JP4286310B2 - Client, document management system, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a server client type document management system, a client used in the system, and a computer-readable storage medium storing a program.

  In document management systems, many documents are stored in a database, and a user can associate documents stored in the database as related documents. For example, according to the comprehensive document management system LIFISA (registered trademark) manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd., a related document management function is added.

  Briefly described with reference to FIG. 25, for example, when a document “A” is stored in the database of the server, another document “D” stored in the database as a related document of the document “A”. "Is related by the user in a parent-child relationship. In this case, the documents “A” and “D” are referred to as related documents, the document “A” is referred to as a “parent document” of the document “D”, and the document “D” is referred to as a “child document” of the document “A”. In this case, in the database, the document “A” has link information that the document “D” is a child document as one of the document additional information, and conversely, the document “D” is the document additional information. Stored with link information that “A” is a parent document.

  Here, in the server client type document management system, since the entity (actual data) of the document information is stored in the server, the browsing application is installed on the client connected via the communication network. For example, it is possible to view actual data of document information from anywhere.

  In such a document management system, when a document stored in a server database is written and saved on a medium (storage medium) such as a client hard disk (HDD) or FD or MO, an OS (operation system) file is used. The actual data of the specified document is stored on the medium according to the file format which is the minimum unit of the system. At this time, only the actual data of the designated document is written on the medium.

  Therefore, when a document is written on the client machine, information related to the related document is discarded. That is, it is inconvenient because information on related documents is lacking. Therefore, if necessary, it is necessary for the user to manually search for related documents from the database, and write and save these related documents on a medium, which is troublesome.

  Also, if all the documents to be written on the media are real data, the amount of data to be processed is large, and it takes time to download the data, and the process of acquiring the data (actual data) is a bottleneck in improving performance. It becomes. The same applies to the case where the server and the client are the same machine (the function of the server and the client is one machine). In addition, when writing to removable media such as FD and MO, there is a problem that if all documents are real data files, the amount of data is too large and the number of documents that can be written is small. In other words, if the actual data file is written out, the data is on the client side, so there is no need to obtain the actual data from the server side, and the response of the operation is improved, but the actual data itself is not always necessary. There is. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the response of the operation and the amount of data to be handled.

  Such a situation is the same not only in the case of related documents but also in general, for example, in the case of referring to a desired document itself stored in a database. However, in some cases, it may be necessary in the form of an actual data file, and it is necessary to optimize the response of the operation and the amount of data to be handled.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a client, a document management system, and a storage medium that can optimize an operation response and a data amount to be handled.

  More specifically, the present invention relates to a client and a document management system capable of causing a related document to be written together when a specified document is written to a data storage medium of the client, and avoiding a lack of information related to the related document. And a storage medium.

  In order to realize the above object, a client, a document management system, and a storage medium are provided which are easy to understand and refer to the contents of related documents.

  In order to realize the above object, a client, a document management system, and a storage medium that can refer to an actual data file related to a related document without accessing the server side and improve an operation response related to the reference of the related document. .

  Also, in order to realize the above purpose, even when the number of related documents and the amount of data are large, the time required for downloading to the data storage medium of the client and the data capacity occupied in the data storage medium can be reduced, and the relation through the communication network Provided are a client, a document management system, and a storage medium that improve an operation response of document acquisition.

  Furthermore, a client, a document management system, and a storage medium capable of optimizing the response of the operation and the amount of data to be handled according to the user's need for realizing the above object are provided.

  In order to realize the above object, there are provided a client, a document management system, and a storage medium capable of optimizing an operation response and a data amount to be handled according to an actual document reference state.

  Furthermore, a client, a document management system, and a storage medium that can automatically optimize the response of the operation and the amount of data to be handled according to the actual document reference frequency in order to realize the above object are provided.

  In addition, the present invention uses a shortcut file that has information on the access method to the link destination and generally has a light data amount compared to the data amount of the actual data file. A client, a document management system, and a storage medium capable of optimizing the above are provided.

  Furthermore, in realizing the above object, a client, a document management system, and a storage medium that can further optimize the response of the operation and the amount of data to be handled by providing the shortcut file with a plurality of link destination information I will provide a.

  In order to achieve the above object, there are provided a client, a document management system, and a storage medium capable of optimizing the update timing of an actual data file when a shortcut file has a plurality of pieces of link destination information.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is connected to a document management server having means for storing an actual data file of a document, and a viewing application is installed. and a client, the shortcut acquires the shortcut file to create a shortcut file with the link destination information to the real data file of the document when specifying the desired document to the server by requesting to the server The shortcut acquisition means for saving the file format of the file in the data storage medium of the client, the counting means for counting the number of times of reference to the actual data file of the document in the server by the shortcut file, and the counting means When the reference count reaches the predetermined count, The link destination information of the shortcut file and change the destination of the data storage medium of the client link destination of the shortcut file from the storage location in the database of the server to acquire the actual data file from the server have Replacement processing means for storing in a data storage medium.

The invention described in claim 2 is a client connected to a document management server having means for storing an actual data file of a document, and installed with a browsing application, and a desired document for the server. when specifying a save create shortcut file with the link destination information to the real data file of the document to the data storage medium of the client in a file format other shortcut file to get the shortcut file requests to the server and shortcuts acquisition means for, together with the document when referring to the real data file of the document in the server by the shortcut file to get the actual data file from the server to store the said actual data file in the data storage medium The shortcut file And a replacement processing unit is stored in the data storage medium are also shown in order to synchronize the destination in the destination and the data storage medium in the database of the server as Le landing.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the client according to the second aspect, an update date and time management means for managing an update date and time of an actual data file of the document stored in the data storage medium, and an actual data file of the document by a shortcut file A comparison unit that compares the update date and time of the actual data file of the document managed in the server with the update date and time managed by the update date and time management unit, and the comparison result of the comparison unit And an acquisition destination selection unit that acquires an actual data file to be referred to from the server or the data storage medium when the update date and time managed by the update date and time management unit is newer than the update date and time of the data file.

Therefore, in order to realize the invention according to claim 3 , the update date and time related to the actual data file is managed for each of the server side and the data storage medium side, and the actual data file is determined from which by comparing the update date and time. Since it is automatically selected whether to acquire, compared to the case where the real data file on the server side and the real data file on the data storage medium side are synchronized by the user trigger, the burden on the user is reduced and the latest data is always updated. You can refer to the actual data file.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a document management system in which a server and a client installed with a browsing application are connected, the server storing means for storing an actual document data file and a request for creating a shortcut file. And a shortcut creation means for creating and outputting a shortcut file of the document, and the client causes the server to designate a desired document and has a shortcut information having link destination information to the actual data file of the document and shortcuts acquisition means for saving the created file in the data storage medium of the client in a file format of the retrieved shortcut file the shortcut file created by the create shortcut means requests to the server, the server by shortcut file Counting means for counting a number of references that refer to the actual data file of the document in the, along with its reference frequency counted by the counting means obtains the actual data file from the server for the document when it reaches a predetermined number of times A replacement processing means for changing the link destination of the shortcut file from the storage location in the database of the server to the storage location of the data storage medium of the client and storing the link destination information of the shortcut file in the data storage medium; Prepare.

The invention according to claim 5 is a document management system in which a server and a client installed with a browsing application are connected, the server storing means for storing an actual data file of the document, and a request for creating a shortcut file And a shortcut creation unit that creates and outputs a shortcut file of the related document, and the client has the server specify a desired document and has link destination information to the actual data file of the document. and shortcuts acquisition means for saving acquired the shortcut files created by the create shortcut means to request the creation of a shortcut file in a file format other shortcut file in the data storage medium of the client, the shortcut file in said server For the document when referring to the real data file of the document to obtain the actual data file from the server at the database of the server as the destination of the shortcut file with save the said actual data file in the data storage medium includes a replacement processing unit is stored in the data storage medium are also shown in order to synchronize the destination and the destination in the data storage medium.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the document management system according to the fifth aspect, the server includes server-side update date and time management means for managing the update date and time of the actual data file of the stored document, and the client includes the data Managed by the client-side update date and time management means for managing the update date and time of the actual data file of the document stored in the storage medium, and when the actual data file of the document is referred to by the shortcut file, managed by the server-side update date and time management means in the server Comparison means for comparing the update date and time of the actual data file of the document and the update date and time managed by the client side update date and time management means, and the comparison result of the comparison means, the update date and time of the actual data file the update date management means when a new update date managed, reference to actual data It comprises an acquisition destination selecting means for acquiring a file from the server or the data storage medium.

