JP2000259723A - Information-related turning device and computer- readable storage medium for storing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the practicality by changing the relation between pieces of information to a relation in alignment with the operation/work of a user. SOLUTION: The information-related tuning device is provided with a utilizing situation obtaining means 2 for obtaining the utilizing situation of a plurality of pieces of information having a prescribed relation as utilizing situation information, an analytic means 4 analyzing the utilizing situation of the plurality of pieces of information by referring to utilizing situation information and a proposing means 9 for proposing a new relation adapted to the utilizing situation of the plurality of pieces of information on the basis of the result of analyses by the means 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium in which a predetermined relationship exists between a plurality of pieces of information, and a user performs an operation / operation using the relationship and a program stored therein.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A system for providing a plurality of pieces of information having a predetermined relationship to an end user includes, for example, a system using a database (hereinafter, referred to as a “database system”) and an information providing system using a Web browser (hereinafter, referred to as a “database system”). A business management system that uses a workflow (hereinafter referred to as “workflow D”).
B ").

First, a database system, which is a first example of a system for providing a plurality of pieces of information having a predetermined relationship to an end user, will be described.

In a system using a database, a database is generally generated according to a schema defined by an information provider (a manager, a technician of an information system management section, or the like), and managed by the database. As a typical example of a system using a database in which data is used by end users, O.
There is an LAP (Online Analytical Processing) system. Here, the OLAP means that an end user uses data stored in a database to find a problem or a solution.

[0005] Therefore, as one function of the OLAP system, there is a function of providing a problem or a solution to an end user by using a database and supporting decision making.
In addition, the current OLAP system constructs and analyzes multidimensional data from a backbone database (a database without an analysis schema) according to the purpose of use of a user.

[0006] Such current OLAP systems include:
One that adopts a method (MOLAP) that constructs multidimensional data as a dedicated multidimensional database (MDDB), and one that develops multidimensional data as a view (virtual table created from an existing table) (ROLAP) Some have adopted. Tools for building a MOLAP system include, for example, Oracle's OLAP Server and Personal Expres.
s, etc., and as a tool for building a ROLAP system, for example, BusinessObjects of BusinessObjects, Orac
le company's Discoverer etc.

[0007] There is also a HOLAP (Hybrid OLAP) in which the MOLAP and the ROLAP are combined.

[0008] These MOLAP, ROLAP, HOLA
P has advantages and disadvantages due to the form of multidimensional analysis and system limitations.

For example, if it is a mainstream to perform analysis by various methods from various viewpoints (ad-hoc) from various viewpoints, it is suitable to use ROLAP which has a high degree of freedom in analysis.

[0010] In addition, when the viewpoints and methods of analysis are almost always the same and only routine analysis is required, the MO
The use of LAP has the advantage of increasing the search speed. However, if MDDB is created from the original database using MOLAP, the data size becomes
It should be noted that the size is often several hundred times larger.

If the contents of the analysis are ad hoc, fixed, or variously changed depending on the time of the analysis, H can be used by both ROLAP and MOLAP.
It is suitable to use OLAP.

Next, a second example of a system for providing a plurality of pieces of information having a predetermined relationship to an end user is a Web system.
The system will be described.

In the Web system, an information provider (such as a creator of a homepage) designs a homepage, and prepares a file in which the result is described in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). An unspecified number of end users are using Web browsers (Netscape, Netscape, Micr, etc.).
The information is transmitted and provided by referring to the HTML file by Internet Explorer of osoft or the like.

[0014] In the HTML file, information on links between homepages is described in addition to display contents as homepages.

The information provider assumes various operations (information retrieval method) that are expected to be performed by the end user at the time of designing the homepage, and sets the design of the homepage, the definition of the link relation, and the keywords used at the time of the search. .

When the homepage is changed, the information provider evaluates the design of the homepage, the structure of the links, the keywords, and the like based on the hit rate by the search engine or the number of accesses to the homepage, and corrects the contents. .

Next, a workflow DB as a second example of a system for providing a plurality of pieces of information having a predetermined relationship to an end user will be described.

The workflow DB manages the flow of the information by sharing information about the business between departments and the like. By managing the flow of information on such tasks by a computer, work errors can be prevented and efficiency can be improved.

That is, work procedures, contents, deliverables, approval routes, and the like are defined in the workflow DB, and management of each worker, information transmission, and progress management are performed based on the workflow DB.

[0020]

However, each of the above systems has the following problems.

First, problems in the database system will be described.

In the current database system,
The information management method initially set by the information provider defines the method of using the information by the end user.

However, the schema initially set by the information provider does not always match the action taken by the end user. When defining the schema for the first time, the information provider anticipates and creates a schema that is tailored to the end user's use, but as the end user uses the system, the usage of the schema will be in a different direction from the initial forecast. However, there is a problem that the initial schema does not match the use situation as the use progresses.

If the schema set by the information provider does not match the usage of the end user, the operation of the system such as a decrease in system performance may be hindered. If the operation of the system is hindered, the information provider sometimes investigates and analyzes the usage status and corrects the information management schema. However, in most cases, the initially created information schema is used as it is.

For example, when creating a system for performing OLAP analysis using information in a core database, it is necessary to clarify which data is used and how in a multidimensional analysis performed by a user. .

However, it is often unknown at the time of construction of the OLAP system what analysis form is actually required. Therefore, before thoroughly examining the analysis form of the end user, an OLAP tool is selected and analyzed. You may need to build a system.

In this case, the information provider investigates the analysis work, creates the most appropriate schema and starts operation, but when the end user actually starts using the schema, the created schema is changed to the end user. May not meet the requirements.

If the schema is not appropriate, it is necessary for the information provider to review and re-create an appropriate schema in cooperation with the end user, and the labor and efficiency of the information provider and the end user are reduced. descend.

