Abstract:
According to a conventional method, there is only one kind of a database access screen pattern (single sheet format), the screen layout cannot be changed from one user to another, a portion that produces an output to a database needs to make an external program call, and, there is no user-by-user utilization right which is generally required for a database access screen, not is there a function provided for transitioning from database access screen A to database access screen B involving value transfer. The present invention is provided with two kinds of screen patterns of a single sheet format and a list format, eliminates the need for a programming language and a database operation language, and is further provided with user-by-user utilization right and a function for transitioning from data access screen A to data access screen involving value transfer on the basis of a setting made by a setting person without requiring programming. Further, in accordance with a setting content by the setting person is stored, and a database access screen corresponding to a utilization mode is automatically generated in accordance with the setting content selected by the user and a screen program.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to technique of improving simplification and efficiency in screen construction in the case where a screen involving database access is to be constructed or modified. To that end, the present invention eliminates the need for construction that uses a programming language, by saving contents that are set by a setting person through an automatic screen generation setting screen, so that a screen involving database access can be automatically generated according to the saved contents. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    To construct and modify a screen that involves database access, it is necessary to use both a screen processing programming language (such as HTML, JavaScript®, Java®, C#, or the like) and a database manipulation language (SQL). This requires a high level of expertise, and it takes several days to construct the screen that involves database access even if a professional programmer works. Further, when it is desired to modify a once-completed screen that involves database access, it is necessary in many cases to request the professional programmer who constructed the screen to modify the screen. 
         [0003]    Until now, there have been methods considered for simply constructing a system without using a programming language as much as possible in constructing a screen involving database access. As technique of automatic program generation of a database access screen, it is possible to mention “Automatic Program Generation Device” described in Patent Literature 1 and “Method of and Device for Database Access” described in Patent Literature 2. 
       CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
       [0004]    Patent Literature 1: Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2000-20295 
         [0005]    Patent Literature 2: Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 1994-068151 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0006]    The above-mentioned Patent Literature 1 describes “Automatic Program Generation Device” and discloses a method that can construct a screen by simply settings of screen to be constructed through a dedicated setting screen. 
         [0007]    This method, however, can construct only one pattern of screen (screen of a single sheet form), and cannot change the screen layout according to each user. Further, in the part of outputting to a database, this method needs call of an external program, and this requires complex programming. After all, it is needed for an expert to carry out programming work that takes a long time. 
         [0008]    According to “Method of and Device for Database Access” described in Patent Literature 2, although database access can be performed, a user can use database only through on-screen information set by a setting person, and the user himself cannot change the screen layout. Thus, a lot of labor is required, for example when a similar screen is prepared as need arises. Further, a constructed screen is insufficient as a database access screen, because the screen does not support authority of use for each user, which is usually needed for a database access screen, and the screen does not have a function of transitioning from a database access screen A to a database access screen B with values being passed between them. 
         [0009]    The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the invention is to provide technique that makes it possible for a person having no knowledge of programming to construct and modify a database access screen, without requiring a programming language and a database manipulation language. This is attained by saving setting contents set by a setting person, and by automatically generating a database access screen of a single sheet form or a detailed list form corresponding to a utilization form according to setting contents selected by a user and a screen program. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0010]    To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an automatic screen generation device for generating user-side database access screens automatically, wherein: 
         [0011]    the automatic screen generation device comprises: 
         [0012]    a use-side database, which has a plurality of tables each storing a plurality of use-side records each having a plurality of fields; 
         [0013]    a setting storage database, which stores a setting save record including at least one field of use-side records, attribute information of the field, a utilization form, and identification information and primary key information of the table registering the use-side records; 
         [0014]    a utilization-form-specific screen program storage means, which stores programs for generating automatically the access screens corresponding respectively to utilization forms; 
         [0015]    an automatic screen generation processing means, which reads, from the utilization-form-specific screen program storage means, a program corresponding to a utilization form included in a setting save record read from the setting storage database according to an instruction from a user, to generate an access screen corresponding to the utilization form by the program; and 
         [0016]    a use-side database update means, which updates the use-side database through each access screen generated by the automatic screen generation processing means; 
         [0017]    the automatic screen generation processing means reads the setting save record from the setting storage database according to the instruction from the user, specifies the table having the identification information included in the setting save record among the tables stored in the use-side database, displays fields, which are included in the setting save record, of the use-side records stored in the specified table according to the attribute information, which is included in the setting save record, of the fields in question on the access screen corresponding to the utilization form; and 
         [0018]    the use-side database update means registers, updates or deletes a use-side record, which is specified by the primary key information included in the setting save record, in the table specified by the identification information included in the setting save record among the tables stored in the use-side database, according to an operation received from the user through the access screen. 
         [0019]    Here, it is possible that: 
         [0020]    the automatic screen generation device further comprises a modification setting storage database, which stores a modification setting save record including at least one field of the setting save record stored in the setting storage database and attribute information modifying the field; and 
         [0021]    the automatic screen generation processing means reads the setting save record from the setting storage database according to the instruction from the user, reads the modification setting save record from the modification setting storage database, specifies the table having the identification information included in the setting save record among the tables stored in the use-side database, and displays fields, which are included in the setting save record and the modification setting save record, of the use-side records stored in the specified table according to the attribute information, which is included in the setting save record and the modification setting save record, of the fields in question on the access screen corresponding to the utilization form. 
         [0022]    Further, it is possible that the automatic screen generation device further comprises: 
         [0023]    an automatic screen setting processing means, which acquires the at least one field of the use-side records, the attribute information of the field, the utilization form, and the identification information and the primary key information of the table registering the use-side records, and stores a setting save record, which includes the acquired field, the attribute information of the field, the utilization form, and the acquired identification information and the primary key information of the table, in the setting storage database. 
         [0024]    Further, it is possible that the automatic screen generation device further comprises: 
         [0025]    a screen modification setting means, which acquires the at least one field of the setting save record of the setting storage database and the attribute information modifying the field, and stores a modification setting save record, which includes the acquired field and the attribute information modifying the field, in the modification setting storage database. 
         [0026]    Further, the present invention provides an automatic screen generation program for making a computer generate an access screen to a use-side database, wherein: 
         [0027]    the automatic screen generation program makes the computer function as: 
         [0028]    a use-side database, which has a plurality of tables each storing a plurality of use-side records each having a plurality of fields; 
         [0029]    a setting storage database, which stores a setting save record including at least one field of use-side records, attribute information of the field, a utilization form, and identification information and primary key information of the table registering the use-side records; 
