JP2001022733A - 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] [PROBLEMS] To efficiently and easily manage data created on a plurality of applications. SOLUTION: As a part of a function of a first application having a document creation function among a plurality of applications, at least one of the plurality of applications is operated as a second application as a second application. Function control unit 302 and display unit 301
A display control unit 303 for displaying an operation screen of one of the first and second applications on the display, a display control unit 3
03, a display specifying unit 304 for specifying an operation screen to be displayed
And a file creation unit 305 for creating one data file as a file format of the first application from each data processed on the operation screen of each of the first and second applications.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention enables a plurality of applications to be switched on a sheet-like operation on an application having a document creation function, and also allows data created by the functions of the plurality of applications to be converted into one. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the method is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the digital information society in recent years, it is essential to perform work using an information processing device such as a personal computer from the viewpoint of improving work efficiency, optimizing information management and preventing waste of paper resources. Has become. In particular, in recent years, with the development of a communication infrastructure, information is often collected and processed through a network such as the Internet in addition to simply creating documents and data.

[0003] In order to respond to such diversification of business processes, many applications having different functions according to applications have been developed in order to perform more sophisticated and complicated processes. For example, a word processor application, a spreadsheet application, a graphic processor application, and the like.

Normal business processing is performed for each given work item, and the processing contents of each work item include document creation by the word processor application, graph creation by the spreadsheet application, and drawing by the graphic processor application. And work using a plurality of applications, such as creation of an application. That is, in order to complete one work item, a plurality of types of data files using a plurality of applications are created.

Therefore, a folder is created for each work item on the information processing apparatus in advance, and data files in a plurality of formats described above are stored in each created folder, thereby performing information management for each work item. I was
However, in this management method, since update work and the like are performed for each data file, it becomes difficult to manage the processing history for each work item, and the handling becomes complicated because there are a plurality of data files. was there.

Therefore, a plurality of applications each operating independently and having different functions are operated in a common work area on the display screen, and the data created by the functional operation of each application is stored and stored as one file. Readable applications have been put to practical use. An example of such an application is “Office Binder” by Microsoft Corporation.

Further, each function of a plurality of applications,
For example, a word processing function, a graphic drawing function, a database function, and the like are realized on the same application, and data files created using these various functions are managed in one or a plurality of file formats recognizable by the application. Integrated applications have been put into practical use. As such an integrated application, for example, Microsoft's “Microsoft”
Works and Clarice Works.

On the other hand, in an application having a limited application (such as a document creation application) such as the word processor application described above, a plurality of data files created by the application are simultaneously opened and edited on an operation screen. The plurality of data files are usually displayed in a window format in a vertical display, a horizontal display, or an overlap display. In this case, it is possible to edit only the data file of the window that has been activated. Usually, this switching of the active window is executed by executing a predetermined command or by using a pointing device such as a mouse. This is performed by selecting a part of the window to be set.

In particular, in a spreadsheet application, a plurality of different table data are distinguished by a concept of a data sheet, and each data sheet is displayed in a layered manner with a tag attached thereto, and is activated when a tag is selected. Only the data sheet is visualized and becomes editable. As such a spreadsheet application, for example, Microsoft's “Microsoft Excel”
l "and JustSystems'" Sanshiro ".

[0010]

However, the above-mentioned "Office binder" is a special application serving as a housing for collectively executing and managing a plurality of applications. To manage this word processing document and data files of other applications collectively, start this "Office Binder" anew, import the word processing document described above, and further copy other data files to be compiled. I needed to capture it.

The "Office binder" can store data created by a plurality of applications as one data file.
Since this file format is specific to the “Office binder”, even if another user wants to refer to only the word processing document in the file of the “Office binder” format, the information processing apparatus to be used is referred to as “Offline”.
There was a problem that an "ice binder" had to be installed.

That is, the information processing device to be used has "O
Even if a word processor application that created a word processing document in a file in the “office binder” format was installed, the intended word processing document could not be read unless a separate “office binder” was prepared.

[0013] Further, the above-mentioned integrated application includes:
Functions that previously operated as individual applications can be realized on the same application and data can be saved and managed as a single file.However, various functions are limited to preset specifications and new No kind of data could be created.

Further, the integrated application generally has a smaller number of individual functions for creating the data, and has a data expressing ability and detailed information as compared with a dedicated application for creating the target data. Often the settings were inferior.

On the other hand, a dedicated application having a limited use is OLE (Object Linkingand).
Embeddng) and other in-place technologies
Although data created by different applications can be captured in the same data document, a plurality of data files in different file formats cannot be individually edited and managed.

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problems of the conventional example, a plurality of applications each operating independently and having different functions are operated on an application having a document creation function, and each application is created on each application. An information processing device that can easily perform switching of data to be performed, and can efficiently manage a plurality of documents created under a common purpose by processing these data as one data file;
An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing method and a computer-readable recording medium that records a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

[0017]

Means for Solving the Problems To solve the above-mentioned problems,
In order to achieve the object, an information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that operates independently and executes a plurality of applications having different functions. A function control unit configured to operate at least one of the plurality of applications as a second application as a part of a function of a first application having a document creation function among the applications; 1
Display control means for displaying an operation screen of one of the first and second applications, display designation means for specifying an operation screen to be displayed by the display control means, and operation screens of each of the first and second applications File creation means for creating one data file as a file format of the first application from each data processed above.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, at least one of a plurality of other applications is operated as a part of an application having a document creation function, and a designated one of these applications is operated. One operation screen is displayed, and each data processed on each operation screen of these applications is combined to create one data file.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the display control means superimposes the operation screens of the first and second applications in a layered manner and performs the display designation. Only the operation screen selected by the means is displayed, a tag is attached to each of the overlapped operation screens, and all of the tags are displayed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the operation screens of a plurality of different applications are layered (data sheet format), and only the specified operation screen is displayed, and all of these operation screens are displayed. Display of tags.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the second aspect, the display designating means switches the operation screen displayed by the display control means by selecting the tag. It is characterized by.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, by selecting a tag attached to each operation screen, the operation screen displayed on the front in the active state is switched.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the second or third aspect of the present invention, the display control means includes a predetermined character string and a predetermined character string for each of the layered operation screens. An operation screen name composed of numbers indicating the order of layering is automatically generated, and the generated operation screen name is displayed on the tag corresponding to the operation screen.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, an operation screen name composed of a predetermined character string and a number indicating the order of layering is displayed on each tag, and the operation when switching is performed. Use it as a screen index.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is further provided an input means for inputting an arbitrary character string, and the display control means is automatically generated. An arbitrary character string input via the input means is displayed on the tag instead of the operation screen name.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, an arbitrary character string is input and displayed on the tag, and an index on an operation screen when switching is performed is arbitrarily set.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, the information processing apparatus further includes the first application or the plurality of applications as the second application. Operation screen adding means for adding at least one of
The display control means displays a tag for causing the operation screen adding means to execute an operation screen adding process as one of the tags.

According to the invention of claim 6, an operation screen for realizing the operation of another application is newly added, and the addition instruction is performed by designating the tag displayed for addition.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the operation screen adding means sets an application name which can be added as the second application among the plurality of applications. A list is displayed, and the addition of the application is executed by specifying at least one of the application names displayed in the list.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, a list of application names that can be newly added is displayed in a list, and an operation screen of an application specified in the list of application names is added.

In the information processing apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, the operation screen adding means executes the addition of an application by designating a data file created by the application. The display control means, on the tag of the operation screen of the application added by the operation screen addition means,
A file name of the data file is displayed.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, by specifying an existing data file, the application used to create the data file is added as a new application, and the operation screen of the added application is displayed. Display the file name of the data file on the tag.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the function control means may be configured so that the data file specified by the operation screen adding means is When the data file of the first application is created by a plurality of applications, each of the plurality of applications is operated as the second application.

According to the ninth aspect, when the data file of the application to be added is created by a plurality of applications in the data file format of the first application, each of the plurality of applications is created. Run as a new application.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the file creation means is configured to display on the operation screen of each of the first and second applications. An individual data file is created for each data processed in step (1).

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, an individual data file is created for each data created on a plurality of operation screens by only the first application or a plurality of added applications.

An information processing method according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the information processing method wherein each of the plurality of applications operates independently and executes a plurality of applications having different functions. A function control step of operating at least one of the plurality of applications as a second application as a part of the function of the first application;
A display step of displaying an operation screen of one of the first and second applications, a display specifying step of specifying an operation screen to be displayed in the display step, and a display step of displaying an operation screen of each of the first and second applications. A file creation step of creating one data file as a file format of the first application from each processed data.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, at least one of a plurality of other applications is operated as a part of the function of the application having a document creation function, and a designated one of the plurality of applications is operated. One operation screen is displayed, and each data processed on each operation screen of these applications is combined to create one data file.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method according to the eleventh aspect, the display step includes a step of superimposing operation screens of the first and second applications in a layered manner. In addition to displaying only the operation screen selected by, a tag is attached to each of the overlapped operation screens, and all of the tags are displayed.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, the operation screens of a plurality of different applications are layered (data sheet format), and only the specified operation screen is displayed, and all of these operation screens are displayed. Display of tags.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method according to the twelfth aspect, the display designation step switches the operation screen displayed in the display step by selecting the tag. Features.

According to the thirteenth aspect, by selecting a tag attached to each operation screen, the operation screen displayed on the front in the active state is switched.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method according to the twelfth aspect, the display step includes a step of superimposing a predetermined character string and a layer on each of the layered operation screens. An operation screen name including a number indicating the order in which the operation screen is generated is automatically generated, and the generated operation screen name is displayed on the tag corresponding to the operation screen.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, an operation screen name composed of a predetermined character string and a number indicating the order of layering is displayed on each tag, and the operation at the time of switching is performed. Use it as a screen index.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method according to the fourteenth aspect, the display step is configured such that, in place of the automatically generated operation screen name, an arbitrary input by an input device is performed. A character string is displayed on the tag.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, an arbitrary character string is input and displayed on the tag, and the index of the operation screen when switching is set arbitrarily.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method according to any one of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects, the information processing method further includes the first application or the plurality of applications as the second application. And an operation screen adding step of adding at least one of the following. The display step displays a tag for executing the operation screen adding step as one of the tags.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, an operation screen for realizing the operation of another application is newly added, and this addition instruction is performed by designating the tag displayed for addition.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method according to the sixteenth aspect, the operation screen adding step includes, among the plurality of applications, an application name that can be added as the second application. A list is displayed, and the addition of the application is executed by specifying at least one of the application names displayed in the list.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a list of application names that can be newly added is displayed in a list, and an operation screen of an application specified in the list of application names is added.

Further, in the information processing method according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the operation screen adding step executes the addition of the application by designating a data file created by the application. The display step displays a file name of the data file on a tag of an operation screen of the application added in the operation screen addition step.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the invention, by specifying an existing data file, the application used to create the data file is added as a new application, and the operation screen of the added application is displayed. Display the file name of the data file on the tag.

The information processing method according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the information processing method according to any one of the eleventh to eighteenth aspects, wherein the function control step includes a step of: When the data file of the first application is created by a plurality of applications, each of the plurality of applications is operated as the second application.

According to the nineteenth aspect, when a data file of an application to be added is created by a plurality of applications in the data file format of the first application, each of the plurality of applications is created. Run as a new application.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method according to any one of the eleventh to nineteenth aspects, the file creation step is performed on an operation screen of each of the first and second applications. An individual data file is created for each data processed in step (1).

According to the twentieth aspect, an individual data file is created for each data created on a plurality of operation screens by only the first application or a plurality of added applications.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, a storage medium stores a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to the eleventh to twentieth aspects, so that the program becomes machine-readable. The operations of items 11 to 20 can be realized by a computer.

[0058]

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.

First, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the 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 entire 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.

Further, 109 is connected to the network NET via the communication line 110,
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 example of an application operating in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment executes various applications as described below by installing them in a state where they are installed in the above-described HD 105 or by directly starting them from the CDROM 115. Is possible.

The application configuration shown in FIG. 2 includes an information box (database) 200 for managing data files created by various applications, and an information search application 203. And the information search application 203, the HD10
5 can be efficiently accessed.

First, as shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is used as an application frequently used in normal business processing. 1. Word processor application 201 2. Graphic processor application 202 Spreadsheet application 2
04 4. 4. Relational database application 205 The environment is set to be executable with the Japanese conversion application 206 installed.

In recent years, due to the development of a communication infrastructure of a network, particularly the Internet, and a demand for collection of various information and transmission / reception of data over a wider area, the following Internet tool applications are often mounted and used. . 6. Internet Mailer Application 20
7 7. 7. Network-aware scheduler application 208 Internet browser application 20
9 9. Web site patrol application 21010. Dial-up application 211

Further, the following tools and applications for strengthening the coordination of the above applications are installed at the same time, thereby improving the work efficiency. 11. File search tool application 212 12. Macro editing tool application 213 13. Mathematical formula creation tool application 214 14. Font effect tool application 215 15. Graph creation tool application 216 16. Continuous printing tool application 217 17. Sentence Expression Dictionary Application 218

Note that the application configuration described above
If only the development maker is different with a common use purpose, for example, Word processor application 20
Although there is a difference in the functions and specifications as 1, there is also included a case where a product developed by Company A and a product developed by Company B are simultaneously installed for the purpose of document creation.