Further, the information provider redundantly designs a schema for managing information when the use contents of the end user cannot be specified. Then, there is a problem that the amount of information to be managed increases. When a multi-dimensional database or a multi-dimensional view is implemented in an OLAP system, a data size (disk size) several tens to hundreds times as large as the original database is required as described above, and an increase in data size is a problem. become.

Further, in the analysis work of the user based on the multi-dimensional data, the analysis viewpoint frequently used is narrowed down to some extent as the analysis is repeated, and some of the dimensions constituting the multi-dimensional data are used infrequently. It is not efficient to construct a multidimensional database or a multidimensional view including such infrequently used or unused dimensions.

In order to construct a multidimensional database or a multidimensional view, it is necessary to extract and convert data. However, the schema of the multidimensional data (dimensions: the number of analysis viewpoints) and the data size of the conversion source Depending on the case, it may take several hours. Therefore, it is not efficient to perform the extraction / conversion work including the infrequently used dimensions and the unused dimensions, and it is difficult to improve the capacity and speed.

Further, the ROLAP system and the MOLAP
In the tools for building the system, the information provider generally sets the form of the schema for analysis, but the functions such as modifying the schema according to the analysis work are inadequate. It is difficult to change the schema if it is not provided.

Next, problems in the Web system will be described.

As described above, an information provider (designer of a homepage, etc.) in the Web system assumes various operations that may be performed by an end user and defines a link relationship.

However, when providing entrances of various search paths on a home page, information retrieval becomes difficult or the page becomes complicated. In addition, if you use qualitative evaluation like the conventional method of changing the content of the homepage based on the search engine hit rate and the number of times the homepage is accessed,
It is difficult to change the link configuration in consideration of what link configuration is good and what link configuration is easy to use.

Next, problems in the workflow will be described.

As described above, in the workflow DB,
The work of the worker is managed according to work procedures and contents.

However, the contents defined as the workflow may be abstract or very detailed.
The content may not be specific to each project.

Conventionally, at the start of a project,
This standard workflow is modified and used based on the standard workflow. However, even if such a modification is performed, the workflow is far from the actual operation of the project and may not be used effectively.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and stores an information relation tuning apparatus and a program for automatically changing the relation between a plurality of pieces of information based on the actual use situation of a user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer-readable storage medium.

[0041]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The gist of the present invention is to propose a new information relationship based on an actual use situation.

Hereinafter, specific measures taken to realize the present invention will be described.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use status obtaining means for obtaining the use status of a plurality of information having a predetermined relationship as use status information, and an analysis for analyzing the use status of the plurality of information with reference to the use status information. An information relation tuning apparatus comprising: means; and a suggestion means for proposing a new relationship suitable for a use state of a plurality of pieces of information based on an analysis result by the analysis means.

As described above, by proposing a new information relation in consideration of the actual use situation of the user, it is possible to provide an effective information relation in accordance with the use of the user.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce the work load when the information provider providing the information sets the information relationship.

In addition, as the user uses the information, the effective information relationship in accordance with the use of the user can be obtained, so that the management work load of the information provider can be reduced.

The information relationship here includes, for example, a schema of a database, a link relationship of a homepage, a flow of a workflow, and the like.

The usage status includes the input contents of the database operation language, the operation contents of the Web browser, and whether or not each work in the work defined by the workflow is performed.

Further, as the analysis of the usage status, a method such as obtaining the frequency of the usage status can be applied.

Further, as a proposal of a new relation, a method of deleting a relation of information that is used less frequently can be applied.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information relation tuning apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein a change means for changing the predetermined relation is added according to a new relation proposed by the proposal means.

When the information relation tuning apparatus of the second invention is applied, the information relation is automatically updated to a new information relation in consideration of the actual use situation of the user.

Therefore, even if the information provider cannot recognize the use situation of the user, it is possible to provide the user with the information relationship according to the actual situation, and to provide the user with more effective information. it can.

That is, the second invention has a great effect when the relationship between the information is not clear at first, when the user changes the way of using the information on the way, or when there is a useless relationship between the information. Is obtained.

According to a third aspect, in the information relationship tuning apparatus according to the second aspect, the suggestion means proposes at least one new relationship based on an analysis result by the analysis means, and the proposal means proposes at least one new relationship. An information relation tuning device for adding a selecting means for selecting a new relation that most satisfies a predetermined criterion from at least one new relation, and a changing means for changing the predetermined relation according to the new relation selected by the selecting means; It is.

In the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the same operation and effect as the second aspect of the invention, the most effective new relation among a plurality of candidates is proposed. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a more effective information relationship that matches the usage situation of the user.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a usage status acquisition unit for obtaining a usage status of a database as usage status information; a schema usage pattern analysis unit for analyzing a usage pattern of a database schema based on the usage status information; A schema proposing means for proposing at least one new schema matched to the usage status of the database based on the analysis result by the usage pattern analyzing means; and a predetermined schema selected from at least one new schema proposed by the schema proposing means. An information relationship tuning apparatus comprising: a selection unit that selects a new schema that satisfies a criterion most; and a change unit that changes the contents of a database according to the new schema selected by the selection unit.

In the information-related tuning apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the schema of the database is changed according to the status of use of the user. In addition, a schema that best meets a predetermined condition is selected as the schema for this change.

Therefore, it is possible to provide a schema of a multidimensional database and a schema of a multidimensional view that match the purpose of use of the user. Further, the redundancy of the schema can be eliminated.

Furthermore, since the schema is automatically changed even if the information provider does not review and change the schema again, the management load on the information provider can be reduced.

Further, since the schema is appropriately changed by repeated use by the user, the initial design can be simplified, and it is possible to cope with the case where the usage form of the user is changed halfway.

