JP2000137683A - Information processor and method for processing shared data - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor for easily arranging the points of a talk, and for easily understanding both the flow of the talk and the points of the talk for shared data with conversation as contents. SOLUTION: This method for processing shared data has a function for sharing prescribed data by exchanging information with one or more information processors. The shared data are displayed in the first area of a display screen, and specific data are designated from among the data displayed in the first area, and classification attributes to be applied to the designated data are designated. Then, the designated data are made correspond to at least information for identifying the designated classification attributes and stored as classified data, and the stored classified data are classified for each classification attribute and displayed in the second area of the display screen.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a function of sharing data among a plurality of information processing apparatuses and a shared data processing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Software called real-time groupware or an information processing apparatus having a function equivalent thereto for connecting a plurality of information processing apparatuses via a network and exchanging information with other information processing apparatuses in real time is known. It has begun to be introduced to companies.

[0003] This type of real-time groupware or information processing apparatus includes a group communication function that enables the information processing apparatus to exchange data with one or more other information processing apparatuses, and a group communication function. It is configured using a data sharing function for sharing data through the function and a shared data display function for displaying the shared data. In addition, the group communication function is a function for transmitting data to one or more other information processing devices specified in advance, so that data can be shared only between specific information processing devices. ing. In addition, the data sharing function exchanges various commands related to data sharing with each other using the group communication function, and enables a plurality of users to view and edit the same data through the shared data display function. Function.

Normally, data sharing (or a session) is started by performing communication start processing between a plurality of information processing apparatuses sharing data, and data sharing is ended by performing communication end processing. It is also possible to join or withdraw from data sharing on the way.

Several instructions are used to share data. For example, when data to be shared newly occurs on a certain information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus transmits a packet including the statement contents and a statement addition instruction to another information processing apparatus, thereby enabling data sharing. Done. Also,
If there is already data to be shared at the start of communication (for example, in a case where an existing log file is shared), the information processing apparatus having the data to be shared may transmit the data to be shared with another information processing apparatus. The data is shared by transmitting a packet including the command and the sharing command. When a certain information processing device participates in the middle, a predetermined information processing device transmits a packet including data to be shared and a sharing command to the information processing device in the middle. When modifying (for example, deleting or changing) shared data, the information processing device transmits a packet including information on the modification and a data correction instruction to another information processing device.

[0006] In addition, the shared data is stored,
You can refer to it later or reuse it in a later session.

[0007] Currently, real-time groupware includes, for example, a chat, an electronic blackboard, and an electronic KJ.
Laws and the like have been proposed. Below, chat, electronic blackboard,
The outline of the electronic KJ method will be described in order.

First, an outline of the chat will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is an example of screen display content on a display device provided by a conventional chat.

In a chat, character data is input in a data input area 1001 provided in advance, and a send button 100
When the user presses 2, the contents are also sent to another information processing apparatus by the group communication function, and the character information input to the information processing apparatus and the other information processing apparatus are displayed in a display area called a log area 1003 according to the input time. And the character information sent from is displayed. Note that the log area 1003 has only a function of displaying data, and does not have a function of changing its contents.

[0010] In such a chat, the data input by each user is displayed in time, so if another user participates on the way or if the participant accesses the data at a later date, the chat will be stopped. It is easy to understand the flow.

However, shared data cannot be classified, and input data is simply recorded in chronological order, making it difficult to understand summaries and points.

Next, an outline of the electronic blackboard will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is an example of screen display content on a display device provided by a conventional electronic blackboard.

When the electronic blackboard creates character objects 1011 to 1013 at an arbitrary position on the display screen, it issues an object creation command to another information processing apparatus through the group communication function and the contents of the object (in the example of FIG. 26,
"Measures for problem A"), attribute information such as the position of the object and the designation of the font are transmitted, and the same character object as the creator can be displayed on another information processing apparatus.

Further, when attribute information such as character information, size, style, etc. in a character object is changed,
Similarly, the change command and the change content are transmitted to the other information processing devices, and the screen information of all the members is updated.

If the user changes the content of the character object according to the content of the story, the point of the story will be understood if another user participates on the way or if the participant accesses at a later date. It is possible to create easy-to-use information.

However, if a plurality of users edit the same object at the same time, the contents may be inconsistent. Therefore, a mechanism for managing the editing right is required. In such a case, a plurality of users simultaneously edit the same object. Can no longer edit the object, and the convenience for the user is impaired.

If the creation time and the modification time of the character object are recorded, if another user participates on the way, or if a participant accesses at a later date, the time is based on the time information of the character object. It is possible to know the general story flow.

However, when a plurality of items are entered in a character object, it is difficult to understand the relationship between the items.

Next, referring to FIG.
The outline of the J method will be described. FIG. 27 shows a conventional electronic K
It is an example of the screen display content on the display device provided by the J method.

The electronic KJ method can create a new character object (character information) 1021 on the screen and change the attribute (size and position) of the object, similarly to the electronic blackboard. The character object is shared by exchanging data with the information processing device.

Also, attribute information (for example, "problem", "advantage") is automatically added using position information on the display screen where the character object is placed. In order to help the user understand at which position on the display screen the attribute can be assigned, a function of displaying a frame 1022 indicating an area and a classification 1023 on the screen is provided.

Further, unlike the electronic blackboard, since the contents are gathered by moving the character object to a desired position after the character object is created in a predetermined creation area, it is possible to eliminate restrictions caused by operating the same object. There are advantages.

However, when creating a character object, it is necessary to search for an empty space on the display screen, and to move the character object from the creation location to a specific position. When the number of character objects is small, the load on the user is small, but when the number of character objects is large, the operation becomes complicated.

