JP2023140240A - Information processing device, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of highly efficiently creating application documents for patents, etc.SOLUTION: An information processing device is provided. The information processing device includes a control unit. The control unit acquires information relating to a scope of claims containing information of a plurality of claims and information relating to specifications. When the scope of claims contains a prescribed claim, the multi-multi claim, the claim cited by the prescribed claim is modified such that the prescribed claim is no longer the multi-multi claim. The multi-multi claim is a claim containing another multi-claim in a cited claim in the claim that alternatively cites two or more other claims. The information processing device outputs a file to be used for an application based on a scope of claims containing the prescribed claim in which a cited claim is changed and specifications.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that suppresses the occurrence of human error and makes it possible to efficiently prepare application documents.

JP2022-024640

Furthermore, there is a need for technology that can efficiently prepare application documents for patents and the like.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a technology that can efficiently prepare application documents such as patents.

(1) According to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing device is provided. This information processing device includes a control section. The control unit acquires information regarding the scope of claims, including information on a plurality of claims, and information regarding the specification. When the scope of claims includes a predetermined claim that is a multi-multi claim, the claims cited by the pre-determined claim are changed so that the predetermined claim is no longer a multi-multi claim. A multi-multi claim is a claim that, among multiple claims that alternatively cite statements from two or more other claims, includes the other multiple claims in the cited claim. A file to be used in the application is output based on the scope of claims including the predetermined claims to which the cited claims have been changed, and the specification.

1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing device 100. FIG. Activities showing the flow of information processing for resolving multiple claims in the scope of claims and describing contents corresponding to the multiple claims in the specification regarding claims including multiple claims executed by the information processing device 100 It is a diagram. FIG. 2 is an example of a diagram for explaining a process for determining whether an application document is a domestic application or a foreign application. FIG. 3 is an example of a diagram illustrating a method of reclaiming in a manner including multi-multi-claims. It is a diagram showing an example of resolution of multiple claims in the scope of claims. It is an example of the figure which shows the display to the effect that there is no multi-multi claim. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an information processing system 1000. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a server device 1100 and a client device 1200. FIG.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the embodiments described below can be combined with each other.

By the way, the program for implementing the software appearing in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, or may be downloaded from an external server. The program may be provided in a manner that allows the program to be started on an external computer and the function thereof is realized on the client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the term "unit" may include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by circuits in a broad sense and software information processing that can be concretely implemented by these hardware resources. . In addition, various types of information are handled in this embodiment, and these information include, for example, the physical value of a signal value representing voltage and current, and the signal value as a binary bit collection consisting of 0 or 1. It is expressed by high and low levels or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations can be performed on circuits in a broad sense.

Further, a circuit in a broad sense is a circuit realized by at least appropriately combining a circuit, a circuit, a processor, a memory, and the like. That is, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (for example, simple programmable logic devices (SPLD), complex programmable logic devices (COMPLEX), etc. Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and field This includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and the like.

[Embodiment 1]
1. Hardware Configuration In this section, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described using FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 100. The information processing device 100 executes processing to support document creation related to patent application documents. In particular, the information processing device 100 generates a description corresponding to the resolution of the multiple claims in the scope of claims and the multiple claims in the specification, especially for claims that include multiple claims. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 eliminates the description of multiple multiple claims in the scope of claims in order to comply with a system in which multiple multiple claims are not allowed. Here, "multi-multi-claim" refers to a claim that alternatively cites the statement of two or more other claims (multi-claim, multiple dependent claim). It refers to claims that are cited in a single manner. In other words, a multi-multi claim is a claim that alternatively cites statements from two or more other claims (multi-claim in a broad sense), and which includes other multiple claims in the cited claim. It is. Furthermore, dependent claims are claims that refer to the statements of other claims, and include claims that are not multiple claims among multiple claims (multiple claims in a narrow sense) and multiple multiple claims. An independent claim is a claim that does not refer to statements from other claims.

The information processing device 100 is a terminal used by a user, and is, for example, a notebook computer. Users include the applicant, employees of the applicant company, agents commissioned by the applicant, and paralegals at the agent's office. Note that the type of terminal may be a desktop computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 100 includes a control section 110, a storage section 120, a communication section 130, an input section 140, an output section 150, and a bus 160 that is a data transmission path connecting each section. Be prepared.

The control unit 110 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) not shown. The control unit 110 realizes various functions related to the information processing device 100 by reading predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 120. That is, the information processing by the software stored in the storage unit 120 is specifically implemented by the control unit 110, which is an example of hardware, so that each function by the control unit 110 can be executed. Note that the control section 110 is not limited to a single control section, and may be implemented so as to have a plurality of control sections 110 for each function. It may also be a combination thereof.

The storage unit 120 stores various information defined by the above description. This may be used, for example, as a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) that stores various programs related to the information processing apparatus 100 executed by the control unit 110, or as a temporary storage device related to program calculations. It can be implemented as a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores information (arguments, arrays, etc.) necessary for the process. The storage unit 120 stores various programs, variables, etc. related to the information processing apparatus 100 executed by the control unit 110. Storage unit 120 is an example of a storage medium. That is, the program is a program for causing the computer to function as a control unit of the information processing device 100.

