Program, editing device, and editing method for inputting multiple values for identifying an object into multiple cells in a table

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Spreadsheets processed by spreadsheet applications are widely used to organize information in a tabular format and to perform various processes such as input, editing, viewing, calculation, printing, etc. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that makes it easy to input values into cells in a spreadsheet by displaying a list of candidate input values for the cells and allowing the user to select an input value from the candidates.

[0003] Now, when designing a test for a web service or reporting a defect, you can use a table to list the items to be tested or reported. product, The page presented to the user in the product, Subareas such as elements placed within the page, Subjectives that represent the subject of the sub-area, Actions for that sub-area; The possible / occurring consequences of the action By organizing information in a table format, it is believed that designing test cases and creating defect reports will become easier.

[0004] In this case, each test case or defect report corresponds to a value entered in a row of the table, and the target of the test or defect is identified by the values entered in the Product, Page, Subarea, Subject, and Action columns in that row.

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

[0006] In addition, since the number of pages provided for a given product is finite, the candidate values that can be entered into the cells of the page column are determined according to the cell value entered into the cell of the product column in that row. In other words, the values that can be entered into the cells of the page column are values that are consistent with (do not contradict) the cell value of the product column, and other values that contradict the cell value of the product column cannot be entered into the cells of the page column.

[0007] Similarly, there are restrictions on the subareas that can be placed within a page and the actions that can be performed on those subareas. Also, when input is used as an action, the subject corresponds to that input value, but in some cases any value can be entered, and in other cases there are restrictions on the value. Therefore, for the target to be correctly defined as "an action related to a certain subject in a certain subarea on a certain page of a certain product," the cell values entered in each column within a row must be consistent with each other (not contradictory).

[0008] Not limited to test cases and bug reports, You want to enter multiple values to identify a desired target into multiple cells in a table. In this case, the values to be entered into the multiple cells should be consistent with (not contradict) the values already entered in other cells. There are various situations in which this constraint is imposed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-172537 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Therefore, there is a strong demand for technology that, when entering multiple values into multiple cells to identify a desired target, facilitates the entry of values that are consistent (not contradictory) with values already entered in other cells in the row.

[0011] In addition, when modifying a value that has already been entered in a cell, other cells in the row may become inconsistent with the modification. Therefore, it is desirable to clearly display the impact of modifications on cells, especially before the modification is made.

[0012] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and provides a program, an editing device, and an editing method that assist in entering multiple values to identify an object into multiple cells in a table. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To solve the above problems, An editing device for inputting a plurality of values for specifying a desired object into a plurality of specific cells arranged in a table displayed on a screen, When any of the plurality of specific cells is focused, A value that can be entered into the focused cell, A value (hereinafter referred to as a "matching value") that is consistent with other values entered in other cells other than the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells. are extracted as candidates, Displaying the candidates in the vicinity of the focused cell in the screen; When a value is selected from the displayed candidates, the selected value is entered into the focused cell, thereby updating the table.

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

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a program, an editing device, and an editing method that assist in inputting a plurality of values for identifying an object into a plurality of cells in a table. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display in which a table in which values have not been entered is displayed on a screen by an editing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the cell in the first row and the "Product" column is focused. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when a desired value is designated with the pointer from the drop-down list for the cell in the first row and the "Product" column. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when a desired value is selected from the drop-down list for the cell in the first row and the "Product" column. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the pointer is pointed to a cell in the first row and "Product" column in which the value "B" has been input. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the cell in the first row and the "Product" column in which the value "B" has been input is focused. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when a cell in the first row and the "Device" column is pointed to with a pointer. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the cell in the first row and the "Device" column is focused. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when a desired value is designated with the pointer from the drop-down list for the cell in the first row and the "Device" column. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when a desired value is designated with the pointer from the drop-down list for the cell in the first row and the "Device" column. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a test case for processing in which a user name is input, followed by a password, is input. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when a test case for a process of clicking a login button after entering a user name and password is entered. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the focus is on a cell in the third row, column "Sub area", in which a value has already been input. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a candidate consisting of a contradictory value is added to a drop-down list. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when a drop-down list to which a contradictory value has been added is scrolled. [Figure 16] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the contradictory value "Password Input box" in the drop-down list is pointed to with the pointer. [Figure 17] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the contradictory value "Pincode Input box" in the drop-down list is pointed to with the pointer. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing how other conflicting cells are deleted when the conflicting value "Pincode Input box" in the drop-down list is selected. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing how the appearance of other conflicting cells is changed when the conflicting value "Pincode Input box" in the drop-down list is selected. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an editing device. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow of an editing process executed by the editing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following describes embodiments of the present invention. Note that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art may employ embodiments in which each or all of the elements are replaced with equivalents, and these embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0018] (Aspects of realizing the editing device) The editing device according to the present embodiment is generally implemented by causing a computer to execute a program. In this case, the computer runs an application program for executing spreadsheet or spreadsheet processing. Various implementations are possible, including an application program with the assistance functions described below initially built into it, an add-on program added to the application program later, or a macro function of the spreadsheet. Furthermore, the program is not limited to a program for processing spreadsheets or spreadsheets. Any program that allows input and editing of information in a table format, such as a dedicated object management program, a web application program, a script program running in a browser, or a smartphone program, can also be used.

