JP2020042658A - Information processing apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and a program that can establish the flow of processing with a method more appropriate than any one method of input of a natural sentence and an operation of an object to be displayed.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises: first receiving means that receives input of a natural sentence describing the details of processing on an object to be processed; second receiving means that receives an operation to arrange an object to be displayed according to the processing; switching means that switches which control of control of the first receiving means and control of the second receiving means is made effective; and creation means that creates a series of processing in response to a natural sentence or an operation received by the first receiving means or the second receiving means that is made effective by the switching means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

  In recent years, a system has been proposed that has a function of automatically generating a target program source by using software specifications written in a natural language as an input (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  The system described in Patent Literature 1 includes a terminal device that inputs software specifications, a processing device that processes the input software specifications, and a storage that stores the input software specifications and information created by internal processing. An apparatus is provided, and a target software product is generated using software specifications described in a natural language as input information.

JP-A-6-214776

  When constructing the flow of a process such as a workflow, the flow of the process is input as a natural sentence, and when constructing the flow of the process from the natural sentence, and when a display target that is a representation image of each process is arranged, In some cases, a processing flow is constructed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a program capable of constructing a processing flow by a more appropriate method than only one of a method of inputting a natural sentence and an operation of a display target.

[1] first receiving means for receiving an input of a natural sentence describing the content of a process for a process target;
A second receiving unit that receives an operation of arranging a display target according to the processing;
Switching means for switching which of the control of the first receiving means and the control of the second receiving means is to be validated;
Generating means for generating a series of processes according to the natural sentence or the operation received by the first receiving means or the second receiving means validated by the switching means;
An information processing apparatus comprising:
[2] The switching means switches which of the first receiving means and the second receiving means is enabled according to an operation by an operator,
The information processing device according to [1].
[3] The switching unit switches from a state in which the first reception unit is enabled to a state in which the second reception unit is enabled in accordance with the generated index indicating the state of the series of processes.
The information processing device according to [2].
[4] The switching unit switches from a state in which the first reception unit is enabled to a state in which the second reception unit is enabled when the index becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value.
The information processing device according to [3].
[5] The apparatus further includes display control means for controlling to display the switching means when the natural sentence received by the first receiving means does not satisfy a predetermined criterion,
The information processing device according to any one of [1] to [4].
[6] The display control means controls to display the switching means when the first receiving means does not receive the input of the natural sentence within a predetermined time,
The information processing device according to [5].
[7] Computer
First receiving means for receiving an input of a natural sentence describing the content of the processing for the processing target;
A second receiving unit that receives an operation of arranging a display target according to the processing;
Switching means for switching which of the control of the first receiving means and the control of the second receiving means is to be validated;
A program for functioning as a generation unit that generates a series of processes according to the natural sentence or the operation received by the first reception unit or the second reception unit that is enabled by the switching unit.

According to the first and seventh aspects of the invention, it is possible to construct a processing flow by a more appropriate method than only one of the method of inputting a natural sentence and the operation of a display target.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to construct the flow of processing in either the input of a natural sentence or the operation of a display target according to the operator's intention.
According to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to switch to a method based on the operation of the display target according to the status of the construction of the processing flow, without depending on the operation of the operator.
According to the invention according to claim 5, even when the input natural sentence does not satisfy a certain standard, the processing flow can be constructed by the method of operating the display target.
According to the invention according to claim 6, even when a natural sentence is not input within a predetermined time, a processing flow can be constructed by a method by operating a display target.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control system of the information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work screen for generating and displaying a workflow from a natural sentence. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work screen for generating a workflow for sending a processing target. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work screen for generating a workflow related to an approver's process. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work screen when a natural sentence that does not satisfy the criteria is input. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work screen on which a configuration diagram when a natural sentence is changed is displayed. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the work screen when a natural sentence that does not satisfy the criteria is input. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work screen on which an icon list screen and a switching screen are displayed. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work screen for generating and displaying a sentence from a configuration diagram. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the work screen on which the setting screen is displayed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. The dimensional ratios of the images shown in FIGS. 2 to 10 do not always match the actual dimensional ratios.

[Summary of Embodiment]
The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a first receiving unit that receives an input of a natural sentence describing the content of a process for a processing target, and a second receiving unit that receives an operation of arranging a display target according to the process. Switching means for switching which of the control of the first receiving means and the control of the second receiving means is to be validated; and the first receiving means or the second receiving means validated by the switching means Generating means for generating a series of processes according to a natural sentence or an operation accepted by the means.

  “Process target” refers to a target object on which the processing of the information processing apparatus is executed. The processing target includes, for example, documents such as application forms, contracts, specifications, and forms. The “series of processes” refers to a process flow (also referred to as a “workflow”) constructed by associating at least one or more processes. “Display target” refers to a graphic that shows the contents of a function or process in a pattern.

  “Natural sentence” refers to a sentence described in a language commonly used by humans. The “natural sentence” of the present embodiment may be any sentence capable of analyzing the meaning of a sentence and extracting a word. For example, a word described by a plurality of different character strings having the same meaning and pronunciation, that is, Includes sentences that include fluctuations in expression. “Natural sentences” include, for example, spoken words used when communicating orally in daily life, in addition to written words used when writing a document.

