Application delivery device, application delivery method, and application delivery program

Abstract

To provide an application provision apparatus, an application provision method, and an application provision program that can improve development efficiency in low-code development by defining and enabling reuse of control patterns that are further included inside common controls in which control patterns are defined.SOLUTION: A common control on the inner side of a range-optional common control is generated, a normal control corresponding to the common control is added to control information, a property reference portion of the range-optional common control included in the control information is converted into the normal control, the common control on the inner side is converted into the normal control in accordance with conversion logic of each common control, and a record of the range-optional common control is deleted from the control information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an application providing device, an application providing method, and an application providing program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the same definition information as a production application is registered, a prototype application with a standardized UI (User Interface) is created at a stage before the details of the production application are completed, and omissions and gaps in the output results of the production application are detected from the difference between the two during development of the production application.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, in low-code development, there is a problem that functions of an application are patterned, and not only reusable settings are stored as an independent definition called a common control, but also it is impossible to further set a common control arranged inside the common control.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an application providing device, an application providing method, and an application providing program capable of improving development efficiency by defining and making reusable a control pattern further included inside a common control in which control patterns are defined in low-code development.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the application providing device according to the present invention is an application providing device comprising a storage unit and a control unit, wherein the storage unit comprises a common control definition management table which stores common control definitions set by linking common control definition IDs, common control types, and common control settings for common controls common to multiple business applications, and a definition management table which stores control information including a management definition ID, a control identification name for each control, a control type, the common control definition ID, and the common control settings for the common controls common to multiple business applications, and development application storage means which stores these, wherein the control unit comprises execution means which executes the startup of the business application in response to a startup instruction by an application user, wherein the execution means reads the application information of the business application from the definition management table in response to the startup instruction, and sets the control information set in the definition management table to a range of arbitrary common controls If the control record of the rule is included, a common control inside the range-arbitrary common control is generated according to the common control definition ID of the range-arbitrary common control set in the common control definition management table, the control record of the normal control corresponding to the common control is added to the control information set in the definition management table, the property references of the range-arbitrary common control included in the control information set in the definition management table are converted to normal controls, if the control information for display switching according to radio buttons is set in the definition management table, the condition information set by associating the condition name, condition type, and condition expression for display switching according to the radio button, and the business rule information set by associating the business rule type, the condition name, and the business rule reflection destination are stored in the development application storage means, and the inner common control is converted to a normal control according to the conversion logic of each common control.This method is characterized by deleting the record of the range-specific common control from the control information set in the definition management table.

[0007] Furthermore, the application provisioning device according to the present invention is characterized in that the control unit further comprises setting means for registering the common control definition in the common control definition management table when a definition registration instruction is set by a developer on the common control setting screen.

[0008] Furthermore, in the application provisioning device according to the present invention, the setting means is further characterized in that, when the developer places the range-arbitrary common control on the business application creation screen via the UI, it registers the control record of the range-arbitrary common control in the control information set in the definition management table.

[0009] Furthermore, the application provision method according to the present invention is an application provision method to be executed by an application provision device comprising a storage unit and a control unit, wherein the storage unit comprises a common control definition management table which stores common control definitions set by linking a common control definition ID, a common control type, and common control settings for common controls common to multiple business applications, and a definition management table which stores control information including a management definition ID, a control identification name for each control, a control type, the common control definition ID, and the common control settings for various arguments, and development application storage means which stores such a table, and the control unit executes an execution step which executes the business application in response to an application user's startup instruction, wherein in the execution step, in response to the startup instruction, the application information of the business application is read from the definition management table and the control set in the definition management table If the information includes the control record of the range-arbitrary common control, the common control inside the range-arbitrary common control is generated according to the common control definition ID of the range-arbitrary common control set in the common control definition management table, the control record of the normal control corresponding to the common control is added to the control information set in the definition management table, the property references of the range-arbitrary common control included in the control information set in the definition management table are converted to normal controls, if the control information for display switching according to radio buttons is set in the definition management table, the condition information set by linking the condition name, condition type, and condition expression for display switching according to the radio button, and the business rule information set by linking the business rule type, the condition name, and the business rule reflection destination are stored in the development application storage means, and the inner common control is converted according to the conversion logic of each common control.The method is characterized by converting the control to a normal control and deleting the record of the range-specific common control from the control information set in the definition management table.

