JP7724146B2 - Program, information processing method and information processing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program, an information processing method, and an information processing device.

As the paperless movement continues, various documents, including official documents, private company forms, and invoices, are being migrated from traditional paper formats to electronic data. It is predicted that the volume and variety of documents being digitized will continue to increase, and technologies related to the use and management of such electronic data are being proposed.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an administrative document management device that grants appropriate access rights to individual documents and files and manages each document and file.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-85136

However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 focuses on ensuring confidentiality for individual documents and volumes, and does not necessarily improve user convenience.

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide programs and the like that can improve user convenience.

A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to acquire multiple files of different formats using a management screen for managing official documents, and then convert the acquired files to unify their formats into a group of converted files, which are then displayed in a linked manner in a viewer separate from the management screen.

This disclosure can improve user convenience.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management device. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of data stored in a document DB. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of data stored in an editing information DB. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a user device. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for generating a conversion file. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a first management screen. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a second management screen. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for outputting a converted file. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a third management screen. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a viewer screen. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of the viewer screen. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for obtaining editing information. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of the viewer screen. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for searching for editing information. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth example of the viewer screen. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for displaying a list. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a fifth example of a viewer screen. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for accepting an additional file according to the second embodiment.

Specific examples of a program, an information processing method, and an information processing device according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.
The sequences shown in the following embodiments are not limited, and the order of each process may be changed within a consistent range, and multiple processes may be executed in parallel. The entity that performs each process is not limited, and the process of each device may be executed by another device within a consistent range.

(First embodiment)
1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system 100. The information processing system 100 includes a management device 1 and multiple user devices 2. The management device 1 and each user device 2 are communicatively connected to a network N such as the Internet, and are capable of transmitting and receiving data via the network N.

The management device 1 is, for example, a server computer, personal computer, quantum computer, etc., and performs various information processing and information transmission and reception. The management device 1 receives official documents in the form of electronic data from each user device 2, converts the received official documents into a format that is easy for the user to use, and provides them to each user device 2. Note that official documents may be documents generated in advance as electronic data, or may be digitized by scanning paper media with a scanner or the like.

The user device 2 is an information processing device with communication and display functions, such as a personal computer, server computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal. The user uses the user device 2 to check the converted document received from the management device 1.

Local government documents, such as administrative documents, often have a larger number of attachments per case than documents handled by private companies. Furthermore, the file formats for each document are not standardized, and a variety of file formats coexist. Therefore, when reviewing official documents, staff must check the storage location of each document and check the contents of each document using an application program compatible with each file format, making the process cumbersome.

Users also want to be able to write, mark, and attach sticky notes to digitized official documents in the same way as they would on traditional paper documents. The information processing system 100 virtually combines these different types of official documents (files) into a single display file and displays them. Furthermore, by making it possible to accept various operations, such as writing, on the display file, the convenience of using digitized official documents is improved.

The configuration and detailed processing content of this information processing system 100 are described below.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the management device 1. The management device 1 includes a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The management device 1 may be a multi-computer consisting of multiple computers, or may be a virtual machine virtually constructed using software.

The control unit 11 includes a processor that uses one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), etc. The control unit 11 controls each component and executes processing using built-in memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory), clocks, counters, etc.

The storage unit 12 includes non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, flash memory, or SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 12 stores programs and data referenced by the control unit 11. The storage unit 12 may be composed of multiple storage devices, or may be an external storage device connected to the management device 1. The programs stored in the storage unit 12 include program 1P, which is a management application program that causes a computer to execute processes related to the generation of files for display.

The data stored in the memory unit 12 includes a document database (DB) 121 that stores information used to manage official documents, and an editing information DB 122.

The program (program product) stored in memory unit 12 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Memory unit 12 stores a program read from recording medium 1A by a reading device (not shown). Alternatively, the program may be downloaded from an external computer (not shown) connected to a communications network (not shown) and stored in memory unit 12. Program 1P can be deployed to be executed on a single computer, located at one site, or distributed across multiple sites and on multiple computers interconnected by a communications network.

The communication unit 13 includes a communication module for performing processing related to communication with external devices via the network N. The control unit 11 transmits and receives data to and from the user device 2 via the communication unit 13.

The configuration of the management device 1 is not limited to the above example, and may include, for example, an operation unit for accepting user operations, a display unit for displaying various information, etc.

Figure 3 shows an example of the contents of data stored in document DB 121. Document DB 121 stores various information related to official documents managed by management device 1. Each time management device 1 receives a new original file from user device 2, it stores the received original file in document DB 121.

