JP6194766B2 - Program, information processing apparatus, and method for supporting screen design - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to screen design support.

  For example, in the development of software such as custom software, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) may be designed according to the desires of the software orderer. A screen of software that operates on such a GUI may include, for example, a text input field and a button for selecting and executing a process. In GUI design, a screen created by a designer is verified by an orderer, and the design may be changed as a result of the verification.

  In a known user interface design method, various part objects are arranged at arbitrary positions on a screen object representing an operation screen of the user interface, and an operation is designed by linking from an arbitrary part object to another object. The design method simulates the user interface designed as described above. In addition, the design method is that an already created screen connected by a screen transition link set from a part object on a screen object specified as a link source by a user operation to another screen object specified as a link destination by a user operation. Display object and screen transition direction. In addition, the design method is that a screen transition link is divided into a main stream link of a screen transition or a branch stream branching from the main stream based on at least one of the attribute information of the screen transition link and the attribute information of the link source component object. Is determined. In addition, the design method displays the screen transition link to be displayed separately from the main stream and the tributary based on the determination result. Thereby, the user or the designer can easily understand the complicated link structure, and the convenience of the user at the time of designing is improved.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-231995

  A design document may be used in GUI design verification performed jointly by a designer and an orderer. The inventors have recognized that there is a tendency that the amount of expression of the GUI increases, and accordingly, verification of the GUI design tends to be difficult.

  In known user interface design methods, GUI design verification is performed by running a prototype application. The inventors have recognized that in the verification of the GUI by executing the prototype application, for example, the processing or operation of the GUI for the button operation tends to be complicated and difficult to confirm.

  In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to enable efficient screen verification.

  According to one aspect (feature) of an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a program for supporting the design of a screen, and when an operation element is set to an activated state with respect to an operation element included in the screen, according to a condition If there are multiple processes to be executed, the multiple processes are stored in association with the operation elements, and at the time of verification, a list of the multiple processes associated with the operation elements set to the activated state is displayed. When any process in the list is selected, a program for causing a computer to execute a process for executing the selected process without determining a condition is provided.

  According to one aspect of the embodiment of the present invention, screen verification can be performed efficiently.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing apparatus that can be used in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the processor of the information processing apparatus. FIG. 3 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the processor of the server device. FIG. 4 shows an example of a flowchart for processing for supporting creation of a GUI screen, which is executed by the information processing apparatus or its processor according to the embodiment. FIG. 5A shows an example of a display screen for creating a GUI screen that is displayed on the display unit in the operation mode of the GUI screen creation support of the information processing apparatus or processor. FIG. 5B shows an example of the operation setting table of FIG. 5A. FIG. 6 shows an example of a flowchart for processing for supporting generation of a designed and operation-set GUI screen executed by the information processing apparatus or its processor according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 shows an example of a GUI screen displayed when a screen file name in the screen list is selected and executed according to the flowchart of FIG. 8A and 8B show an example of a flowchart for processing that supports verification of a generated GUI screen executed by the information processing apparatus or its processor according to the embodiment. (Explained in Figure 8A) 9A to 9D show examples of verification of response operations of operation items on a login screen for GUI in response to a user operation. (Explained in Figure 9A) FIG. 10 shows an example of a response operation selection screen for verifying the response operation of the operation item on the login screen for GUI in response to the user's operation. 11A to 11D show examples of verification of response operations of operation items on a login screen for GUI in response to user operations. (Explained in Figure 11A) (Explained in Figure 11A) (Explained in Figure 11A) FIG. 12 shows an example of a flowchart for processing for supporting input of provisional change items when verifying a GUI screen, which is executed by the information processing apparatus or its processor according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 shows an example of inputting a provisional change item according to an orderer's request or indication at the time of verifying the response operation of the login screen for GUI. FIG. 14 shows an example of a flowchart for processing for supporting a change of a GUI screen based on a recorded temporary change item, which is executed by the information processing apparatus or its processor according to the embodiment. FIG. 15A shows an example of a display screen for changing the GUI screen displayed on the display unit in the operation mode for supporting the change of the GUI screen of the information processing apparatus or the processor. FIG. 15B shows an example of the operation setting table of FIG. 15B.

The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not intended to limit the invention.

  Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, similar components and elements have the same reference numerals.

  In known user interface design methods, GUI design verification is performed by running a prototype application. In such a method, for example, the GUI designer specifies the condition for transition to the next screen or event for the operation of the button that is the base point of the screen operation, and the GUI developer selects the operation of the application. To set. At the time of verification, a prototype application is executed. For example, when various values are input and a button is pressed, a transition from a current screen to a linked screen or a next event is performed.

  In the verification of the GUI design, the appearance of a screen such as an input item can be easily verified by executing a prototype application. However, the processing or operation for the operation of an operation element such as a button on the screen tends to be complicated and difficult to verify. This is because, for example, when one button is pressed, there can be a plurality of different processes executed depending on the condition at that time. Accordingly, it tends to be difficult to completely present and confirm what processing or action is executed for the operation of an operation element such as a button, and verification failure occurs during verification. there is a possibility.

  In verification of GUI design, when a prototype application is operated to verify a screen in which processing for a button operation changes according to a condition, the operation is set so as to satisfy a prescribed “matching condition”. If the “matching condition” is complicated, for example, if there are many operations or setting items, it takes time to grasp the specifications of the screen to be verified, and the screen verification work tends not to be performed efficiently.

  The inventors have recognized that in the verification of the GUI by executing the prototype application, a plurality of processes or operations of the GUI with respect to the operation of the operation element such as a button tends to be complicated and difficult to confirm. In addition, the inventors have recognized that if the GUI design is verified using a GUI screen that can be actually used, the GUI design can be verified efficiently without omission without using a prototype application.

  An object of the embodiment is to efficiently perform UI design verification using a UI screen that can be actually used.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing apparatus 20 that can be used in an embodiment of the present invention.