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

[0020] These programs can be recorded on computer-readable non-transitory information recording media such as compact discs, flexible disks, hard disks, magneto-optical disks, digital video disks, magnetic tapes, ROMs (Read Only Memory), EEPROMs (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), flash memories, semiconductor memories, etc. These information recording media can also be distributed or sold independently of computers.

[0021] In a computer, a program recorded on a non-transitory information recording medium such as a flash memory or a hard disk is read into a temporary storage device called RAM (Random Access Memory), and then the instructions contained in the read program are executed by the CPU (Central Processing Unit).However, in an architecture that allows ROM and RAM to be mapped and executed in a single memory space, the instructions contained in the program stored in ROM are directly read and executed by the CPU.

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

[0023] (Example of editing device usage) The editing device according to this embodiment inputs a plurality of values for specifying a desired target into a plurality of specific cells arranged in a table displayed on a screen, and is typically realized by executing a program on a computer that controls the screen, etc. Below, we will first explain an example of the operation in which values are input into cells in a table by the editing device.

[0024] First, a user starts editing a table using an editing device. At this stage, no values have been entered into the cells of the table. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display in which an editing device displays a table with no values entered on a screen. In the example shown in this figure, a table with cells divided into grids and an arrow-shaped pointer for the user to point to an object of interest is displayed.

[0025] The columns in the table are divided into three categories: "Precondition," "Step," and "Expected Result." Each column has the following names: "Product," "Device," "Step No.", "Page," "Sub Area," "Subjective," "Action," "Additional Information," "Corresponding Step No.", "Type," "Status," and "Target Page."

[0026] Below the column names are 12 columns of cells in each row where values can be entered, with seven rows from the top showing the entire cell, followed by a row where only the top part of the cell is shown.

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

[0028] In this example, it is assumed that multiple test cases will be entered into the table. Here, the name of the product to be tested is entered into the cell in the "Product" column. To enter a product name into the "Product" column in the first row, the user points to the cell in the "Product" column in the first row with the pointer, as shown in this figure, and focuses on that cell while maintaining the pointer position by clicking the mouse or pressing the return key on the keyboard.

[0029] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing what happens when the cell in row 1, column "Product" is focused. In the example shown in this figure, a drop-down list with the same display width as the focused cell is displayed so as to overlap the focused cell.

[0030] The drop-down list lists "A," "B," "C," and "D" in alphabetical order as candidates that can be entered into the cell. Also, since no value is currently entered into the cell (i.e., a null value is entered), the null value is listed at the top of the candidates in the drop-down list. Also, a check mark is placed in front of the null value, which indicates that the value currently entered in the cell is a null value out of the null value candidates in the drop-down list and "A," "B," "C," and "D."

[0031] The candidates in the drop-down list are separated by dotted lines, but the last candidate, "D," has a solid line under it, which means "there are no more candidates after this point."

[0032] A scroll box is provided on the right side of the drop-down list to allow users to scroll through the options when there are too many options to fit in the drop-down list.

[0033] Generally, it is desirable for the drop-down list to be displayed near the focused cell. It is also desirable to set the size and position of the drop-down list so that it does not obscure any columns other than the column in which the focused cell is located (especially the right side of the column of the focused cell). Therefore, if you want the display width of the drop-down list to be wider than the display width of the focused cell (for example, if the length of the options in the drop-down list is longer than the display width of the focused cell), you can align the right edge of the drop-down list with the right edge of the focused cell and position it so that it spills over to the left.

[0034] If the user wishes to input a value from the drop-down list into the cell in the first row, column "Product," the user points to the desired value with the pointer. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the user points to a desired value from the drop-down list for the cell in the first row, column "Product." In the example shown in this figure, the candidate value "B" in the drop-down list is pointed to.

[0035] If the user performs a selection operation such as clicking the mouse or hitting the return key on the keyboard, the candidate value "B" in the drop-down list will be selected as the value to be entered.

[0036] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing what happens when a desired value is selected from the drop-down list for the cell in row 1, column "Product." As described above, when the candidate value "B" in the drop-down list is selected, the pointer position remains unchanged, as shown in this figure, but the drop-down list disappears from the screen, and the selected value "B" is entered into the cell in row 1, column "Product." Also, since a value has been entered into the cell in row 1, column "Product," the focus on that cell is released.

[0037] To focus on the cell in the "Product" column of the first row again after this, simply move the pointer and click the mouse. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing what happens when the pointer is pointed to the cell in the "Product" column of the first row in which the value "B" has been entered. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing what happens when the cell in the "Product" column of the first row in which the value "B" has been entered is focused. As shown in these figures, when the pointer is pointed to the cell in which the value "B" has been entered and the cell is focused, a drop-down list is displayed.

[0038] The previously displayed drop-down list and the currently displayed drop-down list have different candidates with check marks indicating the value entered in the focused cell. In other words, the previously displayed drop-down list had a blank value checked, but the currently displayed drop-down list has the value "B" checked.