         [0030]    a utilization-form-specific screen program storage means, which stores utilization-form-specific programs for generating automatically the access screens corresponding respectively to utilization forms; 
         [0031]    an automatic screen generation processing means, which reads, from the utilization-form-specific screen program storage means, a utilization-form-specific program corresponding to a utilization form included in a setting save record read from the setting storage database according to an instruction from a user, to generate an access screen corresponding to the utilization form by the utilization-form-specific program; and 
         [0032]    a use-side database update means, which updates the use-side database through each access screen generated by the automatic screen generation processing means; 
         [0033]    the automatic screen generation processing means reads the setting save record from the setting storage database according to the instruction from the user, specifies the table having the identification information included in the setting save record among the tables stored in the use-side database, displays fields, which are included in the setting save record, of the use-side records stored in the specified table according to the attribute information, which is included in the setting save record, of the fields in question on the access screen corresponding to the utilization form; and 
         [0034]    the use-side database update means registers, updates or deletes a use-side record, which is specified by the primary key information included in the setting save record, in the table specified by the identification information included in the setting save record among the tables stored in the use-side database, according to an operation received from the user through the access screen. 
         [0035]    Further, the present invention provides an automatic screen generation method for generating use-side database access screens automatically by using an automatic screen generation device, wherein: 
         [0036]    the automatic screen generation device comprises: 
         [0037]    a use-side database, which has a plurality of tables each storing a plurality of use-side records each having a plurality of fields; 
         [0038]    a setting storage database, which stores a setting save record including at least one field of use-side records, attribute information of the field, a utilization form, and identification information and primary key information of the table registering the use-side records; and 
         [0039]    a utilization-form-specific screen program storage means, which stores programs for generating automatically the access screens corresponding respectively to utilization forms; and 
         [0040]    the method comprises steps of: 
         [0041]    reading a setting save record from the setting storage database according to an instruction from a user; 
         [0042]    reading a program corresponding to the utilization form included in the setting save record from the utilization-form-specific screen program storage means; 
         [0043]    specifying a table having the identification information included in the setting save record among the tables stored in the use-side database; and displays fields, which are included in the setting save record, of the use-side records stored in the specified table according to the attribute information, included in the setting save record, of the fields on an access screen corresponding to the utilization form by the read program; 
         [0044]    receiving an operation from the user through the access screen; and 
         [0045]    registering, updating or deleting a use-side record, which is specified by the primary key information included in the setting save record, in the table specified by the identification information included in the setting save record among the tables stored in the use-side database. 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0046]    According to the present invention, a user without expert knowledge can construct a program of which an expert of system architecture generally requires several days for construction. Further, it becomes possible to construct a database access screen only by inputting setting in an automatic screen generation setting screen without using a programming language. Thus, a database access screen can be constructed in a few minutes at the shortest. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce costs of constructing a screen involving database access, and to shorten the development period. Further, development by a user without expert knowledge can be realized, and information system can be used more efficiently than ever. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0047]      FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram showing an automatic screen generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 2  is a sequence diagram for explaining automatic screen generation setting processing in an automatic screen generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 3  is a sequence diagram for explaining automatic screen generation processing in an automatic screen generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 4  shows structure of a use-side database and an example of sample data; 
           [0051]      FIG. 5  shows an example of an item setting screen of an automatic screen generation setting screen; 
           [0052]      FIG. 6  shows an example of an attribute setting screen of the automatic screen generation setting screen; 
           [0053]      FIG. 7  shows an example of a general setting screen of the automatic screen generation setting screen; 
           [0054]      FIG. 8  shows an example of an access setting screen of the automatic screen generation setting screen; 
           [0055]      FIG. 9  shows structure of a setting storage database and an example of sample data; 
           [0056]      FIG. 10  shows examples of a login screen and a menu screen in a use-side terminal; 
           [0057]      FIG. 11  shows an example of the initial state of an access screen; 
           [0058]      FIG. 12  shows an example of a state of the access screen after search; 
           [0059]      FIG. 13  shows an example of an access screen modification setting screen; 
           [0060]      FIG. 14  shows structure of a modification setting storage database and an example of sample data; and 
           [0061]      FIG. 15  shows an example of a state of the access screen after modification. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0062]    Now, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. 
         [0063]      FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram showing an automatic screen generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0064]    As shown in the figure, the automatic screen generation device of the present embodiment comprises: a use-side database  18 ; a setting storage database  16 ; a modification setting storage database  17 ; a utilization-form-specific screen program storage unit  20 ; an automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14 ; an automatic screen generation processing unit  22 ; and a screen modification setting processing unit  24 . 
         [0065]    The use-side database  18  is a database made by a user, and for example a received order management database can be mentioned as the use-side database  18 .  FIG. 4  shows a sample of the received order management database. Each record stored in a received order information table  100  has a field of order number  102 , which is registered as a primary key, and further has fields of commodity code  104 , customer  106 , delivery date  108 , order quantity  110 , status  112 , and remarks  114 . Each record stored in a commodity master table  120  has a field of commodity code  122 , which is registered as a primary key, and further has fields of commodity name  124 , commodity classification  126 , size  128 , and memo  130 . Each record stored in a classification master table  140  has fields of identification name  142  and classification value  144 , which are registered as primary keys, and further has a field of display name  146 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 9  shows an example of the setting storage database  16 . Each record stored in a setting storage header table  280  has a field of function name  282 , which is registered as a primary key, and further has fields of utilization form  284 , output table  286 , SQL  288 , maximum number of detail lines  290 , lines per page  292 , processing authority  294 , transition destination screen  296 , transition button name  298 , and search field  299 . Each record stored in a setting storage detail table  300  has fields of function name  302  and arrangement order  304 , which are registered as primary keys, and further has fields of DB item name  306 , display item name  308 , group name  310 , linefeed  312 , primary key  314 , update object  316 , display/input format  318 , display width digit  320 , height  322 , compulsory  324 , classification display  326 , input check pattern  328 , and transition destination argument  330 . Each record stored in a setting storage access setting table  332  has fields of function name  334  and using group  336 , which are registered as primary keys. Each record stored in a user master table  338  has a field of user  340 , which is registered as a primary key, and further has fields of password  342  and using group  344 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 14  shows an example of the modification setting storage database  17 . Each record stored in a modification setting storage table  470  has fields of function name  472 , user  474 , display/arrangement-order classification  476 , and order  478 , which are registered as primary keys, and further has fields of item name  480 , ascending/descending order  482 , and display/hidden  484 . 
         [0068]    The utilization-form-specific screen program storage unit  20  stores a detailed list form program, a single sheet form program, a login screen construction program, and a menu screen construction program. 