The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 7 is installed in a client computer connected to a document management server having means for storing an actual data file of a document and installed in a browsing application. The computer requests the server to specify a desired document, requests creation of a shortcut file having link destination information to the actual data file of the document, obtains the shortcut file, and uses the file format of the shortcut file. Shortcut acquisition function to be stored in the data storage medium of the client, a counting function for counting the number of times of reference to the actual data file of the document in the server by the shortcut file, and a reference count counted by the counting function is a predetermined number of times Reached All the shortcut file and change the destination of the data storage medium of the client link destination of the shortcut file from the storage location in the database of the server to acquire the actual data file from the server for the document if A program for executing a replacement processing function for saving link destination information in the data storage medium is stored.

The computer-readable storage medium according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is installed in a client computer connected to a document management server having means for storing an actual data file of a document and installed in a browsing application. The computer requests the server to specify a desired document, requests creation of a shortcut file having link destination information to the actual data file of the document, obtains the shortcut file, and uses the file format of the shortcut file. and shortcuts acquisition function to save the data storage medium of the client, for the document when referring to the real data file of the document in the server by the shortcut file to get the actual data file from the server the data storage And also it is shown as a link destination of the shortcut file with the body to store the said actual data file to synchronize the destination in the destination and the data storage medium in the database of the server to be stored in the data storage medium A program for executing the replacement processing function is stored.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the computer-readable storage medium according to the eighth aspect, the update date and time management function for managing the update date and time of the actual data file of the document stored in the data storage medium and the shortcut file A comparison function for comparing the update date and time of the actual data file of the document managed in the server and the update date and time managed by the update date and time management function when referring to the actual data file, and the comparison function As a result of the comparison , when the update date and time managed by the update date and time management means is newer than the update date and time of the actual data file, an acquisition destination selection function for acquiring the actual data file to be referenced from the server or the data storage medium, A program to be executed by the computer is stored.

  According to the client of the first aspect of the present invention, when a document stored in the server is designated and written to the client data storage medium, the document is first written in the form of a shortcut file with a small amount of data. After that, if there is a reference count more than a predetermined number of times, it is determined that the document is frequently used and the actual data file is stored in the client data storage medium. Because the actual data file of the document can be referred to at high speed through the shortcut file without accessing the server side, the operation response can be improved, and the infrequently used document remains the first shortcut file. The amount of data used in the data storage medium can be reduced.

  According to the client of the invention described in claim 2, basically, the effect of the invention of claim 1 can be obtained, but in particular, as the link destination information of the shortcut file, the server side and the data storage medium Since the two can be freely selected, when the actual data file on the client side becomes old, it can be dealt with by accessing the server side and updating to a new actual data file.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, in order to realize the second aspect of the invention, the update date and time related to the actual data file is managed for each of the server side and the data storage medium side, and the newness of the update date and time is compared. Thus, the automatic data selection from which the actual data file is acquired is selected, so compared to the case where the real data file on the server side and the actual data file on the data storage medium side are synchronized by the user trigger, It is possible to reduce the burden on the user and always refer to the latest actual data file.

  According to the document management system of the invention described in claim 4, when a document stored in the server is designated and written to the data storage medium of the client, the format of the shortcut file with a small amount of data is first set. However, if there is a reference count greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times, it is determined that the document is frequently used, and the actual data file is stored in the client data storage medium. Thereafter, the actual data file of the document can be referred to at high speed through the shortcut file without accessing the server side, and the response of the operation can be improved. Therefore, the data usage of the data storage medium can be reduced.

  According to the document management system of the invention described in claim 5, basically, the effect of the invention described in claim 4 can be obtained. In particular, the server side and the data storage medium are used as link destination information of the shortcut file. Since the actual data file on the client side becomes old, it can be dealt with by accessing the server side and updating to a new actual data file.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, in order to realize the invention described in claim 5, the update date and time related to the actual data file is managed for each of the server side and the data storage medium side, and the comparison of the update date and time is compared. Thus, the automatic data selection from which the actual data file is acquired is selected, so compared to the case where the real data file on the server side and the actual data file on the data storage medium side are synchronized by the user trigger, It is possible to reduce the burden on the user and always refer to the latest actual data file.

  According to the storage medium of the seventh aspect of the present invention, when a document stored in the server is designated and written to the data storage medium of the client, first, in the form of a shortcut file with a small amount of data. After that, if there is a reference count more than a predetermined number of times, it is determined that the document is frequently used and the actual data file is saved in the client data storage medium. Can access the actual data file of the document through the shortcut file at high speed without accessing the server side, improve the operation response, and keep the first shortcut file for infrequently used documents. Therefore, the amount of data used in the data storage medium can be reduced.

  According to the storage medium of the invention described in claim 8, basically, the effect of the invention of claim 7 can be obtained. In particular, the server side and the data storage medium are used as link destination information of the shortcut file. Since the actual data file on the client side becomes old, it can be dealt with by accessing the server side and updating to a new actual data file.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, in order to realize the invention of the eighth aspect, the update date and time related to the actual data file is managed for each of the server side and the data storage medium side, and the newness of the update date and time is compared. Thus, the automatic data selection from which the actual data file is acquired is selected, so compared to the case where the real data file on the server side and the actual data file on the data storage medium side are synchronized by the user trigger, It is possible to reduce the burden on the user and always refer to the latest actual data file.

  A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment shows an application example to a server client type document management system, and most simply, the system is configured by connecting a server 1 and a client 2 as shown in a connection diagram shown in FIG. . The illustrated example is an example of peer-to-peer connection. However, the server 1 and the client 2 may be connected via a communication network such as a LAN, and the number of the server 1 and the client 2 is not particularly limited. Further, a single machine can be configured to serve as both a server and a client.

  Next, an outline of the internal hardware configuration of the server 1 and the client 2 will be described. The server 1 may be a file server or a database server, and the client 2 may be a personal computer, a workstation, or the like. Here, however, the server 1 and the client 2 basically have the same structure using, for example, a personal computer. For example, the client 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The client 2 controls the operation of each unit by a control unit 3 having a microcomputer configuration composed of a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. A memory 5 is connected to the control unit 3 via a bus line 4, An input control unit 8 for a keyboard 6 and a mouse 7, a main storage control unit 10 for a main storage medium 9 functioning as a data storage medium or a storage medium, a display control unit 12 for a display 11, and a network control unit 13 for network connection are connected. Has been. As the main storage medium 9, a hard disk (HDD), FD, or MO is used. A document management application (browsing application) is installed in the control unit 3.

  In addition, as a storage medium storing a program for causing the control unit 3 to execute various functions as described later, not only a hard disk (HDD), FD, and MO, but also various optical disks such as a CD-ROM and a DVD, Various types of media such as a semiconductor memory can be used. Further, the program may be downloaded from any program resource area via a network such as the Internet and installed in the HDD. In this case, the storage device storing the program on the transmitting server also corresponds to the storage medium referred to in the present invention. Note that the program may operate on a predetermined OS (Operating System), for example, Windows, or may allow the OS to execute some of the various processes described below in that case. Alternatively, it may be included as a part of a group of program files that constitute predetermined application software or OS.