Document DB121 stores records that link information such as file IDs, original files, converted files, and linking order, using management IDs as keys, for example. Document DB121 may also store bibliographic information such as the subject, document application date, and applicant for the official document group described below.

The management ID is identification information for uniquely identifying a group of official documents (a group of converted files) that includes one or more official documents (electronic files). The file ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the original file, which will be described later. The original file is the file itself received from the user device 2. The original file column stores files received from the user device 2 in a state where the file format has not been changed, data content has not been added, etc.

A converted file is a file that has been converted from the file format of an original file into a specified display file format. The converted file corresponds to a file for display. The display file format may be, for example, PDF (Portable Document Format), HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), image data, etc. The file format of the converted file is standardized at least among multiple files managed with the same management ID. In the following explanation, when there is no need to distinguish between the original file and the converted file of an official document, they will also be collectively referred to as the official document file.

The concatenation order is a number that indicates the concatenation order of each conversion file when multiple conversion files are concatenated and output as a group of conversion files. The concatenation order corresponds to the display order of each conversion file when multiple conversion files are displayed together in the viewer described below.

Figure 4 shows an example of the contents of data stored in the editing information DB 122. The editing information DB 122 stores various information related to editing information added to official document files. Each time the management device 1 receives new editing information from the user device 2, it stores the received editing information in the editing information DB 122.

Editing information DB122 stores records that link information such as file ID, page number, serial page number, position, creator, editing information type, and content, using an editing information ID that uniquely identifies the editing information as a key.

The file ID is similar to that in document DB121 and is identification information for uniquely identifying the original file to which the editing information is associated. The editing information DB122 and document DB121 are associated with each other using the file ID. The page number is the page number in the original file. The consecutive page number is the consecutive page number in a group of converted files when multiple converted files are concatenated in the concatenation order. The position is information about the position in the original file where the editing information is added. The position is, for example, a position within a page of the original file and is indicated by coordinates (X and Y coordinates). The position may also be represented by other content to which the editing information is added. The creator is the creator of the editing information.

Editing information type is information that distinguishes the type of editing information associated with an official document file. Editing information includes, for example, sticky notes, text, markers, and figures attached to the official document file. Figures may be arbitrarily generated objects such as circles or squares, or may be pre-set marks such as confirmation marks. The editing information type column stores, for example, classification names that classify such editing information into multiple categories. In the example shown in Figure 4, the classification names include three types: sticky notes, confirmation marks, and pen, which groups together other editing information (text, markers, and figures excluding confirmation marks).

Content is detailed information about the editing information. The content column stores information such as the sticky note number and text data contained in the sticky note, the memo number and text data contained in the sentence, and the content of the figure.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the user device 2. The user device 2 includes a control unit 21, a memory unit 22, a communication unit 23, a display unit 24, and an operation unit 25.

The control unit 21 includes one or more processors using a CPU, GPU, etc. The control unit 21 controls each component and executes processing using built-in memory such as ROM or RAM, clocks, counters, etc.

The storage unit 22 includes non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, flash memory, or SSD. The storage unit 22 stores programs and data referenced by the control unit 21. The programs stored in the storage unit 22 include a program 2P that causes the computer to execute processes related to obtaining the converted file. The program 2P may include a viewer application that makes it possible to display the converted file. The program 2P may be an application program, or a script program that works in conjunction with other programs.

The communication unit 23 includes a communication device for performing processing related to communication via the network N. The control unit 21 sends and receives various information to and from the management device 1 through the communication unit 23.

The display unit 24 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 24 displays various information in accordance with instructions from the control unit 21.

The operation unit 25 is an interface that accepts user operations and includes, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel device with a built-in display, a speaker, a microphone, etc. The operation unit 25 accepts operation input from the user and sends a control signal corresponding to the operation content to the control unit 21.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for generating a conversion file. The following processing may be executed by the control unit 11 in accordance with program 1P stored in the memory unit 12 of the management device 1, and may be executed by the control unit 21 in accordance with program 2P stored in the memory unit 22 of the user device 2, or may be realized by dedicated hardware circuits (e.g., FPGAs or ASICs) provided in the control units 11 and 21, respectively, or by a combination thereof.

The control unit 11 of the management device 1 transmits the management screen to the user device 2 (step S101). The management screen may be transmitted as a response to a management screen request transmitted to the management device 1 in response to, for example, a login operation using the selection of a program 2P and account information received on the user device 2.

The control unit 21 of the user device 2 receives the management screen (step S102). The control unit 21 displays the received management screen on the display unit 24 (step S103). The control unit 21 uses the management screen to accept the registration of multiple original files by the user operating the operation unit 25 (step S104). The control unit 21 also uses the management screen to accept the setting of the linking order for each original file (step S105).

