JP2000242634A - INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM RECORDING PROGRAM FOR CAUSING COMPUTER TO EXECUTE THE METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To efficiently create and edit data between applications having different functions. A display control unit that displays data created by a first application on a startup screen of a second application, and a display control unit.
01 is edited by the second application 202 and then the second application 20 is edited.
When the startup of the second application 202 ends, the second application 202
Data edited by the first application 2
Holding unit 30 that holds the data created by step 01
2 is provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus for storing a shared document, reading and using the stored shared document, an information processing method, and a computer readable recording program for causing a computer to execute the method. It relates to a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a digital information society in recent years, an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer not only creates documents and data but also collects information through a network such as the Internet and processes the collected information. Things are increasing. In addition, the rapid development of memory devices has led to lower prices and larger capacities of the memory devices themselves, and more and more information has been flooded.

Along with this, in order to perform more sophisticated and complicated processing, many applications having different functions according to the application have been developed. For example, office applications include word processors,
Spreadsheets, graphic processors, etc.

[0004] These applications were originally developed as separate and independent applications,
Due to market requirements and the like, a plurality of applications having different functions are packaged and sold for convenience.

[0005]

However, in a conventional information processing apparatus equipped with a plurality of packaged applications, one data (for example, a document containing graphics) is created using a plurality of applications. To do so, one application (for example, a word processor) creates data to the extent possible with the functions of that application, saves the data once to a file, starts another application (for example, a graphics processor), and saves the saved file. Has to be read and data creation, editing, and the like must be performed continuously, and the operation is extremely complicated.

[0006] In addition, since the applications are originally independent applications, the data cannot be deleted or changed in the exchange of data between the applications, and the operator cannot create desired data. There was a point.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and therefore, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing method capable of efficiently performing data creation / editing between applications having different functions. It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the above is recorded.

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems The above-mentioned problems are solved,
In order to achieve the object, an information processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 is an information processing apparatus including first and second applications having different functions, wherein the data created by the first application is transmitted to the second application. Display control means for displaying on the start screen of the application, and when the data displayed by the display control means is edited by the second application and the start of the second application is terminated, the second application And holding means for holding the data edited by the first application as data created by the first application.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the data created by the first application is edited by another application having a different function, and the edited data is edited again by the first application. it can.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the display control means displays the data created by the first application on a start screen of the second application. And an editable area in the first application in the data displayed on the start screen of the second application.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when data created by the first application is edited by another application having a different function, it can be used as a reference for editing. By indicating the editable area, the data edited in the editable area can be edited again by the first application.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, there is further provided, among the data held by the holding means, data which is not reflected in the first application. Determination means for determining whether or not there is data which is not reflected in the first application as a result of the determination by the determination means, and a notification means for notifying that fact. .

According to the third aspect of the invention, when editing is performed again in the first application, it is prevented that data edited by the another application is not reflected against the intention of the operator. Can be.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the notifying means may be replaced with or together with a notification that there is data not reflected in the first application. And displaying the data that is not reflected.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when editing is performed again in the first application, data that is not reflected can be easily specified.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information processing method, wherein the data created by the first application is displayed on a startup screen of a second application having a function different from that of the first application. Process and
After the data displayed in the first step is edited by the second application, when the activation of the second application is terminated, the data edited by the second application is reflected on the first application. And a second step.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to edit data created by the first application in another application having a different function, and to edit the edited data again in the first application. it can.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method according to the fifth aspect, the first step includes the step of displaying the data created by the first application on a start screen of the second application. And an editable area in the first application in the data displayed on the start screen of the second application.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when data created by the first application is edited by another application having a different function, it can be used as a reference for editing. By indicating the editable area, the data edited in the editable area can be edited again by the first application.

The information processing method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the information processing method according to the fifth or sixth aspect, further comprising, among the data reflected in the second step, data not reflected in the first application. A third step of determining whether or not the data is present; and a fourth step of notifying that data which is not reflected in the first application exists as a result of the determination in the third step. It is characterized by.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when editing is performed again in the first application, it is prevented that data edited by the another application is not reflected against the intention of the operator. Can be.

Further, in the information processing method according to the invention of claim 8, in the invention of claim 7, the third step is performed in place of or in place of the notification that there is data that is not reflected in the first application. In addition, the data not reflected is displayed.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, when editing is performed again in the first application, data that is not reflected can be easily specified.

Further, the storage medium according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is:
By recording a program for causing a computer to execute the method described in claims 5 to 8, the program becomes machine-readable, whereby the operations of claims 5 to 8 can be realized by a computer. .

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an information processing apparatus, an information processing method and a computer readable recording medium according to the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The form will be described in detail.

(Embodiment) First, a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, 101 is a CPU for controlling the whole system, 102 is a ROM storing a boot program and the like, 103 is a RAM used as a work area of the CPU 101, and 104 is an HD ( A hard disk drive (HDD) 105 controls reading / writing of data from / to a hard disk 105, and an HD 105 stores data written under the control of the HDD 104.

An FDD (Floppy Disk Drive) 106 controls reading / writing of data from / to an FD (Floppy Disk) 107 under the control of the CPU 101, and a detachable 107 stores data written under the control of the FDD 106. FD of 108
Indicates a display for displaying a window relating to data such as a document, an image, and function information.

Reference numeral 109 denotes a network NET connected via a communication line 110, and the network NET
And the interface that controls the internal interface (I
/ F), 111 is a keyboard having keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, etc. 112 is a mouse for moving a cursor, selecting a range, moving a window, and changing a size, 113 Is a scanner for optically reading an image, 114 is a printer for printing contents displayed in a window, etc., 115 is a CDROM as a removable recording medium, and 116 is a CDROM for controlling reading of data from the CDROM 115. Each drive is shown. Each unit is connected by a bus 100.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an application of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an information box (database) 200 and the following installed applications.

1. 1. word processor application 201, 2. graphics processor application 202; 3. information retrieval application 203; Spreadsheet application 2
04,5. Relational database application 2
05, 6. Japanese conversion application 206.

Further, with the recent development of networks, especially the Internet, the following Internet tool applications are also included.

[7] 7. Internet mailer application 207; 8. Network-aware scheduler application 208,9. Internet browser application 20
9,10. 10. Web site patrol application 210, Dial-up application 211.

Further, the following tool applications for enhancing the cooperation of the above applications are also included.

12. 12. File search tool application 212,13. 13. Macro editing tool application 213, 14. 14. Mathematical formula creation tool application 214, 15. Font effect tool application 215,16. 16. Graph creation tool application 216, 17. 17. Continuous printing tool application 217, 18. Sentence expression encyclopedia application 218.

Next, an outline of each application will be described. (1. Word Processor Application 201) The word processor application 201 can cover a wider document life cycle by the information search application 203 mounted on the information search device according to the present embodiment.

The information search application 203 has a document creation support function based on similarity search technology, and can use this information directly from each application and use it. The contents of the information search application 203 will be described later.

In addition, a document navigation function for supporting creation of a standard document in a company realizes a standard document sharing function on a network, thereby greatly improving productivity in group work.

Further, the figure editing operation in document creation can be further simplified by the figure processor application transparent editing function which is a function cooperating with the figure processor application 202.

Next, the document navigation function will be described. The document navigation function is a function for navigating the creation of a standard document such as a report or a facsimile facsimile. The word processor application 201 changes to a word processor application most suitable for the document creation according to the type of the document to be created.

The menu is narrowed down to the one most suitable for the document, and it is also possible to display appropriate commands for document creation and advice on the contents. As a result, for example, it is possible to greatly reduce the time and effort for creating a standard document in a company.