[Embodiment]
(Configuration of information processing device)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control system of the information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. The information processing apparatus 1 corresponds to, for example, an image forming apparatus such as a personal computer and a multifunction peripheral, and a portable information terminal such as a tablet terminal and a multifunctional mobile phone (smartphone).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11 for controlling each unit, a storage unit 12 for storing various data, a display unit 13 for displaying information, and an input unit for inputting information. 14 is provided.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an interface, and the like. The CPU operates in accordance with the program 120 recorded in the storage unit 12, so that the first receiving unit 110 </ b> A, the second receiving unit 110 </ b> B, the switching unit 111, the text analyzing unit 112, the text correcting unit 113, the complementing unit 114, It functions as a generation unit 115, an editing unit 116, a display control unit 117, a text generation unit 118, a warning unit 119, and the like. Details of each of the means 110 to 119 will be described later.

  The storage unit 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk, and the like, and includes a program 120, a component conversion dictionary 121, reference information 122, a workflow component list 123, screen information 124, and user information. Various data such as 125 are stored. In the present specification, “storage” is used when writing information to the storage unit 12, and “recording” is used when writing some contents in the above-described various information or updating various information.

  The component conversion dictionary 121 is a conversion dictionary for replacing words extracted by analyzing natural sentences with elements constituting a workflow. Here, the workflow refers to a process flow (also referred to as a “series of processes”) constructed in such a manner that at least one or more processes are continuously executed on a process target.

  “Natural sentence” refers to a sentence written in a language that people use daily (hereinafter, also referred to as “natural language”). For example, in addition to written words used when writing sentences, daily life In this case, spoken language used for verbal communication is included.

Specifically, the “natural sentence” includes the following sentence types.
(A) Due to differences in the character type used for notation of hiragana, katakana, kanji, alphabet, etc., and inconsistency of sending kana when kanji is used, they are described in different notations even though the meaning and pronunciation are the same. The type of sentence (that is, a sentence containing fluctuations in expression), and (b) differences in the order of components such as subject, object, predicate, modifier, adverb, omission of any of these components, Differences in sentence endings such as ", mas" and "Dana" tones, differences in dialects, synonyms, and abbreviations, erroneous writing of "te", "ni", "wo", "ha" particles and Sentence types that have substantially the same meaning, although there are certain differences in notation due to differences in formal syntax due to omissions and the like.

  The “natural sentence” in the present embodiment may further include a sentence type required to be described in accordance with a certain rule such as a machine language, a function, or programming. The language is not limited to Japanese.

  The component conversion dictionary 121 may be fixed information, or may be periodically updated by a machine learning function such as deep learning.

  The reference information 122 is information serving as a reference for determining the state of the input natural sentence. The criterion information 122 includes, for example, a first criterion for determining whether or not a sentence can be analyzed by a sentence analyzing unit 112 described later, and a change of a sentence by a sentence correcting unit 113 and a complementing unit 114 described later. And a third criterion for determining whether or not execution conditions necessary for executing the workflow generated by the generation unit 115 described later are satisfied.

When the first criterion is not satisfied, for example, the following cases are given.
(1-A) When the fluctuation of the expression exceeds a predetermined range,
(1-B) When the grammar of a natural sentence does not satisfy a certain standard.
The criteria (1-A) and (1-B) are examples of predetermined criteria.

When the second criterion is not satisfied, for example, the following cases are given.
(2-A) In a state where the meaning of the natural sentence can be analyzed, but there is a shortage in the composition of the natural sentence (for example, when one sentence includes a plurality of descriptions related to processing, the second and subsequent descriptions are included) In the case where the subject is omitted, refer to FIG. 3),
(2-B) When the fluctuation of the expression within a predetermined range is included (for example, when the processing target described as “transportation expense application” is used for the second and subsequent times, it is simply described as “application”). In some cases, see FIG. 3).

When the third criterion is not satisfied, for example, the following criterion is included.
(3-A) When the workflow is not started (for example, when the destination is not specified even though the process for sending the process target is included, the main entity and the destination In the case where no set value is set, see FIGS. 5 and 9),
(3-B) When the workflow is stopped halfway (for example, when there is an inconsistency in the set values and the flow of processing, see FIG. 7) and the like.

  The workflow component list 123 includes elements (hereinafter, referred to as “tool”), such as a subject that instructs execution of a process, a process target to be processed, and a function of performing a process (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “tool”). This is a table showing a list of workflow components.) The “processing” includes, for example, creation of a document, stamping of an electronic seal (hereinafter, also referred to as “date stamp”) in the document, transmission and receipt of the document to a specific destination, and the like.

  The screen information 124 is information relating to various screens displayed on the display unit 13 by the display control unit 117 to be described later and graphics constituting each screen. The screen includes, for example, a work screen 3 (see FIG. 2 and the like), an icon list screen 5 (see FIG. 8), a switching screen 7 (see FIG. 8), a setting screen 9 (see FIG. 10), and the like.

  The graphic includes an icon indicating the above-mentioned tool (see FIG. 8). In addition, the "icon" refers to a figure that represents the subject, the processing target, the content of the process or function by a graphic, the subject that represents the subject, the processing target, the content of the process or function by a graphic, and a character or symbol added. , Which are composed only of letters and symbols. Details of each screen and icon will be described later.

  The user information 125 is information recorded by associating user identification information for identifying a user with user attribute information indicating an attribute of the user. The user identification information includes a user name, a user ID, and the like. The user attribute information includes, for example, information indicating an affiliation (for example, an organization such as a company, a department, a department, or a group; hereinafter, also referred to as a “tenant”) to which the user belongs.

