JPH10320492A - Method and device for information processing - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform desired data definition, file definition, and application definition by entering characters, symbols, or a figure which are daily familiar into a document. SOLUTION: When an 'item definition data chain' is generated, a group of the data item names of the respective 'item definition data' constituting the chain are discriminated (step S1). For example, when it is made evident that those discriminated date item name character strings 'data item name', 'section', 'corresponding master name', and 'synonym' are registered data item names of a 'data definition' system, a 'data definition data generating processing' (step S3) is entered in response to the decision result and 'data definition data' defining the respective data names and their attributes according to the definition information entered into a data definition document are generated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010]

The present invention relates to an information processing method and apparatus for performing document processing / management and data processing / management.

[0020]

2. Description of the Related Art Information processing apparatus (computer system)
Then, when building an application system, it is necessary to define and register data and attributes that can be used in the application. When an individual database or file is provided in the system, it is necessary to register the attributes (file name, field name, record length, etc.) of the file.

Conventionally, “data definition” as described above,
The “data definition” is performed by using a dedicated program and inputting necessary information of the specification or the definition document from a screen in a predetermined field of a setting screen presented by the dedicated program.

In the application, for example, creation of a book table is performed as follows. That is, when an arbitrary table ruled line and a character string are input on the screen by a keyboard operation or a mouse operation, each screen input data is regarded as book table definition information, and a book table format is set based on the definition information. Is done.

Also, by inputting a ruled line on the screen by operating the mouse or the like, a desired field (area) in the ruled line is entered.
Is specified, a sub-screen that lists various attributes or definitions related to the field appears. When one desired item in the list is selected, one format for the field is selected according to the selected definition. Some are defined (set).

In the application, a command is defined by setting and inputting a special command word determined by a predetermined language (for example, Visual Basic) from a keyboard or a button on a screen.

[0070]

The above-mentioned conventional "data definition" and "file definition" use a large-scale dedicated program, and the setting operation is troublesome.
There was inconvenience that the degree of freedom in the definition style and content was small.

In addition, in the conventional book table creation and command definition functions, there are still many operation procedures and manual items that must be remembered by the user, and the definition contents that can be set and input are significantly restricted.

The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art, and has as its object to provide an information processing method and apparatus capable of performing desired data definition or file definition by a simple entry operation or operation. Aim.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing method and apparatus capable of performing desired data definition and file definition by an operation or an operation of writing a character, a symbol or a figure that is familiar to a person on a daily basis in a document. It is in.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing method and apparatus capable of selectively performing data definition, file definition, and definition on an application (for example, creation of a book table) by using common definition entry information. To provide.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing method and apparatus capable of defining a wide variety of commands by a simple entry operation with very little remembering of the user.

[0130]

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing method according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that definition information on data management or format is stored in a document as characters, symbols or graphics. The first definition information indicating a data item name and the second definition information indicating a desired area on a document are predetermined in the input entry information. When the data item names are related to each other according to the combination rule, it is determined whether the data item name corresponds to any of a plurality of preset data item name groups, and the corresponding data item name group is determined. It is characterized by recognizing the definition content according to the entry information in a corresponding predetermined format.

In the information processing method according to the present invention, the definition information on the data management or the format is inputted through the entry information entered in the form of a character, a symbol or a figure in the document, and the inputted information is entered. In the entry information, first definition information indicating processing contents of a predetermined command and second definition information indicating an object to be processed by the command are entered in association with each other according to a predetermined combination rule. In some cases, the definition of the command is recognized from the first and second definition information.

The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 is
Input information input means for inputting input information consisting of characters, symbols or figures written on a document on paper or an electronic document; and definition information included in the input information recognized by the input information input means. First definition information recognizing means for recognizing, and a plurality of entry information items which are entered in relation to each other in accordance with a predetermined combination rule in the definition information recognized by the first definition information recognizing means. A second definition information recognizing means for recognizing composite definition information based on a plurality of the corresponding definition information;
When the composite definition information that associates a desired data item name and a desired area with each other is recognized by the definition information recognizing means, the data item name is assigned to any of a plurality of data item name groups set in advance. Determining means for determining whether the data is applicable, and definition data generation for generating definition data for defining the definition content according to the entry information in a predetermined format corresponding to the data item name group identified by the determining means Means.

[0160]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a hardware system configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this system, the color image scanner 10, the keyboard 12, the mouse 14, and the digitizer 15 are suitable as input devices, the internal memory 16 and the external memory 18 are suitable as storage devices, and the display device 20 and the printing device 22 are suitable as output devices. It is connected to the CPU 24 via an interface circuit (not shown). Also, C
The PU 24 is also connected to a telephone line or a communication line 27 via a communication device 26.

The color image scanner 10 reads, as color image information, characters, symbols and graphics in a document written on a sheet. The internal memory 16 and the external memory 18 store various electronic dictionaries, character fonts, files, and the like, in addition to various programs that define processing or control operations of the CPU 24. Communication device 26
Has a facsimile communication function.

FIG. 2 shows a list of operation modes related to creation of a book in the system of this embodiment. "Maine",
Main modes such as "definition" and "environment setting" are set, and these main modes are branched into sub-modes such as "retrieval"... "Interpretation of definition".

FIG. 3 shows the “main mode list menu” displayed on the display screen 20 a of the display device 20.
In this menu screen, "Main"
Main mode selection buttons such as "definition" and "environment setting" are displayed.

When the “environment setting” button is clicked in the “main mode list menu”, the environment setting mode is selected. When the mode is switched to the environment setting mode, a screen as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display screen 20a, and submode selection buttons such as "definition setting" and "definition information setting" are displayed at the lower right of the screen. here,
When the “definition information setting” button is clicked, a definition information setting mode is entered, and “definition element /
The "Entry information comparison table" is displayed on the screen.

In FIGS. 5 to 8, in this embodiment, “common”, “data management”, “data definition”, “file definition”, “command / procedure definition”, “format definition”, “edit proofreading definition” , Etc., and a plurality of definition elements are set in each definition system. Among these definition systems, each definition element of the "data management", "data definition", "file definition" or "command / procedure definition" system is used to set a format for data management.
Each definition element of the “format definition” or the “editing proofreading definition” system is used to set a format on a document format. The definition elements of “common” are shared by the formats of “data management”, “data definition”, “file definition”, “command / procedure definition”, “format definition”, and “editing proofreading definition”.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, one or more kinds of predetermined characters (character strings), symbols or figures are associated with each definition element. Some of the definition elements, such as "round-up" corresponding to the definition element "rounding" of the "data management" system, express the purpose of definition only by the entry information. In some cases, other entry information is designated, such as “<>” corresponding to “item name”, and the definition is left to the designated entry information. In addition, the character, symbol, etc. of the normal entry information entered in the area specified by this entry information, such as “〇” corresponding to the “common” definition element “definition element specification”, are used as the definition element. Some instructions indicate that conversion should be performed, or instructions that should be interpreted into a specific definition with reference to a term dictionary.

[0240] Also, the "division" in the "data definition" system
Data item names (divisions) and data names (numerical values, text, and totalized numerical values) that are in a pair with each other, such as the relations between "data", "numeric value", "text", and "total numerical value" are individually defined. When registered as an element, the relationship of the pair is displayed so as to be understood in the target table.

