Patent Publication Number: US-2013246402-A1

Title: Screen data generating apparatus for programmable display device

Description:
FIELD  
     The present invention relates to a screen data generating apparatus for a programmable display device. 
     BACKGROUND  
     In recent years, screen data for a programmable display device is often generated by using existing data without generating a new screen. Furthermore, from a viewpoint of reduction of man-hours in generating a screen, manufactures that supply screen data generating apparatuses for a programmable display device provide a number of pieces of sample data and template data, and by using screens and preset parts from such data, it is possible to generate screen data including intended functions in a short time. 
     However, when such existing data is used, it is required for a user himself to prepare base screen data and data including a screen on which an intended function is set. There is no problem when the user knows the location in which the base data is stored; however, when the user has forgotten the location in which the base data is stored or a file of the base data, it is required to open and check screen data stored in a computer or a recording medium one by one. In a case of data including a plurality of screens, it is further required to check these screens one by one, and this leads to require a lot of labor until finding an intended screen. 
     To save this labor, recent screen data generating apparatuses for a programmable display device support a search for template data, library, and parts data. However, as the search is performed based on a keyword set in advance in the screen or the template data, it is required to set the keyword in advance or input a character string matching the keyword, which is not convenient to use. 
     Furthermore, as an actual appearance or setting cannot be recognized even in a sample screen or a template screen provided on the Internet such as a Webpage, it is required to download and open the screen to determine whether it is helpful to generate an intended function or whether it can be used at the learning level of the user. 
     Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique in which an image to be displayed on a display screen is provided in a multilevel hierarchical structure, and on the display screen, an image of a currently selected level is displayed, and at the same time, next image information for allowing a user to predict at least an image that is possibly displayed next is displayed. The user can easily predict the image to be displayed next based on the displayed next image information. 
     CITATION LIST  
     Patent Literature 
     Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2010-26627 
     SUMMARY  
     Technical Problem 
     However, the conventional technique mentioned above is merely applied when using a programmable display device, but is not applied when generating screen data for the programmable display device to search for screen data or template data suitable for the user&#39;s intent in a prompt manner and to efficiently present contents according to the learning level and preferences of the user. 
     The present invention has been achieved in view of the above problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a screen data generating apparatus for a programmable display device that enables a search for screen data or template data suitable for a user&#39;s intent in a prompt manner and that can efficiently present contents according to the learning level and preferences of a user. 
     Solution to Problem 
     In order to solve the above problem and in order to attain the above object, in a screen data generating apparatus for a programmable display device formed on a computer including an input interface and a display unit by the computer executing graphic software, the screen data generating apparatus of the present invention, includes: a graphic-information recording unit in which a plurality of preset keywords are stored; a first data recording unit that records therein setting information for identifying each of plural pieces of screen data recorded in an external storage unit connected to or incorporated in the computer in association with at least any one of the keywords for each of the screen data; a second data recording unit that records therein determination reference data indicating a level of difficulty set in each operation with respect to the graphic software, and accumulates user data indicating an execution environment of the graphic software and a content of an operation performed by a user with respect to the input interface; an information searching unit that searches for the setting information associated with a keyword matching a word input from the input interface from the first data recording unit; a characteristic determination unit that determines a learning level and preferences of a user based on the determination reference data recorded in the second date recording unit and the user data accumulated in the second data recording unit; a control unit that assigns a rank to the setting information searched by the information searching unit based on a determination result of the characteristic determination unit; and an information presenting unit that displays the setting information to which a rank is assigned by the control unit on the display unit. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     The screen data generating apparatus for a programmable display device enables a search for screen data or template data suitable for a user&#39;s intent in a prompt manner and can efficiently present contents according to the learning level and preferences of a user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a configuration of a screen data generating apparatus for a programmable display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart of an operation procedure performed with respect to the screen data generating apparatus for a programmable display device when project data is newly generated. 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart of an operation procedure performed with respect to the screen data generating apparatus for a programmable display device when screen data and parts data are newly added to currently opened project data. 
         FIG. 4  is an example of a dialogue for specifying a search condition. 
         FIG. 5  is an example of a window for a user to specify a search condition. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a flow of data in the screen data generating apparatus for a programmable display device. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of a flow of a process from an input of a keyword by a user by operating an I/F to a presentation of setting information on a display unit. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a flow of a process of an information searching unit collecting data from an external storage unit and then accumulating the collected data in first and second data recording units. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS  
     Exemplary embodiments of a screen data generating apparatus for a programmable display device according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments. 