  In the case of the server 1, although not shown in particular, the main storage medium portion is configured as a database in order to constitute the main part of the document management system, and information relating to various documents is stored as actual data files ( Means to store the actual document data). Further, as described with reference to FIG. 25, there is also provided means for storing link information on the database as related documents that are specified in the parent-child relationship for the documents stored in the database. ing.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of processing control (including some operations) executed by the control units of the server 1 and the client 2 when the document management system and the document management application are activated in such a configuration. This will be described with reference to a schematic flowchart.

  First, on the client 2 side, a process is started by copying a desired document pulled out from the server 1 by the user to the client 2 by drag and drop on Windows (step C1). Along with this copying operation, the document data (actual data file) selected and designated by the user is copied to the HDD (main storage medium 9) (C2). The processing in step C2 is realized as a document acquisition unit or a document acquisition function.

  In parallel with this copy processing, for example, a message box “Do you want to copy related documents?” Is displayed on the display 11 (C3), and the selection operation of the user is awaited. If this selection operation does not copy the related document (N in C4), the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when it is selected that the related document is also copied (Y of C4), the server 1 is requested to create a list of related documents by requesting the document data of the related document (C5). In response to this request, the server 1 creates a list of related documents (both parent and child documents) by referring to link information of related documents stored in its own database (step S1). The document data (actual data file) of the related document is transmitted to the client 2 side (S2). The process of step C5 including the processes of steps S1 and S2 is realized as a related document acquisition unit or a related document acquisition function when viewed from the client 2 side.

  Further, after requesting the document data of the related document on the client 2 side, a folder for “related document” is created in the HDD (main storage medium 9) (C6), and the document data of the related document is transmitted from the server 1 side ( Wait for S2). When the document data of the related document from the server 1 side is transmitted, the data (actual data file) of the related document is copied to the folder for “Related Document” in the HDD (main storage medium 9) (C7). The processes of steps C6 and C7 are realized as related document storage means or a related document storage function.

  An example of such processing control will be described with reference to FIG. 4 according to the operation procedure on the client 2 side.

  (a) A desired arbitrary document “A” is copied from the database of the server 1 to the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2.

  (b) Since a message box “Do you want to copy related documents?” is displayed on the display 11, one of the Yes and No buttons is operated.

  (c) When Yes is operated, related documents are also copied to the HDD (main storage medium 9) designated by the client 2 in an orderly form as shown in FIG. That is, the designated document “A” and a folder with the folder name “A related document” are created, and the related document “B” “C” of the document “A” exists in this folder. Regarding the related documents “B” and “C”, there is no distinction between a parent document and a child document.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when a specified document is written to the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2, the document file of the related document is also written together, thereby referring to the HDD (main storage medium 9). In this case, information about the related document is not lost, and the related document can be referred to effectively. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, since the designated document and the related document are stored in an orderly manner, the existence of the related document for the designated document is clear, and the related document is easy to use. Similarly to the specified document, the related document is stored in the form of an actual data file. Therefore, there is no need to access the database on the server 1 side when referring to the related document, and the client 2's own HDD (main The storage medium 9) may be referred to, and the operation response at the time of reference is improved.

  A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The same parts as those shown in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is also omitted (the same applies to the following embodiments in order).

  FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing control (partly including operations) executed by the control units of the server 1 and the client 2 when the document management system and the document management application are activated. Will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the processes and operations in steps C1 to C4 on the client 2 side are the same. Here, in the present embodiment, when a selection operation for copying a related document is performed (Y in C4), a request for document data of a child document in the related document (C11) is sent to the server 1 so that the child document is copied. Request document listing. In response to this request, the server 1 creates a list of child documents with reference to link information of related documents stored in its own database (S11), and document data of the child documents of the created related documents. (Actual data file) is transmitted to the client 2 side (S12). The process of step C11 including the processes of steps S11 and S12 is realized as a related document acquisition unit or a related document acquisition function regarding a child document when viewed from the client 2 side.

  On the client 2 side, after requesting the document data of the child document, a folder for “related document” is created in the HDD (main storage medium 9) and a folder for “child document” is created in this folder (C12). Wait for transmission of document data of the child document from the side 1 (S12). When the document data of the related document from the server 1 is transmitted, the child document data (actual data file) is stored in the “child document” folder in the “related document” folder on the HDD (main storage medium 9). Copy (C13). The related document storage means or the related document storage function for the child document is realized by the processing of steps C12 and C13.

  Subsequently, the server 1 is requested to create a list of parent documents by requesting document data of the parent document in the related document (C14). In response to this request, the server 1 creates a list of parent documents by referring to the link information of the related documents stored in its own database (S13), and the document data of the parent document of the created related documents. (Actual data file) is transmitted to the client 2 side (S14). The related document acquisition means or the related document acquisition function related to the parent document as viewed from the client 2 side is realized from the process of step C14 including the processes of steps S13 and S14.

  On the client 2 side, after requesting document data of the parent document, a folder for “parent document” is created in the folder for “related documents” in the HDD (main storage medium 9) (C15). Waiting for transmission of document data of the parent document (S14). When the document data of the related document from the server 1 side is transmitted, the data (actual data file) of the parent document is stored in the “parent document” folder in the “related document” folder of the HDD (main storage medium 9). Copy (C16). The processes of steps C15 and C16 are realized as related document storage means or a related document storage function for the parent document.

  An example of such processing control will be described with reference to FIG. 6 according to the operation procedure on the client 2 side.

  (a) A desired arbitrary document “A” is copied from the database of the server 1 to the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2.

  (b) Since a message box “Do you want to copy related documents?” is displayed on the display 11, one of the Yes and No buttons is operated.

  (c) When Yes is operated and the document data is sequentially requested in the order of the child document and the parent document, the related document is also copied to the HDD (main storage medium 9) designated by the client 2 in an orderly manner as shown in FIG. The That is, a folder having a folder name of “A” and “A related document” is created, and folders of “parent document” and “child document” are also created separately in this folder. The related document “B” “C” which is the parent document of the document “A” exists in the folder “”, and the related document “D” “E” which is the child document of the document “A” exists in the “child document” folder. "" Exists.

  Therefore, the case of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment. In particular, related documents are sorted and stored in folders of “parent document” and “child document”. Therefore, it is immediately known whether the relationship of the related document is the parent document or the child document, and it becomes easier to refer to the related document.

  A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart showing a processing control example (partly including operations) of the present embodiment executed by the control units of the server 1 and the client 2 when the document management system and the document management application are activated. Will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the processes and operations in steps C1 to C4 on the client 2 side are the same. Here, in this embodiment, when a selection operation for copying a related document is performed (Y in C4), a request for a shortcut file of a child document in the related document (C21) is sent to the server 1 to send a child document. Request document listing. In response to this request, the server 1 refers to the link information of the related document stored in its own database, creates a list of child documents (S21), and creates a shortcut file of the child document of the created related document. And the shortcut file is transmitted to the client 2 side (S22). The processing of steps S21 and S22 realizes a shortcut creation unit in the server 1, and the processing of step C21 realizes a related document acquisition unit or a related document acquisition function in a shortcut file format related to a child document when viewed from the client 2 side. ing.

  On the client 2 side, after requesting a shortcut file for the child document, a folder for “related document” is created in the HDD (main storage medium 9) and a folder for “child document” is created in this folder (C22). Wait for transmission of the shortcut file of the child document from the side 1 (S22). When the child document shortcut file is transmitted from the server 1, the child document shortcut file is copied to the “child document” folder in the “related document” folder on the HDD (main storage medium 9) (C23). ). The related document storage means or the related document storage function in the shortcut file format related to the child document is realized by the processes of steps C22 and C23.

  Subsequently, the server 1 is requested to create a list of parent documents by requesting a shortcut file of the parent document in the related document (C24). In response to this request, the server 1 creates a list of parent documents by referring to link information of related documents stored in its own database (S23), and a shortcut file of the parent document of the created related documents. And the shortcut file is transmitted to the client 2 side (S24). The processing in steps S23 and S24 is realized as shortcut creation means in the server 1, and the related document acquisition means or related document acquisition function in the shortcut file format related to the parent document when viewed from the client 2 side is realized by the processing in step C24. ing.