The association between the definition element and the entry information as described above may be prepared by the system from the beginning, or may be set and registered by the user at any time by screen input. In any case, for example, in the data format as shown in FIG. 9, the definition element identification data having a variable data length corresponding to the comparison tables in FIGS. 5 to 8 is set for each definition element. Each definition element identification data is held in a definition element identification data storage unit 48 (FIG. 25) of a definition information recognition unit described later.

In the data format of “definition element identification data” in FIG. 9, the data field of “definition system code” has the definition element concerned (for example, “rightward”).
The code of the definition system (format definition) to which the
The code of the definition element (right-justified) is set in the data field of “definition element type”, and the character corresponding to the definition element (right-justification) is set in each data field of “constituent character string / symbol string”. A code of a column or a symbol ("right", "right-justified", "right-aligned") is set with predetermined delimiter identification data interposed therebetween, and predetermined end identification data indicating the end of this data is added to the last field. .

In the field of “definition element code of pairing relation”, as described above, “partition” and “pair” in the “data definition” system, such as (numerical value, “text”, and “total numerical value”) If there is another definition element code having a relationship, the other definition element code is set. Therefore, in the case of “definition element identification data” of “section”, each definition element code of “numerical value”, “text”, and “total numerical value” is set in this field. In the case of “numeric value”, “text” or “total numeric value”, “definition element identification data” is set in this field.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the definition elements for performing various definitions on a document are associated with characters, symbols, or figures that can be used as normal entry information representing normal document contents. ing. However, as will be described later, when used as a defining element, special modification information (for example, color information) is added to the entry information so as to be distinguished from normal entry information representing the contents of a document. In other words, the user can not only use the commonly used entry information as normal entry information to represent the contents of the document, but also add special modifier information to the definition information to indicate the definition contents. It can be used as information.

When a sub-mode selection button of “definition distinction setting” is selected on the “environment setting mode screen” of FIG. 4, a “definition information distinction instruction screen” as shown in FIG. 10 appears on the display screen 20a.

In FIG. 10, the definition system such as “data management”, “format definition”, and “edit proof definition” are listed in the column of “definition system”. The user can use [color], [line modification], [line thickness], [handwriting /
Print information] or identification information at each position.

In the example of FIG. 10, “data management”, “data definition”, “file definition”, “command / procedure definition”
Respectively (blue), "Format definition", "Edit proofing definition"
Are entered in the [Color] field. As described above, the definition elements of “common” are shared by all the definition systems, so that it is not necessary to set the modification information unique to “common”.

In response to the input operation of the definition information distinction instruction, in the system, the definition information distinction data for each definition system is set in a data format as shown in FIG. 11, for example. This definition information distinction data is stored in a definition information distinction data storage unit 50 (FIG.
5) is held.

FIG. 10 shows a screen of a "main" mode which is one of the main modes. In this "Main" mode screen, "Eject", "Store", "Next",
A sub mode selection button such as "execute" is displayed, and when each sub mode selection button is clicked, the mode is switched to the sub mode displayed by each button. The “Main” mode screen appears by default on the display screen 20a immediately after the power is turned on. When the “Mode” button constantly displayed in the lower left corner of the screen is clicked, the “Main mode list menu” is displayed. Switch to the screen.

Next, in this system, functions of “data definition” and “file definition” which are set and registered in the system as a premise of an application, for example, a book table creation function, will be described.

To set “data definition” in this example, a data definition document as shown in FIG. 13 is prepared, for example. This data definition document lists the data item names on the application and their attribute data names that can be used in building the application system. For example, the specification document created by the system engineer may be used as it is. Alternatively, it may be newly created by the document creation function of the present system for setting “data definition”.

In this example, it is assumed that the data definition document is a document in which the contents of a document are described with a black writing implement, ink, toner, or the like on a white paper.

In this data definition document, a plurality of basic data items registered in advance in the system for “data definition” are stored in a table including a plurality of ruled lines drawn at predetermined intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions. And a desired data name on each corresponding application are described in a list format.

That is, in the item entry column provided in the top row of the table, one (one item) for each cell (entry frame) is registered in the system, and the basic data items “data item name”, “ Character strings representing "classification", "corresponding master name", and "synonym" are entered.

In the first row of the data name entry column provided below the item entry column, the character string “classification” is used as the data name of “data item name”, and A character string "text" is a data name of a "corresponding master name", a character string "product classification star", and a data name of a "synonym" is a character string "product classification" in each cell (entry frame). 1 data name).

In the description of this one line (record), in this system, “classification” is set as one of “data items” on the application, and this “classification” is treated as “text” data. Is registered in the “product classification master” file, and “product classification” is regarded as a synonym for “classification”.

[0410] Even in the second line and below of the data name entry column, the "part number" selected as the data item name on the application,
For each of “sales”, “unit price”,..., Etc., attribute data names of “division”, “corresponding master name”, and “synonym” are entered.

As described above, this data definition document (FIG. 13)
Is a document composed of normal entry information (characters, symbols, or graphics commonly used to represent the contents of the document), and the description contents can be understood at a glance by a handler (for example, a system engineer). However, if the document content is input as is in this system, it is simply recognized as document information, and does not substantially serve as a definition document.

Therefore, in the present system, by inputting definition support information for supporting a desired definition into the document contents composed of the normal entry information and inputting the definition support information to the system, the definition contents recognized by the operator can be obtained. Make the system aware.

In the data definition document (FIG. 13) of this example, the definition support information of “common” and “data definition” may be filled in (blue) as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 14, in the data item name entry column, a (black) data item name character string “data item name”,
The "category", "corresponding master name", and "synonym" are enclosed in the definition element entry information "@" of the "definition element designation" of (blue), and the definition element entry information of the "item" of (blue) "<
As a result, these character strings “data item name”, “division”, “corresponding master name”, and “synonym” are converted into definition element entry information, and each of them is a data item name. It is defined.

In the data name entry column, each data item name “data item name”, “division”, “corresponding master name”,
Vertical fields (cell columns) corresponding to "synonyms"
, The definition element entry information "[]" of "range designation" is entered in the cells at the top and bottom. This allows
Each of these fields (cell columns) in the vertical direction defines that the data of the corresponding data item name is entered or is a data entry column to be entered.

The data definition document (FIG. 14) to which the definition support information has been added as described above is input from the color image scanner 10 to the present system.

FIG. 15 shows the configuration of a document input and document element data generation unit in the system of this embodiment. The document image input unit 30 includes an input device such as a color image scanner 10, a keyboard 12 and a mouse 14, a CPU 24 for executing an input routine, and an internal memory 16 or an external memory 1 for temporarily receiving an input color image.
And 8. Document image storage unit 32, character /
Graphic pattern dictionary 36 and document element data storage 38
Uses the storage area of the internal memory 16 or the external memory 18. The character / graphic element recognition unit 34 is configured by the CPU 24 executing a character / graphic recognition processing program. The document image output unit 40 mainly includes a CPU 24 that executes a display control program, and a display device 20 that outputs a document image under the control of the CPU 24 or a communication device 26 that transmits and outputs a document image. You.

In the document image storage unit 32 and the document element data storage unit 38, each input document or each page P
Image data area 32 for storing image data for each Ai
(i) and a document element data area 38 (i) for storing document element data are respectively set. FIG. 16 and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the memory management for each image data area 32 (i) and each document element data area 38 (i) is as follows.
This is performed using the sheet data area management data CD (i) set in the sheet data area management unit 35 for each input document or each page PAi.