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the first management screen 241, and Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second management screen 244. The first management screen 241 and the second management screen 244 are screens for managing official documents and are configured to accept the registration of multiple original files. In the example shown in Figure 7, the first management screen 241 is a screen that is displayed in response to selecting "Application" in the menu list on the left, and is an application procedure screen for applying for electronic payment.

The first management screen 241 includes an input field 242 for bibliographic information, including, for example, the subject, comments, application date, applicant, etc., for the procedure to be processed, and a registration field 243 for registering original files (attachments) corresponding to the procedure. In the example of Figure 7, the registration field 243 is configured as a button for displaying the second management screen 244. The control unit 21 accepts input of various bibliographic information through the input field 242.

When the control unit 21 receives a tap operation on the registration field 243 while the first management screen 241 shown in Figure 7 is displayed, it displays the second management screen 244 shown in Figure 8 based on the screen information acquired from the management device 1 in response to the tap operation.

The control unit 21 accepts the user's selection of multiple original files via the operation unit 25. The original files may be specified from files stored in advance in the memory unit 22 or the like of the user device 2. The second management screen 244 is configured to accept registration not only for each file, but also for multiple files to be registered at once. The control unit 21 accepts the selection of multiple files at once, for example, by specifying multiple original files from the memory unit 22 or the like in a specified area of the second management screen 244 and accepting a drag-and-drop operation. The control unit 21 displays a list of the file names of the accepted original files on the second management screen 244. As shown in Figure 8, the series of original files includes files in multiple file formats.

The second management screen 244 also includes a linking order setting field 245. The control unit 21 accepts input of an order into the setting field 245 associated with each original file via the operation unit 25. When the control unit 21 accepts the selection of an original file, it may assign a default linking order according to a predetermined rule and display it in the setting field 245. The default linking order may be, for example, the order in which files are accepted when individual selections are accepted, or the order in which the original files are arranged in alphabetical order (for example, alphabetical order). The initial linking order may be assigned on the management device 1 side. The user uses the setting field 245 to change the default order to the desired display order.

Returning to Figure 6, the explanation continues. The control unit 21 transmits the received multiple original files and the linking order along with the bibliographic information to the management device 1 (step S106).

The control unit 11 of the management device 1 receives the multiple original files and the linking order, etc. (step S107). The control unit 11 stores the received multiple original files and the linking order, etc. in the document DB 121 (step S108). Note that the linking order received by the above process can be changed at any time after it has been set by receiving correction information at any time. When correction information is received via the user device 2, the management device 1 updates the linking order stored in the document DB 121.

The control unit 11 generates a converted file for each of the multiple original files by converting the file format of the original file into the same predefined display file format (step S109). The display file format can be a format compatible with the viewer application of the user device 2. Note that if the original file is in a display file format, the generation of the converted file may be omitted. In this case, the control unit 11 treats the original file as a converted file.

The control unit 11 stores the generated converted file in the document DB 121 (step S110), and the series of processes ends. Through the above process, the original file and the converted file are associated and stored in the document DB 121, as shown in Figure 3.

In the above process, the timing of generating the converted file is not limited. The control unit 11 may generate the converted file in response to obtaining the original file as described above, or in response to receiving a request to display the converted file, as described below.

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing steps for outputting a converted file.

The control unit 11 of the management device 1 sends a management screen to the user device 2 in response to, for example, the selection of a program 2P accepted on the user device 2 and a login operation using account information (step S201).

The control unit 21 of the user device 2 receives the management screen (step S202). The control unit 21 displays the received management screen on the display unit 24 (step S203). The control unit 21 uses the management screen to accept a request to display an official document file made by the user operating the operation unit 25 (step S204).

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the third management screen 246. In the example shown in Figure 7, the third management screen 246 is a screen that is displayed in response to selecting "Processing" in the menu list on the left, and is a screen for requesting the display of official document files.

The third management screen 246 includes, for example, an input field 247 for bibliographic information for the official document file to be displayed, and a preview button 248 for requesting display of the official document file. The control unit 21 accepts a display request by accepting a tap operation on the preview button 248 via the operation unit 25.

Returning to Figure 9, we will continue the explanation. The control unit 21 sends the received display request along with the bibliographic information to the management device 1 (step S205).

The control unit 11 of the management device 1 receives the display request and bibliographic information (step S206). The control unit 11 acquires the conversion files and their linking order corresponding to the received display request (step S207). In detail, the control unit 11 identifies the management ID that includes the received bibliographic information based on the information stored in the document DB 121, and extracts all conversion files and their linking order associated with the identified management ID.

