Program, information processing method and information processing device

Abstract

To provide a program etc. capable of appropriately identifying a table area from tabular data. [Solution] A program according to one aspect causes a computer to execute a process of outputting tabular data, receiving a first position 11 a and a second position 11 b that define a table area from the tabular data, and outputting semi-structured data including a table defined by a group of elements within a rectangular area identified by the received first position 11 a and second position 11 b. This makes it possible to appropriately identify the table area from the tabular data.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, an information processing method, and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there have been technologies for editing or converting tabular data. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device that converts spreadsheet-format data (tabular data) having a predefined format into semi-structured data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2017-146923 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the invention of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it is not possible to appropriately identify the area (rectangular area) of a table from tabular data.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a program or the like that can appropriately identify a table area from tabular data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A program according to one aspect causes a computer to execute a process of outputting tabular data, receiving a first position and a second position from the tabular data that define a region of a table, and outputting semi-structured data including a table defined by a group of elements within a rectangular region identified by the received first and second positions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In one aspect, it becomes possible to appropriately identify a table area from tabular data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a layout editing screen. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a process of accepting a parse operation in a table parse mode. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when semi-structured data including a table is output. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of a subroutine of processing for accepting a parse operation in table parse mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a process of correcting a table area or a value area. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a process of simultaneously correcting a table area and a value area. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a correction to a table area or a value area is accepted. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when modifications to a table area and a value area are simultaneously accepted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) The first embodiment relates to a form in which a table area is specified from tabular data by an operation, and semi-structured data including a table defined by a group of elements in the specified table area is output.

[0011] The system of this embodiment includes an information processing device 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 processes, stores, transmits, and receives various types of information. The information processing device 1 is, for example, an information processing device such as a personal computer, a server device, a general-purpose tablet PC (personal computer), a tablet, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a wearable device such as a smart watch. For simplicity, the information processing device 1 will be referred to as a computer 1 below.

[0012] When parsing table data that includes recorded data from additional experiments or data from past research themes (issues), it is necessary to specify the table domain (range). Table parsing is an operation in which the user specifies the table domain within the tabular data and the value domain contained in that table domain. Table parsing will be described later.

[0013] Normally, a user specifies a table area from "top left" to "bottom right" in a drag operation, but this reduces the degree of freedom of operation from the user's viewpoint and causes unnecessary mouse movement depending on the mouse position during operation. To solve such problems, in this embodiment, the table area can be automatically specified by accepting a click or tap (touch) operation on the first and second positions that define the table area from tabular data.

[0014] A computer 1 according to this embodiment outputs (displays) tabular data. The computer 1 receives a first position and a second position that define a table area from the output tabular data. The computer 1 outputs semi-structured data that includes a table defined by a group of elements within a rectangular area identified by the received first and second positions.

[0015] The computer 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an input unit 14, a display unit 15, a reading unit 16, and a large-capacity storage unit 17. Each component is connected by a bus B.

[0016] The control unit 11 includes an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or a quantum processor. The control unit 11 reads and executes a control program 1P (program product) stored in the storage unit 12, thereby performing various information processing and control processing related to the computer 1.

[0017] It should be noted that the control program 1P can be deployed to run on a single computer, or on multiple computers located at one site, or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communications network.

[0018] 1, the control unit 11 is described as a single processor, but it may be a multi-processor. The control unit 11 may execute various information processing or control processes by the same processor within the computer 1, or may execute various information processing or control processes by different processors within the computer 1.

[0019] The storage unit 12 includes memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and stores the control program 1P or data required for the control unit 11 to execute processing. The storage unit 12 also temporarily stores data required for the control unit 11 to execute arithmetic processing. The communication unit 13 is a communication module for performing communication-related processing, and transmits and receives information to and from external information processing devices, etc. via the network N.

[0020] The input unit 14 may be a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel integrated with the display unit 15. The display unit 15 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, or the like, and displays various information according to instructions from the control unit 11.

[0021] The reading unit 16 reads a portable storage medium 1a including a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM. The control unit 11 may read the control program 1P from the portable storage medium 1a via the reading unit 16 and store it in the mass storage unit 17. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may download the control program 1P from another computer via a network N or the like and store it in the mass storage unit 17. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may read the control program 1P from the semiconductor memory 1b.

[0022] The mass storage unit 17 includes a recording medium such as an HDD (Hard disk drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 and the mass storage unit 17 may be configured as an integrated storage device. The mass storage unit 17 may also be configured with multiple storage devices. Furthermore, the mass storage unit 17 may be an external storage device connected to the computer 1.

