Program, information processing method, and information processing apparatus.

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there is a technology for editing or converting tabular data. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus that converts spreadsheet format data (tabular data) having a predefined format into data in a semi-structured data format.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

[0005] ] In one aspect, it is to provide a program or the like that can appropriately identify the area of a table from tabular data.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A program according to one aspect outputs tabular data, receives a first position and a second position that define the area of a table from the tabular data, and causes a computer to execute a process of outputting semi-structured data including an element group within a rectangular area specified by the received first position and second position. A structure is created that defines a table, accepts the position of a header element indicating a header included in the tabular data, accepts the specification of the connection relationship between the header element and the table, and represents the correspondence between the header element and the table based on the table, the header element, and the connection relationship.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] One aspect of this is that it becomes possible to properly identify the table area from tabular data. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a layout editing screen. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of accepting parsing operations in table parsing mode. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the processing steps for outputting semi-structured data, including tables. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the processing procedure of the subroutine that accepts parsing operations in table parsing mode. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of modifying a table area or a value area. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of simultaneously modifying the table area and the value area. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the processing procedure for accepting modifications to a table area or value area. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows the processing procedure when simultaneously accepting modifications to both the table area and the value area. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 relates to a configuration in which a table area is identified from tabular data through an operation, and semi-structured data including a table defined by the group of elements within the identified table area is output.

[0011] The system of this embodiment includes an information processing device 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 is an information processing device that performs processing, storage, and transmission / reception of various types of information. The information processing device 1 is, for example, an information processing device such as a personal computer, a server device, a general-purpose tablet PC (personal computer), a tablet, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a wearable device such as a smartwatch. For simplicity, the information processing device 1 will be read as computer 1 below.

[0012] When parsing tabular data, such as records of additional experiments or data from past research themes (projects), it is necessary to specify the table's region (range). Table parsing is the operation in which the user specifies the table region within the tabular data, and the value region contained within that table region. Table parsing will be discussed in more detail later.

[0013] Typically, users specify a table area from the top left to the bottom right using drag operations. However, this reduces the user's freedom of movement and can lead to unnecessary mouse movements depending on the mouse's position during operation. To solve this problem, this embodiment allows for the automatic specification of the table area by accepting a first and second position defining the table area from tabular data via click or tap (touch) operations.

[0014] In this embodiment, computer 1 outputs (displays) tabular data. Computer 1 receives first and second positions from the output tabular data that define the area of ​​the table. Computer 1 outputs semi-structured data that includes a table defined by the group of elements within the rectangular area specified by the received first and second positions.

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

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

[0017] Note that the control program 1P can be deployed to be executed on a single computer, or placed at one site, or distributed over multiple sites and executed on multiple computers interconnected by a communication network.

[0018] In FIG. 1, the control unit 11 is described as a single processor, but it may be a multi-processor. Note that the control unit 11 may execute various information processing or control processing by the same processor in the computer 1, or may be executed by different processors in the computer 1.

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

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

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

[0022] The large-capacity storage unit 17 includes a recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 and the large-capacity storage unit 17 may be configured as a single storage device. Furthermore, the large-capacity storage unit 17 may be composed of multiple storage devices. Moreover, the large-capacity storage unit 17 may be an external storage device connected to the computer 1.

[0023] Computer 1 may perform various information processing and control processes on its own, or it may perform them in a distributed manner across multiple computers. Furthermore, Computer 1 may be implemented using multiple virtual machines located within a single server, or it may be implemented using a cloud server.

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

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

[0026] The undo button 213 provides the functionality to repeat the operation that was immediately undone by the undo button 212. The key-value button 214, multiple cell button 215, table button 216, order button 217, and output button 218 will be explained in conjunction with the following explanation of the layout editing area 220.

[0027] The layout editing area 220 displays tabular data and also displays a layout on top of that tabular data. The tabular data is stored in a tabular file created by spreadsheet software such as Excel®.

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

[0029] The layout is primarily depicted in Figure 2 using thick lines and arrows. In this embodiment, the elements that constitute the layout are called parsing objects. In this embodiment, the parsing objects include a cell parser 91, a header connector 92, a sequence connector 93, and a table parser 95. However, other parsing objects may also be present. Furthermore, the layout does not have to include any or all of these parsing objects. The cell parser 91 identifies a single cell. In Figure 2, for example, cell parsers 91 are placed in cells B3, D3, B6, D6, F6, C16, C18, and C20.