Further, since the number of dimensions of a multidimensional database or a multidimensional view can be reduced, data extraction and
The conversion can be made more efficient, so that the time for generating a multidimensional database or a multidimensional view can be reduced, and the capacity required for storage can be reduced.

As the predetermined criterion in the fourth invention, the size of the data size, the speed of the search speed, and a criterion combining both the data size and the search speed can be used. For example, if a schema having a smaller data size is selected when selecting a schema, the capacity of a multidimensional database and the capacity of a multidimensional view to be managed can be suppressed. In addition, if a schema with a high search speed is selected when selecting a schema, an information search service can be improved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a usage status acquisition unit for obtaining, as usage status information, a homepage operation status by a Web browser, an analysis unit for analyzing an operation pattern for a homepage based on the usage status information, and an analysis unit. A link change proposal unit that proposes at least one new link relationship that matches the homepage operation status based on the analysis result, and a predetermined criterion is most satisfied from at least one link relationship proposed by the link change proposal unit. An information relationship tuning apparatus comprising: a selection unit that selects a link relationship; and a change unit that changes a link relationship of a homepage according to the link relationship selected by the selection unit.

In the information-related tuning apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the link of the home page is changed according to the use situation of the user.

Therefore, the link relation of the home page is changed so that the user can use it easily.

Further, each time the number of accesses to the homepage increases, the link relation of the homepage is refined.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an execution status obtaining means for obtaining, as execution status information, actual execution statuses of a plurality of tasks constituting a task defined as a workflow, and executing each task based on the execution status information. An information relation tuning apparatus comprising: actual work analysis means for analyzing an actual execution state; and workflow proposal means for proposing a new workflow matched to the actual execution state based on an analysis result by the actual work analysis means. .

In the information-related tuning apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the workflow is modified as the actual project proceeds.

Therefore, meaningless work is cut off, and a workflow relating to the work actually executed is provided. As a result, it is possible to provide a workflow that is in line with the actual situation for the worker.

The seventh to twelfth inventions are computer-readable storage media storing programs for realizing the functions of the information relation tuning apparatus described in the first to sixth inventions by a computer.

By using a storage medium storing such a program, the above-mentioned functions can be easily added to a system that does not have the above-mentioned functions.

[0073]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) In this embodiment, a description will be given of a schema tuning apparatus that proposes a schema of a database suitable for use by an end user.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a schema tuning apparatus according to the present embodiment.

The schema tuning apparatus 1 accumulates and analyzes the history of information usage of the end user, displays the analysis result, and proposes a new schema according to the usage of the end user from the analysis result.

The schema tuning device 1
Selects an optimal schema from the above-mentioned new schemas using a schema optimization target set in advance by an end user or an information provider, and changes the current schema according to the selected schema.

The schema tuning device 1 is provided in a database system including a database body. It is assumed that the database system can be operated by SQL.

This schema tuning apparatus mainly comprises
A function to obtain the usage status of the end user, a function to obtain the schema used to manage information in the current database (hereinafter referred to as “current schema”), and a new analysis by analyzing the usage status of the end user It has a function of proposing a schema candidate, a function of selecting an optimal schema, and a function of changing a database with the optimal schema.

The user usage status acquisition unit 2 obtains which schema (data and information) the end user has used and how, and stores it in the user usage status storage unit 3 as user usage status information. For example, as the user usage status acquisition unit 2, the SQ input to the database system
What stores the L sentence as the user usage status information can be used.

The schema usage pattern analysis unit 4 analyzes the usage status of the database system based on the user usage status information stored in the user usage status storage unit 3. Then, the analysis result is stored in the schema use pattern information storage unit 5 as schema use pattern information.
For example, as the schema usage pattern analysis unit 4,
It is possible to use the SQL sentence stored as the user usage status information, which is collectively stored as schema usage pattern information on how frequently the SQL sentence is used for each type.

The schema use pattern display section 6 displays the schema use pattern information stored in the schema use pattern information storage section 5 to provide it to an end user or an information provider.

The management schema obtaining section 7 obtains schema information indicating what the current schema is in the database, and stores the obtained schema information in the schema information storage section 8. If the schema for managing information is not set in the database,
The fact that there is no schema for managing information is stored in the schema information storage unit 8.

The new schema proposal section 9 refers to the schema use pattern information stored in the schema use pattern information storage section 5 and the schema information stored in the schema information storage section 8 and can change the current schema. Consider what part. Further, a new schema candidate that matches the usage pattern of the end user is proposed, and the new schema candidate is stored in the new schema pattern information storage unit 10 as new schema pattern information.

Here, the method of proposing new schema candidates in the new schema proposing unit 9 will be described in detail.

First, when there is information that is not used by the end user at all among information managed by the current schema, the new schema proposing unit 9 examines the information in a direction of deleting this information.

Further, even if the information managed by the current schema is sufficiently used by the end user, the new schema proposing unit 9 determines whether the information management method (association of information) is end. If it does not match the usage situation of the user, consider changing the current schema without changing the information.

As an example of a case where the information management method does not match the usage situation of the end user, specific tables P and Q are frequently summarized by a “JOIN” statement which is an SQL command. In some cases, it is obtained from the analysis result of the schema usage pattern information. In this case, from the viewpoint of improving the search performance of the database system, it is better to combine the tables P and Q into a table R.

Accordingly, the new schema proposing section 9 proposes a new schema that combines the tables P and Q into a table R, and sets the new schema pattern information.

Here, a case has been described in which the new schema proposing unit 9 considers that the search performance (search speed) of the database system is to be improved. However, instead of this, the capacity of the database is reduced. Other study viewpoints may be used, or a plurality of new schema pattern information may be proposed using a plurality of study viewpoints.

The optimization target setting unit 11 is a part for an end user or an information provider to set in what state the schema is determined to be optimum, and optimizes the contents set here. It is stored in the optimization target information storage unit 12 as optimization target information. Examples of the optimization target information include a reduction in throughput, a reduction in required storage capacity, and elimination of schema redundancy.