[0010] Furthermore, the application provision program according to the present invention is an application provision program to be executed by an application provision device comprising a storage unit and a control unit, wherein the storage unit comprises a common control definition management table which stores common control definitions set by linking common control definition IDs, common control types, and common control settings for common controls common to multiple business applications, and a definition management table which stores control information including a management definition ID, a control identification name for each control, a control type, the common control definition ID, and the common control settings for the common controls, including various arguments, and development application storage means which stores these, and the control unit executes an execution step which executes the business application in response to a startup instruction from an application user, wherein in the execution step, in response to the startup instruction, the application of the business application is selected from the definition management table The system reads the information, and if the control information set in the definition management table includes the control record of a range-arbitrary common control, it generates a common control inside the range-arbitrary common control according to the common control definition ID of the range-arbitrary common control set in the common control definition management table, adds the control record of the normal control corresponding to the common control to the control information set in the definition management table, converts the property references of the range-arbitrary common control included in the control information set in the definition management table to normal controls, and if the definition management table has the control information for display switching according to radio buttons, it stores the condition information set by associating the condition name, condition type, and condition expression for display switching according to the radio buttons, as well as the business rule information set by associating the business rule type, the condition name, and the business rule reflection destination, in the development application storage means.The internal common controls are converted to normal controls according to the conversion logic of each common control, and the records of the range-arbitrary common controls are deleted from the control information set in the definition management table. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present invention provides the effect of improving configuration efficiency in low-code development by incorporating and reusing control patterns. Furthermore, the present invention enables the normalization of information that users developing with low-code products must configure, enabling intuitive and simple configuration, thereby improving maintainability, which is particularly important in large-scale development. In addition, the present invention not only improves user convenience but also reduces system development costs and improves maintainability. Furthermore, the present invention provides the effect of setting external common controls that can specify the definition of specific types of common controls internally. Furthermore, the present invention provides the effect of defining generalizable patterns that allow for the generalization of external UI and logic patterns, and entrusting the specification of internal common controls and parameter settings to developers, while standardizing the overall operation, and allowing for detailed behavior to be changed according to the characteristics of the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. Furthermore, the present invention provides the effect of making the internal structure more generalizable by dynamically deriving the necessary parameter settings according to the specified common controls. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of application development using common controls. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of application development using common controls. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of application development using common controls. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the application providing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of arbitrary-range common control according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of application providing processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of application providing processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of application providing processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of application providing processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of application providing processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of application providing processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of application providing processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of application providing processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the application providing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the application providing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of application providing processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of application providing processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of application providing processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 19]Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of application provision processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of application provision processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of application provision processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of application provision processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of application provision processing according to the present embodiment. [Description of Embodiments]

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited by the present embodiment.

[0014] [1. Overview] First, an overview of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams illustrating an example of application development using common controls.

[0015] Conventionally, in low-code development, screen control arrangement and processing flow (logic) definition for each control are performed on a GUI definition basis. While such GUI-based development allows intuitive and easy setting, there are also restrictions on the definable forms. For example, when defining a complex screen structure, detailed individual settings for each control are indispensable. In cases such as an ERP system where the same screen configuration elements are very commonly used across multiple screens, similar settings need to be performed according to the screens to be defined, which requires redundant setting management during development and imposes redundant development work on application developers.