The communication unit 130 is configured to be capable of transmitting various electrical signals from the information processing device 100 to external components. Furthermore, the communication unit 130 is configured to be able to receive various electrical signals from external components to the information processing apparatus 100. More preferably, the communication unit 130 has a network communication function, so that various information can be communicated between the information processing apparatus 100 and external devices via a communication line.

The input unit 140 may be included in the casing of the information processing device 100 or may be externally attached. For example, the input unit 140 may be integrated with the output unit 150 and implemented as a touch panel. With a touch panel, the user can input tap operations, swipe operations, and the like. Of course, a switch button, a mouse, a QWERTY keyboard, etc. may be used instead of the touch panel. That is, the input unit 140 receives input based on an operation performed by the user. The input is transferred as a command signal to the control unit 110 via the communication bus, and the control unit 110 can perform predetermined control or calculation as necessary.

The output unit 150 can function as a display unit of the information processing device 100. For example, the output unit 150 may be included in the casing of the information processing device 100 or may be attached externally. The output unit 150 displays a graphical user interface (GUI) screen that can be operated by a user. This is preferably implemented by using display devices such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and a plasma display depending on the type of the information processing apparatus 100, for example.

2. Information Processing Next, the flow of operations of the information processing apparatus 100 will be explained using FIGS. 2 to 6.

2.1. Overview of Information Processing First, an overview of information processing by the information processing device 100 will be described using FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows information processing for eliminating the multiple claims in the claims and describing contents corresponding to the multiple claims in the specification, regarding the claims including multiple claims executed by the information processing device 100. It is an activity diagram showing a flow.

(Activity A1)
First, the control unit 110 identifies an electronic file that is a source for creating an HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) file through a user's input to the input unit 140 . Specifically, it may be specified by specifying the path where the original electronic file is stored. Alternatively, the identification may be performed by uploading the original electronic file to a designated location. The control unit 110 receives an instruction to create an HTML file from the specified electronic file through a user's input to the input unit 140. Examples of electronic files here include, but are not limited to, electronic data files in formats such as text, PDF, CSV, XML, Word, Excel, and PPT. Further, an HTML file is a type of text file in which character data is recorded, and the contents are described in HTML used for configuring a web page.

(Activity A2)
Subsequently, when the control unit 110 receives an instruction to create an HTML file, it acquires information regarding the scope of claims including information on a plurality of claims and information regarding the specification from the specified electronic file. At this time, the control unit 110 also acquires information regarding the application, drawings, and abstract. Here, the scope of claims indicates at least a document specifying the invention or device for which patent or utility model registration is sought, and includes at least the scope of claims and the scope of claims for utility model registration.

(Activity A3)
Subsequently, the control unit 110 determines whether the application document is an application document related to a domestic application or an application document related to a foreign application, based on at least one of the information of the application, claims, specification, drawings, and abstract. Identify if there is. If it is determined that the document is an application document related to a domestic application, the control unit 110 advances the process to activity A4. If it is determined that the document is an application document related to a foreign application, the control unit 110 advances the process to activity A13 and directly creates an HTML file. That is, when the specification or claims are documents related to a foreign application, the control unit 110 does not change the description regarding the claims cited by the multi-multi claims. Documents related to international applications based on the Patent Cooperation Treaty are examples of documents related to foreign applications. Activity A3 will be described in detail later using FIG. 3.

(Activity A4)
Subsequently, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the claims of the domestic application document include multiple claims. Specifically, the control unit 110 determines whether each claim included in the scope of the claim is an independent claim or a dependent claim. If a dependent claim is included, the control unit 110 determines whether the claim is a multi-multi claim based on the citation relationship of the dependent claim.

(Activity A5)
Subsequently, when the claims of the domestic application documents include multiple claims, the control unit 110 starts processing of activity A6 regarding creation of a reclaim and activity A8 regarding resolution of multiple claims. That is, when the control unit 110 receives a user's instruction to start processing, the control unit 110 outputs a statement corresponding to a multi-multi claim in the specification, and also outputs a statement corresponding to a multi-multi claim in the specification, and also outputs a multi-multi claim so that the claim cites a claim other than the multiple claim. Change the description of the multi-claim. On the other hand, if the claim does not include a multi-multi claim, the control unit 110 starts processing of activity A10 for notifying the user to that effect.

(Activity A6)
Next, in order to create a reclaim, the control unit 110 specifies whether or not a specific character string is included in the specification of the document file. Here, the term "reclaim" refers to a description that maintains the words, phrases, etc. of the claim described in the specification column in order to support the claimed invention or device within the specification.

(Activity A7)
Subsequently, when the specification includes a specific character string, the control unit 110 outputs a description corresponding to the multi-multiclaim to the specification at a predetermined position based on the position of the character string. According to another aspect, the control unit 110 outputs the description corresponding to each claim in the specification in a manner that allows identification of the citation relationship of the claims including multiple claims in the scope of the claims. A multi-multi claim is an example of a predetermined claim. Activities A6 and A7 will be described in detail later using FIG. 4.