         [0069]    When the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  is accessed from a setting-side client terminal  12  through a network, the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  makes the setting-side client terminal  12  display an automatic screen generation setting screen  10 . Then, when the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  receives item information for automatic screen generation from the setting-side client terminal  12 , the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  accesses the use-side database  18  on the basis of the item information, and acquires attribute information of the database, to set the attribute information in the automatic screen generation setting screen  10 . Further, when the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  receives associated information of the attribute information set in the automatic screen generation setting screen  10  from the setting-side client terminal  12 , the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  saves the associated information in the setting storage database  16 . 
         [0070]    When the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  is accessed with designation of a function name from a use/modification-side client terminal  28  through the network, then, on the basis of the function name, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  reads information on the items used in the use-side database  18  from the setting storage database  16  and program information for calling program from the utilization-form-specific screen program storage unit  20 . Using the obtained information, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  generates a database access screen  26 , and displays the generated database access screen  26  on the use/modification-side client terminal  28  display. In addition, in the case where, in the modification setting storage database  17 , there is a record of modification setting data for which the accessing user is registered as the primary key, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  uses the information of this record to modify the generated database access screen  26 , and displays the modified database access screen  26  on the use/modification-side client terminal  28 . 
         [0071]    When the screen modification setting processing unit  24  receives a modification instruction concerning the database access screen  26  currently displayed on the use/modification-side client terminal  28  through the network, the screen modification setting processing unit  24  saves, in the modification setting storage database  17 , a record of modification information including a function name, a user, a display/arrangement-order classification, and order as keys. 
         [0072]    The functional configuration of the automatic screen generation device shown in  FIG. 1  can be implemented by an ordinary computer such as a personal computer comprising a CPU, a hard disk, a memory, an NIC, a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, when the CPU loads prescribed programs from the hard disk into the memory and executes the loaded programs. 
         [0073]    Similarly, the functional configurations of the setting-side client terminal  12  and the use/modification-side client terminal  28  shown in  FIG. 1  can be each implemented by an ordinary computer such as a personal computer comprising a CPU, a hard disk, a memory, an NIC, a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, when the CPU loads prescribed programs from the hard disk into the memory and executes the loaded programs. 
         [0074]      FIG. 2  is a sequence diagram for explaining the automatic screen generation setting processing unit of the automatic screen generation device of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0075]    Here, the description will be given using the received order management database shown in  FIG. 4  as a sample of the use-side database  18 , and the setting storage database  16  shown in  FIG. 9 . In the description, the function name for the detailed list form is “received order list maintenance”, and the function name for the single sheet form is “commodity master single sheet maintenance”. The setting screen examples of the automatic screen generation setting screens shown in  FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8  are used in the description. 
         [0076]    When the setting-side client terminal  12  receives an automatic screen generation setting screen start-up request from a setting person (S 30 ), the setting-side client terminal  12  sends automatic screen generation setting screen request information to the automatic screen generation device (S 32 ). Receiving this, the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  of the automatic screen generation device reads in the received order information table  100 , the commodity master table  120 , and the classification master table  140  from the use-side database  18 . Further, the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  merges these tables based on foreign key information of these table, generates the automatic screen generation processing screen  10  on the basis of the information, and displays the generated automatic screen generation processing screen  10  on the setting-side client terminal  12  (S 33 , S 34 , S 36 ).  FIG. 5  shows an example of the automatic screen generation processing screen  10  that is generated using the sample of the use-side database  18  shown in  FIG. 4 . The symbol  180  indicates an example of a detailed list form, and the symbol  206  indicates an example of a single sheet form. 
         [0077]    Next, the setting-side client terminal  12  receives a function name  182 , an output table  184 , and a utilization form  186  of the database access screen  26  to be generated from the setting person through the automatic screen generation setting screen (item setting screen)  10  shown in  FIG. 5 , and receives selection of item information  191  and arrangement order  193 , which are desired to use when the database access screen  26  is generated automatically, from a use-side database list  188  in the automatic screen generation setting screen  10 . Further, when an SQL statement generation button  192  is clicked (S 38 ), the setting-side client terminal  12  sends the received information to the automatic screen generation device (S 40 ). 
         [0078]    Receiving the sent information, the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  generates a SELECT clause by arranging the selected item information  191  of the use-side database  18  in the designated arrangement order  193 . In the case where a plurality of selected tables of the use-side database  18  exist at the time of generation, the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  generates a FROM clause of SQL by using the foreign key information ( 104  in  FIG. 4 ) defined in the use-side database  18 , to generate an SQL statement. Then, the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  displays the completed SQL statement in an SQL statement display pane  194  of the automatic screen generation setting screen  10 . 
         [0079]    Next, when the setting-side client terminal  12  receives editing of SQL statement directly from the setting person through the automatic screen generation setting screen  10 , or when the setting person directly inputs an SQL statement in the SQL statement display pane  194  of the automatic screen generation setting screen  10  without receiving a selection of item information and the like out of the setting through the use-side database list  188  in the automatic screen generation setting screen  10 , then the SQL statement is sent to the automatic screen generation device  1  by clicking of an SQL statement read button  195 . 
         [0080]    On receiving the SQL statement, the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  of the automatic screen generation device  1  acquires the attribute information (item name, item type attribute, item digit number information, and output table primary key information) from a database management area, which manages the attribute information, of the use-side database  18  on the basis of the received SQL statement (S 42 ). 
         [0081]    For example, in the case of an Oracle® database, COLUMN_NAME: item name, DATA_TYPE: item type attribute, and DATA_LENGTH: item digit number, which are in the USER_TAB_COLUMNS table of the system user, are acquired using a table name and an item name as keys. The primary key information of the output table is acquired by the following SQL statement. 
         [0000]    SELECT COLUMN_NAME FROM USER_IND_COLUMNS 
       WHERE INDEX_NAME IN ( 
       [0082]    SELECT CONSTRAINT_NAME FROM USER_CONSTRAINTS 
       WHERE CONSTRAINT_TYPE=‘P’) 
       [0083]    WHERE TABLE_NAME=name of output table) 
         [0084]    Next, the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  of the automatic screen generation device  1  generates arrangement order starting from 1 in the order arranged in the SELECT clause of the SQL statement, and displays the generated arrangement order in the automatic screen generation setting processing screen  10  of the setting-side client terminal  12  (S 46 ).  FIG. 6  shows a display example of the automatic screen generation setting processing screen  10 . In the figure, the arrangement order is indicated by the numerical symbol  221 , the item name is indicated by the numerical symbol  222 , the item type attribute is indicated by the numerical symbol  232 , the item digit number is indicated by the numerical symbol  234 , and the primary key is indicated by the numerical symbol  228 . 
         [0085]    Next, the setting-side client terminal  12  receives the associated information from the setting person through the automatic screen generation setting processing screen  10  added with the attribute information (S 48 ), and delivers the received associated information to the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14 . 
         [0086]    Examples of the associated information are shown in  FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 , which will be described in the following. Each screen is constructed so that setting is performed while switching the screens by use of tabs (item setting  196 , attribute setting  198 , general setting  200 , and access setting  202 ). 
         [0087]      FIG. 6  shows the automatic screen generation setting screen (attribute setting screen)  10  for setting the attributes of items that are desired to display in the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14 . The numerical symbol  220  indicates an example of the detailed list form, and the numerical symbol  246  indicates an example of the single sheet form. 