  Next, the details of the units 110 to 119 of the control unit 11 will be described. The first receiving unit 110 </ b> A receives a natural sentence describing the content of the process input from the input unit 14. The second receiving unit 110B receives an operation of moving an icon displayed on the display unit 13. The icon is an example of a display target.

  The switching unit 111 switches which of the control of the first receiving unit 110A and the control of the second receiving unit 110B is valid. When the switching unit 111 switches the control of the first receiving unit 110A to be valid, the first receiving unit 110A receives an input of a natural sentence. The second receiving unit 110B does not receive an operation of moving the icon.

  On the other hand, when the switching unit 111 switches the control of the second reception unit 110B to be valid, the second reception unit 110B receives the operation of moving the icon. The first receiving unit 110A does not receive an input of a natural sentence.

  The switching unit 111 changes the state of the first reception unit 110A from valid to the second reception in accordance with, for example, an index indicating the degree of completion of the constructed workflow (hereinafter, also referred to as “completeness”). You may switch to the state which makes the means 110B effective. The degree of completion is, for example, the display amount of the displayed icons (for example, the number of icons, the number of connection symbols described below, etc.), the presence or absence of a frame, the setting status of the association between processes by the connection symbols, and the like. May be evaluated according to The degree of completion is an example of an index indicating a processing state.

  The switching unit 111 switches from a state in which the first receiving unit 110A is enabled to a state in which the second receiving unit 110B is enabled when the completion degree is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and when the completion degree is high. When the value becomes larger than the predetermined value, the state where the second reception unit 110B is made valid may be switched to the state where the first reception unit 110A is made valid.

  As an example of the case where the degree of completion is equal to or less than a predetermined value, a state in which no icon is displayed in a workflow display area 30 (see FIG. 2 and the like) described later, that is, a framework serving as a basis of the workflow (also referred to as “overall image”) ), The switching unit 111 may enable the first accepting unit 110A to preferentially construct a workflow by inputting a natural sentence.

  As an example of a case where the degree of completion is larger than a predetermined value, when adjustment such as detailed setting or change is performed in a state where a certain workflow is constructed, the switching unit 111 sets the second receiving unit 110B to The construction of the workflow by the operation of moving the icon as valid may be preferentially performed.

  The sentence analyzing unit 112 analyzes the natural sentence received by the first receiving unit 110A, extracts elements constituting the natural sentence (hereinafter, also referred to as sentence constituent elements), and converts the constituent elements of the storage unit 12. The workflow components are extracted by referring to the dictionary 121, and the extracted workflow components are further analyzed to extract the contents included in the natural sentence. The analysis performed by the text analysis unit 112 includes, for example, morphological analysis, syntax analysis, semantic analysis, context analysis, and the like.

  The sentence correcting unit 113 determines that the natural sentence input to the input unit 14, that is, the natural sentence received by the first receiving unit 110 </ b> A does not satisfy the criterion recorded in the reference information 122 (particularly, the second criterion). Modify the natural sentence so that the criterion is satisfied. The “correction” includes adding some description to the natural sentence (also referred to as “supplementary”), deleting at least one description from the natural sentence, and adding at least a part of the description of the natural sentence to another. And the like.

  When the input natural sentence does not satisfy the criterion recorded in the criterion information 122 (especially, the third criterion (especially, 3-A in particular)), the complementing unit 114 corrects the natural sentence and corrects the workflow. To a natural sentence having information that can be constructed.

  "Can construct a workflow" means that information for constructing a provisional workflow by the natural sentence is complete, that is, information for determining workflow components is complete, for example, The main setting values are not omitted.

  As an example, when the destination is not described in the process of sending the processing target, the supplementing unit 114 forms a provisional workflow by complementing a predetermined person as a temporary destination. Change to a natural sentence.

  The generating unit 115 generates a workflow corresponding to the natural sentence received by the first receiving unit 110A according to the result of the analysis by the sentence analyzing unit 112. Specifically, the generation unit 115 checks the sentence components extracted by the sentence analysis unit 112 against the workflow component list 123 stored in the storage unit 12, and executes a subject, a processing target, After specifying tools and the like, a workflow is constructed by combining them (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  Further, the generation unit 115 generates a workflow for the processing target according to the operation of moving the icon received by the second reception unit 110B. Specifically, the generation unit 115 analyzes the arrangement of the icons (also referred to as “layout”) in accordance with the operation of moving the icons received by the second reception unit 110B, and determines the relationship between the icons. After specifying the request, the subject, the processing target, the tool, and the like, a workflow is generated by combining these.

  The editing unit 116 edits the workflow generated by the generation unit 115 in response to the change of the natural sentence. Editing a workflow includes, for example, adding a process to the workflow, deleting a process from the workflow, changing the order of the processes configuring the workflow, changing the set values of the processes configuring the workflow, and the like. This “change” includes both a change made by the operation of the operator and a change made by the above-described text correcting means 113 and the complementing means 114.

  The display control unit 117 controls the display unit 13 to display a configuration diagram 500 (see FIG. 2 and the like) indicating a workflow and a display target such as a natural sentence. In the following description, “control to display on the display unit 13” is also simply referred to as “display”. The subject of the display is also referred to as “displayed on the display unit 13” or simply “displayed”.

  The text generation unit 118 generates a text describing the contents of the workflow. Specifically, the text generation unit 118 extracts the components of the workflow generated by the generation unit 115 in response to the operation of moving the icon received by the second reception unit 110B, and converts each component into a text component. Then, a sentence describing the contents of the workflow is generated. The text describing the contents of the workflow is described in, for example, a natural sentence.