[0023] The computer 1 may perform various information processing and control processing by itself or may perform the processing in a distributed manner across multiple computers. The computer 1 may also be implemented by multiple virtual machines installed in a single server, or may be implemented using a cloud server.

[0024] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a layout editing screen. This screen has an operation button area 210 and a layout editing area 220. The operation button area 210 has a save button 211, an undo button 212, a redo button 213, a key-value button 214, a multiple cell button 215, a table button 216, an order button 217, and an output button 218.

[0025] Each button executes its respective function in response to a user operation (e.g., a mouse click). The save button 211 provides a function to store (save) as a layout file the type, position, size, orientation, etc. of one or more perspective objects (described later) placed in the layout editing area 220. The undo button 212 provides a function to cancel the previous operation performed in the layout editing area 220.

[0026] The Redo button 213 provides a function to redo the operation that was previously undone by the Undo button 212. The Key-Value button 214, Multiple cell button 215, Table button 216, Order button 217, and Output button 218 will be explained together with the explanation of the layout editing area 220 below.

[0027] The layout editing area 220 displays the tabular data and also displays the layout on the tabular data. The tabular data is stored in a tabular file created by spreadsheet software such as Excel (registered trademark).

[0028] Tabular data is composed of columns and rows, and data elements (or components) are located at the intersections of the rows and columns and are called cells. A cell is identified by sequentially specifying the column, which is identified by an alphabet, and the row, which is identified by a number (for example, "cell A1"). In Figure 2, for example, the value of cell B3 is stored as the string "Laboratory equipment" and the value of cell D3 is stored as the string "Tammann tube."

[0029] The layout is depicted mainly with bold lines and arrows in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the elements that make up the layout are called parse objects. In this embodiment, the parse object has a cell parser 91, a header connector 92, a sequence connector 93, and a table parser 95. However, it may have parse objects other than these. It is also possible not to include any or all of these parse objects. The cell parser 91 identifies one cell. In FIG. 2, for example, the cell parser 91 is placed in cell B3, cell D3, cell B6, cell D6, cell F6, cell C16, cell C18, and cell C20.

[0030] The header connector 92 is an arrow extending from a cell parser 91 that specifies a cell indicating a header to a cell parser 91 or table parser 95 that contains the content of the header. The header connector 92 connects two cell parsers 91, or connects a cell parser 91 and a table parser 95. In Figure 2, the header connector 92 is represented by an arrow with a triangular tip that extends from cell B3 to cell D3, for example. The header connector 92 may also indicate an inclusion relationship.

[0031] The key-value button 214 is a button that provides the arrangement of the heading connector 92 together with the previous and next cell parsers 91. When the computer 1 receives a click (tap or touch) operation on the key-value button 214, it transitions to a heading connection mode in which heading connections can be executed using the heading connectors 92 as a parsing operation. The heading connection mode is a mode for performing a parsing operation that specifies element relationships defined as pairs of keys and values.

[0032] For example, the user can click on the Key-Value button 214, and then click on cells B3 and D3 in sequence to place a cell parser 91 in cells B3 and D3, and then place a header connector 92 connecting cell B3 to cell D3.

[0033] Also, when placing the table parser 95 at the end of the header connector 92, place the table parser 95 first, select the Key-Value button 214, click on the cell that will become the header, and then select the table parser 95, thereby placing the header connector 92 with the table parser 95 at its end.

[0034] Furthermore, the header connector 92 may connect three or more cell parsers 91 in series. In FIG. 2, for example, a header connector 92 extends from cell B6 to cell D6, and another header connector 92 extends from cell D6 to cell F6. The final header connector 92 can be connected to a table parser 95. As with the header connector 92 connecting two cell parsers 91, even when three or more cell parsers 91 are connected in series, the header connector 92 can represent a header, an inclusion relationship, or the like.

[0035] The Multiple cell button 215 is a button that provides an arrangement of multiple heading connectors 92 together with the cell parser 91 connected by the multiple heading connectors 92. When the computer 1 receives a click on the Multiple cell button 215, it transitions to a continuous heading connection mode in which continuous heading connection can be performed as a parse operation. The continuous heading connection mode is a mode for performing a parse operation that specifies an element relationship defined as multiple pairs that are connected consecutively.

[0036] For example, the user operates the Multiple cell button 215 by clicking, and then sequentially clicks on cells B6, D6, and F6. This places a cell parser 91 in cells B6, D6, and F6, and further places a header connector 92 that connects cell B6 to cell D6 and also connects cell D6 to cell F6.