Further, document navigation information can be shared. When you select a navigation template, only the menus necessary for the document are displayed, you can easily and quickly create the target document just by filling the contents according to the navigation, and you can share folders and files with "virtual folders" , And can be shared by multiple members. By using the information sharing function of document navigation, it is possible to share information such as correspondence, specifications, and standard documents without introducing a special groupware product.

More specifically, in addition to the “My template” sheet, there are “shared documents” and “all folders” sheets. The “shared document” sheet is a function for giving an easy-to-understand name to a folder or a file existing on a network computer or the like. By naming files and folders on the network, the word processor application 201 connected to the network can easily share the organized information.

For example, report documents as information to be shared only within a department, this week's schedule, company documents, and the like can be collectively shared in a form that can be understood at a glance. In addition, since the shared document information can be easily added or modified, bottom-up information sharing can be realized.

Next, the transparent editing function with the graphic processor application 202 will be described. The transparent editing function refers to the editing screen of the graphic processor application 202 and the word processor application 201.
Is displayed transparently as if two films were pasted together, and the graphics processor application 2
02 is a function that handles the drawing function as if it were one of the functions of the word processor application 201.

More specifically, transparent editing of the graphic processor application 202 means that the graphic processor application 202
Start application 202 and run word processor
The screen of one page of the application 201 is directly taken into the graphic processor application 202 and displayed transparently, and then freely superimposed on the document of the word processor application 201 using the function of the graphic processor application 202 from above. Is a function to create graphics.

A rich graphic expression, such as placing the drawn figure above and below the document of the word processor application 201 or transmitting the figure, which was impossible only with the simple figure function of the conventional word processor application, becomes possible. The graphic processor application 20 can be used in the creation of documents that require visual expressiveness, such as documents and reports, as well as various documents that make extensive use of illustrations.
2 can be utilized.

In addition, the accuracy of the document converter is improved,
Based on the document center concept, it can handle various types of documents distributed to offices. Documents of different word processing applications as well as RT
It supports a wide range of F (Rich Text Format) documents, spreadsheet documents, Unicode Text, and the like, and achieves higher document compatibility by directly reading word processor dedicated machine documents.

(2. Graphic Processor Application 202) The graphic processor application is graphic software capable of drawing a precise graphic with a simple interface. In offices, it is used for creating planning papers and reports with mixed characters and figures, in homes for creating cards and various guides, and in specialized fields for creating drawings and other drawings that require precision and accuracy. Can be used.

Further, it has a paint & retouch function,
Processing of images imported from digital cameras and scanners
Editing is also easy. The processed image is
It can be widely disclosed on a homepage or the like by using the function of the graphic processor application 202 corresponding to the Internet / intranet.

The graphic processor application 202 executes a series of processes in a drawing operation by:
It realizes efficient useless operation and can easily create target graphics with intuitive operation. The intuitive operation includes, for example, using a large number of attached parts, and thereby, it is possible to create a document containing drawings and illustrations as if arranging figures.
Therefore, even a novice who is unfamiliar with the operation can draw graphics as desired from the day when he started using it.

In order to realize these, the graphic processor application 202 has the following functions.

(1) Word processor / application transparent editing function, (2) Addition / extension function of other company's file converter, (3) Macro box conversion function,
(4) Paint & retouch function (photo retouch),
(5) Image data management function (Digiview), (6) Snap function, (7) Template figure function, (8) Workspace function, (9) Practical component mounting function.

(1) Word Processor Application Transparent Editing Function The transparent editing function is realized by activating the graphic processor application 202 instead of the “simple drawing” of the conventional word processor application.
This function realizes a more seamless drawing environment than in-place editing. As a result, transparent editing that further enhances the affinity with the word processor application 201 has become possible.

Word processor application 20
The function of the graphic processor application 202 can be used as it is while one document is displayed, and a detailed graphic can be drawn. Further, non-display switching can also be performed. The drawn figure can be below or above the document of the word processor application 201, and the figure can be made transparent.

Word processor application 20
A graphic created by the simple drawing function 1 can also be edited using the graphic processor application 202.
Further, the created graphic can be used as it is as a graphic of the document of the word processing application 201.

Word processor application 20
The template graphic of the graphic processor application 202 which is not included in the simple drawing 1 can also be brought to the word processor application 201. Furthermore, even if the transparent editing is started again, the graphic processor application 202 can perform editing as a template graphic.

(2) Addition / extension function of other company's file converter The graphic processor application 202 is, for example, an EPS (Encapsulated PostSc).
read) file can be read and output.
OrelDRAW 8J can also be read. Furthermore, DXF (Drawing Interchange)
Format R14. Therefore, data created by another company's product can be used as a figure of the figure processor application.

Reading an EPS file, which is frequently used in design and illustration creation work,
It can be saved in PS format. Also, Corel D
Reading drawings created with RAW 8J (Corel D
(RAW storage format is 5/6 format). Supports DXF R14 format file reading / storing, CAD in graphics processor application
The usability of the drawings can be improved.

(3) Conversion function of macro box To improve compatibility with macros, the macro box of the graphics processor application of the old version is
Can be registered as a drawing macro or system macro. As a result, the DTP (Desk Top Publish)
ing) and CAD (Computer Aided D)
productivity) can be improved.

Further, a sample macro that can be used immediately, such as creation of a simple flowchart, creation of a register mark, and simple curve drawing, is also provided. As described above, the compatibility of the macro with the graphics processor application of the old version is improved, and the existing macro assets can be effectively used. Furthermore, a tool box dedicated to a macro can be created by allocating the tool box as a part of the tool box.

(4) Paint & Retouch Function (Photo Retouch) The paint & retouch function (photo retouch) is a method for easily applying corrections and effects to images such as photographs captured using a digital camera or a scanner. It is a function that can be processed into a unique work.

(5) Image Data Management Function (Digi View) Although it is very complicated to manage images only by file name, the image data management function (Digi View) is provided by a graphic processor application. 202 parts as well as JPEG (Joint Ph
autographic Experts Group)
Format and BMP (BITMAP) format.

A list of images and parts, a necessary one is selected from the list, and the word processor application 20 is selected.
1 and the graphic processor application 202. Graphic processor application 2
02 file (jhd / jbh) can also be managed.

(6) Snap Function The snap function makes it easy to accurately point to a specific point, which has been difficult with ordinary mouse operations. Just by moving the mouse close to the figure, the pointer can be accurately placed at the closest end point, middle point, intersection, or the like. In addition, pointing to the intersection of a grid, a scale, and an auxiliary line can be performed. This realizes highly accurate drawing.

(7) Template Graphic Function The graphic processor application 202 has a large number of readily available template graphics so that the user can efficiently create high-precision graphics. In addition to basic shapes such as circles, ellipses and rectangles, it supports most frequently used shapes such as stars and arrows. In particular, template figures such as rectangular parallelepipeds, polygons, parallel arrows with width E, and railway tracks have control handles that can transform the figures themselves, so that three-dimensional figures and maps can be created with simple operations. .

(8) Workspace Function In the graphic processor application 202, a work space can be provided outside the paper, and the layout work can be efficiently performed while the graphic is temporarily placed there. In addition, since the graphics in the workspace are not printed, it is effective in improving work efficiency.

(9) Practical Mounting Function of Parts The graphic processor application 202 prepares about 5000 parts for use in offices and homes in Japan. Included parts are registered for each field, such as business, education, and construction machinery, and can be easily found when needed.

(3. Information retrieval application 203)
The information search application 203 has a document creation support function (concept navigation) and an Internet information search function (internet boomerang).