The control unit 11 generates a viewer screen for displaying the acquired group of converted files in a linked manner according to the linking order (step S208). The control unit 11 transmits the generated viewer screen to the viewer of the user device 2 (step S209).

The control unit 21 of the user device 2 receives the viewer screen (step S210). The control unit 21 displays the received viewer screen on the viewer of the display unit 24 (step S211).

The various management screens and viewers may be implemented, for example, by a management application as part of a program stored in the storage unit 12 of the management device 1. In this case, the viewer corresponds to the viewer screen 250 displayed on the display unit 24 of the user device 2 by the function of the management application. The user device 2 may launch the viewer screen 250 and display the viewer screen 250 as a pop-up or perform a screen transition by accepting a tap on the preview button 248 located on the third management screen 246. Alternatively, the management screen may be implemented by the function of the management application, and the viewer may be implemented by an application other than the management application. In this case, the management application and the other application may cooperate or work together, for example, using file transfer or inter-process communication, to accept original files and display a group of converted files converted from the accepted original files into a unified file format in a linked manner.

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of the viewer screen 250, and Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of the viewer screen 250. Based on the information received from the management device 1, the control unit 21 causes the viewer to display the viewer screen 250 including the converted file.

As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the viewer screen 250 includes a first area 251 and a second area 252. The first area 251 displays each of the pages 253 included in the group of converted files. The second area 252 displays thumbnails 254 of the group of converted files. Separators 255 indicating the boundaries between the converted files are displayed between the converted files in the thumbnails 254.

The management device 1 outputs a viewer screen 250 containing a group of converted files to the viewer, thereby displaying the group of converted files in a linked manner on the viewer.

When generating the viewer screen 250, the management device 1 arranges all of the converted files read in step S207 in the order of concatenation. The control unit 11 generates thumbnails that display each page of all of the converted files, with the last page and the first page (top page) of the adjacent converted files concatenated together. At this time, the management device 1 displays each thumbnail of each page, associating the page number of that page in its single converted file with the consecutive page number in the group of converted files.

The management device 1 also inserts a separator 255 between the last page and the first page of two adjacent converted files. The separator 255 may be indicated, for example, by the file name of the converted file. Note that for the first converted file in a group of converted files, a separator is inserted before the first page of the first converted file. The management device 1 outputs the generated thumbnail to the viewer of the user device 2.

The user device 2 displays thumbnails of the accepted group of converted files in the second area 252. The user device 2 accepts the selection of one of the pages from the thumbnails displayed in the second area 252, and displays the selected page in the first area 251 at a specified size.

A first button 256 is provided near each separator 255 displayed in the second area 252 for selecting whether to expand or not expand each page in the converted file. When the user device 2 accepts the selection of a first button 256 associated with one of the separators 255, it transmits the selection information for the first button to the management device 1. The management device 1 receives the selection information for the first button and switches between expanding and not expanding pages for the converted file associated with the separator 255 corresponding to the selected first button.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the second area 252, the management device 1 displays only separators 255 and hides thumbnails of each page for converted files for which non-expansion of pages has been selected with the first button. For converted files for which expansion of pages has been selected with the first button, the management device 1 displays separators 255 and thumbnails of each page.

The viewer screen 250 is provided with a second button 257 for transitioning between pages 253 displayed in the first area 251. In the example shown in Figures 11 and 12, the second button 257 is provided at the top of the first area 251 and includes a "Previous" button for transitioning the displayed page forward, a "Next" button for transitioning the displayed page backward, and a page input field for directly entering the serial page number of the page desired to be displayed.

When the user device 2 receives a transition instruction using each element of the second button 257, it sends the transition instruction to the management device 1. The management device 1 receives the transition instruction and transitions the page 253 according to the received instruction. The management device 1 reads the page before or after the currently displayed page or the page specified in the page input field from the document DB 121, generates a viewer screen 250 in which the read page is placed in the first area 251, and outputs it to the user device 2.

In this case, the management device 1 processes a group of converted files in a concatenated manner, thereby enabling page transitions across different files. For example, for a first converted file and a second converted file that are consecutive in the concatenation order, the management device 1 accepts selection of the "Next" button while the final page of the first converted file is displayed. The management device 1 transitions page 253 in the first area 251 from the final page of the first converted file to the first page of the second converted file. Similarly, when the management device 1 accepts selection of the "Previous" button while the first page of the second converted file is displayed, it transitions page 253 in the first area 251 from the first page of the second converted file to the final page of the first converted file.