[0024]

As described above, in the conventional chat, shared data cannot be classified, and input data is simply recorded in chronological order. It was difficult to understand summaries and points. In addition, in the conventional electronic blackboard, if a plurality of users edit the same object at the same time, there may be inconsistency in the contents. Therefore, a mechanism for managing the editing right is required. Cannot edit the same object at the same time, which is inconvenient for the user.In addition, when multiple items are entered in the text object, the It was difficult to understand. In addition, in the conventional electronic KJ method, when creating a character object, it is necessary to search for an empty space on the display screen, and it is necessary to move the character object from the creation location to a specific position. Therefore, when the number of character objects is small, the load on the user is small, but when the number of character objects is large, the operation becomes complicated.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances. (1) Information input by a user is shared among a plurality of users in real time, and the shared information is shared in accordance with a designated attribute. Realization of easy classification in real time, and (2) conclusions and issues of the story when a user who participates in the environment for collaborative work or when the participant accesses shared data recorded at a later date It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus and a shared data processing method capable of quickly accessing specific information classified as, for example, and (3) assisting in understanding the flow of a story that led to such a conclusion or task. And

[0026]

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention (claim 1) provides:
An information processing apparatus having a function of exchanging information with one or more other information processing apparatuses and sharing predetermined data, wherein the shared data is displayed in a first area of a display screen. First display means, first specifying means for specifying specific data from data displayed in the first area, and classification attribute to be assigned to the specified data Second designating means for designating the designated data, storage means for storing the designated data as classified data in association with at least information for identifying the designated classification attribute, and the display screen A second area for classifying the classified data stored in the storage means for each classification attribute and displaying the classified data in the second area.
And display means.

Preferably, the second display means displays a small area provided for each classification attribute in a second area of the display screen, and places each classified data in a small area corresponding to the classification attribute. You may make it display.

Preferably, the second display means may classify the classified data in a tree format for each classification attribute and display the classified data.

[0029] Preferably, the second display means may display only classified data having a classification attribute corresponding to the selected tab.

Preferably, an area number specifying means for specifying the number of types of areas for displaying classified data, and an attribute specification for specifying which attribute information each specified area has data to display. Means may be further provided.

Preferably, the apparatus may further comprise a setting means for setting the number of types of classification attributes that can be assigned to the specified data and an attribute name corresponding to each classification attribute.

Preferably, means for recording at least the shared data, the classified data, and the attribute information thereof on a predetermined external recording device; and Means for extracting the classified data and the attribute information thereof may be further provided.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises means for designating a desired one of the displayed classified data, and means for giving a comment to the specified classified data. It may be.

Preferably, the apparatus may further include means for displaying information indicating whether or not a comment has been added to the displayed classified data.

Preferably, a means for designating a criterion for determining the order in which classified data having the same classification attribute is displayed, and a means for rearranging the classified data in accordance with the designated criterion are provided. You may make it provide further.

[0036] Preferably, the criterion may be set so that the time information of the classified data has early or late time, the priority is large or small, or the user name is in the order of the Japanese syllabary.

Preferably, transmitting means for transmitting the classified data and its attribute information to another information processing apparatus, receiving means for receiving the classified data and its attribute information from another information processing apparatus, Means for displaying the received classified data and its attribute information in a corresponding portion of the second area.

[0038] Preferably, an inter-process communication means for exchanging information with another data processing process, and using the inter-process communication means, all or a part of the shared data to the other data processing process, And / or means for transmitting all or part of the classified data, and means for requesting storage of the communicated data using the inter-process communication means. .

The present invention (claim 14) is a shared data processing method having a function of exchanging information with one or more other information processing devices and sharing predetermined data,
Displaying the shared data in a first area of the display screen,
Receiving a designation of specific data from the data displayed in the first area, a designation of a classification attribute to be given to the designated data, and specifying at least the designation of the designated data; Storing the classified data in association with information for identifying the classified attribute, and storing the classified data in the second area of the display screen for each classified attribute. It is characterized by.

The present invention relating to the apparatus is also realized as an invention relating to a method, and the present invention relating to a method is also realized as an invention relating to an apparatus.

The present invention relating to an apparatus or a method is provided for causing a computer to execute a procedure corresponding to the present invention (or for causing a computer to function as means corresponding to the present invention, or for causing a computer to correspond to the present invention). The present invention is also realized as a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for realizing the function of performing the above is recorded.

According to the present invention, when specific data among shared data is specified and assignment of a classification attribute is specified, the contents of specified data are classified for each specified classification attribute. (For example, in an area corresponding to the classification attribute), the user can arrange the points of the story, which is the content of the shared data, with a simpler instruction than in the past, and First to display data
Can be understood by looking at the display area, and the points of the story can be understood by looking at the second display area that displays the classified data.

[0043]

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

First, a basic connection form of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 shows an information processing apparatus 2 according to this embodiment.
Shows an example of a network configuration in which a plurality of devices are connected. In this example, a plurality of information processing apparatuses 2 are connected by a network 4, and data is shared between the information processing apparatuses 2 having the same group ID (GID = 3 in the example of FIG. 1). Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example using a wired network, a plurality of information processing apparatuses 2 may be connected via a wireless network.

FIG. 2 shows another example of a network configuration in which a plurality of information processing apparatuses according to the present embodiment are connected. In this example, a plurality of information processing apparatuses 2-1 to 2-4 are connected by two types of networks (wired network 4 and wireless network 5) and have the same group ID (GI in the example of FIG. 2).
Data sharing is performed between the information processing apparatuses 2 having D = 3). In the example of FIG. 2, the information processing devices 2-1 and 2-2 having a wired network interface and the information processing device 2- having a wireless network interface are illustrated.
Communication with 3, 2-4 is performed via the relay device 6. When the information processing device 2-3 and the information processing device 2-4 cannot communicate directly, the communication is similarly performed via the relay device 6. Of course, a plurality of information processing devices
They may be connected via more than two types of networks.