  On the client 2 side, after requesting a shortcut file for the parent document, a folder for “parent document” is created in the folder for “related documents” in the HDD (main storage medium 9) (C25). Wait for transmission of a shortcut file of the parent document (S24). When the shortcut file of the parent document is transmitted from the server 1, the shortcut file of the parent document is copied to the “parent document” folder in the “related document” folder on the HDD (main storage medium 9) (C26). ). The related document storage means or the related document storage function in the shortcut file format related to the parent document is realized by the processes of steps C25 and C26.

  An example of such processing control will be described with reference to FIG. 8 according to the operation procedure on the client 2 side.

  (a) A desired arbitrary document “A” is copied from the database of the server 1 to the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2.

  (b) Since a message box “Do you want to copy the related document shortcut?” is displayed on the display 11, one of the Yes and No buttons is operated.

  (c) When Yes is operated and a shortcut file is requested in the order of the child document and the parent document, the related document is also copied to the HDD (main storage medium 9) designated by the client 2 in an orderly form as shown in FIG. . That is, a folder having a folder name of “A” and “A related document” is created, and folders of “parent document” and “child document” are also created separately in this folder. In this folder, the shortcut files of the related documents “B” and “C” that are the parent documents of the document “A” exist, and the related documents that are the child documents of the document “A” are stored in the “child document” folder. It becomes a storage form in which each shortcut file of “D” and “E” exists.

  The shortcut files for these related documents can be accessed by referring to the actual data files in the database of the server 1 through these shortcut files in the environment of the client 2 in which the document management application is installed. .

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the related document is saved in the HDD (main storage medium 9) in the form of a shortcut file, so that when the information related to the related document is downloaded from the server 1, the amount of data is the actual data file. The operation response required for downloading can be improved, and the data amount of related documents in the HDD (main storage medium 9) can be reduced. Further, when access to the actual data file of the related document is necessary, the document management application is installed in the client 2 as described above, so that it can be secured by accessing the server 1 side through the shortcut file.

  In this embodiment, the application example is applied to the form of separating the parent document and the child document. However, as in the case of the first embodiment, even if the parent / child document is not particularly separated, the shortcut file is used. The method can be similarly applied (the same applies to the following embodiments).

  A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Concerning storage of related documents, the second embodiment described above is uniformly saved in the actual data file format, and in the third embodiment, it is saved in the shortcut file format. According to the selection operation, the actual data file format and the shortcut file format can be arbitrarily selected and designated.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart showing a processing control example (partly including operations) of this embodiment executed by the control units of the server 1 and the client 2 when the document management system and the document management application are activated. Will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the processes and operations in steps C1 to C4 on the client 2 side are the same. Here, in this embodiment, when a selection operation for copying related documents is performed (Y in C4), a request for a list of parent / child documents in the related documents (C31) is sent to the server 1 so that the parent / child documents Request a list of In response to this request, the server 1 creates a list of parent and child documents by referring to link information of related documents stored in its own database (S31), and creates a list of parent and child documents of the created related documents. The data is transmitted to the client 2 side (S32). The related document acquisition means or the related document acquisition function when viewed from the client 2 side is realized by the process of step C31 including the processes of steps S31 and S32.

  On the client 2 side, after requesting a list of parent and child documents, a dialog of “selection of writing method” is displayed on the display 11 (C32), and the user waits for a writing method selection operation (C33). In this case, the “selection of export method” dialog is, for example, as shown in FIG. 10. Here, for each parent document and child document, whether to export in the actual data file format or the shortcut file format. Is selectable. In the illustrated example, regarding the related documents “B”, “C”, “D”, and “E”, the actual document file format is selected for the related documents “B” and “D”, and the shortcut file format is selected for the related documents “C” and “E”. An example is shown. Selection means or a selection function is realized by the processing and operation of these steps C32 and C33.

  In parallel with the write method selection operation, the client 2 side creates a folder for “related documents” in the HDD (main storage medium 9) and a folder for “parent document” in this folder (C34). The server 1 requests the actual data file (document “B”) of the parent document (C35), and waits for transmission of the document data (S33). When the actual data file (document “B”) of the parent document is transmitted from the server 1, the parent document is stored in the “parent document” folder in the “related document” folder on the HDD (main storage medium 9). The actual data file (document “B”) is copied (C36). The related document storage means or the related document storage function for the parent document is realized by the process of step C36.

  Subsequently, a shortcut file (document “C”) of the parent document is requested to the server 1 side (C37). In response to this request, the server 1 side creates a shortcut file (document “C”) of the parent document (S34), and transmits the shortcut file (document “C”) to the client 2 side (S35). The shortcut creation means is realized by the processing of these steps S34 and S35. On the client 2 side, when the shortcut file (document “C”) of the parent document is transmitted from the server 1 side, it is stored in the “parent document” folder in the “related document” folder on the HDD (main storage medium 9). The shortcut file (document “C”) of the parent document is copied (C38). The related document storage means or the related document storage function for the parent document is realized by the processing of step C38.

  Further, a folder for “child document” is created in the folder for “related document” in the HDD (main storage medium 9) (C39), and an actual data file (document “D”) of the child document is created on the server 1 side. Request (C40) and wait for transmission of the document data (S36). When the actual data file (document “D”) of the child document is transmitted from the server 1 side, the actual child document is stored in the “child document” folder in the “related document” folder on the HDD (main storage medium 9). The data file (document “D”) is copied (C41). The related document storage means or the related document storage function for the child document is realized by the process of step C41.

  Subsequently, the server 1 side is requested for a shortcut file (document “E”) of the child document (C42). In response to this request, the server 1 side creates a shortcut file (document “E”) of the child document (S37), and transmits the shortcut file (document “E”) to the client 2 side (S38). Shortcut creation means is realized by the processing of these steps S37 and S38. On the client 2 side, when the shortcut file (document “E”) of the child document is transmitted from the server 1 side, the “child document” folder in the “related document” folder is stored in the HDD (main storage medium 9). The shortcut file (document “E”) of the child document is copied (C43). The related document storage means or the related document storage function for the child document is realized by the processing of step C43.

  An example of such processing control will be described with reference to FIG. 11 according to the operation procedure on the client 2 side.

  (a) A desired arbitrary document “A” is copied from the database of the server 1 to the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2.

  (b) Since a message box “Do you want to copy the related document shortcut?” is displayed on the display 11, one of the Yes and No buttons is operated.

  (c) When Yes is selected, a “write method selection” dialog as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display 11 so that each of the parent document and the child document is written in the actual data file format. Or select whether to export in the shortcut file format.

  (d) When the OK button is pressed after selecting and setting, the data of the related document is read from the server 1 side according to each selected setting and stored in the HDD (main storage medium 9) designated by the client 2 as shown in FIG. Related documents are also copied in an orderly fashion. That is, a folder having a folder name of “A” and “A related document” is created, and folders of “parent document” and “child document” are also created separately in this folder. The related document “B (actual data file)” “C (shortcut file)” that is the parent document of the document “A” exists in the folder “”, and the child “document” folder contains the child document “A”. A related document “D (actual data file)” and “E (shortcut file)” are stored.

  The shortcut files in these related documents can be accessed by referring to the actual data files in the database of the server 1 through these shortcut files in the environment of the client 2 in which the document management application is installed. .

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, according to the needs of the user, it is possible to arbitrarily set whether the file format of the document to be written out as a related document is an actual data file or a shortcut file, in accordance with user preferences. It is possible to optimize the operation response and the handled data. That is, for a related document that seems to be frequently used, by specifying and saving the actual data file format, the actual data file exists in the HDD (main storage medium 9) on the client 2 side. It is not necessary to acquire the same data from the server 1 side, and the mutual response when referring to the related document is improved. On the other hand, related documents that are considered to be infrequently used can be saved by specifying the shortcut file format, which reduces the amount of data that passes through the communication network and improves the operation response required for the export operation (download). In addition, the amount of data used in the HDD (main storage medium 9) on the client 2 side can be reduced.