     Embodiment  
       FIG. 1  depicts a configuration of a screen data generating apparatus for a programmable display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. A screen data generating apparatus  100  for a programmable display device is constituted on a computer  80  including a CPU (Central Processing Unit)  40 , a RAM (Random Access Memory)  41 , a display unit  42 , an I/F (Interface)  411 , a first data recording unit  431 , a second data recording unit  432 , a graphic-information recording unit  433 , and an external storage unit  43 , by the CPU  40  executing graphic software using the RAM  41  as a work area. A control unit  412 , an information searching unit  422 , a characteristic determination unit  421 , and an information presenting unit  413  are formed on the CPU  40  by the CPU  40  executing the graphic software using the RAM  41  as a work area. 
     The external storage unit  43  is incorporated in the computer  80 , in which project data, template data, sample data, parts data, and the like are recorded. The external storage unit can be an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory device, or a device that reads and writes information with respect to a removable information recording medium such as an optical disk. 
     An external storage unit  400  is connected to the computer  80 , so that the computer  80  is configured to be able to read and write screen data  400   a  (project data, template data, sample data, parts data, and the like) with respect to the external storage unit  400 . The external storage unit  400  includes not only an information storage device but also a computer connected via a communication line or a network. 
     The I/F  411  is an input interface such as a keyboard. The display unit  42  is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The first data recording unit  431 , the second data recording unit  432 , and the graphic-information recording unit  433  are devices for recording information or data in a nonvolatile manner, such as an HDD or a semiconductor memory device. 
     In the first data recording unit  431 , as explained later, setting information  431   a  obtained by the information searching unit  422  performing a search with respect to the external storage units  43  and  400  is accumulated as needed. The setting information is information used for identifying screen data  43   a  and the screen data  400   a  stored in the external storage units  43  and  400 , and the setting information includes the stored location, type, size, and update date and time of data, the type and number of arranged parts, comments attached to the data, and the like. The first data recording unit  431  stores therein cache data, so that once the cache data is generated, it is configured that the information searching unit  422  can perform a search faster than that of the first time by using the cache data at the next search. 
     The second data recording unit  432  accumulates information related to an operation performed by a user with respect to the I/F  411  as user data  432   a  as needed. In the second data recording unit  432 , determination reference data  432   b  that serves as a reference of determining the learning level, preferences, and the like of the user is recorded. The screen data generating apparatus  100  for a programmable display device has a function of overwriting the determination reference data  432   b  recorded in the second data recording unit  432  according to a selection of a candidate by the user from candidates presented on the display unit  42 . In other words, the screen data generating apparatus  100  for a programmable display device has a function of learning the determination reference data  432   b . The determination reference data  432   b  includes information on a level of difficulty set for each operation with respect to the screen data generating apparatus  100  for a programmable display device, a recommended specification of the computer  80  required to execute graphic software, and the like. The characteristic determination unit  421  determines the learning level, preferences, and the like of the user based on the user data  432   a  and the determination reference data  432   b  accumulated in the second data recording unit  432 . 
     In the graphic-information recording unit  433 , a “keyword” that serves as a word and a function name used in graphic software is recorded as a keyword  433   a , and a plurality of related words are registered in each keyword  433   a . For example, in a keyword “alarm”, related words such as “error, system, user, display, history, output, confirmation, relay, maintenance” are registered. In the graphic-information recording unit  433 , function names included in the screen data generating apparatus  100  for a programmable display device, function names in products of other manufactures, and function name and graphic procedure information  433   b  that are information on a general usage and a graphic procedure are also recorded. The keyword  433   a , the function name and graphic procedure information  433   b  recorded in the graphic-information recording unit  433  can be updated by a user performing an operation with respect to the I/F  411  in a direct manner, by the information searching unit  422  obtaining the latest keywords, function names, and graphic procedure information, and importing information or replacing information. 
     The control unit  412  recognizes a keyword and a search condition input by an user operating the I/F  411 , and instructs the information searching unit  422  to perform a search of corresponding information. Furthermore, the control unit  412  receives any input of operations by the user from the I/F  411 , and transmits corresponding information to the characteristic determination unit  421 . The control unit  412  outputs information obtained from the information searching unit  422  and information obtained from the characteristic determination unit  421  to the information presenting unit  413 . 