Next, an outline of each application will be described. (1. Word Processor Application 201) The word processor application 201 is an application whose main purpose is document creation, and the operation mode of the word processor application 201 is a feature of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Here, the features will be described later, and first, an operation mode of a general word processor application 201 will be described.

Word processor application 20
1. In addition to enabling the creation of documents with various expressions by incorporating the tools and applications described above, the information retrieval application 203 mounted on the information retrieval apparatus according to the present embodiment enables It is also possible to cover the life cycle of the created document (data file) more widely.

Here, the information retrieval application 203
Has a document creation support function based on similarity search technology, whereby necessary information can be directly called and utilized not only from the word processor application 201 but also from other applications. The contents of the information search application 203 will be described later.

Further, the word processor application 201 is a document / document supporting the creation of a fixed document.
It has a navigation function and improves the productivity of business processing by reusing documents and sharing them on a network.

The document navigation function is a function for navigating the creation of a fixed document such as a report or a facsimile sentence. By executing this function on the word processor application 201,
According to the type of a document to be created, such as a change of an executable command or an operation screen, an optimal operation environment for creating the document is provided.

For example, the execution command selection menu is
It is possible to narrow down to the most suitable one for the document, and to display appropriate commands for the document creation and advice on the contents. As a result, it is possible to greatly reduce the time and effort for creating a standard document in a company or the like.

More specifically, by selecting a navigation template which is a template document for realizing the document navigation function, only menus necessary for the document are displayed, and the contents can be easily and quickly filled only by filling the contents according to the navigation. You can create the desired document.

The document navigation information created by the document navigation function can be shared. For example, a shared folder or file can be collectively managed as a “virtual folder” and shared by a plurality of members. By using the information sharing function of the document navigation, it is possible to share information such as correspondence, specifications, and standard documents without introducing a special groupware product.

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.

(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 & photo retouching function, and can easily process and edit an image taken from a digital camera or a scanner. The processed image can be widely disclosed on a homepage or the like by using the Internet / intranet compatible function of the graphic processor application 202.

Further, the graphic processor application 202 executes a series of processes in the drawing operation,
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.

In order to realize these, the graphic processor application 202 may further have the following functions.

(1) Word processor / application transparent editing function (2) Addition / extension of file converters of other companies (3) Macro box conversion function (4) Paint & retouch function (photo retouch) (5) Image data management function ( (6) Snap function (7) Template figure function (8) Workspace function

(1) Word Processor Application Transparent Editing Function The transparent editing function is to activate 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 by OLE. This enables transparent editing that further enhances the affinity with the word processor application 201.

Therefore, the function of the graphic processor application 202 can be used as it is while the document of the word processor application 201 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.

Also, a graphic created by the simple drawing function of the word processor application 201 can 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 processor 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 another company's file converter With this function, for example, EPS (Encapsul)
A generalized graphic file format such as an attached PostScript file can be read and output, and data created by another company's product can be used as a graphic for the graphic processor application 202.

(3) Converting function of macro box In general, in developing an application, by adding a function by updating a version, compatibility of a file format and a function which can be recognized even by the graphic processor application 202 of the same series is limited. In particular, in such an application, a macro language which allows a user to add a function is mainly used.

Therefore, in order to improve the compatibility of the macro language, the macro box of the graphic processor application 202 of the old version can be registered as a drawing macro or a system macro. Thereby, DTP (Desk Top Publisher)
g) and CAD (Computer Aided Des)
i) can be improved.

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

(5) Image Data Management Function It is very complicated to manage images only by file name. The image data management function is used to eliminate the complexity, not only the parts of the graphic processor application 202 but also of course. , JPEG (Joint Photograph)
hic Experts Group) format and BMP
This is a function for centrally managing image data in various file formats such as the (BITMAP) format.

A list of images and parts is selected, and necessary ones are selected therefrom.
1 and the graphic processor application 202.

(6) Snap Function The snap function is a function for easily performing accurate pointing to a specific point, which is difficult with normal mouse operation. 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 template graphic function is a function in which a large number of template graphics are mounted and the template graphics can be used immediately so that the user can efficiently create high-precision graphics. It is. 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 This is a function that allows a workspace to be provided outside of the paper to be edited, and the layout work to be proceeded efficiently while temporarily placing the figure there. Since the graphics in the workspace are not printed, it is effective in improving work efficiency.

(3. Spreadsheet Application 204) The spreadsheet application 204 is software for displaying a table of elements (cells) arranged in the form of rows and columns according to the above-described data sheet. When changed, recalculation can be performed based on the relationship defined by the user between the elements, and the graph can be displayed.

Further, it has a numerical display unique to Japanese (displayed in trillions of millions), the same expressive power as the word processor application 201, and an excellent user interface, etc., thereby achieving both functionality and operability. I have. The spreadsheet application 204 has the following main functions, for example.

(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 This is a function for freely inputting and arranging a character string at an arbitrary position on the data sheet of the spreadsheet application 204. Specifically, a “text frame” is pasted at a free position on the data sheet, and characters are input.
Any number of text frames can be pasted anywhere on the data 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, the outline function is used to set an outline,
This is a function that hierarchizes the grand total items and displays the lines that have been narrowed down with a single mouse click, or hides them by narrowing them down.

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 Merging Function The cell merging 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 As a display mode of the spreadsheet application 204, there is 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 where it 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) Notational functions unique to Japan The spreadsheet application 204 can display “trillion million” units of numerical values, “hours, minutes, seconds”, “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.

(4. Relational Database Application 205) The relational database application 205 enhances and enhances basic functions, thoroughly pursues usability as an office database, and has been a database that has been complicated until now. Operations can be handled like a spreadsheet application.

[0107] 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 step 2 to the server, and import data from other companies' databases and spreadsheet applications. Relational database
The application 205 has, for example, the following main functions.

(1) Table definition function (2) Data conversion function (3) Table open history storage function (4) Narrowing condition setting function (5) Format registration function (6) List item format function unique to Japanese

(1) Table definition function The table definition function is used to define the table definition only by selecting the purpose and use of the database to be created (specifically, selecting templates classified into business, personal, etc.). This is a function that can be performed.

Further, a table definition function based on a screen form is provided, and a table definition can be performed only by arranging items on a screen as if a card-type database was handled. The created screen can be used as it is as a screen form. Items for table definition are standard items,
Includes those provided in the template above.

(2) Data Conversion Function After confirming the actual data contents displayed on the operation screen of the spreadsheet application and specifying the range, the data can be read into the relational database application 205. Function. CSV (Comma Separated Val)
Even when reading data from a file in the ue) format, it is possible to specify the name of the item to be read while checking the actual data on the screen.

(3) Table open history storage function This is a function of storing previously read tables and screen forms for each database. With this, when the relational database application 205 is started, the target tables and forms are immediately stored. Can be opened.

(4) Narrowing condition setting function This function allows the relational database application 205 to narrow down 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) Format registration function This function allows a format to be set as a standard format in the table itself, to be set each time a list is displayed, or to be 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 group data analysis and the like.

(6) Japanese-specific list item format function This function allows the use of Japanese-specific notation in 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 rearrangement of items, but also hierarchical display of item labels can be performed. In addition, you can use thousands separators for numbers,
In addition to setting the unit display such as "%" with a single icon, the display format can be changed like a spreadsheet, such as batch change and optimization of item / row display width.

(5. 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 Japanese conversion function and performs kana-kanji conversion.

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

As described above, the Japanese conversion application 2
Since 06 can be positioned as a kind of database system, the data to be searched need not be only a dictionary for kana-kanji conversion. There is no limitation on so-called Japanese language dictionaries, synonym dictionaries, encyclopedias, data and schedules in address books, information on the Internet, and data in core databases in companies.

(6. Internet Mailer Application 207) The Internet mailer application 207 is a multi-user compatible function, a mail list function, a mail transmission function, a mail server connection function, a folder automatic sorting function, an address book function, and a backup function. And software mainly for sending and receiving e-mail such as a POP login function.

(7. Network-capable scheduler
Application 208) A scheduler that can be connected to a network and used not only for schedule management but also as a memo, diary, or memorandum. The data of the schedule and the TODO (work item management table) can be easily sent by e-mail, and when received by mail software, the data is automatically registered in the scheduler.

(8. Internet Browser Application 209) The Internet browser application 209 is an Internet Web site,
FTP (File Transfer Protco
l) Access to the site etc. and mainly use HTML (Hyp
ertext Markup Language) Enables browsing of pages and data files.

Further, the user can access the NetNews server to subscribe and post news. In some cases, a function for automatically making a dial-up connection when access is required or an access saving mode for maximizing the use of a cache may be provided.

(9. Web Site Patrol Application 210) The Web site patrol application 210
Automatically traverses websites on the Internet / intranet and uses a preset address Web
Software to download page b. The downloaded Web page is stored in a cache or a file in the information processing apparatus, and its contents can be checked offline.

(10. Dial-up application 211) Dial-up application 211
Is a function to monitor the connection status with the network and to automatically connect / disconnect at a set time, a function to automatically disconnect when data transmission / reception is not performed for a predetermined time, a function to manage charging information for network use, etc. Software.

In particular, when the Internet mailer application 207, the network-aware scheduler application 208, the Internet browser application 209, and the Web site patrol application 210 perform online processing via a dial-up connection, they are activated. In the previous stage, this dial-up application 211
Is started.

(Other Tool Applications) File search tool application 212, macro editing tool application 213, formula creation tool application 214, font effect tool application 215, graph creation tool application 216, continuous printing tool Applications such as the application 217 and the sentence expression dictionary application 218 are often used in cooperation with the various applications described above, and as their names indicate,
File search function, macro editing, formula creation function, font / effect function, graph creation function, continuous printing function,
Add or enhance the sentence dictionary. Here, these details are 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 display unit 301, a function control unit 302, a display control unit 303, a display designation unit 304, and a file creation unit 305.
, An input unit 306, and an operation screen adding unit 307.

The display section 301 is a display device having a display screen such as a CRT display or a liquid crystal display.
In addition, the function control unit 302 is a first application (word processor / word processor) having a document creation function among a plurality of applications each operating independently and having different functions.
As a part of the function of the application, at least one of the plurality of applications is operated as a second application (the various applications described above).

Further, the display control section 303
To display an operation screen of one of the first and second applications. Further, the display specifying unit 304 specifies an operation screen to be displayed by the display control unit 303. The file creation unit 305 creates one data file as a file format of the first application from each data processed on the operation screen of each of the first and second applications.

Here, the display form of the operation screen by the display control unit 303 is such that the operation screens of the above-described first and second applications are layered, and only the operation screen selected by the display designating means is displayed. At the same time, a tag is attached to each of the overlapped operation screens, and all of the tags are displayed. In this case, the display designation unit 304 switches the operation screen displayed by the display control unit 303 by selecting the tag.

Further, the display control unit 303 automatically assigns an operation screen name composed of a predetermined character string and a number indicating the order of the layered operation screen to each of the layered operation screens. Generate and display the generated operation screen name on the tag corresponding to the operation screen.

The input unit 306 corresponds to the pointing device such as the mouse 112 and the keyboard 111, and receives an input of an arbitrary character string. Then, the display control unit 303 displays an arbitrary character string input via the input unit 306 on a tag attached to each operation screen, instead of the automatically generated operation screen name.

The operation screen adding unit 307 is used as the above-described second application (that is, as an operation screen).
At least one of the first application or other plurality of applications is added. Then, in this case, the display control unit 303 displays a tag for causing the operation screen addition unit 307 to execute the operation screen addition processing, as one of the tags attached to each of the operation screens described above.

Further, the operation screen adding unit 307 displays a list of application names that can be added as the above-mentioned second application among a plurality of applications, and specifies at least one of the application names displayed in the list. By doing so, you add the application.

The operation screen adding unit 307 executes addition of an application by designating a data file created by the application. Then, in this case, the display control unit 303
07, the file name of the data file is displayed on the tag of the operation screen of the application added.

Further, when the data file specified by the operation screen adding unit 304 is created by a plurality of applications as the data file of the first application, the function control unit 302 Each is operated as the second application.

The file creation unit 305 creates an individual data file for each data processed on the operation screen of each of the first and second applications.

The function control section 302 and the display control section 30
3, the display designation unit 304, the file creation unit 305, the input unit 306, and the operation screen addition unit 307
02, the RAM 103 or the hard disk 105, the floppy disk 107, the CDROM 115, and the like, the CPU 101 and the like execute the instruction processing in accordance with the instructions described in the program recorded on the recording medium, thereby realizing the function of each unit.