[0016] Therefore, the applicant addressed the issue of the sheer volume of settings by extracting commonly required setting elements for the master search function on each screen, providing a mechanism to save and use them as independent definitions on the low-code development platform. Here, the applicant refers to the defined controls as "common controls." Common controls are a mechanism that reduces the setting cost for each screen by patterning control groups and logic for general functions and reusing them as needed. For example, in the case of a code search type, the input text + search button / label set is individually componentized as a set for each data acquisition API logic, resulting in a unified UI layout and behavior that can be reused.

[0017] However, in traditional large-scale ERP development, the size of the entire application screen, the number of fields, and the number of jobs have been problematic. Due to the nature of large-scale ERP development, in order to improve usability, emphasis has been placed on standardizing numerous applications according to their purpose and screen type, depending on the characteristics of the business system. As a result, many screens with somewhat similar configuration patterns incorporating common controls have been prepared according to the characteristics of the business system, which has led to challenges in development productivity, maintainability, and quality. For example, traditionally, many screens with somewhat similar configuration patterns appear for things like the header of a slip input or the range specification of a search / output. If the components are exactly the same, it is fine to inherit the entire common range from the master page, but it was not possible to handle cases where each screen differs slightly or the data being referenced is different. Also, traditionally, it was necessary to meticulously configure the UI and logic patterns that frequently appear in ERP systems for each situation in which they are to be used. When reusing UI and logic patterns, including standardized patterns, across multiple screens, a multiplicative setting of "type of control × usage form to be partially structured" was required.

[0018] Therefore, even if the reference data used for code searches etc. differs, if viewed locally, such as range specification / arbitrary specification, they can be classified into screen patterns with the same configuration. If multiple common controls specific to a particular purpose can be absorbed and each substructure such as range specification / arbitrary specification can be standardized, it is expected that reusability will be further increased, and individual development settings and test patterns can be significantly reduced.

[0019] Therefore, this embodiment provides a mechanism for creating new common controls that allows for the reuse of internal definitions by specifying pre-configured common control definitions. In this embodiment, only the outer (box) structure is provided, following control patterns that frequently occur in ERP systems, allowing developers to freely select the types of common controls to be placed inside. Furthermore, in this embodiment, parameter settings specified on the screen during development are dynamically derived from the configured common control definitions and can be set. In addition, in this embodiment, the number of patterns does not increase exponentially by reusing the outer control definition in each screen definition of the application.

[0020] In this embodiment, the low-code development tool used is divided into a development phase and a usage phase.

[0021] First, (1) the "development phase" is the stage in which developers develop business applications using low-code development tools (low-code development platform). In low-code development, the development mainly involves setting up the layout of the application screen and a series of event processing (actions, logic flows) that occur when the layout is manipulated. Finally, the UI part of the business application is generated by linking the layout and logic flows. In this phase, the main settings are as follows: (A) "Layout development" sets up the screen layout of the business application. Also, (B) "Logic flow and action development" sets up the processing part of the business application. In low-code development tools, processing in business applications can be set in units called actions (the linking of the UI part and business logic is also done through these actions), and the order in which a series of actions are processed can be set by connecting actions with flows (this setting of the processing order of actions is called a logic flow). Furthermore, regarding (B-2) "Special action settings for calling business logic," in low-code development, developers only create the business logic part through individual programming work, etc., while the UI part is generated by operating the low-code development tool. Furthermore, in order to call business logic from the UI side, developers need to convert the created business logic into an API and register it in the API master. The business logic is then executed by calling the API registered in the API master from the API call action. In addition, (C) "Integration of layout and logic flow" is configured to assign the logic flow of (B) to the layout set in (A).

[0022] Furthermore, (2) the "usage stage" is the stage in which the low-code development tool (low-code execution platform) analyzes the registered business application settings and converts them into business applications, allowing business operators (users) to operate the business applications. The operational tests conducted before delivery are also performed on the created business applications.