         [0088]    Automatic attribute setting items of the attribute information, which are set by the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  in the step S 44  and di splayed in the automatic screen generation setting screen  10 , are the arrangement order  221 , the DB item name  222 , the display/input form  232 , the display width digit  234 , and the primary key  228 . Although the primary key  228  cannot be changed by the setting person, all the items except the primary key  228  can be set and changed by the setting person. It is not required to set an item other than the automatic attribute setting items, and the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  can generate an access screen even if there is no appended item. 
         [0089]      FIG. 7  shows the automatic screen generation setting screen (general setting screen)  10  for setting the associated information to whole of a screen when the automatic screen generation processing unit  14  generates the screen. The numerical symbol  250  indicates an example of the detailed list form, and the numerical symbol  264  indicates an example of the single sheet form. 
         [0090]      FIG. 8  shows the automatic screen generation setting screen (access setting screen)  10  for setting which user can use an access screen generated under which function name. The numerical symbol  270  indicates an example of the detailed list form, and the numerical symbol  276  indicates an example of the single sheet form. In this access setting screen, the using group  344  in the user master table  338  of the setting storage database  16  shown in  FIG. 9  is read, duplication is removed to display the screen, and the setting of users can be done. In the example of  FIG. 8 , it is possible to select a management group, a sales group, an accounting group, and a factory group. In the shown state, the sales group and the factory group have been selected. 
         [0091]    When the setting-side client terminal  12  receives the associated information from the setting person through the automatic screen generation setting screen  10  (the item setting screen of  FIG. 5 , the attribute setting screen of  FIG. 6 , the general setting screen of  FIG. 7 , and the access setting screen of  FIG. 8 ) (S 48 ), sends the associated information to the automatic screen generation device (S 50 ). 
         [0092]    On receiving the associated information from the use-side client terminal  12 , the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  of the automatic screen generation device  1  registers the associated information in the setting storage database  16  (S 52 ). 
         [0093]      FIG. 9  shows an example of registration in the setting storage database. 
         [0094]    The associated information received from the setting person through the automatic screen generation setting screen  10  (the item setting screen of  FIG. 5  and the general setting screen of  FIG. 7 ) is registered in the setting storage header table  280 . In detail, the function names  182  and  210  are registered in the field of the function name  282 , the output tables  184  and  209  are registered in the field of the output table  286 , the utilization forms  186  and  208  are registered in the field of the utilization form  284 , the SQL result  194  are registered in the field of the SQL  288 , the maximum number of detail lines  252  are registered in the field of the maximum number of detail lines  290 , the lines per page  254  are registered in the field of the lines per page  292 , the number of search fields  256  are registered in the field of the number of search fields  299 , the processing authority  258  are registered in the field of the processing authority  294 , the transition destination screen  260  are registered in the field of the transition destination screen  296 , and the transition button name  262  are registered in the field of the transition button name  298 . 
         [0095]    Further, the associated information received from the setting person through the automatic screen generation setting screen  10  (the attribute setting screen of  FIG. 6 ) is registered in the setting storage detail table  300 . The function names  182  and  210  are registered in the field of the function name  282 , the arrangement orders  221  are registered in the field of the arrangement order  304 , the DB item names  222  are registered in the field of the DB item name  306 , the display item name  223  are registered in the field of the display item name  308 , the group names  224  are registered in the field of the group name  310 , the linefeed  226  are registered in the field of the linefeed  312 , the primary keys  228  are registered in the field of the primary key  314 , the update objects  230  are registered in the field of the update object  316 , the display/input forms  232  are registered in the field of the display/input form  318 , the display width digits  234  are registered in the field of the display width digit  320 , the heights  236  are registered in the field of the height  322 , the compulsory  238  are registered in the field of the compulsory  324 , the classification displays  240  are registered in the classification display  326 , the input check patterns  242  are registered in the field of the input check pattern  328 , and the transition destination argument  244  are registered in the field of the transition destination argument  330 . 
         [0096]    Further, the associated information received from the setting person through the automatic screen generation setting screen  10  (the access setting screen of  FIG. 8 ) is registered in the setting storage access setting table  332 . The function names  182 ,  210  are registered in the field of the function name  334 , and the groups permitted to use  272  are registered in the field of using group  336 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 3  is a sequence diagram for explaining the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  of the automatic screen generation device of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0098]    Here, the received order management database shown in  FIG. 4  is used as a sample of the use-side database  18 , the example shown in  FIG. 9  is used as the setting storage database  16 , and the example shown in  FIG. 14  is used as the modification setting storage database. And “received order list maintenance” is the function name for the detailed list form, and “commodity master single sheet maintenance” is the function name for the single sheet form. Further the login/menu screen example shown in  FIG. 10 , the initial-state access screen example shown in  FIG. 11 , the after-search-state access screen example shown in  FIG. 12 , the access screen modification setting screen example shown in  FIG. 13 , and the after-modification access screen example shown in  FIG. 15  are used. 
         [0099]    When the use/modification-side client terminal  28  receives a login request from a user, the use/modification-side client terminal  28  sends the login request to the automatic screen generation device  1 . On receiving this login request, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  of the automatic screen generation device  1  generates a login screen  350 , and displays the generated login screen  350  on the use/modification-side client terminal  28 . Next, when the use/modification-side client terminal  28  receives user information and password information from the user through the login screen  350  (S 54 ), the use/modification-side client terminal  28  sends the user information and the password information to the automatic screen generation device  1  (S 55 ). 
         [0100]    On receiving the user information and the password information, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  of the automatic screen generation  1  device accesses the user master table  338  of the setting storage database  16 , to acquire the using group  344  by using the user information and the password information received from the use/modification-side client terminal  28  as keys. In addition, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  accesses the setting storage access setting table  332  of the setting storage database  16 , to acquire the function name  334  by using the acquired using group  344  as a key (S 56 ). Then, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  generates menu information in which a link to the acquired function is set. And the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  sends the menu information to the user/modification-side client terminal  28  (S 57 ), to make the use/modification-side client terminal  28  display the menu screen  360  shown in  FIG. 10  (S 59 ). 
         [0101]    In the example shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , functions that the user “IDE” can use are “Received order list maintenance” and “Commodity master single sheet maintenance”, and accordingly the menu screen  360  is provided with links allowing use of the received order list maintenance function and the commodity master single sheet maintenance function. 
         [0102]    When the use/modification-side client terminal  12  receives, from the user, a function name  362  that the user desires to use through the menu screen (S 60 ), the use/modification-side client terminal  12  sends the received function name  362  together with the user to the automatic screen generation device  1  (S 62 ). 
         [0103]    On receiving this, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  of the automatic screen generation device  1  accesses the setting storage header table  280  ( FIG. 9 ) of the setting storage database  16 , and acquires the utilization form  284 , the output table  286 , the SQL  288 , the maximum number of detail lines  290 , the lines per page  292 , the processing authority  294 , the transition destination screen  296 , the transition button name  298 , and the number of search fields  299  by using the function name  362  received from the use/modification-side client terminal  12  as a key. 
         [0104]    Further, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  accesses the setting storage detail table  300  ( FIG. 9 ) of the setting storage database  16 , and acquires the arrangement order  304 , the DB item name  306 , the display item name  308 , the group name  310 , the linefeed  312 , the primary key  314 , the update object  316 , the display/input format  318 , the display width digit  320 , the height  322 , the compulsory  324 , the classification display  326 , the input check pattern  328 , and the transition destination argument  330  by using the function name of the setting storage detail table  300  as a key. 