Next, a specific system configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the block diagram of FIG. 4, the information processing apparatus includes a word processor application 401
(Corresponding to the above-described first application), a capture application 402 (corresponding to the above-described second application), and a Japanese conversion application 403.
(Corresponds to the Japanese translation application 206 described above)
And

[0141] Word processor application 40
1 is the word processor application 2 described above.
01, various functions such as the word processor application 201, the graphic processor application 202, the spreadsheet application 204, the relational database 205, the mathematical formula creation tool 214, and the Internet browser 209 are displayed on the operation screen. The application can be operated as the capture application 402.

In particular, the capture application 40
The operation 2 is not realized as the insertion of an object in one document unlike the conventional application, but the operation screen of each application is arranged in a data sheet form, and the data sheet is appropriately switched to switch the operation screen. It can be identified as a data document.

Therefore, the difference from the Office binder described above is that the application switching based on the data sheet format and the addition to the document data created on the word processor application 401 are possible.
That is, data created by each capture application 402 can be edited and saved collectively. The Japanese conversion application 403 can be commonly used in each operation state of the import application 402.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a series of operations and operations of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. First, on the display screen, an icon indicating activation of the above-described word processor application 401 (hereinafter, referred to as word processor A) or a corresponding command in an application activation menu is selected via a mouse or the like, so that word processor A is selected. Start

The word processor A displays a file already created by the word processor A, for example, by displaying the file (file name or icon).
By double-clicking and selecting
It can also be activated. Therefore, the display mode of the operation screen after startup differs depending on these startup procedures.

Therefore, in FIG. 5, first, it is determined whether or not the activation is performed by reading a file (step S50).
1). If it is determined in step S501 that the activation is not due to reading of a file (ie, normal activation), a new document for document creation is opened. That is, the word processor A displays an editing screen for creating a document, which is its original use. At this time, a sheet for new creation for adding the import application as a data sheet is displayed at the same time as described later (step S502).

FIG. 6 shows an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly shows the display screen displayed in step S502 described above. This display screen may be one of a plurality of window screens displayed on the display unit 301, or may be a form displayed on the entire display area of the display unit 301. This is realized by the adopted display form. The same applies to the drawings shown hereinafter.

In FIG. 6, a window screen 601 is
It comprises a title bar 602, a menu bar 603, a toolbar 604, and a data editing area 605. The title bar 602 includes the window screen 60
The name of the application for which the operation 1 is the target and the name of the document in an editable state, that is, an active state, are displayed. Further, icons for switching the window display mode such as the entire display and the minimum display are arranged.

In the menu bar 603, items for selecting and executing commands for realizing various functions of the word processor A, mainly in a drop-down format, are arranged. In addition, the toolbar 604 includes
Of the commands that can be selected in the menu bar 603, frequently used commands are visually arranged as icons.

In particular, the contents of the menu bar 603 and the toolbar 604 are changed depending on the type of the document that has been activated. In FIG.
Since a word processing document unique to the word processor A is displayed as the data editing area 605, the menu bar 6
The content 03 and the toolbar 604 are the most suitable contents for editing the word processing document.

The data editing area 605 is an area in which one of a plurality of documents displayed in a layered manner as a data sheet is displayed, and each data sheet is tagged. In FIG. 6, a tag T101 is attached to a data sheet of a word processor document unique to the word processor A, and a tag T110 is attached to a data sheet for adding (newly creating) a capture application.

Further, the name of each data sheet is displayed on these tags. In FIG. 6, the tag T101
"Sheet1" is displayed on the top, and "New" is displayed on the tag T110.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that the activation is due to reading of a file, a sheet display process is executed according to the data sheet information included in the read file (step S503). Here, in particular, as a data sheet, a word processor A
A case will be described in which a file created by adding data created by a graphic processor application and data created by a spreadsheet application to a unique word processing document is read.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly shows the display screen displayed in step S503 described above. Window screen 70 shown in FIG.
1, the title bar 702, the menu bar 703
The toolbar 704 corresponds to the title bar 602, menu bar 603, and toolbar 604 shown in FIG. The data editing area 705 includes a tag T1.
The data sheet numbered 01 is displayed in an active state.

The difference from FIG. 6 is that, in addition to the tag T101 of the data sheet of the word processor A unique to the word processor A and the tag T110 of the data sheet for new creation, the tag T1 of the data sheet for the graphic processor application is added.
02 and a tag T103 of a data sheet for a spreadsheet application are displayed.

Further, these tags are a data sheet for new creation, a data sheet for spreadsheet application,
Datasheets for graphics processor applications,
The data sheets for the word processor A are displayed so as to be superimposed in that order.

After the sheet display in step S502 or step S503 is completed, editing work on the active data sheet is enabled. Here, first, switching of the active data sheet is performed. That is, it is determined whether switching of data to be displayed in the data editing area 705 has been instructed (step S504).

The switching of data sheets is executed by selecting a tag attached to each data sheet by clicking with a mouse or the like. Here, the addition processing of the import application is also executed by selecting T110 which is a tag of the sheet for new creation, as one of the switching operations of the data sheet. Therefore, after switching the display sheet in step S504, it is necessary to further determine whether or not the switching indicates a new creation of a data sheet (step S505).

If the data sheet switching operation does not indicate a new creation, the operation proceeds to the operating environment of the application corresponding to the selected tag, and the specified data sheet is displayed on the front (step S50).
7). For example, in the state of the display screen shown in FIG. 7, by clicking the tag T <b> 102 displayed as “Sheet 2”, the data sheet for the graphic processor application is displayed on the front in the data editing area 705.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In particular, the active data sheet is switched to a data sheet for a graphic processor application. 5 shows a display screen in a state of being set.

In the window screen 801 shown in FIG. 8, the title bar 802 is the same as the title bar 702 shown in FIG. 6, but the menu bar 803 and the toolbar 804 correspond to the data displayed on the data editing area 805. Then, the contents are changed as shown in FIG. 8 so that the editing operation by the operation of the graphic processor application can be performed optimally.

As another example, when the tag T103 displayed as “Sheet3” is clicked in the state of the display screen shown in FIG. 7, a data sheet for a spreadsheet application is displayed in the data editing area 705. Displayed in the foreground.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In particular, a data sheet in an active state is switched to a data sheet for a spreadsheet application. 2 shows the display screen in a state where the display screen is closed.

In a window screen 901 shown in FIG. 9, a title bar 902 is displayed in the same manner as when a data sheet for a graphic processor application is selected.
Although not different from the title bar 602 shown in FIG. 6, the menu bar 903 and the toolbar 904 are provided so that the data displayed on the data editing area 905 can be optimally edited by the operation of the spreadsheet application. Its contents are changed.

In particular, since the spreadsheet application has a plurality of sheets in itself and can switch data, as shown in FIG.
In the above, it is also possible to reproduce the same operating environment as when the spreadsheet application operates alone so that a plurality of data can be switched.

Note that the above data sheet switching instruction can be executed by selecting a sheet switching command on a menu bar in addition to selecting a tag with a mouse or the like. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly illustrates a display screen displayed by executing a sheet switching command.

In FIG. 10, sheet name display area 100
2, a list of the sheet names of the switchable sheets, that is, the names displayed in the tags of each data sheet, is displayed in a list.
Select one of these sheet names with a mouse, etc.
By clicking the button, data sheet switching similar to the above-described tag selection can be performed.

On the other hand, if the selected tag is the tag T110 of the sheet for new creation, a new creation process of the data sheet, that is, a process of adding a loading application is executed (step S508). Specifically, an additional application selection dialog is displayed.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly shows a dialog for selecting an additional application. A dialog 1101 illustrated in FIG. 11 includes, as applications that can be added as data sheets, an icon 1102 indicating a word processor A, an icon 1103 indicating a spreadsheet application, an icon 1104 indicating a presentation application, an icon 1105 indicating a graphic processor application,
Icon 1 indicating word processor B, which is a word processor application different from word processor A
106, icon 11 indicating other application
10 are arranged.

First, after selecting an icon indicating an application to be added from among the icons displayed in the list with a mouse or the like (specifically, the selected state is indicated by reverse display of an icon graphic or depressed display of a button). Clicking the "New" button 1122 adds a new data sheet as a new document for the application. The tag display will be described later.

When the “open” button 1121 is clicked in the selected state of the application,
Files created in the past by the application can be added as new data sheets. In this case, a file selection dialog is displayed, and a file to be added is selected from the displayed file list.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly shows a dialog for selecting an additional file. In the file selection dialog 1201 shown in FIG. 12, files in the folder selected by the folder selection box 1202 are displayed in the file list display area 1203. In particular, the file list display area 120
3 displays a file having an extension designated in the file type designation box 1205.

For example, in the additional application selection dialog shown in FIG.
When the “open” button 1121 is clicked while the icon 1102 is selected, only files of a type that can be handled by the word processor A are displayed in a list in a file selection dialog 1201 shown in FIG.
That is, an extension of a file format that can be handled by the word processor A is set in the file type designation box 1205.

When one of the files displayed in the file list display area 1203 is selected with a mouse or the like, the selected file name is displayed in the file name input area 1204. When the “OK” button 1206 is clicked in this state, the contents of the selected file are added as a new data sheet.

FIG. 13 shows a part of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly shows a part of a tag which is changed by the above-described new data sheet creation processing. ing. For example, FIG.
When an existing document file (file name: report) of the word processor B is additionally created as a new data sheet from the state of the display screen shown in FIG. 13A, as shown in FIG. Tag (tag name: N
The tag of the document file is inserted at the highest level of the tag except ew).

That is, a data sheet for new creation, a data sheet for word processor B, a data sheet for spreadsheet application, a data sheet for graphic processor application, and a data sheet for word processor A are stacked in this order. Is displayed as

Further, from the state of the display screen shown in FIG.
An existing document file of the word processor A is additionally created as a new data sheet. In particular, when this document file is composed of a plurality of documents in the data sheet format of the word processor A (three data sheets: each data sheet name is “January”, “February”, “March”), and tags of these data sheets are inserted as shown in FIG.

Further, from the state of the display screen shown in FIG. 7, if a new file of the graphic processor application is additionally created as a new data sheet, for example, as shown in FIG. After the sheet names (“Sheet1” to “Sheet3”) that were automatically determined by adding serial numbers to the sheet character strings of
A tag displaying “Sheet4” is inserted.

On the other hand, the dialog 1101 shown in FIG.
Is displayed, the icon 1110 of the other application is selected, and the “New” button 11
When the button 22 is clicked, a list dialog of the additional application is displayed. In this list dialog, application names of applications not registered as icons in FIG. 11 are displayed.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly shows the above-mentioned additional application list dialog. In the additional application list dialog 1401 shown in FIG. 14, the names of applications that can be added are displayed in the application list display area 1402.

Then, one of the applications displayed in the application list display area 1402 is selected with a mouse or the like, and an “OK” button 1403 is displayed in this state.
Is clicked, a new document of the application is added as a new data sheet. Note that the tag display is as shown in FIG.

If the switching of the data sheet is not detected in step S504 shown in FIG. 5, an editing operation is performed on the data sheet in the active state (step S506). As described above, this editing work can be performed smoothly because the menu bar and the toolbar on the window screen are changed to have the same environment as when the application operates alone.

In this editing operation, the name on the tag of the data sheet to be edited, that is, the sheet name can be changed. This sheet name change instruction is performed by selecting a sheet name change command included in the menu bar or by double-clicking a tag portion (step S509).

The sheet name change processing is performed according to the display of the sheet name change dialog. FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly illustrates a sheet name change dialog. In the sheet name change dialog 1501 shown in FIG. 15, by inputting the changed sheet name in the sheet name input area 1502 and clicking an “OK” button 1503, the change of the sheet name is achieved (step S510).

It is also possible to delete or copy the data sheet to be edited, or to change (move) the overlapping position of the data sheet. This sheet deletion / copy / move instruction is performed by selecting a sheet deletion / copy / move command included in the menu bar (step S5).
11).

In particular, sheet deletion / copy / move processing
This is performed according to the display of the sheet deletion / copy / move dialog (step S512). FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly illustrates a sheet copy / move dialog.

In the sheet copy / move dialog 1601 shown in FIG.
By clicking the "Move" button 1603, the data sheet to be edited can be moved to the selected position. By clicking a "copy" button 1604, the data sheet to be edited can be copied to the selected position.

A plurality of data identified for each data sheet created through the above-described editing work, data sheet switching processing, and new data sheet creation processing can be stored in a single file as a file format of the word processor A. Further, each data sheet can be saved as an individual file in a file format of a corresponding application.