[0037] In this case, the end of cell specification may be indicated by clicking the last cell and then again clicking the Multiple cell button 215. Also, when placing a table parser 95 at the end of the last header connector 92, first place the table parser 95, select the Multiple cell button 215, click multiple cells to be headers, and then finally select the table parser 95, thereby placing a header connector 92 with the table parser 95 at its end.

[0038] The table parser 95 is a parse object that specifies a table whose data content is structured by rows and columns. The table parser 95 is composed of a table area 951 that indicates the entire table, an item area 953 that has multiple items, and a value area 952 that corresponds to each item.

[0039] 2, the table area 951 of the table parser 95 is represented by a rectangle with cells B9 and D13 as the diagonal vertices. The value area 952 is an area showing values ​​corresponding to the items included in the item area 953, and is represented by a rectangle with cells C10 to D13 as the diagonal vertices.

[0040] Item area 953 includes either a first item area including multiple items arranged in a first direction (e.g., row direction) or a second item area including multiple items arranged in a second direction (e.g., column direction), or both. As shown in the figure, the first item area includes "Mole Ratio," "Number of Grams," "Stock," and "Order Source" in cells B10 to B13. The second item area includes "Ti" in cell C9 and "Mn" in cell D9.

[0041] As shown in the figure, a mark 11e is displayed at the top left and bottom right of the value area 952. The mark 11e may be, for example, a triangle that is filled in black or patched with diagonal lines. The table area 951 and the value area 952 are distinguished by displaying the mark 11e.

[0042] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the value areas 952 corresponding to the first item areas are arranged in the row direction, but this is not limiting. For example, the value areas 952 corresponding to the first item areas may be arranged in the column direction. For example, if the first item areas are arranged from cell C9 to cell F9 as "molar ratio," "grams," "stock," and "order source," the value areas 952 are arranged in the column direction for each item.

[0043] Specifically, the value for "Ti" in the second item region is arranged from cell C10 to cell F10, and the value for "Mn" in the second item region is arranged from cell C11 to cell F11. In this way, the value regions 952 corresponding to the first item region can be arranged in the column direction. In this case, the mark 11e is displayed in cell C10 and cell F11.

[0044] The Table button 216 is a button that provides the placement of the table parser 95. When the computer 1 receives a click operation on the Table button 216, it transitions to a table parse mode in which the table parser 95 can be placed as a parse operation. The table parse mode is a mode for performing a parse operation in which the user specifies a table area 951 of the table parser 95 and a value area 952 included in the table area 951.

[0045] In this embodiment, the table parser 95 is placed by accepting a click or tap operation on the first and second positions that define the table area 951 from the tabular data. The placement process of the table parser 95 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0046] The user may place the table parser 95 by dragging after clicking the Table button 216. For example, the user may specify a table area 951 (e.g., cell B9 to cell D13) that indicates the entire table by dragging. Next, the user may specify a value area 952 (e.g., cell C10 to cell D13) that indicates the values ​​by dragging.

[0047] The order connectors 93 are parse objects that connect cell parsers 91 together, and represent the order in the direction indicated by the arrow. In Fig. 2, for example, the order connectors 93 are shown as arrows extending from cell C16 to cell C18 and from cell C18 to cell C20 for the cell parsers 91 arranged in cell C16, cell C18, and cell C20. In order to distinguish the order connectors 93 from the header connectors 92, in this embodiment, each of the order connectors 93 has a V-shaped arrow at the end.

[0048] The Order button 217 is a button for sequentially connecting multiple cell parsers 91 with multiple order connectors 93. When the computer 1 receives a click on the Order button 217, it transitions to an order connection mode in which order connection can be performed as a parse operation. The order connection mode is a mode for performing a parse operation that specifies an element relationship defined as multiple cell parsers 91 connected by order connectors 93 in a predetermined order.

[0049] For example, the user operates the Order button 217 by clicking or the like, and then sequentially clicks on cells C16, C18, and C20. This places a cell parser 91 in cells C16, C18, and C20, and further places an order connector 93 that connects cell C16 to cell C18 and also connects cell C18 to cell C20.

[0050] These parse objects are included in a layout corresponding to the tabular data, and are stored (saved) as a layout file in the mass storage unit 17 of the computer 1 by an operation such as clicking the save button 211.

[0051] The layout file may store the layout by converting each parse object arranged in the tabular data into a character string, etc. The layout includes at least one piece of information, such as first information obtained by a parse operation in the heading connection mode, second information obtained by a parse operation in the consecutive heading connection mode, third information obtained by a parse operation in the table parse mode, and fourth information obtained by a parse operation in the sequential connection mode.