In each of the above cases, a plurality of communication protocols may be mixed. To enable communication between information processing apparatuses that perform communication according to different protocols, a protocol converter may be provided in the network.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 2 includes a group communication section 23, a data sharing section 22, a shared data display section 24, a data input section 21, a classified data display section 28, and a data classification processing section. 27, classification area setting unit 2
6, a display unit 25 is provided.

The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has a function of starting communication for data sharing among a plurality of information processing apparatuses, a function of ending the communication, a function of joining in the middle, and a function of withdrawing in the same manner as in the prior art. In addition, it has a function of sharing data by a sharing command, a data correcting command, and a comment adding command, and a function of saving the shared data. These functions are realized by the group communication unit 23, the data sharing unit 22, the shared data display unit 24, the data input unit 21, and the display unit 25.

Further, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has a classification area setting function for classifying shared data,
A classification function is provided to classify shared data. These functions are realized by the classified data display unit 28, the data classification processing unit 27, the classification area setting unit 26, and the display unit 25.

First, the data sharing function (log function) will be described.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that utterance data described later is shared and the shared utterance data is displayed in chronological order.

The user inputs utterance data from the data input section 21 (see 121 in FIGS. 5 to 7). The data input unit 21 is preferably realized by a GIU (Graphical User Interface).

The "speech data" input from the data input unit 21 of the own device is displayed on the shared data display unit 24 via the data sharing unit 22 with the "speech ID", "user ID", and "input time". "Time information" is added and stored. Also, the utterance data input from the data input unit 21 of another information processing device is also received at the time of reception (input time in the other information processing device or time transmitted by the other information processing device is given by data exchange). (If any), time information such as the time), a statement ID, and a user ID are given and stored in the shared data display unit 24 of the own device. Needless to say, a correction or the like made to the shared data in any of the information processing devices is also reflected in the storage content in the shared data display unit 24 of each information processing device.

The contents of the shared data (speech data) stored in the shared data display section 24 are displayed in part or all in chronological order, together with information indicating the speaker obtained based on the user ID. It is displayed on the unit 25 (see 122 in FIGS. 5 to 7). The information indicating the speaker is obtained by referring to a predetermined table based on the user ID.

By the way, in order to identify a group (group) of a plurality of information processing apparatuses designated by the user,
First, a “group ID” is set, and the group ID is shared between a plurality of information processing apparatuses designated as a group.

The group communication unit 23 transmits a packet with a “group ID” added to one or more other information processing apparatuses connected to the same medium or two or more media, and receives this packet. In this case, only the packet including the group ID to which the own device belongs is processed.

An information processing apparatus serving as a transmission source broadcasts a packet to which a “group ID” to which the own apparatus belongs is added, and an information processing apparatus that has received the broadcast packet checks the group ID described in the broadcast packet. If it is the same as the group ID to which the own device belongs, the broadcast packet may be processed, or the information processing device as the transmission source has the same group ID as the “group ID” to which the own device belongs The packet may be transmitted only to the user.

The group communication section 23 of the information processing apparatus that has received the data checks the group ID assigned to the received packet, and if the group ID indicates the group to which the own apparatus belongs, the group communication section 23 transmits the packet to the data sharing section. Pass to 22.

When utterance data is input from the data input unit 21, the data sharing unit 22 transfers the utterance data to the shared data display unit 24 for storage (display on the display unit 25), and the utterance data to be shared. Then, a packet including the comment addition instruction is created, and the packet is sent to the group communication unit 23 together with the "group ID" to request transmission (the packet is transmitted to another information processing apparatus through the group communication unit 23).

When the received packet is passed from the group communication section 23, the command contained in the received packet is analyzed, and a predetermined process is executed according to the command.
For example, if the command is a statement addition command, the statement data included in the packet is passed to the shared data display unit 24 and stored (displayed on the display unit 25).

It should be noted that the packet may be transmitted including time information. Further, the packet may be transmitted together with the user ID (or if the user ID is obtained from other information, the packet does not need to include the user ID).

Further, a packet including a “sharing command” and “data to be shared” is created as required, and the packet is sent to the group communication section 23 together with the “group ID” to request transmission. When a modification (for example, deletion or change) to the shared data occurs, a packet including a “data modification instruction” and one or a plurality of “data operation method” / “operation contents” pairs is created. "Group I
These are sent to the group communication unit 23 together with D "to request transmission.

The shared data display unit 24 displays the contents of the shared data on the display unit 25 according to a method specified in advance. Also, if any additions or changes occur to the shared data,
Update the display contents.

Next, a method of sharing comment data will be described.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a comment data sharing procedure. Steps S11 to S15 are procedures on the transmitting side, and steps S21 to S25 are procedures on the receiving side. First, in the information processing apparatus, utterance data (character data) is input from the data input unit 21 and, for example, a GUI
When the transmission button (see 123 in FIGS. 5 to 7) is pressed, for example (step S11), the data sharing unit 22
Using the character data input from the data input unit 21,
A packet for adding a comment is created (step S12), and a transmission request is made to the group communication unit 23. As a result, the corresponding packet is transmitted from the group communication unit 23 (Step S13).

Further, in the own device, the data sharing unit 22
Sends a data display request to the shared data display unit 24 using the “user ID” and “utterance data” as arguments (step S
14).

The shared data display unit 24 is provided with the data sharing unit 2
2 is given a “user ID” to the data passed therefrom, managed in association with the “user ID” and the “utterance data”, and a log display area of the display unit 25 (122 in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7).
Is updated (step S15). Regarding the display in the log display area, the utterance data is rearranged using, for example, information on the time at which the utterance data was input or information on the time at which the corresponding packet was transmitted, and display is performed in chronological order. Further, the name of the speaker acquired using the user ID is added to the beginning of the line of the comment data.

On the other hand, the packet transmitted in step S13 is received by another information processing apparatus (step S21), and the received packet is passed from group communication unit 23 to data sharing unit 22.

The data sharing unit 22 to which the packet has been passed,
The received data is stored in the memory, the packet is analyzed (step S22), and data to be shared is acquired (step S23).

