device 2. That is, the processing circuitry 30 includes memory 33 for storing a data linkage program, which is a program that results in the processing of the data linkage device 2 being executed. In addition, the data linkage program stored in memory 33 can also be said to cause a computer to execute the procedures and methods of the data linkage device 2.

[0079] The processor 32 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a central processing unit, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a processor, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory 33 is, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). The storage unit 16 shown in FIG. 1 is realized by using the memory 33.

[0080] The communication device 31 communicates with each of the multiple individual systems 3. The input device 34 is a device operated by a user of the data linkage device 2 to input information. The input device 34 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a keypad, or a touch panel. The display device 35 is a device that displays information. The display device 35 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The input function of the linking definition creation unit 15 is realized by the input device 34. The display function of the graph image generation unit 18 is realized by the display device 35. In other words, the GUI functions of the linking definition creation unit 15 and the graph image generation unit 18 are realized by the input device 34 and the display device 35.

[0081] The data linkage device 2 may include an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The data linkage program according to the first embodiment may be provided by being stored in a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or a DVD-ROM. The data linkage program according to the first embodiment may be provided by being stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network such as the Internet. The data linkage program according to the first embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0082] Each individual system 3 of the data linkage system 1 is realized by a hardware configuration similar to the hardware configuration shown in FIG.

[0083] According to the first embodiment, the data linkage system 1 includes an item definition acquisition unit 17 that acquires item definitions for each of the multiple individual systems 3, a graph image generation unit 18 that generates an image for displaying on a screen a graph showing the contents of the item definitions for each of the multiple individual systems 3, and a linkage definition creation unit 15 that creates a data item linkage definition that represents the linkage between data items in the linkage source system and the linkage destination system in accordance with a user's input to the graph displayed on the screen. This allows the data linkage system 1 to create a data item linkage definition while allowing the user to visually understand the linkage between data items by viewing the graph. Furthermore, the data linkage system 1 can reduce the number of parts that need to be rewritten when a data item linkage definition is changed, thereby making it possible to create a data item linkage definition with a small amount of work.

[0084] The data item linking definition is created as a graph database represented by a network graph including nodes representing data items and edges representing links between data items in the source system and the destination system. The linking definition creation unit 15 creates the data item linking definition by constructing a network graph in accordance with user operations. This enables the data linking system 1 to link data items in the source system and the destination system by a simple operation of connecting nodes with edges.

[0085] In addition, edges that represent links between data items are directional edges that represent the relationship between the link source and the link destination. This allows the data linkage system 1 to allow the user to understand the relationship between the link source and the link destination between linked data items.

[0086] The data linkage system 1 also includes a data acquisition unit 11 that acquires data sent from a link source system, a data item conversion unit 12 that converts the data items of the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 11 into data items of the link destination system in accordance with a data item linking definition, and a data output unit 13 that outputs the data that has undergone data item conversion by the data item conversion unit 12 to the link destination system. This allows the data linkage system 1 to link the data of the link source system and the data of the link destination system in accordance with the data item linking definition.

[0087] Furthermore, the linking definition creation unit 15 displays a graph on the screen of the destination system and creates a data item linking definition in accordance with the operation of the destination system, thereby enabling the data linking system 1 to create a data item linking definition in accordance with the operation of the user of the destination system.

[0088] The configurations described in the above embodiments are examples of the contents of the present disclosure. The configurations of the embodiments can be combined with other known technologies. Part of the configurations of the embodiments can be omitted or modified without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0089] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0090] (Appendix 1) an item definition acquisition unit that acquires, for each of a plurality of individual systems, an item definition that is a definition of a data item in a data structure that each individual system has; a graph image generating unit that generates an image for displaying on a screen a graph showing the contents of the item definitions of each of the plurality of individual systems; and a link definition creation unit that creates a data item link definition that represents a link between the data item of a link source system, which is one of the plurality of individual systems, and the data item of a link destination system, which is another of the plurality of individual systems, in accordance with a user's input to the graph displayed on the screen. A data linkage system characterized by: (Appendix 2) the data item linking definition is created as a graph database represented by a network graph including nodes representing the data items and edges representing links between the data items of the coordination source system and the data items of the coordination destination system; The link definition creation unit creates the data item link definition by constructing the network graph in accordance with the user's operation. 2. The data linkage system according to claim 1, (Appendix 3) The edge is a directed edge that represents the relationship between the source and destination of the link. 3. The data linkage system according to claim 2, (Appendix 4) a data acquisition unit that acquires data sent from the cooperation source system; a data item conversion unit that converts the data items of the data acquired by the data acquisition unit into the data items of the linked system in accordance with the data item linking definition; a data output unit that outputs the data that has undergone the data item conversion by the data item conversion unit to the linked system. 4. A data linkage system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) The link definition creation unit displays the graph on the screen in the destination system, and creates the data item link definition in accordance with an operation in the destination system. 5. A data linkage system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. (Appendix 6) A data linkage method in a data linkage system, acquiring, for each of the individual systems, an item definition that is a definition of a data item in a data structure that the individual system has; generating an image for displaying on a screen a graph showing the contents of the item definitions of each of the plurality of individual systems; and creating a data item linking definition that represents a link between the data item of a link source system, which is one of the plurality of individual systems, and the data item of a link destination system, which is another of the plurality of individual systems, according to a user's input to the graph displayed on the screen. A data linking method characterized by: (Appendix 7) the data item linking definition is held as a graph database represented by a network graph including nodes representing the data items and edges representing links between the data items of the coordination source system and the data items of the coordination destination system; In the step of creating the data item linking definition, the data item linking definition is created by constructing the network graph in accordance with the operation by the user. 7. The data linking method according to claim 6, (Appendix 8) The edge is a directed edge that represents the relationship between the source and destination of the link. 8. The data linking method according to claim 7, (Appendix 9) acquiring data sent from the cooperation source system; converting the data items of the acquired data into the data items of the linked system in accordance with the data item linking definition; a data output unit that outputs the data that has undergone the conversion of the data items to the linked system. 9. The data linking method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 6 to 8, (Appendix 10) In the step of creating the data item linking definition, the graph is displayed on the screen in the linked system, and the data item linking definition is created in accordance with an operation in the linked system. 10. The data linking method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 6 to 9, (Appendix 11) In the computer system, acquiring, for each of the individual systems, an item definition that is a definition of a data item in a data structure that the individual system has; generating an image for displaying on a screen a graph showing the contents of the item definitions of each of the plurality of individual systems; and creating a data item linking definition that represents a link between the data item of a link source system, which is one of the plurality of individual systems, and the data item of a link destination system, which is another of the plurality of individual systems, according to a user's input to the graph displayed on the screen. A data linkage program characterized by: [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1 Data linkage system, 2 Data linkage device, 3 Individual system, 11 Data acquisition unit, 12 Data item conversion unit, 13 Data output unit, 14 Linkage definition management unit, 15 Linkage definition creation unit, 16 Memory unit, 17 Item definition acquisition unit, 18 Graph image generation unit, 20 Editing screen, 21 Graph area, 22 Property area, 30 Processing circuit, 31 Communication device, 32 Processor, 33 Memory, 34 Input device, 35 Display device.