The document creation support function "concept navigator" is a function capable of calling and utilizing various information stored on the Internet or a local disk while a word processor application 201 or a spreadsheet application 204 is creating a document. When a range of sentences related to the information to be searched is specified and then called by the right-click menu of the mouse button 112, information similar in content to the designated sentences is displayed in a list in the viewer. The information thus obtained can be inserted into the document being created and used.

It is also possible to make an inquiry using the full text of the currently displayed document. This makes it possible to easily refer to and cite another previously compiled plan document or related materials, for example, while preparing the plan document. Furthermore, the concept navigation has a summary function (summarizer) for automatically summarizing the points of the displayed information. High-accuracy and high-quality summarization using sentence structure analysis information enables quick grasp of information contents.

As described above, the concept navigation dramatically improves the productivity and creativity of the future document creation environment.

Word processor application 20
1. In the spreadsheet application 204 and the graphic processor application 202, "Open concept navigator" is added to the menu.
It can be used in the form of inquiring at 00, extracting necessary information, referring to it, or quoting.

The Japanese conversion application 206
From, it is possible to call the concept navigation based on the "information window" concept of accessing data other than kana-kanji conversion. As a result, even if the application does not directly call the concept navigation in the menu, the function provided by the concept navigation can be easily used.

In addition, the concept navigator can be used as long as the Japanese conversion application 206 can be started irrespective of the application such as an application other than the above application or various log viewers for personal computer communication.

The difference from the Internet information search device (Internet boomerang) described below is as follows. That is, an information box 200 is a knowledge database in which information on the Internet homepage and mail information, and further, files contained in the user's own hard disk are collected into a knowledge database.
00 is created and updated by Internet boomerang. The concept navigator provides functions such as querying the information box 200, searching for similar documents, summarizing, and extracting related words.

The Internet boomerang and the concept navigation are one independent application, respectively. The concept navigation is a function added to the word processor application 201, the graphic processor application 202, the spreadsheet application 204, and the Japanese conversion application 206. You can also catch it.

The following two methods are conceivable for activating the concept navigation. (1) Start after specifying the range of text. If you select "Open Concept Navigation" from the right-click menu with the text range specified, the concept navigation dialog box opens, and the query is executed with the specified text copied directly to the query document field Is done.

(2) Start up without specifying the text range.
If you click the "Concept Navi" icon on the toolbar or select "Open Concept Navi" from the right-click menu while the word processing application 201 is editing a document,
Activate Concept Navi with the entire paragraph at the caret (cursor) position as the query document.

When there is no document to be referenced, such as when a new document is created, the concept navigation dialog box is started with no inquiry document input. In this case, an inquiry is executed by directly inputting an inquiry sentence into the inquiry document input field.

When an inquiry is executed in the concept navigation, an inquiry is made to an information box designated in advance, and documents similar to the inquiry document are extracted and displayed in a list in the order of similarity. Further, the similarity is displayed as a bar graph. The contents of the document specified in the list can be checked with the viewer. This viewer is compatible with various document formats, and can check the contents of HTML files and the like as they are.

On the viewer, words extracted as related words are highlighted, a summary sentence is highlighted,
Further, it is possible to narrow down the display. Also,
A summarizer (summarization function) can also be used. In this case, summarization can be created by specifying multiple documents at the same time, and advanced summarization, such as removing less important parts of a single sentence rather than narrowing down by sentence, is also possible. It is possible.

When the summarizer is executed, summaries and headings are automatically created for the text, and these three are simultaneously displayed as frames on one screen, so that the document structure can be easily understood. Also, a hyperlink from the headline / summary to the text is automatically set, so that the user can freely move between these three.

For the document extracted by the concept navigation,
If you specify a range in the viewer and click the quote button, that part will be pasted into the calling application. When a document is selected, the entire document is pasted.

The method of using the concept navigation will be described below. (1) When creating a document with a word processor application, refer to a previously written document. When creating a new document, if you notice that "I wrote a similar document before," launch Concept Navi,
Enter the words you can remember and extract the file. When the document is taken out, the document is pasted into the word processor application 201 and only the necessary portions are changed, so that the labor required for document creation can be greatly reduced.

(2) When writing a reply to a mail, the past mail is referred to. If a customer inquires about technical information about a product, but there is a memory about a year ago from another customer who received a similar inquiry, the customer's inquiry text was specified and the Japanese translation was performed. If the concept navigation is called from the application 206, the mail can be taken out and the answer can be easily created.

(3) Use for organizing log of personal computer communication. While browsing the log of PC communication with the log browser,
I remember that "this discussion was before in another forum", but the log browser does not allow you to search across discussions in different forums. In such a case, if all the data is put in the information box, it is possible to easily call and refer to the discussion in another forum via the Japanese translation application 206 even from the log browser.

Next, main functions of the Internet boomerang will be described. (1) Natural sentence interface function By using Internet boomerang, information retrieval can be easily performed. In the inquiry condition column,
Enter the text about the information you want to find and click the inquiry button. The sentence to be used is a natural sentence that is usually used. Also, even if you do not know the exact content,
If the sentence includes a word that expresses a similar concept, information that matches the intention of the user is searched based on the sentence. Then, the searched information is displayed in a list in the order of similarity of the contents. If necessary, the displayed information can be searched for newer related information.

(2) Document database (information box)
Automatic Construction / Automatic Update Function of 200 In order to use Internet boomerang, a document database called an information box 200 is required, but the creation and update of the information box 200 can be performed extremely easily. The information is automatically generated simply by specifying the target information source with the mouse 112. further,
It also has an automatic update function to keep the data always up to date. According to the schedule initially set by the user, the data is automatically updated without being aware of it.

(3) Document Summarizing Function (Summary) Internet boomerang has a summarizing function for automatically summarizing the main points of information contents. This makes it possible to quickly grasp the main points of information. In addition, at the time of summarization, a table of contents is automatically generated based on the analyzed sentence structure,
The table of contents, summary text, and original information content (text) can be viewed side by side in three frames. In addition, hyperlinks are automatically set between each frame, so you can check the outline of the entire table in the table of contents, view the summary if necessary, or check the original text as needed It is possible to structurally grasp information that cannot be realized by the function.

(4) "My Clip" Function That Can Reuse Inquiry Conditions / Acquisition Results In Internet boomerang, the "My Clip" function saves, organizes, and saves the inquiry conditions for finding information and the results obtained thereby. Can be reused. Since My Clips are portable files, they can be used both in the office and at home, and can also be used for group work in a network environment.

(5) Automatic Internet Patrol The Internet boomerang also has an automatic Internet patrol function. This makes it possible to collectively obtain the latest information of a plurality of designated Web sites and reflect the latest information in the information box 200. Also, information can be taken in from a bookmark or history of a Web browser.

(4. Spreadsheet Application 204) The spreadsheet application 204 is spreadsheet software that thoroughly pursues basic functions and ease of use. It was created to reflect the needs of the user and focus on the required functions and usability improvements.

It has a numerical display unique to Japanese (displayed in trillions of millions), expressive power equivalent to that of the word processor application 201, and an excellent user interface. Can be used by all tiers of users from experienced to experienced. The main functions of the spreadsheet application 204 are as follows.

(1) Text frame function, (2) Outline function, (3) Macro recording function, (4) Cell merging function,
(5) Display mode function, (6) Japanese notation function.

(1) Text Frame Function A character string can be freely input and arranged at an arbitrary position on the sheet of the spreadsheet application 204. Specifically, a “text frame” is pasted at a free position on the sheet and characters are input. Any number of text frames can be pasted anywhere on the sheet, and character decoration and character size can be set for character strings. There is no limit on the number of characters that can be input in one text frame. By using the text frame, it can be used for creating reports with mixed graphs, tables, and sentences.