If the command included in the packet is the “speech addition command”, the data sharing unit 22 sends a data display request to the shared data display unit 24 using the “user ID” and “speech data” as arguments. Perform (Step S24).

The shared data display unit 24 is provided with the data sharing unit 2
2 is given a “user ID” to the data passed therefrom, managed in association with the “user ID” and the “utterance data”, and a log display area of the display unit 25 (122 in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7).
The display content is updated (step S25). The display in the log display area uses the information of the reception time or the transmission time information included as an option in the packet, rearranges the utterance data, and displays the utterance data in chronological order. Further, the name of the speaker acquired using the user ID is added to the beginning of the line of the comment data.

As described above, irrespective of the utterance data input in any information processing apparatus, the same group ID
Are displayed along with time in all the information processing apparatuses having, and each user can easily understand the development of the story.

Next, the log data (utterance data) classification function according to this embodiment will be described.

Here, the display screen on the display unit 25 in the present embodiment will be described. The setting of the classification area and the operation of classifying the shared data will be described later.

FIGS. 5 to 7 show screen display examples. 5 to 7 show the same log display, but differ in the classification display. FIG. 5 shows an example using a window, FIG. 6 shows an example using a tree, and FIG. Example of 7 is T
AB is used.

In FIGS. 5 to 7, reference numeral 121 denotes a data input area, into which the user inputs utterance data. Reference numeral 123 denotes a transmission button. When the user presses this button, the input utterance data is shared as described above, and displayed in the log display area 122 on the display screen of each information processing apparatus.

Reference numeral 126 denotes an attribute assignment button for assigning a desired attribute to data selected from the utterance data displayed in the log display area 122 (a group of utterance data or a part of the character string). Yes, in the examples of FIGS. 5 to 7, buttons corresponding to three attributes, “status”, “problem”, and “action” are displayed.

Reference numeral 125 denotes a state in which utterance data is selected in the log display area 122.

An area 124 is a classified data display area for displaying “classified data” in which attributes are added to the comment data.

The example of FIG. 5 uses a method of creating a “region” corresponding to an attribute and displaying related classified data therein as a classified data display method. Then, the area 127 corresponding to the attribute “situation”
In addition, "faster than last time", "button became difficult to press"
Are displayed, and two character strings of “there is a bug in the display” and “the data is not stored properly” are displayed in the area 128 corresponding to the attribute “problem”.

The example of FIG. 6 uses a method of displaying a "tree structure" as indicated by reference numeral 129 as a method of displaying classified data, and is exemplified based on the same contents of FIG. I have.

FIG. 7 shows a method of displaying classified data.
A method is used in which a page is created for each attribute, the attribute name is displayed at the top of the screen, etc., and the content of the screen is changed by designating "TAB" as shown at 130 to 132, as in FIG. The example is based on the content.

In addition to the above, various classified data display methods can be considered. Of course, a method realized by a combination of two or all of the methods in FIGS. 5 to 7 is also possible.

Next, the classification area setting processing by the classification area setting section 26 will be described.

The user has to classify the comment data by
Set the classification area. The setting of the classification includes addition of a new classification, deletion of the set classification, and change of the set classification.

First, the addition of a new classification will be described.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a procedure for setting a classification area when a classification is added.

In this case, it is assumed that the classification area setting section 26 has an area number specifying section (not shown) and a display data attribute specifying section (not shown).

When the user wants to add a new classification,
In the display screens illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, an “attribute addition command” is selected from a menu with a mouse or the like. For example, an attribute addition button (not shown) in a menu displayed at a predetermined position on the screen or displayed by right-clicking with a mouse is pressed to make a selection.

When the "attribute addition command" is selected as described above (step S31), the area number designation unit increases the current area number counter by one, and sends an attribute input request to the display data attribute designation unit. And a request to add a display area to the classified data display unit 28 is made.

The display data attribute designating section displays a new window on the display screen and prompts the user to input a name (for example, “situation”, “problem”, “coping”, etc.) for the attribute to be added (of course, registering in advance) May be selected from a list of attribute candidates that have been assigned). After the user inputs or selects the character data indicating the attribute (for example, “situation”), an “attribute ID” that uniquely identifies the attribute is assigned and stored in association with the character data (step S3).
2).

The classified data display section 28 displays a new classification area according to the classification display method in the classified data display area 124, and adds a display of an "attribute assignment button" corresponding to the new classification. I do. (Step S3
3). For example, in the case of FIG.
24, a "frame" of a predetermined size indicating a new classification area is displayed. In the case of FIG. 6, a new classification is added to the tree structure, and in the case of FIG. 7, TAB ( Or TAB and page).

For example, in the case of FIG. 5, it is preferable to prompt the user to determine “size” and “position” after displaying the above frame. Of course, in the case of FIGS. 6 and 7, the determination of the “size” and “position” of the tree or page may be prompted. As a method of specifying the size, for example, the user grabs the frame with a mouse or the like and moves the frame. The method of moving the position is determined, for example, by obtaining a vector from a position where the mouse button is pressed to a position where the mouse button is released in the area. In addition, this "size" and "position" changes,
It may be possible at any time.

Thus, the setting of a new classification area is completed.

The examples of FIGS. 5 to 7 show that three classifications of “situation”, “problem”, and “coping” are set by the above operation.

Next, the deletion of the set classification will be described.

When the user wants to delete one of the set classifications, the user presses a mouse button in the classified data display area 124. Then, the area number designation unit displays a menu including the attribute deletion in the item. When the attribute deletion item is selected, the current area number counter is reduced by one,
The classified data display unit 28 updates the contents of the display screen. When a certain class (attribute) is deleted, it is preferable to delete classified data having that class.

Next, the change of the set classification will be described.