[0039] If you click outside the drop-down list or press the Escape key, the value entered in the focused cell will remain "B" and the drop-down list will no longer be displayed and the focus will be removed.

[0040] Now, after entering the value "B" representing the product name in the "Product" column of the first row, the user will enter the name of the device that this product is intended for. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing what happens when a cell in the "Device" column of the first row is designated with the pointer. As with the operation for the cell in the "Product" column of the first row, the user designates the cell in which they want to enter a value with the pointer, and then performs an operation to focus the cell (click the mouse, hit the return key, etc.).

[0041] 8 is an explanatory diagram showing what happens when the cell in the "Device" column of the first row is focused. Similar to the process for the cell in the "Product" column of the first row, a drop-down list is displayed near the cell in the "Device" column of the first row.

[0042] Here, the "Device" that can be targeted by product "B" is limited to "PC_Chrome", "PC_Safari", "PC_Firefox", "SP_Safari", "SP_Chrome", "APP_iOS", and "APP_Android". In this embodiment, "PC_Chrome", "PC_Safari", "PC_Firefox", "SP_Safari", "SP_Chrome", "APP_iOS", and "APP_Android" are all referred to as consistent values that are consistent (not contradictory) with "Device".

[0043] The drop-down list includes checked blank values as well as some of the compatible values for product "B" ("PC_Chrome", "PC_Safari", "PC_Firefox", "SP_Safari", "SP_Chrome", and "APP_iOS") as candidates.

[0044] Note that the height of the scroll box located to the right of the drop-down list is shorter than the height of the drop-down list itself. Therefore, you can scroll through the options displayed in the drop-down list by pointing to and moving the scroll box up or down. Although not shown in the example, when you scroll up the drop-down list, the remaining matching values ("APP_Android") that were not displayed on the screen appear from the bottom. Then, following the last option, a solid line appears below the last option, indicating that there are no more options.

[0045] 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when a desired value is selected with the pointer from the drop-down list for the cell in row 1, column "Device." In this diagram, the value "SP_Sarari" is selected from the candidates.

[0046] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing what happens when a desired value is selected with the pointer from the drop-down list for the cell in row 1, column "Device." In this diagram, the selected value "SP_Safari" is entered into the focused cell in row 1, column "Device," and the drop-down list is cleared.

[0047] In this way, when entering values into each cell in the first row one after another, values that are consistent (not contradictory) with values already entered in other cells in the same row are displayed as candidates in a drop-down list, and the user can select one of them to enter the correct value for specifying the target into each cell.

[0048] For example, if the pages provided by device "SP_Safari" of product "B" are "Login," "Home," "My Info," "List," and "Help," then these four are the matching values that match the entered values "B" and "SP_Safari." These matching values, along with a blank value, are displayed as candidates in the drop-down list for the cell in row 1, column "Page."

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

[0050] Here, the page "Login" provided by the device "SP_Safari" of product "B" has the following sub-areas: The "Username Input box" is a text input element for inputting the username of the user attempting to log in to the service, and only the action "Input" is possible. The "Password Input box" is a text input element for inputting a login password set by the user, and only the action "Input" is available. The "Pincode Input box" is a text input element for inputting a PIN or one-time password assigned to the user, and only the action "Input" is available. The "Login button" is a button element for attempting to log in by sending the input user name and password to the server, and only the action "Click" is possible. "Help link" is a link element for displaying help information about the page, and only the action "Click" is possible.

[0051] Therefore, if the values for product "B," device "SP_Safari," and page "Login" have already been entered, the five matching values for the sub-area will be "Username Input box," "Password Input box," "Pincode Input box," "Login button," and "Help link." Therefore, the user will select one of these values and repeat the process of entering a value into each cell.

[0052] In other words, when the user focuses on a cell, a drop-down list showing candidate values to be entered into the cell that match the values already entered in the same row as the cell (in most cases, the value of the cell to the left of the cell) is displayed, and the user selects one of the values and proceeds to the next cell.By repeating this process, the target of the test case and the expected result of the test case are entered.

[0053] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when a test case for processing to input a user name followed by a password is input. In this figure, in test sequence 1 (represented by the value 1 in the "Step No." column) for product "B," device "SP_Safari," and page "Login," First, for the first test case 1-1 (line 1), (expressed as "Step No." value 1 and "Corresponding Step No." value 1), when the action "Input" is executed to input the assigned value (subject) "Alice" into the subarea "Username Input box", The user interface display "UI_display" on the screen will be in the "No skew" state, meaning there is no abnormality in the display. and, Test case 1-2 (line 2) is executed following test case 1-1 (expressed as "Step No." value 1 and "Corresponding Step No." value 2). When the action "Input" is executed to input the assigned value (subject) "p@23x#fdsa" into the subarea "Password Input box", The user interface display "UI_display" on the screen will be in the "No skew" state, meaning there are no display abnormalities. The table is shown with the following entered:

[0054] The combination of values entered in the first line of this diagram, "B," "SP_Safari," "Login," "Username Input box," and "Input," indicates that the test is targeting "inputting a username into the Username input box on the Login page in the implementation for SP_Safari of product B."