(2) Outline Function A monthly sales table, a database table, and the like may have a parent-child relationship between items. For example, there are subtotal items and grand total items in a summary table. In this case, if an outline is set, the subtotal item and the grand total item can be hierarchized, and the line narrowed down with one mouse click can be displayed, or the line can be narrowed down and hidden.

More specifically, a tree display that allows the user to understand the hierarchical state at a glance is performed, and display / non-display can be switched with a single click of the mouse. You can set either the upward tree display or the downward tree display.
It can be set for columns as well as rows. Furthermore, it is possible to analyze the reference relations of the mathematical expressions and automatically set the outline.

(3) Macro Recording Function The macro recording function automatically records the object formula corresponding to the command of the macro to be created when the command is executed. Therefore, it is not necessary to write a complicated macro from the beginning.

(4) Cell Combining Function The cell combining function can handle a plurality of cells as one cell. Therefore, it is very easy to create a complicated form and input a character string extending over a plurality of cells, which has been troublesome until now. In particular, the input of a vertically long character string over a plurality of cells can be easily performed, a complicated form can be created, a long character string can be input, and a sheet that is easy to understand and has a good appearance can be created.

(5) Display Mode Function The display mode of the spreadsheet application 204 has a mode in which the line width is fixed to the height of the character string and displayed.
As a result, the line width can be set so as not to be narrower than the character string, so that the editing operation can be kept in a state that is always easy to see on the screen. Further, even when the line width must be narrowed for the sake of printing, the text can be edited on the screen in an easy-to-read state without missing characters.

(6) Notation functions unique to Japan The spreadsheet application 204 displays numerical values in “trillion million” units, “hour / minute / second”, “first quarter”, “thousand yen, million yen”. Expressions, and also △ (minus sign), can be described. The display format in the cell can be customized using a format common to the applications.

Further, the user interface is refined, and the display mode is displayed at the bottom of the screen, so that the user can instantly recognize whether the display is an image display or a draft display. In addition, a display magnification change button is provided so that the user can quickly change to a desired magnification while checking the screen display. In addition, the guidance display of the status line is set to a white background, so that the guidance display can be easily understood. Also, function keys are displayed to make it easier to understand the functions assigned to the function keys.

Also, frequently used functions are prepared in a menu so that they can be selected immediately. In addition, the character position (character direction, horizontal position, vertical position, character wrapping) can be immediately executed from the menu. In addition, commands are provided to slightly increase the font size and decrease the font size. The Edit menu and the right-click shortcut menu have a "Paste without ruled lines" command.

A mouse interface that enables intuitive operation has been realized. That is, real-time display during scroll box dragging can be performed. In addition, setting / cancellation of fixing by using a mouse can be performed. Further, the screen display mode can be quickly changed with one mouse click.

Further, a key operation which can be executed quickly is realized. That is, the column width and the row width can be changed using the ALT + arrow keys. Also, the screen can be scrolled quickly in response to acceleration scrolling. In addition, the function key display makes it easy to understand the function assigned to the function key,
You can use function keys quickly.

[0107] Further, the present invention gives the operator a feeling of operation that does not cause stress. Specifically, stress is not felt by ordinary operations such as starting and opening / closing a dialog box. In addition, basic functions frequently used, such as file reading / saving and recalculation, can be sped up.
Also, the size of a file containing many ruled lines has been reduced. Also, the size of files containing many formulas has been reduced.

An information retrieval application (concept navigator) is provided as a link function with other applications.
203 was mounted. This allows the word processing application 201 to use the spreadsheet application 204
File can be read. Further, the table of the spreadsheet application 204 can be pasted to the word processor application 201 in the same format, such as ruled lines and decorations, by copy and paste.

Further, reading of an HTML format file becomes possible, and an HTML document can be faithfully reproduced and displayed. Specifically, a table tag can be read, and an image can be displayed.

(5. Relational Database Application 205) The relational database application 205 enhances and enhances basic functions, thoroughly pursues usability as an office database, and performs complicated database operations. , Can be handled like a spreadsheet application.

Further, a connection driver for another relational database is mounted, and a core RDB (R
It also has a function as an "elliptical DataBase" client.

Further, a data conversion function is provided, and the relational database application 205
It is also possible to transfer the database created in the above to the server, and import data from other companies' databases and spreadsheet applications. From first-time database users to advanced RDB users, it can be used for any purpose.

The main functions of the relational database application 205 are as follows.

(1) Table definition function Relational database application 205
Can define a table simply by selecting the purpose of the database. In addition, a table definition function using screen forms is installed. There are 30 or more templates for business and personal use in the table definition of the selection type.

On the other hand, the table definition based on the screen form can define the table simply by arranging the items on the screen as if treating a card type database. The created screen can be used as it is as a screen form. Items for table definition include not only standard items but also those provided by the above template.

(2) Data conversion function Relational database application 205
In, the spreadsheet application can confirm the actual data content on the screen, specify a range, and read the data. In addition, CSV (Comma Separat)
Even when reading data from an ed Value file, it is possible to specify an item name to be read while checking actual data on the screen.

(3) Table Open History Storage Function Tables and screen forms previously read are stored for each database. Therefore, if the relational database application 205 is started, the target table or form can be opened immediately.

(4) Narrowing-down condition setting function Relational database application 205
Can be performed while sequentially setting conditions for the displayed list without designing a query. Since the operation can be performed while viewing the actual data, it is possible to easily find a desired cut. Further, the dialog box setting can be easily performed only by selecting a frequently used condition.

(5) Form registration function Relational database application 205
In, the format can be set as a standard format in the table itself, can be set each time a list is displayed, or registered with a format name. Registered format names are displayed on tabs, and you can browse them by switching them with a mouse click, so you can look at one table from various angles. Furthermore, if this function is used in a client / server environment, not only data but also a format is shared, which can be useful for data analysis in a group.

(6) Japanese-specific list item format function A Japanese-specific notation can be used for the display format of the table list. In addition to displaying "billion trillion" units, it also supports "hour, minute, second,""firstquarter," and △ (minus sign).
In addition, not only the items can be rearranged, but also the item labels can be displayed in a hierarchical manner. Furthermore, the display format can be changed in a spreadsheet-like manner, such as setting the unit display such as three-digit separation of numerical values, “￥”, “%”, etc. with one icon, batch change and optimization of item / row display width, etc. it can.

(6. Japanese conversion application 20)
6) Japanese conversion application 206 installed in applications such as word processor application 201 and graphic processor application 202
Has a new function of "information window" in addition to the Japanese conversion function. This "information window" support function is one of the core concepts of the Japanese conversion application 206, and realizes search, browsing, and use of information other than kana-kanji conversion using the interface of the Japanese conversion application 206. With the goal.

By installing a function corresponding to the “window of information”, the Japanese conversion application 206 can be used as a “window for searching, peeking, and using information” in the future. This provides the following advantages to the user.

It can be used on all applications started by the Japanese conversion application 206. It can also be launched more quickly than other applications. In addition, information can be accessed by almost the same operation as the familiar kana-kanji conversion.

The following three functions are realized as functions corresponding to the "information window" of the Japanese conversion application 206.

(1) Japanese conversion application 206
A function for accessing the information box 200 from the Japanese language conversion application 206 can directly access the document database information box 200 of the Internet boomerang via the concept navigation.

Information box 2 via concept navigation
For inputting a query sentence for using 00, the unconfirmed character string in the input of the Japanese conversion application 206 can be used as it is, or a range of text in the application can be specified and used, or the concept navigation is started. You can then do so from any of three ways: directly in the query dialog box.