In the present system, when predetermined processing is defined between different documents or pages, these plural documents (pages) are treated as belonging to one group (hereinafter referred to as “sheet group”). . Various methods are possible for the user to inform the system of grouping a plurality of documents or pages as a sheet group. For example, when the user performs a predetermined button operation and subsequently inputs a plurality of documents or pages from the image scanner 10, the system may determine that these documents or pages are a sheet group. .

When the image scanner 10 performs a reading operation on the data definition document (FIG. 14) of this example, a color image signal representing the contents of the document (all entries) is taken into the image storage section of the input section 30. The color image signal for each document taken into the input unit 30 is decomposed into each color image signal of (black), (blue), and (red) in the form of a signal. An image signal, a (blue) image signal, and a (red) image signal are stored in the black image storage unit 32a, the blue image storage unit 32b, and the red image storage unit 32c, respectively.

[0520] Next, the character / graphic element recognizing unit 34 determines, for each color (black, blue, red) in the document, the individual character or graphic in the document for the pixel data of each document stored in the document image storage unit 32. Recognize elements. Here, the graphic element is a group of simple figures, such as a line segment, a rectangle, and a circle, whose shapes can be easily image-recognized.

At the time of image recognition in this embodiment, for example, “image management data” preset in a data format as shown in FIG. 18 is referred to. In this “image management data”, as shown in FIG. 19, assuming that the input image is composed of a large number of pixels PX arranged in a matrix, data representing the number, size, pitch, etc. of the pixels PX are set. ing.

In the character / graphic element recognition unit 34,
Recognition of figures is basically performed by recognizing individual characters and line elements constituting graphic elements. Various known methods may be used for identifying the line element. For example, first, a set of dots having a specific color is found, and then an adjacent area or surrounding is searched to determine the direction in which the set of dots extends. By repeating this process, the trajectory drawn by the set of dots is traced until it disappears (ends). If there is a location where the direction of the trajectory changes rapidly during the tracking, the location is identified as a bending point or a cusp.

The line element thus extracted can be identified as one of the line element patterns set in advance by its shape and size. In the present embodiment, the character / graphic pattern dictionary 36 stores in advance a type of a line element constituting each character and a graphic and a significant positional relationship between the constituent line elements in a predetermined electronic dictionary system ( Settings have been registered). The character / graphic element recognizing unit 34 repeats the process of combining the line elements extracted as described above between adjacent ones and collating this with the character / graphic pattern dictionary 36,
Recognize individual characters, symbols, and figures.

For example, ruled lines forming a table such as a list are recognized as follows. That is, a line element extracted as a straight line in recognition of a line element as described above is orders of magnitude longer than other line elements, and the direction of the straight line is in relation to a horizontal line (X axis) or a vertical line (Y axis). If the angle falls within a certain angle, the straight line is regarded as a horizontal ruled line or a vertical ruled line, and the position information is corrected so as to be parallel to the horizontal line or the vertical line. If the distance between the end points of the two extracted ruled lines or the distance between the end point of one ruled line and the other ruled line is within a certain value, the end points of the two ruled lines overlap each other or It is considered that the end point of the ruled line is overlapped on the other ruled line, and the respective position information is corrected so that the two ruled lines overlap so.

[0570] The character / graphic element recognizing section 34 performs the above-described character / graphic recognition processing on each color (black, blue, red) image of the input document to obtain each character, each graphic element, and each symbol. For example, document element data is generated in a data format as shown in FIGS.

FIG. 20 shows an example of the data format of document element data (character data) corresponding to one character.
As shown in the figure, the code, typeface, color, line thickness, line modification (solid line, dotted line, chain line, etc.) of the character, handwriting / printing (discrimination as a handwritten character or a printed character), entry position and size Of the document element data is added to the end of the document element data.

[0590] Fig. 21 shows an example of the data format of document element data (character string data) corresponding to one character string. As shown in the figure, the “start character position” and “tail line position” indicating the arrangement position of the character string, the “line pitch” and “character pitch” indicating the format of the character string are set, and the character string Are set in the order of arrangement.

FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 show examples of the data format of document element data (graphic element data) corresponding to one graphic element or symbol. As shown in FIG. 22, the data of the start position and the end position is incorporated into the line segment. As shown in FIG. 23, the center position (X, Y direction) and the diameter size (X,
(Y direction) data is incorporated. As shown in FIG. 24, for a rectangle or "<", data indicating the position of a bending point or a cusp (a point where the direction of a line segment changes sharply) is incorporated in addition to the start and end positions.

As described above, all entry information in each document input as an image is decomposed into individual characters, symbols, and figures, and is converted into document element data by the character / graphic element recognition unit 34. These document element data are stored in the document element data storage unit 38 for each document. In addition, characters
The image information corresponding to the entry information converted into the document element data by the graphic recognition processing may be deleted from the document image storage unit 32.

The document image output section 40 is the document image storage section 3
In addition to outputting a document image based on the image signal stored in the document data storage unit 2, the document element data stored in the document element data storage unit 38 is converted into an image signal via the character / graphic pattern dictionary 36. Then, a document image can be output.

FIG. 25 shows the configuration of the definition information recognition and format setting unit in the system of this embodiment. Definition element data generation unit 42 and definition data generation unit 46
Is configured by the CPU 24 that executes a definition element data and definition data generation process. Combination rule (constitutive rule) memory 45, definition information identification data storage unit 48, definition information distinction data storage unit 50, application term dictionary 52, definition data storage unit 54, and sheet group definition data storage unit 56
Are developed on a predetermined storage area of the internal memory 16 or the external memory 18.

[0640] In the document element data storage section 44 and the definition data storage section 54, a document element data area 44 (i) for storing document element data for each input document or page PAi and a definition for storing definition data. Data areas 54 (i) are set.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, each document element data area 44 (i) and each definition data area 5
4 (i) is performed using sheet data area management data CD (i) set in the sheet data area management unit 35 for each input document or page PAi.

In the definition information recognition and format setting section, first, the definition element generation section 42 executes the definition element identification data storage section 48 and the definition information discrimination data storage section 5.
0, respectively, with reference to the definition element identification data (FIG. 9) and the definition information distinction data (FIG. 11),
Based on the document element identification data (FIGS. 20 to 24) stored in the document element identification data storage unit 38, data (definition element data) for each definition element entry information written on each document or page is generated. I do.

FIG. 26 shows an example of the data format of the definition element data. A "definition code" and a "definition element code" for identifying the definition element entry information are set, and a pointer for referring to document element data corresponding to characters, graphics, and symbols constituting the definition element entry information Is set. For example, "Specify range"
In the case of "[", a pointer for specifying the address of the document element data corresponding to the entry information "[" is set.

In order to generate definition element data, document element data having specific modification information, for example, (red) color information is searched. As a result of this search, for example, when the entry information of “[” is extracted, the other entry information “]” that is paired with the entry information is determined to determine the definition element entry information “[]” of “range designation”. . As a result, the "definition code" and the "definition element code" are determined, and the pointers that specify the addresses of the document element data (graphic element data) of "[" and "]" that constitute the definition element entry information are also determined. .

[0690] As described above, the definition element data generation unit 4
2 is stored in the corresponding definition element data area of the definition element data storage unit 44 for each document or page, and is managed by the sheet data area management unit 35.