     The information searching unit  422  performs a search process among pieces of the setting information recorded in the first data recording unit  431 . The information searching unit  422  also has a function of collating information (a keyword) received from the control unit  412  with the keyword  433   a  recorded in the graphic-information recording unit  433  and converting the information into another keyword that is most suitable for the search process. When a user specifies the location of a recording medium for a search, the information searching unit  422  also performs a search process among various pieces of information recorded in the external storage units  43  and  400  following path information (a stored location of data) input by an operation with respect to the I/F  411 . The information searching unit  422  returns the setting information obtained by the search process to the control unit  412 . Furthermore, the information searching unit  422  accumulates setting information obtained from the external storage units  43  and  400  in the first data recording unit  431  as needed. 
     The characteristic determination unit  421  accumulates information related to operations by a user with respect to, the I/F  411  transmitted from the control unit  412  as the user data  432   a,  and at the same time, the characteristic determination unit  421  determines the learning level of the user by collating the user data  432   a  with the determination reference data  432   b  and returns the learning level and preferences of the user to the control unit  412 . 
     The information presenting unit  413  displays setting information according to the information input by a user and an operation status of the user on the display unit  42  based on the information received from the control unit  412 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts an operation procedure performed with respect to the screen data generating apparatus  100  for a programmable display device when project data is newly generated. A new creation of project data is selected at the time of starting the screen data generating apparatus for a programmable display device (Step S 1 ), and then a usage of existing data and template data is selected (Step S 2 ), by which a dialogue for inputting a search condition is displayed on the display unit  42 . A search process of setting information is performed by inputting the search condition on the dialogue displayed on the display unit  42  (Step S 3 ), and setting information associated with intended existing project data and template data is selected from a search result (Step S 4 ), by which the project data and the template data are added to the project data to be newly generated (Step S 5 ). 
       FIG. 3  depicts an operation procedure performed with respect to the screen data generating apparatus  100  for a programmable display device when screen data and parts data are newly added to currently opened project data. When screen data and parts data at the time of editing the project data (Step S 6 ) are added, by selecting a usage of the existing data (Step S 7 ), a dialogue window for inputting a search condition is displayed on the display unit  42 . A search process of the setting information is performed by inputting the search condition on the dialogue displayed on the display unit  42  (Step S 8 ), and setting information associated with intended existing project data and template data is selected from a search result (Step S 9 ), by which the project data and the template data are added to the project data to be newly generated (Step S 10 ). 
       FIG. 4  is an example of a dialogue for specifying a search condition. A search-condition specifying dialogue  200  is displayed on the display unit  42  by the information presenting unit  413  when a user inputs an instruction for using existing project data by operating the I/F  411 . As the user pressing a search button  201  after inputting a keyword on a keyword input column  204  by operating the I/F  411 , a search process is started by the information searching unit  422 . A search result from the information searching unit  422  is listed on a search result column  206 . The search result from the information searching unit  422  matches the keyword input by the user, in which the operation environment, the learning level, and preferences of the user are taken into consideration. 
     When the user selects arbitrary setting information from the search result listed by operating the I/F  411 , the control unit  412  instructs the information presenting unit  413  to preview and display selected setting information  208  and a screen  207  included in screen data indicated by the selected setting information  208  on the display unit  42 . When the intended data is found, the user presses an OK button  209  in a state where the desired setting information is selected from the search result listed by operating the I/F  411 . With this operation, the control unit  412  adds data identified by the setting information in a state of being selected from the listed search result to a project. 
     Furthermore, other than keywords, it is possible to specify detailed information  205  such as a search target (a type of data) and a search location, a type of a display device, and a manufacturer of a connected device. As the user pressing a detail setting button  203  by operating the I/F  411 , it is possible to specify the detailed information such as a search target and a search location, a type of a programmable display device, and a manufacturer of the connected device. 
       FIG. 5  is an example of a window for a user to specify a search condition. A search-condition specifying window  300  is displayed on the display unit  42  by the control unit  412  when a user inputs an instruction for adding a screen or a function to currently opened project data by operating the I/F  411 . The search-condition specifying window  300  is configured to input and present the same information as in the search-condition specifying dialogue  200 . A thumbnail is displayed in a search result column  306  by the user pressing a search button  301  after inputting a keyword in a keyword input column  304  by operating the I/F  411 . Furthermore, information including a type and a project path of the display device, a project name, and the like is displayed in an information display column  307 . Upon confirmation of the information displayed in the information display column  307 , the user presses a usage button  308  by operating the I/F  411 . With this operation, the control unit  412  adds data specified by the setting information in a selected state among the listed search results to a project. 