  A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Regarding the storage of related documents, in the above-described third embodiment, the actual data file format and the shortcut file format can be arbitrarily selected and designated in accordance with the user's selection operation. In the server 1, a document (related document) with a high past reference frequency is written in either an actual data file format or a shortcut file format according to the reference frequency with the recognition that the document is highly necessary by the user. This determination (selection) is automatically performed on the server 1 side.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic flowchart showing a processing control example (partly including operations) of this embodiment executed by the control units of the server 1 and the client 2 when the document management system and the document management application are activated. Will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the processes and operations in steps C1 to C4 on the client 2 side are the same. Here, in the present embodiment, when a selection operation for copying a related document is performed (Y in C4), a request for document data of the parent document in the related document (C51) is sent to the server 1 to Request document listing. In response to this request, the server 1 creates a list of parent documents by referring to link information of related documents stored in its own database (S51).

  Subsequently, the number of references to the parent document is checked (S52). The server 1 manages the history of how many times each document has been referred to in the past. By the way, if there are multiple clients 2, the account is entered for each client 2 at the time of logon input, and when each document is referenced, the downloaded one (client) is known, so the number of references must be managed for each client. Is also easy. If this reference count exceeds a threshold set by the user, for example, 5 (Y in S52), it is determined that the document is frequently used, and an actual data file is created for the parent document (S53). ). On the other hand, if the reference count does not reach 5 (N in S52), it is determined that the document is not used frequently, and a shortcut file is created for the parent document (S54). These processes are similarly repeated for all the parent document lists (S55). The file format selection means is realized by the processing of these steps S52 to S55. Thereafter, the actual data file (for example, document “B”) and the shortcut file (for example, document “C”) of these parent documents are transmitted to the client 2 side (S56).

  Further, after requesting data of the parent document on the client 2 side, a folder for “related document” is created in the HDD (main storage medium 9) and a folder for “parent document” is created in this folder (C52). Wait for file transmission from (S56). When the file from the server 1 is transmitted, the actual data file of the parent document (for example, the document “B”) is stored in the “parent document” folder in the “related document” folder on the HDD (main storage medium 9). And a shortcut file (for example, document “C”) are copied (C53). The related document storage means or the related document storage function related to the parent document is realized by the processing of steps C52 and C53.

  Further, the server 1 is requested to create a list of child documents by requesting the document data of the child documents in the related document (C54). In response to this request, the server 1 creates a list of child documents with reference to link information of related documents stored in its own database (S57).

  Subsequently, the number of references to the child document is checked (S58). That is, it is managed in the server 1 based on the history of how many times each document has been referred to in the past. If the reference count exceeds a threshold set by the user, for example, 5 (Y in S58), it is determined that the document is frequently used, and an actual data file is created for the child document (S59). ). On the other hand, if the reference count has not reached 5 (N in S52), it is determined that the document is not used frequently, and a shortcut file is created for the child document (S60). These processes are similarly repeated for all the child document lists (S61). The file format selection means is realized by the processing of these steps S58 to S61. Thereafter, actual data files (for example, document “D”) and shortcut files (for example, document “E”) of these child documents are transmitted to the client 2 side (S62).

  On the client 2 side, after requesting data of the child document, a folder for “child document” is created in the folder for “related document” in the HDD (main storage medium 9) (C55), and the file from the server 1 side is created. Is sent (S62). When the file from the server 1 is transmitted, the actual data file of the child document (for example, the document “D”) is stored in the “child document” folder in the “related document” folder on the HDD (main storage medium 9). And a shortcut file (for example, document “E”) are copied (C56). The related document storage means or the related document storage function related to the child document is realized by the processing of steps C55 and C56.

  An example of such processing control will be described with reference to FIG. 13 according to the operation procedure on the client 2 side.

  (a) A desired arbitrary document “A” is copied from the database of the server 1 to the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2.

  (b) Since a message box “Do you want to copy the related document shortcut?” is displayed on the display 11, one of the Yes and No buttons is operated.

  (c) When Yes is selected, a list of related documents is created, and the reference count of each document is checked. That is, it is assumed that there is a history of how many times each document has been referred to in the server 1 and that there are five or more reference histories for the related documents “B” and “D”. The related document is transmitted to the client 2 side in the actual data file format or the shortcut file format depending on whether or not the reference count has reached the threshold value 5 times.

  (d) The related document is also copied to the HDD (main storage medium 9) designated by the client 2 in an orderly manner as shown in FIG. That is, a folder having a folder name of “A” and “A related document” is created, and folders of “parent document” and “child document” are also created separately in this folder. The related document “B (actual data file)” “C (shortcut file)” that is the parent document of the document “A” exists in the folder “”, and the child “document” folder contains the child document “A”. A related document “D (actual data file)” and “E (shortcut file)” are stored.

  The shortcut files in these related documents can be accessed by referring to the actual data files in the database of the server 1 through these shortcut files in the environment of the client 2 in which the document management application is installed. .

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, basically the same effect as in the case of the fourth embodiment can be obtained. In particular, in the present embodiment, it is saved in the actual data file format or the shortcut file format. Is automatically performed by determination / selection on the server 1 side, so that the user can save time and effort.

  A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, regarding the saving of related documents, at first, they are uniformly saved in the shortcut file format, but after that, when the related documents are referenced using the shortcut file, the actual data file is replaced. Is.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing control (including some operations) executed by the control units of the server 1 and the client 2 when the document management system and the document management application are activated. Will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the processes and operations in steps C1 to C4 on the client 2 side are the same. Here, in this embodiment, when a selection operation for copying a related document is performed (Y in C4), a request for a shortcut file of a child document in the related document (C61) is sent to the server 1 to send a child document. Request document listing. In response to this request, the server 1 refers to the link information of the related documents stored in its own database, creates a list of child documents (S71), and creates a shortcut file for the child documents of the created related documents. And the shortcut file is transmitted to the client 2 side (S72). The processing of steps S71 and S72 realizes shortcut creation means in the server 1, and the processing of step C61 realizes related document acquisition means or related document acquisition function in a shortcut file format related to the child document when viewed from the client 2 side. ing.

  On the client 2 side, after requesting a shortcut file for the child document, a folder for “related document” in the HDD (main storage medium 9) and a folder for “child document” are created in this folder (C62). Wait for transmission of a shortcut file of a child document from the side 1 (S72). When the shortcut file of the child document from the server 1 side is transmitted, the shortcut file of the child document is copied to the “child document” folder in the “related document” folder on the HDD (main storage medium 9) (C63). ). The related document storage means or the related document storage function in the shortcut file format related to the child document is realized by the processes of steps C62 and C63.

  Subsequently, the server 1 is requested to create a list of parent documents by requesting a shortcut file of the parent document in the related document (C64). In response to this request, the server 1 creates a list of parent documents by referring to the link information of the related documents stored in its own database (S73), and the shortcut file of the parent document of the created related documents. And the shortcut file is transmitted to the client 2 side (S74). The processing of steps S73 and S74 realizes shortcut creation means in the server 1, and the processing of step C64 realizes related document acquisition means or related document acquisition function in a shortcut file format related to the parent document when viewed from the client 2 side. ing.

  On the client 2 side, after requesting a shortcut file for the parent document, a folder for “parent document” is created in the “related document” folder in the HDD (main storage medium 9) (C65). Wait for transmission of the shortcut file of the parent document (S74). When the shortcut file of the parent document is transmitted from the server 1, the shortcut file of the parent document is copied to the “parent document” folder in the “related document” folder on the HDD (main storage medium 9) (C66). ). The related document storage means or the related document storage function in the shortcut file format related to the parent document is realized by the processing of steps C65 and C66.

