JP2011253480A - Information processor, document management system, document management method, program, recording medium and image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide efficient access to an electronic document and the group of electronic documents to be managed to a user.SOLUTION: An information processor 110 is provided with: a favorite database 130 for discriminating whether one or more favorite elements for calling a document, folder or retrieval condition are shared favorite elements or favorite elements unique to a user; a favorite provision means 122 for providing a favorite picture area for displaying one or more unique favorite elements registered about a log-in user and one or more shared favorite elements to a client terminal 150; and a favorite sharing processing means 124 for receiving the instruction of movement between the unique favorite elements and the shared favorite elements via the favorite picture area from the client terminal 150, and for duplicating the shared favorite elements as the unique favorite elements or the unique favorite elements as the shared favorite elements on the favorite database.

Description

  The present invention relates to a document management system, and more specifically, an information processing apparatus, a document management system, a document management method, a program for providing a user with efficient access to a managed electronic document and a set of electronic documents, The present invention relates to a recording medium and an image processing apparatus.

  In recent years, in organizations such as government offices and companies, so-called document management systems that centrally manage electronic documents related to work, electronic documents obtained by scanning paper documents with a scanner, electronic documents received by facsimile, etc. Is popular.

  In this document management system, an electronic document is generated at any time with daily work, and as a result, an enormous amount of electronic documents are accumulated. For this reason, there is a demand for registering, as a favorite, an electronic document or a set of electronic documents that is frequently used by each individual for business purposes from among the stored electronic documents, and accessing it with a simple operation. On the other hand, a conventional favorite function provided by a web browser is to register a favorite or bookmark for each user, and favorites are created and managed in units of users. Therefore, usually, the registered favorite convenience can be enjoyed only by the registered person.

  On the other hand, in a business in an organization, a person related to a specific business may frequently use a specific document or a set of documents in common. For example, a person involved in a project may frequently access a group of documents related to the project, such as project specifications and design documents, and reference materials. Such a document with a certain relation is not always stored in the same folder or a folder at a close position. In this case, it is troublesome if the documents and folders related to the project must be registered as favorites for each individual. Moreover, if a highly convenient search condition can be easily shared between users, the work efficiency can be improved.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a web browser, a technique for sharing favorites by exporting favorite information to a file and importing the information into another computer or user environment is known. Further, for example, JP 2008-171295 A (Patent Document 1) discloses a bookmark providing user terminal for taking in a bookmark registered in another user's terminal and registering and using the bookmark. Sends and registers the bookmark stored in the bookmark management server, publishes the bookmark registered for each providing user on the website, and designates the providing user from the bookmark acquiring user terminal and makes an acquisition request. A technique for extracting and transmitting a corresponding bookmark in the case of occurrence is disclosed.

  However, in the conventional method of providing a favorite export file to other users, all the favorite information registered by the providing source user is usually written out to the file. It was difficult to import and was not sufficient from the viewpoint of convenience. In addition, the conventional method of exporting favorites requires time-consuming operations such as exporting to a favorite file, distributing the file, and importing to the favorite before registering the favorite in the environment of another user. From the viewpoint of efficiency, it was not enough.

  Moreover, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a technique for providing a bookmark to another user, and obtains a bookmark of another user by excluding a famous bookmark or a bookmark already owned by the user. However, it is not enough to select only what is necessary from the bookmarks, and it is not sufficient in that the operation for bookmarks is not easy.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional technology, and the present invention easily shares a favorite registration that enables efficient access to a managed electronic document and a set of electronic documents among a plurality of users. It is an object to provide an information processing apparatus, a document management system, a document management method, a program, a recording medium, and an image processing apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus that implements a web application that provides access to a document stored in a database to a client terminal connected via a network. An information processing apparatus having features is provided. The information processing apparatus according to the present invention provides a client screen with a favorite screen area for displaying one or more individual favorite elements registered for a login user and one or more shared favorite elements. Each favorite element is for calling a document, a folder, or a search condition, and one or more favorite elements are stored in the favorite database by distinguishing whether they are shared or user-specific. The information processing apparatus receives an instruction to move between the individual favorite elements and the shared favorite elements via the favorite screen area from the client terminal, and uses the shared favorite elements as individual favorite elements or individual favorites. The element is duplicated on the favorite database as a shared favorite element.

  Furthermore, the information processing apparatus of the present invention receives the designation of one or more elements to be distributed among the registered shared favorite elements and the designation of one or more distribution destination users, accesses the favorites database, and distributes them. One or more target elements can be associated with user identification values of one or more distribution destination users and duplicated in a batch.

  Further, according to the present invention, the registration status of individual favorite elements in the favorite database can be totaled, and individual favorites that match the sharing conditions that condition automatic sharing can be determined according to the totaling results. Furthermore, in the present invention, the sharing condition includes the number of registered elements or registration rates of elements having matching contents among the individual favorite elements registered in the favorite database, and elements having one or more items that match the search condition. The registration number or registration rate, or the threshold value for the registration number or registration rate of elements that match all items of the search condition can be used. Still further, in the present invention, each item of the search condition can be a keyword or a combination of a key item and a key value.