  The information processing apparatus 20 may be, for example, a portable or mobile information processing terminal or computer such as a notebook or tablet personal computer.

  The information processing device 20 may be connectable to the server device 30 via the network 5 and / or the access point (wireless base station) 52. The access point 52 may have a wireless communication function that conforms to a wireless LAN standard such as WiFi or a mobile communication standard. The network 5 may further include, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a packet switched network (PSN), an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and / or a dedicated line. Good.

  The information processing apparatus 20 includes, for example, a processor 202, an input / output interface (I / O) 204, an internal bus, a memory 206 and a storage device 208, a display unit 222, an acoustic unit 224, an input unit 226, and a network interface (NW / IF) 242. The information processing apparatus 20 may further include a wireless communication unit 244.

  The network interface 242 can be connected to the network 5. The wireless communication unit 244 may be connected to the network 5 wirelessly via an access point (wireless base station) 52.

  The processor 202 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for a computer. The memory 206 includes, for example, a main storage device and a semiconductor memory. The storage device 208 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and / or a flash memory such as an SD (Secure Digital) memory or a USB memory. The input / output interface 204 can be connected to the external drive 230.

  The drive 230 may be for reading a recording medium 232 such as an optical disk or a magnetic disk in which software is recorded. The software may include, for example, an OS, a database management system (DBMS), an application program, and the like. The application program may include an application for GUI design support.

  Further, the processor 202 may operate according to an application program stored in the memory 206 and / or the storage device 208. The application program may be stored in the recording medium 232, read from the recording medium 232 by the drive 230, and installed in the information processing apparatus 20. As an alternative, the processor 202 may be a dedicated processor implemented as an integrated circuit, for example, including at least a part of the functions of the application program described above.

  The display unit 222 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display device or a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel. The acoustic unit 224 may include, for example, a microphone, a speaker, and a receiver. The input unit 226 may include, for example, a plurality of keys, a touch pad, a numeric keypad, a keyboard, a touch panel, and / or a pointing device.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the processor 202 of the information processing apparatus 20.

  The processor 202 includes a control unit 2020, an application unit 2022, a screen design unit 2024, an operation setting unit 2026, a screen generation unit 2028, an operation verification unit 2030, a temporary change item input unit 2032, a temporary change item reflection unit 2034, and other processing. Part 2036 is included. The control unit 2020 sends control signals to the application unit 2022, the screen design unit 2024, the operation setting unit 2026, the screen generation unit 2028, the operation verification unit 2030, the temporary change item input unit 2032, the temporary change item reflection unit 2034, and the processing unit 2036. Supply and control these elements.

  In FIG. 1, the server device 30 is an information processing device or a computer, and may include, for example, a processor 302, a memory 304, an internal bus, a network interface (NW I / F) 308, and the like. The server device 30 may include, for example, a plurality of server units or server blades. The server device 30 further includes a storage device 36 such as a hard disk drive (HDD) including a drive 306 for reading a recording medium and a database 362 coupled to an internal bus.

  The processor 302 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for a computer. The memory 304 includes, for example, a main storage device and a semiconductor memory.

  The drive 306 is provided for reading a recording medium 364 on which software is recorded, such as an optical disk. The software may include, for example, an OS, a database management system (DBMS), an application program, and the like. The application program may include an application for GUI design support.

  Further, the processor 302 may operate according to the software 304 stored in the memory 304 and / or the storage device 36 or a part thereof. The software may be stored in the recording medium 364, read from the recording medium 364 by the drive 306, and installed in the server device 30. As an alternative, the processor 302 may be a dedicated processor that is implemented as an integrated circuit, for example, including at least a part of the above-described software functions.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the processor 302 of the server device 30.
The processor 302 includes a control unit 3020 and an application unit 3222.

  As an alternative, the information processing apparatus 20 may operate as a client in a server-client system. In this case, the processor 202 of the information processing apparatus 20 may include at least a transmission / reception unit 2112, an input processing unit 2114, and a display processing unit 2116. The input processing unit 2114 generates and temporarily stores input information according to the input operation of the input unit 226 by the operator. The transmission / reception unit 2112 transmits input information to the server device 30 and receives display screen information such as applications from the server device 30. The display processing unit 2116 decodes and processes the display screen information received from the server device 30 to regenerate the display screen and display it on the display unit 222. The control unit 2020 may further supply control signals to the transmission / reception unit 2112, the input processing unit 2114, and the display processing unit 2116 to control the operation of these elements.

  The server device 30 may operate as a server in the server-client system and execute at least a part or all of the functions of the software for the information processing device 20. In this case, the processor 302 of the server device 30 may include a transmission / reception unit 3012, an input reception unit 3014, and a display processing unit 3016. The processor 302 further includes a screen design unit 2024, an operation setting unit 2026, a screen generation unit 2028, an operation verification unit 2030, a temporary change item input unit 2032, a temporary change item reflection unit 2034, and a process similar to the processor 202 of FIG. The portion 2036 or a part thereof may be included.

  The control unit 3020 supplies control signals to the screen design unit 2024, the operation setting unit 2026, the screen generation unit 2028, the operation verification unit 2030, the temporary change item input unit 2032, the temporary change item reflection unit 2034, and the processing unit 2036. You may control operation | movement of these elements. The control unit 3020 may further supply control signals to the transmission / reception unit 3012, the input reception unit 3014, and the display processing unit 3016 to control operations of these elements.

  The transmission / reception unit 3012 may receive the operator's input operation information from the information processing apparatus 20 and may transmit display screen information such as the generated application to the information processing apparatus 20. The input receiving unit 3014 receives the received input operation information, and the application unit 3222, the screen design unit 2024, the operation setting unit 2026, the screen generation unit 2028, the operation verification unit 2030, the temporary change item input unit 2032, and the provisional change item reflection. Part 2034, etc. The display processing unit 3016 is an image of a display screen such as an application unit 3222, a screen design unit 2024, an operation setting unit 2026, a screen generation unit 2028, an operation verification unit 2030, a temporary change item input unit 2032, and a temporary change item reflection unit 2034. Generate data.