  The warning unit 119 outputs a warning when the input natural sentence does not satisfy the criterion recorded in the criterion information 122. Examples of the warning method by the warning unit 119 include a method of displaying warning information (also referred to as an “error message”) indicating a warning, a method of emitting a sound (alarm or buzzer) or a sound, a method of turning on an LED, and the like. May be used. Further, the warning unit 119 may output a warning in a different manner according to the above various criteria.

  The display unit 13 includes a display such as a liquid crystal display and an organic EL display. The input unit 14 includes operation means for performing operations such as a mouse and a keyboard, as well as recognition means for recognizing voice such as a microphone and reading means for reading information described by scanning a document such as a procedure manual. Can be used. The display unit 13 and the input unit 14 may be integrated into a touch panel monitor capable of inputting and displaying information.

  The display unit 13 and the input unit 14 do not necessarily need to be provided inside the information processing device 1, and may be provided in an external device such as a terminal device (PC or portable information terminal). In this case, the information processing device 1 may further include a network communication unit, and may transmit and receive various information and signals from the terminal device via the network. Further, a plurality of terminal devices may be provided according to the number of operators.

(Operation of the embodiment)
Next, an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Hereinafter, the operation of the information processing apparatus 1 is divided into two operations: (1) an operation of generating a workflow from natural sentences and displaying the contents, and (2) an operation of editing the workflow to generate and display a natural sentence. Each will be described in detail. Hereinafter, as an example, a specific example will be described with reference to an example of generation of a workflow including processing related to application for transportation expenses and processing related to approval. In addition, an application (especially, a travel expenses application) will be described as an example of the text to be processed.

(1) Operation of Generating Workflow from Natural Sentence and Displaying Contents FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work screen for generating and displaying a workflow from natural sentences. As shown in FIG. 2, the work screen 3 is provided with, for example, a workflow display area 30 as an area for displaying the configuration of the generated workflow, and a text display field 31 for displaying text.

  In the workflow display area 30, a configuration diagram 500 showing the workflow is displayed. The configuration diagram 500 is a diagram showing the contents of the processing executed in the workflow, and particularly, it visually shows which subject processes what processing object, that is, who performs what. It is. The sentence display section 31 displays a natural sentence input to the input unit 14 and a natural sentence generated by the sentence generation unit 118.

(1-1) Generation of a Workflow for Creating a Travel Expense Application Form for Applying for Travel Expenses When an applicant inputs a natural sentence to the input unit 14, the first receiving unit 110A accepts the input natural sentence. “Applicant” is an example of an operator.

  Next, the display control unit 117 displays the natural sentence received by the first receiving unit 110A in the sentence display column 31. The sentence analysis unit 112 analyzes the natural sentence, and extracts the elements constituting the workflow by referring to the component conversion dictionary 121.

  As an example, when a natural sentence 312 (hereinafter, also referred to as a “first natural sentence 312”) in which “the applicant creates a travel expense application” is input, the sentence analyzing unit 112 The first natural sentence 312 is analyzed to extract sentence components such as “applicant” indicating the subject, “transportation expense application” indicating the processing target, and “creation” indicating the processing.

  If the input natural sentence does not satisfy the first criterion recorded in the above-described criterion information 122 (for example, if it is difficult to analyze the sentence), the display control unit 117 sends a natural message to the applicant. A message urging the user to re-enter the sentence may be displayed, and the warning unit 119 may output a warning urging the applicant to re-enter the natural sentence.

  When the input natural sentence does not satisfy the second criterion recorded in the reference information 122 (for example, when the natural sentence includes a certain fluctuation of expression), the sentence correcting unit 113 May appropriately modify the natural sentence, and the sentence analyzing means 112 may analyze the natural sentence corrected by the sentence correcting means 113.

  The generation unit 115 generates a workflow corresponding to the first natural sentence 312. Specifically, the generation unit 115 checks the workflow components extracted by the analysis of the text analysis unit 112 with the workflow component list 123, and specifies a subject, a processing target, a tool, and the like corresponding to each text component. .

  More specifically, the generation unit 115 specifies the application subject as corresponding to “applicant”, specifies the transportation expense application as corresponding to “transportation application”, and responds to “create”. Identify the authoring tool to do. Further, the generating unit 115 configures a workflow by combining the specified information.

  The display control means 117 controls to display a configuration diagram 500 showing the content of the generated workflow. This configuration diagram 500 visually indicates that the generated workflow is a process in which the applicant creates a transportation expense application. The configuration diagram 500 corresponding to the first natural sentence 312 shown in FIG. 2 includes an applicant icon 50A corresponding to the applicant, a transportation expense application icon 510 corresponding to the transportation expense application, and a creation tool corresponding to “create”. An icon 52 is included.

  Further, the display control means 117 may perform control so as to display the contents of the processing according to the operator. Specifically, the display control means 117 may display the configuration diagram 500 with a frame R for separating the content of the process for each operator who is a subject that executes the workflow. In other words, it is visually displayed that the operator (in the example of FIG. 2, the applicant) executes the process related to the tool displayed in the frame R.

(1-2) Generation of Workflow for Sending Transportation Expense Application Form to Approver FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a work screen 3 for generating a workflow for sending a processing target. Hereinafter, the contents substantially the same as the contents described in FIG. 2 will be simplified, and the duplicate description will be omitted. When the applicant inputs a natural sentence to the input unit 14, the first receiving unit 110A receives the input natural sentence, the display control unit 117 displays the natural sentence in the sentence display column 31, and the sentence analyzing unit 112 The natural sentence is analyzed to extract the elements constituting the workflow.