  According to the invention, a document management system including the information processing apparatus having the above characteristics, a document management method executed by the information processing apparatus, a program for causing a computer to function as the information processing apparatus, and a record storing the program A medium and an image processing apparatus that communicates with the information processing apparatus are provided.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide an efficient sharing environment between users of favorite elements that enables access to a document or a set of documents managed in the document management system. According to the favorite sharing function of the present invention, it is possible to select and publish the individual favorite elements that the user wishes to use among other individual favorite elements by only a simple operation. Further, according to the favorite sharing function of the present invention, it is possible to select a desired element from among publicly shared favorite elements and individualize it as its own individual favorite element. Since favorites can be shared and individualized by selecting in units of favorite elements, only necessary items can be finely shared or individualized.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of a document management system. The block diagram which shows the function structure implement | achieved on the server and client of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows typically the flow of a favorite share process of 1st Embodiment. The figure which illustrates the main screen in the web browser displayed on the display apparatus of a client. The figure explaining the process which shares an individual favorite element. The figure explaining the process which individualizes a shared favorite element. The figure which shows the data structure of the favorite information registered into a favorite database. The figure which shows typically the flow of the favorite package distribution process of 1st Embodiment. The figure which illustrates the favorite batch distribution screen displayed on the display apparatus of a server. The figure explaining the flow of the process which a server performs when the client of 1st Embodiment uses the favorite function. The block diagram which shows the function structure implement | achieved on the server and client in the document management system of 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the automatic sharing process of the favorite element which a server performs.

  Hereinafter, although it demonstrates using embodiment of this invention, embodiment of this invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of a document management system 100. A document management system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a server 110 that manages an electronic document that circulates in the system 100, and a client computer terminal (hereinafter referred to as “browsing”, “editing”, and “printing”). Reference is made to a client.) 150a and 150b. The server 110 and the client 150 are connected to each other via a network 102 such as a local area network (hereinafter referred to as a LAN) using Ethernet (registered trademark) and a TCP / IP protocol.

  A network 102 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to an MFP 104 and other image processing apparatuses such as a facsimile, a scanner, and a copying machine (not shown). In the document management system 100, a document generated by these image processing apparatuses can be transmitted to the server 110, whereby the document can be registered in the document management system 100. Further, another client 108 is connected to the network 102 shown in FIG. 1, and a document stored locally in the client 108 is also registered in the document management system 100 by transmitting it to the server 110. Can do. The document stored in the document management system 100 can be output to an image forming apparatus such as the laser printer 106 by appropriately issuing a print instruction from the clients 108, 150a, 150b, and the like.

  The server 110 according to the present embodiment implements a web application for managing documents, and allows the client 150 to browse, edit, print, etc., via a web browser (hereinafter simply referred to as a browser). Provide an operating environment. In the document management system 100, documents are managed as a hierarchical structure including cabinets and folders, and the server 110 has a function of accessing a desired document by navigation through such a hierarchical structure to the client 150. provide. The server 110 also provides efficient access to documents by a search function such as search based on bibliographic information or full text search.

  The server 110 of the present embodiment also stores in the system 100 for each user of the document management system 100 (hereinafter, a user identified by a user name or the like on the document management system 100 is referred to as a user). Provides a favorite function for easy access to the documents to be accessed. Furthermore, the server 110 according to the present embodiment provides a function of sharing a favorite function provided individually for each user among users.

  The document management system 100 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The client 150 is configured by a wide area network (WAN) configured using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) gateway or a dedicated line (not shown). And the server 110 may be connected to each other, or the client 150 and the server 110 may be connected via a public communication line such as the Internet. Further, the number of clients included in the document management system 100 is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be configured by one or three or more.

  The server 110 reads a program (not shown) stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk drive, NV-RAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory), SD card, etc. (not shown) and expands it in the RAM memory area. Each function unit and each process to be described later are realized under an appropriate operating system (OS). In the present embodiment, even if the server 110 has an architecture such as UNIX (registered trademark), AIX, or LINUX (registered trademark), as long as each OS provides a similar function, the architecture of the computer is used. It is not limited. Also, the client 150 that communicates with the server 110 can have the same hardware configuration as the server 110.

  Hereinafter, a favorite sharing function realized in the document management system 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration realized on the server 110 and the client 150 according to the first embodiment. The client 150 shown in FIG. 2 includes a browser 152 and a script / code playback unit 154. The browser 152 is a known web browser that operates as an HTTP client, such as Internet Explorer (registered trademark) and Mozilla (registered trademark) Firefox (registered trademark). The browser 152 communicates with the HTTP server function on the server 110 and displays the web page acquired from the server 110 on a display device such as a display of the client 150.

  The script code playback unit 154 is implemented as an execution engine for a client-side script code such as a JavaScript script (registered trademark) script engine or an Adobe (registered trademark) Flash player, and a script such as JavaScript (registered trademark) or ActionScript. Process code and provide a rich graphical user interface. The script / code reproduction unit 154 can be provided as a function of the browser 152 itself or as an extended function.

  A user who operates the client 150 designates a URL for identifying a document management web application on the server 110 from the browser 152 and accesses the web application to use various functions provided by the document management system. can do.

  The server 110 includes a web application server unit 112 and a document management application unit 114. The web application server unit 112 is configured to include an HTTP server, a servlet container for executing servlets and JSPs, and processes communication with the browser 152 on the client 150. The document management application unit 114 operates on an execution environment provided by the web application server unit 112 and provides the client 150 with document management functions such as document browsing, editing, and printing.

  More specifically, the document management application unit 114 executes each process in response to a request from the client 150, the document browsing unit 116, the document search unit 118, the favorite registration unit 120, and the favorite providing unit 122. A favorite sharing processing unit 124. The server 110 is connected to a favorite database 130 and an electronic document database 132 that stores documents managed on the document management system 100. The favorite database 130 stores user-specific favorite information managed for each user identified by the document management system 100 and shared favorite information shared among users.