  Hereinafter, the operation and processing of the information processing apparatus 20 will be described as being executed by the information processing apparatus 20 alone. On the other hand, when the information processing apparatus 20 is a thin client, its operation and processing are executed by the server apparatus 30 in accordance with an operation of the operator in the information processing apparatus 20, and each screen is displayed on the information processing apparatus 20. Is displayed.

  Next, GUI screen design and operation settings according to the embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a flowchart for processing for supporting creation of a GUI screen, which is executed by the information processing apparatus 20 or its processor 202, according to the embodiment.

  FIG. 5A illustrates an example of a display screen for creating a GUI screen displayed on the display unit 222 in the operation mode of the GUI screen creation support mode of the information processing apparatus 20 or the processor 202. FIG. 5B shows an example of the operation setting table 470 of FIG. 5A.

  In the operation mode for GUI screen creation support, the screen list 440 of FIG. 5A is displayed on the display unit 222. In the information processing apparatus 20, the operator operates the input unit 226 to create a list of one or more screen file names for GUI in the area of the screen list 440 and save the list in the storage device 208. To do. 5A, the list of screen file names in the screen list 440 includes screen file names such as “login”, “menu”, “order input”, “order search”, “order details”, and the like.

  In step 502 of FIG. 4, the processor 202 (or its screen design unit 2024) generates each screen layout 462 for GUI according to the operation of the operator's input unit 226, and stores the file in the screen list 440. The file name is stored in the storage device 208. When generating and editing each screen layout 462, each screen layout 462 is displayed, for example, in the area of the screen file name screen 460 in FIG. 5A, for example, in the area of “login screen” of “login” of the file name 442. . Further, when “login” (operation item) of the screen file name 442 in the screen list 440 of FIG. 5A is selected and activated by the operator, a file of the screen file name 442 “login” has been created. The image of the screen layout 462 may be displayed. Here, the activation means that the operation item is activated or activated, or activated or activated. The selection and activation of the operation item may be performed, for example, by a cursor movement and a click operation using the pointing device of the input unit 226.

  In step 504, the processor 202 (or its operation setting unit 2026) sets the input item 463 and / or the operation item 464 in the displayed GUI screen layout 462 in accordance with the operation of the input unit 226 of the operator. . Accordingly, a GUI screen 465 including the input item 463 and / or the operation item 464 in the screen layout 462 is generated and displayed. The input item 463 may be described as an input field with a label (input item name), for example. The operation item 464 may be an operation element or a control object for selecting and executing a specific process such as a button, a radio button, a pull-down list, a check box, or an icon. For example, on the screen 460 of the screen file name “login”, the input areas of the label “user ID” and “password” are set as the input items 463, and the software buttons of the labels “login” and “end” are set as the operation items 464. Is set.

  The screen file including the GUI screen layout 462 of the screen file name 442 may be designed separately from the design of the software or application in which the screen file is incorporated. As an alternative, the screen file containing the GUI screen layout 462 may be included in the software or application under design. In this case, the input item 463 and / or the operation item 464 may be extracted from the GUI screen layout 462 included in the software or application by the processor 202 (operation setting unit 2026), for example.

  In step 506, the processor 202 (operation setting unit 2026) adds an operation setting to each operation item 464 on the displayed GUI screen 465 in accordance with the operation of the input unit 226 by the operator. The addition of the operation setting may be performed by adding, for example, an operation type, an operation name, or identification information regarding the operation item 464. Further, the added operation setting may be changed or deleted thereafter.

  When the operator operates the input unit 226 to select the screen file name 442 “Login” of the screen list 440 and select the operation setting 452 of the tool box 450 to activate, the processor 202 (operation setting unit 2026) An operation name area 466 is displayed in the vicinity of the screen 465 for use. The action name area 466 is an area for setting an action name or action identification information related to the operation item 464 on the login screen. The operator can input or add an action name or action identification information to the action name area 466 by operating the input unit 226. Each operation name includes the type of the operation item, and may include additional information or an operation condition for identifying the operation item of the same type in parentheses (). In the operation name area 466 of FIG. 5A, for example, “login (normal)”, “login (authentication error)”, “login (authentication failed three times)”, “login (not input)”, “ “End” and “Login (user ID error)” are added. In this case, the same type of operation item “login” is identified by different operating conditions as identification information in parentheses (). In this case, the plurality of operation names include identification information of different error conditions.

  In step 508, the processor 202 (operation setting unit 2026) generates or reads the operation setting table 470 from the storage device 208 in response to the input of the operation name or the operation identification information by the operator, and displays it on the display unit 222. indicate. The processor 202 (operation setting unit 2026) further adds each added operation name to the operation name field of the displayed operation setting table 470. The operation setting table 470 includes, for example, items of operation name, presence / absence of operation, target operation item, confirmation before operation, storage of input data, notification of operation result, next operation, and sound setting. In the operation setting table 470, any target operation item is selected from the set of each setting item of presence / absence of operation, target operation item, confirmation before operation, storage of input data, notification of operation result, next operation and voice setting. This is an area for describing the contents of processing executed when activated. At this stage, the fields of presence / absence of operation, target operation item, confirmation before operation, storage of input data, notification of operation result, next operation and voice setting may be blank.

  For example, in FIG. 5A, the operation setting table 470 regarding each operation name in the operation name area 466 is displayed on the display screen (lower side of FIG. 5A). 5B, for example, the operation names “login (normal)”, “login (authentication error)”, “login (authentication failed three times)”, “login” added to the operation name area 466 are stored in the operation setting table 470. (Not input) "," End "," Login (user ID error) "are added.