[0052] The first information includes the position of the cell parser 91 corresponding to the key, and the position of the cell parser 91 or table parser 95 corresponding to the value. The position of the cell parser 91 is the row and column number of the cell parser 91. The position of the table parser 95 is, for example, the positions of the top left cell and bottom right cell of the table area 951 of the table parser 95, and the positions of the top left cell and bottom right cell of the value area 952 of the table parser 95.

[0053] The second information includes the position of each cell parser 91 connected by the header connector 92, and information about the order in which each cell parser 91 is connected. The third information includes the positions of the start and end cells of the table area 951 of the table parser 95, and the positions of the start and end cells of the value area 952 included in the table area 951.

[0054] The fourth information includes information about the position of each cell parser 91 connected in order by the order connector 93, and the order in which each cell parser 91 is connected in order.

[0055] For example, a header connector 92 extending from cell B3 to cell D3 can be written in a predetermined syntax such as "Header: B3: D3" to store the layout in a layout file.

[0056] The output button 218 is a button for converting tabular data into semi-structured data based on the above-mentioned parse objects. Semi-structured data is data whose data structure is defined to some extent among unstructured data whose data structure is not clearly defined. In this embodiment, the semi-structured data may be, for example, text data written in JSON (JavaScript Object Notation).

[0057] For example, a header connector 92 extending from a cell parser 91 in cell B3 to a cell parser 91 in cell D3 can be written in JSON format as follows: {"key": "Laboratory equipment", "value": [{"key": "Tammann tube"}]}

[0058] Alternatively, the table parser 95 can be written in JSON format as follows: { "key": "experimental data", "value": [ { "key": "Ti", "value": { "Mole Ratio": 1, "grams": 10.3, "in stock", "Orderer": "AAA" } }, { "key": "Mn", "value": { "Mole Ratio": 0.5, "grams": 7.4, "Stock": "Not Available", "Orderer": "AAA" } } ] }

[0059] By converting the data into semi-structured data in this way, necessary information can be easily extracted by searching for it among tabular data with different layouts. By generating semi-structured data from tabular data, the generated semi-structured data can be stored centrally.

[0060] Furthermore, rules for converting parse objects other than the header connector 92 or the table parser 95 into semi-structured data can be defined as appropriate. The rules for converting into semi-structured data do not have to be rules for converting into JSON format, but may be rules for converting into XML format or other rules for converting into semi-structured data. Parse objects are not limited to the cell parser 91, header connector 92, order connector 93, and table parser 95, and can be defined as appropriate, and rules for converting each parse object into semi-structured data can be defined as appropriate.

[0061] Although the system of this embodiment includes only the computer 1, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the system of this embodiment includes both the computer 1 and a server device, the output processing of the layout file and semi-structured data described above may be performed on the server device.

[0062] 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a process for accepting a parse operation in the table parse mode. The parse operation in the table parse mode is an operation for specifying (identifying) a table area 951 and a value area 952 included in the table area 951.

[0063] The computer 1 acquires tabular data for which the table area 951 is to be specified from the storage unit 12 or the mass storage unit 17. The computer 1 outputs (displays) the acquired tabular data in the layout editing area 220. When the computer 1 receives a click operation on the Table button 216, it transitions to a table parse mode in which the table parser 95 can be executed as a parse operation.

[0064] When the computer 1 receives a click or tap operation at the first position 11a and the second position 11b for defining the table area 951 to be specified from the tabular data in the table parse mode, the computer 1 defines (specifies) the table area 951 based on the received first position 11a and second position 11b. Note that this is not limited to the click or tap operation described above, and can be similarly applied to other types of operations (for example, drag and drop).

[0065] The first position 11a and the second position 11b are any diagonal vertices of a rectangular area that becomes the table area 951. Note that, although an example in which the first position 11a is at the upper left position (for example, the upper left corner of A7) and the second position 11b is at the lower right position (for example, the lower right corner of cell E23) has been described in FIG. 3, this is not limiting. For example, the first position 11a may be at the upper right position (for example, the upper right corner of E7) and the second position 11b may be at the lower left position (for example, the lower left corner of cell A23).

[0066] The computer 1 may also accept a click or tap operation on a cell belonging to the first position 11a (for example, cell A7) and a cell belonging to the second position 11b (for example, cell E23).