(Activity A8)
Subsequently, when the scope of claims includes a predetermined claim that is a multi-multi claim, the control unit 110 changes the claims cited by the predetermined claim so that the predetermined claim is no longer a multi-multi claim.

(Activity A9)
Subsequently, when changing the statement of a multi-multi claim so that the claim cites a claim other than a multi-claim, the control unit 110 changes the description of the multi-multi claim to a claim that cites a claim other than the multi-claim, depending on the number of claims cited by the changed claim. Change the statement regarding the citation of the claim. Activities A8 and A9 will be described in detail later using FIG. 5. Further, the control unit 110 waits until the processing of activities A7 and A9 is completed, and when these processing is completed, the control unit 110 advances the processing to activity A13.

(Activity A10)
In activity A5, when the scope of claims does not include multiple claims, the control unit 110 causes the output unit 150 to display in a user-identifiable manner that the scope of claims does not include multiple claims. At this time, the control unit 110 causes the output unit 150 to display the continue button 620 and the cancel button 630 in a manner that the user can identify.

(Activity A11)
Subsequently, the control unit 110 receives a predetermined instruction from the user via the user's input to the input unit 140. The predetermined instructions include at least an instruction to stop creating the HTML file and an instruction to continue creating the HTML file.

(Activity A12)
Subsequently, if the predetermined instruction is an instruction to stop creating an HTML file, the control unit 110 advances the process to activity A1. If the predetermined instruction is an instruction to continue creating an HTML file, the control unit 110 advances the process to activity A13. Activities A10, A11, and A12 will be detailed later using FIG. 6.

(Activity A13)
Finally, the control unit 110 converts the application into HTML format based on the application, the claims in which the citations of the multiple claims have been changed, the specification in which the descriptions corresponding to the multiple claims have been output, the drawings, and the abstract. Output the file (HTML file). Here, the HTML file is an example of a file used for application. When the creation of the HTML file is completed, the control unit 110 may cause the output unit 150 to display a message that the creation of the HTML file is completed in a manner visible to the user.

To summarize the above, the information processing method of this embodiment acquires information regarding the scope of claims, including information on a plurality of claims, and information regarding the specification. The information processing method outputs descriptions corresponding to each claim in the specification in a manner that allows the citation relationship of the claims in the claims to be identified. The claims include certain claims that are multiple claims. A multi-multi claim is a claim that, among multiple claims that alternatively cite statements from two or more other claims, includes the other multiple claims in the cited claim. The information processing method outputs a file for use in an application based on the scope of claims and the specification in which descriptions corresponding to each claim are output.

Moreover, the information processing method of this embodiment acquires information regarding the scope of claims, including information on a plurality of claims, and information regarding the specification. In the case where the scope of claims includes a predetermined claim that is a multi-multi claim, the information processing method changes the claims cited by the pre-determined claim so that the predetermined claim is no longer a multi-multi claim. Here, a multi-multi claim is a claim that includes other multi-claims in the cited claim, among multiple claims that alternatively cite statements from two or more other claims. The information processing method outputs a file to be used in an application based on the scope of claims including the predetermined claims to which the cited claims have been changed, and the specification.

According to this embodiment, application documents such as patents can be efficiently created. Furthermore, since it does not take a great deal of time to create application documents, correct application documents can be created without problems even when using a computer with poor processing power. Furthermore, since computers with lower processing power than conventional computers can be used, application documents can be prepared at low cost.

2.2. Details of Information Processing Next, details of the information processing outlined above will be explained.

First, with reference to FIG. 3, the processing in the case of application documents related to foreign applications will be explained. This process corresponds to activity A3 in FIG. FIG. 3 is an example of a diagram for explaining the process of determining whether an application document is a domestic application or a foreign application. FIG. 3 includes domestic application documents 200 and foreign application documents 300. The domestic application document 200 is a document written in a format for submission to the Japan Patent Office. National application documents 200 include country information 210 and form information 220. The country information 210 is information that specifies that the destination of the domestic application document 200 is the Japan Patent Office. The format information 220 is information regarding the format of application documents designated by the Japan Patent Office.

The foreign application documents 300 are documents written in a format specified by the institution to which the application is submitted. Foreign application documents 300 include country information 310 and form information 320. Country information 310 is information that specifies the institution to which foreign application documents 300 are submitted. The format information 320 is information regarding bibliographic items in accordance with the format specified by the institution to which the submission is made. The organization to which the application is submitted is, for example, the designated receiving office or International Bureau when filing a PCT application, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office when filing an application in the United States. Note that in the United States, applications in Japanese are not permitted, so if the filing destination is the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the foreign application document 300 corresponds to the original Japanese text before translation into English. Further, in this embodiment, the domestic application documents 200 and the foreign application documents 300 are described as being created in Word format, but any electronic file format may be used.

The control unit 110 acquires country information 210, 310 from the header of the Word format file of the domestic application document 200, or acquires form information 220, 320 from the document. The control unit 110 determines from which country the application document belongs based on the acquired country information 210, 310 or form information 220, 320. If the control unit 110 determines that the document is a domestic application document 200 based on the acquired country information 210 and form information 220, the control unit 110 changes the description of the claim cited by the multi-multi claim in the scope of claims, and reclaims the multi-multi claim. Create. When the control unit 110 determines from the acquired country information 310 and form information 320 that the specification or claims are the foreign application documents 300, the control unit 110 does not change the description of the claim cited by the multi-multi claim.

