WO2002042928A1

WO2002042928A1 - Information processing system and method, and recorded medium on which information processing software is recorded

Info

Publication number: WO2002042928A1
Application number: PCT/JP2001/010174
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masakazu Yamamoto; Kuniyasu Yakushiji; Kazuhiro Yamamoto; Seiko Yakushiji
Original assignee: Bisket Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2000-11-21
Filing date: 2001-11-21
Publication date: 2002-05-30
Also published as: AU2002218472A1; JP2002222181A

Abstract

An XML creating section (2) creates an XML document representing the content of a Web page on the basis of an entered character string. A style selection section (3) selects the one corresponding to the XML documents, of the candidates of an XSL style sheet representing the display from of the Web page and relates it to the XML document. An RDB coordination section (5) registers each element in the created XML document to a relational database (RDB) and causes the database (RDB) to reflect the contents of edition when the XML document is edited. An XMLDB control section (6) is a database management system for the XML database where one or more XML documents are stored. As a result, a Web site by XML can be constructed and updated readily without any expert knowledge.

Description

Description Information processing system and method, and recording medium on which information processing software is recorded

The present invention relates to web site creation, and in particular, to provide an information processing technology that can easily create and update an XML web site without any specialized knowledge. Background art

In recent years, with the advancement of network technology centered on the Internet, information distribution via websites is increasing. A web site is a collection of web pages, and each web page is described using a description language, HTML (HyperText Markup Language).

However, the conventional technology as described above has a problem that it is difficult to effectively handle data constituting the contents of a website. That is, for example, Web Master

(Web site owners) and web creators, etc., update their web sites because the structure, expression, and content are mixed in web pages that use HTML as the description language. You must find the location in the source code. However, in order to know the update location, knowledge of HTML was necessary, and it was difficult for anyone to update easily, regardless of their specialized knowledge. In addition, even for Web sites with HTML knowledge, it took time to identify the update location, making it difficult to update efficiently.

If you use an HTML editor, you do not necessarily need to know HTML, but each HTML editor writes out source code that has different characteristics for each product type. For this reason, it was virtually impossible to handle data effectively, such as taking over the Web master or co-producing by multiple persons.

In addition, HTML web pages use various tags for formatting such as underline, line feed, superscript, and subscript. It did not add meaning such as a hierarchical structure to the contents of the HTML, and the contents described in HTML had no value as data suitable for various processes. For this reason, it was difficult to reuse and share the data described on the Web page. On the other hand, the website was easily updated at a high frequency, the website data was easily reused, and the in-house production of the web page (non-outsourcing) was realized. For this purpose, it is conceivable to create a web site using XML as a description language, and handle information on the web page as data. Here, XML (extensible Markup Language) is a descriptive language that associates names and contents with tags for each data item, such as "<product number> 1 2 345 </ product number>". Or declare a hierarchical structure such as a parent element-descendant element. However, in order to create a Web page that uses XML as a description language, knowledge of not only XML but also a transformation language, such as XSLT, was required, and it was difficult to perform efficient tasks easily. .

Also, with the conventional technology, it was difficult to effectively link a website and a relational database (called RDB). In other words, the conventional linkage between the Web site and the RDB is such that when the RDB is updated, its contents are expanded on the Web page in the form of data tables and the like. Since the changes were not reflected in the RDB, it was necessary to update the RDB without fail, and effective cooperation between the website and the database was difficult.

Also, in the conventional RDB, it is not possible to perform a search extraction by directly scanning a plurality of databases stored on a plurality of different servers using the names and contents of specific parent and descendant elements as search keys. could not. For this reason, there was a limit to the use of search functions on the website, and it was difficult to effectively link the website with the database. The present invention has been proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an information processing technology that can easily create and update an XML Web site without any specialized knowledge. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system and method and a recording medium on which information processing software is recorded. Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing technology for effectively linking a Web site and an RDB. Disclosure of the invention

The present invention first provides an information processing system and an information processing method for creating a display data for displaying predetermined document data on a screen in a predetermined display format according to a user operation. In these information processing systems and information processing methods, various types of information including a designated character string are input according to a user operation. Using the entered character string, create or edit an XML document that contains the data in a file structure consisting of the element name and element content. Then, as data representing the display format of the generated or edited XML document, an XSL style sheet including a visual design code for designating a visual design is determined and associated with the XML document.

In such an information processing system or information processing method, the user inputs the content to be disclosed in the form of a web page from an input form, selects the XSL style sheet, and creates a web page in XML. Can be created. For this reason, even users who do not have HTML or XML technology, or Web masters who are in charge of Web production while originally engaged in work, can easily and quickly make in-house Web sites and update them as needed. Also, XML based on Web site data can be reused and shared by multiple Web masters belonging to a specific community.

Each character string to be input is described in the XML document as the content of an element or the value of an attribute using a predetermined item name as an element name. In this XML document, desired parts can be hierarchized to a desired depth, and the logical hierarchical structure is indefinite. The selection of the XSL style sheet is made when the XML document is created or edited. In addition, XML documents containing CSS prepared in the source code can be automatically converted to Web pages by XSLT using XSL style sheets.

In one embodiment of the present invention, in determining an XSL style sheet, a prepared XSL style sheet candidate is presented to a user. The XSL style sheet specified by the user is selected from the candidates, and the user is presented with the data for setting the visual design code. And by the user Determine the set visual design code as the visual design code of the specified XSL style sheet.

In this mode, the user can select an arbitrary style sheet from among the XSL style sheet candidates prepared in advance by the vendor, and set and change an arbitrary visual design code. The visual design can be freely set and changed according to circumstances such as the application. For example, the user can freely change the settings of the CSS used in the visual design. In the above embodiment, the data for setting the visual design code may be a visual design code in a format using vector graphics.

In this case, the code related to the visual design of the basic XSL style sheet is provided by the vendor in a format using vector graphics such as VML or SVG format, and the user is required to provide the VML or SVG element. , Fonts, colors and coordinate values can be set and changed. Therefore, the settings and changes of the visual design intended by the user can be reflected in the final output result of the visual agent.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an element name in a generated or edited XML document is specified according to a user operation, and indicates style information regarding an XSL transformation style corresponding to the element name according to a user operation. When a character string is input, generate an XSL style sheet based on the style information. Then, the generated XML style sheet is associated with the XML document based on the style information.

In this mode, an XSL style sheet can be automatically generated by generating a user-specific tag set by inputting an XML element name and setting a template rule for XSL transformation of this tag set. it can. That is, since the XSL style sheet is also an XML document having a hierarchical structure and represented by a set of tags, it can be automatically generated in the same manner as a normal XML document. As an XSL conversion method, the user selects the meaning of the HTML tag, refers to the meaning of the tag, and applies the corresponding tag name (HTML element name) to the template rule of the XSL style sheet. The format is In one embodiment of the present invention, the generated or edited XML document is copied to a predetermined directory together with an XSL style sheet associated with the XML document or information associated with the XSL style sheet.

In this mode, the file to be uploaded to the WWW server, that is, the XML document and the file of the XML style sheet selected and associated by the user are copied and stored in a specific directory (folder). This eliminates the need for the user to search and select files to be uploaded from different folders when uploading, and updates work more efficiently.