     Further, other than keywords, it is possible to specify detailed information  305  such as a type of data and a search location. As the user pressing a detail setting button  303  by operating the I/F  411 , it is possible to specify detailed information such as a search target and a search location, a type of a display device, and a manufacturer of a connected device. 
     An operation of the screen data generating apparatus for a programmable display device is described below in detail. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a flow of data in the screen data generating apparatus for a programmable display device.  FIG. 7  is a flowchart of a flow of a process from an input of a keyword by a user by operating the I/F to a presentation of setting information on a display unit. 
     When performing a search process of setting information in the first data recording unit  431 , the information searching unit  422  performs a “keyword search” for searching for the setting information associated with the keyword  433   a  that matches a keyword input by a user by operating the I/F  411  from the first data recording unit  431  ( FIG. 7 : Step S 101 ). At this time, the control unit  412  instructs the information searching unit  422  to search for the setting information ( FIG. 6 : S 11 ), and the information searching unit  422  performs the keyword search with respect to the first data recording unit  431 . As a result of the keyword search, when there is hit data ( FIG. 7 : YES at Step S 102 ), the searched setting information is added to a presentation list ( FIG. 7 : Step S 103 ). Thereafter, it is checked whether the number of pieces of the setting information included in the presentation list is equal to or larger than a preset number of displaying items set in advance ( FIG. 7 : Step S 104 ). 
     When the setting information associated with the keyword  433   a  that matches the keyword input by the user by operating the I/F  411  is not recorded in the first data recording unit  431  ( FIG. 7 : NO at Step S 102 ), and when the number of pieces of the setting information included in the presentation list is smaller than the preset number of displaying items ( FIG. 7 : NO at Step S 104 ), the information searching unit  422  continues to perform a “related word search” ( FIG. 7 : Step S 107 ). 
     When the related word search is performed, the keyword  433   a  including a keyword input by the user by operating the I/F  411  as a related word is searched in the graphic-information recording unit  433  ( FIG. 7 : Step S 108 ). When the keyword is hit ( FIG. 7 : YES at Step S 108 ), the information searching unit  422  automatically converts the keyword input by the user by operating the I/F  411  into another keyword  433   a  detected at Step S 106  ( FIG. 7 : Step S 109 ). 
     As an example, it is assumed that the user has input words “error, history, display” as the keywords by operating the I/F  411 . The information searching unit  422  performs a keyword search for the words “error, history, display” at Step S 101 . If the keyword  433   a  including the words “error”, “history”, “display” is not registered in the graphic-information recording unit  433 , the determination at Step S 102  in  FIG. 7  is “NO”, and therefore the information searching unit  422  performs a related word search for the words “error”, “history”, and “display” at Step S 107 . The keyword  433   a  named “alarm” including the three words in the related word is then extracted, and therefore the determination at Step S 108  is “YES”. The information searching unit  422  converts the keyword including “error, history, display” into “alarm” at the process of Step S 109 . The information searching unit  422  searches for the setting information associated with the keyword “alarm” in the first data recording unit  431  by performing the keyword search at Step S 101  in  FIG. 7 . 
     When there is no hit for the keyword including all the related words in the related word search, the information searching unit  422  performs a related word search for a keyword including a part of the related words. In the example described above, the information searching unit  422  performs a related word search by combining the three words, such as “error, history”, “error, display”, and “history, display”. When there is no hit for any one of the keywords ( FIG. 7 : NO at Step S 108 ), the process is terminated. 
     When the number of pieces of the setting information included in the presentation list is equal to or larger than the preset number of displaying items ( FIG. 7 : YES at Step S 104 ), the information searching unit  422  transmits the setting information included in a candidate list to the control unit  412  as the search result ( FIG. 6 : S 12 ). 
     The information searching unit  422  sets a score on the setting information included in the candidate list. In this example, the score is set in a manner such that 100 points are assigned to the data that includes all the words “error”, “history”, and “display” in the keyword, 60 points are assigned to the data that includes one of the words in the keyword, and 30 points are assigned to the data that does not include these words in the keyword but detected with another keyword that includes two of these words in the related word. 