In addition, as a modified example, when the application documents are submitted to a country such as Japan, the United States, or China where multiple multiple claims are not recognized, the control unit 110 changes the description regarding the claim cited by the multiple multiple claims. Good too. Furthermore, when the application documents are submitted to a country such as EPO that allows multiple claims, the control unit 110 does not change the description of the claims cited by the multiple claims. Furthermore, if the application documents are related to a PCT application, the control unit 110 may include descriptions regarding claims cited by multiple claims in order to transfer to a country or organization such as the EPO where multiple claims are not recognized. It does not change. In any of the above cases, the control unit 110 may create a multi-multi-claim reclaim in the specification. This makes it possible to prepare the scope of claims or specification in accordance with the legal circumstances of each country.

In this embodiment, the control unit 110 obtains the country information 210, 310 from the header of the Word format file. However, the control unit 110 may obtain the country information 210, 310 from any location such as the text box, footer, or part or all of the file name of the Word format file. Further, the control unit 110 may identify and acquire the country information 210, 310 in advance using a predetermined color, font, mark, etc. through a user's operation on the input unit 140. Further, the control unit 110 may identify the destination of the application documents from the country code such as JP, WO, US, EP, CN, etc. The information may be identified from any form of information that can identify the country or institution to which the submission is made, such as SIPO. This makes it possible to create application documents by identifying which country or organization the documents are to be applied to.

Furthermore, the control unit 110 identifies the destination to which the application documents are to be submitted from the form information 220 and 320. For example, the control unit 110 determines that a document whose name is "Claims" is a PCT application, and a document whose name is "Claims" or "Claims of Utility Model Registration" is a PCT application. The submission destination may be specified as application documents to be filed with the Japan Patent Office. This makes it possible to create application documents by identifying which country or organization the documents are to be applied to.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a description will be given of the reclaim processing when multiple multi-claims are included. This process corresponds to activities A6 and A7 in FIG. FIG. 4 is an example of a diagram illustrating a method of reclaiming in a manner including multi-multi-claims. FIG. 4 includes a specification 400 before being reclaimed and a specification 410 after being reclaimed. The pre-claim statement 400 is a statement before the reclaim information 411 is created. Specification 400 includes embedded character string 401 . The embedded character string 401 is a character string for creating reclaim information 411. A reclaimed specification 410 is a specification after the reclaim information 411 has been added. Reclaim information 411 is a reclaim in which the citation relationship between multiple claims is described in an identifiable manner.

Reclaim information 411 includes citation information 412, 413, and 414. The citation information 412, 413, and 414 is information indicating citation relationships of corresponding claims. The citation information 412 is information indicating that claim 3 cites claim 1. In other words, the citation information 412 is information indicating that claim 3 is a single cited claim. Further, the citation information 413 is information indicating that claim 4 cites claim 2 or claim 3. In other words, the citation information 413 is information indicating that claim 4 is a multi-claim. Further, the citation information 414 is information indicating that claim 5 cites the statement of any one of claims 2 to 4. In other words, the citation information 414 is information indicating that claim 5 is a multi-multi claim.

That is, when the specification 400 includes the embedded character string 401, the control unit 110 outputs reclaim information 411 including information corresponding to multi-multiclaims at a predetermined position based on the position of the embedded character string 401. do. Specifically, in FIG. 4, the control unit 110 creates a reclaim of claim 2 in the same paragraph as the embedded character string 401. More specifically, the embedded character string 401 written as "$reclaim $" is replaced with the description of reclaim. Further, the control unit 110 creates a reclaim of claim 3 that includes citation information 412 indicating that claim 1 is cited in the next paragraph of the reclaim of claim 2. According to another aspect, the control unit 110 creates a reclaim of the unary cited claim in a predetermined paragraph in a manner that allows the cited source to be identified. Furthermore, the control unit 110 creates a claim 4 that includes citation information 413 indicating that claim 2 or 3 is cited in the next paragraph of the claim 3. According to another aspect, the control unit 110 creates a multi-claim reclaim in a predetermined paragraph in such a manner that the cited source can be identified. The control unit 110 creates a claim 5 that includes citation information 414 indicating that claims 2 to 4 are cited in the next paragraph of the claim 4. According to another aspect, the control unit 110 creates a multi-multi-claim reclaim in a predetermined paragraph in a manner that allows the cited source to be identified. In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 110 creates a claim 1 in the paragraph of means for solving the problem (not shown). As a result, it is possible to create a reclaim for a claim that includes multiple claims in a manner that allows the citation relationships to be identified.

Furthermore, regarding claim 5, which is a multi-multi-claim, the control unit 110 changes the description of the citation so that the multi-multi-claim is resolved. That is, the control unit 110 eliminates the multi-multi-claim of claim 5 of the claims and creates a reclaim of the multi-multi-claim in the specification. According to another aspect, the control unit 110 outputs the description corresponding to each claim in the specification in a manner that allows the citation relationship of the claims to be identified before changing the claims cited by the multi-multiclaims. do. As a result, a review corresponding to the multi-multi claim is output while resolving the multi-multi claim, so that the original specification can be secured in a wider range without including grounds for refusal in the scope of the claim.