  In FIG. 5B, for example, the item “presence / absence of operation” defines whether or not the set operation can actually be performed. In addition, the item “target operation item” defines the type of operation item that is a target for which an action is set. In addition, the item “confirmation before operation” (presence / absence) defines whether or not confirmation before operation is performed, and also defines a message displayed when confirmation before operation is performed. The item “save input data” (presence / absence) defines whether to save or delete (clear) the state in which the input information is displayed in the input item. In addition, the item “operation result notification” (presence / absence) specifies whether or not to notify the result of the operation as a message, and specifies a message when the result of the operation is notified. The item “next action” defines the next action or event after the operation item action or the next screen of the transition destination. In addition, the item “speech setting” (presence / absence) defines the presence / absence of voice output of a message or voice input for user operation.

  Further, the processor 202 (the operation setting unit 2026) further includes, in the operation setting table 470, presence / absence of an operation for each operation name, target operation item, confirmation before operation, storage of input data, operation according to the operation of the input unit 226 by the operator. Add result notification, next action and audio settings.

  For example, when the operation item “login” among the operation items 464 included in the GUI screen 465 is selected and activated by the setting of a plurality of items in the operation setting table 470, A plurality of different processes to be executed depending on conditions are defined or set.

  For example, in the case of the operation name “login (normal)” in FIG. 5B, “present (operable)” is set as the presence / absence of the operation, so that the operation can be performed. Since “login” is set as the target operation item, the operation item to be set is “login”. In addition, since “None” is set as the pre-operation confirmation, the operation confirmation before the operation is not performed. In addition, since “Yes” is set as the storage of the input data, the operator's input data is stored, and “No” is set as the operation result notification, so that the operation result is not notified to the user. Further, since “display menu” is defined as the next operation, a specific menu is displayed next. Further, since “None” is set as the audio setting, no audio is output or no audio input is received.

  For example, in the case of the operation name “login (authentication error)” in FIG. 5B, since “error: authentication failed” is set as the operation result notification, the message “authentication failed” is displayed with an error display. Is displayed. In addition, since “do nothing” is set as the next operation, there is no transition to the next operation, and the current state is maintained. The presence / absence of an operation, target operation item, confirmation before operation, storage of input data, and voice setting are the same as in the case of the operation name “login (normal)”.

  For example, in the case of the operation name “Login (authentication failed 3 times)” in FIG. 5B, “Error: Authentication failed. Application will be terminated” is set as the operation result notification. The message “Authentication failed. Application will be terminated.” Is displayed. The presence / absence of an operation, target operation item, confirmation before operation, storage of input data, next operation, and voice setting are the same as in the operation name “login (authentication error)”.

  For example, in the case of the operation name “Login (no input error)” in FIG. 5B, “Error: No input” is set as the operation result notification, so the message “No input” is displayed along with the error display. The In addition, since “close screen” is set as the next operation, the login screen is closed as the next operation. In addition, since “present” is set as the sound setting, a sound indicating the message “not input” is displayed together with an error display on the speaker of the acoustic unit 224. Presence / absence of operation, target operation item, confirmation before operation, and storage of input data are the same as in the case of operation name “login (normal)”.

  For example, in the case of the operation name “end” in FIG. 5B, “end” is set as the target operation item, so the setting target is “end”. In addition, since “Confirm: End” is set as the pre-operation confirmation, the confirmation message “Exit” is displayed before the operation. In addition, since “None” is set as the storage of the input data, the user input data is deleted without being stored. The operation result notification and voice setting are the same as in the case of the operation name “login (normal)”. The next operation is the same as the operation name “login (uninput error)”.

  For example, in the case of the operation name “login (user ID error)” in FIG. 5B, “none (does not operate)” is set as the presence / absence of the operation, so that the operation is not actually performed. In addition, the target operation item, confirmation before operation, storage of input data, operation result notification, and voice setting are the same as in the case of the operation name “login (normal)”. The next operation is the same as the operation name “login (authentication error)”.

  In step 510, the processor 202 (operation setting unit 2026) determines whether or not the operation setting has been completed for the GUI screen 465. If it is determined that the setting has been completed, the procedure proceeds to step 512. If it is determined that the setting has not been completed, the procedure returns to step 504 to continue the operation setting. In this way, steps 504 to 510 are repeatedly executed for each input item and each operation item of each screen layout 462.

  In step 512, the processor 202 (operation setting unit 2026) stores the operation setting table 470 in association with each operation item 464 on the GUI screen 465 together with the screen file of the GUI screen 465 having the screen file name 442. Save to device 208. Thereafter, the procedure exits the routine of FIG.

  As described above, in the operation setting table 470, when a plurality of different processes to be executed depending on conditions for the operation or activation of the same type “login” of the operation item 464 are defined, the operation item 464 “login”. A plurality of processes are stored in the storage device 208 in association with each other. The plurality of processes include, for example, different operations or processes defined for the presence / absence of an operation, confirmation before operation, storage of input data, notification of an operation result, a combination of the next operation and audio settings. As a result, a process for determining a condition for executing each process among a plurality of processes used for verification of a GUI screen design, and / or setting of a reference value used for the determination and specific information input Operation (for example, input operation of ID and password) is unnecessary.

  Next, generation of a GUI-designed GUI screen according to the embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a flowchart for the process of generating the designed and set GUI screen 465 executed by the information processing apparatus 20 or its processor 202 according to the embodiment. This process may be executed, for example, for confirming and verifying the GUI screen 465 designed and set for operation.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a GUI screen displayed when the screen file name of the screen list 440 is selected and executed according to the flowchart of FIG.

  After the GUI screen 465 is generated and stored as an image file in the information processing apparatus 20, the operator selects the image file name 442 in the screen list 440 of FIG. 7 and displays the corresponding GUI screen 465. It can be displayed on the display screen of the unit 222. At that time, the following procedure is executed.

  In step 522 of FIG. 6, the processor 202 (or its screen generation unit 2028) selects the screen file name 442 of the screen list 440 according to the operation of the input unit 226 by the operator, and displays the operation pull-down list 444. For example, when the operator operates the input unit 226 on the display screen of FIG. 7 and selects the screen file name 442 in the screen list 440, the operation pull-down list 444 is displayed.

