Calculation formula setting system, calculation formula setting method, and program

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0007] The present disclosure can improve convenience for users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen. In the example of FIG. 2, an application screen SC1 of an application for managing invoices is shown. For example, the application screen SC1 includes a record list L10 showing a list of records, which are individual units of data in the application. The record list L10 shows the values ​​of fields, which are the individual items that make up a record. A field may also be called a cell or other name. The first row of the record list L10 shows a field name, which is the name of the field. A field name may also be called a column name or other name.

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

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

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

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

[0021] For example, the value of the field indicating the first subtotal is the product of the value of the field indicating the first unit price and the value of the field indicating the first quantity. Therefore, the user inputs a formula into input form F202 that indicates the multiplication of the value of the field indicating the first unit price and the value of the field indicating the first quantity. In this embodiment, duplicate field names are allowed, so a field may not be uniquely identified by its field name. For this reason, the user inputs a field code, rather than a field name, as an argument to the formula.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0052] For example, the display control unit 202 may display functions and other information as candidates on the formula setting screen SC2. That is, the display control unit 202 may display not only other information such as field codes and field names, but also functions as candidates on the formula setting screen SC2. In other words, the display control unit 202 may display a formula setting screen SC2 that displays a mixture of functions and other information as candidates.

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

[0054] Note that the other information that display control unit 202 displays as candidates is not limited to the example in this embodiment. Display control unit 202 may display information other than field codes and field names as candidates. For example, display control unit 202 may predict operators that the user is likely to input next based on the user's input, and display these as candidates on calculation formula setting screen SC2. Display control unit 202 may predict characters, etc. that the user is likely to input based on the user's current input and past inputs, and display these as candidates on calculation formula setting screen SC2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0066] The following describes the processing when the user focuses on input form F202 and inputs characters, etc. The user terminal 20 accepts user input to input form F202 (S5). The user terminal 20 displays candidate list L207 on the calculation formula setting screen SC2 based on the user input (S6). In S6, the user terminal 20 searches for each of the function name, field code, and field name based on the user input. The user terminal 20 displays candidate list L207, which shows candidates found in the search, on the calculation formula setting screen SC2. If no candidates are found in the search, the user terminal 20 does not display candidate list L207 on the calculation formula setting screen SC2.

[0067] The user terminal 20 identifies the candidate selected by the user (S7). The user terminal 20 assists in inputting the formula by automatically inputting characters, etc. of the candidate selected by the user into the input form F202 (S8). If the user does not select a candidate, the processes of S7 and S8 are not executed. The user terminal 20 determines whether or not to complete setting of the formula (S9). In S9, the user terminal 20 determines whether or not the user has selected button B205. If the user has selected button B206, the processes from S10 onwards are not executed, and this process ends.

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

[0069] The calculation formula setting system 1 of this embodiment displays information other than functions as candidates on the calculation formula setting screen SC2 based on a user's input to the calculation formula setting screen SC2. The calculation formula setting system 1 identifies the candidate selected by the user. The calculation formula setting system 1 assists the user in entering a calculation formula based on the identified candidate. This allows the user to proceed with entering a calculation formula while selecting candidates, thereby reducing the user's operational burden and improving user convenience. For example, the user does not need to remember all of the other information, such as field codes, and can display candidates by remembering only some of the information. This also improves user convenience.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0080] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the calculation formula setting screen SC2 when button B204 indicating the insertion of a field code is selected. Display control unit 202 of Modification 2 displays a field list L208 on calculation formula setting screen SC2, which includes at least one of the field code and field name of each of a plurality of fields as candidates. In the example of FIG. 10, field list L208 includes both field codes and field names as candidates, but field list L208 may also include only either the field codes or the field names.

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

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

[0083] The calculation formula setting system 1 of Variation 2 displays a field list on the calculation formula setting screen SC2, which includes at least one of the field code and field name of each of a plurality of fields as candidates. The calculation formula setting system 1 identifies the candidate selected by the user from the field list. This allows the calculation formula setting system 1 to allow the user to select a function from the field list L208, thereby improving user convenience. For example, even if the user has not entered anything in the input form F202, the user can select a field to include in the calculation formula by selecting button B204.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0102] 1 Calculation formula setting system, 10 Server, 11,21 Control unit, 12,22 Memory unit, 13,23 Communication unit, 20 User terminal, 24 Operation unit, 25 Display unit, N Network, 100 Data storage unit, C Cursor, D1 Application setting data, D2 Function data, D3 Candidate narrowing data, SC1 Application screen, SC2 Calculation formula setting screen, L10 Record list, I11 Icon, W20 Window, B203, B204, B205, B206 Button, I200 Icon, F201, F202 Input form, L207 Candidate list, L208 Field list, 100 Data storage unit, 101 Assignment unit, 102 Display control unit, 200 Data storage unit, 201 Input acceptance unit, 202 Display control unit, 203 Identification unit, 204 Input assistance unit.

Claims

1. An assigning unit that assigns a field name of a field to a field code for identifying a field of a database by a calculation formula setting system; a display control unit that displays, on the calculation formula setting screen, information other than functions, which is both the field code and the field name, as candidates based on a user's input to the calculation formula setting screen that accepts input of a calculation formula to be set in the database; an identification unit that identifies the candidate selected by the user; an input assistance unit that assists in inputting the formula based on the candidates identified by the identification unit; A calculation formula setting system including.

2. the display control unit displays each of the plurality of other information of different types as the candidates on the calculation formula setting screen. The calculation formula setting system according to claim 1 .

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

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

4. the display control unit causes the calculation formula setting screen to display a field list including both the field code and the field name of each of the plurality of fields as the candidates; the specifying unit specifies the candidate selected by the user from the field list.

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

5. the display control unit displays each of the functions and the other information as the candidates on the calculation formula setting screen.

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

6. the display control unit displays the candidates on the calculation formula setting screen based on the function corresponding to a position of a caret on the calculation formula setting screen.

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

7. the display control unit displays field information of the field as the candidate on the calculation formula setting screen based on the function corresponding to the position of the caret and the field type of the field of the database. The calculation formula setting system according to claim 6.

8. when the user can specify a plurality of arguments for the function corresponding to the position of the caret, the display control unit displays the candidates on the calculation formula setting screen based on the argument corresponding to the position of the caret among the plurality of arguments; The calculation formula setting system according to claim 6.

9. An assigning unit that assigns a field name of a field to a field code for identifying a field of a database by a calculation formula setting system; displaying, as candidates, information other than functions, which is both the field code and the field name, on the calculation formula setting screen based on a user's input to the calculation formula setting screen that accepts input of a calculation formula to be set in the database; Identifying the candidate selected by the user; Assisting in inputting the formula based on the identified candidates; How to set calculation formula.

10. An assigning unit that assigns a field name of a field to a field code for identifying a field of a database by a calculation formula setting system; a display control unit that displays, on the calculation formula setting screen that accepts input of a calculation formula to be set in the database, information other than a function, the other information being both the field code and the field name, as candidates based on a user's input to the calculation formula setting screen that accepts input of a calculation formula to be set in the database; an identification unit that identifies the candidate selected by the user; an input assistance unit that assists in inputting the formula based on the candidates identified by the identification unit; A program that allows a computer to function as a

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