The optimum schema selecting unit 13 is the most suitable for the contents of the optimization target information stored in the optimization target information storage unit 12 among the new schema pattern information stored in the new schema pattern information storage unit 10. The selected new schema pattern information is output to the schema change proposal presenting unit 14 and the schema changing unit 15. For example, when the optimization target information indicates that the throughput is to be shortened, the respective throughput when the schema indicated by each new schema pattern information is realized is predicted, and the one with the shortest throughput is selected. Similarly, when the optimization target information indicates that the storage capacity is to be reduced, the storage capacity required when the schema indicated by each new schema pattern information is realized is predicted, and the required storage capacity is minimized. Choose what you want.

The schema change plan presenting section 14 presents the contents of the new schema pattern information selected by the optimal schema selecting section 13 to an end user or an information provider.

The schema changing section 15 changes the current schema in the database to the form of the optimum schema selected by the optimum schema selecting section 13, and changes the database.
6 is output.

The database change unit 16 actually injects information into the optimal schema input from the schema change unit 15 and updates the contents of the database to a state that can be used by the end user.

The operation of the schema tuning apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described below.

The schema initially set by the information provider to manage the information is obtained by the management schema obtaining unit 7 as the current schema, and stored as schema information.

Further, user usage status information (for example, an SQL sentence) indicating which information is used by the end user and in what manner is obtained by the user usage status obtaining unit 2 and stored.

Further, a criterion indicating the viewpoint from which the current schema in the database is to be optimized is set in advance in the optimization target setting unit 11 by the end user or the information provider. Are managed as optimization target information.

The frequency of the usage pattern of the schema is obtained based on the stored user usage status information.
This is schema usage pattern information.

By comparing the schema usage pattern information with the schema information, several patterns are proposed by the new schema proposing unit 9 for a new schema that matches the usage status of the end user. Are managed as new schema pattern information.

Among the new schema pattern information, the one that best matches the optimization target information is the optimum schema selection unit 13.
Predicted and selected by

A new schema indicated by the selected new schema pattern information is presented to the end user or the information provider by the schema change plan presenting section 14.

The process of changing the current schema with the new schema is executed by the schema changing unit 15. Then, the contents of the database are changed by the database changing unit 16 using the schema after the change.

Thereafter, the same processing is repeatedly executed.

As described above, in the schema tuning apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the history of the contents of use of the schema by the end user is obtained, analyzed, and displayed.

Therefore, the end user or the information provider can easily grasp the actual use situation of the schema.

Further, in the schema tuning apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the changeable portion of the current schema is examined, and a new schema is proposed using the result of analyzing the usage contents of the end user.

[0109] Therefore, it is possible to automatically obtain an effective schema in accordance with the usage situation of the user, thereby reducing the management work load of the information provider.

Further, in the schema tuning apparatus according to the present embodiment, when there are a plurality of proposed new schemas, the optimal schema that most satisfies the target set in advance by the end user or the information provider is selected. The contents of the database are updated with the selected schema.

Therefore, as the end user uses it,
A database that matches the usage of the end user is created, and the end user can use a schema that is optimal for the usage situation.

Therefore, it is possible to provide a database system which is easy to use for the end user and has high use value.

Also, the optimal schema is automatically selected,
Since the contents of the database are changed using the optimal schema, the schema management load on the information provider can be reduced.

Further, the redundancy of the schema for managing the database can be eliminated.

For example, if the optimization target for selecting a schema is set to “reduce the required storage capacity”, the capacity of information to be managed can be reduced while maintaining the above-mentioned effects. When the optimization target is set to “increase the throughput”, the response from the database can be accelerated while maintaining the above effects. As a result, the search service realized by the database system can be improved.

In the schema tuning device 1 according to the present embodiment, the contents of the database are automatically updated by the schema selected by the optimum schema selection unit 13. However, instead of this, the schema change proposal presenting unit 14 prompts the end user or the information provider to change the management schema, and when the end user or the information provider permits the change, the schema change unit 15, the database change The contents of the database may be updated by the unit 16.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the SQL sentence input to the database system is used as the user usage status information has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. An operation language may also be used. Further, information that is not a database operation language may be used as information indicating the usage status of the user.

(Second Embodiment) In this embodiment, a backbone database (OL) without an analysis schema is used.
A description will be given of a schema tuning device that provides an OLAP system for constructing and analyzing a multidimensional database according to the purpose of use of a user from a TP system.

This apparatus constructs a schema structure of multidimensional data based on the history of the analysis contents of the end user.

[0120] Further, this apparatus can perform various analysis based on, for example, data (customer data, ordering data, merchandise data, stock data, employee data, inquiry data, sales promotion activity data, etc.) stored in a company or the like. Operations (sales analysis,
Customer analysis, quality analysis, etc.) and decision support.

The schema tuning apparatus according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of FIG. 1 described above, and will be described below with reference to FIG.

The configuration of the schema tuning apparatus according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the schema tuning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. In that the schema proposal processing of the new schema proposal unit 9 is unique.

Here, the operation of the schema tuning apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described by taking as an example a case where a MOLAP system is constructed from a backbone database.

First, an end user directly issues and accesses an SQL statement to a backbone database supported by an information provider to perform an analysis operation.

The analysis work by the end user is watched by the schema tuning device, and the contents of the analysis work are stored as user use status information. Specifically, an SQL command issued by the end user is acquired by the user usage status acquisition unit 2, and the acquired SQL
The L sentence is stored as user usage status information.