  In step 524, the processor 202 (screen generation unit 2028) responds to the activation of “execute” by the operation of the input unit 226 of the operator from the storage device 208 by the screen file of the selected screen file name 442 and Read the operation setting information.

  In step 526, the processor 202 (screen generation unit 2028) generates an input item 463 and an operation item 464 set for the image file having the screen file name 442. For example, in FIG. 7, an input field of a label “user ID” and “password” is generated as an input item 463 for “login” of the screen file name 442, and a label “login” and “end” are displayed as operation items 464. Each button is generated.

  In step 528, when the operation item 464 is generated, the processor 202 (screen generation unit 2028) assigns each operation setting in the operation setting table 470 to the operation item 464. For example, in FIG. 7, each operation setting in the operation setting table 470 in FIG. 5B is assigned to the “login” and “end” buttons.

  In step 530, the processor 202 (screen generation unit 2028) generates a GUI screen 465 by combining the read image layout 462, the generated input item 463 and / or operation item 464, and operation setting. indicate. For example, a login screen is displayed as a GUI screen 465 for which operation has been set in the area of the screen file name 442 “login” screen 460 in FIG.

  Next, verification of the generated GUI screen 465 according to the embodiment will be described.

  8A and 8B show an example of a flowchart for processing that supports verification of a generated GUI screen executed by the information processing apparatus 20 or its processor 202 according to the embodiment.

  9A to 9D show an example of verification of a response operation of “end” of the operation item 464 on the login screen for GUI in response to the user's operation.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a screen for selecting a response operation for verifying a response operation of “login” in the operation item 464 of the login screen for GUI in response to a user operation. 11A to 11D show an example of verification of a response operation of “login” in the operation item 464 on the login screen for GUI in response to a user operation.

  Next, before specifically describing FIGS. 9A to 9D, 10 and 11A to 11D, the processing of FIGS. 8A and 8B will be described with reference to parts of FIGS. 9A to 9D, 10 and 11A to 11D.

  Referring to FIG. 8A, in step 542, the processor 202 (or its operation verification unit 2030) operates according to the operation of the input unit 226 of the operator, for example, the operation item 464 on the GUI screen 465 generated in the process of FIG. Select to activate. For example, the “end” button of the operation item 464 may be selected and pressed by the operator on the login screen of FIG. 9A. Further, for example, on the login screen of FIG. 10, the “login” button of the operation item 464 may be selected and pressed by the operator. Thereby, the operation when the GUI screen 465 is incorporated in the designed software can be imitated.

  In step 544, the processor 202 (operation verification unit 2030) determines whether the number of operation names that can be operated with respect to one activated operation item 464 in the operation setting table 470 of FIG. 5B is one or two, for example. It is determined whether or not it is more than one. If it is determined that the number of action names that can be operated is two or more, the procedure proceeds to step 546. If it is determined that the number of action names that can be operated is one, the procedure proceeds to step 548.

  In step 546, the processor 202 (operation verification unit 2030) displays, for example, the operation setting table 472 of FIG. Further, the processor 202 (operation verification unit 2030) selects an operation name in the operation setting table 472 in accordance with the operation of the input unit 226 by the operator, and executes a corresponding process. The operation setting table 472 includes a list of a plurality of processes associated with one type of selected operation item 464 “login”. In order to execute the process corresponding to the action name, the operator selects one action name in the action setting table 472 for selecting a response action, and selects and presses the “execute” button 492. Then, the corresponding processing relating to the plurality of operation setting items is activated.

  In the operation setting table 472, for each operation name, identification information indicating different operation conditions for the same type of operation item 464 “login” is displayed in parentheses. The operation name may be selected in consideration of the above. Therefore, the operator does not have to perform operations such as information input related to input items for causing different operating conditions. For example, the operator does not have to perform text input that causes a normal login or an error condition regarding the input items “user ID” and “password”. In addition, since the error condition is not determined, the operator may generate an error condition, for example, an authentication error, three authentication failures, or a non-input error. No operation is required. Therefore, the operation of the information processing apparatus 20 for verifying the GUI image is simplified.

  Accordingly, the processor 202 (the operation verification unit 2030) responds to the selection and execution of the operation name of the operator, and does not make a condition determination, so that one operation name of the selected operation item 464 in the operation setting table 472 is obtained. The process corresponding to is executed. The process corresponding to one operation name is related to one operation name (eg, “login (normal)”) in the operation setting table 472, for example, pre-operation confirmation, input data storage, operation result notification, next operation And operations or processes related to a plurality of operation setting items including audio settings.

  Subsequent steps 548 to 572 are processes for determining and executing operations or processes related to a plurality of operation setting items of one operation name according to, for example, the operation setting table 471 of FIG. 9D or the operation setting table 472 of FIG. is there.

  In step 548, the processor 202 (operation verification unit 2030) determines whether the activated operation name item “confirm before operation” is present or not in the operation setting table 471 or 472. If it is determined that the item “confirm before operation” is absent, the procedure proceeds to step 558 of FIG. 8B. If it is determined that the item “confirm before operation” is present, the procedure proceeds to step 550.

  In step 550, the processor 202 (operation verification unit 2030) determines whether the item “voice setting” of the activated operation name is present or not in the operation setting table 471 or 472. If it is determined that the item “audio setting” is absent, the procedure proceeds to step 552. If it is determined that the item “sound setting” is present, the procedure proceeds to step 554.

  In step 552, the processor 202 (operation verification unit 2030) notifies or visually displays the message set in the item “confirmation before operation” in characters on the screen. Thereafter, the procedure proceeds to Step 558 of FIG. 8B.

  In step 554, the processor 202 (operation verification unit 2030) notifies the message set in the item “confirmation before operation” in the operation setting table 471 or 472 with the screen, by voice, or displays it audibly. Thereafter, the procedure proceeds to Step 558 of FIG. 8B.