[0189] This file saving instruction is performed, for example, by selecting a save command included in the menu bar (step S513). FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly illustrates a drop-down menu when a file save instruction is performed. FIG.
The drop-down menu 1702 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed by, for example, selecting a “file” command on a menu bar.

In FIG. 17, by selecting “save as” 1703 from the commands included in the drop-down menu 1702, the “batch save” 1704 and “save by sheet” 1705 are further selected. This shows a state in which two command menus are displayed. In this state, by further selecting “batch save” 1704, a file save dialog is displayed, a save file name is input, and the above-described save in the word processor A file format is performed (step S51).
4).

On the other hand, when "Save for each sheet" 1705 is selected, a file save dialog for each sheet is displayed, and the save file name is input, and the file is saved in the file format of the application corresponding to each data sheet. Is performed (step S514).

FIG. 18 shows a part of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly shows the file save dialog for each sheet described above. This file save dialog 1801
In, the folder to be saved is designated by the folder designation box 1802 and the file list display area 1803 is displayed.
The user inputs a file name in the file name input area 1804 while referring to the file displayed in the file name.

Also, a file type designation box 1805
Can also specify the file storage format. Then, by clicking a “Save” button 1806, a file according to the above settings is created. This operation is repeated for each data sheet. Note that when the “batch save” 1704 is selected, this operation is performed only once.

As described above, according to this embodiment, at least one of a plurality of other applications is operated as a part of the function of the application (word processor A) having a document creation function.
One of these applications is displayed on the specified operation screen, and each data processed on each data sheet of these applications is combined to create one data file. Becomes easier.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the operation screens of a plurality of different applications are layered as data sheets, and only the specified data sheet is displayed, and the tags attached to all of these data sheets are displayed. Since the display is performed, the configuration of the plurality of applications can be visually and intuitively recognized.

Further, according to the present embodiment, by selecting a tag attached to each operation screen (data sheet), the operation screen displayed on the front in the active state is switched, so that switching of different applications can be visually recognized. Intuitively and intuitively, data editing can be performed smoothly.

According to the present embodiment, when a new document is added as a data sheet, an operation screen name composed of a predetermined character string and a number indicating the order of layering is added to each tag. Is displayed, so that it can be used as an index of a data sheet when switching is performed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the sheet name displayed on the tag can be changed and displayed by inputting an arbitrary character string, so that it can be used as an index of a data sheet when switching. Thus, the recognition of the contents of each data sheet can be further improved.

According to the present embodiment, an operation screen (data sheet) for realizing the operation of another application
Is newly added, and this addition instruction is performed by designating the tag displayed for addition, so that the sheet switching operation can be commonly used, and the user is forced to perform a new operation for the addition instruction. This provides an easy data editing environment for beginners.

Further, according to the present embodiment, a list of application names that can be newly added is displayed in a list, and an operation screen (data sheet) of a specified application in the list of application names is added. Therefore, an application can be easily added only by a simple operation of selecting from a list.

According to the present embodiment, by designating an existing data file, the application used to create the data file is added as a new application, and the operation screen of the added application is displayed. Since the file name of the data file is displayed on the tag, the data file created in the past can be added and managed as a common work item.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the data file of the application to be added is created by a plurality of applications in the data file format of the first application (word processor A), the plurality of Since each of the applications is operated as a new application, it is possible to use data files that have been collectively managed in the past.

Further, according to the present embodiment, individual data created on a plurality of operation screens (data sheets) by only the first application (word processor A) or a plurality of added applications are individually assigned. Therefore, one of the data files managed collectively can be taken out, and the data file can be used on an application operated alone in another work item.

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.

[0205]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in an information processing apparatus which operates independently and executes a plurality of applications having different functions, the display means has a display screen, A function control unit that operates at least one of the plurality of applications as a second application as a part of a function of a first application having a document creation function among the plurality of applications; Controlling the display means to display an operation screen of one of the first and second applications, wherein the file creation means specifies an operation screen to be displayed by the display control means; From each data processed on the operation screen of each of the first and second applications, the first application Since creating a single data file as the file format of the down, the effect of efficiently performing it is an information processing apparatus to manage each work item data file is obtained.

Further, according to the invention of claim 2, claim 1
In the invention, the display control means superimposes the operation screens of the first and second applications in layers, displays only the operation screen selected by the display designation means, and displays each of the superimposed operation screens. Since tags are added to all the tags and all the tags are displayed, an information processing apparatus capable of visually and intuitively recognizing the configuration of a plurality of applications is obtained.

Further, according to the invention of claim 3, according to claim 2,
In the invention, the display designating means switches an operation screen displayed by the display control means by selecting the tag, so that switching of different applications can be performed visually and intuitively, and a data editing operation can be performed. And an information processing apparatus that can smoothly perform the information processing.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4, according to claim 2,
In the third aspect, the display control means automatically assigns an operation screen name including a predetermined character string and a number indicating an order of the layered operation screen to each of the layered operation screens. Since the generated operation screen name is displayed on the tag corresponding to the operation screen, an information processing apparatus that can be used as an index of a data sheet when switching is performed is obtained. .

Further, according to the invention of claim 5, according to claim 4,
Further, when the input means inputs an arbitrary character string, the display control means replaces the automatically generated operation screen name with an arbitrary character string inputted through the input means. Is displayed on the tag, which can be used as an index of a data sheet when switching is performed, and an information processing apparatus capable of further improving the recognition of the contents of each data sheet is obtained.

[0210] According to the invention of claim 6, according to claim 2,
In any one of the first to fifth aspects, further, the operation screen addition unit adds at least one of the first application or the plurality of applications as the second application, and the display control unit includes: Since a tag for causing the operation screen addition unit to execute the operation screen addition processing is displayed as one of the tags, a sheet switching operation can be commonly used, and a new operation for an addition instruction can be performed. There is an effect that an information processing apparatus that can provide a data editing environment that is easy for beginners without imposing a force on a user can be obtained.

Further, according to the invention of claim 7, according to claim 6,
In the invention, the operation screen adding means displays a list of application names that can be added as the second application among the plurality of applications, and at least one of the application names displayed in the list is designated. By doing so, the addition of the application is performed, so that an information processing apparatus capable of easily adding an application by only a simple operation of selecting from a list is obtained.

[0212] According to the invention of claim 8, according to claim 6,
In the invention, the operation screen adding means executes the addition of the application by designating a data file created by the application, and the display control means displays the operation screen of the application added by the operation screen adding means. Since the file name of the data file is displayed on the tag, it is possible to obtain an information processing apparatus that can add a data file created in the past as a common work item and manage it collectively. .

Further, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the first aspect of the present invention is provided.
In any one of the inventions according to any one of the above-described embodiments, when the data file specified by the operation screen adding means is created by a plurality of applications as a data file of the first application, Since each of the plurality of applications is operated as the second application, it is possible to obtain an information processing apparatus capable of using a data file managed collectively in the past.

[0214] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, the file creation means is processed on an operation screen of each of the first and second applications. For each piece of data, an individual data file is created, so it is possible to take out one of the data files managed together and use that data file on an application that was operated independently in other work items. There is an effect that a possible information processing device is obtained.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method for executing a plurality of applications each of which operates independently and has a different function, the function control step includes:
As a part of a function of a first application having a document creation function among the plurality of applications, at least one of the plurality of applications is operated as a second application, and a display step is performed by the first application.
And displaying an operation screen of one of the second application and the display designation step designates an operation screen to be displayed in the display step, and the file creation step executes the operation of each of the first and second applications. Since one data file is created from the data processed on the screen as a file format of the first application, an information processing method capable of efficiently managing each work item of the data file is obtained. The effect is that it can be done.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the display step, the operation screens of the first and second applications are layered and selected by the display designation step. Information that allows the user to visually and intuitively recognize the configuration of a plurality of applications, by displaying only the operation screen that has been superimposed, adding a tag to each of the superimposed operation screens, and displaying all the tags. There is an effect that a processing method can be obtained.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the display designating step switches the operation screen to be displayed in the display step by selecting the tag. The switching can be visually and intuitively performed, and an information processing method capable of smoothly performing the data editing operation can be obtained.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the display step is performed such that a predetermined character string and an order in which the operation screens are layered are layered. An operation screen name composed of numbers indicating the operation screen is automatically generated, and the generated operation screen name is displayed on the tag corresponding to the operation screen, and is used as an index of a data sheet when switching is performed. There is an effect that an information processing method that can perform the information processing is obtained.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the display step, an arbitrary character string input by an input device is replaced with an automatically generated operation screen name. Since the information is displayed on the tag, it can be used as an index of the data sheet at the time of switching and an information processing method capable of further enhancing the recognition of the content of each data sheet is obtained.

[0220] According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects of the present invention, the operation screen adding step may further include the step of adding the first application or the plurality of the plurality of applications as the second application. Adding at least one of the applications, the display step includes a tag for performing the operation screen addition step,
Since it is displayed as one of the tags, a sheet switching operation can be used in common, and a new operation for an additional instruction is not forced to a user, and a data editing environment that is easy for a beginner can be provided. There is an effect that a possible information processing method is obtained.

According to a seventeenth aspect, in the sixteenth aspect, the operation screen adding step displays a list of application names that can be added as the second application among the plurality of applications. At the same time, when at least one of the application names displayed in the list is specified, the addition of the application is performed. Therefore, an information processing method capable of easily adding an application only by a simple operation of selecting from the list is provided. The effect is obtained.

According to the eighteenth aspect, in the sixteenth aspect, the operation screen adding step executes the addition of an application by designating a data file created by the application. However, since the file name of the data file is displayed on the tag of the operation screen of the application added in the operation screen addition step, the data files created in the past are added together as a common work item and put together. There is an effect that an information processing method that can be managed is obtained.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the eleventh to eighteenth aspects, the function control step includes the step of adding the data file designated in the operation screen adding step to the first file. When a plurality of applications are created as a data file of the application, each of the plurality of applications is operated as the second application, so that it is possible to use a data file managed collectively in the past. There is an effect that a processing method can be obtained.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the eleventh to nineteenth aspects, the file creation step is performed on an operation screen of each of the first and second applications. For each piece of data, an individual data file is created, so it is possible to take out one of the data files managed together and use that data file on an application that was operated independently in other work items. There is an effect that a possible information processing method is obtained.

According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to the eleventh to twentieth aspects is recorded, so that the program becomes machine-readable. ~ 20
There is an effect that a recording medium capable of realizing the above operation by a computer can be obtained.

[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 a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a series of operations and operations of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 13 is an example of another display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an example of another display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an example of another display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an example of another display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a drop-down menu when a file saving instruction is issued in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an example of another display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing device 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 unit 302 Function control unit 303 Display control unit 304 Display designation unit 305 File creation unit 306 Input unit 307 Operation screen addition unit

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] April 17, 2000 (2004.1.
7)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Full text

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Document Name] Statement

Patent application title: INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM RECORDING PROGRAM FOR CAUSING COMPUTER TO EXECUTE THE METHOD

[Claims]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention enables a plurality of applications to be switched on a sheet-like operation on an application having a document creation function, and also allows data created by the functions of the plurality of applications to be converted into one. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the method is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the digital information society in recent years, it is essential to perform work using an information processing device such as a personal computer from the viewpoint of improving work efficiency, optimizing information management and preventing waste of paper resources. Has become. In particular, in recent years, with the development of a communication infrastructure, information is often collected and processed through a network such as the Internet in addition to simply creating documents and data.

[0003] In order to respond to such diversification of business processes, many applications having different functions according to applications have been developed in order to perform more sophisticated and complicated processes. For example, a word processor application, a spreadsheet application, a graphic processor application, and the like.

Normal business processing is performed for each given work item, and the processing contents of each work item include document creation by the word processor application, graph creation by the spreadsheet application, and drawing by the graphic processor application. And work using a plurality of applications, such as creation of an application. That is, in order to complete one work item, a plurality of types of data files using a plurality of applications are created.

Therefore, a folder is created for each work item on the information processing apparatus in advance, and data files in a plurality of formats described above are stored in each created folder, thereby performing information management for each work item. I was
However, in this management method, since update work and the like are performed for each data file, it becomes difficult to manage the processing history for each work item, and the handling becomes complicated because there are a plurality of data files. was there.

Therefore, a plurality of applications each operating independently and having different functions are operated in a common work area on the display screen, and the data created by the functional operation of each application is stored and stored as one file. Readable applications have been put to practical use. An example of such an application is “Office Binder” by Microsoft Corporation.

Further, each function of a plurality of applications,
For example, a word processing function, a graphic drawing function, a database function, and the like are realized on the same application, and data files created using these various functions are managed in one or a plurality of file formats recognizable by the application. Integrated applications have been put into practical use. As such an integrated application, for example, Microsoft's “Microsoft”
Works and Clarice Works.