Next, from the stored user usage information, what information is used by the end user for analysis?
The usage pattern of the end user, such as how the information is used and how often it is used, is analyzed by the schema usage pattern analysis unit 4,
The analysis result is stored as schema usage pattern information. Specifically, a usage frequency table indicating the usage frequency of each table existing in the core database and a usage content table indicating how the end user used each table existing in the core database are represented by a schema. It is determined by the usage pattern analysis unit 4.

Table 1 is an example of a use frequency table showing the use frequency of each table existing in the backbone database.

[0128]

[Table 1] This use frequency table associates five tables A to E existing in the backbone database with the frequency at which the end user uses the tables A to E in the analysis work.

Table 2 is an example of a use content table showing how each table existing in the backbone database is used.

[0130]

[Table 2] The usage content table indicates what operation has been performed on the table used by the analysis work of the end user. The operation types include reference (R), combination (J), sum operation (+), difference operation (-), product operation (*), and the like.

In this usage management table, for example, when the end user refers to the data a4 in the second row of the table A, this operation is represented as R (a4), and this R (a4) is stored in the table A. It is arranged so that it can be recognized as an operation for.

Further, for example, when the data a3 on the third row of Table A is combined with the data b1 on the first row of Table B by the end user, this operation is expressed as J (a3, b1). (A3, b1) are arranged so that they can be recognized as operations for Table A and Table B.

Further, for example, when a sum operation is performed on the data b4 in the fourth row of Table B by the end user, this operation is represented as + (b4), and this + (b4) is the operation for Table B. It is arranged so that it can be recognized.

When the end user finds the difference between the data a5 in the fifth row of Table A and the data b4 in the fourth row of Table B, this operation is expressed as-(a5, b4), This-(a5, b4) is arranged so that it can be recognized that the operation is for Table A and Table B.

If the end user finds the product of the data a4 in the fourth row of Table A and the data e3 in the third row of Table E, this operation is represented as * (a4, e3). The * (a4, e3) is arranged so that it can be recognized that the operation is for Tables A and E.

Note that operations other than those described above are similarly represented and arranged in this use content table.

The schema usage pattern information including the usage frequency table and the usage content table obtained as described above is examined by the new schema proposing unit 9, and the MOL is used.
The information required for the AP system and its configuration are considered.

Here, from the usage frequency table, Table A,
Since it can be seen that B and E are used and tables C and D are not used, it is determined that tables A, B and E are necessary and tables C and D are not required.

If there is a table with a large number of times of use in the usage content table, it is determined that the tables should be combined.

As a result, a schema suitable for the use situation of the end user is proposed, and this schema is stored as new schema pattern information.

The subsequent processing is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. A plurality of new schema pattern information is selected, and if an optimization target is set, an optimum new schema is selected. The current schema is changed to a new schema.

Further, once a schema is created from a state where there is no schema, the modification is repeated to an optimum form while further monitoring the usage state of the end user.

As described above, in the schema tuning device according to the present embodiment, an OLAP analysis schema suitable for the analysis contents of the end user is created from a state without a schema.

Therefore, an OLAP system that is easy for the end user to use can be provided, and the efficiency of the analysis work by the end user can be improved. In addition, a database that can be easily managed by the information provider can be provided.

Further, since unnecessary information and tables can be deleted, it is possible to prevent the schema from becoming redundant, and it is possible to suppress the capacity required for realizing a multidimensional database.

Further, since the time for designing the schema is not required, the time and labor for generating a multidimensional database can be greatly reduced.

In this embodiment, the case where the MOLAP system is constructed from the backbone database is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, another database such as a ROLAP system may be used. It is also applicable when building a system.

(Third Embodiment) In this embodiment, a change from ROLAP to MOLAP or a certain RO
OLA such as changing from LAP to other forms of ROLAP
A schema tuning device that changes an arbitrary schema in P will be described. This apparatus changes the schema managing the analysis information based on the history of the analysis contents of the end user, and can be used in the same field as the above-described second embodiment.

Hereinafter, the case of the ROLAP system will be described, but the same applies to other systems such as the MOLAP system.

The schema tuning apparatus according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the schema tuning apparatuses according to the first and second embodiments as shown in FIG. 2 in that the content to be acquired and the schema proposal processing of the new schema proposal unit 9 are unique.

The schema tuning device according to the present embodiment is installed in a ROLAP system.

The ROLAP system extracts data from a backbone database in accordance with a data extraction / conversion schema and constructs a multidimensional view.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data extraction / conversion schema of the ROLAP system.

Here, a case where a star schema is adopted as a data extraction / conversion schema of the ROLAP system is illustrated. Four viewpoints of the date, store, area, and product are prepared from the viewpoint of analysis, and the fact of the analysis is sales.

That is, the end user attempts to analyze sales using information such as the date, store, area, and product using the ROLAP system. An end user who performs analysis work using the ROLAP system performs analysis while switching the analysis axis (viewpoint) for fact data according to the star schema defined by such a multidimensional view.

In the schema tuning apparatus according to the present embodiment, the analysis performed by this user is acquired by the user utilization status acquisition unit 2 and the history of this analysis (SQL statement issued by the end user) is stored in the user usage status. Stored as information.

Next, based on the stored user usage status information, the frequency of the usage pattern of the schema, such as what analysis axis the end user has analyzed and what fact data they are looking at, etc. Is analyzed by the schema use pattern analysis unit 4, and the analysis result is stored as schema use pattern information. Note that the same processing as in the above-described first or second embodiment can be used for the analysis processing by the schema use pattern analysis unit 4.

The frequency of the stored usage pattern of the schema is provided to the end user by the schema usage pattern display unit 6. As a result, a part of the current schema that is not suitable for the user's analysis is notified to the user.

The new schema proposing section 9 determines the frequency of use of the analysis axis and the frequency of use of the fact data using the frequency of the use pattern of the schema stored as the schema use pattern information. Then, a room for changing the schema is examined, and when it is determined that the schema should be changed, a new schema is proposed and stored as new schema pattern information.