         [0105]    Further, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  accesses the modification setting storage table  470  ( FIG. 14 ) of the modification setting storage database  17 , and acquires the display/arrangement-order classification  476 , the order  478 , the item name  480 , the ascending/descending order  482 , and the display/hidden  484  by using the function name  362  and the user  352  received from the use/modification-side client terminal  12  as keys. 
         [0106]    Further, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  accesses a search condition storage table  486  ( FIG. 14 ) of the modification setting storage database  17 , and acquires a condition save name  492 , a search number  496 , a search item  498 , a search sign  500 , and a search condition  502  by using the function name  362  and the user  352  received from the use/modification-side client terminal  12  and an start-up classification  504 =“start-up condition” as keys. Thereinafter, the Acquired information is called screen modification associated information. 
         [0107]    Depending on the acquired value of the utilization form  284 , the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  calls either the detailed list form program or the single sheet form program from the utilization-form-specific screen program storage unit  20 , and delivers the acquired screen modification associated information to the called program. As a result, the called program generates a database access screen  26  according to the screen modification associated information (S 64 ), and displays the database access screen  26  on the use/modification-side client terminal  28  (S 66 ). 
         [0108]      FIG. 11  shows an example of the database access screen  26  in the initial state. Here, the numerical symbol  380  indicates an example of the detailed list form, and the numerical symbol  400  indicates an example of the single sheet form. 
         [0109]    In the case of the database access screen  26  in the initial state of the detailed list form  380 , when the value of the processing authority  294  acquired includes “registration”, a lines addition button  395  is generated in the database access screen  26 . When the user sets the number of lines that the user desires to add and clicks the lines addition button  395 , then data lines for new registration are generated in a search result area, to allow new registration in the output table  286  designated in the setting storage header table  280  of the setting storage database  16 . 
         [0110]    In the case of the database access screen  400  in the initial state of the single sheet form, when the value of the processing authority  294  acquired includes “registration”, a registration button  406  is generated in the database access screen  400 . Click of the registration button  406  by the user allows new registration in the output table  286  designated in the setting storage header table  280  of the setting storage database  16 . 
         [0111]    The number of search conditions  382  generated is determined by the value of the number of search fields  299  acquired. In the example shown in  FIG. 11 , six search fields are set. Further, in the example shown in  FIG. 11 , item name, sign, and condition are set previously. Because the search save name  429 =“unshipped only” exists in the search condition storage table  486 , the values of the search item  492 , the search sign  500 , and the search condition  502  are displayed in the search condition  382 . 
         [0112]    Further, as for the field  384  where the item name is “status”, 0 or 1 is set by code in the item of status  112  of the received order information table  100 , and “radio” is selected in the classification display  326  of the setting storage detail table  300  of the setting storage database  16 . Accordingly, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  acquires the display names from the classification master table  140  by designating the identification name  1420 =“status”, and displays, as the radio button check condition, the state where the display name corresponding to the value of the search condition  502  is checked. 
         [0113]    Similarly, as for the field  386  where the item name is “commodity classification”, “check box” is selected in the classification display  326 . Accordingly, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  acquires the display names from the classification master table  140  by designating the identification name  142 =“commodity classification”, and displays, as the check box check condition, the state where the display names corresponding to the value of the search condition  502  is checked. 
         [0114]    Further, as for the field  404  where the item name is “commodity classification” in the single sheet form, “list” is selected in the classification display  326 . Accordingly, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  acquires the display names from the classification master table  140  by designating the identification name  142 =“commodity classification”, generates a list box, and displays the list box in a state that the user can make selection. 
         [0115]    In the data access screen  380  of the list form in the initial state, when the user changes the search conditions (search items, search signs, and search conditions), gives a new name in a condition save name  396 , checks a field of an start-up initial condition  387  that requests display as the initial search condition at the time of start-up through the menu, and clicks a save button  398  (S 68 ), then the use/modification-side client terminal  28  sends the mentioned information to the automatic screen generation device  1  (S 70 ). 
         [0116]    On receiving the information, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  of the automatic screen generation device  1  registers the function name received from the use/modification-side client terminal  12  in the function name  488 , registers the user received from the user/modification-side client terminal  12  in the user  490 , and registers the condition save name received as a new name from the use/modification-side client terminal  12  in the condition save name  492 , generates and sets a search number  496  (gives serial numbers to search conditions from upper left to lower right), and registers the search items, the search signs, and the search conditions received from the use/modification-side client terminal  12  in the search item  498 , the search sign  500 , and the search condition  502 , respectively. Further, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  registers the start-up initial condition  397  received from the use/modification-side client terminal  12  in the start-up classification  504 . 
         [0117]    Further, in the data access screen  380  of the list form in the initial state, a list box of values of the DB item name  306  in the order of the arrangement order  304  is generated as the item name  390 . If a value exists in the display item name  308 , the value of the display item name  308  is displayed preferentially in place of the value of the DB item name  306 . In the example shown in  FIG. 11 , “customer name” is displayed in place of the display item name “customer”. 
         [0118]    Further, in the case where information of which the acquired display/arrangement-order classification  476 =“display” exists, the arrangement order of the screen items and the item names to display have been modified. Accordingly, data of the display/hidden  484 =“display” are extracted, and the arrangement order is generated again using the above-mentioned order  478  and the item name  480 . An item of the display/hidden  484 =“hidden” is removed from the item name  390  also. 
         [0119]    Further, in the data access screen  380  of the list form in the initial state, the user can select signs and keywords in order to refine the search conditions variously (Numerical symbol  392 ). Selectable signs and keywords are =, &lt; &gt;, &gt;, &gt;=, &lt;, &lt;=, LIKE, NOT LIKE, IN, NOT IN, IS NULL, and IS NOT NULL. 
         [0120]    In the data access screen  400  of the single sheet form in the initial state, the primary key  314  of the setting storage detail table  300  of the setting storage database  16  is placed in the search condition  402 . Differently from the data access screen  380  of the detailed list form in the initial state, one search datum should be specified. Thus, the search condition for the primary key uses the perfect matching sign (=) only. Other items than the primary key are arranged in the order of the arrangement order  304  according to display categories being classified by the group name  310 . In the example of  FIG. 11 , the items in question are displayed by separating into a main area and a subarea. Further, an item for which the linefeed  312  is checked is displayed in a new line. In the example of  FIG. 11 , the item of commodity classification has the checked linefeed  312 . Accordingly the commodity classification is displayed not to the right of the commodity name but in a new line. A display area for the value of the item is generated by using the values of the display width digit  320  and the height  322 . 
         [0121]    Further, in the case where there is information of which the acquired display/arrangement-order classification  476 =“display”, the arrangement order of the screen items and the item names to display have been modified. Accordingly, data of the display/hidden  484 =“display” are extracted, and the arrangement order is generated again using the above-mentioned order  478  and the item name  480 . An item of the display/hidden  484 =“hidden” is removed from the item name  390  also. 
         [0122]    In the database access screen  380  of the list form in the initial state, when the user sets the search conditions  382  and clicks a search button  399 , the use/modification-side client terminal  28  receives a search processing instruction accompanied by the search conditions  382  (S 68 ), and sends the search conditions  382  to the automatic screen generation device  1  (S 70 ). 
         [0123]    On receiving this, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  of the automatic screen generation device  1  executes the SQL statement for the use-side database  18 , according to the search conditions  382  received as the additional search conditions to the acquired SQL  288 . At this time, in the case where a value is set in the maximum number of detail lines  290  acquired, limitation that the value is the maximum number of acquisitions (for example, in the case of Oracle®, ROWNUM&lt;=the maximum number of detailed lines  290 ) is added to the SQL statement (S 72 ). 