With the function of accessing the information box 200 from the Japanese conversion application 206, the functions of the information box 200, such as similar document search, can be used on applications made by other companies.

(2) Function for Accessing File Search Tool Application File search tool application 212 from almost all applications through “information window”, with the character string being input by Japanese conversion application 206 as it is. Can be treated as a search string.

(3) Network-aware scheduler
Application Viewer Function In the “information window” of the Japanese conversion application 206, the schedule data of the network-compatible scheduler application 208 can be directly accessed. For example, Japanese conversion application 2
At 06, a keyword representing a date such as “today”, “tomorrow”, “December 3”, “Thursday” is input, and when this function is called, the text is written as it is without activating the network-aware scheduler application 208. A schedule (for one day) can be displayed.

It is possible to easily switch the displayed schedule to the previous day or the next day. From there, the network-aware scheduler application 208
Can also be launched. This feature allows you, for example, to quickly check your schedule while writing an email.

As is well known, kana-kanji conversion is a mechanism in which a sentence input by a user is decomposed in units of phrases, and a kana-kanji conversion dictionary is referred to to present candidates considered to be correct. This can be considered as a kind of database system that searches a database called a conversion dictionary using "reading" as a key.

If the Japanese conversion application 206 is a kind of database system, it is not necessary that the target data is only a dictionary for kana-kanji conversion.
From so-called national language dictionaries and synonym dictionaries, encyclopedias, data and schedules in address books, to information on the Internet and data in core databases in companies,
There are no restrictions on the subject. Such various data often have its own search system.

In this case, the Japanese conversion application 2
The reason for accessing such data through 06 is that the Japanese translation application 206 originally developed as a front-end processor that provides functions between humans and computers has the following features.

(1) It can be used from most applications. (2) Startup is easy and fast. (3) Because it is an indispensable tool for inputting Japanese,
Everyone first learns how to operate.

As described above, by using the Japanese conversion application 206 as a “window” for accessing various data, compared to a dedicated search system possessed by those data, the above-described features allow “anytime, anywhere” You will be able to access information easily, easily and easily. This is the "information window" of the Japanese conversion application 206
Is the significance of existence.

(7. Internet Mailer Application 207) The main functions of the Internet mailer application 207 are as follows.

(1) Multi-user support function, (2) mail list function, (3) mail transmission function, (4) mail server connection function, (5) folder automatic sorting function,
(6) Address book function (7) Backup function (8) P
OP login function

(1) Multi-user support function Internet mailer application 207
Is multi-user compatible, where each operator can have a separate mailbox and settings. Thus, one computer can be used in a company or home. It also has a function to back up important mailbox and address book data. Therefore, it is possible to use the Internet mail more safely.

(2) Mail list function Internet mailer application 207
Has an attached file viewer function that can display the contents of e-mail on the e-mail list screen that is used most often when using e-mail, without having to activate the tool. In addition, a user-friendly mail environment is realized by enabling customization of the list display items. Furthermore, the key operation can be mainly used, for example, reading of unread mail only by one key operation, or processing such as cutting or pasting of mail to another folder by only keyboard operation can be performed.

(3) Mail transmission function Internet mailer application 207
Has a function of facilitating the setting of the destination on the mail transmission screen. By simply entering the mail address halfway, searching for the address in the address book and assisting in the input, and the kana jump function that immediately displays the corresponding location in the address book when the name is entered in kana, etc. The burden on the user when inputting can be greatly reduced. In addition, it is possible to switch an area for setting a destination, a heading, and the like so that only frequently used items are always displayed.

(4) Mail server connection function Internet mailer application 207
Is provided with a transmission / reception command for performing transmission and reception in one operation. Therefore, the dial-up connection can be performed only 11 times, and the access to the Internet provider taking the SPAM (so-called unsolicited mail) countermeasure that requires the receiving operation before the transmission is facilitated. In addition, POP (Po
Since it also supports APOPP with enhanced security of "st Office Protocol", it is possible to securely access a mail server that supports this.

(5) Automatic Folder Sorting Function The folder sorting condition of the Internet mailer application 207 has a combination of “and” or “or”. Also, a new folder can be created in the folder sorting condition setting dialog. These functions enable easy and effective use of folders.

(6) Address Book Function The address book newly corresponds to vCard. vCa
rd is a rule for implementing an “electronic business card” for electronically exchanging data such as name, address, and work place. If you attach your electronic business card to the e-mail, the name and e-mail address are automatically registered in the address book of the corresponding e-mail software, so that it is possible to prevent the address from being copied incorrectly.

Accordingly, the address book can be expanded to record not only mail addresses but also home and work addresses and telephone numbers. Furthermore, since only a minimum number of items are normally displayed and the number of display items can be increased as necessary, the complexity of display can be avoided.

(7) Backup Function Data such as mails and address books can be backed up to another location. It can save account settings, folder structure, and sorting conditions, and can deal with machine troubles.

[0146] Also, it corresponds to APOP in which a password is encrypted when logging in to a mail server upon receiving a mail. If used in combination with a compatible mail server, authentication can be performed more securely.

(8) POP Login Function POP login can be automatically set before sending mail. POP before transmission for SPAM measures
You can use an Internet provider that requires a login.

The mail transmission screen is equipped with a “simple display” mode for selecting and displaying frequently used items from input items such as To and Cc. The simple display mode and the mode for displaying all items can be switched immediately.

Also, on the mail list screen, the display items, the order of arrangement, and the width of the items can be freely changed, and further customization can be performed according to the preference and necessity of the operator. The positions of the folder list, mail list, and text viewer can be changed as desired, and each can be displayed independently.

In addition to the key assignment function in the mail list and mail transmission, the address book can also change the key assignment. The Internet mailer application 207 can be changed so that frequently used functions can be executed with one key, or changed according to the key assignment of the mail software used before, or can be easily used for each operator.

Further, the use of only the keyboard 111 is designed so that most functions of the Internet mailer application 207 can be used only with the keyboard 111 without using the mouse 112. It can be operated using function keys and shortcut keys, and the key assignment can be changed freely.

The “template” that saves and reuses settings such as frequently used texts and destinations does not need to execute template reading after activation of e-mail transmission. E-mail transmission can be performed by specifying a template from the received e-mail screen. Starts.

If the e-mail to be transmitted is always transmitted to the user by Bcc or transmitted to another person by Cc, those addresses can be registered in advance, so that it is not necessary to specify each time.

Further, it is possible to automatically delete a mail from the server after a certain number of days, or to prevent a mail exceeding a predetermined size from being received when receiving a mail.

The mail sorting function can be improved, and “sort only read mail” and flexible conditions can be set. In addition, sorting can be performed at the time of transmission as well as at the time of reception, and the transmitted mail can be immediately sorted into an appropriate folder instead of the “sent” folder.

Unread mail can be set not to be sorted. You can organize emails you've read into folders, and keep emails you haven't read in your Inbox.

(8. Network-Aware Scheduler
The application 208) can be used not only for managing schedules but also as memos, diaries, and memorandums.
Schedule and ToDo data can be easily sent by e-mail, and when received by e-mail software, the data is automatically registered in the scheduler. In addition, a single personal computer can be used by a plurality of persons by multi-user support.

The main functions of the network-aware scheduler application 208 will be described.

This is a multi-user / network compatible scheduler that supports vCalendar. Since the schedule management of a plurality of users is performed by one terminal, it is possible to inquire information about other users. At this time, it is also possible to set whether or not each schedule can be referred to.

