JP7764321B2 - Report data generation device, report data generation method, and report data generation program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a report data generation device, a report data generation method, and a report data generation program.

Patent Document 1 describes a form creation device that can output form data containing multiple forms in different output formats for each form.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-173652

By the way, if you want to split a report under any conditions, such as when sending a document by email or fax, you can consider a method in which you define a split key for each report, add (introduce) control over the aggregation items and sort order for each program (report job), and change the content of that control when operations change.

However, this approach required development for each program when it was introduced, and modifications to each program when operations were changed, which resulted in high development and modification costs and time, and could potentially hinder efforts to improve business efficiency.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a report data generation device, a report data generation method, and a report data generation program that can split reports without interfering with business efficiency improvements.

To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the report data generation device of the present invention is a report data generation device equipped with a control unit that can access transaction data that holds item values for each item by item, and job/item linking data that links identification information for a report job that executes report output with items in the transaction data, and the control unit is characterized by having: acquisition means that acquires items linked to the launched report job from the job/item linking data; and generation means that generates report data of a predetermined layout for each item value of the items acquired by the acquisition means based on the transaction data.

In the report data generation device according to the present invention, the control unit may further include a change means for changing the order of the transaction data so that the items acquired by the acquisition means are given priority, and the generation means may rearrange the transaction data according to the order changed by the change means, and generate the report data based on the rearranged transaction data.

The report data generation method of the present invention is executed by an information processing device having a control unit that can access transaction data that holds item values for each item by item, and job/item linking data that links identification information for a report job that executes report output with items in the transaction data, and is characterized by including an acquisition step executed by the control unit that acquires items linked to a launched report job from the job/item linking data, and a generation step that generates report data of a predetermined layout for each item value of the items acquired in the acquisition step based on the transaction data.

The report data generation program of the present invention is a report data generation program for execution by an information processing device having a control unit that can access transaction data that holds item values for each item by item, and job/item linking data that links identification information for a report job that executes report output with items contained in the transaction data, and is characterized by including an acquisition step for execution by the control unit that acquires items linked to a launched report job from the job/item linking data, and a generation step that generates report data of a predetermined layout for each item value of the items acquired in the acquisition step based on the transaction data.

The present invention has the advantage of enabling document splitting without interfering with business efficiency improvements.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a form data generation device 100. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the sales data 106a. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the divided key master 106b. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of processing executed by the form data generation device 100. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of processing executed by the form data generation device 100. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of processing executed by the form data generation device 100. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of processing executed by the form data generation device 100.

Embodiments of a report data generation device, a report data generation method, and a report data generation program according to the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[1. Configuration]
An example of the configuration of a form data generation device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 etc. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the form data generation device 100.

The report data generation device 100 is constructed based on a commercially available desktop personal computer. Note that the report data generation device 100 is not limited to devices constructed based on stationary information processing devices such as desktop personal computers, but may also be constructed based on portable information processing devices such as commercially available notebook personal computers, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), smartphones, or tablet personal computers.

The report data generation device 100 comprises a control unit 102, a communication interface unit 104, a memory unit 106, and an input/output interface unit 108. Each unit of the report data generation device 100 is connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via any communication path.

The communication interface unit 104 communicatively connects the report data generation device 100 to the network 300 via a communication device such as a router and a wired or wireless communication line such as a dedicated line. The communication interface unit 104 has the function of communicating data with other devices via a communication line. Here, the network 300 has the function of connecting the report data generation device 100 and the server 200 so that they can communicate with each other, and is, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). Note that the data stored in the memory unit 106 may also be stored in the server 200, for example.

An input device 112 and an output device 114 (corresponding to the output unit of the present invention) are connected to the input/output interface unit 108. The output device 114 may be a monitor (including a home television), a speaker, or a printer. The input device 112 may be a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, or a monitor that functions as a pointing device in conjunction with a mouse. Note that, below, the output device 114 may be referred to as the monitor 114, and the input device 112 may be referred to as the keyboard 112 or the mouse 112.