Here, the control unit 110 may set the embedded character string 401 to any character string specified by the user, such as "reclaim." In addition, the control unit 110 may convert the embedded character string 401 into a format such as "means for solving the problem", "industrial applicability", "explanation of code", etc. enclosed in black brackets. It may also be a string related to Further, the control unit 110 may create a reclaim from the paragraph that includes the embedded character string 401, or may create a reclaim from the next paragraph. Alternatively, the embedded character string 401 may be divided into a first half and a second half, and a reclaim may be created between the first half and the second half. In such a case, the first half of the claim could be written as ``Provided in the following manners.'', and the second half of the claim could be written as ``Of course, this is not the case.'' This would help the reclaim statement flow more naturally. It can be done with Furthermore, unlike the case where the embedded character string 401 is replaced with a reclaim as in the example of FIG. 4, the reclaim can also be updated.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a description will be given of the reclaim processing when multiple multi-claims are included. This process corresponds to activities A6 and A7 in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of resolution of multiple claims in the scope of claims. In the example of FIG. 5, a claim 500 before the multi-multi claim is resolved, and claims 510, 520, and 530 after the multi-multi claim is resolved are shown. Each of claims 500, 510, 520, and 530 includes nine claims. Claims 1 to 7 are device claims, claim 8 is a system claim, and claim 9 is a program claim. In FIG. 5, independent claims are shown with double circles, unary cited claims with white circles, and multiple claims with black triangles. Also, multi-multi-claims are shown with thick crosses, unary cited claims that cite only multi-claims are shown with white triangles, and unary cited claims that cite only multi-multi-claims are shown with thin crosses.

Claim 500 is the claim before the citation relationships are organized. Claim 1 of claim 500 is an independent claim expressed in independent form. Claim 2 of claim 500 is a single dependent claim that cites only one claim. Claim 3 of claim 500 is a multiple claim that cites two or more claims (claim 1 or claim 2 in claim 500). Claim 4 of claim 500 is a multi-multi claim that cites two or more claims (claims 1 to 3 in claim 500) including multiple claims. Claim 5 of claim 500 is a multiple claim that cites multiple claims and two or more claims (claims 1 to 4 in claim 500) including multiple claims. Claim 6 of claim 500 is a single dependent claim that cites only multiple claims (claim 3 in claim 500). Claim 7 of claim 500 is a single dependent claim that cites only a multi-multi claim (claim 4 in claim 500). Claims 8 and 9 of claim 500 are claims in a different category (system and program in claim 500) that cite all device claims. In the following, when the scope of claims includes multiple claims, the control unit 110 will explain three examples of processing for changing the description cited by the multiple claims so that the claim cites a claim other than the multiple claims. I will list and explain.

Claim 510 is a claim in which a process is performed in which all dependent claims of claim 500 are cited as the highest claim. In claim 510, claims 2 to 5, 8, and 9 that cite claim 1, which is an independent claim, are all single-claim dependent claims that cite only claim 1. Furthermore, in claim 510, claims 6 and 7 are single cited claims that cite only multi-claims and multi-multi-claims, respectively, whereas higher-ranking claims 3 and 4 are multi-claims and multi-multi-claims, respectively. Therefore, it is now a single-paragraph cited claim. That is, the control unit 110 executes a process of leaving only the highest citation destination of dependent claims other than independent claims. According to another aspect, the control unit 110 does not change the descriptions of the independent claim and the single cited claim. This allows you to organize citation relationships in a simple format.

Claim 520 is a claim in which a process is performed in which the multi-multi-claim of claim 500 is cited as an independent claim or a single cited claim. In claim 520, claims 4 and 5, which were multiple claims, are now multiple claims. Accordingly, claim 7, which cited only claim 4, has become a single dependent claim that cites only multiple claims. Further, claims 8 and 9 of another category that cite all device claims are multi-claims. That is, the control unit 110 executes processing for deleting a higher-order multi-claim and a reference to a higher-order multi-multi-claim for the multi-multi-claim. Furthermore, the control unit 110 does not change the descriptions of independent claims, single cited claims, and multiple claims. As a result, multiple complaints can be resolved while leaving multiple complaints intact.

The claim 530 is a claim obtained by performing a process of making a dependent claim of a specific category into a single dependent claim in the claim 500. In claim 530, claims 2 to 7 that cite the independent claim (claim 1) are all single-claim dependent claims. In addition, claims 8 and 9 of another category that cite all device claims are simply multi-claims because all the citations are independent claims or single cited claims. That is, the control unit 110 executes processing to leave only the highest-level citation for dependent claims in a specific category. Then, the control unit 110 does not change the description of claims in other categories that cite all specific claims. As a result, all claims in a certain category become either independent claims or singly cited claims, and claims in another category that cite all claims in that category become mere multi-claims.