  The document management application unit 114 according to the present embodiment accesses the user name, password, and other information related to the user, executes user login processing, and recognizes the client 150 as a user of the document management system 100. . The user login process is not particularly limited, and any authentication method such as authentication using a user name and a password can be adopted.

  The document browsing unit 116 provides the logged-in client 150 with a view that enables hierarchical navigation to a document managed by the document management system 100. Similarly, the document search unit 118 provides the client 150 with a bibliographic information and full-text document search function, and provides a view for accessing the document from the search result. These views can include designation of a display format, such as whether the document is displayed in a list or thumbnail, whether the document is sorted and displayed in ascending order by name, or sorted in descending order by date.

  The favorite registration unit 120 converts a document, folder, or search result currently displayed or selected on the browser 152 of the client 150 into a favorite document, a favorite folder, or a favorite search condition (hereinafter, individual documents registered as favorites, (Folders and search conditions are collectively referred to as favorite elements). These favorite elements are recorded in the favorite database 130 in association with the user name.

  As an example of favorite registration, when a predetermined folder is displayed on the browser 152 on the client 150 and there is an instruction for favorite registration of the folder, the instruction is transmitted from the browser 152 to the favorite registration unit 120. Then, the favorite registration unit 120 registers the displayed folder as a favorite folder in association with the login user. In addition, in a state where a predetermined search result is displayed on the browser 152, when there is an instruction for favorite registration of the search condition, the favorite registration unit 120 sets the search condition corresponding to the search result as the favorite search condition. Register as a login user.

  The favorite providing unit 122 acquires favorite information corresponding to the login user from the favorite database 130, and provides the registered favorite elements to the login user in a state where the favorite elements are arranged by category or the like. Furthermore, the favorite providing unit 122 of the present embodiment acquires shared favorite information from the favorite database 130 and similarly provides the shared favorite elements to the login user in a state of being organized by category or the like. As a result, in addition to user-specific favorite elements, documents, folders, or search conditions can be called through shared favorite elements, respectively.

  The favorite sharing processing unit 124 performs sharing processing for copying a favorite element registered for each user as a shared favorite element, and individualization processing for copying a shared favorite element as a user-specific favorite element. Sharing of user-specific favorite elements is usually performed in response to an explicit instruction from the user to share user-specific favorite elements.

  The server 110 is configured to include a management tool 140 for performing various settings of the document management application unit 114. Various settings of the document management application unit 114 can include various items, and the management tool 140 according to the present embodiment can include a favorite management unit 142 for centrally managing favorite information in the favorite database 130. . For example, the administrator of the document management system 100 uses the management tool 140 to select and specify an element from among registered shared favorite elements, specify an addition destination user, and instruct batch addition. Thus, one or more shared favorite elements can be additionally registered to one or more users at a time.

  Hereinafter, the favorite sharing function of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a flow of favorite sharing processing according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, a shared favorite 200 and individual user favorites 202 and 204 for each user are registered on the server 110 side, and the favorite information is managed in the favorite database 130.

  When each of the clients 150a and 150b logs in to the document management system 100 as a predetermined user, the favorite providing unit 122 arranges the individual favorites and shared favorites of the corresponding users according to the categories and the like for the clients 150a and 150b. Provides a favorite screen area to display in In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the client 150 a recognized as “user A” is provided with the shared favorite 200 and the user-specific favorite 202 of “user A”, and is recognized as “user B”. 150b is provided with a shared favorite 200 and a user-specific favorite 204 of “user B” (broken line in FIG. 3).

  FIG. 4 illustrates a main screen in the web browser displayed on the display device of the client 150. The main screen 300 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the browser 152 of the client 150a used by the “user A”. The main screen 300 displays an individual favorite tree area 310 for displaying user-specific favorite elements as a tree, a shared favorite tree area 320 for displaying a favorite element shared among users as a tree, and a list of contents of the selected favorite elements. And a view area 330 to be displayed. In favorite tree areas 310 and 320, favorite elements such as individual or shared favorite folders, favorite search conditions, favorite documents, and the like are displayed on the tree. The favorite tree areas 310 and 320 constitute the favorite screen area of the present embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, a category 210 named “Category A” is expanded and displayed under the root 322 in the shared favorite tree area 320, and “Favorite Element 1” is displayed under the category 210 of “Category A”. ”And“ Favorite Element 2 ”are displayed. A category can be freely created by a user or an administrator to classify one or more favorite elements. In the user-specific favorite tree area 310, a category 220 named “Category B”, a favorite element 222 named “Favorite Element 3”, and a name “Favorite Element 4” are displayed under the individual favorite root 312. A favorite element 224 is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the favorite element 222 that is a favorite search condition is being selected. In this case, the view area 330 displays a search result based on the search condition corresponding to the favorite element 222.

  In the present embodiment, individual favorite elements can be shared by operating via the main screen 300, or shared favorite elements can be individualized as individual users. Here, the sharing of a favorite means an operation of publishing a user's individual favorite element to another user and copying it as a shared favorite element so that the other user can freely use it. In the embodiment to be described, the scope of disclosure is described as being uniformly disclosed to all users of the system, but in other embodiments, according to the setting of the user or the administrator, the group assigned to the user or You may comprise so that a range can be limited using user attributes, such as a role, and you may comprise so that opening may be limited to a specific user. Also, personalization of favorites refers to an operation of copying a public shared favorite element as a user-specific favorite element so that a specific user can independently edit it.