The storage unit 106 stores various databases, tables, files, and the like. The storage unit 106 stores computer programs that work in conjunction with the OS (Operating System) to issue commands to the CPU (Central Processing Unit) to perform various processes. The storage unit 106 can be, for example, a memory device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, or an optical disk.

The storage unit 106 includes sales data 106a (corresponding to transaction data in the present invention), a split key master 106b (corresponding to job/item linking data in the present invention), and a report data storage unit 106c. The storage unit 106 may also store billing data and order data, which correspond to transaction data in the present invention.

For specific examples of the data structure of sales data 106a and the information (item values) stored in sales data 106a, please refer to Figure 2.

For specific examples of the data structure of the split key master 106b and the information (item values) set in the split key master 106b, please refer to Figure 2.

The item value for the "Job" item is set to the identification information of the report job (the program for outputting reports), such as the name or ID assigned to the job (specifically, "Delivery Note" for a delivery note job, "Billing Detail" for a billing detail job, etc.).

In addition, the item value of the "split key" item is set to the identification information of the item in the sales data 106a, such as the name or ID of the item (specifically, "customer code" or "customer name" for an invoice job, or "billing destination code," "billing destination name," or "billing date" for an invoice detail job).

The "Priority" item value is set to a number indicating the priority (e.g., "1," "2," "3," etc.).

The combination of the field value of the "Split Key" field and the field value of the "Priority" field defines the division unit (standard) when splitting a report. For example, in an invoice job, if you want to output report data by customer code and customer name based on sales data 106a, you can simply set "Customer Code, 1" and "Customer Name, 2" as the combination of split key and priority for the invoice job in the split key master 106b.

The form data storage unit 106c is used to store form data with a predetermined layout (for example, delivery note data or billing statement data with a predetermined layout) generated by the output control unit 102c (described below). Note that since the generated form data is output to a directory path specified by the operator, the form data storage unit 106c does not necessarily have to be included in the form data generation device 100.

Returning to Figure 1, the control unit 102 is a CPU or the like that provides overall control of the report data generation device 100. The control unit 102 has internal memory for storing control programs such as an OS, programs that define various processing procedures, required data, etc., and executes various information processing operations based on these stored programs.

In terms of functional concept, the control unit 102 includes an invoice output unit 102a, an invoice specification output unit 102b, and an output control unit 102c (including the acquisition means, change means, and generation means of the present invention). While this embodiment provides an example in which the control unit 102 is provided with two output units, the invoice output unit 102a and the invoice specification output unit 102b, the control unit 102 may also be provided with output units corresponding to other types of documents (such as estimates). Furthermore, it is sufficient for the control unit 102 to be provided with at least the output control unit 102c.

The delivery note output unit 102a is an information processing means that executes a delivery note job, and outputs a delivery note output screen (e.g., screen _MA1 in Figure 4, screen _MA1 in Figure 7, etc.) to the monitor 114 in response to an instruction from an operator.When the operator instructs execution of output on the delivery note output screen, the delivery note output unit 102a passes job identification information (e.g., identification information such as "delivery note") to the output control unit 102c.

The billing statement output unit 102a is an information processing means that executes billing statement jobs. When activated by an operator's instruction, it outputs a billing statement output screen (not shown) to the monitor 114, and when the operator instructs execution of output on the billing statement output screen, it passes job identification information (for example, identification information such as "billing statement") to the output control unit 102c.

The output control unit 102c obtains from the split key master 106b the items linked to the launched report job. Specifically, the output control unit 102c obtains from the split key master 106b the combination of the item value of the "split key" item and the item value of the "priority" item linked to the job identification information passed from each report output unit, such as the delivery note output unit 102a or the invoice statement output unit 102b.

The output control unit 102c generates report data (e.g., a file in a predetermined format such as PDF (Portable Document Format)) with a predetermined layout for each item value of the acquired items based on the transaction data corresponding to the report job. For example, the output control unit 102c generates delivery note data with a predetermined layout for each item value of the acquired items based on sales data 106a, which is transaction data corresponding to the delivery note job, or generates invoice statement data with a predetermined layout for each item value of the acquired items based on billing data, which is transaction data corresponding to the invoice statement job. Note that, for example, if the control unit 102 further includes an estimate output unit that executes an estimate job, the output control unit 102c may generate estimate data with a predetermined layout for each item value of the acquired items based on order data, which is transaction data corresponding to the estimate job.