The subsequent processing is the same as in the first and second embodiments described above. A plurality of new schema pattern information is selected, and if an optimization target is set, the optimum schema is selected. Is changed to a new schema (or an end user or an information provider is prompted to change), and the above processing is repeated.

The specific processing in the schema tuning apparatus according to the present embodiment as described above will be described below.

FIG. 3 is a first state diagram specifically showing how the current schema is changed, and shows a case where unnecessary information is deleted.

In FIG. 3, a star schema for setting the date of analysis, the region, the store, and the product as the analysis axis and the fact data as the sales amount is ROL as the current schema.
Used in AP systems.

The end user wants to know the sales amount for each date, store, and product by using the ROLAP system.
A QL statement is issued, and as a result, the sales amount by date, the sales amount by store, and the sales amount by product are obtained.

In the schema tuning device, the history of the issued SQL statement is stored in the user usage status acquisition unit 2.
Acquired and stored by

From the history of the issued SQL statement,
The usage frequency of the QL sentence is determined by the schema usage pattern analysis unit 4 and stored as a schema usage pattern.

The use frequency of the SQL sentence is examined by the new schema proposal section 9, and it is determined that the information managed for the region among the four analysis axes prepared in the current schema is unnecessary. With this in mind,
A form in which regions are deleted from the current schema is proposed as a new schema.

When the new schema is most suitable for the optimization goal, the ROLAP system is used by the new schema instead of the current schema.

FIG. 4 is a second state diagram specifically showing how the current schema is changed, and shows a case where the way of holding information in the schema is changed.

The current schema is the same as that in FIG.

The end user has issued an SQL statement for wanting to know the sales amount for each year, store, product, and region using the ROLAP system. As a result, the sales amount for each year, the sales amount for each store, You can get different sales and sales by region.

In the schema tuning apparatus, the history of the issued SQL statement is obtained in the same manner as in the above case, and the usage frequency of the SQL statement is obtained from this history.

The use frequency of the SQL sentence is examined in the new schema proposing section 9, and it is determined that the sales amount is analyzed not by date but by month.

That is, in the current schema, the sales amount holds information by year, month, and day, and it is necessary to perform a summary calculation every time a request is received from an end user in order to make data by year. On the other hand, if the sales amount data is retained for each year from the beginning, there is no need to execute this summary calculation.

Therefore, the new schema proposing unit 9 examines that the sales amount data is to be retained for each year.
A schema for information including year, region, store, product, and sales amount is created as a new schema.

When the new schema is most suitable for the optimization goal, the ROLAP system is changed (or prompted to change) using the new schema.

As described above, in the schema tuning apparatus according to the present embodiment, the schema for managing the analysis information is changed based on the history of the analysis contents of the end user.

Therefore, by repeating the change of the schema, the schema of the multidimensional view can be sequentially improved to one suitable for the end user's purpose of use. As a result, the management load on the schema can be reduced, and the time for generating a multidimensional view can be reduced.

Further, since operations such as calculations required when using the ROLAP system can be reduced, the response time of the ROLAP system can be shortened.

Further, since information that is rarely used for analysis is excluded from the multidimensional database and the capacity of the multidimensional database can be reduced, the time required to update the database on a monthly or daily basis can be reduced. Can be.

In the present embodiment, the case where fact data is analyzed as sales is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various data such as the number of complaints and quality measurement results may be used. Can be analyzed using fact factors as fact data.

Further, in the schema tuning apparatus according to the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a ROLAP system has been described as an example. However, even when the present invention is applied to another multidimensional database such as a MOLAP system, it is not necessary. Information can be deleted and the way of holding information in the schema can be changed, and the same effect can be obtained.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the present embodiment,
A link-related tuning device that changes the configuration of a homepage (contents of an HTML file) in an Internet or intranet environment based on an operation history of an end user will be described.

This apparatus is used, for example, when there are a plurality of paths to reach an arbitrary product in a virtual mall system (such as when arriving at an arbitrary product from a product classification or when arriving at an arbitrary product from a store name). In accordance with the operation history of the end user, a frequently used path and a less frequently used path are checked, and the configuration (link relation) of the homepage is changed.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the link relation tuning apparatus according to the present embodiment.

This link relation tuning device 17
It is provided in the Web system.

The information provider in the Web system describes the contents of the home page in an HTML file. In this HTML file, information on display contents and links is described.

On the other hand, an end user accesses information (HTML file) through a Web browser.

The user use status acquisition unit 18 of the link relationship tuning device 17 uses the information search history (search for products from product classifications, search for merchandise by dealer name) using a Web browser as user use status information storage unit. 19 is stored.

The link usage pattern analysis unit 20 analyzes a search pattern from the information search history indicated by the user usage status information and stores it in the link usage pattern information storage unit 21 as link usage pattern information.

[0191] The link usage pattern display section 22 displays a search pattern indicated by the link usage pattern information to an end user or an information provider.

[0192] The link relation acquisition unit 23 is provided with the current HTML.
The file is read, and the current link relationship realized by the HTML file is stored in the link relationship storage unit 24.

The new link proposal unit 25 determines a more efficient link relationship (for example, a search path frequently used by the end user) than the current link relationship based on the contents of the link usage pattern information and the current link relationship. A new link relationship to be realized is proposed, and the new link relationship is stored in the new link relationship storage unit 26.

The optimization target setting section 27 sets a criterion for judging that the link state is optimal. The criterion set in the optimization target setting unit 27 is stored in the optimization target information storage unit 28 as optimization target information. As a criterion for determining that the link is optimal, for example, reduction of the number of links is used.

When a plurality of new link relations are proposed, the optimum link relation selecting section 29 selects the one that satisfies the optimization target information most, and uses the selected new link relation as a link relation change proposal presenting section. 30 and the link relation changing unit 31.