Further, by supporting the vCalendar format (an international standard format of the scheduler), a schedule notification to a remote user is realized. Further, when the terminal is used in a LAN environment, a list of user lists that have started up the scheduler can be displayed. Then, the notification schedule can be directly transmitted to the user selected from the list without using an inquiry (investigation of free time) or a mail server.

Registration of a schedule in the network-aware scheduler application 208 is performed using the mouse 1
It can be easily performed with the minimum number of operations using 12 operations and keyboard input. Further, it is also possible to perform all operations using only the keyboard 111 as needed. With the support of direct input on the list view, schedule registration can be performed like an editor.

A network-capable scheduler
In application 208, T
oDo attributes can be set. A frequently registered schedule can be registered as a template.

That is, if there is a meeting schedule or a schedule that is frequently added even at irregular times, the schedule can be immediately registered as a template simply by dragging and dropping it into the template list. To enter the same schedule on another day, you can register the schedule by simply dragging it from the template list and dropping it on the desired date in the schedule list.

Further, fixed schedules such as yearly, monthly, and weekly can be registered collectively as a regular schedule.

To enter a schedule, the user simply selects a space in the column of the date to be entered, inputs the time and schedule on the spot, and finally presses the Enter key. This is the same feeling as writing a schedule in a personal organizer.

Further, from the menu or the right-click menu, further detailed attributes such as the type and importance of the content, whether or not the schedule should be kept secret, and related document files, etc., should be set together. Can also.

"To" also manages work schedule goals.
“Do” can register a schedule with a deadline of “what day and at what time” in addition to the normal schedule. You can check if it was done and sound an alarm before the deadline.

[0168] Further, related materials and the like can be associated with the schedule as attached files, or data (OLE objects) of other applications can be directly pasted.

The contents of the schedule can be immediately understood by the mark. Schedule content type (meeting,
(Private use, vacation, going out, etc.) are displayed on the screen with a mark. In addition, since marks can be added freely, work or private schedules can be written in a way that is easy to understand according to the user, like putting a sticker on a notebook.

A monthly display can be printed and used as a calendar. In other words, a simple calendar for checking a month's schedule can be printed on a large sheet of paper and stuck on a wall, or printed on a small sheet of paper and carried on a portable paper.

A list of user face icons is set. That is, an icon to be a user's own face is set for each user. Your own icon is displayed on the other party's scheduler by the schedule confirmation function that can be used in the LAN environment. The icon pattern can be freely determined by the user, and can be freely imported from another icon file and used.

In the case of an intranet environment, the scheduler application 208 corresponding to the network on the LAN
You can check the schedule of people using. The operation is
Network-aware scheduler application 2
Just select the user you want to check from the list of users using 08.

Further, the scheduler application 208 can notify other network-aware scheduler application 208 users of the schedule of a meeting or the like, and can respond to the attendant who has notified the attendance. Further, since a dedicated server system or the like is not required, it is suitable for scheduling use in a small group.

In cooperation with the Internet mailer application 207, other people can be notified of the schedule using Internet mail.
The other party is Internet Mailer Application 2
07 and both the network-aware scheduler application 208 and the network-aware scheduler application 208
Register the schedule in.

Since the standard format vCalendar for exchanging schedule information is adopted as the data format, even if the other party's mail software and other company's schedule software are used,
You can read the schedule.

The schedule data is stored in vCalenda.
Since it has a function of saving / reading files in r format, it can read / write data with vCalendar compatible schedule software of other companies.

(9. Internet Browser Application 209) The Internet browser application 209 is an Internet Web site,
Access an FTP site. The main functions of the Internet browser application 209 include:
Compliant with HTML 3.2, HTTP 1.0 / Coo
kie, JavaScript, and Netscape inline plug-ins.

Also, it corresponds to automatic proxy setting. Also, it is possible to display Japanese in an easy-to-read manner even in long sentences. The bookmark can be read from another Internet browser application 209. Further, by displaying a list of visited places, it is possible to check the access history. In addition, the FTP access function allows the user to access the FTP site with the same operational feeling as when assigned as a network drive. Also, date comparison copy is possible.

Further, the user can access the NetNews server and subscribe / post news. Also, dial-up connection is possible automatically when access is required. It also has an access-saving mode that maximizes the use of the cache.

(10. Web Site Patrol Application 210) Web Site Patrol Application 210
Can automatically crawl through Internet / intranet Web sites, store them in cache or files, and read them off-line.

Web site patrol application 210
The main functions of are as follows. For example, U
By automatically cycling by designating the RL and analyzing the link on the HTML, it is possible to automatically follow the link and access. In addition, it is possible to specify a hierarchy to be visited, a type of a file to be acquired, and the like. It can also handle contents that require authentication.

It is equipped with a timer function for specifying a date and time and performing an automatic tour. Also, dial-up connection / disconnection can be automated. Furthermore, it has a local proxy function that can use the patrol result from another browser.

(12. File Search Tool Application 212) The file search tool application 212 allows the user to specify a keyword included in a document, and to use the word processor application 201, the spreadsheet application 204, and the graphic processor application 202. Applications, files of other word processors, spreadsheet software, or various files such as HTML files can be searched at a high speed with a simple operation to find a target file.

The search results are displayed in a list, from which the respective files can be read and activated, and the files can be directly copied to the respective applications by drag and drop.

File Search Tool / Application 2
Reference numeral 12 denotes a file search tool application 212 that is not only activated as an independent application but also supports the Japanese conversion application 206. The undetermined character string being edited by the Japanese conversion application 206 is used as a search character string. Japanese conversion application 20
6 can also be called.

Specifically, using the document information of the word processor application 201, “creator:
△ Date created: November 1 to 30, 1998 ”
Or a search that specifies the function of the word processor application 201 as a condition, such as "word processor application document using" footnote text "".

In addition to setting search conditions using logical expressions such as AND, OR, and NOT, fuzzy search such as “computer / computer” that handles swaying or variant characters in the same column, A search such as a synonym search that also searches for “electronic computer” is possible.

Further, search conditions can be saved in a file and reused, or a search result list can be dropped to a file or copied to a clipboard.

Note that the dial-up application 211, macro editing tool application 213,
Math tool application 214, font
Applications such as the effect tool application 215, the graph creation tool application 216, the continuous printing tool application 217, and the text expression encyclopedia application 218 are generally well-known, and the description thereof is omitted.

Next, a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram functionally describing the configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the block diagram of FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus includes a first application, a word processor.
The configuration includes an application 201, a graphic processor application 202 as a second application, a display control unit 301, a holding unit 302, a determination unit 303, and a notification unit 304.

The display control unit 301 displays data created by the first application on the start screen of the second application. Also, the display control unit 301
Indicates an editable area in the data displayed on the start screen of the second application in the first application.

When the holding unit 302 edits the data displayed by the display control unit 301 with the second application and ends the activation of the second application,
The data edited by the second application is held as data created by the first application.

The determination unit 303 determines whether there is any data that is not reflected in the first application among the data stored in the storage unit 302. Notification section 3
In a case where there is data that is not reflected in the first application as a result of the determination made by the determination unit 303, a notification is made to that effect. The notification unit 304 displays the data that is not reflected instead of or together with the notification that there is data that is not reflected in the first application.

Note that the display control unit 301, the holding unit 302,
The determination unit 303 and the notification unit 304
2. According to an instruction described in a program recorded on a recording medium such as a RAM 103 or a hard disk 105, a floppy disk 107, a CDROM 115, or the like,
The function of each unit is realized by the PU 101 and the like executing the instruction processing.