[0055] The combination of values entered in the second line of this diagram, "B," "SP_Safari," "Login," "Password Input box," and "Input," indicates that the test is targeting "entering a password into the Password input box on the Login page in the SP_Safari implementation of product B."

[0056] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when a test case for the process of clicking a login button after entering a user name and password is entered. This diagram shows the state when the third line is entered in addition to the first and second lines included in the table shown in FIG. 11. That is, Test case 1-3 (line 3) is executed following test cases 1-1 and 1-2 shown in Figure 11 (represented by the value 1 in "Step No." and the value 3 in "Corresponding Step No."). When the action "Click" is executed to click the subarea "Login button," the following occurs: The process "Login" is executed and succeeds ("Success"), Transition to the page "Home" as the destination page ("Target Page"). is expressed.

[0057] The combination of values entered in the third line of this diagram, "B," "SP_Safari," "Login," "Login button," and "Click," indicates that the test target is "Clicking the Login button on the Login page in the implementation for SP_Safari of product B."

[0058] Now, suppose the user realizes that he or she forgot to input a test case for the "Pincode Input box," i.e., that Test Case 1-3 should have been for the "Pincode Input box" rather than the "Login button." In this embodiment, by implementing the following functions, even in such a case, it is possible to prevent input errors and to clearly show the user the effect of corrections to a certain cell.

[0059] In this case, the user points the pointer at a cell in the "Sub Area" column of the third row and focuses on that cell. The editing device then extracts values for the sub area that are consistent (not contradictory) with the combination of values "B," "SP_Safari," "Login," and "Click" other than those of the focused cell in the third row, i.e., "Clickable elements (sub areas) on the Login page in the implementation for SP_Safari of product B," and arranges them as candidates in a drop-down list.

[0060] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing what happens when you focus on a cell in the "Sub area" column of the third row, where a value has already been entered. As mentioned above, the "Clickable elements (sub areas) on the Login page in the implementation for SP_Safari of Product B" are the "Login button" and the "Help link," so as shown in this figure, the drop-down list contains a blank value, "Login button," and "Help link," and the "Login button" has a check mark next to it, indicating that a value has already been entered.

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

[0062] However, the value the user wants to enter into the cell is "Pincode Input box," which is a contradictory value that is inconsistent with the already entered value, "Click."

[0063] Therefore, in this embodiment, consistent values that are consistent with other values that have already been input are listed in a drop-down list as input candidates, and even inconsistent values that are inconsistent with other values that have already been input are listed in the drop-down list.

[0064] That is, after a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) has elapsed since the drop-down list containing only null values and matching values was displayed on the screen, or when the user clicks on the solid line at the end of a matching value or its vicinity, the editing device adds a contradictory value that contradicts a value already entered in another cell in the same row to the candidates in the drop-down list.

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

[0066] 15 is an explanatory diagram showing what happens when a drop-down list to which a contradictory value has been added is scrolled. In the example shown in this figure, the scroll box on the right side of the drop-down list is moved to scroll through the list of candidates.

[0067] In the examples shown in these figures, the three candidates based on the added contradictory values are "Username Input box," "Password Input box," and "Pincode Input box."

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

[0069] In this way, a conflicting value can be added as a candidate in the drop-down list that matches the value in the preceding cell but contradicts the value in the following cell, which is in keeping with the convention of filling values first, from left to right.

[0070] However, the contradictory value may include a contradictory value in part of a preceding cell (for example, a preceding cell adjacent to the focused cell). In this case, the drop-down list will list the names of the subareas located in the "Login" page as well as the names of the subareas located in the "Home", "My Info", "List", and "Help" pages.

[0071] In this way, in this embodiment, by referring to the values already entered in the cells, desirable values to enter are listed as candidates, and the user is allowed to select one of them, thereby assisting the user in entering values with less effort and fewer errors.

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

[0073] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing what happens when the contradictory value "Password Input box" in the drop-down list is pointed to with the pointer. As mentioned above, only "Input" is assumed as an action for the contradictory value "Password Input box." Therefore, the already entered "Action" column value "Click," "Type" column value "Login," "Status" column value "Success," and "Target Page" column value "Home" are in conflict with "Password Input box." Therefore, when the user selects "Password Input box," they must re-enter values into the cells in the "Action," "Type," "Status," and "Target Page" columns.

[0074] In the example shown in this figure, cells that require re-entering values when "Password Input box" is selected are notified to the user by changing the display appearance of the cells. In the example shown in this figure, the cells are decorated with shading (hatching), but various methods of changing the appearance can be used, such as changing the color of the text or background, underlining or striking through, changing the text thickness or italics, or changing the font of the text itself.

[0075] Suppose the user then moves the pointer and points to the contradictory value "Pincode Input box." Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing what happens when the pointer is pointed to the contradictory value "Pincode Input box" in the drop-down list. As with the "Password Input box" above, only "Input" is assumed as an action for the contradictory value "Pincode Input box." Therefore, the display of the cells "Click," "Login," "Success," and "Home," for which values must be re-entered when the "Pincode Input box" is selected, has been modified.