The link relation change plan presenting section 30 presents a new link relation to the information provider.

The link relation changing unit 31 changes the current HTML file so as to realize a new link relation automatically or when an instruction from the information provider is input.

The operation of the link-related tuning apparatus having the above configuration will be described below.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a change state of the link relation by the link relation tuning apparatus 17 according to the present embodiment.

[0200] At present, it is assumed that the Web system has links sequentially linked to home pages K to N. These homepages K to N have individual product introductions k to n respectively.
Is described, and after the end user has made an intention to purchase or not, the next homepage is accessed.

In the link relation tuning device 17, the homepages K to N are read by the link relation acquisition unit 23, and the fact that the current link relation is K → L → M → N is held.

[0202] Each of the homepages K to N is a Web page.
Each time the browser is accessed, the fact that the access has been made, the type of operation, and the like are acquired by the user usage status acquisition unit 18 and held as user usage status information.

The link usage pattern analysis unit 20 refers to this user usage status information, tabulates the access frequency and operation contents (indicating whether or not to purchase or not) for each of the homepages K to N. Stored as a link usage pattern.

The link usage pattern information is displayed on the link usage pattern display section 22.

Next, the current link state and link use pattern information are read by the new link proposing unit 25, and a home page that has a certain number of accesses and has a large intention to not purchase is extracted as a deleted home page. Here, it is assumed that the homepages L and M have been extracted.

Then, the extracted homepage L,
A new link relationship K → N in which M is omitted is proposed, and this new link relationship is maintained.

When a plurality of new link relations are proposed, a new HTML file that realizes the link relation with the least number of links is selected by the optimum link relation selection unit 29.

The contents of the selected new link relation are provided to the end user by the link relation change plan presenting section 30.

When a new link relationship is selected in the optimal link relationship selection section 29 (or when an instruction to change the link relationship is given by the end user),
The HTML file to be changed in order to realize this new link relationship among the current HTML files is rewritten by the link relationship change unit 31. This allows
In a virtual mall using the Web system, commodities that are less necessary can be automatically omitted.

As described above, in the link relationship tuning device 17 according to the present embodiment, the link relationship of the homepage is updated based on the information search history including the access status and the operation status.

[0211] Therefore, the link relationship can be changed so that the end user can easily search for information.

Further, the content of the home page can be refined (cleared) every time the number of accesses increases.

(Fifth Embodiment) In the present embodiment, a workflow tuning apparatus that manages the work of each worker according to the work procedure and contents defined as a workflow will be described.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the workflow tuning apparatus according to the present embodiment.

The workflow tuning device 32
Is provided in the workflow DB. The workflow defined by the administrator is managed in the workflow DB.
Management of each worker, transmission of information, and management of progress are performed according to this workflow.

The execution status acquisition section 33 of the workflow tuning device 32 collects the actually executed elements of the work defined in the workflow to obtain an actual operation history, and uses the acquired actual operation history as the execution status. The information is stored in the execution status information storage unit 34 as information.

Based on the actual work history indicated by the execution status information, the actual work analysis unit 35 determines which path was actually used / not performed, and which path was used when there were a plurality of options. The actual execution status of the work, such as how much approval has been performed on the object, is analyzed, and the analysis result is stored in the analysis result storage unit 36 and displayed on the display unit 37.

The workflow acquisition section 38 acquires the current workflow from the workflow DB and stores it in the workflow storage section 39.

The new workflow proposal unit 40, based on the current workflow and the analysis result obtained by the analysis by the actual work analysis unit 35, performs the less frequently executed work, the less frequently selected path, and the Eliminate less frequently used approvals and propose new workflows that match the actual work.

The workflow changing section 41 changes the contents of the workflow DB according to the new workflow proposed by the new workflow proposing section 40.

The operation of the workflow tuning device 32 having the above configuration will be described below.

It is assumed that a workflow is set as a procedure of a certain task. This workflow consists of external design, internal design, approval of the director, approval of the section manager, development of programs, testing, and shipping.

In the workflow tuning device 32, the contents of the work actually performed by the worker are stored as an actual work history by the execution status acquisition unit 33.

The current workflow is held by the workflow acquisition unit 38.

Next, based on the saved actual work history, the executed work / unexecuted work, which path among a plurality of options was selected, and what kind of product was used The actual work analysis unit 35 analyzes how much approval has been performed on the product. Here, it is assumed that it has been analyzed that the approval of the manager is often omitted in actual work.

Then, the new workflow proposing unit 40 proposes a new workflow from which the work to be approved by the director is deleted, and the workflow changing unit 41 updates the contents of the workflow DB with the new workflow.

As described above, in the workflow tuning apparatus 32 according to the present embodiment, based on the history of the contents of the work actually performed, the work that is not actually performed and the path that is not selected from a plurality of options are selected. , A workflow in which operations such as unused products, unnecessary approval actions, etc. are deleted is provided.

A new workflow, which is not included in the current workflow, but to which work actually performed is added, may be provided.

[0229] Therefore, meaningless work in the workflow can be deleted, and the workflow is modified as the project progresses, so that a workflow suitable for the actual work of the worker can be obtained.

In each of the above embodiments, the same operation and
If the function can be realized, the arrangement of each component may be changed, or each component may be freely combined.

Each function and each element of the apparatus described in the first to fifth embodiments are, for example, a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), a semiconductor memory, or the like can be written and applied, or transmitted by a communication medium and applied to a computer system. A computer that realizes each of the above functions reads the program stored in the storage medium, and executes the above-described processing by controlling the operation of the program.

[0232]

As described above, in the present invention,
When a predetermined relationship exists between a plurality of pieces of information and a user performs an operation using the predetermined relationship, a use state of the plurality of pieces of information by the user is acquired, and a plurality of pieces of information are obtained based on the use state. Is changed.