Next, the definition data generation unit 46 refers to the definition information distinction data (FIG. 11) held in the definition information distinction data storage unit 50, and
26, the document element data (FIGS. 20 to 24) stored in the document element data storage unit 38, and the combination rule stored in the combination rule (constitutive rule) memory 45. (Constitutive Rule) With reference to an algorithm, definition data is generated for each piece of definition information written on each document or page or over different documents or pages.

As described below, the data definition document (FIG. 14) is referred to as “item definition data” (FIG. 2).
7), “Item definition data chain” (FIG. 28),
“Cell data” (FIG. 29), “cell data chain in field” (FIG. 30), “cell data in record”
"Chain" (FIG. 31) and "data definition data" (FIG. 32).

First, "cell data" (FIG. 29) is created as follows. Each cell (data entry frame) is identified by searching for a line or a ruled line of the table via the document element data, and together with data indicating the position of the cell,
Set a pointer to connect to the next cell in the same field and record. Further, it checks whether or not a character string is entered in the cell via the document element data, and if it is entered, sets a pointer for referring to the corresponding document element data.

Also, a cell row sectioned by the (blue) range designation “[]” is detected, and the (blue) “item” “<
The character string enclosed by>"is adjacent to the cell row (field) in the extension direction, or the" joining line "in (blue)
When the character string is connected to the cell column by "-", it is determined that the character string is a data item name corresponding to the field according to the associative rule, and "item definition data" (FIG. 27) is created. Also, "Cell data chain in the field"
(FIG. 30).

If a plurality of field cell columns are adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the cell column direction, these adjacent cell columns are determined to be “cell columns in record” according to the associative rule. And "Record cell data
A chain ”(FIG. 31) is created. At the same time, an “item definition data chain” (FIG. 28) is created.

As described above, in the present system, the definition data generation unit 46 refers to the associative rule algorithm registered in the associative rule memory 45, and thereby a plurality of definition element entry information given by a plurality of definition element entry information. Recognizing one complex definition information by combining the unit definition information, and further recognizing more complex or advanced definition information by combining a plurality of unit definition information and the complex definition information or the complex definition information. The necessary definition data that defines each definition content is created according to the recognition result.

After the “item definition data chain” (FIG. 28) is created as described above, the procedure shown in FIG. 32 is entered, and a group of data item names in each “item definition data” constituting the chain is entered. Identify (Step S1
).

In this example, the data item name character strings “data item name”, “division”, “corresponding master name”, and “synonym” are enclosed in (blue) “definition element specification” “〇”. Therefore, by referring to the definition element identification data storage unit 48, it is determined that the data item name is a registered data item name of the "data definition" type. As a result of this determination (step S2), "data definition data creation processing" (step S2)
3) Enter.

[0780] In the "data definition data creation process", a cell column (record in each row in this example) orthogonal to the field is extracted one by one based on the "cell data chain in record", and the data name in each cell is extracted. It is determined whether the character string is registered in the system or not. In this example, the data name "text", "numerical value", and "aggregate numerical value" of "category" are registered as the definition element code. ), Set a fixed data length code. For unregistered ones (in this example, the data names "data item name", "corresponding master name", and "synonym"), use the character By setting a character code string having a variable data length corresponding to a column, "data definition data" (FIG. 33) for each row (record) is created.

[0790] Therefore, the data definition document of this example (FIG. 1)
From 4), the number of “data definition data” (FIG. 33) equal to the number of lines entered in the list is created. These “data definition data” group constitute a “data name dictionary” for referring to data names set and registered for each data item name usable in the application.

As described above, in this system, “data definition”, which is a basic setting for constructing an application, is easily performed by the operation or operation of writing characters, symbols, or graphics that are familiar to everyday use in a document. be able to. Therefore, not only the burden on system operators such as system engineers is reduced, but also the users (end users) of application software can use "data definition".
It is possible to participate in.

Next, the “file definition” will be described. Generally, "file definition" is performed each time an individual file on an application is registered or stored in the system. In this system, for example, when "monthly sales file" is registered (stored) in the system, "file definition" is performed using a file definition document as shown in FIG. This file definition document is also a document in which document information (contents) is described in (black) white paper, for example.

[0820] In this file definition document (Fig. 34), a table consisting of matrix-like cells (entry frames) of 3 rows x 5 columns is in a list format, and the data definition document (Fig. 14), each data item name on the application set and registered, the corresponding line name (access name) registered in advance in the system in the middle row, and the data item name in the bottom row. Field lengths (bytes) to be assigned to the data names according to the above.

[0832] That is, the data item names "monthly", "classification", "part number", "unit price",
"Sales volume" has the field name "M
ON ”,“ BUN ”,“ HIN ”,“ TAN ”,“ SU ”
U ”, and each data value field length is“ 5 ”.
(Byte) "," 20 (byte) "," 20 (byte) "," 5 (byte) ", and" 5 (byte) ". This file definition document is also a document in which document information (contents) is described in (black) white paper, for example.

[0840] This file definition document (Fig. 34) is also a human-oriented definition document composed of ordinary entry information, similar to the data definition document (Fig. 13). It is merely recognized as document information and does not substantially make sense as a definition document.

In order to make this human-oriented definition document recognizable by the present system, as shown in FIG. 35, the definition support information of the “common” and “file definition” systems is indicated by (blue).
Please fill in.

In FIG. 35, necessary definition information is entered to define this list of file definition documents as “item definitions”.

[0870] That is, the field of each row expanded in the horizontal direction in the table is indicated by the definition element entry information "[]" of "range designation" of (blue). This table does not include data item names indicating the attributes of the fields in each row.
Therefore, (blue) data item name character strings "data item name", "field name", and "field length" are written as blank definition fields outside the table in the extension direction of each field.

[0880] Each of the data item name character strings "data item name", "field name", and "field length" additionally written in (blue) are replaced with the definition element entry information of "definition element designation" in (blue). Enclosed in square brackets (、) and from both left and right sides are enclosed in (<), the definition element entry information of (item) in (blue), and correspond to each other via the definition element entry information (-) of (connection line) in (blue). Connect with the field.

In order to register the title “monthly sales file” as a file name, this title character string “monthly sales file” is enclosed in “blue” “range designation” “[]” and ( Enter the data item name “file name” in (blue) and enclose this data item name character string “file name” in (blue) “definition element specification” “〇”. Definition element entry information “<
> ”.

The file definition document (FIG. 35) in which the definition support information is additionally written is also the data definition document (FIG. 13).
Similarly to the above, the image data is input from the color image scanner 10 to the present system.

Then, in the present system, the same processing unit (FIG. 19, FIG. 28) as described above performs “recognition of document elements (characters / graphics, etc.)” and “ Correction of document elements (characters / graphics, etc.) "," extraction and identification of definition element entry information (generation of definition element data) "and" interpretation of definition contents (generation of definition data) "are sequentially performed.

As a result, as the definition data, “item definition data” (FIG. 27) from the definition information related to the list
"Item definition data chain" (FIG. 36), "cell data" (FIG. 29), "cell data chain in field" (FIG. 30), "cell data chain in record"
(FIG. 31) and “file definition data” (FIG. 32). In the case of this list, the field cell row is expanded in the horizontal direction, and the record cell row is expanded in the vertical direction. In addition, a single item definition data (FIG. 27) having a data item name "file name" is created from the definition information relating to the title "monthly sales file".