[0076] Let's assume that the user selects the conflicting value candidate "Pincode Input box." In this case, two different approaches can be taken to handle the conflicting cells. The first approach is to erase the values. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing how the conflicting cells are erased when the conflicting value "Pincode Input box" is selected in the drop-down list. As shown in this diagram, the cells in the "Action," "Type," "Status," and "Target Page" columns are cleared, and values must be re-entered as necessary.

[0077] The second mode is to inform the user that a cell with a conflicting value needs to be corrected by changing the way the value of that cell is displayed. Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing how the appearance of other conflicting cells changes when the conflicting value "Pincode Input box" is selected in the drop-down list. As shown in this figure, the appearance of the cells in the "Action," "Type," "Status," and "Target Page" columns has changed, informing the user that the values need to be corrected.

[0078] To correct the value of the cell whose appearance has changed, you need to focus on the cell whose appearance has changed, and select a value from the displayed candidates. In this case, consistent values are displayed as candidates first, and inconsistent values are added as candidates based on the idle time and user instructions.

[0079] As described above, with the editing device according to this embodiment, when a user inputs or modifies a value into a cell, the user can select one of the candidates that are consistent with the previously input value, and can also select a value from candidates that contradict the previously input value. Furthermore, when selecting a value from candidates that contradict the previously input value, the extent of the influence can be visually confirmed in advance.

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

[0081] Here, the extraction unit 102 When one of multiple specific cells is focused, A value that can be entered into the focused cell, A value that is consistent with other values entered in other cells that are not the focused cell among multiple specific cells (hereinafter referred to as "consistent value") are extracted as candidates.

[0082] In the above example, the "multiple specific cells" referred to here correspond to the cells in the "Product", "Device", "Page", "Sub Area", "Subjective", and "Action" columns in the same row, and the values in these columns identify the target that is the test case. However, the "multiple specific cells" may also include the "Type", "Status", and "Target Page" columns in the same row.

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

[0084] Furthermore, in each row in the table 112, a plurality of targets are identified by a plurality of values input into a plurality of identifying cells aligned in each row.

[0085] In the example of editing the test case above, the definition information 113 is whether the cell values in each column are consistent (not inconsistent) or inconsistent (inconsistent). teeth,This can be obtained by extracting the dependencies of each element that makes up the target from the items described in the specifications or definitions on pages crawled from an actually operating web server.

[0086] The definition information 113 can be registered in a database or the like and can be referred to as appropriate by the extraction unit 102 of the editing device 101. When the editing device 101 is implemented on a spreadsheet application that processes spreadsheets, for example, all of the "rows in which values that identify the target are arranged in each column" can be listed in a definition sheet separate from an editing sheet for editing the target, and the extraction unit 102 of the editing device 101 can refer to the definition sheet instead of a database or the like.

[0087] Although the matching values extracted by the extraction unit 102 based on the definition information 113 are non-null values, null values may also be extracted as candidates. In cells where null values are not permitted to identify the target, it is not necessary to set null values as candidates, so whether or not to extract null values can be selected appropriately depending on the application.

[0088] In addition, a specific cell for specifying one target may be arranged within a range of a predetermined number of rows and a predetermined number of columns.

[0089] In addition, the extraction unit 102 A value that can be entered into the focused cell, A value that contradicts other values (hereinafter referred to as "conflicting values") may be further extracted as candidates.

[0090] Here, the extraction unit 102 extracts contradictory values as candidates when: At the same time as extracting the matching values as candidates Or, as mentioned above, After a predetermined time has passed without any selection from the time when the matching value is displayed on the screen 111 as a candidate, It may be, When a specific operation to add a conflicting value is performed (in the example above, clicking the solid line that represents the end of the consistent value) Alternatively, an appropriate combination of these may be used.

[0091] As described above, the extracted contradictory values are extracted for a plurality of specific cells located in a predetermined plurality of columns in the same row in the table 112 as follows: Among multiple specific cells, the value entered in the preceding cell in the same row as the focused cell is consistent, but Among multiple specific cells, the value entered in the following cell in the same row as the focused cell is inconsistent with the value entered in the following cell The value can be:

[0092] Furthermore, as described above, by further extracting as contradictory values among preceding cells those values of specific cells adjacent to the focused cell as contradictory values, it is possible to relax the constraints on the displayed candidates. Furthermore, the "adjacent preceding cells (specific cells)" may be "directly adjacent preceding cells" or preceding cells that are within a predetermined range of column distance from the focused cell.

[0093] Meanwhile, the candidate display unit 103 displays the extracted candidates near the focused cell on the screen 111. "Near" can be in various forms, such as displaying the top of a drop-down list with the same width as the focused cell so that it overlaps the focused cell.

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

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

[0096] In particular, when displaying consistent values and inconsistent values in the same format, it is desirable to display the consistent values before the inconsistent values, as in the above example of operation, and sort the consistent values within them, and then sort and display the inconsistent values within them.