On the other hand, in an application having a limited application (such as a document creation application) such as the word processor application described above, a plurality of data files created by the application are simultaneously opened and edited on an operation screen. The plurality of data files are usually displayed in a window format in a vertical display, a horizontal display, or an overlap display. In this case, it is possible to edit only the data file of the window that has been activated. Usually, this switching of the active window is executed by executing a predetermined command or by using a pointing device such as a mouse. This is performed by selecting a part of the window to be set.

In particular, in a spreadsheet application, a plurality of different table data are distinguished by a concept of a data sheet, and each data sheet is displayed in a layered manner with a tag attached thereto, and is activated when a tag is selected. Only the data sheet is visualized and becomes editable. As such a spreadsheet application, for example, Microsoft's “Microsoft Excel”
l "and JustSystems'" Sanshiro ".

[0010]

However, the above-mentioned "Office binder" is a special application serving as a housing for collectively executing and managing a plurality of applications. To manage this word processing document and data files of other applications collectively, start this "Office Binder" anew, import the word processing document described above, and further copy other data files to be compiled. I needed to capture it.

The "Office binder" can store data created by a plurality of applications as one data file.
Since this file format is specific to the “Office binder”, even if another user wants to refer to only the word processing document in the file of the “Office binder” format, the information processing apparatus to be used is referred to as “Offline”.
There was a problem that an "ice binder" had to be installed.

That is, the information processing device to be used has "O
Even if a word processor application that created a word processing document in a file in the “office binder” format was installed, the intended word processing document could not be read unless a separate “office binder” was prepared.

[0013] Further, the above-mentioned integrated application includes:
Functions that previously operated as individual applications can be realized on the same application and data can be saved and managed as a single file.However, various functions are limited to preset specifications and new No kind of data could be created.

Further, the integrated application generally has a smaller number of individual functions for creating the data, and has a data expressing ability and detailed information as compared with a dedicated application for creating the target data. Often the settings were inferior.

On the other hand, a dedicated application having a limited use is OLE (Object Linkingand).
Embeddng) and other in-place technologies
Although data created by different applications can be captured in the same data document, a plurality of data files in different file formats cannot be individually edited and managed.

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problems of the conventional example, a plurality of applications each operating independently and having different functions are operated on an application having a document creation function, and each application is created on each application. An information processing device that can easily perform switching of data to be performed, and can efficiently manage a plurality of documents created under a common purpose by processing these data as one data file;
An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing method and a computer-readable recording medium that records a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

[0017]

Means for Solving the Problems To solve the above-mentioned problems,
In order to achieve the object, an information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that operates independently and executes a plurality of applications having different functions. A function control unit for operating at least one of the plurality of applications as a second application as a part of a function of a first application having a document creation function among the applications; Display control means for displaying one operation screen of the first and second applications, display designation means for specifying an operation screen to be displayed on the display means, and operation of each of the first and second applications From each data processed on the screen, as the file format of the first application The first to create a One of the data file
File creating means, and a second file for creating, for each piece of data processed on the operation screen of each of the first and second applications, an individual data file in a file format of the application corresponding to the data Creating means.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, at least one of a plurality of other applications is operated as a part of an application having a document creation function, and a designated one of these applications is operated. One operation screen is displayed, the data processed on each operation screen of each of these applications is combined to create one data file, and a plurality of operation screens are generated by only the first application or a plurality of added applications. Create a separate data file for each data created above.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the display control means superimposes the operation screens of the first and second applications in a layered manner and performs the display designation. Only the operation screen selected by the means is displayed, a tag is attached to each of the overlapped operation screens, and all of the tags are displayed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the operation screens of a plurality of different applications are layered (data sheet format), and only the specified operation screen is displayed, and all of these operation screens are displayed. Display of tags.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the second aspect, the display designating means switches the operation screen displayed by the display control means by selecting the tag. It is characterized by.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, by selecting a tag attached to each operation screen, the operation screen displayed on the front in the active state is switched.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the second or third aspect of the present invention, the display control means includes a predetermined character string and a predetermined character string for each of the layered operation screens. An operation screen name composed of numbers indicating the order of layering is automatically generated, and the generated operation screen name is displayed on the tag corresponding to the operation screen.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, an operation screen name composed of a predetermined character string and a number indicating the order of layering is displayed on each tag, and the operation when switching is performed. Use it as a screen index.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is further provided an input means for inputting an arbitrary character string, and the display control means is automatically generated. An arbitrary character string input via the input means is displayed on the tag instead of the operation screen name.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, an arbitrary character string is input and displayed on the tag, and an index on an operation screen when switching is performed is arbitrarily set.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, the information processing apparatus further includes the first application or the plurality of applications as the second application. Operation screen adding means for adding at least one of
The display control means displays a tag for causing the operation screen adding means to execute an operation screen adding process as one of the tags.

According to the invention of claim 6, an operation screen for realizing the operation of another application is newly added, and the addition instruction is performed by designating the tag displayed for addition.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the operation screen adding means sets an application name which can be added as the second application among the plurality of applications. A list is displayed, and the addition of the application is executed by specifying at least one of the application names displayed in the list.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, a list of application names that can be newly added is displayed in a list, and an operation screen of an application specified in the list of application names is added.

In the information processing apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, the operation screen adding means executes the addition of an application by designating a data file created by the application. The display control means, on the tag of the operation screen of the application added by the operation screen addition means,
A file name of the data file is displayed.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, by specifying an existing data file, the application used to create the data file is added as a new application, and the operation screen of the added application is displayed. Display the file name of the data file on the tag.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, the function control means may be configured so that the data file specified by the operation screen adding means is When the data file of the first application is created by a plurality of applications, each of the plurality of applications is operated as the second application.

According to the ninth aspect, when the data file of the application to be added is created by a plurality of applications in the data file format of the first application, each of the plurality of applications is created. Run as a new application.

The information processing apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising: creating a data file by the first file creating means; It is characterized by comprising a selection means for selecting one of the data file creation by the creation means.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, at least one of a plurality of other applications is operated as a part of an application having a document creation function, and a designated one of these applications is operated. One operation screen is displayed, and data processed on each operation screen of each of these applications are combined to create one data file, or a plurality of operation screens are generated by only the first application or a plurality of added applications. For each of the data created above, it is possible to select whether to create an individual data file.

An information processing method according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the information processing method wherein each of the plurality of applications operates independently and executes a plurality of applications having different functions. A function control step of operating at least one of the plurality of applications as a second application as a part of the function of the first application;
A display step of displaying an operation screen of one of the first and second applications, a display specifying step of specifying an operation screen to be displayed in the display step, and a display step of displaying an operation screen of each of the first and second applications. From the processed data, one data file is created as a file format of the first application, or the data is processed for each data processed on an operation screen of each of the first and second applications. A file creation process for selectively creating an individual data file in a file format of an application corresponding to
It is characterized by including.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, at least one of a plurality of other applications is operated as a part of the function of the application having a document creation function, and a designated one of the plurality of applications is operated. One operation screen is displayed, and data processed on each operation screen of each of these applications are combined to create one data file, or a plurality of operation screens are generated by only the first application or a plurality of added applications. For each of the data created above, it is possible to select whether to create an individual data file.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method according to the eleventh aspect, the display step includes a step of superimposing operation screens of the first and second applications in a layered manner. In addition to displaying only the operation screen selected by, a tag is attached to each of the overlapped operation screens, and all of the tags are displayed.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, the operation screens of a plurality of different applications are layered (data sheet format), and only the specified operation screen is displayed, and all of these operation screens are displayed. Display of tags.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method according to the twelfth aspect, the display designation step switches the operation screen displayed in the display step by selecting the tag. Features.

According to the thirteenth aspect, by selecting a tag attached to each operation screen, the operation screen displayed on the front in the active state is switched.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method according to the twelfth aspect, the display step includes a step of superimposing a predetermined character string and a layer on each of the layered operation screens. An operation screen name including a number indicating the order in which the operation screen is generated is automatically generated, and the generated operation screen name is displayed on the tag corresponding to the operation screen.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, an operation screen name composed of a predetermined character string and a number indicating the order of layering is displayed on each tag, and the operation at the time of switching is performed. Use it as a screen index.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method according to the fourteenth aspect, the display step is configured such that, in place of the automatically generated operation screen name, an arbitrary input by an input device is performed. A character string is displayed on the tag.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, an arbitrary character string is input and displayed on the tag, and the index of the operation screen when switching is set arbitrarily.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method according to any one of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects, the information processing method further includes the first application or the plurality of applications as the second application. And an operation screen adding step of adding at least one of the following. The display step displays a tag for executing the operation screen adding step as one of the tags.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, an operation screen for realizing the operation of another application is newly added, and this addition instruction is performed by designating the tag displayed for addition.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method according to the sixteenth aspect, the operation screen adding step includes, among the plurality of applications, an application name that can be added as the second application. A list is displayed, and the addition of the application is executed by specifying at least one of the application names displayed in the list.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a list of application names that can be newly added is displayed in a list, and an operation screen of an application specified in the list of application names is added.

Further, in the information processing method according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the operation screen adding step executes the addition of the application by designating a data file created by the application. The display step displays a file name of the data file on a tag of an operation screen of the application added in the operation screen addition step.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the invention, by specifying an existing data file, the application used to create the data file is added as a new application, and the operation screen of the added application is displayed. Display the file name of the data file on the tag.

The information processing method according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the information processing method according to any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects, wherein the function control step is such that the data file specified in the operation screen adding step is When the data file of the first application is created by a plurality of applications, each of the plurality of applications is operated as the second application.

According to the nineteenth aspect, when a data file of an application to be added is created by a plurality of applications in the data file format of the first application, each of the plurality of applications is created. Run as a new application.

The storage medium according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention records a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of the eleventh to nineteenth aspects, thereby making the program readable by a machine. The operations of items 11 to 19 can be realized by a computer.

[0056]

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.

First, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the 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 entire 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.

A network 109 is connected to a network NET via a communication line 110, and the network NET is connected to 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 example of an application operating in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment executes various applications as described below by installing them in a state where they are installed in the above-described HD 105 or by directly starting them from the CDROM 115. Is possible.

The application configuration shown in FIG. 2 includes an information box (database) 200 for managing data files created by various applications, and an information search application 203. Each application includes the information box 200. And the information search application 203, the HD10
5 can be efficiently accessed.

First, as shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is used as an application frequently used in normal business processing. 1. Word processor application 201 2. Graphic processor application 202 Spreadsheet application 2
04 4. 4. Relational database application 205 The environment is set to be executable with the Japanese conversion application 206 installed.

In recent years, due to the development of communication infrastructure of networks, particularly the Internet, and the demand for various information collections and wider data transmission / reception, the following Internet tool applications are often mounted and used. . 6. Internet Mailer Application 20
7 7. 7. Network-aware scheduler application 208 Internet browser application 20
9 9. Web site patrol application 21010. Dial-up application 211

Further, the following tools and applications for strengthening the coordination of the above applications are also installed at the same time, thereby improving work efficiency. 11. File search tool application 212 12. Macro editing tool application 213 13. Mathematical formula creation tool application 214 14. Font effect tool application 215 15. Graph creation tool application 216 16. Continuous printing tool application 217 17. Sentence Expression Dictionary Application 218

Note that the application configuration described above is
If only the development maker is different with a common use purpose, for example, Word processor application 20
Although there is a difference in the functions and specifications as 1, there is also included a case where a product developed by Company A and a product developed by Company B are simultaneously installed for the purpose of document creation.

Next, an outline of each application will be described. (1. Word Processor Application 201) The word processor application 201 is an application whose main purpose is document creation, and the operation mode of the word processor application 201 is a feature of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Here, the features will be described later, and first, an operation mode of a general word processor application 201 will be described.

Word processor application 20
1. In addition to enabling the creation of documents with various expressions by incorporating the tools and applications described above, the information retrieval application 203 mounted on the information retrieval apparatus according to the present embodiment enables It is also possible to cover the life cycle of the created document (data file) more widely.

Here, the information retrieval application 203
Has a document creation support function based on similarity search technology, whereby necessary information can be directly called and utilized not only from the word processor application 201 but also from other applications. The contents of the information search application 203 will be described later.

Further, the word processor application 201 is a document / document supporting the creation of a standard document.
It has a navigation function and improves the productivity of business processing by reusing documents and sharing them on a network.

The document navigation function is a function for navigating the creation of a standard document such as a report or a facsimile sentence. By executing this function on the word processor application 201,
According to the type of a document to be created, such as a change of an executable command or an operation screen, an optimal operation environment for creating the document is provided.

For example, the execution command selection menu is
It is possible to narrow down to the most suitable one for the document, and to display appropriate commands for the document creation and advice on the contents. As a result, it is possible to greatly reduce the time and effort for creating a standard document in a company or the like.

Specifically, by selecting a navigation template which is a template document for realizing the document navigation function, only menus necessary for the document are displayed, and simply and quickly filling the contents according to the navigation makes it easy and quick. You can create the desired document.