The output control unit 102c may change the order of the transaction data according to the report job so that the acquired items are given priority. In this case, the output control unit 102c may rearrange the transaction data according to the rearranged order, and generate report data based on the rearranged transaction data. This allows the data (files) to be generated in the desired units for division.

Specific examples of the processing performed by the output control unit 102c are explained in detail below in [2. Specific examples of processing].

2. Specific examples of processing
Here, specific examples of processing executed by the form data generation device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 4-7, etc. Note that, although this description describes a specific example of processing related to the file output of an invoice, the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to processing related to the file output of forms other than invoices (for example, billing statements and estimates). This description also assumes that the sales data 106a is as shown in Figure 2 and the split key master 106b is as shown in Figure 3.

First, when the operator starts an invoice job, the invoice output unit 102a displays an invoice output screen _MA1 on the monitor 114 (FIG. 4).

Next, when the operator instructs output execution on the invoice output screen _MA1 , the invoice output unit 102a passes the identification information of the invoice job (specifically, the identification information "invoice") to the output control unit 102c (FIG. 4).

Next, the output control unit 102c obtains from the split key master 106b the combination of split key items and priorities associated with the received identification information "delivery note" (Figure 4). In this example, the combination obtained is "Customer code, 1" and "Customer name, 2."

Next, the output control unit 102c displays the print dialog MB on the monitor 114 (Figure 4).

Next, when the operator instructs PDF output in the print dialog MB, the output control unit 102c displays the output screen MC (in its initial state with a password already specified) on the monitor 114 if no split key items have been acquired, and displays the output screen MD (in its initial state with both a password and file splitting already specified) on the monitor 114 if split key items have been acquired (Figure 4). In this example, because the split key items are acquired, the output screen MD is displayed with all check boxes checked (Figure 4). In this manner, in this embodiment, the display/non-display of the file split control (specifically, the check boxes) can be switched depending on the acquisition status of the split key items. Specifically, in this embodiment, check box control has been added so that output with file splitting can be performed during automatic output such as fax or email linkage, and default output without file splitting can be performed when file splitting is not required, such as when manually printing on paper.

Next, when the operator sets the file splitting specification to the specified state on the output screen MD, sets a directory path including the output file name, and sets a password if necessary, and then instructs output execution, the output control unit 102c performs a sorting process to change the pre-set item order in ascending order of the acquired priority "N" (specifically, if the order contains an item that is the same as the acquired split key item linked to priority "N", the item is moved to the Nth position in the order, and if the order does not contain an item that is the same as the acquired split key item linked to priority "N", the item is added to the order so that it is Nth from the top of the order) (Figure 5). For example, if the preset sort order is "Department Code > Person in Charge Code > Customer Code > Sales Date > Sales Number > Sales Detail Display Line Number," first, the split key item "Customer Code," with priority "1," is included third from the top of the sort order, so the customer code is moved to the top of the sort order. Next, the split key item "Customer Name," with priority "2," is not included in the sort order, so the customer name is added to the order so that it becomes second from the top of the sort order, changing the preset sort order to "Customer Code > Customer Name > Department Code > Person in Charge Code > Sales Date > Sales Number > Sales Detail Display Line Number" (Figure 5).

Next, the output control unit 102c rearranges the records of the sales data 106a according to the rearrangement order after the rearrangement process is executed, and then aggregates the records of the sales data 106a by the dividing key item "customer code" with priority "1" and by the dividing key item "customer name" with priority "2" to generate a delivery note PDF file with a predetermined layout whose file name is set according to a predetermined file name setting rule (FIG. 6). Specifically, with regard to the setting of the file name, the output control unit 102c sets the file name of the delivery note PDF file in the following order: the file name (e.g., "Delivery Note") included in the directory path set on the output screen MD, the value of the dividing key item "customer code" with priority "1", and the value of the dividing key item "customer name" with priority "2" (FIG. 7). In this explanation, in accordance with a predetermined file name setting rule (Fig. 7), a delivery note PDF file with the file name "Delivery Note_A1_A1 Store_20220430173010" containing two delivery notes _MF1 and _MF2 in a predetermined layout, and a delivery note PDF file with the file name "Delivery Note_B1_B1 Store_20220430173011" containing one delivery note MG in a predetermined layout are generated (Fig. 6).