[0097] In the above example, the candidate null values are displayed at the beginning, preceding the matching values, but the null values may be positioned after the matching values. This order is suitable for displaying candidates for cells that do not allow null values, even though null values may be entered during editing. Therefore, the position of the null values within the candidates may be changed depending on whether the value to be entered into the cell allows null values.

[0098] Here, as in the above example of operation, "indication" is an operation of pointing to one of the candidates with a pointer or the like, and "selection" is an operation of determining the value of the desired candidate as the selection result. Therefore, as in the above example of operation, if a contradictory value is indicated from the displayed candidates before a candidate is selected, it is also possible to highlight among other cells in which a value contradicting the indicated value has been input.

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

[0100] When the update unit 104 inputs the selected contradictory value into the focused cell, Enter a null value in the cell where the value contradicting the entered contradictory value is entered, and prompt the user to enter a new value. It may be possible to do so, Highlight the cells in which values that contradict the entered conflicting value are entered, and prompt the user to enter a new value. It may also be possible to do so.

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

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

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

[0104] Next, the process waits for various events, such as a user operation or the passage of time, to occur (step S303), and branches the control as follows depending on the type of the event that has occurred (step S304).

[0105] If the event that has occurred is a focus operation by the user (S304; focus), the editing device 101 focuses on the cell pointed to by the pointer, cursor, or the like (step S305).

[0106] The editing device 101 then refers to the focused cell and other specific cells for identifying the target, extracts a matching value for the focused cell (step S306), adds a null value and the extracted matching value to candidates in a drop-down list (step S307), displays the drop-down list near the focused cell on the screen 111 (step S308), and returns control to step S304.

[0107] on the other hand, The solid line below the last candidate in the drop-down list is clicked, If the dropdown list remains displayed for a certain period of time without any selection being made from the candidates, When an additional event such as the above occurs (S309; Add), the editing device 101 refers to other specific cells for identifying the target along with the focused cell, extracts a contradictory value for the focused cell (step S309), further adds the extracted contradictory value to the candidates in the drop-down list (step S310), updates the display of the drop-down list on the screen 111 (step S311), and returns control to step S304.

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

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

[0110] If they are consistent (step S313; consistent), the editing device 101 sets the format of the specific cell when it is displayed on the screen 111 to a normal format (step S314). On the other hand, if they are inconsistent (step S313; inconsistent), the editing device 101 sets the format of the specific cell when it is displayed on the screen 111 to an emphasized format in order to draw attention to the specific cell (step S315).

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

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

[0113] Furthermore, when a candidate indicated in the drop-down list is selected (step S304; selection), the editing device 101 inputs the value of the selected candidate into the focused cell (step S318), and clears the values of other specific cells that contradict the input value, or leaves the current values input but sets the appearance to be emphasized to draw attention (step S319).The editing device 101 then removes the focus from the cell (step S320) and erases the drop-down list from the screen 111 (step S321).

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

[0115] If another event occurs (step S304; Other), a process corresponding to the event is executed (step S323), and control returns to step S304. The events to be processed and the processes to be executed here are, for example, Processing to save Table 112, Adding blank lines to the middle or end of Table 112 Processing to end editing of Table 112 Clearing Table 112 Process to start editing a new table Various processes for editing the table can be employed.

[0116] In this way, according to the editing device 111 of this embodiment, when a cell is focused, a consistent value that is not inconsistent with other cells that identify the target together with the focused cell is presented to the user as a candidate to be input into the focused cell, so that the user can easily input a value.

[0117] Furthermore, according to the editing device 111 of this embodiment, when a cell is focused, it is possible to present to the user contradictory values that are contradictory to other cells that identify the target together with the focused cell as candidates to be input into the focused cell, and it is possible to present to the user in an easy-to-understand manner the impact on other cells if the contradictory value is selected.

[0118] (summary) The program, editing device, and editing method according to the present embodiment described above will be described below.

[0119] (Appendix 1) A program for inputting a plurality of values for specifying a desired target into a plurality of specific cells arranged in a table displayed on a screen controlled by a computer, the program causing the computer to: When any of the plurality of specific cells is focused, A value that can be entered into the focused cell, A value (hereinafter referred to as a "matching value") that is consistent with other values entered in other cells other than the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells. an extraction unit that extracts the following as candidates; a candidate display unit that displays the candidates in the vicinity of the focused cell on the screen; an update unit that updates the table by inputting the selected value into the focused cell when any value is selected from the displayed candidates; A program characterized by functioning as

[0120] (Appendix 2) the extracted matching values are non-null values; The extraction unit further extracts a null value as the candidate. 2. The program according to claim 1,

[0121] (Appendix 3) In the displayed candidates, the matching values are sorted and displayed in a predetermined order. 3. The program according to claim 1 or 2,