In addition, the data of the generated or edited XML document is stored in the database, and the data of the generated or edited XML document and the data stored in the database are stored in the database. However, if information indicating that the user is not allowed to publish is given, the selected data may be kept private in principle. When information indicating permission of disclosure from the user is given to a part of the selected data, only the permitted part is copied to a predetermined directory. In this case, if the user is not permitted to disclose the stored contents, the contents are, in principle, kept undisclosed, and only the contents specified as the user's permission are specified. Can be extracted and copied to a specific folder for uploading. For this reason, it is possible to effectively disclose information while securing security such as confidentiality.

Further, an XSL style sheet specified by an URL in an absolute path format from among the XSL style sheets stored in a predetermined directory of a predetermined server may be associated with the XML document.

In this case, XSLT transformation is performed using a communication network using an XSL style sheet that is collectively stored in a predetermined location on the network such as a server, and displayed by a visual agent or another browser. Is provided, making it easier to provide and update XSL stylesheets. In this case, only the XML document in which the information of the association with the XML style sheet is written can be copied to a predetermined directory and then applied to the server.

In one embodiment of the present invention, predetermined input items are sequentially displayed. The user is required to specify a character string, and for fixed input items that are scheduled to be input once, the user is required to input a floating input item that flows once or more than once. Appear one or more times.

In this mode, character string input is prompted according to the result tree of the XML generated by the input from the user, that is, the number of appearances of the element that constructs the tree structure in the XML document. Will be

The item name and contents in the XML document corresponding to the input item for which no character string was input or the input item selected by the user to be hidden are hidden based on the XML style sheet. May be performed. '

In this case, when generating an XML document based on the input of a character string, the item name and content of an uninput item for which no character string was input because it is unnecessary for the user or an input item for which the user chose to hide, At the time of XSLT conversion, it is automatically set to the non-display state due to the layout by the XSL style sheet. For this reason, useless display is reduced even when the image is displayed by a visual agent or another browser, and the display is optimized, so that work such as creating a website is made more efficient.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, when an XML document is generated, the data of the XML document is stored in a document unit in an XML database, and the XML document stored in the XML database is stored. Reads the XML document when is specified by the user, and updates the data in the XML database based on the edited result when the read XML document is edited. When an XML document is generated, the data of the XML document is stored in a relational database in element units, and when the XML document stored in the XML database is read and edited, the By updating the relational database based on the edited result, it synchronizes with the data in the XML database.

In this form, when an XML document representing the contents of a Web site is created and edited, the XML document itself is stored in an XML database in some form, and the contents of the XML document are converted into a single-layer fixed-form relational database. (Called RDB). Therefore, the content of the XML document is reflected in RDB, Effective cooperation between the site and the RDB will be realized. This also makes it possible to reuse the RDB database and share it among multiple Web masters belonging to a specific community. Note that the XML document can be registered in the RDB in any format. For example, the item name may be a field name.

Then, the XML document specified by the user is read from the XML database, and when an edit such as a change or data addition from the user is accepted, a part of the XML document is rewritten with the edited data and overwritten and saved. Not only that, the edits are also reflected on the RDB at the same time, maintaining the consistency between the Web page, the XML database that stores the XML documents, and the RDB.

More specifically, initially, an XML document is generated in the XML database with the input content as a variable part, and when the XML document is subsequently edited, the re-input or added variable part is generated. The record in the RDB database that is updated to the rewritten XML document and includes the variable part is also replaced with the new contents.

As a result, an XML database is created and the same data is stored in the database of the RDB behind the creation of the Web page without any special operation by the user. The web page reflected in the RDB, that is, the mode of editing the XML document is arbitrary. For example, the user can correct or add data using an input form that can be displayed by a visual agent and prompts the user for input. . At the same time as the contents of the web page are modified or added, the XML database is changed behind the creation of the web page, and the data before the change is deleted in the RDB, and the data after the change is deleted. It is saved, but this data has the same content as the XML data. Note that automatic conversion of writing all the data in the RDB file into one XML file may be performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of a processing procedure of the host shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a processing procedure from purchase of a CD-ROM storing information processing software to selection of a work menu in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing procedure for selecting and creating a top page design in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a processing procedure for creating a company overview page in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which an XML document of a company profile page is created in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a processing procedure for selecting an XSL style sheet corresponding to a created XML document in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the selected top page is stored in the upload folder in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a directory configured in the storage device of the host in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation procedure of a trial version of information processing software in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing processing relating to user registration in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing processing relating to a change in user registration in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the components of the information processing software and its purge-up in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an option service using a vendor site in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a request for an option quote to a vendor site in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure for producing a Web site in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure for producing a Web site and a relational database in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of the present invention in which the data of the website is modified. It is a figure showing processing.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing correction of data at a website in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing XML nodes in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing selection of an XSL style sheet in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing export from a relational database to XML in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the difference in the logical structure of data between the XML database and the relational database in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a database and Web page data created in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a state in which the creation contents of the Web page are reflected in a relational database and an XML database in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a state in which the change content of the web page is reflected on the relational database and the XML database in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a state in which a single relational database is searched in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a state in which a single XML database is searched in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of XML databases are searched longitudinally in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an XML document is generated in which a character string input by a user is used as an element name and an attribute name in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a state in which an XML document and an XSL style sheet are converted into HTML in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of using an in-house server of a user company in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 shows an implementation example based on a peer-to-peer environment in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an implementation example based on a stand-alone environment in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an implementation example using a vendor site in the embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[1. Configuration]

[11. 1. System configuration]

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the host computer H (hereinafter, referred to as “host”) H uses server software such as a Windows NT 4.0 server as operating system (OS). By installing the following software and using the program processing executed by the CPU of the host H from the terminal T via the LAN, the XML database and the RDB are stored in the host H, and the generated web page The file is uploaded to the WWW server WS via a WAN (wide area network) such as the Internet N.

That is, in this embodiment, a terminal site T is used to create a Web site data by using the function on the host H via the user's in-house LAN which is an intranet. The created data is uploaded to the rental server LAN via FTP via the firewall FW, router R, and Internet N which is a WAN line. In the rental server LAN, the file is received at the FTP and is disclosed at a predetermined URL by the FTP server FS and the WWW server WS.

Host H has a role as a server in the user's in-house LAN, that is, a server on the intranet. Specifically, in host H, each part as shown in FIG. Functions such as a generation unit 2, a style selection unit 3, a copy control unit 4, an RDB linkage unit 5, an XMLDB control unit 6, an HTML conversion unit 7, and the like are realized.

Here, the input unit 1 receives an input of a character string constituting the web site from the user. A character string is accepted by sequentially displaying predetermined input items, and once for fixed input items scheduled to be input once, and once for input. A fluid input item that flows one or more times is configured to appear one or more times at the request of the user.

The XML generation unit 2 is a document generation unit that generates an XML document representing the contents of the Web page based on the input character string. The style selection unit 3 selects an XSL style sheet candidate corresponding to the XML document from the XSL style sheet candidates representing the display format of the web page, and determines a style to associate the selected XSL style sheet with the XML document. Means.

Here, XSL (extensible Style Language) is a language that defines the output format of data expressed in XML. The XSL style sheet is an output format specification document represented by XSL, and is also simply represented by XSL. The copy control unit 4 is a copy control means for copying the XML document and the XML style sheet selected corresponding to the XML document to a predetermined directory.

In addition, the XML generation unit 2 and / or the style selection unit 3 determine the item name in the XML document corresponding to the input item for which the character string has not been input or the input item for which the user has selected non-display among the input items. It is configured to perform processing for hiding the contents based on the XSL style sheet. In other words, the information that specifies the hiding of those input items is automatically added by the XML generation unit 2, and the XSL style sheet that hides those input items is automatically selected by the style selection unit 3. It is supposed to. In particular, when automatically selecting an XSL style sheet, various types of XSL style sheets corresponding to various combinations of displaying and hiding input items are prepared in advance.