[0067] Specifically, the computer 1 identifies a rectangular area that will become the table area 951 based on the coordinates of the first position 11a and the coordinates of the second position 11b. As shown in the figure, the computer 1 identifies a rectangular area with cells A7 to E23 as the diagonal vertices (first position 11a and second position 11b). The computer 1 displays a rectangular area frame 11d that indicates the identified rectangular area.

[0068] The tabular data includes an item area 953 having a plurality of items and a value area 952 corresponding to each item. As shown in the figure, the items may be hierarchical, and examples of the items include "Mixing," "Procedure," "Laboratory Equipment," "Reagent 1," "Reagent 2," "Reagent 3," "Reagent 4," "Reagent 5," "Display Name," "Mass [mg]," "Numbering," "Observation," and "Result." The area showing the value corresponding to each item included in the item area 953 is the value area 952.

[0069] Specifically, when the computer 1 receives a tap or click operation at the third position 11c after outputting the rectangular area frame 11d, that is, after specifying the table area 951, the computer 1 specifies a second rectangular area that becomes the value area 952 based on the coordinates of the second position 11b and the coordinates of the accepted third position 11c. As shown in the figure, the computer 1 specifies a second rectangular area in which cells C7 to E23 are the cells at diagonal vertices (the third position 11c and the second position 11b).

[0070] The computer 1 displays a mark 11e at the second position 11b and the third position 11c to indicate the value region 952. The mark 11e may be, for example, a triangle indicated by a solid black or diagonal patch. Note that the mark 11e is not limited to a triangle, and may be indicated by, for example, a circle, a square, a diamond, or other shape, an icon, an image, or the like.

[0071] By the above-described processing, a parsing operation can be realized that specifies (identifies) the table area 951 of the table parser 95 shown in FIG. 2 and the value area 952 included in the table area 951.

[0072] 4 is a flowchart showing the processing steps for outputting semi-structured data including a table. The control unit 11 of the computer 1 acquires tabular data to be specified in the table area 951 from the storage unit 12 or the mass storage unit 17 (step S101). The control unit 11 displays (outputs) the acquired tabular data on the display unit 15 (step S102).

[0073] The control unit 11 displays buttons for performing various parsing operations on the display unit 15 (step S103). For example, the control unit 11 displays the Key-Value button 214, the Multiple cell button 215, the Table button 216, the Order button 217, etc. shown in FIG. 2 on the display unit 15.

[0074] When the control unit 11 receives an operation (e.g., a tap) of the Key-Value button 214 from the input unit 14, the control unit 11 receives a parse operation in the headline connection mode from the input unit 14 (step S104). When the control unit 11 receives an operation of the Multiple cell button 215 from the input unit 14, the control unit 11 receives a parse operation in the continuous headline connection mode from the input unit 14 (step S105).

[0075] When the control unit 11 receives an operation of the Order button 217 via the input unit 14, the control unit 11 receives a parse operation in the order connection mode via the input unit 14 (step S106). When the control unit 11 receives an operation of the Table button 216 via the input unit 14, the control unit 11 executes a subroutine for processing to receive a parse operation in the table parse mode via the input unit 14 (step S107). The subroutine for processing to receive a parse operation in the table parse mode will be described later.

[0076] It should be noted that not all of the above-mentioned parsing operations are necessarily executed, and only necessary operations may be executed according to actual needs.

[0077] The control unit 11 receives a request for output of semi-structured data (e.g., a click on the output button 218) via the input unit 14, the request including a table parser 95 having a table area 951 identified by the processing of step S107 and a value area 952 included in the table area 951 (step S108).

[0078] The control unit 11 converts the tabular data into semi-structured data based on the cell parser 91, the table parser 95, the header connector 92, and the order connector 93 (step S109). The semi-structured data is, for example, text data written in JSON. As an example, the semi-structured data written in JSON in the table parser 95 is {"mixed": { "Procedure": [{ "key": "Mixed Test Procedure (23 / 01 / 01)", "value": [ { "key": "Laboratory equipment", "value": ["PMG-1800", "PMG-1800", "PMG-1800"] },{ "key": "Reagent 1", "value": [ { "Display name": ["AI203(8071)", "AI203(8071)", "AI203(8071)"], "Mass[mg]": [100, 100, 100] }] xxxxxxxxx } is also acceptable.

[0079] The control unit 11 displays (outputs) the converted semi-structured data on the display unit 15 (step S110), and the control unit 11 ends the process.