  As an example, a natural sentence 313 (hereinafter, also referred to as a “second natural sentence 313”) describing “the applicant applies a date stamp to the application form and sends it to the approver” is input. In this case, the sentence analysis unit 112 analyzes the second natural sentence 313 and generates a sentence structure such as “applicant”, “application”, “date stamp”, “seal”, “approver”, and “send”. Extract elements.

  In addition, the sentence analysis unit 112 further analyzes the extracted sentence constituent elements, and in the second natural sentence 313, “the applicant applies a date stamp to the application” and “the applicant submits the date stamp. Will send the sealed application form to the approver. "

  Note that the sentence correcting means 113 corrects the “application form” to “transportation expense application form”, and supplements “applicant is” before “send to the approver”. The second natural sentence 313 after the r correction by the sentence correcting unit 113 and the supplement may be analyzed.

  The generation unit 115 generates a workflow corresponding to the second natural sentence 313. The display control unit 117 controls to display the configuration diagram 500 corresponding to the generated workflow. This block diagram 500 visually indicates that the generated workflow is a process in which the applicant creates a travel expense application, stamps a date stamp in the created travel expense application, and sends it to the approver. It is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the configuration diagram 500 corresponding to the second natural sentence 313 includes an approver icon 50B in addition to the applicant icon 50A, transportation expense application icon 510, and creation tool icon 52 shown in FIG. , A stamping tool icon 53, a sending tool icon 54, a first connection symbol 501A, and a second connection symbol 501B.

  An arrow 540 from the first connection symbol 501A to the second connection symbol 501B is displayed between the first connection symbol 501A and the second connection symbol 501B. This arrow 540 indicates that the processing target is sent from the applicant to the approver.

(1-3) Generation of Workflow Related to Approver's Process FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the work screen 3 for generating a workflow related to an approver's process. When the approver inputs a natural sentence to the input unit 14, the first receiving unit 110A receives the input natural sentence, the display control unit 117 displays the natural sentence in the sentence display column 31, and the sentence analyzing unit 112 The natural sentence is analyzed to extract the elements constituting the workflow. The approver is an example of the operator.

  As an example, a natural sentence 314 ("the approver confirms the contents of the application, stamps a date stamp if approved, and transmits the date to the applicant, and returns to the applicant if rejected.") Hereinafter, also referred to as “third natural sentence 314”), the sentence analyzing unit 112 analyzes the third natural sentence 314, and outputs “approver”, “contents of application”, “ Text components such as “confirm”, “if approved”, “date stamp”, “seal”, “applicant”, “send”, “if rejected”, and “return” are extracted.

  In addition, the sentence analysis unit 112 further analyzes the extracted sentence constituent elements and adds, to the third natural sentence 314, a condition that “the approver confirms the contents of the application form” and that the post-confirmation processing is performed. "Approve the application" or "Reject the application"; "If approved, the approver stamps the application with a date stamp and sends the application to the applicant"; and If you do, send back the application form to the applicant. "

  The generation unit 115 generates a workflow corresponding to the third natural sentence 314. The display control unit 117 controls to display the configuration diagram 500 corresponding to the generated workflow. In the block diagram 500, the generated workflow is such that the applicant creates a travel expense application, stamps a date stamp on the created travel expense application and sends it to the approver. This visually indicates that a process according to the result is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the configuration diagram 500 corresponding to the second natural sentence 313 includes, in addition to the components shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a confirmation tool icon 55, an approval symbol 61, a rejection symbol 62, a third And a fourth connection symbol 503A.

  The approval symbol 61 indicates a condition for executing the following process (for example, a process of stamping a date stamp and sending it to the applicant) on the transportation expense application. Further, the rejection symbol 62 indicates a condition for executing the following processing (for example, processing of returning the application to the applicant) for the transportation expense application.

  Each arrow 540A displayed between the first connection symbol 501A and the second connection symbol 501B, between the third connection symbol 502A and the approval symbol 61, and between the fourth connection symbol 503A and the rejection symbol 62, respectively. -C indicate the directions in which the transportation expense application (see "510") is sent between the applicant and the approver.

(1-4) When Natural Sentence is Changed A change in workflow when a natural sentence is changed will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the work screen 3 when a natural sentence that does not satisfy the criterion recorded in the criterion information 122 is input. Note that FIG. 5 shows a case where a person having the user identification information 50Ca (see the character string “fx30710”) is set as the applicant instead of the “applicant” shown in FIG.

  When a natural sentence that does not satisfy the criterion recorded in the criterion information 122 described above is input, the warning unit 119 outputs a warning symbol 32 indicating a warning, as shown in FIG. The warning symbol 32 is, for example, a symbol including an exclamation mark that calls attention. In FIG. 5, as an example of a case where the standard (3-A) among the standards recorded in the standard information 122 is not particularly satisfied, an approval as a destination in the second natural sentence 313 describing the transmission of the application form is given. The case where the user is not described will be described as an example.

  Further, when the second natural sentence 313A in which the approver to which the application is sent is not described is input, the complementing unit 114 complements a specific person as a temporary approver. “Specific person” may be set according to the type of application form.

  The “specific person” corresponds to, for example, a boss or a superior belonging to the same tenant as the applicant specified by the user information 125 stored in the storage unit 12. In addition, a list of candidates that can be “specific persons” may be set in advance according to the user information 125. The specific person is an example of a predetermined person.