[0233] Therefore, it is possible to realize the relation of information according to the actual operation of the user. Further, this eliminates redundant information and useless information, and can provide user-friendly information.

[0234] Further, since the relationship between information is automatically improved, the management burden on the information provider can be reduced. Also, the time to create the information provided by the information provider,
Labor can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a schema tuning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows ROLAP according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
The figure which shows the example of the data extraction / conversion schema of a system.

FIG. 3 is a first state diagram specifically showing how a current schema is changed in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a second state diagram specifically showing how the current schema is changed in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a link relation tuning device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary view showing an example of a change state of a link relation by the link relation tuning apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a workflow tuning device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Schema tuning apparatus 2, 18 ... User use situation acquisition part 4 ... Schema use pattern analysis part 6 ... Schema use pattern display part 7 ... Management schema acquisition part 9 ... New schema proposal part 10, 27 ... Optimization target setting part 13 … Optimal schema selecting unit 14 Schema presenting unit 15 Schema changing unit 16 Database changing unit 17 Link relationship tuning unit 20 Link use pattern analyzing unit 25 New link proposing unit 29 Optimal link relationship selecting unit 33 Execution status acquisition unit 35 actual work analysis unit 40 new workflow proposal unit 41 workflow change unit

Claims (12)

[Claims] A usage status acquisition unit that obtains usage statuses of a plurality of pieces of information having a predetermined relationship as usage status information; and an analysis unit that analyzes the usage statuses of the plurality of pieces of information by referring to the usage status information. An information relation tuning device, comprising: a proposal means for proposing a new relationship suitable for a use situation of the plurality of information based on an analysis result by the analysis means. 2. The information relation tuning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a change means for changing the predetermined relation is added according to the new relation proposed by the proposal means. 3. The information relationship tuning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the suggestion unit proposes at least one new relationship based on an analysis result by the analysis unit, and at least one of the new relationships proposed by the proposal unit. Selecting means for selecting a new relation which most satisfies a predetermined criterion from one new relation is added; and the changing means changes the predetermined relation according to the new relation selected by the selecting means. An information-related tuning device, characterized in that: 4. A usage status acquisition unit for obtaining a usage status of a database as usage status information; a schema usage pattern analysis unit for analyzing a usage pattern of a schema of the database based on the usage status information; A schema proposing means for proposing at least one new schema that matches the use state of the database based on the analysis result by the pattern analyzing means; and a predetermined schema selected from the at least one new schema proposed by the schema proposing means. An information relation tuning apparatus, comprising: a selection unit that selects a new schema that most satisfies the above criteria; and a change unit that changes the contents of the database according to the new schema selected by the selection unit. 5. A usage status acquisition unit for obtaining a homepage operation status by a Web browser as usage status information, an analysis unit for analyzing an operation pattern for a homepage based on the usage status information, and an analysis result by the analysis unit. Link change suggestion means for proposing at least one new link relationship that matches the homepage operation status based on the link, and a link that satisfies a predetermined criterion most from at least one link relationship proposed by the link change proposal means. Selecting means for selecting a relationship, and link relation selected by the selecting means,
An information relation tuning device comprising: a change unit for changing a link relation of a homepage. 6. An execution status obtaining means for obtaining, as execution status information, actual execution statuses of a plurality of tasks constituting a task defined as a workflow, based on the execution status information, An information relationship, comprising: actual work analysis means for analyzing an execution situation; and workflow proposal means for suggesting a new workflow matched to the actual execution situation based on the analysis result by the actual work analysis means. Tuning equipment. 7. A use status acquisition function for causing a computer to obtain use statuses of a plurality of pieces of information having a predetermined relationship as use status information, and causing the computer to analyze the use statuses of the plurality of pieces of information with reference to the use status information. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for realizing an analysis function and a proposal function for proposing a new relationship suitable for a use state of the plurality of pieces of information based on an analysis result by the analysis function. 8. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 7, wherein a change function for changing the predetermined relation according to a new relation proposed by the proposal function is added. Computer-readable storage medium storing a program to be executed. 9. The information relationship tuning device according to claim 8, wherein the suggestion function proposes at least one new relationship based on an analysis result by the analysis function, Adding a selection function for selecting a new relation that most satisfies a predetermined criterion from one new relation; and the change function changes the predetermined relation according to the new relation selected by the selection function. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program characterized by the above-mentioned. 10. A usage status acquisition function for causing a computer to obtain a usage status of a database as usage status information, a schema usage pattern analysis function for analyzing a usage pattern of a schema of the database based on the usage status information, A schema suggestion function for suggesting at least one new schema that matches the usage status of the database based on the analysis result by the schema usage pattern analysis function; and at least one new schema proposed by the schema suggestion function. A computer storing a program for realizing a selection function for selecting a new schema that most satisfies a predetermined criterion from among them, and a change function for changing the contents of the database by the new schema selected by the selection function Reading Storage medium. 11. A use status acquisition function for causing a computer to obtain a homepage operation status by a Web browser as usage status information; an analysis function for causing a computer to analyze an operation pattern for a homepage based on the usage status information; A link change suggestion function for suggesting at least one new link relationship that is consistent with the homepage operation status, based on the analysis result by, a predetermined criterion from among the at least one link relationship suggested by the link change suggestion function. A selection function for selecting a link relation that satisfies the most, and a link relation selected by the selection function,
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for realizing a change function for changing a link relation of a homepage. 12. An execution status acquisition function for causing a computer to acquire, as execution status information, actual execution statuses of a plurality of tasks constituting a task defined as a workflow; and executing each of the tasks based on the execution status information. A program for realizing an actual work analysis function for analyzing an actual execution state in the program and a workflow proposal function for suggesting a new workflow matched to the actual execution state based on the analysis result by the actual work analysis function. A stored computer-readable storage medium.