When the user wants to change one of the set classifications, the user presses a mouse button in the classified data display area 124. Then, the area number designation unit displays a menu including the attribute change in the item. When the attribute change item is selected, the input of the attribute name to be changed is accepted. Then, the classified data display unit 28 updates the content of the display screen without changing the current area number counter. When the attribute name of a certain class is changed, for example, the change of the attribute name for the attribute ID may be changed.

Next, the data classification processing by the data classification processing section 27 will be described.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the procedure from the assignment of attributes to the display of classified data.

In this case, the data classification processing section 27 has a data designating section (not shown) and an attribute assigning section (not shown).

First, in the log display area 122, the user selects a character string to be classified. Then, the user presses the attribute assignment button 126 corresponding to the desired classification.

Upon receiving the attribute assignment instruction from the user (step S41), the attribute assignment unit requests the data designation unit to acquire the specific character data selected by the user.

[0107] In response to this, the data designating unit acquires the specific data selected by the user (step S42).

Next, in the classified data display section 28, the “attribute ID” corresponding to the assigned attribute, the “character data” obtained by the data specifying section, and the “classified ID”
And a request to add classified data is made (step S43).

In response, the classified data display section 2
8 updates the display contents (step S44). For example, in the case of FIG. 5, the above-described character data, that is, classified data is added to the corresponding area. In the case of FIG. 6, classified data is added to a corresponding portion of the tree. Also, in the case of FIG. 7, the corresponding page adds classified data to the display. If the corresponding part is not active on the screen, that part may be activated or the display may not be changed as it is (in the latter case, the next corresponding part is displayed on the screen). , The specific data added will be displayed for the first time).

Further, the classified data display section 28 displays “classified ID” and “attribute I” in the given “character data”.
"D".

Here, an example of the data designating section and the data designating method will be specifically described.

When a mouse is used as an input device for designating character data to be classified, for example, dragging is performed on desired characters in the log display area 122. Checks the start and end positions of characters in the display character buffer (not shown) based on the position where the button is pressed and the position where the button is released, and copies the character data to the selection buffer (not shown) I do. At the same time, the display method is different from other characters to indicate the selection. For example, the background color of the selected character data is changed.

When a keyboard is used, for example, a position is selected with a cursor key, and when a predetermined key is pressed, copying to a selection buffer and changing of a display screen are performed.

Next, an example of the attribute assignment instruction method will be specifically described.

In the attribute assigning section of the data classification processing section 27,
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, a button 126 indicating the attribute content is drawn on the display screen, and when a mouse, pen, or key input is performed, it is determined whether or not the command is related to the button.
If a predetermined condition is satisfied, a process of a routine executed when an attribute instruction command is received is performed.

When the selected data is requested from the data designating section and character data is selected, the "attribute ID", "character data" and "classified data ID" corresponding to the selected attribute are classified. The data is passed to the completed data display unit 28 and stored in the memory in association with the data. If no character data is selected, a warning message is displayed.

Alternatively, the attribute designating method is invalidated in advance, and only when character data is selected and when a character data valid message transmitted by the data designating unit is received, the attribute designating function (for example, attribute It is also conceivable to make the (grant button) effective.

Next, another example of the attribute assignment method will be described.

When the right button is pressed in the log display area, a menu is displayed at the position of the mouse.

The selectable attribute information is displayed in this menu item.

When character data is selected by the user, the same processing as described above is performed. However, when no character data is selected, the menu items are invalidated.

Various methods other than the above can be considered as the attribute assignment method.

For example, a desired character string in the log display area 122 is selected, and the mouse cursor is moved to a desired classification display area (for example, 127 in FIG. 5) while holding down the mouse button. , It is possible to add a desired attribute to a desired character string.

In the above description, desired functions such as a function for adding to classified data, a function for changing the attribute of classified data, and a function for deleting the attribute of classified data may be appropriately added.

In the additional function (manual addition function), when a mouse button is pressed on an area corresponding to a certain attribute in the classified data display area 124, a menu including items for adding classified data is displayed. . When the user instructs addition, a window for data input is displayed to prompt the user to input. The classified data ID corresponding to the input data is assigned and managed in association with the attribute ID. The classified data display section 28
Updates the display contents.

In the change function, when the user drags the classified data corresponding to one attribute with the mouse and drops it in the display area corresponding to another attribute, the selected classified data is replaced with a new classified data. It moves as data and changes the attribute ID to that corresponding to the area where it was dropped.

In the deletion function, similarly, when a mouse button or the like is pressed in the classified data display area 124,
Display a menu containing items for deleting classified data.
When the user instructs deletion, the classified data ID of the item selected by the user is acquired in the display area of the classification attribute, and is deleted from the management information. In addition, the classified data display unit 28 updates the display contents.

Further, a function may be provided for changing the display ratio of the log display area 122 and the classified display area 124 on the screen.

The display area of the display area of the screen is divided into a certain ratio, and the log display area and the classified display area are displayed according to the calculated area.

As a result, if the display area of the comment data is increased, the user can see a lot of comment data.
Alternatively, if the display area of the classified data is increased, it is possible to see a large amount of collected data. Alternatively, a method is also conceivable in which the ratio is designated as 0: 100 and one of them is not completely displayed.

As described above, the user selects the shared data (speech data) displayed in the log display area with a mouse, a pen, or a keyboard, and presses the attribute assignment button to obtain the desired shared data. Can be classified, so that the load on the user for classifying data is smaller than that of the conventional example such as the electronic KJ method. A user who has participated in the joint work on the way can understand the point of the talk by looking at the contents of the classified data display area. Further, it is possible to understand the flow of the story by looking at the log display area.

(Second Embodiment) Next, an example in which a data storage function is added to the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the file data structure. The file data structure is roughly divided into utterance data, attribute data, classified data, and user data. FIG. 11 shows an example of the comment data structure in the file data structure, FIG. 12 shows an example of the attribute data structure, and FIG.
3 shows an example of a classified data structure, and FIG. 14 shows an example of a user data structure. Of course, various structures other than this example can be used as the file data structure.