  Examples of operations via the main screen 300 include operations for registering and moving favorite elements by dragging and dropping them on the favorite tree areas 310 and 320. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining processing for sharing individual favorite elements. FIG. 5A shows a screen display of favorite tree areas 310 and 320 displayed on the browser 152. FIG. 5A shows that the favorite element 222 is dragged from the individual favorite tree area 310 and the pointer 340 is moved to the shared favorite tree area 320 in the favorite tree areas 310 and 320.

  When the operator of the client 150a drags and drops the favorite element 222 to a predetermined position in the shared favorite tree area 320 in the screen state shown in FIG. In response to this event, the browser 152 transmits an instruction to share the individual favorite elements 222 to the server 110 (arrow (1) in FIG. 3). In this embodiment, each favorite element is assigned a unique ID in the document management system 100. The sharing instruction includes the ID of the favorite element to be shared and the ID of the addition destination. included. In this embodiment, favorite elements are managed hierarchically using categories, and the addition destination is either a category or a root specified from the pointer position on the favorite tree area 320.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, in the above drag-and-drop operation, when an individual favorite element is dropped with the cursor position 342 pointing to the route, the favorite is shared with the route as an addition destination. As shown in FIG. 3, a duplicate 212 of the favorite element 222 of “favorite element 3” is created in the favorite database 130 as a shared favorite element. In the browser on the client 150a, a duplicate 212 of the favorite element 222 is displayed in the shared favorite tree area 320 as shown in FIG.

  In the other client 150b logged in the document management system 100, for example, the latest state including the newly shared favorite element 212 is displayed as appropriate at the update timing of the shared favorite tree area 320, for example. (Arrow (2) in FIG. 3). The shared favorite element can be used by other users from this point of time, and becomes an object of individualization described later.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining processing for individualizing shared favorite elements. FIG. 6A shows a screen display of favorite tree areas 310 and 320 displayed on the browser 152. FIG. 6A shows that the favorite element 212 is dragged from the shared favorite tree area 320 and the pointer 340 is moved to the individual favorite tree area 310 in the favorite tree areas 310 and 320.

  The operator of the client 150b drags and drops the favorite element 212 to a predetermined position in the individual favorite tree area 310 in the display state of the screen shown in FIG. In response to this instruction, the browser 152 transmits an individualization instruction for the shared favorite element 212 to the server 110 in response to this event (arrow (3) in FIG. 3).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, in the above drag-and-drop operation, when the cursor position 342 is dropped while pointing to the route, personalization of a favorite is instructed with the route as an addition destination. As shown in FIG. 3, a further copy of “favorite element 3” 212 is copied in the favorite database 130 as the individual favorite element 234 of the user. In the browser on the client 150b, a duplicate 234 of the favorite element 212 is displayed in the shared favorite tree area 320 as shown in FIG. From this point on, the personalized favorite element is a separate element from the shared favorite element, and can be freely edited by the user in the same way as a normal individual favorite element, and the edited element can be further shared. You can also

  FIG. 7 shows a data structure of favorite information registered in the favorite database 130. FIG. 7A shows a data structure of an individual favorite information table storing individual user favorite information registered in the favorite database 130. As shown in FIG. 7A, the individual favorite information table 400 includes fields 400a to 400g in which user names, favorites or category names, favorite contents, types, IDs, addition destination IDs, and creation dates are respectively input. including. Furthermore, the individual favorite information table 400 of the present embodiment includes a field 400h into which a value indicating whether or not the information is shared is input.

  FIG. 7B shows the data structure of a shared favorite information table that stores shared favorite information registered in the favorite database 130. As shown in FIG. 7B, the shared favorite information table 410 is a field into which a favorite or category name, favorite contents, type, ID, addition destination ID, creation date, and user name of the sharing source are input. Including 410a-410g.

  In the individual favorite information table 400 and the shared favorite information table 410 described above, the favorite content field includes a document reference destination (path + document name) in the case of a favorite document, and a folder reference destination in the case of a favorite folder. In the case of (path + folder name) and favorite search conditions, the search conditions (including the search range as appropriate) are retained. The favorite content may include designation of a display format in addition to information for specifying a document.

  The favorite information tables 400 and 410 shown in FIG. 7 maintain a user-specific or shared favorite tree structure. On the browser 152 of the client 150, favorite elements are arranged in the favorite tree areas 310 and 320 according to the data structure of the favorite information tables 400 and 410. As described above, by classifying favorite elements into categories and displaying them in a tree, it is possible to access a document or a set of documents by a favorite hierarchical structure different from the hierarchical structure of the document.

  In the present embodiment, the user can publish individual favorites that the user owns to other users via the two tree areas 310 and 320 displayed on the main screen 300, while the published favorites are displayed. Elements can be used as is or individually. In the above-described embodiment, the drag-and-drop operation has been described as an example of the operation on the client 150 side for sharing or individualization. However, even if sharing or individualization is performed using a right-click menu or the like. Often, sharing may be performed by setting a shared or non-shared flag on a dialog box for creating or editing a favorite.

  According to the favorite sharing function of the present embodiment, the individual favorite elements that the user wants to use by other users only by a simple operation such as a drag-and-drop operation or flag setting on a dialog box. Can be selected and published. Further, according to the favorite sharing function of the present embodiment, it is possible to select a desired element from among the public shared favorite elements and individualize it as its own individual favorite element. Since favorites can be shared and individualized by selecting in units of favorite elements, only necessary items can be finely shared or individualized. In this way, it is possible to provide favorite elements to other users in the same manner as when operating documents in the cabinet, and to reference or individualize favorite elements of other users. In the embodiment to be described, it has been described that sharing or individualization is performed in units of favorite documents, favorite folders, and favorite search conditions. However, it is configured so that sharing or individualization can be performed collectively in units of categories. Also good.