[0122] (Appendix 4) The extraction unit A value that can be entered into the focused cell, A value that contradicts the other value (hereinafter referred to as "conflicting value") is further extracted as the candidate, Once the conflict value is selected, The update unit inputs the selected value into the focused cell, The update unit inputs a null value into the other cells in which a value that contradicts the selected value is input. 4. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0123] (Appendix 5) The extraction unit A value that can be entered into the focused cell, A value that contradicts the other value (hereinafter referred to as "conflicting value") is further extracted as the candidate, Once the conflict value is selected, The update unit inputs the selected value into the focused cell, Among the other cells, cells in which values that contradict the selected value are entered are highlighted. 3. The program according to claim 1 or 2,

[0124] (Appendix 6) In the displayed candidates, the matching values and the inconsistent values are displayed in different formats. 6. The program according to claim 4 or 5,

[0125] (Appendix 7) In the displayed candidates, the matching values and the inconsistent values are sorted in a predetermined order and displayed. 7. The program according to claim 6,

[0126] (Appendix 8) In the displayed candidates, the matching values are displayed before the conflicting values. 8. The program according to any one of appendices 4 to 7,

[0127] (Appendix 9) In the displayed candidates, the matching values are sorted in a predetermined order, and the conflicting values are sorted in the predetermined order and displayed. 9. The program according to claim 8,

[0128] (Appendix 10) The extraction unit extracts the inconsistent value and adds it to the candidates displayed on the screen after a predetermined time has elapsed without the selection being made since the consistent value was displayed on the screen as the candidate. 10. The program according to claim 8 or 9,

[0129] (Appendix 11) If a contradictory value is designated from the displayed candidates before the selection is made, the cells in which a value contradicting the designated value is input are highlighted among the other cells. 11. The program according to any one of appendices 4 to 10.

[0130] (Appendix 12) In the table, the specific cells are located in a predetermined number of columns in the same row, The extraction unit Among the plurality of specific cells, the value matches the value input in the preceding cell in the same row as the focused cell, The value of the focused cell is inconsistent with the value entered in the subsequent cell in the same row as the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells. The value is extracted as the contradictory value. 12. The program according to any one of appendices 4 to 11,

[0131] (Appendix 13) In the table, the specific cells are located in a predetermined number of columns in the same row, In each row of the table, a plurality of objects are identified by a plurality of values input into a plurality of specific cells arranged in each row, thereby identifying a plurality of objects. 12. The program according to any one of appendices 1 to 11,

[0132] (Appendix 14) An editing device for inputting a plurality of values for specifying a desired target into a plurality of specific cells arranged in a table displayed on a screen, the editing device comprising: When any of the plurality of specific cells is focused, A value that can be entered into the focused cell, A value (hereinafter referred to as a "matching value") that is consistent with other values entered in other cells other than the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells. an extraction unit that extracts the following as candidates; a candidate display unit that displays the candidates in the vicinity of the focused cell on the screen; an update unit that updates the table by inputting the selected value into the focused cell when any value is selected from the displayed candidates; An editing device comprising:

[0133] (Appendix 15) An editing method executed by an editing device for inputting a plurality of values for specifying a desired target into a plurality of specific cells arranged in a table displayed on a screen, the method comprising: When any of the plurality of specific cells is focused, the editing device: A value that can be entered into the focused cell, A value (hereinafter referred to as a "matching value") that is consistent with other values entered in other cells other than the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells. an extraction step of extracting as candidates; a candidate display step in which the editing device displays the candidate near the focused cell on the screen; an updating step in which, when a value is selected from the displayed candidates, the editing device updates the table by inputting the selected value into the focused cell; An editing method comprising:

[0134] The present invention allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of the invention equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0135] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a program, an editing device, and an editing method that assist in inputting a plurality of values for identifying an object into a plurality of cells in a table. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 101 Editing equipment 102 Extraction part 103 Candidate display area 104 Update Department 111 screens 112 Table 113 Definition information

Claims

1. A program for inputting a plurality of values for specifying a desired target into a plurality of specific cells arranged in a table displayed on a screen controlled by a computer, In the table, the specific cells are located in a predetermined number of columns in the same row, In each row of the table, an object is identified by a plurality of values input into a plurality of specific cells aligned in the row, The program causes the computer to: When any of the plurality of specific cells is focused, A value that can be entered into the focused cell, A value that is not inconsistent with other values entered in other cells other than the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells arranged in the same row as the focused cell, but is consistent (hereinafter referred to as a "consistent value") an extraction unit that extracts the following as candidates; a candidate display unit that displays the candidates in the vicinity of the focused cell on the screen; an update unit that updates the table by inputting the selected value into the focused cell when any value is selected from the displayed candidates; It functions as the predetermined plurality of columns are respectively associated with a plurality of elements constituting the object; definition information that determines whether the other values entered in the other cells and the value that can be entered in the focused cell are consistent or inconsistent is obtained in advance based on the dependency relationship between the plurality of elements and registered in a database; The extraction unit refers to the definition information registered in the database to extract the candidates. A program characterized by:

2. The dependencies of the plurality of elements are extracted from a specification of the target or from a page crawled from a web server related to the target; the extracted matching values are non-null values; The extraction unit further extracts a null value as the candidate.