In addition, the RDB linkage unit 5 registers each element in the generated XML document in a relational database (represented as RDB) and, when the XML document is edited, sends the edited content to the RDB. Synchronization means to reflect.

The XML DB control unit 6 is a database management system (DBMS) for an XML database (denoted as XML DB) that stores one or more XML documents. In XMLDB, each XML document is unique Each XML document is identified and edited with an index number that identifies each element located at a descendant node of the root element of the XML document.

The RDB linking unit 5 is configured to identify and delete a record corresponding to the element edited in the XML document by the unique number in the RDB, and to add a record corresponding to the element after the editing. ing. Further, the HTML conversion unit 7 is a means for converting the XML document and the XSL style sheet associated with the XML document into an HTML file.

The technology for converting XML into HTML along with XSL is called XSLT, and the layout of HTML is described in CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). XS L and CSS are combined to create a style sheet. Sometimes called. In other words, by specifying a style sheet for an XML document, it can be formatted and displayed, and the content and expression (format) of the document can be managed separately.

XSLT (XSL Transformations) is an XML document transformation language that extracts a tree structure (TreeConstruction) called "C" from the source tree. Is described. Originally developed as part of XSL, a style sheet language for XML, it has a wide range of applications, including general XML document conversion, such as converting XML documents to other XML documents, HTML documents, and plain text. It can be used to convert to.

The upload directory DIR is a directory for storing files to be uploaded to the WWW server, typically, XML documents and files of the XSL style sheet selected and associated by the user. Yes, also called a predetermined folder.

[11. 2. Processing procedure]

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of a processing procedure of the host H shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, when the user selects new creation (YE S in S201), the process of the new creation mode is performed, and when the user selects editing (NO in S201), In, processing in the edit mode is performed. In the new creation mode, first, the input unit 1 displays the input form of the XML document on the screen (S202). The input unit 1 inputs data according to a user operation and displays the input contents on a screen (S203). The user confirms the input content displayed on the screen, and if it is OK (YES in S204), an XML document is generated from the input data by the XML generation unit 2 (S205) . The generated XML document is stored in the XML DB in document units by the XML DB control unit 6, and is also stored in the RDB in element units by the RDB linkage unit 5 (S206).

Then, when the user specifies the conversion to the Web page (YES in S207), the style sheet selection support display is performed by the style selection unit 3 for the XSL style sheet prepared in advance ( S208). When the user selects an XSL style sheet using the selection support display (YES in S209), the selected: associates the SL style sheet with the XML document and displays a Web page ( S210). The user confirms the content and display format of the displayed web page, and if the result is OK (YE S of S211), the associated XML document and XSL style sheet are copied to the copy control unit 4. Then, it is saved in the upload directory DR (S2122).

In the edit mode, first, the input unit 1 displays a selection support display of the XML document (S221). If the user selects an XML document using the selection support display (YES in S222), the XMLDB control unit 6 obtains the selected XML document from the XML DB and displays the data (S22 twenty three ). If the user selects to modify the displayed XML document (YE S in S224), the part that can be modified is displayed (S225).

The input unit 1 inputs data according to a user operation and displays the input contents on a screen (S226). The user confirms the input content displayed on the screen, and if the input is OK (YES in S227), the XML generation unit 2 edits the XML document from the input data (S228). The edited content of the XML document is reflected on the XML DB by the XMLDB control unit 6 and is reflected on the RDB by the RDB linking unit 5 (S2229).

And, when the user specifies the conversion to the web page (YE S of S230), Displays the Web page in the display format of the associated XSL stylesheet (S231). The user confirms the content and display format of the displayed web page, and if it is OK (Y232 in S232), the copy control unit 4 uses the XML document (in the upload directory DR) in the upload directory DR. The edited XML document is overwritten with the edited XML document (S233).

[2. Installation]

[2— 1. C D—Installation from R〇M]

Each part of the host H shown in Fig. 1 can be easily constructed by installing the software for this system from the CD-ROM as the recording medium (Fig. 3). In this case, the information recorded on the CD-ROM is information processing software for realizing the information processing system of the present invention by a visual agent by controlling a computer, the XSL style sheet, and the web site. An HTML template that becomes the top page of the data.

More specifically, software such as a program for causing a computer to execute input / output processing via a visual agent, an XSL style sheet for converting an XML document, and HTML for a top page (also referred to as a home page) are provided. The description language is associated with templates such as index and html by the link function, or is stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM in the form of an installation file. Here, the visual agent is an entity in software, and executes a script such as a card type in an interpretive manner to generate images, sound output instructions, generate menus for interactive operations, and execute software. Then, control by sending an event is performed.

Such a visual agent facilitates automatic execution of software without any modification of the target software or OS. Demonstrations, etc. are easy, but in this mode, in particular, other necessary files, that is, HTML documents written in HTML With the use of the top page XSL style sheet, which can be used as a menu page, it is possible to easily and efficiently create and update XML-based websites and link with RDB.

The visual agent is a local application that operates offline. Rather, it is desirable to operate online, so it is desirable to install software or other software stored on a recording medium in an environment where a network-compatible computer runs. Specifically, a computer that has established a connection to a local area network, including a connection to an Internet connection or a peer-to-peer connection, or a state in which a server has been installed as an OS on a stand-alone computer, etc. Conceivable.

In order to realize the present embodiment, the user copies all the files related to the present system from the above-mentioned CD-ROM to an arbitrary folder of the host H, and saves the data in the RDB database. Configure ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) to make it possible. Here, 0DBC is a programming interface using SQL.

In the specific website creation work, when the HTML homepage index, html is selected by the user, the upload directory DIR, which stores all the upload files, is automatically stored without the user's knowledge. Copied to

[2-2. Installation by download]

In addition, each part of the host H shown in Fig. 1 can download the software for this system for a limited time from the server provided by the vendor, install it, deposit it if you like, and get a release key.

[3. Action and effect]

In the present embodiment configured as described above, a Web site using XML can be easily created and updated without any specialized knowledge by the following operations. Effective cooperation becomes possible.

[3-1. Creation of XML file]

In the web site creation according to the present embodiment, first, the input unit 1 receives an input of a character string, and the XML generation unit 2 generates an XML document representing the content of the web page based on the input character string. . As a specific example, first, the user selects the theme of the XML Web page for editing work such as creating new data, modifying data, or adding data (Figs. 3 and 4). The user makes a selection according to the selection from the user. An input form that accepts the creation or modification of the theme is displayed on the screen of the visual agent (Figures 4 and 5).

At this time, the input unit 1 and the XML generation unit 2 accept the input of the character string by causing predetermined input items to appear one by one, and once for the fixed input items scheduled to be input once, Fluid input items whose input counts flow once or more than once appear at least once as requested by the user (Fig. 5).

Then, when the user inputs the content of the element that appears only once, the XML generation unit 2 generates an XML result file that uses the content input from the user as the content of the element (FIG. 6). Here, the “tree” is an XML document having a tree-like logical hierarchical structure or a portion thereof. When the user selects an image file to be used for the web page, an XML result tree containing the image file name is added to the tree generated by the previous processing. In this way, when the user repeatedly inputs and confirms the content of the element that appears one or more times, the XML generation unit 2 outputs the XML result tree that uses the content input from the user as the content of the element. Add to the tree generated in the process.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the character string input is prompted in accordance with the result tree of the XML generated by the input from the user, that is, the number of appearances of the element constructing the tree structure in the XML document. It is performed smoothly.