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

[0031] The Key-Value button 214 is a button that provides the placement of the header connector 92 along with the preceding and succeeding cell parsers 91. When computer 1 receives a click (tap or touch) operation on the Key-Value button 214, it switches to header connection mode, which allows the header connection to be performed by the header connector 92 as a parsing operation. Heading connection mode is a mode for performing parsing operations that specify element relationships defined as key-value pairs.

[0032] For example, a user can perform an action such as clicking the Key-Value button 214, and then sequentially click cells B3 and D3 to place cell parsers 91 in cells B3 and D3, and further place header connectors 92 connecting cell B3 to cell D3.

[0033] Furthermore, when placing the table parser 95 after the header connector 92, first place the table parser 95, select the key-value button 214, click the cell that will be the header, and then select the table parser 95. This will place the header connector 92 so that the table parser 95 is the destination of the header connector 92.

[0034] Furthermore, the header connector 92 may connect three or more cell parsers 91 in sequence. In Figure 2, for example, a header connector 92 extends from cell B6 to cell D6, and then another header connector 92 extends from cell D6 to cell F6. The end of the last header connector 92 can be a table parser 95. Similar to the header connector 92 connecting two cell parsers 91, when three or more cell parsers 91 are connected in sequence, the header connector 92 can represent a header or an inclusion relationship, etc.

[0035] The Multiple cell button 215 is a button that provides the arrangement of multiple header connectors 92 together with the cell parser 91 connected by the multiple header connectors 92. When computer 1 receives a click operation on the Multiple cell button 215, it switches to a continuous header connection mode in which it can perform a continuous header connection as a parsing operation. The continuous header connection mode is a mode for performing a parsing operation that specifies element relationships defined as multiple pairs that are connected in sequence.

[0036] For example, a user might click the Multiple cell button 215, and then sequentially click cells B6, D6, and F6. This allows the cell parser 91 to be placed in cells B6, D6, and F6, and further, a header connector 92 to connect cell B6 to cell D6 and cell D6 to cell F6 to be placed.

[0037] In this case, you can indicate that you have finished selecting cells by clicking the Multiple cell button 215 again after clicking the last cell. Alternatively, if you want to place the table parser 95 after the last header connector 92, you can place the table parser 95 first, select the Multiple cell button 215, click multiple cells that will become headers, and then finally select the table parser 95 to place the header connector 92 that connects to the table parser 95.

[0038] The table parser 95 is a parsing object that specifies a table whose data content is structured in rows and columns. The table parser 95 consists of a table area 951 that represents the entire table, an item area 953 that has multiple items, and a value area 952 corresponding to each item.

[0039] In Figure 2, the table area 951 of the table parser 95 is represented by a rectangle with cells B9 and D13 as its diagonal vertices. The value area 952 is an area that shows the values ​​corresponding to each item contained in the item area 953, and is represented by a rectangle with cells C10 to D13 as its diagonal vertices.

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

[0041] As shown in the diagram, marks 11e are displayed in the upper left and lower right corners of the value area 952. Mark 11e may be a triangle, for example, represented by a black fill or diagonal patching. Mark 11e is used to distinguish the table area 951 from the value area 952.

[0042] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the value area 952 corresponding to the first item area is arranged along the row direction, but this is not the only example. For example, the value area 952 corresponding to the first item area may be arranged along the column direction. For example, if the first item area is arranged in cells C9 to F9 as "molar ratio," "grams," "stock," and "ordering source," the value area 952 will be arranged along the column direction for each item.

[0043] Specifically, the values ​​for "Ti" in the second item area are placed in cells C10 to F10, and the values ​​for "Mn" in the second item area are placed in cells C11 to F11. In this way, the value area 952 corresponding to the first item area can be arranged in the column direction. In this case, mark 11e will be displayed in cells C10 and F11.

[0044] The Table button 216 is a button that provides the placement of the table parser 95. When computer 1 receives a click operation on the Table button 216, it switches to table parsing mode, in which the table parser 95 can be placed as a parsing operation. In table parsing mode, the user performs a parsing operation by specifying the table area 951 of the table parser 95 and the value area 952 contained within the table area 951.