[0023] Furthermore, in the mechanism that forms the basis of this embodiment, which the applicant has provided in the past, control groups and logic for general functions are patterned and saved as independent definitions on the low-code development platform, thereby enabling the reuse of defined patterns as needed. This function is collectively referred to as "common controls," and the saved definitions are referred to as "common control definitions." Here, application development using common controls proceeds according to the procedures of "I. Development Phase" "(A) Registration of Common Control Definitions" and "(B) Use of Common Control Definitions in Application Settings," and "II. Conversion of Common Control Information in the Usage Phase."

[0024] Here, as shown in Figure 1, in the mechanism that underlies this embodiment, common control definitions are stored in the common control definition management table of the development application DB. Here, as shown in Figure 1, in the mechanism that underlies this embodiment, the common control definition management table manages data corresponding to the common control type and the settings of the common control within the definition. The "Definition ID" is key information that is automatically assigned when the UI definition is created, the "Definition Name" is the name that the developer assigns when the UI definition is created, the "Common Control Type" is a value determined by the type of common control, such as "1" for a code search type common control, "2" for an arbitrary search type common control, ... "5" for a range arbitrary type common control, etc., and the "Data" is the settings of the common control.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, in the mechanism that underlies this embodiment, the common control is placed on the application based on the common control definition registered in (A), the registered information is saved in the development application DB, and when using the developed application, the definition information set in the business application DB is made public, and the setting information in (A) and (B) is analyzed on the low-code execution platform when the application is executed and converted into a definition that can be used by the application. Here, in the mechanism that underlies this embodiment, there are necessary on-screen parameters for each common control, and these are set from the properties.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the common controls generated within the application are special controls that integrate multiple controls. Since these common controls do not function as controls within the application in their original configuration, the mechanism underlying this embodiment uses a common control definition. When a UI definition using a common control is launched, the system reads the information related to the common control set in the definition management table, converts the common control information into a regular control, and automatically generates information such as the logic flow associated with those controls, thereby enabling the application to be used by the application user. Here, as shown in Figure 3, in the mechanism underlying this embodiment, the contents set in the development application DB are exposed to the business application DB.

[0027] [2. Structure] An example of the configuration of the application providing device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the application providing device 100 in this embodiment.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the application provider 100 is a commercially available desktop personal computer. However, the application provider 100 is not limited to a stationary information processing device such as a desktop personal computer, but may also be a portable information processing device such as a commercially available notebook personal computer, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), smartphone, or tablet personal computer.

[0029] The application provider 100 comprises a control unit 102, a communication interface unit 104, a storage unit 106, and an input / output interface unit 108. Each part of the application provider 100 is connected to communicate via any communication path.

[0030] The communication interface unit 104 connects the application provider 100 to the network 300 via communication devices such as routers and wired or wireless communication lines such as dedicated lines, enabling communication between the two devices. The communication interface unit 104 also has the function of communicating data with other devices via communication lines. Here, the network 300 has the function of connecting the application provider 100 and the server 200 so that they can communicate with each other, and is, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0031] The input / output interface unit 108 is connected to an input device 112 and an output device 114. The output device 114 can be a monitor (including a touch panel), a speaker, or a printer. The input device 112 can be a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, or a monitor that works in conjunction with a mouse to provide pointing device functionality. In the following, the output device 114 may be referred to as the monitor 114 or printer 114, and the input device 112 may be referred to as the keyboard 112 or mouse 112.

[0032] The memory unit 106 stores various databases, tables, and files. The memory unit 106 also stores computer programs that work in cooperation with the OS (Operating System) to give instructions to the CPU (Central Processing Unit) to perform various processes. The memory unit 106 can be, for example, a memory device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, or an optical disk. The memory unit 106 includes a development application database 106a and a business application database 106b.

[0033] The development application database 106a is a database used by developers to manage application settings (a database in which developers manage application settings during development) and stores development data for business applications. Here, the development application database 106a may also store a common control definition management table that registers common control definitions set by linking common control definition IDs, common control types, and common control settings for common controls common to multiple business applications, and a definition management table that sets control information including a management definition ID, a control identifier name for each control, a control type, a common control definition ID, and control records that link common control settings including various arguments.