  The favorite information management process in the favorite database 130 will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a flow of favorite batch distribution processing according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the favorite database 130 of the server 110 manages a shared favorite 200 and individual user favorites 202, 204, and 206 for each user.

  FIG. 9 illustrates a favorite batch distribution screen displayed on the display device of the server 110. In the embodiment to be described, the display device provided in the server 110 and an input / output device such as a mouse and a keyboard are used for management operations. However, in other embodiments, a remote management web interface is used. By providing, an operation may be received via the remote management web interface.

  The favorite batch distribution screen 350 shown in FIG. 9 includes a tree view area 360 for displaying shared favorites as a tree, a tree view area 370 for displaying users as a tree, and a “batch distribution” button 380 for instructing batch distribution. And a “return” button 382 for canceling the batch distribution process and returning to the original management tool screen.

  The operator of the server 110 selects and designates one or more favorite elements (favorite document, favorite folder, favorite search condition or category) to be distributed and one or more users to be distributed on the batch distribution screen 350. When the “collective distribution” button 380 is clicked, a batch additional distribution process is performed for the user who has selected and designated the favorite element. In the batch distribution process, a duplicate of a shared favorite element for which batch distribution is specified is created in each user's favorites 202, 204, and 206 in the favorite database 130. In addition, when the user has already registered the same favorite, the process which excludes duplication registration is performed suitably.

  According to the function of the management tool 140 of this embodiment, a group of favorite elements selected as distribution targets can be distributed to a specific user group in a batch. Thus, for example, when a new user is added, a group of favorites that are highly convenient for work are distributed together, and thereby work efficiency can be improved. In the embodiment described above, the batch distribution function of favorites has been described. However, the management tool of the present embodiment may include a management function for deleting and organizing shared favorites and moving between categories. it can.

  Hereinafter, a method of accessing a document or a set of documents using a registered shared or user-specific favorite element will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flow of processing executed by the server 110 when the client 150 uses the favorite function. FIG. 10 shows a plurality of access paths using shared documents or individual favorite documents, favorite folders, and favorite search conditions.

  When a favorite is selected in the tree areas 310 and 320 in the main screen 300 as shown in FIG. 4 displayed on the browser 152, the server 110 receives a notification that the favorite has been selected in step S101. In step S102, the server 110 uses the favorite providing unit 122 to register information related to the category and favorite element directly under the favorite root registered in association with the login user, and information related to the category and favorite element directly under the shared favorite root. Is transmitted to the browser 152.

  The browser 152 of the client 150 receives this favorite information and displays a list of shared elements or user-specific favorite elements in the tree areas 310 and 320 and the view area 330 of the main screen 300. Although a detailed description is omitted, the favorite providing unit 122 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to reach a desired favorite element hierarchically by navigation similar to that of a cabinet.

  Hereinafter, an access path to a document using a shared or individual favorite document will be described. When a predetermined shared or individual favorite document is selected in the tree areas 310 and 320 or the view area 330 in the main screen displayed on the browser 152 and a browsing instruction is given, the server 110 performs the corresponding operation in step S103. The fact that the favorite document has been selected is received. In step S <b> 104, the server 110 acquires a document designated by the favorite document from the electronic document database 132 by the document browsing unit 116 and transmits the document to the browser 152 of the client 150. The browser 152 receives this document and displays it by a document viewer or the like.

  Hereinafter, an access path using a shared or individual favorite folder will be described. When a predetermined shared or individual favorite folder is selected in the tree area 310, 320 or the view area 330 in the main screen displayed on the browser 152 and a list display instruction is given, the server 110, in step S105, The fact that the favorite folder has been selected is received. In step S <b> 106, the server 110 causes the document browsing unit 116 to transmit folder information including bibliographic information related to other folders and documents directly under the favorite folder to the browser 152.

  When another folder is selected in the view area 330 in the main screen displayed on the browser 152, the server 110 receives that the folder has been selected in step S107, and loops to step S106. In this case, in step S <b> 106, the server 110 transmits, to the browser 152, folder information including bibliographic information regarding other folders and documents directly under the selected other folder by the document browsing unit 116. The processing in step S106 and step S107 is repeated until a hierarchy including a document or a set of documents desired by the user is reached.

  When a predetermined document is selected in the view area 330 and a browsing instruction is given, the server 110 receives a notification that the document has been selected in step S108. In step S <b> 104, the server 110 acquires the document from the electronic document database 132 and transmits it to the browser 152 of the client 150. The browser 152 receives this document and displays it by a document viewer or the like.

  Hereinafter, an access route using a shared or individual favorite search condition will be described. When a predetermined favorite search condition is selected in the tree areas 310 and 320 or the view area 330 in the main screen displayed on the browser 152 and a list display instruction is given, the server 110 performs the favorite search in step S109. The fact that the condition has been selected is received. In step S110, the server 110 uses the document search unit 118 to search the electronic document database 132 for a set of documents that match the registered favorite search condition. In step S111, the server 110 searches for bibliographic information related to the searched document. Information is transmitted to the browser 152. The browser 152 receives this search result information, rewrites the display contents of the view area 330, and displays a list of documents included in the search result. Access to the document in the search result is the same as in the case of the favorite folder.