Further, in FIG. 5, the description regarding the citation of claims may be changed in accordance with the change in the number of cited claims. That is, when it is determined that the number of cited claims has changed due to the resolution of multi-multiple claims, the control unit 110 changes the description of the claim related to the citation. For example, when the number of cited claims goes from 3 or more to 2, the control unit 110 changes from ``in the apparatus according to any one of claims n to m'' to ``claim n or claim m''. In addition to the number of the cited claim, the statement regarding the citation is also changed to ``In the apparatus described in 1.''. Further, for example, when the number of cited claims increases from 2 to 1, the control unit 110 changes from "in the device according to claim n or claim l" to "in the device according to claim n". , the statement regarding the citation will also be changed along with the claim number to which it is cited. This makes it possible to reduce the effort required to resolve multiple complaints.

Next, using FIG. 6, a description will be given of the processing when multi-multi claims are not included. This process corresponds to activities A10 and A11 in FIG. FIG. 6 is an example of a diagram showing a display indicating that there is no multi-multi claim. The notification screen 600 is a screen for notifying that there is no multi-multi claim. The notification screen 600 includes a notification information area 610, a continue button 620, and a cancel button 630. The notification information area 610 is an area where information notifying that there is no multi-multi claim is displayed. The continue button 620 is a button for continuing the process of creating an HTML file. The cancel button 630 is a button for canceling the process of creating an HTML file.

That is, when the scope of claims does not include multiple claims, the control unit 110 displays a notification screen 600 including a notification information area 610 indicating that the scope of claims does not include multiple claims to the output unit 150, so that the user can Display in an identifiable manner. The control unit 110 receives a press of the continue button 620 or the cancel button 630 through the user's operation on the input unit 140. If it is accepted that the continue button 620 has been pressed, the control unit 110 continues creating the HTML file in the form that does not include multi-multiclaims. On the other hand, if it is accepted that the stop button 630 has been pressed, the control unit 110 stops creating the HTML file. This makes it possible to confirm whether a form in which multi-multiple claims are not included is acceptable due to circumstances such as considering a foreign application.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, the description has been made assuming that the information processing apparatus 100 performs all information processing. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which an instruction to create an HTML file is transmitted from a client device 1200 operated by a user, and the server device 1100 performs processing to resolve a multi-multiple complaint and create a reclaim.

1. System Configuration First, the system configuration of the information processing system 1000 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the system configuration of the information processing system 1000. As shown in FIG. 7, the information processing system 1000 includes a server device 1100, a client device 1200, and a network N. Server device 1100 is configured to be able to communicate with client device 1200 via network N. This allows the server device 1100 to mutually transmit or receive various information with the client device 1200. Note that the server device 1100 and the client device 1200 are examples of the information processing device 100, and for details, please refer to the information processing device 100 of Embodiment 1.

2. Hardware Configuration Next, the hardware configuration of the server device 1100 and client device 1200 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server device 1100 and the client device 1200. As shown in FIG. 8, the server device 1100 includes a control section 1110, a storage section 1120, a communication section 1130, and a bus 1140 that is a data transmission path connecting each section. The client device 1200 includes a control section 1210, a storage section 1220, a communication section 1230, an input section 1240, an output section 1250, and a bus 1260 that is a data transmission path connecting each section. Regarding the control unit 1110, storage unit 1120, communication unit 1130, and bus 1140 of the server device 1100, and the control unit 1210, storage unit 1220, communication unit 1230, input unit 1240, output unit 1250, and bus 1260 of the client device 1200, information is Please refer to the control section 110, storage section 120, communication section 130, input section 140, output section 150, and bus 160 of the processing device 100.

3. Information Processing In the second embodiment, compared to the first embodiment, the server device 1100 and the client device 1200 cooperate to execute the information processing of activities A1, A10, A11, and A13 in FIG. , is executed by the control unit 1110 of the server device 1100. Activities A1, A10, A11, and A13 will be described below. For other information processing, please refer to Embodiment 1.

(Activity A1)
That is, the control unit 1210 of the client device 1200 identifies the source file for creating the HTML file through the user's input to the input unit 1240. The control unit 1210 receives an instruction to create an HTML file from the specified file through a user's input to the input unit 1240. Control unit 1210 transmits instructions to server device 1100 via communication unit 1230 and network N. Control unit 1110 of server device 1100 receives instructions via network N and communication unit 1130.

(Activity A10/A11)
Control unit 1110 of server device 1100 transmits information on notification screen 600 to client device 1200 via communication unit 1130 and network N. Control unit 1210 of client device 1200 receives information on notification screen 600 from server device 1100 via network N and communication unit 1230. Control unit 1210 causes output unit 1250 to display notification screen 600 in a manner visible to the user. Control unit 1210 receives a predetermined instruction through a user's operation on input unit 1240. Control unit 1210 transmits a predetermined instruction to server device 1100 via communication unit 1230 and network N. Control unit 1110 receives a predetermined instruction from client device 1200 via network N and communication unit 1130.

(Activity A13)
The control unit 1110 of the server device 1100 generates HTML based on the application, the claims in which the citations of the multi-multi claims have been changed, the specification in which descriptions corresponding to the multi-multi claims have been output, the drawings, and the abstract. Output the file. When the creation of the HTML file is completed, the control unit 1110 of the server device 1100 transmits the HTML file to the client device 1200 via the communication unit 1130 and the network N. The control unit 1210 of the client device 1200 receives the HTML file from the server device 1100 via the network N and the communication unit 1230. The control unit 1110 causes the output unit 1250 to display in a manner visible to the user that the creation of the HTML file has been completed.