[0930] Also in this "file definition", the "item definition data chain" corresponding to the data item names "data item name", "field name", and "field length" in the list
After creating (FIG. 36), the procedure shown in FIG. 32 is entered.
A group of data item names in each "item definition data" constituting the chain is identified (step S1).

In this example, since the data item name character strings “data item name”, “field name”, and “field length” are surrounded by (definition element specification) “〇” (blue), By referring to the identification data storage unit 48,
It turns out that it is a registered data item name of the "file definition" type. When this determination result is obtained (step S
4) "File definition data creation processing" (step S5
)to go into.

[0950] In the "file definition data creation processing",
Based on the "cell data chain in record", each cell column orthogonal to the field (in this example, each record in the vertical direction)
To determine whether or not the data name character string in each cell is registered in the present system.

In this example, the data names “monthly”, “classification”, “part number”,... Of the “data item name” on the application are “data name dictionary”, that is, “data definition data” (FIG. 33). Is registered in the form of a character code string having a variable data length. The data names “MON”, “BUN”, “HIN”,... Of the “field names” are set and registered as fixed data length codes as field names (access names) in the system. "5", "20", "20", which are the data names of "field length"
Can be converted to numerical data having a fixed data length.

[0970] As described above, the character code string or fixed data or code corresponding to the data name character string of "data item name", "field name", and "field length" is identified one record at a time. Is set in "File definition data" for all records.

Also, based on the item definition data relating to the title “Monthly Sales File”, “File Name” is set by a character code string, and the “Monthly Sales File” stored in any storage area in the system. Is also set (FIG. 37). Here, the “file name (access name)” is file identification data in the system corresponding to the “file name” input by the user, and is automatically assigned by the system.

[0990] Fig. 38 shows an example of the configuration of a file management unit in this system. In a file storage area provided in the internal memory 16 or the external memory 18, files A, B, C. Are stored in an arbitrary storage location, and index data (file management data) for searching each file is stored in a predetermined storage location. The file manager (file management program) accesses each file by referring to the index data. From outside, the file manager may be accessed using the above-mentioned “file name (access name)”.

As described above, in this system, the "file definition" required at the time of registering a file can be easily performed by the operation or operation of writing a character, a symbol or a graphic that is familiar to the user on a daily basis. Therefore, not only the burden on the system operator is reduced, but also the end user can participate in the “file definition”.

[1010] Next, the function of creating a book in the system of this embodiment will be described. In this system, a desired book can be easily created especially by an end user.

[1020] FIG. 39 shows an example of "monthly sales ledger".
Shows a book cover sheet in which the basic items are written by hand in advance. Any of the characters, symbols, and figures entered on this book sheet is normal entry information indicating the contents of the book sheet,
It is described in the same color, for example, black.

[1030] In this book cover sheet, data item names "article name", "number of sales", "unit price", and "sales amount" are entered in each cell in an item name entry column provided in the top row of the list. Each item name is entered in the (Entry column). Two data entry columns (fields) for each data item name are assigned to “article name”, and one to each of the other item names “sales quantity”, “unit price”, and “sales”. In the "article name" field, data names (for example, "television" and "J1020") of "classification" and "part number" are entered, and other fields are blank.

[1040] In the center of the table, the book name "monthly sales ledger" is described in the center, and "Kanda branch" and "1995" are described as annotations in the right corner. Below the table, two annotations “(Note) output from monthly sales file” and “Sales = Unit price × Number of sales” are described on the left and right.

[1050] With respect to the book cover sheet, the user can use the
Referring to the “definition element / entry information comparison table” in FIG. 8, definition support information may be entered with a color writing instrument or the like as shown in FIG. 40, for example.

Also in this case, a specific color is assigned to the definition element entry information and additional entry information of each definition system as decoration information. In this example, "common", "command / procedure"
Definition support information for the definition system is shown in blue.

In the book table of FIG. 40, the definition element entry information “[]” of “Range designation” is entered in the uppermost cell and the lowermost cell of the vertical cell column, and these cell columns ( Data entry column) is defined as a field.

In the blank space above the left end of the list, the definition support information “<classification>” and “<part number>” are written in (blue), and these item name strings are shown in (blue) “joining line”. Each item is connected to two fields corresponding to “article name” via “−”. The (black) data item name character string "article name" is left as it is, and no (blue) definition support information is attached. As a result, the fields in the left and right columns located under “article name” are replaced with the original (black) data item name “article name”,
This means that the data item names "classification" and "part number" additionally entered in (blue) are defined to correspond to each other.

[1090] In each column to the right of the column of "article name", each data item name character string of "(black)""sales","unitprice", and "sales" are displayed on both left and right sides (items) in (blue). Enter the definition element entry information “<>” for “<number of sales>”, “<unit price>”,
"<Sales>". This will give you "
"Unit price" and "sales" are defined as data item names.

[1100] Under these data item names "<sales>", "<unit price>" and "<sales>",
As described above, the field is defined by the (blue) “range specification” “[]”. As a result, even if the connection line "-" (blue) is omitted between the two, the definition information for "item definition" that associates each data item name with each field is entered. Become.

[1110] Regarding the annotations outside the table, the annotation “Kanda branch” in the upper right part (black) is enclosed by the definition element entry information “｛｝” in “blue” “out of range”. This means that the annotation information is explicitly defined to be excluded from the definition information.

[1120] On the lower side, (blue) composite definition support information "□-<monthly"] is written to the right of the (black) normal entry information "1995". This definition information includes definition element entry information of “field (data entry column)”, definition element entry information of “item” “<>”, data item name character string “monthly”, and definition of “connection line”. It consists of element entry information "-". This specifies that the area (field) designated by “□” is to be a data entry column for the data item <monthly>.

At the bottom of the book table, in the annotation “sales = unit price × the number of sales” described in the (black) normal entry information, each data item name character string “sales”, “unit price”, “sales” number"
Are enclosed in the definition item entry information “<>” of the “item” in (blue). As a result, it is defined that the calculation formula (normal entry information) of the annotation is a calculation formula for data management.

[1140] In another annotation "(Note) Output from monthly sales file", the file name "Monthly sales file" is enclosed in the definition element entry information "[]" of "Specify range" in (blue). The predicate part “from” and “output” are each surrounded by definition element entry information “の” of “definition element specification” (blue).

[1150] Then, (blue) "Range designation" [] "
The file name character string "monthly sales file" indicated by "" and the data item name "<file name>" written in the vicinity (blue) are connected via the (blue) "connection line""-". As a result, the "item definition" is performed for the file name "monthly sales file", and the "entry" and "output" of the normal entry information are defined as the "command / procedure definition" system definition elements "sender" and "output", respectively. Is converted into the definition element entry information, which indicates that data to be output to this book (command) is defined from the “monthly sales file” (output source operand).

The book document (FIG. 40) in which the definition support information is additionally entered as described above is input from the color image scanner 10 to the present system.

[1170] Then, in the present system, the same processing unit (FIGS. 19 and 28) as described above performs "recognition of document elements (characters / graphics, etc.)" and " Correction of document elements (characters / graphics, etc.) "," extraction and identification of definition element entry information (generation of definition element data) "and" interpretation of definition contents (generation of definition data) "are sequentially performed.