[0034] The business application database 106b is a database for managing application settings used by business operators (users) (a database that manages application settings that business operators refer to when using business applications), and stores business applications.

[0035] The control unit 102 is a CPU or the like that comprehensively controls the application providing device 100. The control unit 102 has internal memory for storing control programs such as the OS, programs that define various processing procedures, and required data, and executes various information processing based on these stored programs. Functionally, the control unit 102 comprises a setting unit 102a and an execution unit 102b.

[0036] The configuration unit 102a performs settings related to the provision of business applications. Here, if a developer sets a definition registration instruction on the common control settings screen, the configuration unit 102a may register the common control definition in the common control definition management table. Also, if a developer places a common control with an arbitrary range on the business application creation screen via the UI, the configuration unit 102a may register the control record of the common control with an arbitrary range in the control information set in the definition management table.

[0037] The execution unit 102b provides a business application. Here, the execution unit 102b may start the business application in response to a startup instruction from the application user. Furthermore, in response to a startup instruction, the execution unit 102b reads application information of the business application from the definition management table, and if the control information set in the definition management table includes control records of a range-arbitrary common control, it generates an inner common control of the range-arbitrary common control according to the common control definition ID of the range-arbitrary common control set in the common control definition management table, adds the control record of the normal control corresponding to the common control to the control information set in the definition management table, converts the property references of the range-arbitrary common control included in the control information set in the definition management table to normal controls, and if the definition management table has control information for display switching according to radio buttons, it stores the condition information set by associating the condition name, condition type, and condition expression for display switching according to the radio buttons, as well as the business rule information set by associating the business rule type, condition name, and business rule reflection destination, in the development application storage means, converts the inner common control to a normal control according to the conversion logic of each common control, and deletes the record of the range-arbitrary common control from the control information set in the definition management table.

[0038] [3. Specific Examples] A specific example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 23.

[0039] First, an example of a range-arbitrary common control in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a range-arbitrary common control in this embodiment.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, in the range-arbitrary common control in this embodiment, the definitions (boxes) of the outer control group and logic such as radio button switching are patterned and provided according to the pattern of the "range-arbitrary condition specification function," and the type of common control definition to be placed in the inner input mechanism is set by the developer. Here, as shown in Figure 5, in the range-arbitrary common control in this embodiment, the outer UI and logic are the same as conventional common controls, but the inner common control is set by the developer, so that a general-purpose pattern can be defined that allows for fine-tuning of behavior according to the characteristics of the ERP system.

[0041] [Application provisioning process] Here, an example of the development stage in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 13. Figures 6 to 13 are diagrams showing an example of the application provision process in this embodiment.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the common controls for code search and arbitrary search require that definitions be registered in advance. Since the ERP system creates a vast number of these definitions depending on the number of corresponding masters and their operating methods, it is assumed that they are often already registered. Therefore, the common control definitions are stored in the common control definition management table of the development application database (DB) 106a, and the data corresponding to the type of common control and the settings of the common control within the definition are managed in the common control definition management table.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, when setting a common control definition, the developer clicks the Common Controls tab on the menu screen (Common Controls List screen) of the low-code development tool, selects "Arbitrary Range," and clicks "Create New," thereby launching the definition creation settings screen (Common Controls Settings screen).

[0044] As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, (A-1) the "Arbitrary Range Common Control" uses the "Code Search Common Control" and the "Arbitrary Search Common Control" as internal common controls. Therefore, it is necessary to link and configure the definitions of each common control. The control information of the defined "Code Search Common Control" is obtained from the Common Control Definition Management Table and displayed in a list for configuration. As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, (A-2) the configured "Code Search Common Control" is used as a control under the Range Panel (since "From / To" represents a range, the same common control is used, so only one specification screen is needed). The defined "Arbitrary Search Common Control" is obtained from the Common Control Definition Management Table, displayed in a list for configuration, and the configured "Arbitrary Search Common Control" is used as a control for arbitrary searches.