[Other embodiments]
The overall configuration shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is an example, and is not limited thereto. For example, the server device 1100 may be distributed over two or more devices, or may be replaced by a cloud computing system. Alternatively, the client device 1200 may install an application, and the client device 1200 and the server device 1100 may cooperate to execute the above-described processing.

In the above description, it is assumed that the file used for the application to be output is an HTML file. However, the file used for the application to be output may be an electronic file such as a Word file that is being created instead of an HTML file. Further, in this case, either one of resolving the multi-multi-complaint and creating a reclaim may be performed. That is, the control unit 110 receives an instruction to eliminate a multi-multiclaim or create a reclaim through a user's operation on the input unit 140 during the creation of the specification and claims. The control unit 110 executes processing for resolving multiple complaints or creating a reclaim on the electronic file. The control unit 110 outputs an electronic file in which the multi-multi-complaint is resolved or the reclaim is created. As a result, multi-multi-claims can be resolved or reclaims can be created at any timing during the preparation of application documents.

Further, immediately after executing the process of resolving a multi-multi-complaint or creating a reclaim, the screen may be changed to the location where the multi-multi-complaint is resolved or the reclaim is created. That is, the control unit 110 outputs the electronic file in which the multi-multi-complaints have been resolved or the claims have been created, and the output unit 110 outputs the electronic file in which the multi-multi-complaints have been resolved or the claims have been created, and the output section The screen displayed at 150 is changed. Alternatively, the control unit 110 outputs an electronic file in which the multi-multi-complaints have been resolved or the reclaim has been created, and displays a scroll bar at a location in the electronic file that includes the description of the process of resolving the multiple-multi-complaints or creating a reclaim. move. This allows the user to smoothly check the processing results.

Further, the process of resolving multi-multi-claims and creating a reclaim may be executed only for the specified claim. That is, the control unit 110 receives a designation of a claim to be executed and an instruction to start the process. When the control unit 110 receives the designation of the claim to be processed and the instruction to start the process, the control unit 110 executes the process of resolving the multi-multi-complaint and creating a reclaim. Thereby, it is possible to perform multi-multi-claim resolution and reclaim creation processing for any claim specified by the user.

Further, an add-on function may be provided to insert the embedded character string 401 into a specified location. The control unit 110 receives, through a user's operation on the input unit 140, an instruction to designate a location where the embedded character string 401 is to be inserted and to start the insertion process. When the control unit 110 receives an instruction to specify the location where the embedded character string 401 is to be inserted and to start the insertion process, the control unit 110 inserts the embedded character string 401 into the specified location. Thereby, the effort of inserting the embedded character string 401 for creating a reclaim can be reduced.

Furthermore, each aspect described below may be provided.

(2) In the information processing device, when the scope of claims includes the multiple claims, the control unit may cause the predetermined claims to cite claims other than the multiple claims. An information processing device that changes the claims.

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the effort required to resolve multiple complaints.

(3) In the information processing device, the control unit may include each of the claims in the specification in a manner that allows identification of the citation relationship of the claims before changing the claims cited by the predetermined claim. An information processing device that outputs a description corresponding to.

According to such an embodiment, while resolving multiple multi-claims, a remake corresponding to the multiple multi-claims is output, so that the original specification can be secured in a wider scope without including grounds for refusal in the scope of claims. be able to.

(4) In the information processing device, when the specification includes a specific character string, the control unit outputs a description corresponding to each claim at a predetermined position based on the position of the character string. An information processing device.

According to such an aspect, it is possible to arrange a multi-multi claim according to the position of a specific character string.

(5) In the information processing device, when the specification or the claims are documents related to an international application based on the Patent Cooperation Treaty, the control unit does not change the description regarding the claims cited by the multi-multiclaims. , information processing equipment.

According to this aspect, application documents can be prepared to correspond to foreign applications.

(6) In the information processing device, when the scope of claims does not include the multi-multiclaims, the control unit provides a mode in which the user can identify that the scope of claims does not include the multi-multiclaims. An information processing device that displays information.

According to such an aspect, the user can be asked to confirm whether it is not necessary to include multi-multi claims.

(7) In the information processing apparatus, the file used for the application is an HTML format file.

According to this aspect, when creating an HTML file for filing an application, it is possible to reclaim a multi-multi claim or eliminate a multi-multi claim.

(8) An information processing device, comprising a control unit, the control unit acquiring information regarding the scope of claims including information on a plurality of claims, and information regarding the specification, A statement corresponding to each of the claims is output in the specification in a manner that allows the citation relationship of the claims to be identified, wherein the claim includes a predetermined claim that is a multi-multi claim, and the claim includes a predetermined claim that is a multi-multi claim; is a claim that, among multiple claims that alternatively cite statements from two or more other claims, includes the other multiple claims in the cited claim, and the scope of the claim and the claim An information processing device that outputs a file for use in an application based on the specifications that output corresponding descriptions.