As a result, as the definition data, “item definition data” (FIG. 27), “item definition data chain” (FIG. 41), “cell data”
(FIG. 29), "Cell data chain in field"
(FIG. 30), “cell data chain in record” (FIG. 31) is created. Note that, in the case of this list, the field cell columns are expanded in the vertical direction, and the record cell columns are expanded in the horizontal direction.

Also, from the definition information “□-<Monthly>” entered in the upper right corner of the table, a single “item definition data” (FIG. 27) having “monthly” as a data item name is created.

Also, “calculation formula definition data” (FIG. 42) is created from the definition information relating to the annotation “sales = unit price × number of sales” described in the right part of the blank space below the table.

[1210] "Book table management data" for collectively managing the various book table related definition data ("item definition data", "item definition data chain", "calculation formula definition data", etc.) (FIG. 45).

The definition information relating to the comment “(Note) output from monthly sales file” described in the left part of the blank below the table is “data output command definition data” (FIG. 4).
6) is created.

Also in this case, “item definition data chain” (FIG. 41) corresponding to the data item names “classification”, “part number”, “sales number”, “unit price”, and “sales” of the list are created. Then, the procedure shown in FIG. 32 is entered, and a group of data item names in each "item definition data" constituting the chain is identified (step S1).

In this example, the data item name character strings “category”, “part number”, “sales quantity”, “unit price”, and “sales” are “data name dictionary” or “data definition data” (FIG. 3).
Since the information is registered in 3), it is clear that this list is a definition document (book table) on the application. When this determination result is obtained (step S6), the process enters "book table definition data creation processing" (step S7).

In the “book table definition data creation processing”, the definition data relating to this list, ie, “item definition data”, “item definition data chain”, “cell data”, “cell data chain in field”, “ Not only the "cell data chain in record" but also the definition information linked to the table by the connecting line "-", or the predetermined definition written in the same document or page even if there is no connecting line "-" The definition data generated from the information is also recognized as configuration information relating to the same book table, and these definition data are collectively referred to as "book table definition data" in "book table management data" (FIG. 45). That is, the “book table management data” is management data that collects “book table definition data” groups that constitute one logically organized book table.

In this example, the definition information “□-<
The single item definition data generated from “monthly>” is also determined to be book table related definition data (configuration information), and is pointed to by “book table management data” (FIG. 45).

[1270] Regarding the annotation “<sales> = <unit price> × <number of sales>” below the table, (items) “<
>>, there are characters or symbols (“=”, “×”) sandwiched between <sales>, <unit price>, and <number of sales>, and these strings are sandwiched. Since the two conditions that the registered character (character string) or symbol is registered in the definition element identification data storage unit 48 or the applied term dictionary memory 52 are satisfied, these characters (character string) or symbol are stored in the registered contents. (In this example, the operation symbols “=” and “x”).

From this recognition result, the expression “<
"Calculation formula definition data" (FIG. 42) that defines "sales> = <unit price> .times. <Number of sales>" is created. And this "calculation formula definition data" is also related to this "book table definition data".
Therefore, it is pointed out in “book management data” (FIG. 45).

FIG. 43 shows an example of terms contained in the applied term dictionary 52. Characters and character strings that can be used as terms for each sub definition system such as "unit", "calculation formula", "total", etc.
The symbol has been registered.

[1300] FIG. 44 shows an example of a data format of term data included in the applied term dictionary 52. The code of each sub-definition system (“unit”, “calculation formula”, “total”, etc.) is set in the data field of “processing system type” in the header. Subsequent to this header, in the data field of "character code string", character code strings constituting each character, character string, and symbol belonging to the sub-definition system are sequentially set in a list format. “Separation identification data” corresponds to a comma (,) separating each term in FIG.

[1310] Regarding the definition information related to another annotation "(Note) output from monthly sales file" below the table, the character string "to" and "output" enclosed by "designation of definition element""@" Since it is registered as a definition element that means “source” and “data output” of the “command / procedure definition” system, it is determined that the command definition information indicates “data output” from a certain data output source. , "Data output command definition data" (FIG. 46).

In this "data output command definition data" creation processing, an output source operand and an output destination operand are determined. In this example, “<file name> − [monthly sales file]” constituting the item definition is defined in the “command / procedure definition” system according to the combination rule registered in the combination rule (construction rule) memory 45. It is assumed that the element entry information “from” is the output source operand specified.

[1330] Since there is no definition information for explicitly specifying the output destination operand, the default data refers to definition data created from other definition information on the same document or page. . Then,
In this example, since “book table definition data” or “book table management data” (FIG. 45) has been created, fields or records (data entry fields) of the book table indicated by these definition data are created. ) Is determined as the output destination operand.

The output source operand and output destination operand identified as described above are pointed to by “data output command definition data” (FIG. 46). Although omitted in this example, when a plurality of commands are defined within a certain document range (for example, the same document or sheet group), execution between a plurality of "command definition data" corresponding to the commands is performed. The order (sequence) is determined, and each "command definition data" points to another "command definition data" to be executed before and after.

When all the definition data of the book table (FIG. 40) containing the definition information input to the system has been generated as described above, the processing performed by the present system, particularly the recognition processing (character / Figure recognition, correction of position / size, etc., and definition contents) are displayed and output, and the user's confirmation is obtained.

In this display output, the document contents of each document recognized by the system are sequentially displayed on the display screen 20a by, for example, a toggle method. In order to display this document image, the document image output unit 40 outputs the document element data storage unit 38
The character / graphic pattern dictionary 36 is referred to the document element data of each document stored in the document to identify the pattern of each document element. Each pattern is converted into bitmap image data by a development program, and Generate a signal.

In this way, when the contents of the book in accordance with the recognition processing result of the system are displayed on the display screen 20a, the user can use the keyboard 12 or the mouse 1
By using the digitizer 4 or the digitizer 15, it is possible to correct each document or input new entry information from the screen.

With respect to the entry information input from the keyboard 12, the character / graphic element input unit 37 (FIG. 19) can generate document element data without performing the character / graphic recognition processing. Mouse 14 or digitizer 1
With respect to the entry information input from step 5, each entry information is inputted in the character / graphic element input section 37, and the character / graphic element recognition section 34 sequentially performs character / graphic recognition processing (for each input entry information) to obtain a document. Generate element data.

[1390] These screen input type input devices 12, 1
Also when inputting the definition information by 4 and 15, the modification information of each definition system is set and input in the "definition information distinction" mode of the "environment setting" (FIG. 8).

[1400] When the screen input method is used, it is possible to give an instruction of coloring the entry information not only before the entry information but also after the entry. In other words, the color menu can be used by selecting and instructing a desired "color" button in the "color menu" prior to inputting a character string or the like or drawing a ruled line. Instruct (specify) the desired part on the screen, and then continue to the desired “color”
A method of selecting and instructing a button can be adopted.

If entry information is entered on the screen under a predetermined definition sub-mode, the system attaches the entered entry information to the definition distinction modifier specified in that sub-mode, It can also be displayed on the screen.
In this case, the definition information is recognized from the entry information provided with the definition distinction modification.

In the case where the entry information is input on the screen as described above, every time the entry information is input, the character / graphic element input unit 37 (FIG. 15) responds to each entry information based on the input data. The generated document element data is generated or changed.