  The generating unit 115 generates a workflow corresponding to the natural sentence in which the provisional approver has been supplemented by the supplementing unit 114.

  The display control means 117 controls to display the configuration diagram 500 showing the workflow. As shown in FIG. 5, the configuration diagram 500 includes a worker icon 50D related to a person having the user identification information 50Da (see the character string “fx20494”) set as a temporary approver.

  The display control means 117 may display the worker icon 50D or the user identification information 50Da in an emphasized manner. For example, the display control means 117 may change the color of the user identification information 50Da to the color of the other operator icon 50 (see FIG. 8), display it in bold or diagonal characters, or blink it. May be displayed.

  In addition, the display control unit 117 controls to further display the first balloon symbol 8A including the first message 80A such as “set the destination”. The first balloon symbol 8A urges the operator to input a destination. Preferably, first balloon symbol 8A is displayed so as to indicate a destination to be set.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the work screen 3 on which a configuration diagram 500 when a natural sentence is changed is displayed. An example in which the destination is added to the second natural sentence 313A in which the destination of the application form shown in FIG. 5 is not described will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, when the destination information 313Ba is input to the second natural sentence 313A by operating the input unit 14, the editing unit 116 responds to this change and the workflow generated by the generating unit 115. Edit.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the display control means 117 controls the second natural sentence 313B after the addition of the destination information 313Ba to be displayed in the sentence display column 31 and additionally inputs the sentence 313Ba. According to the destination information 313Ba, control is performed so that the configuration diagram 500 is changed and displayed. "Changing the configuration diagram 500" refers to changing the layout of various icons constituting the configuration diagram 500, or changing the content displayed on the icons and the display mode of the icons.

  Specifically, the display control unit 117 displays the worker icon 50D of the person having the user identification information 50Da (see the character string “fx20494”) set as the temporary approver, with the added destination information 313Ba. Is controlled to be changed to the worker icon 50E of the person having the user identification information 50Ea (see the character string “fx17761”).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the work screen 3 when a natural sentence that does not satisfy the criterion recorded in the criterion information 122 is input. In FIG. 7, as an example of a case where the criterion (3-B) among the criteria recorded in the criterion information 122 is not particularly satisfied, the approver who is the destination in the second natural sentence describing the transmission of the application is referred to as “ The case where "applicant" is described will be described as an example. In the example shown in FIG. 7, since the applicant is set as the approver, the process may be stopped halfway when the workflow is executed. That is, this example is an example of a case where contradiction occurs between set values.

  When the second natural sentence 313C describing “applicant” is input to the approver, the generation unit 115 generates a workflow in which the approver is temporarily an applicant. The display control means 117 controls to display the configuration diagram 500 showing the workflow. As shown in FIG. 7, the configuration diagram 500 includes an applicant icon 50A set as an approver. Note that the display control means 117 may highlight and display the color of the applicant icon 50A.

  In addition, the display control unit 117 controls to display the second balloon symbol 8B including the second message 80B such as “There is an error in the destination. Set the correct destination”. The second balloon symbol 8B urges the operator to re-enter a correct destination. Preferably, the second balloon symbol 8B is displayed so as to indicate a destination (for example, the applicant icon 50A) to be re-entered. Note that the warning unit 119 may output the warning symbol 32 at a position indicating the second natural sentence 313C, for example.

  Although not shown, if the second natural sentence 313 is modified and the “applicant” described as the approver in the second natural sentence 313 is changed to another person who is appropriate as an approver. 6, the editing unit 116 edits the workflow according to the change, and the display control unit 117 changes and displays the configuration diagram 500 according to the change of the second natural sentence 313. Control.

  Note that, in the above example, the case where the input natural sentence does not satisfy the criterion recorded in the reference information 122 has been described, but the case where the input natural sentence satisfies the criterion recorded in the reference information 122 The same operation is performed even when a change is made according to the operation of the operator. That is, the editing means 116 edits the workflow according to the change of the natural sentence displayed in the sentence display column 31, and the display control means 117 changes and displays the configuration diagram 500 according to the change of the natural sentence. I do.

(2) Operation of Generating and Displaying Natural Sentence from Configuration Diagram (2-1) Operation of Configuring Configuration Diagram FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the work screen 3 on which an icon list screen and a switching screen are displayed. . The icon list screen 5 shows a list of icons indicating workflow components. As shown in FIG. 8, the icon list screen 5 includes the above-described operator icon 50, application form icon 51, creation tool icon 52, seal tool icon 53, and sending tool icon 54. Although not shown in FIG. 8 for convenience of description, the icon list screen 5 includes a confirmation tool icon 55.

  The operator icons 50 include an applicant icon 50A, an approver icon 50B, and other worker icons 50C, 50D, 50E indicating persons having specific user identification information. The application form icon 51 includes a transportation expenses application form icon 510 and the like. Note that the icons shown in FIG. 8 are examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.

  The switching screen 7 allows the operator to change the (2) workflow from (1) an operation of generating a workflow from a natural sentence and displaying the content (hereinafter, also referred to as “(1) operation”). This is a screen for switching to an operation of editing to generate and display a natural sentence (hereinafter, also referred to as “operation (2)”). The switching screen 7 includes, for example, a switching button 70 for switching between the operation of (1) and the operation of (2). Note that "priority to text" indicates the operation (1), and "priority to figure" indicates the operation (2). The switching screen 7 is an example of the switching unit 111.