Then, when the user clicks a button arranged on the input form, the program saves the XML document, which is the result tree, as an XML file in a specific folder (directory). As a result, an XML database is built.

[3-2. Storage in XML database]

On the other hand, one or more XML documents are also stored in an XML database (denoted XMLDB). In this XML database, each XML document is identified by a unique unique number, and each part of each XML document is identified and edited by an index number that identifies each element located at a descendant node of the root element of the XML document. Is done.

As described above, in this embodiment, each XML document is stored in the XML database. Each document is identified by its unique number, and each document part is identified and edited by the index number of each element located in the descendant node of the root element. Therefore, a simple data structure ensures reliable editing.

For example, when an XML document is generated based on a character string input, an XML database is automatically generated if it does not exist yet, and when the items that make up the XML document are recorded, the XML document is uniquely identified from the character string input by the user. Generates a unique number that identifies the XML document, and records it in the XML database as the content of the element with the specified name such as the “number” of the XML document. Then, when editing the XML document, the XML document specified by the user is read from the XML database using the unique number as a search key. In the read XML document, the operation location of the user is specified by using the index number of the parent element immediately below the root element as a key, and the data in the XML document that matches the key is specified by the data re-entered or added by the user. Modification and addition of data is completed by rewriting the element part and overwriting and saving the data of the existing XML document.

Further, the XML DB control unit 6 searches a plurality of XML databases existing on a plurality of different servers connected to the communication network based on a given search condition, and outputs the result to a web page. You may comprise so that it may display above.

By doing so, the XML database on multiple servers can be searched longitudinally to share databases created by cooperatives, cross-industry exchange groups, and corporations with branches and agencies. The website can be used effectively, and effective cooperation between the website and the database can be achieved.

As the search condition, an element name or an attribute name, an element name whose content is an arbitrary key input by a user, an attribute name whose value is a key word, an element content text, an attribute value text, or the like is used. Select from multiple keywords prepared in advance. The search method is one or more of element name or attribute name search, keyword search, full text match search or partial match search, narrow search (AND search), search by specifying lower limit and upper limit such as numerical value such as price. This is the method.

For a program that satisfies these search conditions and search methods, an XML document is generated using a character string entered by the user as at least one of the element name and attribute name. When the user inputs the text that is the content or attribute value of the element, the main program automatically refers to the element name or attribute name, or the content text or attribute value, and designates it as a search condition. A search program is automatically implemented behind the user's input work.

In addition, the user can set the addition of a switch (input box and button) for the search function and apply it to the XSL style sheet. Also, an arbitrary key input by the user may be added as the content of the XML document, the data in the XML document may be classified by a keyword, and the keyword may be automatically classified and displayed as a heading.

Access is based on the contents of an XML database created by multiple users and stored on different www servers, using a communication network such as the Internet and VPN, and using the DOM (Document Object Model). ). As a result, all specified XML data bases are scanned, and the desired data is extracted and searched. A longitudinal search (cross-sectional search) is performed.

[3-3. Designation of XSL style sheet]

Next, the style selection unit 3 allows the user to select an XSL style sheet corresponding to the XML document from among the XSL style sheet candidates representing the display format of the web page, and corresponds to the selected XSL style sheet. Relate to an XML document (Figure 7).

Here, an XSL style sheet that transforms the results generated based on the input content from the user is prepared in advance, and an XSL style sheet is a CSS source code related to the visual design. including. In addition, the style selection unit 3 displays the file name of the XSL style sheet in the selection box as an interface for the user to select the XSL style sheet, and displays the generated XML document and the file name in a list. Associates with the XSL style sheet selected by. In addition, the style selection unit 3 displays the XSLT conversion result using the XML processor implemented by the visual agent, and implements a graphical user interface that allows the user to visually check and select the XSL style sheet. are doing.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the user inputs the form of the web page from the input form. You can create a Web page in XML simply by entering the content you want to publish in and selecting the XSL stylesheet. For this reason, even users who do not have HTML or XML technology, or web masters who are engaged in work while also creating web sites, can easily and quickly make in-house web sites, Updates can be made. Also, XML based on Web site data can be reused and shared by multiple Web masters belonging to a specific community.

Further, the copy control unit 4 stores a file for applying to the server the XML document generated as described above and the XSL style sheet selected and associated by the user corresponding to the XML document. Copy to specified directory DIR. For this reason, the user does not need to search or select files to be uploaded from different folders when uploading, and the updating work is made more efficient. [3-4. Other examples of style specification]

The XSL style sheet may be stored in a predetermined directory of a predetermined server on the Internet in advance, and the host H may specify the URL using an absolute path format URL and associate the XML style document with the XML document. In this way, XSLT transformation is performed using a communication network using an XSL style sheet stored collectively in a predetermined location on a network such as a server, and the visual agent and other browsers are used. Since the display is performed by such means as the above, it is easy to provide and update the XSL style sheet. In this case, only the XML document in which the information of the association with the XSL style sheet is written can be copied to a predetermined directory and then uploaded to the server.

Also, input items for which no character string was input or input for which the user chose to hide It is desirable to hide the item names and contents in the XML document corresponding to the items based on the XSL style sheet. In other words, in this case, when generating an XML document based on the input of a character string, it is unnecessary for the user, and therefore, the item name and the contents of an uninput item for which no character string has been input or an input item for which the user has selected non-display are described. However, at the time of XSLT conversion, it is automatically hidden due to the layout by the XSL style sheet. For this reason, useless display is reduced even when the image is displayed by a visual agent or another browser, and the display is optimized, so that work such as creating a web site is made more efficient.

[3-5. Modify, add and upload]

In addition, as a function of the XML generation unit 2 and the like, a function of modifying or adding existing Web page data created by a user is implemented. These functions will be described later. In addition, the user uploads the file or folder copied to the upload directory DIR to the WWW server WS on the rental server LAN by FTP or the like via the Internet N. Also, instead of uploading the data entered on the client machine, if the program exists on the server, the existing data can be modified and added directly using the server program.

[3-6. Cooperation with RDB]

Also, in the background where the user performs the operation of creating a web page, the data that is the content of the XML document is also registered in the relational database RDB. That is, by the operation of the RDB linking unit 5, each element in the generated XML document is registered in the RDB, and when the XML document is edited, the edited content is reflected in the RDB. As described above, in this embodiment, when an XML document representing the content of a web site is created and edited, the content is reflected in the RDB, so that the effective link between the web site and the RDB is effective. Is realized. This also, or reuse RDB, _c it is possible to share a plurality of We b master that belong to a particular community Incidentally, X ML de of and specific examples, some form of an XML document file itself —When stored and saved in the evening, the contents of the XML document are also registered in the single-layer fixed-form RDB. At this time, the registration format to RDB is free, but for example, It is also possible to use a field name. Then, the XML document specified by the user is read from the XML database, and when an edit such as a change or data addition from the user is accepted, a part of the XML document is rewritten and overwritten with the edited data. In addition to being saved, the edits are also reflected in the RDB, maintaining consistency between the Web page, the XM.L database that stores XML documents, and the RDB.

More specifically, initially, an XML document is generated in the XML database with the input content as a variable part, and when the XML document is subsequently edited, the re-input or added variable part is generated. The updated XML document is updated, and the records in the RDB database including the variable part are replaced with the new contents.