         [0124]    Next, when the search execution result data can be obtained, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  generates heading item names, which are the values of the DB item name  306 , in the order of the arrangement order  304 . In the case where a value exists in the display item name  308 , the value of the display item name  308  is preferentially displayed in place of the value of the DB item name  306 . In the example of  FIG. 11 , “customer name” is displayed in place of the corresponding display item name. 
         [0125]    Further, an item of the acquired update object  316 =“1” is generated as an editable item. A display area for the value of an item is generated by using the values of the display width digit  320  and the height  322 . In the case where there is the height  322 =“−1” and the linefeed is included in the values of the search execution result data, the display area is generated to have the height corresponding to the number of linefeeds. In the database access screen  380  of the detailed list form in the initial state, if “check box”, “radio” or “list” is selected in the acquired classification display  326 , a list box is generated in any case in the same way as in the generation according to the search conditions  382 . In the database access screen  400  of the single sheet form in the initial state, if “check box”, “radio” or “list” is selected in the acquired classification display  326 , a check box, a radio button, or a list box is generated correspondingly to the selection in the same way in the generation according to the search conditions  382 . 
         [0126]    Further, in the database access screen  380  of the detailed list form in the initial state, if “delete” is included in the value of the processing authority  294 , a delete button is generated in the search result information generated from the search execution result data. In the single sheet form, if “delete” is included in the values of the processing authority  294 , a delete button  442  is generated at the bottom left of the screen. 
         [0127]    Further, in the database access screen  380  of the detailed list form in the initial state, if the value of the processing authority is other than blank, a processing execution button  428  is generated at the bottom right of the screen. 
         [0128]    Further, in the database access screen  400  of the single sheet form in the initial state, if “update” is included in the value of the processing authority  294 , an update button  438  is generated at the bottom right of the screen. 
         [0129]    Further, in the database access screen  380  of the detailed list form in the initial state, if the number of records of the search result exceeds the lines per page  292 , the number of records displayed in the screen is set to the lines per page  292 . The remaining records are not displayed in the screen and are held internally as a data set for each unit of the lines per page  292 . And when the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  receives information of click of the next page  411  shown in FIG.  12 , screen display for each data set is generated. If the number of the search result records is large and thus a plurality of data sets are generated, the data sets are displayed in the order of generations of the screen displays at the time when the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  receives the click information of the next page  411 . 
         [0130]    Further, if “update” is included in the value of the processing authority  294 , an item for which 1 is set in the update object  316  is generated as an editable item. 
         [0131]    Further, if values are set in the transition button name  298  and the transition destination screen  296 , a screen transition button (that is a commodity maintenance button  418  in the example of  FIG. 12 , and transition destination is the commodity master single sheet maintenance) is added. 
         [0132]    Further, if information of display/arrangement-order classification  476 =“display” exists, the arrangement order of the screen items and the item names to display have been modified. Accordingly, data of the display/hidden  484 =“display” are extracted, and the arrangement order is generated again using the order  478  and the item name  480 . An item of the display/hidden  484 =“hidden” is removed from the item name  390  also. Further, if information of the display/arrangement-order  476 =“arrangement order” exists, the arrangement of the search execution data is executed by using the information of the order  478 , the item name  480  and the ascending/descending order, then search result information of the database access screen is generated (S 74 ) and displayed on the use/modification-side client terminal  28  (S 76 ). 
         [0133]      FIG. 12  shows an example of the database access screen  26  in a state after search. Here, the numerical symbol  431  indicates an example of the detailed list form and the numerical symbol  431  indicates an example of the single sheet form. 
         [0134]    In the database access screen  431  of the detailed list form in the after-search state, when the user clicks a CSV output button  414 , the use/modification-side client terminal  28  receives a CSV output instruction and sends the instruction to the automatic screen generation device  1 . On receiving the instruction, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  of the automatic screen generation device  1  generates a comma-delimited text file from the acquired search execution result data, and displays the generated file on the use/modification-side client terminal  28  by using table form software. 
         [0135]    When the user clicks a screen transition button  418  in the database access screen  431  of the detailed list form in the after-search state, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  executes processing under another function name, delivers, as an argument, the value of the item for which 1 is set as a search condition in the transition argument  330 , and executes search to display a database access screen. In the example of  FIG. 12 , when the data of the order number=J002 is clicked at “commodity maintenance” in the screen transition  418 , the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  generates a commodity master single sheet maintenance since “commodity master single sheet maintenance” is set in the transition destination screen  296 . Since the DB item name for which 1 is set as a search condition in the transition destination argument  330  is commodity code, the commodity code=ITEM_B is delivered, to perform search processing. As a result, a screen of commodity master single sheet maintenance  433 , in which the commodity code=ITEM_B is set, is generated in a searched state. 
         [0136]    When the user clicks a screen setting button  432  in the database access screen  431  of the detailed list form in the after-search state, the use/modification-side client terminal  28  sends a screen modification request to the automatic screen generation device (S 77 ). On receiving this, the screen modification setting processing unit  24  of the automatic screen generation device generates an access screen modification setting screen  27 , and display the generated screen on the use/modification-side terminal (S 78 ). 
         [0137]      FIG. 13  shows an example of the access screen modification setting screen  27 . Here, the numerical symbol  464  indicates an example of the detailed list form, and the numerical symbol  466  indicates an example of the single sheet form. 
         [0138]    In the access screen modification setting screen  464  of the detailed list form, it is possible to set arrangement order  450  of the search results. A list box is generated for the item names  453  such that the values of the DB item names  306  are used as heading item names being arranged in the order of the arrangement order  304 . If a value exists in the display item name  308 , the display item name  308  is used preferentially in place of the value of the DB item name  306 . As for an ascending/descending order  455 , a list box of character strings “ascending order” and “descending order” is generated. When an addition button  451  is clicked, the screen modification setting processing unit  24  generates list boxes of the item name  453  and the ascending/descending order  455 , and this makes it possible to define arrangement order of a plurality of items. In an area of screen items  452 , display items  456  are separated from hidden items  454 . Items selected as the hidden items  454  are not generated in both search condition and search result of the database access screen. Switching between display items and hidden items is performed by right and left arrow buttons  458 , and change of arrangement order of display items  456  is performed by up and down arrow buttons  460 . 
         [0139]    When the user clicks a determination button  462 , the use/modification-side client terminal  28  receives the function name, the user, the arrangement order items, the arrangement ascending/descending order, the display items, the display item order, through the access screen modification setting screen  27 , and the hidden items, and sends the received information to the automatic screen generation device  1  (S 81 ). 
         [0140]    On receiving this, the screen modification setting processing unit  24  of the automatic screen generation device  1  registers the received information in the modification setting storage table  470  of the modification setting storage database  17 .  FIG. 14  shows structure of the modification setting database and an example of sample data. In detail, the received function name is set in the function name  472 , the received user is set in the user  474 , a character string “arrangement order” is set in the display/arrangement-order classification  476  for the received arrangement order information, a character string “display” is set in the display/arrangement-order classification  476  for the received display information, arrangement order is set in the order  478  for the received arrangement order information, display item order is set in the order  478  for the received display information, arrangement order item is set in the item name  480  for the received arrangement order information, display/hidden item name is set in the item name  480  for the received display information, the received arrangement order of ascending order or descending order is set in the ascending/descending order  482 , and a character string “display” is set in the display/hidden  484  for the display item, a character string “hidden” is set in the display/hidden  484  for the hidden item (S 82 ). 