[1430] Information entered on the screen (character string,
Symbols and graphics are stored in the system as document element data (FIGS. 20 to 2) in the same manner as when an image is input from paper.
It is expressed in the form of 4).

At the actual use level, it is convenient to use such a screen input method together with the above-described image input method. Since the entry information entered as an image from a form and the entry information entered using a command from the screen are managed in the system as the same document element data, the original entry information (normal entry information) in the book table or its Regardless of the definition entry information added above, any entry information can be input from either the image input or the screen input.

As described above, after the user inputs the document in which the contents of the document are described in advance by using the image scanner 10, the user performs the above-described output display step for confirmation in the above-described manner.
While confirming the document contents or definition contents of each document, it is possible to add arbitrary entry information, particularly definition support information, from the keyboard 12, mouse 14 or digitizer 15, and furthermore, to perform desired definition by a command from the screen. It is also possible to enter information.

Further, the user can change or cancel the definition information by executing a desired editing and proofreading function on the screen with respect to the entry information forming the definition information once input. It is possible.

In order to enable setting and input of definition information by commands in the screen input method as described above, the present system is provided with a command input unit 60 and a command recognition / execution processing unit 62 as shown in FIG. I have. The command input unit 60 receives a command input from the keyboard 12, the mouse 14, or the digitizer 15. The command recognition / execution processing unit 62 analyzes and picks the input command as described above, and generates, changes, or deletes required definition data. The command input unit 60 and the command recognition / execution processing unit 62 include a command input program and a document creation program stored in the internal memory 16 and the CPU 24 that executes those programs.

It is needless to say that such a screen input method can also be performed by the above-mentioned “data definition” and “file definition”.

Next, various functions of a data output process of transferring data from a data file to an electronic book and outputting the data in the system of the present embodiment will be described.

In this example, when the “execute button” is selected and instructed in the main mode, the definition execution processing unit 74 (FIG. 4)
In 9), the respective definition contents are executed for command-based definition data that requires some processing from the system. At this time, the definition execution processing unit 74 searches the definition data storage unit 54 and the sheet group definition data storage unit 56 to extract command-based definition data based on the “definition data type”, and executes the definition execution order rule memory 59. The execution order of the definition data is determined according to the “definition execution order rule procedure (program) or data” stored in the storage device.
FIG. 48 shows a data format example of “definition execution order rule data”.

In this example, the definition contents of “data output command definition data” are first executed. In this case, this command content (data output) is identified from the “definition data type”, and the output source operand (monthly sales file) is changed from “file name” of “item definition data” pointed to by “output source operand”. The output destination operand (monthly sales ledger) is identified through “file definition data” and “book table management data” or “book table definition data” pointed by “output destination operand”.

FIG. 45 shows the configuration of a data output unit that performs book-table related data output processing in this system. The data item conversion unit 72, the definition execution processing unit 74, and the record / document element data conversion unit 78 are each configured by the CPU 24 that executes a predetermined conversion or processing program. Input record storage unit 70, file definition data storage unit 80, book table definition data storage unit 82, output record storage unit 76, and data / character code conversion table 8
Reference numeral 4 denotes an internal memory 16 or an external memory 18.

When the data output process is started, the file record is first stored in the input record storage unit 70 from the output source file (monthly sales file) via the "file manager" (FIG. 38) one record at a time or in predetermined block units. Is stored in

FIG. 50 shows an example of the format of the record management table and file record of the sales file sent from the output source file. Record input section 7
0, the file record defined by the output source file is “BUN”, “HIN”, “T
AN ",....

The data item conversion unit 72 refers to the “file definition data” (FIG. 37) held in the file definition data storage unit 80, and the data items “BUN” and “HIN” of the input file record. , "TAN",
…… is the data item “classification” in each corresponding system,
It is converted into “part number”, “unit price”,... (FIG. 50).

The definition execution processing unit 74 first extracts only file records for a specific month, for example, October, from the file records from the data item conversion unit 72. This can be determined from the "month" data field of the file record.

Next, from the file records for October, only those that match the data names (products) of “classification” and “part number” entered in the output destination (monthly sales ledger) are extracted (FIG. 51).

[1580] To perform this extraction, select "Book table definition data".
From the document element data (character string data) pointed to by “item definition data”, character strings (“TV”, “J102”) corresponding to “classification” and “part number”
0 ”,...), And the identified character string data
The data is converted to data (code) on the record by referring to the character code conversion table. Then, data names other than the tabulated items (“the number of sales” and “sales”) are compared between each record of the book table and each input file record, and it is determined whether or not they all match. In this case, one of the comparison items that has no entry (in this example, "Unit Price" on the book side)
If there is, it is excluded from the judgment conditions.

[1590] For the file records extracted in this way, "book table definition" is executed in accordance with "book table definition data" (calculation formula definition data, etc.) stored in book table definition data storage unit 82. .

In the case of the book shown in FIG. 9, "calculation formula definition data"
According to (FIG. 42), a calculation formula “<sales> = <unit price> × <sales>” is calculated for each file record, and the data of the calculation result is set in the data item “sales”. As a result, required output data is prepared in each file record as shown in FIG. Each file record that has been subjected to the book table definition execution processing by the definition execution processing unit 74 is stored in the output record storage unit 76.

The record / document element data conversion unit 78
Each file record is extracted from the output record storage unit 76, and the data of each data item in this record is converted into document element data with reference to the data / character code conversion table 84. Thus, for example, in the file record, the data simply representing the size of the numerical value “396” is replaced with character string data for displaying and outputting a predetermined character string “396” at a predetermined position in a predetermined book table. Is converted to

Here, the entry destination of the converted document element data can be identified from each item definition data of “book table definition data”. At this time, if the layout format is defined, the character size, character pitch, and layout position (for example, numbers are right-justified, character string Is centering). Note that the color of the entry character may be the same color (black) as the other normal entry information. Further, a pointer to the document element data (character string data) is set in the cell data (FIG. 29) corresponding to each data entry column.

The document element data generated by the record / document element data conversion section 78 is stored in the document element data storage section 38 together with the document element data originally entered in the book table.
(More specifically, it is stored in the corresponding document element data area 38 (i)).

Accordingly, the document image output section 40 reads out all the document element data corresponding to the (black) normal entry information from the document element data area 38 (i), and converts the read document element data into characters / graphics. Pattern dictionary 3
6, the pattern of each document element is identified, and each pattern is converted into bitmap image data by a development program, so that a target book table output document as shown in FIG. 52 is displayed on the display screen 20a, for example. Can be displayed. Further, it is also possible to print out by the printing device 22 or to perform facsimile transmission by the communication device 24.

As described above, also in the book table definition, the user additionally writes predetermined definition support information composed of characters, symbols, and figures that are familiar to the user on a desired book table sheet, and adds a predetermined combination rule (construction rule). Can be defined as desired under, so there are very few things to remember and simple tasks or operations are required.

In particular, in the present system, by using a common “item definition” function, all of “data definition”, “file definition”, and “book table definition” have the same (common) memory and common memory. Can be done by operation. This allows any stakeholder, from the system operator to the end user, to easily participate in “data definition”, “file definition”, and “book table definition”.

The data output process described above is a process of outputting data from a file to a book table. Conversely, a process of inputting data from a book table to a file and a process of transferring data between different book tables are also described above. Can be performed in the same manner as described above.

The “data output command definition” in the book table is only an example, and “common” and “command /
Various commands can be defined using definition element entry information of the "procedure definition" system.