The document navigation information created by the document navigation function can be shared. For example, shared folders and files can be collectively managed as a “virtual folder” and shared by a plurality of members. By using the information sharing function of the document navigation, it is possible to share information such as correspondence, specifications, and standard documents without introducing a special groupware product.

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.

(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 & photo retouch function, and can easily process and edit an image taken from a digital camera or a scanner. The processed image can be widely disclosed on a homepage or the like by using the Internet / intranet compatible function of the graphic processor application 202.

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.

In order to realize these, the graphic processor application 202 may further have the following functions.

(1) Word processor / application transparent editing function (2) Addition / extension of file converters of other companies (3) Macro box conversion function (4) Paint & retouch function (photo retouch) (5) Image data management function ( (6) Snap function (7) Template figure function (8) Workspace 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 by OLE. This enables transparent editing that further enhances the affinity with the word processor application 201.

Accordingly, the function of the graphic processor application 202 can be used as it is while the document of the word processor application 201 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.

Also, a graphic created by the simple drawing function of the word processor application 201 can 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 processor application 201.

The 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 By this function, for example, EPS (Encapsul)
A generalized graphic file format such as an attached PostScript file can be read and output, and data created by another company's product can be used as a graphic for the graphic processor application 202.

(3) Converting function of macro box Generally, in developing an application, by adding a function by updating a version, compatibility of a file format and a function which can be recognized by the graphic processor application 202 of the same series is limited. In particular, in such an application, a macro language which allows a user to add a function is mainly used.

To improve the compatibility of the macro language, the macro box of the graphic processor application 202 of the old version can be registered as a drawing macro or a system macro. Thereby, DTP (Desk Top Publisher)
g) and CAD (Computer Aided Des)
i) can be improved.

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

(5) Image Data Management Function Although it is very complicated to manage images only by file names, the image data management function is not only a part of the graphic processor , JPEG (Joint Photograph)
hic Experts Group) format and BMP
This is a function for centrally managing image data in various file formats such as the (BITMAP) format.

A list of images and parts is selected, and necessary ones are selected therefrom.
1 and the graphic processor application 202.

(6) Snap Function The snap function is a function for easily performing accurate pointing to a specific point, which is difficult with normal mouse operation. 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 template graphic function is a function in which a large number of template graphics are mounted and the template graphics can be used immediately so that the user can efficiently create high-precision graphics. It is. 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 This is a function in which a workspace is provided outside the paper to be edited, and the layout work can proceed efficiently while temporarily placing a figure there. Since the graphics in the workspace are not printed, it is effective in improving work efficiency.

(3. Spreadsheet Application 204) The spreadsheet application 204 is software for displaying a table of elements (cells) arranged in the form of rows and columns according to the above-described data sheet. When changed, recalculation can be performed based on the relationship defined by the user between the elements, and the graph can be displayed.

Further, 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, etc., thereby achieving both functionality and operability. I have. The spreadsheet application 204 has the following main functions, for example.

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

(1) Text frame function This is a function for freely inputting and arranging a character string at an arbitrary position on the data sheet of the spreadsheet application 204. Specifically, a “text frame” is pasted at a free position on the data sheet, and characters are input.
Any number of text frames can be pasted anywhere on the data 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, the outline function is used to set an outline,
This is a function that hierarchizes the grand total items and displays the lines that have been narrowed down with a single mouse click, or hides them by narrowing them down.

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 an object expression corresponding to a macro command to be created when the command is executed. Therefore, it is not necessary to write a complicated macro from the beginning.

(4) Cell Merging Function The cell merging 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 where it 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) Notational functions unique to Japan The spreadsheet application 204 displays “trillion million” units of numerical values, “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.

(4. Relational Database Application 205) The relational database application 205 enhances and enhances basic functions, thoroughly pursues usability as an office database, and uses a database which has been complicated until now. 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 step 2 to the server, and import data from other companies' databases and spreadsheet applications. Relational database
The application 205 has, for example, the following main functions.

(1) Table definition function (2) Data conversion function (3) Table open history storage function (4) Narrowing condition setting function (5) Format registration function (6) List item format function unique to Japanese

(1) Table definition function The table definition function is used to select the purpose and use of a database to be created (specifically, to select a template classified for business use, personal use, etc.) and to define a table definition. This is a function that can be performed.

Further, a table definition function based on a screen form is provided, so that a table definition can be performed only by arranging items on a screen as if a card-type database was handled. The created screen can be used as it is as a screen form. Items for table definition are standard items,
Includes those provided in the template above.

(2) Data conversion function After confirming the actual data content displayed on the operation screen of the spreadsheet application and specifying the range, the data can be read into the relational database application 205. Function. CSV (Comma Separated Val)
Even when reading data from a file in the ue) format, it is possible to specify the name of the item to be read while checking the actual data on the screen.

(3) Table Open History Storage Function This is a function of storing previously read tables and screen forms for each database. With this, when the relational database application 205 is started, the target tables and forms are immediately stored. Can be opened.

(4) Narrowing condition setting function This function allows the relational database application 205 to narrow down conditions 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) Format registration function This function allows a format to be set as a standard format in the table itself, to be set each time a list is displayed, or to be 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 group data analysis and the like.

(6) Japanese-specific list item format function This function allows Japanese-specific notation to be used in 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 rearrangement of items, but also hierarchical display of item labels can be performed. In addition, you can use thousands separators for numbers,
In addition to setting the unit display such as "%" with a single icon, the display format can be changed like a spreadsheet, such as batch change and optimization of item / row display width.

(5. 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 Japanese conversion function and performs kana-kanji conversion.

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

As described above, the Japanese conversion application 2
Since 06 can be positioned as a kind of database system, the data to be searched need not be only a dictionary for kana-kanji conversion. There is no limitation on so-called Japanese language dictionaries, synonym dictionaries, encyclopedias, data and schedules in address books, information on the Internet, and data in core databases in companies.

(6. Internet Mailer Application 207) The Internet mailer application 207 is a multi-user support function, a mail list function, a mail transmission function, a mail server connection function, a folder automatic sorting function, an address book function, and a backup function. And software mainly for sending and receiving e-mail such as a POP login function.

(7. Network-Aware Scheduler
Application 208) A scheduler that can be connected to a network and used not only for schedule management but also as a memo, diary, or memorandum. The data of the schedule and the TODO (work item management table) can be easily sent by e-mail, and when received by mail software, the data is automatically registered in the scheduler.

(8. Internet Browser Application 209) The Internet browser application 209 is an Internet Web site,
FTP (File Transfer Protco
l) Access to the site etc. and mainly use HTML (Hyp
ertext Markup Language) Enables browsing of pages and data files.

Also, the user can access the NetNews server to subscribe and post news. In some cases, a function for automatically making a dial-up connection when access is required or an access saving mode for maximizing the use of a cache may be provided.

(9. Web Site Patrol Application 210) The Web site patrol application 210
Automatically traverses websites on the Internet / intranet and uses a preset address Web
Software to download page b. The downloaded Web page is stored in a cache or a file in the information processing apparatus, and its contents can be checked offline.

(10. Dial-up application 211) Dial-up application 211
Is a function to monitor the connection status with the network and to automatically connect / disconnect at a set time, a function to automatically disconnect when data transmission / reception is not performed for a predetermined time, a function to manage charging information for network use, etc. Software.

In particular, when the Internet mailer application 207, the network-aware scheduler application 208, the Internet browser application 209, and the Web site patrol application 210 perform online processing via a dial-up connection, they are activated. In the previous stage, this dial-up application 211
Is started.

(Other tool applications) File search tool application 212, macro editing tool application 213, formula creation tool application 214, font effect tool application 215, graph creation tool application 216, continuous printing tool Applications such as the application 217 and the sentence expression dictionary application 218 are often used in cooperation with the various applications described above, and as their names indicate,
File search function, macro editing, formula creation function, font / effect function, graph creation function, continuous printing function,
Add or enhance the sentence dictionary. Here, these details are 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 display unit 301, a function control unit 302, a display control unit 303, a display designation unit 304, and a file creation unit 305.
, An input unit 306, and an operation screen adding unit 307.

The display section 301 is a display device having a display screen such as a CRT display or a liquid crystal display.
In addition, the function control unit 302 is a first application (word processor / word processor) having a document creation function among a plurality of applications each operating independently and having different functions.
As a part of the function of the application, at least one of the plurality of applications is operated as a second application (the various applications described above).

Further, the display control section 303
To display an operation screen of one of the first and second applications. Further, the display specifying unit 304 specifies an operation screen to be displayed by the display control unit 303. The file creation unit 305 creates one data file as a file format of the first application from each data processed on the operation screen of each of the first and second applications.

Here, the display form of the operation screen by the display control unit 303 is such that the operation screens of the above-described first and second applications are layered and only the operation screen selected by the display designating means is displayed. At the same time, a tag is attached to each of the overlapped operation screens, and all of the tags are displayed. In this case, the display designation unit 304 switches the operation screen displayed by the display control unit 303 by selecting the tag.

Further, the display control unit 303 automatically assigns an operation screen name composed of a predetermined character string and a number indicating the order of the layered operation screen to each of the layered operation screens. Generate and display the generated operation screen name on the tag corresponding to the operation screen.

The input unit 306 corresponds to the pointing device such as the mouse 112 and the keyboard 111, and receives an input of an arbitrary character string. Then, the display control unit 303 displays an arbitrary character string input via the input unit 306 on a tag attached to each operation screen, instead of the automatically generated operation screen name.

The operation screen adding unit 307 is used as the above-described second application (that is, as an operation screen),
At least one of the first application or other plurality of applications is added. Then, in this case, the display control unit 303 displays a tag for causing the operation screen addition unit 307 to execute the operation screen addition processing, as one of the tags attached to each of the operation screens described above.

Further, the operation screen adding unit 307 displays a list of application names that can be added as the above-mentioned second application among a plurality of applications, and specifies at least one of the application names displayed in the list. By doing so, you add the application.

The operation screen adding unit 307 executes addition of an application by designating a data file created by the application. Then, in this case, the display control unit 303
07, the file name of the data file is displayed on the tag of the operation screen of the application added.

Further, when the data file specified by the operation screen adding unit 304 is created by a plurality of applications as the data file of the first application, the function control unit 302 Each is operated as the second application.

The file creation unit 305 creates an individual data file for each piece of data processed on the operation screen of each of the first and second applications.

The function control unit 302 and the display control unit 30
3, the display designation unit 304, the file creation unit 305, the input unit 306, and the operation screen addition unit 307
02, the RAM 103 or the hard disk 105, the floppy disk 107, the CDROM 115, and the like, the CPU 101 and the like execute the instruction processing in accordance with the instructions described in the program recorded on the recording medium, thereby realizing the function of each unit.

Next, a specific system configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the block diagram of FIG. 4, the information processing apparatus includes a word processor application 401
(Corresponding to the above-described first application), a capture application 402 (corresponding to the above-described second application), and a Japanese conversion application 403.
(Corresponds to the Japanese translation application 206 described above)
And

Word processor application 40
1 is the word processor application 2 described above.
01, various functions such as the word processor application 201, the graphic processor application 202, the spreadsheet application 204, the relational database 205, the mathematical formula creation tool 214, and the Internet browser 209 are displayed on the operation screen. The application can be operated as the capture application 402.

In particular, the capture application 40
The operation 2 is not realized as the insertion of an object in one document unlike the conventional application, but the operation screen of each application is arranged in a data sheet form, and the data sheet is appropriately switched to switch the operation screen. It can be identified as a data document.

Therefore, the difference from the Office binder described above is that the application switching based on the data sheet format and the addition to the document data created on the word processor application 401 are possible.
That is, data created by each capture application 402 can be edited and saved collectively. The Japanese conversion application 403 can be commonly used in each operation state of the import application 402.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a series of operations and operations of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. First, on the display screen, an icon indicating activation of the above-described word processor application 401 (hereinafter, referred to as word processor A) or a corresponding command in an application activation menu is selected via a mouse or the like, so that word processor A is selected. Start

Further, the word processor A displays the file already created by the word processor A, for example, by displaying the file (file name or icon).
By double-clicking and selecting
It can also be activated. Therefore, the display mode of the operation screen after startup differs depending on these startup procedures.

Therefore, in FIG. 5, first, it is determined whether or not the activation is performed by reading a file (step S50).
1). If it is determined in step S501 that the activation is not due to reading of a file (ie, normal activation), a new document for document creation is opened. That is, the word processor A displays an editing screen for creating a document, which is its original use. At this time, a sheet for new creation for adding the import application as a data sheet is displayed at the same time as described later (step S502).

FIG. 6 shows an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly shows the display screen displayed in step S502 described above. This display screen may be one of a plurality of window screens displayed on the display unit 301, or may be a form displayed on the entire display area of the display unit 301. This is realized by the adopted display form. The same applies to the drawings shown hereinafter.