         [0141]    Next, after completion of registration in the modification setting storage table  470 , the screen modification setting processing unit  24  calls the automatic screen generation processing unit  22 . On receiving the call, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  accesses the modification setting storage table  470  (See  FIG. 14 ) of the modification setting storage database  17 , to acquire the display/arrangement-order classification  476 , the order  478 , the item name  480 , the ascending/descending order  482 , and the display/hidden  484  by using the function name and the user as keys. 
         [0142]    If information of the display/arrangement-order  476 =“display” exists, then the arrangement order of the screen items and the item names to display have been modified. Accordingly, data of the display/hidden  484 =“display” are extracted, and the arrangement order is generated again using the order  487  and the item name  480 . An item of the display/hidden  484 =“hidden” is removed from the item name  390  also. Further, if information of the display/arrangement-order classification  476 =“arrangement order” exists, the arrangement of the search execution data is reordered by using the information of the order  478 , the item name  480 , and the ascending/descending order, to generate a database access screen  26  in the after-search state (S 84 ). This screen information is sent to the use/modification-side client terminal  28  (S 84 ), to display the after-search-state database access screen  26  on the use/modification-side client terminal  28  (S 86 ). 
         [0143]      FIG. 15  shows an example of the database access screen  26  in the after-search state. Here, the numerical symbol  514  indicates an example of the detailed list form and the numerical symbol  516  indicates an example of the list form. 
         [0144]    When the user clicks a delete button  416  in the database access screen  431  of the detailed list form in the after-search state, the target line is deleted from the search result area. When the processing execution button  428  is clicked in this state, the use/modification-side client terminal  28  receives maintenance request information for the use-side database  18  (S 88 ), and sends the maintenance request information to the automatic screen generation device  1  (S 90 ). 
         [0145]    On receiving the information, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  of the automatic screen generation device  1  deletes the record from the output table  286  by using the item of the primary key  314  among the values in the received maintenance request information as a key (S 92 ). Then, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  acquires a deletion result (normal deletion or failure due to restriction or the like) from the use-side database  18 , and sends the deletion result to the use/modification-side client terminal  28  (S 94 ). And the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  displays the database access screen  514  of the detailed list form in the after-modification state on the use/modification-side client terminal  28  (S 96 ) as output result information of the use-side database  18 . 
         [0146]    Further, when the user clicks the delete button  442  in the database access screen  433  of the single sheet form in the after-search state, the use/modification-side client terminal  28  receives maintenance information for the use-side database  18  (S 88 ), and sends this maintenance request information to the automatic screen generation device  1  (S 90 ). 
         [0147]    On receiving the information, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  of the automatic screen generation device  1  deletes data from the output table  286  by using the item of the primary key  314  among the values in the received maintenance information as a key (S 92 ). Then, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  acquires a deletion result (normal deletion or failure due to restriction or the like) from the use-side database  18 , and sends the deletion result to the use/modification-side client terminal  28  (S 94 ). And the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  displays, as output result information of the use-side database  18 , the database access screen  516  of the single sheet form in the after-modification state on the use/modification-side client terminal  28  as output result information of the use-side database  18  (S 96 ). 
         [0148]    Further, in the database access screen  431  of the detailed list form in the after-search state, when the user edits the value of an updatable item and clicks the processing execution button  428 , or when the user clicks the lines addition button  395  in the database access screen  431  to add a new line in the search result area and edits the value of an updatable item and clicks the processing execution button  428 , then the use/modification-side client terminal  28  receives maintenance information for the use-side database  18  (S 88 ), and sends this maintenance request information to the automatic screen generation device  1  (S 90 ). 
         [0149]    On receiving the information, as checks at the time of registration and update, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  of the automatic screen generation device  1  checks whether there is a violation of the display/input format  318  or the display width digit  320 , and checks whether a value is set in each item for which 1 is set in the compulsory  324 , and further checks whether a value is set in the range of the input check pattern  328 . If an error is detected, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  displays error information on the use/modification-side client terminal  28 , and ends without performing registration and update processing. On the other hand, if an error is not detected, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  registers and updates the record in the output table  286  by using the item of the primary key  314  among the values in the received maintenance information as a key. Then, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  acquires a registration and update result (normal update or failure due to restriction or the like) from the use-side database  18 , and sends the registration and update result to the use/modification-side terminal  28  (S 94 ). And the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  displays the database access screen  514  of the detailed list form in the after-modification state on the use/modification-side client terminal  28  as output result information of the use-side database  18  (S 96 ). 
         [0150]    Further, in the database access screen  433  of the single sheet format in the after-search state, when the user edits a value of an updatable item and clicks the update button  438 , or when the user opens the screen from the menu and edits a value of an updatable item as new data and clicks a registration button  440 , the use/modification-side client terminal  28  receives maintenance information for the use-side database  18  (S 88 ), and sends this maintenance request information to the automatic screen generation device  1  (S 90 ). By the way, the database access screen  433  of the single sheet format of  FIG. 12  is shown as an example in which registration cannot be performed because the processing authority  294  does not include the character string “registration” and the user does not have the registration authority. 
         [0151]    On receiving the information, as checks at the time of registration and update, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  of the automatic screen generation device  1  checks whether there is a violation of the display/input format  318  or the display width digit  320 , and checks whether a value is set in each item for which 1 is set in the compulsory  324 , and further checks whether a value is set in the range of the input check pattern  328 . If an error is detected, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  displays error information on the use/modification-side client terminal  28 , and ends without performing registration and update processing. On the other hand, if an error is not detected, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  registers and updates the record in the output table  286  by using the item of the primary key  314  among the values in the received maintenance information as a key. Then, the automatic screen generation process ing unit  22  acquires a registration and update result (normal update or failure due to restriction or the like) from the use-side database  18 , and sends the registration and update result to the use/modification-side terminal  28  (S 94 ). And the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  displays the database access screen  514  of the detailed list form in the after-modification state on the use/modification-side client terminal  28  as output result information of the use-side database  18  (S 96 ). 
         [0152]    Hereinabove, an embodiment of the present invention has been described. In the following, some aspects of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. 
         [0000]    (1) In the automatic screen generation device  1  of the present embodiment, when the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  receives setting of at least one table and field, to and from which information on the use-side database  18  is desired to be inputted and outputted as items of the database access screen  26 , from the setting-side client terminal  12  through the automatic screen generation setting screen  10 , then the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  receives setting of the database access screen  26  of the single sheet form or the detailed list form depending on the utilization form. Then, the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14  saves the function name determined in the setting-side client terminal  12  as a key in the setting storage database  16 , with the information of the above-mentioned setting as associated information. According to an instruction from the use/modification-side client terminal  28 , the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  reads the associated information and program for generating a data access screen  26  depending on the utilization form, to generate the database access screen  26  automatically.
 