Next, the flow of a command of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, a word processor application 201 will be described as an example of the first application, and a graphic processor application will be described as an example of the second application.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a command flow of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG.
The command is roughly divided into three steps: Step S1: Command operation Step S2: Graphic editing by graphic processor Step S3: End Hereinafter, the content of each step will be described in detail.

(Step S1: Command Operation) First, in step S1, a command operation is performed. In particular,
Execute from the pull-down menu or toolbox.

FIG. 5 shows a pull-down menu. A pull-down menu 501 is opened by “Insert (I)”-“Drawing (Z)” 500. In the pull-down menu 501,
“Graphic processor transparent editing (I)” 504 is displayed along with “simple drawing start (Z)” 502 and “component call (B)” 503. It is easier for the operator to intuitively understand the transparent editing if it is placed in the same place as the simple drawing.

Word Processor Application 20
In FIG. 1, the graphic processor application 202 is started with a message box indicating that the transparent editing is being performed. FIG. 6 shows a message box 600 indicating that transparent editing is being performed. Message box 6
While 00 is displayed, the word processing application is in a standby mode. Here, the word processor application 201 does not gray out, but prohibits operation on the application itself.

To release the standby mode, the graphic processor application 202 is terminated or the “Cancel graphic processor transparent editing (A)” button 601 is clicked. With this operation, the word processing application 201 returns from the standby mode to the normal mode.

(Step S2: Graphic Editing by Graphic Processor) At the start of transparent editing, information received (taken over) from the word processor application 201 includes information on document style settings and graphic data division. As other information, screen display magnification,
There are background colors and the like.

Graphic processor application 202
(White, black, environment), but word processor
The application 201 can specify an arbitrary background color. If an arbitrary background color is specified, the graphic processor application 202 uses the color set in “environment”.

The error display is made at the place (application) where the error occurred. For example, when an error occurs in the graphic processor application 202, an error code is not returned to the word processor application 201 to display an error on the word processor application 201 side.
Also, on the graphic processor application 202 side, a specific command is grayed out.

Also, the editable figure is the one where the cursor is currently located (text, footnote, layout frame). A figure in the layout frame or the footnote area whose display is out of the frame (a figure which is invisible due to clipping) is processed by the graphic processor application 202.
When editing on the side, all of those figures are displayed because there is no clipping mechanism on the figure processor application 202 side.

Therefore, the editing area is displayed by a reference line or the like,
Figures outside the area are word processor application 2
It is made possible to recognize that the display is not displayed when returning to 01. FIG. 7 shows a display screen 700 of the graphic processor application 202.

In FIG. 7, a reference line 702 indicates an area of the displayed screen 701 that can be edited by the word processor application 201. In addition, if the luminance of the area 703 outside the editable area indicated by the reference line 702 is reduced, the operator can intuitively understand that the area 703 cannot be edited.

Further, for transparent editing, for example, functions of “upper document” and “lower document” are added in addition to the upper and lower sides of the figure.

(Step S3: End) Next, the contents when the transparent editing is ended will be described. FIG. 8 shows a “file” menu screen 800. In FIG. 8, a menu screen 800 includes a “Save As” 80
1 and "Open / Save from URL, Save as" 8
02, “close” 803, and “end of graphic processor” 804.

When “Save as” 801 is selected, the copy is saved as a file of the graphic processor application 202. When “open / save from URL, save as” 802 is selected, a copy is saved to the URL. When "close" 803 is selected, the file is closed and the process returns to the word processing application 201. When “end of graphic processor” 804 is selected, the graphic processor application 202 is closed and the process returns to the word processor application 201.

Next, from the graphic processor application 202 to the word processor application 20
What is not reflected when returning to 1 will be described. Basically, it reflects the "visible state in the paper",
Some graphic types and invisible (even if visible but outside the area) data are stored in the graphic processor application 20
2 Discarded at the end.

[0211] Like the data of the background page, some visible data in the area are discarded. Also,
As to be lost depending on the type of figure data, embedded frame (pasted frame), reference figure (both original and called)
There is.

The present invention does not prohibit the existence and input of data. When the graphic processor application 202 ends and returns to the word processor application 201, a message is issued and the data is discarded. FIG.
Is a message box 900 displayed at that time.

When the “Yes (Y)” button 901 is clicked in the message box 900, the data is discarded. Also, a “No (N)” button 90
When 2 is clicked, a message box 1100 shown in FIG. 11 described later is displayed.

Further, the operator may not know which data is not reflected. In this case, when a “Help (H)” button 903 is clicked, a list (description) of items that cannot be reflected is displayed. FIG. 10 is a display screen 1000 of the graphic processor application 202 when the “Help (H)” button 903 is clicked.

On the display screen 1000, the lower right figure in the data display area 1001 is displayed in a state where the brightness of the display area 1002 is low. This display indicates that the data (graphics) in the display area 1002 is not reflected in the word processor application 201.

In the transparent editing of the graphic processor application 202, when the “No (N)” button 902 in FIG. 9 is clicked, a message box 1100 in FIG. 11 is displayed. In the message box 1100, a “Yes (Y)” button 110
If 1 is clicked, it is saved as data of the graphic processor application 202. On the other hand, if the “No (N)” button 1102 is clicked, the screen returns to the editing screen again.

When returning to the word processor application 201, the data edited in the graphic processor application is not unconditionally reflected, but a message box 1200 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed to determine whether or not to reflect the edited result. Is determined by the operator.

When the “Yes (Y)” button 1201 is clicked in the message box 1200 in FIG. 12, the edited result is reflected on the word processor application 201.

[0219] On the other hand, if "No (N)" button 1202 is clicked, the edited result is not reflected. That is, the data passed from the word processor application 201 to the graphic processor application 202 is directly returned to the word processor application 201 (or nothing is returned). Also,
If the “Cancel (A)” button 1203 is clicked, the screen returns to the editing screen.

Next, the contents of a series of processes of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a series of processes of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 13, first, the word processor application 201
Is started (step S1301).

Next, a document is created (or edited) in the word processor application 201 (step S1302). At this time, it is determined whether the graphic processor application 202 has been activated (step S1303). Here, in a case where it is not activated (No in Step S1303), the process proceeds to Step S1317.

On the other hand, if the graphic processor application 202 has been activated in step S1303 (step S1303: YES), the document displayed by the word processor application 201 is displayed on the graphic processor application 202 (step S1304). Further, the word processor application 20 is added to the graphic processor application 202.
1 is displayed (step S130).
5).

Graphic processor application 202
Edits the document displayed in step (step S130)
6) Next, the graphic processor application 20
Wait for the editing in step 2 to end (step S130)
7) When the editing is completed (Yes at step S1307)
Determines whether to discard the edited data (step S1308).

If the edited data is to be discarded in step S1308 (Yes in step S1308), the activation of the graphic processor application 202 ends (step 1320), and the flow advances to step S1318. On the other hand, when the edited data is not discarded (step S1308)
Next, it is determined whether there is data that is not reflected in the word processor application 201 (step S1309).

If there is data that is not reflected in the word processor application 201 in step S1309 (Yes in step S1309), the fact is notified (step S1310), and it is confirmed whether there is any data that is not reflected (step S1310). If it is good (step S1311 affirmative), data that is not reflected is discarded (step S1312), and then step S1311 is performed.
It moves to 1315.

In step S1311, if it is not good (No in step S1311), it is determined whether the graphic processor application 202 wants to save (step S1313).
(1313 affirmative) saves (step S1314) and shifts to step S1316. On the other hand, if the user does not want to save (No at Step S1313), Step S130
Move to 6.