  According to the above-described embodiment, a favorite element for accessing a document or a set of documents in the document management system 100 can be efficiently shared between users. According to the favorite function of the above embodiment, shared favorites and user-specific favorites are arranged in parallel in the main screen, and are arranged in a tree shape or hierarchically and provided to the user. For this reason, the user operates the favorite elements displayed in a tree-like or hierarchical manner on the web browser, so that the user can register not only the favorite elements registered by himself but also the favorite elements registered and released by other users. Thus, it becomes possible to easily access a desired document, and work efficiency can be improved. In addition, for sharing and personalizing favorites, as described above, setting the flag by operating each favorite element displayed in a tree or hierarchy on the browser with a pointing device or by calling a dialog etc. By doing, it can carry out easily, without taking a troublesome effort.

  In the embodiments described above, it has been described that sharing of user-specific favorite elements is performed in response to an explicit instruction from the user to share user-specific favorite elements. Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in addition to sharing by an explicit sharing instruction from the user, the server 110 individually registers a group of users such as the entire document management system 100 and a group. A second embodiment will be described in which a favorite element that is recognized to be useful for sharing is determined from the registered status of the favorite element, and is automatically shared as a shared favorite element.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration realized on the server 110 and the client 150 in the document management system 100 according to the second embodiment. Since the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10, the corresponding functional units are referred to by the same reference numerals, and the following differences are noted. The explanation will focus on the points.

  The document management application unit 114 according to the second embodiment includes a document browsing unit 116, a document search unit 118, a favorite registration unit 120, a favorite providing unit 122, and a favorite sharing processing unit 124 similar to those described in the first embodiment. And a favorite sharing determination unit 126 is further included.

  The favorite sharing determination unit 126 according to the present embodiment stores the favorite elements individually registered by a group of users such as the entire document management system 100 and a group regardless of whether there is an explicit sharing instruction from the user. The favorite elements recognized as useful to be aggregated and shared are determined and automatically duplicated as shared favorite elements.

  In the present embodiment, the favorite element to be automatically shared is determined according to a given sharing condition. The sharing condition is not particularly limited. For example, the sharing condition may be a threshold value for the number of registered favorite documents, favorite folders, or favorite search conditions or the registration rate. The contents registered by a large number of users are likely to be useful in general. Therefore, by automatically sharing search conditions that exceed a certain number of registrations or registration rates, useful favorite elements can be shared between users. Can be shared efficiently.

  The favorite sharing determination unit 126 totals the registration status in the favorite database 130 regularly or irregularly or in response to an explicit instruction from the administrator, and a favorite element satisfying the sharing condition is found. If it is, the fact is transmitted to the favorite sharing processing unit 124. Upon receiving this notification, the favorite share processing unit 124 can copy the favorite element as a new shared favorite element if there is no shared favorite element with the same content.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an automatic sharing process of favorite elements executed by the server 110. The process illustrated in FIG. 12 is started in response to the activation of the server 110 in step S200, for example. In the embodiment to be described, it is assumed that the timing for starting aggregation and automatic sharing in the favorite database 130 is scheduled, but in other embodiments, in response to an explicit instruction from the administrator. Or in response to reaching a certain number of new registrations, aggregation and automatic sharing may be initiated.

  In step S201, the server 110 determines whether, for example, a pre-scheduled timing has arrived. If it is determined in step S201 that the timing has not arrived (NO), the inside of step S201 is looped and the arrival of timing is awaited. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that the timing has arrived (YES), the process proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, the favorite sharing determination unit 126 is called, and the favorite sharing determination unit 126 acquires the favorite information of the group of users specified as the aggregation target from the favorite database 130, and identifies an equivalent favorite element. . The aggregation target may be the entire user, or the range may be limited according to user attributes such as a specific group or role.

  Here, in the case of a favorite document, the equivalent favorite element means a favorite document whose contents of the favorite element (document ID (which is uniquely assigned to identify the document)) match. For example, a favorite document whose document ID is “12345” and whose path and document name are “/ document / suggestion / proposal 1.pdf” is identified as an equivalent favorite element and is counted. In the case of a favorite folder, similarly, favorite folders having the same content of the favorite element (folder ID (which is uniquely assigned to identify the folder)) are identified as equivalent. For example, a favorite folder whose folder ID is “6781010” and whose path and folder name is “/ document / suggestion /” is identified as an equivalent favorite element, and is counted.

  Similarly, in the case of the favorite search condition, it is possible to identify that the contents (search conditions) of the favorite elements are completely the same. For example, in the case of a detailed search or simple search favorite search condition, if one or more keywords match completely, it can be identified as equivalent. Similarly, in the case of the detailed search or simple search favorite search condition, if the combination of one or more key items and a key value completely match, it can be identified as equivalent.

  However, in the case of a search using only a small number of keywords and a small number of items, it is considered that there is a good possibility that a search condition that completely matches will be registered, but logical operations such as logical sum, logical product, negation, etc. In case of detailed search with complicated search conditions such as keyword conditions that combine, and key values for key items such as document creator and registration date, multiple favorite search conditions that match completely can be created. Sexuality is reduced.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when identifying an equivalent favorite search condition, a search condition keyword or key item to be matched can be designated in advance without necessarily obtaining an exact match of the search condition. As a result, multiple favorite elements that are considered equivalent are created by identifying favorite search conditions that match the main search condition items as equivalent favorite elements regardless of differences in other keywords and key items. The possibility that the sharing condition described above is satisfied can be increased to a practical level.