     The control unit  412  receives a determination result of the learning level and preferences of the user determined by the characteristic determination unit  421  based on the user data recorded in the second data recording unit  432  from the characteristic determination unit  421 , and adds the received determination result to the candidate list ( FIG. 7 : Step S 105 ). At this time, the control unit  412  instructs the characteristic determination unit  421  to determine the learning level and preferences of the user ( FIG. 6 : S 13 ). The characteristic determination unit  421  reads the user data  432   a  and the determination reference data  432   b  from the second data recording unit  432 . The characteristic determination unit  421  determines the learning level and preferences of the user based on the user data  432   a  and the determination reference data  432   b,  and returns the determination result to the control unit  412  ( FIG. 6 : S 14 ). The control unit  412  corrects the score of the search process result of the setting information in the first data recording unit  431  according to the learning level and preferences of the user determined based on the user data  432   a  and the determination reference data  432   b  recorded in the second data recording unit  432 . With this operation, the control unit  412  transmits the setting information determined to be most suitable for the user to the information presenting unit  413  ( FIG. 6 : S 15 ). The setting information most suitable for the user can be searched by varying a weight of the score corrected by the control unit  412 . 
     For example, when a user uses a computer of a low specification and when many pieces of setting information matching a behavioral pattern often performed by a beginner user are detected, the control unit  412  transmits the setting information to the information presenting unit  413  while reducing the amount of data to be searched, reducing the time required for the search, and then reducing the number of candidates to be presented than usual, such that a screen of a simpler configuration is displayed on the display unit  42 . 
     Furthermore, it is possible to display setting information according to the preferences of the user on the display unit  42  at a higher rank by recording the color, shape, and type of parts frequently used by the user in the second data recording unit  432  as the user data  432   a.  For example, when the user arranges many parts of type such as “blue” and “real” on the screen, setting information of the screen data generated with the type of “real” becomes a search result at the higher rank, and is displayed as a higher-rank candidate when the information presenting unit  413  displays the search result on the display unit  42 . 
     The information presenting unit  413  displays the setting information transmitted from the control unit  412  on the display unit  42  in the order of the score ( FIG. 7 : Step S 106 ). At this time, the information presenting unit  413  transmits the setting information in the order of the score to the display unit  42  ( FIG. 6 : S 16 ). As the user selecting the setting information included in the search result displayed on the display unit  42  by operating the I/F  411 , the control unit  412  uses screen data specified by the setting information to generate a new screen or adds the screen data to a screen being generated. 
     Meanwhile, it is also possible to configure that a hint for a graphic procedure is presented or guidance for the next operation is also presented according to the learning level of the user. In this case, the control unit  412 , which has received a determination result of the learning level and preferences of the user from the characteristic determination unit  421 , sends an instruction for reading the function name and graphic procedure information  433   b  from the graphic-information recording unit  433 , setting the read information as the setting information, and displaying the setting information on the display unit  42  to the information presenting unit  413 . The control unit  412  then receives information on user&#39;s selection with respect to the result presented on the display unit  42  by the information presenting unit  413  as a feedback from the I/F  411 , and sends an instruction for updating the determination reference data  432   b  to the characteristic determination unit  421 . In this manner, by updating the determination reference data  432   b,  when there is no improvement even with several repeated presentations of the guidance to the user, it is possible to switch to guidance to display more suitable information to a beginner using an alternative word or when only some specific operations common to beginner users are detected for many times but other operations common to the beginners are not detected, it is possible to exclude the specific operations from an evaluation by determining the specific operations as habitual operations of the particular user. 
     The determination reference data  432   b  accumulated in the computer  80  and the function name and graphic procedure information  433   b  can be written in (exported to) another computer connected to the computer  80  via a network or the like or a recording medium such as a memory card. Conversely, the determination reference data  432   b  and the function name and graphic procedure information can be loaded (imported) from a recording medium such as a memory card or another computer connected to the computer via a network or the like. By executing the export or the import of these pieces of information, it is possible to implement the same operation environment in another computer as in the computer  80 , or conversely, it is possible to implement the same operation environment in the computer  80  as in another computer. 