  When an operation of opening a document by designating a shortcut file of the related document “B” in the folder of the HDD (main storage medium 9) is performed at an arbitrary time after the related document storing process (C67). The server 1 side is requested for the actual data file of the related document “B” (C68). In response to this request, the server 1 transmits the actual data file of the related document “B” in the database to the client 2 (S75). Upon receiving this file transmission, the client 2 side copies the actual data file of the related document “B” into the “parent document” folder in the “related document” folder of the HDD (main storage medium 9) ( C69). At the same time, the shortcut file of the related document “B” in the “parent document” folder is deleted (C70). A replacement processing means or a replacement processing function is realized by the processing of these steps C69 and C70. Further, the content of the actual data file of the related document “B” stored in the “parent document” folder in the “related document” folder of the HDD (main storage medium 9) is displayed on the display 11 (C71). Present to the user.

  An example of such processing control will be described with reference to FIG. 15 according to the operation procedure on the client 2 side.

  (a) A desired arbitrary document “A” is copied from the database of the server 1 to the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2.

  (b) Since a message box “Do you want to copy the related document shortcut?” is displayed on the display 11, one of the Yes and No buttons is operated.

  (c) When Yes is operated and a shortcut file is requested in the order of a child document and a parent document, related documents are also stored in an orderly form as shown in FIG. 15A on the HDD (main storage medium 9) designated by the client 2. Copied. That is, a folder having a folder name of “A” and “A related document” is created, and folders of “parent document” and “child document” are also created separately in this folder. In this folder, the shortcut files of the related documents “B” and “C” that are the parent documents of the document “A” exist, and the related documents that are the child documents of the document “A” are stored in the “child document” folder. It becomes a storage form in which each shortcut file of “D” and “E” exists.

  The shortcut files for these related documents can be accessed by referring to the actual data files in the database of the server 1 through these shortcut files in the environment of the client 2 in which the document management application is installed. .

  (d) After that, when a document is opened by designating, for example, “B shortcut file” at an arbitrary time, the document is opened (actual data file is taken in from the server 1). Correspondingly, the related document “B” as the parent document in the “parent document” folder is replaced with the actual data file from the shortcut file.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the related documents are initially saved uniformly in the shortcut file format, the amount of data to be handled can be reduced. Thereafter, when the related document is referred to using the shortcut file, replacement with the actual data file, that is, the data download delay processing is performed, so that the client 2 Can be referred directly, and the operation response at the time of reference is improved. That is, replacement with an actual data file according to the actual reference situation becomes possible.

  A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, regarding the saving of an arbitrary designated document, at first, the document is saved in the shortcut file format. After that, when the shortcut document is used and the document is referred to a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) or more. Is stored in the HDD (main storage medium 9) in place of the actual data file, and the actual data file in the HDD (main storage medium 9) can still be referred to by the shortcut file.

  That is, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that when the properties of the shortcut file are displayed, the situation shown in FIG. First, the shortcut file has two pieces of information “link destination” and “reference count”. In the link destination, the path to the actual data file of the document is written, and when the shortcut file is opened, the document shown in the link destination is opened. In addition, the number of times this shortcut file is opened is written in the reference count. In the example shown in FIG. 16A, it has been referred to twice.

  FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 show processing control examples (including operations in part) of this embodiment executed by the control units of the server 1 and the client 2 when the document management system and the document management application are activated. This will be described with reference to the schematic flowchart shown.

  First, the saving process in the shortcut file format will be described with reference to FIG. The client 2 selects an arbitrary desired document from the documents stored in the database of the server 1 and executes a “create shortcut” command (C81), thereby causing the server 1 to execute a shortcut file of the selected document. Is requested (C82). In response to this request, the server 1 creates a shortcut file for the selected document (S81), writes the link destination to the actual data file stored in the database of the server 1 (S82), and sends it to the client 2 side. (S83). The client 2 receives the shortcut file and copies and saves the shortcut file in the designated HDD (main storage medium 9) (C83). Shortcut acquisition means or a shortcut acquisition function is realized by the processing of steps C81 and C83.

  Subsequently, processing control when a document is referred to using a shortcut file at an arbitrary time will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the client 2 selects a shortcut file and executes an “open document” command (C91), the number of references to check whether the selected shortcut file has been opened three times or more is checked. (C92). If it is less than 3 (N in C92), the server 1 side is requested for the actual data file of the selected document (C94). In response to this request, the server 1 creates an actual data file of the selected document (S91) and transmits it to the client 2 (S92). Upon receiving the transmission of the actual data file, the client 2 copies the actual data file of the selected document to the designated HDD (main storage medium 9) (C95). Further, the shortcut file link destination is changed to the location where the actual data file of the selected document in the client 2 is saved (C96). A replacement processing means or a replacement processing function is realized by the processing of these steps C95 and C96. Then, the actual data file of the selected document is opened and displayed on the display 11 (C97) and presented to the user.

  On the other hand, when the reference count is 3 times or more (Y in C92), since the link destination of the shortcut file is the actual data file of the selected document in the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2, the client 2 The actual data file of the selected document in the HDD (main storage medium 9) is directly opened and displayed on the display 11 (C93) to be presented to the user.

  An example of such processing control will be described with reference to FIG. 16 according to the operation procedure on the client 2 side.

  (a) An arbitrary document “A” is selected, and a shortcut file is created in the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2.

  (b) Open the shortcut file created in (a).

  (c) If the number of times the shortcut file is opened is less than 3, the actual data file in the server 1 is copied to the client 2 and the copied document is displayed. On the other hand, if the shortcut file is opened three times or more, the actual data file in the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2 is directly opened and displayed.

  That is, in the example shown in FIG. 16A, since the reference count is less than 3, the link destination of the shortcut file points to an actual data file in the server. The actual data file is copied from the server 1 to the client 2 assuming that the document is frequently referred to. The link destination information of the shortcut file is also automatically rewritten to the storage location of the actual data file copied from the server 1 to the client 2 as shown in FIG. If the shortcut document is used to refer to the selected document, the link destination becomes the storage location of the actual data file of the client 2, and access (operation response) to the document is faster than downloading from the server 1 side.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when a selected document is to be written to the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2, it is first written in the shortcut file format, but the shortcut file is used thereafter. If the frequency is high, the actual data file is written to the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2 and the link destination of the shortcut file is also the HDD (main storage medium 9). The actual data file can be referred to, and the subsequent operation response is improved. In addition, since a document that is not frequently used remains written in the form of a shortcut file, the amount of data used in the HDD (main storage medium 9) on the client 2 side is minimal.

  An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the case of the seventh embodiment described above, since the link destination of the shortcut file is switched, there are two actual data files on the server 1 side and the client 2 side. Since there is a possibility that a difference may occur, in this embodiment, two pieces of actual data can be written together as the link destination information of the shortcut file and used together on the server 1 side and the client 2 side, so that two actual data are generated by a user trigger. It is configured to synchronize between files.

  That is, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that when the properties of the shortcut file are displayed, the situation shown in FIG. First, the shortcut file has two pieces of information “link destination to server” and “link destination to client”. In each link destination, the path to the actual data file of the document is written, and when the shortcut file is opened, the document shown in the link destination is opened. In the example shown in FIG. 19A, the actual data file has not yet been copied to the client 2, and only the link destination to the server is written.

  FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 show processing control examples (including some operations) of this embodiment executed by the control units of the server 1 and the client 2 when the document management system and the document management application are activated. This will be described with reference to the schematic flowchart shown.

  The saving process in the shortcut file format is the same as that shown in FIG. After that, when a shortcut file is opened, an example of processing when there is no link destination to the client in the shortcut file will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the client 2 selects a desired shortcut file and executes the “open document” command (C101), it checks whether there is information in the “link destination in the client” regarding the shortcut file. (C102). When there is no information in the “link destination in the client” (N in C102), the server 1 side is requested for the actual data file of the selected document (C103). In response to this request, the server 1 creates an actual data file of the selected document (S101) and transmits it to the client 2 (S102). Upon receiving the transmission of the actual data file, the client 2 copies the actual data file of the selected document to the designated HDD (main storage medium 9) (C104). Further, the location where the actual data file of the selected document in the client 2 is stored as the link destination of the shortcut file is also written as the link destination in the client and registered in the shortcut file (C105). A replacement processing means or a replacement processing function is realized by the processing of these steps C104 and C105. Then, the actual data file of the selected document is opened and displayed on the display 11 (C106) and presented to the user.