[0045] In this embodiment, the table parser 95 is positioned by accepting a first position and a second position defining the table area 951 from tabular data through a click or tap operation. The positioning process of the table parser 95 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0046] Alternatively, after clicking the Table button 216, the user may place the Table Parser 95 by dragging. For example, the user can specify the table area 951 (e.g., cells B9 to D13), which represents the entire table, by dragging. Next, the user can specify the value area 952 (e.g., cells C10 to D13), which represents the values, by dragging.

[0047] The sequence connector 93 is a parsing object that connects cell parsers 91 together and represents the order in the direction indicated by the arrow. In Figure 2, for example, the sequence connector 93 is shown by an arrow extending from cell C16 to cell C18 and an arrow extending from cell C18 to cell C20 for cell parsers 91 placed in cells C16, C18, and C20. In this embodiment, the sequence connector 93 has a V-shaped arrowhead to distinguish it from the header connector 92.

[0048] The Order button 217 is a button for sequentially connecting multiple cell parsers 91 using multiple sequence connectors 93. When the computer 1 receives a click on the Order button 217, it switches to a sequence connection mode in which it can perform a sequence connection as a parsing operation. The sequence connection mode is a mode for performing a parsing operation that specifies element relationships defined as multiple cell parsers 91 connected by sequence connectors 93 in a predetermined order.

[0049] For example, a user might click the Order button 217, and then sequentially click cells C16, C18, and C20. This allows cell parsers 91 to be placed in cells C16, C18, and C20, and sequential connectors 93 to connect cell C16 to cell C18 and cell C18 to cell C20.

[0050] These parse objects are included in the layout corresponding to the tabular data, and are stored as a layout file in the large-capacity storage unit 17 of computer 1 by operations such as clicking the save button 211.

[0051] The layout file may store the layout by converting each parsed object placed in the tabular data into a string or the like. The layout includes at least one piece of information, such as first information obtained by parsing in header connection mode, second information obtained by parsing in continuous header connection mode, third information obtained by parsing in table parsing mode, and fourth information obtained by parsing in sequential connection mode.

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

[0053] The second information includes the position of each cell parser 91 connected by a header connector 92, and information regarding the order in which each cell parser 91 is connected. The third information includes the positions of the starting and ending cells of the table area 951 of the table parser 95, and the positions of the starting and ending cells of the value area 952 contained within the table area 951.

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

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

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

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

[0058] Alternatively, Table Parser 95 can be written in JSON format as follows: { "key": "Experimental data", "value": [ { "key": "Ti", "value": { "Molar ratio": 1, "grams": 10.3 "in stock", "Client": "AAA" } }, { "key": "Mn", "value": { "Molar ratio": 0.5, "grams": 7.4 "In stock": "None", "Client": "AAA" } } ] }

[0059] By performing this conversion to create semi-structured data, it becomes possible to search for and easily extract necessary information from tabular data with different layouts. Generating semi-structured data from tabular data allows for centralized storage of the generated semi-structured data.

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

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

[0062] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of accepting a parsing operation in table parsing mode. A parsing operation in table parsing mode is an operation to specify (identify) a table area 951 and a value area 952 contained within that table area 951.

[0063] Computer 1 retrieves tabular data to be specified for the table area 951 from the storage unit 12 or mass storage unit 17. Computer 1 outputs (displays) the retrieved tabular data to the layout editing area 220. When Computer 1 receives a click operation on the Table button 216, it switches to table parsing mode in which it can execute the table parser 95 as a parsing operation.

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

[0065] The first position 11a and the second position 11b are vertices at any diagonal corners of the rectangular area that forms the table area 951. In Figure 3, an example is shown where the first position 11a is in the upper left position (for example, the upper left corner of A7) and the second position 11b is in the lower right position (for example, the lower right corner of cell E23), but this is not the only example. For example, the first position 11a may be in the upper right position (for example, the upper right corner of E7) and the second position 11b may be in the lower left position (for example, the lower left corner of cell A23).

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

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

[0068] The tabular data includes an item area 953 containing multiple items and a value area 952 corresponding to each item. As shown in the figure, the items may be hierarchical. Examples of items include "Mixing," "Procedure," "Laboratory Equipment," "Reagent 1," "Reagent 2," "Reagent 3," "Reagent 4," "Reagent 5," "Display Name," "Mass [mg]," "Numbering," "Observation," and "Result." The value area 952 shows the values ​​corresponding to each item contained in the item area 953.