[0045] As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, the configured definitions are saved in the development application DB106a. In this way, the definition setting is extremely simple, as it only requires specifying what to put inside.

[0046] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, in this embodiment, (B) as a setting for using the registered common control definition (arbitrary common control within the business area) within the application, the arbitrary common control can be placed on the screen by drag and drop, just like a normal control. In this case, the appearance of the internal common control part (control group) is derived from the common controls for code search and arbitrary search that were set during definition registration.

[0047] As shown in Figure 12, in this embodiment, by deriving the properties that need to be set from the internal common controls, developers can specify properties and configure settings corresponding to the parameters on the screen.

[0048] As shown in Figure 13, in this embodiment, the registered information is stored in the development application DB106a.

[0049] Next, an example of the usage stage in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 23. Figures 14 and 15 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing of the application providing device 100 in this embodiment. Figures 16 to 23 are diagrams showing an example of the application providing process in this embodiment.

[0050] The execution unit 102b performs the steps shown in Figures 14 and 15 to analyze the business application settings registered to the low-code development tool (low-code execution platform side) and convert them into business applications when the user is using the business application. Here, as shown in Figure 15, the conversion of internal common controls is reused by calling the conversion logic of each common control.

[0051] In other words, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, in this embodiment, the inner common control is generated by referencing each definition in the common control definition management table based on the ID in the range arbitrary common control definition (Step 1 in Figure 14).

[0052] As shown in Figure 18, in this embodiment, if a "range-arbitrary common control" is used, it is converted to the target of the business rule (Step 2 in Figure 14). Here, although it was set as a value for a common control (range-arbitrary common control) in the settings of the low-code development tool, when used as an application, it is treated as a group of normal controls after conversion. Also, in this embodiment, since the child controls (inner) can be hidden by hiding the parent control (outer), it is not necessary to specify all controls after conversion.

[0053] As shown in Figure 19, in this embodiment, conditions and business rules are added to enable the display switching of the filtering function using range / arbitrary radio buttons (Step 3 in Figure 14). Here, as shown in Figure 19, in this embodiment, this setting enables the operation (display / hide) when the business application is executed.

[0054] Then, as shown in Figures 20 to 23, in this embodiment, according to the conversion logic of each common control, the internal common control is converted to a normal control (step 4 in Figure 14), and the setting information in the definition management table is converted (added / deleted) by deleting the range-arbitrary common control from the control information (step 5 in Figure 14).

[0055] In this embodiment, following the conversion logic for common controls described above, the common controls are assigned to normal controls and associated logic flows. As a result, the low-code execution platform performs the process of launching the document list screen (step 6 in Figure 14) according to the UI definition after conversion of the setting information in the definition management table, and then terminates the process.

[0056] Thus, while conventional methods required individual configuration by developers, in this embodiment, the equivalent content to the result of complex, redundant development settings for each screen is automatically generated, making it possible to operate as a normal business application. Therefore, in this embodiment, in low-code development, development efficiency can be increased by defining and reusing control patterns contained within a common control that defines control patterns. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since similar settings are not individually configured, the correct operation of controls and logic flows automatically generated by the common control is guaranteed without having to perform the same operational checks for each screen and control. This improves the overall quality and maintainability of a large group of applications such as ERP, and enables early product development including complex screen structures.

[0057] [4. Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] This embodiment can contribute to improving operational efficiency and promoting appropriate management decisions by companies, thereby contributing to SDGs Goals 8 and 9.

[0058] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to reducing waste and promoting paperless and digital processes, thereby contributing to SDGs Goals 12, 13, and 15.

[0059] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to strengthening control and governance, thereby enabling contributions to SDG Goal 16.

[0060] [5. Other Embodiments] In addition to the embodiments described above, the present invention may be implemented in various different embodiments within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims.

[0061] For example, among the processes described in the embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods.