The user can perform various edits on the page 253 displayed on the viewer screen 250 using the viewer. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for obtaining editing information. The processing in Figure 13 is executed after the viewer screen 250 is displayed on the display unit 24 of the user device 2, for example, by the processing in Figure 9.

The control unit 21 of the user device 2 uses the viewer screen 250 displayed on the display unit 24 to accept input of editing information by the user operating the operation unit 25 (step S301). The editing information includes, for example, sticky notes, text, markers, and graphics that are added to the page 253 displayed on the viewer screen 250. The control unit 21 transmits the accepted editing information to the management device 1 along with information about the page 253 to which the editing information has been added (step S302).

The control unit 11 of the management device 1 receives the editing information (step S303). The control unit 11 associates the type and content of the received editing information with the file ID, page number, position, etc. of the converted file to which the editing information has been added, and stores them in the editing information DB 122 (step S304).

The control unit 11 transmits update information to the user device 2 to reflect the received editing information on the viewer screen 250 (step S305).

The control unit 21 of the user device 2 receives the update information (step S306). The control unit 21 updates the viewer screen 250 based on the received update information (step S307), and ends the series of processes. The control unit 21 may execute a loop process that returns the process to step S301, and repeatedly accept new editing information.

Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of the viewer screen 250. In the example shown in Figure 14, the viewer screen 250 has an editing field 260 above the first area 251 for accepting input of editing information. The editing field 260 has various buttons 260a to 260e corresponding to multiple types of editing information.

For example, when the user selects button 260a displaying a sticky note mark, a sticky note is input as editing information to the operation unit 25 of the user device 2, and the control unit 21 accepts the sticky note input. The user device 2 notifies the management device 1 of the sticky note input. Upon accepting the notification, the management device 1 generates update information to reflect the accepted editing information in the conversion file and outputs it to the user device 2. As shown in FIG. 14 , the management device 1 superimposes a sticky note 261 on the page displayed in the first area 251. The sticky note 261 can be moved to any position on the page, and comments can also be inserted. The user device 2 accepts the position and comment of the sticky note 261 and sends the accepted information to the management device 1.

The management device 1 also reflects the editing content in the thumbnails in the second area 252. Specifically, the management device 1 displays icons 262 indicating the type of editing information included on each page, in association with the thumbnail of each page displayed in the second area 252. As shown in the lower left of Figure 14, when editing information is added, various icons 262 corresponding to the editing information are displayed on the right side of the page. In the example of Figure 14, the editing information is broadly categorized into three types depending on its type: sticky notes, confirmation marks, and pens containing other editing information, and icons 262 indicating the broad categories of editing information included on each page are displayed.

The user device 2 accepts other editing information by performing similar processing. The user device 2 accepts the input of a graphic as editing information by accepting the designation of button 260b, which displays a graphic object such as a square or line. The user device 2 accepts the input of a sentence as editing information by accepting the designation of button 260c, which displays a text mark, and further accepting text data. The user device 2 accepts the input of a highlighter as editing information by accepting the designation of button 260d, which displays a pen mark, and further accepting a highlighting operation on the page. The user device 2 accepts the input of a graphic (requires confirmation) as editing information by accepting the designation of button 260e, which displays "confirmation required." The management device 1 associates the type and content of the various editing information acquired with the page displayed in the first area 251 and stores them in the editing information DB 122 as needed.

As described above, the editing information attached to each page can be easily searched on the viewer. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for searching editing information.

The control unit 21 of the user device 2 accepts the type of editing information input by the user operating the operation unit 25 (step S401). In step S401, the control unit 21 accepts the type of editing information from the user using the viewer screen 250 displayed on the display unit 24.

Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth example of the viewer screen 250. Two switching tabs 263a and 263b are provided at the top of the second area 252 of the viewer screen 250 for switching the display of the second area 252. In the example shown in Figure 16, switching tab 263a displays "Page List" for displaying thumbnails, and switching tab 263b displays "Sticky Notes, Pen, etc." for displaying a list of editing information. Figure 16 shows an example in which switching tab 263a is selected.

Among the upper parts of the second area 252, below the switching tab 263a, are provided multiple input buttons 264 for specifying the type of edited information. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the input buttons 264 are configured as check boxes, and three input buttons 264 are provided for specifying three types of edited information: "Requires confirmation" (major category), "sticky note," and "pen."

For example, when the user checks the input button 264 associated with "requires confirmation" and taps the narrowing down button, "requires confirmation" is input as the type of edited information to the operation unit 25 of the user device 2, and the control unit 21 accepts the designation of "requires confirmation."