  On the other hand, if the shortcut file has a link destination to the client, as shown in FIG. 21, if update of the client document (actual data file) is not selected (N in C107), the link destination in the client In accordance with the above information, the actual data file of the selected document in the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2 is directly opened and displayed on the display 11 (C110) to be presented to the user.

  Further, even if the shortcut file has a link destination to the client, if the update of the client document (actual data file) is selected (Y in C107), the actual data file of the selected document is transferred to the server 1 side. Request (C108). In response to this request, the server 1 creates an actual data file of the selected document (S103) and transmits it to the client 2 (S104). Upon receiving the transmission of the actual data file, the client 2 copies the actual data file of the selected document to the designated HDD (main storage medium 9) (C109). That is, it is overwritten. Then, the actual data file of the overwritten selected document is opened and displayed on the display 11 (C106) and presented to the user.

  An example of such processing control will be described with reference to FIG. 19 according to the operation procedure on the client 2 side.

  (a) An arbitrary document “A” is selected, and a shortcut file is created in the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2.

  (b) Open the shortcut file created in (a).

  (c) If there is no link destination information in the client as shown in FIG. 19A in the shortcut file, the document (actual data file) in the server 1 is copied to the client 2, and the copied file in the client Data is displayed. At the same time, information on the link destination to the actual data file of the client is registered in the shortcut file as shown in FIG. When the shortcut file includes link destination information in the client as shown in FIG. 19B, the processing after the next (d) is executed.

  (d) Since a message “Do you want to update the client document?” is displayed on the display 11, the user selects either Yes or No.

  (d) When Yes is selected, the document (actual data file) in the server 1 is copied (overwritten) to the client 2 and the overwritten document is displayed. When No is selected, an actual data file stored in the client is accessed according to the link destination information in the client and the document is displayed.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, basically the same effect as in the seventh embodiment can be obtained. In particular, in this embodiment, the shortcut file is linked to the server and the client. If the actual data file of the document in the client 2 is out of date with the actual data file of the document in the server 1, a shortcut is used. By accessing the server 1 side with the file and acquiring the actual data file, and updating the actual data file in the client 2 by overwriting, it is possible to synchronize the update time with the actual data file on the server 1 side. it can.

  A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the failure of this embodiment, in contrast to the above-described eighth embodiment, both the server 1 side and the client 2 side have a document information update date management function, and by comparing the managed update date and time, The document on the client 2 side is automatically updated.

  That is, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that when the properties of the shortcut file are displayed, the situation shown in FIG. First, the shortcut file has two pieces of information “link destination to the server” and “link destination to the client”, and information on the update date and time related to the document stored in the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2. Yes. In each link destination, the path to the actual data file of the document is written, and when the shortcut file is opened, the document shown in the link destination is opened. In the example shown in FIG. 19A, the actual data file has not yet been copied to the client 2, and only the link destination to the server is written. As the update date and time information, the latest update date and time related to the document stored in the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2 is displayed. On the other hand, although not particularly illustrated, in the server 1, each document (actual data file) in the database is managed by adding and registering the update date and time each time the document is updated and registered (server Side update date and time management means).

  The saving process in the shortcut file format is the same as that shown in FIG. After that, when a shortcut file is opened, an example of processing when there is no link destination to the client in the shortcut file will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the client 2 selects a desired shortcut file and executes the “open document” command (C101), it checks whether there is information in the “link destination in the client” regarding the shortcut file. (C102). When there is no information in the “link destination in the client” (N in C102), the server 1 side is requested for the actual data file of the selected document (C103). In response to this request, the server 1 creates an actual data file of the selected document (S101) and transmits it to the client 2 (S102). Upon receiving the transmission of the actual data file, the client 2 copies the actual data file of the selected document to the designated HDD (main storage medium 9) (C104). Further, the location where the actual data file of the selected document in the client 2 is stored as the link destination of the shortcut file is also written as the link destination in the client and registered in the shortcut file (C110). In the process of step C111, the current time when the data is registered is written in the shortcut file as information on the update date / time of the client document. A replacement processing means or a replacement processing function is realized by the processing of these steps C104 and C110. In addition, the client-side update date / time management means or the update date / time management function is realized by the processing in step C110. Then, the actual data file of the selected document is opened and displayed on the display 11 (C106) and presented to the user.

  On the other hand, if the shortcut file has a link destination to the client, as shown in FIG. 24, a server is used to acquire the update date / time information of the actual data file in the server 1 managed on the server 1 side. 1 is requested (C111). In response to this request, when information on the update date and time in the server 1 regarding the selected document is acquired from the server 1 side (S105), the client 2 is compared by comparing the update date and time of the client document with the acquired update date and time on the server side. It is checked whether the side document is newer or the same as the server 1 side document (C112). The comparison means or comparison function and the acquisition destination selection means or acquisition destination selection function are realized by the processing in step C112.

  As a result of this comparison, when the update date and time on the client 2 side is newer or the same (Y in C112), the selection in the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2 is performed according to the link destination information in the client. The actual data file of the document is directly opened and displayed on the display 11 (C116) and presented to the user.

  On the other hand, if the update date and time on the server 1 side is newer as a result of the comparison (N in C112), the server 1 side is requested for the actual data file of the selected document (C113). In response to this request, the server 1 creates an actual data file of the selected document (S106) and transmits it to the client 2 (S107). Upon receiving the transmission of this actual data file, the client 2 copies the actual data file of the selected document to the designated HDD (main storage medium 9) (C114). That is, overwrite update is performed. At the same time, the update date and time of the client document in the shortcut file is updated to the current date and time overwritten (C115). Then, the actual data file of the selected document that has been overwritten and updated is opened, displayed on the display 11 (C116), and presented to the user.

  An example of such processing control will be described with reference to FIG. 22 according to the operation procedure on the client 2 side.

  (a) An arbitrary document “A” is selected, and a shortcut file is created in the HDD (main storage medium 9) of the client 2.

  (b) Open the shortcut file created in (a).

  (c) If there is no link destination information in the client as shown in FIG. 22A in the shortcut file, the document (actual data file) in the server 1 is copied to the client 2, and the copied file in the client Data is displayed. At the same time, information on the link destination to the actual data file of the client is registered in the shortcut file as shown in FIG. At this time, the current date and time are registered as the update date and time of the client document. When the shortcut file has link destination information in the client as shown in FIG. 22B, the processing after the next (d) is executed.

  (d) The update date / time of the document on the server 1 side is compared with the update date / time of the document on the client 2 side.

  (e) As a result of comparison, if the update date and time on the server 1 side is newer, the document (actual data file) in the server 1 is copied to the client 2 (overwrite update), and the overwritten document is displayed. If the update date and time on the client 2 side is newer or the same, the actual data file stored in the client is accessed according to the link destination information in the client and the document is displayed.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the effect of the eighth embodiment described above can be basically obtained. In particular, the update date and time of the document on the server 1 side and the update of the document on the client 2 side are obtained. By managing the date and time, and comparing the update date and time, the actual data file of the new update date and time is always automatically registered in the client 2, so that it does not depend on the judgment operation of the user, You can always refer to the latest document.