[0062] Furthermore, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including parameters such as registration data and search conditions for each process, screen examples, and database configuration shown in this specification and in the drawings may be changed at will unless otherwise specified.

[0063] Furthermore, with respect to the application providing device 100, each component shown in the illustration is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown.

[0064] For example, the processing functions of the application provider 100, particularly those performed by the control unit 102, may be implemented in whole or in part by a CPU and a program interpreted and executed by the CPU, or they may be implemented as wired logic hardware. The program is recorded on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium containing programmed instructions for causing the information processing device to execute the processing described in this embodiment, and is mechanically read by the application provider 100 as needed. That is, a storage unit such as ROM or HDD (Hard Disk Drive) contains a computer program that works in cooperation with the OS to give instructions to the CPU and perform various processing tasks. This computer program is executed by being loaded into RAM and works in cooperation with the CPU to constitute the control unit.

[0065] Furthermore, this computer program may be stored on an application program server connected to the application provider 100 via any network, and it is possible to download all or part of it as needed.

[0066] Furthermore, the program for executing the processing described in this embodiment may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium, or it may be configured as a program product. Here, "recording medium" includes any "portable physical medium" such as memory cards, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, SD (Secure Digital) cards, flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, EPROMs (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROMs (Registered Trademark) (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), MOs (Magneto-Optical disks), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), and Blu-ray (Registered Trademark) Discs.

[0067] Furthermore, "program" refers to a data processing method described in any language or writing method, regardless of its format, such as source code or binary code. Note that "program" is not necessarily limited to a single, monolithic structure; it also includes distributed structures consisting of multiple modules or libraries, and those that work in cooperation with other programs, such as an operating system, to achieve their functions. Regarding the specific configuration and reading procedures for reading the recording medium in each device shown in this embodiment, as well as the installation procedures after reading, well-known configurations and procedures can be used.

[0068] The various databases stored in the memory unit 106 include memory devices such as RAM and ROM, fixed disk devices such as hard disks, flexible disks, and optical disks, and store various programs, tables, databases, and web page files used for various processes and website provision.

[0069] Furthermore, the application providing device 100 may be configured as a known personal computer or workstation or other information processing device, or as an information processing device to which any peripheral devices are connected. Alternatively, the application providing device 100 may be implemented by installing software (including programs or data, etc.) on the device that enables the processing described in this embodiment.

[0070] Furthermore, the specific forms of distribution and integration of the devices are not limited to those shown in the figures, and all or part of them can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating them in any unit according to various additions or functional loads. In other words, the embodiments described above may be implemented in any combination, or the embodiments may be implemented selectively. [Industrial applicability]

[0071] This invention is useful in industries such as the machinery industry, steel industry, food industry, chemical industry, trading company industry, distribution and retail industry, IT media industry, construction industry, real estate industry, and the financial industry, including non-bank financial institutions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 100 Application-Providing Devices 102 Control Unit 102a Settings section 102b Execution Unit 104 Communication Interface Section 106 Storage section 106a Development application database 106b Business Application Database 108 Input / Output Interface Section 112 Input device 114 Output device 200 servers 300 Networks

Claims

1. An application providing device comprising a storage unit and a control unit, The aforementioned storage unit is A development application storage means that stores a common control definition management table which registers common control definitions that link common control definition IDs, common control types, and common control settings for common controls common to multiple business applications, and a definition management table which links control information including a management definition ID, a control identification name for each control, a control type, the common control definition ID, and the common control settings including various arguments, and a control record which links these common control settings. Equipped with, The control unit, An execution means that executes the startup of the business application in response to a startup command from the application user. Equipped with, The aforementioned execution means is In response to the aforementioned startup instruction, the application information of the business application is read from the definition management table. If the control information set in the definition management table includes the control record of a range-arbitrary common control, then, according to the common control definition ID of the range-arbitrary common control set in the common control definition management table, a common control inside the range-arbitrary common control is generated, and the control record of the normal control corresponding to that common control is added to the control information set in the definition management table. The property references of the range-optional common controls included in the control information set in the definition management table are converted to normal controls. If the control information for display switching corresponding to radio buttons is set in the definition management table, the condition information set by linking the condition name, condition type, and condition expression for display switching corresponding to the radio button, as well as the business rule information set by linking the business rule type, the condition name, and the business rule reflection destination, are stored in the development application storage means. The aforementioned internal common controls are converted to normal controls according to the conversion logic of each of the aforementioned common controls. An application provider characterized by deleting the record of the range-arbitrary common control from the control information set in the definition management table.