In step S1309, if there is no data that is not reflected in the word processor application 201 (No in step S1309), the edited document is held (step S1315), and the activation of the graphic processor application 202 is terminated (step S13).
16). Then, the edited document is displayed on the word processor application 201 (step S1317).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the editing by the word processor application 201 has been completed (step S1318). If the editing has not been completed (step S1318).
If not, the process moves to step S1302. On the other hand, when the editing ends, the activation of the word processing application 201 ends (step S1319), and a series of processing ends.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the data created by the word processor application 201 is displayed on the start screen of the graphic processor application 202, and the displayed data is displayed on the graphic processor application 202. When the activation of the graphic processor application 202 is ended after the editing by the word processor, the edited data is
Since it is held as data created by the application 201, the word processor application 2
01 can be edited in another application having a different function, and the edited data can be edited again by the word processor application 201.

According to the present embodiment, the editable area in the word processor application 201 in the data displayed on the start screen of the graphic processor application 202 is indicated. To
When editing in another application having a different function, it can be used as a guide for editing. In addition, by indicating the editable area, the data edited in the editable area can be edited again by the word processor application 201.

Further, according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not there is data that is not reflected in the word processor application 201, and when there is data that is not reflected, that fact is notified. When editing, it is possible to prevent data edited by another application from being reflected, contrary to the intention of the operator.

Further, according to the present embodiment, in the invention of claim 3, the word processor application 2
In step 01, the data that is not reflected is displayed instead of or together with the notification that there is data that is not reflected, so that when the word processor application 201 edits again, the data that is not reflected can be easily specified.

The information processing method described in the present embodiment is realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program includes hard disk, floppy disk, CD-ROM, M
The program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as O and DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. This program can be distributed via the recording medium and a network such as the Internet.

[0234]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the display control means displays the data created by the first application on the start screen of the second application and holds the data. Means for editing the data displayed by the display control means with the second application, and then terminating the activation of the second application, and converting the data edited by the second application to the first application. Since the data created by the application is held as data, the data created by the first application can be edited by another application having a different function, and the edited data can be edited again by the first application. As a result, there is an effect that an information processing apparatus capable of efficiently performing processing such as data creation / editing between applications having different functions is obtained.

Further, according to the invention of claim 2, according to claim 1,
In the invention, the display control means displays data created by the first application on a startup screen of the second application, and displays data on the startup screen of the second application. Since the editable area in the first application is indicated, when data created by the first application is edited by another application having a different function, the data can be used as a reference for editing. Also,
By indicating the editable area, the data edited in the editable area can be edited again by the first application. As a result, an effect is obtained that an information processing apparatus capable of efficiently performing processing such as data creation / editing between applications having different functions can be obtained.

According to the invention of claim 3, according to claim 1,
In the invention of the second aspect, the judging means judges whether or not there is data which is not reflected in the first application among the data held by the holding means, and the notifying means judges by the judging means. result,
When there is data that is not reflected in the first application, a notification to that effect is given. Therefore, when editing is performed again in the first application, data edited by the another application is contrary to the intention of the operator. Can be prevented from being reflected. As a result, there is an effect that an information processing apparatus capable of efficiently performing processing such as data creation / editing between applications having different functions is obtained.

According to the invention of claim 4, according to claim 3,
In the invention, the notifying means displays the unreflected data instead of or together with the notification that there is data that is not reflected in the first application, so that the editing is performed again in the first application. In this case, data that is not reflected can be easily specified. As a result, there is an effect that an information processing apparatus capable of efficiently performing processing such as data creation / editing between applications having different functions is obtained.

[0238] According to the invention of claim 5, the first step displays the data created by the first application on a start screen of a second application having a function different from that of the first application. , The second step is
After the data displayed in the first step is edited by the second application, when the activation of the second application is terminated, the data edited by the second application is reflected on the first application. Therefore, data created by the first application can be edited by another application having a different function, and the edited data can be edited again by the first application. As a result, there is an effect that an information processing method capable of efficiently performing processing such as data creation / editing between applications having different functions is obtained.

According to the invention of claim 6, according to claim 5,
In the invention, the first step displays data created by the first application on a startup screen of the second application, and
Indicates the editable area in the first application in the data displayed on the start screen of the application, and when editing the data created by the first application in another application having a different function, It can be a guide. By indicating the editable area, the data edited in the editable area can be edited again by the first application. As a result, there is an effect that an information processing method capable of efficiently performing processing such as data creation / editing between applications having different functions is obtained.

According to the invention of claim 7, according to claim 5,
In the sixth aspect, the third step determines whether or not there is data that is not reflected in the first application among the data reflected in the second step, and the fourth step is the third step. As a result of
When there is data that is not reflected in the first application, a notification to that effect is given. Therefore, when editing is performed again in the first application, data edited by the another application is contrary to the intention of the operator. Can be prevented from being reflected. As a result, there is an effect that an information processing method capable of efficiently performing processing such as data creation / editing between applications having different functions is obtained.

[0241] According to the invention of claim 8, according to claim 7,
In the invention, since the third step displays the unreflected data instead of or together with a notification that there is data that is not reflected in the first application, the editing in the first application is performed again. At the time of execution, data that is not reflected can be easily specified. As a result, there is an effect that an information processing method capable of efficiently performing processing such as data creation / editing between applications having different functions is obtained.

According to the ninth aspect, the fifth aspect
By recording a program for causing a computer to execute the method described in any one of (1) to (8), the program becomes machine-readable, thereby obtaining a recording medium capable of implementing the operations of claims 5 to 8 by computer. The effect is that it can be done.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an application of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram functionally showing a configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a sequence of commands of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an example of a display screen displayed by a display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is another example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is another example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is another example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is another example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is another example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is another example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is another example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of a series of processes of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 Bus 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 HDD 105 HD 106 FDD 107 FD 108 Display 109 I / F 110 Communication line 111 Keyboard 112 Mouse 113 Scanner 114 Printer 115 CDROM 116 CDROM drive 200 Database 201 Word processor application 202 Graphic processor application 203 Information retrieval application 204 Spreadsheet application 205 Relational database application 206 Japanese conversion application 301 Display control unit 302 Holding unit 303 Judgment unit 304 Notification unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus having first and second applications having different functions, a display control means for displaying data created by the first application on a startup screen of the second application. After ending the activation of the second application after editing the data displayed by the display control means with the second application, the data edited by the second application is converted by the first application. An information processing apparatus, comprising: holding means for holding as created data. 2. The display control means displays data created by the first application on a startup screen of the second application, and displays data displayed on a startup screen of the second application. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus indicates an editable area in the first application. A determination unit configured to determine whether there is data that is not reflected in the first application among data held by the storage unit; and a result determined by the determination unit; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a notification unit configured to notify, when there is data that is not reflected in the one application, to that effect. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the notifying unit displays the non-reflected data instead of or together with a notification that there is data that is not reflected in the first application. Information processing device. 5. A first step of displaying data created by a first application on a start screen of a second application having a function different from that of the first application; and data displayed in the first step. A second step of reflecting data edited by the second application in the first application when ending the activation of the second application after editing the second application by the second application. An information processing method characterized by the following. 6. The first step displays data created by the first application on a startup screen of the second application, and displays data created on the startup screen of the second application. The information processing method according to claim 5, further comprising: indicating an editable area in the first application in (1). 7. A third step of determining whether there is data not reflected in the first application among data reflected in the second step, and a result determined in the third step. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: when there is data that is not reflected in the first application, and notifying the user of the fact. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, in the third step, the unreflected data is displayed instead of or together with a notification that there is data that is not reflected in the first application. Information processing method. 9. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 5 is recorded.