As a result, the XML database is created and the same data is stored in the RDB database behind the creation of the web page without any special operation by the user. The Web page reflected in the RDB, that is, the mode of editing the XML document is arbitrary, but for example, an input form that can be displayed by a visual agent and prompts the user to input data is used to correct or change data in the user. Let them do the addition. At the same time as the contents of the web page are modified or added, the XML database is changed behind the creation of the web page, and the data before the change is deleted in the RDB, and the data after the change is It is saved, but this data has the same content as the XML data. Note that automatic conversion of writing all the data in the RDB file into one XML file may be performed.

Further, the RDB linking unit 5 specifies and deletes the record corresponding to the element edited in the XML document by the unique number in the RDB, and joins the record corresponding to the element after the editing.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the XML document is edited by the user such as re-input or addition, the storage location in the RDB of the data related to the editing, that is, the corresponding record is specified by the unique number, and the change is performed. After deleting the previous record, a simple method of inserting the changed data into the RDB and subscribing by registering, etc., is based on the information on the Web page, the Web site expressed in XML and the RDB And data coherence is maintained and effective cooperation is realized. In addition, the copy control unit 4 accepts, in principle, an operation of keeping at least one of an XML document, an XML database, and an RDB private, and copies only a designated portion of the operation to the DIR. You may do it.

In this way, if the stored content is not permitted to be disclosed by the user, it is basically not disclosed, and only the content specified in particular as the one permitted by the user is specified. Can be extracted and copied to a specific folder for uploading. For this reason, it is possible to effectively disclose information while ensuring security such as confidentiality.

[3-7. Conversion to HTML document]

Further, by the operation of the HTML conversion unit 7, it is possible to convert the XML document and the XML style sheet associated with the XML document into an HTML file. In this way, by converting the corresponding XML document and XSL style sheet into an HTML file format or a compact HTML format web page in advance, terminal-side conditions such as XML support and the type of visual agent can be obtained. It is possible to output to a screen on many types of terminals without being limited to the above. The converted HTML file may be copied to an upload directory such as a specific folder.

[3-8. Example]

Subsequently, more specific examples will be described according to the above embodiment. Hereinafter, the information processing software recorded on the CD-ROM and its related services are referred to as “Web creation software” and “Web creation service”, and the providers are called “vendors”.

[3-8 _ 1. Schematic operation and related matters]

First, the schematic processing flow in this embodiment is as follows. First, the user purchases and installs the CD-ROM (Fig. 3), and the top page of the website to be created and other pages Select (Middle page) (Fig. 3), enter the character string that constitutes the content of each page for each item, and perform the specified operation (Figs. 4 and 5). XML document (also called XML file) ) Is generated (Fig. 6). Then, the XM Select the XS L style sheet corresponding to the L document, confirm the display example as a web page, and decide (Figure 7) The XML document and XS L style sheet are saved in the upload folder (Figure 8) ).

On screen S1 in Fig. 5, for example, enter a fixed item and click on the "〇KJ button" on the screen to display a floating item input box. These floating items can be entered any number of times. The item name will be the tag name of the generated XML document.If images are required, specify images in GIF format etc. in the local folder. Clicking the “Generate XML document” button as shown on screen S2 automatically generates an XML document with the entered contents.

FIG. 9 is an example of a directory hierarchy diagram showing a state in which data such as a selected top page and a selected XSL style sheet has been uploaded to a predetermined folder.

As a sales procedure for a CD-ROM that records information processing software used as described above, for example, a user can confirm the operability with a try-out version (trial version) (Fig. 10), CD-ROMs are provided from vendors through distributors and dealers based on user registration such as (Fig. 11, 12). It is desirable that the user registration information can be changed online at any time except for the serial number. In addition, the changed information is automatically updated, and the present invention is also applied to the system of the vendor. For example, the data of the RDB is read, and the changed XML and the data of the RDB are overwritten. Maintain data integrity.

In addition, as shown in Figure 13, the main program of information processing software, XSL style sheet templates (also referred to as “models”, “XSL templates”), and HTML templates such as the top page are provided by the website of the vendor. It is conceivable to let the user download a new work by using.

As other optional services, as shown in Figs. 14 and 15, from the Web page for user support of the "Web creation service", we can accept quotation requests such as logo creation and file upload to the rental server. May be accepted. In this case, if you want to convey the logo image, use VML or SVG. -Create fonts, colors, and coordinates on the RFQ page.

[3—8— 2. Creating and modifying websites]

Following are some more specific patterns for creating the website and modifying its data. For example, the basic steps for creating a website include selecting a template for the top page, entering data for each item, generating an XML document, and selecting an XSL style sheet, as shown in Figure 16. Including. In addition, the processing procedure for linking with the RDB (Fig. 17) also includes setting of ODB C, data registration to RDB, and so on. In addition, when modifying, the desired created XML file is called from XMLDB (Fig. 18), and the “Modify” button on the screen is operated (Fig. 19) to create an XML file as shown in Fig. 20. Display the desired hierarchical part (called a node), edit it in the edit column, etc., and save it.

The correction, addition, and registration of data are performed according to the following procedure. (1) When a newly created XML file is saved, a unique number consisting of “year / month / day / hour / minute / second” at the time of creation is written in the <number> tag. Alternatively, when the user creates an XML tag set, the user may specify the element name used to determine the unique ID, and use the content of the specified element as the unique ID. (2) Existing XML files are called with unique numbers as keys.

(3) Data modification of an existing XML file uses the index number of the parent element in the file as a key and generates only the contents in the node with the corresponding index number. This index number identifies each element located at a descendant node of the root element of the XML document.

(4) When adding data to an existing XML file, additional data will be generated at the end of the floating items.

(5) When the modified or added XML file is saved, the XML file is overwritten using the index number as a key.

(6) In linkage with RDB, saving the modified or added XML file deletes the previous data of the line with the corresponding unique number, and saves the changed data instead.

Also, the XML document contains a link to the correspondingly selected XSL stylesheet. When the XSL stylesheet is changed, the link code is updated accordingly (Fig. 21).

It is also desirable to provide an export function that converts the format of the data in the RDB and outputs it to an XML document as an extended function (Fig. 22). This makes it easy to use, share, and process data by writing information from the RDB to an XML file, even if the logical structure of the RDB differs from that of the XML DB (Figure 23).

[3—8— 3. Use of data]

As shown in Fig. 24, the RDB and XML DB prepared as described above are used as an overnight database, and the XML document for each page created by the user is stored in the WWW together with the XSL style sheet. Provided for viewing from the server. In addition, as a link between Web and DB, the contents of the Web page creation (Fig. 25) and the modifications and changes (Fig. 26) are simultaneously reflected in XMLDB and RDB in "Web creation software". Data update becomes easier than before.

Suitable uses for data use such as search include searching for a single RDB (Fig. 27), employee management using the employee introduction page, and selling product management using the product introduction page. It is particularly suitable for processing data with a large amount of data, such as short sentences, which emphasizes performance. In addition, searching for a single XMLDB (Fig. 28) is based on document database relationships and performance, such as sales promotion management using product introduction pages and company history creation using history pages. When emphasis is placed, it is particularly suitable for large data volumes. .