  For example, when multiple keywords are set in the keyword input field for simple search or advanced search for the favorite search condition, when a predetermined number of keywords are matched, the difference between other keywords and other key items Regardless, it can be identified as equivalent. Also, if a combination of multiple key items and key values is set in the key item setting field for advanced search, when a predetermined number of key items and key values match among other items, other keywords, etc. Regardless of the key item differences, they can be identified as equivalent. If one or more keywords are set in the keyword input field for advanced search and a combination of one or more key items and key values is set in the key item setting field, one or more keywords, one or more keys When a predetermined number of items in the combination of items and key values match, they can be identified as equivalents regardless of the difference between other keywords and other key items.

  The key items set in the detailed search include the document creator, the document type (for example, the value “contract type” is the key value), the registration date (for example, “within 3 days”, “20xx / 04”). The condition “range of / 01 to 20xx / 06/30” is the key value), and the circulation state (for example, “approved” or “unapproved” is the key value).

  In the case where the complete match is not obtained in this way, it is possible to identify as an equivalent favorite element when preferably three items are matched among a plurality of keywords or key items. The reason for the three items is as follows.

  In the implementation of a document management system, there are generally 10 or more items that can be searched for in all document types, so the possibility that the three types of items match is less than 1%. Furthermore, the possibility of matching all of the values is even lower, so the possibility of all matching with the number of items exceeding 3 is infinitely close to zero, and sharing is performed effectively even if sharing conditions are set Because it is considered impossible.

  In the preferred embodiment, the number of matching items to be regarded as equivalent favorite search conditions is not limited to 3. For example, when 3 is a default value and the number of automatic sharing is too large or too small, The number can be set on the management screen, and shared favorites can be created at an appropriate frequency.

  In step S203, the favorite sharing determination unit 126 counts the number of registrations across a group of users to be counted for each identified equivalent favorite element. In step S204, the favorite sharing determination unit 126 determines whether the sharing condition is satisfied for each identified equivalent favorite element, that is, whether the number of registrations (or the registration rate) exceeds a given threshold value. The favorite element satisfying the sharing condition is determined and transmitted to the favorite sharing processing unit 124. As a result, favorite elements registered by a large number of users exceeding a certain number of registrations or registration rates in the aggregation target are extracted.

  In step S205, the favorite sharing processing unit 124 registers, as shared favorite elements, favorite elements that satisfy the shared sharing conditions except for those that match those registered as shared favorite elements. In step S206, this processing is performed. End. In order to be able to organize the auto-shared favorite elements later, the addition destination of the auto-shared favorite element is set to a predetermined category, or a flag indicating that it is automatically shared is set In addition, it is possible to identify an auto-sharing favorite element. Note that the contents of the favorite search condition to be registered can be the same as the above-described favorite search conditions for the favorite document, the favorite folder, and the exact search for finding the exact match. The search condition includes all matching items.

  In the second embodiment described above, even if there is no explicit sharing instruction from the user, the user's individual favorite element that is considered to be useful on the server 110 side is determined, and sharing is automatically performed. Is called. For this reason, the user does not need to consider which favorite element should be shared, and does not need a special operation for sharing. Further, useful favorites such as those registered by many users can be easily used by other users, and work efficiency can be improved. Moreover, since the favorite elements to be shared are not based on the individual subjectivity of the users, but are based on objective usability, objectively useful favorite elements can be efficiently shared between users. it can.

  In the second embodiment described above, it has been described that the favorite elements satisfying the sharing condition are automatically registered. However, in other embodiments, the sharing request is made without performing the sharing. It is also possible to notify the user that the price is high and to promote sharing of favorite elements.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, an information processing apparatus that can easily share favorite registration that enables efficient access to a managed electronic document and a set of electronic documents among a plurality of users. Document management system, document management method, program, recording medium, and image processing apparatus can be provided.

  The above functions can be realized by computer-executable programs written in legacy programming languages such as assembler, C, C ++, C #, Java (registered trademark), object-oriented programming languages, etc., ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash It can be stored and distributed in a device-readable recording medium such as a memory, flexible disk, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, SD card, or MO.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will conceive other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, and the like. It can be changed within the range that can be achieved, and any aspect is included in the scope of the present invention as long as the effects and effects of the present invention are exhibited.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Document management system, 102 ... Network, 104 ... Multifunction machine, 106 ... Laser printer, 108 ... Client, 110 ... Server, 112 ... Web application server part, 114 ... Document management application part, 116 ... Document browsing part, 118 ... Document search unit, 120 ... Favorite registration unit, 122 ... Favorite provision unit, 124 ... Favorite sharing processing unit, 126 ... Favorite sharing determination unit, 130 ... Favorite database, 132 ... Electronic document database, 140 ... Management tool, 142 ... Favorite management unit 150 ... Client 152 ... Browser 154 Script code playback unit 200 ... Shared favorite 202,204,206 ... User individual favorites 210,220 ... Category 212,222,224,234 324 ... Favorite element, 300 ... Main screen, 310 ... Individual favorite tree area, 312 ... Root, 320 ... Shared favorite tree area, 322 ... Root, 330 ... View area, 340 ... Pointer, 342 ... Cursor position, 350 ... Batch distribution Screen, 360, 370 ... Tree view area, 380 ... "Batch distribution" button, 382 ... "Return" button, 400 ... Individual favorite information table, 410 ... Shared favorite information table

JP 2008-171295 A

Claims (18)