According to this aspect, it is possible to support the creation of documents related to intellectual property rights procedures such as patent specifications.

(9) An information processing method in which information regarding the scope of claims, including information on a plurality of claims, and information regarding the specification are acquired, and a citation relationship between the claims in the scope of claims can be identified. Then, a description corresponding to each of the claims is outputted in the specification, and the claim includes a predetermined claim that is a multi-multi claim, and the multi-multi claim includes two or more other claims. Among multiple claims that alternatively cite the statement of , the cited claim includes another of the multiple claims, and the specification outputs the claims and descriptions corresponding to each of the claims. An information processing method that outputs a file for use in an application based on the document.

(10) An information processing method, in which information on the scope of claims including information on a plurality of claims and information on the specification are acquired, and the scope of claims includes a predetermined claim that is a multi-multiclaim. , the claim cited by the predetermined claim is changed so that the predetermined claim is no longer the multi-multi claim, and the multi-multi claim is defined as an alternative statement of two or more other claims. Among the multiple claims cited in the above, the cited claim includes another said multiple claim, and the cited claim includes the modified predetermined claim, and the specification. An information processing method that outputs a file to be used in an application based on the information.

(11) A program that is executed by a computer and causes the program to function as a control unit of the information processing device.
Of course, this is not the case.
Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above may be implemented in any combination.

Finally, although various embodiments according to the present invention have been described, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The new embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

100: Information processing device 110: Control unit 120: Storage unit 130: Communication unit 140: Input unit 150: Output unit 160: Bus 200: Domestic application documents 210: Country information 220: Form information 300: Foreign application documents 310: Country information 320: Form information 400: Specification 401: Embedded character string 410: Specification 411: Reclaim information 412: Citation information 413: Citation information 414: Citation information 500: Range 510: Range 520: Range 530: Range 600: Notification screen 610: Notification information area 620: Continue button 630: Cancel button 1000: Information processing system 1100: Server device 1110: Control unit 1120: Storage unit 1130: Communication unit 1140: Bus 1200: Client device 1210: Control unit 1220: Storage unit 1230 : Communication section 1240 : Input section 1250 : Output section 1260 : Bus N : Network

Claims (11)

An information processing device,
Equipped with a control unit,
The control unit includes:
Obtaining information on the scope of claims including information on multiple claims and information on the specification,
When the scope of claims includes a given claim that is a multi-multi claim, the claims cited by the given claim are changed so that the given claim is no longer the multi-multi claim, and where: is a claim that, among multiple claims that alternatively cite statements from two or more other claims, includes the other multiple claims in the cited claim,
Outputting a file for use in the application based on the scope of claims including the predetermined claim in which the cited claims have been changed, and the specification;
Information processing device. The information processing device according to claim 1,
The control unit includes:
If the scope of claims includes the multiple claims, changing the claim cited by the predetermined claim so that the claim cites a claim other than the multiple claims;
Information processing device. In the information processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The control unit includes:
outputting statements corresponding to each of the claims in the specification in a manner that allows the citation relationship of the claims to be identified before the claims cited by the predetermined claim are changed;
Information processing device. The information processing device according to claim 3,
The control unit includes:
If the specification includes a specific character string, outputting a description corresponding to each claim at a predetermined position based on the position of the character string;
Information processing device. In the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The control unit includes:
If the specification or the claims are documents related to an international application based on the Patent Cooperation Treaty, the statement regarding the claims cited by the multiple claims shall not be changed;
Information processing device. In the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The control unit includes:
If the scope of claims does not include the multiple claims, displaying in a manner that allows the user to identify that the scope of claims does not include the multiple claims;
Information processing device. In the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The file used for the application is an HTML format file,
Information processing device. An information processing device,
Equipped with a control unit,
The control unit includes:
Obtaining information on the scope of claims including information on multiple claims and information on the specification,
A statement corresponding to each of the claims is output in the specification in a manner that allows the citation relationship of the claims in the claims to be identified; including,
The multi-multi claim is a claim that, among multiple claims that alternatively cite statements from two or more other claims, includes the other multi-claims in the cited claim,
outputting a file for use in the application based on the scope of claims and the specification in which descriptions corresponding to each of the claims have been output;
Information processing device. An information processing method,
Obtaining information on the scope of claims including information on multiple claims and information on the specification,
A statement corresponding to each of the claims is output in the specification in a manner that allows the citation relationship of the claims in the claims to be identified; including,
The multi-multi claim is a claim that, among multiple claims that alternatively cite statements from two or more other claims, includes the other multi-claims in the cited claim,
outputting a file for use in the application based on the scope of claims and the specification in which descriptions corresponding to each of the claims have been output;
Information processing method. An information processing method,
Obtaining information on the scope of claims including information on multiple claims and information on the specification,
When the scope of claims includes a given claim that is a multi-multi claim, the claims cited by the given claim are changed so that the given claim is no longer the multi-multi claim, and where: is a claim that, among multiple claims that alternatively cite statements from two or more other claims, includes the other multiple claims in the cited claim,
Outputting a file for use in the application based on the scope of claims including the predetermined claim in which the cited claims have been changed, and the specification;
Information processing method. A program executed by a computer,
Functioning as a control unit of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
program.