2. The program according to claim 1,

3. In the displayed candidates, the matching values are sorted and displayed in a predetermined order.

2. The program according to claim 1,

4. A program for inputting a plurality of values for specifying a desired target into a plurality of specific cells arranged in a table displayed on a screen controlled by a computer, the program causing the computer to: When any one of the plurality of specific cells is focused, a value that can be input into the focused cell is A value (hereinafter referred to as a "matching value") that is consistent with other values entered in other cells other than the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells; A value that is inconsistent with the other value (hereinafter referred to as "inconsistent value"); an extraction unit that extracts the following as candidates; a candidate display unit that displays the candidates near the focused cell on the screen, the candidate display unit displaying the consistent value and the inconsistent value in different formats; an update unit that updates the table by inputting the selected value into the focused cell when a value is selected from the displayed candidates; A program characterized by functioning as

5. When the contradictory value is selected, among the other cells, cells in which values contradicting the selected value are entered are highlighted.

5. The program according to claim 4.

6. When the contradictory value is selected, the update unit inputs a null value to the other cells in which a value contradicting the selected value has been input.

5. The program according to claim 4.

7. In the displayed candidates, the matching values and the inconsistent values are sorted in a predetermined order and displayed.

5. The program according to claim 4.

8. In the displayed candidates, the matching values are displayed before the conflicting values.

5. The program according to claim 4.

9. In the displayed candidates, the matching values are sorted in a predetermined order, and the conflicting values are sorted in the predetermined order and displayed.

9. The program according to claim 8,

10. The extraction unit extracts the inconsistent value and adds it to the candidates displayed on the screen after a predetermined time has elapsed without the selection being made since the consistent value was displayed on the screen as the candidate.

9. The program according to claim 8,

11. If a contradictory value is designated from the displayed candidates before the selection is made, the cells in which a value contradicting the designated value is input are highlighted among the other cells.

5. The program according to claim 4.

12. In the table, the specific cells are located in a predetermined number of columns in the same row, The extraction unit Among the plurality of specific cells, the value matches the value input in the preceding cell in the same row as the focused cell, The value of the focused cell is inconsistent with the value entered in the subsequent cell in the same row as the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells. The value is extracted as the contradictory value.

5. The program according to claim 4.

13. In the table, the plurality of specific cells are located in a predetermined plurality of columns in the same row in the table, In each row of the table, an object is identified by a plurality of values input into a plurality of specific cells aligned in the row, the predetermined plurality of columns are respectively associated with a plurality of elements constituting the object; the other cell is a cell other than the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells arranged in the same row as the focused cell, definition information that determines whether the other values entered in the other cells and the values that can be entered in the focused cell are consistent or inconsistent is obtained in advance based on the dependency relationships of the plurality of elements and registered in a database; The extraction unit refers to the definition information registered in the database to extract the candidates.

5. The program according to claim 4.

14. An editing device for inputting a plurality of values for specifying a desired target into a plurality of specific cells arranged in a table displayed on a screen, the editing device comprising: In the table, the specific cells are located in a predetermined number of columns in the same row, In each row of the table, an object is identified by a plurality of values input into a plurality of specific cells aligned in the row, The editing device includes: When any of the plurality of specific cells is focused, A value that can be entered into the focused cell, A value that is not inconsistent with other values entered in other cells other than the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells arranged in the same row as the focused cell, but is consistent (hereinafter referred to as a "consistent value") an extraction unit that extracts the following as candidates; a candidate display unit that displays the candidates in the vicinity of the focused cell on the screen; an update unit that updates the table by inputting the selected value into the focused cell when any value is selected from the displayed candidates; Equipped with the predetermined plurality of columns are respectively associated with a plurality of elements constituting the object; definition information that determines whether the other values entered in the other cells and the value that can be entered in the focused cell are consistent or inconsistent is obtained in advance based on the dependency relationship between the plurality of elements and registered in a database; The extraction unit refers to the definition information registered in the database to extract the candidates.

1. An editing device comprising:

15. An editing method executed by an editing device for inputting a plurality of values for specifying a desired target into a plurality of specific cells arranged in a table displayed on a screen, the method comprising: In the table, the specific cells are located in a predetermined number of columns in the same row, In each row of the table, an object is identified by a plurality of values input into a plurality of specific cells aligned in the row, The editing method includes: When any of the plurality of specific cells is focused, the editing device: A value that can be entered into the focused cell, A value that is not inconsistent with other values entered in other cells other than the focused cell among the plurality of specific cells arranged in the same row as the focused cell, but is consistent (hereinafter referred to as a "consistent value") an extraction step of extracting as candidates; a candidate display step in which the editing device displays the candidate near the focused cell on the screen; an updating step in which, when a value is selected from the displayed candidates, the editing device updates the table by inputting the selected value into the focused cell; Equipped with the predetermined plurality of columns are respectively associated with a plurality of elements constituting the object; definition information that determines whether the other values entered in the other cells and the value that can be entered in the focused cell are consistent or inconsistent is obtained in advance based on the dependency relationship between the plurality of elements and registered in a database; In the extraction step, the definition information registered in the database is referenced to extract the candidates. An editing method comprising:

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