Fig. 29 shows an example of multiple data-based longitudinal search. In this example, Company A has an XML DB created with “Web creation software” and Company B has an XML DB created with “Web creation software” on the servers of Company A and Company B, respectively. The XSL file with the program can be placed on a server shared by Company A and Company B, and any data can be searched, extracted and displayed according to the user's action. Examples of the use of such a longitudinal search include, for example, the use of databases created by cooperatives, cross-industry exchange groups, companies and stores with many branches and agencies, each of which is shared within the group, especially real estate companies Searching, extracting, and displaying properties by group are suitable.

On the other hand, merchants of chain stores such as convenience stores are When creating a web page for product introduction, by entering the product code in the content of the element that is the search key, a web page that can be searched using the product code can be published. The user can obtain detailed information not described in the product package, such as product performance and specifications, from the Web page by entering the product code listed on the product displayed at the store from the mobile terminal. The product code used as the search key is an arbitrary product number described on the POP. Alternatively, it may be a bar code.

[3—8— 4. Example of XML document generation]

Further, the XML generation unit 2 may be configured to generate, as an input form, an XML document template in which a character string input by a user is at least one of an element name and an attribute name. As a result, it is possible to easily generate an XML document without previously defining the item names and the number of items of the generated XML document. As an example, an input form that prompts the user for input, that is, a template, can be displayed by a visual agent like an empty XML document, and the input content is made to be a variable part, or The input content is applied as a variable part to the XML document that uses the item name to be used as the element name or attribute name.

Based on the XML document generation method, based on the element names and data types specified from the tag set generated by the user, applications such as creating an XSL style sheet (Fig. 30), and converted to HTML format Save the web page on the WWW server and publish it (Fig. 31), generate an XML document with the text string input from the general Internet network as a text node, and save it on the WWW server. The application of is also easy.

Further, the XML generation unit 2 may be configured to generate a document file in a second description language defined by using XML as a meta language. This makes it possible to obtain a document file in a desired description language by using XML as a meta-language for program purposes, thereby expanding the applicable range. For example, as the second description language, an XML document including a language for portable device output such as MML or WAP, or a tag set which requires an end tag such as XHTML, XML, or XSL is considered. Further, the XML generation unit 2 may be configured to generate an XML document in which a character string input by a user is used as the content of an element belonging to the generated tag set or the value of an attribute. This makes it easy for Internet users using mobile devices, etc., to save and use the contents entered in forms on a WWW server by generating an XML document based on the evening set for output to mobile devices. Therefore, the affinity with the mopile computing environment is improved.

[3—8—5. Designation of XSL style sheet and visual design]

To display the generated XML document after converting it to XSL, it is necessary to specify the XSL style sheet for conversion and the visual design. There are three ways to specify such an XSL style sheet and visual design.

The first method is to select an arbitrary style sheet from an XSL style sheet prepared in advance by a vendor and to allow the user to edit the CSS settings. According to this method, the user can select an arbitrary style sheet from among the XSL style sheet candidates prepared in advance by the vendor and freely edit the CSS. The visual design can be freely set and changed according to the requirements.

The second approach is to provide the code for the visual design of the basic XSL stylesheet in a format using vector graphics such as VML or SVG, and allow the user to provide VML or SVG elements, typefaces, and so on. This is a method for selecting or setting colors and coordinate values.

According to this method, the code related to the visual design of the basic XSL style sheet is provided from the vendor in a format using vector graphics such as the VML or SVG format, and the user is provided with the VML or SVG format. Elements, fonts, colors and coordinate values can be set and changed freely. Therefore, the visual design settings and changes intended by the user can be reflected in the final output result of the visual agent.

In the third method, as shown in Fig. 30, the user enters an XML element name to generate a user-specific tag set, and the user sets the template rules for XSL conversion of this tag set. To automatically generate XSL style sheets is there.

Since the XSL style sheet is also an XML document having a hierarchical structure and represented by a set of tags, it can be automatically generated in the same manner as in claim 1. As the XSL transformation method, the user selects the meaning of the HTML tag and refers to the meaning of the tag, and the name of the corresponding tag (HTML element name) is converted to the template rule of the XSL style sheet. Is the format applied to

For example, if a user generates a <title> element and enters "description" as its content text, the user converts the <title> element to a "red" major heading when setting up the XSL stylesheet. By doing so, an XSL style sheet that turns the content text “description” into text and displays it as a red headline is automatically generated and applied in association with the XML document.

The specific procedure shown in FIG. 30 is as follows.

(1) The user enters the element name (tag name) in the input box.

(2) To enter the next tag name, click the [Enter next tag name] button. (3) Click [Finish].

At this time, an XML source tree is generated from the element name entered by the user behind the scenes. The content of the element is empty.

(4) The user selects the form of the input box to be displayed from a text box, an input box, a radio button, and the like. As a result, the transformation method of the XSL style sheet is added to the XML source tree as the content in the XML file.

(5) The XML document is completed.

At this time, you can create a tag set whose contents include the input element name and XSLT conversion style information.

(6) Enter the contact information in the option service quote request form in the vendor's supermarket and upload the tag set created by the user to the vendor's server. (7) Vendors will provide their own XSL stylesheets and search programs that match the user's tag set and data type. [3—8— 6. Network configuration]

In addition, the network form for realizing the present embodiment is free. For example, a WWW server is provided in the company's own LAN (Fig. 32), a peers-to-peer (Fig. 33) ゃ stand-alone (Fig. In addition to the environment based on 34), there is also an example of using a site managed by a vendor (called a vendor site) as a rental server (Fig. 35). For example, the following shows an example of the processing procedure when using a vendor site.

(1) The user registers as a user.

(2) User ID and password are automatically issued, and folders are automatically created on the vendor site server.

(3) The user inputs an ID and a passcode, creates an XML file using the program of the vendor site's “Web creation software”, and creates an XSL file from the template folder on the top page of HTML. (+ CSS) Select an arbitrary file from the template folder of the style sheet.

(4) The XML file created by the user, the XML DB, the RDB saved at the same time, and the selected template file are saved in the user's folder.

(5) —A general visitor accesses index.html in the folder of User A on the vendor site.

This mode is effective when the user does not have an environment of a network server system such as an NT server. Also, in this mode, it is conceivable to charge for the use of the specified capacity instead of selling software, or to display a message when the specified capacity is exceeded. Also, in this mode, the user does not need to be aware of the reinstallation due to the change of the program in the purge use of the use of XSL. This is because these sites are purged at any time at the vendor site, and HTML and XSL templates are added as needed to expand user options.

[3-9. Specific examples of application fields]

Although there are no restrictions on the application fields of the present embodiment as described above, of the specific series (large categories) and themes (small categories), first, as a series, there are corporate information, hospital, kindergarten, lawyer, tax accountant, Judicial scriveners, barbers, temples and shrines, Iemoto, foundations, academic societies, business hotels, real estate, etc. are possible. Also, for example, in the series "Company Information" Themes include update information, greetings, company profile, history, recruitment, product introduction, links, inquiries, staff introduction, etc.

[4. Other Embodiments]

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but includes other embodiments as exemplified below.

For example, when the web site is composed of a plurality of frames, the present invention specifies an XSL style sheet to be applied to each frame or edits a CSS setting, and selects from among a plurality of frame configurations. The user can select and combine frames to use.

In addition, the present invention provides an XSL-style template for selecting and displaying data to be specifically advertised in corners that have a large advertising effect on websites, such as product introduction corners and news releases. It may be incorporated in the sheet.

According to the present invention, the name and mail address of a web master or a contact person inquiring about the content to be included in each corner are input in advance at each corner of the web site. In leasing, a web page or form transmission to a person in charge may automatically generate a web page after the user performs a data entry operation.