Next, the output control unit 102c stores the two generated report PDF files in the memory area specified by the directory path set on the output screen MD.

Note that, 1) when the output screen MC is displayed and the operator sets a directory path including the output file name on the output screen MC, sets a password as necessary, and then commands output execution, or 2) when the output screen MD is displayed and the operator sets the file division setting to unspecified on the output screen MD and then commands output execution, the output control unit 102c rearranges and aggregates the records of the sales data 106a according to the pre-set item order, thereby generating one delivery note PDF file containing three delivery notes _ME1 , _ME2 , and _ME3 in a predetermined layout (FIG. 6). In other words, in these cases, file division is not performed.

[3. Summary of this embodiment]
When splitting forms (outputting files or saving files) under arbitrary conditions, such as sending documents by email or fax, it is necessary to define split keys for each form and add or change the control of the summary items and sort order for each program. As a result, each program needs to be modified when introducing or changing operations, which hinders business efficiency.

In this embodiment, by focusing on the relationship between the key used to split a report and the items used for the tally items and sorting order, the split key is mastered and the split key, tally items, and sorting order are passed to the program from split key master 106b when the report is issued. In other words, in this embodiment, the split key items can be master-controlled for each report job (program), and each report program controls the report splitting, tallying, and sorting order from split key master 106b. Specifically, in this embodiment, the split key items are passed from split key master 106b to the file output function when each report program is printed. If there are no split key items, printing or file output is performed in the specified form order without split processing. If there are split key items, a file split checkbox is displayed. If it is not checked, printing or file output is performed in the specified form order without split processing, just as when there are no split key items. If it is checked, the order is changed to that using the split key items and file splitting is controlled. More specifically, in this embodiment, the combination of split key items and priorities linked to the identification information of the launched invoice job is obtained from the split key master 106b, the order of the items specified in the invoice is changed so that the acquired split key items are prioritized according to their priorities, the sales data records are sorted in the changed order, aggregated by the values of the acquired split key items, and an invoice PDF file containing an invoice in a specified layout is output.

This eliminates the need for program development, reduces modification costs, and shortens the time it takes to respond to operational changes by eliminating the modification period.

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

Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to reducing waste and promoting paperless and electronic systems, thereby contributing to SDGs goals 12, 13, and 15.

Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to strengthening control and governance, thereby contributing to Goal 16 of the SDGs.

5. Other Embodiments
The present invention may be implemented in various different embodiments other than those described above within the scope of the technical concept set forth in the claims.

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

In addition, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, registered data for each process, information including parameters such as search conditions, screen examples, and database configurations shown in this specification and drawings may be changed as desired unless otherwise specified.

Furthermore, with regard to the report data generation device 100, the components shown in the figure are functional concepts and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure.

For example, the processing functions of the report data generation device 100, particularly the processing functions performed by the control unit, may be implemented in whole or in part by a CPU and a program interpreted and executed by the CPU, or may be implemented as hardware using wired logic. The program is recorded on a non-transitory, computer-readable recording medium containing programmed instructions for causing the information processing device to execute the processes described in this embodiment, and is mechanically read by the report data generation device 100 as needed. In other words, a computer program that works in conjunction with the OS to issue commands to the CPU and perform various processes is recorded in a storage unit such as a ROM or HDD (Hard Disk Drive). This computer program is executed by being loaded into RAM, and works in conjunction with the CPU to form the control unit.

In addition, this computer program may be stored on an application program server connected to the report data generation device 100 via any network, and all or part of it may be downloaded as needed.