Returning to Figure 15, we will continue the explanation. The control unit 21 transmits the type of editing information received to the management device 1 (step S402).

The control unit 11 of the management device 1 receives the type of editing information (step S403). The control unit 11 extracts pages from the group of converted files that have the editing information of the received type attached (step S404). Specifically, the control unit 11 references the editing information DB 122 and identifies all file IDs associated with the received editing information type. The control unit 11 references the document DB 121 and extracts all converted files for each identified file ID.

The control unit 11 generates a viewer screen 250 that displays thumbnails of each extracted page (step S405). The control unit 11 transmits the generated viewer screen 250 to the user device 2 (step S406).

The control unit 21 of the user device 2 receives the viewer screen 250 (step S407). The control unit 21 displays the received viewer screen 250 on the display unit 24 (step S408), and the series of processes ends. As shown in FIG. 16, only pages to which the selected type of editing information has been added are displayed as thumbnails in the second area 252 of the viewer screen 250.

The viewer screen 250 may display the editing information attached to each page in a list format. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for displaying the list.

The control unit 21 of the user device 2 accepts selection of the switching tab 263b by the user operating the operation unit 25 (step S501). In step S501, the control unit 21 accepts selection of the switching tab 263b from the user using the viewer screen 250 displayed on the display unit 24.

As shown in FIG. 16, two switching tabs 263a and 263b are provided at the top of the second area 252, and the display in the second area 252 can be switched depending on the selection of switching tabs 263a and 263b. When switching tab 263a is selected on the viewer screen 250 and a tap operation on switching tab 263b is received, an instruction to switch to the list screen is input to the operation unit 25, and the control unit 21 receives the switching instruction. The control unit 21 transmits the received switching instruction to the management device 1 (step S502).

The control unit 11 of the management device 1 receives the switching instruction (step S503). The control unit 11 switches the display mode of the second area 252 in response to the received switching instruction, and generates a viewer screen 250 that displays a list in the second area 252 (step S504). The control unit 11 transmits the generated viewer screen 250 to the user device 2 (step S505).

The control unit 21 of the user device 2 receives the viewer screen 250 (step S506). The control unit 21 displays the received viewer screen 250 on the display unit 24 (step S507), and the series of processes ends.

Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing a fifth example of the viewer screen 250. Figure 18 shows an example of the viewer screen 250 with the switching tab 263b selected. The viewer screen 250 displays a list 265 that lists the editing information attached to each page.

The management device 1 selectively displays the above-mentioned thumbnails or list 265 in the second area 252 in response to a switching instruction for the switching tabs 263a and 263b received from the user device 2. When the management device 1 receives a selection of the switching tab 263b, it extracts all editing information attached to each page of the group of converted files based on the information stored in the editing information DB 122. The management device 1 associates each piece of extracted editing information with the serial page number of the page to which the editing information is attached, the type and content of the editing information, and generates a list 265 that displays the information in order of serial page number.

The list 265 further includes multiple third buttons 266 that can be used to select the editing information desired to be displayed for each piece of editing information included in the list 265. When the user taps one of the third buttons 266 on the viewer screen 250, the selection is input to the user device 2. The user device 2 recognizes and accepts the selection, and transmits the accepted selection of editing information to the management device 1. The management device 1 receives the selection of editing information, references the document DB 121 and editing information DB 122, reads the page of the conversion file corresponding to the file ID of the selected editing information, and displays the read page in the first area 251.

In the above process, an example has been described in which the management device 1 generates and transmits viewer screen information including multiple areas that respectively display pages 253 included in a group of converted files, thumbnails 254 of the group of converted files, a list 265, etc., but this embodiment is not limited to this. The management device 1 may asynchronously generate and transmit viewer screen information for each area, or for each piece of content in each area.

Furthermore, the processing entity in the above-mentioned processes is not limited. Part of the processes executed by the management device 1 may be executed by the user device 2.

According to this embodiment, multiple files of different formats can be displayed as a single linked data set on the viewer screen 250. For multiple electronic files stored individually, the viewer screen 250 virtually displays a state in which various types of paper documents are bound with a single binder, allowing efficient confirmation of multiple electronic files related to a single case. The linking order of converted files can be set as appropriate, allowing users to perform editing work by rearranging the order of a series of files on the viewer screen 250.

The user can use the viewer screen 250 to add editing information to each page of an electronic file. The editing information added to each page can be easily identified using thumbnails or lists. Furthermore, the search function makes it easy to find the page with the desired editing information from a group of converted files, improving operability. Because the editing information is stored in association with the original file, it is easy to manage even if the linking order is changed.