Next, a data storage method will be described.

In this case, a data storage unit and a data reading unit are added to the configuration shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a processing procedure when saving data.

In response to a data storage instruction from the user, the data storage unit stores the shared data (speech data), the attribute data, the classified data, and the user data stored in the memory in, for example, FIG. 10 to FIG. Save according to the file structure shown.

First, a predetermined file is opened (step S51), utterance data is written (step S52), attribute data is written (step S53),
The classified data is written (step S54), and the user data is written (step S55).

In the above example, all data is stored. However, by providing a storage data instruction function, specific data can be selected and stored.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a processing procedure when reading / displaying stored data.

The data reading unit opens a predetermined file (step S61), and analyzes the file according to, for example, the file structure shown in FIGS. 10 to 14 (step S6).
2) The utterance data, attribute data, classified data, and user data are respectively extracted (step S63) and stored in the memory. Then, the comment data and the user data are displayed in the log display area 122 by the shared data display unit 24 (step S64), and the classified data display unit 28
To display the attribute data and the classified data in the corresponding portions of the classified data display area 124 (step S
65).

As described above, by storing the contents of the joint work in an external recording device such as a disk, the user can understand the result of the discussion at a later date from both the flow and the points. Also, by transferring and copying the file to another user's device, it is possible for a person who has not participated in the collaborative work to understand the result of the discussion from both the flow and the point.

(Third Embodiment) Next, an example in which a comment adding function is added to the first embodiment or the second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a procedure for adding a comment.

In this case, the information processing apparatus is provided with a comment adding section.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a display screen relating to the comment providing function. Although FIG. 18 is based on the example of FIG. 5, the same applies to the cases of FIG. 6 and FIG.

In the classified data display area 124,
When the user clicks the mouse or presses a specific key of the keyboard on specific classified data (for example, the character string “faster than last time” in the attribute “situation”) (step S71), A comment display edit screen 133 is displayed (step S72).

The comment editing screen 133 allows a new character to be entered or an already entered character to be edited.

In response to a user's editing end instruction (for example, pressing the upper right button of the comment editing screen 133), the contents of the character buffer on the editing screen 133 are stored in association with the classified data (for example, "faster than the previous time"). (Step S74). For example, in the classified data display unit 28,
The classified data ID indicating the classified data to which the comment has been added and the contents of the comment are passed and stored in the classified data display unit 28.

Then, a request for displaying a comment addition mark is made to the classified data display section 28 (step S75).

In response, the classified data display section 2
8 displays the classification data with a mark at the beginning of the line. In the example of FIG. 18, "*" is used as this mark.

It should be noted that two or more comments may be given to certain classified data. Further, in this case, when there are two or more comments, the number of marks such as “*” may be displayed, or a value indicating the number of comments may be displayed next to the mark such as “*”.

In the above processing, if the content of the character buffer is the same as the comment stored in association with the previous one, the processing is stopped (step S7).
6).

As described above, when the user wants to supplement the contents of the classified data, the user can associate the supplemented contents with the classified data.
Understand that classification data and comments are related.

Further, by hiding the comment, it becomes possible to display many classified data on the screen.

To save data, a comment structure may be defined and added to the file structure for management. This makes it possible to refer to the comment data associated with the classified data at a later date.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, an example in which a sorting function in each area of the classified data display area is added to the first, second, or third embodiment. explain.

FIG. 19 shows an example of the procedure of the sorting process.

In this case, the information processing apparatus is provided with an order changing unit.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a display screen relating to the sort function.

[0161] The order changing unit is configured to display the classified data display area 1
24, when the mouse button is pressed or a rearrangement instruction is selected from the menu (step S8).
1) The selectable priority attributes are displayed on the menu as items (step S82). FIG. 20 shows a state in which a priority attribute assignment button 135 indicating H corresponding to a high priority and a priority attribute assignment button 135 indicating L corresponding to a low priority are displayed.

As the priority attribute, an attribute for the priority in sorting which is defined in advance separately from the attribute for classification described in the first embodiment is used. For example, "time", "priority", "speaker", and the like can be considered.

Next, when an attribute for priority is selected by the user, the selected attribute is designated as a key, and a request to change the display content is made to the classified data display section 28.

The classified data display unit 28 compares the assigned priority attributes of all the classified data and determines the display order (step S84).

Then, the display contents of the classified data are updated so as to be in the determined order (step S85).
As an example of the sorting of each attribute, when the key attribute is time, sorting is performed in a new (or old) order, and in the case of priority, sorting is performed in a descending order of priority. In the order of "aiueo".

When the arrangement is changed, the display shows what kind of priority attribute is arranged (step S86). This information is shown after the attribute in the example of FIG. 20 (the priority attribute of the classification attribute “situation” is “speaker”, and the priority attribute of the classification attribute “problem” is “priority”). In addition, the contents of the priority attribute ("H" and "L" of 136) are displayed at the head of each classified data.

Here, a method of assigning a priority attribute to attribute data will be described using the above-described attribute as an example.

As the “time”, a method in which the user presses the attribute assignment button for classification may be adopted. Alternatively, it is conceivable to use the data at the time when the comment data is transmitted.

"Priority" gives a priority associated with the priority assignment button shown in FIG. If there is no instruction from the user, a method of giving a predetermined priority can be considered. In the example of FIG. 20, only High and Low are shown, but they may be classified into 1 to N stages or ABCD. In that case, prepare the necessary number of buttons and menu items.

[0170] "Speaker information" indicates the user ID indicating the speaker when the group communication unit 23 receives the utterance data.
Is recorded together with the comment data. When specific data is specified in the log display area, it is conceivable to search for utterance data from position information and use a user ID corresponding to the utterance data.

In the above description, sorting is performed with different priority attributes for each classification attribute. However, sorting may be performed with the same priority attribute.