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

A "program" is a data processing method written in any language or description method, and may be in any format, such as source code or binary code. It should be noted that a "program" is not necessarily limited to a single structure, but also includes a distributed structure consisting of multiple modules or libraries, or a structure that achieves its function by working in conjunction with a separate program, such as an OS. The specific structure and reading procedure for reading a recording medium in each device shown in the embodiments, as well as the installation procedure after reading, can use well-known structures and procedures.

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

The report data generation device 100 may be configured as an information processing device such as a known personal computer or workstation, or as an information processing device connected to any peripheral device. The report data generation device 100 may also be implemented by installing software (including programs or data, etc.) that causes the device to perform the processing described in this embodiment.

Furthermore, the specific form of distribution and integration of the devices is not limited to that shown in the figures, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various additions or functional loads. In other words, the above-mentioned embodiments may be implemented in any combination, or embodiments may be implemented selectively.

The present invention is useful in a variety of industries, including retail and wholesale.

100: Report data generating device 102: Control unit
102a Delivery note output unit
102b Billing statement output unit
102c Output control unit 104 Communication interface unit 106 Storage unit
106a Sales Data
106b Split Key Master
106c: form data storage unit 108: input/output interface unit 112: input device 114: output device 200: server 300: network

Claims (3)

A report data generation device including a control unit,
Transaction data that holds the item values for each item by item,
job-item linking data in which identification information of a form job that executes form output is linked to items and priorities of the transaction data;
is accessible to
The control unit
an acquisition means for acquiring items and priorities associated with the activated form job from the job/item association data;
a change means for changing the order of the transaction data so that the items acquired by the acquisition means are prioritized;
a generating means for rearranging the transaction data in accordance with the rearrangement order changed by the changing means, and for generating form data of a predetermined layout for each item value of the item acquired by the acquiring means based on the rearranged transaction data;
Equipped with
the change means executes a process of changing the order of the items to ascending order of the priorities acquired by the acquisition means, with respect to the order of the items that has been set in advance;
the order change process is a process of, when an item identical to the item acquired by the acquisition means and associated with the priority number "N" is included in the order of the items, moving the item to the Nth position in the order, and, when the item is not included in the order of the items, adding the item to the order so that it becomes the Nth position from the top of the order ;
A report data generation device characterized by the above. A form data generation method executed by an information processing device having a control unit that can access transaction data that holds item values for each item by item, and job/item linking data that links identification information of a form job that executes form output with items and priorities of the transaction data,
Executed by the control unit,
an acquisition step of acquiring items and priorities associated with the started report job from the job/item association data;
a change step of changing the order of the transaction data so that the items acquired in the acquisition step are prioritized;
a generating step of sorting the transaction data according to the sorting order changed in the changing step, and generating form data of a predetermined layout for each item value of the item acquired in the acquiring step based on the sorted transaction data;
Including,
the changing step executes a process of changing the order of the items set in advance to an ascending order of the priorities acquired in the acquiring step;
the order change process is a process of, when an item identical to the item acquired in the acquisition step and associated with the priority number "N" is included in the order of the items, moving the item to the Nth position in the order, and, when the item is not included in the order of the items, adding the item to the order so that it becomes the Nth position from the top of the order ;
A report data generation method characterized by the above. A form data generation program to be executed by an information processing device having a control unit that can access transaction data that holds item values for each item by item, and job/item linking data that links identification information of a form job that executes form output with items and priorities of the transaction data,
To cause the control unit to execute
an acquisition step of acquiring items and priorities associated with the started report job from the job/item association data;
a change step of changing the order of the transaction data so that the items acquired in the acquisition step are prioritized;
a generating step of sorting the transaction data according to the sorting order changed in the changing step, and generating form data of a predetermined layout for each item value of the item acquired in the acquiring step based on the sorted transaction data;
Including,
the changing step executes a process of changing the order of the items set in advance to an ascending order of the priorities acquired in the acquiring step;
the order change process is a process of, when an item identical to the item acquired in the acquisition step and associated with the priority number "N" is included in the order of the items, moving the item to the Nth position in the order, and, when the item is not included in the order of the items, adding the item to the order so that it becomes the Nth position from the top of the order ;
A report data generation program characterized by the above.