Second Embodiment
In the second embodiment, a configuration for accepting additional files will be described. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same components as the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for accepting additional files in the second embodiment.

The control unit 11 of the management device 1 sends a management screen for accepting additional files to the user device 2 (step S601).

The control unit 21 of the user device 2 receives the management screen (step S602). The control unit 21 displays the received management screen on the display unit 24 (step S603). The control unit 21 uses the management screen to accept the registration of new original files, i.e., additional files, via user operation of the operation unit 25 (step S604). The control unit 21 also uses the management screen to accept the setting of the linking order for the additional files (step S605).

The process of accepting settings for additional files and linking order using the management screen may be similar to steps S101 to S105 in the first embodiment. For example, after a user registers a group of conversion files, the user enters the bibliographic information for the case to which the user wishes to add files on the first management screen 241 shown in FIG. 7 and taps the registration field 243. When the management device 1 accepts the tap operation via the user device 2, it outputs the second management screen 244, which includes a group of conversion files corresponding to the specified bibliographic information.

The user device 2 accepts the settings for the additional files and the linking order using the second management screen 244. At this time, the linking order associated with the additional file may be the last number, or the order may be reset along with the linking order for the accepted original files so that the additional file is inserted between the already accepted original files.

The control unit 21 sends the received additional files and linking order along with the bibliographic information to the management device 1 (step S606).

The control unit 11 of the management device 1 receives the additional files, the linking order, etc. (step S607). The control unit 11 stores the received additional files and linking order in the document DB 121 (step S608). If the set linking order is changed, the management device 1 updates the linking order of each original file stored in the document DB 121.

The control unit 11 generates a new converted file for the additional file by converting the file format of the original file into the same predefined file format for display (step S609). The control unit 11 stores the generated new converted file in the document DB 121 (step S610), and the series of processes ends. Through the above-described processes, the additional file is added to the group of converted files.

The management device 1 executes processing similar to that shown in FIG. 9 of the first embodiment to display a group of converted files, including the additional file, in a concatenated manner on the viewer screen 250. Specifically, the management device 1 generates a viewer screen 250 that displays a new group of converted files in which the additional file has been added after the last page of the original group of converted files or between any other converted files, and outputs the generated viewer screen 250 to the user device 2. The viewer screen 250 displays the new group of converted files in a concatenated manner.

The management device 1 may also accept the deletion of an already accepted original file from a group of converted files. In this case, the group of converted files is displayed in a linked manner on the viewer screen 250 according to the new linking order for the deleted original files.

According to this embodiment, after registering a file, the user can easily add the file to any location, further improving convenience. By storing a group of conversion files individually, the management device 1 can more easily accept the addition or deletion of new files than if all conversion files were stored as a single linked data set.

100 Information processing system 1 Management device 11 Control unit 12 Storage unit 13 Communication unit 1P Program 1A Recording medium 121 Document DB
122 Editing Information DB
2 User device 21 Control unit 22 Storage unit 23 Communication unit 24 Display unit 25 Operation unit 2P Program 2A Recording medium

Claims (17)