[0080] 4, an example of output processing of semi-structured data including a table parser 95 having a value region 952 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the value region 952 does not exist or is not specified, semi-structured data including a table parser 95 having only an item region 953 may be output. As an example, semi-structured data including a table parser 95 having only an item region 953 (for example, cells A7 to B23) may be output as follows: {"mixed": { "Procedure": [ { "key": "Procedure item", "value": [ { "key": "Laboratory equipment", "value": [] },{ "key": "Reagent 1", "value": [ { "display name": [], "Mass[mg]": [] } xxxxxxxxx } is also acceptable.

[0081] 5 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of a subroutine for accepting a parse operation in table parse mode. The control unit 11 of the computer 1 accepts, via the input unit 14, a click or tap operation on a first position 11a and a second position 11b for defining a table area 951 to be specified (step S01). The control unit 11 identifies the table area 951 based on the coordinates of the accepted first position 11a and second position 11b (step S02).

[0082] The control unit 11 displays (outputs) a rectangular area frame 11d indicating the identified table area 951 (rectangular area) on the display unit 15 (step S03). The control unit 11 receives a tap or click operation on the third position 11c from the input unit 14 (step S04). The control unit 11 identifies the value area 952 based on the coordinates of the second position 11b and the third position 11c (step S05).

[0083] The control unit 11 displays (outputs) a mark 11e (for example, a triangle indicated by blackening or diagonal patching) to indicate the value area 952 at the second position 11b and the third position 11c (step S06). The control unit 11 ends the subroutine for the process of accepting the parse operation in the table parse mode and returns.

[0084] Next, a process will be described in which, in a state in which the rectangular area frame 11d and the mark 11e have been output, the table area 951 or the value area 952 is corrected by accepting a drag operation on the rectangular area frame 11d and the mark 11e.

[0085] 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of modifying the table area 951 or the value area 952. When the computer 1 receives a drag operation on the rectangular area frame 11d, the computer 1 acquires the coordinates of the new first position 11a and second position 11b obtained by the drag operation. The computer 1 modifies (changes) the table area 951 based on the acquired coordinates of the new first position 11a and second position 11b.

[0086] As shown in the figure, the top border of rectangular area frame 11d (for example, the border line connecting the upper left corner of cell A7 to the upper right corner of cell E7) is moved to the top of table area 951 (for example, the position connecting the upper left corner of cell A1 to the upper right corner of cell E1). The corrected table area 951 is represented by a rectangle with cells A1 and E23 as diagonal vertices.

[0087] 6 illustrates an example in which the top border of rectangular area frame 11d is moved vertically from bottom to top, but this is not limiting. For example, computer 1 may move the top border of rectangular area frame 11d vertically from top to bottom. Alternatively, computer 1 may move the bottom border of rectangular area frame 11d (for example, the border line connecting the lower left corner of cell A23 to the lower right corner of cell E23) vertically (from bottom to top or from top to bottom).

[0088] Alternatively, the computer 1 may move the left border of the rectangular area frame 11d (for example, the border line connecting the upper left corner of cell A1 to the lower left corner of cell A23) horizontally from left to right. Furthermore, the computer 1 may move the right border of the rectangular area frame 11d (for example, the border line connecting the upper right corner of cell E1 to the lower right corner of cell E23) horizontally (from right to left or left to right).

[0089] Furthermore, the computer 1 may move a corner (upper left corner, upper right corner, lower left corner, or lower right corner) of the rectangular area frame 11d. By changing the position of the corner of the rectangular area frame 11d, the size or shape of the entire frame can be freely adjusted. For example, the computer 1 corrects the table area 951 by moving the upper left corner of the rectangular area frame 11d from top to bottom and also from left to right at the same time.

[0090] When the computer 1 receives a drag operation on the mark 11e, the computer 1 acquires the coordinates of the second position 11b or the coordinates of the third position 11c corresponding to the moved mark 11e obtained by the drag operation. The computer 1 corrects the value area 952 based on the acquired coordinates of the second position 11b or the coordinates of the third position 11c.

[0091] As shown in the figure, the computer 1 moves the mark 11e located at the upper left corner of cell C7 from the upper left corner of cell C7 before the change to the upper left corner of cell C1 after the change. The corrected value area 952 is represented by a rectangle with cells C1 and E23 as diagonal vertices. Note that while FIG. 6 illustrates an example of moving the mark 11e located at the upper left corner of cell C7, the present invention is not limited to this example and can be similarly applied to moving the mark 11e located at the lower right corner of cell E23.

[0092] The computer 1 converts the tabular data into semi-structured data based on a cell parser 91, a table parser 95, a header connector 92, and an order connector 93. The table parser 95 includes a modified table area 951 or a modified value area 952. The computer 1 displays the converted semi-structured data on the screen.