  When the switch button 70 is switched from “prioritize the figure” (that is, the state in which the operation (2) is selected) to “priority in the text” (that is, the state in which the operation (1) is selected), the switching is performed. The means 111 switches from a state in which the control of the second receiving means 110B is made valid to a state in which the control of the first receiving means 110A is made valid. The switching button 70 is an example of the switching unit 111.

  When the switch button 70 is switched from “priority to text” (that is, the operation of (1) is selected) to “priority to figure” (that is, the state of the operation of (2) is selected), the switching is performed. The means 111 switches from a state in which the control of the first receiving means 110A is made valid to a state in which the control of the second receiving means 110B is made valid.

  When “prefer text” is selected by the switching button 70, an input guidance text 310 that guides the operator to input a text (for example, “when inputting text, Enter the work procedure in ").

  The display control unit 117 may control the switching screen 7 to be displayed on the display unit 13 according to a display instruction from the operator. In addition, the display control unit 117 determines whether the natural sentence received by the first receiving unit 110A does not satisfy the various criteria (particularly, the criteria (1-A) or (1-B)) recorded in the reference information 122. Alternatively, the switching screen 7 may be controlled to be displayed on the display unit 13. In addition, the display control unit 117 may control the switching screen 7 to be displayed on the display unit 13 when the first reception unit 110A does not receive an input of a natural sentence within a predetermined time.

  In addition, without displaying the switching screen 7, depending on the degree of completion of the workflow described above, it is possible to switch between enabling the control of the first receiving unit 110 </ b> A and enabling the control of the second receiving unit 110 </ b> B. It may be.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the work screen 3 for generating and displaying a sentence from the configuration diagram. When “prioritize drawing” is selected by the switch button 70, the control by the second receiving unit 110 B is enabled, and a configuration diagram 500 showing a workflow in the workflow display area 30 can be created.

  When various icons 50 to 55 displayed on the icon list screen 5 are operated, the second receiving unit 110B receives the operation. As illustrated in FIG. 9, when the configuration diagram 500 is created by arranging the operator icon 50, the application form icon 51, and the creation tool icon 52 side by side in the workflow display area 30, the generation unit 115 generates a layout of the configuration diagram 500. Is analyzed to generate a workflow corresponding to the configuration diagram 500. Further, the sentence generation unit 118 generates a natural sentence describing the content of the workflow generated by the generation unit 115.

  As an example, in the case of the configuration diagram 500 illustrated in FIG. 9, the first natural sentence 312 </ b> A describing “create an application form” is generated by the sentence generating unit 118.

  The generated natural sentence is displayed in the sentence display column 31 by the display control means 117. The display control means 117 may control to display the natural sentence generated by the text generation means 118 in response to the display instruction of the operator, for example, when the icon of the operator is operated, that is, Alternatively, control may be performed so that the natural sentence generated by the sentence generation unit 118 is displayed in real time.

  Although not shown, the display control unit 117 may control to emphasize and display a portion of the natural sentence associated with the icon performing the operation of moving. As an example, when the operation of moving the creation tool icon 52 shown in FIG. 9 is performed, the character string of “create” in the natural sentence is noticed by changing the color, bolding, or blinking Control may be performed so as to be displayed in an aspect.

(2-2) Operation of Changing Configuration Diagram When an icon is changed, the editing unit 116 edits the workflow according to the change of the icon. The “change of the icon” includes, for example, change of the layout of the icon, that is, movement of the icon, addition of the icon, deletion of the icon, change of the set value for making the icon function, and the like.

(A) Change of Icon Layout An example of changing the icon layout as an example of the operation of changing the configuration diagram will be described with reference to FIG. 6 again. The sentence generation unit 118 changes a natural sentence according to the edited workflow. The display control unit 117 controls to display the changed natural sentence.

  As an example, as shown in FIG. 6, when a person having the user identification information 50Ea of the character string “fx17761” is set in the worker icon (see 50Ea) indicating the approver, the editing unit 116 responds to this setting. The workflow is edited, the text generation unit 118 changes the natural sentence according to the editing of the workflow, and the display control unit 117 controls to display the changed natural sentence.

  Although not shown, the display control unit 117 may control to emphasize and display the changed part of the natural sentence. Alternatively, the display control means 117 may control to display only the changed portion.

(B) Change of set value Next, as another example, an example of changing a set value will be described. As shown in the example of FIG. 9, when the operator icon 50 is simply arranged, that is, when nothing is set to the operator icon 50, a sentence that does not include the subject corresponding to the subject of creating the application form. Generated. In this case, the warning unit 119 outputs a warning symbol 32 around the first natural sentence 313, indicating that the applicant has not been set.

  The generation unit 115 may generate a workflow in which a predetermined person (a person having the user identification information 50a (see the character string “fx30710”)) is a temporary applicant. In this case, the display control unit 117 may perform control to display the user identification information 50a (see the character string “fx30710”) related to the predetermined person in the configuration diagram 500.

  The “predetermined person” may be determined according to the user information 125. For example, selection may be made from among the users of the same tenant recorded in the user information 125.

  Further, the display control means 117 controls to display a third balloon symbol 8C including a third message 80C such as "set an operator". The third balloon symbol 8C urges the operator to set the applicant. Preferably, third balloon symbol 8C is displayed so as to indicate the applicant to be set.

  In addition, when the application form icon 51 is simply arranged, that is, when nothing is set in the application form icon 51, the display control means 117 sets a fourth type such as “set the type of application form”. Is controlled to display the fourth balloon symbol 8D including the message 80D. The fourth balloon symbol 8D urges the operator to set the type of application form. Preferably, fourth balloon symbol 8D is displayed so as to indicate an application form for which a type is to be set.