(2) In the automatic screen generation device  1  of the present embodiment, the screen modification setting processing unit  24  receives setting of layout change and change of arrangement order from the use/modification-side client terminal  28  through the automatically-generated database access screen  26 , and in addition receives setting of data search conditions from the use/modification-side client terminal  28  through the screen modification setting processing screen  27 . And the screen modification setting processing unit  24  saves these setting contents in the modification setting storage database  17 . The automatic screen generation processing unit  22  reads the setting contents for each user from the modification setting storage database  17 , and generates automatically the database access screen  26 , which is different for each user.
 
(3) The automatic screen generation device  1  of the present embodiment can set various functions that are required usually in the database access screen. That is to say, the automatic screen generation processing unit  22  generates the database access screen  26  automatically, according to setting information, which is set by the setting person through the automatic screen setting screen  10  and is saved in the setting storage database  16  by the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  14 . The following functions are provided as functions of the database access screen  26  thus generated.
 
1. Setting of screen pattern (Single sheet form/Detailed list form) (Utilization form  284  in  FIG. 9 );
 
2. Setting of field information and layout position of the result area (Arrangement order  304 , DB item name  306 , Group name  310 , and Linefeed  312  in  FIG. 9 );
 
3. Setting of error check (Compulsory  324 , and Input check pattern  328  in  FIG. 9 );
 
4. Setting of display form of code information in list box, check box, or radio button (Classification display  326  in  FIG. 9 );
 
5. Setting of the number of search fields (Number of search fields  299  in  FIG. 9 );
 
6. Setting of the maximum number for search for each screen program (Maximum number of detail lines  290  in  FIG. 9 );
 
7. Setting of the number of outputted detailed lines displayed in a page (Lines per page in  FIG. 9 );
 
8. Setting of CSV data output that can be used for table form software;
 
9. Setting of display width, input width, and line height for each item (Display/input format  318 , Display width digit  320 , and Height  322  in  FIG. 9 );
 
10. Setting of security of each user (setting of permission/non-permission of operation) (Function name  334 , and Using group  336  in  FIG. 9 );
 
11. Setting of permission/non-permission of processing of registration, update, and delete in database input and output for each screen program (Processing authority  294  in  FIG. 9 ); and
 
12. Setting of transition from screen to screen with values being passed between them (Transition destination screen  296 , Transition button name  298 , and Transition destination argument  330  in  FIG. 9 ).
 
         [0153]    Further, the automatic screen generation setting processing unit  22  generates the database access screen  26  automatically, according to setting information, which is set by the user through the access screen modification setting screen  27  and saved in the modification setting storage database  17  by the screen modification setting processing unit  24 . The following functions are provided as functions of the database access screen  26  thus generated. 
         [0000]    13. Setting that allows save of search condition for refining of database search for each user, and allows later call with the same condition (a plurality of saves are allowed) (User  490 , Condition save name  492 , Search number  496 , Search item  498 , Search sign  500 , Search condition  502 , and Start-up classification  504  in  FIG. 14 );  14 . Setting of change of arrangement order (applicable to both rows and columns) of items to display for each user (User  474 , Display/arrangement-order classification  476 , Order  478 , Item name  480 , and Ascending/Descending order  482  in  FIG. 14 ); and
 
15. Setting for a screen field to be displayed/hidden for each user (User  474 , Display/arrangement-order classification  476 , Order  478 , Item name  480 , and Display/hidden  484  in  FIG. 14 ).
 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0154]    The invention described hereinabove can be applied to an automatic screen generation device, an automatic screen generation program, and a method of automatic generation of screen. 
       REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       [0155]      1 : automatic screen generation device;  10 : automatic screen generation setting screen;  12 : setting-side client terminal;  14 : automatic screen generation setting processing unit;  16 : setting storage database;  17 : modification setting storage database;  18 : use-side database;  20 : utilization-form-specific screen program storage unit;  22 : automatic screen generation processing unit;  24 : screen modification setting processing unit;  26 : database access screen;  27 : access screen modification setting screen; and  28 : use/modification-side client terminal.