  Referring to FIG. 8B, in step 558, the processor 202 (operation verification unit 2030) has the activated operation name item “save input data” in the operation setting table 471 or 472. Determine whether. If it is determined that the item “save input data” is present, the procedure proceeds to step 560. If it is determined that the item “save input data” is absent, the procedure proceeds to step 562.

  In step 560, the processor 202 (operation verification unit 2030) temporarily stores the input data of the input item 463 in the storage device 208.

  In step 562, the processor 202 (operation verification unit 2030) determines whether the item “notification of operation result” is present or not in the operation setting table 471 or 472. If it is determined that the item “notification of operation result” is absent, the procedure proceeds to step 570. If it is determined that the item “notification of operation result” is present, the procedure proceeds to step 564.

  In step 564, the processor 202 (operation verification unit 2030) determines whether the item “voice setting” of the activated operation name is present or not in the operation setting table 471 or 472. If it is determined that the item “sound setting” is absent, the procedure proceeds to step 566. If it is determined that the item “audio setting” is present, the procedure proceeds to step 568.

  In step 566, the processor 202 (operation verification unit 2030) notifies or visually displays the message set in the item “operation result notification” in characters on the screen. Thereafter, the procedure proceeds to Step 570.

  In step 568, the processor 202 (operation verification unit 2030) notifies the message set in the item “operation result notification” by voice in association with the screen or displays it audibly. Thereafter, the procedure proceeds to Step 570.

  In step 570, the processor 202 (operation verification unit 2030) determines whether the item “next operation” is present or not in the operation setting table 471 or 472. If it is determined that the item “Next Action” is absent, the procedure exits the routine of FIGS. 8A and 8B. If it is determined that the item “next operation” is present, the procedure proceeds to step 572.

  In step 572, the processor 202 (operation verification unit 2030) executes the operation set in the item “next operation”. Thereafter, the procedure exits the routine of FIGS. 8A and 8B.

  Next, FIGS. 9A to 9D and 10 and 11A to 11D will be described in detail.

  For example, in the “login” screen 460 of FIG. 9A, it is assumed that the “end” button of the operation item 464 is pressed by the verifier for verification of the GUI screen. In this case, the number of action names related to the operation item 464 “end” activated in the action setting table 720 of FIG. 5B is one. Therefore, in this case, the operation setting table for selecting a response operation (FIG. 9D, 471) may not be displayed. In addition, in the operation setting table 471 of FIG. 9D regarding the operation name “end”, the item “pre-operation confirmation notification” is present but the item “sound setting” is not present. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9B, the confirmation message 467 “Exiting the application” is visually displayed near the “Login” screen 645. Further, since the item “save input data” is absent in the operation setting table 471 in FIG. 9D, the input data is not saved. Next, the screen is closed as shown in FIG. 9C in accordance with the setting of the item “next operation” in the operation setting table 471 in FIG. 9D. Thereafter, the confirmation message 467 of FIG. 9C is deleted.

  For example, it is assumed that the “login” button of the operation item 464 is pressed by the verifier in order to verify the GUI screen 465 in the “login” screen 460 of FIG. In this case, in the operation setting table 470 of FIG. 5B, the number of operation names related to the type “login” of the activated operation item 464 is two or more. Accordingly, in this case, the response setting selection operation setting table 472 of FIG. 10 is displayed. Further, an “execute” button 492, a “cancel” button 494, and an “edit / save” button 496 are displayed in association with the operation setting table 472 of FIG. The verifier selects one of the operation names in the operation setting table 472 and presses the “execute” button 492 to confirm the response operation, and thereby the “login” button is activated in the “login” screen 465. The operation or processing according to each condition in the case can be verified.

  For example, when the operation name “login (normal)” in the operation setting table 472 is selected by the verifier and the “execute” button 492 is pressed, the item “store input data” exists in the operation setting table 472. So the input data is saved. In the operation setting table 472, since the item “next operation” is “display menu”, the “login” screen 465 is closed, and the menu including the “customer list” button as shown in FIG. 11A is displayed as the next operation. A screen 482 is displayed.

  For example, when the operation name “login (authentication error)” in the operation setting table 472 is selected by the verifier and the “execute” button 492 is pressed, the item “save input data” in the operation setting table 472 is displayed. Input data is saved because it exists. In the operation setting table 472, since the item “operation result notification” is “error: authentication failed”, a notification 468 “× authentication failed” is displayed as shown in FIG. 11B. Since the next operation is “do nothing”, the display of the “login” screen 465 is maintained.

  For example, when the operation name “login (authentication failed three times)” in the operation setting table 472 is selected by the verifier and the “execute” button 492 is pressed, the item “input data item” in the operation setting table 472 is displayed. Since there is “Save”, the input data is saved. In the operation setting table 472, the item “operation result notification” is “error: authentication failed. The application is terminated.” Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11C, the notification 469 “× authentication failed. “Finished.” Is displayed. In the operation setting table 472, since the item “next operation” is “close screen”, the “login” screen 465 is closed.

  For example, when the operation name “login (uninput error)” in the operation setting table 472 is selected by the verifier and the “execute” button 492 is pressed, the item “save input data” in the operation setting table 472 is displayed. Because there is, input data is saved. In the operation setting table 472, since the item “notification of operation result” is “error: not input” and the item “save input data” is present, “not input” is voiced as shown in FIG. 11D. Is output. In the operation setting table 472, since the item “next operation” is “do nothing”, the display of the “login” screen 465 is maintained.

  In this way, the GUI designer and the contractor as the verifier can verify the GUI design by using the GUI screen 465 and the operation setting table 472 that can be actually used. It is possible to efficiently verify the GUI design.