[0093] Next, a process will be described in which, in a state in which rectangular area frame 11d is output, table area 951 and value area 952 are simultaneously corrected by accepting a double-click or double-tap operation on rectangular area frame 11d.

[0094] 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of simultaneously modifying the table area 951 and the value area 952. While the rectangular area frame 11d is output, the computer 1 accepts a double-click or double-tap operation on the rectangular area frame 11d. The double-click or double-tap operation triggers the transition to a movement mode for the rectangular area frame 11d.

[0095] When the computer 1 receives an accompanying drag operation in which the mark 11e is also moved in conjunction with the movement of the rectangular area frame 11d, the computer 1 simultaneously modifies the table area 951 and the value area 952. As shown in the figure, the top frame of the rectangular area frame 11d is moved to the top of the table area 951 (for example, to a position connected from the upper left corner of cell A1 to the upper right corner of cell E1), and the mark 11e located at the upper left corner of cell C7 is moved from the position at the upper left corner of cell C7 to the position at the upper left corner of cell C1.

[0096] Although FIG. 7 illustrates an example of moving the top border of the rectangular area frame 11d, the present invention is not limited to this and can be similarly applied to moving the bottom border, left border, right border, or corner of the rectangular area frame 11d.

[0097] That is, when the rectangular area frame 11d is dragged and moved, the related mark 11e also moves at the same time, thereby maintaining the positional relationship between the rectangular area frame 11d and the mark 11e, and allowing the table area 951 and the value area 952 to be modified simultaneously.

[0098] Specifically, the computer 1 acquires the coordinates of the new first position 11a, the coordinates of the second position 11b, and the coordinates of the third position 11c obtained by the accompanying drag operation. The computer 1 modifies the table area 951 based on the acquired coordinates of the new first position 11a and the new second position 11b. The computer 1 modifies the value area 952 based on the acquired coordinates of the new second position 11b and the new third position 11c. As shown in the figure, the modified table area 951 is represented by a rectangle with cells A1 and E23 as the diagonal vertices. The modified value area 952 is represented by a rectangle with cells C1 and E23 as the diagonal vertices.

[0099] The computer 1 converts the tabular data into semi-structured data based on a cell parser 91, a table parser 95, a header connector 92, and an order connector 93. The table parser 95 has both a modified table area 951 and a modified value area 952. The computer 1 displays the converted semi-structured data on the screen.

[0100] 8 is a flowchart showing the processing steps when accepting a modification to the table area 951 or the value area 952. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same contents as in FIG. 4, and the description thereof will be omitted. The control unit 11 of the computer 1 identifies the table area 951 and the value area 952 (step S111). Note that the process of identifying the table area 951 and the value area 952 is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] The control unit 11 receives a drag operation via the input unit 14 (step S112). The control unit 11 determines whether the coordinates of the first position 11a or the coordinates of the second position 11b have been updated by the received drag operation (step S113). If neither the coordinates of the first position 11a nor the coordinates of the second position 11b have been updated (NO in step S113), the control unit 11 proceeds to processing in step S116, which will be described later.

[0102] If the coordinates of the first position 11a or the second position 11b have been updated (YES in step S113), the control unit 11 corrects the table area 951 based on the coordinates of the first position 11a and the coordinates of the second position 11b (step S114).The control unit 11 updates the position of the rectangular area frame 11d indicating the corrected table area 951 (step S115).

[0103] The control unit 11 determines whether or not the mark 11e has been moved by the accepted drag operation (step S116). If the mark 11e has not been moved (NO in step S116), the control unit 11 proceeds to the processing of step S108.

[0104] If mark 11e has been moved (YES in step S116), control unit 11 corrects value area 952 based on the coordinates of second position 11b or third position 11c corresponding to moved mark 11e (step S117). Control unit 11 updates the position of mark 11e to be dragged in corrected value area 952 (step S118). Control unit 11 executes the process of step S108.

[0105] 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure when simultaneously accepting modifications to the table area 951 and the value area 952. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same contents as in FIG. 4, and the description thereof will be omitted. The control unit 11 of the computer 1 identifies the table area 951 and the value area 952 (step S121). The control unit 11 accepts a double click on the rectangular area frame 11d from the input unit 14 (step S122). Note that the control unit 11 may also accept a double tap operation on the rectangular area frame 11d from the input unit 14.