  Further, in this case, the display control means 117 may perform control such that the object character string 311 indicating “application” of the first natural sentence 312A displayed in the sentence display column 31 is highlighted.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the work screen 3 on which the setting screen is displayed. As shown in FIG. 10, the setting screen 9 is provided with a setting value input column 90 for inputting a setting value. The operator can set a set value by inputting the set value on the setting screen 9. Although the setting screen 9 shown in FIG. 10 is a screen for setting the applicant, the same applies to the setting of the type of application and the setting of other setting values. Detailed description is omitted.

  When the configuration diagram 500 is changed by an operation of setting a setting value using the setting screen 9 or an operation of moving an icon, the editing unit 116 edits the workflow according to the change in the position of the icon. Further, the sentence generation unit 118 generates a natural sentence describing the content of the workflow edited by the editing unit 116. That is, the sentence generation unit 118 changes the natural sentence according to the change in the configuration diagram 500.

  As an example, when an applicant is set, the sentence generation unit 118 adds a subject “Applicant is” to the head of the first natural sentence 312A. Although not shown, the display control means 117 adds the character string “applicant is added” in real time in response to a display instruction from the operator or in synchronization with the operation of moving the icon. Control to display.

  Similarly, when the type of application is set (for example, set as a transportation expense application), the text generation unit 118 changes the object character string 311 from “application” to “transportation expense application”. . Although not shown, the display control means 117 controls the “application” to be changed to the “transportation application” and displayed. Further, the display control means 117 controls to change the user identification information 50a of the configuration diagram 500 into a character string of "applicant" and display it (see FIG. 2 and the like).

  In the above example, an example in which the workflow is changed by setting the setting value using the setting screen 9 has been described. However, the workflow may be changed by changing the text displayed in the text display column 31. .

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and implementations are possible without changing the gist of the present invention. is there.

  Each of the units 110 to 119 of the control unit 11 is partially or entirely configured by a hardware circuit such as a reconfigurable circuit (FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit). May be.

  Further, some components of the above-described embodiment can be omitted or changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, steps can be added, deleted, changed, replaced, and the like in the flow of the above-described embodiment without changing the gist of the present invention. Further, the program used in the above embodiment can be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, stored in an external server such as a cloud server, and used via a network. You can also.

1 Information Processing Device 11 Control Unit 110A First Receiving Unit 110B Second Receiving Unit 111 Switching Unit 112 Text Analyzing Unit 113 Text Correcting Unit 114 Complementing Unit 115 Generating Unit 116 Editing Unit 117 Display Control Unit 118 Text Generating Unit 119 Warning Unit 12 Storage unit 120 Program 121 Component conversion dictionary 122 Reference information 123 Workflow component list 124 Screen information 125 User information 13 Display unit 14 Input unit 3 Work screen 30 Workflow display area 31 Sentence display field 310 Input guidance text 311 Object character string 312, 312A First natural sentence 313, 313A, 313B, 313C Second natural sentence 313Ba Destination information 314 Third natural sentence 32 Warning sign 5 Icon list screen 50 Operator icon 50A Applicant icon 50B Approver icon 5 C, 50D, 50E Worker icons 50a, 50Ca, 50Da, 50Ea User identification information 500 Configuration diagram 501A First connection symbol 501B Second connection symbol 502A Third connection symbol 503A Fourth connection symbol 51 Application form icon 510 Transportation expense application icon 52 Creation tool icon 53 Sealing tool icon 54, 54A, 54B, 54C Sending tool icon 540, 540A, 540B, 540C Arrow 55 Confirmation tool icon 61 Approval symbol 62 Rejection symbol 7 Switching screen 70 Switching button 8A First Symbol 8B second balloon symbol 8C third balloon symbol 8D fourth balloon symbol 80A first message 80B second message 80C third message 80D fourth message 9 setting screen 90 setting value input field

Claims (7)

First receiving means for receiving an input of a natural sentence describing the content of the processing for the processing target;
A second receiving unit that receives an operation of arranging a display target according to the processing;
Switching means for switching which of the control of the first receiving means and the control of the second receiving means is to be validated;
Generating means for generating a series of processes according to the natural sentence or the operation received by the first receiving means or the second receiving means validated by the switching means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The switching unit switches which of the first reception unit and the second reception unit is enabled according to an operation by an operator;
The information processing device according to claim 1. The switching unit switches from a state in which the first reception unit is enabled to a state in which the second reception unit is enabled, according to the generated index indicating the state of the series of processes;
The information processing device according to claim 2. The switching unit switches from a state in which the first reception unit is enabled to a state in which the second reception unit is enabled when the index becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value.
The information processing device according to claim 3. When the natural sentence received by the first receiving unit does not satisfy a predetermined criterion, the display unit further includes a display control unit that controls to display the switching unit.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The display control means controls to display the switching means when the first reception means does not receive the input of the natural sentence within a predetermined time,
The information processing device according to claim 5. Computer
First receiving means for receiving an input of a natural sentence describing the content of the processing for the processing target;
A second receiving unit that receives an operation of arranging a display target according to the processing;
Switching means for switching which of the control of the first receiving means and the control of the second receiving means is to be validated;
A program for functioning as a generation unit that generates a series of processes in accordance with the natural sentence or the operation received by the first reception unit or the second reception unit enabled by the switching unit.