  Next, a description will be given of recording a temporary change item according to an orderer's request or indication at the time of verification of a generated GUI screen and verification of a GUI design changed by the temporary change item according to the embodiment.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a flowchart for processing that supports input of provisional change items when verifying a GUI screen, which is executed by the information processing apparatus 20 or the processor 202 according to the embodiment.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of the provisional change item input by the orderer's request or indication when the response operation of the GUI login screen 465 is verified. In this example, it is assumed that the orderer verifies the operation of the screen and requests or indicates that the user wants to visually display that the authentication process is performed when the “login” button is pressed.

  Referring to FIG. 12, in step 602, the processor 202 (or its provisional change item input unit 2032) activates the operation item 464 on the GUI screen 465 in accordance with the operation of the input unit 226 by the operator. For example, when the operator operates the input unit 226 and presses the “login” button of the operation item 464 on the “login” screen 465, the login process as the target operation item is activated.

  In step 604, the processor 202 (provisional change item input unit 2032) displays an operation setting table 472 for recording temporary change items on the display unit 222. When the number of operation names is two or more, the operation setting table 472 for recording temporary change items includes operation settings related to two or more operation names.

  In step 606, the processor 202 (provisional change item input unit 2032) sets the operation setting table 472 for recording temporary change items to an edit mode in which temporary change items can be recorded in accordance with the operation of the input unit 226 by the operator. . For example, when the operator presses the “edit / save” button 496 in FIG. 13, the operation setting table 472 for temporarily changing items recording shifts to a state in which the temporarily changed items can be recorded.

  In step 608, the processor 202 (provisional change item input unit 2032) changes the content of the selected item in the operation setting table 472 for recording temporary change items in accordance with the operation of the input unit 226 of the operator. Record the provisional changes. For this purpose, the operator inputs the desired or indicated changed content in a specific item of a specific operation name in the operation setting table 472 for recording temporary changes.

  In step 610, the processor 202 (provisional change item input unit 2032) completes the edit mode of the operation setting table 472 according to the operation of the input unit 226 by the operator, and associates the temporary change item indicating the change content with the screen file. Then, it is stored in the storage device 208. For this purpose, the operator confirms the change of the operation setting due to the provisional change item and presses the “edit / save” button. The operation setting table 472 including provisional change items representing change contents may be printed out.

  In step 612, the processor 202 (provisional change item input unit 2032) verifies the GUI screen based on the operation setting table 472 including the temporary change item indicating the change content, for example, similarly to the processing of FIGS. 8A and 8B. It is possible to execute a process that supports the process.

  Thereby, provisional changes according to the request or indication of the orderer can be recorded at the site of GUI design verification. In addition, the GUI screen after the change based on the provisional change item can be verified on the spot, and the GUI design and the verification of the change can be efficiently performed.

  In the operation setting table 472 of FIG. 13, the item “confirmation before operation” surrounded by a broken line 484 with respect to four operation names “login (normal)”, “login (authentication error)”, etc. according to the request or indication of the orderer. “No” is changed to “Notification: Process” after the change. In this case, if any of the four action names such as “Login (Normal)” is selected and executed, “Notify: Process” is set in the item “Confirm before action”. Before processing, “Processing” is displayed visually as a notification near the “Login” screen.

  Next, the change of the operation setting of the GUI screen 465 based on the provisional change items according to the embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of a flowchart for processing for supporting the change of the GUI screen based on the recorded temporary change items, which is executed by the information processing apparatus 20 or its processor 202, according to the embodiment.

  FIG. 15A shows an example of a display screen for changing the GUI screen 465 displayed on the display unit 222 in the operation mode of the change support of the GUI screen 465 of the information processing apparatus 20 or the processor 202. ing. FIG. 15B shows an example of the operation setting table 474 of FIG. 15A.

  In the change support operation mode of the GUI screen 465, the screen list 440 of FIG. 15A is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 222.

  In step 622 of FIG. 14, the processor 202 (or its temporary change item reflection unit 2034) selects a screen file name 442 whose setting is changed from the storage device 208 in accordance with the operation of the input unit 226 by the operator, and uses the GUI for that GUI. Is displayed on the display unit 222.

  In step 624, the processor 202 (temporary change item reflection unit 2034) reads the operation name area 466 and the operation setting table 474 related to the GUI screen 465 from the storage device 208 in accordance with the operation of the input unit 226 by the operator. indicate. Further, the processor 202 (temporary change item reflection unit 2034) sets the screen to an operation mode for changing or editing in accordance with an operation of the input unit 226 by the operator. For this purpose, the operator may select and activate the operation setting (edit) 454 in the tool box 450. As a result, the operation type, operation name, or identification information regarding the operation item 464 and the operation setting table 474 become editable or changeable.

  In step 626, the processor 202 (provisional change item reflection unit 2034) reads a record of temporary change items stored in association with the operation item 464 of the GUI screen 465 of the screen file name 442 from the storage device 208. Display the changed contents of provisional changes. At that time, for each item of the operation setting table 474, for example, regarding whether or not to be temporarily changed, selection of availability or not, a value after change according to a request, a value before change, and the like may be displayed.

  In step 628, the processor 202 (provisional change item reflection unit 2034) selects an item that adopts or reflects the change content of the temporary change item according to the operation of the input unit 226 by the operator, and changes the value before the change. Change to a value.

  In step 630, the processor 202 (temporary change item reflection unit 2034) stores the changed operation setting table 474 in the storage device 208 in association with the operation item 464 on the GUI screen 465 together with the changed screen file. .

  For example, in FIG. 15A, the screen list 440 is displayed on the display unit 222 in the operation mode that supports the change of the GUI screen 465. The operator operates the input unit 226 in the information processing apparatus 20 to select “login” of the screen file name 442 and activate it. In response to the activation, a “login” screen as a GUI screen 465 is displayed.

  When the operator selects and activates the operation setting (edit) 454 in the tool box 450, an operation name area 466 is displayed near the “login” screen, which is the GUI screen 465. The operator can add or delete the action name or identification information of the action related to the operation item in the action name area 466. Further, an operation setting table 474 as shown in FIG. 15B is displayed. The operation setting table 474 includes an operation setting after change due to provisional change items and an operation setting before change. When the operator adopts the operation setting after the change according to the provisional change item, the operation setting content after the change is adopted by checking the adoption check box.