As described above, since the user can view information according to his / her own interest, it becomes easier to grasp the conclusion of the story as compared with the case of viewing unclassified information.

(Fifth Embodiment) In the first embodiment, utterance data is shared among a plurality of information processing apparatuses, and information about classification is not shared. However, in this embodiment, information about classification is shared. Is also shared.

The present embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment, and the configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, such as the part relating to the sharing of utterance data. This is the same as the embodiment (FIG. 3), except that a function of sharing information on classification is added.

In the following, description will be made focusing on the points in which the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment.

FIG. 21 shows a configuration example of an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

In this embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, a classification sharing unit 29 for transmitting, receiving, and sharing information about classification is provided. The classification sharing unit 29 includes a classified data transmission unit (not shown) and a received data classification display unit (not shown).

FIG. 22 shows an example of a procedure of a sharing process of information on classification.

The processing of the classification sharing unit 29, particularly the classified data transmission unit, the received data classification display unit, and the classified data display unit 28 will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

After the attribute assigning unit in the data classification processing unit 27 acquires the “attribute” and the selected “specific data” (steps S91 and S92), the classified data transmitting unit
Request data transmission.

The classified data transmission unit creates a packet including the classified data addition command, the classified data ID, the attribute ID, the size of the specific data, and the content of the specific data (step S93). A transmission request is made (step S94).

When the information processing device on the receiving side receives the packet (step S101), the group communication unit 23
Holds the packet in the received packet memory and analyzes the packet (step S102). If the instruction included in the received packet is a classified data addition instruction, a processing request is made to the received data classification display unit in the classification sharing unit 29 using the packet as an argument.

The received data classification and display section analyzes this packet and obtains each data (step S103). Next, a data addition command is requested to the classified data display unit 28 (step S104). Classified data display section 28
Creates display data based on the instructed contents and updates the screen (step S105). Also, the classified data display section 28 displays the given classified data ID,
The attribute ID, the size of the specific data, and the content of the specific data are stored in association with each other. Then, an end packet is transmitted to the transmission source (step S106), and the process ends.

On the other hand, in the information processing apparatus on the transmitting side, the classification information sharing unit 29 similarly requests a data addition command from the classified data display unit 28 (step S95), and the classified data display unit 28 is instructed. The display data is created based on the content, and the screen is updated (step S96). In addition, the classified data display unit 28 stores the given classified data ID, attribute ID, specific data size, and specific data content in association with each other.

It should be noted that the modification or deletion of the classified data can be shared in the same manner as the addition of the classified data described above. Also, the addition, correction, and deletion of attributes for classification can be shared in the same manner as the above-described classified data.

This embodiment has both a function of transmitting a packet relating to data to be shared to the same device and a function of receiving a packet relating to data to be shared and reflecting the contents thereof. However, only one of them may be provided.

As described above, since one user classifies shared data, the screen contents of other members are updated in real time, so that all users participating in the collaborative work see the same information. This makes it possible to summarize points such as meetings as compared with the case where a conventional electronic blackboard is used.

In this embodiment, the file data structure shown in the second embodiment can be combined with the first embodiment by combining any of the second to fourth embodiments. It is also possible to combine any of the functions described above, the data storage function, the comment adding function shown in the third embodiment, and the sorting function shown in the fourth embodiment.

By the way, the information processing apparatus according to each of the above embodiments or the combination thereof is
To cause a computer to execute a predetermined procedure (or to make the computer function as a predetermined means)
Alternatively, it can be realized as a program (for causing a computer to perform a predetermined function), and can be embodied as a computer-readable recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

Such a program is, for example, a CD-ROM.
It can be provided or provided by a solid medium such as a ROM, an FD, an MD, or a semiconductor disk, and can be provided or provided by communication with a server device on a network.

This program can be operated on a predetermined operating system. In this case, the functions provided by the operating system can be appropriately used.

FIG. 23 shows an example of the configuration of such a computer (computer). The computer includes an arithmetic device 201, a recording device 204, an input device 203, a display device 2
02, a communication device 205 is provided.

The arithmetic unit 201 is, for example, an MPU or a CPU.
And is connected to a recording device 204, an input device 203, a display device 202, a communication device 205, and the like via a bus 206.

The recording device 204 is a temporary memory such as a RAM.

As the input device 203, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a pen input for instructing on a display screen, and the like can be appropriately combined and used.

The display device 202 comprises, for example, a video memory for temporarily storing display contents and an AD converter. A CRT or a liquid crystal display device has a form in which the device is connected to the device by an analog cable, and a method for realizing the device to be incorporated in the device.

As the communication device 205, a wired LAN card, RS232C or U
Wireless LA in a form that does not use serial communication such as SB, IEEE 1394, and / or a cable
An N card, IrDA, PHS data communication, or the like can be used.

In order for the information processing apparatus to function, a predetermined program stored in the recording device 204 is executed,
It controls the exchange of data between the devices connected via the bus 206.

In the information processing apparatus in which data to be shared has been generated, the shared data and the like held in the recording device 204 are updated based on a command or the like from the input device 203, and the like.
Based on the result, display data is created and written to the video memory, and a packet including various commands and data is created and a transmission request is sent to the communication device 205.

[0200] On the other hand, the information processing apparatus on the receiving side updates the shared data and the like held in the recording apparatus 204 using the packet received by the communication apparatus 205,
Based on the result, display data is created and written to the video memory.

(Sixth Embodiment) In the present embodiment, as described above, the information processing apparatus according to each of the above embodiments or a combination thereof is called a program (hereinafter, referred to as a data sharing program). When implemented by a computer, the shared data can be passed to other software (hereinafter referred to as another program) operating on the computer.

FIG. 24 shows an example of a procedure for transferring shared data to another software.

The exchange of shared data uses inter-process communication. The function of this inter-process communication is as follows.
The functions provided by the operating system of the computer that executes the program shall be used.