Claims

1. an item definition acquisition unit that acquires, for each of a plurality of individual systems, an item definition that is a definition of a data item in a data structure that each individual system has; a graph image generating unit that generates an image for displaying on a screen a graph showing the contents of the item definitions of each of the plurality of individual systems; and a link definition creation unit that creates a data item link definition that represents a link between the data item of a link source system, which is one of the plurality of individual systems, and the data item of a link destination system, which is another of the plurality of individual systems, in accordance with a user's input to the graph displayed on the screen. A data linkage system characterized by:

2. the data item linking definition is created as a graph database represented by a network graph including nodes representing the data items and edges representing links between the data items of the coordination source system and the data items of the coordination destination system; The link definition creation unit creates the data item link definition by constructing the network graph in accordance with the user's operation.

2. The data linkage system according to claim 1.

3. The edge is a directed edge that represents the relationship between the source and destination of the link.

3. The data linkage system according to claim 2.

4. a data acquisition unit that acquires data sent from the cooperation source system; a data item conversion unit that converts the data items of the data acquired by the data acquisition unit into the data items of the linked system in accordance with the data item linking definition; a data output unit that outputs the data that has undergone the data item conversion by the data item conversion unit to the linked system.

4. The data linkage system according to claim 1, wherein the data linkage system comprises: a data linkage system for linking data between the data linkage system and the data linkage system;

5. The link definition creation unit displays the graph on the screen in the destination system, and creates the data item link definition in accordance with an operation in the destination system.

4. The data linkage system according to claim 1, wherein the data linkage system comprises: a data linkage system for linking data between the data linkage system and the data linkage system;

6. A data linkage method in a data linkage system, acquiring, for each of the individual systems, an item definition that is a definition of a data item in a data structure that the individual system has; generating an image for displaying on a screen a graph showing the contents of the item definitions of each of the plurality of individual systems; and creating a data item linking definition that represents a link between the data item of a link source system, which is one of the plurality of individual systems, and the data item of a link destination system, which is another of the plurality of individual systems, according to a user's input to the graph displayed on the screen. A data linking method characterized by:

7. the data item linking definition is held as a graph database represented by a network graph including nodes representing the data items and edges representing links between the data items of the coordination source system and the data items of the coordination destination system; In the step of creating the data item linking definition, the data item linking definition is created by constructing the network graph in accordance with the operation by the user. The data linking method according to claim 6 .

8. The edge is a directed edge that represents the relationship between the source and destination of the link. The data linking method according to claim 7 .

9. acquiring data sent from the cooperation source system; converting the data items of the acquired data into the data items of the linked system in accordance with the data item linking definition; a data output unit that outputs the data that has undergone the conversion of the data items to the linked system.

9. The data linking method according to claim 6, wherein the data linking method comprises:

10. In the step of creating the data item linking definition, the graph is displayed on the screen in the linked system, and the data item linking definition is created in accordance with an operation in the linked system.

9. The data linking method according to claim 6, wherein the data linking method comprises:

11. In the computer system, acquiring, for each of the individual systems, an item definition that is a definition of a data item in a data structure that the individual system has; generating an image for displaying on a screen a graph showing the contents of the item definitions of each of the plurality of individual systems; and creating a data item linking definition that represents a link between the data item of a link source system, which is one of the plurality of individual systems, and the data item of a link destination system, which is another of the plurality of individual systems, according to a user's input to the graph displayed on the screen. A data linkage program characterized by:

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