  In this way, the GUI designer can check and change the operation settings of the GUI screen without omission based on the provisional change items desired or indicated by the orderer.

  All examples and conditional expressions given here are intended to help the reader understand the inventions and concepts that have contributed to the promotion of technology, such examples and It should be interpreted without being limited to the conditions. Also, the organization of such examples in the specification is not related to showing the superiority or inferiority of the present invention. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and variations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Regarding the embodiment including the above examples, the following additional notes are further disclosed.
(Appendix 1) A program that supports screen design,
When there are a plurality of processes that are executed according to conditions when the operation element is set to an activated state for the operation element included in the screen, the plurality of processes are stored in association with the operation element And
At the time of verification, a list of the plurality of processes associated with the operation element set to the activated state is displayed,
A program that causes a computer to execute a process of executing the selected process without determining the condition when any process in the list is selected.
(Appendix 2) A program for supporting screen design,
For the operation element included in the screen, when the operation element is set in the activated state, the plurality of processes stored in association with the operation element when there are a plurality of processes to be executed according to conditions. Display a list of actions,
A program that causes a computer to execute a process of executing the selected process without determining the condition when any process in the list is selected.
(Appendix 3) Extracting the operation element included in the screen,
For a selected operation element among the extracted operation elements, a plurality of processes to be executed corresponding to a condition when the selected operation element is set to an activated state are defined. The program according to appendix 1 or 2, which causes the computer to execute a process for storing a plurality of processes.
(Appendix 4) The screen design is the design of each screen that changes according to the input operation in software development.
The program according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein the operation element includes a button, and the activation state is set when the button is pressed.
(Supplementary Note 5) The plurality of processes include an error process.
The program according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein when the error processing in the list is selected, the computer executes the error processing without determining an error condition. .
(Additional remark 6) Furthermore, the changed process in the list of the plurality of processes is stored, and when the changed process in the list is selected, the changed process without determining the condition The program according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, which causes the computer to execute a process for executing
(Additional remark 7) Furthermore, memorize | stores the change matter regarding the specific process in the list | wrist of the said some process, and makes the said computer perform the process which changes the said specific process into another process based on the said change matter The program according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, characterized by:
(Supplementary note 8) The program according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 7, wherein the operation element is extracted from the screen included in software.
(Supplementary note 9) In the verification, the list of the plurality of processes is displayed when the operation element included in the screen is set in an activated state. 8. The program according to any one of 8.
(Supplementary note 10) An information processing apparatus for supporting screen design,
When there are a plurality of processes that are executed according to conditions when the operation element is set to an activated state for the operation element included in the screen, the plurality of processes are stored in association with the operation element A setting section to
At the time of verification, a list of the plurality of processes associated with the operation element set to the activated state is displayed, and when any of the processes in the list is selected, the condition is not determined. A verification unit that executes the selected process;
An information processing apparatus comprising:
(Appendix 11) A method for supporting screen design,
When there are a plurality of processes that are executed according to conditions when the operation element is set to an activated state for the operation element included in the screen, the plurality of processes are stored in association with the operation element And
At the time of verification, a list of the plurality of processes associated with the operation element set to the activated state is displayed,
A method in which an information processing apparatus executes a process of executing the selected process without determining the condition when any process in the list is selected.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Information processing apparatus 202 Processor 222 Display part 224 Sound part 226 Input part 2024 Screen design part 2026 Operation setting part 2028 Screen generation part 2030 Operation verification part 2032 Temporary change matter input part 2034 Temporary change matter reflection part

Claims (9)

A program that supports screen design,
For the operation element included in the screen, when the operation element is set to the activated state, when there are a plurality of processes to be executed according to the condition, the plurality of processes are associated with the operation element. Remember,
At the time of verification, a list of the plurality of processes associated with the operation element set to the activated state is displayed,
A program that causes a computer to execute a process of executing the selected process without determining the condition when any process in the list is selected. A program that supports screen design,
For the operation element included in the screen, when the operation element is set in the activated state, the plurality of processes stored in association with the operation element when there are a plurality of processes to be executed according to conditions. Display a list of actions,
A program that causes a computer to execute a process of executing the selected process without determining the condition when any process in the list is selected. Extracting the operating elements contained in the screen;
For a selected operation element among the extracted operation elements, a plurality of processes to be executed corresponding to a condition when the selected operation element is set to an activated state are defined. The program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the computer is caused to execute a process for storing a plurality of processes. The screen design is the design of each screen that transitions according to the input operation in software development,
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation element includes a button, and the activation state is set when the button is pressed. The plurality of processes include an error process,
5. The process according to claim 1, wherein when the error processing in the list is selected, the computer executes the error processing without determining an error condition. 6. program.   Further, a process for storing the changed process in the list of the plurality of processes, and executing the changed process without determining the condition when the changed process in the list is selected The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is executed by the computer.   In addition, a change matter related to a specific process in the list of the plurality of processes is stored, and the computer is caused to execute a process of changing the specific process to another process based on the change matter. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 6. An information processing apparatus that supports screen design,
For the operation element included in the screen, when the operation element is set to the activated state, when there are a plurality of processes to be executed according to the condition, the plurality of processes are associated with the operation element. A setting section to memorize,
At the time of verification, a list of the plurality of processes associated with the operation element set to the activated state is displayed, and when any of the processes in the list is selected, the condition is not determined. A verification unit that executes the selected process;
An information processing apparatus comprising: A method for supporting screen design,
For the operation element included in the screen, when the operation element is set to the activated state, when there are a plurality of processes to be executed according to the condition, the plurality of processes are associated with the operation element. Remember,
At the time of verification, a list of the plurality of processes associated with the operation element set to the activated state is displayed,
A method in which an information processing apparatus executes a process of executing the selected process without determining the condition when any process in the list is selected.

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