In addition, in order to output web page data produced using the product of the present invention to a paper medium, the user designates a range of a parent element block by an index number, and the parent element included in the corresponding range is designated. The contents of the descendants of the element can be printed out in a list.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above RDB format, and CSV may be adopted as an intermediate format. CSV is a format that is compatible with spreadsheet software. One record of spreadsheet software may correspond to one XML document. Alternatively, one worksheet of spreadsheet software may correspond to one XML document. Industrial applicability

As described above, according to the present invention, an information processing technology capable of easily creating and updating an XML Web site without any specialized knowledge, that is, an information processing system and method, and a recording medium that records information processing software Can be provided.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. In an information processing system for creating display data for displaying predetermined document data on a screen in a predetermined display format according to a user operation,

Input means for inputting various information including a character string designated according to a user operation;

A document generation means for generating or editing an XML document including a file structure data composed of an element name and an element content using the input character string;

A style determining means for determining an XML style sheet including a visual design code specifying a visual design as data representing a display format of the generated or edited XML document, and relating the style to the XML document;

An information processing system comprising:

2. The style determining means is:

The user is presented with XSL style sheet candidates prepared in advance, and the user selects the XSL style sheet specified by the user, and

Data for setting the visual design code is presented to the user, and the visual design code set by the user is determined as the visual design code of the specified XSL style sheet. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The data for setting the visual design code is a visual design code in a format using vector graphics.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein:

4. The element name in the generated or edited XML document is specified according to the user operation, and a character string indicating the style information about the XSL transformation style corresponding to the element name is input according to the user operation. A style sheet generating means for generating an XSL style sheet based on the style information, The style determining means is configured to associate the generated XSL style sheet with the XML document based on the style information.

The information processing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the generated or edited XML document is associated with an XSL style sheet or an XSL style sheet associated with the XML document. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising copy control means for copying the information to a predetermined directory together with the association information.

6. Provide a storage means for storing the data of the generated or edited XML document in the database,

The copy control means is provided with information indicating that the user is not permitted to publish the data of the generated or edited XML document and the data selected from the data stored in the database. In principle, the selected data is kept private, and if information indicating permission to publish from the user is given for a part of the selected data, only the permitted part is disclosed. Configured to copy to the predetermined directory;

6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein:

7. The style determining means associates an XSL style sheet specified by an absolute path format URL from an XSL style sheet stored in a predetermined directory of a predetermined server with an XML document. Composed,

6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein:

8. The input means causes the user to specify a character string by sequentially displaying predetermined input items, and once for fixed input items scheduled to be input once, and once for input. For fluid input items that flow more than once or more than once, they are configured to appear one or more times at the request of the user.

The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

9. At least one of the document generation unit and the style determination unit determines an item name in the XML document corresponding to the input item for which a character string is not input or the input item selected by the user to be hidden among the input items. It is configured to perform processing for hiding the contents based on the XSL style sheet.

9. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein:

10. When an XML document is generated, the data of the XML document is saved on a document-by-document basis on an XML basis, and when the XML document stored in the XML database is specified by the user. A document management means for reading the XML document, and updating the data in the XML database based on the edited result when the read XML document is edited;

When an XML document is generated, the data of the XML document is stored on a relational basis on an element-by-element basis, and when the XML document stored in the XML database is read and edited, Synchronizing means for synchronizing with the data in the XML database by updating the data in the relational database based on the edited result;

The information processing according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that:

1 1. The document management means, when storing XML document data in the XML database, stores a unique number for uniquely identifying each XML document, and a descendant node of a root element of the XML document. An index number for identifying each element located in the XML database, and when reading the XML document stored in the XML database, the XML document is identified using the unique number,

The document generating means is configured to identify an element in the XML document using the index number when editing the XML document read from the XML database.

The information processing system according to claim 10, wherein:

1 2. The synchronization means, when an XML document read from the XML database is edited, stores the data in the relational database corresponding to the edited element in the XML document into the unique number and the Indexed and deleted by the index number, and configured to subscribe to the data corresponding to the edited result of the edited element.

11. The information processing system according to claim 11, wherein:

1 3. Means to search multiple XML data bases on multiple different servers connected to a communication network based on given search conditions and display the results on a Web page With

The information processing system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein:

14. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising means for converting an XML document and an XML style sheet associated with the XML document into an HTML file.

1 5. The document generation means is configured to generate, as an input form, an XML document template in which the input character string is at least one of an element name or an attribute name of an attribute attached to the element. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein:

16. The document generation device according to claim 1, wherein the document generation unit is configured to generate a document in a second description language defined by using XML as a meta language. Information processing system according to one of the above.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the document generation means is configured to generate an XML document in which the input character string is the content of an element or the value of an attribute attached to the element. Information processing system.

18. An information processing method for creating display data for displaying predetermined document data on a screen in a predetermined display format according to a user operation,

An input step for inputting various information including a character string specified according to a user operation;

A document generation step of generating or editing an XML document including data of a file structure including an element name and an element content using the input character string;

A style determining step of determining an XML style sheet including a visual design code specifying a visual design as data representing a display format of the generated or edited XML document, and relating the style to the XML document;

An information processing method comprising:

1 9. The style determining step is

A step of presenting a user with a prepared XSL style sheet candidate in advance and selecting an XSL style sheet designated by the user from the candidates;

Presenting data for setting the visual design code to a user, and determining a code set by a user as a visual design code of the specified XSL style sheet.

19. The information processing method according to claim 18, wherein:

20. The data for setting the visual design code is a visual design code in a format using vector graphics.

10. The information processing method according to claim 19, wherein:

21. An element name in the generated or edited XML document was specified according to the user operation, and a character string indicating style information on the XSL transformation style corresponding to the element name was input according to the user operation. A style sheet generating step of generating an XSL style sheet based on the style information,

In the style determining step, the generated XSL style sheet is stored in the style. 21. The information processing method according to claim 18, further comprising a step of associating the XML document with the XML document based on file information.

22. A copy control step of copying the generated or edited XML document to a predetermined directory together with the XSL style sheet or the association information with the XSL style sheet associated with the XML document. The information processing method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the information processing method comprises:

2 3. Includes a save step to save the generated or edited XML document data in the database,

In the copying control step, information indicating that the user is not permitted to publish the data of the generated or edited XML document and the data selected from the data stored in the database is stored. If given, the selected data will be kept private in principle, and if information indicating permission from the user is given for a part of the selected data, the permission will be granted. Including the step of copying only the portion to said predetermined directory.

23. The information processing method according to claim 22, wherein:

24. The style determination step includes a step of associating an XSL style sheet specified by an absolute path URL from an XSL style sheet stored in a predetermined directory of a predetermined server with an XML document. Including,

23. The information processing method according to claim 22, wherein:

25. The input step allows the user to specify a character string by causing predetermined input items to appear one by one, and once for fixed input items scheduled to be input once, and once for input. For a fluid input item that flows once or more than once, includes the step of appearing one or more times as requested by the user.

The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized up to 2 4 in that ₍

26. At least one of the document generation step and the style determination step includes: an item name in an XML document corresponding to an input item for which a character string has not been input or an input item for which the user has selected to be hidden among the input items; Including a step of performing processing for hiding the contents based on the XSL screen.