[0069] Specifically, when computer 1 outputs a rectangular area frame 11d, that is, after identifying the table area 951, and then receives a tap or click operation at the third position 11c, it identifies a second rectangular area that will become the value area 952 based on the coordinates of the second position 11b and the received coordinates of the third position 11c. As shown in the figure, computer 1 identifies a second rectangular area with cells C7 to E23 as the diagonal vertices (third position 11c and second position 11b), respectively.

[0070] Computer 1 displays marks 11e at the second position 11b and the third position 11c to indicate the value range 952. Mark 11e may be a triangle, for example, represented by a blacked-out shape or diagonal patching. Mark 11e is not limited to a triangle; it may also be represented by a circle, square, diamond shape, icon, or image.

[0071] The above-described process enables a parsing operation that specifies (identifies) the table area 951 of the table parser 95 shown in Figure 2, and the value area 952 contained within the table area 951.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0079] The control unit 11 displays (outputs) the converted semi-structured data using the display unit 15 (step S110). The control unit 11 then terminates the process.

[0080] Note that while Figure 4 illustrates an example of outputting semi-structured data including a table parser 95 with a value area 952, the process is not limited to this. For example, if a value area 952 does not exist or is not specified, semi-structured data including a table parser 95 with only an item area 953 may be output. As an example, semi-structured data including a table parser 95 with only an item area 953 (for example, cells A7 to B23) can be output as follows: {"mixed": { "Instruction Manual": [ { "key": "Procedure document item", "value": [ { "key": "Laboratory equipment", "value": [] },{ "key": "Reagent 1", "value": [ { "display name": [], "Mass[mg]": [] } ×××××× It could also be}.

[0081] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of a subroutine that accepts a parsing operation in table parsing mode. The control unit 11 of computer 1 accepts click or tap operations on a first position 11a and a second position 11b to define the target table area 951 via the input unit 14 (step S01). Based on the coordinates of the accepted first position 11a and second position 11b, the control unit 11 identifies the table area 951 (step S02).

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

[0083] The control unit 11 displays (outputs) marks 11e (for example, triangles shown by black filling or diagonal patching) at the second position 11b and the third position 11c to indicate the value area 952 (step S06). The control unit 11 finishes the subroutine for receiving the parsing operation in table parsing mode and returns.

[0084] Next, we will explain the process of modifying the table area 951 or the value area 952 by accepting drag operations on the rectangular area frame 11d and the mark 11e while the rectangular area frame 11d and the mark 11e have been output.

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

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

[0087] Note that while Figure 6 illustrates an example where the upper frame of the rectangular area frame 11d is moved vertically from bottom to top, this is not the only example. For instance, computer 1 may move the upper frame of the rectangular area frame 11d vertically from top to bottom. Alternatively, computer 1 may move the lower frame of the rectangular area frame 11d (for example, the frame line connecting the lower left corner of cell A23 to the lower right corner of cell E23) vertically (from bottom to top, or from top to bottom).

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

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

[0090] When computer 1 receives a drag operation on mark 11e, it obtains the coordinates of the second position 11b or the third position 11c corresponding to the moved mark 11e obtained by the drag operation. Based on the obtained coordinates of the second position 11b or the third position 11c, computer 1 modifies the value range 952.

[0091] As shown in the figure, computer 1 moves the mark 11e, located in the upper left corner of cell C7, from its original position in the upper left corner of cell C7 to its modified position in the upper left corner of cell C1. The modified value area 952 is represented by a rectangle with cells C1 and E23 as diagonal vertices. Note that while Figure 6 illustrates the movement of the mark 11e in the upper left corner of cell C7, the same method can be applied to the movement of the mark 11e in the lower right corner of cell E23.

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

[0093] Next, we will explain the process of simultaneously modifying the table area 951 and the value area 952 by accepting a double-click or double-tap operation on the rectangular area frame 11d while the rectangular area frame 11d has been output.

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

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

[0096] Although Figure 7 illustrates an example of moving the upper frame of the rectangular area frame 11d, the same principle can be applied to moving the lower frame, left frame, right frame, or corners of the rectangular area frame 11d.

[0097] In other words, when the rectangular area frame 11d is dragged and moved, the associated mark 11e also moves simultaneously. This maintains the positional relationship between the rectangular area frame 11d and the mark 11e, allowing the table area 951 and the value area 952 to be modified at the same time.