[0106] The control unit 11 receives, via the input unit 14, an accompanying drag operation in which the mark 11e also moves in conjunction with the movement of the rectangular area frame 11d (step S123). For example, when the upper frame of the rectangular area frame 11d to be moved (for example, a frame line connecting the upper left corner of cell A7 to the upper right corner of cell E7) is connected to the mark 11e located at the upper left cell (for example, cell C7) of the value area 952, the control unit 11 moves the upper frame of the rectangular area frame 11d to the top of the table area 951 (for example, a position connecting the upper left corner of cell A1 to the upper right corner of cell E1) and simultaneously moves the mark 11e vertically to a corresponding position (for example, cell C1) of the upper frame of the rectangular area frame 11d.

[0107] 9 illustrates an example of the mark 11e located in the upper frame of the rectangular area frame 11d and in the upper left cell of the value area 952, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the same can be applied to the mark 11e located in the lower frame of the rectangular area frame 11d and in the lower right cell of the value area 952. The control unit 11 acquires the coordinates of the new first position 11a, second position 11b, and third position 11c obtained by the accompanying drag operation (step S124).

[0108] The control unit 11 simultaneously modifies the table area 951 and the value area 952 based on the acquired new coordinates of the first position 11a, the second position 11b, and the third position 11c (step S125). Specifically, the control unit 11 modifies the table area 951 based on the acquired new coordinates of the first position 11a and the second position 11b. The control unit 11 modifies the value area 952 based on the acquired new coordinates of the second position 11b and the third position 11c.

[0109] The control unit 11 updates the screen including the corrected table area 951 and value area 952 (step S126). The control unit 11 executes the process of step S108.

[0110] According to this embodiment, the table area 951 can be identified from the tabular data by the first position 11a and the second position 11b that define the table area 951.

[0111] According to this embodiment, the value area 952 can be specified by the third position 11c that defines the value area 952 and the second position 11b that defines the table area 951.

[0112] According to this embodiment, it is possible to output semi-structured data including a table parser 95 .

[0113] According to this embodiment, it is possible to output semi-structured data including a table parser 95 having a value region 952 .

[0114] According to this embodiment, it is possible to accept correction of the specified table area 951 or value area 952 by a drag operation.

[0115] According to this embodiment, after a double-click or double-tap operation is accepted, it is possible to accept corrections to the specified table area 951 and value area 952 simultaneously by an accompanying drag operation.

[0116] According to this embodiment, it is possible to output semi-structured data including a modified table parser 95 having a modified value region 952.

[0117] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0118] The matters described in each embodiment can be combined with each other. Furthermore, the independent claims and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any and all combinations, regardless of the reference format. Furthermore, the claims use a format in which a claim references two or more other claims (multiple claim format), but this is not limited to this. A multiple claim (multi-multi claim) that references at least one other multiple claim may also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1. Information processing equipment (computer) 11 Control section 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 14 Input section 15 Display 16 Reading unit 17 Mass storage 1a Portable storage media 1b semiconductor memory 1P control program B Bus N Network

Claims

1. Output tabular data, Accepting a first location and a second location defining a region of a table from the tabular data; Outputting semi-structured data including a table defined by a group of elements within a rectangular area specified by the received first and second positions A program that causes a computer to perform a process.

2. the tabular data includes an item area having a plurality of items and a value area corresponding to each item; Accepting a third location that defines a value range; outputting semi-structured data including the table having a value range defined by a group of elements in a second rectangular area specified by the third position and the second position; The program according to claim 1.

3. Outputs a button to define the table area, accepting the operation of the button, and then accepting the change from the first position to the third position; outputting a rectangular area frame specified by the first position and the second position; Outputting marks at the third position and the second position The program according to claim 2.

4. specifying a corrected table and value area by accepting a drag operation on the rectangular area frame and the mark while the rectangular area frame and the mark are output; Outputting semi-structured data including a modified table with modified value ranges The program according to claim 3.

5. receiving a double-click or double-tap operation on the rectangular area frame while the rectangular area frame is output; After the operation, a drag operation is accepted in which the mark is moved in conjunction with the movement of the rectangular area frame, thereby specifying the table and value area after the correction; Outputting semi-structured data including a modified table with modified value ranges The program according to claim 3.

6. Output tabular data, Accepting a first location and a second location defining a region of a table from the tabular data; Outputting semi-structured data including a table defined by a group of elements within a rectangular area specified by the received first and second positions Information processing methods.

7. An information processing device including a control unit, The control unit Output tabular data, Accepting a first location and a second location defining a region of a table from the tabular data; Outputting semi-structured data including a table defined by a group of elements within a rectangular area specified by the received first and second positions Information processing device.

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