Although the main functions of the system according to the present embodiment have been described above, various modifications are possible. For example, FIG. 53 shows an example in which definition information is input by a command from the screen. As shown in FIG. 53, the document content of the input book document is displayed on the display screen 20a, and while confirming the input document content, a predetermined command is input from the keyboard 12, the mouse 14, or the like, so that a desired command is input. You can enter definition information.

In FIG. 53, for example, when "sales number" of the normal entry information is designated and clicked in the "definition" mode, the designated portion 90 is specified (for example, highlighted) and simultaneously displayed. At an appropriate position in the screen 20a, a sub-screen 94 listing various definition items such as "1. field", "2. data item", and "3. unit name" appears. Here, when "2. data item" is selected and instructed, the normal entry information "sales number" is converted to the data item "sales number". Similarly, when the user designates and clicks the area 92 below the “sales number” column and designates “1. field” for the area 92, the area 92 is defined as a field for entering the data of “sales number”. Is done.

In FIG. 53, for convenience of explanation, a state in which the data item location 90 and the field area 92 are simultaneously selected and instructed is shown. However, actually, one location is selected for each click. Be instructed.

In the system, in response to the above-mentioned user operation, the command recognition / execution processing unit 62 analyzes the input command, and sets the position (click position) on the screen to which the command is applied, The collation with the “position” information of the document element data stored in the document element data storage unit 38 is repeated to identify the corresponding document element data (picking processing). Then, necessary definition data is generated from the identified document element data and the instruction content of the input command.

The present invention uses a program or software for realizing the above-described functions of the present invention. Such software can be installed in the system of the present invention via an arbitrary medium, for example, a storage medium or online. Therefore,
An act of transferring a storage medium storing software for carrying out the present invention as a business and an act of installing the software on a system online are one embodiment of the present invention.

[1740]

As described above, according to the present invention,
To perform desired data definition or file definition by inputting definition information representing desired definition contents on a document through entry information entered in the form of characters, symbols, figures, etc., which are used by the user on a daily basis. Can be.

In addition to not only recognizing the unit definition information having the meaning of the minimum unit in the definition in the input entry information, but also a plurality of entry information entered in association with each other according to a predetermined associative rule. Since it is also possible to recognize complex or sophisticated definition information based on a plurality of unit definition information respectively corresponding to, the scalability or flexibility of the definition contents can be improved.

Also, by using the common item definition function and selecting the type of the data item name, the data definition, the file definition, and the definition on the application (for example, creation of a book table) can be selectively performed. The data definition, file definition, and application definition can be performed by simple operations with very little learning not only for the system operator but also for the end user.

[1770] The user can efficiently define a desired command by a simple operation with very little memory.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a list of main modes in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a “main mode list menu screen” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an “environment setting mode screen” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a “definition element / entry information comparison table” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a “definition element / entry information comparison table” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a “definition element / entry information comparison table” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a “definition element / entry information comparison table” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data format example of “definition element identification data” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a “definition information distinction instruction screen” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a data format example of “definition information distinction data” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a “main mode screen” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a definition document used in “data definition” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example in which definition support information is additionally written in the data definition document of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a document input and document element data generation unit in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating a sheet data management function in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a data format example of “sheet data area management data” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a data format example of “image management data” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an input image that is a target of “image management data” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a data format example of “character data” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 21 shows “character string data” in the system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data format of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a data format example of “graphic element data” corresponding to a line segment in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a data format example of “graphic element data” corresponding to an ellipse in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a data format example of “graphic element data” corresponding to a rectangle or the like in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a definition information recognition and format setting unit and a definition execution processing unit in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a data format example of “definition element data” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a data format example of “item definition data” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a diagram schematically illustrating a structure of an “item definition data chain” created by a “data definition” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a data format example of “cell data” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a structure of “cell data chain in field” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a structure of “cell data chain in record” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 32 shows an overall procedure for branching to definition data creation processing of “data definition data”, “file definition data”, and “book table definition data” based on “item definition data chain” in the system of the embodiment. It is a flowchart.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data format of “data definition data” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 34 shows “file definition” in the system of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a definition document used in the example.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example in which definition support information is additionally written in the file definition document of FIG. 35;

FIG. 36 shows “file definition” in the system of the embodiment.
It is a figure which shows typically the structure of "item definition data chain" created by.

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data format of “file definition data” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a file management unit in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an example of a book cover sheet used in “creation of a book table” in the system according to the embodiment.

40 is a diagram showing an example in which definition support information is additionally written in the book shown in FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is a diagram schematically illustrating a structure of an “item definition data chain” created by “book creation” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a data format example of “calculation formula definition data” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating an example of terms included in an applied term dictionary in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating a data format example of “dictionary term data” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data format of “book management data” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating a data format example of “data output command definition data” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a block diagram showing a configuration for processing document entry information and definition information by a screen input method in the system of the embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating a data format example of “definition execution order rule data” in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a data output unit that performs book table-related data output processing in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing format conversion of a file record in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing a file record extraction process in the system of the embodiment.

FIG. 52 is a diagram illustrating an example of a book output document in the system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 53 is a diagram illustrating an example of inputting definition information from a screen using a command in the system according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 color image scanner 12 keyboard 14 mouse 15 digitizer 16 internal memory 18 external memory 20 display device 24 CPU (microprocessor) 27 communication device 34 character / graphic element recognition unit 35 sheet data area management unit 37 character / graphic element input unit 38 document Element data storage unit 40 Document image display output unit 42 Definition element data generation unit 46 Definition data generation unit 48 Definition element identification data storage unit 50 Definition information distinction data storage unit 52 Application term dictionary 54 Definition data storage unit 56 Sheet groove definition data storage Unit 60 command input unit 62 command recognition execution processing unit 73 definition execution processing unit

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. Definition information on data management or a format is input via text entry information written in the form of characters, symbols, or graphics in a document, and a data item name is represented in the input entry information. When the first definition information and the second definition information indicating a desired area on the document are related to each other in accordance with a predetermined combination rule, a plurality of data items whose data item names are set in advance are set. An information processing method comprising: determining which of the item name groups the data item name group belongs to, and recognizing the definition content corresponding to the entry information in a predetermined format corresponding to the data item name group. 2. A method for inputting definition information on data management or format through input information written in the form of characters, symbols or graphics in a document, and processing a predetermined command in the input information. When the first definition information indicating the content and the second definition information indicating the processing target of the command are written in association with each other according to a predetermined associative rule, the first and second definitions are written. An information processing method comprising recognizing the definition of the command from definition information. 3. An entry information input means for inputting entry information consisting of characters, symbols, or graphics written on a document on paper or an electronic document, and the entry information recognized by the entry information input means. First definition information recognizing means for recognizing the included definition information, and a plurality of definition information recognized by the first definition information recognizing means, which are entered in association with each other according to a predetermined combination rule. A second definition information recognizing means for recognizing the complex definition information based on the plurality of definition information respectively corresponding to the entry information; and a desired data item name and a desired area by the second definition information recognizing means. When the complex definition information to be associated with each other is recognized, it is determined whether the data item name corresponds to any of a plurality of preset data item name groups. An information processing apparatus comprising: definition data generating means for generating definition data for defining definition contents according to the entry information in a predetermined format corresponding to the data item name group identified by the determining means. .