In FIG. 6, a window screen 601 is
It comprises a title bar 602, a menu bar 603, a toolbar 604, and a data editing area 605. The title bar 602 includes the window screen 60
The name of the application for which the operation 1 is the target and the name of the document in an editable state, that is, an active state, are displayed. Further, icons for switching the window display mode such as the entire display and the minimum display are arranged.

In the menu bar 603, items for selecting and executing commands for realizing various functions of the word processor A, mainly in a drop-down format, are arranged. In addition, the toolbar 604 includes
Of the commands that can be selected in the menu bar 603, frequently used commands are visually arranged as icons.

In particular, the contents of the menu bar 603 and the toolbar 604 are changed depending on the type of the document that has been activated. In FIG.
Since a word processing document unique to the word processor A is displayed as the data editing area 605, the menu bar 6
The content 03 and the toolbar 604 are the most suitable contents for editing the word processing document.

The data editing area 605 is an area in which one of a plurality of documents displayed in a layered manner as a data sheet is displayed, and each data sheet is tagged. In FIG. 6, a tag T101 is attached to a data sheet of a word processor document unique to the word processor A, and a tag T110 is attached to a data sheet for adding (newly creating) a capture application.

Further, the name of each data sheet is displayed on these tags. In FIG. 6, the tag T101
"Sheet1" is displayed on the top, and "New" is displayed on the tag T110.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that the activation is due to reading of a file, a sheet display process is executed according to the data sheet information included in the read file (step S503). Here, in particular, as a data sheet, a word processor A
A case will be described in which a file created by adding data created by a graphic processor application and data created by a spreadsheet application to a unique word processing document is read.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly shows the display screen displayed in step S503. Window screen 70 shown in FIG.
1, the title bar 702, the menu bar 703
The toolbar 704 corresponds to the title bar 602, menu bar 603, and toolbar 604 shown in FIG. The data editing area 705 includes a tag T1.
The data sheet numbered 01 is displayed in an active state.

The difference from FIG. 6 is that in addition to the tag T101 of the data sheet of the word processor A unique to the word processor A and the tag T110 of the data sheet for new creation, the tag T1 of the data sheet for the graphic processor application is added.
02 and a tag T103 of a data sheet for a spreadsheet application are displayed.

Further, these tags are a data sheet for new creation, a data sheet for spreadsheet application,
Datasheets for graphics processor applications,
The data sheets for the word processor A are displayed so as to be superimposed in that order.

After the sheet display in step S502 or step S503 is completed, editing work on the active data sheet is enabled. Here, first, switching of the active data sheet is performed. That is, it is determined whether switching of data to be displayed in the data editing area 705 has been instructed (step S504).

The switching of data sheets is performed by selecting a tag attached to each data sheet by clicking with a mouse or the like. Here, the addition processing of the import application is also executed by selecting T110 which is a tag of the sheet for new creation, as one of the switching operations of the data sheet. Therefore, after switching the display sheet in step S504, it is necessary to further determine whether or not the switching indicates a new creation of a data sheet (step S505).

If the data sheet switching operation does not indicate a new creation, the operation shifts to the operating environment of the application corresponding to the selected tag, and the specified data sheet is displayed on the front (step S50).
7). For example, in the state of the display screen shown in FIG. 7, by clicking the tag T <b> 102 displayed as “Sheet 2”, the data sheet for the graphic processor application is displayed on the front in the data editing area 705.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In particular, the active data sheet is switched to a data sheet for a graphic processor application. 5 shows a display screen in a state of being set.

In the window screen 801 shown in FIG. 8, the title bar 802 is the same as the title bar 702 shown in FIG. 6, but the menu bar 803 and the toolbar 804 correspond to the data displayed on the data editing area 805. Then, the contents are changed as shown in FIG. 8 so that the editing operation by the operation of the graphic processor application can be performed optimally.

As another example, when the tag T103 displayed as “Sheet3” is clicked in the state of the display screen shown in FIG. 7, a data sheet for a spreadsheet application is displayed in the data editing area 705. Displayed in the foreground.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In particular, a data sheet in an active state is switched to a data sheet for a spreadsheet application. 2 shows the display screen in a state where the display screen is closed.

In the window screen 901 shown in FIG. 9, the title bar 902 is displayed in the same manner as when the data sheet for the graphic processor application is selected.
Although not different from the title bar 602 shown in FIG. 6, the menu bar 903 and the toolbar 904 are provided so that the data displayed on the data editing area 905 can be optimally edited by the operation of the spreadsheet application. Its contents are changed.

In particular, since the spreadsheet application itself has a plurality of sheets and can switch data, as shown in FIG. 9, the data editing area 905 is used.
In the above, it is also possible to reproduce the same operating environment as when the spreadsheet application operates alone so that a plurality of data can be switched.

Note that the above data sheet switching instruction can be executed by selecting a sheet switching command on a menu bar, in addition to selecting a tag using a mouse or the like. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly illustrates a display screen displayed by executing a sheet switching command.

In FIG. 10, sheet name display area 100
2, a list of the sheet names of the switchable sheets, that is, the names displayed in the tags of each data sheet, is displayed in a list.
Select one of these sheet names with a mouse, etc.
By clicking the button, data sheet switching similar to the above-described tag selection can be performed.

On the other hand, if the selected tag is the tag T110 of the sheet for new creation, a new creation process of the data sheet, that is, a process of adding a loading application is executed (step S508). Specifically, an additional application selection dialog is displayed.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly shows a dialog for selecting an additional application. A dialog 1101 illustrated in FIG. 11 includes, as applications that can be added as data sheets, an icon 1102 indicating a word processor A, an icon 1103 indicating a spreadsheet application, an icon 1104 indicating a presentation application, an icon 1105 indicating a graphic processor application,
Icon 1 indicating word processor B, which is a word processor application different from word processor A
106, icon 11 indicating other application
10 are arranged.

First, an icon indicating an application to be added is selected from among the icons displayed in the list with a mouse or the like (specifically, the selected state is indicated by reverse display of an icon graphic or depressed display of a button). Clicking the "New" button 1122 adds a new data sheet as a new document for the application. The tag display will be described later.

When the “open” button 1121 is clicked in the selected state of the application,
Files created in the past by the application can be added as new data sheets. In this case, a file selection dialog is displayed, and a file to be added is selected from the displayed file list.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly shows a dialog for selecting an additional file. In the file selection dialog 1201 shown in FIG. 12, files in the folder selected by the folder selection box 1202 are displayed in the file list display area 1203. In particular, the file list display area 120
3 displays a file having an extension designated in the file type designation box 1205.

For example, in the dialog for selecting an additional application shown in FIG.
When the “open” button 1121 is clicked while the icon 1102 is selected, only files of a type that can be handled by the word processor A are displayed in a list in a file selection dialog 1201 shown in FIG.
That is, an extension of a file format that can be handled by the word processor A is set in the file type designation box 1205.

When one of the files displayed in the file list display area 1203 is selected by a mouse or the like, the selected file name is displayed in the file name input area 1204. When the “OK” button 1206 is clicked in this state, the contents of the selected file are added as a new data sheet.

FIG. 13 shows a part of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly shows a part of a tag which is changed by the above-described new data sheet creation processing. ing. For example, FIG.
When an existing document file (file name: report) of the word processor B is additionally created as a new data sheet from the state of the display screen shown in FIG. 13A, as shown in FIG. Tag (tag name: N
The tag of the document file is inserted at the highest level of the tag except ew).

That is, a data sheet for new creation, a data sheet for word processor B, a data sheet for spreadsheet application, a data sheet for graphic processor application, and a data sheet for word processor A are stacked in this order. Is displayed as

Also, from the state of the display screen shown in FIG.
An existing document file of the word processor A is additionally created as a new data sheet. In particular, when this document file is composed of a plurality of documents in the data sheet format of the word processor A (three data sheets: each data sheet name is “January”, “February”, “March”), and tags of these data sheets are inserted as shown in FIG.

Furthermore, from the state of the display screen shown in FIG. 7, when a new file of the graphic processor application is additionally created as a new data sheet, for example, as shown in FIG. After the sheet names (“Sheet1” to “Sheet3”) that were automatically determined by adding serial numbers to the sheet character strings of
A tag displaying “Sheet4” is inserted.

On the other hand, the dialog 1101 shown in FIG.
Is displayed, the icon 1110 of the other application is selected, and the “New” button 11
When the button 22 is clicked, a list dialog of the additional application is displayed. In this list dialog, application names of applications not registered as icons in FIG. 11 are displayed.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly shows the above-mentioned additional application list dialog. In the additional application list dialog 1401 shown in FIG. 14, the names of applications that can be added are displayed in the application list display area 1402.

Then, one of the applications displayed in the application list display area 1402 is selected with a mouse or the like, and an “OK” button 1403 is displayed in this state.
Is clicked, a new document of the application is added as a new data sheet. Note that the tag display is as shown in FIG.

If the switching of the data sheet is not detected in step S504 shown in FIG. 5, an editing operation is performed on the data sheet in the active state (step S506). As described above, this editing work can be performed smoothly because the menu bar and the toolbar on the window screen are changed to have the same environment as when the application operates alone.

In this editing operation, the name on the tag of the data sheet to be edited, that is, the sheet name can be changed. This sheet name change instruction is performed by selecting a sheet name change command included in the menu bar or by double-clicking a tag portion (step S509).

The sheet name change process is performed according to the display of the sheet name change dialog. FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly illustrates a sheet name change dialog. In the sheet name change dialog 1501 shown in FIG. 15, by inputting the changed sheet name in the sheet name input area 1502 and clicking an “OK” button 1503, the change of the sheet name is achieved (step S510).

It is also possible to delete or copy the data sheet to be edited, or change (move) the overlapping position of the data sheet. This sheet deletion / copy / move instruction is performed by selecting a sheet deletion / copy / move command included in the menu bar (step S5).
11).

In particular, sheet deletion / copy / move processing
This is performed according to the display of the sheet deletion / copy / move dialog (step S512). FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly illustrates a sheet copy / move dialog.

In the sheet copy / move dialog 1601 shown in FIG.
By clicking the "Move" button 1603, the data sheet to be edited can be moved to the selected position. By clicking a "copy" button 1604, the data sheet to be edited can be copied to the selected position.

A plurality of data identified for each data sheet created through the above-mentioned editing work, data sheet switching processing, and data sheet new creation processing can be stored in one file as a file format of the word processor A. Further, each data sheet can be saved as an individual file in a file format of a corresponding application.

This file save instruction is performed, for example, by selecting a save command included in the menu bar (step S513). FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly illustrates a drop-down menu when a file save instruction is performed. FIG.
The drop-down menu 1702 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed by, for example, selecting a “file” command on a menu bar.

In FIG. 17, by selecting “save as” 1703 of the commands included in the drop-down menu 1702, the “batch save” 1704 and “save by sheet” 1705 are further selected. This shows a state in which two command menus are displayed. In this state, by further selecting “batch save” 1704, a file save dialog is displayed, a save file name is input, and the above-described save in the word processor A file format is performed (step S51).
4).

On the other hand, when "Save for each sheet" 1705 is selected, a file save dialog for each sheet is displayed, a save file name is input, and the file is saved in the file format of the application corresponding to each data sheet. Is performed (step S514).

FIG. 18 shows a part of a display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and particularly shows the file save dialog for each sheet described above. This file save dialog 1801
In, the folder to be saved is designated by the folder designation box 1802 and the file list display area 1803 is displayed.
The user inputs a file name in the file name input area 1804 while referring to the file displayed in the file name.

Also, a file type designation box 1805
Can also specify the file storage format. Then, by clicking a “Save” button 1806, a file according to the above settings is created. This operation is repeated for each data sheet. Note that when the “batch save” 1704 is selected, this operation is performed only once.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, at least one of a plurality of other applications is operated as a part of the function of the application (word processor A) having the document creation function.
One of these applications is displayed on the specified operation screen, and each data processed on each data sheet of these applications is combined to create one data file. Becomes easier.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the operation screens of a plurality of different applications are layered as data sheets, and only the specified data sheet is displayed, and the tags attached to all of these data sheets are displayed. Since the display is performed, the configuration of the plurality of applications can be visually and intuitively recognized.

Also, according to the present embodiment, by selecting a tag attached to each operation screen (data sheet), the operation screen displayed on the front in the active state is switched, so that switching of different applications can be visually recognized. Intuitively and intuitively, data editing can be performed smoothly.

According to the present embodiment, when a new document is added as a data sheet, an operation screen name composed of a predetermined character string and a number indicating the order of layering is added to each tag. Is displayed, so that it can be used as an index of a data sheet when switching is performed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the sheet name displayed on the tag can be changed and displayed by inputting an arbitrary character string, so that it can be used as an index of a data sheet when switching. Thus, the recognition of the contents of each data sheet can be further improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, an operation screen (data sheet) for realizing the operation of another application
Is newly added, and this addition instruction is performed by designating the tag displayed for addition, so that the sheet switching operation can be commonly used, and the user is forced to perform a new operation for the addition instruction. This provides an easy data editing environment for beginners.