First, using this function, a session is established between the data sharing program and another predetermined program (step S111).

Next, in response to a data transmission instruction from the user, the data transmission unit causes a part or all of the utterance data, a part or all of the attribute data, a part or all of the classified data, and a part of the user data. A packet including a part or all is created (step S112).

As the structure of the packet, the structure shown in FIG. 10 can be used. Each structure utilizes the structure shown in FIGS. In addition, regarding the attribute data, the display position and the size information may be omitted.

The created packet is transmitted using the inter-process communication section (step S113).

Finally, the data storage request transmitting unit creates a packet including the data storage command (step S11).
4) Send a transmission request to the inter-process communication unit (Step S)
115).

[0209] In the above description, a group of data is created from utterance data and transmitted to another process. However, a method of transmitting individually and then transmitting a save command may be considered.

[0210] Although four types of data are transmitted in the above description, some types of data may be transmitted. For example, only the comment data or only a part of the comment data and the entire attribute data may be used.

[0211] Thus, the process of the other program which has set the connection in the inter-process communication holds the received packet in the memory and analyzes the data. Then, after receiving the save command, the file is recorded according to the data save rule of the process.

As described above, it is possible to record the result of the joint work as a form independent of a specific format. Therefore, a user who does not have the function according to the present invention can access using another program by receiving the result of the joint work as general data.

In the above description, one information processing device corresponds to one
Although one information processing apparatus has a plurality of group IDs, it is also possible that one information processing apparatus has a plurality of group IDs and shares data with another information processing apparatus corresponding to each group ID.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be implemented with various modifications within the technical scope.

[0215]

According to the present invention, the classified data is classified and displayed for each classification attribute only by specifying the desired data and the desired classification attribute, so that the user can organize the data with simple instructions. It is also possible to see the first display area for displaying the shared data, and to see the chronological flow of the shared data, and to see the second display area for displaying the classified data. Understand the points of the content.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration in which a plurality of information processing apparatuses according to an embodiment of the present invention are connected;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view showing another example of a network configuration in which a plurality of information processing apparatuses according to the embodiment are connected;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of comment data sharing processing in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view showing an example of screen display contents of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary view showing another example of the screen display content of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary view showing still another example of the screen display content of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a classification area setting process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure from attribute assignment to display of classified data in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a file data structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an exemplary view showing an example of a comment data structure in the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of an attribute data structure in the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a classified data structure according to the embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of a user data structure in the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when data is stored in the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when reading / displaying stored data in the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a comment adding process according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of screen display contents in the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a sorting process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an exemplary view showing an example of screen display contents of the embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of a process of sharing information regarding classification in the embodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates a configuration example of a computer.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display content of a conventional chat.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of screen display content of a conventional electronic blackboard.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of screen display contents of the conventional electronic KJ method.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2, 2-1 and 2-2 Information processing device 4 Wired network 5 Wireless network 6 Relay device 21 Data input unit 22 Data sharing unit 23 Group communication unit 24 Shared data display unit 25 Display unit 26: Classification area setting unit 27: Data classification processing unit 28: Classified data processing unit 29: Classification sharing unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page F term (reference) FA47 FA48 FB43 FB50

Claims (14)

[Claims] An information processing apparatus having a function of exchanging information with one or more other information processing apparatuses and sharing predetermined data, wherein the shared data is displayed on a first screen of a display screen. First display means for displaying in the area, first specifying means for specifying specific data from the data displayed in the first area, and Second specifying means for specifying a classification attribute to be assigned; and storage means for storing the specified data as classified data in association with at least information for identifying the specified classification attribute. And second display means for classifying and displaying classified data stored in the storage means for each classification attribute in a second area of the display screen. Information processing device. 2. The second display means displays a small area provided for each classification attribute in a second area of the display screen, and displays each classified data in the small area corresponding to the classification attribute. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second display means classifies the classified data in a tree format for each classification attribute and displays the classified data. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second display means displays only classified data having a classification attribute corresponding to the selected tab. 5. An area number designating means for designating the number of types of areas for displaying classified data, and an attribute designating means for designating which attribute information each designated area has data to display. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising setting means for setting the number of types of classification attributes that can be assigned to the designated data and an attribute name corresponding to each classification attribute. Information processing device. 7. A means for recording at least said shared data, said classified data and its attribute information in a predetermined external recording device, and said shared data and said classification from said predetermined external recording device. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for extracting completed data and attribute information thereof. 8. A system further comprising: means for designating a desired one of the displayed classified data; and means for giving a comment to the specified classified data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for displaying information indicating whether a comment has been added to the displayed classified data. 10. A means for designating a criterion for determining an order in which classified data having the same classification attribute is displayed, and means for rearranging the classified data according to the designated criterion. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 11. The method according to claim 11, wherein the criterion is early or late time information, priority order, or the order of the Japanese syllabary of the user name of the time information which the classified data has as attribute information.
An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 12. A transmitting means for transmitting classified data and its attribute information to another information processing apparatus; a receiving means for receiving classified data and its attribute information from another information processing apparatus; The classified data and its attribute information,
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for displaying an image in a corresponding portion of the second area. 13. An inter-process communication means for exchanging information with another data processing process, and using the inter-process communication means, the whole or a part of the shared data to the other data processing process; And / or a means for transmitting all or a part of the classified data; and a means for requesting storage of the communicated data using the inter-process communication means. The information processing measure according to claim 1. 14. A shared data processing method having a function of exchanging information with one or more other information processing devices and sharing predetermined data, wherein the shared data is displayed on a first display screen. Receiving specified data from among the data displayed in the first area; receiving a specification of a classification attribute to be assigned to the specified data; The data is stored as classified data in association with at least the information for identifying the specified classification attribute. The classified data stored in the second area of the display screen is stored for each classification attribute. A shared data processing method characterized by classifying and displaying.