Using the management screen for managing official documents, you can obtain multiple files in different formats ,
displaying , in a first area of a viewer different from the management screen, pages of a group of converted files obtained by converting the acquired plurality of files so as to unify their formats in a linked manner ;
displaying thumbnails of each page in the group of converted files in a linked manner in a second area of the viewer;
acquiring a plurality of pieces of editing information including tags, text, markers, or graphics for each page of the converted file to be displayed on the viewer;
The type of editing information, including sticky notes, text, markers, or graphics, added to each page is associated with the serial page numbers in the group of converted files for the pages to which the editing information is added, and a list is displayed in the viewer in order of serial page numbers.
A program that causes a computer to execute a process. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the second area displays thumbnails of the group of converted files and separators indicating divisions between the converted files. the second area includes a first button for selecting whether to expand or not expand each page in the conversion file associated with the separator;
The program according to claim 2 , wherein the program expands or unexpands each of the pages in response to selection of the first button. the viewer includes a second button for executing a page transition between the last page of a first converted file and the first page of a second converted file in the group of converted files connected via the separator;
The program according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, depending on the selection of the second button, a transition is made from the last page of the first converted file to the first page of the second converted file or from the first page of the second converted file to the last page of the first converted file. Obtain the concatenation order for each conversion file,
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the group of converted files is displayed in a linked manner on the viewer in accordance with the acquired linking order. After generating the set of conversion files, obtain additional files;
A program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which causes the viewer to display a new group of converted files in a linked manner by adding the acquired additional file after the last page of the group of converted files or between any other converted files. the list includes a third button for requesting display of a page to which the editing information is added;
In response to a display request made by the third button, a page including the editing information is displayed.
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 6. the viewer includes a switching tab for switching between displaying thumbnails of the group of converted files and displaying the list;
The program according to claim 1 , wherein the thumbnail or the list is selectively displayed in response to the selection of the switching tab. 9. The program according to claim 1 , further comprising causing the viewer to display the type of editing information attached to each page of the group of converted files in association with the thumbnails of the group of converted files. obtaining the type of editing information;
The program according to claim 1 , further comprising causing the viewer to display thumbnails of pages to which editing information corresponding to the acquired type of editing information has been added. Using the management screen for managing official documents, you can obtain multiple files in different formats,
displaying, in a first area of a viewer different from the management screen, pages of a group of converted files obtained by converting the acquired plurality of files so as to unify their formats, in a linked order;
displaying thumbnails of the pages in the group of converted files in a second area of the viewer in such a manner that the last page and the first page of the different converted files arranged in front of and behind each other in accordance with the linking order are linked together;
The second area includes a separator that indicates a division between each converted file and is disposed between the last page and the first page, a first button that is disposed near the separator and allows selection of whether to expand or not expand each page in the converted file associated with the separator, and a page number in the single converted file and a consecutive page number in the group of converted files that are displayed in association with each of the thumbnails.
A program that causes a computer to execute a process. Acquire editing information including tags, text, markers, or graphics for each page of the converted file displayed in the viewer.
The program according to claim 11. a list including the type of editing information and the serial page numbers in the group of converted files for the pages to which the editing information is added is displayed on the viewer;
The program according to claim 12. Using the management screen for managing official documents, you can obtain multiple files in different formats ,
displaying , in a first area of a viewer different from the management screen, pages of a group of converted files obtained by converting the acquired plurality of files so as to unify their formats in a linked manner ;
displaying thumbnails of each page in the group of converted files in a linked manner in a second area of the viewer;
acquiring a plurality of pieces of editing information including tags, text, markers, or graphics for each page of the converted file to be displayed on the viewer;
The type of editing information, including sticky notes, text, markers, or graphics, added to each page is associated with the serial page numbers in the group of converted files for the pages to which the editing information is added, and a list is displayed in the viewer in order of serial page numbers.
An information processing method in which processing is performed by a computer. Using the management screen for managing official documents, you can obtain multiple files in different formats ,
displaying , in a first area of a viewer different from the management screen, pages of a group of converted files obtained by converting the acquired plurality of files so as to unify their formats in a linked manner ;
displaying thumbnails of each page in the group of converted files in a linked manner in a second area of the viewer;
acquiring a plurality of pieces of editing information including tags, text, markers, or graphics for each page of the converted file to be displayed on the viewer;
The type of editing information, including sticky notes, text, markers, or graphics, added to each page is associated with the serial page numbers in the group of converted files for the pages to which the editing information is added, and a list is displayed in the viewer in order of serial page numbers.
An information processing device comprising a control unit that executes processing. Using the management screen for managing official documents, you can obtain multiple files in different formats,
displaying, in a first area of a viewer different from the management screen, pages of a group of converted files obtained by converting the acquired plurality of files so as to unify their formats, in a linked order;
displaying thumbnails of the pages of the group of converted files in a second area of the viewer, linking the last page and the first page of the converted files arranged in the order of linking;
The second area includes a separator that indicates a division between each converted file and is disposed between the last page and the first page, a first button that is disposed near the separator and allows selection of whether to expand or not expand each page in the converted file associated with the separator, and a page number in the single converted file and a consecutive page number in the group of converted files that are displayed in association with each of the thumbnails.
An information processing method in which processing is performed by a computer. Using the management screen for managing official documents, you can obtain multiple files in different formats,
displaying, in a first area of a viewer different from the management screen, pages of a group of converted files obtained by converting the acquired plurality of files so as to unify their formats, in a linked order;
displaying thumbnails of the pages of the group of converted files in a second area of the viewer, linking the last page and the first page of the converted files arranged in the order of linking;
The second area includes a separator that indicates a division between each converted file and is disposed between the last page and the first page, a first button that is disposed near the separator and allows selection of whether to expand or not expand each page in the converted file associated with the separator, and a page number in the single converted file and a consecutive page number in the group of converted files that are displayed in association with each of the thumbnails.
Equipped with a control unit that executes processing
Information processing device.