1 is a basic configuration diagram of a document management system showing a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the internal hardware constitutions of a client. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the example of process control between a client and a server. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a folder structure provided typically. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the example of a process control between the client and server of 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a folder structure provided typically. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the example of a process control between the client and server of 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a folder structure provided typically. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the example of a process control between the client and server of 4th embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the dialog of selection of the writing method. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a folder structure provided typically. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the example of a process control between the client and server of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a folder structure provided typically. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the example of a process control between the client and server of the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a folder structure provided typically. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the property of the shortcut file of the 7th embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the example of a process control until the shortcut file creation between a client and a server. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the example of a process control after the shortcut file creation between a client and a server. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the property of the shortcut file of the 8th embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the example of a process control between the client and server when there is no link destination in a client. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the example of a process control between the client and server when there exists a link destination in a client. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the property of the shortcut file of the 9th embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the example of a process control between the client and server when there is no link destination in a client. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the example of a process control between the client and server when there exists a link destination in a client. It is explanatory drawing which shows a related document typically.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Server 2 Client 9 Data storage medium, Storage medium C2 Document acquisition means, Document acquisition function C5 Related document acquisition means, Related document acquisition functions C6, C7 Related document storage means, Related document storage function C11 Related document acquisition means, Related document acquisition Functions C12, C13 Related document storage means, Related document storage function C14 Related document acquisition means, Related document acquisition function C15, C16 Related document storage means, Related document storage function C21 Related document acquisition means, Related document acquisition function C22, C23 Related documents Storage means, related document storage function C24 Related document acquisition means, related document acquisition functions C25, C26 Related document storage means, related document storage function C31 Related document acquisition means, related document acquisition functions C32, C33 selection means, selection functions C36, C38 Related document storage means, related document storage function C41, C43 Related documents Storage means, related document storage function C52, C53 related document storage means, related document storage function C56 related document storage means, related document storage function C61 related document acquisition means, related document acquisition functions C62, C63 related document storage means, related document storage Function C64 related document acquisition means, related document acquisition functions C65, C66 related document storage means, related document storage functions C69, C70 replacement processing means, replacement processing functions C81, C83 shortcut acquisition means or shortcut acquisition functions C95, C96 replacement processing means, Replacement processing function C104, C105 Replacement processing means, replacement processing function C104, C110 Replacement processing means, replacement processing function C110 Update date management means, update date management function C112 Comparison means, comparison function, acquisition destination selection means, acquisition destination selection function S21 S22 create a shortcut means S34, S35, S37, S38 create a shortcut means S52~S55 file format selection means S58~S61 file format selection means S71, S72 create a shortcut means

Claims (9)

A client connected to a document management server having means for storing an actual data file of the document and having a browsing application installed;
The file format of the retrieved shortcut file the shortcut file to create a shortcut file requests to the server with the linked information to the real data file of the document when specifying the desired document to the server Shortcut acquisition means for saving in a client data storage medium;
A counting means for counting the number of times of referencing the actual data file of the document in the server by a shortcut file;
When the number of references counted by the counting means reaches a predetermined number, the actual data file is acquired from the server for the document, and the link destination of the shortcut file is changed from the storage destination in the database of the server to the data of the client. A replacement processing means for changing to the storage destination of the storage medium and storing the link destination information of the shortcut file in the data storage medium;
With client. A client connected to a document management server having means for storing an actual data file of the document and having a browsing application installed;
When specifying a desired document to the server, a file format of the retrieved shortcut file the shortcut file creation request to the server shortcut file with the link destination information to the real data file of the document Shortcut acquisition means for saving the data storage medium of the client ;
Destination of the shortcut file with the document when referring to the real data file of the document in the server by the shortcut file to get the actual data file from the server to store the said actual data file in the data storage medium a replacement processing unit is stored in the data storage medium are also shown in order to synchronize the destination in the destination and the data storage medium in the database of the server as,
With client. Update date and time management means for managing the update date and time of the actual data file of the document stored in the data storage medium;
Comparing means for comparing the update date and time of the actual data file of the document managed in the server and the update date and time managed by the update date and time management means when referring to the actual data file of the document by the shortcut file When,
As a result of comparison by the comparison means, when the update date and time managed by the update date and time management means is newer than the update date and time of the actual data file, an acquisition destination selection means for acquiring the reference actual data file from the server or the data storage medium When,
The client of claim 2 comprising: A document management system connecting a server and a client installed with a browsing application,
The server includes means for storing an actual data file of a document, and shortcut creation means for receiving a request for creating a shortcut file and creating and outputting a shortcut file of the document,
The client causes the server to specify a desired document , requests the server to create a shortcut file having link destination information to the actual data file of the document, and sends the shortcut file created by the shortcut creation means. A shortcut acquisition means for acquiring and saving the shortcut file in the data storage medium of the client, a counting means for counting the number of times the shortcut file refers to the actual data file of the document in the server, and a counting means; the data SL of the client link destination of the shortcut file from the storage location in the database of the server with the counted reference count to get the actual data file from the server for the document when it reaches a predetermined number of times A replacement processing unit to store the link information of the shortcut file to the data storage medium to change the destination of the medium,
A document management system comprising: A document management system connecting a server and a client installed with a browsing application,
The server includes means for storing an actual data file of a document, and shortcut creation means for receiving a request for creating a shortcut file and generating and outputting a shortcut file of a related document,
The client requests the creation of a shortcut file having link destination information to the actual data file of the document by designating a desired document to the server, acquires the shortcut file created by the shortcut creation means, and obtains a shortcut Shortcut acquisition means for saving the file format of the file in the client data storage medium, and when the actual data file of the document in the server is referred to by the shortcut file, the actual data file for the document is acquired from the server the data storage medium and are also shown in order to synchronize the destination in the destination and the data storage medium in the database of the server as the destination of the shortcut file with save the said actual data file in the data storage medium Document management system comprising a replacement processing unit is stored, to. The server includes server-side update date and time management means for managing the update date and time of the actual data file of the stored document,
The client includes a client-side update date and time management means for managing an update date and time of a document actual data file stored in the data storage medium, and the server side in the server when referring to the document actual data file using a shortcut file. Comparison means for comparing the update date and time of the actual data file of the document managed by the update date and time management means with the update date and time managed by the client side update date and time management means, the comparison result of this comparison means, 6. An acquisition destination selection unit that acquires an actual data file to be referred to from the server or the data storage medium when an update date and time managed by the update date and time management unit is newer than an update date and time of the data file. Document management system. Connected to a document management server having means for storing an actual data file of a document, and installed on a client computer on which a browsing application is installed.
The server designates a desired document, requests creation of a shortcut file having link destination information to the actual data file of the document, acquires the shortcut file, and stores the shortcut file in the file format of the client The shortcut acquisition function to be saved in
A counting function for counting the number of times of referencing the actual data file of the document in the server by a shortcut file;
When the number of references counted by the counting function reaches a predetermined number, the actual data file is acquired from the server for the document, and the link destination of the shortcut file is stored from the storage destination in the database of the server to the data of the client. A replacement processing function for changing to the storage destination of the storage medium and storing the link destination information of the shortcut file in the data storage medium;
A computer-readable storage medium in which a program for executing is stored. Connected to a document management server having means for storing an actual data file of a document, and installed on a client computer on which a browsing application is installed.
The server designates a desired document, requests creation of a shortcut file having link destination information to the actual data file of the document, acquires the shortcut file, and stores the shortcut file in the file format of the client The shortcut acquisition function to be saved in
Destination of the shortcut file with the document when referring to the real data file of the document in the server by the shortcut file to get the actual data file from the server to store the said actual data file in the data storage medium and replacement processing function is stored in the data storage medium are also shown in order to synchronize the destination in the destination and the data storage medium in the database of the server as,
A computer-readable storage medium in which a program for executing is stored. An update date and time management function for managing the update date and time of the actual data file of the document stored in the data storage medium;
A comparison function that compares the update date and time of the actual data file of the document managed in the server and the update date and time managed by the update date and time management function when referring to the actual data file of the document by a shortcut file When,
The acquisition result selection function for acquiring the actual data file to be referred to from the server or the data storage medium when the update date and time managed by the update date and time management means is newer than the update date and time of the actual data file When,
The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 8, wherein a program for causing the computer to execute is stored.

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