An information processing apparatus for realizing a web application that provides access to a document stored in a document database to a client terminal connected via a network,
A favorites database that stores one or more favorite elements, each calling a document, folder or search condition, distinctly shared or user-specific,
Favorites providing means for providing a favorite screen area for displaying one or more individual favorite elements registered for the login user and one or more shared favorite elements for the client terminal;
An instruction to move between the individual favorite element and the shared favorite element via the favorite screen area is received from the client terminal, and the shared favorite element is set as the individual favorite element or the individual favorite element is shared. An information processing apparatus including, as an element, favorite sharing processing means for copying on the favorite database.   One or more elements that receive the designation of one or more elements to be distributed among the registered shared favorite elements and the designation of one or more distribution destination users, access the favorite database, and are to be distributed The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a favorite management unit that associates the one or more distribution destination users with user identification values of the one or more distribution destinations.   3. A sharing determination unit that totalizes registration statuses of individual favorite elements in the favorite database and determines individual favorites that match a sharing condition that conditions automatic sharing according to the total result. The information processing apparatus described in 1.   The sharing condition includes, among individual favorite elements registered in the favorite database, the registration number or registration rate of elements having matching contents, the registration number or registration of elements that match one or more items of search conditions The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, which is a threshold value for a registration number or a registration rate of an element that matches all items of a rate or a search condition.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each item of the search condition is a combination of a keyword or a key item and a key value. An information processing device that realizes a web application that provides access to a document stored in a database to a client terminal connected via a network, communicates with the information processing device, and stores the document in the database A document management system including an image processing device that performs the information processing,
A favorites database that stores one or more favorite elements, each calling a document, folder or search condition, distinctly shared or user-specific,
Favorites providing means for providing a favorite screen area for displaying one or more individual favorite elements registered for the login user and one or more shared favorite elements for the client terminal;
An instruction to move between the individual favorite element and the shared favorite element via the favorite screen area is received from the client terminal, and the shared favorite element is set as the individual favorite element or the individual favorite element is shared. A document management system including, as an element, favorite sharing processing means for copying on the favorite database.   The information processing apparatus receives designation of one or more elements to be distributed among registered shared favorite elements and designation of one or more distribution destination users, accesses the favorite database, and distributes the distribution target The document management system according to claim 6, further comprising: a favorite management unit that associates one or more elements to be associated with a user identification value of the one or more distribution destination users and collectively copies.   The information processing apparatus includes a sharing determination unit that tabulates the registration status of individual favorite elements in the favorite database, and determines individual favorites that match a sharing condition that conditions automatic sharing according to the tabulation result. The document management system according to claim 6 or 7.   The sharing condition includes, among individual favorite elements registered in the favorite database, the registration number or registration rate of elements having matching contents, the registration number or registration of elements that match one or more items of search conditions The document management system according to claim 8, which is a threshold value for a registration number or a registration rate of an element that matches all items of a rate or a search condition.   The document management system according to claim 9, wherein each item of the search condition is a combination of a keyword or a key item and a key value. A method executed by an information processing apparatus that implements a web application that provides access to a document stored in a database to a client terminal connected via a network,
The information processing apparatus processes a login procedure with the client terminal and specifies a user identification value of a user;
The information processing apparatus refers to a favorite database that stores whether one or more favorite elements for calling a document, a folder, or a search condition are shared or individually identified for each user, and identifies the user identification to the client terminal Providing a favorite screen area displaying one or more individual favorite elements registered in association with a value and one or more shared favorite elements;
An instruction to move between the individual favorite element and the shared favorite element via the favorite screen area is received from the client terminal, and the shared favorite element is set as the individual favorite element or the individual favorite element is shared. A document management method comprising: copying as an element on the favorite database. A computer-executable program for causing a computer to function as an information processing apparatus that implements a web application that provides access to a document stored in a database for a client terminal connected via a network, The program is
One or more registered for the logged-in user in the client terminal with reference to a favorite database that stores one or more favorite elements that call documents, folders, or search conditions separately, and identifies whether each element is shared or user-specific. Favorites providing means for providing a favorite screen area for displaying each of the individual favorite elements and one or more shared favorite elements, and between the individual favorite elements and the shared favorite elements via the favorite screen area from the client terminal The computer is made to function as a favorite sharing processing unit that replicates on the favorite database using a shared favorite element as an individual favorite element or an individual favorite element as a shared favorite element. Program.   One or more elements that receive the designation of one or more elements to be distributed among the registered shared favorite elements and the designation of one or more distribution destination users, access the favorite database, and are to be distributed The program according to claim 12, further comprising: a code for causing the computer to further function as a favorite management unit that associates a user identification value of the one or more distribution-destination users in a batch.   To further cause the computer to function as a sharing determination unit that counts the registration status of individual favorite elements in the favorite database and determines individual favorites that match a sharing condition that conditions automatic sharing according to the counting result The program of Claim 12 or 13 containing the code | symbol of this.   The sharing condition includes, among individual favorite elements registered in the favorite database, the registration number or registration rate of elements having matching contents, the registration number or registration of elements that match one or more items of search conditions The program according to claim 14, which is a threshold value for a registration number or a registration rate of an element that matches all items of a rate or a search condition.   The program according to claim 15, wherein each item of the search condition is a combination of a keyword or a key item and a key value.   A recording medium for recording the computer-executable program according to claim 12 in a computer-readable manner.   An image processing apparatus that communicates with the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the document is stored in the document database or stored in the document database by communicating with the information processing apparatus. An image processing apparatus for printing out a printed document.