26. The information processing method according to claim 25, wherein:

27. a first saving step of saving data of the XML document in a document unit in the XML database when the XML document is generated;

A second storage step of storing the XML document data in the relational database element by element when the XML document is generated;

A reading step for reading out the XML document when the XML document stored in the XML data base is specified by the user;

When the read XML document is edited, an updating step of updating data in the XML database based on the edited result;

When the XML document in the XML database is read and edited, the data in the relational database is updated based on the edited result, thereby synchronizing with the data in the XML database. 27. The information processing method according to any one of claims 18 to 26, further comprising: synchronizing steps.

28. In the first storage step, a unique number for uniquely identifying each XML document is stored, and an index number for identifying each element located at a descendant node of a root element of the XML document is stored. Including the step of

The reading step includes a step of using the unique number to identify an XML document;

The document generation step includes a step of identifying an element in the XML document using the index number when editing the XML document.

28. The information processing method according to claim 27, wherein:

29. The synchronizing step includes, when an XML document read from the XML database is edited, stores the data in the relational database corresponding to the edited element in the XML document into the unique data. Identification and deletion by a number and the index number, and adding data corresponding to the edited result of the edited element.

29. The information processing method according to claim 28, wherein:

30. Searching a plurality of XML databases on a plurality of different servers connected to a communication network based on a given search condition, and displaying the results on a web page. 30. The information processing method according to claim 28 or 29.

31. The information processing method according to any one of claims 18 to 30, further comprising a step of converting an XML document and an XML style sheet associated with the XML document into an HTML file.

32. The document generating step includes a step of generating, as an input form, an XML document template in which the input character string is at least one of an element name or an attribute name of an attribute attached to the element. The information processing method according to any one of claims 18 to 31.

33. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 32, wherein the document generating step includes a step of generating a document in a second description language defined by using XML as a meta language. Information processing method.

34. The information processing method according to claim 33, wherein the document generating step includes a step of generating an XML document in which the input character string is the content of an element or the value of an attribute attached to the element. .

35. In a recording medium recording information processing software for creating display data for displaying predetermined document data on a screen in a predetermined display format according to a user operation,

The software is installed on a computer,

An input function for inputting various information including a character string specified according to a user operation;

A document generation function for generating or editing an XML document including data of a tree structure including an element name and an element content using the input character string;

A style determination function that determines an XSL style sheet including a visual design code specifying a visual design as data representing the display format of the generated or edited XML document, and associates the style with the XML document.

A recording medium on which information processing software is recorded.

3 6. The style determination function

A function of presenting a user with a prepared XSL style sheet candidate in advance and selecting an XSL style sheet designated by the user from among them;

A recording medium _c on which the information processing software according to claim 35 is recorded.

37. The design for setting the visual design code is a visual design code using vector graphics.

37. A recording medium on which is recorded a soft X for information processing according to claim 36.

3 8. The software is installed on a computer

An element name in the generated or edited XML document was specified according to the user operation, and a character string indicating style information on the XSL transformation style corresponding to the element name was input according to the user operation XSL style based on the style information Realize the style sheet generation function to generate tile sheets,

The style determination function includes a function of associating a generated XML style sheet with the XML document based on the style information.

A recording medium on which the information processing software according to any one of claims 35 to 37 is recorded.

39. The software controls the computer to copy the generated or edited XML document to a specified directory together with the XSL style sheet or XSL style sheet association information associated with the XML document. 39. A recording medium recording the information processing software according to claim 35, wherein the recording medium realizes a function.

40. The software allows the computer to realize a storage function of storing the generated or edited XML document data in a database,

The copy control function is performed when information indicating that the user is not permitted to publish the data of the generated or edited XML document and the data selected from the data stored in the database is provided. However, in principle, the selected data is kept private, and if information indicating permission of the user to release a part of the selected data is given, only the permitted part is described above. Includes the ability to copy to a given directory,

A recording medium on which the information processing software according to claim 39 is recorded.

4 1. The style determination function is a function that associates an XSL style sheet specified by an absolute path format URL from an XSL style sheet stored in a predetermined directory of a predetermined server with an XML document. Including,

A recording medium _c on which the information processing software according to claim 39 is recorded.

4 2. The input function allows the user to specify a character string by causing predetermined input items to appear in sequence, and allows the user to specify a fixed input item that is scheduled to be input once. In the case of a floating input item that flows once or more than once, a function that appears once or more at the request of the user is included.

42. A recording medium on which the information processing software according to any one of claims 35 to 41 is recorded.

43. At least one of the document generation function and the style determination function is an item name in the XML document corresponding to an input item in which a character string is not input or an input item selected to be hidden by the user among the input items. And a function to perform processing to hide the contents based on the XS L style sheet.

43. A recording medium recording the information processing software according to claim 42.

44. The software is stored on a computer

When an XML document is generated, a first saving function for saving data of the XML document on a document-by-document basis on an XML basis, and

A second storage function for storing the data of the XML document in the relational database element by element when the XML document is generated;

A reading function for reading an XML document stored in the XML database when the XML document is specified by a user;

When the read XML document is edited, an update function of updating the data in the XML database based on the edited result;

When the XML document in the XML database is read and edited, by updating the data in the relational database based on the edited result, the data in the XML database is updated. 44. A recording medium recording the information processing software according to any one of claims 35 to 43, wherein: a synchronization function for synchronizing with the software is realized.

45. The first storage function stores a unique number that uniquely identifies each XML document, and also stores an index number that identifies each element located at a descendant node of the root element of the XML document. Including features, The reading function includes a function of identifying an XML document using the unique number,

The document generation function includes a function of identifying an element in the XML document using the index number when editing the XML document.

A recording medium _c on which information processing software according to claim 44 is recorded.

4 6. When the XML document read from the XML database is edited, the synchronization function stores the data in the relational data base corresponding to the edited element in the XML document into the XML document. Including a function of identifying and deleting by a unique number and the index number, and adding a data corresponding to an edited result of the edited element,

A recording medium on which the information processing software according to claim 45 is recorded.

4 7. The software searches the computer for multiple XML databases that exist on multiple different servers connected to the communication network, based on the given search conditions. A recording medium _c on which the information processing software according to claim 45 or 46 is characterized by realizing a function to be displayed on a page.

48. The software as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 47, wherein the software realizes a function of converting a XML document and an XSL style sheet associated with the XML document into an HTML file. A recording medium on which the information processing software described in (1) is recorded.

4 9. The document generation function includes a function of generating, as an input form, an XML document template in which an input character string is at least one of an element name or an attribute name of an attribute attached to the element. A recording medium recording the information processing software according to any one of claims 35 to 48.

50. The document generation function is based on the second description language defined as XML as a meta language. 50. A recording medium recording the information processing software according to any one of claims 35 to 49, comprising a function of generating a document in words.

51. The information processing apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the document generation function includes a function of generating an XML document using an input character string as the content of an element or a value of an attribute attached to the element. A recording medium that records software.

52. The software implements the various functions by a visual agent. In addition to this software, the XSL style sheet and an HTML template that serves as the top page of the website And recorded,

A recording medium on which the information processing software according to any one of claims 35 to 51 is recorded.

53. In information processing software for creating display data for displaying predetermined document data on a screen in a predetermined display format according to a user operation,

On the computer,

A document generation function that generates or edits an XML document including data of a file structure including an element name and an element content using the input character string;

A style determination function that determines an XSL style sheet including a visual design code that specifies a visual design as data representing the display format of the generated or edited XML document, and associates it with the XML document.

Software for information processing characterized by realizing.

54. The information processing software according to claim 53, wherein the various functions are realized by using the XSL style sheet, an HTML template serving as a top page of a web site, and a visual agent.