Further, according to the present embodiment, a list of application names that can be newly added is displayed, and an operation screen (data sheet) of a specified application in the list of application names is added. Therefore, an application can be easily added only by a simple operation of selecting from a list.

Further, according to the present embodiment, by specifying an existing data file, the application used to create the data file is added as a new application, and the operation screen of the added application is displayed. Since the file name of the data file is displayed on the tag, the data file created in the past can be added and managed as a common work item.

According to the present embodiment, when the data file of the application to be added is created by a plurality of applications in the data file format of the first application (word processor A), the plurality of Since each of the applications is operated as a new application, it is possible to use data files that have been collectively managed in the past.

Further, according to the present embodiment, each data created on a plurality of operation screens (data sheets) by only the first application (word processor A) or a plurality of added applications is individually assigned. Therefore, one of the data files managed collectively can be taken out, and the data file can be used on an application operated alone in another work item.

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.

[0203]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in an information processing apparatus which operates independently and executes a plurality of applications having different functions, the display means has a display screen, A function control unit that operates at least one of the plurality of applications as a second application as a part of a function of a first application having a document creation function among the plurality of applications; Controlling the display means to display an operation screen of one of the first and second applications; display designation means designating an operation screen to be displayed by the display control means; Is, from each data processed on the operation screen of each of the first and second applications,
One data file is created as a file format of the first application, and a second file creating unit creates the data file for each data processed on the operation screen of each of the first and second applications. Since individual data files are created in the file format of the application corresponding to, it is possible to efficiently manage each work item of the data file, and take out one of the data files managed collectively, There is an effect that an information processing apparatus that can use the data file on an application that is operated independently in another work item is obtained.

Further, according to the invention of claim 2, claim 1
In the invention, the display control means superimposes the operation screens of the first and second applications in layers, displays only the operation screen selected by the display designation means, and displays each of the superimposed operation screens. Since tags are added to all the tags and all the tags are displayed, an information processing apparatus capable of visually and intuitively recognizing the configuration of a plurality of applications is obtained.

Further, according to the invention of claim 3, according to claim 2,
In the invention, the display designating means switches an operation screen displayed by the display control means by selecting the tag, so that switching of different applications can be performed visually and intuitively, and a data editing operation can be performed. And an information processing apparatus that can smoothly perform the information processing.

According to the invention of claim 4, according to claim 2,
In the third aspect, the display control means automatically assigns an operation screen name including a predetermined character string and a number indicating an order of the layered operation screen to each of the layered operation screens. Since the generated operation screen name is displayed on the tag corresponding to the operation screen, an information processing apparatus that can be used as an index of a data sheet when switching is performed is obtained. .

According to the invention of claim 5, according to claim 4,
Further, when the input means inputs an arbitrary character string, the display control means replaces the automatically generated operation screen name with an arbitrary character string inputted through the input means. Is displayed on the tag, which can be used as an index of a data sheet when switching is performed, and an information processing apparatus capable of further improving the recognition of the contents of each data sheet is obtained.

According to the invention of claim 6, according to claim 2,
In any one of the first to fifth aspects, further, the operation screen addition unit adds at least one of the first application or the plurality of applications as the second application, and the display control unit includes: Since a tag for causing the operation screen addition unit to execute the operation screen addition processing is displayed as one of the tags, a sheet switching operation can be commonly used, and a new operation for an addition instruction can be performed. There is an effect that an information processing apparatus that can provide a data editing environment that is easy for beginners without imposing a force on a user can be obtained.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the sixth aspect is provided.
In the invention, the operation screen adding means displays a list of application names that can be added as the second application among the plurality of applications, and at least one of the application names displayed in the list is designated. By doing so, the addition of the application is performed, so that an information processing apparatus capable of easily adding an application by only a simple operation of selecting from a list is obtained.

[0210] According to the invention of claim 8, according to claim 6,
In the invention, the operation screen adding means executes the addition of the application by designating a data file created by the application, and the display control means displays the operation screen of the application added by the operation screen adding means. Since the file name of the data file is displayed on the tag, it is possible to obtain an information processing apparatus that can add a data file created in the past as a common work item and manage it collectively. .

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the sixth aspect of the present invention provides
In any one of the inventions according to any one of the above-described embodiments, when the data file specified by the operation screen adding means is created by a plurality of applications as a data file of the first application, Since each of the plurality of applications is operated as the second application, it is possible to obtain an information processing apparatus capable of using a data file managed collectively in the past.

[0212] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects of the invention, the selecting means includes the steps of: creating the data file by the first file creating means; Since either one of the creation of the data file by the means is selected, there is an effect that an information processing apparatus capable of efficiently managing the data file for each work item is obtained.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method in which each of the plurality of applications operates independently and executes a plurality of applications having different functions, the function control step includes:
As a part of a function of a first application having a document creation function among the plurality of applications, at least one of the plurality of applications is operated as a second application, and a display step is performed by the first application.
And displaying an operation screen of one of the second application and the display designation step designates an operation screen to be displayed in the display step, and the file creation step executes the operation of each of the first and second applications. From the data processed on the screen, one data file is created as a file format of the first application, or for each data processed on the operation screen of each of the first and second applications, Since it is selectively performed whether to create individual data files in the file format of the application corresponding to the data, it is possible to efficiently manage each work item of the data file, and to collectively manage the work items. An application that takes one of the data files and runs it alone in another work item In an effect that an information processing method capable of utilizing the data file is obtained.

[0214] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the display step is performed by selecting the operation screens of the first and second applications in a layered manner by the display designation step. Information that allows the user to visually and intuitively recognize the configuration of a plurality of applications, by displaying only the operation screen that has been superimposed, adding a tag to each of the superimposed operation screens, and displaying all of the tags. There is an effect that a processing method can be obtained.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the display designating step switches the operation screen displayed in the display step by selecting the tag, so that a different application can be used. The switching can be visually and intuitively performed, and an information processing method capable of smoothly performing the data editing operation can be obtained.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the display step is performed such that a predetermined character string and an order in which the operation screens are layered. An operation screen name composed of numbers indicating the operation screen is automatically generated, and the generated operation screen name is displayed on the tag corresponding to the operation screen, and is used as an index of a data sheet when switching is performed. There is an effect that an information processing method that can perform the information processing is obtained.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the display step, an arbitrary character string input by an input device is replaced with an automatically generated operation screen name. Since the information is displayed on the tag, it can be used as an index of the data sheet at the time of switching and an information processing method capable of further enhancing the recognition of the content of each data sheet is obtained.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects, the operation screen adding step may further comprise the step of adding the first application or the plurality of the plurality of applications as the second application. Adding at least one of the applications, the display step includes a tag for performing the operation screen addition step,
Since it is displayed as one of the tags, a sheet switching operation can be used in common, and a new operation for an additional instruction is not forced to a user, and a data editing environment that is easy for a beginner can be provided. There is an effect that a possible information processing method is obtained.

According to a seventeenth aspect, in the sixteenth aspect, the operation screen adding step displays a list of application names that can be added as the second application among the plurality of applications. At the same time, when at least one of the application names displayed in the list is specified, the addition of the application is performed. Therefore, an information processing method capable of easily adding an application only by a simple operation of selecting from the list is provided. The effect is obtained.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the sixteenth aspect, the operation screen adding step executes an addition of an application by designating a data file created by the application. However, since the file name of the data file is displayed on the tag of the operation screen of the application added in the operation screen addition step, the data files created in the past are added together as a common work item and put together. There is an effect that an information processing method that can be managed is obtained.

[0221] According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects, the function control step includes the step of adding the data file designated in the operation screen adding step to the first file. When a plurality of applications are created as a data file of the application, each of the plurality of applications is operated as the second application, so that it is possible to use a data file managed collectively in the past. There is an effect that a processing method can be obtained.

According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, by recording a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to the eleventh to nineteenth aspects, the program becomes machine-readable. ~ 19
There is an effect that a recording medium capable of realizing the above operation by a computer can be obtained.

[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 a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a series of operations and operations of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 13 is an example of another display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an example of another display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an example of another display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an example of another display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a drop-down menu when a file saving instruction is issued in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an example of another display screen displayed by the display unit of the information processing device according to the present embodiment.

DESCRIPTION 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 unit 302 Function control unit 303 Display control unit 304 Display designation unit 305 File creation unit 306 Input unit 307 Operation screen addition unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B009 NC07 QA11 RB02 RB33 SA02 SA03 TA06 TB03 5E501 AA01 AA14 AC34 BA05 CA02 CB02 CB09 CB13 EA05 EA10 EA11 EA12 EA18 EB05 EB13 FA03 FA04 FA05 FA08 FA10 FA13 FA14 FA24 FA24

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus which independently operates and executes a plurality of applications having different functions, comprising: a display unit having a display screen; and a first application having a document creation function among the plurality of applications. Function control means for operating at least one of the plurality of applications as a second application as a part of the function; and an operation screen of one of the first and second applications by controlling the display means Display control means for displaying an operation screen to be displayed by the display control means; and a first data processing means for processing the first and second applications based on each data processed on each of the operation screens. File that creates one data file as the file format of The information processing apparatus characterized by comprising: a creating unit. 2. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein the operation screens of the first and second applications are layered, and only the operation screen selected by the display designating unit is displayed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a tag is attached to each of the tags, and all of the tags are displayed. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display designation unit switches an operation screen displayed by the display control unit by selecting the tag. 4. The display control means automatically assigns an operation screen name composed of a predetermined character string and a number indicating the order of the layered operation screen to each of the layered operation screens. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the generated operation screen name is generated and displayed on the tag corresponding to the operation screen. 5. An input unit for inputting an arbitrary character string, wherein the display control unit replaces an automatically generated operation screen name with an arbitrary character input via the input unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a column is displayed on the tag. 6. An operation screen adding unit for adding at least one of the first application or the plurality of applications as the second application, wherein the display control unit is an operation screen addition unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a tag for causing the tag to execute an operation screen adding process is displayed as one of the tags. 7. The operation screen adding unit displays a list of application names that can be added as the second application among the plurality of applications, and specifies at least one of the application names displayed in the list. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the application is added by executing the application. 8. The operation screen adding unit executes addition of an application by designating a data file created by the application, and the display control unit executes the operation screen of the application added by the operation screen addition unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a file name of the data file is displayed on the tag of (1). 9. The function control unit, when the data file specified by the operation screen adding unit is created by a plurality of applications as a data file of the first application, each of the plurality of applications The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the information processing apparatus is operated as the second application. 10. The file creating means creates an individual data file for each data processed on the operation screen of each of the first and second applications. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9. 11. An information processing method for executing a plurality of applications each operating independently and having different functions, wherein the plurality of applications include a function of a first application having a document creation function among the plurality of applications. A function control step of operating at least one of the applications as a second application, a display step of displaying an operation screen of one of the first and second applications, and an operation screen displayed in the display step And a file creation step of creating one data file as a file format of the first application from each data processed on the operation screen of each of the first and second applications. An information processing method, comprising: 12. The display step, wherein the operation screens of the first and second applications are superimposed in layers, and only the operation screen selected in the display designation step is displayed, and each of the superposed operation screens is displayed. 12. The information processing method according to claim 11, wherein a tag is attached to the tag and all the tags are displayed. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein in the display specifying step, an operation screen displayed in the display step is switched by selecting the tag. 14. The display step automatically generates, for each of the layered operation screens, an operation screen name including a predetermined character string and a number indicating the order of the layered operation screen. 14. The information processing method according to claim 12, wherein the generated operation screen name is displayed on the tag corresponding to the operation screen. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, in the displaying step, an arbitrary character string input by an input device is displayed on the tag, instead of an automatically generated operation screen name. The information processing method described. 16. An operation screen adding step of adding at least one of the first application or the plurality of applications as the second application, wherein the display step includes the operation screen adding step. The tag to be executed is displayed as one of the tags.
16. The information processing method according to item 15. 17. The operation screen adding step displays a list of application names that can be added as the second application among the plurality of applications, and specifies at least one of the list of application names. The information processing method according to claim 16, wherein the addition of the application is performed by performing the addition. 18. The operation screen adding step executes the addition of an application by designating a data file created by the application, and the display step includes the step of displaying the operation screen of the application added by the operation screen adding step. 17. The information processing method according to claim 16, wherein a file name of the data file is displayed on a tag. 19. The function control step, wherein, when the data file specified in the operation screen adding step is created by a plurality of applications as a data file of the first application, each of the plurality of applications The information processing method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the program is operated as the second application. 20. The file creation step according to claim 11, wherein an individual data file is created for each data processed on an operation screen of each of the first and second applications. 20. The information processing method according to 19. 21. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 11 is recorded.