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

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

[0100] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure when accepting modifications to the table area 951 or the value area 952. Note that components that overlap with those in Figure 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted. The control unit 11 of computer 1 identifies the table area 951 and the value area 952 (step S111). Note that the process for identifying the table area 951 and the value area 952 is the same as in Embodiment 1, and therefore its explanation is omitted.

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

[0102] If the coordinates of the first position 11a or the second position 11b are updated (YES in step S113), the control unit 11 modifies the table area 951 based on the coordinates of the first position 11a and the coordinates of the second position 11b (step S114). The control unit 11 updates the position of the rectangular area frame 11d that indicates the modified table area 951 (step S115).

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

[0104] If the mark 11e is moved (YES in step S116), the control unit 11 modifies the value area 952 based on the coordinates of the second position 11b or the third position 11c corresponding to the moved mark 11e (step S117). The control unit 11 updates the position of the draggable mark 11e in the modified value area 952 (step S118). The control unit 11 executes the process in step S108.

[0105] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure when simultaneous modification of the table area 951 and the value area 952 is accepted. Note that components that overlap with those in Figure 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted. The control unit 11 of computer 1 identifies the table area 951 and the value area 952 (step S121). The control unit 11 accepts a double-click on the rectangular area frame 11d via the input unit 14 (step S122). The control unit 11 may also accept a double-tap operation on the rectangular area frame 11d via the input unit 14.

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

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

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

[0109] The control unit 11 updates the screen containing the modified table area 951 and value area 952 (step S126). The control unit 11 then executes the process in step S108.

[0110] According to this embodiment, the first position 11a and the second position 11b that define the table area 951 make it possible to identify the table area 951 from tabular data.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0117] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims, not in the sense described above, and all modifications are intended to be in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0118] The matters described in each embodiment can be combined with each other. Furthermore, the independent and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any combination, regardless of the form of reference. In addition, the claims use a form in which claims referencing two or more other claims (multi-claim form), but are not limited to this. A form in which multi-claims referencing at least one multi-claim (multi-multi-claim) may also be used. [Explanation of Symbols]

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

Claims

1. Output tabular data, The tabular data accepts a first position and a second position that define the table area, A table is defined using the group of elements within the rectangular region specified by the first and second positions received. The position of the heading element indicating the heading included in the aforementioned tabular data is accepted. The system accepts the specification of the connection relationship between the aforementioned header element and the aforementioned table. Based on the table, the header elements, and the connection relationships, semi-structured data is output that includes a structure representing the correspondence between the header elements and the table. A program that instructs a computer to perform a process.

2. The aforementioned tabular data includes an item area having multiple items and a value area corresponding to each item. Accepts a third position that defines the value region, The system outputs semi-structured data including the table having a value region defined by the group of elements within the second rectangular region specified by the third and second positions. The program according to claim 1.

3. Output buttons to define the table area, After receiving the operation of the aforementioned button, the first position to the third position is received, Output the rectangular region frame specified by the first position and the second position, Output marks to the third and second positions. The program according to claim 2.

4. With the rectangular area frame and the mark output, the modified table and value area are identified by accepting drag operations on the rectangular area frame and the mark. Output semi-structured data including a modified table with modified value ranges. The program according to claim 3.

5. With the aforementioned rectangular area frame displayed, the system accepts a double-click or double-tap operation on the rectangular area frame. After this operation, by accepting an accompanying drag operation that moves the mark along with the movement of the rectangular area frame, the modified table and value area are identified. Output semi-structured data including a modified table with modified value ranges. The program according to claim 3.

6. Output tabular data, The tabular data accepts a first position and a second position that define the table area, A table is defined using the group of elements within the rectangular region specified by the first and second positions received. The position of the heading element indicating the heading included in the aforementioned tabular data is accepted. The system accepts the specification of the connection relationship between the aforementioned header element and the aforementioned table. Based on the table, the header elements, and the connection relationships, semi-structured data is output that includes a structure representing the correspondence between the header elements and the table. An information processing method in which a computer performs the processing.

7. An information processing device comprising a control unit, The control unit, Output tabular data, The tabular data accepts a first position and a second position that define the table area, A table is defined using the group of elements within the rectangular region specified by the first and second positions received. The position of the heading element indicating the heading included in the aforementioned tabular data is accepted. The system accepts the specification of the connection relationship between the aforementioned header element and the aforementioned table. Based on the table, the header elements, and the connection relationships, semi-structured data is output that includes a structure representing the correspondence between the header elements and the table. Information processing device.

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