       FIG. 8  depicts a flow of a process of an information searching unit collecting data from an external storage unit and then accumulating collected data in the first and second data recording units. When a user issues a command to perform a search process by operating the I/F  411 , the information searching unit  422  searches setting information in the first data recording unit  431  ( FIG. 8 : S 21  and S 25 ). The search process with respect to the external storage unit  400  is further performed at the time of installing and starting graphic software ( FIG. 8 : S 23 ), at an idling time of a system, or the like, as well as in a case where the user inputs a keyword by operating the I/F  411  ( FIG. 8 : S 21 , S 25 , and S 26 ). 
     The screen data generating apparatus  100  for a programmable display device automatically acquires the setting information from the screen data recorded in the external storage units  43  and  400 , and records the acquired setting information in the first data recording unit  431 . 
     Specifically, after the user issues the command to perform a search process by operating the I/F  411  ( FIG. 8 : S 21  and S 25 ), the information searching unit  422  searches the screen data of the external storage units  43  and  400  ( FIG. 8 : S 26 ). Furthermore, the information searching unit  422  performs the search of the screen data stored in the external storage unit  400  at the time of installing and starting the graphic software ( FIG. 8 : S 23 ) and the idling time of the system ( FIG. 8 : S 24 ). The information searching unit  422  extracts setting information on the screen data detected by the search, and records the setting information in the first data recording unit  431 . The information searching unit  422  performs an association of the setting information recorded in the first data recording unit  431  with the keyword  433   a  stored in the graphic-information recording unit  433 , generates an index file according to the keyword  433   a,  and records the index file in the first data recording unit  431  ( FIG. 8 : S 28 ). By recording the index file in the first data recording unit  431 , the information searching unit  422  can increase the speed of the process of searching the data in the first data recording unit  431 . 
     Furthermore, the screen data generating apparatus  100  for a programmable display device automatically collects data on an operation environment of the user and an operation condition of the software ( FIG. 8 : S 22 ), and records the collected data in the second data recording unit  432  as the user data  432   a  ( FIG. 8 : S 27 ). 
     Specifically, the control unit  412  collects a log with respect to the environment of running the graphic software (a specification of a CPU, a capacity of an HDD, a type of an OS (Operating System), and installed software) and an operation performed by the user with the I/F  411  (an item selected in a menu, a function that is frequently used, a time required for setting, and the like), and transmits the collected information to the information searching unit  422  to record the information in the second data recording unit  432 , thereby setting the recorded information as the user data  432   a.    
     The information searching unit  422  accumulates the data obtained by the search process in the first data recording unit  431  as needed. At this time, by associating the data with the keyword  433   a  registered in the graphic-information recording unit  433 , it is possible to perform the next search at a higher speed. Furthermore, by performing an association with the setting information to which information on function names in the screen data generating apparatus  100  for a programmable display device, function names in software of other manufactures, and a general graphic procedure is added, based on the function name and graphic procedure information  433   b  recorded in the graphic-information recording unit  433 , it is possible to perform the search process at a higher accuracy to present the search result to the user. 
     According to the present embodiment, it is possible to use project data generated by a user in the past in a simple manner. Furthermore, it is possible to efficiently generate screen data for a programmable display device by using sample data, template data, and parts data prepared in advance. Further, because information and data suitable for the learning level and preferences of a user can be presented, it is possible to generate a screen by simply selecting desired information or data from presented contents. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY  
     As described above, the screen data generating apparatus for a programmable display device according to the present invention is useful in a feature that it is possible to search for screen data or template data suitable for a user&#39;s intent in a prompt manner and to efficiently present contents according to the learning level and preferences of a user, and the screen data generating apparatus is particularly suitable to be shared by users with different learning levels. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST  
       40  CPU 
       41  RAM 
       42  display unit 
       43 ,  400  external storage unit 
       43   a,    400   a  screen data 
       80  computer 
       100  screen data generating apparatus for programmable 
     display device 
       200  search-condition specifying dialogue 
       201 ,  301  search button 
       203 ,  303  detail setting button 
       204 ,  304  keyword input column 
       205 ,  305  detailed information 
       206 ,  306  search result column 
       207  screen 
       208  selected setting information 
       209  OK button 
       300  search-condition specifying window 
       307  information display column 
       308  usage button 
       411  I/F 
       412  control unit 
       413  information presenting unit 
       421  characteristic determination unit 
       422  information searching unit 
       431  first data recording unit 
       432  second data recording unit 
       432   a  user data 
       432   b  determination reference data 
       433  graphic-information recording unit 
       433   a  keyword 
       433   b  function name and graphic procedure information