2. The control unit, When a developer sets a definition registration instruction on the common control settings screen, a setting means registers the common control definition in the common control definition management table. The application providing device according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

3. The setting means is, Furthermore, the application providing device according to claim 2, characterized in that when the developer places the range-arbitrary common control on the business application creation screen via the UI, the control record of the range-arbitrary common control is registered in the control information set in the definition management table.

4. An application provision method for causing an application provision device, which comprises a storage unit and a control unit, to execute an application, The aforementioned storage unit is A development application storage means that stores a common control definition management table which registers common control definitions that link common control definition IDs, common control types, and common control settings for common controls common to multiple business applications, and a definition management table which links control information including a management definition ID, a control identification name for each control, a control type, the common control definition ID, and the common control settings including various arguments, and a control record which links these common control settings. Equipped with, The control unit is executed as follows: An execution step in which the business application is launched in response to a launch instruction from the application user. Includes, In the execution step described above, In response to the aforementioned startup instruction, the application information of the business application is read from the definition management table. If the control information set in the definition management table includes the control record of a range-arbitrary common control, then, according to the common control definition ID of the range-arbitrary common control set in the common control definition management table, a common control inside the range-arbitrary common control is generated, and the control record of the normal control corresponding to that common control is added to the control information set in the definition management table. The property references of the range-optional common controls included in the control information set in the definition management table are converted to normal controls. If the control information for display switching corresponding to radio buttons is set in the definition management table, the condition information set by linking the condition name, condition type, and condition expression for display switching corresponding to the radio button, as well as the business rule information set by linking the business rule type, the condition name, and the business rule reflection destination, are stored in the development application storage means. The aforementioned internal common controls are converted to normal controls according to the conversion logic of each of the aforementioned common controls. An application provision method characterized by deleting the record of the range-arbitrary common control from the control information set in the definition management table.

5. An application provision program to be executed by an application provisioning device comprising a memory unit and a control unit, The aforementioned storage unit is A development application storage means that stores a common control definition management table which registers common control definitions that link common control definition IDs, common control types, and common control settings for common controls common to multiple business applications, and a definition management table which links control information including a management definition ID, a control identification name for each control, a control type, the common control definition ID, and the common control settings including various arguments, and a control record which links these common control settings. Equipped with, In the control unit, An execution step in which the business application is launched in response to a launch instruction from the application user. An application provider program for executing, In the execution step described above, In response to the aforementioned startup instruction, the application information of the business application is read from the definition management table. If the control information set in the definition management table includes the control record of a range-arbitrary common control, then, according to the common control definition ID of the range-arbitrary common control set in the common control definition management table, a common control inside the range-arbitrary common control is generated, and the control record of the normal control corresponding to that common control is added to the control information set in the definition management table. The property references of the range-optional common controls included in the control information set in the definition management table are converted to normal controls. If the control information for display switching corresponding to radio buttons is set in the definition management table, the condition information set by linking the condition name, condition type, and condition expression for display switching corresponding to the radio button, as well as the business rule information set by linking the business rule type, the condition name, and the business rule reflection destination, are stored in the development application storage means. The aforementioned internal common controls are converted to normal controls according to the conversion logic of each of the aforementioned common controls. An application provider program characterized by deleting the record of the range-arbitrary common control from the control information set in the definition management table.

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